Monday, February 28, 2011

To go Pro or not to go Pro

I did it!   Wasn't easy, truly wasn't.   I now have a Mac Book Pro with a dual core processor.   I could have simply gotten the Macbook for $40.00 less, but I felt the difference was worth it for the Aluminum unibody if no other reason at all.  

Since the new Pros came out with the i5 and i7 processors the older ones have really come down in price, which I took advantage of....  

I have been told by endless mac users about how easy the mac is to setup etc, well I really don't see any difference.   I had to patch the OS just like windows, and I'm having to install office just like windows.  There really isn't a whole lot of difference from windows....  

Hardware - from a purely technical spec point of view this system was not a good deal at all.  The processor is a generation behind, but it does have 4gb of ram and a 250gb hd.  From that point of view I paid at least twice the value for this computer.    Quality and feel???   I must say that I am very impressed with the fit and finish of this piece of equipment.  The keyboard is a absolute pleasure to type on, and having a backlit keyboard is something I am really enjoying too.     The feel of the unibody construction is solid if nothing else.  

I feel as if I am speaking out of both sides of my mouth, and I guess I am.  I guess it comes down to this.  I really don't see the big deal with the software, but I am enjoying the hardware.  Not to happy as to why I had to purchase this darn thing either....  

Those are my thoughts....    What are yours.....

MACs what is the big deal

It seems like more and more these days I am finding myself working on macs, and to be honest it can be a struggle.   The things are so different from a Window gui, you almost think they do their best to make it as different as possible...  in some cases it is an exact mirror opposite of windows. 

Regardless, I find myself about to walk out the door and purchase one.   I find it terribly troubling to force myself to by one.   Why is it, I have such a mental block when it comes to these things.  The hardware is great and the QA is great, I suppose it is just the fact that I feel I must purchase one and I don't want to purchase one.

I will keep you apprised of my delve into the mac world.   I already have my plans to become mac certified.  Another cert is all that I need.

Home Server Followup

MS Home Server is worth it.   I cannot say anything negative in reference to this device other than MS is about to change it which I really do not like.  

Drive Pooling works wonders in the current release and will not come with the next version, however I have heard that there are some 3rp party vendors that will have it available as a option in the new release.

My current configuration of the home server is 7TB of storage, and I'm using this space to backup files from select clients which gives them a form of offsite backups.  I also use it to keep all of my photos movies and other digital treasures in, not to mention keeping full backups of all of my families pc's.  Truly a great value if for nothing other than that.