What Should a First Time Mac User Buy?

>> 1. What software do you recomend for a new Mac User

What are you planning on doing? It's better to choose your software based on what you'll be doing then deciding what to do based on what software you have.

 

I'll throw a few options at you, but what I use, and what you use will be different, but I'm bored so here goes:

1-Mac the ripper, handbrake, clutter, ableton live, carbon copy cloner, flip 4 mac, Final Cut studio, FFmpegX

2-if it's a mac book pro.....i suggest oven mitts.

3-apple.com, macrumors, CDW, macmall

4-Not sure

5-I use a Lacie triple interface Firewire external, and it's been great so far.

 

Considering there is no Mac version currently, I'd say the answer to your question is: Never

You should consider going here:

http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/

 

It would be easier if you gave a bit more info as to what you'll be using the computer for, but i'll see if I can answer your questions.

1. Your MBP is going to come allready loaded with iLife06, which includes lots of great software. You can find specifics here: http://www.apple.com/ilife/

I've gotten by very well without buying any other software for my mac. Many people spring for MS word if that's something you need.

2. For a laptop, definitely buy a carrying case immediately, especially if you plan on taking it places. You don't want to be lugging that thing around in your hands or in some junky bag without any protection. Try to find a case that's nice and thick so your computer doesn't get damaged if you drop anything. For a 2000+ dollar machine, I wouldn't hesitate to spend $50-100 on a good protective case that will last.

3. For software check out our very own mac beginners guide:

http://guides.macrumors.com/Mac_Beginner's_Guide

That link has TONS of info which includes links to both free and commerical applications. As far as other websites, you can always find apple hardware and software on their site.

www.apple.com

4. Sorry, no idea when avid is going to go universal. I'm a fan of final cut myself. I would imagine that an avid keyboard that works on a PC would work on a mac without a hitch. Don't know where to find one tho.

5. For hard drives, Lacie is a great brand with a good reputation for quality.

www.lacie.com

I personally like buying the drive and the enclosure seperately. If you're into that, newegg.com has great deals. Go for seagate drives. I can say with experience that they're fast and whisper quiet!

Have fun with your MBP

 

1.) MS Office would be helpful to have. Any other suggestions would be based on your work/hobbies with regard to your computer use.

2.) A laptop carrying case, iKlear, bluetooth mouse (I recommend the Logitech V270 mouse), an iLap or equivalent to keep your legs cool if you use your laptop on your lap, iCurve, wireless Apple keyboard and some nice external speakers for when you're at home at your desk.

3.) www.apple.com/store www.opensourcemac.org www.freemacware.com www.versiontracker.org are all good sites.

4.) Can't help you.

5.) Lacie has a good rep on these boards, I'm considering getting one myself.

 

I'm assuming you'll plan to purchase an AppleCare plan along with the initial computer purchase? That's a good investment.

 

I reccommend Applecare and a LaCie external drive. LaCie drives are very durable and they are pretty fast too.

 

Booooot Camp

 

I'd save your money so you can take your friends out for a drink JUST so that you can tell them how cool the Mac is, with all the fervour of a new convert...

I can tell you, I switched over a year ago, and the honey moon ain't over yet.

 

mostly this will depend on what you want to do with your mac, but other then that, i highly recomend a good two button mouse. yes i tried the mighty mouse.... yawn. look at either a microsoft or logitech mouse.

 

Which is not what he asked. But point well taken..

 

In that case you will be using BootCamp, since there probably will never be a Universal Avid Express Studio release. If they don't have a Mac version now, why would they offer a universal version later?

Not in layman's terms? OK, a PC formatted harddrive is likely formatted either NTFS or FAT32. One formatted for the Mac is formatted HFS+.

 

Ah, that makes more sense.