FredMcKinnon.Com

I have waited for a couple of years now for the announcement.  Finally … it came.  Verizon Wireless will have the Apple iPhone in February 2011.  Less than a month away.  Woo Hoo?

If you’ve followed me for any length of time you know that I’m an Apple addict.  I’ve had Mac-only computers since I graduated from college.  My first Mac was a Centris 610.  On yeah.  Then I graduated to a Quadra.  There are (6) Macs in my home right now, believe it or not.  (some are just stored in the attic, awaiting the day I take the time to sell them on Ebay).

So it’s only natural that I’d have an iPhone, right?  Well … not exactly.  The truth is, AT&T’s coverage in our location is spotty at best.  I can’t even make a call in my own home.  So I’ve stuck with Verizon who gives me signal in almost every place I’ve ever been in the USA. (and that’s a lot of places)  So I got tired of waiting for the Verizon iPhone and got the Motorola Droid X last Summer.

So here’s a few reasons why I’m NOT planning on buying a Verizon iPhone in February:

#1.  I’m in a new 2-year contract with only 6 months used at Verizon since buying the DroidX, so … checkout my price:

#2.  I actually LIKE my DroidX.  It’s not without it’s glitches, but the phone is only 6 months old.

#3.  I’ve gotten used to (and love) syncing with the Google Cloud – I really don’t even use Apple’s “MobileMe” anymore.  “MobileMe” is $99 … Google is FREE.

#4.  I can use my phone as an internet modem for my laptop or computer for no extra fee (thanks to PDANet)

#5.  So far … there are no must-have apps for my daily use that I can’t get on Android.

That being said – Let me say, I think the iPhone is one of the most amazing technological devices made.  I love it.  I still “want one” … but I don’t “need one”.

And lastly – my official disclaimer that I may eventually get the iPhone anyway.  I’m just not going to be rushing to the Verizon Store on Day #1.  For now, my DroidX does everything I need.  (with the exception of giving me the iPhone coolness vibe).

How ’bout you … will you be switching?

Hi.  My name is Fred McKinnon, and I’m an Apple-holic.

Since I was first introduced to Apple computers at Georgia Southern University in 1989 … it’s all I’ve used.  We’ve got multiple Macs and iPods … but the one Apple product that we’ve stayed away from was the iPhone.

I’ve wanted an iPhone for a couple of years.  The reality is, AT&T’s service in our area is less-than-reliable.  In our home, it’s essentially nonexistent.  That won’t work for us.  So I didn’t just want an iPhone.  I wanted a Verizon iPhone.

So earlier this month, I finally accepted the fact that maybe another phone could be as powerful as the coveted iPhone … at least, until an iPhone was available on Verizon’s network.  (the latest rumor is that this will happen in January 2011 … emphasis on the word, “rumor”).  So Joy and I both got ourselves the brand new “DroidX” from Motorola, sporting Google’s “Android” operating system.

In my business, Google is a constant companion.

Google Checkout
Google Base/Shopping
Google Analytics
Google Adsense
Google Adwords

Earlier this year, at the prompting of Travis Paulding, our Tech Director at SSCC, I migrated all of my email accounts to Google Apps.  After utilizing the powerful Gmail engine in Google Apps to power my multiple domains and email accounts, I asked myself why I didn’t do that a long time ago when Tony Morgan was talking about it.

So the courtship begins.  I have a Google-based phone, a business that networks with Google, and an “all-Apple” computer system, utilizing all the Apple apps like Mail, Address Book, and iCal.

And somehow, all of these have to not just get along … but be in love.

Well, a few weeks into my Google/Droid/Apple courtship, I am proud to say that “love is in the air”.
Stay tuned for Part 2 for details on the courtship, including my Apps, and how I brought my Google Phone into a beautiful union with my Mac Address Book, iCal, To-Dos, Email, Music, Photos, and Videos.

Part 2 … coming soon.

Since I was first introduced to the beauty of Apple with the Centris 610 in the Music Lab at Georgia Southern University, I was hooked.  I think my first purchase was a Centris.  I’ve had 4-5 Macs since.  I’m an Apple-Addict.

You know what else I really like?  Google.

Google docs.
Google search.
Google base.
Google Apps.

And now Google is getting into hardware?

This past week I started moving my hosted email over to Google’s Gmail servers via their Google Apps.  I still keep my @fredmckinnon.com, @theworshipcommunity.com (and a dozen or so other online identities!) but with the uptime and service standards that Google’s Gmail servers can provide.

Today I installed Google Chrome browser – wow, it’s super fast.  I like it better than Firefox (which now gives me daily trouble) with the exception of the fact that when you choose something in a popup field of a form, you have to hit the “enter” key to lock it in.  (Safari does the same thing, though).

Then … there is the huge question that keeps lingering …

Do I hold out in hopes that Apple will finally make their incredible iPhone available on Verizon?  Rumors said that would happen in June 2010 but those rumors have disappeared and the prospects look pretty bleak now.  Yet, most everyone I’ve talked to loves their Motorola Droid powered by Google and Verizon is definitely getting the Google Nexus soon.

I heard someone recently make a comment that “you know it will eventually be Apple and Google fighting it out”.  I can’t think of two greater competitors.

So I’m facing an identity crisis.  I’ve always been an Apple guy.  (and always will be).  But am I becoming a Google guy, too?

What are YOUR thoughts?  Let me know – comment below!