Getting a free MacBook! Some Questions.

[NikMac]

Hi everyone.

Long story short, I'm getting a free MacBook, should arrive sometime next week (no, it's not one of those referral sites, or anything scammy.)

Firstly, let me say I'm on Windows Vista right now and it's not as bad as some say it is. On the other hand, I've never used OSX before. I guess I've been reluctant to use a mac in the past due to inaccessibility in my area and the fact that I had some bad experiences the last time I used a Mac... I think it was OS 5 .

I looked on Apple's website one night, and within minutes I was "switched." Not sure if OSX is that great or if I'm easily persuaded by pretty ads. Bye-bye blue screen of death, hello expensive apple stuff...

If I really wanted to buy one I'd wait until the Montevina update, but... it's free .
I'm posting this here because I'm pretty certain it's a 2.4Ghz White Macbook, although it could be any other model, or even a MBP :O (*loves the backlit keyboard on those things*)!

Anyways, onto the questions...

Windows on a Mac/Bootcamp
I'm probably going to install Windows XP using bootcamp, as I have a few Windows only games/apps. A few questions concerning that...

1. Will installing Bootcamp slow down the mac at all? Will XP run slower than normal?

2. Is the partition adjustable in size after installing Bootcamp?

3. I've heard of Parallels and VMware fusion. Are these slower than Bootcamp and able to run games?

4. Anything else about running Windows on a Mac which I should know?

File Transfer
1. I don't have an external hard drive; would I be able to use MobileMe's iDisk to transfer files from my PC to Mac?

2. How easy is it to import email from Microsoft Outlook into Mail?

3. How can I import my iTunes library onto the MacBook?

4. Anything else I should know about file transfer? I've skimmed through Apple's "Move to Mac" website already.

The MacBook itself...
1. I've read these forums for a while... is palm rest discoloration and case cracking still an issue in the newer MacBooks? If so, is there anything I can do to prevent this?

2. Do the White MacBook's scratch easily? If so, is there anything (feasible) I can do to prevent this?

3. Is the palm rest really as uncomfortably sharp as I've heard it is?

4. When I turn it on for the first time, should I have the power supply plugged in?

5. The MacBook will be more of a 'portable desktop' for me, probably spending most time, uh, on top of a desk . Should I have the power supply plugged in most of the time (most convenient), or let it drain and charge when necessary (best for battery?)?

Mac Software
1. Stupid question, but... is it FAST? One of the the things I've disliked about Windows is that not only does it take 1-2 mins to start, but after that I have to wait a few minutes for it to become responsive whilst it opens all the startup apps. Can I expect something like this on a Mac, or will it be ready to use immediately after it boots?

2. About viruses, spyware etc... Do I need to install antivirus software on a Mac?

3. Even if viruses/spyware are coded for Windows and don't do anything to a Mac, are they still downloaded and existing on the Mac system? If so, is there a way to delete them?

4. Can someone explain the mac folder hierarchy, "terminal" and trash to me? I kind of get it, but a simplified version would be great. What's all this about dragging disk drives to the trash? From what I remember in OS 5ish, you had to drag every app to the trash when you were finished with it .

5. I'm running Safari on Windows Vista right now, and I've gotta say I like Firefox better as it 'pre-loads' web pages faster, and is more customizable. How does Safari compare to Firefox on a Mac?

6. Are iWork 08 and Office for Mac 2008 as bad as everyone says they are? =|

7. If I were to order Office for Mac 2008 - is "Messenger for Mac" the Mac equivalent of Windows Live Messenger? Does it support video chat with the iSight camera?

8. Does Skype support video chat with iSight on a Mac?

9. Is iChat only compatible with AIM on Windows? Is video chat between the two supported?

10. Anything else I should know (I've seen the recommended software list)?

Other
1. Is the Apple Remote included with the iPod Universal Dock compatible with the MacBook? I plan on using FrontRow and Keynote/Powerpoint a lot, and figure I might as well get the Dock if I need the remote.

2. AppleCare is BEEPING EXPENSIVE... but I think it's worth it, probably due to all the problem-posters here . I'm assuming that I can wait until the 90 day phone support expires and buy AppleCare on, say, day 89 without a problem? XD

3. Overall, is there anything else I should know? I've read through most of the "Mac 101" "Switch 101" and "Move to Mac" parts of Apple's website.
---
I'll probably update this list as I think of a bunch more questions .

Thanks.

 

[Fuchal]

here you are

Hi everyone.

Long story short, I'm getting a free MacBook, should arrive sometime next week (no, it's not one of those referral sites, or anything scammy.)

Firstly, let me say I'm on Windows Vista right now and it's not as bad as some say it is. On the other hand, I've never used OSX before. I guess I've been reluctant to use a mac in the past due to inaccessibility in my area and the fact that I had some bad experiences the last time I used a Mac... I think it was OS 5 .

I looked on Apple's website one night, and within minutes I was "switched." Not sure if OSX is that great or if I'm easily persuaded by pretty ads. Bye-bye blue screen of death, hello expensive apple stuff...

If I really wanted to buy one I'd wait until the Montevina update, but... it's free .
I'm posting this here because I'm pretty certain it's a 2.4Ghz White Macbook, although it could be any other model, or even a MBP :O (*loves the backlit keyboard on those things*)!

Anyways, onto the questions...

Windows on a Mac/Bootcamp
I'm probably going to install Windows XP using bootcamp, as I have a few Windows only games/apps. A few questions concerning that...

1. Will installing Bootcamp slow down the mac at all? Will XP run slower than normal?

No, XP will run at full speed.

2. Is the partition adjustable in size after installing Bootcamp?

No, not without third party applications

3. I've heard of Parallels and VMware fusion. Are these slower than Bootcamp and able to run games?

VMware allows you to run Windows inside of OS X. Great for office or running the odd application but not fantastic for games.

4. Anything else about running Windows on a Mac which I should know?
It's just like on a PC.

File Transfer
1. I don't have an external hard drive; would I be able to use MobileMe's iDisk to transfer files from my PC to Mac?
Faster to just transfer files over the network. You can turn on Windows File Sharing in the Sharing system preference.

2. How easy is it to import email from Microsoft Outlook into Mail?
Probably annoying if your email is not stored on the server.

3. How can I import my iTunes library onto the MacBook?
If you have Windows file sharing one, just drag your Music folder on your networked PC into iTunes and it will copy the files for you.

4. Anything else I should know about file transfer? I've skimmed through Apple's "Move to Mac" website already.

The MacBook itself...
1. I've read these forums for a while... is palm rest discoloration and case cracking still an issue in the newer MacBooks? If so, is there anything I can do to prevent this?
Generally this is not an issue.

2. Do the White MacBook's scratch easily? If so, is there anything (feasible) I can do to prevent this?
If you scrape things against it, it will scratch, otherwise it wont

3. Is the palm rest really as uncomfortably sharp as I've heard it is?
No, its not too bad, it's just different from more rounded laptops.

4. When I turn it on for the first time, should I have the power supply plugged in?
Not necessary, but you should take a look at apple's information on calibrating your battery and do that as soon as possible.

5. The MacBook will be more of a 'portable desktop' for me, probably spending most time, uh, on top of a desk . Should I have the power supply plugged in most of the time (most convenient), or let it drain and charge when necessary (best for battery?)?
Plugged in. Drain and charge is not best for the battery. You only have to drain and charge about once a month to keep battery healthy.

Mac Software
1. Stupid question, but... is it FAST? One of the the things I've disliked about Windows is that not only does it take 1-2 mins to start, but after that I have to wait a few minutes for it to become responsive whilst it opens all the startup apps. Can I expect something like this on a Mac, or will it be ready to use immediately after it boots?
After it boots it is generally fast. There are not a lot of applications that start up when you boot, unless you specifically tell them to.

2. About viruses, spyware etc... Do I need to install antivirus software on a Mac?
No.

3. Even if viruses/spyware are coded for Windows and don't do anything to a Mac, are they still downloaded and existing on the Mac system? If so, is there a way to delete them?
They will be downloaded if they are contained within files you download. Antivirus is the way to get rid of it.

4. Can someone explain the mac folder hierarchy, "terminal" and trash to me? I kind of get it, but a simplified version would be great. What's all this about dragging disk drives to the trash? From what I remember in OS 5ish, you had to drag every app to the trash when you were finished with it .
Mac OS is UNIX, so it's organized generally like a normal *nix machine. Your home holder contains everything specific to your user (music , photos, etc). Outside of that are Applications, and system files. You can drag a removable disk to the trash to "eject" it. Or, right click it and pick eject.

5. I'm running Safari on Windows Vista right now, and I've gotta say I like Firefox better as it 'pre-loads' web pages faster, and is more customizable. How does Safari compare to Firefox on a Mac?
Safari on Mac is much better than Safari on Windows. I enjoy Safari and Firefox 3.

6. Are iWork 08 and Office for Mac 2008 as bad as everyone says they are? =|
iWork is pretty good. Office 2008 is quite bad.

7. If I were to order Office for Mac 2008 - is "Messenger for Mac" the Mac equivalent of Windows Live Messenger? Does it support video chat with the iSight camera?
No it does not support normal video chat.

8. Does Skype support video chat with iSight on a Mac?
Yes it does

9. Is iChat only compatible with AIM on Windows? Is video chat between the two supported?
Yes, you can video chat using iChat with Windows AIM users.

10. Anything else I should know (I've seen the recommended software list)?

Other
1. Is the Apple Remote included with the iPod Universal Dock compatible with the MacBook? I plan on using FrontRow and Keynote/Powerpoint a lot, and figure I might as well get the Dock if I need the remote.
Yes they are the same

2. AppleCare is BEEPING EXPENSIVE... but I think it's worth it, probably due to all the problem-posters here . I'm assuming that I can wait until the 90 day phone support expires and buy AppleCare on, say, day 89 without a problem? XD
You can by Applecare any time until your 1 year warranty is up.

3. Overall, is there anything else I should know? I've read through most of the "Mac 101" "Switch 101" and "Move to Mac" parts of Apple's website.
---
I'll probably update this list as I think of a bunch more questions .

Thanks.

 

[Macsforcollege?]

Great questions! I have a question. You asked this but im not sure if i misread it...
For video chat, how does that work? What program do i need to be under to use it? Ichat? Aim? if im on the windows side, can i use video chat? would i use it under aim?? and hows Msn messenger on the mac??

Thanks

 

[John01021988]

For MSN video chat, you can use aMSN or Adium

 

[NikMac]

Wow, thanks for the quick answers everyone. A few more questions:

1. I have a large amateur radio transceiver (if anyone knows what that is ) which will probably be within a few inches of the MacBook. Would this do anything to the magnetic field and whatnot?

2. I'm in Canada... would a teacher-on-call be eligible for an education or back-to-school discount?

3. Concerning iChat and AIM compatibility... (aim on PC)
a) is video chat supported for up to four people as in iChat, or just two?
b) Does AIM support screen sharing with iChat?

4. How far is the MacBook's wifi range? I have a wireless router downstairs, and the Macbook will probably be upstairs. Will I notice a decrease in signal strength?

Also, I have a playstation3 and other wifi/bluetooth enabled devices which unfortunately have trouble connecting to the router, probably due to distance. Could these devices somehow connect to the MacBook and increase their signal strength?

Thanks again .

 

[pjrobertson]

Just thought I'd give my view on some of these questions

Hi everyone.
1. Will installing Bootcamp slow down the mac at all? Will XP run slower than normal?
Some people have reported it does (longer boot times - but only by a few seconds). After removing bootcamp startup did feel quicker for me.

4. Anything else about running Windows on a Mac which I should know?
You'll still need to run antivirus stuff on the Windows section (be it Bootcamp OR a VMware/ Parallels image

2. Do the White MacBook's scratch easily? If so, is there anything (feasible) I can do to prevent this?
Mine has a few small scratches (8 months old). Buy a case / sleeve to keep it clean

3. Is the palm rest really as uncomfortably sharp as I've heard it is?
If you're lazy and let your arms flop down then it IS really uncomfortable. If you use correct posture (wrists up) it doesn't hurt.

2. About viruses, spyware etc... Do I need to install antivirus software on a Mac?
No viruses / spyware as such. Just don't type in your admin password for anything. Make sure you know WHY your password is required - apps can only mess with your system if you give them permission so watch out who you give it to!

4. Can someone explain the mac folder hierarchy, "terminal" and trash to me? I kind of get it, but a simplified version would be great. What's all this about dragging disk drives to the trash? From what I remember in OS 5ish, you had to drag every app to the trash when you were finished with it .
Terminal is like Linux's console. It's what you use to type all your commands (no need to bother with it initially). The filesystem is relatively simple. Anything plugged into USB / Firewire will pop up on your desktop, and you just drag it to the trash (or CMD + E) to eject it. No need to 'safely remove hardware'
Anything in your 'home' folder you have control over. If you want to do anything lower down, you need to have 'root' privileges, meaning you have to enter your password. It's generally NOT a good idea to delete files that require your password.

9. Is iChat only compatible with AIM on Windows? Is video chat between the two supported?
Ichat is compatible with Gmail and most other things (msn etc.) but only through Jabber which is a pain to set up. And no viedo chat for these.
Adium is a good chat client, we're all waiting for them (and the gaim / pidgin people) to add audio / video chat

Wow, thanks for the quick answers everyone. A few more questions:

1. I have a large amateur radio transceiver (if anyone knows what that is ) which will probably be within a few inches of the MacBook. Would this do anything to the magnetic field and whatnot?
Magnets mess around with most screens, not sure about the Mac's. I don't want to test
2. I'm in Canada... would a teacher-on-call be eligible for an education or back-to-school discount?
Yeah. Go for it! Give them a ring, and tell them your situation. The Apple people are really nice. It'll mean you'll get Applecare for about 3 times cheaper.

3. Concerning iChat and AIM compatibility... (aim on PC)
a) is video chat supported for up to four people as in iChat, or just two?
iChat supports multiple chats, as well as keynote presentations etc.
b) Does AIM support screen sharing with iChat?
Not sure. Mac OS X has screen sharing built in, but I doubt it's what AIM uses. VNC clients are the best thing for screen sharing.
4. How far is the MacBook's wifi range? I have a wireless router downstairs, and the Macbook will probably be upstairs. Will I notice a decrease in signal strength?
Nah. It'll be fine. My router is 200m away, and has to travel through double-glazing and a 50cm thick wall. I'm still on full signal
It'll depend more on your router.
All Macs are equipped with wireless-n (draft) which is meant to be 3x faster and better range than the now standard 802.11g

Also, I have a playstation3 and other wifi/bluetooth enabled devices which unfortunately have trouble connecting to the router, probably due to distance. Could these devices somehow connect to the MacBook and increase their signal strength?
You can set up internet sharing with your Mac. But you'd have to connect your Mac to the internet via ethernet / firewire. You can't share the internet FROM a wireless connection TO a wireless connection.
Buy a new router or a repeater. Buffalo's are good (that's what I'm using to get 200+m range

Thanks again .

 

[NikMac]

Few more questions

Thanks Robertson. A few more for now:

1. Is it bad to leave the MacBook in sunlight? It'll probably be at a desk in front of a window for most of the day..

2. If I were to install bootcamp, then install something like Parallels and uninstall bootcamp, would Parallels be able to use the Windows XP partition I created after I uninstall bootcamp?

3. Will anything bad happen to the battery if I plug it in to charge when it's only, say, half-charged? Or is it like my radio where I have to wait until it drains? =\

4. Following up from earlier, is it best to leave the power supply plugged in, and only calibrate it once a month or so? I heard the opposite

5. Does the battery capacity drain after each charge cycle, or is that just one of those things I've read here?

Thanks again.

 

[urlostinmyworld]

[deleted]

 

[alphaod]

1. Is it bad to leave the MacBook in sunlight? It'll probably be at a desk in front of a window for most of the day..

No it shouldn't have any undesirable affect; my screen is facing the windows all the time.

2. If I were to install bootcamp, then install something like Parallels and uninstall bootcamp, would Parallels be able to use the Windows XP partition I created after I uninstall bootcamp?

Not sure about Parallels, but I know VMware Fusion will.

3. Will anything bad happen to the battery if I plug it in to charge when it's only, say, half-charged? Or is it like my radio where I have to wait until it drains? =\

No nothing bad will happen; all these "calibrating" things can't be proven.

4. Following up from earlier, is it best to leave the power supply plugged in, and only calibrate it once a month or so? I heard the opposite

Just use you computer like you need to.

5. Does the battery capacity drain after each charge cycle, or is that just one of those things I've read here?

Just one of things you've read here.

---

And your computer won't be affected by your ARS antennae.

oh and a question of my own. what exactly is the nature of this little free macbook situation?

I'm curious too, but sounds like the OP is a teacher (since it was asked), so school provided?

 

[NikMac]

Hi,

Sorry for not replying sooner; I've been really busy. I'm not a teacher, but I have a very good friend who is .

I won it in a technology competition sponsored by Apple .

I think it's arriving today, thanks for your help, everyone. Hopefully it'll be easier than when the same friend I mentioned first used a PC... "How do I turn it on?" "Where's the space bar?" XD

Thanks again

 

[NikMac]

Hi again,

So far so good, but having trouble moving files. Could someone post more detailed instructions about file sharing over a wireless network?

thanks.

 

[pyr0sphere]

Check out the help files about networking with Windows. Click on Help in the menu bar and type in "Sharing Windows" and there should be a handful of guides to help you

Just make sure you use SMB which you will understand when you read the guides

And once you're done, just go to Connect To Server (Command+K) and you should be able to see your Windows PC

Mac to Windows is a bit more difficult but can be done

 

[NikMac]

Thanks, Pyro. I ended up using an external hard drive, but you've helped me discover the "Mac Help" feature .

About moving emails... I'm trying to move from Outlook to Mail. I understand that I need to use Entourage... I also thought that Macs came with trials of Office for Mac, which I'd need to use.

I can't find the trial anywhere on my Mac. I've tried spotlight, mac help, etc... I tried a few google searches and I can't find anyone else with this problem. Where would the trial be - and if it isn't there, is there a place where I can get it?

Thanks.

 

[NikMac]

Sorry for double-posting...

A few final questions:

1. Since I own the MacBook, can I still get the July 11th MobileMe discount? Or would I have to buy a new one for that?

2. There are a few scratches/marks on it, particularly where the two things on-top of the casing by iSight 'land' on the palm-rest. Anything that can be done about this?

3. I'm noticing 'ripples' on the screen. I mean on the screen itself; it's not a software issue. Whenever I move I notice an odd little ripple-like pattern in the screen. Is this normal?

4. What are the average temperatures? iStat Pro is telling me that the airport card sometimes gets as high as 71 degrees Celsius, and other components are between 32-51 degrees. :|

5. I just plugged my fifth gen iPod "Classic" (video ipod) into the mac. I thought that windows-formatted iPods weren't supposed to work on Macs and that I'd be prompted to change the format, but so far there hasn't been any problems. Should I restore it to Mac settings?

Thanks.

 

[nyzballa12]

Great questions! I have a question. You asked this but im not sure if i misread it...
For video chat, how does that work? What program do i need to be under to use it? Ichat? Aim? if im on the windows side, can i use video chat? would i use it under aim?? and hows Msn messenger on the mac??

Thanks

iChat answers all...