Hi everybody,
I just purchased a new MacBook 2.1Ghz from the local Apple store. It is my first Mac so I thought I would share my experience.
Not only have I been a Windows based PC user for years, I am also studying Computer Science. Much of my studies are done in a Windows environment. My reasons for the "switch" are not based off of a hate for Windows. I am an early adopter of Vista and although I have had a few problems, I still think it is a nice upgrade over XP.
So what brings me here...
Well I will be studying abroad in Germany for a year starting this fall and I needed a notebook. I hate Windows based notebooks. It might just be that I am used to dual monitors, but Windows on a notebook feels cluttered. I disdain the small trackpads and that it takes me forever to locate a window that has been opened into the taskbar. I knew that was not the way I wanted to go.
Last summer I interned with an organization that had me working with a couple of XServes. I grew to appreciate the OS for its UNIX base and clever design aspects. There were things that I hated of course. Why did each application have its own definition of maximize or why was there only one toolbar for every open window! Nonetheless, I decided to look to Apple for my notebook choice.
I spent countless hours this summer pouring over websites such as MacRumors debating over which MacBook was right for me. I spent even longer contemplating whether or not Apple would upgrade the darn thing before I left. In the end I decided that the base MacBook was right for me and the free iPod touch was too lucrative of a deal to pass up even if I would be missing out on a nice Aluminum shell.
Yesterday, I left work early and headed out to the nearest Apple store. I had been there before so I headed straight to the MacBooks. After a few minutes of playing I was approached by a trainer. He looked pretty scruffy, dressed in jeans and a worn t-shirt so it took me awhile to register an answer to his question, "Do you need any help?". Eventually I noticed the Apple logo on his sleeve and quickly replied "Yes, I'd like to buy a MacBook." Within a few minutes a sales rep was swiping my credit card on a portable cash register device. He even emailed me my receipt. Very fancy.
I left the store quite pleased with my purchase. Not only had I gotten a free iPod touch, I had been surprised by a free printer. Redeeming the rebates online at home made it even better. Good deal.
Setting up my MacBook was just as easy. I plugged it in, started it up, and had the internet running right away. Although, I have not had much time with my new purchase, I have already found a few features that I can not help but love. The so called "maximize" that I had despised earlier makes perfect sense for a notebook. The window only takes up as much space as it needs, which is a blessing for only 13.3" of real estate. The track pad is huge compared to any other one I have used before. Best of all, it has two finger scrolling to compensate for my loss of a scroll wheel. I can even see how the universal toolbar helps to reduce clutter.
I look forward to finding out what else my MacBook has to offer. I just wanted to thank you guys for your help. Even though this is my first post, I have been an avid reader for sometime. Your discussions definitely helped guide me.
I just purchased a new MacBook 2.1Ghz from the local Apple store. It is my first Mac so I thought I would share my experience.
Not only have I been a Windows based PC user for years, I am also studying Computer Science. Much of my studies are done in a Windows environment. My reasons for the "switch" are not based off of a hate for Windows. I am an early adopter of Vista and although I have had a few problems, I still think it is a nice upgrade over XP.
So what brings me here...
Well I will be studying abroad in Germany for a year starting this fall and I needed a notebook. I hate Windows based notebooks. It might just be that I am used to dual monitors, but Windows on a notebook feels cluttered. I disdain the small trackpads and that it takes me forever to locate a window that has been opened into the taskbar. I knew that was not the way I wanted to go.
Last summer I interned with an organization that had me working with a couple of XServes. I grew to appreciate the OS for its UNIX base and clever design aspects. There were things that I hated of course. Why did each application have its own definition of maximize or why was there only one toolbar for every open window! Nonetheless, I decided to look to Apple for my notebook choice.
I spent countless hours this summer pouring over websites such as MacRumors debating over which MacBook was right for me. I spent even longer contemplating whether or not Apple would upgrade the darn thing before I left. In the end I decided that the base MacBook was right for me and the free iPod touch was too lucrative of a deal to pass up even if I would be missing out on a nice Aluminum shell.
Yesterday, I left work early and headed out to the nearest Apple store. I had been there before so I headed straight to the MacBooks. After a few minutes of playing I was approached by a trainer. He looked pretty scruffy, dressed in jeans and a worn t-shirt so it took me awhile to register an answer to his question, "Do you need any help?". Eventually I noticed the Apple logo on his sleeve and quickly replied "Yes, I'd like to buy a MacBook." Within a few minutes a sales rep was swiping my credit card on a portable cash register device. He even emailed me my receipt. Very fancy.
I left the store quite pleased with my purchase. Not only had I gotten a free iPod touch, I had been surprised by a free printer. Redeeming the rebates online at home made it even better. Good deal.
Setting up my MacBook was just as easy. I plugged it in, started it up, and had the internet running right away. Although, I have not had much time with my new purchase, I have already found a few features that I can not help but love. The so called "maximize" that I had despised earlier makes perfect sense for a notebook. The window only takes up as much space as it needs, which is a blessing for only 13.3" of real estate. The track pad is huge compared to any other one I have used before. Best of all, it has two finger scrolling to compensate for my loss of a scroll wheel. I can even see how the universal toolbar helps to reduce clutter.
I look forward to finding out what else my MacBook has to offer. I just wanted to thank you guys for your help. Even though this is my first post, I have been an avid reader for sometime. Your discussions definitely helped guide me.
