This week my husband I have started to realize that our XP machine is reaching it's end. I've been exceptionally happy with our home computer. But we upgraded the RAM about a year and a half ago and it's still slow. We got 5 years out of it, so I have no complaints. But the thing is starting to do really wonky stuff. Like this past week when it didn't want to send and receive messages when I opened Outlook. I'm sure there are things we can do to tune it up, but the reality is that it's approaching time for a new computer.
Which brings me to our conundrum. I've always used Windows based machines. I've always liked Windows. But I've heard some unhappy tales about Vista. Like the fact that it's a major memory hog. I've read that the 1st service pack alone takes up at least a gig. It's also notorious for running e......x.......t.......r.......e.......m........e.........l......y slow. I've heard that it tries to be Mac OS, but fails miserably.
My husband has been using Mac's at work. While he likes Windows XP, he enjoys the simplicity and ease of use with Mac. Interestingly, when he first got this job almost 4 years ago, he was given an ancient Mac Book. It had a pitifully small hard drive and wasn't anything spectacular. My guy was less than impressed and couldn't figure out why so many people raved about Macs. Then they upgraded him to a brand new MacBook which gave him a whole new perspective.
He works for the local public school district. When he visits a school and works with the staff, if he has to print using a network printer from a PC he claims it's a laborious process that is a pain in the tuchus. The same printing job from a Mac takes seconds. It's a touch of button on the keyboard. Overall he enjoys Mac OS, which he feels is more intuitive and runs smoother.
So we're seriously considering a Mac. Mac's are more expensive, but my guy thinks it's worth the additional few hundred dollars. He hasn't used Leopard though; Mac's new operating system. But everyone he knows who has used it, loves it. When I buy cars and electronics I always buy for reliability and practicality first. However, I must admit, I like Mac aesthetics. Macs are beautiful machines; minimalist anodized aluminum and glass in a sleek, all-in-one package. They look smart and elegant on a desk.
This is something we will likely be mulling over for a few months. (If my guy, by some miracle, gets a much wanted promotion to assistant principal, I'll push the issue a bit more, later this summer.) I think at some point we will need to make a trip to the Apple store and ask some questions...and play with some computers.
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