I bought a new laptop yesterday. This is the first new computer I have ever bought for myself. When Roland left, I had some old system that had been upgraded from spare parts, and in 2000, Intel gave me a desktop system through their HomePC program.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been talking with Ken and a couple of guys at work who were all adamant that I should not consider anything but a Mac. They all used to be PC owners, and after using a Mac, said they wouldn’t consider any other system again. After much research, comparing Windows systems and Macs, changing my mind several times, and reading the latest ratings from Consumer Reports, I decided to “bite the apple”. I bought a MacBook. I wavered between the 13.3″ and 15.4″. Consumer Reports rated the 15.4″ MacBook Pro as the best laptop out, but they didn’t rate smaller screen systems. In the end, it was my budget that was the deciding factor, and I got the upgraded 13.3″. I do love the small size, especially after Richard bragged about his little Vaio and how much he loved it when he was here last month.
I was intrigued by the OS and software, and thought it might be just plain fun to try something different. I didn’t want to wait until October when Leopard comes out, so I’ll have to pay $129 for the upgrade if I decide to buy it.
I brought my new system home yesterday afternoon, went through the setup, installed the iLife08 software that came with it, and connected to the internet. I downloaded Firefox (I’ve heard it beats Safari, and it’s familiar) and discovered an extension that synchronizes my bookmarks on different systems. That was really helpful, so I didn’t have to set up all the feeds for all the blogs I read. I just synchronized them with my desktop PC.
Today, I picked up the laptop to take it into the other room, and when I did, I lost my internet connection. After struggling all afternoon trying to reconnect, I was ready to toss it! I finally called Daryl. I figure he’s going to have to learn Apple systems pretty quick so he can bail me out of the jams I get in to, and he might as well start today! He was ready to drive over when I discovered one problem was a typo in the WEP password. That still didn’t fix it, but he realized I needed to set up my router to allow the new system to connect. Apparently, when I connected to the web last night, it must have been through some neighbor’s wireless signal. Daryl used LogMeIn to set it for me. We’ll be looking for a software that he can use to remotely connect to my Mac through either his Windows or Linux system.
I know I have a lot to learn. I’m sure there will be many frustrating moments, but I want to try to figure out as much as I can by myself. I guess if Mom can get herself set up to order her prescriptions online all by herself (yay, Mom!!), I should be able to figure out a system that is advertised as the most user friendly on the market.
Any and all suggestions are welcome, but please don’t anyone tell me I made a mistake. There’s no going back now. I bit the apple and it’s on its way down.
Bravo! I’ve heard a lot of really great things about Mac laptops. Apple does do the interface better than anyone else and I’m betting your laptop is the same. One other good thing is Macs use Intel chips now and will actually run Windows programs with the right bridge. I’m not sure how you do it but it’s good to know you can if you ever need to.
I understand Daryl is starting to learn a little Linux too. That’s also very good.
Don’t be too complimentary until I have the medications in my hands. There’s many a slip between the cup and the lip–an old saying, but in my case, there are lots of slips! Without Daryl to bail me out of almost daily computer problems, i would be sitting here using a pen to write my letters and the telephone to contact everyone.
I’m ordering extra RAM (I need 2G) to be able to run Parallels, one software that allows you to switch to a Windows desktop.
I bet once you get used to it you’ll like it a lot. Unfortunately there is a lot of SW out there that is only available for Windows, but probably everything you will really want to use will have some Mac version or similar capability. Anyway, with Parallels you should get over that hump too.
As Don mentioned, I’m experimenting with Linux, and it’s surprising how little Windows SW I really need to use. Maybe together we can break Bill Gate’s stranglehold…
I hope it works out well for you. We are looking to buy Dianna a laptop also. We will probably just buy an inexpensive one since it will only be used for email and Pogo. We have found that our desktop system is just too much of a power hog for our lifestyle. It is by far the most power consuming electrical device we have in our rig, and requires way too much of our batteries when we are relying on solar charging.
I would love a mac for the graphics. We had that in highschool. They work much better.
I was looking at the Parallels software and noticed it’s actually cheaper than buying a copy of Windows Home Basic. Parallels was $79 and WHB is $99. And I was the one who thought Apple was expensive. 😉
Yeah, but you still have to buy a copy of Windows to install. Parallels just gives you the virtual environment that Windows can run within.
I told Donna she should use Windows 2K with it…
Oh! Is it similar to VMWare?
My 2G of RAM came today. I think I can install it myself (the instructions look incredibly simple), and then will order my Parallels (hmmm…wonder if I can download it…), then Daryl can help me install Windows. (pretty please?)
Parallels is about the same thing as VMWare. In fact, VMWare just announced that they support Macs, but I think I would go with the proven program until VMWare proves they have worked out the kinks.
Donna — sounds like fun! Let me know when you are ready to go.
It’s been a while. How about an update on your Mac experience.
I fear her new Mac doesn’t work! Why else would she not be able to answer you for all these days? 😉
Sounds like it works but she can’t read my question. 🙂