G-pinions

As a proud Mac owner/supporter to the very end, I feel an innate need to defend my machine and it's kind. To me, the Apple Store is heaven. Shelf after shelf and table after table of ease and elegance, ergonomics and efficiency. The computers speak for themselves visually and in their operation, and aren't in need of decorative walls to take your mind off of an inferior product. Yes, they will run you a bit more, but you're getting what you pay for and then some. If you work in business, you'll use a PC, if you work in the arts, you'll use a Mac. This says it all for me. If you've grown up with a PC, of course it's hard to change, and pricey. But the difference is, people I know don't know how to use their PCs. Even self-professed computer nerds who can do the most complicated of tasks with their computers have trouble with the simplest organizational tasks on those same machines, nevermind locate the source of a problem or install a print driver. The elegance of use for me is a pleasure every day. iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, my iPod - four of the most intuitive pieces of software/hardware I have ever used. My computer is set up to work for me, not for Apple. Yes, if you're in the market for gaming and prefer computer gaming over consoles (which is an altogether separate argument...Tom?), games will usually come out sooner for the PC (even though that time is getting smaller and smaller with every big release). But all the best games still come out for the Mac, usually upgraded (somewhat similar to the PS2 to X-box porting). There were even some fairly great Mac exclusive games until Micro$oft bought Bungie (Halo was supposed to be a Mac game, which I assume you all knew), and the Mac is where computer gaming started. But anyhow, if you have the cash and are only going to be mainly gaming on it, by all means buy a PC. Or, buy all three major consoles and 4 new games for each for the same price. Or better yet, buy a Mac.

Oh, and I played some 3-player Mario Kart:DD tonight. Still great. It's so easy to fall into, whether you're new or a veteran. Within one race I was back to winning form, and my co-racers were fighting to the death for second, despite pretty much being newbies. Being able to blue-flame it up in a straight line when you get those turns down is such a thrill. I also played some Super Smash Bros. Melee for the first time, despite owning it for about a month. Also good so far, if not overly chaotic.