If you're in the market for a new computer, you may be entertaining a question that's pretty close to earthshaking, at least in terms of personal technology: Should you switch to the Macintosh?
You're not alone. The iPod, the iPhone, Apple's stylish retail stores, and over-the-top praise for Apple's Macintosh computers and software have led to a surge of interest in the Macintosh, especially among people who have been using Windows computers -- that is, PCs made by Dell, HP and other companies -- for years and years. If you've always used Microsoft Windows rather than the Macintosh, the decision may seem as momentous as switching political parties or deciding to root for the Yankees rather than the Mets.
I wrote a column on just this topic several years ago, when Apple was ramping up its ad campaign to encourage Windows users to switch to the Mac. The column was not exactly an endorsement of the idea of switching. In fact, it was pretty much a list of reasons why, despite all the hype from Apple about the ease of switching, you might find the transition uncomfortable, frustrating or just plain difficult.
That's not because I am anti-Macintosh. Far from it: I prefer Macintosh to Windows, and I have for years.
Yet, I hesitated to urge people to switch because I knew the change wouldn't be easy in many cases, and I worried many people would miss the familiarity of Windows. If you get used to doing things one way (storing files, installing software, etc.), then any change can be jarring -- even if, over the long run, the change would bring plenty of benefits. Habits can be hard to break, even when you're habituated to using an inferior product.
But things have changed. Now, to borrow a phrase (and a grammatical error) from Apple, I "think different" about this. In short, I see fewer hurdles and a lot more benefits to switching. If you plan to buy a new computer, do yourself a favor and at least consider buying a Macintosh.
Though switching isn't for everyone, it's a lot easier now for a number of reasons:
Even diehard Windows users may be familiar with Apple products from using iPods, iPhones and the iTunes music software.
The popularity of Web-based software, for everything from e-mail to photo sharing, means most computer users have ventured far beyond the confines of Windows. The jump to the Macintosh isn't as much of a stretch.
http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/hoffman/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1202189819212240.xml&coll=1
