…doesn’t mean it’s good.
We build web sites, and more than half of the work performed (from the design stage, to development and testing) is performed on Macs. Those on our team that use Macs typically do so because:
1) They’re high quality machines. Like them or not, you have to admit the high-resolution display, backlit keys, multi-touch trackpad, the single-piece aluminum body on the MacBook Pro!! — you just can’t beat the quality.
2) Multi-touch and keyboard shortcuts make us faster, giving us (and our clients!) the results they want, faster.
3) Let’s face it: they’re just cooler. Buying Mac still feels like I’m on the inside track on something that the rest of the world isn’t. Of course, with market share growing at a pace that will have every man, woman, child and family pet multi-touching by mid-2017, the feeling may subside, but for now, it’s cool.
However! Producing anything, be it a web site, a hard-hitting single, or video for the big screen, producing something “sans Windows” doesn’t guarantee it will be a hit. There’s still some semblance of talent or skill required.
Case in point: I stumbled upon a site (screenshot referenced above in this post) which shall remain nameless (and URL-less) and was floored, first by its severe lack of style, usability, and build; and second, by its proudly waving the Apple banner at the bottom of the page, like an apple-shaped sticker on the back window of a silver, small-form hybrid vehicle.
Far be it from me to point fingers, but the lesson to be learned:
1) Tools are nothing without Talent or Education. I can buy a Makita saw and a $70 hammer, but that doesn’t qualify me to build your house.
2) Attitude is great. Aptitude must follow. I’m a big fan of hiring talent with great, positive attitudes. In a technology company though, a bit more is necessary.
3) Macs are cool, but they can’t overcome all. Specifically, a propensity to deviate from established standards, or ignorance thereof (Ignorance is not an insult — it simply describes an unawareness).
Good stuff.
Rob
