I want a Mac.

Yepp, it's true. I want to convert to the dark side. For the last year or two, anytime anyone asked me "Hey Bill, what computer should I buy?" the answer was simple: A Mac.

Okay, it was a little more complex than that. Some folks have no choice. I've got friends in Psych and Engineering classes that need to use SPSS SAS. To the best of my knowledge there's no Mac alternative. And honestly, I don't want to do the research to figure it out. Actually, telling people to get a Mac is a blow off answer of sorts; I no longer want to want to be tech support for everyone that knows me!

The most shining example (in my mind): My brother needed a new laptop about 6 months ago. I recommended a Mac. We visited the Apple Store, he asked his questions and was comfortable making the switch. I can count on one hand how many times he's called me since that day.

We all know the general appeals of a Mac. It's pretty, dead simple, intuitive and operates as advertised. Personally, I'm interested because it's pretty and every time I load up lifehacker, there's some little piece of software that I'd love to be running. Seems like Mac developers take a lot more time paying attention to the usability of their applications, just they way Papa Jobsey does. I'm down with that.

So why haven't I bought one already? It's tough to justify a computer purchase when you've got all the firepower you "need." I feel like I'd get a significant gain with managing all those new age hippie technologies like digital photos, video and maybe even blog posts. ;) And really, maybe I will make pick one up after I buy a the new digital SLR I've got my eye on. Still, it's a tough justification.

When I do buy a Mac, I'll probably replace my desktop with a slick, powerful iMac. It'll keep my desk tidy and probably will be a nice looking decoration for my home. My laptop is a bit of a different story. Currently, I have a Lenovo Thinkpad x60s. It's hands down the most solidly built laptop I've ever laid my hands on. One of my favorite features is the Verizon Wireless EV-DO built in card which lets me connect to the Internet wherever my cell phone can make a call. The x60s is smaller, has more battery life and stays connected better than any Mac laptop in the store. It goes anywhere and everywhere with ease and keeps me connected. In general, I don't see myself replacing it until there's a serious next generation data competitor out there. See WiMax. On a Mac note, the whole Apple experience would have to knock my socks off for me to ditch my precious Thinkpad.

Lunch Discussion

Over lunch with my FAU pals, conversation turned to classroom presentations. Last week I watched one of the best presentations I've ever seen. It was by Professor Lawrence Lessig at the TED Conference. Lessig is a professor of law at Sanford Law School



The talk he gave at TED, while a fantastic topic, was crafted in a way that would blow the minds of high paid consultants everywhere. Check out his talk below.