About four years ago, August 2005, my second laptop failed me for the third time and I had to go back to the shop to get it repaired. Between three and five weeks everytime I had to have the PC repaired and I was completely feed up with Windows, PC computers and shops promising fast, stabile computers running with no problems what so ever. How could any company with pride sell products that constantly failed or software with numerous errors. This certainly did not help my frustration.
At this time I started looking at Apple computers. The really looked good and I tried a MacBook at one of my buddies. He was all frantic about it. Talked about all the amazing stuff that was possible with this kind of machine. In my mind he sounded like some kind of preacher trying to commit me to his mac-religion. I asked him if I could sit down for a while and mess around with his mac.
My concerns
I had various concerns with a switch from Windows to OS X, as the operating system of Apple is called. However, every single one of my concerns was proven wrong. First of all, I had a lot of documents and other files stored on an external harddrive and I was concerned that none of these files would be compatible if I bought a mac. Secondly, I was afraid that I would have to purchase new hardware or have lots of problems installing my current external harddriver, printer, camera etc. Thirdly, would I be able to use a windows based network, and how would this influence my work if somebody had a file from Windows that I would want edit. Finally I was really concerned about the variety of applications that were available for OS X. Would I be able to do the work on the same applications on my MacBook as on my PC. My friend assured me that none of this would be of any problem at all.
About three weeks later I ordered my MacBook Pro 17”, which I had looked into should be a monstrous machine promising a whole kingdom and a Princess. I had heard that Apple support should be amazing and one of the best in the world. So I had no concerns purchasing this machine. In case I wanted my money back I could return it within 14 days.
I did think that $2.200 was a bit pricy for a new laptop when I looked at commercials that offered me computers that by interior looks seemed to offer me the same kind of computer, only with a different design and a much cheaper price. However, when I looked in to the components inside the mac, it turned out that these components were all very high regarded components that were selected to give the user stability and speed in their collaboration. Compared to what was offered in low priced PC laptops, which was no-name components as in the Fujitsu-Siemens that I had prior to my mac.
No more than a week after I placed my order, my MacBook Pro 17” arrived by UPS express delivery. What a glories day. The box was not much bigger than the computer itself, which is no more than 1” high! Compared to my 15” Fujitsu-Siemens computer, my MacBook Pro 17” was both lighter and smaller. And the design is gorgeous no question about it.
I powered up and less than five minutes later my new MacBook was up and running with my personal settings. It had even tapped on to the wireless internet, installed my printer and external harddrive in a matter of seconds. This thing was like extending my arm and giving me the freedom I did not have with my Windows computer.
Using OS X compared to Windows
OS X Leopard works fantastic! I Have never tried anything that I can compare it with. Every application works in collaboration with the other. Everything seems so easy because the system is build to be logical and intuitively for the user. I have heard people talk about OS X being a non-adjustable system that you can not fine tune for your purpose. And this is definitely a common misconception. OS X is so easy and may seem to be non-adjustable, though I find it extremely advanced and very adjustable.
In an comparison between Windows and OS X, I would say that Windows is like a music class in High School where people do not always pay attention and do not know how to play their instruments or work together. Compared to OS X, which in this case would be like advance orchestra where every person knows their instrument by heart and how to play beautifully together.
All my previous concerns had been shamed I had no problems what so every with compatibility with devices, networking, files or any other aspect that I thought I would have had. No more than a few hours later I was converted to the mac religion and I really understood why mac users talked so happily about their computers.
This is also why I want to tell you that I can only recommend to purchase a mac computer and try out OS X. If you do not like to OS X operating system you can install Windows on the mac as well, but I really encourage you to give it a go and try OS X.