Alex Thompson

My Story

I discovered my passion for Macs in 2009 when I got my first MacBook Pro. Coming from a Windows background, I was immediately struck by how intuitive and well-designed the Apple ecosystem was. That fascination sparked a career that has taken me from personal enthusiast to professional trainer.

After spending three years as an internal IT specialist managing a predominantly Mac fleet, I pursued and obtained Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) certification. This was followed by additional certifications in macOS support and deployment. Since then, I've worked with everyone from small creative agencies to Fortune 500 companies, helping them integrate Apple devices into their workflows.

What I love most about this work is the transformation moment—when someone who was frustrated or confused suddenly "gets it" and sees their productivity soar. That moment is what drove me to start MarinMac in 2018. I wanted to create a resource that gave people the same "aha" experiences I get to facilitate in my training sessions.

What Sets My Advice Apart

Unlike many tech reviewers who test products in controlled lab environments, I spend every day working with real users on real problems. My articles are grounded in actual experience—what works in theory versus what actually holds up under daily use.

I've helped thousands of people choose the right Mac, troubleshoot mysterious issues, and build workflows that save them hours every week. I don't just regurgitate spec sheets; I translate technical capabilities into practical benefits.

When Apple releases new hardware or software, I spend weeks testing it thoroughly before writing about it. If I recommend something, it's because I've personally found it valuable—not because of affiliate commissions or press relationships.