How can I convert my account grandfather to a MacBook Pro

[WilliApple]

Greetings! I have a grandfather who has a 2015 HP Envy laptop, and it's slowly breaking down.

I am wondering how I can convert him.

He listened to my sales pitch, and according to his words, I would recommend him the 16 inch M2 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro when that comes out tomorrow.

However, he said it was a deal killer because of one thing:
It has no numerical keyboard.

Because he is an account, he wants the numerical keyboard to crunch numbers into.
So I suggested him something like this:

He said it's just another thing that he has to bring with him to work.

Now I need your help in converting him to a MacBook.

Thanks in advance!
Sincerely, Will

 

[Chancha]

The way I see it, I am sure he feels the same, is that it is an unreasonable switch. From your description it is clear he is an accountant by trade, who absolutely needs a numpad, without it he will just be handicapped at least thousands of time per day. Then he even mentions the hassle of bringing that bluetooth version to work, it means he needs the whole setup to be portable. Since Apple has refused to put a full size KB on its 15"/16" or even the 17" MBP when it existed, I agree with him this is a deal breaker. Any sort of external numpad only makes sense when it is used sparingly, so the times when you don't need it you can store it away. Or you use a small laptop with absolutely no room for full sized KB, but we are talking about the 16" here. I also wonder if the software he uses are more Windows friendly as well.

 

[Analog Kid]

The way I see it, I am sure he feels the same, is that it is an unreasonable switch. From your description it is clear he is an accountant by trade, who absolutely needs a numpad, without it he will just be handicapped at least thousands of time per day. Then he even mentions the hassle of bringing that bluetooth version to work, it means he needs the whole setup to be portable. Since Apple has refused to put a full size KB on its 15"/16" or even the 17" MBP when it existed, I agree with him this is a deal breaker. Any sort of external numpad only makes sense when it is used sparingly, so the times when you don't need it you can store it away. Or you use a small laptop with absolutely no room for full sized KB, but we are talking about the 16" here. I also wonder if the software he uses are more Windows friendly as well.

I tend to agree.

Maybe pitching the full external keyboard w/ numpad makes it a little easier, but then that kind of necessitates an external mouse/trackpad as well. If he can leave those on his desk and only carry the MB, it might work.

 

[KaliYoni]

2015 HP Envy laptop

Another thing to keep in mind about number pads is that Windows number pads have a slightly different key layout than Mac number pads. Somebody who is used to inputting numbers and mathematical operators by touch or muscle memory (that's what the raised dot or ridge on the "5" key is for) might be thrown off by a change to a "new" keypad.

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ETA: interesting images, I don't think Apple has ever made a laptop with a number pad. Probably due to Jobs' hatred of extended keyboards and Ive's obsession with minimalism. And these days, a combination of low demand for widebody laptops and Cook's focus on costs.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Right tool for the right job. I agree with Grandpa, he needs to stick with Windows.

 

[Fishrrman]

The man is an accountant -- he works with numbers.
His need for a numeric keypad seems justified.

Also... is the software he uses Windows-only? Could be a big sticking point.

Let him keep Windows for work.

I reckon the best you could do might be to persuade him to consider a MacBook or MacBook Pro "for personal" (non-work) use.

 

[cthompson94]

Yeah this will be harder since he seems adamant about keeping the numeric keyboard (which is understandable being an accountant), and if he doesn't want to bring a second device really the only option is a Mac Mini with the full size keyboard, but if this is a computer that needs to go from work and home then that isn't possible either.

Really your choices are to bring another device (they numeric pad) to be able to switch/use the computer for the job (also keep in mind what @Fishrrman said because his software may be limited to Windows although unless he is using old software I feel any modern accounting software should be compatible with both by now) or keep with PC and just update his computer with a good brand.

 

[Audit13]

Retired CPA here and I use both MacBooks and Windows. For work, I stuck with Windows computers.

 

[Ruggy]

I never managed to convince my accountant step dad. He likes the mac, he can see a lot of advantages but apart from the keyboard, he still has a lot very old accountancy software that he has to use from time to time (sage I think ) and so he would need a Windows machine as,well.

 

[BrianBaughn]

When you can't get a good argument for switching from a Mac-centric web forum…it may be time to give up!

 

[Thirio2]

I am an engineer and also think a number pad is essential. I have a BT pad next to my MBP, but I don’t need portability. my next purchase may be a new mini and a wired keyboard with a number pad. Also, for my use Excel is much better than numbers. I agree with most of the other posters that he should stick with windows.