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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:47 AM
Original message
I'm getting a MacBook.
Giving up on my Dell Inspiron 8500 ... unstable after only 2 1/2 years and Dell support is useless. (Actually, it started out unstable when it was new and has gotten REALLY bad.) The salesman at Apple says I'll love my new MacBook. All you Mac users out there -- is the switch as painless as they say it is? I'm sort of nervous about this, even though I've been wanting to do it for a while. Got any tips for me?
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:48 AM
Response to Original message
1. You'll fight it
for a few weeks, and then wonder how you ever put up with a Dell.

Honestly. I made the same switch about a year ago and couldn't be happier with the Mac.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:52 AM
Response to Reply #1
2. Do you run Microsoft Office on it?
Or something else for documents and spreadsheets? I'm a little nervous about that part ... and also switching over from Microsoft Money to manage my bank account.

I'm already wondering how I ever put up with Dell. One of the reasons I'm not getting this one fixed is that I refuse to give them one more penny for their rotten service.

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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:56 AM
Response to Reply #2
6. Yeah,
it has Microsoft Office on it. Unfortunately, that's kinda a necessity.

I hear you with Dell. I fought them for YEARS. They replaced one laptop piece by piece as it fell apart, then finally gave me a new one...which lasted a year before it went to shit too. It's currently in pieces (yes, literally it fell apart) under my bed. I will never...ever...buy a Dell again.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:02 PM
Response to Reply #6
11. OK, so I'm going to have to fork over another $400
to get that since I now have the PC version. x( But I really do need it. The MacBook comes with a free evaluation copy, so it should be easy to get the real one installed.

Dell has really gone downhill fast. I have made the exact vow -- NEVER to buy a Dell again. And they don't give a crap when you tell them. :shrug: Hey, maybe we could combine our pieces and get a computer that works. :toast:
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onehandle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:09 PM
Response to Reply #11
14. Look at shopping sites carefully for deals.
There are better prices out there.

Also, there are few restrictions on getting the Student and Teacher Edition. I understand that the registration is easy. $128 at Amazon.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:13 PM
Response to Reply #14
16. That's good to know.
What's the advantage to getting the Student and Teacher Edition? I was just going to get the Standard Edition.
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onehandle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:23 PM
Response to Reply #16
20. Price.
Edited on Fri May-26-06 12:24 PM by onehandle
You basically have to claim that you are a student or teacher.

Read through both editions to make sure you are getting what you want.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:30 PM
Response to Reply #20
23. And you don't have to prove it?
(OK, I used to teach piano lessons -- does that count?)

I use Word and Excel more than anything right now, so I'd be OK if it just had those. You sure have been helpful, onehandle! :toast:

... And Dell has the nerve to run a commercial on my TV just now. :grr:
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HarukaTheTrophyWife Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 01:38 PM
Response to Reply #23
33. I actually went with my friend so she could get an Apple student discount.
Basically, I went along with my college ID (I dropped out, but I still have the ID) and she just said that she was paying for the computer, but it was actually for me. With that method, she got an extra $100 off the computer. I'm sure you can get a student/teacher version of Office with no problem, especially if you can buy it off Amazon.
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onehandle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:58 AM
Response to Reply #2
8. I do. It's as good or better on a Mac.
They leapfrog versions on the two platforms. One year Macs will have the newer Microsoft innovations, the next Windows will.

The Mac division of Microsoft is very Mac friendly.

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:05 PM
Response to Reply #8
12. Thanks for the link.
I wonder if they'll let me trade in my PC version for a Mac one? :shrug:
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FruityNuts Donating Member (7 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 01:55 PM
Response to Reply #12
35. No trade in but...
you qualify for the upgrade price. Also you might see if AppleWorks still comes bundled. If so, you might not "need" office.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 02:44 PM
Response to Reply #35
37. That's good to know.
AppleWorks doesn't come bundled with the MacBooks ... and, it doesn't look like it'll work on them. The MacBooks come with a trial of iWork, but it doesn't look like that has a spreadsheet program. There's also a trial of Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac. I'll have to talk to them and find out how to get the upgrade price.
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Touchdown Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:33 PM
Response to Reply #2
25. Look at iWork. It's compatible with MSO
Pages is so cool. Drop a pic in it, and all the words move out of the way. No button pushing, just drag it in.
The PP equal is Keynote. All presentations work on either and vice-versa.

Appleworks comes with the Mac and has a speadsheet that will translate to Xcel. It also has a basic word processor.
Mail is better than Outlook.

You can talk to anybody, and send/recieve anything anybody else on MS has with these. The only problem is Windows Media. You need a flip4mac to convert WM to QT to see them, since MS isn't making Mac versions of it anymore.

iWork is only $90.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:37 PM
Response to Reply #25
26. Cool -- it comes with a trial of iWork.
And the price is right. :D
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catbert836 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:53 AM
Response to Original message
3. Welcome to the light side.
I've pretty much always used a Mac... I can use a PC, like I'm doing right now, but a Mac just gives a better vibe, has a better aura, or something. :toast:
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:57 AM
Response to Reply #3
7. Thanks.
It'll be an improvement if it simply works and connects to the internet when it comes ... something this POS didn't do out of the box.

I can't even order it until after we move next week, but I'm getting excited. Harleydad told me today that I'd better get something else before my Dell stops working altogether.

:toast:
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onehandle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:53 AM
Response to Original message
4. Are you buying at or have access to an Apple Store?
Edited on Fri May-26-06 11:59 AM by onehandle
They will go out of their way to help you.

You may want to purchase a "Pro-Care" plan if you are near a store ($99). It's worth every penny.
They'll transfer everything you need off of your Dell and set up your MacBook. Also you get an hour of one-on-one training every week for a year. Expedited repairs. etc...

http://www.apple.com/retail/procare/
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:59 AM
Response to Reply #4
9. Actually, I called the 800 number and talked to someone there.
I don't know if we'll be near a store after we move ... something to consider. Thanks!

I can probably do all the transfers myself, but I sure would like to NOT have to.
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onehandle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:00 PM
Response to Reply #9
10. List of stores here---->
http://www.apple.com/retail/
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:07 PM
Response to Reply #10
13. Doesn't look like there's anything close.
Only two stores in TN?

Thanks for the link, though. :hi:
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eyesroll Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:54 AM
Response to Original message
5. Go for it, and let me know how it goes.
I should be getting one over the summer (for law school) -- I've been using Macs since the 1980s so I won't have the learning curve, but the MacBook is new so there may be some quirks/bugs.

Marquette Law has quietly dropped their "we don't support Macs" line from their Web site. I found out lots of students use Macs -- and now, with the Intel processor allowing users to dual boot OSX and Windows, I won't have to worry about some exam software being incompatible.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:12 PM
Response to Reply #5
15. OK.
I'm hoping it's a good thing. The salesman mentioned putting Windows on it, but I want to make the break from Windows as soon as I can.

My Dell has had enough quirks/bugs since day one that I'm not too worried about that part of the MacBook. This was my first laptop and it's been a really bad experience.

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riona Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:13 PM
Response to Original message
17. I don't have that Mac model
but when I switched to the one I have, I bought a book to go with it (Amazon has a bunch of them). It comes in handy - a whole lot easier than juggling help, support and discussion articles and doing what needs to be done at the same time. Also, you won't have to print as much stuff.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:15 PM
Response to Reply #17
18. But ... but ...
I'm getting a new almost-free printer with it. Don't I want to give it a good workout? :D

Just kidding. Thanks for the advice. What was the most helpful book for you?
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onehandle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:22 PM
Response to Reply #18
19. Here are two books you need.
The "Missing Manual" series are the best computer books out there. Cheap and packed with info.

This one is a Must for you:
Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Tiger Edition (Paperback)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596006608/sr=8-1/qid=1148664101/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-3925435-7591040?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Mac OS X: The Missing Manual, Tiger Ed (Missing Manual) (Paperback)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596009410/qid=1148663843/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-3925435-7591040?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:27 PM
Response to Reply #19
21. They look great!
Thanks! I'm going to get them both. :bounce: Now I'm REALLY excited! :woohoo:
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riona Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:39 PM
Response to Reply #18
27. Yes, Pogue books are good
and I like Brad Miser too. Sometimes they're at the library if you want to see which author is good for you.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:42 PM
Response to Reply #27
28. I'll take a look at them.
Thanks! :hi:
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Orsino Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:30 PM
Response to Original message
22. Dude, you got hosed by Dell!
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 12:33 PM
Response to Reply #22
24. LMAO!
:rofl: Yeah, dude! Totally! I bought their most expensive laptop and it doesn't work 2 1/2 years later. How's that for a deal? And they still say, "Thank you for choosing Dell" whenever I call. :shrug: They'll never get off my shit list.
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CaliforniaPeggy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 01:21 PM
Response to Original message
29. My dear AimensMom!
Good for you, sweetie!

Hope it all works out exactly as you want.....and as you deserve!


:bounce: :bounce: :loveya: :hug:
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 01:28 PM
Response to Reply #29
30. Thanks, Peggy.
Maybe after I get my new laptop and get settled down in TN, I'll be able to come to DU more often! :bounce: (I'm on borrowed time now, as my laptop has been on for 1 1/2 hours ... just about the max before the display turns into dancing grey pixels. It'll crap out any minute now.)

:loveya: :hug:
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HarukaTheTrophyWife Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 01:35 PM
Response to Original message
31. Yes and it'll be even smoother because of the Intel chip.
And you have people on DU, that can answer questions.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 01:36 PM
Response to Reply #31
32. True.
:bounce: I'm looking forward to the adventure. :woohoo:
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m_welby Donating Member (508 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 01:49 PM
Response to Original message
34. The most imporant thing to remember with macs
..is that if you are having trouble figuring out HOW to do something on a mac then you are making it more complex than it is.

It isn't a windows machine. Macs are designed to be simple. I've had to assist a number of windows techs how to deal with the mac because they only know the microsoft way. Some can never quite get it.

Remember: doing anything on the mac is simpler than you expect it to be.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 02:39 PM
Response to Reply #34
36. Good point.
I came from OS/2 land and didn't have a lot of trouble picking up Windows. I'm already surprised at how easy it is to buy one! :D
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NJ Democrats Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:09 PM
Response to Original message
38. I have a Mac labtop
Powerbook I think. I like it, very good laptop. But I like Windows and Microsoft better, I'm used to it. But I have Campaq/HP which is better than Dell and much better than the shit of a compupter they call Gateway which my school has cause they are cheap.
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AirmensMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-26-06 11:16 PM
Response to Reply #38
39. I thought I was getting a good computer
when I bought my Dell. I sure did pay enough for it. :grr: And I've heard bad things about Gateway, too. I hate to have to buy new software, but I think it's time to try a Mac. I won't be ordering it for another week or so, though.
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