I don’t mind change but I get frustrated by technology. For me to switch to a Mac from my PC – something that Jon has been gently urging me to do for years – was a big deal.
I’ve used a PC laptop for about 10 years and always used our home iMac (yes, that old domed Mac which we affectionately called the Big Mac) as my media center – for iTunes, Photoshop and iMovie. I found it frustrating when I couldn’t find my documents on the Big Mac and didn’t like that I had to close out windows from the upper left corner as opposed to the upper right corner, like I do on my PC. It’s a small thing, but it was just annoying.
With the Big Mac and my personal laptop both on the fritz, still running but running more slowly as they both run out of RAM, I knew it was time for an upgrade. “I think you’ll really like a Mac,” Jon said numerous times (hesitantly).
Knowing that I wanted to continue using iMovie and that I would still use iTunes (despite my crush on my Zune) I bit the bullet and got myself a MacBook Pro. This also accommodated my desire for a lightweight and relatively small laptop. I chose the 13 inch screen, ordered the computer with 500 GB and picked up Microsoft Office to ensure no compatibility issues with my docs and spreadsheets.
OMG. I’m in love.
I told Jon that he should have made me get a Mac ages ago. He groaned and said something about his inability to make me do anything. I took that as a compliment…
Features that have sent me over the top:
- Ability to search everything on my computer in seconds
- Ability to search my mail in seconds
- The ease of installing new applications/downloads and the automatic detection of my system needs
- The customer service that comes with AppleCare and the One to One service. (Both of these came at an additional cost but have been well worth it as they include one on one lessons.)
Dislikes – hmmm. Nothing so far. But ask me in a couple of weeks and I’ll probably have a list.
Just as my computers were headed to the electronics graveyard, my Cingular (now AT&T) 8525 phone which I bought just over two years ago for FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS is also going south. I described the issues I was having to the AT&T store clerk and was told that the software was going and there was nothing they could do.
So, I bought an iPhone to replace it (for $199). I picked up the new 3GS 16 GB version. Though I’m just slightly frustrated with the phone (some syncing functions don’t work as I’d like), it’s an amazing piece of technology. It’s half as thin as my 8525, runs faster (the web browsing function on my 8525 was so slow I hated using it) and the layout, scrolling and other functionalities are just beautiful. Beautiful. Like so pretty you can’t believe it.
My favorite features:
- Ability to download applications that are fun fun fun
- Easy to download and read my mail
- Intuitive functionality all around
I’m not thrilled by the keyboard. I can already feel a bit of pain in my right hand from trying to tap out messages and I haven’t even owned it for a week. Jon says he uses his thumb to tap out letters but I can’t quite get the letters right with my thumb – I have to use my pointer or middle finger.
Not sure what I’ll do about this but it could be an issue.
So, here I am. Feeling like a kid with all my new gear. I know that I shouldn’t let these make me such a happy camper – you know, I should be a good Buddhist and just be happy despite what I have or have not. But these DO make me happy! I know I’m saving at least an hour out of my day by having a MacBook Pro that runs so fast and an iPhone that allows me to look for restaurants, get directions and quickly check my email.
(By the way, I used the iPhone today when I was walking around downtown Salt Lake City – in 100 degree heat – as I attempted to find a restaurant. Found one called Bruges Waffles that opened up a couple of months ago. They specialize in… waffles and french fries. This little hole in the wall appears to do an amazing amount of business. Get yourself there if you can.)
If you’re like me, you can’t be told what to do or not to do, but I’ll tell you anyway… get a Mac. And then go to SLC and get a waffle 🙂
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
WanderGear: SummerWear
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WanderGear: Flip Video Camera
WanderGear: Wanderlusted Bookwrap
WanderGear: Tops from Moving Comfort
WanderGear: Summer Accessories
WanderGear: PJ’s from Cocoon
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Nora says
Hi Beth,
I’ve been toying with the iPhone lately myself, and wonder about a few travel-related things with it:
1) Can the iPhone be unlocked, so I can insert a SIM card from anywhere in the world?
2) How do you access the internet for mail and such? Can you tap into free wifi hotspots? Or do you have to pay for a data package?
Thanks! (I haven’t made the leap to a MAC laptop yet, but given the incessant rave reviews, I guess it will be my next endeavour). Cheers!
Beth says
As far as your phone being unlocked, if you are in the middle of a service contract (most are 2 years), it’s unlikely that your provider will unlock your phone so you can use it abroad.
My recommendation is to use your old phone (or a friend’s or find one on Craigslist) and carry that with you when you travel. You then just swap out the SIM card and you can use it locally. An old phone not attached to a service contract WILL be unlocked because there will be no service attached to it.
With regards to mail – you just need to set up your service (in my case, it’s a POP account). I actually didn’t have to do anything but sync up the iPhone with my MacBook Pro and it automatically updated the phone with my email information!
Nora says
Thanks! I thought so….I’ll just stick with my unlocked cell and insert SIM cards. It seems that the iphone will be no good for a full-time travel lifestyle. Too bad…