Pretentious Mac User

I now fall into the category of pretentious Mac users.

With mostly excitement and just a little chagrin, I bought a Mac.

In the last two months I’ve been to the Apple Store five times.

1. Purchase shiny new MacBook.

2. Bring in MacBook because the trackpad is unresponsive at startup. Make Genius Bar appointment.

3. Bring in MackBook for trackpad replacement.

4. Pick up MacBook with new trackpad installed.

5. Bring in MacBook because trackpad does not register clicks.

Everything works great now and I couldn't be happier.

Back in April of 2010, I ordered a laptop from CompUSA.com. It was a good deal, I knew I’d need one for school, so I bought it with high hopes of having a nice, reasonably priced computer that would hopefully last the three years of school. In July it crashed. I would get blue screens, it would freeze after ten minutes of use, and sometimes it wouldn’t even start. I sent it back for warranty service. I got it back a week before school started and within the first day back it had the same problems. For instance, it took an hour and 45 minutes to open Microsoft Word. Frustrated, I made my first trip to the Apple store and bought a MacBook. When I bought the Mac, I assumed I’d be hassle and worry free for the rest of my life. Finally, I was making the jump into the realm of Mac and wasn't planning on looking back. While I’m completely happy with my purchase, I was a bit disappointed with the hiccups I’ve had so far. Hopefully the issues are out of the way for good. 

During my visits to the Apple Store, I was able to watch lots of people. I noticed some traits of the Apple Store employees that I will now make into stereotypical generalizations. I envision the application for employment to work there might have a section in it that looks something like this:

Tell us a little about yourself.

Please check all that apply.

◻ When using an iPhone, my thumbs are faster than a Shaolin Monk.

◻ I have one arm sleeved with tattoos and need this job so I can get the other arm done.

◻ One or both of my ears are gauged.

◻ I frequently dye my hair multiple neon colors.

◻ I have a fauxhawk.

◻ My itunes library is more than 90% emo rock.

◻ Mac is a way of life, not just a device.

◻ Being hip is what I’m all about.

◻ My glasses are rectangular and "chic." 

◻ I have a ring in one or more of the following places: eyebrow, nose, lip, and ear.

◻ I haven’t owned a PC for at least 5 years.

◻ Steve Jobs actually might be cooler than Obama, but for me it’s a toss-up because Obama really identifies with me and my entitlement mentality (the only reason I need to get this job is because my mom is threatening to kick me out if I don't start working, now that I'm 27).

If there is a generalization that can be made between Apple and PC buyers, it really is just like the old I'm a Mac vs I'm a PC commercials. I think the generalization is as follows: PC users are nerds and outdated. Whereas Mac users are hip, fresh (not always fresh smelling), educated (the Apple store employees cast serious doubts on that one), and proof that you don't have to be a pocket-protector-wearing computer geek to know your way around a computer. I'm not sure I totally fit in with either crowd. Since I may not ever buy another PC, I might just have to look into getting my ears gauged and an arm sleeved in tats.