After almost four years exclusively PC (Windows, Linux) I have finally gone back to using a Mac. I bought a new aluminum MacBook and have been getting back into the swing of things with OS X. I am definitely still a multi-OS user and will remain that way as I feel it’s the only way to truly be connected in this digital age.

My first impressions with the new Mac are very positive. I wanted to share my thoughts (coming from an older Mac user and definite PC guy)

1. The build quality is phenomenal!  Everything from the uni-body aluminum casing to the LED screen are made with incedible precision.  The keyboard and multi-touch mouse are quiet and soft to the touch.  Even the magnetic latch works perfectly and quietly.


2. OS X has come a long way.  Last time I used a Mac full time, 10.4 Tiger had just come out.  Leopard is improved in almost every way.  Everything that didn’t exactly “just work” before actually does now.


3. Boot Camp is a valuable tool.  I’m can not stand fanboyism in any form so being able to work on all platforms (Mac, Windows, Linux on a single machine is a great asset.  Vista runs just as smoothly on the MacBook as OS X.


4. Speed is of the essence.  With the upgraded frontside bus and DDR3 RAM, the MacBook is snappy and fun to use.  The dedicated GPU makes the entire OS X experience much better than past Mac offerings.


5. BlackBerry syncing is a breeze.  With RIM’s new PocketMac tool I was able to sync my BlackBerry within minutes just as easily as on Vista (actually a little easier).