“Should I buy a Mac? I hear they never go wrong!”
This is something I encounter often—clients taking advice from well-meaning Mac users and rushing out to buy one. While Macs are fantastic machines, it’s important to separate myth from reality: they can go wrong, just like any other computer.
Understanding the Mac
At the end of the day, an Apple Mac is built with similar components—motherboard, processor, RAM, and an operating system—just like a Microsoft device. The primary difference lies in how the operating system functions. Believing Macs are immune to problems, however, can lead to frustration later on.
When Things Do Go Wrong
Specialized Repair
Apple seems to have control over who can repair their devices. There are restrictions on parts and documentation, make it difficult for independent technicians to repair an Apple device. Beacause of this there are fewer technicians are available for independent repairs due to limited access to genuine parts and support. Apple prefers you go directly to them, or become an authorized repair centre which often means higher costs and delays.
Data Recovery Challenges
Recently, a client spilled wine 🍷 on their MacBook, rendering it uneconomical to repair. Normally, I would remove the SSD to recover data, but due to Apple’s default encryption, we were locked out without the encryption key. Unfortunately, the client lost all their data because they were unaware of the need to take note of the encryption key, and it wasn’t stored in their cloud login. While purchasing a new Mac and logging into iCloud may restore a previous backup, this situation has caused significant disruption. If you have a Mac, be sure to take note of the encryption key otherwise you might just loose all your data when things go wrong!
Password Resets
In another case, a client faced a simple password reset issue. Apple required a 48-hour waiting period to proceed. (an official email sent after requiring account reset” That’s two full days without access to their device or data—frustrating, to say the least. 😣
Advice for Prospective Buyers
✅🧠 Before purchasing a computer, consult with an expert—someone who works with devices daily and sees the good, the bad, and the unexpected challenges. A Mac might be the perfect solution for you, but make sure you’re fully informed about how it works and what support looks like if something goes wrong.
Technology is wonderful when it works smoothly, but when you depend on your device, reliable support becomes essential. Technology unfortunately doesn’t always run flawlessly, which some will have you believe when making the investment in costly Apple machines. Choose wisely and stay prepared!
Need Help?
If in doubt, contact me! I can help by providing reliable and sound advice from someone who has seen it all, allowing you to make an informed decision
✍️ Author: Matt Cranfield – Cranfield IT Solutions Owner