MacBook Pro
I recently purchased a 15" MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro is a beautiful computer. I like the look and feel of the computer. Why did I purchase a Mac? I am interested in doing some iPhone development and you can only do iPhone development on OS X. I was thinking of running a virtual session with OS X in it, but I did not think that would be the best way to do the development.
Have I started the development. Not yet, but I have moved all my personal stuff off my work computer and onto my MacBook Pro. This has given me time to get used to the MacBook and OS X, but has caused me some problems when I need to travel as now I need to take two computers with me when I go on a multi-day trip. I currently just shoved the MacBook into the same backpack as my work computer, but I am sure that my backpack will not survive over time. I do have a secondary case for the MacBook, which I use when I take the train to the office and need both computers. I did not feel like taking two computer cases on my recent flight.
I am still learning how thing work in OS X, but I really think that OS X is what a Linux distribution should be striving for. Say what you will, but the base software works. I got an iPhone and turned on tethering, plugged it in, and I was on the Internet. No fussing with drivers or settings. It just worked. I do also know that because this is a closed environment, Apple has a lot less challenges in making things work, it is still nice to see it working.
The one area where I have had problems is adding software to the environment. I have not found a good package manager, like apt-get in many Linux distributions. I recently added Eric4 to OS X and it took several compiles, re-compiles and playing with the order of things being installed before I could get everything installed. I now have to keep checking all the packages for Eric4 to make sure everything stays updated and current.
I really like the touch pad that comes with the MacBook Pro. The multi-touch features make using the mouse a breeze, but they do take time to remember and get used to. I keep trying to get them to work on my work computer, but I guess I have to wait for Windows 7 to include them. I like the touch pad so much, I have yet to plug in a mouse to use the Mac. I do find it challenging at time to drop and drag stuff as you run out of touch pad, where if I was using a mouse, I would just pick the mouse up and move the mouse over.
Over all, I am enjoying the Mac experience. Next I will need to make time to start my development.