5 Reasons Why I’ll be Buying a Mac
I’ve recently made the decision that my PC (see below, its quite slow) no longer meets my personal or professional requirements, and I’ve been saving my money for a nice Black MacBook with some RAM upgrades ever since. I already use iTunes and have an iPod and Quicktime plays my videos, so there won’t be any Windows software that I’ll be missing. I’ll be ditching Microsoft Office for Open Office when I switch as well (its just a personal preference though). So here’s all my reasons why I’m switching and why other current PC users should upgrade to OS X and not Vista.
Power
Odds are that if you’re going to be getting any sort of new computer, you’ll be wanting more. More RAM, faster processor, bigger hard-drive, etc… Also, chances are if you’re a PC user that has a very powerful machine you’re going to using it for gaming, or something that you would need a work horse type computer for, and you’ve already made up your mind no to switch. I’m quite the opposite. My PC has a whopping 256MB of RAM, 70GB HD and an AMD AthlonXP 2500+. Anyone with half a brain knows that this thing was obsolete when I got it five or so years ago. Needless to say, the DDR2 RAM and Core 2 Duo processor will be a long awaited speed boost. Yesterday in Photoshop I couldn’t use the text tool because iTunes and FireFox were using all my RAM 
Creativity
When I’m designing something or coding a layout, I’ll have at least two heavy programs open, with FireFox and iTunes running almost all the time. Trying to slice an image that keeps jumping from when you tried to scroll up and down 30 seconds ago doesn’t help the creative process. And it’s hard to get your ideas out when filling a rectangle with a gradient takes 10 seconds (doesn’t seem long, but think about it). Then theres the fact that Apple computers are proven to run applications like Photoshop (apparently not the MacBook Pros, however) and Illustrator more efficiently and faster.
I get Viruses like Crazy
I don’t know if I’m drawn to them, or someone’s out to get me, but I’m constantly fighting to remove Spyware and Trojans from everywhere, especially the system32 folder. And then there’s Norton. If you’re in the market for an anti-virus solution- don’t look near the Symantec products. They’re system hogs, useless and can’t remove anything. Anyways… I know Macs aren’t 100% virus free, but it’s peace of mind.
The Visual Aspect
I know Vista is supposed to look great, and I’ve seen it- it looks good. But at what cost? Do you want to have to upgrade your PC just to get the latest and most secure software you should be running? The minimum of RAM is like 1GB, and Vista will surely use the majority of that just to look glassy and nice. It’s also too little too late. I’ve like the way the Mac OS’s have looked for along time, and the interactivity on the desktop alone provides more than a typical Microsoft program. Enough said. Can’t argue that Apple wins the visual battle, even if Mr. Gates starts fighting back.
Like Most People, I already use Apple Products, and my Files are safe
Just like I said before, my computer is already filled with Apple Software, and I have an iPod. I even prefer the Apple software over the Microsoft equivalents. Even if software was an issue for me, one HUGE problem that you think anyone would face in switching OS’s is the loss of files. When I think about, my most important files are OS independent and the rest are cross platform. MP3s, PSDs, PHP, HTML and CSS files don’t discriminate against OS, in fact if they could talk they would probably prefer a Mac.
Man, I’m a total fanboy in the making. I’m only about $600-700 away from my new Black MacBook. 
Leave a comment
Ryan
January 30th, 2007 at 12:11 PM
I’m with you. I just built a Media Center PC for my Sony Wega 55 inch LCD and i’ve been saving money for a new Black MacBook. I’ve never owned a Mac but like you use Quicktime, own an iPod and looking for more of a creative experience with my computer. Thanks for the info. Good read.
Blogoculars
January 30th, 2007 at 1:38 PM
I’d love to have a mac myself. They look cool and are generally rather snazzy. The thing is though that i’d miss my games and windows programs that i’ve become used to. Mostly game related.
Nice redesign by the way. Reminds me a little of the Firefox website.
Andy
Scott
January 30th, 2007 at 9:37 PM
I too would like to move to a more powerful mac from my obsolete machine. Some of the insight provided also made me want a mac even more… :O
Martin at Switch Blog
January 31st, 2007 at 1:24 AM
Welcome to the Mac. It’s nice not to have to worry about viruses!
Anibus9
January 31st, 2007 at 9:39 AM
Well I’m about to purchase a MB (black) but my question is.. Should I go with a refurb or a new one. Same specs but about 200.00 in savings.. Thanks 4 the help…
Anibus9
January 31st, 2007 at 9:41 AM
Oh BTW.. Loved the piece..
Treehouse
January 31st, 2007 at 10:27 AM
Anibus, when you get the MacBook, make sure you are getting a “Core 2 Duo” not the “Core Duo”.
Get the refurb. Good luck.
Connor
January 31st, 2007 at 10:37 AM
I’d rather have a new one, especially for any sort of computer. If you want to save the money go for the refurb though.
PaulM
January 31st, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Anibus,
I have a friend who just purchased a refurb MacBook Pro, Core 2 Duo from Apple. Saved several hundred dollars, and it works like a champ. He brought it to my house to get my help in setting up Windows XP on it using Parallels. I have a beautiful iMac G5, but his new laptop put my iMac to shame. So, if his experience is typical, my advice is go for the refurb. Of course, you don’t get the beautiful Apple packaging . . .
David H Dennis
January 31st, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Bear in mind that you’re paying about a $150 premium for black over the white unit with the same features. You might want to consider upping the spec on a white unit if you want to save money and take less saving to get what you want :-).
I think the refurbs are Core Duo instead of Core 2 Duo so I would check that carefully.
D
Anibus9
January 31st, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Thanks guys 4 the help. I rechecked the specs on the refurb and it was a MB C2D.
Looks like I will get one this week (new or refurb). I will let u guys know how it goes.. Thanks again.. J.K. Living
R Boylin
January 31st, 2007 at 11:10 AM
Anibus9 can go with an Apple Store refurbished MacBook as the 1 yr. warrantee applies. Other vendors only give 90 warrantees. Get Core 2 Duo as they are now available in refurbished units. Add your own purchased memory to save$. Also, don’t get cheap memory as it’s often not up to specs for Macs. Major vendors with Mac memory sections have proper chips, still cheaper than Apple. Installation in MacBooks is easy. Many helpful websites await. Go to for a large collection of them for news, mods, help, etc.
R Boylin
January 31st, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Your editor cut out the url mentioned. It is macsurfer.com. The 90 day period for online retailers of refurbished Macs is common. Apple Store is a much better deal on refurbished.
Jon W. Barto
January 31st, 2007 at 11:16 AM
This is in reply to Blogoculars post. You do know about Boot Camp and Parallels right? While Parallels doesn’t yet have GPU acceleration yet, it is coming. So, you can still have your Windows games - at full speed.
Thanks, Jon
Dan D'Errico
January 31st, 2007 at 11:49 AM
Buy extra ram from third party vendors like Crucial — Apple is too expensive. You can still play your games if you boot into Windows on the Mac.
Dan D'Errico
January 31st, 2007 at 11:52 AM
If you can wait, the new operating system Leopard will be coming out in a month or so.
Jon
January 31st, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Macs ARE virus free, but you are not allowed to be smug about it.
Welcome to an altogether better computing experience.
Connor
January 31st, 2007 at 12:55 PM
Dan: I’ll be waiting about a month anyways as I save the rest of the money.
Roney Smith
January 31st, 2007 at 1:18 PM
Stop the delay and pick one up at:
http://www.americanmusical.com
They have a zero percent interest payment plan that will get a Macbook (5 payments max) in your hands faster than Santa Claus!
Connor
January 31st, 2007 at 1:29 PM
I’m definitely not a fan of financing. I’d rather save, and pay cash then pay a marked up price (no interest means they’ll add a little markup for profit).
Roberto
January 31st, 2007 at 1:36 PM
Why don’t you just upgrade the RAM on your PC? That should help on points 1 and 2, and for a lot less money. Concur on point 3, though: the only way I keep my work PC safe from attacks is by unplugging it from the Internet completely (I surf the Net on an older G4 Mac). Even then I’m constantly worried whenever I have to download files and photos from clients’ CDs.
As for points 4 and 5, I guess it’s a matter of personal preference. For home use I prefer my Mac and Apple apps, but for work I don’t really mind the XP experience that much and I use Adobe stuff almost exclusively.
Mike
January 31st, 2007 at 3:43 PM
Blogoculars: Check out boot camp & Parallels. For most stuff Parallels will let you run Windows & OS X at the same time without booting. For games, you can reboot Windows natively with boot camp.
RobC
January 31st, 2007 at 3:49 PM
Another switcher here — got tired with fighting with Windows XP on my P4 system. Broke down and got a Macbook Pro with 2gigs ram — stuff justs runs. Oh and to the other poster — with boot camp I can run all windows games I want. Though I’ll admit that most of the time I’m using the mac side since Blizzard releases all their software crossplatform. Running iTunes, Safari, iChat, Firefox and still getting 37fps in World of Warcraft while exposed is a beautiful thing
Jeff
January 31st, 2007 at 4:19 PM
Of the 5 Macs we have bought “new” over the last 8 years, all but one were refurbs. All have looked like new and performed flawlessly. Average price saving on these was around 20% from original list.
Spencerian
January 31st, 2007 at 4:39 PM
Connor,
Be mindful of two important things. While Macs are a good bargain (I’m an Apple enterprise tech), the MacBook (which I own) use Intel video technology, which gives good graphics support but share video RAM with CPU RAM and isn’t 3D accelerated (no Windows gaming). Better graphics comes in the MacBook Pro (which I just got for my work), which has ATI Radeon X1600 support (and, if you run Windows in Boot Camp, 3D acceleration for games and advanced work). Be also very mindful that Adobe Creative Suite software, like Photoshop, while a long-time stable of Mac creatives everyone, is not yet written to work natively with Intel chips. As a result, you’ll have some performance hits and a bit of instability in some cases until CS3 arrives. The keyword for your new Mac software purchases is Universal Binary; this software is written for native speeds with old and new Macs. In any case, max out the RAM (it’s cheap) and have fun. I recommend ClamXAV (open source) for competent, free antivirus solution so you don’t become a “Typhoid Mary” to other PCs. Note that the only differences between the MacBook and MacBook Pro is that the Pro has a larger screen, an advanced backlit keyboard, SuperDrive (DVD-RW) and dedicated video. It’s really a better graphics system, but you can squeak through with a MacBook. Don’t let my comments dampen your enthusiasm, but Macs aren’t the Perfect Box (it’s close, though).
Dan Palka
January 31st, 2007 at 8:01 PM
Just to correct someone’s comment above: The black MacBook does NOT cost any more than a similarly equipped white MacBook. It WAS more expensive when introduced, but became the same price when the Core 2 Duo revisions were rolled out.
Go to http://store.apple.com and see for yourself.
finnyfin
January 31st, 2007 at 11:37 PM
In response to this:
“Then theres the fact that Apple computers are proven to run applications like Photoshop (apparently not the MacBook Pros, however) and Illustrator more efficiently and faster.”
That is actually false. Windows runs PhotoShop and Flash, etc. substantially faster. In saying that, I am 100% with you- Mac’s are the way to go and the OS X is a work of art.
Connor
February 1st, 2007 at 8:19 AM
I actually considered the way I should word that, and I purposely used the word _fact_ because I’ve seen tests of equally equipped PC vs MacBook, openning Photoshop (among other Creative Suite apps), running a benchmark, and other tests. The Mac actually came out on top.
Anibus9
February 1st, 2007 at 8:42 PM
Dan D’Errico do u or anyone else know approx when Leopard is coming out.. ? I could wait but then again…The Mac is just calling me.. BTW this is my first mac since 1984..Our first computer was an Apple II E+ with dual disk drives..Man those were the days.. Playing Captain Good Night on my black and green monitor..
Ken
February 1st, 2007 at 11:40 PM
> I’m only about $600-700 away from my new Black MacBook.
Keep an eye on the online Apple Store “sales” page for a refurb Core 2 Duo MacBook, and you might get there a lot sooner. I see a white one there right now for $949.
Connor Wilson
February 2nd, 2007 at 4:34 PM
Yeah, but the cheaper white one is less powerful, and the black is just sooo much cooler
Yazi
February 3rd, 2007 at 1:56 PM
I recently bought a refurb white MacBook, 512/60, original Core Duo, for $899.
I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s flawless physically, has worked almost perfectly (one small problem is Front Row won’t see my iTunes library), and is a hell of a step up from my 800MHz G3 iBook (which I still use also).
I could’ve held out for the Core 2 Duo, but I am happy with the original so far. I use bluetooth to browse via my Treo 650’s internet connection, and the screen is much better than the iBook’s. The only thing I miss about the iBook is compactness, this machine is larger (though thinner) and doesn’t feel quite as sturdy as the iBook does.
In the next week I’m going to upgrade to 2 GB, and when Leopard comes out (or maybe before) replace the the 60 GB with a 160 GB (only about $130).
Adam
February 5th, 2007 at 4:45 PM
All of you newbs are almost adorable. It is refreshing though, to finally sense a change in the wind. Just think, a year or two ago most of you still had your heads in your keisters while singing the praises of Gates & Co. I have been in complete computer harmony since 10.2 was released, and if I rememer correctly that was in the summer of 2002… so it only took you four and a half years to catch on! Then again when I made the “switch’ to X, I was upgrading from 9.1. Speaking of Classic, it’s a real shame they don’t have any native Classic support, but the times they are a changin’ I suppose. I am stiil a bit leery though about the changeover to Intel, make all the speed claims you want, but there was something almost exotic, something elegant about running off the RISC architecture. Thankfully, I suppose, my desktop workhorse is still a G4-dually, so I think, for me anyway, there’s still time for a ride on the G5 before I bid adieu to PowerPC land. That being said, welcome to the flock, hope you enjoy your stay!
Adam
February 5th, 2007 at 4:55 PM
One more thing that I forgot…. some of you may need some new prescriptions for your glasses and/or contacts. The price of the black Macbook does include the infamous “Apple tax.” You are paying solely for aesthetics, which makes the “midrange” white Macbook the hands down value winner. Performance-wise they are identical. The only difference beside the colors is hard drive capacity. I think we all agree that a difference in 40gb of disk space constitutes being neither “more powerful,” nor worth an added $200. I’m not knocking anyone for having or wanting the black Macbook simply for it’s “coolness.” I just don’t want anyone buying one on the assumption of it having more horsepower than the higher-end white model.
Connor Wilson
February 5th, 2007 at 8:17 PM
You say us “newbs” are almost adorable, but think that the Black Macbook is a purely aesthetic and “cool” thing? The harddrive is bigger like you said, but you’re totally right here… The extra RAM and processor speed will have no effect on performance…
Adam
February 7th, 2007 at 2:00 PM
Your post confuses me a bit. Where is this extra ram and processor speed? The $1299 white Macbook and the black Macbook both come with a 2GHz C2D, 1GB ram, and a dual-layer Superdrive. Their specifications are identical with the exception of the 40GB larger hard drive that comes in the black model. An extra 40GB is certainly not worth $200, so yes you are paying the extra money solely for aesthetics. My adorable comment was in reference to the apparent epiphany a lot of people are beginning to have. Once extolling the virtues of Microsoft, but now realizing the Redmond giant has been behind the ball for quite some time now.
Adam
February 7th, 2007 at 2:08 PM
I also just checked the Canadian Apple Store just so there was no additional confusion. The midrange white model lists for C$1449 and the black model C$1649, with the same specs aside from hard drive capacity. I’m sure once the novelty of the black Macbook has worn off the prices will be identical on comparable model. But right now Apple knows that people will pay more for a little extra “coolness.”
Scott
February 9th, 2007 at 8:09 PM
The white and black mac books come out to be the exact same price if you throw any upgrades in them.
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