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September 24, 2003

Switching?

Right now I'm awaiting arrival of a new PowerBook, which will be the first Apple I've ever owned. I'm not really switching from Windows -- I still use it, along with Linux. In the past I've used OS/2 as well. So why did I decide to go this way for a notebook? 1. I wanted to see for myself how good OS X is. I've heard good things, and I like the idea of a nice shell on top of a Unix base. 2. Although I'm fond of Linux (and use it on my work laptop, among other places), I've found that for some tasks, like movie editing, you have to do a little more work to get things set up than I'd like. 3. RedHat 9.0 makes a lot of improvements in things like fonts, the readability is still less than I'd like. And it still lacks in some areas running on a notebook (like being able to switch between using wireless and cabled Ethernet adapters, and between different WiFi setups). I could probably fix these problems if I had lots of time, but I don't. 4. I really ought to look at Web pages I do on a Mac as well as Windows and Linux. 5. The PowerBook looks very cool. 6. I've had problems with several of the major PC laptop brands, so I didn't have a clear choice there. 7. Having another Windows machine to keep security patching would be a pain (especially if it is going to connect to untrusted networks). You do need to patch Linux and Mac as well, but at least the threat volume is lower. Our Windows network in the labs at work is virus heaven. 8. There is no reason 8. 9. The PowerBook's SuperDrive will let me burn DVDs on the same machine that should make it easier to download from my camcorder, and deal with music files, etc. 10. iTunes Music Store. The last reason may seem silly -- I know it will be out on Windows sometime soon, but I really want it now. I love the idea of being able to get the music tracks I want, legally (and ethically). I've downloaded for free sometimes in the past, but I don't like the idea of making that a rule. Also, those services just don't work very well. And it would be hard to tell my kid not to do it if I do it. While the music industry is generally lame, and their lawsuits are a horrible mistake, we should try to support outposts of sanity. If this turns out to be more than an expensive toy, especially if it proves a good environment for developing Java (and other) software, you might see me owning more Macs (although I could never afford as many as I have PCs, most of which are cheap).

Posted by markj at September 24, 2003 11:08 AM

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Comments

Congrats on the PowerBook purchase, Mark. Probably the most frustrating thing you'll ever encounter with your PowerBook will be waiting for it to arrive. (I wish their turn-around was better!) I also wanted to commend you on your ethical stance on downloading music. I couldn't agree more with the statements you make. Finally, I thought I'd let you know of an excellent Mac OS X techie site, which has served me quite well: http://www.macosxhints.com . The site has a good dollop of UNIXy goodness, and has user forums with very helpful folk. Cheers, Tom

Posted by: Tom Friesen at September 24, 2003 02:17 PM

:furious2: I hate you! I need that PB more than you do :grin: congrats on the PB and let me be the first to say Welcome to the MacWorld. I'll recommend Ars Mac community for info and support. http://arstechnica.infopop.net/OpenTopic/page?a=frm&s=50009562&f=8300945231

Posted by: Me at September 24, 2003 02:59 PM

I'm sure you'll like the Unix power integrated in OS X. Too bad they're not giving free upgrades to Panther! What do you think of Apple using their PC "Marklar" version of OS X on a free CD with an expiration date? They could include their iLife and an improved 'Appleworks' suites to give PC users a chance to experience their OS environment.

Posted by: Robert Boylin at September 24, 2003 03:43 PM

Congratulations on your purchase. I bet it will be worth the wait. I switched a couple of years ago. I have not regretted the purchase at all. I feel that the browser choices have a lot to offer on the Mac OSX currently. OmniWeb, Safari, Camino, Mozilla, IE (Dropped by MS), Netscape plus more - so hopefully those will help your development efforts. :cool:

Posted by: kevin at September 24, 2003 06:32 PM

Also note that Panther (v. 10.3) will be out shortly, and it will rock in terms of speed (much faster than 10.2 Jaguar, currently shipping), compatibility (plays better with Windows and *nix), and security (shadow passwords, on the fly encryption, etc.). http://www.apple.com/macosx/panther/ :beam:

Posted by: MasonMcD at September 25, 2003 11:44 AM

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