Chuck’s World

Back during the Christmas holidays, my mom and dad purchased their first Mac. Their choice was a Macbook laptop. They got it during one of the multiple trips to the Apple store in Charlotte, NC that I dragged them to. We don’t have an Apple store in Mississippi. This past weekend Debbie’s mom and dad purchased their first Mac. Their choice was a 24 inch iMac. Each family had a different set of needs, which was the reason for the difference in choices. I think they both picked the right one for them.

A lot had to fall in place for this weekend, because we had to time the visit with a high speed internet installation. I think it all worked out well though. The old was moved out, the new was setup and the ISP install went without any problems. There has been a lot to learn for all for all of them. The Mac is a different world. A better world in my opinion, but still different with new things to learn. I have been impressed that they were willing to have the patience to tackle it. So far, I think they have done well. I just hope in the end, they feel good about their decision and enjoy their new Apple computers.

If their experience becomes something they truly enjoy and not just another computer purchase, then I will be happy.

Maybe I am shallow and a geek, but this cracked me up…

About three years ago I was introduced to Apple computers. My friend JC had one and I was able to try it out first hand. From that point on, I was hooked. Even though I have worked and played on Windows all my life, Mac OS X just felt right. Everything worked and worked well. It was intuitive and fun. And their design is best described as “simple elegance”.

A lot of people I know, who have used Windows all their life, think I am crazy. It’s the whole “Go get a Mac if you want to, but I will stick with a real computer” mantra. I would guess most of those people have never used a Mac. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone passionate about a PC, but there are plenty of Mac users passionate about their Macs. Not sure I can explain it. If you don’t believe me, next time you need to buy a computer, go try one out. You might find you want to move away from Microsoft’s Windows.

All that said, a couple of years ago I was able to get my first Mac. Unfortunately, instead of an Apple I got a Lemon or so it seems. My Powerbook has been in for repair twice and I woke up this morning only to find that it looks like I have another complete motherboard failure. I tried to power it on. Nothing, Nada, no noise, no fan, no lights and no video. Rather frustrating…

So, it was time to call Apple’s Technical Support once again. I am hoping this time around, Apple will take the high road and realize this machine needs to be replaced and not repaired again. The support specialist is going to talk with executive relations on Monday. He said I would know something by then. I hope so anyway. I have several projects I need/want to get working on and I have no backup computer.

I still love Macs and this won’t keep me from getting another in the future. All computer companies have their share of “lemons”. I have seen them at work with IBM and Dell. I just hope Apple gets it right this time around. It doesn’t matter how great a computer is, if you can’t use it.

They say when life gives you lemons you should make lemonade. I don’t want lemonade, just an Apple that works!

Here’s hoping Mr. Jobs feels the same way…

For my Dad who thinks I am a geek and is probably right. I thought this might make you laugh!

I wonder if Deb would fall for this…

Apple debuts their iPhone today. This looks to be the beginning of the kind of phone I have waited for years to come out. I won’t be in the middle of the chaos today, but to a degree I understand why a lot of people are. I hope it turns out to be a great success. I love it when someone comes along and wakes up an industry, especially when it involves technology.

I got to visit my first Apple Store this week. It wasn’t the above 5th Avenue store, but it was still fun! Hopefully, I will get to go to New York again soon!