DU Mac Fans: So I just bought a 1GHz G4 iBook...

[FlashHarry]

First Mac I've had since my old greyscale SE in college. So far, so good. I think I'm gonna like the Panther. I almost bought a PowerBook, but, for the price, the iBook had more features. Anyone else out there have one? Any advice for a prodigal Mac addict? (I've still got my XP-powered PC laptop, just in case...)

[Deja Q]

1. I wish I could afford one! (yes, my tune has changed dramatically)

My aunt has a Mac and I can't give her as many details as I'd like. Knowing multiple PC OSes has helped with theoreticals, but depending on the issue I've been powerless to help.

But if I had $1500, I'd still be more prone to buy a digital SLR camera than a Mac. Unless I could go into business supporting PCs and Macs, can the big corporations destroy every small business out there? (so far I have seen small businesses go under thanks to the likes of Best Buy and CompUSA. x( This must be another of those 'freedoms' that those against the US must hate...)

You made the right choice though, desktops still give you more power and features for the price.

[emulatorloo]

2. ilife 2004

http://www.apple.com/ilife/

Watch the video demo! Five great apps for $50.00.

You should qualify for the 20.00 upgrade -- http://www.apple.com/ilife/uptodate/

[gold_bug]

3. I'm envious

of your G4, I have the G3 iBook, 800mhz.

A few neat things:

Free thesauraus app: Nisus Thesaurus

Try CoolBackground -- it runs the screensaver as a desktop background. That's a neat mac (Quartz?) trick.

A bunch of free screensavers:
http://spazioinwind.libero.it/tpecorella/uselesssoft/software.htm

[amber dog democrat]

4. 20 years a Mac user

and I am typing this wirelessly on my 14' combo iBook as we speak.
Just be sure to add memory to the maximum limit and you are done.

Also I am doing this wirelessly sitting comfortable on a couch in my living room.
Be sure to add wireless card as well. 802.11G rocks.
The main reason I can see for justifying the expense of a Powerbook is if you are doing anything with multimedia productivity.

Otherwise, I think you will be very happy with your choice.
The only reason believe the clueless IT people hate Macs at my job is
1) they empower the end user
2) being in bed with Microsoft and / or Dell.

I had a CEO who still thinks Macs used Apple Talk protocols - and this is 10 years after Macs switched to TCPIP.
Go figure.

[FlashHarry]

7. Just Did!

I maxed out the memory and installed an AirPort Extreme card. The memory was a pain, though. It didn't recognize the first module, so the store replaced it with a higher grade stick (PC2700 instead of PC2100). Now it's fast as hell! I don't have an 802.11g base station yet, but I got the card in anticipation.

How do you guys like Panther?

[MGKrebs]

5. I don't know about the iBooks, but

my imac doesn't have a fan!

:evilgrin:

[NashVegas]

6. Some Apps

Web: Mozilla, Camino

Usenet: MT Newswatcher

Office: Apple Works. (MS Office doesn't include databasing, so ...)

FTP Helper: I-Getter
FTP: Transmit

Admin: if you're going to tinker around in the innards & play with Darwin/Unix, you'll need to properly set-up the root account. It's defaulted off (I can't remember all the steps to set up, sorry).

Google search: OS X tips

[ikojo]

8. Congratulations on the new member of your tech family

I bought my 12" powerbook in June and have not regretted it at all.

I LOVE MY MAC!!! :loveya: