Uh-oh. We happen to know that ActiveRain’s real estate pros are pretty opinionated when it comes to the topic of computers. But, since when has the ActiveRain team shied away from a good debate? Where do your loyalties lie? The Samsung Series 9? How about the MacBook Pro? Which operating system gets your kudos?In its 2011 REALTOR Technology Survey Report, NAR asked its members which operating system they use. Would it surprise you to learn that only 11 percent of respondents use the MAC OSX? The rest use some form of Windows (the largest share – 38 percent—use Windows 7).
Even more surprising is that real estate professionals, by and large (58 percent) use Internet Explorer’s web browser, despite the fact that it is plagued with security issues. Safer browsers, such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, are seldom used by NAR survey respondents.
This may have something to do with the sad fact that some regional MLS systems are still utilizing platforms that only work with IE. So, no matter how technologically innovative agents become, they are still largely reliant on those who may not be taking this new tech stuff seriously, or feel the need to upgrade in a timely manner. Like this century.
Finally, when asked which technology items they plan on purchasing during the year, 16 percent will purchase a Windows laptop and 7 percent hope to buy a MacBook. A very small percentage showed an interest in buying a desktop computer.
By the way, that same NAR survey asked members where they learn about new technology for real estate and over 60 percent of respondents say they get this information from their colleagues. We here at ActiveRain like to think of ourselves as a virtual water cooler where you can meet with colleagues from all over North America to share your knowledge and drink in that of your colleagues. So, let’s talk computers: the good, the bad and the meh.
![MacBook Air](http://activerain-store.s3.amazonaws.com/products/225/small/macbook_air.jpg?1373539665)
![Microsoft Surface](http://activerain-store.s3.amazonaws.com/products/427/small/microsoft_surface.jpg?1385676861)
![HP Pavilion dv7](http://activerain-store.s3.amazonaws.com/products/86/small/hp_pavilion_dv7.jpg?1358846745)
![Dell](http://activerain-store.s3.amazonaws.com/products/69/small/dell.jpg?1352225844)