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vazelos

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 7, 2011
52
0
Is there like a section or another place where I can see some "cool":p things to do on this baby? I just recently made the purchase of the Air and it's my first MAC, I have been getting used to the OS -- I`ve been loving it!

I am just wondering if there any tips, tricks, apps, programs, etc etc that I can/should be taking advantage of?! Any settings I should alter?
Anything?

All the threads in here are about MBA v MBP :mad: I need some tips! :D

I <3 :apple: so far.. MBA 13" base model even, is awesome.

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also! Any cool accessories to buy? I already have a case for traveling, a protective speck clear case, the moshi palm guard (it came with a free keyboard cover, don't really like using it, but it's good when I feel my hands are completely sanitary lol)

Any speakers recommended? Any mouse? Is a mouse needed?

Let's get a fun and beautiful thread going here
 
check out an app called hyperdock. Great for resizing windows ala windows 7 but better.
 
This should get you started. Welcome to the Mac! Always good to have a new Mac owner. :)

The first link is very good advice:

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/switcher-hangout/208133-sage-advice-new-mac-switcher.html

http://guides.macrumors.com/Mac_Beginner's_Guide

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/796263/

http://www.mactricksandtips.com/2008/01/top-100-essential-mac-applications.html

I'd suggest getting VLC, perian, and Flip4Mac so that you can view just about any available video format. Just google those and you'll find them quickly: they're free.
 
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Something cool; download n64 emulator and run. Mario 64, then download joypad on you iPhone and Mac, then load it and play Mario 64 on your air while using your iPhone as the control.
(at least I think it's cool)
 
Something cool; download n64 emulator and run. Mario 64, then download joypad on you iPhone and Mac, then load it and play Mario 64 on your air while using your iPhone as the control.
(at least I think it's cool)

that sounds really cool, where do I download n64 emulator?

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Something cool? Dosbox and Zork. :D

what are those? Where do I get em, and are they free =D?
 
what are those? Where do I get em, and are they free =D?

DOSBox is a DOS emulator. (Disk Operating System). That's the old operating system that used to run on PCs many, many years ago.

Zork is one of the coolest games on the planet. This was when there was no such thing as computer graphics. It was all text based. You would tell the computer what you wanted to do, and it would respond. At the time (and still today, actually) its pretty impressive. Considering how tiny the program is.

And yes, they are free. :D
 
This should get you started. Welcome to the Mac! Always good to have a new Mac owner. :)

The first link is very good advice:

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/switcher-hangout/208133-sage-advice-new-mac-switcher.html

http://guides.macrumors.com/Mac_Beginner's_Guide

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/796263/

http://www.mactricksandtips.com/2008/01/top-100-essential-mac-applications.html

I'd suggest getting VLC, perian, and Flip4Mac so that you can view just about any available video format. Just google those and you'll find them quickly: they're free.

thanks for all that info/links!! I do have VLC Player :) love it.. I`ll look into perian and flip4mac

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DOSBox is a DOS emulator. (Disk Operating System). That's the old operating system that used to run on PCs many, many years ago.

Zork is one of the coolest games on the planet. This was when there was no such thing as computer graphics. It was all text based. You would tell the computer what you wanted to do, and it would respond. At the time (and still today, actually) its pretty impressive. Considering how tiny the program is.

And yes, they are free. :D

cool cool... now where do I get the n64 emulator :O
 
Well I guess this was an epic fail

It wasn't a fail you just asked a VERY generalized question regarding tips, tricks, apps, and programs. Each of those alone are worth 50 threads.

As I see mentioned above each user has his/her favorites and specific reasons for downloading them. Who knows what applies to you and what you'll never use.

Quite honestly the best way to find applications is to do the work yourself. Use Google, use YouTube, use imaginative search queries such as..."best Mac apps," "top utilities," etc...There is a lot of great information out there.

Personally, I've downloaded iWork, Datavault (for passwords), DaisyDisk to see where my HD space is going, coconutBattery, and iStat (system monitor) to name a few.

Glad you're enjoying your shiny new toy! Welcome to Mac!!
 
Speakers; try the "JamBox" by Jawbone
01-Jawbone-jambox.JPG

Cut the cord ;)
 
Zork is one of the coolest games on the planet. This was when there was no such thing as computer graphics. It was all text based. You would tell the computer what you wanted to do, and it would respond. At the time (and still today, actually) its pretty impressive. Considering how tiny the program is.

I remember playing Zork on a computer at the lab in college that had no screen, only a printer.
 
XCode.

After all, this is a computer, and making it do whatever you want is actually kind of fun sometimes.... until you take a job programming and get jaded at least....

Wunderlist/EverNote.

Those two apps will actually improve the usefulness of your iPad or Smartphone (iOS or android). You enter your todo list or notes on a real computer and then you can access them on other devices. Both are free.

Automator.

This comes with your Macbook Air, and allows you to automate any common workflow you perform on your computer.

FaceTime.

Killer feature imho.
 
Reading? Rotate your screen and touchpad

Check out Mac Screen Rotate if you plan to do much reading or want to view any full page documents. It rotates the screen to portrait mode and changes the touchpad tracking too. Great for when you don't feel like hunching over the keyboard.

http://www.macscreenrotate.com
 
Check out Mac Screen Rotate if you plan to do much reading or want to view any full page documents. It rotates the screen to portrait mode and changes the touchpad tracking too. Great for when you don't feel like hunching over the keyboard.

http://www.macscreenrotate.com

You dont need a program to rotate the screen, you can do it in System Prefs. Although you need one for adjusting the mouse.
 
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