I Finally Used an Apple Product
My family got its first computer in the 90’s; it was a Windows computer from a small local store. We had to learn how to do maintenance and upgrades ourselves. That’s where I got the desire to learn more about computers. I became used to doing things myself: installing new parts, buying new devices and connecting them, repairing the operating system. I liked the idea of being in control.
Most of the computers in school were Windows. Until college, I didn’t know anyone who had an Apple computer. One of my college room mates was a graphic design major, and she had an iMac G3. But I never thought I would have anything like that.
My brother is a musician. He grew up with the same computer I did. Then he went to a music school where every computer on campus was made by Apple. After that, he got a MacBook and insisted that Apple made the best computers. But I still wasn’t convinced; I thought Apple computers were for people who couldn’t upgrade their own computers and had money to burn.
When I got a smartphone, I went with Android because I wanted to be able to insert a micro SD card. Yes, the iPhone was pretty, but what good was it if I couldn’t add more space?
As I got deeper into IT as a profession, I knew that I needed to learn more about MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads, but I kept putting it off. Then I got my first IT job where Apple computers and phones were part of the work flow. I knew I finally had to take the plunge.
First, I took some introductory online courses about macOS. It familiarized me with some terms and the look of things, but watching isn’t the same as doing. I didn’t get a MacBook, but I did get a virtual machine with Mojave. Then I bought an refurbished iPhone 7 from Amazon.
As I played with my virtual MacBook and my iPhone, I finally realized why so many people love Apple. They were easy to use and so well-designed. Not only did they work well, they were so nice to look at. There a lot of pleasing touches that appealed to my artistic side. Having a pretty exterior may not affect how the apps work, but it’s so nice to look at and hold.
I’m not going to throw out my Windows and Android computers, but now I finally appreciate Apple and see their place in the world.
