The most obvious difference between the Windows and Mac out of box experience (OOBE) when you buy a ready-to-go computer is perfectly described by a wise poster from San Francisco named bombcar. He (or she) wrote in an Ars Technica thread:
Actually, besides the cute box, the biggest advantage for the OOBE that Apple has is they don’t install fourteen metric fucktons of shitware on each machine.
I’m still pissed at the 16 hours I spend decrapifying that fucking Sony shittop. Decent hardware, but the software.….
The first thing I do with a new PC is reformat the drive. This method of decrapifying a computer takes perhaps two hours and is completely effective. Still, why should it take two hours to return a brand new system to a pristine state?
I was astonished to see the complete lack of ‘shitware’ when I booted my Mac for the first time. I reformatted the drive anyway, more out of habit than anything. I was astonished a second time after reinstalling OSX from the system disc, when I saw the desktop, dock, and opening presentation were all exactly the same as before I reformatted.
It’s a revelation to see a computer manufacturer who isn’t eager to make a few more bucks by fucking up my first experience with a new computer.
_Don
So how many metric fucktonnes is in a regular Imperial fucktonne I wonder.
Rick
The metric is indeed fucktonne, but the imperial would be fuckton. C’mon, the the terms right!
WTL
I was similarly impressed when I “switched” by the lack of having to spend a pile of time uninstalling crap.
Scott
I have also purchased my first Mac with no regrets. The only fluff that I found that is installed by default is a slight gathering of printer drivers. Through the install process, you can deselect drivers that for now do not apply to your needs.