Mac Questions (again)

[AliciaD496]

OK, so I actually went to the Apple store yesterday and looked at the laptops on display. I've basically decided that the performance on my current PC laptop is getting too choppy and slow and it's time for an upgrade anyway. While I still plan on most likely getting an iMac this fall I'm seriously seriously considering getting a MacBook Air this June when I'm back in the states to use at school this summer/fall quarter because of the frustrations I've had using my current laptop. I'm mostly considering the Air over the other MacBook models due to the weight. I'll be traveling with it back and forth at least once and probably taking it with me to school while I'm here and hopefully law school next year.

The main thing I need to do is basically web surfing, both for recreation and using the electronic library for resources for term papers and research and write Word documents or maybe using Excel or PowerPoint. I know I can access a vast majority of the websites I need on Firefox (any that I can't I can use the school's PCs) and I should be getting a new version of Office in any case. I've been reading horror stories about Office for Mac 08 though and that has me a bit concerned. I'm not planning on running any intensive video creating or photo editing programs or loading a huge amount of music on it so I think the Air's amount of memory and processing should probably be fine for my purposes at this point (when I get the iMac I may looking into playing with video creation a little bit).

My main concern is...I would like to be able to bring some DVDs from home to watch as well and obviously no built in DVD drive. Considering that I probably will get the superdrive as well. The housing here is also only connected via ethernet so I'll have to get the usb/ethernet adaptor as well (and not watch DVDs and websurf at home at the same time). If I was at home I'd probably just use the optical drive off my PC and skip the superdrive but obviously it's stupid to carry an extra laptop over just for that reason.

Am I jumping on the Air bandwagon too early? Is Apple likely to make any big changes or new releases in the next year that would make it worth me waiting? Anyone know good websites to find reviews? I've checked CNet and PCMag and both were fairly positive.

One of the law schools I visited 'highly suggests' Windows laptops and that's another concern. I know the MacBook Air specs can support dual booting with Boot Camp and run Windows like a PC so that's pretty much a moot point with the Intel chip upgrade Apple's done right? Is it possible install Windows at a later point or is it better to do it before you've started saving files on the hard drive?

Oh...one last set of questions. If I do actually do this switch over...how do I move my music from iTunes on my current computer to the new one? I hope it's not burning discs and ripping because that would be a real pain. Will I still be able to connect my iPod up to the new computer as it is now or will I have to reformat and lose everything when I switch?

Thanks for listening!

 

[Verteron]

I've been a Mac user full time for the last 2.5 years, part time before that. So hopefully I can answer some of your questions

Firstly, the software things:

I've found I can access the vast majority of websites in Safari these days, which is my primary browser. However, I'm rapidly being convinced by the new betas of Firefox 3 (beta 5 is blazingly fast on the Intel Macs), and I've always held some version of Firefox in reserve for those tricky sites. To be honest, aside from some badly written homepages from the late 90s, I've rarely encountered a site that doesn't work in Firefox. And if it doesn't, it's typically some crappy online hardware store I can do without. Everything else including banking has been fine for me.

Next, Office.

Personally, I don't have it installed, so I can't give you much advice. I use NeoOffice (OpenOffice with a Mac OS X UI) and Apple's iWork, the newest versions of which can read the Office 2007 file formats pretty well. I've not heard of any horror stories with Office 2008 for Mac, but it doesn't have VBA (think macros), which sucks and may be a problem for some.

Now, on to the MacBook Air:

Whilst I think it's a neat concept, it's not sold on me. A friend brought his over last weekend and I had a look. It's small, it's quite light, but I think the things they've left out are significant. I think the whole idea of the remote DVD drive is a bit ridiculous, given how much slower a network is versus having the drive in your machine.

And gee, it is thin, but unless you have arms like sticks, carting around a 2.45kg MacBook Pro rather than a 1.36kg MacBook Air isn't a big difference IMHO, get a proper shoulder bag for $50 or so and it's no-longer an issue.

Especially for you, as a prospective student, I think the additional abilities of the MacBook Pro would suit you better, namely:

• Internal DVD drive for install software quicker and watching films
• Larger, faster hard disk for storing all those essays, but crucially, more space to install XP or Vista if you need it
• Better graphics for those late-night college LAN parties
• Swappable batteries -- batteries on heavily used laptops last about 12 to 18 months, so you're going to have to take it back to Apple for replacement with the Air, whereas with the Pro, you can swap it yourself

In all seriousness, if you do go for the Air, I'd recommend getting the add-on DVD drive. It doesn't require an external power source and is pretty slim, and would solve a lot of the issues with not having the drive.

If you don't, to watch a DVD on the Air, you'd need to use software to rip and encode the movie on to your hard disk so you can watch it in VLC or similar each time.


As for the Windows question, installing Windows on a Mac laptop is a synch. They come with a Boot Camp utility that allows you to reduce the size of the Mac hard disk partition to make room for Windows without reformatting, and then it's just a question of putting in the install DVD and rebooting.

What I'm not sure about is how this would work on the Air -- you probably can't use remote disk to install Windows, but you might be able to use the USB DVD drive if you buy that as an extra.

Once you have it installed, all the hardware is supported and it runs very well indeed, to switch between operating systems, it's simply a question of holding 'Option' whilst rebooting.

Alternatively, software like VMWare Fusion or Parallels can allow you to run Windows in a window on OS X without rebooting, and this is also typically very reliable and great for Office tasks, but although you can now play a lot of games, you still don't get quite the performance of actually rebooting, which is what I normally do still when I want to play C'n'C or Sins of a Solar Empire

 

[Stag]

I agree wholeheartedly with the above post. I recently switched my personal and business use over to a Mac...no problems what so ever. However Office 2008 is a problem. I read the same reviews and loaded a copy of Office 2004 for the Mac and have had no problems and it suits me fine. I also use Parallels to run Windows XP and Leopard simultaneously and switch from screen to screen. If you need to run Vista, be prepared because it is a memory hog and you will likely need to add RAM to run both applications.

I have a MacBook Pro that I carry around with me fro site to site and truly it is not heavy at all. Compared to Dells and Gateways I have carried this thing is a featherweight.

The Air is a nice idea and great concept, I just think you have to make too many sacrifices if you are planning to use it as your sole piece of hardware. I also guarantee that Apple will make some changes to it, either pricing or hardware upgrades within the next year. Be prepared iPhone users -- 3g iPhones coming in June/July replacing the EDGE technology.

 

[Charlie Kelly]

From what i've read on the MacBook Air, I'd stay away from it. The small advantage of having a lighter laptop doesn't outway the huge disadvantages or no optical drive, only one USB with no Firewire, a non-removable battery, the sacrifices made to performence, the cost...

As for actually switching to a Mac I'd have to ask is there any specific reason for that? If there isn't I'd recommend just staying with Windows and what you know. It's always the safer option...

Charlie

 

[Stag]

I switched because of the type of work I do and I simply did not want everything split between two formats. I figured - in for a penny...

 

[Lindley]

I wouldn't recommend the Air as a primary machine. As a secondary it might be okay; but personally I can't afford two computers at once.

The downside of no DVD drive is the biggest issue for me. Removing the floppy drive was forward-thinking. Removing the DVD drive.....jumping the gun. Content distribution isn't that heavily Internet-based yet.

 

[AliciaD496]

Thanks for all the great replies everyone! My reason for switching to Mac is kind of nebulous, but largely it's just due to the inefficiency I've seen with my current computer when it comes to Windows and memory resources. It hangs up for a good 30-45 seconds when loading certain web pages (this might be due more to the internet connection than the computer,but it's still frustrating) and takes a good 5 minutes where I can't do ANYTHING else when loading any Office program and then has major problems when switching between Word and my internet windows. A lot of this is probably just because I chose a laptop that was fine for a video card and RAM in 2005 but are now insufficient. I admit I could swap out both but I wouldn't know how. I don't really have a professional NEED to change (I'm not a publisher, musician or graphic designer, etc) but I just kind of want to. I think Macs have come to the point that any 'inconveniences' have been mitigated by the Intel dual cores and boot camp/parallels programs. I remember using them back in 2001 in computer labs at university and found the MacBooks from that period a little too cramped for my taste, I did notice Apple has worked on that as well (full size keyboard with the Air).

While I don't have 'sticks for arms' I am a rather short person (4'7") so every pound I can reduce carrying on my shoulders is beneficial considering I still have text books and other things to put in my school bag. I'd say my current laptop is around 6 pounds or so, so it is heavier than even the Pro and i definitely feel the weight when I have it in my bag vs when I don't.

OK...that being said I'm looking at the specs of the Pro vs Air and do see the advantages, that's for sure. Over twice the memory not to mention the built in optical drive. The price difference is almost negligible when you add in the superdrive and usb/ethernet adapter that I'd need. The replacing of batteries is also a very valid point. I could see why the Air is not supposed to be a person's 'main' computer. The lack of ports and optical drive is a major problem. That being said I'm still on the fence a bit and will probably need to take a closer look at the Pro again in person before I really decide (size and weight being an issue for me traveling, the larger screen could be good for viewing but bad for using during lectures). I only really plan on depending on this laptop as a main computer until October when I'm back in Seattle and have my own space to work with again and can get the iMac. I admit I am going a little spend crazy but I don't plan on getting a new computer after this for at least a good 5-7 years if even then.

So...you've all given me a bit to think about and I appreciate that!

PS: I did notice no one answered my questions about iTunes. Is there an easy way just to swap my library over?

 

[Lindley]

Dunno about iTunes, I don't use it that much.

I can relate on the Windows random delays being annoying. My 1-year-old desktop Dell at work, while a great machine in many ways, encounters random slowdowns or unresponsiveness far more often than my 6.5-year-old TiBook.

 

[David cgc]

Oh...one last set of questions. If I do actually do this switch over...how do I move my music from iTunes on my current computer to the new one?

The short answer is "With great ease."

The long answer is here.

 

[The Fatman]

PS: I did notice no one answered my questions about iTunes. Is there an easy way just to swap my library over?

going from iTunes for Windows to iTunes on Mac is doable, but not super easy. According to Apple Support when I called the easiest way is to switch the iPod into Hard Drive mode, transfer all the music as data files onto the "hard drive", then tansfer those files into your iTunes library on the Mac. Once you switch the iPod back to music player mode, Mac iTunes will format the iPod into Mac Mode.

Edited to add: When I transferred my iTunes library it was from XP to Tiger (OS 10.4) and transferring files like that wasn't possible, as Tiger couldn't read the NTFS file system. Leopard (10.5) must have eliminated that, making such network transfers possible.

As far as your old laptop and the lockups., etc... that to me sounds like something corrupt in the registry, or that you're way too low on system RAM. Even now, they will sell XP laptops with 256 or 512 MB RAM, which is useless (IMHO). 1 GB is what I tell my clients is minimum, with 2GB recommended.

If you want to just save some money until you get the iMac in the fall, you could try doing a full reformat/recovery, and add a RAM chip (which while it sounds complicated on paper... it's extremely simple to actually install. Hell, many places will install it for free once you buy the chip). Total cost, under $100 dollars and time spent, is one afternoon. An XP PC from 2005 is practically just broken in, by no means outdated unless you're a hardcore gamer. That said... I know the thrill of getting a new toy, so I'm sure as hell not going to try too hard to talk you out of a new one. Especially a Mac.

 

[Stag]

iTunes library swap is super easy.

Basically, all I had to do was link an ethernet cable between the two machines and Leopard was able to find the machine and I just transferred the files over. It took all of about 1/4 hour (I had about 15 gig of music, etc...). You may have to adjust a setting here or there but it really was pretty easy for me a computer dolt.

Go to the Apple support site, and do a search in the iTunes forum, there is a link there. That's where I went.

You will have to reformat your iPod itself though. I could not. I had an old style iPod sold under license by HP for use with windows. 40G but it was time for a new one anyway, so bought it when I got the computer - after all I could write it off as an expense

EDIT : Which is exactly what David CGC mentioned above. Sorry dude, scrolled past your post.

 

[PsychoPere]

This may be a stupid question, but one of the tutorial videos on Apple's website made me think about it.

Do I have to have an AirPort in order to wirelessly connect to the internet in my home, or can I use my current router?

 

[Lindley]

AirPort implements 802.11(b/g/n), just like any other router. It doesn't really matter which one you have as a router.

In terms of what's inside the laptop itself, I'm not sure what provisions are made for non-Airport cards.

 

[Sheep]

This may be a stupid question, but one of the tutorial videos on Apple's website made me think about it.

Do I have to have an AirPort in order to wirelessly connect to the internet in my home, or can I use my current router?

You can use your current router.

(I'm saying this as a non-Mac user--I would HOPE this is the correct answer. If not, the Cult of Jobs really is really something else.)

 

[David cgc]

Don't you think you would've heard something if Macs had their own proprietary wireless networking standard? Or noticed a lack of Mac users at wireless hotspots?

 

[Stag]

This may be a stupid question, but one of the tutorial videos on Apple's website made me think about it.

Do I have to have an AirPort in order to wirelessly connect to the internet in my home, or can I use my current router?

No.

 

[PsychoPere]

Don't you think you would've heard something if Macs had their own proprietary wireless networking standard? Or noticed a lack of Mac users at wireless hotspots?

I wouldn't assume the first, no, because I don't pay that much attention typically. As for the second, I don't frequent places that have wireless hotspots, so it would not be possible for me to notice one way or another.

To everyone else: Thank you.

 

[StolenThunder]

This may be a stupid question, but one of the tutorial videos on Apple's website made me think about it.

Do I have to have an AirPort in order to wirelessly connect to the internet in my home, or can I use my current router?

You can use your current router.

(I'm saying this as a non-Mac user--I would HOPE this is the correct answer. If not, the Cult of Jobs really is really something else.)

Yeah you can. The Macs in our house linked up with a Belkin router for some time. It's just 802.11b/g/n. Though we have an Airport Extreme now anyway - handy because we have an Express to extend wireless range.

As for the topic...

I don't think a MacBook Air offers any benefits over a MacBook or MacBook Pro yet other than The Sexy. The price/features ratio is definitely still way out and while it'd be a great second computer (the imaginary StolenThunder with lots of money often pictures it alongside his iMac) I wouldn't want it as my primary. Plus MacBooks and MacBook Pros aren't all that heavy at all.

I have Office 2008 and it's... variable. It does the jobs you'll need it to do - word processing, presentations, spreadsheets. But it's somewhat buggy at the minute. It still has terrible problems with Expose and Spaces (which I am heavily dependent on), and while this hasn't been a problem for me, a lot of people suggest shabby load times.

I wouldn't get Office 2004 instead unless I was requiring Visual Basic though. It's not Intel optimised and Office is gradually moving to .docx. There's some cool stuff in 2008 too.

Dual-booting (prompted by the Office 2007 talk) I don't think is a necessity either. As a new Mac user and college student I've not felt the need for Windows to be on my home PC once. There are always computers on campus should the eventuality arise.

 

[Baldus885]

Yes, you can copy your iTunes library over the network (cable recommended if it's large) and import it on the Mac. Copy the files to you iTunes Music folder and import, I've done it loads of times.

If possible it may be worth waiting to get an Apple notebook, as there are rumours they'll be updated with new aluminium cases this summer as well as new, faster innards. On the other hand, you might get an existing one for a good deal if stores are clearing out stock and you don't mind having a slightly older model.

Eta: And I'd avoid Office 2008 and go with NeoOffice or iWork. Office 2008 sucks.

 

[The Doctor]

Unless you're going to be dual-booting into windows and playing a lot of games, I don't think that the pro is really necessary. The MacBook line has very powerful processors, plenty of RAM and a decent integrated video solution. So far as OS X and all the productivity apps go, even the lowly GMA950 that powered the previous generation of MacBooks was more than sufficient. The new X3100 integrated graphics is much, much faster than the old and is even able to play a few games on low settings.

Whatever you choose though, you'll love OS X. It's a much better desktop experience than Windows and I find that I'm far more productive now than I was using Windows.