First time Mac buyer - questions

esjdk said:

Hi guys!

I've just about managed to save up for a MacBook Air 13 inch with 8 GB of ram which I'll be ordering in just a few weeks.

I have, however, got a few questions before I make the switch from this crappy old Windows-laptop;

1. What Office program should I get? I use OneNote a lot and worry if there might be hiccups if I choose the Apple office software
2. What case would you guys recommend?
3. Are there any must-buy accessories when you buy your first MacBook?

Thanks

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Congrats on your soon to be purchase.

When I went all Mac years ago, both at home and work, I started using iWork and have had zero issues with compatibility for at least the last couple of years. I used to use google docs but have not been using it since Apple launched iCloud.

I'm case free but do use an Incipio sleeve. The MBA is great all by itself. I can't think of anything else you'd need.

Maybe get an external USB 3.0 HDD to make backups of your MBA in case something happens (corrupt SSD, MBA stolen, OS does not boot, accidental deletion, ...).

esjdk said:

Thanks for your reply.

Would a time capsule be an idea or are they over the top for what I need?

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It's convenient, but very expensive compared to other backup/network storage. If you don't need anything wireless you would save a lot of money buying a USB3.0 external hard drive of your choice, then setting it up with Time Machine or other backup software.

I recommend Crashplan for backup too. It's only a few £/$ a month and as its completely in the cloud you can restore stuff wherever you are, even if your MacBook and backups are stolen.

esjdk said:

Thanks for your reply.

Would a time capsule be an idea or are they over the top for what I need?

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I didn't think about Time Capsule, but it is a very seamless piece for both backup and as a wifi router. I have been using one and love the fact that I don't have to think about it (which is why I forgot to mention it!).

It may be expensive but it does offer great wifi service and lots of storage space.

esjdk said:

Hi guys!

I've just about managed to save up for a MacBook Air 13 inch with 8 GB of ram which I'll be ordering in just a few weeks.

I have, however, got a few questions before I make the switch from this crappy old Windows-laptop;

1. What Office program should I get? I use OneNote a lot and worry if there might be hiccups if I choose the Apple office software
2. What case would you guys recommend?
3. Are there any must-buy accessories when you buy your first MacBook?

Thanks

Click to expand...

As for the first question: there are some options here, but have in mind that none of them is as good as Microsoft Office for Windows. If there is one thing that Microsoft has done right, it's Microsoft Office. For Windows. If you make the switch to a Mac, however, there are some options:

(a) Apple iWork: Not the real deal, but very easy and intuitive to use, it may fare even better than Microsoft Office at the hands of beginners.

(b) Microsoft Office for Mac: Yes, there is Microsoft Office for Mac, and it has (nearly) all the features of Office for Windows, although it is not as streamlined.

(c) Windows and Microsoft Office: You may install Windows using Bootcamp or in a virtual machine and run Microsoft Office for Windows.

(d) OpenOffice, LibreOffice or NeoOffice: You may want to try one of these open-source alternatives. OpenOffice and LibreOffice are free. They are not as polished as Microsoft Office, but, as they are free, you may wish to install them anyway.

Note that OneNote is not included in Office for Mac, and there is no similar in iWork. However, there are other good programs that may replace OneNote, such as Evernote, OmniOutliner or Circus Ponies Notebook, depending on what you use OneNote for.

1. Office for mac. Very seamless and mac friendly IMO.

2. I like incase sleeve. Tight at first, but will loosen to perfect fit with time.

3. Extra Charge cord. Do yourself a favor and just get one! You'll never regret it!

4. Get into iCloud and like it and use it.

4. Absolutely "DO NOT" bootcamp or VM Windows on your machine for now. You'll be tempted to revert to old habits, and be temped to navigate away from OSX, which you need to learn and become "one" with!

Read the thread, "How much money have you spent on accessories since getting a Mac."

TimeCapsule=Worth it. Really seamless for both the wifi and the backups.

MS Office for Mac: Get it. You'll hate it, but if you share programs with anyone else... The student version is only about $100, and usually much cheaper on Black Friday.

Case: Depends on what you like. My wife has a leather case on her air. Looks like business, but when she dropped it, dinged a corner. I would find a style you like and once again do the Black Fryday thing. Consider if you need something that will prevent it sliding on surfaces. Here is her case:

http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-3121_7-10008654-3.html


If you want something unique, this case is top notch. My son has it on his Macbook Pro 15in, but we had to really look to find it because it isn't made anymore.
http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-3121_7-10008654-6.html

Enjoy your Air!

spork183 said:

TimeCapsule=Worth it. Really seamless for both the wifi and the backups.

MS Office for Mac: Get it. You'll hate it, but if you share programs with anyone else... The student version is only about $100, and usually much cheaper on Black Friday.

Case: Depends on what you like. My wife has a leather case on her air. Looks like business, but when she dropped it, dinged a corner. I would find a style you like and once again do the Black Fryday thing. Consider if you need something that will prevent it sliding on surfaces. Here is her case:

http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-3121_7-10008654-3.html


If you want something unique, this case is top notch. My son has it on his Macbook Pro 15in, but we had to really look to find it because it isn't made anymore.
http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-3121_7-10008654-6.html

Enjoy your Air!

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Agreed. Get a time capsule or an airport extreme.

You made the right choice. I would suggest getting a USB 3.0 Hard drive and just a sleeve such as the Incipio or Samsonite Sleeves. Even though Samsonite is known for their luggages, their sleeves are also high quality with an extremely soft interior that protects your MacBook Air. Try to stay away from cases as they might spoil the hinge as the heavy weight will stress out the hinge soon wearing it off. It also adds a lot of weight, which defeats the purpose of a portable Air. I bought a Speck case and only used it once, hated it.