Life long windows user just pulled the switch

[DJChris]

So I just ordered my first mac. I've been throwing the idea around for years and with my DJ business starting to take off I needed something more reliable and since the house is full of ipads and iphones I figured why not. So this is what I ordered directly from apple (I think I got a good deal)

Refurbished 15.4-inch Macbook Pro 2.6GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 with Retina display - Space Gray
Originally released October 2016
Touch Bar with integrated Touch ID sensor
15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display; 2880-by-1800 native resolution at 220 pixels per inch
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
256GB PCIe-based onboard SSD1
720p FaceTime HD Camera
Radeon Pro 450 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory

Also ordered 2 - USB-C to USB Adapter

This is all new to me so I wanted to ask a few things:

1. Is anything on this macbook pro upgradable?
2. Is there anything you suggest to a first time mac user?
3. Any hardware or software you might also suggest?

I appreciate everyones reply.

 

[lambertjohn]

So I just ordered my first mac. I've been throwing the idea around for years and with my DJ business starting to take off I needed something more reliable and since the house is full of ipads and iphones I figured why not. So this is what I ordered directly from apple (I think I got a good deal)

Refurbished 15.4-inch Macbook Pro 2.6GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 with Retina display - Space Gray
Originally released October 2016
Touch Bar with integrated Touch ID sensor
15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display; 2880-by-1800 native resolution at 220 pixels per inch
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
256GB PCIe-based onboard SSD1
720p FaceTime HD Camera
Radeon Pro 450 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory

Also ordered 2 - USB-C to USB Adapter

This is all new to me so I wanted to ask a few things:

1. Is anything on this macbook pro upgradable?
2. Is there anything you suggest to a first time mac user?
3. Any hardware or software you might also suggest?

I appreciate everyones reply.

Congrats! Nice computer. I hope it works out for you. Keep in mind, the 2016's have known keyboard issues, and some other issues as well. But you can return it within 14 business days on Apple's dime if it doesn't work out. If it was me, I would use the heck out of it for the first 13 days and see if it hiccups in any way. And if it doesn't, hopefully you're in the clear. But if it does, don't hesitate to send that puppy back. Good luck!

 

[DJChris]

Congrats! Nice computer. I hope it works out for you. Keep in mind, the 2016's have known keyboard issues, and some other issues as well. But you can return it within 14 business days on Apple's dime if it doesn't work out. If it was me, I would use the heck out of it for the first 13 days and see if it hiccups in any way. And if it doesn't, hopefully you're in the clear. But if it does, don't hesitate to send that puppy back. Good luck!

So if it makes it past the 14 days is probably advisable to grab the apple care 3 year warranty?

 

[darksithpro]

So I just ordered my first mac. I've been throwing the idea around for years and with my DJ business starting to take off I needed something more reliable and since the house is full of ipads and iphones I figured why not. So this is what I ordered directly from apple (I think I got a good deal)

Refurbished 15.4-inch Macbook Pro 2.6GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 with Retina display - Space Gray
Originally released October 2016
Touch Bar with integrated Touch ID sensor
15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display; 2880-by-1800 native resolution at 220 pixels per inch
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
256GB PCIe-based onboard SSD1
720p FaceTime HD Camera
Radeon Pro 450 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory

Also ordered 2 - USB-C to USB Adapter

This is all new to me so I wanted to ask a few things:

1. Is anything on this macbook pro upgradable?
2. Is there anything you suggest to a first time mac user?
3. Any hardware or software you might also suggest?

I appreciate everyones reply.

Curious. After being a Windows/PC user for so long, what made you chose a MacOS platform? You're paying a premium for it. Was Windoze just so horrible you wanted a change? Any specifics?

 

[DJChris]

Curious. After being a Windows/PC user for so long, what made you chose a MacOS platform? You're paying a premium for it. Was Windoze just so horrible you wanted a change? Any specifics?

I was having several hiccups while djing with audio drops and with the recent win 10 it was so bloated with major resource hogging processes. It wasn't horrible but i just felt i needed to finally move on to something much more stable and since every other device in our house is ios why not the laptop.

 

[darksithpro]

I was having several hiccups while djing with audio drops and with the recent win 10 it was so bloated with major resource hogging processes. It wasn't horrible but i just felt i needed to finally move on to something much more stable and since every other device in our house is ios why not the laptop.

Well, I can assure you you're in very good company here. A lot of people who post here cannot stand Microsoft Windows and it's telemetry garbage. Bottom line, if you're looking for the right OS and support, you've come to the right place. Apple might not have the best hardware for pure performance, but they have the perfect recipe for consumer experience. The guys and gals here will take care of you with your questions, from what I've learned.

 

[Miltz]

So I just ordered my first mac. I've been throwing the idea around for years and with my DJ business starting to take off I needed something more reliable and since the house is full of ipads and iphones I figured why not. So this is what I ordered directly from apple (I think I got a good deal)

Refurbished 15.4-inch Macbook Pro 2.6GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 with Retina display - Space Gray
Originally released October 2016
Touch Bar with integrated Touch ID sensor
15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display; 2880-by-1800 native resolution at 220 pixels per inch
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
256GB PCIe-based onboard SSD1
720p FaceTime HD Camera
Radeon Pro 450 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory

Also ordered 2 - USB-C to USB Adapter

This is all new to me so I wanted to ask a few things:

1. Is anything on this macbook pro upgradable?
2. Is there anything you suggest to a first time mac user?
3. Any hardware or software you might also suggest?

I appreciate everyones reply.

Congrats, I have a Fully Loaded 2016 15" model and I love it. It became my main computer moving from windows 7/10. I honestly don't miss windows at all and I've been using it since the 1990's.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

So I just ordered my first mac. I've been throwing the idea around for years and with my DJ business starting to take off I needed something more reliable and since the house is full of ipads and iphones I figured why not. So this is what I ordered directly from apple (I think I got a good deal)

Refurbished 15.4-inch Macbook Pro 2.6GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 with Retina display - Space Gray
Originally released October 2016
Touch Bar with integrated Touch ID sensor
15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display; 2880-by-1800 native resolution at 220 pixels per inch
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
256GB PCIe-based onboard SSD1
720p FaceTime HD Camera
Radeon Pro 450 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory

Also ordered 2 - USB-C to USB Adapter

This is all new to me so I wanted to ask a few things:

1. Is anything on this macbook pro upgradable?
2. Is there anything you suggest to a first time mac user?
3. Any hardware or software you might also suggest?

I appreciate everyones reply.

No no upgradeable parts I'm afraid so you'll be using external drives for media I'm sure maybe look at the samsuing T3 and T5 solutions for speedy tiny external goodness.

Google is your friend if you don't know what to do google it but I think you'll be amazed how intuitive and easy they are to use.

Logic X is the best music production software out there but you may want to go cheaper to begin with or concentrate on much cheaper DJ apps.

Techradar did quite a good breakdown of DJ apps.

http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/best-dj-software-10-apps-we-recommend-1134266

 

[funkysmurf]

What do you mix on? Do you generally record your mixes? If so, Audacity (free), works on both platforms. What I found though is that when recording your mixes, you'll need to boost your levels by quite a bit (provided you keep your mixer gain in the greens, which I'm sure you do ).

I use a Behringer UCA202 to connect a Pioneer DJM-750 to the MBP but it's still tricky getting the recording clean with decent volume. Adobe Audition (not free), does a good job with dB boost, but don't use a hard limiter in either software as it will mess up the sound quality. If you can't pay the Audition subscription, the amplify feature of Audacity works OK when used within reason.

Please ignore the above if you're on a DVS of some sort.

With regard to your choice of laptop, I'll say this: I'm typing this on a Windows based PC I built recently (i9-7900X overclocked to 4.5GHz on all 10 cores, 32Gb RAM, 38" ultra-wide monitor etc.), and I still prefer using my MacBook Pro 15". I'll actually go out of my way to use the laptop.

No, I'm not making this up

 

[The Mercurian]

So if it makes it past the 14 days is probably advisable to grab the apple care 3 year warranty?

Absolutely yes. This will be your source of income right? If it develops a problem you want it fixed without issues. Also, those models are proving to have unreliable keyboards, if you have the Apple Care it is not a worry for 3 years at least as you know you ca get it fixed. (My rule of thumb on Apple care, is that I purchase it for laptops, and don't bother for phones or ipads. Macbook is my essential work tool - with a phone I can make do with whatever ultimately)

 

[lambertjohn]

So if it makes it past the 14 days is probably advisable to grab the apple care 3 year warranty?

If you can afford it, I would. You're already spending a huge amount of money on the computer; why not spend a little more to protect it and give you some peace of mind? Because if that thing breaks out of warranty, get ready to give Apple your first born.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

Aren't we all lifelong Windows users until we grow up and can afford a Mac?

Rich parents don't count

 

[The Mercurian]

Aren't we all lifelong Windows users until we grow up and can afford a Mac?

Rich parents don't count

My current thinking is along these lines: https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/goodbye-apple-goodbye-microsoft-hello-linux-1.3295781

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Aren't we all lifelong Windows users until we grow up and can afford a Mac?

Rich parents don't count

User name checks out.
[doublepost=1511273939][/doublepost]Computer hardware in general is in a weird place right now. It used to be in the early oughts that you needed to upgrade just to run new software. Now? Eh, you can use an eight year old PC/Mac and still plug along just fine. I bought a refurbed 2014 MacBook Pro 15" 512GB SSD with the GT750 Nvidia, Quad core, 16 GB RAM and it FLIES. I can even run Overwatch at lower settings through boot camp. I don't usually bother though since I built a gaming PC for that purpose (gaming). Anyway, that machine should last you YEARS. Good choice.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

My current thinking is along these lines: https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/goodbye-apple-goodbye-microsoft-hello-linux-1.3295781

Come on, even the article says "If you're just using a computer for the basics" - Word processing, web browsing, and email...

To be fair there's a lot of people buy a Mac to do those things, but some of us actually work on it, as far as I know none of the software I use is supported on Linux and I sure as hell aren't interested in spending my time hacking things and fiddling with terminal to get things to work.

 

[The Mercurian]

Come on, even the article says "If you're just using a computer for the basics" - Word processing, web browsing, and email...

To be fair there's a lot of people buy a Mac to do those things, but some of us actually work on it, as far as I know none of the software I use is supported on Linux and I sure as hell aren't interested in spending my time hacking things and fiddling with terminal to get things to work.

Well alot of the software I use I have to do that fiddling even on MacOS. In fact the only real problem for me would be Microsoft Office. I disagree with the article on LibreOffice being a substitute. Maybe if you don't coathuor documents it is but when everyone I work with is using Office its not an option for me to not use Office

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Every time I try linux I remember why I only used it for web and email servers. Mac is linux that actually works (you can build from source if you wish--install apache, everything on a Mac also). (I know technically it is a variant of the BSD Unix, but you get the idea...). Stay with Mac and get something actually done.

 

[The Mercurian]

Every time I try linux I remember why I only used it for web and email servers. Mac is linux that actually works (you can build from source if you wish--install apache, everything on a Mac also). (I know technically it is a variant of the BSD Unix, but you get the idea...). Stay with Mac and get something actually done.

But I increasinlgy don't like the way apple are going. Linux starting to look attractive. Some of the builds are apparently easy to use now. Still leaves with with my Office problem however

 

[eltoslightfoot]

But I increasinlgy don't like the way apple are going. Linux starting to look attractive. Some of the builds are apparently easy to use now. Still leaves with with my Office problem however

Eh, I don't know. Every time I try, it doesn't recognize my hardware. I am so spoiled with Windows and Mac now. I can't remember the last time I had to jury-rig a compatible driver to get something working.

And you are right on that Office thing. It is the standard, unfortunately.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP asks:
"1. Is anything on this macbook pro upgradable?"

No, not really. For all practical purposes, what you bought is what you have -- for the life of the computer. It's pretty much "a fact of Mac life" these days (at least insofar as laptops are concerned).

"2. Is there anything you suggest to a first time mac user?"

Yes.
AppleCare.
The keyboards on the 2016 models have evidenced numerous problems of keys going bad. But -- due to the construction of the MacBook -- to replace the bad key requires replacement of the entire keyboard -- which requires replacement of the entire top case The cost is roughly $700 or so.
Of course, you have the 1-year factory warranty, but what if you start having keyboard problems in year 2 or year 3?
Note: You don't have to buy AppleCare today -- but you DO have to buy it before the existing 1-year warranty period expires.

Having said that, welcome to the Mac world!

 

[eltoslightfoot]

OP asks:
"1. Is anything on this macbook pro upgradable?"

No, not really. For all practical purposes, what you bought is what you have -- for the life of the computer. It's pretty much "a fact of Mac life" these days (at least insofar as laptops are concerned).

"2. Is there anything you suggest to a first time mac user?"

Yes.
AppleCare.
The keyboards on the 2016 models have evidenced numerous problems of keys going bad. But -- due to the construction of the MacBook -- to replace the bad key requires replacement of the entire keyboard -- which requires replacement of the entire top case The cost is roughly $700 or so.
Of course, you have the 1-year factory warranty, but what if you start having keyboard problems in year 2 or year 3?
Note: You don't have to buy AppleCare today -- but you DO have to buy it before the existing 1-year warranty period expires.

Having said that, welcome to the Mac world!

I agree with Fishrrman. I went with an older MacBook on purpose. If you are going with the newer ones, get AppleCare.

 

[SteveJUAE]

So I just ordered my first mac. I've been throwing the idea around for years and with my DJ business starting to take off I needed something more reliable and since the house is full of ipads and iphones I figured why not. So this is what I ordered directly from apple (I think I got a good deal)

Refurbished 15.4-inch Macbook Pro 2.6GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 with Retina display - Space Gray
Originally released October 2016
Touch Bar with integrated Touch ID sensor
15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display; 2880-by-1800 native resolution at 220 pixels per inch
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
256GB PCIe-based onboard SSD1
720p FaceTime HD Camera
Radeon Pro 450 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory

Also ordered 2 - USB-C to USB Adapter

This is all new to me so I wanted to ask a few things:

1. Is anything on this macbook pro upgradable?
2. Is there anything you suggest to a first time mac user?
3. Any hardware or software you might also suggest?

I appreciate everyones reply.

Both commiserations and congratulations, I hope it works well for your business

As others have noted there are no upgrades post purchase

As for software: You have a great safety net eg should you have a deadline pending and are struggling with your new environment and software. With a MBP you can load W10 via bootcamp and your previous software for ease of use and back up for the familiar. ie best of both worlds

Applecare seems recommended by most due to the less serviceable parts now and high cost of repairs

 

[DJChris]

I might have given the wrong idea about DJing. I'm a mobile DJ and mix on a pioneer DDJ-SX2 and I use serato. I do mainly weddings and a few local club/bars.

I do however appreciate everyone replies, defiantly some good info here. Funny how I researched a little to late and saw all the threads on the keyboard issues so apple+ care is a for sure. I thought I had to purchase it within 30 days of the laptop but I see a comment you have until the main warranty runs out???

 

[jerryk]

I do however appreciate everyone replies, defiantly some good info here. Funny how I researched a little to late and saw all the threads on the keyboard issues so apple+ care is a for sure. I thought I had to purchase it within 30 days of the laptop but I see a comment you have until the main warranty runs out???

No.

Apple Care+ must be bought within 60 days, see https://www.apple.com/support/products/mac.html
From the page: "Purchase AppleCare+ with your new Mac. Or buy it within 60 days of your Mac purchase"

AppleCare, with no accident coverage, was by the end of the purchase warranty period. But AppleCare (without the plus) is no longer available from Apple. AppleCare may or may not be available from 3rd parties, but that will be phased out soon.

 

[Bart Kela]

Every time I try linux I remember why I only used it for web and email servers. Mac is linux that actually works (you can build from source if you wish--install apache, everything on a Mac also). (I know technically it is a variant of the BSD Unix, but you get the idea...). Stay with Mac and get something actually done.

I ran Linux a long time ago and from my vantage point, the three biggest shortcomings at the time were:

1. Excessive system administration load,
2. Piss poor device driver support, and
3. Virtually non-existent end user documentation

And this was beyond the kludgy tools and funky user interfaces/window managers/etc. OS upgrades were a ****ing mess. If you wanted Linux to work, you were best off running three-year old hardware and cloning boot hard drives so if something blew up, you'd still have something to fall back on.

What I didn't have to wrangle with at the time which I understand is still an issue is notebook computer battery management. Today that would be point #4 on the above list.

Today we have virtual machines, so you can copy a disk instance before you upgrade/do major surgery so you have something to roll back to. That's great, sure wish I had that option when I ran Linux.

As far as I can tell, Linux is an abject failure as a desktop/notebook operating system.