Switch to Apple
I wrote the first version of this article on Shophive Blog back in September 2007. Principally all the recommendations are still valid. But in light of Snow Leopard release coming out in September 2009 and me having spent about 2 years on Mac now, there are few things which I would like to add.
Apple Laptops and Desktops were once considered creative industries standard choice in computers are gradually becoming a mainstream choice. While selecting next Laptop buy, the most common question consumers ask is about Switching to Apple environment. In this post I would list down key points to address the “Switch” concerns. Apple has done a tremendous job in putting up Switch support sites.
Get a Mac – The popular Switch to Mac ads homepage.
Switch 101 – Almost all your concerns answered by Apple Inc.
Difference between a regular Laptop (Acer, HP etc.) and Apple Macbooks & Macbook Pro?
The Latest Macbooks and Pro’s have the same architecture as like their siblings from Sony & HP etc. In fact, Intel usually announces its latest chips with Apple and leaving others to follow. Mac’s have some patent technologies like Magsafe adapters etc. The latest models have an irremovable battery promising longer hours of battry less usage. Check out Macbook page on apple site for more details
Can I run Windows on Macbook?
Yes! There are multiple solutions available to run Windows on Macs. Initially, it might be a real requirement, but with usage it wouldn’t be of that much importance.
Boot Camp – Apple Inc solution. You will be able to run Windows by switching and selecting which OS to run on start-up. This is the best solution as it gives you a complete Windows machine under your control. Mac OS X Tiger/Leopard requires a reboot. New Mac OS X version Leopard will have added features.
Then, we have Virtualization products in the market namely, Parallels, Fusion etc. which allow you to install a virtual copy of Windows to run within the Mac OS X environment, giving you the ability to run windows software’s side-by-side. Another option is Crossover, which allows you to directly install software’s which are tested by the authors of Crossover.
As I have stated above, initially everyone is fixated about the dual boot option. But later on with usage, no one wishes to open windows.
What about my Excel, Powerpoint & word files?
Microsoft has its very own Office 2008 version available for Mac environment, with an update Office 2008 arriving in Jan ’08. It would be interesting to note here that Microsoft Office started off on Macs. You can do about everything in Office 2008 for Mac OS X as you would do on Windows environment. Updates regularly come out of Redmond. Apple has its own competitive products in productivity area namely Keynote, Numbers and Pages in its Iwork ’09 suite. Third party and Open source apps are also available.
Will I be able to work with Windows PC’s on the network?
Without any issue. Usually Macs, will pick up most of the shared printers for which drivers were written in the Mac environment. We have used some HP’s. For Domain based Windows environment, the administrator might need to install Services for Macs available with the server OS.
Wifi & Bluetooth?
Absolutely! Actually its so simple to get them up and running on Mac OS X, it really kills the pain you have to go through Windows XP and Vista environment.
My Data, will I be able to move it to Macbook?
Without a sweat! Mac OS X can read all windows files. For some specific files like WMV you might need to install programs like Windows Media Player or VNC Player. A good starting point will be to look at Apple Downloads.
USB and Firewire have native support in Mac OS X, hence your portable media can be attached and used easily.
Will I be able to use my custom developed Apps like Accounting, GL, CRM etc. on Mac’s?
Not under Mac OS X if the apps were developed for Microsoft only. You can use them in Wndows as discussed above.
Hence!
After 2 years of some serious usage I can safely say:
- I have spent 0 hours on fixing viruses or malware
- Whenever I switch on the mac, there is no fuss in the registary or some corner of the OS. Its just ready for work
- The updates keep on coming steadily but never give you the nightmare. I have made a policy, always download the full combo version of the OS patch. Backup and then install the update…….very safe!
- My battery died and claiming a new one was just a breeze. Ofcourse you need to be covered in the warranty period.
…. the list goes on. The following are some more:
Pro’s:
- 0 viruses till date. No need to install memory hogs still with no protection
- Unix under control. Mac OS X is the most amazingly simple, yet one of the most powerful Unix system available.
- Graphics. The most amazing GUI and easy to use environment
- Design. Stunning detail in design. Its one of the best Hardware/software combo in the market
- Work! You actually work not worrying about DLL’s, blue screen of death and those annoying Windows alerts
Con’s:
- Though these are by no means Cons, but some users might find them on the downside.
- No Modem in both Macbook and Macbook pro’s
- No native memory card reader. Though it can be added through Express 34 card. Newer Pro versions are having SD card readers now
- No Finger print reader, if that is the security of your choice
Snow Leopard:
Snow Leopard, a refinement to the 10.5 Mac OS Leopard release brings in more Windows connectivity such as Microsoft Exchange etc. There are host of other enhancements, which will surely result in more safe, productive and response work output.
Concusion:
I have been a windows user since forever and have used various IBM, Sony, HP, Fujitsu Siemens laptops during the coure of time. Back in early 2007, a virus attack disrupted my working pattern immensely allowing me to think about other safe options and Macbook & Mac OS X are the best combination I came across. I’m very happy with my decision and besides an initial Switch time, I haven’t yet faced any obstacle in my work pattern.
Please visit Apple for more details of the products available.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=6336d3fd-86ee-4bf7-bd97-0017e446517d)
Nice article! Very valid points.