A FEW years ago, most people would think twice about

buying a Mac. It was then when a Mac was nothing more

than an overpriced gadget. But now, a single stroll through

the Gonzaga cafeteria will disprove those obsolete notions,

simply because one can now find that many of these

laptops owned by students practically glow with an Apple

logo. Mac laptops or notebook computers (Apple insists to

call them with the latter) have become so popular (not to

mention, regular) in the Ateneo that if you’re one of those

who own one or consider owning one soon, it maybe

good to ask whether they are merely a fashionable item or

actually something worth investing in.

Function or Fashion?

What is it about Mac laptops that make them so attractive

to a potential laptop buyer?

Noela Dela Cerna (II BS CTM) got a black MacBook in her

freshman year. She was originally skeptical, but she made

the big switch finding that Windows Vista was too slow for

her needs. Indeed, Apple boasts of its high performance,

taking cue from their website that says, “With the latest Intel

processors and other engineering leaps, a new Mac does

all the things that only a Mac can do — at an astonishing

speed.” Mac provides an easy and automatic detection to

wireless networks, and is designed in a more secure fashion

leaving almost no room for viruses and malware to thrive.

The Mac Photo Booth is also a particular delight, with its

ability to capture pictures and implement custom effects.

Still according to her, there are people who do get a Mac

laptop just because it is a Mac, in contrast to those who

purchase it out of functionality and need.

Eric Andres (II BS MIS) also got a white MacBook as his first

laptop. According to him, his MacBook boots up a lot quicker

than most Windows-based computers and the graphics are

more pleasing than what he is ordinarily used to. He finds

that it definitely came in handy as it was lighter than most

laptops at the time (this was before the MacBook Air was

released) and it came with a built in microphone and iSight

camera.

However, he did find it hard to switch, given that he had to

learn new keyboard shortcuts for the Mac OS. To him, it

is undeniably a trend, as some people do use it to make a

fashion statement. He says in Filipino, “May mga tao na maya’tmaya

nag-fo Photo Booth or yung mga tao na pinapalabas

ang lahat ng features ng Keynote para mapakita lang ang

kanilang Mac.” (There are people who constantly use Photo

Booth and bring out all the features of Keynote just to show

off their Macs).

The Informed Choice

For Becky*, Macs were designed for designers and the

increasing popularity of it seems to defeat the purpose it

originally was made for. She finds it irritating that there are

some “poseurs” who get Macs to make themselves look

“cool.” But whether you’re looking for the supposed “cool”

factor, or are really after making the most of its capabilities,

there are things that one must know before switching:

1. Contrary to popular belief, there are viruses for Macs, though they aren’t as prominent as they are with Windows. With

the rising popularity of the Mac, hackers and virus-creators are now eyeing them as their next target.

2. People may say that Macs are easy to use, but they do have a learning curve. Many of the keyboard shortcuts from

Windows computers and laptops are different from the keyboard shortcuts on a Mac computer.

3. The biggest Mac woe, especially for those who do a lot of presentations, is that Apple notebook computers do not have

the usual VGA port used to connect to projectors. A special connector must be bought to be able to use your Apple

notebook computer on the projectors around the Ateneo campus.

4. MacBooks are known to heat up very quickly. This can be uncomfortable when using your MacBook on your lap. Apple

insists that MacBooks are not “lap tops” but rather “notebook computers.” Certain MacBook stands such as the iLap are

available to help with heat dissipation.

5. Windows is still the primary choice for gamers. Though more and more games are becoming available for the Mac, hardcore

gamers are generally not the target for Mac computers. This often leads to difficulty finding Mac-compatible gaming

software.

Macs are certainly growing in popularity, but aside from that, practicality is ought to be considered. Before you go off to

your nearest Apple store, consider the purpose in mind – what are you going to use it for? After weighing the pros and

cons of getting one, and if you are willing to invest your moolah on it, be sure that it’s worth feeling the pinch. After all, it is

up to how each and every user maximizes the capacity of his or her gizmo.

* Names have been changed in order to protect the identity of the interviewee.

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