PC to MAC: Transitioning

After spending several months poring over all the data I could find on personal computers and Mac systems, searching every "computer geek" site I could think of for information and reviews, I thought I had my answer. I was “raised” as an adult on Windows-based personal computers. In fact, when I first laid my hands on a computer back in 1992, programs were still running on DOS, and Windows was just being introduced. I figured that since I was indoctrinated on the PC, I would stay in my comfort zone and forget about Apple products.

So I researched further on pricing and details, such as processor speeds and RAM and what each has to do with the other. I decided to go with an HP, 6 to perhaps 10 GB RAM, 3.4 GHz processor speed or higher and a minimum 1 TB Hard Drive. It was cheaper than the Mac, which had less RAM and half the hard drive capacity.

So, I went to our local Best Buy (if you can call 25+ miles local) and with my brain full of all the research.....proceeded to buy a Mac Mini with 4 GB RAM and a 500 GB Hard Drive.

My husband was with me. We had to go into this particular town anyway to pick up his truck from the dealership, so we hit the electronics store along the way.

Having been in this store multiple times before, my husband knew right where everything was located. We made a beeline for the computer section, bypassing all the laptops that were on display and making our way confidently to the desktop computer section. And naturally, the Apple computers have their own section entirely, complete with every model of laptop and tower and all-in-one you can think of laid out for customer perusal, complete with Retina Display monitors and sticker-shock pricing. But, pretty as it was, we made it past there, no problem. I found the 2 computer models I had been researching for so long and stopped in front of them. They happened to be side by side, so I began to enjoy taking a personal, up-close look at each of them. My husband would ask me why this much RAM or why 1 terabyte instead of 2. You know, simple questions. So we talked for a bit about it. He, of course, wanted to make sure I was going to choose the computer that I could grow into; that would not have to be upgraded or replaced for at least 7 years or more.

You see, I got my PC about 6 years ago. It was a Dell, that came with a flat-panel monitor. It had 2 GB RAM and a 2 GHz processor and a 250 GB Hard Drive. I think I paid $1400 dollars for the system back in ’06-’07. So I figured 6-10 GB of RAM would more than suffice, and a 3.4 GHz processor would double my current speed, right? And for $500-$650. A real bargain. Yessir. I had my mind made up and I knew what I was talking about. So I was ready when the woman approached us to ask if we needed help with anything or did we have any questions.

I have been wondering what would have been my choice had she not approached us to lend assistance.

She asked what I planned to be using my new computer for. So I asked her if “perhaps the better question is what do I want to use the computer for in the future?” So I told her. I want to start blogging again, and hubbing, and possibly adding video commentary to said blogs and hubs at times. I think that is when the whole tone of the conversation changed. As it so turned out, she is a professional photographer and videographer. She asked me how I planned to shoot the videos and I told her a web cam. How do I plan to edit these videos? I looked at her like my brain stopped functioning. Edit the videos? Every question asked and answered, complete with expert rebuttal. Suffice it to say, for photo and video editing, Mac would seem to be the best choice. And so began my relationship with a Mac system. And for less than $700, too. The best part of the deal? I have 30 days to return this computer if I find it does not suit my needs. And NO RESTOCKING FEE. :)

Now I know you are saying to yourselves “Geez. Get to the point, lady.” And so I shall.

Having used an iPad before, I was somewhat familiar with how the Mac would function. The oddity right off the bat is clicking on apps or icons with a mouse and cursor and not a finger. NO problem. I can totally work with that. And scrolling with the roller in the mouse is in reverse. Again, no problem. I can deal.

Let me start by saying: Wow! I never knew the lightning speed of a Mac, or the lack of complicated search functions. You don’t have to open a search engine to search for anything. Just enter what you want to know in the Safari address bar. And no more having dozens of windows open. And the system is intuitive. It gets to know what you like and brings those choices to the forefront for you. And your desktop screen can either keep all your apps and icons in the system tray at the bottom of the screen, or you can click on the LaunchPad and make it look more like a traditional PC desktop screen with all the icons spread out across the screen. The speed is there, the digital imaging quality of the desktop itself, even on my Samsung 24” monitor (Christmas gift from hubby 2 or 3 years ago) that is obviously not a Retina Display. (Which reminds me, I will likely go broke when I get the Thunderbolt monitor that I worked with in the store when introduced to the Mac Mini). My Dell used VGA (video graphics array) for its imaging, and I always thought the picture quality was exquisite. I did have to purchase an adaptor to make my existing monitor work with my new Mac, which uses DVI (digital video interface) for imaging. Again, Wow! What a difference.

Even using the internet has a whole different feel to it. My desktop does not have tons of tool bars all over it anymore. Safari is such a clean browser. I will admit there are a few “missing things” such as Flash Player, which is incompatible with the Mountain Lion OS. Well, if that and other minor things like it are all that is lacking, I say “boo hoo.” I can deal well with that, too.

I know I sound like a convert, and in a way I guess I am. At times I find myself missing the Windows system that I “grew up on” and all that is familiar on the start screen or in its menu, like Word Pad or Windows Photo Gallery. But the ease of use and the speed of my Mac Mini has kind of shaken me out of my complacency and shown me that there is always something new out there to take a look at and give consideration to. Is one system better than the other? I guess that depends on one’s perspective. I would never presume to try and tell anyone what they should do when choosing a new computer. I would simply point out that I surprised myself and my husband--quite pleasantly--with my choice and, so far, am very happy with my choice.

So, I shall post this hub now, and then I must flee the scene. Friends are having a Superbowl gathering in about an hour, so I have to get ready to go. Thanks to all who stop to read!