Thinking Of Switching To Mac And Getting The New MB...Help Please!

Okay, ive been a Windows user my whole life and im thinking about switching over to a Mac since im getting really bored with Windows. The thing is ive never used a Mac before and i dont know if ill really like it LOL. It looks pretty simple and it doesnt look so boring, more features n what not on it. I been meaning to get one but i really wanted Apple to update the line up they had now before i got one and in just a few months (now) they did, what a coincidence. Im very happy with how the new ones look and some one of the things they fixed. The old Macbook is not really nice, it looks really old and bulky. But the new ones mos def a eye catcher. But anywayz, any advice or anything? Is it easy to get used too? Anyone have the new MB yet? Howz the trackpad, are you used to it? What im basically gonna be using it for is listening to music, downloading music, downloading videos, burning cd's, maybe some photo n video editing, not much, surfing the net alot, Msn and some homework assigments, and thats about it. I dont really wanna spend anymore then $1000, anything more on a laptop i honestly think is too much, maybe a few hundred more but thats it. Im sure i can find a deal on the net somewhere where i can get this one for around $1000. But anywayz yah, what do you guys say to a person switching over from Windows to this? Thanks!!!

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=161784

 

Go to an Apple store to try it out yourself. I can guarantee that you will not find a deal on a brand new new macbook without shelling out upward of $1000. You will most likely be able to get the new generation model used, but you may have to wait awhile for that. Most important thing is to be sure you are okay using the operating system. Don't buy a mac if you are going to be using Windows most of the time, because there are much better-suited products in that case.

 

I'd argue that the build quality, along with led and aluminum case make it well-suited.

 

battery life + graphics card makes this a huge plus for me

 

I am pretty sure you could get a PC laptop just as suited for cheaper. I should have been more clear.

 

Im gonna go check them out at the local Apple Store, i hope i like it cause i really want a Macbook!!!

 

Right with ya bud. I too have been a faithful windows follower all my life. I was thinking of getting the dv5 when the new Mac's came out. MAC? What the heck is a MAC, and why would I even consider buying one? Ummmmm, my first Dell went through one screen, and then a hard drive a few months later and then they sent me an entire replacement that lasted all of a year before that one died. When I called customer service I couldn’t understand the employee on the phone. Nor could I understand the one after or the one after or the one after or the…..Dell lost me forever. And to boot I paid $2200 for a loaded Inspiron 8200. Think they cared – try again.

You can cook an egg on my HP dv1000. This is simply surfing the internet. So much heat on my lap right now, I’m probably sterile and will never be able to have kids. The fan runs all day long and I don't game or have a dedicated graphics card. I'm a pro at shift/alt/delete and I feel like a kid on Christmas morning when I watch that pretty blue light blinking at me telling my hard drive is doing something (and I can’t do anything else), when all I tried to do was close IE.

So here I sit in need of a new laptop. I’ll have to learn Vista and have to learn that god awful office sweet known as Office 2007. I’m not young so why bother? I don’t even remember how I learned of the new Macs coming out this week, I really don’t. I have NEVER, not once considered a MAC. I have never, not once read an article about MACS.

I stumbled upon all of the Mac excitement, read a few reviews, and said…………….hmmm. I have to learn a new OS. I’ll be on the phone for hours with HP anyway, so if there was ever a better time to make the jump – here we go.

I went to the Apple store today and stood there and stared at the MAC Pro. The 13” was just too small. I had no idea what to do first, but since the store was jammed. And I mean jammed. I made due on my own. Boxes of these things were going out left and right on a Thursday afternoon, and I was only in the store for 90 minutes.

I fiddled around and though I felt mentally like an 11 yr old, I soon was flying around the screen. I asked two questions, 1) “I have a ton of folders in Outlook – how do I get them into the MAC” and 2) “I live in excel. How compatible will MS excel files be to numbers. And numbers to excel?”

I walked out telling myself that it was time. Time to switch to MAC. Once I get the new MAC pro I doubt I will ever look back. Not after today. Why would I?

 

Haha yah thats awsome man. Thats what i really wanna do aswell. This is going to be my first notenook ive ever owned. Im going to be jumping from a 2002 HP desktop with a old *** celeron processor, 256mb ram and a 80gb hardrive to something like this LOL. I really dont have that much money now and although it would be really nice to have a pro i think im gonna have to settle for a regular Macbook, although if i get a really good deal i wouldnt mind spending alittle extra and getting the Pro. I really wanna go down this weekend to the Apple store and trying one of these out as i never have, but im happy that a long time Windows user like yourself was flying through the screen lol, thats a good sign!!!

 

just to tell you, i find the office for mac isn't very well made. BTW, the new office for PC isn't bad, it's just totally redesigned. take a class on it, you'll find there are many, many more things that you can do. Useful things, too.

 

I dont use Office, the dude above me does alot!!!

 

Meh, I've had no problems really with the new office. I like it better then Pages, and its better then the old one for me.

 

I am a die hard OpenSource user (like the philosophy), and use OpenOffice.org for my writing and publishing needs. I hardly used Office 2003 as a result. I also dual boot into Vista. I must say, Office 2007 (ribbon) has blown me over: the simplicity, intuitiveness, and versatility is just something else--OOo does the job, but the way Office apps (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) are designed, makes it so much easier for someone who has not used MS's Office software before.

So I would second that give Office 2007 a try. Not sure how it behaves in Mac OS X though?

 

Switching over to Mac really isn't hard, most of us here are Mac switchers, I was one in May of 2007 when I first received this MacBook. It took less than a week for me to say I could use perfectly fine.

I definitely recommend these two guides when it comes to getting used to how Mac OS X works!

www.apple.com/support/switch101
www.apple.com/support/mac101

Also, I try to answer as many questions as possible in my Mac Switcher's Guide as well .

 

Well, other than a Mac, what product is better suited to run both the Mac OS and Windows OS? There isnt' one.
Windows runs faster and is more stable on the Mac hardware in my experience.
I'm not sure why though. I run XP native on my Power Mac.
Mac certifies all the hardware they put into their systems, that way there aren't as many driver issues and missing "dll" files all over the place.

I will hand it to Vista though, it's the closest Microsoft has gotten to copying the Mac OS.

 

For Mac OS, it's Office 2008. It's as good and nearly identical to Office 2007 for Windows. There are file translators to go from Widows to Mac.
Generally, Mac has always been able to open and deal with most Windows based files, whereas Windows can't handle Mac OS files.

Vista is really NOT much different than XP, other than it's a resource hog as it has things you'll never need or use. It is quite stable though and light years easier to use than previous Windows OS including XP.

Max OS is very intuitive. If you think that you should simply be able to grab a file and "move it there", then that is what you should do and it will work.
When you plug something into a Mac, yes, it actually knows that you just plugged something in and that you want to use it. After all, if you didn't want to open it or use it you wouldn't have plugged it in, right?
It took Window YEARS to figure that out.

If you can work XP and/or Vista you can work Mac OS.
You can setup and customize your Mac desktop in nearly anyway you want in an infinitely more intuitive and useful way than XP and even Vista, even though Vista is the best Windows OS to date.
I don't understand XP users who think Vista is so odd or bad or difficult.
Windows users are really technologically conservative, and seem to fear change.

 

Your post is not helpful whatsoever. Why is it that every time a current Windows user that's interested in switching over to a Mac always have to be bothered by another Windows user (that's really a Mac hater in disguise) trying to dissuade the OP from buying a Mac.

Learn to read a bit a better OKAY? The OP is not asking whether a Windows machine would be better, he's asking what the forum thinks about the new Macbook. Furthermore he said in post #7 and I quote, "I really want a Macbook". Who are you to try and tell him that he would be better off with something else.
Try and help him in choosing a Mac rather than playing the jealous Windows using Mac hater. I'm starting to think the Windows crowd gets threatened anytime one of their own wants to switch over to Apple Macintosh. Get over it.

 

LMAOOOO, great post ahhaha!!!

 

These are my posts:
"Go to an Apple store to try it out yourself. I can guarantee that you will not find a deal on a brand new new macbook without shelling out upward of $1000. You will most likely be able to get the new generation model used, but you may have to wait awhile for that. Most important thing is to be sure you are okay using the operating system. Don't buy a mac if you are going to be using Windows most of the time, because there are much better-suited products in that case."

"(Quote by Talin):
I'd argue that the build quality, along with led and aluminum case make it well-suited.(End Quote By Talin)

I am pretty sure you could get a PC laptop just as suited for cheaper. I should have been more clear."

Dude, you don't even know me. I have been looking into buying a mac for well over a year and support them in every single way possible. I don't need your hostility, I am merely providing the OP with a different suggestion. Looks like YOU are the one in need of better reading.

Ohh yeah and this is the title of the thread: " THINKING Of Switching To Mac And Getting The New MB...Help Please!"

 

No other product can run Mac other than Apple products(legally anyways). I was stating that if the user ends up changing his mind and starts to primarily use Windows for the majority of the time I was suggesting that he settle for a lesser expensive machine(i.e. a PC). This is something I always bring up to the newbies of this forum asking similar questions. Because when I was new here I sure would have liked that someone point out this info for me before I splurge on a very expensive machine. And no, I am by NO means a Mac hater. I am waiting for Nehalm(next update) to take the plunge.

Windows hardware and Mac hardware are the same, so your hardware must be slightly better in your G5 if it is treating you better in Windows compared to your other computers.

 

How do you run XP native on a G5?

 

I was just about to ask the same...

 

Bump!!!!!!

 

I agree completely with LongLive about Office.

Office 2007 for Windoze runs much faster and is much prettier too.

BTW, if you want to find the best deal on a Mac, check your local Craigslist for good deals. Make sure that the seller is legit (receipt, etc.).

 

No, you cannot run Windows on PowerPC hardware.

 

I know that but didn't want to imply he is a liar...

 

The new Apple Macbook Pro is definately nice but out of your price range the old macbook is ok but very small good for kids.

If you want to talk in private about OSX u could send me a message we could talk in private

OSX is very very nice NO VIRUS NO more updating anti virus, firewall, anti spy crap.

The hardware is the same as a PC laptop almost any way except for some buttons but they are easy to over come.

 

I switched/got my first mac in Nov 2006. Managed to convince my wife to switch about 6 months ago after a year of hell with vista and a HP notebook.
She has never been happier, and my tech support duties have dropped by 90%. I was often up to 4 am trying to figure out why her wireless or what ever had suddenly stopped working.
My suggestion is that if cost is an issue, try picking up a second hand macbook on ebay, try it out for a few months, if you really like OSx and Mac, then consider upgrading to the newer macbook. The resell value is quite good on Mac's, so you shouldn't loose much on the 2nd hand one.
a

 

Mac is cool. But practical? Not really, if you are thinking of networking it at work. I know loads of admins who cry when staff bring in their shiny new macbook airs. I use both daily and I don't really see much difference. (HALT FANBOYS) But a badly set up windows machine is a nightmare to control and use. Macs are cool but they are also a LOT of money. Brand new and under $1000 forget about it. Maybe on the $1000 mark but that is without Applecare and one thing you need is that. Ultimately have a go on them and if you want to save up and spend fair enough. But for the same price you could get an awesome Windows laptop.

 

Applecare is not a necessity, its a nice extra. In fact if you are competent with a computer then you can probably trouble shoot/fix most issues without to much trouble, regardless of brand. That said those less tech savvy should invest in the extra warranty regardless of brand, thus your point is kinda moot, as most brands charge extra for premium service.
Also it is now possible to pickup a brand new macbook (white) on amazon for ~$850.... last time I looked that was under $1000.
Thus for this person the real issue they need to decide is simply if they want to switch or not.
a

 

Office 2008 on Mac still has serious issues. If you really use the advanced features of Excel, you are still going to need a Windows install.

Other than that, Macs are easy to use. I would hesitate to say they are easier than Windows seeing as Windows isn't hard to use either.

Also, don't believe the hype that Mac's are more secure. There are very few viruses for Macs, but there are always security flaws in the OS. Someone can break through just as easily as they can into Vista. However, your life will be easier than it is in Windows with regards to spyware/viruses because of the different permissions schemes.

If you are looking for a price advantage, buying a Mac is out of the question. Plain and simple, they are expensive. But then again, you do get an excellent product. Get AppleCare if you decided to buy a Mac.

 

Hey, thanks guys for all your help, i really appreciate it. I think im just gonna pick one up from somewhere like Best Buy or something and test it out for a month before i can return it, and if i really like it then i dont paying $1300 and just keeping it!!!

 

Make sure you really want it first. Best buy only offers a 15 day return/exchange policy and a 15% restocking fee. It's not an ideal store for trying out a product you are unsure about.

 

Good luck, the 30 day trial is a good idea. I hope everything works out well for you.

As for office 08, I'm not sure serious issues is that correct. Buggy and a little annoying yes, but it works and unfortunately is still probably the best "complete" office package available for the mac. The latest service packs have done alot to get it close to where it needs to be, and made it almost good.
a

 

15 days only and a 15% restocking fee? Really? Where do you live? Im in Vancouver Canada, im pretty sure its 30 days here and theres no restocking fee, it doesnt really matter i know lots of ppl who work at Futureshop and Best Buy who will happily return it for me. If not i will go to Costco if they carry them!!!

 

Why do you say that it’s the best office package?

I'm considering picking up my first Mac in the next week or so, and one of my biggest apprehensions is working with Office on a Mac. The kid at the apple store a few days ago swore up and down that iWorks 08 is excellent and would not be an issue – plus he said it was hundreds of dollars cheaper than MS.

 

The majority of Office Word files will work in iWork perfectly fine. Its PowerPoint and Excel documents that don't work as well in the respective iWork apps. So if you're just doing word processing, then iWork will be much cheaper, yes!

 

I got mine at the Apple store in the US and specifically asked them about their return policy and in the US is 14 days with 10% restocking fee if the seal is broken.

 

That restocking fee crap is bs, so your gonna pay over $100 to return it now? Thats not right!!!

 

Actually, nowadays, 10% isn't that bad. Of course, having no restocking fee would be best, but even Amazon has a 15% restocking fee for laptops, Best Buy has a 15% for laptops and up to 25% for other appliances while Newegg has a no return/refund policy

 

WOW LOL! I wonder if Costco carries Macs man, they have the best return policy out there, they take anything back no questions asked!!!

 

Sorry I didn't mean best as in good, I was trying to emphasize the " complete", so like sam said, if you need compatibility/functionality across ALL of the office app's then office 08 is the best choice.
But if you are only looking for basic stuff and don't depend on collaboration then iwork is a great, possibly better choice. Unfortunately in the working world it still isn't quite a viable alternative yet.
a

 

Whats the "a" for after every post lol?

 

its my nickname! I do it out of habbit without even realising most of the time.
a

oops there I go again

 

*Underpantman* is way better nick than 'a'......

 

True, not on a PowerPC.

My bad. I have G5 on the brain for some reason, and I've got extreme brain fart here. I've got two main Mac machines, one G5 I use for video editing, which we got right before the switch to Intel, and then I got one of the newest of the intel machines when they came out. I called that one a "G5" for the longest time, wrongly. Last year I gave up that machine, to another department, and the replacement was a faster Mac Pro.

So, I'm running XP native on a Mac Pro, not the G5.
My bad, sorry for posting incorrect and potentially confusing info.

 

Thanks to Mac OS, Windows has become easier to use. Windows has been attempting a Mac like interface for years. Vista moves it even closer.

By your own words you describe why so many say Mac OS is "more" secure.
No Mac user and "fanboy" has said there aren't ANY viruses.
The Mac OS is more secure in your own words.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=311156

I am a new mac owner too, hope you could get something out of it.

 

Anyone else?

 

I would go for a older macbook Air, totally eyecatching and you get for the price of the small aluminium macbook at the moment!!!! You get a better screen, though by far less glossy!