New Love

So I think I mentioned I got this new MacBook thingy, and I know you're wondering why a dedicated PC user like myself would even consider buying an Apple computer, so I guess the world deserves an explanation. Ah well, that's the burden I've taken on by deciding to be a responsible cyberjounalist. It's not a job, it's a calling.

Actually, buying a Mac had nothing to do with being a Microsoft hater or anything like that. I was just curious, that's all, and thought it was time I tested the waters. Now, having spent the past month and half or so with the new machine, I think I'm ready to offer a few observations. Before I start, though, I just want to make it clear that I haven't made the "switch", if you know what I mean. People get so involved in this whole PC vs Mac debate (I'm sure you've seen the commercials) that they seem to think it's gotta be one or the other. Not so, dear reader. Truth is, it's quite easy to use both, and it's all a question of the right tool for the right job. You know, "from each according to his own ability to each according to his own need" and all that.

Marxist references aside, there is a fundamental difference to the PC approach and the Mac approach, and you notice it the minute you start the machine up. Booting into Windows is like walking into the cockpit of a Boeing 747. You've got all these dials and buttons and controls to master, and although they do allow you to control this powerful machine, it feels more complex than it should when presented with such a dizzying and complex array of options. Boot the Mac, on the other hand, and it just kind of smiles at you. It says "hey there, little buddy, want to do something fun today?" You feel like it's play time, not time to get down to some serious work. The downside to that is that complexity of the PC also allows you to make your own fun, while on a Mac you're pretty much limited to playing in Apple's sandbox. I might be overgeneralizing, but it's true.

But now the question you're all asking is "Is it hard for a PC user to learn to use a Mac?", and I'd have to say that yes, it's impossibly hard and if I wasn't born with such a superior intellect and ability I never would have been able to pull it off. If you're a moron, then I'd suggest you stay with the PC.

No, no, no, I'm just kidding. In fact what you've just witnessed is a small manifestation of the dreaded "Mac effect", wherein people who use Macs seem to think themselves slightly above the uncultured, unhip and definitely uncool PC crowd. Geez, I've only had the thing since September and I'm already acting snotty.

Anyways, learning the Mac isn't hard. It takes some practice, but otherwise it's a pretty seamless transition. The other question you're probably asking is "Can I still run my Windows programs on a Mac?" Well, duuuuhhh, it's a Mac, so I guess if you want to run your Windows programs then you should probably run Windows. What do you think (you moron). However, the good news is you can actually run the Windows operating system on a Mac and, in that way, have a nifty little do-it-all machine. I use a program called Fusion by an outfit called VMWare, and there are a couple of other programs that will do the same thing, but the upshot is the same - two OS's on one machine. The downside is that you're going to have to buy a copy of Windows, and let me tell you it ain't cheap. So the answer is yes, by investing a little more money you can run Windows programs on a Mac, just be sure you haven't maxed out your credit card by buying the computer.

Those questions aside, how do I like my Mac? I love it. I confess that most of my computer time is spent on email and the internet nowadays, and for that pretty much any kind of computer - Mac or PC - will do just fine. The Mac has the added advantage of being a (so far) virus free environment, so you don't have to hassle with all the preventative measures that you need when you run a Windows machine.

Like I said I've got the MacBook, which is not the most powerful laptop in Apple's line, but it's still a mighty fast machine with a gorgeous 13 inch screen and an Intel 2.2 Ghz Core 2 Dual processor inside. It's the first white computer I've ever owned, which seemed pretty cool when I bought it until I realized that I'd have to wash my hands before using it to keep from smudging up the keys. I added an extra gig of ram to it (not Apple's ram which is hideously expensive, but regular store bought ram), and haven't run into any performance problems whatsoever.

If I had to list my dislikes I'd start with the keyboard which is not nearly as responsive as my old Toshiba Satellites was, and the speakers which are tinny and thin sounding, especially when matched up against some of the higher end Windows machines out right now. My main beef, though, would have to be ITunes. I know that Apple users everywhere love this piece of software, but unless you own an Ipod it's usefulness is pretty limited. Just another example of Apple locking you into their little world, but I sure wish there was some better Mac alternative out there that would support my Creative Zen player. I know that's probably not a big deal for most people, but it's a big deal for me. Funny how Windows will support Apple's Ipod just fine, but Apple seems to insist on bending you to it's will with their OS. Oh well, you can't have everything.

Other than that I really like most of the Mac features, particularly this thing they call Spaces. Spaces is really nothing more than a repackaging of an old computer concept called virtual desktops, which I can remember going back to a program I used to run 20 years ago called PC Tools from Central Point Software. I never used the PC Tools virtual desktops much, but I like Spaces. All Spaces does is let you run programs on different screens within the computer, so, for example, you could have your browser running on one screen and your email client running on another, and through a simple keystroke command you can switch back and forth from one screen to the other. It seems like a simple concept, but it really does a good job at reducing screen clutter. I just wish we had something like this at work.

I also like a program that ships with the Mac called Garageband which lets you set up a little home recording studio on your Mac. I'm still learning it, but so far it seems quite versatile and easy to use. I'm just waiting for Zzounds to ship me my USB guitar interface, and then I can start laying down some hot licks and editing them right there in my Mac. Who knows, maybe I'll even post something one of these days.

Anyways, it's getting late and my shoulder is starting to hurt so I'm gonna have to end this post. Turns out when I fell off my bike a couple of weeks ago I ended up tearing my left rotator cuff. Go figure, huh. I thought people tore their rotator cuffs by throwing fastballs or touchdowns or something like that, not falling of their bikes. Well, at least now I can say that Joe Montana and I have something in common besides our money and good looks. I'm sure I'll have more to say about the Mac experience in the future, so stay tuned.