Calling all techies - I need your help!

Calling all techies - I need your help! I recently “upgraded” from a PC to a Mac. It’s been almost 4 years since I last used a Mac. Like many others - I was lead to believe in almost every category a Mac would outperform its rival – hands down! We’ve all seen the “I’m a Mac” commercials where Justin Long comically jabs at Windows inability to provide a stable OS. Apple’s ad campaign is one of the most effective marketing campaigns to date. It’s sexy, smart, and the “in” thing to own. So, I have to admit, it worked on me.

Here’s a little background on what I do. Most of my day-to-day consists of using spreadsheets – replying to emails – and creating RFP’s. I’m not a designer or hard core gamer, so most issues associated with Windows OS never really affected me. In fact I even enjoyed having a computer that seemed to respond (compatible) without issue to most software applications. However, I did notice how the system resources my Mac seemed to deliver flawlessly gave my PC a bit more trouble. As a result - after several months of deliberation I decided to make the jump back to the trend setting Mac world. Now, all I needed was an office suite that delivered like my PC.


Microsoft makes an office version for Mac (Mactopia). Much to my chagrin I was in for a rude awakening. Remember, all I use my computer for is minor office applications and I’ve heard conflicting stories on this next piece, but I’m still skeptical something else is at play. According to several blogs and other inside resources the binary code MS uses for it’s famous Outlook application renders the data useless to several other email clients like Entourage, Eudora, and Thunderbird making the migration to the Mac impossible. What I need is export my .pst files into Entourage 2008, or any other email client similar to Outlook.

Sure I could export the files via CSV or another method, but all of the personal files I created over the years would be left in purgatory. I don’t know about you, but I’m a fish out of water without my contact folders and email history. So, now I’m the proud owner of a system that’s incompatible with my most important resource. I’ve searched high and low for answers without luck. I even took the time to setup an appointment with a “Mac Genius” for assistance to only learn I had as much information about the situation as he did.

I understand Mac now allows the use of MS’ OS, but what’s the point? I choose this road because of effective advertising. I wanted to believe I found salvation to my resource issue by joining the masses. The only thing I learned was my effort fell short. Open Source, this – that – it’s all foreign to me. I just want a working computer that allows me to do my job.

I’m open to any and all suggestions. The long/short is – was I really better off to switch, or should I have stuck with worked? I don’t know. What I do know is Apple has one fine marketing team (TBWA\Chiat\Day).

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.

Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)