Mac or Windows

The past few weeks a few students have mentioned their desire to buy a new computer. While I might not be an expert when it comes to notebooks and desktops I have a total of 5 now?! It sounds a little insane but they each have their dedicated uses. 1 is a Macbook which I use when I travel overseas and store the photos that I take each day (meaning I don’t need a big digital card). Another is connected to my TV allowing me to watch DVDs and downloads (either music or video). I keep one at my classroom to write up reports, keep track of lessons, research information for students and write emails in my down time. Then I have one main computer which I use for everything. The last one is kept as just a back up.

For many years I only had Windows computers but last year, when I was choosing a notebook PC, I went with a Macbook after comparing all the different brands. I admit that the computers put out by the usual suspects (Sony, Fujitsu, NEC, etc) are extremely stylish and if you know what you’re doing you can get a lot of mileage out of them. However, for most people, the only programs that are needed are Word, Excel, Media Player, ITunes and access to the internet which means an Apple computer would fill your needs. What I can say is that today’s Apple computers don’t get old as quickly as their Windows counterparts and their simplicity make them an ideal choice for those people that just want to use their computers without much hassle.

My wife actually gave her 60 year-old mother a Macbook earlier this year and at first she had to be given a short lesson as to how to use it but now she finds herself using it more and more simply because it’s fun. One thing many people don’t realize is that on the Apple site there are actual VIDEO training manuals to use their many programs http://www.apple.com/mac/. (the Japanese site also has some video training) They will guide you through the basic uses of many of their programs – truly an excellent tool as you can SEE what they are doing and simply point and click and you’ll be on your way to making books, compiling movies or even setting up your wireless connections. It makes it a breeze for both amateurs and professionals alike to make the switch over.

There is one other great feature about Apple computers these days – you can install Windows on it. That means you can flip over to Windows anytime you are at a loss while slowly learning how to handle the intricacies of the MAC. The Macbooks are an excellent choice for anyone looking to buy a notebook PC and if you’re like me, you might find them such a joy to use that you’ll consider buying a Mac Desktop too.

I love electronics and like to keep myself in touch with the latest cameras and computers so if you have any  questions for me please let me know I’d be happy to share my knowledge with you. If I don’t know the answer I have friends that love both systems so I can always ask them. Happy shopping!!

Adrian