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Switching to Mac

leonAzul said:
Just a suggestion: you might find the Magic Mouse unnecessary, given the curiously addictive MacBook Pro Trackpad. You have been warned. :D
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I've become used to using a trackpad, but the Mac one has far better functionality. I expect to use the trackpad for general use, but to have the mouse for when I need finer control.

joobie said:
oh yeah. i love the magic mouse. there is a utility called MagicPrefs that can extend it's capabilities out the wazoo, too.

i'm sure you know to have a set of rechargables at the ready for it.
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Oh yes, I have them right here.
 
Does anyone know if a three year warranty is available for a Mac? There's the option of three years tech support, but only a one year limited warranty it seems. Also, what do people think of paying for three years tech support, and the one year training (one to one)?
 
lionking said:
Does anyone know if a three year warranty is available for a Mac? There's the option of three years tech support, but only a one year limited warranty it seems. Also, what do people think of paying for three years tech support, and the one year training (one to one)?
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Yes--at least, in the US. The 3 years includes hardware and software.

AppleCare Protection Plan:

What’s covered — Mac

Your Mac computer
Included accessories such as the power adapter
Apple memory (RAM)
AirPort Express Base Station, AirPort Extreme Base Station, or Time Capsule2
MacBook Air SuperDrive (for MacBook Air and Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server only)
Apple display purchased with your Mac

What’s covered — Apple display

Your Apple display
Built-in iSight camera, microphone, and speaker system
Included power cord
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http://www.apple.com/support/products/mac.html

I bought the protection for my MacBook Pro, and it's already pretty much paid for itself. My power cord died and was replaced after 2 years. While batteries are typically not replaced, they considered mine defective after 1 to 1 & 1/2 years--it was charging fine, but there was some issue with it. They sent me a new one--completely free, including shipping. And I received it overnight, or in 2 days.

In the US, you have to purchase the one-on-one fairly soon after purchase. I regret not doing so. I knew my way around my PC, but don't really understand my Mac. But I don't really need to--the thing just works.

Customer support in the US is amazingly good. If a question persists, or you may need to follow up, you are given the extension of the CSR.

In the US, you can always go to the genius bar at The Apple Store, regardless of warranty. But those are for small things.

Most of my friends have PCs, but I'm very happy with my Mac. :)
 
Although the three year plan mentions "support" onlooking deeper it is indeed a warranty, and at about $200, it looks worthwhile. I'll buy the iMac tomorrow. The specs will be:
- i7 processor
- 8gB RAM (my son tells me that 16Gb would be a waste)
- 1TB disk drive (I have two other external drives). I toyed with the idea of a solid state drive, but even the salesperson said that it would be a waste for my needs.
- MS Office
- Battery charger
- Wireless printer (for free, as you get cash back from the maunfacturer)

Anything missing?
 
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lionking said:
Although the three year plan mentions "support" onlooking deeper it is indeed a warranty, and at about $200, it looks worthwhile. I'll buy the iMac tomorrow. The specs will be:
- i7 processor
- 8gB RAM (my son tells me that 16Gb would be a waste)
- 1TB disk drive (I have two other external drives). I toyed with the idea of a solid state drive, but even the salesperson said that it would be a waste for my needs.
- MS Office
- Battery charger
- Wireless printer (for free, as you get cash back from the maunfacturer)

Anything missing?
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Very nice. I almost bought some Apple accessories, but decided they were not worth the price.

Your new computer is much faster, bigger and mightier than mine. But every year, they add so much more. Mine suits my needs quite well.

I know of several folks who made the switch--I don't know anyone who regretted it-- but I'm sure there are some.

I got a free iPod Touch and free 3 in 1 dot matrix printer with my deal. The printer is still in the box, as I have a 3-1 laser printer.

Mine were in the form of rebates, and I didn't have to mail anything--took care of it on-line, and received the money back very quickly.







(puppy proof your new toy, lk) :)
 
Emet said:
Very nice. I almost bought some Apple accessories, but decided they were not worth the price.

Your new computer is much faster, bigger and mightier than mine. But every year, they add so much more. Mine suits my needs quite well.

I know of several folks who made the switch--I don't know anyone who regretted it-- but I'm sure there are some.

I got a free iPod Touch and free 3 in 1 dot matrix printer with my deal. The printer is still in the box, as I have a 3-1 laser printer.

Mine were in the form of rebates, and I didn't have to mail anything--took care of it on-line, and received the money back very quickly.







(puppy proof your new toy, lk) :)
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Thanks for that. I know you can't really bargain at Apple stores, but I'll see if they can throw in a nano.

And I'll make sure the puppy can't get near the computer. He's pretty good around cords and so on.
 
LionKing,
You'll love the machine! I've had a 24" iMac for the past 3 years, and it's been brilliant.

One thing that's not on your list and you really should consider is a UPS. Maybe you have one already, but with an all-in-one unit if something loses its blue smoke, that's the end of the story. So far my UPS has paid for itself approx 9 times per year, between brownouts, branches across powerlines, and lightning.

Watch out for new peripherals suddenly clustering around the iMac. Mine's managed to attract a graphics tablet, a scanner, and an A3+ photo printer as well...
 
Just had an argument with one of my sons. He wants to download music via Limewire. He tells me that there shouldn't be any problem if I run an anti-virus program. My plan was to use the old computer, which still has a year or so to go on its anti-virus software, for downloads, and if that works he can copy the music to the iMac. I plan to do the same thing with movies.

Am I being a bit paranoid?

Mind you, he'll probably do it regardless of what I say.
 
lionking said:
Just had an argument with one of my sons. He wants to download music via Limewire. He tells me that there shouldn't be any problem if I run an anti-virus program. My plan was to use the old computer, which still has a year or so to go on its anti-virus software, for downloads, and if that works he can copy the music to the iMac. I plan to do the same thing with movies.

Am I being a bit paranoid?

Mind you, he'll probably do it regardless of what I say.
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Hmmmm... I feel like I'm watching the start of a slow-motion car crash. Do you really want to take the risk with your new toy? Whilst the Mac security model can provide some protection from traditional virii, it can't necessarily protect from payloads you choose to take on from unproven sources.

I haven't had antivirus on my Mac ever, and it's never been a problem - but then again it's not used for torrents or anything similar. My mips are used for productive things (like forum postings!!!).

I'd use the old PC as the Limewire machine - if it's not going to be a problem if there's anti-virus software, the PC is already set up and good to go.
 
lionking said:
Also, what do people think of paying for three years tech support, and the one year training (one to one)?
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I wouldn't pay for tech support or training. After 15 years in the industry I think I'm bright enough to be able to work it out for myself. :)
 
arthwollipot said:
I wouldn't pay for tech support or training. After 15 years in the industry I think I'm bright enough to be able to work it out for myself. :)
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It's not tech support per se (apologies for using "per se" in the correct context), but more an extended warranty with a side order of additional techiness.
 
Kid Eager said:
It's not tech support per se (apologies for using "per se" in the correct context), but more an extended warranty with a side order of additional techiness.
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So I have found out. I think it's a good idea to get the extended warranty. Three years is probably close to the lifespan of any computer anyway.
 
arthwollipot said:
A warranty I'd probably do. It depends how much extra it is. I'm on a budget.
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I've had mine about a year and a half now. No problems. I bought it on a Master Card logo credit card--Gold. So the manufacturer's warranty is two years instead of one.
 
lionking said:
So I have found out. I think it's a good idea to get the extended warranty. Three years is probably close to the lifespan of any computer anyway.
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It depends. This Macbook Pro is close to three years old, and has seen professional daily use all that time. Some things, like the battery life and the optical drive are starting to get wonky, but I plan on using it a year longer, then using it as a backup machine. If I hadn't been too cheap to get the Applecare, I'd have a new battery, optical drive and system fan. As it is, the parts would cost me slightly more if I were to install them myself.

Some people I know use their Mac portables for up to five years. My old computer, a G4 from 2005, is sold on, but I know it's still in service for web / media use.

One good thing about that warranty is that it's covering worldwide, and that Apple actually has walk-in stores many countries.
 
So why do people pay for extended warranties and service plans? Never could figure that one out. Why not just put the money in savings instead and use that to pay for repairs or replacement when needed? Whatever the risk level is, you know they're charging you enough to cover that and more-- they're not stupid.
 
Pulvinar said:
So why do people pay for extended warranties and service plans? Never could figure that one out. Why not just put the money in savings instead and use that to pay for repairs or replacement when needed? Whatever the risk level is, you know they're charging you enough to cover that and more-- they're not stupid.
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No, they're not, and neither am I. I've researched extended warranties in detail, and as a rule, I don't buy them. When it came to my laptop, I read the pros and cons, and decided it was worth the money.
 
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