Although I’ve always used PC’s (well, except for a short stint with an Apple Lisa back in college), I’ve always been impressed with the loyalty and obsession by owners of all Apple products.  I have a BS in Computer Science and used my first IBM PC back in the early 80’s.  It’s where the masses and businesses in which I worked put all of their IT dollars.  I worked on PC’s, I supported them, and I purchased them for my personal use.

Then came the iPhone.  I used to be a Palm Treo fan.  It was an open platform and fun to modify, hack, and tinker with.  When I saw the first iPhone announcement, however, I was fascinated.  As we all know, it was revolutionary.  Unlike any other cell phone in any way.  And very expensive for one who didn’t get the Apple theory that their products are the best and worth the extra cost.

I broke down and bought the iPhone in Feb. 2008 and never regretted it.  I’m now on my 3rd iPhone (sold or “passed on” my others) and am never tempted, although intrigued by other phones.  Having never considered a Mac before the iPhone experience, I now “get it” that the experience and quality can justify the extra cost.  I’m ready to find out if that experience translates to the Mac over a PC as it does with the iPhone over other cell phones.  My husband has encouraged this experiment by placing a picture of a MacBook Pro in an envelope and placed it under the Christmas tree.

The first step in this process was to check with MacRumors.com to get their buying advice.  Unfortunately, it said to wait to purchase.  Rumor has it that Apple will be making some product announcments during the last week of January, so I’m trying to sit tight until then to see what is released.  I plan to purchase a refurbished Mac because of the rave reviews of the refurbished Apple products .  And, it’s the only way to save money on a Mac.  I’ll keep you posted on my next steps in joining the Mac Mania World!