Just a comment - MacMini

[ron7624]

I'm an old ios user and have not bought any Apple computers till just recently, when I got one for my wife to use. Her windows machine basically died. Since, I am her IT guy, I created my own login so I could experiment and learn osx. I bought her a new mid level 2014 MacMini and I must say, it is really fun to use. My experience with ios is the reason that it comes so easy for me.
I'm learning how to do everything that I need done on a computer and just found out that everything that I've ever done on windows - and is important that I be able to access - is read and automatically converted by the Mac! All my old word and excel files are simply converted on the spot. Fantastic.
That alone was one of the things holding me back from getting into the world of Mac. That should be advertised heavily imo. Someone will say that it is, but I haven't noticed it touted.
I encourage any Windoze folks out there to make the jump.
It is going to be nice.. not having to clean her machine of viruses every few months

 

[newellj]

The only thing that gripes me going back and forth between the two is the keyboard shortcuts. I may be a klutz, but I find the Mac version just plain gawkward. Other than that, I like both OSes and actually enjoy being challenged a little mentally by going back and forth.

 

[ron7624]

The only thing that gripes me going back and forth between the two is the keyboard shortcuts. I may be a klutz, but I find the Mac version just plain gawkward. Other than that, I like both OSes and actually enjoy being challenged a little mentally by going back and forth.

I use a Win 7 machine at work and have a pretty nice Win 7 machine at home and work from home occasionally on it. I've only used the most basic keyboard shortcuts in the new MacMini I was referring to in my post above but am getting there. I do forsee buying a Mac desktop and installing Win 7 for the work apps and one personal program that I can't live without. I'm not sure which desktop I'll buy yet as I'm still in the research mode with that. My wife's uses are pretty simple but I do some graphics work with Adobe Photoshop 7 and don't want to hamper myself, but ain't rich either lol. I can't believe I've waited this long to go full blown Apple. I am having a really good time with the transition. I'm soooo impressed so far.

 

[Johnlpi]

I’m glad that you and your wife have found OS X easy to use.

I’ve found it rather intuitive too; and I like the way iMail, iCal, and the Reminder app all work together. I’ve even managed to pull myself away from Excel and use Numbers to build some spreadsheets - without the need for a book, or course!

I think later on you may find the “halo effect” taking over; I already have an AppleTV in the living room, and later on I want to get an iPod shuffle so I can take music with me when I run or exercise.

Also check out the Safari extensions and Reader. AdBlock and YouTube cleaner i like in particular - really cleans out the clutter.

These devices are really a breathe of fresh air compared to Windows - theres less stress with them so I feel better lol.

Enjoy your new machine.

-J.

 

[ron7624]

I’m glad that you and your wife have found OS X easy to use.

I’ve found it rather intuitive too; and I like the way iMail, iCal, and the Reminder app all work together. I’ve even managed to pull myself away from Excel and use Numbers to build some spreadsheets - without the need for a book, or course!

I think later on you may find the “halo effect” taking over; I already have an AppleTV in the living room, and later on I want to get an iPod shuffle so I can take music with me when I run or exercise.

Also check out the Safari extensions and Reader. AdBlock and YouTube cleaner i like in particular - really cleans out the clutter.

These devices are really a breathe of fresh air compared to Windows - theres less stress with them so I feel better lol.

Enjoy your new machine.

-J.

Thanks for the tips on the Safari extensions. We haven't had it long enough to gather clutter but I will heed your advice. I'm looking at an iMac for myself. Not sure about if buying a recent year referb is better than new or not but will continue to research my options. For me the 21.5 inch will be fine as that size monitor I'm using now.

 

[Johnlpi]

We haven't had it long enough to gather clutter

Sorry; what I meant by clutter are the ads. With the extensions installed there gone.

 

[ron7624]

Sorry; what I meant by clutter are the ads. With the extensions installed there gone.

hmmm, Allrighty then. Got it. I guess I'm so used to adds that I perceive it as a normal part of computing haha.
I'm a MR contributor, so I don't have adds on this site (one of the perks) so browsing the world wide web outside of MacRumors on the MacMini is really going to be nice
Again, thanks for the tips, I haven't had any Mac time since I first read your post. But will dig into the extensions available.
That is a really stingy woman, I'm married to lol

 

[yjchua95]

hmmm, Allrighty then. Got it. I guess I'm so used to adds that I perceive it as a normal part of computing haha.
I'm a MR contributor, so I don't have adds on this site (one of the perks) so browsing the world wide web outside of MacRumors on the MacMini is really going to be nice
Again, thanks for the tips, I haven't had any Mac time since I first read your post. But will dig into the extensions available.
That is a really stingy woman, I'm married to lol

I'm not an MR contributor, but I don't see ads thanks to AdBlock

 

[ron7624]

I'm not an MR contributor, but I don't see ads thanks to AdBlock

Point taken lol
I spent a couple of years here having a great time and learning stuff without being a contributor. But for me to take my wife to a movie that lasts 90 minutes costs far more than what it cost to become a member here so I figured I'd contribute. I do spend a lot of my free time here. Glad I did as the private section has a far different atmosphere than the sometimes embattled public area. I enjoy the perks, one of which is no adds.
I'm in the 'almost ready to buy stage' of buying a Mac for myself but still deciding between the iMac or another MacMini. Then there are the laptops to consider that I could get instead ... Decisions, decisions.

 

[Johnlpi]

Point taken lol
But for me to take my wife to a movie that lasts 90 minutes

It's rare that I go to the movies anymore; there's no need. Make some popcorn, put my feet up, and watch Apple Tv.

The only time I'll actually go to the cinema is if it's something I really want to see in 3D or something; otherwise there's just no need for me.

So maybe you can start putting that 90 bucks to your iTunes library.

Side note: I can't believe how expensive movie prices have gotten lately. By the time you add ticket, popcorn, and a soda it's not worth it. And when I'm at home I don't have to worry about finding a parking slot or stepping on gum. lol

 

[ron7624]

It's rare that I go to the movies anymore; there's no need. Make some popcorn, put my feet up, and watch Apple Tv.

The only time I'll actually go to the cinema is if it's something I really want to see in 3D or something; otherwise there's just no need for me.

So maybe you can start putting that 90 bucks to your iTunes library.

Side note: I can't believe how expensive movie prices have gotten lately. By the time you add ticket, popcorn, and a soda it's not worth it. And when I'm at home I don't have to worry about finding a parking slot or stepping on gum. lol

Agreed. We take in maybe one movie a year as well. I was using a movie as an example of what recreation costs compared to the 25 bucks to be a MR contributor. It's pretty cheap and I do appreciate the site. Most on my on line free time is spent here.