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Me And My iMac

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By Bud Kraus
bud@joyofcode.com
Joy Of Code
Creator And Instructor

v5 i10
O5riginally Published: June 18, 2009

This space is usually reserved for my observations about the fundamentals of web design - but not today. I couldn't resist telling you about my almost 4 week experience with my new iMac.

There is something different - something better - about an iMac. I say this at the risk of being contradicted sooner than I can say "this is a good computer."

It has made me like computers again. Like - not love.

I remember the excitement I once had when I unpacked a new PC. I knew the new machine would be faster, better, smarter than the one it replaced. But over time, the excitement faded as programs began to run slowly and things got hung up or crashed. Memory leaked (to where, who knows?) and I'd have to re-boot to get the system a fresh start.

After a succession of new computers, it wasn't exciting anymore because I knew the inevitable was a-coming: Trouble. Maybe you know what I'm talking about?

The iMac was always an alternative, but I resisted (but resistance is futile). I'd have to learn new things, buy new apps, and get into who knows what. But now, I'm here to say that the transition has been a little rocky, but worth it. I have seen The Good, The Bad, and The Gorgeous.

The Good

  • Windows applications seem to run better on a Mac.
    I have Windows on board running in a Virtual Machine called Parallels. Virtual Machine ? Sounds scary but it works - some how.
  • The keyboard is the size of a large Hershey bar.
    Wireless natch. Thought I'd never get my pudgy fingers to work it but I find it easier to use than the clunky PC keyboard.
  • The Time Machine is cool as it works quietly to backup my data.
    More than cool. Easy to restore a file or folder. Could have put this in the Gorgeous category too. You have to see how this works to believe it,
  • The Video Phone has come to life with iChat Video .
    I've already had some nice Video Chats and it could not .
    to have been easier to use. The web cam is built into Thank you Apple!!
  • It's easy to switch between Mac and Windows.
    Did not know until now that two operating systems can share applications and files. You have to be alert when using this puppy!!

The Bad

  • Shortcut keys are confusing.
    Short cuts don't work the way they used to when I only had one operating system to tame.
  • The Recycle Bin destroys my files when I delete stuff.
    Big mystery When I delete files from the Windows side they vanish. Proved to be a nasty experience.
  • I'm using windows more than Mac.
    But over the summer I will move into the Mac side of the house and only use Windows browsers to test web designs.

The Gorgeous

Yes. iMac is pretty in every way a computer can be a looker. From all sides and angles to the icons and widgets you can't resist noticing just how nice it looks especially when compared with you know what.

As I continue to move into my new computer home I can't help but notice that iMac is 10 years ahead of Windows and likely to stay that way. The iMac is a multimedia horse. Windows is just a horse.