dria.org

Apparently all the cool kids are starting to buy Macs. In my experience, this is true. Many of the people I hold near and dear are now using Macs as their primary computers. Many other people I know really, really want a Mac (likely a Mac mini to start). These are not purely arty types, either — we’re talking some high end hackers, here.

I am a recent convert, of course. Once upon a time, not so long ago, I said something along the lines of, “I hate iPods“. The problem, of course, was that I had never actually used one. Then, I did.

It was at that point that I realized that computers, portable gadgetry, and the software that runs it all doesn’t have to suck. This was a major revelation. Like suddenly experiencing a headache-free day after a lifetime of migraines. Now, of course, I love iPods. I also love iTunes. (I’m currently using iTunes to listen to David Byrne’s radio station.) I own my very own iPod (40g 4th generation) now. I have come alarmingly close to buying both an iPod mini and an iPod shuffle, but have managed to resist so far. If they ever issue an orange 6gb iPod mini, I will probably cave in.

This is where the halo effect kicks in (iHalo). Shortly after buying my iPod, I found myself buying a G5 PowerMac. A few months later, when I was changing jobs (finally), and was asked what sort of laptop I needed, I giddily requested a PowerBook. And thus, the conversion is complete. We are a pure Apple household at this point, save for two legacy Windows machines we keep around for gaming (but use less and less).

It’s not just because iPods are cool, of course. Macs are solid hardware running UNIX with a phenomenally well-designed and easy-to-use front end. They really are the best of all possible worlds, unless you start wading around in the ideological mosh pit surrounding free software. I’m not going to go there, however, since right now I’m just happy to have a computer that doesn’t suck.

Anyhow, if someone asked me what computer I would recommend, be it for hardcore hackery or simple web surfing, I would strongly suggest getting a Mac. Even more so now with Mac OSX Tiger on the way. Oh boy!