Robert Kern

I have been working on a Mac at the office for quite some time now (although I am the only one who chooses to use a Mac…for now). Just this week I switched to using a Mac at home.

Up until a year ago I was working as a freelance I.T. support guy slash web developer. All of my customers used Windows machines so regardless of what I wanted to use, I needed to keep up-with-the-play in regards to how Windows and Microsoft works. Many times I had wanted to switch over to a Mac but couldnt justify it.

Now I work as a full-time web developer. All day at the office I work on a Mac. I recently begun working from home on a particularly large project that required less interruptions! I hadnt purchased a new computer in at least 3 years. I decided that because I was working full-time from home again, I could consider purchasing a new computer. I’m not one to spend money needlessly. Eventually I realised that using my old Windows XP desktop (or laptop) slowed me down. I could get so much more done using the Mac at work (apart from the interruptions). So I went to the local Apple store (we dont actually have official Apple stores in NZ, just reseller stores) and had a play around on the different MacBooks and MacBook Pros. I wanted to get a MacBook but wasnt sure if the small screen size would be sufficient, but I didnt want to spend the money on a larger MacBook Pro as I didnt think the specs (aside from the screen-size) were necessary for my work. I was pleasantly surprised that the 13″ MacBook felt comfortable for web development for me.

I went home and chose the black MacBook model because of its slightly better CPU and larger hard drive. I ordered it through a local reseller who import from the States (rather than the local Apple distribution centre) and sell at a reasonable price. I also purchased an Apple Remote and a wired Apple Mouse. Little did I know how short the cable was on a standard Apple Mouse. I had the same one at work but assumed that it came with a shorter cord for the iMac (I use a 20″ iMac at work) because the mouse can simply plug into the keyboard. I guess they really do intend for notebook users to buy the wireless mouse. If I was left handed it would be fine but as the USB ports are on the left side of the MacBook I need to use a USB extension cord which just gets in the way. Can you buy a 4 inch USB extension cable? I may end up buying the wireless mouse.

The Remote is awesome for using Front Row (which I use alot). I dont watch TV at home but enjoy watching various Podcasts so Front Row makes the experience much easier. I can sit the MacBook in the kitchen while I’m cooking dinner and flick through todays Podcasts (like Jamie Oliver’s video podcast).

The next post will be about setting up a VPN connection on a Mac to connect to a Windows based VPN.