iMac questions for a Windows convert
Ramasseur des pommes
Binos,
Glad you're enjoying the iMac. As far as I know, the Standard Edition of Microsoft Office allows you to install it on both laptop and desktop. However, it doesn't allow you to run both at a time. If you have purchased the Student/Teacher Edition, there are three licences with it. However, it isn't upgradeable. Office works fine on an iBook, and is almost standard-issue for most consumers and students. If you don't need a spreadsheet, iWork offers better value and is far easier to use, of course.
Apple have yet to release details about any new "consumer level" laptop, currently occupied by the iBook G4. The MacBookPro is aimed at a professionals, and has a higher-end specification, hence the price.
AppleMacster
Glad you're enjoying the iMac. As far as I know, the Standard Edition of Microsoft Office allows you to install it on both laptop and desktop. However, it doesn't allow you to run both at a time. If you have purchased the Student/Teacher Edition, there are three licences with it. However, it isn't upgradeable. Office works fine on an iBook, and is almost standard-issue for most consumers and students. If you don't need a spreadsheet, iWork offers better value and is far easier to use, of course.
Apple have yet to release details about any new "consumer level" laptop, currently occupied by the iBook G4. The MacBookPro is aimed at a professionals, and has a higher-end specification, hence the price.
AppleMacster
Just Binos
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Mackay, Australia
Age: 71
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Macster. That helps; the OS-X certainly provides all the grunt this humble user needs for his basic tasks, so perhaps it might be worth holding off till the iBook G4 replacement is announced so I can pick up an iBook at a discount. Who knows?
For what it's worth, if anybody is reading this still pondering if, when or why they should change to a Mac, these are my initial thoughts after a couple of months.
I don't just like the Mac, I love it, BUT.... a lot of the buts concern compatibility with Windows. What a shame Mac wasn't adopted as the standard all those years ago. Don't assume that sharing a network with a PC will be the piece of cake some will tell you it is.
It's difficult to describe what sets it apart and makes it so likeable, but general useability would be the generic phrase. I love the Dock, love the clarity of the display, love how things just seem to work with a minimum of fuss.
I'm not so keen, as mentioned earlier in the thread, about brilliant pieces of kit like the iSight and iChat being unusable with Windows users (everybody on my list) without their or my having to download some crappy piece of software to make it work. I'm also appalled that after paying a massive premium over PC prices, you are then asked to pay an annual subscription to join something called .Mac which promises you all sorts of things which I could have sworn the original software promised to provide. I don't know what it does provide, because I refused to even consider it. I should also apparently pay yet another few hundred bucks for a BaseStation or something similar which will finally make all my networking problems go away. And finally, though I suspect this may be a local thing, I'm well short of being impressed with the after sales service.
I haven't put to use the applications people rave about; iDVD, iMovie, Garage band etc, so I suppose it could be said that I'm one of those who should have stuck with an el cheapo PC and kept installing forever my trusty Office 97 copy.
But whatever it is, there's something about the Mac I really don't want to lose. One thing I do like is the resale value on ebay if I do decide to cancel the whole experiment!
For what it's worth, if anybody is reading this still pondering if, when or why they should change to a Mac, these are my initial thoughts after a couple of months.
I don't just like the Mac, I love it, BUT.... a lot of the buts concern compatibility with Windows. What a shame Mac wasn't adopted as the standard all those years ago. Don't assume that sharing a network with a PC will be the piece of cake some will tell you it is.
It's difficult to describe what sets it apart and makes it so likeable, but general useability would be the generic phrase. I love the Dock, love the clarity of the display, love how things just seem to work with a minimum of fuss.
I'm not so keen, as mentioned earlier in the thread, about brilliant pieces of kit like the iSight and iChat being unusable with Windows users (everybody on my list) without their or my having to download some crappy piece of software to make it work. I'm also appalled that after paying a massive premium over PC prices, you are then asked to pay an annual subscription to join something called .Mac which promises you all sorts of things which I could have sworn the original software promised to provide. I don't know what it does provide, because I refused to even consider it. I should also apparently pay yet another few hundred bucks for a BaseStation or something similar which will finally make all my networking problems go away. And finally, though I suspect this may be a local thing, I'm well short of being impressed with the after sales service.
I haven't put to use the applications people rave about; iDVD, iMovie, Garage band etc, so I suppose it could be said that I'm one of those who should have stuck with an el cheapo PC and kept installing forever my trusty Office 97 copy.
But whatever it is, there's something about the Mac I really don't want to lose. One thing I do like is the resale value on ebay if I do decide to cancel the whole experiment!
Ramasseur des pommes
Did you try using Mercury Messenger? I'd be interested to see how it works with the built-in iSight. Surely it should be MSN at whom you need to vent your frustration as they are the ones not supporting MSN with video and audio on the Mac?
You could try out a .mac account for 60 days for free. It's enormously useful for a lot of people. I use mine all the time. It can backup your Address Book, Calendar, Bookmarks automatically, and using "Backup", any other files that you choose to backup regularly. It integrates seamlessly with iWeb and Garageband allowing you to make high-quality webpages in minutes, and even edit and post podcasts (video and audio) directly. For some, the subscription is invaluable, for others, it's not so important. Not to forget the .mac email address and learning centre complete with training videos. You may or may not find it useful, but you have nothing to lose by trying it out free for 60 days.
AppleMacster
You could try out a .mac account for 60 days for free. It's enormously useful for a lot of people. I use mine all the time. It can backup your Address Book, Calendar, Bookmarks automatically, and using "Backup", any other files that you choose to backup regularly. It integrates seamlessly with iWeb and Garageband allowing you to make high-quality webpages in minutes, and even edit and post podcasts (video and audio) directly. For some, the subscription is invaluable, for others, it's not so important. Not to forget the .mac email address and learning centre complete with training videos. You may or may not find it useful, but you have nothing to lose by trying it out free for 60 days.
AppleMacster
Just Binos
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Mackay, Australia
Age: 71
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Mac. I remember downloading Mercury when you first suggested it but at the time I was a bit overwhelmed by the whole conversion process and it was all a bit too hard. I've just gone back to it now, I'm talking to my daughter upstairs ok, and she gets my iSight, albeit at a very slow frame rate. I just have to wait for another MSN contact to come online to see if it works with everyone on my MSN list or whether I have to add them separately or whatever.
You are dead right about the object of my frustration; I wasn't assigning blame, just commenting on having a piece of kit which looks to be so useful and not being able to use it to its full capacity for whatever reason.
While I'm here, I'm a little behind Mme Flappy insofar as I haven't mastered tabbed browsing as I used to use in Firefox. The options in tabbed browsing may as well be written in Swahili. I've tried a few alternatives and I can now right clink a link and get the options box up including open in a new window. What I'm after is to be able to do that in my bookmarks list, but whatever I do, right click, control click, apple click (or whatever it's called) the new site just comes straight up over the last one. Does that make sense?
Anyway, I've definitely decided my next lappy will be an iBook. One of these days I'll get around to using more than 10% of its capabiliities.
You are dead right about the object of my frustration; I wasn't assigning blame, just commenting on having a piece of kit which looks to be so useful and not being able to use it to its full capacity for whatever reason.
While I'm here, I'm a little behind Mme Flappy insofar as I haven't mastered tabbed browsing as I used to use in Firefox. The options in tabbed browsing may as well be written in Swahili. I've tried a few alternatives and I can now right clink a link and get the options box up including open in a new window. What I'm after is to be able to do that in my bookmarks list, but whatever I do, right click, control click, apple click (or whatever it's called) the new site just comes straight up over the last one. Does that make sense?
Anyway, I've definitely decided my next lappy will be an iBook. One of these days I'll get around to using more than 10% of its capabiliities.
Ramasseur des pommes
Binos,
To open a link from a menu in Safari in a new tab, hold down the Apple key whilst selecting it from the menu. I have to admit that I didn't know this was possible, until I just tried it! Magic!
It's interesting to know that the built-in iSight works with Mercury Messenger. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before the frame rate improves.
AppleMacster.
To open a link from a menu in Safari in a new tab, hold down the Apple key whilst selecting it from the menu. I have to admit that I didn't know this was possible, until I just tried it! Magic!
It's interesting to know that the built-in iSight works with Mercury Messenger. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before the frame rate improves.
AppleMacster.
Considerably Bemused Wannabe
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi folks,
I too am pondering whether or not to take the plunge and get me a Mac. My old Compaq Presario 2100 has recently died, and to be honest it’s been nothing but trouble since I purchased it about 4 years ago - and it cost me £1900!
I was looking at the iBook G4 12-inch; however I've been told that this model will soon be updated to feature a dual core processor. Is this correct? If so, then I’ll wait for the upgraded version iBook. Plus, as I work at a uni, I get the academic discount
From the thread I see there are a few converts here, can some of you folks tell me how you've found the switch from PC to Mac? For now, if I do decide to go Mac, I'll start off with a portable computer as I need it for work, but if I like it, I'll get me one of those Power Mac G5's. This means transferring years of stuff from my Dell desktop. How easy is it to transfer stuff across?
Cheers lads (and lasses)
Steve.
I too am pondering whether or not to take the plunge and get me a Mac. My old Compaq Presario 2100 has recently died, and to be honest it’s been nothing but trouble since I purchased it about 4 years ago - and it cost me £1900!
I was looking at the iBook G4 12-inch; however I've been told that this model will soon be updated to feature a dual core processor. Is this correct? If so, then I’ll wait for the upgraded version iBook. Plus, as I work at a uni, I get the academic discount
From the thread I see there are a few converts here, can some of you folks tell me how you've found the switch from PC to Mac? For now, if I do decide to go Mac, I'll start off with a portable computer as I need it for work, but if I like it, I'll get me one of those Power Mac G5's. This means transferring years of stuff from my Dell desktop. How easy is it to transfer stuff across?
Cheers lads (and lasses)
Steve.
Just Binos
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Mackay, Australia
Age: 71
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Steve,
As the most recent convert here I'll give it a bash. I think a lot really depends on what you mainly use your computer for, what programs you have that you consider essential etc. Bear in mind that anything with an exe.file no workee on the Mac, so for games etc you'll be up for replacement software. If on the other hand you mainly use it for internet and office applications etc, the process is fairly seamless. I found it was worth buying the Office for Mac, but that should be the only software you need on top of what comes with it. For music, graphics, photos/movies, etc, it would appear to be beautifully integrated and much more user-friendly than Windows.
As far as major differences are concerned, there aren't really any of significance. There's a lot of little things that are done differently, and a few that take some getting used to. I've had some problems (still am in fact) networking with the PC, but I'm 100% certain it's a PC problem not the Mac.
There is a great package of software that comes standard, including things I haven't even tried yet. As I mentioned elsewhere, some of them look superb but are somewhat restricted in their use with people using Windows.
In terms of the overall computing experience, they're a marvel. Very instinctive and with some delightful touches that make Windows look horribly confusing and clunky. I'll be buying a lappy in a couple of weeks, and after three months with the iMac there's no question I'll be staying with Apple.
In simple terms, if everybody had a Mac the computing world would be a much nicer place. But most don't, so if you elect to make the change, get used to the idea that there will be the odd irritation with non-compatibility with M$ products and the occasional lack of Mac versions of something you want (the Webshots desktop comes to mind).
I won't unreservedly recommend them, because it depends on your own requirements, but I am an enthusiastic convert. You can keep the old PC for Windows apps that you simply must have; I did, but I find I never use it except when I can't get my daughter off the Mac.
As a final point, if by chance you get one and find you don't like it, a quick look at ebay will tell you that the resale value for Macs is terrific! This a great place to come for help if you need it too.
Let us know what you decide.
As the most recent convert here I'll give it a bash. I think a lot really depends on what you mainly use your computer for, what programs you have that you consider essential etc. Bear in mind that anything with an exe.file no workee on the Mac, so for games etc you'll be up for replacement software. If on the other hand you mainly use it for internet and office applications etc, the process is fairly seamless. I found it was worth buying the Office for Mac, but that should be the only software you need on top of what comes with it. For music, graphics, photos/movies, etc, it would appear to be beautifully integrated and much more user-friendly than Windows.
As far as major differences are concerned, there aren't really any of significance. There's a lot of little things that are done differently, and a few that take some getting used to. I've had some problems (still am in fact) networking with the PC, but I'm 100% certain it's a PC problem not the Mac.
There is a great package of software that comes standard, including things I haven't even tried yet. As I mentioned elsewhere, some of them look superb but are somewhat restricted in their use with people using Windows.
In terms of the overall computing experience, they're a marvel. Very instinctive and with some delightful touches that make Windows look horribly confusing and clunky. I'll be buying a lappy in a couple of weeks, and after three months with the iMac there's no question I'll be staying with Apple.
In simple terms, if everybody had a Mac the computing world would be a much nicer place. But most don't, so if you elect to make the change, get used to the idea that there will be the odd irritation with non-compatibility with M$ products and the occasional lack of Mac versions of something you want (the Webshots desktop comes to mind).
I won't unreservedly recommend them, because it depends on your own requirements, but I am an enthusiastic convert. You can keep the old PC for Windows apps that you simply must have; I did, but I find I never use it except when I can't get my daughter off the Mac.
As a final point, if by chance you get one and find you don't like it, a quick look at ebay will tell you that the resale value for Macs is terrific! This a great place to come for help if you need it too.
Let us know what you decide.
Bringer of Wx
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
easyPilot
Rumour has it that there will be another Apple 'event' to mark its 30th Anniversary at the end of this month/early April (actual anniversary is April 1st). It's strongly rumoured that an Intel-equipped iBook replacement will be announced at that time, so watch this space.
Rumour has it that there will be another Apple 'event' to mark its 30th Anniversary at the end of this month/early April (actual anniversary is April 1st). It's strongly rumoured that an Intel-equipped iBook replacement will be announced at that time, so watch this space.
Just Binos
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Mackay, Australia
Age: 71
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hope you're right, WxJx; that would surely mean a sale on the remaining OS-X equipped iBooks, and April 1 is the earliest I'm allowed to buy a lappy! Serendipity! 
Considerably Bemused Wannabe
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MacBook Pro
http://www.apple.com/uk/macbookpro/
Any opinions on this machine? Looks good to me, but I'm not that up on computers, and which ever Mac I get, it will be my first. I dunno whether to start off with something a bit cheaper like the iBook. What do you guys think?
Cheers,
Steve.
Any opinions on this machine? Looks good to me, but I'm not that up on computers, and which ever Mac I get, it will be my first. I dunno whether to start off with something a bit cheaper like the iBook. What do you guys think?
Cheers,
Steve.
Bringer of Wx
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
easy
Keep your powder dry for a few days more.. I sense you have have a mild case of buyers fever, so cool it
The MacBook Pro is, according to one or two friends that have acquired one, a great machine. One drawback of early adoption of MacIntel machines however, is that any pro apps you run on a regular basis (i.e. heavy Photoshop work, Dreamweaver, Final Cut etc.) will be slightly slower than the older G5 equivalents, as they will be running in emulation mode (Rosetta) until Adobe et al produce 'Universal Binary' versions of their apps to take advantage of the Core Duo processors. This is unlikely to happen until the end of the year, although a good number of smaller vendors and shareware developers to have 'gone universal' now.
Due to my 6-month old G5 iMac dying on me last week
(fried logic board anyone?), Apple have given me a spanking new Core Duo iMac as a replacement and I have to say, apart from the above, it really is a very zippy and quiet machine indeed. The Pro apps' performance is 'liveable' but yes, slightly slower and the rest is much quicker. The machine is heaps quieter too. So I'd say if you're going to be using an Intel machine for general or business use, using mainly, say, Office, Safari, Mail and the iLife apps, you won't be disappointed at all. The same will probably go for the iBook too, if an Intel version of that is announced next week.
Jx
Keep your powder dry for a few days more.. I sense you have have a mild case of buyers fever, so cool it
The MacBook Pro is, according to one or two friends that have acquired one, a great machine. One drawback of early adoption of MacIntel machines however, is that any pro apps you run on a regular basis (i.e. heavy Photoshop work, Dreamweaver, Final Cut etc.) will be slightly slower than the older G5 equivalents, as they will be running in emulation mode (Rosetta) until Adobe et al produce 'Universal Binary' versions of their apps to take advantage of the Core Duo processors. This is unlikely to happen until the end of the year, although a good number of smaller vendors and shareware developers to have 'gone universal' now.
Due to my 6-month old G5 iMac dying on me last week
(fried logic board anyone?), Apple have given me a spanking new Core Duo iMac as a replacement and I have to say, apart from the above, it really is a very zippy and quiet machine indeed. The Pro apps' performance is 'liveable' but yes, slightly slower and the rest is much quicker. The machine is heaps quieter too. So I'd say if you're going to be using an Intel machine for general or business use, using mainly, say, Office, Safari, Mail and the iLife apps, you won't be disappointed at all. The same will probably go for the iBook too, if an Intel version of that is announced next week.Jx
Just Binos
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Mackay, Australia
Age: 71
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Did I miss something? April 1 has been and gone, and I didn't hear any world-shaking news. Doesn't look like there's anything new on the website either; a bit of an anti-climax really. Looks like I might settle for the current iBook. 
Bringer of Wx
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It appears the expected anniversary 'announcement' was a chimera, although there are still some persistent rumours around about imminent announcements. I guess it may also be a good idea to hold off any launches (esp. iPod related ones) while the Apple vs. Apple Corps proceedings are, er proceeding. Let's wait and see 
Ramasseur des pommes
Not so. There is some pretty monumental news here:
http://www.apple.com/uk/pr/050406_bootcamp.html
Pure Genius.
AppleMacster
http://www.apple.com/uk/pr/050406_bootcamp.html
Pure Genius.
AppleMacster
Bringer of Wx
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes... perhaps that was the real birthday surprise...potentially a huge tactical shift. The chimera I refer to was the much-vaunted hardware announcement (Intel iBook/video iPod/iPhone - delete as appropriate). No - this was a real curve ball
Just Binos
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Mackay, Australia
Age: 71
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK, I suppose somebody must have a reason for wanting Windows on their Mac, although it escapes me: no doubt I will be further educated. Welcome back to the world of viruses?
Bringer of Wx
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The importance being attached to the initiative is because it would remove another barrier for switchers or potential switchers, thus having the potential to increase Apple's market share. However, like you Binos, I can't really see why anyone would need to do it.
Just Binos
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Mackay, Australia
Age: 71
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FWIW, I was at the local Apple place today talking about buying an iBook. I was gently guided towards the latest rumours which suggest 2 months is the time frame for an Intel-powered laptop with a 13.3" screen. Discounts for superseded models? "They run their hardware on a very tight basis."
OK, I'll wait for a couple of months.
OK, I'll wait for a couple of months.
PPRuNe Handmaiden
I'd be ecstatic if they brought out a 10" iBook or something even smaller.
Around the 1kg to 1.5kg would be spot on with a simple DVD player (oh ok, CD burner with DVD player), blue tooth and WiFi, microphone and speakers.
30Gb with a reasonable CPU and about 512Kb of RAM.
Just a simple but light tool for the road warriors (or airway warriors) that are seriously weight/size restricted.
I know Sony et al do them but I don't want one of them.
Around the 1kg to 1.5kg would be spot on with a simple DVD player (oh ok, CD burner with DVD player), blue tooth and WiFi, microphone and speakers.
30Gb with a reasonable CPU and about 512Kb of RAM.
Just a simple but light tool for the road warriors (or airway warriors) that are seriously weight/size restricted.
I know Sony et al do them but I don't want one of them.
