Over at Cognitive Daily (part of the ScienceBlogs network), as part of a larger informal survey, Dave Munger contends that Mac users are less likely to let friends try out their new gadgets than users of other platforms.
Munger noted, "in this context, the fact that Mac users (and 'other' -- mostly Linux users) are so dramatically more stingy with their new gadgets is truly a striking finding, even acknowledging the fact that our readers may not be representative of the public at large."
Now, I know we're all one, big happy family here at TUAW, and playing well with others is second only to "intelligent, thoughtful discourse." But really? Not sharing your toys? That I just can't see.
For your weekend amusement, I'm going to take matters into my own hands, and see how our readers fare given the same questions as Munger's survey.
The survey, and results, after the jump.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
5-31-2008 @ 10:20AM
Jeff said...
This is frakking stupid.
Reply
5-31-2008 @ 1:08PM
Knoa said...
Wow. From the results of the poll it seems like I am not the exception, but listening to these comments it sure does feel that way. I, unlike many of those who have posted, am known to straight up force my iPhone into the hands of strangers who ask a question or express an interest in the device. I start off with asking if they have had the chance to play with one and if not I am practically throwing it at them. I want people to feel the joy and wonder I feel when I use my iPhone.
5-31-2008 @ 4:53PM
Trimalchio said...
@ Knoa
I do this all the time, I work at my Uni's Computer store where we have demos of computer but not the iPod touches that we also sell. If someone has questions about the iPod Touch I often offer to let them try my iPhone. While I supervise of course...
5-31-2008 @ 10:22AM
Josh said...
Maybe I am just a douche but I never let anyone touch any of my gadgets. Whether it be an iPod, MacBook, or even a remote control. I don't generally trust people when it comes to gadgets and I keep my stuff in as good condition as humanly possible (my iPod for example. Got it in November of 2006. I got my first scratch yesterday when someone bumped into me and it fell onto carpet that had a piece of pencil graphite on it at school)
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5-31-2008 @ 10:27AM
J3 said...
WHat is more likely is that Mac and Linux users are more representative of geeks and Windows users are more representative of the public at large. Geeks have more expensive gadgets than everyone else and might be more protective. To the general public a cool gadget is their $15 Wal-Mart universal remote. Of course they'll show that off more willingly!
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5-31-2008 @ 1:02PM
zbirdboy said...
Exactly. we care more, and therefore are more protective. its a good thing, a compliment if you will.
5-31-2008 @ 10:28AM
SkaNero said...
True.. true...
Reply
5-31-2008 @ 10:29AM
chamberz said...
I agree with this article. Take a look at the screen of a few non-mac using individuals laptops and I would bet that a higher percentage of them will look like they have been used as chalkboards. If you work in any kind of collaborative environment like me and you have had more than one person trying to point to something on your screen with an open sharpie (they are probably pc users), you tend to be a little protective.
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6-01-2008 @ 12:04AM
Taylor said...
Pointing at things on the screen is okay.
Not with an open Sharpie. That's just an insult to their intelligence.
At least use the dry end!
5-31-2008 @ 10:33AM
aaronparker said...
This is TOTALLY me. People just don't touch my electronics. I'm very OCD about keeping my gadgets in pristine condition, and the thought of others not taking the same care as I is disconcerting.
Perhaps it's selfish, mean, whatever, but these things usually aren't cheap, and I like to take care of them.
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5-31-2008 @ 10:34AM
kakapo said...
gno phuggen whey I would ever let anyone - and I mean anyone - touch my stuff... I have trepidational (new word I think) concerns when I have to take in any unit for any kind of repair... I want to see the qualifications of the half wit who I am allowing to touch my "precious"...
Reasoning - I have seen in the past how UNqualified some of the "technicians" have been. I knew more about the circuitry and functions of a particular system than they did, however - they had the proprietary diagnostic software and were unwilling to share.
Grumble grumble grumble...
Can you possibly surmise which radio button I ticked? :)
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5-31-2008 @ 10:35AM
riddlu said...
I don’t like people touching my keyboard because I don’t wanna share the same germs with them. I can’t imagine sharing a laptop. Who knows what their hands have been up to.
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5-31-2008 @ 10:36AM
kakapo said...
gno phuggen whey I would ever let anyone - and I mean anyone - touch my stuff... I have trepidational (new word I think) concerns when I have to take in any unit for any kind of repair... I want to see the qualifications of the half wit who I am allowing to touch my "precious"...
Reasoning - I have seen in the past how UNqualified some of the "technicians" have been. I knew more about the circuitry and functions of a particular system than they did, however - they had the proprietary diagnostic software and were unwilling to share.
Grumble grumble grumble...
Can you possibly surmise which radio button I ticked? :)
Reply
5-31-2008 @ 10:37AM
kakapo said...
oops.... sorry about the double post... I guess some things I like to truly emphasis...
:{
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5-31-2008 @ 10:38AM
Blaktornado said...
"They can try it out for a few minutes while I supervise"
Seems to be the clear winner, here.
We're not so stingy after all >:(
Just a little protective of our beautiful, beautiful gadgets.
Reply
5-31-2008 @ 10:40AM
russ said...
i paid $400 for my iphone. it was a huge purchase for me, as i don't make much money. it's not that i don't let or want people to be able to try it out, it's more that i get very nervous about what would happen *if* they dropped it and it cracked or something. are they just going to offer to get me a new one? am i going to be out 400 irreplaceable dollars? my motto has turned into, "see with your eyes, not with your hands."
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5-31-2008 @ 10:44AM
Andrew Rush said...
I feel like my PowerBook is an extension of me haha. It's such a reliable computer, but none of my friends are 'computer people' and I know they don't appreciate the awesomeness. They use their Windows laptops and just assume that when something goes wrong, that it's because that's how computers are! For almost a year, my roommate used his laptop that had a bad wireless card driver (among many many other things wrong with it). It basically said he wasn't connected when he was, and vise versa. I just don't want anyone who accepts that as 'normal' to use my computer haha. I may be a spoiled d-bag who doesn't trust his friends, but there are just somethings I don't share. I'll let my friends borrow my car before I'd let them use my computer. Hell, they can go through my underwear drawer for all I care!
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5-31-2008 @ 10:54AM
Geordie said...
Most of my gadgets are pretty heavily integrated into my life. But they are just frikking tools. I let people use them for short periods of time because I need them back to use! I am shocked how many of the comments are from people who seem a little obsessive. Oh wait the population of people who make comments is self-selecting and does not represent the general population...
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5-31-2008 @ 11:10AM
pokey said...
I don't mind people messing with my gadgets, but the second someone tries to touch my Macbook LCD the fists come out.
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5-31-2008 @ 11:15AM
Luigi193 said...
I voted this one:
"They can try it out for a few minutes while I supervise"
I don't like random people playing with m stuff! My friends like trying things out... and they can while I'm watching...
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