Apple/Mac Users .....

[ConeyIsBabe]

I'm considering purchasing a Mac laptop and am in the research-mode.

If you're a Mac user, can you share some information - what model you have, how is it different from the computers we've all become used to, ETC. ? :shrug:

Thank you for any responses.

[starflyte1]

I have had a MacBook for 18 months and love it. Right now, we live 18 miles from a Mac Store , so I was able to buy their one on one, 52 1 hour learning sessions with a Mac representative. Also, if I have a question about something, I take my Mac to the store and the workers show me how to do it.

Moving to TV, I won't have the Mac Store so close, but they have good phone support and perhaps best of all is their Apple.com web site that has a support group with forums. There you can ask any question and shortly some other Mac user will reply. You can go to that site now, before buying a Mac.

I bought a MacBook with 1 gb memory. I would have bought the larger memory one, but the staff told me I did not need it. So far, all is well.

The main reason I prefer my Mac over my Toshiba, is I could go forever and not figure out how to do something on the Toshiba, where with the Mac, I just have to ask.

[Golf-Tinker]

This link takes you to the Villages Macintosh Users' website.

http://www.thevillagesmug.org/

[tony]

Babe,

Don't worry about researching it. Just buy it with all the memory you can afford or that will fit, whichever comes first. (That's pretty much the same with any computer.)

I have a Macbook, as does my wife. We each also have a Mac mini on our desktop. I have invested zero amount of time in keeping these going. Nothing. Zero. Unlike the PCs we used to have.

If you have specific software you want to run, let us know we will try to find answers for you. It would be helpful to know what you want to do with it, also.

I will answer to my best, and promise not be an evangelist, which inevitably starts religious wars.

[JeanneBeannie]

So glad this question was raised! I also have a Toshiba laptop and it got zapped two weeks ago from the lightening. Stupid me had the antique computer protected with the surge protector. Long story short it cant be fixed. A good friend of mine recommended Dell today...I guess its time for me to start shopping as I cant take using this antique...and its a Gateway! Only four years old! But I heard on the news recently that the life of a computer is three years. That is crazy! Nothing like money down the drain! Thanks for all the tips! I will check it out!


I have had a MacBook for 18 months and love it. Right now, we live 18 miles from a Mac Store , so I was able to buy their one on one, 52 1 hour learning sessions with a Mac representative. Also, if I have a question about something, I take my Mac to the store and the workers show me how to do it.

Moving to TV, I won't have the Mac Store so close, but they have good phone support and perhaps best of all is their Apple.com web site that has a support group with forums. There you can ask any question and shortly some other Mac user will reply. You can go to that site now, before buying a Mac.

I bought a MacBook with 1 gb memory. I would have bought the larger memory one, but the staff told me I did not need it. So far, all is well.

The main reason I prefer my Mac over my Toshiba, is I could go forever and not figure out how to do something on the Toshiba, where with the Mac, I just have to ask.

[starflyte1]

Golf, one of the reasons we are moving to TV is the Mac group (s). There is one in Naples, FL that I belong to, but it is down town at the library, and during season, it is just to far to go.

[diskman]

I'm considering purchasing a Mac laptop and am in the research-mode.

If you're a Mac user, can you share some information - what model you have, how is it different from the computers we've all become used to, ETC. ? :shrug:

Thank you for any responses.
We used a PC for 11 years and our son has been a mac user from day one. Occasionally we would get a virus on the pc or have other issues and it drove us crazy. You will not have to deal with a virus on a mac. They are faster and easier to use ours has the OSX 10.4 system it is several years old our daughter bought one last year that has the intel pc chip.
Good luck from another wanna be couple.:wave:

[kit9240]

CIB - I bought a Mac laptop 2 yrs ago system OS 10.4. This is my 2nd Mac. I had the 1st one for 8 yrs and never had a problem. Everyone in my family has a Mac and we love it! No problems ever. The only thing I couldn't get used to was the mouse so I bought a wireless mouse and it is so much easier. I guess it's all what you get used to! I never get spam mail or popups, but that may be my provider (optimum).

I'm happy to hear there is a Mac User Group in TV. There is much more that I would like to learn to do, especially photo editing. Can't wait to get there......another wannabe!!!!

Kathy

[bobfl]

I've had a 20" Imac for about 20 Months now and I find everything is just easier to deal with. It just RUNS and does what I want it to do with no drama. I would highly recommend it. Check out Macmall.com for good deals

Bob

[chuckinca]

So glad this question was raised! I also have a Toshiba laptop and it got zapped two weeks ago from the lightening. Stupid me had the antique computer protected with the surge protector. Long story short it cant be fixed. A good friend of mine recommended Dell today...I guess its time for me to start shopping as I cant take using this antique...and its a Gateway! Only four years old! But I heard on the news recently that the life of a computer is three years. That is crazy! Nothing like money down the drain! Thanks for all the tips! I will check it out!


Three years on a computer used to be the norm because of ever increasing speed, RAM and storage but now it is probably closer to 7 as things have leveled out some.

.

[ijusluvit]

I'm no evangelist either, but there just isn't anything like a Mac. I have a Powerbook G-4 which, as of last week is now three "generations" old. That's about 4 years, but with a small investment in upgrading memory and the Leopard operating system, I am still close to being state of the art. I love photography and I have almost 10,000 photos on the computer. Every one has been edited, which takes quite a bit of processing space, but I have no problems. I've also imported a number of audio books to I-tunes, ready to move to and enjoy on my I-phone. You don't get viruses or other operating problems on Macs, and the help sources are fantastic. I also, subscribe to one-to-one, which has actually done the impossible; I am approaching the geek-knowledge level! There has just been a revision in the one-to-one program. Three- hour work sessions are offered for small groups. The closest Apple store is in Tampa, but the drive is worth it to be able to get that much help at one time. I am now scanning and restoring hundreds of old family photos and making on-line albums for my kids.
Everything described above cost me less than $2000. The newest Macs have much more power and have taken a significant price drop, but I will continue to be able to use my machine indefinitely.

[starflyte1]

A trip to the Mac Store is a destination. I love to go there. If you check on the web site, you can be there when they give group presentations.

[joannej]

Not only are MAC's virtually virus-free, you don't get the "pop-up" ads as often as you get on a PC. We used to have PC's but then our daughter got us using MAC's (computer and laptops), and we just love them. I don't think you can go wrong with any model. It just depends on how much you want to spend and the memory, speed, you want. The MAC reps at the MAC store are good to talk to. They are all computer geeks and can help you choose a good model that will fit your needs. BTW, if you get Microsoft Works put on your machine (or the latest Microsoft wordprocessing package put on your computer, the attachments that are sent to PC users are "PC" friendly. Never had a problem opening other files either. Good luck and enjoy your new MAC!!

[mitchbr47]

I don't know if you just want to go on the web and check your email. Maybe a PC might work. Then all the virus iues and virus updates will drive you crazy. Maybe Windows 7 will be better.
A Mac laptop might cost more, but you get a quality product. If a problem arises the tech support is great. My laptop needed a new logic board. I had it back in 3 days. I had a row pixels on the screen that died just before the ant expired. They replaced the 17 inch screen and installed a new battery. Things happen to all computer. Hard drives, batteries, and memory are made by the same vendors.
Consumers Reports gives macs high ratings. Customer satisfaction tops Dell, Toshiba, and HP.
Things just work, scanners, printers, cameras, etc.
My wife and I both have Mac laptops. I have an older G4 Powerbook and she has a newer Intel based macbook. My laptop is 4 years old and is a bit sluggish due to having only 1 GB of memory. Both run the current OS Leopard 10.5.7. We have NEVER had a virus, malware, Trojan horse. I can open just about any file. Another advantage is that if you needed to run an application that is only available on Widows, you could run Vista or XP on your Mac. I wouldn't. My son does for a few work related needs.
They come loaded with software, not trial versions that is common on many Windows computers.
On a laptop consider an extended warranty. Shop around at places like Amazon which discount the warranties. You can save a bit there. Attend a user group and ask more question. Go to Barnes and Noble near LSL and browse a few Mac books. Test drive one at the Apple Store. I don't know if the Best Buy in TV carries Macs yet. Some stores do.
One more thing. some of our friends live in Santo Domingo. Her PC was really acting up. Fragmtation problems, constant malware problems, email problems in Outlook. Our son had ad G4 tower. I put in a bigger hard drive, installed the operating system (Tiger 10.3), then picked up an Acer monitor and a new mouse. This is a 6 old computer. It works great for their needs. I would call her a novice regarding technology. She caught on real quickly to the desktop and using the dock.

[chelsea24]

They say "once you have a Mac, you'll never go back!" And how right they are! I love my iMac. I wouldn't go back to a PC if they gave me one free! There's simply no comparison. Just the sound of "Windows" make me shutter! (No pun intended!) Haha! Don't worry CIB. You'll love the ease and reliability of a Mac. :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[ConeyIsBabe]

Y'all have convinced me!! Thanks for all the responses which overwhelmingly approve of the Mac! I think I'll get the MacBookAir 1.86 GHz along with the photography software and the 3-year service contract.

bobfl mentioned macmall.com which gives a rebate, making the price cheaper, but if I order from apple.com they download the software. Do I need to purchase any other necessary extras ????

Thanks again for all comments! :pepper2:

[ijusluvit]

Purchase your Mac directly from Apple online or an Apple store. The discounts elsewhere are small. Apple is in the process of instituting new policies to limit support for machines bought elsewhere and increase support for those bought from them. It's a war out there and you can't blame them for tightening up in this area.

[faithfulfrank]

CIB,

First, I agree with everyone here. I switched to a Mac 8 years ago......and NEVER looked back. how could anyone trust something called "windows" not to break?

BTW, I still use that 8 year old 17" G4 Imac daily...still as perfect as the day I got it. It is also a thing of beauty. I also have a 12" G4 powerbook that I am using here at the firehouse right now. I run leopard on both with no problems.

I would not recommend the Macbook air......it is nice, but you are paying a bit more for less, just to own the skinniest laptop. I'd get the NEW 13 or 15 inch macbook pro.

In fact, I plan on buying a new 13" macbook pro THIS WEEK. (Insert happy boy dance).

I'll buy direct from the apple store website, get my educational discount, get a FREE, (yes, FREE) ipod touch...(AMAZING !!!), $100 off any new printer, (i'll get the $150 one to get a bluetooth wireless printer for only $50.00)

I'l also buy applecare for only $181.00. (total protection for 3 years....) AND i'll spend only $9.95 and they will send me the next operating system called snow leopard when it comes out in September.

Let's see dell or Bill Gates do THAT.

Yeah, they cost a bit more then a disposable windoze laptop, but they hold their value, and have things the others don't like sudden motion sensor, Magsafe power adapter, etc.

You can buy iwork 09 for only $41.00, or (If you want it....) Microsoft office for mac for only $181.00

If you are close to an apple store, the "One to One" program for $99.00 gives you 52 one hour lessons.......imagine spending an hour a week with a Mac expert, teaching you anything you want to know for LESS then 2 bucks a week..........(like bill Gates is going to do THAT.)

The only thing that makes me more smug then my Macs is perhaps my new Prius.......hahahahaha.......

Forgive me for being punchy....I've been at work for over 34 hours straight and for over 40 hours overtime just this week......thank God I have my mac!!

Macs will never be the majority....there will always be more windoze users then Mac users......just like there will always be more Chevys then Rolls Royces.

In 8 years i've never gotten a virus or had a crash......and my "old" g4 powerbook here still easily gets over $500 on ebay......

Go to the apple website and search for the "switching to a Mac" page.

Run, don't walk to the happy side of computer ownership.....Macs rule!!

Frank D.

[ConeyIsBabe]

After looking at the Macs in person, at an authorized dealer in Medford, I changed my mind from the Air to the MacBook 13" Pro with 2.53 GHz. Like Frank said.... more computer for same price! I'm not a student so I don't qualify for the freebie ipod, etc !

Again, thanks for all your advice; gonna buy it soon.

Now I have to find a wireless service so I can cancel Qwest DSL (cuz it has been a great disappointment!)

[imbrennan]

[QUOTE=faithfulfrank;211686]CIB,


I'll buy direct from the apple store website, get my educational discount, get a FREE, (yes, FREE) ipod touch...(AMAZING !!!), $100 off any new printer, (i'll get the $150 one to get a bluetooth wireless printer for only $50.00)


Can you tell me please what you have to show to get an educational discount? My husband was a teacher in the UK (still has his teacher's registration number) and is still involved in education in that he now marks the Cambridge University GCSE examinations which are held every year - currently marking IT papers for foreign students. He has been wanting to change from our Toshiba on Windows XP to a Mac for a long time. Would he be eligible for this discount in the United States?

We bought our Toshiba in The Villages and just use it in the UK with an adaptor to change from the usual U.S. 2 pin flat plug to our 3 pin round plug and it works fine, so presumably a Mac would work OK over here too.

Hope you are going to tell me that he would qualify!

[faithfulfrank]

I would think the UK also has the educational discount.
I was told by an employee at the apple store last week that when you buy at the Apple Store, you must give them some proof of enrollment or proof of being a teacher.

He then leaned over and told me in hushed tones that " Now I didn't tell you this, but when you buy from the educational store part of the apple store online, they do not and have no way of actually checking weather you qualify or not".

Now, for me, I am enrolled at a NY state college and I'm a NYS instructor, so i qualify anyway.......but it seems like anyone can buy from the educational part online without having to submit proof, etc. I'm not saying that is right, but i'm just passing along what the apple store employee told me.

You should be able to easily buy it that way, and always show proof after the fact if ever needed. The savings buying from the educational store is that you get at least $100 off the Mac, you get the $229 ipod for FREE, and you can buy Applecare for much cheaper.....$183 for the 13" macbook pro laptop.......totaling about a $400 savings.........

Frank D.

[GMONEY]

We have been Dell users for awhile, but will be making the move to the IMac. Those things are nice. The applications they have seem to run alot better and alot easier to operate. There seems to be so much more to them. We went to the Apple Store at the Florida Mall. Seems you cant go wrong with it.

[ConeyIsBabe]

Guess what? I AM a student and didn't realize it !

I've taken lots of computer classes sponsored by the local Community College and am going into town today to sign up for three more!! Maybe that will qualify me for the educational discount ????? If it does .... :pepper2: but even if it doesn't -- gonna buy the Mac anyway ! :girlneener:

[ConeyIsBabe]

I qualified for the educational discount ~ bought the 13" MackBookPro and LOVE IT ~ LOVE IT :024:


Can we share some sources for Mac users support, tips, forums, etc. I tried the Apple online Community and would like to find others.

[memason]

Try www.mac-forums.com/ and welcome to the carefree world of the Apple!

[faithfulfrank]

Congrats! I am typing from my 13"MBP right now......

There is also www.appleinsider.com and www.myfirstmac.com

There are also many others....ENJOY!

Frank

[Ohiogirl]

Thank you Frank! I'm a new Mac User - just bought a Macbook end of December. I found this site very helpful. Fortunately, I have 2 sons-in-law who are Mac users who can also help me out, and once I move to The Villages this fall will probably be at the Mac users group whenever I get stuck. I'm hoping that will be less often with a Mac!

[faithfulfrank]

I too look forward to joining the "MUG" there once we move to Florida. I'm told that the MUG group there is not inclusive to just Villagers like most of the other groups, so I as an outsider, owning in The Plantation I would still be welcome. I appreciate that.

Frank