I was going to hold off publishing this one until next week, but I thought I would let it hang for the weekend and let you enjoy. In our second interview series, I have interviewed Chris Pirillo from Lockergnome. Lockergnome has been around a long time (longer than PCMech, I believe). Chris also was active with TechTV when that network was still on the air. Today, you can catch Chris every day on his live webcam feed where he answers tech questions in video form.

Being that Chris now does almost everything in video, he went ahead and answered our interview questions live on the air and recorded it. So, below is a summary of his answers and the full recorded video of PC Mechanic’s interview with Chris Pirillo.

Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

• A lot has been said about Windows Vista and whether it is ready for prime time or not. I believe you have recently downgraded to Windows XP (as have I), and you have made no secret about your frustrations with Vista. Do you think Vista will eventually be as accepted as XP, or are we looking at the beginning of the end for Windows? This is a good question. Overall, I think Vista will eventually be as widely accepted as XP. It will probably take a couple of years though.
• What, if anything, do you think Microsoft needs to do differently in their next version of Windows? In a word… EVERYTHING! Put the backward compatibility into a Virtual Machine. At this point, Microsoft needs something completely new and different in order to compete. I’m not sure whether they are going to be able to do this or not.
• I noticed you’re using your MacBook a lot. Are you turning into a dedicated Mac user? Do you plan to ditch Windows altogether when Leopard arrives? The answer to that is… possibly. I’m looking for a sponsor for a new Mac Pro. I already have one designed, and know exactly what I need. If I get one with Leopard on it, then I will be making the official switch.
• Do you have any thoughts about the closed nature of Apple? Sure, their machines may run well but that is because they control both hardware and software. Apple makes Microsoft look like an open book. Any thoughts? You are right in one way. That concerns me about Apple… the fact that they are closed in nature. It creates a great user experience, yes. However at some point you have to let it go. The iPhone has been virtually crippled because of the fact that it is so closed. Developers are in the right to complain loudly about Apple not allowing outside development software. It would make Apple even better in my opinion if it were to be more open.
• Do you think Apple hardware is much more expensive than PC hardware? Or… do you agree with some of our Mac readers when they say that is a myth? It’s a myth, yes. People who complain about expensive hardware are probably using cheap end model PCs. There are a lot of variables at play. A good gaming rig is going to cost you a lot more than any Mac ever will.
• Did you build your own computer? Do you upgrade a lot, or do you tend to stick with a machine for awhile? I used to be into building them, but then I got away from it. You never know who to blame when there is a problem. Is it the hardware? Are the drivers to blame? It just got to be too much of a nightmare. Buying off the shelf is easy, as long as you get the right components.
• Your live webcam feed is obviously a hit. What is it like having your office broadcast to the internet all day? Have you had any concerns about privacy? I had to go out and order a separate SDSL connection to dedicate specifically to the video stream. The Comcast business service I have just isn’t enough for me to run everything I need to. There are always privacy concerns, of course. As long as I keep my layers of protection in place, I’m ok.
• You are obviously well known for Lockergnome, but also for your stint on TechTV. I have to ask – has any thought gone into your current online video work evolving into an internet-based TechTV-ish network? Well, this is pretty much what I’ve done, really. I’m trying to do my best to integrate the community in as many ways as possible, and to help our members.
• Lastly, you’re from the Seattle area. Why is Peets coffee so much better than Starbucks? Let’s put it this way… you could go to the Outback to get a steak. But will it be a “good” steak? Well, maybe. In my opinion, not so much. I equate Starbucks to McDonald’s. It’s consistent, but it’s not quality. I want excellent tasting coffee, and Peets gives me that. I’ve tried many different stores, chains, brands… and none of them compare. Peets is just outstanding. You can even order it online!

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