I'm a little surprised that a thread like this hasn't been started yet. I'm a PC user from day 1, and I mean that literally. I've never used a MacBook of any type before I got my MBA 13" (i7 2.0 / 8 / 256). I got it because I needed a new laptop. I hated Vista. I like Windows 7, but can't imagine moving to Windows 8. I also have an iPad3, which I really love for the things it does. But it isn't a real laptop replacement. So, I got a new 2012 MBA. And I have to admit, I couldn't be happier.
Yes, the price is high compared to PC Ultrabooks. But you get what you pay for in this world. Now that I've been using this system for almost a week, I think I've gotten past most of the learning curve of moving to Mac from Windows. What I've found is that the Mac is really an easy system to transition to, and in general is a very easy system to use.
I mentioned in another post that I was disappointed in the LG display on my system. I installed the MacRumors config file, and that has fixed any washing out problems with this display. It is now very sharp, and the text is really clear. Honestly, it's so close to Retina that it's hard to tell the difference.
I set up my wireless Brother printer by clicking on it in the "add printer" dialog. That was it, no drivers to install, nothing else to do. Worked like a charm. Easy.
I installed Firefox, which I've used since it was Mosaic. Remember that? It was the original browser, which turned into Netscape, and then into Mozilla / Firefox. So, I like it, and I'm very used to it. It works especially well on OS/X, and for me, it's the last browser I'll every use. I wish it was supported on IOS.
I also installed MS Office for Mac 2011. I'm used to Office, and I think it has the set of features that I need for business and personal use, too. It's originally a Mac app, so it appears to be an outstanding implementation. I know the most popular word processor on Mac is iPages. That's fine for those who have used it and like it. But for me, I've used Office forever, so I don't want to learn a new productivity suite. And the best way to ensure compatibility is to use the app you need to be compatible with. For me, that's Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
It took me a little while to get used to the touchpad. I was considering getting a mouse because I can't stand touchpads, but now that I've gotten more used to it, I can't imagine using anything else. I grew up on Thinkpads and really like the trackpoint, but I think this is worlds better. Gestures rock.
The Air's form factor is a major reason why I got this system, and it has not disappointed. It's light, and the ergonomics are really terrific. The keyboard is great. The battery life is terrific, and charging it is so quick.
I figured out how to add icons to the Dock today. Whoot whoot! I like the dock.
The performance is other worldly. I overbought on RAM and disk, and knew it when I did it. I can't seem to use more than 3 GB RAM at a time. I don't game, so that might do it. I haven't done any photo or video editing. Yet. That might do it, too. But for normal office type of work, 8 GB is so much overkill. I love it.
Having 256GB SSD is overkill, too. You can't be too rich or too thin, though, so having more storage than you'll ever use is just fine, thanks.
If there are major drawbacks to this system, I haven't found them yet.
But this is my experience. I'd be interested in hearing what other PC / Windows users think, especially ones who never used a Mac before, so using the Air is their first Mac experience. I'd like separate backspace and delete keys, for instance. But that's pretty minor, really, given the overall experience.
What do you think?
Yes, the price is high compared to PC Ultrabooks. But you get what you pay for in this world. Now that I've been using this system for almost a week, I think I've gotten past most of the learning curve of moving to Mac from Windows. What I've found is that the Mac is really an easy system to transition to, and in general is a very easy system to use.
I mentioned in another post that I was disappointed in the LG display on my system. I installed the MacRumors config file, and that has fixed any washing out problems with this display. It is now very sharp, and the text is really clear. Honestly, it's so close to Retina that it's hard to tell the difference.
I set up my wireless Brother printer by clicking on it in the "add printer" dialog. That was it, no drivers to install, nothing else to do. Worked like a charm. Easy.
I installed Firefox, which I've used since it was Mosaic. Remember that? It was the original browser, which turned into Netscape, and then into Mozilla / Firefox. So, I like it, and I'm very used to it. It works especially well on OS/X, and for me, it's the last browser I'll every use. I wish it was supported on IOS.
I also installed MS Office for Mac 2011. I'm used to Office, and I think it has the set of features that I need for business and personal use, too. It's originally a Mac app, so it appears to be an outstanding implementation. I know the most popular word processor on Mac is iPages. That's fine for those who have used it and like it. But for me, I've used Office forever, so I don't want to learn a new productivity suite. And the best way to ensure compatibility is to use the app you need to be compatible with. For me, that's Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
It took me a little while to get used to the touchpad. I was considering getting a mouse because I can't stand touchpads, but now that I've gotten more used to it, I can't imagine using anything else. I grew up on Thinkpads and really like the trackpoint, but I think this is worlds better. Gestures rock.
The Air's form factor is a major reason why I got this system, and it has not disappointed. It's light, and the ergonomics are really terrific. The keyboard is great. The battery life is terrific, and charging it is so quick.
I figured out how to add icons to the Dock today. Whoot whoot! I like the dock.
The performance is other worldly. I overbought on RAM and disk, and knew it when I did it. I can't seem to use more than 3 GB RAM at a time. I don't game, so that might do it. I haven't done any photo or video editing. Yet. That might do it, too. But for normal office type of work, 8 GB is so much overkill. I love it.
Having 256GB SSD is overkill, too. You can't be too rich or too thin, though, so having more storage than you'll ever use is just fine, thanks.
If there are major drawbacks to this system, I haven't found them yet.
But this is my experience. I'd be interested in hearing what other PC / Windows users think, especially ones who never used a Mac before, so using the Air is their first Mac experience. I'd like separate backspace and delete keys, for instance. But that's pretty minor, really, given the overall experience.
What do you think?
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