The day I got an iMac was December 25, 2007. I had been eyeing this computer for a few years now, and before that, I didn't even know that the Mac existed. My parents like to play tricks on me, especially when it comes to gift giving. After our family finished opening all the presents that Christmas, I was very happy with what I got, but no Mac. I soon realized that there was one more ring-sized gift box stuck in the middle of the Christmas tree. I didn't get my hopes up; because I wasn't sure that a Mac followed that gift. Long story, short- I went on a scavenger hunt and soon discovered the fact that I am now a Mac user.
Unboxing your first Mac is a surreal experience. You realize that you now have more freedom in life, and freedom from Windows machines. I went into my room the day I got my Mac and threw my Windows machine out in the hallway, to be replaced by a shiny, new Mac.
Pre-Mac, I would wake up every morning and didn't skip a beat to breakfast. It wouldn't even cross my mind to turn on my computer and check my email. My Windows machine was just not a big deal in my life back then. Post-Mac, I can't wait to wake up early in the morning to turn on my Mac and check my email in the built-in Mail.app. It may sound like I am addicted to my Mac, but if you lived with me, you would think different.
I admit, for most people, switching to Mac is a big decision. It's a (1)different operating system (2)more expensive and (3)looks/ feels different. I'll address all those issues right now. (1) The Mac has been proven to be the easiest, quickest operating system to get the hang of. Try going to the Apple Store and try one out. (2) The Mac is NOT more expensive, let me get that clear. The cover price, yes, is more expensive. But once you spend all your money and time upgrading your Windows machine, you would have ended up spending the same amount of money-if not more on a cheaper computer. Oh, did I mention all the repairs needed after a year of use? (3) All computers, Mac or PC are made with cheap interior parts. On the outside is where the difference lies. In general [not all] Windows machines are made with plastic that just feels cheap when you're holding the computer. All current Macs [excluding the MacBook] are made with beautiful, high-quality aluminum.
Today, I am sitting here on my Mac writing this. As I think back to what I have accomplished over the past few years, I would've not been able to do most of it without my Mac. Sure, there seems to always be some type of "substitute" program in Windows to produce similar results to the Mac counterpart, and I just think of it like a sugar substitute. I, being a diabetic, am very aware of what I put into my body. Using the real thing, like sugar is the best choice in most cases. Sugar sweeteners will produce similar results to the sugar, but have added chemicals that are not favorable to your body.
In the past year, I have taken up the task of learning web design. Reason being is that I bought my own domain (this one) about a year ago, and wanted to expand my knowledge of web-language. Since the Mac is known for its "Out-of-the-Box" experience, I decided to dig around for some web tools that might come in handy. Sure enough, I was able to locate some valuable resources, and a year later, I have made over $1000 in the web design business.
Apple makes a variety of exceptional products, and one of those is the iPod Touch. The idea of an "app-store" I believe is genius, and has given many no-name developers a way to make a living. Using the Mac-only development tools, I experimented with this new thing. Developing apps is something I have put aside for the time being, but I do really want to come back to it. This, and web design are both things that can be done easily on the Mac, and are both very rewarding.
Don't get me wrong- I am not exclusive to Apple and still have an open mind towards "other" computer companies. In my opinion, it's not about the company in most cases, it's about the experience they give you. It just so happened that Apple is able to give me the experience I want with their products. If Microsoft comes out with some killer product someday, by all means, I am willing to try it out!
In conclusion, the Mac has inspired me to do great things with my life. I still get outside daily to go walking or bike around the neighborhood. All things in moderation. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to own a Mac and to use it.
