Why I still use a PC

There's been lots of computer news recently, with the updates from Apple leading the pack, and I've become a fan of iTunes and my iPod Touch. My experiences with Apple's operating system have been positive, as well.

So why, then, do I still use a PC when it's time to get down to work, surf the net, or decimate the known universe when I have time for a little gaming? Several reasons...

1) The difference in cost. I REALLY like the MacBooks and MacBook Pro's. They're sleek, light and powerful, but when I can still pick up a notebook PC that does everything I need it to do for less than $500, (though, perhaps, less elegantly), about half the cost of the Apple equivalent, I just can't justify the expense.

But wait, there's more

2) Compatibility. Even in today's world, I run across lots of college-level educational software (part of the texts and lab manuals I use in my courses), that won't run under the Mac operating system. I know the usual response to this one..."You can run BOTH operating systems on your Mac, so just whichever one you need to". True, apparently, but it sidesteps the question of buying a copy of Windows whatever to run on the MacBook when I need it. Do-able, YES, inexpensive, NO. Again, we get back to the cost factor. Have you priced a stand-alone version of Windows lately? Look it up, but be sure you're sitting down. So here again, first you pay more for the MacBook (or whatever), and you add to that cost by picking up a high-priced copy of an operating system you'll only use on special occasions. Just not do-able in my budget.

3) Lack of Apple "netbooks". Besides my Toshiba laptop, my main computer these days, I carry a tiny little Acer Aspire One netbook, that is adequate for surfing the Web, word-processing, spreadsheets...you know, the usual everyday stuff...and it even has a 160 GB hard-drive. I don't currently have that option with Apple products. (and if I do, please let me know....NO, the iPhone and Touch don't count. They're cool, but not the same thing).

The bottom line is $$$. Now, don't get your fur up, you Mac-iavellians. You're using an outstanding product, but for a "Joe Laptop" like me, it just isn't the solution yet.