Thinking about switching

I'm thinking about buying a Mac but I'm having a hard time trying to find answers to my questions. Such as the principle differences between standard computers and Macs and if my progrmas will work on a Mac. Even navigating this site isn't that easy.

Hi cyras:
...what to expect?
IMO, the best computing experience of your life: seamless interconnectivity; elegant, inspiring design; an extremely intuitive interface; all told, a computer that makes you more productive, enhances your creativity and actually makes computing fun.
Is Macs operating system as simple to use [as Windows OS]
IMO, and in the opinion of many others, Mac OS X blows Windows (any flavor) out of the water, from a number of perspectives -- security, stability, ease of use, efficiency, the list goes on....
Will my MS Money be compatible or does Mac have a simular program? What programs are available for surfing the internet?
You know, of course, that you could Google the answers to all of these questions, right? So, I'm not going to do that for you, except to say that Turbotax works on both platforms; Quicken makes a version for the Mac that (I'm told) does just about everything that MS Money does; and, while OS X includes a sweet web browser called Safari that does pretty much everything that Internet Explorer does, there are a whole host of other (Mac compatible) Web surfing apps out there, many of which rank higher than either IE or Safari in tech mags and like, such as Firefox, OmniWeb and others. This article from MacWorld has lots of good info: http://www.macworld.com/2005/09/reviews/browserrdp/index.php
Now, If I were you, I'd start Googling and research the answers to your specific questions, and, when you're done, run don't walk to your nearest Apple Store.
Good luck.
-- JDee

Similar Messages

Thinking about switching from single-app to full CC. Is it possible to switch back at a later date or am I committed to a year of full membership?

Hi there,
I'm currently paying for Flash but it looks like I may have to use Photoshop and After Effects too, so I was thinking about switching to the full plan. However if I don't end up needing Photoshop or After Effects is it possible to downgrade my membership to single-app in the future?
Thanks in advance!
Dan

Be sure to select the MONTHLY subscription so you may stop the subscription at any time and not have to pay a penalty for cancelling a year's subscription

Thinking about switch to mac

I am in need of a new computer. I am a long time user of pc's. But the company i have been using the customer service has went downhill. And of course everyone knows windows has it's many problems. So I was thinking about giving the mac a try this time. So I thought who better to ask than the people who have had some trouble with their mac. And see if they still recommend it. Little info about me I have a small constuction company. So it will mainly be used for accounting type things. Tracking money, bid, estimates etc. I seen the imac comes with Quicken installed. How does this program work on the mac? I use it now on my pc. And it does pretty much everything i need. I guess my main thing is how is this computer for running a small company? Or is there a different mac that would work better for this? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, you can run a business on a Mac. Quicken is available on Mac as is QuickBooks. Are you running a business using Quicken? In any case, the features are not the same for the Mac versions. It seems many people complain about the lack of abilities in the Mac version of QuickBooks Pro quite often. There is another program called MYOB. Not my cup of tea but some like it. Point is there are small business financial software packages for the Mac. The other programs like Keynote, Pages, Outliner, Mail, Safari, iPhoto all help in running your business as do many dashboard widgets.
Next, the new iMacs have moved onto Intel processors and Universal Binary. Some applications are Universal already and some require Rosetta to run in the Mac OS. Unless you are a professional or at least use the Adobe products on a regular basis you don't really see a slowdown. Separate from this is a downloadable beta program called Boot Camp. This allows you to boot into Windows XP (which you have to purchase and install). Once in XP you can run your Windows apps just like you did on that old PC. So, you could just bring over your PC files (oh wait, do PCs have the ability to migrate like a Mac does?) Anyway...
Then, you need to find which printer it is and determine if it is just a Dell shell over another manufacturers product in which case the driver may very well already be in the Mac OS. Again, if you are running XP then you should be able to use it anyway. If you really want to buy a new printer then look around the online retailers. They often bundle a printer and/or RAM with the purchase of a new iMac.
iMacs: 20" MacTel; 500 & 400 MHz PowerPC G3s Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Thinking about switching to Windows

This is not meant to be a Os X vs Windows thread. I dont think one platform is better than the other, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. What I want to hear is what kind of pitfalls I can expect in regards to live video performance if I go down the Windows way.
Reason I`m asking is:
My Macbook Pro recently died, so I borrowed my friends HP Laptop with similiar specs. He has used it alot for music production, sound of movies etc, and quite a decent graphics card (6xxxm 1gb ati radeon) I wanted to connect a Matrox Dualhead2go to two 1280 x 800 projectors using Resolume. However, I encountered nothing but problems all the way. Couldnt dual monitor resolutions, display went black, drivers stopped working, program had to restart. When it worked, it worked well, but I think I aged 10 years during that gig.
Before that I wanted to buy a stationary shuttle PC, top of the line, 7970 radeon 3gb, Ivy bridge, Dell Touch Screen etc, but now I got a little scared of doing the switch.Having used Macbook Pro`s ever since I started VJìng, I`m very much used to plug and play using Triplehead2go, it just works. I usually use crossplatform software (resolume, after effects) but I also use motion and modul8 from time to time. I can live without however. The simplest choice is to buy a Macbook Pro, I know it, it works. But I like the idea of multiple choices in hardware, the ability to make a semi transportable shuttle and to be able to connect 6 projectors using eyefinity as some promoters have asked me to do bigger shows. Portability is important, but since I drag around 3 + projectors, the extra 10kg`s is not so important.
So to all Windows VJ`s out there (or people with experience from both platforms) what kind of headaches can I expect if I make the switch? I`m a quite tech savvy guy (learn fast) even though I dont have much experience with the windows platform.
1. Do you experience driver issues and troubles related to that?
2. I`m not dependant of Syphon, but I would love to see a Windows version eventually. Do you think that is likely to happen during the next couple of years?
3. Blue Screen of death or other strange issues?
4. I have always wanted to get into Quartz Composer to create patches and effects for Resolume, but is there a equavilent Windows version?
5. I`ve always been drooling over this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxvQw0GVH2c, which is one reason I always wanted a PC.
6. Slower performance over time using Windows? Or is that a thing of the past?
7. Is the Os X video engine better than the one Windows is using?
8. Any video software for windows that currently doesnt work in os x?
9. Can you predict the future? is Apple leaving the pro market? Is Windows on a comeback?
Hope this post is clear enough. I`m asking what I`m likely to miss out on, what I can expect, what headaches and what new possibilities comes with changing from Mac Os X to Windows. As my computer broke, now is the time for change, if ever. Hope to get some constructive replies guys!
- Mads

Mads Meskalin wrote:
Hope to get some constructive replies guys!
- Mads
Good luck, but I doubt that you will. This is a Mac user forum; your questions are about Windows and would be better suited to a Windows forum.
As for Q9, the moderators have a habit of removing posts that speculate about Apple's future direction.

Thinking about switching to Intel Mac Mini... questions for the cognoscenti

Greetings:
I've been checking out the new Intel Mac Minis and I was thinking of purchasing one to replace my AV computer (PC) in the living room, which the GF currently uses. She's a typical user: watches video files/DVDs, uses iTunes excessively , sends web email and surfs the Net.
I've fairly decided on an Intel Core Duo Mini. Since I know the basics about Mac, I had a few questions:
1. What's an appropriate amount of RAM for a non-power user? Would 1 GB be more than enough or overkill? I'm used to running 1GB in a Windows machine. Plus, I'm also used to popping in memory when I needed to upgrade, and I see that's not really an option on the Mini.
2. How would I integrate it into a Windows network? Would the Mini be able to share files with a Windows machine and vice versa?
3. Regarding network integration: how easily would the Mini integrate into an existing Linksys 802.11g home network?
Lastly, this isn't really an (easily) answerable question, but how easy do you think it would be for an average computer user to get up and running on a Mac after having used Windows machines all their life?
Thanks, I look forward to your responses.
-Craig
Homebuilt Windows XP Pro 2GB PC 3500 RAM, 500GB SATA RAID (2x250), ATI AIW 9700 Pro, Athlon XP3200

Hello, I can only really answer Q's 1 & 3 as I've only owned a mini for the past 24 hours.
I purchased the Single Core after taking advice of the Apple Store staff in Manchester, they were quite helpful. I only really produce music (have used Ableton, Acid Pro etc on PC for quite a while), surf the web, do my banking etc so was advised that the Single Core with 512mb would be sufficent. I work for an ISP and have 10 years plus knowledge of Windows but I was prepared to listen and learn having never used a mac before. From my own experience, I'm used to having to use a pc with minimum spec ie min 1.2GHz processor, 1gb ram in order to produce music without any pops or clicks (latency), though sound cards also play a part. I've also had to keep internet activity well away from any PC that I produce music on in that respect. Anyhow, I'm going off on a tangent here but I was playing around with garageband last night and I've never known music production to run so smoothy on 512mb RAM, never known it before so was extremely impressed and certain I made the right purchase opting for Solo Core. You may not actually NEED the full 1gb though this depends what you're doing. To answer your other question, my mac slotted straight into my home nertwork without making any additional configuration.
i.e how long does it take to get used to a mac, I've found there is a learning curve but it's not THAT difficult, it's just the odd thing such as no right click of the mouse that takes some getting used to.

Thinking about switching to Mac from Windows, Good Idea?

I've always had a PC and I've never really used or work with a Mac. I'm a little questionable about buying one. What all do I need to know about Macs? I plan on using it for college and personal reasons. I hardly do anything outside of my house with my laptop. I've got an iPad and an iPhone which is what lead me to buying a Mac. I've done some research myself, but I don't know whether the Macbook Air or the Macbook Pro would be better for my uses. Is it better to go for the 512GB flash storage or should the 256GB work out fine? I've got a lot of questions, so sorry in advance.
Thanks for the help!
broken_mirror

Good article > http://thenextweb.com/apple/2013/11/10/switching-windows-mac-learned/
Storage size depends on use. If you store a huge photo and video library, go with the 256GB.
The comparison tool might be helpful for you > http://store.apple.com/us/mac/compare
Easy to migrate your Windows data to a Mac > Switch Basics: Migrate your Windows files to your Mac

Thinking about switching over to Java for EMAIL software I wrote

Hi...
I am the current author of a unique EMAIL client/server program for the old MS-DOS operating system called D'Bridge. It is from the BBS days of Fidonet and I've recently began recoding some elements of the program to facilitate Internet support and whatnot. D'Bridge is over 20 years old and is written half in Borland Pascal 5.5 and half in Visual BASIC for DOS.
After careful thinking (and one of those "wouldn't it be cool?" thoughts), I'm thinking of rewriting the entire code in JAVA to have a platform independant solution. I would like to write a "server" edition which would serve Web, POP3/SMTP, FTP and Telnet users in addition to legacy Fidonet support via. traditional dialup modem lines. I would then like to write a "client" edition which would be totally slimmed-down to run on PDA's such as Palm OS or Windows CE.
I generally am new to the language but I'm going to take an entire printout of my current work and then go step-by-step into an OOP transition - D'Bridge was obviously written before the days of OOP and therefore makes heavy use of global variables, assembly language and other elements. Nearly half of the code is entirely devoted to controlling the menu system and screen elements - you could say that I'd like to use Java to concentrate more on what D'Bridge does instead of what it looks like. :-)
I guess I'm looking for any advice, feedback, criticism, encouragement, words of wisdom, whatever you want to call it. After studying the fundimentals of the language, I believe I can make the transition but need to know from you guys if a full-blown server package is possible - because thats what my DOS application is doing now, with a loyal and dedicated fan club that just loves it.
Nick

but need to know from you guys if a full-blown server
package is possible Yes.
JBoss and Tomcat are two free frameworks that exist solely to act as servers to support different parts of the documented J2EE API.
There are commercial versions that support the same framework as well as other types of solutions including forum software (like this site), middleware, message systems, Network Management Systems, etc.
And those are just the ones that I know about (and which I have implemented commercial solutions as well.)

Thinking About Switching To Getting an iPhone. But some Questions. .. .?

My Verizon wireless contract will reach its end in January of 2008. I will then be free to choose another provider if i choose so and iphone with att looks appealing.
But before i make the switch i have some concerns and question i'd like to be answered:
What is the initial start up cost for getting an iPhone?
I'm assuming,
the iPhone at $399
and then either the $59.99 or $79.99 monthly bill right?
Or is there some sort of hidden fee such as a connection or new customer fee or whatever?
Also, Free internet to go online but is it realible? I'm hearing it's super slow and it's a crowded network. Anyone clarify on this?
Next, I use Gmail and it syncs perfectly (and free) to "Mail" in my Macbook. Can I get mail for free on my iPhone with my Gmail account?
Even though Cingular is now the new Att, Do Rollover Minutes still apply?
And finally, is it worth it?

Decemberist wrote:
So with the rollover minutes, i will be living in china for about 3-7 months in China starting in May of 2008. Does that mean all those months of minutes will just add up while i'm out of the country?
Yes, except they expire after 12 months (rolling, so the oldest minutes disappear first).
If you are planning to use your iPhone in China beware of roaming charges and high data charges. AT&T offers international calling and data plans that mitigate this a little (e.g., calls in China are $1.99/minute instead of $2.29, and the data plan for $25 extra a month gives you 20 MB free and $5 a megabyte after that, compared to $20 a megabyte without the plan).
I use my smartphone when in China (haven't been back since I got the iPhone), but primarily to receive calls to my US number. I also have a quad band basic GSM phone that I put a China Mobile prepaid SIM card in when there. This makes me reachable by my associates in China without them dialing an international number, and also reduces the cost of all calls dramatically (e.g., 3 cents/minute in China, 30 cents to the US, billed in 6 second increments.)

Thinking about switching but....

Are there any discounts to be had, other than the employer ones? I am considering switching from Sprint (my current provider) but Verizon's fees seem really high to me.
I should probably also mention that I am a customer of Verizon TV, Fios and my land line with Verizon too. Maybe that can help me for a discount?
Any insight, thoughts, tips or tricks would be appreciated.
Thanks

In my experience, the customer service reps are helpful with analyzing my usage and recommending ways to cut my bill (at least when I'm eligible for an upgrade, ha!), but you have to call and ask. Since you use other Verizon services and may sign a two-year contract, I think they'd put together a pretty good bundle price. I'm not aware of discounts beyond employer, but I do deduct a large portion of my bill as a business expense because I'm self-employed.

I have an iPhone 4S I am thinking about switching to the galaxy s3 because of the humongous screen, apple need a bigger iPhone, should I switch to an s3 or wait to see what apple will bring us

Should I switch to a galaxy s3 because of the huge screen or should I wait for apple to bring a bigger iphone

The s3 is a great phone, yes the screen is huge, no more squinting to read anything and also feels good in the hand unlike the strange size of the iPhone 5. Nice thing about android in general is how customizable it is. If you don't like the keyboard use a different one, use widgets to get to data right from the home screen rather than opening the app, unlock your phone with a pass code, pattern or facial recognition, tons of other options.
Down side about it, like the iPhone it has a mechanical home button, which will wear out.

All I wanted was a phone for my kid. Now thinking about switching despite ETF.

So after much discussion, I decide to let my son have a smartphone to replace his dumb phone. I was on the fence about leaving him on my Verizon plan, or going prepaid with another carrier. I'd decided to keep him on my plan, for the convenience, and the network is good. June 26, we went to the Verizon store (the kid has been counting the days). They don't have the Samsung S4 mini, and they can't give it to us for the same price as the web site, so the woman there convinces me to try to order the phone over the web for in-store pickup. She really wants a sale, I guess. We try and try, and finally give up. We had to have been in the store an hour. Kid is disappointed, but I figure, I'll just order it from the web site when I get home.
It doesn't work, doesn't work, doesn't work, and FINALLY June 27 (Friday) I am able to get through the order! But no option to pick it up in the store. Too bad, but they promise me they'll ship it overnight, so it's cool. This was getting on towards evening, so I wasn't expecting to get it Saturday, and I didn't. But I didn't get it Monday, either. I checked on the web, and it still says the order is processing. So I call. I wait on hold for quite a long time, finally speak to someone, she's not sure it it's shipped, so I ask if I can pick it up in the store if it hasn't. She puts me on hold for quite a long time, and then comes back and says, it has shipped, via FedEx, so no, you can't pick it up in the store. You'll get it tomorrow.
Today, TUESDAY, I checked the site, and got a "still processing" message, and then finally a message that it's shipped, with a FedEx number that FedEx doesn't recognize. Got home, no phone, no slip from FedEx that they left the package somewhere, FexEx site says the number isn't valid. So I call. I was on hold for at least 40 minutes, because they're experiencing "higher than normal call volume" (yeah, I'll bet), and WHILE I'M ON HOLD I get an email that my order has shipped, via USPS, with another tracking number that isn't valid. Finally I get a human, who takes my info, and puts me on hold for a long time. He comes back and says, your order has shipped, via USPS, and he doesn't know when I'll get it.
So my question is, what the HELL is going on with you guys? I've never really had an issue with you, I have been a customer for about 10 years. But this is ridiculous. Why would someone tell me my order had shipped when it hadn't? What is even the point of that? Why do you say you're going to ship my order overnight and then not do it? Not even process my order for days? Not try to fix it when I call and you realize it's all messed up? I'm so mad, I might go with Ting, they'll give me a credit for your early termination fee. It's the Sprint network, but I've got friends who swear by it. I'm so mad.

I was in the exact same situation. I completed the order online, waited five days, and eventually called them back to be told that my order was still processing. I told them to cancel it, and I would retry. I ordered it again the next week, and it all happened again. They offered to escalate it and have it processed manually, but it could take another 48 hours. I told them to forget it.
The next week, I activated a single line on my own account. It worked flawlessly. I ordered around 4:00 PM, and it showed up around 4:00 PM the next day. The difference was that I activated a single line on a new account, as opposed to activating another line on another account.
It was a headache, and believe me, I know how you feel. Verizon representatives are more of a headache than they are actual help. Their hands are always tied, and everything has to be escalated.

Why does Firefox still underline President Obama's name as a misspelling. I am really thinking about switching services because of this.

Firefox does not recognize the name of the current President of the United States of America's name as a valid spelling. Type in President Obama and Obama is underlined. It is underlined twice in my above details. I just checked and your suggestions for what I might have been trying to type are Obadiah, Obadias, Bamako, & Alabama. Are you trying to make a political statement by not recognizing his name? If this is not fixed in the next week I will no longer use your services and will start recommending that others do the same.

the-edmeister,
I do not think that a demand that the President of the United States of America's name be added to the real dictionary and that is will stop using it and recommend other do the same as asinine threats. No matter your political views, respect is due to the President of the United States of America. He has been president for over two years. How long should it take to make a change like this. I should not have to add the Presidents name to my personal dictionary.

Thinking about switching carriers

I've been with AT&T for awhile...it's the only carrier I've ever used. I use the prepaid $60 a month plan. I've been using all of my data within 2 weeks and slowing my phone down. The 4 GB just doesn't seem to be enough for me anymore. My girlfriend and her daughter recently got on a T-mobile plan for $100 a month,2 lines,unlimited everything. I was told I can add a line to their plan for $40 more a month. It's not a prepaid or contract plan. Do yall offer something like this?? I really don't want to leave AT&T....but I gotta do what's best for me. Please email me and let me know how I can get unlimited high speed data at AT&T.[edited for privacy – please do not post personal information]
. Thanks, Jesse

Don't forget:- cost of new phone if required- different network coverage- sharing financial responsibility with your girlfriend- what if you break up?

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.

I'm thinking about buying the new Macbook but I have a few questions.

Alright, so I've never owned any kind of Mac computer, ever. I'm seriously thinking about switching to Mac, and buying the new Aluminum Macbook.
I'm going to start school in the fall of 09 for Music Production.
I know that Mac's are good for Video editing and etc...but are they good for Music Production?
Would you guys recommend that I buy the new Macbook?
How is the new trackpad? Is it easy to get use to?
Can I still use a Mouse with the new Macbooks?
I have yet to see anyone use a Mouse with their new Mac.
Your help would be greatly appreciated!
-Thanks
Message was edited by: jayjay24

jayjay24 wrote:
Alright, so I've never owned any kind of Mac computer, ever. I'm seriously thinking about switching to Mac, and buying the new Aluminum Macbook.
I'm going to start school in the fall of 09 for Music Production.
Good. Work hard and save up. Your buying window has yet to open.
I know that Mac's are good for Video editing and etc...but are they good for Music Production?
State-of-the-art. Period.
Would you guys recommend that I buy the new Macbook?
Not yet. The product line, yes. But wait until late spring, when you'll be targeted by Apple directly. By then the MacBook line oughta be completely refreshed. Everybody is waiting for a Unibody successor to [_*this model.*_|http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/17-inch> Chances are, if you're pockets aren't that deep, you could buy the current model at whatever point it becomes discounted. That decision won't come till Spring.
Simply put, if your dream is capturing that once-in-a-lifetime session or live performance from that great new artist you're producing, you want some screen space to run the hi-end software on the road. And so you will not need a desktop Mac for audio. The MacBook Pro does that job with plenty of power to spare. If you're a sound designer/composer, you need more processing power. Same for HD video or animation (like Pixar). So those folks need the desktop machine with the multi-core processing. Zoom!
But you can still plug in an external display when you're in workstation mode on the MacBook.
You'll also need to get good mics and a FireWire "mixer" to outfit yourself fully and go record. So save now!
How is the new trackpad? Is it easy to get used to?
Pretty much. Go to your nearby Apple Store and check it out.
Can I still use a Mouse with the new Macbooks?
Sure! Only one question: Wired or not?
I have yet to see anyone use a Mouse with their new Mac.
LOL! We have a copy of the "free limited edition" MacWorld New York 2000 Pro Mouse (1-button!) that hooks up to our MB AL in workstation mode. I'll have to record some video of it now . . .
Your help would be greatly appreciated!
-Thanks
More to come. Save now, study and work hard. Don't get too excited too soon! You'll be glad you did.
''86

Thinking about switching

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