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Anyone considering the Switch?

Only heard of Macintosh

Well, in the 90'ies i heard of the Machintosh but i dont ever recall seeing one. In the 2003 a friend introduced me to the Apple product line.
Saving up for my first Mac i chose the entry iBook (cheapest of all Macs at the time, no mac mini then), just to try it out.
Now im hooked, cant ever go back, dont wanto! Ever!!
No my biggest concern is if i will buy a PM+20" or a 17" PB in the fall :)
Dont we live in interesting times ! :rolleyes:
 
Well my story's a little different. I bought a 15" Powerbook with Superdrive on Monday, to fill a 'void' in my life. For the last 7 years I've only owned PCs and I thought it was time for a change. But for the whole 6 days I've had the PB, I've had a bad gut feeling about my decision to go Apple. It's okay in the mornings - I look at the nice aluminium alloy casing, its minimalistic approach with slot loading DVD drive, Tiger with its fancy Spotlight program, and think - yep I'll be alright with this.

But then after spending hours on it playing around and trying to do relatively simple things - but can't - I realise that things aren't so good afterall. It's not that the software isn't out there - it's just that it usually costs money (instead of being freeware), and it just isn't as good as its PC counterpart (eg, iMovie vs Movie Maker 2, MactheRipper vs DVD Decrypter, iPod It vs iPodAgent, Rise of Nations Mac vs Rise of Nations PC).

This upsets me a lot. I seriously wanted to give this platform a real try, but when I think about what I can and can't do on this machine, and how much it cost, it just doesn't make sense for me to keep it. The man at the Apple shop said I have 14 days to take it back for any reason, and it seems that I'll be having to do just that. Unfortunately I can't take back the Rise of Nations game I bought for £40 (more than twice the price of the PC version, and buggy too), but I'll cut my losses.

Well, I still have until next weekend to fall crazily in love with the machine, so maybe I should keep my mouth shut until then...
 
Well, it really boils down to how you intend to use it. If you want to play games then a Mac isn't the ideal platform from an availability standpoint. If you want a rock-solid, stable, secure, and quality engineered system then the Mac is the right way to go.

I was initially reluctant after I got my first Mac last year. I had second thoughts about the money I spent. I decided to keep the system and I'm glad that I did. Overtime, I grew to appreciate Mac OS X with each and every use.

Good luck with your decision
 
Yeah, not only considered, I'm committed now. I originally bought a computer for some games, and there are not too many for the Mac. Then a friend of mine told me to get a Mac for my next computer. because I no longer use a computer for gaming. Well, I did not follow his advice because I thought "Why pay all that money? I can gat a PC a lot cheaper.

Then the crashes, freezes and breakdowns started. Not to mention all the viruses, anti-viruses, firewalls and spam e-mails. So I went over my friends house to see what the big deal is with Mac. Boy, was I impressed. The amount of awesome graphics and photo work blew me away.

Last Thursday I ordered the rev2 iMac G5 with the 20" display, 250 Gig HDD and doubled up the RAM. I really don't know how long it will take to arrive, but I am looking forward to playing with the Tiger.
 
PCMacUser,
It's strange, because my experience with "the switch" was pretty much the opposite. I've found that I've had to spend a lot less money on software to get the things I wanted, and that the free stuff out there for Mac is generally better than free stuff for the PC. Don't give up just yet, and feel free to ask for help. It took me a while to feel really at home on the Mac, and now I feel uncomfortable on the PC because of all the things I can't do with it easily.
 
I can't say how good the free software that comes with Mac is, but the free stuff that came with my PC was a waste of hard drive space. Total junk.
 
Well, things are starting to change for me and my Powerbook. I am growing very fond of it. Sure, it's largely to do with its great looks, but I've also started having partial success with encoding VOB files on it. Complete success can't be far away... As for ripping DVDs, well I'll have to keep using my PC in the meantime for the 'other' region discs.

If they made the Powerbook so that it could also run XP natively I'd be in heaven.
 
Almost there ....

Last week I ordered my first Mac - a 20" iMac. I was told that it will be shipped on the 13th - the wait is killing me. I've been using PC's for the last 13 years and I was getting fed up with all the crashes and problems that were not my fault but crappy software and hardware.

In the past few months I started frequenting Mac forums and listening to Mac podcasts and decided to take the plunge after Tiger's release. The new iMac's made the decision easier. I was thinking about a PM but I also needed a monitor so I went for an iMac. In a year or two my daughter will probably get the iMac and I'll get a PM (G6??).


I've got tons of MiniDV, SVHS and plain VHS tapes that I unsuccesully tried to convert to DVD's on my PC. Can't wait to see how it can be done on the Mac.

Madmari
 
Hehe one of my not-so-great experiences with the OS was when I deleted my entire Movies directory (containing all my Digicam footage I'd firewire'd onto the PB, and compressed DVD movies I'd spent hours encoding) by accident. I didn't know that the Mac doesn't understand that trash is trash - it thinks that it's just a regular directory! And somehow I'd put my Movies folder into the Trash but had carried on using it without realising where it was, until I emptied the trash can. Oops... well that's one point to MS for making a 'trash can' a 'trash can'.
 
The last version of Windows I used was 98, and I've never looked back since. I MUCH prefer the Mac over Windows. Since then, I've made converts out of my biz partner, mom and sister. They now all have Macs and are also much happier with them. Apple should give me commission. :)
 
PCMacUser said:
But then after spending hours on it playing around and trying to do relatively simple things - but can't - I realise that things aren't so good afterall. It's not that the software isn't out there - it's just that it usually costs money (instead of being freeware), and it just isn't as good as its PC counterpart (eg, iMovie vs Movie Maker 2, MactheRipper vs DVD Decrypter, iPod It vs iPodAgent, Rise of Nations Mac vs Rise of Nations PC).
Click to expand...
You really think the free software that comes for the PC is better than Apple free software? I used a PC/Windows for more than 10 years before switching, and I found the opposite. Even the Windows software you pay for is crap, like anything that comes from Microsoft. Full of bugs and bloated. You have to buy MS Office to get a decent email app on Windows, but it comes free with Mac OS, along with iTunes, iMovie and iChat, and iCal.

I think you're comparing Apples to Oranges. ;)
 
MontyZ said:
You really think the free software that comes for the PC is better than Apple free software? I used a PC/Windows for more than 10 years before switching, and I found the opposite. Even the Windows software you pay for is crap, like anything that comes from Microsoft. Full of bugs and bloated. You have to buy MS Office to get a decent email app on Windows, but it comes free with Mac OS, along with iTunes, iMovie and iChat, and iCal.

I think you're comparing Apples to Oranges. ;)
Click to expand...
Sorry, but I think you missed the specific examples I listed in my post.

I've read posts written by Mac users who are crying out for a DVD ripper that is as good as DVD Decrypter for PC. So far the best I have found is MactheRipper, but this doesn't work on RCE protected discs unlike DVD Decrypter.

I use iPodAgent on the PC every day for updating my 60gb iPod Photo with my calendar, contacts, podcasts, mail, news, weather, and movie time information, but CANNOT find a free equivalent to it on the Apple platform. Apple have met me partway recently by including calendar and contacts syncing in iTunes, but that only works if you use Apple's Mail and iCal software - which I don't...

Project64 is a free Nintendo 64 emulator for PC which is without a doubt, the best there is. It will run virtually every N64 game out there with full 3D graphics and sound support. Sixty-force is the most popular N64 emulator for the Mac, and it is a) not free, and b) doesn't run most N64 games.

iMovie is not as easy to use as Movie Maker 2. But I prefer to use the mouse rather than keyboard, so this may be my problem.
 
Actually, I'm thinking of switching. I've been bumping around mac forums for a bit, and seeing this post made me decide to join here.

I've never really been comfortable with Windows - I'm not a techie, but I always feel like I have no control at all. Or that the computer has no control either. I'm going to be getting a computer for university in a while (not soon, but I've been in computer mode), so I've been looking around and thinking I might like to try a Mac.

I haven't used one since the imacs at grade school, so I'm not sure about getting used to a new OS, but I like new things, so...

At any rate, I haven't the foggiest which one I'll get. Chances are, in a few months they'll be upgraded and different, but I haven't even solved the laptop vs. desktop problem, let alone which specific model. Any advice?

Hilary
 
WithTea said:
Actually, I'm thinking of switching. I've been bumping around mac forums for a bit, and seeing this post made me decide to join here.

I've never really been comfortable with Windows - I'm not a techie, but I always feel like I have no control at all. Or that the computer has no control either. I'm going to be getting a computer for university in a while (not soon, but I've been in computer mode), so I've been looking around and thinking I might like to try a Mac.

I haven't used one since the imacs at grade school, so I'm not sure about getting used to a new OS, but I like new things, so...

At any rate, I haven't the foggiest which one I'll get. Chances are, in a few months they'll be upgraded and different, but I haven't even solved the laptop vs. desktop problem, let alone which specific model. Any advice?

Hilary
Click to expand...
Hi Hilary,

I'd definitely recommend one of the new iMacs if you're new to Apples, or maybe an iBook if you'd like something portable without going crazy on the budget! OS X Tiger is a lovely operating system to use - very friendly and the integrated applications (Mail, iTunes, iMovie, iCal) are enough to get you up and running in no time!
 
WithTea said:
I've never really been comfortable with Windows - I'm not a techie, but I always feel like I have no control at all. Or that the computer has no control either. I'm going to be getting a computer for university in a while (not soon, but I've been in computer mode), so I've been looking around and thinking I might like to try a Mac.

I haven't used one since the imacs at grade school, so I'm not sure about getting used to a new OS, but I like new things, so...

At any rate, I haven't the foggiest which one I'll get. Chances are, in a few months they'll be upgraded and different, but I haven't even solved the laptop vs. desktop problem, let alone which specific model. Any advice?
Click to expand...

Well, the Mac will be perfect for you. It does a lot automatically, but in a way that you'd expect. In a very nice way too. :D

And all you have to do is come here for help, or read the help files in programs. I've never seen a Windows switcher use the Mac help. Apparently, they still have some things burned into their memory... :rolleyes:

What do you use your computer for? Let us know and we can help you from there.
 
Switch

Ok, I'm gonna lay it out.

Mac is the shiz. I mean it. You may not know it as a current windows user with little time on OS X, and I have a feeling some of the mac old timers are a bit jaded and forget how much better it is. That and most *nix guys are just scared to leave KDE or Gnome (or heaven forbid bash!).

I am a junior Computer Graphic Arts major at a university. I currently code php and mysql backends to flash GUIs and do a lot of adobe work in the middle. I also do a lot of coding in C++, perl and some python and java. I have been using most of these tools for a couple years on both windows and unix. Just so you know where I am coming from.

Last year I began heavy use of my deparment's G5s for video and design work. They were fast and wonderful. I fell in love with the power and ease of use. Then I found the terminal and my life changed. Behold the power of a solid GUI with a kick-a unix core!

There is no other OS like OS X in the world. I mean it. It is perfect for any level of user, from grandma's email to a heavy code developer's compiling needs.

I must admit I do not currently own a mac. A 3G ipod, but no computer. Such is college life. My work this summer will require much web and design work, and I am just going to break down and get a 12" PB. I am waiting until WWDC, mostly out of financial reasons, but it will be nice just to know if there is an update, you know? Either way, I will buy then and be happy with my OS forever more.

Why wait? Really, I mean it. The cost may be high initially, but PCs just crap out after a short while and there are macs still around and serviceable from 5 years ago! I have built a computer a year just to stay on top and I am so tired of it all.

That and PBs are so damn sexy!

Buy it now! Don't hesitate!
 
NtotheIzoo said:
I am looking at switching, but with law school this fall and examsoft, I might have to delay for a little while longer. I really want to buy a new powerbook and build myself a sweet gaming machine. I've been hanging around Mac sites for the past six or seven months, just sifting though threads. The good thing is that I'm going to wait till school starts and take out a school loan to buy the laptop...the big question is....IBM or Powerbook???
Click to expand...

As a mac lover in law school, do what I did, which worked out great. I have an ultraportable (3 lb) IBM laptop for school that is great and at home I have a big phatty mac desktop. I do all my fun stuff on the mac and keep the laptop just for school.
 
tuartboy said:
Ok, I'm gonna lay it out.

Mac is the shiz. I mean it. You may not know it as a current windows user with little time on OS X, and I have a feeling some of the mac old timers are a bit jaded and forget how much better it is. That and most *nix guys are just scared to leave KDE or Gnome (or heaven forbid bash!).

I am a junior Computer Graphic Arts major at a university. I currently code php and mysql backends to flash GUIs and do a lot of adobe work in the middle. I also do a lot of coding in C++, perl and some python and java. I have been using most of these tools for a couple years on both windows and unix. Just so you know where I am coming from.

Last year I began heavy use of my deparment's G5s for video and design work. They were fast and wonderful. I fell in love with the power and ease of use. Then I found the terminal and my life changed. Behold the power of a solid GUI with a kick-a unix core!

There is no other OS like OS X in the world. I mean it. It is perfect for any level of user, from grandma's email to a heavy code developer's compiling needs.

I must admit I do not currently own a mac. A 3G ipod, but no computer. Such is college life. My work this summer will require much web and design work, and I am just going to break down and get a 12" PB. I am waiting until WWDC, mostly out of financial reasons, but it will be nice just to know if there is an update, you know? Either way, I will buy then and be happy with my OS forever more.

Why wait? Really, I mean it. The cost may be high initially, but PCs just crap out after a short while and there are macs still around and serviceable from 5 years ago! I have built a computer a year just to stay on top and I am so tired of it all.

That and PBs are so damn sexy!

Buy it now! Don't hesitate!
Click to expand...

Great post man. I'm a UNIX Engineer and I too love the solid Unix core. With companies such as Oracle releasing their flagship database - Oracle10g - and Developer Tools on OS X, I think that's a major endorsement of the platform from the #1 enterprise database vendor. Back in January of this year, Cisco Systems deployed Apple's Xsan and XServe RAID solution for global email archiving. Overall, I think Apple's future looks bright in the enterprise and it's only a matter of time before you start seeing job post looking for Mac OS X Server experience.


I use my G5 for a multitude of tasks, from surfing the web to photo and video editing. It's my first Mac and I'm sure it won't be the last. It's been a great experience for me. I'm looking to add a Powerbook one of these days. Just waiting to decide which one!
 
Our first Mac, a 17" 2.0 iMac G5 is on the FedEx truck for deliver TODAY!

Our first Mac - buy not Apple. My old Apple ][+ still runs fine (even has a Z80 card to run CPM and a lower-case card! How's that for cutting edge!) :D
 
My wife and I have agreed to take our new 1.67ghz Powerbook back to the store and get our money refunded. Unfortunately it's just not powerful enough. Once they figure out how to pack a G5 and PCI Express graphics into one, I'll come running back and try it again. I just can't wait around that long.
 
Umm...

It's a power book. That's kinda the point. you throw a G5 in there and you now have a very hot and loud, 8+ pound machine with a battery life of less than 60 minutes. I know, I have a P4 desktop in a 10 lb laptop right now and it is a PAIN!

It becomes what a desktop is; something meant for processor-intensive tasks with good graphics.

My advice to you is this: Go buy a G5 imac or PM now if you need something fast and wait around to see if I am right (if they even bother with the g5 at all). Meanwhile, you will be happy with the power you need.

Regarding your earlier posts:
Sorry to hear OS X as an os isn't working out for you. While incredibly better in many aspects than windows, it's not for all (especially gamers (BTW, RON is awesome!)). One thing about software for the mac though. Don't forget you have the availablity of TONS of free software due to it's unix core and X11. That may solve some of your issues. Sorry I don't have the time to look them up or address any specifically.

Whatever you do, good luck!
 
tuartboy said:
Whatever you do, good luck!
Click to expand...
Thanks!

At this stage I'm eyeing the Acer Travelmatea 8104WLMi, which has performance that outstrips my desktop gaming machine, and only weighs 400g more than my Powerbook! Sadly it looks plasticky and cheap compared with the Apple, but hey - what doesn't? :)
 
Hard decision...almost there

Well, for me it was a hard decision to take to switch to Mac.

I'm a Windows/linux professional. I started to work on Windows first and these pasts year I started to work on linux as well.

The fact is that for home, I wanted a easy to play system, didn't want to bother for hours to do something, finding software easily and the key point: Gaming. My experience with Windows was/is great since Windows 2000 comes out, this is a pretty stable system, more than ever with XP. If you configure it correctly and protect your home network decently, you shouldn't have any major issue with viruses, spyware etc.... (never had problems with it since years). This is my point on view, feel free to think whatever you want :rolleyes:

So, I switch to apple few days ago, I should reveive my new machine next week... The main reason for that : I wanted a Os stable/easy to use, with good graphics/multimedia capabilities and where I won't be able to play games on it. :(

Yes, I know it's strange, but in my case I want to stop gaming :(

The only fear I have is to be able to do what I was doing on Windows.
Especially photo work like slideshow with music burned on a CD in svcd format...I'm not sure it's possible to do that in Idvd.
Is there any MS money like application on MAC (except quicken)?

For the rest, I'm sure I will need some time to feel as confortable as I am on windows but I have good hope that it will be a great experience (MacXP) :)

Regards
Cybertotos
 
Cybertotos said:
The only fear I have is to be able to do what I was doing on Windows.
Especially photo work like slideshow with music burned on a CD in svcd format...I'm not sure it's possible to do that in Idvd.
Is there any MS money like application on MAC (except quicken)?

For the rest, I'm sure I will need some time to feel as confortable as I am on windows but I have good hope that it will be a great experience (MacXP) :)
Click to expand...
I'm sure you'll thoroughly enjoy using OS X - I certainly did. I'm trying to convince my wife that I should buy a Mac Mini after I take back my Powerbook, because it's such a great platform.
 
Hi! (^o^)/"

I'm sixteen years old, and fed up with Windows. Also, Macs are just too sexy! I am going to get an iBook, I think, but after reading around I think I am going to wait for WWDC at least.

Of course, at my age, with no job, and I have to pay for the iBook myself, even the "budget" solution is expensive! Oh my! ^^;

Does anyone know if the student discount will still apply if I use PARENT'S credit card?
 
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