February 26: My Name is Scott and I'm a PC

I previously posted how we had some issues in my home with our Mac desktop computer. Well, over the past few weeks, the issues have continued. The latest? I'm not able to upgrade our camcorder. "Well, Scott,..." you might be saying, "...what does that have to do with your Mac?" Too much, unfortunately! You see, today's camcorders, at least the model I want, run on flash memory (we still have an old Mini DV model that's just not doing the job). Flash memory requires certain criteria to exist within the computer to which you are downloading the video. A minimal processor speed, specific amounts of RAM, and, of course, the latest versions of iMovie and iDVD - to create then burn the movie to disc. As a result, my only option down the Mac avenue is to go out and purchase a brand new Mac computer for $1,000+. Let me tell you, I've never owned anything but a Mac. Over the past 10 years, my wife and I have invested in at least 3 Mac computers that I can think of. Not to mention the one we inherited from my parents. We still have 3 of the 4 , as I speak. Unfortunately, every one of them is obsolete when you weigh them up against today's technology and the things we need them to be able to do. Puh-lease! So, I've had it. I've had it with constantly spending my hard-earned money to stay ahead of the curve as Apple continues to introduce their next big thing. And, I've had it with buying Mac computers! So, today, after weeks of research and lengthy consultations with my wife, I went into Best Buy on my lunch hour and purchased a Toshiba Laptop PC. While I was there, I also picked up the JVC camcorder to which I had a burning desire to upgrade! I mean what the hell, right? If you're going to go all in, you go all in! Besides, we recently came into some extra money as a result of employer generosity, and we figured we might as well invest some of it into something that the entire family will use. And, I'll tell you, it felt good. The buyer's remorse afterwards not so much, but in the moment...it was like winning Olympic Gold! We went with the Toshiba Satellite L505. It was an affordable price point for all of the features with which it's equipped - Intel dual-core 2.2GHz processor, 3 gigs of RAM (expandable to 8), a 320 GB hard drive and more! I'm sitting here right now typing this blog entry on this baby, and I'm lovin' it. Which, I should mention is the other primary reason we wanted a laptop - so that we can do the work, research, video editing, blog writing, etc. that we need to do without being trapped in the office away from the family. You know, there will always be a part of me that is connected to Apple/Mac; I know I'm never giving up my iPod. But, maybe it's my age, maybe it's my curiosity or maybe it's just that I'm so damn frustrated with Apple right now that I could scream...but, I'm really enjoying being a PC for a change.