Since I was about fifteen, I was building my own computers from self sought components. I’ve been the resident computer guy for my family and friends pretty much the whole time. I’ve always done my own upgrades and done a pretty good job of staying near the technology curve when it comes to computer parts.
In years past, Macintosh computers were only used by a weird niche crowd. The available software was slim at best and so their practical usefulness was very limited.
More recently, Apple entered the arena more openly as computers for professionals, and now, for home users who don’t know what they’re doing.
I’ve been an adamant defender of PC computers ever since Apple started to launch its attack on the average computer user. PC computers, toting similar specs, can be purchased for a fraction of the price of Apple computers. Their interface has long been more intuitive (the right mouse button? seriously, it’s a no brainer). And, with just a smidgen of education, they can stay clean and useful for a long time.
But today is the day. I am flipping my opinion. Mark it in your calendar.
Today, my PC computer failed. For the second time in six months. Not just failed. Died. Hardware, died. That doesn’t mean annoying software adjustments. It means shelling out actual money to repair the thing.
Now, let me make one thing abundantly clear: I know what I’m doing. I’m not the flippant savvy-less computer user that most often manage to blow up their computer. No, I’m a well experienced user and well educated in the realm of hardware and software issues.
My point? The problem is not the user.
You see, I’m a photographer and only half of my job happens behind the lens. The rest happens in front of a computer screen. So, I can’t afford to have equipment I can’t trust. That makes today an important day.
Today is the day I give up defending PC computers.
I used to equate Apple computers to Volkswagen cars. Vehicles that are over-priced and under-perform but look so cool. I used to consider PC computers more like Hondas. Not as cool, but affordable and practical. I realize now that I had it wrong. PC’s are really more like American cars. Practical, but the built in obsolescence will get you eventually.
So what now?
Mark my words, as soon as business finances are freed up, all PC equipment and software will be upgraded to Apple computers and I will say farewell to PC’s reign of terror forever.
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:29 am
COMMUNIST!!
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
What can I say? Communism works in theory. So does Apple.
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:58 am
Actually, choosing Apple as a photographer (and/or videographer) makes perfect sense. One “could” theoretically construct a PC with hi-quality hardware and pretty much the same software to be comparable to an off-the-self Apple. … but why bother with all that?
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:22 am
Precisely my sentiments. Why bother? But then again, it isn’t like the computers I’ve used have been insufficient for design and photo work. They’ve done that great, so long as they kept working.
They’ve been insufficient to work.