Street Talk: Derek Ngai
Apple aficionado Derek Ngai loves Mac computers and products so much that he’s been operating the local Apple fan club for over ten years. He talks to Emily Wu about how he can’t live without his igadgets.
HK Magazine: How did you first fall in love with Apple products?
Derek Ngai: I got my first computer, an Apple IIe from my father around 20 years ago, which I still keep at home. It was a precious gift from him as he spent an entire month’s salary on it. That was when I became totally amazed by how I could run a program by simply keying in a few commands.
HK: How is an Apple laptop different from other personal computers?
DN: I believe Apple is a pioneer in leading the trends. Many smart phones available on the market are actually copycats of the iPhone. Also, Microsoft Windows 7 has robbed many features from Apple. But still, the Mac is more superior. For instance, you can have ten windows open on the screen at one time with the Mac, but you have to click open each one of them on Windows. Apple also adheres to its principle of having only one control button on the mouse.
HK: Do you only buy Apple products?
DN: Not exclusively, but I have seven Apple PowerBooks and MacBooks, one Apple IIe, two Color Classic, two Power Macs, five Message Pads, three iPhones, an iPod touch, an iPod mini, two iPod shuffles and one iPad. I am still thinking about whether
I should buy an iPad2. Anyway, less than 10 of these are paid from my own pocket; my friends give most of them to me. I tend to take them off their hands when they say they are going to throw them away.
HK: You were so crazy about Apple that you even went to work for them?
DN: It all began when I was studying Computer Science in the Chinese University of Hong Kong. I always spent time in the multimedia centre and from there, I knew that Apple was organizing a project and was hiring a student helper. I applied for it at once and got hired. I started to get acquainted with some Apple staff and when there was a full-time job opening after I graduated, I got my dream job at Apple Inc.
HK: Why did you quit?
DN: I worked there for three years until I felt like I had to pursue a long-term career. I decided it was better to learn more about Microsoft Windows, to broaden my horizon. Now, not only do I know lots about Mac, but I can point out how bad Microsoft Windows is too.
HK: Why did you set up MACitizen in 2001?
DN: I felt isolated when I found that I was the only one of my friends who used Mac. I was so eager to find more people who share my passion for Apple. I got excited even just to chat with strangers who are also Apple fans. I set up the online group, Macitizen, in 2001, hoping to gather as many Apple fans as possible and provide a platform for them to share their views and problems when using Apple products. There are around 600 members now.
HK: You are now running MACitizen full-time?
DN: It was not an easy decision to make when I quit my full-time job to run MACitizen. Luckily my wife works for the government. I hold monthly gatherings where I invite vendors to deliver talks when a new product is launched. I also teach people how to use the iPhone and even provide a door-to-door service to install apps for my clients. I just want to share more tips with Apple users
