OK, to start, let’s get past the whole “PC means personal computer so a Mac is a PC” thing. I’m aware. But for the sake of argument and story-telling, I’m going to use PC to refer to a Windows-based machine, whether home built or from a manufacturer.
That said, I have to repent for a sin. Though actually I guess I’m just admitting, because repenting would lead you to believe that I plan on stopping. That’s not the case.
That sin is lust, and the object is a Mac.
I came into this profession as a blogger wielding a plastic-bound Logitech keyboard and 24 inches of widescreen Dell. I was determined to be the one that didn’t change. I was going to profess my love of Windows 7 and the world would know that I was typing every new entry while staring at the beauty of the 4-color Microsoft flag.
It’s not really that I’m a Microsoft fanboy. In fact, I’ve used a wealth of different operating systems, and would move to a flavor of Linux if more of what I do with audio production were supported. But, that hasn’t happened, so I’ve stuck with the old standard.
Conversely, I’m also not an Apple fanboy. I think that the iPhone is pretty, but I don’t really want one. Apple TV is one of the most disappointing products I’ve ever seen and iTunes on a PC is the single worst piece of software I’ve ever been all-but-forced to use.
But then it happened.
I’m a slave to the number pad on my keyboard. I avoid the top row of numbers as if they’re carriers of some highly infectious disease. Unless I’m playing a game, this row of digits is doomed to a solitary confinement, never to be graced by my tender touch.
One day, the 2 on my trusty Logitech bit the dust. Without warning or probable cause, it simply died. I was in shock. I knew that I should have bought two of the things when I got it, but I just neglected to do so. Disassembling the $20 thing was of no use, and they were out of stock at all but the most untrusted sources. I had to face the fact: it was time to buy a new keyboard.
I started my search across the vast keyboard wonderland that is Amazon, reading reviews and trying to decide what was right for me. Time after time, the most highly rated keyboards came from Logitech and Apple. In a moment that can only be described as fiscal insanity, I shelled out $50 for the Apple Aluminum keyboard. The one, of course, with the number pad.
The next day, as the keyboard arrived at my door, I was wary of even plugging the thing in. I carefully unboxed the device, making certain that I’d be able to return it if I didn’t like it. I set it in place, plugged it in and typed my first sentence.
And then it happened…As if in an instant, I suddenly began to understand.
From the first few words, I instantly knew that I was addicted. I had never before felt a piece of hardware that was more responsive. Typing with this newfound friend was like driving a sports car that answered willingly to my every touch. With light flicks across its chicklet-laden frame, I found myself typing faster and with less effort than ever before.
I was hooked. I needed to find out more.
The next instance of my unintended investigation came with the arrival of Ostrich. Being that I’m the editor of a channel entirely dedicated to applications, it was up to me to take a look at Ostrich and figure out if it was any good.
Only one problem: I used Chrome, and Ostrich was the first Twitter extension for Safari. Well, no harm done. I’ll load up Safari for Windows and, give Ostrich its due time and then I’ll be back to Chrome.
I’m guessing that you can already tell what’s going to happen, so I’ll spare you the details. I’ll just say that I’m now firmly into my third week of using Safari and I have absolutely no plans of going back to Chrome or Firefox as of this time.
Why? Because Safari, for me, is just…better. And that’s the confusing part, honestly. I can’t put my finger onto why it is that I like Safari better than Chrome. They’re both Webkit-based and both run essentially the same, but after weeks of using Safari and dealing with a couple of initial frustrations, I keep getting the sense that the browser is more intuitive, more responsive and simply…better.
And so here I sit, typing this missive on an Apple keyboard, using Safari…in Windows 7. Why? Not for lack of desire, mind you. Simply for lack of funds. I’ve finally gotten to the point where I can justify in my mind the cost associated with owning a Mac, but my wallet doesn’t seem to care what my mind thinks.
I now understand the cost. I now also understand why Mac enthusiasts shell out the money for them without a second thought. I’ve used a years-old Powerbook that still ran flawlessly. I’ve seen a friend who still has a Mac G4 Cube in daily service without a hitch. Why? It comes down to build quality, and Apple simply can’t be beaten, in my PC-using opinion.
So there it is. 900-some words later and I’ve finally laid it out there for flames from both sides. So flame on, my Internet-anonymous friends. Don’t mind me, I’ll just be over scraping change out of the sofa cushions to add to my Macbook Pro savings account.
Why save for a Pro? You already have the keyboard of your dreams, I assume you also have a decently serviceable mouse and monitor from your PC, for about $1000 you can get a loaded MacBook or a stripped down MacBookPro and have a great desktop setup….
I figure, Fred, if I’m going to do it then I’d better do it right. The MacBook is lacking a few of the things that I really want, and I’m pretty sure I’d end up with buyer’s remorse.
I understand your particular impulses regarding keyboards, as I am also extremely particular about the ones I use. I can’t share the enthusiasm for Apple’s keyboard though. The thin chiclet keys drive me crazy. Growing up on an IBM Model M keyboard means that I can’t type productively on anything without a decent amount of tactile feedback. I use a Das Keyboard (the blank one). http://www.daskeyboard.com/ My favorite part isn’t just the amount of tactile feedback or the clack noise, it’s the fact that the keys are basically indestructible by virtue of the key switches and that each key is tuned to a different pressure threshold based on the finger that presses it. As a keyboard shortcut junkie and Emacs user, I like that the modifier keys are a little easier to press for efficient chording.
And of course, I’m typing this on my employer’s MacBook Pro. :(
I’ve been on the PC side of the debate for years, only because it’s what I’ve always had in the workplace (simpler to stick with one platform at home and work). But in all honesty, if I had the money and the time, I’d move to Mac.
Funny, though, I figured (because of the music side) you were a Mac-man for years. Apple was rooted in education and arts – PC’s business (ok, I’ve just dated myself).
I’m with you on the waiting for available funds thing to finally get Mac. I have a new iPod Touch, and although it’s not the first iPod I’ve ever owned (actually it’s my fourth), it’s the first one with the fullest Apple software experience IMO. I love it. I want an iPhone now because the only thing it’s missing are the phone, photo and 3G capabilities.
I would never turn away a Mac if money weren’t an issue, but I really think my next computer, either at home or for the office, will be a Mac.
I currently own 5 Apple keyboards, as I, too, am extremely particular about the keyboard I use. There is no keyboard—none—that allows someone to type as fast as the current ‘chicklet-style’ Apple keyboard.
Since I type, on average, maybe 10,000 words of code, text, etc. a day, I can’t afford to type on a keyboard that requires too much key travel.
If only Apple made a mouse with the same fit and finish! (They’re close, but the wireless magic mouse is too heavy).
I had to laugh at your comment, “…the beauty of the 4-color Microsoft flag.”
Look to the left of the article as you read through and you’ve got the same colours (slightly rearranged) in the Google Buzz logo…so you get your wish, in a round-about way!
Also, I’m with you. I’m in the “saving” business for a Mac, though I’m so far away I’ve not started researching the setup I’d want. The only chance I get to use it is in a local store each time my wife and I go looking for movies…
I went in the opposite direction… had a mac for some time but was frustrated with the problems the OS through at me and the severe limitation of software. I do miss the aesthetics of the mac but other than that I’m glad I switched over to a windows 7 pc. I found it to be a lot cheaper, faster and better performing than the mac. Still getting the hang of using it though but i’m glad i made the switch though.
I went in the opposite direction… had a mac for some time but was frustrated with the problems the OS threw at me and the severe limitation of software. I do miss the aesthetics of the mac but other than that I’m glad I switched over to a windows 7 pc. I found it to be a lot cheaper, faster and better performing than the mac. Still getting the hang of using it though but i’m glad i made the switch though.
I have made my living working on PCs. I have always been a windows fan. Multiple MS certifications. My significant other gave me a MAC as a gift. Purchased with no regard to OS, but rather because it was “pretty”.
Alrighty then…. I still make my living in the MS/PC world but if you want to take my MAC away you will taking it out of my cold dead hands.
Buy the cheapest one you can get, break it about 10-11 times and cooperate will upgrade you to a new one for free. At least that is what I found out from apple.
Their computers are pretty and the hardware is intuitive but seriously Macs are just pc’s for idiots. The major cool thing is that you can run parallels (too expensive) or virtual box (free) and keep the amazing windows os, or run linux at the same time. keep your dell monitor, get a mac mini, but skip out on the magic mouse. God for bid you accidentally turn off your bluetooth, you are screwed.
Out of the software from apple, I must say that iLife is great as well as iWork which is way less expensive that MS Office. I wish they would make that one for Window’s users. Oh and flash, heh, macs do not like flash. At least the older ones. It eats ups so much memory and overheats the buggers real fast.
iPhone is pretty but get an android phone.
I knew that the “PC’s for dummies” thing would come up at some point. Honestly, I’m tired of fixing my PC. I hold an A+ certification and owned a computer repair business. I don’t want to do that anymore.
I already own an Android phone.
You’ll be fixing your Apple computer just as much…
Do some research and you’ll see hardware and software problems are a-plenty on Apple computers too. Perhaps overall Windows computers break down a bit more than Apple computers, but this is negligible and someone who knows their way around computers will find it just as easy or just as much of a hassle to fix either.
I owned a MacBook Pro for years and it was as problematic as my Windows desktop at the time… which is actually a good thing because the Windows machine rarely had problems. But the issues that I expected and was used to with Windows exist in OS X as well… application crashes, full OS crashes, gradual slowdown of the system thus needing a reformat/reinstall, hardware problems like a failed hard disk and the list goes on.
Buy an Apple product if you enjoy good industrial design, buy an Apple product if you like pretty and ‘intuitive’ user interfaces. But don’t buy one thinking you’ll never ever run into tech problems or breakdowns again. It will happen and likely just as often. You’ve only owned an Apple keyboard for a short while and used Safari on the PC… this really isn’t a great indication of how you’ll fare with Apple machines and the user experience they offer on them.
Apple’s hardware is very well done, but software, and especially Safari? Meh. Granted, it’s not as bad as iTunes, but it’s hard to see anything exciting about it for me.
I’d say if you like those kinds of bubbly buttons and stuff, go for it!
I got a macbook air last year (as a present). Wasn’t really a fan of Apple, but I’ve noticed all the fuss around them. So after a year or Apple experience, I honestly tell you that I prefer my Windows PC.
And here are the reasons: a PC is much more cheaper to build and easier to upgrade. Much more customizabile, easier to find parts for it if you need to replace or upgrade something, much wider market for components. You have the freedom to do anything you want with your PC (get a new CPU, video card, pump more memory or storage into it). You can’t do that with a Mac. OSX is a simple OS (made for every dumb blonde out there – no hard feelings). It’s actually TOO simple. After you get over the OMG when seeing its interface, you realise Windows 7′s UI is actually better. Even after an year there is no patch to fix the ovearheating of macbook Air. So when it heats up, the system becomes unusable (I know, i’ll go to the Apple store to fix it, i just didn’t have the time). iTunes is the worst player out there (it can’t even play FLAC files for god sake). Safari? Firefox is waaay ahead. I do want that keyboard too, in fact, my macbook’s keyboard and keypad are the best things ever invented. But any keyboard/mouse manufacturer could to that if they want to, it’s not rocket science. Of course, everything about Apple is shiny and glossy and looks good, but that’s just about it.
I’m on a Macbook Pro. Love it but its come with its problems too. Bought my first one just over 2 years ago. One year in, power cord separated from the junction box from using the travel legs. Read the neg reviews on that accessory. $80. One year and ten months, battery need replacement. Shortest lifespan of any laptop batter I’ve ever had. I still have one working on Win laptop that is 6 yrs old. $120. Just over two years, complete motherboard replacement. Cost $400. So I sold it after all that. This is completely illogical but I bought the latest version of the Macbook Pro. Despite the issues, the experience and utility of the OS is too compelling. My entire workflow is smooth, seamless, graceful and aesthetic. This time I bought the extended AppleCare too.
In regards to your preference of Safari over Chrome, I just can’t understand. Chrome’s everything bar and Google Search integration is on point. Extensions were just released for Safari and Chrome has been extensible for quite a while and has the app store advantage in this market segment. Chrome is faster and more standards-compliant. Chrome supports WebM codec (and so does FF4, IE9, and Opera). Safari interface is way dated…lose the chrome and get a modern QuickTimeX-esque interface. The Safari speed dial is the best though.
I agree that iTunes on Windows is a joke. Especially 64-bit. I’ve never been able to successfully sync my iPhone to my PC, and Apple support has not been of any help. I have tried Safari on Windows, but I don’t enjoy the experience. Personally I prefer Firefox with the Strata40 theme installed. I also add the stratabuddy and fission into the mix, and that seals the deal.
I do have a Mac mini I purchased in 2007. I gave it a memory upgrade, and it’s on its second hard drive. The optical is ok, but it’s not used that often. In my own use, I’ve found Apple’s hardware to be pretty, solid construction, but with second rate components. I’ve never (personally) had a Hitachi hard drive last longer than 3 years. And my friends MacBook pro’s SuperDrive died twice under his AppleCare warranty, and a third time almost immediately following. In fact, the last Mac I purchased for a client, I didn’t even turn on the computer before I upgraded ram and switched out the hitachi disk for a Western Digital.
I like the look of the keyboard; I love the feel of the keys. When I use one, I feel like my typing speed has increased. However, I cannot use it long, because of its shape. I have developed some wrist problems as of late, and standard keyboards seem to aggravate them, so I use a MS wireless 6000v3. While the tactile sensation is not as nice as the Apple keyboard, I like it better than any logitech I’ve used.
I do like the look and feel of MacOS. I’ve used every iteration since OS 7.5. It has come a long way, and the unix switch was a good move, and the platform is much more stable and much easier to use today (anyone else remember the horror that was Chooser?). This said, I don’t enjoy the OS as much as I do Win7. I would love to marry the two. Apple’s elegance on Microsoft’s OS would make me very happy.
These are my opinions, and that’s all they are: opinions. I don’t hate Apple products, I don’t hate Microsoft. I use them both on a daily basis. There are days I want a 27″ iMac. After using the mini for a couple of hours, I’m glad to go back to Windows. For me, the grass is always greener…
Bless you brad, being converted a few years ago I already had all of the bliss moments :-(
It feels normal now, and the only things I sometimes feel is sorry for, and irritations by those that aren’t part of the ‘tribe’ yet.
Ow and after a few years you’ll have figured out that occasionally Mac’s also have their crashes and such. But when they don’t they simply just run better.
It’s like falling in love, it’s the best part but it happens only once. I might just need to switch to PC for a few years and then fall in love again :-)
“…the only things I sometimes feel is sorry for, and irritations by those that aren’t part of the ‘tribe’ yet.”
Typical fanboy talk, that is.
If you like Apple products then more power to you, but why do you feel the need to feel sorry for those who are using something else? Just because you find other platforms inferior doesn’t mean you need to pity those of us who are “stuck” with Windows.
Personally I’ve had various Apple products and a Mac and I didn’t see the appeal. I just gave up and went back to Windows… what I didn’t do was insult and belittle those who weren’t part of my tribe, whatever that’s supposed to mean. People don’t buy computers to feel special or be part of a happy little tribe, they buy computers that fit their needs.
So in short don’t bother feeling sorry for those of us stuck using other platforms because nobody is forcing us to use them… and unlike Apple products there is no “ooh shiny” factor with PCs so really anyone using Windows is doing it purely because it fits their needs.
Saying stuff like “the only thing I dislike about Macs is that it makes me feel sorry for those who are too poor/too stupid/too stubborn to get a Mac” just solidifies the fact that Apple fanatics are insufferable and can’t fathom that different people like and seek out different things in life and in their tech purchases.
It’s pretty clear that you get a bit of an ego boost from owning a Mac, which is why you feel the need to be sorry for those who don’t own one. I’m not saying a Mac doesn’t work better for you as a computer, it probably fits your work flow better, but like most Apple customers you seem to also use it too feel better about yourself which is evidenced by your comments about the Apple tribe and how sad those of us who aren’t part of it supposedly are.
Personally, I hate the whole tribe/cult thing hanging above mac owners. It was more a figure of speech.
It’s when I’m being irritated by people with stupid wifi issues and such that I feel kinda sorry for them. But that comes after the part were they irritate me with the question if I can fix their sh*t.
I don’t pity pc users in general, hell if you’ve got a smooth running pc like some of my friends do for half the cash I spent on my iMac how the hell can I feel sorry?
But you’re right, one can read that comment and believe that’s a fanboy talking. Might just as well have been the point of the comment.
Whatever, guess I’m a fanboy xD