I just bought an iMac

I’ve just bought my very first Apple - a nice 24″ 2.8GHz iMac.

The process wasn’t entirely smooth, as it flagged a potential fraud alert on my credit card, refused the order the first time.

I had to spend 15 minutes running through the bank’s anti-fraud checks before I could make an order that would complete.

There have been some compelling push/pull reasons for buying into Apple, so I’ll list these below:

1. Push: Vista is a bit crap

Windows Vista offers me nothing but a prettier interface with huge resource consumption, and additionally a whole string of potential compatibility issues. I am given absolutely no compelling reason to use Vista.

2. Push: Window’s poor security

My main PC is a business PC, which contains loads of confidential data, such as site logins, bank details, etc. The continuing poor security situation with Windows OS means I am constantly exposed to major security threats, via malware, virus, trojans and worms. I cannot afford to see my main business computer compromised.

Because of both of the above reasons, I’d already made the decision that either an Apple or Linux machine would be my next purchase.

However, a definite strong pull took me to Apple:

3. Pull: Production suite

The really big pull for getting an Apple is a music program called Logic. I used to do music sequencing on PC and tried a few programs, but Logic was easily my favourite. But now it’s an Apple-only app.

I want to turn my Apple into a full blown production suite, for composing and editing music and film, and while a PC could do that, I’m already sold on the better usability and reliability of the software available for Apple.

Of course, the jump from Windows to Apple isn’t going to be utterly smooth - I’m still tied to proprietary software such as Office and Outlook for the time being.

So I’m going to use Apple’s Boot Camp facility to run an install of Windows XP to manage proprietary files, which migrating over time to using Apple apps.

The release of Leopard and Boot Camp have been definite plus points on the side of Apple, and help make it easier to move as a Windows user to becoming an Apple, so I’m taking advantage of those.

In the meantime, I’m going to embrace Apple and its culture, and enjoy the ride.

I guess now I will truly be iBrian. :)