Sure, gaming on the personal computer – for me and others of my generation – meant the venerable and brilliant Apple IIe.  But, despite that beginning, for over 20 years I’ve been a Windows guy. For the better part of the last 11 years I wrote about the PC, almost exclusively. I’ve penned over 1000 PC game reviews, I was CNet’s Tech Freak columnist for 2 years, I wrote for TechEdge, Laptop Magazine, and Maximum PC.  I wrote for Sharkey Extreme – which was once one of the top grassroots PC websites during the late 90’s.  I built my own computers and pretty much did it every 15 months so I could stay current. But now I live in a house of Apple Computers. I have a Video iPod, an iMac 20″ computer, a MacBook laptop, and now GamerMom and I are owners of brand new iPhones. Am I completely done with the PC now?  Why is that? How did Andrew Bub come to drink the Apple Kool-Aid?

Admittedly, a lot of it has to do with the fact that I review games on a Playstation 2, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PSP, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Leapster, and Nintendo Wii  – so the lack of Mac gaming isn’t a factor. It really comes down to the moment I first picked up an iPod.  As a tech/gadget reviewer I believe I’ve seen the worst interfaces money can buy. I’ve seen engineers scoff at consumer concerns and complaints and I’ve seen everything come out gray, beige, or black.  Apple emphasized engineering, style, and ease of use and their products reflect that and… I’ve fallen in love with that style.

The iMac is beautiful, the MacBook is gorgeous, and I’m not just talking about lines and form. I mean the display, the screen, the feel of the keyboard (sooo important for a writer) and the way that it works make the products feel friendlier.  Mac computers aren’t nearly as versatile as PCs, but I’ve entered a stage of my life where I no longer want to tinker as a hobby.  I’d actually rather drop $20 on a piece of software then deal with freeware.  I want things to be EASY.

That’s why, when I got to play with an iPhone at a recent business meeting, I knew right then that I was going to buy at least one.  The phone is amazing, the wifi, the set up, the interface, the ease of use, etc.,  I know if I’d tried I could have figured out my Razr.  But who has the time?  I’m trying to run a business here and most of my time is dedicated to learning how to play new games, how to master them, and dealing with new technology.  Apple made a phone that barely needs a manual.  I can do everything on it, without effort, including email, and the simple fact that I can do it – effortlessly – means I will do it.  And best of all, so will my wife.   GamerMom isn’t much for technology and the iPhone is the first time I’ve ever seen her this excited about technology.  Maybe that’s the real reason I love Apple.

They’re turning my wife into a tech geek!

Two iPhones isn’t a cheap proposition but it’s our 9 year anniversary this Halloween and she has spent two solid, difficult months nursing me from the brink of death – she’s more than lived up to the “in sickness or in health” part of our vows.  I love her so much. She deserves it!

Am I done with the PC?  No.  I’ll buy one sometime in the next 6 months and it might be a super-powered Alienware computer (they’ve offered me a discount).  Or maybe I’ll just install XP into Bootcamp finally, and use my iMac for PC gaming.  I’m not done with the PC and I still love it…  We just need some time apart I think.  You know, see other people.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, iFamily and Leopard just arrived.  Time to upgrade my machines.  Maybe I’ll do it while listening to Feist’s “1,2,3,4” on my iPhone.  ‘Mmmmm, yummy Kool-Aid!

Tags: Misc