It is 10 PM. I’m sitting at my desk. I’ve updated iTunes, restarted my computer, backed up my iPhone to my computer, transferred apps and photos, and synced. Now I’m waiting for the newest iOS update, iOS 7, to download. I decided to go through iTunes because in the past this method has been the quickest and easiest. The progress bar says there are 32 minutes remaining. The progress bar has said that for almost 10 minutes.

After reading a few pieces here on GonnaGeek.com and listening to last week’s podcast, a thought has been creeping slowly through my mind. The thought started at the back of my skull just below my left ear and has been winding its way through my synapses – Should I leave the Apple ecosystem?

The iPhone 3GS was my first smartphone. My friend had one; I played around with it and fell for the slick design. Back then Apple didn’t have a viable competitor, so the choice was easy. Also, I had music on iTunes, so learning how to access the App Store was quick.

But if I got another phone, where would I start? What would happen to all of the purchases I have made through Apple’s App Store? I have an iPad, so most of my apps would still work, but there are apps I use almost every day on my iPhone that don’t have a different version.

If I decided to switch, where would I start?

I have to admit that I find Android confusing. The updates are named, not numbered, and I’ve read that updates can be slow depending on which phone you use. According to my research, the Nexus updates quickly because it has the official Google code. Additionally, where would I buy apps? From Google? From Amazon? Where would my apps be stored? A major benefit of Apple devices is the central location of apps and music. iTunes has everything I need for my iPhone; it’s convenient and simple to use. Adjusting to a new system of purchasing and storage is a big hurdle to overcome. I admit that the familiarity with Apple’s systems makes other phones less tempting.

But other phones have a bigger screens, better cameras, true multitasking, and voice commands that are more efficient that Siri. I don’t want a big phone; I don’t care for phones that are almost the size of an iPad Mini for aesthetic reasons and a personal one – I have small hands, so a big phone, a phone bigger than my hand, isn’t what I would purchase. The iPhone fits perfectly in my hand; I can hold my iPhone and use my thumb to navigate. With a phone much bigger than an iPhone, I would have to use two hands. Using two hands to hold my iPad is fine, but not to operate my phone.

I should make up my mind by the time the new iPhones come out.

There is still a lot for me to consider for me to make the switch. Apple has a lot more apps. I’ve interviewed game developers, and many of them state that developing for iOS is easier because iOS is iOS. According to many game designers, developing for Android can be a hassle. There are new versions of iOS, but developers just have to do minor updates to suit the new iOS and not have to worry about different versions for different types of devices, which is why many developers don’t even consider creating an Android version of their game.

It is a lot to think about. Have any of you made the switch from Apple to Android? How was the process? Was it worth it?

Well, iOS 7 has finally downloaded, and I’m ready to update my iPhone, but the thought of leaving Apple’s ecosystem is still there.