From PC to Mac and Back Again
Growing up, my family always had a PC at home. It was the early 90s and Windows 3.1 was the operating system of choice. I have fond memories of playing games like Chip's Challenge and SkiFree for hours on that bulky beige tower. When Windows 95 came out, it was a revelation - a graphical interface that was actually intuitive to use! I felt like I was living in the future. As I got older and needed a computer for schoolwork, my parents upgraded our desktop PC that ran Windows ME (mistake edition as it later became known). It was underpowered and buggy, but I could have a folder for myself. I could download music on Napster, browse the early days of the web (think dialup and only on weekends), and of course play newer and better games.
When it came time for college, I knew I needed a laptop for taking notes in class and working on assignments at the library. My meager student budget limited my options, but I ended up with an ancient Benq laptop. This thing was a tank - it must have weighed 10 pounds and the battery only lasted an hour, but it got the job done. Amazingly, that Benq still boots up to this day, a testament to its durability. As much as I relied on my PC laptop for school, I always admired Apple's design and style from afar. The candy colored iMacs and sleek PowerBooks were so attractive compared to the stodgy black and grey PC boxes. When I graduated and got my first real job, one of my first purchases was a shiny new iMac, the first aluminum model with a magnetic remote to manage Front Row.
I loved that iMac and really enjoyed getting to know macOS for the first time. It was so clean, elegant and intuitive compared to Windows. As a budding graphics designer, I was amazed by how easy it was to manage my photo library in iPhoto and do edits in the included software. The iMac made the digital photography and design workflows a breeze. A few years later when it was time to upgrade, I decided to trade in the iMac for a 15" MacBook Pro. My rationale was that I wanted the flexibility to work away from my desk, either on the couch or at a coffee shop. The first Intel MacBook Pros had just been released and I was excited to have a powerful, portable machine. And the MacBook Pro was indeed a great laptop. But after the novelty of being able to work anywhere wore off, I found myself rarely taking it out of the house. The 15" screen was spacious for a laptop, but still cramped for long stretches of work. I missed having a big beautiful display like on my old iMac. And hunching over a laptop just wasn't very ergonomic or comfortable for extended use.
Over time, I realized I just didn't need all that portability. I'm more productive with a dedicated workspace and I prefer the comfort of a full-size keyboard and mouse. So these days, my work machine is actually a MacBook Air that never leaves my desk. It's hooked up to a gorgeous 40" 5K Dell monitor that gives me all the screen real estate I could ever want. Essentially, I'm using a laptop as a desktop machine, which some would say defeats the whole purpose of a laptop. But it works great for me. I get the benefits and user experience of macOS that I love, but with the ergonomics and expandability of a desktop setup. And if I ever do need to take my work on the go, I can just unplug the Air and toss it in my bag.
On the other side of my desk sits a custom-built Windows PC tower that I use for gaming, tinkering with Linux, and the odd task that still requires Windows. I've come to appreciate the strengths of both macOS and Windows, and I like having access to both in my workspace. The PC is an absolute beast in terms of performance, which makes it great for gaming and other demanding tasks. Building a PC was a fun learning experience too. Picking out all the components, watching build guides, and putting it all together gave me a new appreciation for what goes into these machines that we use every day. It's also nice to know that I can upgrade individual parts as needed, rather than having to buy a whole new system.
As much as I enjoy my PC, I still do the majority of my work on the Mac side. I'm just more productive in macOS and I prefer the cohesive ecosystem with my phone that I like to switch from Android to iPhone, and iPad. But I'm glad I have the PC for those times when I need Windows or want to play the latest games.
Looking back on my computing journey, it's amazing to see how far we've come in the last 20-30 years. My current setup would have been unimaginable back when I was pecking away on that Windows 3.1 machine. We have incredibly powerful and versatile machines at our fingertips now. At the same time, I've learned that the latest and greatest specs don't necessarily equate to the best experience for my needs. There was a time when I thought I absolutely needed the portability of a laptop. But in practice, I'm much more comfortable and productive with a desktop-style setup.
That's not to say laptops are pointless. They are amazing tools for people who truly need to work on the go. But I think a lot of people fall into the trap of thinking they need a laptop just because everyone else has one, when a desktop might suit them better. Or they buy a top-of-the-line laptop only to use it like a desktop 95% of the time, which is a bit of a waste.
My advice would be to really think about how you actually use a computer day-to-day. What tasks do you do most often? Where do you do your work? How much portability do you really need? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but being honest about your needs will help you pick the right tool for the job.
For me, a MacBook Air connected to a big beautiful monitor is the best of both worlds. I get the benefits of macOS and enough performance for my needs in a package I can take on the go in a pinch. And my PC is there for everything else.
Is it the most cutting-edge, drool-worthy setup? Maybe, maybe not, but it's reliable, comfortable, and it lets me get my work done without any fuss. At the end of the day, that's what really matters. The best computer is the one that helps you be productive and enjoy using it, whether it's a beastly gaming rig, an ultra-portable laptop, or an ancient Benq that refuses to die.
So those are my thoughts on my meandering journey through the world of computers. I've used Windows, macOS, laptops and desktops over the years, and I've come to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each. The landscape keeps evolving, but the fundamentals of knowing your needs and picking the right tool remain the same.
I'm excited to see what the next 20 years will bring. Will we all be working on hyper-portable AR glasses? Will the desktop make a comeback as more people work from home? Who knows, but I'm eager to find out. In the meantime, I'll keep pecking away on my trusty old MacBook Air and PC, getting stuff done in my own particular way. It may not be the flashiest setup, but it's mine and it works for me. And really, that's all that matters.
