Switches come in all shapes and sizes. Any electrical engineer could
rattle off a dozen different types in no time flat.
Now that Apple has gotten so many switchers posted, it's time to
classify them. We here at the Lite Side
are doing our part by giving you the classification categories: It's up
to you to sort all the little bits into the little boxes, n'kay?
Get ready, because it's time for
The Electrical Engineers' Guide to Mac Switchers
Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) switcher: This type of
switcher has never used a computer before. The first time they buy one,
they get a Mac. You know what they say: Once you go Mac, you never go
back. (Note to editor: there's a Bumper Switcher in there somewhere, if
you can find it.)
Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switcher: This type of
switcher is the one Apple is targeting. One switch position is PC; the
other is Mac. To go from PC to Mac requires a simple flip of the
switch. To return requires being hired as a
tech writer by Microsoft and a good set of CD-ROM stock
photography.
Double Pole Single Throw (DPST) switcher: This is where a
power user swaps in both computers in the family, usually without
consulting the spouse/companion, and switches from PC to Mac. Requires
one person to be technologically subservient to the other. (Hey, I
think I just invented a new techno-babble term. Technological
subservience. I like it. Someone work that into a dissertation,
okay?)
Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switcher: Like some cosmic
balancing act, this sort of purchase or exchange can happen in a large
company or school. Basically, you trade an unneeded PC for an unwanted
Mac. The PC is usually newer than the Mac, so both parties feel like
they came out ahead.
Rocker switcher: A rocker switcher uses a PC at work but a
Mac at home.
Momentary switcher: A momentary switcher uses a Mac only
while shopping at CompUSA.
Push-button switcher: This person selects a computing
platform based solely on the number of buttons on the included stock
mouse.
Dimmer switcher: Obviously, someone who switches from Mac to
PC is fairly dim.
Debounced switcher: Someone who has thrown a PC out the
window to see how well it will bounce, then out of necessity goes and
buys a new Mac.
Optical switcher: A person who buys a Mac based solely on its
appearance.
Solid-state switcher: This kind of person orders a Mac online
and waits until it is delivered. Thus, they have no moving parts.
Touch-sensitive switcher: Doesn't allow anyone to move their
mouse.
Optically isolated switcher: Everyone you know uses a PC, but
you bought a Mac anyway.
As you can see, there's a lot to be learned from studying switchers.
Have any others, just send 'em over.
