I’ve been stunned by the number of helpful comments on my most recent switching to Mac post, some very specifically answering my question about virtualisation, and others giving general encouragement. I think the enthusiasm and helpfulness is itself a reason to consider switching. In fact, I’ve decided to make a static page referencing these posts for those who want to follow my journey and offer further advice. It’s my intention that I will blog the process of switching when I finally do it.
Thanks especially for the links to discussion or Parallels versus Fusion, and the comments about that. It will matter for the first few months, since I can’t afford to change all my software at the same time as the hardware.
I want to respond to some of the many comments here a bit more fully, so that I can clarify one or two things, and why the reasons I’ve already given remain the main reasons for me. I’m sure other people will have other reasons which are more important to them.
Cost. I agree (and have said) that the costs like-for-like are roughly comparable. It is true, however, that it is possible to buy a really cheap PC that is adequate. If, for example, I suddenly developed a major and expensive problem with my car, I would be forced to go that route in the short term, and come back to buying a Mac when finances were again in a bit better shape.
Laptop or desktop. In the end, my particular pattern of working probably means both (not least so that two users can be active simultaneously). One of the things I’m waiting for is the release of a new iMac, which is probably due, and certainly heavily rumoured to be due, in the next few weeks.
Support. One kind commenter asked whether I could be sure I had enough support. If everyone around me was on Windows, did that mean I might be cut off from help if I had a problem. Well, the number of comments on that post suggest it won’t be a problem, but in any case, I’m usually the one who helps other people with their problems.
User experience. I expect using a Mac to be a good user experience, however, I can honestly say that I’ve found using Windows to be a good one too. I know people say that “With a Mac I can just get things done” but I’ve found that has been my normal experience on Windows, especially with XP. It’s also true that some of the graphics and DTP lists I subscribe to suggest that there are always times when whatever the OS, there’s a gremlin there waiting to trip you up. With anything as complex as a modern computer and OS, it’s actually amazing that this doesn’t happen more often.
Viruses etc. I know many people regard this as a big selling point for OS X. However, I haven’t had a virus problem, ever, on Windows, nor indeed a malware, spyware, trojan or anything else problem, mainly because I keep my security up-to-date. It’s not a big deal for me. The problem (which is a real one) is due, I think, less to the sheer number of Windows viruses in the wild, and more to the fact that there’s a very high percentage of computing novices and ignoramuses on Windows.
So thanks again everyone who’s commented to date.
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