So last night my Macbook had a massive heart-attack. I saw the vaunted folder with a questions mark.  That is not the sight one wants to see when they restart their computer. This is my 3rd major issues with Apple in 6 years. So I knew how this would go down. I made a quick appointment with the Genius Bar for the next day and I was not worried about the process. 

So this morning I arrived at 8AM at the Apple Store. By 8:30 I had a new hard drive. If I would have backed everything up properly this would have been no big deal. But, I didn’t, therefore I lost some key data including a lot of homework that is due this week. *yikes* 

For many of you non-Apple fans, this is why we love this company. Not every story always works out this way. But, I knew the company would take care of the problem in timely manner. There have been times that I had to wait for a certain parts to arrive, but for the most part I know I can trust the process. 

So again props to Apple, while I do wish they would create better hard drives that don’t crash as often, I’m thankful that when something goes wrong they help solve the problem.

Luckly a few minutes later twitter started getting some hits with people who had the same problem. I was very happy to know that this was an Apple issue and not a Marlow issue. I guess at 10AM (central) the Cali folks starting downloading and things got server-crazy. After an hour or so I was able to get my update working and man I LOVE IT. So many cool apps that will help me stay A.D.D. But I was a bit frustrated. 

I was also talking to new Austinite <a href=”http://www.austinized.com/”>John Chandler</a>. He is learning culture very well. Below is a pic fron one of our 60-70 daily IM conversations. Ha, who would have thought.

I think that is awesome…Rumor has it John is taking his wife to do a little square dancing soon. 

Anyhow, tonight we are heading out to Mangum’s to BBQ. The Marlow girls stayed at their house last night. I saw Mangum this morning-dude looked like he got ran over by a mac-truck. Ha, welcome to my life. 

Of course the last bit of fun was listening to Scott Wade on Twitter in regards to the iPhone chaos. I thought for sure he was going to go postal (office style) and start breaking things.

So Apple is the king of hype. Therefore tomorrow morning folks across America will line-up in hopes of getting a new iPhone 3G. I’m wondering if I should be one? I think I will pass for a bit and see how this all plays out. 

I really want to see how the new software update will enhance my current iPhone. I do have a friend who can get me 20% off and if I sell my current iPhone (4 GB) then I could literally get one without wrecking my budget. But it will cost more monthly. So we shall see.

Benefits for me:

1. Faster web experience. 

2. More GB space. (This also helps when I travel. 40 hour plane rides can be BRUTAL) Gimme some games and movies. 

3. 3G for international travel. 

4. Better battery life. (looks like this is a debate)

5. Video Chat (3rd party app)

Anyhow I added some great links if you want to do some more research. 

Are you getting the iPhone? If so why? If not…Why?

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the New iPhone 3G – Michael Hyatt

State of the Art – For iPhone, the ‘New’ Is Relative – NYTimes.com

Software for new iPhone benefits current owners – Digital Home- msnbc.com. (Look’s like you can now video chat!?!?!)

HT: Jasen “I should move to Austin” Ashdown.

Our main goal this year is to build an orphanage in Zimbabwe. I can already see it in my mind. I just can’t wait for it to become a reality. It will happen.

This has been such an awkward week for me. My Macbook had some issues so the local Apple store is fixing it. (Apple haters stop smiling) I’m completely lost without my computer. Jeff told me I needed some Ritalin, which coming from Jeff is not a good thing. That boy can’t set through a 20 minute meeting without breaking down. Anyhow,  I have not been able to sleep, focus, study or read. Not sure what is up. Maybe next week will be better.

Although this week has been good and productive. We (Jeff and I) spent some time working through our deacon process and we have asked 5-6 people to be official deacons at the Vista. This is such a good thing and it feels great to finally move forward. We’ve been trying to make this happen for 6 months.

In other news…It looks like I will be free from orchestrating our Sunday gatherings at the Vista. We’ve officially brought on a quasi-staff member (can you say free) new/old person to handle these responsibilities.  I will handle the big picture, but not the day-to-day stuff that I suck at. So this Sunday the whole world will know-but of course it will be anti-climatic as this dude already is a key part of our church.

I’ve learned a lot about myself this past year. I’m a big picture guy…But I suck at daily details. I get so bored. I wish I could network all week and start new ventures.  I love to plan, stratagize, create processes and empower people. I can’t stand the day-in-and-day-out stuff-oh the boredom. This is why I love working on a team.

I’ve never felt such a peace about my role in any kind of work. I feel like I’m doing exactley what I was called to do, with people who I want to work with and do life. Can’t ask for much more then that.

1. They constantly innovate: It’s a never ending stream of new gadgets. It seems like they push the envelope every time. How does a computer company capture the music industry? How does a computer company create an amazing cell phone? It’s amazing. Who would have thought the nano would eventually have video?

2. Simplicity: I love how they make complicated technology simple. They create products for us normal tech consumers. Apple makes me feel better, more savvy. I don’t have time or energy to learn complicated technology.

3. Price: I know some say Apple is expensive. I just don’t think so. The iPhone was $600 when it came out. My Treo 650 was $650. Maybe they are a bit more expensive, but not to the point where it’s considered extreme. My 4-5 year old iBook is still running great. It cost me $1100. The battery life sucks and I had to replace the hard-drive once. Other then that it still works great.

4. Customer Service: There is no doubt Apple is going to struggle in this area. When companies grow so quickly it’s bound to happen. My one main issue with my Apple products has been the battery life. I’ve owned Apple products for 5 years and I’ve never called customer service. But I do know plenty of people who had some lame issues. But every time these people seem very happy with Apple’s customer service. Not that it’s perfect… I think this may be Apple’s biggest issue as they continue to grow. How can they keep their loyal fan base and still expand as a company. The haters will be there for sure.

5. Risk: These cats are brave…They just don’t rest on their laurels. They seem to constantly be taking risk (iPhone & iPod). Just because something is working does not mean they won’t change and improve on that product. (think iPod mini or whatever it was called) They have no problem shelving a product and making it better.

6. Buzz: I think this is what separates Apple from it’s competitors. Everything they do is talked about. Expectations are so high and the buzz is so strong. What other company can say that? Even Apple haters would have to admit that. They create so much momentum. I think Apple does a great job of creating a shared experience. I follow blogs, live webcast and multiple websites in hopes of the next best thing. Last night I spoke to several people about Leopard. We were all excited and asking questions. I know Apple is not perfect…I know Apple haters will do their best to try and combat these points. But the reality is somewhat in the facts. We all have a lot to learn from this great company.

Now I will give props to Nussbaum and Ashdown for convincing me to switch…Good friends for sure.