Last week the logic board in my trusty White MacBook--one of the originals--died. It was my main (read "only") computer. It was backed up.I took it to the Apple Store where they informed me that I could get a
new logic board for $600+ in 48 hours if I sent it to California. They also (kindly) let me know that if I were willing to wait 5 days it could be replaced locally for $280.
Now, watch my logic (this is why I stay away from Las Vegas):
"Hmm, I could save a good chunk of money by waiting 5 days.Yes, that's the frugal thing to do. But I can't be without a computer...I am a digital business guy. Aha! I'll get a featherweight MacBook Air that will be healthier for my back and my productivity will not only continue, it will skyrocket."
So, after plopping down $1799 and having the Apple folks transfer my data to the new MacAir, I left the store with a smile and an unburdened back: I was no longer hunched over with the extra weight of that $1799 in my wallet.
Immobilized by the World Series
No sooner did I get home and fire up the blogging platform than: Voila! The World Series!
I'm from Philadelphia. Those of you in the U.S. who follow baseball know that us Philly folks have spent our entire lives--except for the 1980 World Series (when I was living in Saudi Arabia)--watching the Phillies play the adult equivalent of T-ball. Not this year. Our guys did themselves well and won the whole thing.
Which is how I learned:
I cannot multitask. Sort of.
It seems that I could, in fact, chew gum and watch baseball; eat food and watch baseball; read Cigar Aficionado Magazine and watch baseball; but I could not work and watch baseball. Nor could I post any blogs and get to the celebratory parade. After a full day of trying, I couldn't even get to the parade. Every route and mode of transportation known to humanity was inaccessible.
Then: Lo and behold, the original White MacBook came back in two days--not five. (I could have spent that $1799 on a helicopter and hovered over the stinkin' parade).
I Did Not Disappear. I Migrated.
Now it was time to re-transfer everything back to the original White MacBook. As an Apple user since 1987 I knew it would be a breeze. Just plug the Firewire connection between the two computers and click on "Migration Assistant." Stop back in a few hours and all would be perfectly duplicated. Then, start the posts flowing again.
Oooh: no Firewire on the MacAir. No problem: I'll do it wirelessly.
Twelve hours later I sensed something might be amiss when the screen told me I had another 19 hours to go.
No problem. Off to the Apple store to get a USB to Ethernet adapter for $29 + tax.
Back home, click on Migration Assistant, "You have 19 hours until. . ."
Off to the Apple Store with both computers and an appointment with an Apple Genius. Genius tells me to leave both computers, he'll do the transfer, stop back in a few hours. Perfect timing. It's 6 pm, the Apple Store closes at 9, and Borders is across the street.
I return at 9 at which time the Genius informs me there is still "more time" to go on the transfer. I inform him that I could have done that. In fact, I already had. Since I need the MacAir to complete something for a client I leave with both laptops.
The next morning I arrive back at the Apple Store where I am greeted by name (I can't mention the exact name as this is a family blog). Today's solution: Leave the computers all day plus over-night; collect them in the morning.
The next morning I arrive back at the Apple Store where I am greeted by the same name. However: Today's Genius proudly announces that the migration is complete. He thinks I am ungrateful when I allow that it didn't take the population of Ireland that long to migrate to the U.S. during the potato famine.
When I arrive home and quickly boot the machines, it is immediately apparent that everything had been transferred--but not migrated. That is, the programs were not attached to their respective passwords and registrations.
So I have spent the past 48 hours doing all of that manually. And my face again wears the smile of a Happy Mac.
For the two of you who stuck with me all the way through this totally self-absorbed attempt at catharsis, I thank you.
All Things Workplace will now resume it's regular broadcast day.
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. If you want a fun and educational take on marketing, the official release date is April 24th.
This is my 200th blog post. I'm astounded. 
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