It isn’t long after entering the realm of blogging and social media that one becomes acutely aware of the godly power of Google.
-Google is far and away the most commonly used search engine.
-Google dangles its top secret algorithm, almost tauntingly so, at big business and SEO gurus alike.
-With a click of a mouse, Google can knock out major players like JCPenneys for not playing by the rules.
And if that isn’t enough? Don’t forget that “Google” has become a verb.
That right there makes them the King Bad Ass.
I dare not mess with Google, this I know. Though very recently I became aware of another force to be reckoned with in this world. And that force? Is Apple.
I’ve had my iPhone for 3.5 weeks now, and have already been sent a few gentle reminders as to Apple’s stronghold over me. If I was smart, these reminders should have been enough. Shame on me for not heeding these warnings and further endangering myself.
And shame on me for thinking Macs weren’t worth their cost.
My faithful, supportive tweeps saw the blood bath unfold over the past few days, and were there, holding my hand, telling me it was going to be OK.
I’ve known for a while that my HP laptop was reaching the end of its life, and for almost as long, have been enduring Craig’s unrelenting persistence on the awesomeness and superiority that is a Mac laptop.
All this, yet I resisted.
I hemmed and hawed.
I argued.
I made valid points to the contrary.
Practically speaking, it was just too much of a splurge. How could I really justify the cost?
Well, I did find a way to justify the cost.
Or at least temporarily.
Our voyage to Best Buy yielded MacBook Pro #1 instead of the Dell I had been eyeing. Upon returning home, I placed my new, uber-expensive Mac on the table and walked away. The day turned into night, and the night into morning. Still that Mac remained happily ensconced in its factory-issued cardboard case.
All of this drove Craig crazy. He did not understand why I wasn’t sure enough to break the seal. Though at the same time, he wanted me to make a decision and be done with it. After too much discussion he uttered, “If you are this unsure about opening the Mac, then that’s a sign. Let’s take it back and get you the Dell.”
I felt amazing relief when he headed out the door to return the Mac. A short while later, he returned home with my new Dell and I opened the box with glee. I plugged it in, turned it on and began set-up. But when I opened my 2nd browser tab, I heard the all-to-familiar-and-incredibly-dreadful sound of the fan kicking on. You see, my HP laptop has chronic problems with “running hard,” staying cool and maintaining performance. At least a few times a day I have to Ctrl-Alt-Delete my browser because my fan is running on high and my computer is unresponsive. I’ve learned to adapt to it over time, but that problem is one I’m yearning to escape, so hearing that fan kick on made my heart sink.
Craig noticed my lack of enthusiasm immediately, and after dinner, he took the Dell back to Best Buy to return it and – you guessed it – buy me MacBook Pro #2.
I was as happy as a clam when he returned home with it, and got it opened and running within a few minutes. I installed iWork, and all was right with the world come bed time that night. But when morning came, I was hit with a one-two punch by the Almighty Apple.
My brand new, freshly opened MacBook would not start. In fact, it was totally dead.
A call to Apple Support and a follow-up visit to Best Buy confirmed my greatest fear: my MacBook was DOA and I needed a new one. When I left the store that morning, I left with brand new MacBook Pro #3.
Now my precious, sacred baby is at home, nestled snuggly into bed. It’s getting the proper attention and care it expects. And it’s getting the best pampering a laptop could imagine.
I firmly believe Apple was punishing me for ever doubting its products.
But Apple? I now bow down to you.
Consider me schooled.
I promise that it will never happen again.
Have you ever had buyer’s remorse over a big purchase? What type of computer do you have?
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I’m very pleased to be guest posting over at Mom Went Crazy today, sharing a funny conversation I had with Kate for Chatelle’s Conversations with my Kids feature.
I do love Apple, yes I do. Became a convert last year. Google blows, but Apple’s fab. Good decision, Liz.
Best title to a post, ever.
I want to know what you thought about the wedding? Will there be a recap post? And did I catch a photo of you in the flesh over on Lori’s blog?
How do I say this?
When you blog about computers/latptops/tech aides you just kick ass.
This is surely your calling.
Just like mine is foolishness? This stuff is your porn.
This is a ridiculously awesome comment. I know what you mean, but you SO make me laugh!
Also? Thanks for hopping over to Mom Went Crazy!
this post kinda makes me want to go agnostic or atheist or maybe just luddite.
i get overwhelmed by all the tech choices/options/needs to upgrade.
sigh. maybe i’m just old
I don’t know if you recall my iPhone story but similarly, I resisted Apple and was punished. I also received a Mac Book last summer and returned it (typing on a Dell right now). Kinda regret it though. Apple is THE best for photo editing and such. Anyway, one thing at a time. First I’ll master the iPhone, then I’ll consider the Mac Book. Good luck and keep me posted!
I once bought a leather sofa, loveseat, and chair, and then I adopted two cats about a month later. Enough said, I imagine.
I love the idea of google being King Bad Ass. And yeah for your happy new love affair with your MacBook Pro!
I recently got a MacBook Pro! This thing sings! I got it after my old Mac laptop died, but I had that one for nearly 7 years. And actually, Apple has had me in its spell since they first came out. Seriously – I have only owned Macs over the past (gulp) 20 years!
Oh my goodness – 7 years?!?! That has got to be a record!
I would totally love a Mac, but my hubby is totally resistant. I need to think of a way to get him to change his mind!
I’m a Mac fan, DH is a PC fan. After YEARS of arguing, we finally bought a Mac desktop (still had a Dell laptop). DH is sooooo in love with the Mac. The laptop has died and he’s pining over the iPads. Trust me; he’ll LOVE it.
I have buyers remorse over the house we own. Sigh… that could be a blog on it’s own. http://www.WTFWhereWeThinking.com
My iPod, however? Awesome wrapped in awesomeness.
I’ve had an apple my whole life. My dad’s been devoted to the eighties and I followed suit. Once you go Apple, you never go back. I guarantee it.
Funny…I had an apple and went back. I just got too good on a pc as a banker and now, even in the Apple stores, they admit that I have invested so much time and money in PCs and programs for them that I may not love the Mac. How funny is that? I stump the geniuses!
I have a Dell too. I’m not particularly devoted to any one brand. I think I could do a Mac just fine
Man, I hate Macs. I have a PC, my hubby has a Mac. My business website is run out of the Mac. So I use it semi-regularly. And there are times when his is handy and mine is not so I use his. At first I thought I didn’t like it because I wasn’t used to it. But I’m used to it now. I just hate the damn thing. I’ll fiddle on my little tiny phone screen rather than using it whenever I can.
I used to be a PC and I swore I’d never convert.
I, too have been eating my words for a little over a year now.
I heart Apple and everything they do, make and/or want me to buy!
I’m glad you sorted out your computer problems. I loved my mac and was so sad when I lost it in the divorce. Sadly I am using an ancient HP, but I hope someday to go back to the mac. They are really awesome computers. I hope you continue to be happy with yours!
That’s a great story, Liz, with a happy ending. I have a Gateway PC and a pink Sony laptop. I love them both but they are both coming up on their 3rd and 4th b-day which is just about the life span of a computer, so I’ll be shopping soon. But I don’t think I’ll switch over to Apple only because my son is going to college this year and then there goes my geek guy. Good luck and have fun with your new computer.
Welcome to the land of Macs! They are such powerful beings. I have tried going back to a PC several times now, but I just can’t do it. Even the keys mess me up on a PC now when I attempt to do anything my little command button does for me.
If you ever want an iChat buddy just say! I have none yet other then the Hubby and he’s pretty boring to talk to on iChat when he’s across the room
I am an Apple Girl and have been since college (1996). I love Macs…and I think you made the right decision. You will fall in absolute love with it. Plus…it’s so pretty!!!
Glad you’ve found “the way”
Hahaha…this was great! I too have converted to Apple and I do love it. We have PC desktop, and I’ve heard so many good things about Macs, so I figured this way, we’d have both. I’m glad I can work on both. And Macs really are so easy. Welcome to the dark side.
Liz, I’m so happy for you! I know it was a struggle, but I think when you look back on it all in a year, you’ll be SOO thrilled with your decision.
I admit – I’m a HUGE fan of Apple. Though I actually have serious concerns over their use of child and sweatshop labor. (I’m aware that all other tech companies do the same, I just am upset w/Apple because they’re the one I use.) And every time I think about it, I become sad inside.
(Man, this is a pointlessly depressing comment. Clearly I should take a nap and come back with something better!)