Yesterday, I crossed over to the dark side...got a MacBook

[av8rdave]

So far, I love it! Boots up in less than a minute, is intuitive and user friendly.

I don't think I'll miss Windows (which I detest). Unfortunately, I still have a desktop computer with XP* so I don't forget.

*Their second best version of Windows after 3.1, IMO. Unfortunately, it still has all the Windows features we've come to know and love - the blue screen of death, illegal operation messages, mysterious freeze - ups, security flaws, etc., etc.

Give it time....maybe I'll hate Macs too after enough experience!

[bif]

1. I'm typing on a MacBook Pro right now

Excellent computer. I set up a router about a month ago and I can surf anywhere in the house. I love it. I also just got a Mac Mini which is pretty cool. Welcome aboard the Mac Train!

[Aristus]

2. I switched back in September. I love Macs! They are light years ahead of PC's.

:thumbsup:

[bif]

3. Truth be told, I've never used anything but a Mac

I started out on a Mac about 20 years ago on a Mac and have only occasionally used a PC.

[TommyO]

4. My PowerMac G5 is just over three years old

It is, by far, the computer that I've used the longest without modification (all of my previous Windows-based machines needed upgrading or replacing after two years).

I have never looked back, though I will be upgrading this year to a quad-core machine based on EFI-X. EFI-X is a "boot processor" that allows standard hardware to run EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface, a replacement for the BIOS that hundreds of millions of Intel and AMD-based machines have used for decades). By running EFI, it is possible to load OS-X on a computer that you can build yourself. Apple doesn't offer a machine between the iMac and Mac Pro that meets my needs, so I don't feel too guilty about building my own.

[av8rdave]

9. I will have to make one mod to this one that I have some trepidation about...

I'm going to have to use boot camp to partition the hard drive and put a Windows installation in. I have a couple of pieces of company - specific software that run only under Windows. Frustrating, but what can you do?

[TommyO]

12. I have friends in the same position

Instead of using Boot Camp, have you considered Parallels or VM-Ware which will allow you to run Windows without having to restart? They are a small business and they use the UPS shipping software, so they have Parallels installed, along with Windows XP and the UPS shipping software so they can access it throughout the day without having to restart.

[av8rdave]

17. I did consider it, but according to the Apple people...

I would basically be running both systems at once, which I really don't need. I have one small piece of Windows code for schedule management and company crew system access, and I'll need a browser (Firefox for me) under Windows so I can send results directly to the company. I only need to do that once or maybe twice each month (largely because that little piece of code saves me several days of work). Other than that task, I have no need to be in Windows or to use that code.

I would rather have Windows running as seldom as possible. I figure having to boot into it once or twice a month makes boot camp the best solution.

[Justyce]

5. I would love a Mac, but I just haven't been able to talk myself

into paying the extra $$ they cost.

[lizziegrace]

7. Same here

my first computer was a used Mac Classic. I use tax software and have 8 years on my PC. I'm not sure that all the business applications will run, so even if I could afford one, I don't think I'd be able to do all my work on one.

My daughter has an iBook for college. So far, no problems.

Congrats Dave! It's been a busy week for you. :)

[av8rdave]

10. I was a bit uncomfortable with the price, but...

When I compared it to what I would buy in a Windows laptop with the same capabilities, the price difference wasn't that much. I got the MacBook (not the Pro) with the faster processor and larger hard drive, and it cost almost exactly what I paid for my Vaio 4 years ago. I'm hoping to get a few good years out of this one!

[wickerwoman]

13. The initial cost is higher

but you're buying a computer that will last two to three times longer than that "cheaper" PC with no hassles. I've spent a hell of a lot less on my Macs over the years than anyone I know has spent on PCs which seem to implode every 18-24 months.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. Welcome to the light.

I've had Macs since 1987 and have had to call tech support exactly twice. Took the laptop to the Genius Bar once for a sick hard drive but I'd been using the thing nonstop for 3 years. That's the extent of inop Macs I've had to deal with. My work computer is a PC and I don't like it much.

[av8rdave]

11. My kids have both had great experiences with Mac

That's what sold me. I was in Mexico with them over the New Year. As I struggled with and swore at my laptop over one lousy browser and one simple text file, my son breezed through grad school applications and essays with about a dozen windows open at once. Seems to be a great machine.

[Sultana]

8. Congrats and welcome to the Mac family, lol

:D

[Pierre.Suave]

14. We have gained one more recruit

from the Dark Side... Mwahahahaha :evilgrin:

Congrats and welcome to the easy world of computing. You will love it.

[Lucian]

15. I wish I had a MacBook.

It takes my Windows-based laptop five freaking minutes to load.

Damn HPs.

[av8rdave]

18. I can sympathize. My Vaio was up to 25 minutes for a full boot or a restart

In fairness to Sony, I had about filled the hard drive, to the point where I couldn't even defrag any more.

The Sony hardware is great...all the problems it developed (other than the full hard drive) were Windows issues.

[no name no slogan]

16. I made the switch a couple years ago

and haven't looked back. I got one of the cheaper MacBooks, but upped the memory and storage (the plan was to use it for music production).

I still use PCs at work, but use the MacBook at home exclusively. I haven't booted up my home PC in well over a year.

This is the DU member formerly known as Suck It Steve Ballmer.