PC to Mac

CarGuys · 12-01-2011, 11:05 PM

I would like to hear from all that have switched from a PC to a Mac Book and or the I Mac.

Sorry this request is for a PC to a Mac convert - Not a lifetime Mac only user.

This is because I want to know the re-learning curve. If you miss anything from a PC or did you never look back. After our trip to the Apple store tonight it looks like trying to learn Spanish after a life of English.

We are at that point where our 9 year old laptop and Desk Top are end of life
I do need IE for one Automotive program that will not run on FireFox or Safari. I can buy a program for the Macs that run Windows 7 and IE for that need.

The Macs seem so much better for retired life. Video, pictures I Tunes E mail etc.

Thanks Hervey

chuckinca · 12-01-2011, 11:42 PM

PC's do video, pictures, I Tunes, E mail, etc.

I switched from Mac to PC about 15 years ago due to work issues (not an issue now). There isn't anything stopping me from switching back to Mac but I am comfortable now with PC and will probably stay.

.

Tom Hannon · 12-02-2011, 03:11 AM

I switched to Mac a few months ago. The learning curve is little. Go for it

Gerald · 12-02-2011, 05:42 AM

I went from PC to mac in august 2011. The mac can as you know work with the PC programs. However please note that it does so at a much slower speed and sometimes with a few problems. By it self the mac is very good and fast but so is the PC based windows units when set up at the same level. The learning curve to go from PC to Mac depends on how good you are on the computers to start with. It took me a few weeks to get the feel of using the Mac. My wife found that some games she plays on the net do not work well on the mac and used the parallel program (with windows 7) to play those games. Again when in that mode the mac works much slower then you may be used to. So far it seems that the Mac has far less problems with hackers etc. Not to say that they can not get in. Even with the Mac protection is not perfect.

rhood · 12-02-2011, 05:51 AM

I switched to a Mac Book Pro two months ago and now I seldom use my desktop. I thought I would miss the mouse but the touchpad is very nice. Yes, there is a learning curve but I don't miss the PC. I have one program (HTML editor) that won't run on the Mac so I still use the PC for that. The more you use it, the easier it will get. There is a Mac users group here in The Villages that is really active and and knowledgeable and will help you with any issues. Here's their sites: http://www.thevillagesmug.org/ and http://www.thevillagesmug.com/

Taj44 · 12-02-2011, 06:41 AM

My spouse and I switched a few months ago after 30 years on a PC. There is a learning curve, but if you are diligent, it shouldn't take you more than a month to reprogram yourself. Apple has tons of on-line videos which show you how to do everything from email to iPhoto, etc. They also offer a one-on-one service (but nearest Apple store to get this is Orlando) which we purchased ($100 for the year) where we can go online and make an appointment and then get help with whatever we want in person in Orlando from a Mac expert. I have an IMac, and love the wireless mouse and wireless keyboard that came with it. The screen graphics are phenomenal. It seems to run a lot faster than my old PC because you don't have all the antivirus software slowing things down. Mac has built-in security measures so it isn't susceptible to may of the viruses and malware that PC's get.

We also asked about using a windows program on the Mac. My understanding is, the way it works is they partition your hard drive and you have Mac on part of it and Windows on another part of it. Our sales person says this does slow the computer down, so we opted not to do it. We have an old PC laptop we've designated as our Windows source to use the couple of programs that must be run in windows.

We are extremely happy we made the switch. I've had a lot of fun putting together slide shows with music, that I used to struggle with the software on my old PC, but its just a breeze on the mac. Be warned that the prices of the computers are more expensive buying them at the actual Apple store in Orlando. Being a resident of Florida, I found a cheaper price buying it online at an approved Apple dealer out of New York City. They had free shipping and I didn't have to pay tax. I think I saved $100-$150. Good luck.

FoPAA · 12-02-2011, 09:52 AM

I'm another convert, around 2005, and I love my iMac!
It was REALLY no big deal for me to change, don't let your concerns stop you!

mhblau · 12-02-2011, 09:55 AM

Hervey,

I switched from a PC to a MacBook Pro in Oct 2010. I signed up for the $99 lessons for a year at the Apple Store in Cincinnati and went about 4-5 times before moving down here. Also bought the 3 year Apple Care support. They always answer the phone. While there is a learning curve and sometimes I still have trouble figuring things out, in total I love it, did not find it overwhelming at all and am not looking back

Mitch

angiefox10 · 12-02-2011, 10:28 AM

Once I figured out that the Mac was easier.... it clicked.

Using the PC is so complicated to using the Mac. I kept trying to complicate the Mac when it's really simple!

Go for it!

Sunshine Mary · 12-02-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarGuys

I would like to hear from all that have switched from a PC to a Mac Book and or the I Mac.

Sorry this request is for a PC to a Mac convert - Not a lifetime Mac only user.

This is because I want to know the re-learning curve. If you miss anything from a PC or did you never look back. After our trip to the Apple store tonight it looks like trying to learn Spanish after a life of English.

We are at that point where our 9 year old laptop and Desk Top are end of life
I do need IE for one Automotive program that will not run on FireFox or Safari. I can buy a program for the Macs that run Windows 7 and IE for that need.

The Macs seem so much better for retired life. Video, pictures I Tunes E mail etc.

Thanks Hervey

Hervey I'm another convert, around 2006, and I love my iMac!
My son from Houston talked me into it .He Director of Photography, and Editor.and not sorry I now have my lap top and Two ipads and looking to get a desk top IMac 27 inch well be good to Skype back home and I want to get a Macbook air .You well not be sorry I never got a virus since ,It easy to learn took me no time .I would not go back to a PC
So I am extremely happy I made the switch.
Go For it you well not be sorry

borjo · 12-02-2011, 03:56 PM

I transferred to a desktop Mac about 4 years ago, and now I also have the 13" Macbook Pro which i what I use all the time. I did miss Word but have Pages now although I liked Word better. Keypad very easy to use, have had no problems with either. Husband started learning the computer at age 76 but on the Mac, no problem. Went to a free class at the Orlando store, helpfu,l and if you have a laptop, the Mac Users club would be very helpful too. There's so much more this computer can do but I'm happy I have it!

CaptJohn · 09:57 PM

I bought an iBook G4 laptop from a friend a couple of years ago whose whole family have Macs (they're my customer support) and as everyone has said there is a learning curve, not hard just different way of doing some things. Mac owners are quite helpful if you get stuck on something. I still used PC's at work and now at home but use the iBook when traveling and for Powerpoint presentations. Oh yeah, and when this Dell with Windows stops working occasionally the reliable Mac carries the load.

Taj44 · 12-03-2011, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by borjo

I transferred to a desktop Mac about 4 years ago, and now I also have the 13" Macbook Pro which i what I use all the time. I did miss Word but have Pages now although I liked Word better. Keypad very easy to use, have had no problems with either. Husband started learning the computer at age 76 but on the Mac, no problem. Went to a free class at the Orlando store, helpfu,l and if you have a laptop, the Mac Users club would be very helpful too. There's so much more this computer can do but I'm happy I have it!

I missed Word too on my mac, but I downloaded OpenOffice.org, which is free, and used their word processor and spreadsheet programs, which are almost the same as Microsoft's.

samanthagal · 12-03-2011, 10:09 AM

I've tried Mac for a week, but it was too weird. I'll stick to PC.

CarGuys · 12-04-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samanthagal

I've tried Mac for a week, but it was too weird. I'll stick to PC.

I hear ya! I go into the store start playing with the Mac and come out with a Huge headache.

I still have time to process. I am leaning toward the 13 inch Macbook.

Any one have a problem with the 13 inch screens> I am used to a 15 inch as I type on my faithful Think Pad. Mac wants a bank MTG to afford one of those. Seems like they are not wanting people to afford a 15?-

I still have a open mind as we are going to have to buy something. I am NOT taking the office Desk top and tower. Once cool looking now a dinosaur.

Apple TV is awsome! What a cool item. Anyone having fun with a I pad

PC to Mac

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