Why do all coders use MacBooks? Are they just cooler?
By: Simon Cohen
Tags: Flatiron School, Apple, Coding, Mac

In short, from a completely objective standpoint, yes. Walk into any tech company or startup and you’d are hard pressed to find people using anything but Macs. But the real question is why the obsession? Most coding bootcamps, if not all, go so far as to make them a requirement. For the up and coming programmer, this can be an expensive investment. But since when has being cool been mandatory?

Here’s what we know so far:

The History:

Steve Jobs founded Apple with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in 1976. Their first move towards modern computing as we’re familiar with was the release of the Lisa computer in 1983, the first computer sold to the public with a Graphical User Interface. Jobs always had a knack for understanding what makes for an aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable user experience.

Through the successive release of computers through the 80’s and 90’s, the company fluctuated in profitability. Apple had many hits, as well as many hard, hard misses. That all changed in 2001 with Apple’s release of the iPod. With pockets full of cash, Apple transitioned over the coming years to becoming a global icon in the consumer tech world. Apple computers became known for their sleek design, reliability, and fast performance, not to mention their expensive price tags.

The Hardware:

Because Apple directly sub-contracts the production of its hardware to external OEM companies (original equipment manufacturer), a high degree of control is maintained over the end product. This allows for a more optimized relationship between Apple’s software and their hardware. This ability to be able to design both the hardware and the software with the other in mind is one of Apple’s core philosophies. While Microsoft has started producing their own line of computers, most machines running Windows have been built and organized by other companies. This does not always lead to a high level of efficiency between hardware and software.

More recently, Apple has just released their own CPU chip, the M1, for the MacBook. Apple MacBooks had been running on Intel chips since 2006. Its speeds are exponentially more fast, as reported across the online tech reviewing sphere. It is a powerful demonstration of how effective Apple’s design philosophy really is. As Apple transitions to using their own chips for their entire product line, Apple devices are only going to get faster and faster.

The Software:

Macs run on MacOS, a Unix based operating system, which essentially means it’s capable of running all the main operating systems. If you’re a programmer this is a huge benefit. To do the reverse on Windows requires finding a hacked system of MacOS and is not a simple or easy process. Being Unix-based also lends the advantage of being able to run programs in almost any language from the command line.

In addition, Macs are packed with quite a bunch of pretty nifty applications. There’s no need to purchase Microsoft Office, as you’ll already be starting off with a word processor, a spreadsheet editor, Garage Band to create production quality music, iMovie to edit video and a host many more of useful apps.

The Security:

Unlike Windows, MacOS can only be run on a Mac computer. This decreases the chances of any vulnerabilities that are hardware-based, lending Apple the credit of being more secure. On the flip side, being that MacOS is a closed source platform (users cannot see or modify the software), there’s no telling how much info Apple has on you, so you’re really putting your faith in the company. Most companies, in fact, collect and sell data of their customers. Apple is said to do this less than its competitors, but nonetheless it’s hands are not completely “blood-free”.

Some have made the case that if Apple holds a more secure grip on its users information, then they have a greater responsibility to withhold that information from scheming corporations. Still, as far as security goes, things could be a lot worse. Windows, for instance, is known for its default privacy settings to be far more lax and intrusive than Apple’s.

The Design:

Apples products have an unparalleled reputation for being sleek, high quality machines. Shelves have been filled with books documenting the aesthetics of all the products that Apple has produced. The minimal and sleek design has set an industry standard that most of Apple’s competitors try to imitate. This aesthetic can be seen in all of Apple’s stores and offices throughout the world.

The Experience:

MacOS provides an interface and layout that is intuitive, aesthetically appealing, and purposeful. Multitouch keypad gestures make switching between programs quicker and more natural. If you use an iPhone or other Apple products, your Mac will handle switching between devices seamless and simple. Use Hand-off to pick up work on your Mac where you left off on your phone, or vice versa. You’ll be able to sync your messages, notes, calendar appointments, photos, reminders, and more.

Conclusion:

While it was meant tongue-in-cheek to say MacBooks are “cooler”, it is clear that whatever kind of superior image Apple has acquired over the years, it is not at least completely without credit.

Sources