Introduction

In 2005, after almost two decades of working exclusively with Windows PCs, I decided (along with about a million other people) to switch to a Mac. My Windows-based friends, family, and co-workers constantly ask why I switched; after repeating my "101 Reasons" over and over, I finally decided to write them down.

Whereas other "switcher books" focus on how to switchhow to copy files from the PC to the Mac, how to install USB-based peripherals, how to migrate an address book101 Reasons to Switch to a Mac is a "Why To" book. Instead of covering the switching process in excruciating detail, it tells stories about how switching to a Mac will help you save time, save money, and get things done.

Reading this book should be like having a chat with a close friendsomeone excited about all the cool things you'll be able to do after you switch to a Mac. Thinking about switching?

This book will give you a glimpse of what life with a Mac can be like. Have you just made the switch? This book will help you discover new applications to explore. And finally, if you've been one of the Apple faithful for years, this book provides you with 101 talking points you can draw on when explaining why you love your Mac.

The opinions expressed are honest, and the experiences described are real. The hardware, software, and websites I discuss are all solutions I've personally used. I have no connections with Appleother than loving its productsand none of the companies referenced or recommended in this book have paid or compensated me in any way.

Mark McElroy

Summer, 2006