101 Reasons to Switch to a Mac

11. Macs Do Windows

If you stick with Windows, you're stuck with Windows and Windows software.

If you switch to a Mac, you get the world's most powerful and attractive operating system, some of the world's easiest-to-use software, and, if you want it, the capability to run Windows and Windows software, too.

Using Boot Camp (free from Apple.com), you can choose whether your Intel-based Apple computer boots up as a Mac or a PC. With Parallels Desktop ($79.00 from parallels.com), you can run Windows (or Linux, or even DOS, if you like) and Windows software in a window on your Mac. CrossOver ($59.95 from codeweavers.com), still in development, promises to run many Windows programs, even if you don't have Windows installed on your Mac.

Windows don't do Macs -- but Macs do Windows. Why limit your options?

10. They're Compatible

When I was a dedicated Windows user, I would panic every time a friend said, "I'm switching to a Mac."

After catching my breath, I would adopt my most menacing tone and ask, "Do you need to be compatible with the computers at your office? Do you want to be able to read email from your friends who use Windows? Do you want to be able to share files with friends and co-workers?"

And those things were harder to do on a Mac -- in 1984. Today, though, almost every professional software package is available for both Macs and PCs. There's no need for translation software or special formats, because files created on the Mac open easily on the PC -- and vice-versa.

Need to communicate, share files, and get work done with Windows-based friends? No worries. Macs get along with PC's better than ever.

9. The Apple Store

Shopped for a Windows computer lately? No two Big Box stores carry the same models, making comparison shopping difficult. The meager information on store display cards won't help you understand the difference between a Maximon Pro II and the Acceleroid III processor. And the sales reps? Don't get me started.

At the Apple Store, everything Apple sells is powered up and accessible. I can try out the MacBook, jump to the MacBook Pro, compare that to the Mac Mini, and then test-drive the iMac. Displays clearly explain the differences among models. The reps aren't pushy, and they know what they're talking about.

As you shop for your next computer, stop by the Big Box store, and then go to the Apple Store nearest you. Which store made you feel more empowered? More in touch with the products? More at home?

8. Easy Software Installation

The first time I installed new software on my Mac, the process went so smoothly, I was sure I'd done something wrong.

I was used to Windows: find the install.exe file, double-click it, agree to terms, pick a subdirectory for the installation, click OK, and wait (and wait). I was also used to post-installation troubleshooting -- since, all too frequently, new programs, unable to find a necessary .dll file, crashed when launched.

On my Mac, I double-clicked the disk image file. A friendly window appeared:

I dragged the program icon to the Applications folder. When I launched the program, it ran flawlessly.

Installing software can be easy. Once After you switch to a Mac, it will be.

7. Greater Stability

When I was a Windows user, I got so used to resetting my computer, I believed frequent resets were just a necessary fact of life.

My Photoshop palettes mysteriously disappeared; I would reset. My sound-editing program committed a violation error; I would reset. My desktop icons would turn to digital blobs; I would reset.

After switching to a Mac, something dawned on me: I hadn't reset my computer in ages. Now, a year after switching, I can count on one hand the times I've been forced to reset my Mac.

Tired of resetting? Go with a Mac. Macs are more stable than Windows PCs.

6. Ready and Waiting

When I'm done with my Apple laptop, I close the lid. When I want to use it again, I open it. Macs sleep and wake on a dime. You get used to this.

By contrast, Windows PCs are insomniacs. First, you must find the obscure hibernation key combination and punch it in. Then, the hard drive makes ratcheting noises. Next, a message appears onscreen -- "Please wait" -- along with a line of little boxes that ever-so-slowly fill themselves in. Sixty seconds later, the poor thing sighs and loses consciousness. (Waking the computer up, of course, requires you to go through the entire process in reverse.)

Long before a Windows PC can fall asleep or struggle awake, your Mac will be ready and waiting.

5. Faster Boots

A friend and I were in the Detroit airport. A late flight had compressed our two-hour layover down to a few precious minutes. Before boarding a long flight to Japan, we both wanted to check email.

My friend pulled out a Windows laptop; I pulled out my Mac.

My Mac booted up. I signed on to the airport's wireless network. I opened my Apple Mail program. I pulled my latest messages.

I glanced up. My friend was still waiting for Windows to boot.

Life's short. Would you rather spend time waiting for Windows-or getting things done on your Mac?

4. Easy Set Up

The last time I set up a new Windows PC, I spent a good half-hour sifting through the metric ton of packaging, trashing fourteen full-color leaflets, and peeling the third-party vendor stickers off the merchandise. After being forced to activate and register my software, I lost another half-hour Googling instructions for translating my wireless network password into a thirty[nd]character hexadecimal equivalent.

By contrast, my Mac came in an elegant box with minimal packaging. As it booted up for the first time, it asked me simple questions in plain English. It automatically found my wireless home network, asked me for the password, and connected. In fifteen minutes, I was good to go.

Want to start working or playing as soon as possible? Setting up a Mac is easy.

Hawk Wings Reviews 101 Reasons

Mail.app guru Tim Gaden -- whose web site, HawkWings.net, is one of the 101 Reasons to Switch to a Mac -- just posted a great review of the book:

[101 Reasons to Switch to a Mac] covers a wide range of pretty persuasive arguments, from the obligatory “it just works” to the best apps for Mac, web sites, useful blogs ... [Mark] also presents a great rebuttal of myths about the lack of inter-operability and the much debated question of "value for money."

Of course, this would make excellent reading for those teetering on the brink of switching ... But it also contains plenty of good info for seasoned Mac users.

He has plenty more to say ... so why not check out the entire review?

3. Macs are Better for Beginners

While working as a computer instructor, I heard new computer users say the same things over and over again:

"Why do I have to click Start to shut down my computer?"

"But what if I want to uninstall Internet Explorer?"

"Why does my computer keep interrupting my work to ask questions about icons on my desktop?"

Now that I'm introducing people to the Mac, I hear very different comments:

"Is that all there is to making a DVD?"

"So I can just attach my digital camera, and my Mac does the rest?"

"How did my Mac automatically know I had hooked it up to my t.v.?"

While Windows newbies are struggling with nested menus and obscure driver issues, new Mac users are downloading music, watching movies, and getting work done. I've introduced beginners to both systems, and I'm convinced: Macs are better for beginners.