Josh Evnin

Apple or IBM

So after more than two months, today I received a brand new computer in the mail, direct from IBM. I think I’ve been a really really good sport in that amount of time, and finally I’ve received the big payoff…but it leads to a problem. I’ve been upgraded from my used IBM T40 to a brand new T42…but I’m afraid to open the box. “Well why, Josh? Why?” I’m glad you asked. I’ve been thinking for the last few months about buying an Apple Laptop…and this just might be my perfect opportunity. If I can sell this computer on eBay, it is likely that I’ll be able to afford a nice little iBook, or pay a couple hundred bucks and get a PowerBook. But do I have the gall to do it? I’m not sure.

I don’t think I’m afraid of the switch. I’ve always picked up on computer issues pretty fast, so I’d probably learn how to use a Mac relatively quickly. One problem is that I *loved* my IBM. It was perfect until it died. The keyboard was awesome. The trackpoint rocked. It rarely crashed (for hardware reasons…of course, Windows crashed here and there because it’s a crappy OS). It is the perfect size and weight. The T42 will only be better.

I’m afraid of trading for an Apple because it’s an unknown. I’m stepping out of my element. I’ve only heard good stories about Macs…but will they work for my purposes? Will the keyboard feel as crisp? Will I adapt to a one-button mouse? Will the OS allow me to do everything I do in Windows? Will I be able to do more?

Should I get a PowerBook or an iBook? The iBook is so much more cost effective…but I tend to be a power user. Do I pay the extra money? Will it be worth it? Will I be bothered by the fact that I’ll have to carry around a “dongle” in order to hook up to an analog projector?

Should I wait until the new OS, Mac OS X “Tiger”, comes out in the next few months? Some of the features look awesome.

The minute I cut the tape on the IBM box, the worth of the computer drops a few hundred dollars on eBay…

I’m just so unsure and full of questions. Anybody have answers or advice? I would love both…

In

5 responses

  1. Suzanna Avatar
    Suzanna

    Today, Professor Willoughby asked the class if anyone knew how to make whatever was on his laptop screen project onto the wall in the front of the room. Someone yelled out “Get a Mac”

  2. tamara aviva evnin Avatar
    tamara aviva evnin

    this has absolutely nothing to do with your computer dilemma ((btw, i didn’t know how to spell dilemma so i did your little google trick!! hope that’s really how one would spell “dilemma-d-i-l-e-m-m-a-dilemma”)). ok so now that i’m completely off topic, i wanted to let you know that i dowloaded ben folds five music and i absolutely am in love with it. i don’t know how i’ve never listened to this stuff before, but it’s really good and you should be proud of me for liking it.

    also, i would go with the apple computer. you have to take the leap at some point, so why not now when you have a perfectly good opportunity!?

    think about that one! ♥

  3. Erik Avatar
    Erik

    Ben Folds is the biznizzity. I find you fall in love with like three or four songs, and then six months later another three or four songs, and then six months later a completely different three or four. This goes on essentially forever because there is lots of Ben Folds music out there, and he keeps cranking out more.

    And he has a new album coming out real soon!

  4. Niamh Avatar
    Niamh

    Josh–the Apple keyboard won’t feel as crisp as the IBM one, I’m not gonna lie. But, I’ve loved my iBook, seriously. Even when it’s shitting itself like right now. As for the software, I bought my iBook about 1 month before they started selling them with Jaguar, and I was able to buy the software at a super discounted price of $10 because it was so close to the release-date. Also, at PSU, I can get Mac OS upgrades for free, so maybe IU does that too. Anyway–long story short–don’t let the software hold you back.

  5. Art Avatar
    Art

    Like mentioned above, the iBook keyboard does feel a little “cheap” but the whole Mac experience will more than make up the difference.

    Forget the whole One button Mouse thing, buy a USB 2 button optical mouse (about $10 these days) and you are right back where U want to be, (or you can Cmd-Click on your iBook for 2 button mouse functionality).

    One of the biggest and coolest things about making the switch to Mac is the free time you’ll have by not running Virus Software and closing Pop-ups,

    Microcenter if you have one in your area had a Killer DEAL on a iBook G4 1ghz for $799. Well worth the price of admission. Check this website (http://www.dealmac.com for the best deals on Mac related stuff and please post back on the Michigan Apple forum (http://themichiganapple.com/forum if you do make the switch.

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