Moving to Belgium - and making the switch?

hello,
I'm in the market for a new laptop; have been a pc person for a while but am pretty much sold on switching to mac. I'd go ahead and buy a macbook, except for one thing - I'm moving to Belgium in a few months, and I've been warned that it might be difficult there to get service & support, and that there might be the odd compatibility problem since fewer people use macs over there. Can anyone weigh in on this issue?
thank you!
Lucy

Welcome to Belgium. Indeed, about 95% of the population has never heard of Apple or Macs. There are quite a lot of Mac dealers around (but I wouldn't say plenty, you might have to search around - then again, Belgium is only the size of a stamp compared to the US). The reason why there are so many PC users and so little Mac users is partly Apple's fault : you won't find any advertising anywhere : not in newspapers, not in magazines, and certainly not on radio or TV. But you won't have any problem finding support for your Mac : most dealers (although there are a few exceptions, check out some local discussion forums if you can, people will gladly help you in English) are really passionate about macs. In any case, welcome to Belgium, enjoy the food and the beer !
G4/800 QS - G3/400 Pismo PB Mac OS X (10.3.9)

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[svn:osmf:] 14521: ChromeLibrary: moving live and recording buttons to the left hand side of the control bar , and making the button backdrops a little bigger.

Revision: 14521
Revision: 14521
Author:   [email protected]
Date:     2010-03-02 12:47:27 -0800 (Tue, 02 Mar 2010)
Log Message:
ChromeLibrary: moving live and recording buttons to the left hand side of the control bar, and making the button backdrops a little bigger.
Modified Paths:
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/control bar.ai
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/eject_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/fullScreenEnter_disabled.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/fullScreenLeave_disabled.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/live_disabled.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/live_down.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/live_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/minus_disabled.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/minus_down.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/minus_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/pause_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/play_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/plus_disabled.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/plus_down.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/plus_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/qualityAuto_disabled.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/qualityAuto_down.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/qualityAuto_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/qualityManual_down.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/qualityManual_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/record_disabled.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/record_down.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/record_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/src/org/osmf/chrome/controlbar/ControlBar.as

Revision: 14521
Revision: 14521
Author:   [email protected]
Date:     2010-03-02 12:47:27 -0800 (Tue, 02 Mar 2010)
Log Message:
ChromeLibrary: moving live and recording buttons to the left hand side of the control bar, and making the button backdrops a little bigger.
Modified Paths:
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/control bar.ai
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/eject_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/fullScreenEnter_disabled.png
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    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/minus_disabled.png
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    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/pause_up.png
    osmf/trunk/libs/ChromeLibrary/assets/images/play_up.png
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Making the switch - any suggestions?

So, I did it. I finally ordered a Mac (Mini) and am making the switch from MS/Intel to Apple. My Mini isn't even here yet (due next week), but I have been browsing the forums here to get an idea of any pitfalls I need to avoid, suggestions that look like a good idea, etc...
So, I ask the forum -- what do you suggest? I am fairly computer-literate (built my last PC from pieces), but have absolutely no experience with Apple/Mac/OS X...
Any books to learn the new lingo? Any apps that will make the transition a little smoother? While I am excited in the switch, there is some trepidation in learning a new language...
Thanks in advance...
mac mini, 1.66 Core 2 Duo, 2 Gb RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Blankmange, welcome! And congrats on your choice to switch.
We can probably give tips that are better directed if you tell us a bit about how you used your PC, what programs and tasks you did with it, etc. And what you want to do with your new Mac.
Some tips up front:
1) The Mac equivalent of CTL-ALT-DEL to get the attention of a non-responsive program is Apple-Option-ESC. Or WinKey-Alt-ESC, if you are using Windows keyboard. The "Apple" key is also referred to as the "Cmd" or "Command" key. Or the "squiggle" key.
2) Don't rename your home folder, ie the one with the House icon.
3) Stay out of the iPhoto Library folder. It's contents are best used via the iPhoto program.
A thread on how to be a smart Mac user here:
http://discussions.apple.com/click.jspa?searchID=-1&messageID=4086431
4) 512 Meg RAM on an Intel Mac is not a good match for MS Office. Need 1 Gig for decent performance. With 2 Gig, the Mini really shows its stuff when running multiple apps.
5) The equivalent of the Windows Control Panel is Apple Menu > System Preferences.
6) Unless you have more than 512 Meg RAM memory, don't get carried away with running "Dashboard Widgets". They can consume a fair amount of memory, and slow down your system.
7) You can use a two-button mouse with scroll wheel. The right mouse button will supply "context-sensitive" menus, which can be a real time saver.
8) The equivalent of "Properties" is "Get Info".
9) The equivalent of "Shortcut" is "Make Alias". Aliases have a little arrow in the bottom left corner of their icons. Be sure to note this, so that you can tell the difference between an alias and the original. Copying an alias will not make a copy of the original, only a copy of the alias. Deleting an alias will leave the original intact. Deleting the original, deletes your data.
10) The Mac has a very efficient virtual memory system and file system, and you usually don't need to concern yourself with either. Just make sure you leave 10% or more of your hard disk free, so that the OS has elbow room. The OS will even keep your disk defragmented automatically if you give it enough room to work.
11) If you buy external storage, firewire is much preferred to usb. Will be substantially faster. A dual-interface (Firewire+USB) will give maximum flexibility for devices that need to be used with PCs and Macs.
12) My personal opinion is that Norton Anti-virus is not a good choice for OSX. It hooks deep into the OS, and appears to be correlated with a number of mysterious problems reported here. Clam-AV would be a safer choice -- though most Mac users don't run any anti-virus, including yours truly. I would recommend that you turn on the Apple firewall and/or use a router with firewall protection.
13) Have a look at the free NeoOffice suite, if you'd like to keep some money in your pocket instead of giving it to Bill Gates: http://neooffice.org Reads and writes MS formats. Produces great PDFs, too. I exchange documents with many organizations using NeoOffice; never had a bit of problem.

Making the switch finally

Hi everyone. After almost a decade of designing my websites
in Front Page my employees have finally convinced me to make the
switch to Dreamweaver. We will be upgrading to CS4 Design Premium
at the beginning of the year, and to say I'm a bit "worried" would
be an understatement.
I have built over 400 websites, and we currently
host/maintain almost 200 sites for our 140+ clients. My staff is
trained in Dreamweaver so they are very excited about finally
making the switch. I myself am self-taught and can build a FP site
in my sleep. I have taught FP, trained staff and colleagues, etc. I
am VERY comfortable in FP, and have won over 30 awards for my
designs in FP (thank goodness and can read/write some code in code
view). So to toot my own horn, I am very comfortable/confident in
FP and have always been a fan of the software. I have always told
people that it is not the software that builds the site, but the
designer and the software is just a tool to get it done.
But after much debating, thinking, researching, etc... we are
finally ready to take the plunge. I am obviously nervous leaning
new software, and being able to keep up with our steady work
(exisiting and new clients) and really cannot afford to have much
downtime in the way of a learning curve.
I have started the Lynda.com training, and that is making me
sleepy. As great as I'm sure the training is, I feel like I'll be
listening to that forever. I have DW already on my computer and
thought I'd just jump right in, but find the UI so different that
I'm a bit overwhelmed.
So I thought I'd come join the forum, as hearing from others
is often such a better learning method for me. I will continue my
training at lynda.com as well as a few other tutorials I've seen
around the way... but wanted to ask a few quesitons to the experts
here...
1. What software/training program would you guys recommend
for learning DW for someone already very familiar with building
websites (I'm finding that the Lynda.com training is geared to
beginners and I'm forced to re-learn things I already know)?
2. What is the best method for changing from FP to DW?
Meaning, is there software or a plug-in available that I can
import/transition my exisiting FP sites to DW? With so many sites,
just this task alone seems almost impossible.
3. Currently we use Xara Webstyle for our drop down menus. I
have been using this program for years and years, and it
quickly/easily creates javascript drop down menus for our sites.
Easy to use, easy to edit, inexpensive and works in FP almost
seamlessly. When we switch over to DW I'd like to use something
more search engine friendly - do you guys have anything you
recommend?
4. For once we are up and running on DW, what else do you
guys recommend?
TIA for your help!

> 1. What software/training program would you guys
recommend for learning DW
> for
> someone already very familiar with building websites
(I'm finding that the
> Lynda.com training is geared to beginners and I'm forced
to re-learn
> things I
> already know)?
Discard this idea completely. Learn HTML and CSS. That's
really a key to
the effective use of DW. Forget the tool. Learn the
technology.
> 2. What is the best method for changing from FP to DW?
Meaning, is there
> software or a plug-in available that I can
import/transition my exisiting
> FP
> sites to DW? With so many sites, just this task alone
seems almost
> impossible.
Before doing anything else, take a couple of weeks to
gothrough the DW
tutorials, and also to study HTML and CSS. The more you know
about those,
the easier your transition will be. DW expects alot more from
you than FP
did, and as a result, you may find it much more frustrating
to have the raw
reality of web development staring you in the face rather
than the wizards
of FP.
> Is there a way to convert a Frontpage site into a
> Dreamweaver site
1. I'd define a Dreamweaver site that points to a location on
your hard
drive for the local site's root, and to the current FP site
on the web as
the remote site
2. I'd use Dreamweaver (if your host supports FTP
connections) to download
the remote site to the root of the site you just defined on
the hard drive.
This will pick up all the pages *after* webbot action so that
shared borders
and all are already present in the page HTML. This will also
pick up all of
the server scripting. Note - in the event that you are not
able to connect
using FTP since some FP hosts block that protocol, you will
have to use a
third party 'site copier' like Black Widow, QuadSucker, or
WebCopier, (or
even the DW extension called SiteAssist from WebAssist) to
connect and
download using http protocols. Doing it this way will *not*
retrieve any of
your server-script code, if any (unless you have used the
WebAssist
extension).
3. I'd create a DW template for the pages, that captures the
"shared
border"
effect you had in FP.
4. I'd copy and paste content from each FP pages to a new
template child
page and then save the new child page with an easily
identifiable
nomenclature that is distinct from what was used on the FP
site (since you
are saving the new child pages into the same local site as
the FP pages).
5. When the basic site is completed, I'd upload the new DW
pages to some
staging area/webspace, and by using the browser, I'd verify
that the site
(as it now exists remotely) is complete.
6. Then I'd create a *new* DW site in a new location on the
hard drive, and
connect to and download all the files from the staging site.
7. You can now delete the original FP site from your local
system if you
want.
You now have a complete site (minus any of the FP extension
server-side
code) that has no FP footprint.
If you have used any FP server extension functions on the
original FP site
(form processing, guestbooks, tables of contents, etc.), you
will have to
recreate those functions in DW using 3rd party scripts, or
scripts that you
write yourself.
> 3. Currently we use Xara Webstyle for our drop down
menus. I have been
> using
> this program for years and years, and it quickly/easily
creates javascript
> drop
> down menus for our sites. Easy to use, easy to edit,
inexpensive and
> works in
> FP almost seamlessly. When we switch over to DW I'd like
to use something
> more
> search engine friendly - do you guys have anything you
recommend?
I would not touch Xara with a ten foot pole, or any menu
system that writes
all-javascript menus. There are many reasons for this, but
accessability is
right at the top of the list.
Anyhow - check the uberlink and MacFly tutorials at PVII -
http://www.projectseven.com/
and the Navbar tutorial/articles at Thierry's place
http://tjkdesign.com/articles/dropdown/
Or this one (more recent article):
http://tjkdesign.com/articles/Pure_CSS_Dropdown_Menus.asp
Or to get it done fast, go here -
http://www.projectseven.com/tutorials/navigation/auto_hide/index.htm
> 4. For once we are up and running on DW, what else do
you guys recommend?
Keep coming here. 8)
Murray --- ICQ 71997575
Adobe Community Expert
(If you *MUST* email me, don't LAUGH when you do so!)
==================
http://www.projectseven.com/go
- DW FAQs, Tutorials & Resources
http://www.dwfaq.com - DW FAQs,
Tutorials & Resources
==================
"onelily" <[email protected]> wrote in
message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi everyone. After almost a decade of designing my
websites in Front Page
> my
> employees have finally convinced me to make the switch
to Dreamweaver. We
> will
> be upgrading to CS4 Design Premium at the beginning of
the year, and to
> say I'm
> a bit "worried" would be an understatement.
>
> I have built over 400 websites, and we currently
host/maintain almost 200
> sites for our 140+ clients. My staff is trained in
Dreamweaver so they
> are
> very excited about finally making the switch. I myself
am self-taught and
> can
> build a FP site in my sleep. I have taught FP, trained
staff and
> colleagues,
> etc. I am VERY comfortable in FP, and have won over 30
awards for my
> designs in
> FP (thank goodness and can read/write some code in code
view). So to toot
> my
> own horn, I am very comfortable/confident in FP and have
always been a fan
> of
> the software. I have always told people that it is not
the software that
> builds
> the site, but the designer and the software is just a
tool to get it done.
>
> But after much debating, thinking, researching, etc...
we are finally
> ready to
> take the plunge. I am obviously nervous leaning new
software, and being
> able
> to keep up with our steady work (exisiting and new
clients) and really
> cannot
> afford to have much downtime in the way of a learning
curve.
>
> I have started the Lynda.com training, and that is
making me sleepy. As
> great
> as I'm sure the training is, I feel like I'll be
listening to that
> forever. I
> have DW already on my computer and thought I'd just jump
right in, but
> find the
> UI so different that I'm a bit overwhelmed.
>
> So I thought I'd come join the forum, as hearing from
others is often such
> a
> better learning method for me. I will continue my
training at lynda.com as
> well
> as a few other tutorials I've seen around the way... but
wanted to ask a
> few
> quesitons to the experts here...
>
> 1. What software/training program would you guys
recommend for learning DW
> for
> someone already very familiar with building websites
(I'm finding that the
> Lynda.com training is geared to beginners and I'm forced
to re-learn
> things I
> already know)?
>
> 2. What is the best method for changing from FP to DW?
Meaning, is there
> software or a plug-in available that I can
import/transition my exisiting
> FP
> sites to DW? With so many sites, just this task alone
seems almost
> impossible.
>
>
> 3. Currently we use Xara Webstyle for our drop down
menus. I have been
> using
> this program for years and years, and it quickly/easily
creates javascript
> drop
> down menus for our sites. Easy to use, easy to edit,
inexpensive and
> works in
> FP almost seamlessly. When we switch over to DW I'd like
to use something
> more
> search engine friendly - do you guys have anything you
recommend?
>
> 4. For once we are up and running on DW, what else do
you guys recommend?
>
> TIA for your help!
>

HT4436 Our family iPads and iPhones and all linked to the cloud and all the "switches" in settings are turned on...so why for example can't I see on my device any of the photos my wife has taken on her device?

Our family iPads and iPhones and all linked to the cloud and all the "switches" in settings are turned on...so why for example can't I see on my device any of the photos my wife has taken on her device?

Are they all using the same AppleID?
Photo Stream - http://www.apple.com/icloud/features/photo-stream.html
iCloud: Photo Stream FAQ - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4486

I operate an Amway Business and use the switch share duplicate APP. Initial log in was successful but now it reads " Log in failed ( GW900751 ). This is constant upon log in attempts. Is there a way to rectify this?

I operate an Amway Business and use the switch share duplicate APP. Initial log in was successful but now it reads " Log in failed ( GW900751 ). This is constant upon log in attempts. Is there a way to rectify this?

Hi Tracy,
I don't suspect Malware yet, Id guess Disk corruption or failing Hard Drive with Files not found.
Could be many things, we should start with this...
"Try Disk Utility
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu at top of the screen. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
*Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Select your Mac OS X volume.
5. Click Repair Disk, (not Repair Permissions). Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk."
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Then try a Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, reboot when it completes.
(Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive.)
If perchance you can't find your install Disc, at least try it from the Safe Boot part onward.

Making the switch - but to where, and when?

Hi All
I'm a graphic designer who's been PC based for many years and am now ready to make the switch to a Mac. Almost 100% of my work is done with Adobe products and i'm looking at getting my new computer around the same time as when CS3 comes on the market. I do have a couple of questions that I'm hoping someone on here can help me out with...
My current machine has an AMD Athlon 64 processor, 2.40 GHz with 2GB Ram. I have an 80GB & 120GB harddrive with an increasingly unpredictable Windows XP. My graphics card is an NVIDIA GeForce4 MX4000.
I work with Photoshop and Illustrator for the majority of my work and providing i'm not doing anything too radical I get good performance out of both. I also work with After Effects 7, Premiere Pro 2.0 and Cinema 4D 10 and get satisfactory performance from these programs.
As my work is taking me further into the motion graphics and video side of things, I'm wanting my new machine to be optimized for these programs.
My main question is - will I achieve better results and faster rendering time with an iMac or will I need to go up to a MacPro to really see a difference?
I'm also wondering when is the best time to buy? The CS3 Master collection ships from June 1st - but I understand that Apple is coming out with its new operating system later this year. Should I hold out for this? Will there be new machines?
Ultimately I want to get everything ASAP but I also don't want to make such a large purchase only to have a better or more suitable model released soon after.
Would greatly appreciate any help/guidance in making this decision!
Cheers, Heath K.

Hi, if you look on page 5 you will see pretty much the questions you asked & the replies. In addition you will get answers from our tekky savvy mac users.
Mac's have a learning curve, not steep but definately there, the nuances of the OS are easily learnable just takes a little time. I am a professional photographer and switched to macs 2 years ago, no regrets. Buy Applecare, it's the best deal since sliced bread..I also keep my PC (Prostar) updated and ready to use as back-up...L

Making the switch from PC to Mac.

I am a dedicated Apple fan, to say the least. Like, I need a t-shirt and a tattoo. I have an iPod and iPhone currently and I've played a bit with the iPad but that's not what I'm asking.
My whole life I've had a PC. I hate Windows and PCs have always seem to fail me. I'm an extremely heavy computer user.
In school, I use Macs. I'm in Graphic Design. I also am a musician. I've been begging for one for a super long time. Now that I'm getting ready for college - a Mac could very well be my Christmas present.
In the past five years I've went through quite a few laptops due to Windows failing and what not, just dumb things that could happen I suppose. Being an Apple lover, I've heard that Macs are very could quality laptops, it's harder for them to get viruses, ect. Is it true?
Would it be worth it to make the switch?
What tips can you give?
& what antivirus software should be used for a Mac?
Previously, I used Norton and I haven't had too good of an experience.

Whereas no Windows computer would last very long without products like Norton, a Mac already includes all the protection it needs against viruses and malware. Norton a/k/a Symantec functions well on Windows PCs but it will cause no end of problems on a Mac.
A Mac is far removed from a Windows PC. It has always been so. Evolution of the two systems has been completely separate from the beginning, and have followed very different philosophies. Whereas OS X draws its roots from mainframe OS with multiple user accounts that must be separated from one another and the system that runs them, Windows took a very open approach from the beginning. It got much worse with Explorer and Active Destkop. Microsoft has been trying to shut the door on that Pandora's box of viruses and malware ever since.
Norton and its many Mac variants are one of the worst pieces of trash you can install on a Mac. All commercial Mac anti-virus software is superfluous and some of it is harmful. Apple Support Communities is full of horror stories describing the effects of installing such junk.
OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. You don't need to buy anything else.
This is an interesting thread you might enjoy: Virus count?

Aperture 3: Deleting raw files and making the jpeg my new master-

Aperture 3 has made some great strides in making the following possible ( I posted this originally in 2007):
What I'd like to do is shoot everything in raw + jpg, and then keep the raw files only for the important shots.
I really like having the option of raw processing, but the storage demands are very heavy. If I could just make a selection of photos in a roll, and have a command to delete any unneeded raw files from the selected photos, while keeping the original jpgs as master, that would be great.
Also, it would be great to be able to manipulate a raw file, and then when I'm satisfied with the image, to render a high-quality jpg from that raw file & make the jpg the new master, and then delete the raw file to free up disk space.
Basically, I want the raw file safety net for everyday images, without gobbling up gigabytes of disk space <<<<<
With Aperture 3, I can finally change the master to the jpg file, which solves part of the problem. But I still want to be able to manipulate my raw file, and render a new high-quality jpg master.
Why don't Aperture / Lightroom do this? To me at least, it seems an obvious feature.

I had a chance to talk to product managers from both Apple & Adobe about this at PhotoPlus Expo in NYC a couple years back. Both seemed receptive, but here we are - years later - no progress.
I think part of the problem is that there's a purist mentality about RAW files. One should always shoot them - and then keep them forever- after all- they're your negatives!
But what about event photography? Or weddings, as you pointed out? It makes no sense to burden your workflow & backup system with 4GB of RAW files of people grinning into the camera. Once the adjustments have been made, the RAW files are just a ball & chain on your data management. And let's not forget, once you really know what you're doing, your jpegs should be good most of the time anyway.
I want RAW files as a safety net for errors in exposure and white balance. Once I know I have good photos, I don't need the safety net anymore- at least not at the price of all that hard disk space and transfer time for online backup. Of course, for my fine art stuff and important documentary work, I'll always keep the RAWs permanently. But not for routine parties/events.
You put your finger on the problem with re-importing jpegs as a solution. You lose your metadata- rankings/album memberships, etc. This is no solution!
What I want is simple, and it would be immediately useful to countless photographers:
1) Let me batch-delete RAW files when the jpegs are ok.
2) Let me do adjustments on my RAW file, render out a high-quality jpeg, and make the jpeg my new master.
Whoever does this first - Aperture or Lightroom - that's the product I'll use.

Thinking about making the switch

Hello, my name is Bryce. I purchased an HP Pavilion tx 1000 Tablet PC about 8 months ago, and while I love the model, I've been very unhappy with Vista, and with the HP tech support policy. Recently, I've learned of a widespread problem with the motherboard used in my laptop's model - this issue is well documented online but not recognized by HP, and I'm beginning to see the symptoms in my laptop (the failure progresses from a wifi card failure to a motherboard failure, apparently caused by the use of bad materials in the NVIDIA motherboard/HP overclocking of the AMD processor to sell it off as a more powerful machine). At the moment I am hoping that my now-updated BIOS and the new wifi card HP is sending me will tide me over, but I fear that the issue is worse and I'll be stuck dealing with this for awhile.
So, I have been thinking about switching over to Mac. I used to have a G3 iBook (back when they were new), and I was quite unhappy with it. I'm hoping that I can get some feedback regarding the following questions. My budget is around 2,500 dollars.
1.) Generally, when I'm on a computer it's to use Microsoft Office, IRC, AIM/MSN/YIM, HTML/CSS editors, Gimp and web surfing. I occasionally play computer games, but nothing too high end. What Mac laptop would best be suited for me? Does Mac sell Microsoft Office 07 pre-installed? How expensive would that be? What IRC clients are available for Mac? What AIM/MSN/YIM clients? HTML and CSS editors? Does Gimp run on Mac?
2.) What's the latest Mac OS? Is it a real resource hog?
3.) How much does a full accidental damage warranty for a Mac cost? Can Mac tech support be contacted online?
4.) I'm sick of NVIDIA components. I've just had too many problems with them in my life. Are NVIDIA chips used in Macs?
5.) Is WiFi standard on Mac laptops these days? When I bought my G3 iBook, I had to buy the Airport Exterme card separately. Additionally, I regularly reside in locations with weak WiFi signals. Which Airport card would be best for long range/weak signal detection? Is bluetooth and ethernet standard on Macs?
6.) I am often on the move, and dragging my laptop with me. How sturdy are Mac laptops? Which laptops will scratch easily, and which are more stolid? How much would a good, sturdy laptop case go for?
7.) Are webcams/microphones standard on Macs? One of my favorite things about my current laptop is the plethora of USB/headphone ports. How many can I get on a Mac?
8.) How is the Mac networking software?
9.) What type of anti-theft systems can I get for a Mac? Lo-jack?
10.) I use my laptop 8-10 hours a day. I need whatever computer I have to run relatively quiet and relatively cool. How are Mac cooling systems?
11.) I'm on the move a lot. I need a computer that can go to sleep and wake up quickly. How fast can a Mac wake up from sleep mode?
12.) Are most of the Mac laptop ports on the sides of the laptop, or the back?
Thanks for your time.
EDIT:
13.) I've used my iPod Mini (It's ancient, I know) on Windows. Can it be converted to Mac? It's a sentimental item so I'd rather not retire it (Engraved for my graduation).
Message was edited by: Ephriam Grey

Ephriam Grey wrote:
(the failure progresses from a wifi card failure to a motherboard failure, apparently caused by the use of bad materials in the NVIDIA motherboard/HP overclocking of the AMD processor to sell it off as a more powerful machine).
I don't think the Mac will help you much with hardware failures. While Apple's failure rate is half that of PCs, the overall failure rate is still pretty low. If the failure is with some 3rd party product, such as a video card, the problem will affect any machine that uses said card - HPs and Macs.
Mac hardware quality is statistically twice as good as PCs, and there is documentation for this. All the other aspects of the hardware - style, ease-of-use, etc is much better than that of PCs -but that is a purely subjective opinion
So, I have been thinking about switching over to Mac. I used to have a G3 iBook (back when they were new), and I was quite unhappy with it. I'm hoping that I can get some feedback regarding the following questions. My budget is around 2,500 dollars.
That iBook was one of the few machines that had serious quality problems. Still, mine ran with no problems for 4 years. It was a nightmare to take apart though. You can buy quite a bit with $ 2500.
1.) Generally, when I'm on a computer it's to use Microsoft Office, IRC, AIM/MSN/YIM, HTML/CSS editors, Gimp and web surfing. I occasionally play computer games, but nothing too high end. What Mac laptop would best be suited for me?
The most expensive one you can afford. Macbooks can play games and do video, but it really heats up the CPU and the fans get quite loud. Macbook Pros are more powerful but seem to have more quality and software problems. (I can't verify this as I don't have one - I'm just repeating what I read here - a place known to be inaccurate).
Does Mac sell Microsoft Office 07 pre-installed? How expensive would that be?
I don't think you can get it pre-installed. Apple reserves that for Apple products. However, it is now quite cheap (barely $100) and very easy to install. Office 2008 is a .0 product and has some flakiness, but at least doesn't use the "ribbon". I like it.
What IRC clients are available for Mac?
No clue.
What AIM/MSN/YIM clients?
iChat is the best as it also does video. Adium will work with just about any protocol out there, but no video.
HTML and CSS editors?
Only a couple of hundred. Personally, I don't like my editors to do too much and get in my way. I actually do my web sites in Xcode and Safari. You'll have to find out which one you like the best.
Does Gimp run on Mac?
Yes, but why would you want to? I am an admitted anti-Adobe bigot, but I have to admit that Photoshop Elements put Gimp, Pixelmator, and all the other tools to shame. I use Corel Painter for some things that Elements can't do. I use Preview and PDF Clerk Pro for a few things that are outside Element's realm of image expertise.
2.) What's the latest Mac OS? Is it a real resource hog?
10.5.5. Yes, in objective terms, no, in relative terms. 2 GB RAM is the minimum. 4 would be better. RAM it cheap so don't skimp on it.
3.) How much does a full accidental damage warranty for a Mac cost?
I don't know about accidental damage. I know that is explicitly excluded from AppleCare.
Can Mac tech support be contacted online?
Don't know - never needed it in 20 years of owning Macs. I guess that might be a factor in deciding whether to switch.
4.) I'm sick of NVIDIA components. I've just had too many problems with them in my life. Are NVIDIA chips used in Macs?
NVIDIA is the graphics card for Macbook Pros. You might want to consider a Macbook or Macbook air. You will either 1) save lots of money or 2) be really stylish and cool. Either way you don't want to play too many games.
3rd party video has never been well supported on Macs. You might be able to get a different card for a Macbook Pro. Good luck.
5.) Is WiFi standard on Mac laptops these days?
Yes.
Which Airport card would be best for long range/weak signal detection?
It doesn't matter as you have no choice about that. Welcome to Apple. If you had to, you could get an external wifi adapter with maybe a range booster. If you have a Macbook Pro, you can use some wifi cards, but not all.
Is bluetooth and ethernet standard on Macs?
Yes, but only turn bluetooth on when you need it as it will make the Mac a little flaky.
6.) I am often on the move, and dragging my laptop with me. How sturdy are Mac laptops? Which laptops will scratch easily, and which are more stolid?
They seem more sturdy that the plastic PCs. The Macbooks are still plastic so they can get scratched and broken. But there are far fewer little plastic pieces, flaps, and doors to break than on a standard PC. The Air and Pro are both metal.
How much would a good, sturdy laptop case go for?
Same as in town.
7.) Are webcams/microphones standard on Macs?
Yes - built-in.
One of my favorite things about my current laptop is the plethora of USB/headphone ports. How many can I get on a Mac?
How many headphone ports do you need? My Macbook only has two USB ports, but they are both powered.
8.) How is the Mac networking software?
As Apple makes both computers, cards, and hubs, they focus on Apple equipment working correctly with Apple equipment. For everything else they just code to the published standards and hope the 3rd parties do the same. Many 3rd parties don't do the same and only test with their own cards running XP. Consequently, Mac wireless isn't going to be as reliable as PCs. Whose fault that is should be discussed elsewhere.
9.) What type of anti-theft systems can I get for a Mac? Lo-jack?
Same as in town. You would be wasting your money. Nobody ever gets their stuff back.
10.) I use my laptop 8-10 hours a day. I need whatever computer I have to run relatively quiet and relatively cool. How are Mac cooling systems?
Very good at dissipating excessive CPU heat onto your lap. A Macbook Pro might be better for that. Macbooks run hot and loud when you push them.
11.) I'm on the move a lot. I need a computer that can go to sleep and wake up quickly. How fast can a Mac wake up from sleep mode?
2-3 seconds?
12.) Are most of the Mac laptop ports on the sides of the laptop, or the back?
On my Macbook, all the ports are on the left. The CD is on the right.
13.) I've used my iPod Mini (It's ancient, I know) on Windows. Can it be converted to Mac? It's a sentimental item so I'd rather not retire it (Engraved for my graduation).
I don't see why not. It might be additional work to move your purchased music over to the Mac. The iPod will be easy.

Making the switch from Word to Pages

I'm trying to make the switch from Microsoft Word to Apple Pages. For my job, I push Word to the point of not working anymore with large, 150+page reports, that have many figures (images), tables and cross-references. I am trying to see if Apple pages will handle these documents any better than Word.
My problems are many, and any help would be very much appreciated.
I need to learn how to use the styles the right way,to set up my main report like so:
1. Heading Primary
     1.1 Heading Secondary
          Bodytextbodytextbodytext
     1.2 Heading Secondary
          Bodytextbodytextbodytext
          1.1.1 Heading 3rd
and so on. This can easily be done with the default heading tool and a simple press of the tab button-but I need to be able to change the font size on the different level headings, and the only way I can manage this is when I define each sub-heading as a different paragraph style (like 1.Heading 1 and 1.Heading 2), but it seems whenever I do this the table of contents has a hard time indenting the right topics.
Also, I'm not fully sure how to add captions to pictures and tables, and then how to below the table of contents make a list of figures and a list of tables, respectively. In word, it is as simple as inserting a caption and defining it as a figure or table.
Like I said, any help would be appreciated-I can't seem to pick these things up from tutorial videos or the user manual, so I've turned to the trusty Apple Support Community.
Thanks,
     -Skyler

Table of Contents doesn't adapt to the automatic lists numbering, sad to say. The TOC has it own Styles you can set.
For caption use a text box that you group with the image, table or any other object.
To make a list of images and tables you have to do them manually.
Pages doesn't have all the feature Word has.
Have you downloaded the Pages User Guide from your Pages Help menu?
There is a rather good boo you can get "The missing manual for iWork".

Maybe making the switch from AVID to FCP, would like some input please.

Happy T-Day to all. Would really appreciate any thoughts on this. I have many questions and need some answers from folks who are not always pushing AVID ( my vendor) I am a one man shop and use all Apple apps (LiveType, Motion, etc.) but have always stayed in my comfort zone with AVID Xpro and MOJO. Am thinking of going to Media Composer but after a few days of consideration and a trip to an Apple store, I may do a complete turn around and commot to FCP. Recently made the move to HD with the Sony XDCAM HD system. Here are my questions...plese be patient, this is a major move for me.
1. If I purchase a new Intel G-5, will the internal SATA drives be OK for 35MPS HD?
2. What AJA card or product should I buy so I can view HD SDI on a client monitor and output HD to a Sony XDCAM HD F-70 Deck?
3. What graphics card should I order on the new machine?
4. Can I use the FAM ( File Access Mode) to tranfer content?
5. Any other considerations when ordering the new Intel machine?
I know I have many questions, but I really believe it is time for me to make the move. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks again.
Tdub

1. Yes, but just. You'd only get 1 stream. Faster drives would allow you to do more than one layer of real time playback. You could stripe more than one internal sata and get the job done that way.
2. Kona LHe will do this, however you'd gain the ability to upconvert and cross convert the video to just about any format with the Kona 3.
3.The X1900. Motion and some effects in FCP will take advantage of it... down the line FCP is likely to rely more on the GPU is an educated guess of mine. the top of the line card is faster, but not enough to substaniate the price if you're working in Video. If you were working in 3D CAD environments, then the top of the liner would be the best choice.
4.I don't use XDCAM here, so I'm presuming that you're talking about a transfer mode with that. I'm pretty sure FCP 5.1.2 added this capability. Might search the COW on this term in the FCP forum there. http://www.creativecow..net.
5.Working with HD and MPEG streams would leave me wanting the fastest of the three machines. You'll want 4 gigs of RAM, but it's less expensive from other than Apple. I know just how scary it can be to move to a new platform, and did exactly as you are contemplating when FCP 2 arrived. I've never looked back. Hang here once you get started, and we'll help you with the transition. There is a book out there in the pro training series from Apple/Peachpit on ediiting on FCP if you're coming from Avid. I'd recommend you get that book. Will ease the transition no doubt.
Hope you make the jump!
Jerry

JMenu and making the popup always visible

hi,
i need to keep the menu's popup visible always and eventually the selection of an item even when the focus moves to another component-a text field nearby for example.can this (and how if it is) be achieved or it is totally up to the look and feel and i can't do much about it?
thank you.

just for the record,it seems it actually is doable.at least i have a prototype working.it involves removing default mouse listeners from jmenu i jmenuitem and installing "custom" ones that manage the transition of the menu from one state to another.

Making the switch to Apple...but which Mac Book Pro? 13" or 15"?

First of all I would like to apologise for going over some old ground, but I am really stuck as to which Mac Book Pro I should buy, so I would really value your opinions.
I will be using the laptop at home, and on the road. As well as the usual emailing, surfing the net, etc, etc, I also want to do some basic editing on FCE, using both SD & HD footage. I already own a 26" HD Benq monitor, and would connect the laptop to that, so screen size is not really an issue.
My worry is that the 13" MCB may be limited in what it can handle, and 2 years down the line, I will find I am restricted in what I can with it.
I know you can’t fully future proof technology but does it make more sense to spend that bit more on a 15” model, getting 2 graphics cards, and the option to expand memory and the hard drive at a later date?
If anyone edits HD footage on the 13" MCB, then I would really like to hear your experiences.
Thanks in advance
Stu

I use the 13" (you can see my specs down below) and I have no problem in what I do, I ocasionally use some pro apps like Aperture 3 and Modo and it handles it just fine. However if I was you I'd wait on buying a MBP atm cause an update should be just around the corner. There is only limited MBP's in stock in international stores and there saying there not getting anymore in.
There is of course a limit to what this little computer can handle, but I think you should be just fine with this or the higher end 13" if you really want to be sure.

Multiple Songs in iMovie and making the DVD

I just tried to make the DVD from my iMovie, and the second song that I have did not play ?
Am I doing something wrong ?
Thanx.

Share>Create DVD produces disks that most people are happy with aside from the sparton menus.
The Compressor to DVD Studio Pro workflow provides greater control over both menus, content and the quality of the DVD. One of the benefits of using DVD STudio Pro is that it allows you to test short sections of your movie, make adjustments in the Encoder settings and Frame Controls and evaluate the effects on image quality.
What kind of video are you having poor results with…progressive or interlaced? Or both?
Russ

Moving to Belgium - and making the switch?

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