Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

I Can't Believe I've Been Missing Out So Long...

N

norcio

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 22, 2007
9
0
this is my first post on macrumors forums, although i've been visiting this website for about 2 years. i never joined because i didn't have a mac, but things have changed...

yesterday i braved the downtown (L.A.) traffic to make a stop at my bank. i took out $2100 in cash, then drove to the apple store at the grove in beverly hills. i bought the base model 15" mbp and all i can say is WOW. the bad thing about this site (if there is anything bad to say) is that it kept me from purchasing a mac in the past out of fear that it would be upgraded right after purchase. but now that i took the leap, i can't help but kick myself about how long i've been missing out on OSX. i am literally blown away on all the features it has to offer.

as you probably guessed, i am a switchover from peecee but i'm really starting to get the hang of the differences between the two. OSX is definitely more logically laid out than XP, not to mention this computer feels about a million times faster. here are a few reasons why i decided to purchase my MBP:

  • larger screen than my HP
  • high resolution screen
  • reliability (including security in terms of viruses and spyware)
  • portability and battery life
  • iWeb, expose (i love these two)
  • boot camp (i'm not going to bother with the beta version right now, i'll wait)
  • quality (it truely is the Mercedes Benz of computers)
  • and yes of course, the cool factor!

i really want to learn all OSX has to offer, especially the programs. could anyone recommend a good site (besides the OSX page on apple.com) that has some good tutorials--preferably video tutorials. right now i'm trying to work automator and it's a little difficult for me. i also have some questions regarding my external hard drive that i have from my last computer--like if i can use it for both OSX and XP. i've found some good threads already so hopefully i will figure it out without having to ask any repeat questions. Also, are there any cool programs or features that anyone recommends i check out? like i said, i don't really know everything that's out there for macs, so any feedback is greatly appreciated. i'd also be glad to answer any questions you guys might have, if you have any (because i'm just a noob).

I LOVE MY MBP!!!

p.s. i probably should have waited a few more days to buy this because i have a midterm on monday and it's going to be hard to put this down to study :cool:
 
3

3nm

macrumors 6502a
Jul 30, 2006
991
0
congrats on your purchase!

just so you know, the grove is not in BH! the closest apple store to BH is located at beverly center, which isn't in BH either.
 
H

holamiamigos

macrumors 6502a
Aug 10, 2006
541
0
this should be an example to all those who make the infamous "should i wait" threads!!!!! go for them people!!!
 
spicyapple

spicyapple

macrumors 68000
Jul 20, 2006
1,724
1
Congratulations on your purchase, but 2 years? Wow, I doubt I could hold out as long as you...

Your purchase can only mean one thing... new MacBook Pros next Tuesday! :)

Seriously, you should just ditch Automator. It's Apple's version of Sherlock... one of those great ideas on paper that is useless in real life situations. If you really want automation power, look into learning AppleScript.

Try MacBreak podcasts for some neat video tutorials. Open iTunes to access the podcast directory.
 
C

CaptainHaddock

macrumors 6502
Jul 6, 2004
382
0
Nagoya, Japan
spicyapple said:
Seriously, you should just ditch Automator. It's Apple's version of Sherlock... one of those great ideas on paper that is useless in real life situations.
Click to expand...

I will beg to differ. :) I've saved tons of time here and there whipping up little Automator workflows. It needs some improvement, but it's a real power tool.
 
bartelby

bartelby

macrumors Core
Jun 16, 2004
19,795
34
Welcome to the Cult!

I hope you enjoy you MBP, and many more Apple computers, for a long time to come!!
 
AdeFowler

AdeFowler

macrumors 68020
Aug 27, 2004
2,319
362
England
spicyapple said:
Seriously, you should just ditch Automator. It's Apple's version of Sherlock...
Click to expand...
Have to disagree. I use it extensively and save hours a week. The Leopard version adds a 'watch me' option which should make it even better.

Anyway, back on topic; welcome aboard, enjoy your mac, and spread the word ;)
 
D

dkirlew

macrumors member
Feb 11, 2007
47
0
Like Norcio I've been visiting macrumors for two years now and tomorrow I'm finally taking the plunge and gettinig the macbook pro. I do alot of computer repair and a yesterday a friend askekd if I could try and remove a trojan horse/spyware on his computer. Couldn't remove it but spent three frustrating hours trying to and it was at that point I decided to cancnel my order for a Windows laptop (won't mention brand) and get the MBP. I've used Windows for about 19 years and really never had any serious problems with it, until I started fixing up computers for myself and my friends. Now when I go fix my friends computers I can relax knowing I won't deal with those problems when I get home.
 
P

PDE

macrumors 68020
Nov 16, 2005
2,484
18
At the very least, macbook pro owners don't have to deal with a lot of OS glitches... even if the display is bad, or the aluminum is bulging! That's worth a lot! I could never use windows on a personal machine, just too much frustration. That's the only reason I'm still with Apple at this stage.

Looked at VISTA the other day and I thought the OS looked terrible with its effects and colors. I was hoping to like what they had done....but it's still just plain old MS with a little artificially colored frosting.
 
compuwar

compuwar

macrumors 601
Oct 5, 2006
4,717
2
Northern/Central VA
norcio said:
boot camp (i'm not going to bother with the beta version right now, i'll wait)
Click to expand...

If you're not looking to play FPS games, I'd highly recommend Parallels, not having to reboot to run a Windows program or two is sweet and the release candidate has Convergence, which opens just the program window, not the Windows desktop.
 
N

norcio

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 22, 2007
9
0
thanks a lot everyone for the recommendations. so far i have installed flip4mac which is very useful, coconut battery, and firefox. the websites you all pointed out for OSX resources are incredibly helpful! my friend and sister just got macbooks and we were video chatting on ichat last night. i know that technology is nothing new, but i was really impressed! i'm kind of bummed to learn, though, that there is no remote desktop or remote assistance option in OSX unless you buy it. (there's also a good chance that i'm wrong here, also). my 1gb kingston ram should be here moday. i only paid $95, apple wanted to charge around $160 :(.

oh yeah, i just discovered front row last night! that program is ridiculous!! if apple just ran a commercial with an example of front row, that would have pretty much sold me a while back. i love discovering all these new features! i think it was SpicyApple who recommended the MacBreak video podcasts. those are really neat, i suggest everyone check those out on itunes.

can anyone suggest a good cd/dvd burning program? i used Nero Premium on my HP and i really appreciate all the features (.iso, .bin / .cue, data burning, etc). i heard Toast is a good program, i was thinking of purchasing that...

there should be a warning on the box: side effects may include sleep deprivation ;)
 
Q

Queso

Suspended
Mar 4, 2006
11,821
8
compuwar said:
If you're not looking to play FPS games, I'd highly recommend Parallels, not having to reboot to run a Windows program or two is sweet and the release candidate has Convergence, which opens just the program window, not the Windows desktop.
Click to expand...
Parallels also runs with older versions of Windows, so you can happily install 2000 if like me you think XP is a stinker :)
 
gauchogolfer

gauchogolfer

macrumors 603
Jan 28, 2005
5,551
5
American Riviera
norcio said:
i'm kind of bummed to learn, though, that there is no remote desktop or remote assistance option in OSX unless you buy it. (there's also a good chance that i'm wrong here, also)
Click to expand...

There certainly is remote access, you just need to enable it in the Services section of Sharing (system preferences). Then, download a free app called Chicken of the VNC, and you're in business.
 
7

72930

Retired
May 16, 2006
9,060
4
norcio said:
there should be a warning on the box: side effects may include sleep deprivation ;)
Click to expand...

Don't forget 'may cause skipping work' and 'warning: you will not be able to finish your coursework as there are so many funner things to do with this'
 
$

$nowman

macrumors newbie
Feb 1, 2007
14
0
Florida
i wonder if apples bootcamp xp drivers would work with 2000 since xp is based on 2000

i like 2000 because its a no BS OS, it doesnt have a bunch of crap


welcome to the lite side, its a hard step to make but once your over your hooked. i used to be a PC tech who swore off apple but now i love it, everything just works. you dont have to fight with your computer

like yesterday my buddy was trying to get his flash drive to work on vista (couple month old laptop). he was unsuccessful, couldnt find a driver to make it work. hes not an idiot, he repairs computer daily. so i plug it into my macbook and it shows right up, no driver install no nothing.

it just works
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom