I’ve wanted to do a review of my Macbook for a few months now. Since my rig is an older model (late 2008 aluminum unibody), makes no sense to review a computer that’s been discussed ad nauseam. But what about the writer? This is altruistic bullsh*t right? Has it improved my writing process?
Well, let’s start with the obvious. I haven’t used a Mac since it ran Panther and, back then, I was less than impressed. So there’s a learning curve going from Windows XP/Vista to Leopard. Even closing programs is a bit different. I won’t go into details…there are plenty of resources and reviews about the PC to Mac switch on the interwebz. If you’re interested, find your nearest Apple Store, if possible, and give a try before purchase.
With respect to writing, I tried to utilize my MSI Wind netbook. The keyboard was quite comfortable, but my hands began to ache while trying to write longer text documents. It became more aggravating as time passed…I don’t know about you, but the smallest discomfort throws off my writing. Instead of thinking about the text, I’m thinking about my hands, the battery life, the small trackpad. And I missed a full bodied notebook. And after finding a sweet deal on eBay, I figured it was time to give the Macbook a try.
The Macbook’s keyboard has the black “chiclet” style keys…plenty of space between them. There’s nothing but aluminum underneath my wrists when typing…no speaker or some other nonsense. This might be my favorite keyboard…only thing its missing is the backlight (not a standard on this particular model). I haven’t had a backlit keyboard before, so I don’t feel as those I’m missing anything. The keys themselves feel great to the touch. Nothing like that hard jab to the Space bar after the end of a sentence. They can be quiet or loud, depending on how hard you’re typing. It’s a little thing, but it means a lot if you’re writing on a plane or in bed next to your loved one.
I can’t front. The buttonless, multitouch trackpad is my favorite function on the keyboard and has aided in my writing process. Using Expose, with four finger swipes, I can switch from one program to another with ease. Going from text to the Web to Google a factoid in my story is a breeze, or switching to iTunes to change albums, or swiping through my pictures in iPhoto in a Cover Flow fashion (three finger swipes) to find the right piece of inspiration.
It’s difficult to say that a change in computing platforms can make one a better writer. Actually, to suggest it is kind of ludicrous. But I never noticed the lunacy of using Word or its OpenOffice equivalent until I switched to the Mac. While I waited for its arrival, I scoured the webz for writing programs. I came across Scrivener and, I must say, I haven’t looked back. I’ll do a separate post on the program later, but check out the site and you’ll see what I mean. Since getting the program, creative writing in Word has pissed me off a great deal. If you already own a Mac, Scrivener has a free 30 day trial. Download it and see if it’ll help you out.
And I enjoy the Macbook’s battery life. I do most of my writing in my apartment. Since I don’t have a dedicated writing room (which will be rectified when I move next summer), I change spots every so often, from the couch to the dining room table to the computer desk in my living room, home to my PC tower. While I have to turn off my Wi-Fi and turn down my screen brightness (which is controlled by ambient lighting anyway), I can get about 4.5 to 5 hours away from my power cord, a big plus. When I write, I want to write, not keep one eye on the nearest electrical outlet.
In all fairness, the Macbook helps with writing, and I’ve become more productive since getting it, but I can’t suggest it as a full-bodied alternative to a PC. The price alone doesn’t add that much value to the act of writing. In the end, a keyboard is a keyboard, words are words. The Macbook is far superior to my old netbook, but that’s not saying much, and its not because of the OS. I love my Macbook, but a PC will serve a writer just as well, in my opinion.
…I will say that my Mac hasn’t crashed in almost three months of use. Just wanted to note that in closing. 
it crashed for the first time last night. Bah…
Peace.
