Mac question(s)

[AliciaD496]

So I've heard that since they've started using the dual core with the intel chip there's software included that allows windows programs to run on the Macs. So, my questions are: would I be able to install my Windows version of Office 2000 using that software? would I be able to use that software to run The Sims 2?

I've had my eye on the iMac as a way to have a desktop without all the space and recently I've just been finding my PC laptop isn't cutting it processor speed wise as well as it used to (but would still be fine for portable things like word processing away from home) so I'm looking to upgrade probaby late this year or early next year. I've also wanted to switch to Mac for a while (and yes I realize I could probably get a cheaper PC system). I know that both those programs I'm asking about are available for Mac as well but considering I'm going to be paying off student loans and a new computer alone is pushing the budget I was hoping I might be saved from double dipping on at least those software titles.

Edited to add: OK, so I feel kinda stupid for asking now...almost. Looks like I will have to spend the money to buy a copy of XP or Vista to boot up to, right? That also sounds kind of expensive.

 

[GMac]

Yep - not much point in running any Windows apps without a copy of the OS to dual boot into. You're probably better off sticking with XP for your windows apps if you can find it, as Office 2K can be a tad flaky running on Vista.

GM

 

[Crazy_Uncle]

Having been someone who switched to Macs just over a year ago I would recommend getting the newer office program for the mac instead of dual-booting and using the older office software. Unless of course you need to use Office 2000.

The reason being is that it will cost nearly $100 to get an OEM copy of either windows XP, and more than that for Vista. It's just not that cost effective when you have to go through the process of taking the time to setup the dual-boot and troubleshooting any problems you have. I got Office 2004 for the Mac after having used Office 2000 on my old PC, and found it a much better program. I would not dual boot with Vista since it such a "flaky" OS, as the above poster mentioned. It can be done but it's a pill from everything I have read. Hope this helps....

 

[Marc]

So I've heard that since they've started using the dual core with the intel chip there's software included that allows windows programs to run on the Macs. So, my questions are: would I be able to install my Windows version of Office 2000 using that software? would I be able to use that software to run The Sims 2?

I've had my eye on the iMac as a way to have a desktop without all the space and recently I've just been finding my PC laptop isn't cutting it processor speed wise as well as it used to (but would still be fine for portable things like word processing away from home) so I'm looking to upgrade probaby late this year or early next year. I've also wanted to switch to Mac for a while (and yes I realize I could probably get a cheaper PC system). I know that both those programs I'm asking about are available for Mac as well but considering I'm going to be paying off student loans and a new computer alone is pushing the budget I was hoping I might be saved from double dipping on at least those software titles.

Edited to add: OK, so I feel kinda stupid for asking now...almost. Looks like I will have to spend the money to buy a copy of XP or Vista to boot up to, right? That also sounds kind of expensive.

You could go the dual boot option as mentioned or you can use virtualisation. This would involve the use a program such as Parallels or VMWAre fusion (about $US50 - $60). They will allow you run XP and Windows Apps while you're using OS X. You want to have at least 2GB of ram and XP is better choice than Vista (doesn't push the hardware as much).

Not sure how it would go running The Sims but if's not an overly graphics and processor intensive program combined with use in XP is should be usable.

 

[AliciaD496]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I think the dual boot would be the better way to go (and OS X has boot camp so it's fairly easy, right?). I looked around Amazon and found copies of Vista and XP that would still be cheaper than buying all the Sims expansion packs again.

OK...my other question now:
both iMac and all the iBook models now have the intel dual core, right? Are there any distinct advantages to getting the iBooks other than the fact that they're portable? I will probably end up getting an Apple laptop at some point as well (maybe if I get into law school and can take advantage of the student discount) but for now I think a good powerful desktop system would be more useful. I'm kind of over having a laptop as my main computer after 4 years of undergrad and nearly 3 years since.

 

[David cgc]

No, there is no advantage of the MacBook over the iMac aside from the fact that you can use the MacBook on the couch. The iMac is faster, has a larger harddrive, a DVD burner, and has a proper graphics card instead of the MacBook's barely-adequate intel integrated graphics.

 

[StolenThunder]

As a fairly recent owner of an iMac (24", 2.4GHz C2D), I've been very, very happy. It's a great computer. Something of a major leap forward following the progressive decline of my five year old Pentium 4!

My girlfriend owns a MacBook. They're nice - I think that if I were in the market for a laptop I'd be tempted.. but I'm not sure their build quality is the best. The case is a little flaky and she's had problems with her power cord and now the microphone is not working properly. At the same time, AppleCare has been very good for her.

So, iMacs and MacBooks are both good computers - but I'd go with the iMac.

Also, if you do find yourself in law school or any educational institution, I think laptops are almost unnecessary. One's never that far away from a computer with an Internet connection.

Edit: Like others, I'd also recommend updating your version of Microsoft Office. PCs are on 2007 and Macs 2008 now, which have seen the introduction of a new standard file format and lots of extra goodies. Most people are still saving in traditional formats and creating similar documents as they always were, but in a few years the creep of technology will make Office 2000 particularly outdated, and new software on a new computer is always nice.

 

[Apophis]

So, my questions are: would I be able to install my Windows version of Office 2000 using that software? would I be able to use that software to run The Sims 2?

I don't know about the Sims, but most versions of MS Office can be installed onto OS X using a program called CrossOver without the need to buy or run Windows. I've used it for that and Publisher (and even AutoCad) and it works pretty good.

 

[Stag]

I just switched over my business from PC based to Mac based, it just made sense for what I do. I will tell you that I have Office 2004 on the MacBook Pro that I use and it works fine. I stayed away from the most recent example of Office 2008 for Mac as it has been heavily reported as being buggie. I will upgrade once the problems are sorted out.

I do not regret the switch to the Mac from PC, other then a day or so getting used to the way it operates vs. a PC. Best laptop I have ever had.

 

[StolenThunder]

^ Yeah, if you're currently happy with Office 2004 I wouldn't recommend Office 2008 just yet. Still a few flaws being worked out (though 12.0.1 released this week has theoretically taken out a number of critical ones).