Missing Windows, Should i return the MBP. Need Help Please

[aditghai]

Hi
I just got a MBP this Monday. I was Windows user for about 14 years and i am having a little bit of a hard time getting used to OS X. As in no taskbar. I know Expose exists but i was just so used to the taskbar minimzing anything that opens up.
Also, Office 08 on the Mac is not as nice as Office for Windows. I am heavy duty excel and word user. And No, I dont want to install VMWARE or Parallels to run Windows.

So, My Question is should i return this MBP and just switch back to the Windows laptop i have or should i give it some more time?

[heatmiser]

Hi
I just got a MBP this Monday. I was Windows user for about 14 years and i am having a little bit of a hard time getting used to OS X. As in no taskbar. I know Expose exists but i was just so used to the taskbar minimzing anything that opens up.
Also, Office 08 on the Mac is not as nice as Office for Windows. I am heavy duty excel and word user. And No, I dont want to install VMWARE or Parallels to run Windows.

So, My Question is should i return this MBP and just switch back to the Windows laptop i have or should i give it some more time?

If you want to use OS X, you're going to have to start loving Expose; it's basically a picturesque taskbar. And no, Office '08 is not half as good as Office '07. That's not going to change. For whatever reason, half of the features in the Windows version were left out of the Mac version.

If I were you, I'd switch back before your 14-day period runs out. There's little sense in keeping a computer and forcing yourself to use an OS and programs that cut down on your efficiency simply because you wanted to try something new. Get a Thinkpad or an Acer or a Gateway, and get back to work.

[MacDawg]

It might help if we knew a little about the reasons that made you switch.

What was it about the Mac that attracted you?

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[motulist]

Give it until a couple of days before your store return period is over. That way you can give it as much of a chance as you can given the circumstances. But different strokes for different folks, if the Mac happens to not be a right fit for you then by all means you should return it and go get the machine that works best for you. Computers are just tools. If you prefer tool W over tool X, then there's no reason for you not to use tool W.

[aditghai]

It might help if we knew a little about the reasons that made you switch.

What was it about the Mac that attracted you?

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

Well basically it was the way OSX looked and the way the MBP looked.

[MacDawg]

Well basically it was the way OSX looked and the way the MBP looked.

Ah, form over function then

Yes, it is visually appealing, but if it doesn't meet your needs and requirements, then you may want to consider going back. I have found the Mac to be everything I want and do everything I need. But Excel may be an issue for you. I understand 2008 does not support VBA.

It may not be right for you.

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[cohibadad]

sounds like you want a Windows machine. You might grow to love OS X. Then again, you might not. Might as well return the MBP and get what you know you want.

[pondie84]

I think the fact that you even posted this here demonstrates what you know you should be doing. Return your MBP.

I have to say I think your poll is a bit skewed. How you can you possible make that statement that "you can never get used to OSX after using Windows for 14 years'? Never is a very strong word to use. Quite frankly I use both and find both useable for what I need to do.

[scienide09]

You could always consider installing Windows on your MBP for the sake of productivity. Use the Windows side for your required tasks, and OS X for everything fun (surfing, email, etc) until you have better knowledge of the ins and outs of the OS.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

you could just partition your hard drive and run windows natively in it. It's very easy using bootcamp. That way you have the best of both worlds.

[aditghai]

Hmm. Still undecided man. This is hard. 10% restocking fee is kinda steep.

[heatmiser]

Hmm. Still undecided man. This is hard. 10% restocking fee is kinda steep.

You're not going to find better advice than you've already received, even if this thread goes on for 10 pages.

[motulist]

Hmm. Still undecided man. This is hard. 10% restocking fee is kinda steep.

There's nothing to think about. Since you like the hardware and you can always just install MS Windows on it exclusively, or have both OS X and Windows installed at the same time, then you should definitely keep it. If you never warm up to OS X, then it's still a great laptop hardware-wise that you can use as a Windows machine.

[Pees330]

If you are worried about paying the restocking fee I would hang on to it. Use it for a few more weeks and see if you feel comfortable with OS X. It's hard to make a complete switch over from Windows in only a few days. I would even install Windows on your machine to. After all of that you can see how you're liking the machine. If you don't think OS X is right for you, just sell it. You could make back a decent amount and use that money towards a new Windows machine.

[November]

Bootcamp into XP/Vista then have an awesome looking windows laptop?

Seems like the obvious choice for me...

[Zwhaler]

This probably wont help, but if the OP used to be a frequent user of Alt+Tab, he ought to try Command+Tab, which serves the same function.

[stainlessliquid]

The 10% restocking fee would cost more than just buying a copy of windows and running that.

Might as well keep it, its one of the sportiest laptops you can get. Youd have to get a cheap pc laptop which probably isnt as good to make any real money back (unless you sacrifice thinness).

Make sure to buy from some place that doesnt have a restocking fee. I didnt have to pay a restocking fee for returning the crappy G4 mini to Best Buy, and I think I remember amazon not having a restocking fee.

[cmturner2]

I've been using computers since the late 70s, and Windows since 3.11 myself, and my advice to you is to keep it.

It's a solid laptop, discounting which OS is installed on it. However it's one of the only laptops that will let you run OS X, Linux and Windows.

For the near term I suggest you either purchase a copy of VMWare Fusion (I prefer) or Parellels (and/or bootcamp into your Windows of choice). As a 14yr Windows user you should be familiar with the learning curves you went through moving from Windows 3.x to 95 to 98 to 2000 to XP and perhaps to Vista - Just think of OS X as another one of these learning curves. However you still have the parachute of Windows when needed.

I certainly prefer many things in OS X now that I've used it for a few years, but still have complaints about minor UI annoyances that (IMO) Microsoft does better (i.e. window resizing by grabbing any corner in Windows vs lower right only in OS X) and other things. No OS is everything, they all have their high and low points.

Anyway, there's my advice, for what it's worth.

[aditghai]

I've been using computers since the late 70s, and Windows since 3.11 myself, and my advice to you is to keep it.

It's a solid laptop, discounting which OS is installed on it. However it's one of the only laptops that will let you run OS X, Linux and Windows.

For the near term I suggest you either purchase a copy of VMWare Fusion (I prefer) or Parellels (and/or bootcamp into your Windows of choice). As a 14yr Windows user you should be familiar with the learning curves you went through moving from Windows 3.x to 95 to 98 to 2000 to XP and perhaps to Vista - Just think of OS X as another one of these learning curves. However you still have the parachute of Windows when needed.

I certainly prefer many things in OS X now that I've used it for a few years, but still have complaints about minor UI annoyances that (IMO) Microsoft does better (i.e. window resizing by grabbing any corner in Windows vs lower right only in OS X) and other things. No OS is everything, they all have their high and low points.

Anyway, there's my advice, for what it's worth.

Thank you for not trashing me like one of the members above. It feels comforting to get some advise from someone who has been on the same boat as me. Yeah, I feel OS X growing on me.

Thanks a lot for your help

[zephead]

I don't think returning it is such a good idea. You already have a top-of-the-line computer, which you can also install Windows on.

You should definitely install Windows on it and get all your work done the way you're used to doing it. Then when you have some spare time, you can use some of it to learn about and get used to OS X.

[Burgess07]

As in no taskbar. I know Expose exists but i was just so used to the taskbar minimzing anything that opens up.


You could also minimize windows to the dock. Isn't that a more accurate comparison to the taskbar than exposé?

[Badandy]

stop being an old fogie and open your mind to a new way to use your computer. Personally, I am MUCH more efficient on my macbook than I was on any Windows PC.

[chrono1081]

Dont use ms office, use open office http://www.openoffice.org

Its 100% compatible with office, its free, and it runs on every os and looks identical. I made the switch a little bit ago and I never looked back since :) I love open office. I bet if you gave it a try youd like it too.


Ok after rereading I see its more about the OS not office but Ill leave this here anyway incase the OP would like to try open office.

[northy124]

If you haven't returned it yet keep it i made the switch at xmas and love it.

Bad thing is that when ever i'm on a Windows machine all the little problems that didn't annoy me now really piss me off:eek:LoL But if you really do miss windoze boot camp or use fusion.

[stevenz]

I've been using Windows since v3.0, through 3.1, WFWG3.11, 95, 98, 2K up until XP and got a Mac instead of trying to use the abomination that is Vista. It's so nice having everything just _work_. I'd dabbled with previous versions of the Mac OS, mainly System 6 on an old B&W Mac and System 7 on an LCII, and I never liked them. As of at least OSX 10.4, probably earlier, they seem to have gotten rid of most of the issues I had with it, and in most cases things work as logically, if not more so than Windows, although I'd still like cut & paste in the finder.

If you rely heavily & solely on MS products, I'm not sure why you'd bother switching though, as even if you use equivalents, you're not really be going to be ahead financially or functionally.

[johny5]

sounds like you should return it if your not going to give transition some time.
Its a pretty big step to take if your not willing to install something like vmware.

[RedTomato]

Keep it.

I also switched from Windows a few years ago, and the first few months were a struggle. Learn the basic keyboard shortcuts and everything becomes much easier.

e.g.
press the power button, let go, then
- return to shut down
- s to sleep
- escape to cancel

Press command and

- tab to switch between apps
- ' to switch between windows in the same app
- q to quit an app
- s to save
- shift s to save as
- x,c, v to cut,copy and paste
- o to open a file
- space to open a small spotlight window - then type the name of an app or file and press return to open it instantly.

press function and delete to do a forward delete

in the finder (same as windows explorer):

arrow keys move around, type the first letter of a name to jump to a filename

press command and

- down arrow to open the selected file or app or folder
- up arrow to move to enclosing folder.
- n for new finder window
- shift n for create new folder

These are just the shortcuts I use the most. Try each one out, and just remember the ones you find most useful.

Yes it is a learning curve, but I love my mac now.

And I strongly recommend installing BootCamp. It's free, and now, while your HD is quite empty, is the easiest and quickest time to install BootCamp. It will give you more confidence, knowing you have something to fall back on.

[Killyp]

I'd used only Windows for 15 years and then got my first Mac. OS X is streets ahead once you get used to it. Give it some time, it will settle in and you'll love it...

[SteveG4Cube]

Learn the basic keyboard shortcuts and everything becomes much easier.
Press command and

- tab to switch between apps
- ' to switch between windows in the same app
- q to quit an app
- s to save
- shift s to save as
- x,c, v to cut,copy and paste
- o to open a file
- space to open a small spotlight window - then type the name of an app or file and press return to open it instantly.
- down arrow to open the selected file or app or folder
- up arrow to move to enclosing folder.
- n for new finder window
- shift n for create new folder

Exactly. And don't forget:

CMND-H to hide the app
CMND-W to close a window
CMND-M to minimize a window

And assuming you're on Leopard, try using Spaces and set up a keyboard shortcut to switch between different sets of apps.

[northy124]

I'd used only Windows for 15 years and then got my first Mac. OS X is streets ahead once you get used to it. Give it some time, it will settle in and you'll love it...

Streets More Like Avenues ahead LoL

[ClassicBean]

Install Windows on it through Bootcamp. Then, if there's an Apple Store near you, consider taking advantage of one-on-one training. Once you discover all the features and benefits of OS X, I'm confident that you'll realize how much superior the Mac operating system is. While that doesn't solve your Office problem, you'll at least be able to boot into your Windows partition through Fusion (Fusion let's you run your Windows partition in the virtual environment) and enjoy OS X. That is.... if you want to.

[Amuraivel]

Keep the MBP.

You bought it for looks.

.10*2000 = (200+hassle) > copy of WIN XP on ebay.

Get a copy of XP and run XP as your main OS. You aren't obliged to run OSX if you bought the machine for style.

[daze]

As a former switcher, let me tell you that if you give OS X some time, you will not only get used to it, but will love it. My MBP and I are like this: "two fingers joined." :D

[KingYaba]

He can always wipe the hard drive and install Windows.

[ingenious]

I say keep it and give it a shot. Go get some personalized training at the Apple Store ($2/session isn't bad! :D)

You've always got a huge resale value on eBay if you hate it.

[Ibjr]

stop being an old fogie and open your mind to a new way to use your computer. Personally, I am MUCH more efficient on my macbook than I was on any Windows PC.

It is this type of arrogant mac user that i've had to fight when converting people to OSX. People stick with Vista just to spite your type. Grow up and learn to convince instead of insult.

[trip1ex]

Oh I don't think you'll miss the task bar after a bit.

You can switch windows/programs in a few ways. You can click the Dock icons to switch (they aren't just for opening the program.) You can use Command-tab. You can use Expose. You can use Spaces to segregate apps and windows. You can click Window in the menu bar and then select which Window you want within the program. You have use a corner of the screen to activate Expose (my current favorite.) You just move your mouse to the upper left corner, for example, to activate Expose. ........yada yada yada.

I'm sure there's even 3rd party programs that give you even more ways to do this.

The bigger problem is Office. If you really need features in the Windows version of Office you're going to have to run Windows via Fusion or Parallels or Bootcamp. Also explore OFfice 2k8. Some of the features you need might be in a different location or have a different name.

worst case too you can run Windows full-time if you want.

[clevin]

returning will cost you 10% of the original price.

unless you plan to get a much cheaper windows laptop ($300 cheaper), you might just stick to the MBP and install windows on it.

switching to a new os, no matter how easy apple would like to tell you, isn't that easy for everybody.

keep in the mind here is MR forum, so alot of people are apple stock holders,,,,so some people might not really care about your need than apple's need :o

[jcgnu]

I think no one has suggested this, but in your case, the best thing to do is to install Windows using boot camp... I suppose you don't want o run VMWare or Parallels simply because it gets slow and you have to log into Mac OS, then open VMWare and load Windows.... If you use Boot Camp (which is, by the way, bundled with Mac OS X) you can even tell your computer to always start on Windows... That way you will have a Windows machine that looks like a Mac on the outside (beacuse it is a Mac!).... Also, if you decide to give Mac OS a shot by using it once in a while, you will still perfectly be able to do it.

In your case, returning the computer will be the total wrong answer. Install Windows on your Mac and you're good to go... Oh, do you know which is the fastest computer to run Windows Vista?? A MacBook Pro!

[northy124]

JC quite a few people have said boot camp already along with fusion and parrels :p

[jcgnu]

you're right lol sorry... i hadn't read them...

oh, by the way, i am myself a new mac user now... i had windows all my life and i've been wanting to switch since like years ago... i finally did and i totally love it. of couse, it is different, but once you get used to it, it's way better than windows.

[RedTomato]

Just a suggestion here:

Maybe try using Microsoft Mac Office 2004?

It's what I use on my 3 month old C2D Macbook, and I'm perfectly happy with it. MS still release updates for it on a regular basis. (every couple of months)

Some people say it's the best office ever, on both mac and PC. I don't like saying things like that, as it's a bit fanboyish, but it's available for cheap everywhere, and it has the same interface as PC office (up to the 2007 version).

Well worth it if you're used to the pre-2007 interface as I fully agree both a new OS and a new Office interface is far too much to deal with all at once.

[ucfgrad93]

I would give it some more time. I bought my first mac in August 2007 and it did take some getting used to. However, I love it and have no plans on buying a Windows machine ever again.

[Badandy]

It is this type of arrogant mac user that i've had to fight when converting people to OSX. People stick with Vista just to spite your type. Grow up and learn to convince instead of insult.

And it's this type of high-horse poster who is so wrapped up on seriousness that they haven't learned how to take a joke instead of just being stuck up.

If I wanted to insult him, I would have said something insulting. The point of my post was to try to impress upon him the importance of geting used to the operating system. Old people usually are resistant to new technology or are not that efficient in learning a new system, and when the OP put up that poll and was doubting that he could learn a new OS, I was playfully making fun.

I said it with jocularity. Calm down.

[Ibjr]

And it's this type of high-horse poster who is so wrapped up on seriousness that they haven't learned how to take a joke instead of just being stuck up.

If I wanted to insult him, I would have said something insulting. The point of my post was to try to impress upon him the importance of geting used to the operating system. Old people usually are resistant to new technology or are not that efficient in learning a new system, and when the OP put up that poll and was doubting that he could learn a new OS, I was playfully making fun.

I said it with jocularity. Calm down.

Sorry. I reacted like that because i saw your vitriol on Ars when the arch changed.

[Badandy]

Sorry. I reacted like that because i saw your vitriol on Ars when the arch changed.

Don't worry, no offense taken and none intended. But what does your reply I quoted mean?