Help with some questions...

[jmre5150]

I am about to finally make the switch from PC to MacBook Pro, but I have some questions.

1) Will my PC printer work with MacBook Pro?

2) Do I have to purchase a new version of Windows XP in order to use "Parallels"?

3) Is the "MacBook Pro just automatically reboots itself" issue resolved, or is it truly a major factor that some folks claim it is?

4) I have an old monochrome 40GB iPod which I have lost the software disc to. Will I have trouble getting my new MacBook Pro to recognize it?

Thanks in advance for helping out a newbie.

 

[jsw]

1) Will my PC printer work with MacBook Pro?

Almost undoubtedly. All of mine have, including older ones. Which model do you have?

2) Do I have to purchase a new version of Windows XP in order to use "Parallels"?

Yes, unless (I think) you have a full retail version of it and uninstall it from the original PC. Not sure of that.

3) Is the "MacBook Pro just automatically reboots itself" issue resolved, or is it truly a major factor that some folks claim it is?

I've had one for 9 months and have never seen that problem; I don't know how prevalent it is elsewhere.

4) I have an old monochrome 40GB iPod which I have lost the software disc to. Will I have trouble getting my new MacBook Pro to recognize it?

No problem whatsoever, but keep in mind that the Mac (as with any computer running iTunes) will attempt to reset it with the Mac's local library - transfer your music before connecting it. It might not be a bad idea to reset the iPod anyway, then reload it, once you bring it over to the new Mac.

 

[jmre5150]

The printer I have is a Dell printer. I'm sure they don't manufacture their own printers, so if I were to guess who manufactured it for them, I'd guess HP.

One final question...and a critical one at that...

Will I be able to wirelessly connect to my wife's Linksys Router even though all the comps connected to it are PC's? Will the router even recognize my MacBook Pro?

 

[Mac'Mo]

yes to number 2

 

[Lovesong]

The printer I have is a Dell printer. I'm sure they don't manufacture their own printers, so if I were to guess who manufactured it for them, I'd guess HP.

One final question...and a critical one at that...

Will I be able to wirelessly connect to my wife's Linksys Router even though all the comps connected to it are PC's? Will the router even recognize my MacBook Pro?

The MacBook will recognize the router automatically. If you're running a secure network, then all you'll need to do is enter your encryption key (the 10 or 25 symbol password you're using). The Dell printer will work just fine provided that it's not using a serial port (big cable, connecting to a pink port on the back of your PC), and that it has a USB port instead.
Also, the MB reboot issue was resolved about a month ago with a firmware update. Cheers.