Not a Great Day To Be a Windows User
Image Source: Gizmodo.com
Today is a bit of a landmark day if you’re a Mac user and you’re getting your hands on Leopard for the first time. As a Windows user, I can only look on and browse the almost entirely positive reviews of the new OS with a fair degree of envy. As a Windows XP user I can certainly say that Leopard looks a damn sight more appealing than Vista!
Even as an iPhone user, you get the distinct feeling that Leopard will eventually offer you some real benefits – even if Notes syncing has not yet materialized and there are no huge features that work with iPhone right this moment.
I know that lots of serious analysts have recently been dismissing the ‘Halo Effect’ on Mac computer sales as nonsense – for instance HERE. This Halo Effect is meant to be the scenario whereby an average Windows user is so impressed or affected by their usage of iPod or iPhone or other shiny Apple gadgets, or they are lured into Apple retail stores by these gadgets, and then end up buying a Mac as well.
But … I’m beginning to experience it myself. I’ve been aware of Macs for a long time, even worked with them years ago when I was in the design industry – but I honestly hadn’t thought about them much until recently. Even the Mac vs Windows TV ads sort of bugged me, and I certainly didn’t find myself desiring a Mac because of them (if anything they made me feel a little defensive about Good Ol Windows).
Now though – with everyday usage of the iPhone and appreciation of its elegance and power – I am taking much more notice of all things Mac-related. Noticing when certain apps appear with only a Mac version, and reading all the previews and writeups on Leopard – even checking out Gizmodo’s Liveblog of their first hour with it! And I go into my local Apple Store whenever I get a chance – and I am lusting after an iMac.
I’d have to say that my exposure to the iPhone, to a product that is just designed and done SO RIGHT, has had an effect and made me look a lot more longingly over in the direction of iMacs, and Macbook Pros. So maybe the halo effect is complete nonsense for most, but it’s working on me.
Feel free to comment and gloat about your shiny new Leopard OS, and any tricks you find for using it in tandem with the iPhone. I’ll get some sort of vicarious thrill out of it I’m sure 
Patrick-
As we have “discussed” privately, I am one example of the “halo effect”. And I know many others who are doing, or considering doing, the same thing. (This includes one friend who warmly called me a “traitor” when I made the move. )
Six months ago I would NEVER have considered leaving Windows for Mac. The iPhone prompted me to take a more unbiased look and… I jumped. In fact, the only reason I still have one foot in the Windows world is that Apple has yet to release a tablet and I rely on my tablet in my day to day work. (If someone wants to send one of us here at justanotheriphoneblog a modbook to review we would be MORE than happy!!!)
I have found the mac (I have an imac and a macbook) to be so reliable, fast, easy to use and stable that I can’t believe I didn’t make the move sooner.
My copy of Leopard should ship from Amazon tonight– I can’t wait to install it!!
Dan – yup, there are at least 3 of us bitten by this bug
And I reckon probably quite a few more as well. Oh, and I hope you’ll forgive me if I hate you (and your multiple Macs and Leopards) just a little today …