> Even with Spaces (which is simply a fancy way of using GPU acceleration to
> switch between multiple desktops as Linux has had for that last forever), it's
> just so much more of a pain in the ass to switch between apps than it is on Win
> XP with the startbar collecting similar folders and such.

The dock is the same thing but with icons.. so I don't understand your complaint. You can use apple+tab to switch between programs, and apple+~ to switch between program windows, which works pretty well if you just want to hide the dock.

> Firefox also seems to be slower (especially noticeable when scrolling)
> compared to Win XP.

Did you try any of the optimized builds?

> Comparing Office 2008 Mac to Office 2007 on PC is no context.

Try NeoOffice, it works pretty well.

> And that's the biggest pro/con of a Mac, IMO. Sure, it's probably
> more simple for the computer illiterate, but anyone who's used a Windows machine
> regularly for a year or two can have much more control over what's going on.

But at least you're sure the app is not installing some shitty companion apps that take over your system or do other shit than the main program.

> And it's not that you can't do that in Mac OS X, it's just that actually trying
> to have control is a much larger pain in the ass.

I kind of understand that but there's a lot of stuff you can do to extend the functionality in useful ways, and a lot of helper apps that make the interface a lot more usable. In the end though OSX is best for people who just want to use their apps and not fiddle around with everything. But if you want to, you can at least install some extensions.

If you're new to Windows you won't know all of the tweaks you have to do and apps you have to install to get a system usable, it's the same on OS X.

> So in the end, I have to say getting a Mac is a wash. Even though it's been fun
> tinkering around with, I even find using the internet on Win XP more enjoyable.

Part of it is the hardware though, there are a lot of features you don't see that complement the OS really well and that makes the platform nice as a whole.

I like the fact that the interface is more mouse oriented, it forces you to learn more keyboard shortcuts. It's worth it (especially apple+w to close a window, apple+q to close a program) because they come in handy and are the same in all applications. All the shortcuts make you better with the keyboard in the end and lets you get things done pretty quickly.