I know, I know...another Windows vrs Mac thread, but please help.

Ok, here is my dilemma. I am in the market for a laptop and have been a Windows user since day one, but I am considering a jump to the Mac side, knowing that my lifelong companion “Access” will not find a normal life inside the realm of OSX. From what I have heard is that there are similar software options made by Mac and other companies that can handle the same kind of tasks (such as form letters, spread sheets, queries and mass mailings to name but a few). Now I don’t want to open up a can of worms, but does anyone on this side of dotted line have any knowledge of OSX in terms of an Access fix?

With all that said, I mainly need Access for work purposes and if all else fails, I will be springing for a Dell. Should I happen to go this route I will be using it primarily for video/photo editing, music composing and of course all of my mp-3’s. I am not into gaming, so that will not be something of consideration. Now for the real ‘Windows’ question…do you think I could get by with an Inspiron1520 or should I spring for the magilla and go for the M1530XPS? ( isn’t that what the ‘M’stands for anyway: )

Thanks in advance for any input you can offer.

Cheers!
-Capt.

 

Hi

Access? When you say Access, are you referring to the database program? (your "form letters, spreadsheets...part says otherwise) If your talking about office software in general, the Mac has plenty of if, from Microsoft, Apple, and others. If you do use the Microsoft Access database program, you may be able to get away with a Mac database program (there's no Microsoft Access, as you know, for the Mac) Also, you can run Access from a virtual machine or via Boot Camp if necessary

You asked about the 1520? You'll have to take a look in the outlet for that particular model, it's been replaced partly by the 1525 and the Studio 15. Both the M1530 and Inspiron 1520 would be good for your needs.

Good Luck

 

Well I have always been a Windows user too. I just returned my Studio 17 and bought a MacBook Pro 17". Installed Windows XP using Bootcamp and everything works very nice. It is like have 2 operating systems on 1 computer. I like the MacBook Pro because of the light weight and thin size.

 

I've used Filemaker Pro on the Mac side and it's not a bad products for what you seem to be using MS Access for.

 

Talk a good look before buying the Mac. Make sure you understand what OSX does and if you like it .. go ahead with it. Sure, there is always the option of buying the Mac and put Vista/XP on it, then you'll have everything you need/know - but then you will only use the laptop as hardware so then you do not necessarily need a mac. You can get cheaper laptops as good as any laptop Apple has. But I have to admit none have the same style and none are as lightweight/thin in the 15" category. I like the MBP over ANY 15" laptops. On the other side, Apple didn't put a stupid fingerprint reader on the thing, nor a docking station! Talk about a business laptop without a docking station ...

I really tried to like Leopard and I do like it but there are several things I can't do on it so I have to switch to Vista all day long. It's annoying. I could post a bunch of stuff that doesn't work IN MY CASE, but I don't wanna start a war on it plus that might be JUST my case: so please check the Mac before you buy it. You can spend a lot of time in the Apple store on any of their products.
I didn't have to use/try Access, but MS Office for Mac is not as good as the Windows version; although very good when compared with Mac "Office" or OpenOffice.

As for mbp or the dell m1530, from what I understand both are awaiting for a redesign/refresh.

 

Now that I'm sporting a Tablet PC, I can't see how I ever got along without it.

No tablet on a Mac, so my new portable is a HPtz2500. It is kind of thick for a 12" so I've got a Latitude XT on order. Tablet + Treo = electronic organization heaven. Now if only I could find a portable document scanner.....

 

Even though Macs have their own version of Microsoft Office, it doesn't really compare to the Windows version. I tried to switch, but I just prefer the way Windows works.