Apple operating system

[moz]

I know it says "Discuss anything except...Personal Computing Platforms" in the intro to this thread, but can someone just give me some advice on this one?

I've got a Windows PC and am thinking of getting a laptop. Since getting an iPod and loving everything about the way it works, looks etc, I'm wondering whether to go over to Apple. I was thinking I could get an iBook or something and maybe if I find I can work with this and without my PC I may get a Mac too.

Can someone tell me if the Apple OS is so much different from Windows that its difficult to get used to. Are there problems with compatability with Windows? Are they so much better that it's worth it?

I know these are all contentious questions which are more down to personal opinions than straight facts, but I'd value any advice.

I use my PC for email (Outlook), accessing the internet (IE), writing letters (MS Word) doing the odd database (Excel) a few presentations (Powerpoint), writing a newsletter (Publisher) and running a website (Front Page). I also of course use iTunes and finally use the PC for sorting out my digital camera pictures. I'd like a laptop to do most of this (and I know you can get Office for Macs).

What do people think?

You can't get 'Publisher' for the Mac, though there are plenty of alternatives including 'Works' which is included, and free. You will, of course, need a new version of Office.

You'll find OS X a cinch after Windows, though you may find yourself using Mail and Safari rather than Outlook and Explorer - there's not much to choose between them.

Compatability is no great problem, and you'll find iPhoto a joy. If you do get an iBook or Powerbook, I'll lay good money that you'll replace your desktop PC with a Mac as soon as you can afford to.

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by Jackonicko
If you do get an iBook or Powerbook, I'll lay good money that you'll replace your desktop PC with a Mac as soon as you can afford to.

How true that is.. Just 6 weeks after getting a G4 iBook I am contemplating purchasing a Power Mac with Cinema display when I can... Perhaps in 2 years or so, but I may just go with a PowerBook in 3 years, which is fully maxed out, you really gotta love the 'Book's portability and mobility with AirPort..

-Dan

[stickuto]

well moz, i am wanting to do the same as, i'm a pc user wanting to make the change, proberly a laptop, though the imac looks good 2.

from what i have found out appleworks files are compatible on office, though i don't belive the appleworks powerpoint software is.

try this site www.ionmac.com it has helped me out with a few things i wanted to know.

cya there

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by stickuto
well moz, i am wanting to do the same as, i'm a pc user wanting to make the change, proberly a laptop, though the imac looks good 2.

from what i have found out appleworks files are compatible on office, though i don't belive the appleworks powerpoint software is.

try this site www.ionmac.com it has helped me out with a few things i wanted to know.

cya there

The Apple Works version of Power Point (Presentation) is not compatible with Word's Power Point as it saves it in a ".cwk" format. I would really suggest getting Office 2004, it is worth it. It is VERY handy when it comes to school. I just save the presentation from the Mac onto a thumb drive, bring it to school and work on it, no hassle at all..

-Dan

[stickuto]

office for mac = more expensense, i poor student

microsoft = rip off

[Matrixsjd]

yeah office is expensive even with the student discount, that's why I got it from a friend

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by stickuto
office for mac = more expensense, i poor student

microsoft = rip off

If you really wanted to you could download it or get a key for it and use a friend's copy, not condoning that or anything, just showing you other options.. Also I wouldn't label Microsoft as a rip off... Many Anti-M$ users use it and like it a lot, especially because of its functionality and high compability with Windows machines, which in truth dominate today's business sectors.. It is made by Mac users under the Microsoft label... So don't judge it just because it has a Microsoft logo on it...

-Dan

[MBHockey]

I think you should do it. Getting my powerbook was the best computing decision i ever made

[CrzyCanuck72]

like Doug, I'm not condoning anything, but let me just say if you're willing to suffer through long download times, there are plently of copies available on P2P networks.

[enjoilax]

Originally posted by Doug Gilmour
The Apple Works version of Power Point (Presentation) is not compatible with Word's Power Point as it saves it in a ".cwk" format. I would really suggest getting Office 2004, it is worth it. It is VERY handy when it comes to school. I just save the presentation from the Mac onto a thumb drive, bring it to school and work on it, no hassle at all..

-Dan

*rolls eyes*

Its all about Openoffice.org

[bdb]

Keep in mind, this group might just be very pro-Apple.

Personally, I always found the Apple OS annoying, but I haven't used it all that much. I'm sure that, like anything else, once you get used to it that its fine.

My only concern with Apple is that it seems like anyone who makes something compatible with Apple feels it necessary to charge a lot more - a trend that has unfortunately also bled over to the iPod (where a car charger is $30 instead of $8).

So just make sure you consider all factors, and all your costs. There's no doubt that an Apple computer will do what you need, but then again it sounds like Windows already did. You can get Windows laptops very cheap these days (I have two!).

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by bdb

And it seems like anyone who makes something compatible with Apple feels it necessary to charge a lot more - a trend that has unfortunately also bled over to the iPod (where a car charger is $30 instead of $8).

I think that applies to basically all popular, trendy devices where the the accessory makers know they can make a few extra bucks.. Another example would be cell phone car adaptors, which run for $25-30 usually..

-Dan

The cheapest way to 'dip your toe' in the Mac pond would be the eMac - or to buy second-hand, or pre-loved!

[enjoilax]

Originally posted by Jackonicko
The cheapest way to 'dip your toe' in the Mac pond would be the eMac - or to buy second-hand, or pre-loved!

I highly suggest getting a pre-loved iMac actually.

Try to get a G3 700 mhz iMac, but when you get it add some ram into it so you can run Panther or Tiger...