Real Estate Technology Coach

My desk (left to right): XP with Office 2003, Mac Mini with OSX & Vista Tablet with Office 2007

Here at Real Estate Technology coaching, we deal with a wide variety of software programs and an even wider variety of computer capabilities from users.  Two questions we here frequently are “Should I get a Mac for my next computer” and “Should I get an iPhone for my next phone.

Real Estate Technology Focus is born

We will focus on some of the more popular pieces of technology and how they relate to the real estate industry.  To begin, we will discuss Apple OSX.

What is Apple OSX?

Apple OSX (pronounced OH-ESS-TEN) is Apple’s operating system.  Think of it as Microsoft Windows Vista.  Some will argue that OSX is more intuitive, more stable, more secure, faster and better looking than Vista.  All of these are issues that entice many people to make the switch.  For real estate, however, we recommend taking a moment to consider some of the following points.

The Goods

Aesthetically, Mac computers are top of the line.  You don’t have to worry about hiding your computer or under a desk when you’re using an Apple.  I personally use a Mac Mini and am amazed at the amount of power in such a small package.  Prices are actually on par with the amount of included software and hardware.  Slot-load disc drives, Bluetooth, Firewire and back lit keyboards are all great features that every manufacturer should include, but Apple has been doing for years.

The operating system is also visually striking.  An apparent goal of simplicity and cleanliness can be found everywhere.  The typical Windows taskbar has been replaced by a smaller bar at the top and a shrinking “dock” at the bottom.  It is rare that I have any icons on my desktop because OSX does a great job of organizing my programs and files and the search capabilities are great.

Typically, the machines are fast.  They are now using Intel processors, which make them faster and more energy efficient.  I can only tell a negligible difference between my 5 year old high end home desktop and my 1 year old Mac Mini, which I think is fair.

Mac’s are simple and capable for most tasks.  Browsing the internet, checking email, listening to music, organizing your photos, they work well.

The Bads

These are only bads for Real Estate professionals and people who have “grown up” on a Windows machine.  If you are a newer user or not in Real Estate, you’ll be fine with a Mac.

First order of business: install some program that will let you run Windows (or at least Windows applications).  Why?  Your local MLS.  I know some MLS’s are progressive enough to open their system to any browser, but not our local one here.  Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher is still their required browser and I know we’re not alone.

Second order of business: let everyone know you have a Mac.  Not because you’re a proud owner, but you are going to have some compatibility issues.  Sure, this is much better than it used to be, but there are still problems.  Two of the biggest issues I run into include Outlook and Publisher.  Most agents I know use Outlook, which works fine and there’s endless support for it.  Most Mac agents use Mail (some actually step up to Entourage), but it is different, so support is harder to come by.  Almost every agent I know makes their flyers and postcards using Publisher, which is what the title companies have so they can help out when needed.  If you have a Mac, you don’t get that support.  You do from me, since I have a Mac too, but I don’t know of any other title company around here as well equipped.

Third order of business: head to your local cell phone store.  I come from 2+ years of experience as the Data Subject Matter Expert for AT&T stores.  Jeff Goldblum’s smiling face saying “it just works” haunts me to this day.  Typical story: Customer, “I need a phone with Bluetooth so I can sync it with my computer”. Me, “Only certain phones can sync.”  Customer, “I have a Mac, as long as it has Bluetooth, it’ll sync with anything.”  5 different phone models later, we’ve finally figured out which ONE phone in the store will actually EASILY sync with the Mac.  10 of them would sync with the included software on Windows though.  And good luck getting a wireless card, most of the time, the manufacturers are several months behind on Mac drivers.

Fourth order of business: re-buy your software.  Sorry, that Office 2007 for Windows you just bought won’t work, you have to get Office 2008 for Mac (more on this wonderful piece of software later).  Photoshop?  Different version for the Mac.

Fifth order of business: re-learn where everything is.  There is no start menu.  Sure, once you’re used to the system, it’s really easy, but there is a learning curve, especially if you’ve used Windows for years.

One big rumor squashed

My mom just got a Mac.  The rep at the Apple store said they’ve never been hacked and never had a virus. Too bad it was hacked in 2 minutes (the Vista machine took days).  And in February of 2006, OSX had a worm, which isn’t technically a virus, but when Mac users talk about a Windows machine, they lump them all together, so I will too.

I’ll admit, I like my Mac Mini.  And I love two die-hard Mac users (my mom and sister).  I wish it did everything I need it to.  For quite a few people I know, they love their Mac and wouldn’t dare go back to a Windows machine.  It will happen someday (or more likely they’ll both develop into something identical).

Check back next week for my candid take on the iPhone for real estate (hint, I like it more than OSX)

Tags: apple, osx, iphone, mac+mini

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