Law Technology

Sunday Morning Musings?Macs and BMWs

By Ross

I’m sitting in a cafe working on the slideshow for Kodner2.html’s Bat Mitzvah next weekend (and BTW, the four finalist songs for the father/daughter dance are, in no particular order:

• Frank’s “The Way You Look Tonight“
• Paul Simon’s “Father and Daughter”
• Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”
• Israel Kamakawiwo?ole’ “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

Anyway, I’m sitting here and having this very surreal technology experience. I’m at one of my favorite local places to work called “Stone Creek Coffee.” Normally, of all the laptops in use here, I’d see at 50% Macs and I’m usually here with my Thinkpad workhorse. Since I’m building this slideshow/movie file I decided to do it on my Macbook (13″ aluminum to be precise).

Here’s what’s so weird. *I* am the only Mac user here today in a sea of Windows laptops. How weird is *THAT?* And what’s even weirder is that I’m writing this email in Google Chrome running under Parallels 4 in “coherence” mode so it feels like I launched this Windows-only-still (come on Google - what the hell is taking so long for an OS X version!!??) product right from the OS X dock.

It feels very surreal to me. Like I’m in some sort of Dali painting or a Kurt Vonnegut novel.

Before I get any further into this, do the Mac folks here think that iMovie would be the best vehicle to do what I’m thinking (v. Keynote or PowerPoint or Picasa)? A looping slideshow with MP3 accompaniment - about 750 photos and 60 MP3s)? If yes, what would be the FASTEST way for me to get a quick course on using iMovie ‘09 effectively (either the help files or some online resource? Tips appreciated!

Finally, I’ve started my “every three years” quest to determine my next vehicle (which as anyone who knows me knows is a sacred quest analogous to searching for the Holy Grail - I take my cars seriously). I’ve got six months to decide. I’ve driven:

* Mini Cooper Clubman S - cute, has BMW DNA (same radio display as my car - BMW parts bin), too small and even in the S trim, feels a bit underpowered (admittedly after 2.5 years with BMW’s pretty much perfect twin-turbo 3.0 straight 6 mill with M3-like zip and zero turbo lag, I’m thoroughly spoiled)

* BMW 335d - the new diesel model in the 3 series line-up. Pulls like a fricking freight train with staggering torque (426 ft/lbs) even though it’s about 35 Bhp less than my current 335i - but alas, no manual available and I’m just not an automatic person

* MB C300 Sport - much, much better than I had expected. Only model available in the MB line with a stick. Liked it. Even great exhaust notes - very un-MB-like. Kodner2.html who went out test-driving with me liked it best of all. Cheaper than corresponding BMW models.

* Hyundai Genesis 4.6. Just because I was curious - it’s not the car for me, but for anyone who is a Lexus GS person, a BMW 5 series driver, an Audi A6er, or even an MB E class driver - all about the same size and power, this thing blew me away. Not because it’s spectacular, but because it holds its own in many areas against these class leaders, especially the Lexus. While soul-less more or less, the features, the fit and finish, the ride, the engine, all are unbelievable for about 1/2 the cost of the cars I listed (or actually a lot less than 1/2 - $39K fully loaded) with a better warranty. Put a 3 point star on the hood or an L in the grill . . . the handling was nowhere near the abilities of a 5 or an A6, but it shows that this level of luxo-cruiser feature set can be had for a song. Worth a ride - it’s a steal especially if you’re  Lexus/Japanese Buick kind of driver

And then . . . my plan gets all mucked up. Why? Because I just washed Liesl, my bright red 335i. It’s sitting right outside, gleaming in the sunshine. And I realize something obvious - I love my car. So I think I may just re-lease it . She only has about 31K miles - just the point where a BMW starts to feel broken in. Then I could actually buy her out after the next lease . . . hmmm . . . Maybe buy her a present like new wheels and tires and an extended BMW warranty . . . or let the dealer take her back temporarily, give her CPO status which would extend the warranty to 6/100K, then use my BMWCCA club discount on a re-lease . . . just thinking out loud. Not sure if I could part with her . . . wish I had a camera with me . . .

Just some Easter Sunday musings . . .

Full post as published by Ross Ipsa Loquitur on April 12, 2009 (boomark / email).