'I'm a PC,' Says My Daughter
Today is moving day for my teenage daughter. She will be switching from a Mac to a PC running Windows 7 Release Candidate. My PC buying experience for her could have been a Microsoft “Laptop Hunters” commercial.
My daughter, who online goes by “Morripopp,” had been using the higher-end aluminum MacBook. I knew she would be giving it up. On Wednesday, April 29, I told Apple that Thursday would be my last day as Microsoft Watch editor; I was joining the ranks of unemployed journalists. On Friday, I got the expected but dreaded e-mail: Apple wanted the MacBook loaner back by May 6.
It was time to return the laptop, regardless. I had bought Morripopp’s new laptop, a Sony VAIO VGN-SR290JTJ, before learning of the layoff, knowing I had the MacBook loaner long enough. I broke the news to my daughter: I couldn’t spend $1,599 plus 9.5 percent California sales tax to buy her another MacBook. She would have to settle for a model running Windows 7 RC. But I had to wait for Microsoft to release the code, which it did to MSDN and TechNet on April 30. Software goes public to the masses, tomorrow.
I wanted to give Morripopp a reasonably comparable laptop to the MacBook, but with a little zingthe Sony model is pink. Problem: When I was ready to buy, Sony had moved up to the newer SR390, which was available configure-to-order. My configurations put the price at nearly $1,500. So I searched for an affordable SR290, which a reputable eBay seller offered for $1,099.
Morripopp is a YouTube vlogger. She posts videos about makeup and fashion. She has used iMovie. Now, she will have to use something else. I’ve installed Adobe Premiere Elements 7, Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9 and Windows Movie Maker as alternatives. I’ll later blog about how that transition works.
Morripopp’s potential video software situation got me to thinking about Microsoft’s newest “Laptop Hunters” commercial, where filmmaker Sheila buys a $1,099.99 HP HDX 16t, dismissing the $1,999 15.4-inch MacBook Pro. But the commercial ignores the issue of software. Will Shelia find adequate video-editing software? Will Morripopp?
Morripopp has amassed more than 5,000 subscribers since June 2008. She’s nervous the computer switch will affect her vlogging. I could only hope to get so many subscribers when I open Vimeo and YouTube channels to support my blog. Anyone want to comment on Viddler as another option?
Do you have a switchers story that you’d like told? Please email Joe Wilcox: joewilcox at gmail dot com.
at 00:00
Switch from Mac to PC? I have a friend who is doing the same thing.
Also, I think the last PC hunter ad did not mention software because this lady may be more of a professional video editor. Therefore anything that comes bundled with an OS is not sufficient for her needs.
at 00:00
Congratulations to your daughter. This is a great thing for her–fluency in two operating systems. I have been running the Win7 beta and I love it–can’t wait to try the release candidate.
at 00:00
Vegas is really good (packed with features, really great control), so I suggest you guide her in that direction if you can (and if it suits her).
“You saved yourself $100 but you still have to find and buy some decent video editing software and actually buy that trial copy of Windows 7.”
The Windows 7 Release Candidate is free for over a year.
at 00:00
I hated those Apple commercials that were beating up on PC/Vista.
At the same time Apple was runnhing those, a few co-workers had just purchased new Mac’s – one was the Mac Air and I’m not exactly sure what the other one was – another Mac laptop but not the Air… hey, I’m a PC user all my life (except for Apple IIe in 1st grade and my iPhone) cut me some slack.
Anyway, BOTH of them had SEVERE problems with their Mac’s. For one guy, there was a software problem and it kept crashing. The other guy had such bad graphics problems that he had to send his laptop back for an exchange!
And all this time while Apple had commercials saying their computers don’t crash and all this other nonsense.
At the same time I just purchased a refurbished HP for 1/4 of the price they paid, and it’s been running Vista with no problems since I got it.
My point: don’t buy into the hype, do what works for you.
at 10:03
I almost didn’t buy this laptop, because it seemed a bit out of my ideal price range. But then I read a few articles suggesting that this laptop is such a good investment, comes with tons of software, and so solidly built that it’ll last for years. Plus with Apple computers you can use the slick, affordable iWork, instead of the expensive Microsoft Office. You can still get Office for Mac, but Apple’s iWork is so much more impressive.
I can barely begin to explain what I love about this laptop, but I’ll share with you some of my favorite features.
Aluminum “Unibody”
Not only it the laptop stunning to look at, but it feels strong and durable. No flimsy plastic casing.
Touchpad
Not only does the extra large touchpad feel amazing, but it’s been a huge boost to my productivity. Apple really has perfected the multitouch experience. Two fingers for smooth scrolling, touch one finger to click, two fingers to right-click, four to the side to switch apps, four fingers down to view/access all open windows. Efficient and fun!
Battery Life
7 hours on a single charge, according to Apple. My battery actually lasts longer, and a recent Wired article says their tests got an extra hour of battery life. Now I can finally get a full day’s work on-the-go. And it’s perfect for long flights.
Software
Turn it on and it works. Starts up fast, feels nice, looks good, responds well, works perfectly; such a different experience from Windows PC. Imagine the wonderful, intuitive iPhone/iPod experience on a laptop. Amazing.
Backlit keyboard
Such a nice touch. When the sun goes does, the MacBook senses the light change and the keyboard begins to glow.
The list goes on and on. If you have the budget for it, this laptop truly is a dream come true.