New Tech

I’ve just been introduced to the iMac. It’s an interesting computer — it’s a big flat-screen monitor with whatever components come with it built (concealed) into it. The monitor is bigger than any I’ve used, and the resolution is beautiful. The front of the monitor has only the Apple logo. It’s aesthetically simple and plain, although elegant; it looks more like art than a machine. All the plugs are behind the screen, and the CD drive is built into the side of the monitor. If someone hadn’t told me where the CD went in, I probably wouldn’t have found the slot — it’s vertical, not horizontal. Even the power switch is hidden behind it.

The mouse is . . . odd. One main button, instead of two. A little center button — just a dot, really. And two side buttons that act as one button. The keyboard is almost completely flat. It looks like just a sheet of metal. I didn’t get to type very much, so I don’t know how it feels to write on it.

I used to work with Macs, back five or so years ago. But I’m a PC man. Even when working with a Mac at the office, I had a PC at home (and I still do). The iMac is a slick-looking piece of tech, but I wonder how functional it is. I presume it’s at least as good as an equivalently priced PC, but I don’t know. Is there any way to make hardware changes to this thing? With everything built into the small space, it looks like whatever it comes with is what you’re stuck with, forever. But I’d love to see how computer games look on this thing.

The other tech I got to use is a wireless mouse and keyboard on a PC. I had seen them in stores, but I never thought they would be a big deal to use one. I thought they were more gimmicks than useful, for the price. But after using them extensively, I’m sold. I will get a wireless mouse and keyboard. I will. It must be mine! Oh, loosing the wires is liberating. For someone who uses a computer around 12 hours a day, a wireless keyboard and mouse will be life altering.

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com