Switch. Part deux.

So yesterday in Strategic Management our discussion centered around a case reading on Apple Computers.  Given my recent conversion to the "light side" (several readers pointed out that M$FT in fact the dark side), i was ecstatic to share my recent conversion and how it changed the way i look at computers.

Sadly, many of my classmates came up to me after the class and wanted to explore my reasoning as to why i left the confines of the kingdom of Gates for the open fields of my new Jobsian paradise.  Most were exactly as misinformed as i once was; they mostly felt Microsoft was the only type of OS you could use in B-school, and that there were severe limitations to a Mac.  So how does a Mac work in the business world? 

1- Office.  Office is the premier productivity suite--- it is the gold standard.  Microsoft's biggest cash-cow has a Mac sibling, but it isn't nearly as robust as the Windows version, right?  That is oh so very incorrect.  The Mac version of Office is actually BETTER than the windows version.  Editing tools float around in one convenient box, and you can place them anywhere on the page to fit your liking.  The basic controls that are hidden by default in the Windows version are out in front on the Mac version.  Excel rocks.  Excel is sooo much better on Mac.  Formulas are easier to create (not that contrived formula lookup page) and because of the different screen layout you can see more of the workbook.  Even Powerpoint has a better interface. Oh, and did i mention Pages and Keynote (the Word and Powerpoint Mac packages) are about 100 times easier to use than the MSFT variants?  Last night i created a one-page layout with graphics and text that would have taken at least an hour in word; in Pages--- 10 minutes.  Keynote has features like "Export to Flash" or "Export to Powerpoint" that makes interoperability with any system a cinch.  You don't even need Powerpoint--- just send someone the flash version and it loads in their browser.  And just to dissuade any notions that Mac files don't work with PC's, that was true a few years ago, but today Mac handles and shares with PC's transparently. 

2- Outlook.  I haven't set up Parallels yet (to run windows on a Mac), but yes, Mac Mail is limited compared to Outlook.  This is the Achilles heel of Mac.  Owen has a webmail variant that is everything i need from exchange (calendar/mail/folders), but i still wish the Mac version included the scheduling components from Exchange.  If they could get Calendar and Mail working in concert with Exchange, that would remove any barrier to entry as i see it.

3- Everything else. Web browsing (same or better)... Document creation (much better), photos (no comparison),  interacting with Windows machines is a breeze, and all the little necessities of life are much improved (networking, chat, etc).

Overall, there are some Windows only programs that i wish were on Mac (Outlook mainly) but the lack of these applications is nothing compared to the benefits Mac brings in the simple things like stability and ease of use.  For all of you out there planning on attending Owen next year, the IBM laptop program is a great gig, but if i had it all to do over again... Macbook Pro.  No question.

My wife pointed out that just because i bought a Mac, I'm not automatically cool.  I tend to think i was never and will never be cool, but i do now understand that there is a better way...  I was blind, and now i see.

Comments

[Isaac]

Ladonna-

There is no problem with the wireless network and Mac's at Owen. The one and only application that you need at Owen that runs only on Windows is Minitab (for core Stats). However, all new macs can run Parallels software which allows you to run windows on a Mac. Many people with Macs simply run parallels for accessing these windows-only apps. Also, the computer lab has minitab on most of the machines, so you dont even need to have it installed.

[LaDonna]

I'm coming to Owen next year and I wanted to buy a MAC. I love the Macbook pro. Was it hard to configure to the wireless network at Owen?

[Colleen]

I'm coming to Owen next year and I love my iBook and was afraid I'd have to go back to Windows in order to comply with the Owen requirements. Good to know I don't.