It’s true. And believe me, I never thought I would be standing anywhere near it. If you had even suggested it a few years ago, I would have laughed and cried so hard at the same time, grape soda would have shot out my nose. And it didn’t even happen quickly. There was no frenzy, no drug induced tizzy. It started because when I came to ThinkGeek, I decided that if I was going to support Macs, it might make sense for me to have one as a desktop (since it was the one platform I was the least comfortable with).
And the first one’s always free, isn’t it? Don’t get me wrong, I love my MacBook – its got the tools of a solid *nix desktop, all wrapped up and covered in a functioning GUI that’s actually mature (unlike some desktop engines I could name). And there’s actually real software for it! Sold in stores! And SUPPORTED!?! Plus, and I know you’ve heard me mention this before, Scrivener is native on it. But it was still the first step towards the cult of Apple.
Then I got the iPhone (for work, for work I repeated to myself). And I got kind of used to being able to do ten million things on it – plus make phone calls! I’ve read entire books on it, composed chapters, and kept myself on track. I actually need to take some time to back away from the app gluttony (although I bet there’s an app for that…), but the iPhone is certainly a nice sidekick.
A few weeks ago, though, I solidified my decision to get a new eReader. I’d had my first generation kindle for a few years, but I found myself reading more on my iPhone. I cleaned up the Kindle, put some kid friendly books on it, and gave it to our eldest, who now has a new way to spend her weekly allowance (and one I approve of more than her middle sister’s decision to spend her allowance on ice cream every Friday). So when the check arrived for my side job, I knew what I had to do. Naturally, my thoughts turned to the iPad – it is, after all, like a big iPhone, right? Right. Price tag included. A little (lot) of sticker shock later, I realized that what I really needed, aside from having my head examined, was a better Kindle. I knew better than to hesitate, and am now the proud owner of a DX (hey, if you’re going for new and shiny, go for ostentatious and humongous while you’re at it!). And the monster of an eReader is still cheaper than the base model of iPad. Granted, had I realized going into it that Amazon had dropped some features from the Kindle, like the expandable memory card slot, I might not have jumped quite so quickly, but I am not the least bit regretful over my decision. Books look awesome on this generation of Kindle, and before you paper bound critics speak up, I have two large libraries and decreasing free space at home – and one of those libraries is loadable on the Kindle.
But, boy, was that close. I almost joined the cult of Apple. Can you believe it?? Time to take a step back and breathe deeply.
I joined that cult for a while. I left with the sad realization that ALL platforms currently stink for one reason or another. This one is a walled garden, that one wants to do everything their own way, the other one is constantly a couple of years behind the curve… I think in the end it’s all about your preferred philosophy and what you can get away with professionally.
I’d prefer Linux 24×7 personally (most of the time at least) but I handle too much “windows specific” stuff at times not to use it. Then there’s the unavoidable innovation coming from Apple in the tablet market, followed closely behind by Android (but even with Google’s backing it’s behind the curve). I mean, what’s a geek to do?
Shew don wan some ceeessseee operating system.
Shew wan a man’s operating system.
Its called Debian.
Windows was made to run in a virtual machine; infrequently.
Macs were made for dudes who color-coordinate their clothes.
Linux was made for manly men.
I used to be in that camp. Then I decided I wanted something fully functional that did what I wanted, instead of adapting myself to what the program wanted. Each OS has its advantages and it disadvantages – none of them, none of them, are perfect. It really comes down to what you need to use the computer for, and what you expect to get back from it. If you want a gamer rig, you’re an idiot to put Linux on there. You want to develop code and don’t have the luxury of having non-desktop, dedicated hardware, then you’re an idiot to do it on windows (unless you’ve completely embraced that vile empire). But to deride all OS’s isn’t fair to any of them. I actually have found the mac somewhat elegant – especially since i’m a keystroke away from a native bash terminal. But really, it should always be to each his own. You know. Freedom. Like in Beer.
Oh, and Debian? It isn’t an operating system. Its a flavor of Linux distribution, but the operating system is actually the kernel and the components that directly interface with it, not the label of the packager.
And at work, unrulygrrl99 (who is taking krav maga) would kick your ass for the manly men comment. Just saying.
Wow; spoken like a true law/government major.
I was trying to be funny and you’re all captain serious on my ass.
Sorry Mr.IRS 🙂