Macbook Pro Software

Just about ready to take the plunge for a macbook pro, but a couple of questions. Is the software worth it? iLife, iPhoto, etc.? I am a lifetime Windows user (once I moved from DOS =)), and as such am relatively skilled with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc. Are the MAC equivalents something I should purchase with the macbook pro or should I just load up Vista and use what I'm used to?

Also, should I use 32 or 64 bit Vista (comfortable with either one and use both on various work/home systems)?

Why can I get a swap out to a 250g 7200rpm hard drive in 3-5 days but a 320g 7200rpm will be 7-10 days shipping?

Finally, is the Applecare worth the $$$$?

Thanks in advance for any insight...bill

 

Goodness -- right there wth you. I'm waiting on my MBP this week and live in MS office now (on my PC and for years now). I'm real concerned about this like you. I will be downloading iWorks 08 this week but I hear about the capatabilty issues which bites since I work for the city which is 100% windows dominated. I will probably have to go with MS office for Mac though I really don't want to unless I have too.

Either way, I'm realy hoping I won't have to install windows on my mac just to be 100% in compliance with the rest of the office world.

 

The iLife suite come free with your Mac, and they're pretty nice for the casual consumer. If you can afford it, you could of course purchase Office:Mac. However, in terms of performance, it's nowhere near as good as the Windows version of Office. Your Mac should come with a trial version of Office:Mac, so you could try it out for yourself. If it doesn't come with a trial, you can download a trial from the internet.

Regarding the different versions of Windows, there might be driver problems should you opt to install the 64bit version of Vista. However, you will be able to take full advantage of the Macbook hardware using the 64bit version.

The speeds at which Apple installs upgrades into laptops is probably one thing no one will be able to answer.

Applecare is a pretty good service, and most people that have purchased it do not regret spending the money. It's up to you if you believe an extra 2 years of warranty is worth the price.

 

I don't think the new Macs have the Office:Mac trial included. My MacBook doesn't have it at least, unless it's on the Extras disc.

 

I was told by the apple rep that I would not be getting any trials on my new MBP. She was the one who suggested I download iWorks.

 

Office for Mac 2008 has the worst compatibility with Spaces.

iWork '08 works well for most stuff.

That said, Office > iWork in terms of sheer number of stuff you can do not to mention it's obviously more compatible if you work in group projects with people who use Windows.