David

And thanks for your comments.
David

So maybe plug your Macbook directly into the ethernet cable, do another update, and see if things improve.

Good luck man.
-David

Generally speaking, I agree with your assessments (of the market place, of your analysis regarding “Mac guys”, etc. ) I am glad to be using a Mac because unlike your self, I have 10+ years of “soft” computing experience, and none whatsoever with Macs. So it’s neat for me.

Also, regarding the general issue, I have made some discoveries. My buddy Sol, referenced above, has had his Macbook for 6 months and never had a panic shutdown. On Wednesday last week he had his first. On Tuesday night (the night before) he downloaded a major update for OSX.

In the same meeting where he had his shutdown, a web designer in the room (also with a Mac) mentioned that he he’s had his Powerbook for a couple of years and never had many problems with it. At least, that was the case until about 2 weeks ago, when he downloaded a major update from Apple. Since then he’s had a bout 15 or 20 panic shutdowns, averaging about 1 or 2 per day. Interesting.

At the very least, its encouraging that I’m not alone. And it’s very plausible (I think) that a recent update could be causing a problem which seems to be furrowing brows in confusion when I bring it up - everyone at support says that my problem is unusual, but I think it will become a lot less unusual over the next few weeks. And hopefully Mac will release a patch soon to fix the problem.

In any case Mike, thanks very much for your excellent comment.

David

BTW, the “Talk better, dress better, etc.” remark was very much tongue-in-cheek - though your analysis of the root causes behind that comment (were it true) was well reasoned. But I don’t think it’s really true. I see sloppy ass Mac-users all the time. And one could probably argue that they are lazy and sloppy for the exact same reasons you used to explain their appearance and diction.

Heh.

So, I offer my computer-consulting services to you in the hope that I can help your computing experience improve, despite the fact that it’s with an Apple product. If you still have the problem when I arrive in town soon, I’d be happy to help you out.

That said, I’d like to comment (ramble?) on Macbooks. First, let me explain my credentials on the subject: I don’t have one and don’t plan to get one, and I haven’t researched them, nor do I want to. However, almost anyone that knows me knows that I have 20+ years of serious computing experience, troubleshooting a myriad of computer problems, as well as several years of experience working in the computer industry in capacities ranging from tech support to large-scale network administration and management.

Basically, Macbooks and Apple computers in general are like any other sophisticated piece of electronic technology: they are prone to failure for countless reasons and can be very difficult to fix or even troubleshoot depending on the issue. Whether you use a Mac or some other kind of PC, this will always be the case. Macs do not somehow transcend this limitation because of magic, or Steve Jobs’ genius, or Apple stores’ geniuses, or even superior engineering (which is definitely NOT the case anyway — I apologize for saying that to a few of my good friends that actually are Apple engineers).

I don’t get headaches over dealing with my PC for one major reason: I am familiar with it. After everything else is considered, that’s what it really comes down to. And such is the case with “Mac guys” that you mention in your review. They know Macs primarily and can sing their praises because they know them and they can solve (or, more importantly, prevent) problems because of that familiarity. Consequently, their Macs work great and they can be as satisfied with their computers as I am with mine.

But I believe your perception of them, which I’ve witnessed other people share to a degree, as “always so cool, so in touch with Nature and with themselves” has a lot to do with the extremely limited market share that Apple computers have in the whole PC market. [Before I continue, let me make it clear that I realize your comment was partially tongue-in-cheek, but I feel that many people do feel that way (especially "Mac guys" themselves) and that I believe there is some explainable truth to that concept, which I would like to address]

Apple only sells 5.6% of all mass-manufactured PCs in the US and has an even smaller market share worldwide as of a report that came out 4 days ago (*** see footnote), which doesn’t even take into account the number of “clone PCs” that many people purchase from various computer stores or even PCs they build themselves like I have always done — none of which are Macs.

This small market share combined with the fervent support of users results in Macs getting a “cult” status within the computing community. As such, many members of this cult feel a need or even compulsion to announce or spread their love of Macs to as many people as possible. I’m sure Apple Computer loves this since it saves on their marketing expenses, but if after all of this, their market share still hasn’t significantly changed in over 10 years then I think it’s safe to assume that they just are not providing what the majority of the market wants or needs, at least in an Adam Smith/free market sense anyway.

Also, your perception of “Mac guys” as people who “talk better, dress better, communicate better” may be true (at least compared to other computer nerds) for a couple reasons:
- Macs are very accessible in schools, and people who take school seriously may spend a lot of time on these computers and therefore develop a familiarity with them causing them to continue to use them in the future. As such, many regular Mac users are well-educated folks that are likely to be able to “talk better” and “communicate better.”
- Macs are very expensive compared to other comparable computers and many people that buy them are going to have more money available to make that purchase which suggests that Apple’s customers comprise a more affluent component of the market. This results in some Mac users being able to “dress better” as well as be well-educated, which I’ve already talked about.

In conclusion, the Macbook is not going to be any more infallible than most other makes of computers, and “Mac guys” are not necessarily people worth emulating (except that many of them may be well-educated and/or financially well-off), since in truth, the majority those people are just going to be computer nerds (especially the most vocal ones). But I’ll still say congratulations on your purchase and I hope you get the problems you’re having resolved — let me know if I can help.

*** The article is definitely NOT anti-Apple at all (the title actually lies since Apple actually placed 4th) and can be referenced here:
Apple Ties For Third In U.S. PC Market
http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201002329

The press release for the report showing the actual numbers:
IDC - Press Release: PC Shipments Accelerate…
http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp;jsessionid=EAUNC2ELMRO3WCQJAFDCFFAKBEAVAIWD?containerId=prUS20789807