Lazyweb - My First MAC

[rickps]

Apple-savvy user query...

Yes, after a lifetime as a PC owner, I'm contemplating purchase of an Apple MacBook Pro (likely the new 13" laptop).  My question is regarding software and specifically, what is "must have".  I've already determined that I should purchase Parallels Desktop.  Beyond that, I've no idea.

Help!

Comments

[abqdan.livejournal.com]

If you are going to get Parallels, then you are presumably going to run Windows on the machine - in which case, allow an extra $240 for a copy of Windows - http://tinyurl.com/mer7mm . (Note that OEM copies of Windows, supplied with a PC, cannot be transferred legally to another machine).

I think the MAC comes with a pretty good collection of software, including image and video editing etc, so there may not be much more you need. Depends what you want to do with it I guess.

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

What do you want to do with it?

Also, I prefer VMWare Fusion over Parallels. It seems to be a bit faster. That said, WMWare and Parallels are crutches for Windows folk. Eventually you shouldn't ever need to be in the Win environment.

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Good question, Chris. I'm primarily going to use the laptop during times when I travel. MS Office will work nicely for most tasks. I suspect I'll want to do some photograph download/editing and watching movies will likely be in the cards. Not sure how well the included software will address these tasks.

Thanks for the observation about Fusion/Parallels. Sounds like Fusion is a better deal.

On the crutch issue, I'll never be fully away from Windows and will need to keep the connection. My office is Windows based, all of the software I own is Windows. But I also know that once I have an Apple machine, I'm going to want to also work in that environment. Yet another example of my split personality.

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

MS Office for the Mac is actually better to work with than Office for the PC, although the interface is slightly different.

As for basic photo editing, and movie watching, you're pretty good to go with the supplied Apple iLife apps. iPhoto is a fantastic tool, as is iMovie (for creating movies).

However, if you're going to download a lot of porn, you're going to want to download a copy of VLC
http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/5758/vlc-media-player
It plays everything*, including poorly created windows media files.

Although I am curious, if you're environment is Windows, why switch to the Mac?





*I don't think there is anything that plays the latest Windows DRM material, but I could be wrong. I don't have any DRM'd material on my machine.

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Heh, me watch porno? Geez, haven't seen one in ten years or more. My view is that if you can't reach out and touch it, why bother!

Why switch to the Mac? Biggest reason is curiosity. I've been beaten over the head and shoulders for years by my Mac-addled friends and feel the need to join the herd, if just in some small way. And, as an iPhone owner and a lover of the interface, I want to see, real time, what the big boys get to play with.

Thanks again!

[soundbear69.livejournal.com]

You will want to get a good size outboard hard drive. The Mac has a program called Time Machine, which backs your stuff up. Nice and useful, just so you don't have to think about things.

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the recommendation! Always a good idea to backup my data as I do at home.

[cuboz.livejournal.com]

I SOOOO need to direct Roy to your post, because as you may know, he is an authority on just about ALL things Mac! :-)

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Yes you do! And you need to bring him along when you visit the US and San Diego (HINT!)!!

[cuboz.livejournal.com]

Sadly,

It looks like he won't be able to join me.... but I'll still be there with bells on!

xxx

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Hmm, well OK, if such must be the case. Just as long as you make time to come visit Bland Diego and allow me to show you around.

[cuboz.livejournal.com]

Well,

There's you, Brian and the gang from 619, Roy, Dan & Chris, and a whole lot of others - so you think I'm gonna pass up this opportunity!!?

xxx

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Way cool. I know Dan and Chris slightly, have listened to the 619 Bearcast but know none of the guys (I'm not one of the cool kids, what can I say?). No idea who Roy is, LOL.

Regardless, you're welcome to stay at Chez Rick if you'd like. The guest room's comfy and Miss Thing will be all over you.

You're going to have such a blast on your trip!

[cuboz.livejournal.com]

I certainly HOPE so!

I hope I can fit everything IN!!! :-)

xxx