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Subject:Re: Mac or PC? From:Sarah Stegall <stegall -at- TERAYON -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 16 Jul 1999 10:27:08 -0700
Stephanie Jagielski wrote:
>
> I am new to the list and have a new interest in technical writing. I am in
> need of a new computer and can, luckily, feel at home on both Macintosh and
> PC computers. Could some one tell me which is preferred in the technical
> writing field? Or does it even matter?
>
Preferred by whom? By the manager who doesn't write manuals, but who has
to pay for the tools? Or by the writer, who has no power and little
respect, but who may be called upon to function as graphic layout guru,
writer, researcher, illustrator, editor, beta tester, and production
specialist? Choosing hardware in this field is less a matter of who
prefers what than it is a matter of negotiating competing (and equally
irrational) prejudices. Managers think the primary concern here is
"compatibility". Writers tend to think "ease of use and reliability".
Engineers...well, who knows what they're thinking. None of these
concerns will ultimately decide what box is sitting on your desk.
You are about to get an education in power politics. Good luck.
