Gone to the Darkside...Hello Macbook!

the chi · 08-24-2010, 11:23 AM

So, as an early B-day gift, the hubby got me a Macbook!

Yeah yeah, call me a fangirl all you want. Its simply technology and something new to play with. But I need some help from Macbook users. I've googled till my brains hurt and still havent found satisfactory answers for my questions.

Other than Macbook for Dummies, what all would ya'll recommend as far as needed accessories?

Do I need to load Microsoft Office? Windows?

What about accessories? Like a hard shell or keyboard protector?

And what about the lack of USB? Should I get a plug in to multiply my USB ports, will I need them?

How about external monitor hook up for photo editing? I've got a killer monitor, but I know I need some funky adaptors to make it work...

Suggestions on a card reader for my Compact flash, SD and Sony cards?

Any must have software?

AquaPython · 08-24-2010, 11:28 AM

LOL wait let me get this straight - first thing you want to do as a mac owner is download microsoft products?!

the chi · 08-24-2010, 11:31 AM

No. However some of my research has indicated it would make things easier when Im going back and forth between PC and Mac stuff...like Excel, Word, etc. I work on things at home and then email them to myself to finish up at the office, and Im sure you can see where I might run into an issue with compatibility there. Not to mention some programs work with Windows and not MAC, like my current photography software.

anthonyk · 08-24-2010, 12:05 PM

What kind of input does your display use? That'll help answer the adapter question.

And yeah, I'd probably get a USB hub, to expand your port capacity.

Welcome to the dark side.

t-homo · 08-24-2010, 02:16 PM

Which macbook did you get?

Microsoft office is kind of a must for any computer just for format compatibility.

I've never really needed more than 2 usb ports at a time, but i also use the bluetooth keyboard and mouse (both recommended.)

caveman · 08-24-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the chi

So, as an early B-day gift, the hubby got me a Macbook!

Yeah yeah, call me a fangirl all you want. Its simply technology and something new to play with. But I need some help from Macbook users. I've googled till my brains hurt and still havent found satisfactory answers for my questions.

Other than Macbook for Dummies, what all would ya'll recommend as far as needed accessories?

Do I need to load Microsoft Office? Windows?

What about accessories? Like a hard shell or keyboard protector?

And what about the lack of USB? Should I get a plug in to multiply my USB ports, will I need them?

How about external monitor hook up for photo editing? I've got a killer monitor, but I know I need some funky adaptors to make it work...

Suggestions on a card reader for my Compact flash, SD and Sony cards?

Any must have software?

First thing you want to do is take it BACK and get a PC

Dave · 08-24-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caveman

First thing you want to do is take it BACK and get a PC

Agreement

the chi · 08-24-2010, 02:50 PM

If I wanted a PC i'd use the netbook or HP I currently own, which Im keeping

I already like the MAC better as far as speed and screen quality, I'm looking for legitimate assistance, not your haterade opinions.

Thanks Thomas!

Avatard · 08-24-2010, 02:50 PM

Mac laptops are the fastest laptop PCs in the industry (PC Magazine tests).

Install Windows XP under Bootcamp, and you have a very versatile multi-boot machine indeed (add Ubuntu Linux, and triple boot for the world's most versatile machine).

Install VM Ware Fusion ($99) and you can run multiple instances of entire computers virtually (new installs of Windows, as well as virtual "copies" of any old PCs you may have) side-by-side (no reboot or shutdown required).

anthonyk · 08-24-2010, 04:24 PM

If your display has DVI input, you can get a Mini-Displayport to DVI adapter. The Apple one costs about $30, I think. I got a cheapo DVI-HDMI adapter, too. It makes a fugly chain, but works great for getting the screen output onto the TV.

08-24-2010, 02:50 PM	#9
Avatard Crotch Rocket Curmudgeon Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Here to integrity Moto: Li'l red baby Ninja Posts: 7,482	Congrats Mac laptops are the fastest laptop PCs in the industry (PC Magazine tests). Install Windows XP under Bootcamp, and you have a very versatile multi-boot machine indeed (add Ubuntu Linux, and triple boot for the world's most versatile machine). Install VM Ware Fusion ($99) and you can run multiple instances of entire computers *virtually* (new installs of Windows, as well as virtual "copies" of any old PCs you may have) side-by-side (no reboot or shutdown required). __________________ Insert free thought here.

08-24-2010, 12:05 PM	#4
anthonyk WERA White Plate Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Austin, TX Moto: '01 Aprilia Falco Posts: 1,041	What kind of input does your display use? That'll help answer the adapter question. And yeah, I'd probably get a USB hub, to expand your port capacity. Welcome to the dark side.

08-24-2010, 02:16 PM	#5
t-homo WSB Champion Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 7,146	Which macbook did you get? Microsoft office is kind of a must for any computer just for format compatibility. I've never really needed more than 2 usb ports at a time, but i also use the bluetooth keyboard and mouse (both recommended.)

08-24-2010, 04:24 PM	#10
anthonyk WERA White Plate Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Austin, TX Moto: '01 Aprilia Falco Posts: 1,041	If your display has DVI input, you can get a Mini-Displayport to DVI adapter. The Apple one costs about $30, I think. I got a cheapo DVI-HDMI adapter, too. It makes a fugly chain, but works great for getting the screen output onto the TV.