Apple vs. Windows 7 - I'm leaning toward an Apple, but...

[derby]

Well, I pulled the big trigger this afternoon.  This is my first DMF post from my new 27iMac.      

c2d? i5? i7? what'd ya get?

[ZLTFUL]

Best of both worlds, install BootCamp.

I don't want to read through the whole thread because these all degenerate into my mac is better than your pc is better than your mac is better than your pc is better than you mac regurgitations.

Personally, I am a PC guy. And I think Mac is the best computer you can get for people who know nothing about computers. (I keed I keed  )

[bluemoco]

c2d? i5? i7? what'd ya get?

3.06 c2d.  Upgraded to 8gigs of ram (4x2)

stayed with the standard (wireless) keyboard and mouse

It's pretty amazingly simple to set this up and get it running.  My email accounts are already running, I've loaded 2 new browsers (Firefox 3.6 and Chrome). 

We already own a 'family' version of iWork, so I can load that tonight.  Bought a copy of MS Office for Mac 2008, despite my misgivings about it.  Also picked up a copy of Photoshop Elements 8 for some work-related photo jobs. 

Should be fun to get it all sorted out.  I think the hardest part will be getting the Canon MX860 multi-function working properly.   

[mitt]

Mitt, are both your computers running Win7 new boxes or old stuff? I put together a new box for 7 and am getting BSD. Think it's my old video card.

One of each.  First - 2 year old decent machine for CAD (Core 2 Duo, 6gb ram, 256GB video card). Second cheaper new machine with Celeron dual core, 4gb ram, and onboard video for htpc. 

That sucks you are having BS issues.  Did you do a clean install, or upgrade?

As for MS Office, I still use 2003. The new Office is a PITA. I can't find half the stuff I need w/o searching for it in the help whereas in 2003 I can whiz through things and actually find stuff in the menus.

I am slowly coming around to office 2007.  I hate when software co's move menus just for the sake of moving, but there are some new features too that are OK too.  I am still faster in 2003 though.

mitt

[NoisyDante]

As you start installing new software and finding replacements for your PC programs, versiontracker.com will become your friend.

Some of my favorite Mac apps include:
MPEG Streamclip, Transmit/Fetch, Handbrake, Cooliris, Combine PDFs, AppZapper, Adium, A Better Finder Renamer, MPlayer OS X, VLC, Vuze (was azureus) . . . . most of these are free.

Enjoy your new toy! 

[bluemoco]

As you start installing new software and finding replacements for your PC programs, versiontracker.com will become your friend.

Some of my favorite Mac apps include:
MPEG Streamclip, Transmit/Fetch, Handbrake, Cooliris, Combine PDFs, AppZapper, Adium, A Better Finder Renamer, MPlayer OS X, VLC, Vuze (was azureus) . . . . most of these are free.

Enjoy your new toy! 

Cool!  Thanks for the tips.  I've got most everything working to my satisfaction within 24 hours.  Loaded Office, iWork, Photoshop Elements 8, and I'm playing with browsers (Safari, Firefox, Chrome).  I had to load an older version of Firefox, but that's ok. (not because of my system, but I have website editing issues with 3.6)

I'm dumping all the old files from my Windows laptop into a portable HD.  I can then pour all these files (mostly pictures, itunes, and critical work docs) into my new computer at a rapid rate.  I should be done with the file migration by the time I go to bed tonight.   I did have to do some actual 'work' today, too. 

I even got the Canon multi-function working well! it's linked to my wireless network, and I verified the scan, copy, and fax functions today.  i'm lovin' the duplex-scanning ability! 

The Bluetooth keyboard isn't as comfy as my old Microsoft ergo keyboard.  It feels like I'm on a laptop keyboard.   The jury's still out on this - especially if my wrists get sore. 

[derby]

The Bluetooth keyboard isn't as comfy as my old Microsoft ergo keyboard.  It feels like I'm on a laptop keyboard.   The jury's still out on this - especially if my wrists get sore.  

i actually held mine up to my macbook pro and they're the exact same size.  

i ALSO held it up to my previous "full sized" keyboard, and it's within 1mm of the "letters and numbers" side of the keyboard. read: it's the same size.

[bluemoco]

i actually held mine up to my macbook pro and they're the exact same size. 

Seems small when it's just the buttons on a slim piece of steel/plastic.    

It's not 'bad' per se, just different from my old setup.  This is my 'old' keyboard:

[derby]

Seems small when it's just the buttons on a slim piece of steel/plastic.    

It's not 'bad' per se, just different from my old setup.  This is my 'old' keyboard:

yup.. it's definitely going to feel different than an 'ergo' keyboard.

you can always hook your old one up to the mac. just use the windows keys for "command."

[TiNi]

try the USB, extended version of the aluminum keyboard that includes the numeric pad.

i LoVe it! 

whenever i use any other keyboard, it feels like i'm typing on one of these:



i've got this new mouse at work, i'm still getting used to it, even after a couple of weeks.
the entire top surface controls scrolling (in any direction) when you slide your finger across it.

[bluemoco]

try the USB, extended version of the aluminum keyboard that includes the numeric pad.

i LoVe it! 

whenever i use any other keyboard, it feels like i'm typing on one of these:



i've got this new mouse at work, i'm still getting used to it, even after a couple of weeks.
the entire top surface controls scrolling (in any direction) when you slide your finger across it.

I was going to get the corded keyboard with the number pad, but the Apple store folks would only sell it as an accessory for $49.  If you order your computer from apple.com, you can get the 10-key keyboard as a no-charge option.  I still may get one, but I'm living with the bluetooth keyboard for now.  I may also go  back to my microsoft ergo keyboard if my wrists get really sore. 

The mouse is cool - it was standard equipment with the new iMac.   

Both my keyboard and mouse can be connected seamlessly to Wifey's MacBook Pro.  I do like the touchpad on the MB Pro, though.  A mouse is not really necessary.

FWIW, I've been dabbling with Office 2008 for Mac - it's got a few quirks, but it's the easiest way for me to manage the Excel and Powerpoint files that I use on a regular basis.  I may not need to do the VM / Parallels / boot camp deal after all.

[DRKWNG]

Well, I pulled the big trigger this afternoon.  This is my first DMF post from my new 27iMac.      

Congrats on the purchase!!  I made the switch to Mac about three years ago and haven't looked back.  Although I am looking at the option of some upgrades for my iMac. 

[Rob Hilding]

Anybody have a recommendation for a "Solid Works"  type software for Macs?

I have Vectorworks but it is no comparison.

[Desmostro]

Rhino is quite good. At the moment I run it on bootcamp PC side of my MAC.  However they have launched a MAC version, RHINO OSX. The rendering engine plug-ins available for it absolutely ROCK!  Way better, easier, faster, than Solid Works and even ALIAS Which is hard to believe.
My favorite is VRAY.  Maxwell is getting a lot of reviews.

Note the RHINO OSX cannot run the PC plugins. Soon hopefully.
What are you doing with it? 

[JBubble]

Just bought a Macbook Pro, 13". Comes with snow leopard and iLife.

Any suggestions for peripherals or add-ons? I'm only going to be using it to surf the web, store our photos and video, that kind of thing.