APPLE OF HER EYE CSUN PROF SWITCHED, HAILED BY MACINTOSH.

Byline: Lisa M. Sodders Staff Writer

NORTHRIDGE - Fabiola Torres isn't an actress, but you can find her smiling face on television, in print ads and on the Internet.

The Chicano-studies professor from California State University, Northridge, is featured in Apple Computer's latest advertising campaign, which tells the stories of people who gave up their PCs for Apple Macintosh computers.

Torres, who uses her portable iBook computer to add a multimedia dimension to her lectures, said she was thrilled to be featured in the ``switch'' ads.

``I was honored and excited,'' the 30-year-old Pacoima native recalled when she learned that her story had been chosen for the commercial. ``I felt blessed. Because it's not like a beer commercial; it's a product that's doing good things to people. It's not a product that comes from a sweatshop; it's a product that's definitely doing change in people's lives.''

Torres is one of six people profiled in the second series of ads, which debuted in September. Apple launched the ad campaign in June with an initial series of eight profiles. Computer users can view the ads online and read the stories of those profiled at www.apple.com/switch.

``These are not actors - they're real people who have switched from PCs to Macs, telling their story in their own words,'' said Steve Jobs, Apple's founder and chief executive officer. ``More people are interested in switching from PCs to Macs than ever before, and we hope that hearing these successful switchers tell their story will help others make the jump.''

The ad campaign has created a stir among some computer users, who have created Web sites devoted to one teenage girl who describes in a 30-second spot how her father's computer ate her homework.

In Torres' online ad, the attractive professor is seen with her face alight, slender arms slicing through the air, body weaving as she makes a point. Students say she behaves the same way in class, throwing her entire body into a lecture.

``She's probably the most energetic professor I've ever had,'' said Nathan Hamilton, 18, of Woodland Hills.

While Torres now prefers Apple computers, she wasn't always a fan. Personal computers are much cheaper and she was able to use an old one from her sister-in-law.

But her attitude changed when she saw a documentary video made by one of her brother's high school students using a Macintosh. Better still, the student then showed Torres how she made it.

``I was just blown away that a student could do this,'' Torres says on the Apple Web site. ``Here I am a professor teaching in the university, and my students are writing essays. Ooh, great.''

Today, she uses footage she's shot with a digital camera and the iBook's software to incorporate music and video clips in PowerPoint presentations at CSUN and Glendale Community College, where she also teaches. But even the wizardry of the Macintosh can only do so much.

``Technology may be great and amazing,'' she told her students Friday, ``but the number one thing is your delivery, yourself. You can have an incredible presentation, but if your delivery is weak, so will your presentation.''

Andrea Gallardo, 18, of Glendale said Torres' high-tech approach in class helps her learn: ``I'm a visual person, so seeing things on the screen is very helpful.''

And while Torres has not joined the Screen Actors Guild yet, she was paid union rates for her commercial appearance. She plans to spend her money on more Macintosh equipment.

Meanwhile, Torres' brother is still gloating; he encouraged her to buy a Macintosh.

``He constantly reminds me: 'If it hadn't been for me ...''' Torres said, her eyes sparkling mischievously. ``I do owe him a ton of gratitude; he really inspired me.''

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CSUN's Fabiola Torres, remote control for her Mac laptop in her hand, shares a laugh with her Chicano-studies students.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News