Macs in High Places

Last week I took a trip to Boston, and made a visit to the One Exeter Plaza headquarters of IDG, the parent company of Mac Publishing LLC, the publishers of Macworld. IDG also owns PC World, Computerworld, InfoWorld, NetworkWorld, not to mention dozens of international publishing operations across the globe.

In any event, as we walked into the reception area of the high-rise downtown Boston offices, what greeted me at the receptionist’s desk but a flat-panel iMac?

And later, in a visit to the offices of IDG founder and chairman Pat McGovern, my heart was warmed by the sight of the two computers on a table behind his desk: a PC, sure — who would expect less from the founder of IDG, publisher of Computerworld and PC World? But also, right next to it, a Power Mac G4 and an Apple Studio Display flat-panel monitor. Not to mention a copy of the latest Macworld on the desk.

Now, I do admit to wondering why Mr. McGovern didn’t have a G5 on his desk. The G5 is big; it might be pretty overwhelming up there. But in any event, as I stood in IDG’s offices as the only representative of a Mac publication amid people whose publications spend most of their time covering Windows and (if they’re lucky) Linux, I felt a little bit of pride.

By the way, I have discovered some other interesting things about IDG. InfoWorld’s CTO, Chad Dickerson was at this meeting toting his 15-inch PowerBook. And in addition to PC World’s monthly Mac Skeptic column, I happen to know that its editor-in-chief is the proud owner of a new 12″ PowerBook G4.

See? Mac users. We’re everywhere. Even where you least expect us.