Transitioning to MacBook

I will answer the first question. I transitioned to OS X more than a couple of years ago. I can safely say that for average personal computing usage, I like working with OS X. There was a minor learning curve but I got over it fairly quickly. The OS seems to be very well put together and feels natural.

 

When I transitioned I watched a bunch of You Tube videos on operating the MBP, and I went to a free class at an Apple store.

 

1) I'd say that if you're no stranger to linux/unix then it shouldn't be that difficult. The filesystem is very similar in terms of structure. Also, terminal commands and utilities have many similarities/carryover. As for OS updates, yes, the updates are free. OS upgrades are as well (starting with Mavericks, and I can't see them breaking this mold).

2) This is largely a usage based question. What all do you use it for? If you're usage base really stresses the machine and you demand the best performance, then you'll more than likely want to wait for the refresh. If not, pick up a refurbished one from the apple store. Good discounts, no different than new, same warranty.

3) Someone else will have to chime in here as I don't own one.

Hope this helps some,
Cheers

 

While I can't really talk about a switch story (I've been personally using Macs for years, but have used PCs from time to time), I can speak to the OS update situation. With the release of OS X 10.9 Mavericks (Apple started using Californian place names for marketing purposes, rather than large cats), Apple made the OS completely free for anyone with the Mac App Store and new machines. I suspect they'll continue this. Previously, 10.8 (Mountain Lion) was $19, 10.7 (Lion) was $29, 10.6 (Snow Leopard) was $29, and prior versions were $129. Unlike Windows, there is no "upgrade" versus "full" versions, and there is only one flavor (no Home/Pro/etc.). There used to be a separate server version, but now the server version is a $19 add-on purchased through the App Store and added to the "normal" version.

The guide is mostly an educated guess based on past history. Since Apple is dependent on Intel's roadmap and that's a ways out for Broadwell, the "new" model will most likely be either a bit faster, maybe a bit more efficient, and cheaper - sort of like last month's MacBook Air updates. Since these models aren't likely going to get a major redesign (compared to the 2008 MacBook Pros or the 2012 Retina MacBook Pros), you probably won't need to wait, but it wouldn't hurt to get a slightly better machine.

The next updates may happen at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (starts June 2), but that's not for certain. If you want to save some cash, you may want to look at Apple's Refurbished models - they've got the same warranty and are treated just like a brand-new machine (you can enroll in AppleCare if you so choose), but they generally are packed differently. The company goes over them with a fine-tooth comb and replaces some things like the shell or battery to make sure it's as perfect as one that sold as new. A lot of folks have gone this route and have been very happy - although you're limited to the configurations they list.

Also, if you are a student, teacher, professor, or otherwise affiliated with an educational institution (or know someone who is), Apple offers education pricing - depending on the model, it can range from $50-$200 off, and there are discounts applied to built-to-order options, too. Also, Apple has historically done a "back-to-school" promotion where you can get the discount and get a $100 iTunes/App Store gift card if you buy it from Apple. This has usually started in early June, but last year was actually on July 2.

Either way, good luck with the new purchase - once you get used to the things that work a bit differently, I think you'll enjoy it!

 

I threw everything in Dropbox that was essential and transitioned in a few hours when everything synced to my new Macbook Pro.

 

1.) I just bought my ME294 April 26th this year and this is my first Apple computer. I am no stranger to computers though, I primarily use Linux and only use Windows when school requires it. I like everything so far about OS X. It seems to have most of the command line programs I use on Linux. Everything else I get from Homebrew which is a package manager for OS X. I wish I had some things like the ability to move Windows to other workspaces with a hotkey like I do in Gnome on Arch on my desktop. I haven't ran into an issue running any programs that I use on Linux/Windows on Mac. I always find a OS X version of what application I need. The MBP came with Pages and Keynote (Word Processor and Powerpoint) and it also came with some fun programs as well. In general I feel that it is a more stable experience overall, though I do have really cheap hardware which lacks good support in Linux. I also made a mistake of upgrading to Windows 8 on my desktop when it first came out and that was a huge mistake. So it was a very easy transition for me and I feel I have learned a lot about OS X already. Gestures and file navigation via spotlight makes navigating feel fast and natural.

2) I just started working fulltime as a web developer and really needed to upgrade my beat up Asus laptop. It runs Arch Linux with Gnome Shell just fine but it is falling apart physically and is laced with EFF and No Starch Press stickers. I can't speak on if you should wait for the next iteration though.

3) Very solid feel to it and the metal feels very good to touch. The way that the lid closes feels very nice. The hinge that holds the screen doesn't feel loose or too tight. The retina screen is beautiful. Haven't had any software hiccups. I dig the Unix-Like Posix compliant OS. No regrets.

 

One of the best resources for making the transition to OS X is David Pogue's book "Switching to the Mac". Sort of a Rosetta Stone for translating Windows activities into OS X.

 

1) I migrated when Vista came out and I needed a new Laptop. Nearly everything I did was in MS Office or online so the transition was really easy. I just had to get used to the new shortcut keys and the slight difference in how the OS's work. After a week or two I was having little to no difficulty at all.

2) Waiting for just a new model only depends on if what you will be doing will make use of any new/faster hardware. If not then there is no reason to wait unless you just want to get the older model used/refurbished.

3) I have that model and enjoy using it very much. I use it daily, game on it and and travel with it. I get about 6-7 hrs out of a single charge if I am just Using Safari/Office/Skype/Mail. I also have a Windows 8.1 install using Boot Camp but rarely use it.