The Apple in the Rye

So to begin, I'm back-tracking with this first purchase (or rather purchases). I think it is critical that I must since this was one of the elements that inspired me to begin this blog. There are multiple products that will be discussed in this initial posting. I'll try to introduce some structure into my blog, so please be patient if I must make improvements over the course of it's development!

Background:
I have owned my MacBook for nearly 5 years! My baby has been with me through thick and thin, and has really never given me much trouble. Time to return some of the TLC! As tax time rolled around, I started thinking about my lack of financial organization and how I can improve it (also a new year's resolution).

Option 1: Do Nothing. This is of course the easiest and least painful options - that is until it's tax time next year and I have the same pathetic excuse for not having any receipts!

Option 2: Do Something. What this is was not very clear, but I was willing to spend endless hours searching the web for an application that would fix all my troubles.

Of course I went with Option 2 - Having a 7 week old newborn made this possible, as you have some extra hours in the middle of the night to just...how do you say? Sit and wait (for her to fall back to sleep that is)! So I started looking at a few software programs that are made especially for Mac. I searched and searched until I found one - Paperless by Mariner Software. I loved the screenshots, but more importantly I loved the way the software made me feel. I felt that if I installed THIS product, I would be cool. Of course in addition to being cool, I would be organized.

In an alternate universe, I'm sure I would pull out my computer while having friends over for cocktails and show them my superb collection of receipts and documents. They would be neatly arranged and dated while being readily available at my fingertips. We would laugh and sip red wine. What? Did I really think this was possible?? YES - As long as I had this software!

Now, what to do? Download the trial!! This of course led to the series of events that expanded another 24 hours. The version of OS (operating system for non-nerds) that I am running on my MacBook is a bit outdated. Because of this, I would have to try the old, beta version of the software. Boring! Having the old dusty version isn't very cool. I wanted to be cool!

This put me on a quest to update my OS. Now a new search had begun. I looked at the every fresh and hip Apple website. My eyes glazed with excitement as I looked at the new models of the MacBook, eager to have one of my own. I'll briefly take a moment to kill your excitement - No, I did NOT buy a new computer. OK - moving on...

Looking at upgrading to the new operating system meant having to do a lot of work with the files I had, since I was running out of hard drive space. Now, for any of you who personally know me KNOW that I have an obsession with taking photos. Not the low quality ones, but the 2-6 MB ones that clog up a lot of room. Ding ding! Not only would I need to upgrade my operating system to be cool, I would also need to install a new hard drive! If only it was that easy in school to be so cool! Upgrade your computer and you're prom queen!! New search - Apple MacBook Hard Drive Replacement.

See how it spun? All this from doing my taxes and realizing that I wasn't very organized. I have this amazing ability (according to my other half) to justify everything I do. Well, this should be proof that I can!

I am upgrading my computer for the following reasons (in order of appearance):
1. Because I need to be more organized
2. Because I need to be cool
3. Because I need the new version
4. Because I don't have space

Whew!

Outcome:
So with all this pressure (and now excitement) looming over my head, I set out with a plan. I would need to consult with a God representative ASAP. In this case, that representative would be a Apple Genius Bar associate. They would have the all-knowing answer and be able to guide me on my way. Step 1 - Schedule an Appointment. Step 2 - Get to that Appointment. Step 3 - Do not give in and pay Apple to do the upgrade for me.

That's right. I'm going to do the upgrade myself! How else do I justify the journey! Plus, this will be a bonding experience for my MacBook and I. To be completely prepared, I spent many hours looking for the perfect Hard Drive that would make me cool. Being a typical American, I wanted the biggest, fastest model there was. Being realistic, I found a few in my price range. I initially picked out a Seagate Momentus 500 Gb 7200rpm drive (price $64.99) as well as a Hitachi Travelstar also with 500Gb and 7200rpm (price $73.14). Taking these possibilities to the Apple Genius made the decision super easy - pick the OEM/Hitachi (he really sorta said "pick this one"). The Genius (his new name) also recommend I get the new iLife '11 since I'll need a place to put my music and photos.

While standing in the Apple store having just having a coming-to-Jesus, I accessed the internet from one of the new computers and submitted my order through Amazon. Now - since delivering my beautiful baby, I have fallen in love with Amazon. Amazing shipping speeds, even more amazing prices.

At this point. I am just waiting. My order will arrive in 2 business days (free shipping with Prime Membership!) I am postponing buying the Paperless Software at this time, until I get the computer up and running with the new hard drive and operating system. Details of that sale will be discussed here later!

Here is the damage from this shopping experience:
Operating System Upgrade/Snow Leopard: $29 through Amazon
iLife '11: $48.24 through Amazon
Hitachi Travelstar Hard Drive: $73.14

(I also purchased a housing kit for my existing hard drive so I can transfer files as well as an extra printer USB cable since I bought a new Samsung laser printer last week!)

In closing...Set goals and research as much as you can BEFORE you go shopping! Being an informed buyer makes the experience more exciting and allows you to be sure you got the most for your dollar.

Until next time, cha-ching! 

Stay tuned, I may go back and enter a few posts based on other recent purchases.