That's not Lünendonk's only complaint. He started using Apple computers in 1985 but is about to give them up in his office. "The unique advantage of Apple for resellers and users is fading away," he said, citing price increases and a decline in the quality of support. He also thinks Apple should share the operating system, allowing for Mac clones like there are PC clones.

Not all users are disgruntled. The Mac User Group Kassel has 40 members who meet one night per month to help each other with problems, support newbies, and discuss topics like digital photos or running Linux on a Mac. "But sometimes we only discuss politics, music, education or just have a glass of beer or wine," said Roden. "I think most of us feel a bit like a member of a small community." The group Mactreff (roughly "Mac meeting") at Ruhr University Bochum likewise has about 50 members who meet regularly.

The German Mac community also gathers at swap meets. In the town of Witten (pop. 105,000), an average of 500 users and 25 exhibitors gather twice a year for the Mac-Messe-Ruhr.

"We have a lot of fun," said Norbert Usadel, whose computer company u-com.de sponsors the event along with consultant informatikberatung Renner. Mac-Messe attracts pros and private users looking for spare parts, computers, and Mac conversation. There is a similar event in Cologne, the Kölner Mac-Börse, where Mac enthusiasts gather four times a year to buy, sell, and swap new and used equipment.

The Mac community is diverse ­ MUG Kassel counts a doctor, an architect, and a priest among its members ­ and, not surprisingly, includes many artists. However, Apple hasn't penetrated the education market like it has in the US.