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USA Today: Thoughts on Switching to a Mac

by , 1:20 PM EST, December 6th, 2007

Many consumers are pondering the switch to Mac this holiday season. For those who are, Edward Baig has provided a most cogent synopsis of what makes the Macintosh so appealing at USA Today on Wednesday.

In what may be one of the best written and balanced essays ever on why potential Switchers should consider Mac, Mr. Baig covers all the bases. He started with why users love their Macs: "It's like explaining the difference between a Buick and a BMW. Both get you from here to there, only the ride is generally smoother and more fun. Put another way, Windows users tolerate their computers to get stuff done. The Mac crowd enjoys its machines, whether managing music in iTunes or pictures in iPhoto."

Then Mr. Baig turned to the look and feel of Macs. People enjoy their design, and they enjoy touching them. The industrial design sets the Mac apart from the crowd.

While Macs aren't immune from occasional malware and will, on occasion lock up, Mr. Baig didn't fall for the trap that since the Mac, being a machine, does have occasional minor problems, that means all computers are the same.

For those who just have to have some business software, Mr, Baig pointed out the availability of MS Office for the Mac. And when Windows itself is needed, Boot Camp and Virtualization were nicely explained.

The myth that Macs are more expensive was busted, while the fact that Macs aren't the supreme game machines that PCs have come to be was pointed out.

After covering all the bases in sober, sensible style, Mr. Baig wrapped up a balanced assessment, "Apple owners heap lavish praise on Macs for good reason. These are solid and elegant computers that are well worth your consideration."

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:Guest
Subject: Great article

This article should be sent to all non Mac users you know who are considering the switch. It is clear and concise and not full of fan boy Windoze bashing.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Long Live the Mac

I love articles like this. Articles that promote the Mac. I despise the typical Windows user mentality. The more people that buy a Mac the better. The many jackass software companies that have always dismissed and ignored the Mac will soon be forced to develop software for the Mac if they want to continue selling their software. I love that. Forced to change by their own ignorance. Attention all you windows only software developers..... Rise and shine, it’s time to wake up. These articles are indeed great promo for the Mac. Personally, I would love to see Microsoft go out of business. Long live the Mac.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Interesting... the page crashes Safari

I've tried to access Mr Baig's article a number of times now, and each time it crashes Safari. I've never seen that before! I blame Windows. Why not?

Close Name:Guest
Subject: baloney it loads fine

No problem loading from my Mac with Safari.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: USA Today article on Macs

I agree with the Dec 07 post: my experience has been that the page does crash when you try to access the above article via Safari.

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