Hi
I used Mac System 6 then 7 and found them too restrictive with the "you must do it this way" mentality all too evident. I'm well aware that in OS 8 and 9 this was still the case.
But as the new flat panel iMac is BSD based (I bought the 17" one) with OS X (as are the PowerMacs n portables) things have changed. Put simply, I consider the new OSX Macs a real, and available, alternative to AmigaOS (oh let the flame war start!).
Like many I'm after the A1 with G4 cpu etc but like many I also need to use modern USB + firewire + DVD-R etc hardware now, not in x months / years time. (and before you ask yes I have joined the Amiga club and paid my $50/£35 towards my new miggy and still intend to buy one).
OS X Aqua interface can be a bit childish in places but it is highly configurable and achieving the desired working environment only takes a bit of patience... and lets face it there are none who are more patient than would-be owners of the new Amiga!
With the power of *nix in the flavour of BSD behind the system the new Apple OS X machines really sing and dance.
I'm intending to get UAE up on the iMac as well. For anything it can't do I can always go back to my A1200/030 while I await the A1.
One of the particularly excellent things about the new Macs that is for me just soooo Amigan is the bedroom hacky coder is able to get down and dirty again - combining BSD + X11 + Aqua etc really does let you tweak, code and play to your hearts content (and the coverdiscs for Mac magazines are very Amigan in their content).
And that's without even mentioning that just like Amigans, AppleMac (especially OS X) folk are very pleasant and helpful people. If you're stuck they'll help. Amigas and Macians have a lot in common! None of the snotty "don't you know?" attitude found in the Wintel camp here!
nuff said my sandwiches are awaiting.
-bridge
