I made the 45-minute pilgrimage to the Apple Store yesterday. I had an hour long training session with a very patient young man. He explained how to use the newest iPhoto program that had been driving me crazy. It turns out the photos appear in stacks that you organize by events. Now I have to go back and do that. Also, the dates of the photos were all out of order, because I had never set the correct date on my digital camera. Now I have to figure out how to do that.
He proceeded to show me what the Launch Pad is for, then helped me download Google Earth. I learned the importance of backing everything up and how to do it.
Then we switched from my laptop over to my iPhone. Unfortunately, he told me I can't get my old maps back, the maps I was used to. It's gone for good; on the trash heap of obsolete technology. The new map function has a voice that gives you directions. It startled me the first time it spoke up. I told him it irritates me; as I explained to him, I don't like inanimate objects speaking to me. He implied I would have to get used to it as it's the wave of the future.
Every time I visit the Apple Store, I feel old. There are always crowds of young people there trying out the newest things. Most of the employees are busy helping older people like me learn how to use their things that are already outdated. I wish I could learn the programs and they would stay the same, but now I know that's not going to happen. Oh, and he explained the difference between updates and upgrades. Updates are free but upgrades are not. I found out my laptop is running on "Lion" and should be running on "Mountain Lion". But before I update, I need to get a hard drive and back everything up.
The Apple Store is in one of those upscale Towne Centers, where there are also many tempting stores and a big food court. I rewarded myself with an oatmeal raisin cookie, then went to Dillard's and bought a new blouse. (Don't tell my husband.)
Well, it sounds like you got a lot done.
ReplyDeleteMaybe at some point things will arrive at a state where they are more stable. It just seems ridiculous that everything is obsolete as soon as it comes on market. Sorry you can't get your maps back - doesn't seem right, does it?
ReplyDeleteAh well, as Vonnegut said, "so it goes."
Mary
Bearette, I did get a lot done; it was worth the trip.
ReplyDeleteMary, I like that, "so it goes". I guess some people are paid to constantly come up with new stuff.
There is no way that I would travel for 45 minutes to learn how to operate something with a plug on it (unless it involved food preparation!). I am as gadget-free as it is possible to be.
ReplyDeleteJudy, I admire you tremendously.
ReplyDeleteI rely too much on Geoff, and even when I
do try to figure stuff out... oh! the frustration!
Cheers for you Judy!
Artist, I hear you, but I live in a rural area where we have to drive at least 30 minutes to get to most things. We used to live in Philadelphia, so it took a while to get used to this.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, thank you! i appreciate being cheered on. I wish I had a Geoff. My husband is a "PC" guy so can't help me with Apple stuff. We have a mixed marriage!
I live with an Apple enthusiast, and we often seem to end up in the store, just to stay abreast of the changes! I'm stubbornly sticking to my 5-year-old Mac, although I'm often told how much sharper, clearer, faster a new one would be. Like you, I feel old in such places, but - well, I suppose I am!
ReplyDeleteI miss my five-year old Mac! If I could get it back, I would never change anything or upgrade anything again. Unfortunately, the mother board died so I had no choice but to get a new one.
ReplyDeleteMaybe, instead of using your phone for navigation, you could get a dedicated GPS device. Did the Apple guy tell you what maps the old system used? Maybe you can find a device that uses the same software.
ReplyDelete