Yep... I said that three years ago. Then I got a little more serious about doing video and a friend of mine who creates and produces films and commercials "encouraged" me to go Mac. I gave it a whirl. At first it seemed like everything was backwards. It took me a few days but then it hit me... and it's been hitting me ever since.
I'm a bit of a techie. I love the smell when you peel the plastic of a new piece of hardware. I love when I can spend a few minutes on a client, friend or family member's pc and breathe new life into it. Then I got a mac.
Slowly I began to realize how much I enjoyed using the computer... not fixing it. You see with Windows there is constantly something that needs to be fixed, cleaned, updated, locked down, quarantined, uninstalled, reinstalled, etc. etc. etc.
Now I just enjoy using my Mac. Looking back I think I can help those who may be on the fence...
1. Freedom from PC viruses
The Mac Operating System (OS) uses a different architecture than Windows. In general, Windows stores your information in the same places. If I'm a bad guy creating a virus to trojan to ruin your day, I have a pretty good idea of where you're storing your important information. Once I find a way in, I can do serious damage. The Mac OS uses a technique called "sandboxing". Each app gets it's own sandbox to play in. It only gets rights to certain actions and files on your mac. The Library on your Mac places apps and files in random places on your Mac. Mac mail, Safari and other apps prescreen your downloads as well.
2. Quality of hardware
Apple computers make intelligent and beautifully manufactured products. I am a power user and I've never had a PC that was built with the same attention to detail in such an elegant frame.
3. Quality of software
My Mac stuff just works. Besides the apps that are preloaded, there are so many other free apps you can download to do other things.
4. Preloaded Software
My experience has been that I can pay less for a PC. But... then I have to go and buy all of the software so I can do "stuff". The Mac family of computers come with most of the software you need and love. Don't be fooled. These included apps are really good for the average user. Apps like iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, FaceTime for Mac, iTunes, Mail, Address Book, Garage Band and the Calendar are fantastic.
5. Support
Apple support is incredible. They always seem to give you the benefit of the doubt and simply ship a replacement. That's been my experience and that of my friends as well for Mac and iOS devices like the iPhone, iPod and iPad.
6. It runs Windows
The newer Mac Computers run on an Intel Processors. For less than $100 you can purchase VMWare (or Parallels) and run any of the Windows Operating Systems including XP, Vista and 7. So if your MLS or Board is tied to Windows only software, you can have your cake and eat it too! I do.
7. The Mac OS
This is so hard to explain. There are so many simple short cuts and features like Spotlight and Quick view. I'll just have to save that for another post.
8. Synchronization
Having a simple way to keep my contacts, calendars, emails, bookmarks and encrypted passwords the same across devices was next to impossible in the Windows environment. Don't even get me started on Windows Mobile and Active Sync. On the Mac it's simple. I can sync between my iPhone, Mac and my work PC. It just works.
9. These numbers don't lie.
One out of every 5 PC's sold is a Mac. The chart below shows the numbers - Microsoft vs. Apple. One of them is kicking posterior. Might be a good time to check it out.
source: http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-comparison.aspx
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