Given that I can buy anything on the market the "hater" term doesn't apply, and that's just it - I just can't buy into that black-and-white, hive-mind world view.

I buy whatever product best fits my needs at any given time.

Six or seven years ago the 12" Powerbook G4 was the best product for my needs. Three years later the VAIO SZ was the best product for my needs - the equivalent Mac at the time didn't have discreet graphics, a DVD burner, or even an LED screen [].

When I was looking to replace my SZ I did look at Apple but the fact of the matter was that the Apple product literally couldn't do half what the VAIO TT can/could in a similarly sized package - but I would never try to convince you - particularly over your objections - that the VAIO was a better option for you.

Another funny thing about this and similar threads - I posted that I personally didn't like the trend of moving completely away from the optical drive but I have never once tried to convince anyone else that they are wrong for personally choosing that strategy for themselves, yet all of the Apple fans seem compelled to try and convince me of how wrong I am.

I don't like how Apple's disproportionate power in the marketplace is/will be limiting my choices in the future but I couldn't care less what you personally might choose for yourself - why is it so important for you guys to try and convert me, to convince me that the Apple way is the one, true way?

As I said before, it's kind of weird.

I wouldn't be surprised to one day see Apple Geniuses with clipboards standing outside of Apple stores offering to give free "personality tests" the way the Scientologists do.

Springfield gets a Mapple store!

Lisa Simpson: "[sad] I'll never have a Mapple anything."

Crusty: "Here kid, take my Mipod."

Lisa Simpson: "[joy] Now I am a Mapple person!"

Mapple drone: "We are all Mapple people."

Lisa Simpson: "[dejected] Oh, sorry."