Just bought a MBP

[DarkRevenant]

Just ordered the low end version for college but opted to upgrade the hard drive.

I'm currently on a Sony Vaio Pentium 4, 2.4 ghz machine with 1.5 gbs of ram. How big of a performance boost will I see?

This is my first Mac, I'm a little scared to be venturing into new territory right before I head off to college. Any advice from some experienced Mac owners? What are your recommendations for programs to download?

Thanks.

 

[A Pittarelli]

i got a new mbp today as well

 

[GGJstudios]

Welcome to Mac ownership and welcome to MacRumors:Forums! You'll find a lot of information both here and on the web. Here are a few resources that may be helpful:

Mac 101 a tour of the Mac OS X
Apple Support search Apple Support and the Knowledge Base
MRoogle for searching the forums with Google (always a great idea before starting new threads)
MacRumors FAQ
MacRumors Rules
MacRumors Guides Very helpful stuff!
Apple Find Out How
Apple Keyboard Shortcuts
Essential Applications
More Essential Applications
How to search MR Forums with SafariStand Quick Search

If you search the forums and don't find what you're looking for, just ask! There's lots of friendly help here! Enjoy your new Mac!

 

[11800506]

I think you'll se quite a performance boost from Pentium 4 to Core 2 Duo. It shouldn't be that big of a problem before going to college since it shouldn't take you that long to learn he ins and outs of OS X especially with a site like this. It depends on what you are interested in for downloading, but programs such as Adium are helpful for multi protocal IMing and Candybar is a fun program to play around with your icons and dock.

 

[soberbrain]

OS X and iLife have a lot of what you will need right out of the box.

But for better playback of more video formats, I suggest:

VLC
Perian
Flip4Mac

Also, for a decent free alternative to MS Office

Neooffice

Congrats and have fun with your new MBP!

 

[RainForRent]

Welcome to the cult of Mac.

Here's 2 lists of some good applications to look into:
#1 and #2

There's probably some overlap, but hey, you'll do just fine.

 

[scotty96LSC]

Welcome to our little group of groupies. You will enjoy the MAC and eventually ask yourself, "How did I ever get anything done on a PC?"

 

[jaikob]

Welcome to the cult of Mac.

Here's 2 lists of some good applications to look into:
#1 and #2

There's probably some overlap, but hey, you'll do just fine.

YEAH Lets go jump off that cliff over there!!!



what.. Nobody? Well crap.