Solo Practice

MacBook Pro for Lawyers: The Dramatic Difference Between PC and Mac

By The Greatest American Lawyer

My partner, Brian, upgraded his computer to a MacBook Pro about three months ago.  Our newest associate, John, brought his MacBook Pro with him when he stepped through the door.  As my PC staggered, sputtered, and blue-screened its way through its third year, I decided it was time for me to make a decision. 

Actually, there was no decision.  I had already decided long ago that my next computer would be a MacBook Pro.  My PC always took at least five minutes to start up in the morning (and it was one of the highest end, most expensive laptops on the market).  By the end of its days, I had a whole morning routine which revolved around the 10 to 15 minutes it took to get Windows started and all my programs loaded.  That routine involved getting coffee, saying hi to co-workers, and all kinds of other things which did not involve key strokes.

So after two months of being Mac user at work, here are my observations.

• There is simply no comparison between a PC and a Mac.  It's like going from a stick with a rock on the end of it to a precision machining tool.

• Loading up programs is incredibly easy and intuitive.  In fact, everything Mac does is intuitive.

• By running Windows Virtual Machine and parallels, I can continue to run my PCLaw application and Concordance, as well as run an archive database of my old Outlook emails.  In start up time alone, I probably add two hours of productivity per week.  Think about this when you use your computer going to court.  What if you no longer had to sit in the hall for ten minutes trying to get your computer booted up before stepping into the courtroom?

• The ease of navigation on the Mac and finger commands are incredible.  You can access different applications, documents, and productivity tools with a simple stroke and combination of fingers.  This probably saves me another two hours of productivity per week.

• Two finger scrolling within the browser, finger pinching zoom controls and related functions which are near instantaneous make browsing the internet 50% more enjoyable and productive. 

Overall, there is literally no reason why any lawyer would want a PC over a Mac if they are at the decision point of purchasing a new computer.  The cost difference is not that great anymore.  Regardless, the productivity increases pay for any cost difference in a matter of days.  You wouldn't go into court with one hand tied behind your back.  Don't short change yourself when you get that next computer by purchasing an inferior product.

Now that I'm Mac, I will never go back.

Full post as published by The Greatest American Lawyer on September 08, 2010 (boomark / email).