Transition from PC to Apple (Pt 1)

Published July 17, 2021

Over the past several years I’ve been slowly transitioning from a Windows PC to the Apple environment. At my age, that is no simple task. With years of Windows and PC training under my belt, jumping ship to board the Apple train is more like “let’s take the slow boat to somewhere far away.” In other words, this is a major transition.

In the very recent past, things have been speeding up. My ultimate computing goal was to dump the stationery PC in favor of the mobile, light-weight iPad. I believe things are finally coming together.

In the Beginning

This all started back in 2016 when I got my first iPhone. It was the iPhone 6s Plus which I am still using today.

I've written several posts in the past about the reason I even entertained switching from PC over to Apple devices was because of text messaging. Not being able to send a text through my computer was a major drawback and using the on-screen phone keyboard was a downer. As such, the transition began.

Things Have Progressed

Fast forward to December of 2020, I finally got up the nerve to purchase an iPad. I purchased the iPad Air, 4th generation. It’s been an interesting time. I feel like a fish out of water, or…more appropriate…I feel like the old gal at the disco. My long-time PC brain is taking a thumping trying to adapt to the new iOS environment.

In addition to the transition from PC to iOS, I'm converting several of my blogs from the WordPress platform to good old fashion HTML coding. It's a large task, made even larger by attempting to do it on an iPad. Only folks who have attempted or understand the difference between WordPress and hand-coding a site will appreciate my undertaking.

If I'm lucky, I'll complete transferring Low-Tech Grandma sometime before hitting the ripe young age of 90! I must say, however, using an iPad to perform this conversion has helped me in my iOS transition.

If Not Now, When?

Being a responsible mother and grandmother, I had a tendency to put myself at the back of the needs/wants line. As such, I’ve always done what’s good for the family, whether or not it was good for me (all you Moms and Grandmoms know what I’m talking about). My new motto is, “If not now, when?” In other words, it’s now my time (before I push up daisies).

My time doesn’t mean I’m ditching all responsibility, but it does mean I’ve placed myself further up the needs/want line. It’s amazing the trickle-down effect. When Grandma is happy, everyone benefits.

Oh, the Lovely Apple Store!

Recently, I accompanied my daughter on her visit to the Apple store to upgrade her iPhone. Oh my! What a lovely store! I was like a kid in a candy shop (I tried not to drool all over the equipment).

While there, as my daughter was negotiating her new phone, I decided to test and purchase the Magic Keyboard to accompany my iPad. Why? Because I wanted it. It was not the most frugal decision I've ever made but it made me very happy.

iPad - The Ultimate in Portability

With the Magic Keyboard, I was able to ditch my other marginally functional iPad case. The keyboard doubles as a protective case and an iPad stand. The tactile feel of the keyboard outshines all of my other keyboards (and believe me…I’m the keyboard queen).

Because the Magic Keyboard has a trackpad, I ditched the mouse (affiliate link)I purchased to work with the iPad. Also, with the case, I can attach my various dongles and Apple Pencil (yes, I splurged on that too). I previously purchased a cheaper pencil alternative and was disappointed (post about that to come).

Windows 10 is Still Available

Although I’m doing my best to transition away from Windows and onto iOS, I still have a foothold in the Windows environment. Fortunately, with a Remote Desktop app, I can access my PC through the iPad when I’m home. I think it’s the best of both worlds.

In upcoming posts, I’ll share a few tech details of the journey for all who are interested. Warning…I feel a wave of geek-i-tude coming on.

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Felicia (aka Low Tech Grandma) is a wife, mother, grandmother, freelance writer and low tech blogger.

Last Modified: 3 September 2023