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October 3, 2011
For most of my life, I’ve been a computer idiot. Even the act of emailing threw me into despair. Then around 2006, I dumped the PC and switched to a Mac. That began a re-invention that opened the door to new jobs, new dreams — a new me.
Of course, Macs are expensive. Laptops and desktops begin at $1,199. But look what you get:
- No more viruses.
- Great customer service at the Apple Stores’ Genius Bar.
- The Macs come loaded with programs that work together. You’ll be able to see mail from all your various addresses on one screen, organize an online calendar, edit and store photos, make movies and slideshows; store music and make original music. (More info here.)
Over time, the Mac will pay for itself — if you also buy:
- Apple Care ($249) covers three years of major repairs.
- One-to-One ($99) offers a 50-minute, weekly private tutorial with a patient, human trainer. There are also other learning options. I’ve just started doing the two-hour personal projects, where a small group of us share one trainer who jumps from one person to the next.
This card is the key to making your Mac a power tool & life changer.
One-to-One is the secret to going Mac. It’s renewable at $99 per year for three years. It MUST be purchased when you buy your computer. Just look at the incredible math here…..
After the initial investment in a Mac, you have access to endless classes at no extra charge. Every week, I can make an appointment at ANY Apple store and sit with a smart, helpful tutor.
Over the last several years, the trainers have taught me to email, build a website, use a digital camera and camcorder, add music to videos, do basic PhotoShop and more…
Once in a while, I an annoyed because it’s hard to make a reservation in my preferred time slot. Still I usually get to about 25 lessons in a 12-month membership; that’s barely $2 for a private session.
I could rave on and on. It’s important to start talking about a new Mac now because some of you will be looking for holiday gifts — both to give and get.
So this is a post you might want to drop into the email inbox of someone who loves you. ;)
Okay. Let’s summarize the key points:
- Proficiency in Mac software and training via One-to-One will give you highly marketable skills without shelling out for expensive classes.
- Once you have the know-how, you can make your own business cards, photo books, photo calendars, videos, songs, presentations — instead of paying someone to do it.
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I painted this chair on a lazy summer day. It’s a good spot for curling up with my Mac.
Great customer service for repairs.
- In this economy, tech savvy is often the difference between landing — and losing — a job.
- If you can’t afford a Mac this winter, start saving. Apple runs summer back-to-school deals for college students and teachers.
It’s not often that I rave like this about a product. But we live in a tech-driven culture where people who are uncomfortable with computers are being left behind. I almost became a leftover. Don’t let that happen to you.
So when students and friends realize how my Mac saved me, they’ve been inspired to make the leap too. (Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t pay commissions; I could’ve made a fortune!)
In a future post, I’ll have tips on how to make the most of those One-to-One sessions. You’ll want to come back for that. xo.
