Yeah what is really amazing, BT is one man. He does all his work including composition for the 86 piece orchestras. No one else, he does it all. But yes he has preference for Mac because when he pretty much pioneered use of Computers, as he found MIDI to be too inferior for his needs, P.C internal timing was not acceptable. Since then has changed, for BT is has become what he is comfortable with past few decades. As Nocturnal mentioned, BT is also an accomplished programmer. And really gives back to the community. He runs a site where people can ask for ideas and advice, and he freely teaches them how to do what they want to do. It's amazing.
Just look at Sasha and how Paul van Dyke now produce their music? It's literally the same way BT does it, mostly because he taught them, hehe. Reznor is pretty amateur in comparison. He took what he gathered from observing in the studio and made some popular music. It's quite an accomplishment, but it's no more impressive than any other band that got radio air play. He really has not ventured beyond the sound of his debut album. B.T is just one example, there are many more impressive artists who have been successful in more than just one genre of music and different methods of making music.
But honestly, if you like NIN, and Reznor's music. Check out Front Line Assembly. They were among the pioneers that really brought Industrial music to the popularity it has today. Vancouver, Canadian scene, along with Econoline Crush. Good stuff, and IMO much much much better than NIN. And yes a few members of Front Line Assembly made music outside of their original comfort zone and made some incredible ambient, chillout, Trance with acts like Delerium and Conjure One.
But Reznor's publicity with releasing good quality music free is admirable, I like what he is doing.
