"Apple computers are not very popular," Maslov continued, perhaps as a commentary on Apple's lack of marketing in Russia. Microsoft, however, is more popular according to Maslov. "Microsoft is particularly the only known producer of software."

Dmitry Deleznev agrees with the general sadness over Apple's lack of penetration in Russian market share:

"The life of Mac users is concentrated around some Russian HotLine servers, some Web servers and mail lists of enthusiasts. I think that we have three common big meetings per year: Comtek, World's computer exhibition, Mac's birthday (24 Jan) and Day of Russian Hotline (29 Sept). It's a pity that official Apple distribution company (DPI) is not a centre of Macusers' activity."

"But in March, DPI organized official Apple professionals' certification.

I know that it was the result of hard work of some enthusiasts inside DPI."

"Look at www.macrules.ru, I think that now it's the main point of Mac users' connectivity."

"Hospitable?! What do you mean? Acceptable? It is still not. Russia, in Apple's opinion, still fares as a "village". Our problems are just our problems.

But Mac society in Russia is a self-organized saving wheel. We discuss our problems in mail-lists, forums, e-conferences, improve our skills. We're trying to help one another 'cause we know that someone can help you if some problem occurs. It's a very friendly, warm and unofficial atmosphere."

Deleznev, like many Russians we spoke to, get animated when asked to give a message to Steve Jobs about how to improve Apple's relations with Russia:

"Not just for us. Apple has to think about largest market in Russia. Here is big money! We know Russian users's psychology: they can buy Apple's Macs, but Apple presented in Russia is very pure. For example, we can see very aggressive marketing activity of PC-related companies, i.e. Microsoft, Acer, HP-- but nothing from Apple. People don't have information about Apple products, they think that Apple in Russia is just a dream, a thing for rich people.

They say: 'Oh, G4, Macintoshes - it's very cool, but it's not for us, we're ordinary people'. Apple is still synonymous with 'big wheels.'

But they must know that the Apple machines are more productive than WinPC, and Macs are not as expensive than some years ago. But this aim to tell people that Apple now acceptable in prices for 'em is still in the hands of few enthusiasts, pity."

"We may just say to Steve Jobs: 'Pay your attention to the greatest market in Russia, it's just not for us, it is the great potential sphere of Apple's interests!"