Apple Thoughts: What Happens When a Life-Long Windows User Sets Up a Mac Mini

This isn't an unboxing, or a review. It's what happens when a life-long Windows user experiences a Mac for the first time; it's basically an ethnographic study where I do a stream-of-consciousness commentary as I set up the product. You may or may not find it interesting - it's quite different from anything I've ever done. These video clips were shot in June of 2010, immediately after I purchased the Mac Mini. I delayed publishing the clips for a long while because I wasn't sure if anyone would find it interesting or useful, but based on the comments I'm seeing on YouTube, people like it.

As I explain in the video, the overall set-up experience is quite different from a typical Windows desktop or laptop. There's something almost...soothing about logging into a new computer and not immediately being told that the anti-virus software is out of data and the computer is in danger. Or not seeing a desktop full of icons for programs you never wanted on your new computer in the first place. I've always disliked the out of box experience on most Windows laptops and desktops; HP, Dell, Sony and every other company out there could learn a few things from Apple in this regard.

On the flip side though, I think Apple missed a key opportunity to present new users - especially users who are familiar with Windows - a tutorial or brief orientation on how OS X works. Apple may think OS X is so intuitive that no such education is necessary, but in my experience, there are several significant hurdles that a Windows user needs to get over before using OS X starts to make any sense. And, yes, I'm aware that Apple.com has tutorial videos for exactly that - but how would a new user know that? And, no, the in-store orientation classes aren't the answer. Something right there on the computer that the person just set up is the best solution.

All in all, I found the set-up experience on the Mac Mini to be quite pleasant - and that's something I don't often think when I'm setting up a new Windows PC. There's a lesson here for the Windows computer industry to take heed of.

Jason Dunn owns and operates Thoughts Media Inc., a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys photography, mobile devices, blogging, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his wonderful son Logan, and his sometimes obedient dog. He wishes more Windows laptop OEMs cared about creating iconic hardware designs.

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