Considering a switch from Windows to Macbook Pro, Help

Hi, I've never owned a Mac before and I just recently noticed a lot of cool things they can do. I own a Lenovo laptop that is 3yrs old and works just fine. My question for you is, that if the only thing I use my laptop for is to surf and play poker on the web, am I just wasting a lot of money on this machine since I wouldn't be using everything it is capable of?? I use Itunes also a lot, but that's about it for my laptop. Thanks for any suggestions and help!

This sort of sounds like you want to move to a MacBook Pro... you just need to justify the purchase (a position I often find myself in). As you've pretty much mentioned, your current Lenovo machine works just fine for what you are using it for... so you probably know that you don't "need" a new machine. Having said that, if you are looking to get a new machine, the MB Pro is an excellent choice. You can still install Windows (either natively through something called BootCamp, or by setting up a virtual machine within OS X). So... with a new MacBook Pro, you're not losing anything. It will be faster (even for Windows). I personally am the type that just likes to play around with different operating systems as well. I don't really have any issues with Windows (and I actually like Windows 7)... but I also like to try out different Linux distros as well. OS X is really the only other operating system out there that is really consumer friendly. The community behind Apple products tends to be top notch as well. All too often when I go to a PC forum... if someone is asking a question where the answer may seem obvious... you end up with a ton of derogatory comments from users telling them how much of an idiot they are. That is very rare in the Apple support forums. Frankly, I'm not sure I have ever seen it... but since I can't say for sure it "never" happens... I'll just go with it happens "rarely". Other users are always very supportive and willing to help out with the simplest to the most complex issues... often taking the time to actually research questions and provide comprehensive responses.
So... in going with a Mac... you're not just getting the newer hardware (which... lets be honest... as nice as it looks... inside it's the same stuff as every other PC maker)... you're also getting a great secure OS and a support community that's second to none.
It doesn't sound like you "need" a new machine now... but if you really are itching to upgrade, moving to a MacBook Pro is a great choice.

Similar Messages

Help with transferring files from Windows to MacBook Pro

Just got a new MacBook Pro and need to transfer files from a very old Windows operating machine. Have the Seagate Slim portable drive. I downloaded the online software to format it for the windows files (taking 4 hours). Now, I'm told it will not work on the Apple product. Has anyone used this and had success? Or is there an easier way?

Hello CharliePaints,
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
For more information, take a look at:
Switch Basics: Migrate your Windows files to your Mac
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2518
Transfer information from your PC over your wired or wireless network
To move files using Migration Assistant to your Mac from your PC, use these steps.
Have a nice day,
Mario

How long does it take to transfer files from Windows to Macbook Pro

Hi guys
I just got a macbook pro (not the one with retina display)
I have all of my files on my windows and just started to set up my mac using the windows transfer program, but it is taking a really long time. The estimate time remaining jumps between 30-35 hours. This is over Wi-Fi. I have read that it is faster using an Ethernet cable, I think I have one that is pluged into connecting both computers, but it isn't speeding anything up.
What should I do? I don't want to leave either computer on for such a long time. (is there anything I should put my Mac on so it doesn't overheat, its currently on a wood table).
Should I stop it? I dont want to ruin anything on the computer so soon. If so, how do I do it. I had already started to transfer files earlier today but accidently closed the Mac, which stopped the process and couldn't restart it again, so I turned it off since I couldn't find anything on the screen to stop it.
I have an external harddrive that was connected to my windows, would it be faster to hold the mac's power button, start the startup again and just connect the external harddrive?
Please help. Thanks in advance.

Wi-Fi is slowest. Wi-fi must fight interference and other environmental challenges that cables don't have to worry about at all.
Cabled Ethernet would be much faster. If your Windows computer has Gigabit Ethernet, it could actually be faster than FireWire.
msoho wrote:
I have an external harddrive that was connected to my windows, would it be faster to hold the mac's power button, start the startup again and just connect the external harddrive?
I would only abort if there is a safe way to (like a visible Cancel button), otherwise you may lose data.
Connecting the external hard drive to the Mac could work, but if the hard drive is formatted with the NTFS disk format, you must have extra software on your MacBook Pro that can read that. If the drive is formatted as FAT32, it should work since Macs can read (but not write to) that Windows disk format.

Should I switch from a 15" Macbook Pro to a 24" iMac?

So I picked up a 15" Macbook Pro last year in October. It's the new body style with black keys. I love it! But As I'm progressing in school (studying Web Design and New Media) I'm finding myself wanting something a little faster and a bigger screen..... So my question is:
1) Should I sell my Macbook Pro and buy a 24" iMac?
(We use 20" iMacs at my school and they're great. I just like having the option of just putting my laptop in my bag and using it where ever I go.)
So what do you guys think?

The question is really about portability. Depending on which iMac model you get, actual performance may be more or less compared to a MacBook Pro. A recent MacBook Pro like yours is no slouch when it comes to performance...
If portability is not that important, an iMac may make more sense. However, since you already have nice MacBook Pro, why not get a second display to connect to the Mini DisplayPort. Then you can have a display that is as large as an iMac's (or even larger with a dual-link DVI adapter), and still have the portability. Plus you can use both screens at once to extend your Desktop space. Apple's LED Backlit 24-inch Cinema Display is specially designed to compliment the new MacBooks (it even has a MagSafe power connector built in). It is currently showing up on Apple's Special Deals (refurb) page for $699.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB382?mco=MTg1MTg3NA
You could also opt for something less costly (but just as large), and connect it using an Mini DisplayPort to DVI (or other appropriate) adapter.

Wireless transfer of photos from camera to Macbook Pro (help)

Im sorry if this might not be the correct place to ask about it but Im going to give it a try.
I know this can be done because professionals are doing it across the globe already.
I just purchased a Canon 50D along with a WFT-E3A wireless transmitter. I shoot professional Lacrosse in Chicago and for the first time will be trying out the possibility of sending photos straight from my camera to my new Macbook Pro. If this works then my next purchase is going to be the WFT-E2 and a Canon 1D MK III to complete the process.
The main idea is that I will be doing shooting all over the arena and just sending them back to my laptop and having my assistant taking care of post processing of them and then uploading to a website.
But now comes the fun part.
Because this is one step above me setting up a normal wireless network like I have at home for me to get onto the internet. I don't really know where to start on setting up a specific network and configuring it to just have the camera and computer "talk" to each other.
My thoughts are that I would like to have one specific network setup for my laptop at the games when shooting. And then just bring it back home and switch it back over to the normal network I have set up to get my internet wirelessly.
I have been talking with several Genius people here in Madison and was told there are two types of networks to set up, Ad Hoc and Infrastructure.
I have been told to set it up an infrastructure network because this is going to give me widest range for me to be further away from my computer.
The question that is puzzling most of the Genius people and myself is this. Should I have one or several base stations placed somewhere in the arena between me and the computer helping me out so I don't lose signal between the two devices?
If that is the case how would I set up the base station in order to relay or transmit the signal from my laptop to my camera?
After I get this portion all set up I think it isn't going to be an issue of getting the camera to talk with my laptop. But that is another issue that I will need to pose to other photographers or maybe a canon rep directly.
Ok Im all ears now!
Thanks,
Ross

There is more than one date that can be associated with an image, and I think you're running into different programs displaying different dates. This is not a comprehensive list but:
Capture date: Date and time the photo was recorded by the camera clock, stored in EXIF camera data.
Created date: Date and time the photo was first saved to disk by photo software on a computer
Modified date: Date and time the edited photo was last saved to disk by photo software on a computer
Archived date: I'm not really sure but I see this in detailed photo information too.
Furthermore, these dates can be stored in various additional date fields in other IPTC metadata sections, and various software might not write or read them in the same ways as other software.
But what I think is going on in your case is that the iPhoto Info panel is displaying the Capture Date from the camera recorded EXIF data, but what you see in the Finder are the Created and Modified dates.
If I'm right, then LexSchellings' column suggestion may not work because all you would get is the File Created date, not the camera recorded Capture Date. I do not know of a way to display camera EXIF capture date in the Finder. Generally, organizing photos using that data is done using a photo management app like iPhoto, Picasa, Apple Aperture, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Bridge, Media Pro, etc., not on the desktop.
If you were able to view the Capture Date in Windows Explorer, then that's an advantage that Windows Explorer (the desktop) had over the Finder. I've seen other cases where the Finder couldn't do something Windows Explorer could, so I wouldn't be surprised.
As far as the duplicates, I don't really know but I did a search at macupdate.com and you might want to check some of these utilities that can help resolve duplicates.
MacUpdate search on "duplicate photo"
macupdate.com is a great place to look for Mac software if you didn't find it in the Mac App Store.

Elements 11: switched from Windows to Mac need help w/ serial

My friend upgraded, and no longer uses her Elements 11. She wants to give it to me. However she uses Windows, and I have a Mac. After I downloaded the program and it prompted me to enter the Serial Number, it says "This serial number is not valid for this product" - after some google research I believe it is because the serial number for Windows isn't compatible for Mac.
My question is, is it possible to find the serial number on this product that's compatible for Mac (like, do these products come with two different serial numbers; one for Windows and one for Macs)? Or is it just not going to work on a Mac at all? Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

mrjayd, I switched from a PC to a G5 about 6 weeks ago & had the same problem. I used iPodRip which you can find at versiontracker.com. It worked like a charm, recovered playlists, playcounts, everything. Good Luck!

Moving from Windows to Macbook Pro what isnt easy to transfer ?

Following on from my Missus dragging me into our local Apple Store to drool over an iPad, i have decided i have to have a Mac Lap Top, for the last decade at least, i have only known Windows, thinking that Apple Mac's are ONLY for Proffessional Draughtsmen and Newspaper Editors etc.
All the Apple machines look really lovely, i have to have one at any cost !.
So transferring most of my precious files is probably going to be very easy, but what can i expect any problems with ?, Music, Pictures and Word Documents and Excel Spreadsheets are easy i should think, but what about Favorites and Emails and my Address book.
For my documents etc. i would probably have to get Open Office, but i dont know how compatible my Emails and Address book will be ?
Of all my Windows software that i couldnt be without is RoboForm, it remembers all my passwords for all my Web Sites etc. i do hope i can find something for the Mac that does the same job.
Tim

Moving over your Windows files should be pretty seamless. I would recommend becoming familiar with both:
Switch 101
The Great Migration
Roger

Put my macbook pro to sleep. When I opened it, the desktop window is small and I can't resize it. All applications now run in the smaller size window. Can't make it fill the screen. Just switched from windows. Thank you.

Put my macbook pro to sleep. When I opened it, the desktop window is small and I can't resize it. All applications now run in the smaller size window. Can't make it fill the screen. Just switched from windows. Thank you.

Check to see if the resolution has been changed in System Preferences.
Allan

My macbook pro out of screen when i switch from windows to mac

my macbook pro out of screen when i switch from windows to mac , mac is running but out of screen , what should i do??

my macbook pro out of screen when i switch from windows to mac , mac is running but out of screen , what should i do??

How do I install windows from USB on Macbook pro 3,1

How do I install windows from USB on Macbook pro 3,1 ?
My Superdrive is far from super anymore, So I managed to make an extern drive with both Snow Leopard Partition, Lion Partition (Since I thought Boot Camp 4,1 would bypass my problem), and Time Machine partition, Since I got 1. USB drive that works.
- My general issue is that Boot camp Refuse to see the USB drive - (Many "how to"´s though show how they install windows perfectly through the USB port, but they use airbooks!, and somehow the Macbook will not ?)
I fix that issue with >> rEFIt <<, that suddenly makes it possible for the Mac to see the USB drive, and partitions.
Which was very strange since I could use an extern HD with the whole installation to start up wipe the whole disk, and then use my extern drive with partitions to install Snow Leopard and get everything as before with timemachine. Very smart with timemachine, but very lucky that I have a extern drive that runs the whole system and that I made the partitionsdrive before. DVD-drives are the past!
Point: So the original system could see the Snow Leopard installation USB disk, but boot camp cannot find the USB drive ?????????
After rEFIt I booted and then I got this error:
Starting bootmgr.efi
Error: Unsupported while loading bootmgr.efi
I read it could be a problem with the Windows software, so I purchased an extern DVD drive, Used Disk Utility to make an image (.DMG), then used another program to convert the .dmg to .ISO.
Then downloaded a trialversion of vmWare fusion, and installed windows from the iso. Everything worked brilliant, except and that is why I want to use boot camp, Running windows in another program while running the mac system is a little hacky and slow.
Point: Nothing is wrong with the windows software, and windows runs fine.
I then downloaded the Windows DVD / USB Tool, reformatted a USB drive as Master Boot Partition, MS-Dos Fat partition, then after lots of struggling got Vmware, windows to recognise the USB drive. And installed the windows software on the USB drive, as all the walkthroughs recommend.
Then I tried for "fun"! to just install windows form the extern USB drive, and with rEFIt it will see the drive and start to do something, but then when it starts to boot, the screen just turns into black and nothing happens, and you can see the drive does NOTHING. (I think it is because I only have 1 USB drive and the Extern DVD drive does not get enough power, but again the mac refuse to see the USB drive unless it is a Snow Leopard installation USB-drive!
Well trying to install Windows Ultimate 64 Bit, which worked great in vmware, because that program installed from the .ISO file that I had on the desktop, but trying with Boot Camp did not get anywhere, what kind of **** program is this boot camp anyway!?, but then I try the new USB disk with windows made from windows, thorugh rEFIt, it sees the disk and then starts and then I get this ERROR:
rEFIt - Booting Legacy OS
Starting legacy loader
Using load option ´USB´
Error: Not found returned from legacy loader
Error: Not found from LocateDevicePath
(x 9 times)
Error: Load Error while (re)opening our installation volume
The firmware refused to boot from the selected volume. Note that external hard drives are not well-supported by Apple´s firmware for legacy OS booting
(Hey Apple please send out a updated firmware that fix this issue?!)
So how do I do it ? - or is the only option to fix the partition running the system from the extern disk. Format the whole drive in 2 from the "bottom" and install windows and then afterwards install Mac on the other partition ? Or just run windows on the mac and forget about mac software ? What a stupid solution...

There are strings in the pliist file to add other Macs so that you can use some USB-DVD drives.
This is 5 page thread, so a little more 'meat' to it:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3410900?start=60&tstart=0
And on PC booting Windows from a USB DVD to do the install is usually a piece of cake, sometimes you just need to specify that USB in the BIOS boot order and sometimes select via F12 (or another Fkey) and that is it.
What you have here seems to be everything and everyone is excluded unless there is a mac-model device ID string that specifies yes. An unnecessary hurdle.

I need help transferring Bootcamp (Windows XP) from my old Macbook Pro to the new one. How do I make bootable clone of Bootcamp?

Hi I just got a new MacBook Pro I need help transferring Bootcamp (Windows XP) from my old Macbook Pro to my new Macbook Pro Mac OS X 10.7.4 2.6 Ghz Intel Core 17. How do I make bootable clone of Bootcamp?

you can't just move XP even if you took the hard drive and have Windows boot and function.
Apparently there are Windows tools to sanitize the OS and strip all the motherboard drivers and services.
Time to get a supported OS. Don't want to pay, then use 8 for the time until it goes on sale.
There are no drivers for even Vista on 2011 and later Macs.

Why do I have to switch from Windows Phone to Andr...

Why do I have to switch from Windows Phone to Android?
[September 30, 2014]
This year all my friends with Windows Phone (WP) had switched to Android. Why? The Apps. I continued with WP until now because the OS is very cool (particularly the 8.1 desktop) and because I love Nokia Phones. And the new 830 and 930 models look great.
But I will buy a new Fuji X30 Camera, I need the Wifi remote app for some shoots, I have no choice
Now, I will give a list of reasons my friends left WP because lack or applications, maybe somebody at Microsoft is listening and can revert this tendency.
1. Bank Applications (Bancolombia APP)
2. Giro D’Italia app from La gazzetta dello sport.
3. Stereopinic Concert app.
4. General Motors - Chevrolet navigation/location app.
Another annoying thing with Nokia phones in emerging markets is they don’t distribute all the accessories (headphones, wireless chargers, cases), so you have to buy them from another country make them expensive. I even met three months ago the commercial leader for Nokia here in Colombia, a group of people mentioned this, but nothing has changed since then. The updates came very late and right now I’m not able to use Cortana
I hope Microsoft starts investing hard on apps and identify that little temporal applications for just one week or month (sport events/concerts) and start to create mechanisms to get things done. They just can’t waste the 6’000.000 consumers in US and the 10% share market in some countries in Europe and in emerging markets.

I don't endorse any mobile phone brand nor receive any free stuff from them. Neither did I advertise anything. It was rather a recommendation if the starter of this thread would like ot purchase an Android phone. Censorship won't help to sell any more Lumia phones.
I cannot blame anybody who's about to purchase an Android phone. Being a Windows Mobile & Phone user since 2006 I've seen those strategic mistakes Microsoft has made when the 1st and the 2nd generation of Windows Phones were released (the price of developer account etc. etc.). It's very hard to mend those things afterwards but I sincerely hope it won't be impossible.
I'm blessed that I live in FInland because Nokia has always been considered as a Finnish mobile brand and therefore there are all those (well, almost all) necessary apps available for Windows Phone. IMO the best Nokia app has been Here Transit. I really don't need Here Drive+ because they don't bother to include speed cams and line assistance to their app. Just take a look at Navigation Europe and there you have the best possible navigation app for Windows Phone. Waze is also great and it's free. Hmm, I guess that sentence will be censored because I recommended something
I've been quite pleased with the latest Windows Phones. They haven't crashed like my Dell Venue Pro did (first Windows Phone ever) or like my Android phone, tablet and TV box. But in order to increase the market share of Windows Phones there are two ways:
1) good (amount of) apps, great hardware and/or
2) double booting phone where it's possible to choose whether to boot to Android or to Windows Phone. I'd love to have that kinda phone with the goods described in 1)
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HT204144 File transfer using Airdrop from iphone to Macbook Pro

File transfer using airdrop form Macbook Pro to iphone is working...but from iphone to Macbook Pro is not working, Why?

Hi Brok25;
Thanks for the question. The resource below explains the specs and settings that are needed for AirDrop. Check the settings and look to see if your MacBook Pro is listed.
Mac Basics: AirDrop lets you send files from your Mac to nearby Macs and iOS devices - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203106
Sending files to and from an older Mac
If a Mac you're using with AirDrop was manufactured before 2012, you can send and receive files with other Mac computers.
On the sending Mac, click "Don't see who you're looking for" in the AirDrop window.
Select the option to "Search for an Older Mac."
On the receiving Mac, open a new Finder window and click AirDrop in the sidebar.
Tips for sending files
Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on your Mac and your iOS device. Although you don't have to connect to a specific network, Wi-Fi needs to be on to send and receive files using AirDrop.
Move your devices closer together. AirDrop is designed to work within a range of approximately 30 feet (9 meters). If you need to send a file to someone farther away, consider using File Sharing, iCloud, or email instead.
If you're using a firewall on your Mac, you won't be able to receive AirDrop files if you have enabled "Block all incoming connections" in the Security & Privacy pane of System Preferences.
Make sure your devices meet system requirements for AirDrop.
System Requirements
To see if your Mac works with AirDrop, make sure you’re in the Finder by clicking the desktop (the background area of your screen), or by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock. Then, check to see if AirDrop is listed as an option in the Go menu. If you don't see AirDrop listed, your Mac doesn't support this feature.
In order to transfer files between a Mac and and an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
your iOS device needs to include a lightning connector
your iOS device needs iOS 7 or later installed
your Mac needs to be a 2012 or later model with OS X Yosemite installed
Your Mac and iOS device both need bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. You do not have to be connected to a specific Wi-Fi network.
To transfer files between two Mac computers, you need the Mac models listed below with Wi-Fi turned on and OS X Lion or later installed.
MacBook Pro (Late 2008 or newer)*
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 or newer)*
iMac (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)
*The MacBook Pro (17-Inch Late 2008) and the white MacBook (Late 2008) do not support AirDrop.
For help identifying your Mac, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu. You can refer to the Apple Support website to find out if your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch includes a lightning connector.
Cheers,
- Judy

Ipod Switch from Windows to Mac: Possible?

Hi, I'm new here. If this has been asked, I couldn't find it.
I just bought a Macbook Pro; first Apple computer I've owned.
My iTunes library is on my IBM. Is it possible to get my songs into my Apple and then reformat the iPod and reload them?
thanks.
Regards,
Mark

You can use your iPod which will work on your Mac, there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the files and playlists from your iPod, this is just a selection. Have a look at the web pages and documentation for these, they are generally quite straightforward. I use Senuti but have a look at the others and go with whichever you prefer.
Senuti Mac Only
iPodRip Mac Only
PodWorks Mac Only
iPod.iTunes Mac Only
iPod Access Mac and Windows Versions
YamiPod Mac and Windows Versions
PodUtil Mac and Windows Versions
iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions
Another way of course would be to network the two computers and copy over your iTunes folder. There is a good general guide to switching from Windows to Mac at the following link that touches on moving music as well How to Move to a Mac - Get your stuff from your PC to your new Mac
There are also these guides:
How to move music between authorised computers
Moving your iTunes Music Folder This is written around moving to another drive on your computer but should adaptable for moving to another computer ok and also Networking with a Windows PC
Don't forget by the way if you have purchased any tracks from the iTunes Music Store to deauthorise your old PC if you are disposing of it so you don't use up your 5 allowances How to move music between authorised computers

I downloaded an upgrade to my adobe reader today, and ever since my search engine has switched to yahoo and wont change back to google. I have a macbook pro, help please? Does anyone know how I can change this back? I have tried through my settings but it

I downloaded an upgrade to my adobe reader today, and ever since my search engine has switched to yahoo and wont change back to google. I have a macbook pro, help please? Does anyone know how I can change this back? I have tried through my settings but it doesnt work

Hi Timia,
If you are using Safari as a web browser :-
Open Safari, go to Safari menu > Preferences > General, and put Google as the homepage. Then, choose Google as your default search engine.
If you are using Google Chrome as the web browser :-
Open Google Chrome.
In the top right corner of the page, click the Chrome menu Chrome menu > Settings.
In the "Search" section, select Google from the drop-down menu.
Let me know if you still experience any issue.
Regards,
Aadesh

Considering a switch from Windows to Macbook Pro, Help

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