Web Design on a Mac

As a web designer, I have used a variety of computers for web design over the years. Everything from powerful desktop PC's with large monitors, to full featured and lightweight laptop machines. Frankly, I preferred PC's because they were cheap, and, the computer of choice for people who use and build the Web. My attitude has changed recently. I am now a convert to the Mac, specifically the iBook notebook computer. This little gem is one class act!

Here's why: One of the biggest hurdles faced in designing websites is testing browser compatibility. It is necessary to test my web designs in the most popular browsers on both the PC and Mac platforms. Normally, this requires that I have access to both PC's and Macs. Not anymore! My cute little Mac iBook gives me the best of both worlds! How? I currently use a G3 iBook with the Mac OS 9.2, OS X (Jaguar), Windows 98, Windows XP Pro, and Linix operating systems all installed. In each of these operating systems I have installed a variety of browser software including Microsoft Explorer, Netscape, Opera, etc. That allows me to check my web designs on every important browser used on both Mac's and PC's, and to test my php, cgi, etc. scripts in a Unix environment without being connected to the Internet.

This amazing capability of multiple operating systems on one tiny notebook is made possible by the fact that Mac operating system has Linux/UNIX OS variations written expressly for it. Also, in a program called Virtual PC, you can run virtually every Windows OS made since DOS. VirtualPC provides an Intel-based emulation that fools Windows into thinking it is on a PC, not a Mac. The speed is not blazingly fast, but it certainly is adequate for web development. Also, VirtualPC allows the use of a two-button mouse, and can run Windows in full-screen mode. I have installed the maximum amount of ram (640 megs) allowable in the iBook. That is the one essential I recommend if you want to use multiple operating systems on a iBook (or any other Mac).

I can work literally in any operating system of my choice on one very cool machine! I prefer the iBook to the larger, more powerful Powerbook primarily because of the smaller size and cuteness factor. It feels more portable to me. That allows me to fulfill my dream of being able to work anywhere. On the beach, in the park, at my local Starbucks . . .

After using the iBook for over six months, it is now what I consider the most usable computer in my stable of desktop PC's and laptops. I can be productive in a Starbucks, on a train, anywhere, with this charming little machine. It is in my opinion one of the best hardware values for web developers.