So the family computer crashed this week. It's quite old and instead of paying money to fix it, I thought it was time to replace it. However in thinking through the past 5 years I have owned it, I realized that it might be time for a change. I am considering replacing it with a Mac. For those that know me well, you probably thought those words would never come out of my mouth.
While most pro-Microsoft users can't stand the new Apple commercials with the PC guy and the Mac guy, I was able to relate very well. Since upgrading my own laptop to Vista, and the various issues I have had in the past with the other Windows computers in my house, those commercials really struck a cord with me.
Ever since I was 12, when I installed my first Operating system (MS-DOS, pre-windows, pre-internet, etc.), I have always used Microsoft operating systems and know quite a bit about computers and Windows. In fact I hold quite a few Microsoft certifications and have made a great living from this knowledge. However, just because I know how to fix them and am quite capable, doesn't mean I want to spend my time fixing things.
The longer I work with technology, the more I just want it to work. I am tired of tweaking settings, installing patches, configuring anti-virus software, scanning for spyware, etc. I use my own laptop for work every day and can keep it in good working order simply because I am the only one who uses it and am aware of all the changes made to it. However the family computer has 4 kids using it every day and I never know the state it is in. It seems like a very regular event for a child to approach me and say "Dad, the computer is messed up. I can't [insert issue here]...".
So since I have never owned a Mac, I am looking for some data. I have been researching and asking questions, and I am having a hard time filtering out the fanatics that claim Mac can do no wrong and that OS X is perfect, to the Mac sucks crowds. Is there any objective data out there? If there are any of you out there who can offer objective advice, bring it on.
