I have nothing against PCs, but I love my Mac. Ever since I bought my first IMac back in 2001 I’ve been a Mac fiend. My current companion is a 12″ Powerbook, and it runs like a dream.

Just to be clear, I have no links with Apple. I just love their stuff.

1. They look great. If they didn’t work well this would not be a good enough reason to buy a Mac, but it’s just the sweet icing on a delish cake. From the cute IBooks of the early noughties to the G4 IMacs to the current range of goodies, Apple consistantly create sexy-looking computing objects. It’s no wonder that Jonathan Ive, Apple’s British design guru (who was responsible for the design of the IPod and IMac) was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). (Apparently the Queen uses an IPod.)

They don’t always hit the mark, (anyone remember the Flower-Power IMac?) but that’s the chance you take when pushing the envelope.

2. The IPod. No further explanation necessary.

3. No serious Mac viruses. Not cos they’re virus-proof, but mainly because hackers choose to focus on messing up Windows PCs as most people have them. Watch this ad for more info.

4. They just work. Once you liberate yourself from the Windows world, you see how simple life becomes when using a mac.

5. As all Macs are made by Apple, if a program or a gadget is compatible with your Mac, then it’s going to work with your Mac (unless something crazy is going on). You don’t have to think about whether your cheap internal DVD writer that you bought at the market is going to work with it.

6. Macs are made for creativity, which is why musicians, film-makers, designers and other artists choose to work with Apple. The Logic Pro/Express software for musicians and Aperture for photographers are examples of Apple’s commitment to working with professional creatives.

7. As well as catering for pros, Macs are also ideal for creative dabblers or dilettantes. Their ILife suite includes Garageband for music-making, IPhoto for messing with your pics, IWeb for creating websites, IMovie and IDVD for - you guessed it - making movies and creating DVDs. Fun stuff!

8. Apple Macs seem to inspire creativity in software programmers; check out these (mostly) free Mac programs. Ever wanted to create a comic book of your life? Also check out Pure Mac for loads more Mac programs.

9. If you’re worrying about how a Mac user can communicate in a Microsoft world - don’t! You can open and save MS Office documents. Most major software is available for both Windows and Mac, and if a program isn’t available for the Mac, the chances are that you can find something similar which will do the same job for you. If you really need to use Windows programs on your Mac, you can also use Virtual PC or Boot Camp. No worries.

10. Is it me, or is everyone on telly using a Mac?

What I especially like is when they try to hide the Apple logo…

11. Apple’s ads are always so COOL. My fave is that early IPod ad featuring “Mama” by the Black Eyed Peas.

I’m not entirely sure about the current UK ad campaign with Mitchell & Webb of Peep Show. Maybe it’s because I’ve watched a lot of Peep Show - it’s funny but slightly bizarre and I don’t know if Apple really want to be identified with the bonkers Jez character…

12. In 2004 I was lucky enough to be able to have a tour around the Apple HQ in California. It was so inspiring; I would love to work there. I wonder if Microsoft HQ has its own live Jazz Bar for its employees? Mr Jobs, bossman, if you’re reading this, I’d be happy to make your coffee or count your money, etc.

And last, but not least

13. Isn’t the forthcoming iphone a hot piece of ass?

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