Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Goal # 2, Convert from PC to Mac


Meet Ms Mac.  She's just recently come to live with me.  We had some new relationship pains the first few days, but we are learning how to get along.

Why a Mac?  I wish I could articulate it fully so even I understand.  I looked at PCs first and caressed a gaming PC with RAM(16--can you even believe it?!), processing power and a graphics card that would make my Macbook sad. And even Bill Gates knows that Windows 7 was my idea.    

In the end though, it was the intangibles that sold me on Mac. I've heard many a Windows user wish they'd purchased another Mac, but I've yet to hear a Mac user wish they hadn't converted from PC.  User experience is a huge part of the equation.

But oh was it difficult at first.  People kept saying that Macs are "intuitive" to use.  It made sense until I had a Mac in my hands.  Then I realized I don't rely on intuition when I'm on my computer--it's more Pavlovian.  I needed "My Computer."  I cried when I couldn't control-alt-delete.  I sobbed hysterically when I couldn't use my favorite keyboard shortcuts....control-x, v, c or z   My fingers quick draw those keys without thought.   

Then I couldn't find my Macbook libraries anywhere  when I wanted to load items at the application support folders level.  I longed for Windows explorer as I searched and searched for those program files using "finder" and even typing command prompts directly into "terminal."   Terminal came up with nada for those libraries and all I knew was that typing command prompts into Windows always worked.  I felt the cold chill of buyers remorse creeping over me. 

An hours research on the web and I learned that the new Lion OS hid the libraries by default.  Seriously..what?!?  But I was able to unhide them and things have been a lot smoother since then. Truthfully, Mac seems easier to use if you are not in a Windows mindset.  One week to feel comfortable on my Macbook is nothing compared to the 20 years in Windows--it was an unfair comparison from the start.  The graphics and colors are gorgeous on the Mac and the startup is wicked fast.  The UI is super chic cool--I LOVE the way you can slide windows screens with a swipe of your finger/s and they swoop like they do on the iPod and iPhone. Even though I don't own a single device with Thunderbolt technology, I'm excited to have the functionality when the devices start coming out.  And iCloud?  Heart the idea.  

So all in all I'm now happy with Ms Mac  I sense I will love her more as our relationship progresses.  



11 comments:

Bronwyn said...

funny that you mention xp to vista because I thought that change was so hard for me. It was like to completely different OSs! I love your green keypad!

Lebeau2501 said...

I had a week-long anxiety attack when I switched, but all is well now. I love my Mac. I also love that you named it. My wife names everything. The cars name is Hue Jackman.
By the by, your recipe for Snooze pineapple upside-down pancakes has made it onto my weekly rotation. Thanks!

Shannon Hardin said...

You've changed, Mary. It's like I don't even know you anymore. Next thing you know, you'll be posting recipes for bone-in fried chicken and baked ham, and going on about how Jane Austen is SO overrated.

Bonjour! said...

,,,we're BIG apple lovers, "he" owns a mac,,,in the recent couple of months we purchased his 'n her ipads, we love them and i hardly witness him utilizing his mac now that we have ipads,,,i have on my "100 in 1001 list" to purchase a mac, but my laptop isn't even 1 year old yet so it's not high on my list,,,love your green sleeve and keyboard protector, i'm guessing green is a fav hue of yours? (smile) hip hip hooray you and mac are playing nicely together,,,

Leslie said...

chris is trying to convert me as the time to get a new laptop for me is fast approaching....i hesitate~

so what is it that you are sketching in your sketchbook?

Lila said...

I took to our iMac so quickly, but probably because the only button I look for is the internet one! :) My husband was explaining iCloud to me and it sounds like majic. I can't wait until it comes out!

sophia said...

my kids have been begging for an apple for ages. I can't tell the difference between one computer to the next but I may give in for christmas. they'll have to teach me too because i've just learned how to save things to a thumb drive. my computer skills are not the best. :)

Mary said...

@Greg--so love that the pancakes are something you can make often. I wish I was that ambitious!

@Shannon--Las Vegas changes people man. I actually predicted that as a Windows consultant, you would comment, but Alec and Brett would be proud I'm sure. :) I also now cheer for the Raiders and love when people confuse your and you're.

@ jen--couldn't agree more!

Lila said...

I adore my Mac but I've had it for years. Not sure I remember what the learning pain was but I'm sure it was there. It all dissolves as you get used to it. I wouldn't go back to a PC ever. :)

I love the 101 list! I think I'll give it a try myself!

Anonymous said...

I love your mac if only because it's fun and green and thats all one should really consider in buying a computer right?

Monica said...

I'm having a hard enough time switching to my iPad. Couldn't imagine a whole Apple computer. But I hear Macs are great for the graphics- can't wait to see what you do with your photos:)