E-mail on why Macs are the best.

SS's mom asked me to write her an e-mail explaining why she should get a Mac vs any other computer as she's been hearing mixed reviews. Here's what I wrote:

A computer nerd once told me that you can't say Mac vs. PC because Macs are PCs (personal computers). So really, you're trying to find out if you want a Mac or any other kind of computer out there: Dell, HP, Gateway, Vaio, etc. I have used just about every kind of computer there is. I was a non-Mac user for about 18 years. Once I came to Rowan, I started using the Mac labs and fell in love with their aesthetics, quick and efficient command functions, free downloads, wireless and sharing capabilities, and overall ease.

I don't really think it matters what you're going to use the Mac for. People say that it depends what you're using a computer for and then you'll be able to decide which to get: a Mac or anything else. The truth is, when I went to the Apple store to get my MacBook, I asked the sales guy to tell me why I should buy a Mac and he didn't really have any good reasons.

I had used iTunes on my Gateway laptop, a music player that was made for Macs and always froze my old laptop. It's been a year since I purchased my computer and iTunes has yet to freeze on me.

The Apple website has tons of free downloads for your computer from recipe organizers to weather alerts. I search for new downloads pretty much every month and stock my computer with new wallpapers and themed digital post-it notes so forgetting things is a little harder than it used to be.

My Gateway laptop started to freeze, slow down, delete random files, disconnect from the internet and become too heavy about six months after I bought it. It was around this time that I considered going the Mac route. I have had very little problems with my computer, it's pretty light, and holds an internet connection. I still think its one of the best purchases I've ever made--besides my car.

You can wirelessly print to machines in other rooms. You can color code desktop folders. You can hold down the command, shift and "number 4" keys to take pictures of anything on your screen. You can have all your applications open at once without it being cluttered. You can close a program's windows without actually closing the program (so you can download stuff from the internet while the browser is closed). The computer comes with its own e-mail application which can import emails from your other addresses. You can download freeware, like word processors and presentation makers for free. You can video chat and take pictures with the touch of a button.

However, I suggest that if you do want to get a Mac you go big. Laptop's are nice for students, but when I'm out of college I want the ones with the big screens. You can have tons of windows open at once. You can watch a video while typing an email, while designing something in Photoshop, while downloading a program. You can watch movies like your computer screen is your TV screen. What you're going to be using your computer for is related to the size, not the type of computer to buy. So, instead of deciding on whether or not you should buy a Mac you should ask yourself which Mac you'd like to buy.

Once you go Mac you never go back. They are a lot of money, but last longer and come with more options--including AppleCare and troubleshooting services. I must warn you, it's a little hard to make the switch, but once you do it's totally worth it. You should go to the Apple store knowing why you want a Mac, you shouldn't have to ask the sales guy why you should be getting one.

I knew I couldn't remember everything because my MacBook has become inherent in my everyday life. So I asked my Mac friends to tell me their reasons for choosing one over anything else and here they are:

-No viruses
-Fast
-User friendly
-Pretty
-Easy
-Simple
-Logical
-Expands technological skills--Macs are becoming the standard in every industry
-Compatible
-Microsoft platform-friendly (you can still have Microsoft Word if you don't want to use freeware)
-Organized
-Reliable
-Nicer features

So there ya go. Walk into the Apple store knowing why you're spending those Benjamin's and enjoy your new toy, best friend, workspace, book editor, baby, other
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