Buying a MacBook?

[ZoeDeKooning]

Hey

I don't really knows if this belongs in this forum but I didn't know where to post it otherwise....

So I am thinking about getting a MacBook but I have some questions...

Is there a program to open/read pdf files on there? Or do you have to buy that software (that's like really expensive!)?

And can you hook up the 'normal' accesories? Like digital camera, HP printer? Or should I try to find the manuals and see whether they are Mac compatible?

Last but not least... for those who use MacBook, are you happy with it???

[caralovescostumes]

i love my macbook, it was way more expensive than a pc, and takes a bit of getting used to (as i use a Pc every day at work), but I don't regret my purchase for a minute.

Re PDFs, you can still use Adobe reader for free, i believe it comes installed on new macs anyway. Re accessory compatabilty, most are fine, apart from some external hard drives, but you'd have to double check for your specific printers etc.

[Queenie]

I've had my macbook for over two years now. I haven't had ANY hardware of software problems at all, I'm very very happy with it.
Now that it turns out that I'm allergic to the metal which appears to contain nickel, I'm planning to buy a regular white plastic one in the next couple of weeks.
I'll most probably sell the aluminum one, if you want I can let you know when it's for sale.

[valeskah]

I love the macbook I have for work. When I've saved enough to replace my pc notebook, I'll be getting a macbook at home too. The only issue I had with the work one was that the Office upgrade took aaaages to come out, but once it did, no worries. I especially like iphoto for organising my pictures and making things like travel photo books :)

[steffib]

I have a Powerbook (the silver one), and yes, you can read pdf with the free Preview application that comes with it. Yes, most accessories connect easily and without trouble. If you have a piece of equipment that's made exclusively for Windows, you're out of luck, obviously, but printers are usually not in that category.

[Asim]

1) As others have stated, most PDF reader software is free. You usually only have to buy if you want to create or edit PDFs.

2) You should really check any peripherals to ensure compatibility, but yes, the vast majority are compatible with Macs, and will say so on the box and/or website.

3) Most people I know with Macs are happy with them. Again, as others have stated, they do cost more, but make up in part with high reliability numbers on average, and an OS that's powerful yet simple to use. It's generally considered ideal for artists, content developers, and/or newer computer users.

The downside is that much of the 2nd-and-lower tier software market is Windows-centric, but with apps like BootCamp, Parallels, and Crossover for Mac, you can get past many of those hurdles with varying degrees of difficulty.

I would strongly suggest finding a store with MacBooks, and trying it out/asking questions. I would also strongly suggest not using a Best Buy unless you have to; the folks there tend of be of...varying knowledge on the products, in my experience. A better shot, if it's reasonable, would be to try to find time to travel to an Apple Retail Store to make use of their knowledge -- arrive anywhere armed with a list of questions, so you know exactly what you need to ask!

Keep in mind this is a $1000+ purchase, and worth taking the time to, as you're doing, ask around, try out models, and even do some driving to ensure you get what you want!

Good luck!

[steffib]

I would strongly suggest finding a store with MacBooks, and trying it out/asking questions. I would also strongly suggest not using a Best Buy unless you have to; the folks there tend of be of...varying knowledge on the products, in my experience. A better shot, if it's reasonable, would be to try to find time to travel to an Apple Retail Store to make use of their knowledge -- arrive anywhere armed with a list of questions, so you know exactly what you need to ask!

One little add-on to this excellent advice: The Apple Stores have different types of employees, in my experience. The people who help with problems, the Genius Bar folk, are usually great, they know their stuff - and best thing, it's free, no matter how old your equipment. The sales staff is a different story, I have encountered rude and clueless employees quite a few times. Being prepared to ask more than one person, not going on a Saturday afternoon (when the store is busy) and having a list of questions may make this most efficient.

[Gitanna]

I was a PC now I'm a Mac and will never go back. I love my Macbook Pro!!!! Some people split their hard drives and run Windows too, but there is no need, in fact if you run Windows you will have to get AV, I just run my OS/X without AV and no issues to date; (almost 6 months now on wired and open w-fi networks, my last PC got a virus within the first month, even with the NAV current). I paid a little more for my Mac than I would have for a PC, but the money I save in AV software alone will make up for that over the years.

I got iWork instead of MS Office because iWork can convert to Windows documents, spreadsheets and presentations, and convert to pdf. One note about software; I can't view or work with MS Publisher files on my Mac. If you like/need basic desktop publishing, Pages has similar features to Publisher and a number of templates to get you going.

My Macbook Pro came loaded with iLife, which consists of media, internet and mail programs for normal home use. These are not OEM software; you don't have to spend more money after a month of activating the software to continue to use all the features, they are the full programs.

I bought my Mac at an Apple store. If you haven't been into one and there is one near you, I recommend you stop in. The staff are very well trained and provide excellent service; the salespeople only serve one client at a time. They are patient and will go through all the features on their products and you can try out any of their products in-store so you are sure about your purchase. There's online and in-store training too; if you are switching from PC, they have a video just for that. And the first time you open any program, your computer will ask if you want to view the tutorials. I just think my Mac is way smarter and more user-friendly than a PC. Like why can't PC's read Mac files but Mac can read PC files? Why does Mac have a pdf converter and not PC? My Mac never gives me cryptic error messages like my PC used to, (wpm//dll. WTF was that suppose to mean?)

I did have a friend that got a Macbook on a last minute impulse because it was pretty and on sale. Then she did nothing but complain about incompatibility with her PC desktop and laptop. She hadn't researched it very well in advance, didn't even visit the Apple Store or Website, nor did she purchase the appropriate software, (not even iWork). But she loves to jump into the deep end without looking and then freaks out on everyone else b/c she's drowning. (We're not friends anymore, I ran out of life preservers).

Hope you love your Mac as much as I love mine.

[Adiva84]

I've had my macbook for over two years now. I haven't had ANY hardware of software problems at all, I'm very very happy with it.
Now that it turns out that I'm allergic to the metal which appears to contain nickel, I'm planning to buy a regular white plastic one in the next couple of weeks.
I'll most probably sell the aluminum one, if you want I can let you know when it's for sale.

for sale for sale ..g.:

[Gitanna]

I forgot to mention that my ancient HP 920C printer works fine with my fancy Macbook, same with my camera and sub woofer/speakers. My ancient HP scanner would not work because it as a bonus with my old PC, so the only driver was for Windows not OS/X and I couldn't download a driver for my Mac. Most peripherals come with both Windows and OS/X drivers, but always double check.

Also when purchasing burnable CD/DVD you have to get the -R/-RW for Mac instead of the +R/+RW, which are for Windows. I can play CD's that were burned on PC on my Mac, but I used to have problems playing CD's burned on a Mac on my PC. Yet another way I feel Mac is superior to PC:)

[CalgaryBibi]

What everyone else said.

BTW, you can also create PDF files easily by choosing "Print" and "Save to PDF". I love that feature.

I do miss not being able to use IrfanView, which is my favourite (and free) graphics program, and which doesn't have a version for Mac.

Also, Office for Mac is different from Office 2010 for Windows, and it takes some getting used to.

(Note that it is possible to run Windows programs on your Mac if you really want to, though, either as a separate partition requiring a restart--the ability to do this is built in, although you require the Windows software, of course, or by using a program such as Parallels Desktop which allows you to open Windows without restarting (you also have to provide the Windows software for this)).

I do like that I can easily share info with my IPod Touch (IPhones would be similar). For instance, my calendar feature can sync with my IPod Touch. I really like the calendar and email programs on the Mac--better than Outlook.

I also had wonderful customer service from the Apple folks. I'm truly impressed.

[indigostars]

My Macbook Pro is about 3 years old. I had several issues with it that I think were a design flaw. Luckily, I was able to drag my computer to the Apple Store and they replaced the part twice, free of charge, but it was a pain in the butt, left me without a computer for a few days twice, and honestly, a computer worth over $2000 shouldn't have had the same issue within a month or so. My computer wasn't that old at the time, either. On a side note, they also jammed a screw in my computer's topcase so now I can't open it up to clean out dust or do repairs. This isn't also going into issues where I've had pretty bad incompetency at the Genius Bar (and they've tried to sell me things I simply didn't need and eventually figured out how to fix my own computer problems for free).

I hate sounding so bitter, but Apple and their services certainly aren't perfect. Prior to that, I had a very low-level iBook that ran beautifully, so perhaps I just got the bad computer. My iMac also runs very well (about a year old), except the keyboard is acting oddly and probably needs replaced.

In terms of user-friendliness, I like it, although Windows 7 seems pretty nice, too. I haven't had a single issue with peripherals, but it's always wise to check. The big issue may be if you run certain software that is only Windows-centric. You can run Windows on your Mac, but that's adding on to your cost for an already pricey computer. iWork is decent, except I think Excel is better than the Mac equivalent, Numbers. However, I also think Keynote is better than Powerpoint.

I'd recommend going to Apple to play with the computers and get a feel.

[ShoshannaQ]

my MacBook. Got it used on Ebay for $700, and it came loaded with extra memory. Of course I carefully picked a seller with 100% favorable reviews. It's fast and runs beautifully. I invested another $150 in a 20 inch monitor to use for my graphic work, and now I have the option of a screen as large as my old Imac, but with the advantages of a laptop. As everyone has already said, peripherals and pdf-reading software are no problem.

[ZoeDeKooning]

What everyone else said.

BTW, you can also create PDF files easily by choosing "Print" and "Save to PDF". I love that feature.

Is that standard on the MAcBook?
Because I have the same on my PC, but I had to download it from somewhere...

[ZoeDeKooning]

I got iWork instead of MS Office because iWork can convert to Windows documents, spreadsheets and presentations, and convert to pdf. One note about software; I can't view or work with MS Publisher files on my Mac. If you like/need basic desktop publishing, Pages has similar features to Publisher and a number of templates to get you going.

Is iWork standard on the MacBook, I mean, does it come with the device or do you have to buy the software separately?
And how does it work? Does it work like Word for example?


Thanks to all of you for your help!!!!

[ZoeDeKooning]

I've had my macbook for over two years now. I haven't had ANY hardware of software problems at all, I'm very very happy with it.
Now that it turns out that I'm allergic to the metal which appears to contain nickel, I'm planning to buy a regular white plastic one in the next couple of weeks.
I'll most probably sell the aluminum one, if you want I can let you know when it's for sale.

Thanks Queenie!

But I'll get a lot of discount and free stuff because I'll be buying it on line, with the professor's discount of my dad.... ..g.: (I hope this is a private forum....)

Go for it Femke!

[CalgaryBibi]

Thanks Queenie!

But I'll get a lot of discount and free stuff because I'll be buying it on line, with the professor's discount of my dad.... ..g.: (I hope this is a private forum....)

Yes, if you buy it before Sept. 7, you get a free IPod Touch.

Apple Back to School - Education Store - Apple Store (U.S.)

This is one reason I'm so impressed with Apple. My m-i-l bought my dd a MacBook for university, and I did the ordering on her behalf, online. 9 days after I ordered, and 1 day before my DD's MacBook arrived, Apple started this promotion. A couple of weeks later, after stewing about it a bit, I called Apple and expressed my disappointment that we had missed this promotion by such a slim margin, and, because my DD's MacBook was custom-configured, we couldn't just return it and repurchase it under the promotion. The Apple rep said that he couldn't give us the rebate, because the Touch had to be on the same receipt as the MacBook to qualify, but he could send us a free IPod touch.

I was impressed.

Anyway, if you're thinking of doing this soon, you might as well get in on that rebate. You can also get a $100 rebate on a printer, which can make the printer free or very cheap, depending on which one you choose. We got a Canon Wireless printer that I like very much.

These rebates are in addition to the education discount

[CalgaryBibi]

Is that standard on the MAcBook?
Because I have the same on my PC, but I had to download it from somewhere...

As far as I know it is, at least on the newer MacBooks. It's on my DD's, and it's on mine. I think it's part of OS X.

[ZoeDeKooning]

OK, still a few questions, here goes :

Can you open films that you put on your MacBook?
for example, can you watch youtube, can you watch (normal) dvd's (all of my BD dvd's!!) ?
And can you watch movies that you made yourself, with your own camera? (I have a Nikon)...

And do I need to look for somethin specific when buying an external hard drive?
Because for example, my dad has an external hard drive, and he wanted to wire it to the MacBook of a friend but it did not work...

[raqFariha]

yes, yes, yes, yes. never had a problem with peripherals, youtube works the exact same, and there is a built in DVD/CD player/CD burner. (maybe not on the ipad or macbookAIR)
in the US macs are region encoded, and you only get so many region changes. i don't know if Belgian macs will be coded to your region (3?) or if you can get it region free.... nor do i know what region your dvds are in, haha ^_^
i don't know about much about external hard drives, i think the only problem you could have is if you format it to a PC, then you can't plug in into a mac and get data off it, and vice verses. that was the case some years ago, i don't know if it's still true. if it's your external hard drive that you use the your mac, there shouldn't be a problem. if you want to use it to transfer data from ur current pc to your new mac, i don't know. u might have to use CDs or their transfer service.... (i think cds are cheaper, but don't forget to backup the PLAYLISTS from your iTunes. backing up the library does NOT automatically transfer the playlists.... i found that out the hard way T_T)
there are only two things that i need a PC for because i can't do them on my mac: GIS for school (and i don't want to buy the damn software anyway) and the full site builder for intuit-websites.
there are so many things that i can do on my mac that i would never have the patience or skill to learn to do on a PC, because mac is so much more intuitive. i got used to the operating system within a week.
you do have to drag the icon for cameras etc and drop them on eject before disconnecting, but that's all and it's super easy.
macs are more expensive, but my experience is that they last longer and have fewer problems so you're money goes farther (ymmv) you know, unless your dog jumps through the screen......
i love that the mac-book pro is a metal case. it's still super light, esp compared to my old ibook but it's more recycle-able.
they also have a recycling program where you can turn in your old comp of any brand or make and they recycle it for you, sometimes paying you

[tigerb]

And do I need to look for somethin specific when buying an external hard drive?
Because for example, my dad has an external hard drive, and he wanted to wire it to the MacBook of a friend but it did not work...

Some external hard drives need to be reformatted immediately after you buy them so that they will work with your Mac. This isn't hard and they do come with directions. But if you check carefully before you purchase, you can get one that comes set up for the Mac right out of the box.

The problem often comes up later... my husband had a drive full of text documents backed up from his old PC, but his new MacBook can't talk to that drive.

[ZoeDeKooning]

What would be the best way to transfer ALL my files from my pc to the macbook?
CD's? (I'll need a lot!)
DVD's? (Don't even know if I can burn cd's with my pc)
External hard drive? (then I'll have to see about compatibility...)
Ipod?

[tigerb]

What would be the best way to transfer ALL my files from my pc to the macbook?
CD's? (I'll need a lot!)
DVD's? (Don't even know if I can burn cd's with my pc)
External hard drive? (then I'll have to see about compatibility...)
Ipod?

I'm no expert, but it seems like file sharing would be an answer. Check this out...

http://www.myfirstmac.com/index.php/...-my-mac-and-pc

[ZoeDeKooning]

I'm no expert, but it seems like file sharing would be an answer. Check this out...

http://www.myfirstmac.com/index.php/...-my-mac-and-pc

That looks really interesting, thanks!

[ZoeDeKooning]

As of today, I am the proud owner of a MacBook Pro!

Jipie!!

I think I'll post a lot of questions here in the coming days....

[CalgaryBibi]

As of today, I am the proud owner of a MacBook Pro!

Jipie!!

I think I'll post a lot of questions here in the coming days....

[Lulugreen]

Hello,
Macbook is amazing. I am short of money. If I have enough money, I will buy one!

[ZoeDeKooning]

so after 8 months it "broke"....

when I plugged it in, it recognized the plug but would not recharge anymore.
Kept getting the message "not charging".

so I went to an Apple reseller and they're gonna send it to their technical staff... no Macbook for 2 weeks for me

[alia t]

Condolences. And weird.

Thank god for Applecare, though.

[Hala Jamal]

Yes, Applecare is great. Usually not needed very often, if at all, but the odd and weird time something goes wonky, it's great to have.