New to owning a Mac.

[Infidelitas]

How many of you use Mac? I just bought a 2012 MacBook Pro 13" and I am looking forward to getting it in the post.

Do you like it? What are the pros and cons to owning a mac?

[Uranus]

I don't own one but I'm considering upgrading to one

[Infidelitas]

I don't own one but I'm considering upgrading to one

I have always wanted one, but just couldn't afford one.

[Uranus]

I have always wanted one, but just couldn't afford one.

Yea that's basically the same for me. Luckily I'm going to be able to get a job next month sp hopefully that will help.

[phuckphace]

if you can't afford it then buying it is probably not the best idea js.

Macs are a waste of money and the higher pricetag is just the Apple tax that you pay for the glowing logo and OS. not worth it.

[Magenta]

if you can't afford it then buying it is probably not the best idea js.

Macs are a waste of money and the higher pricetag is just the Apple tax that you pay for the glowing logo and OS. not worth it.

Pretty sure he bought it because it can afford it now.

Also, if you don't like Macs, don't get one. I knew the moment I clicked on this thread there would be at least one person leaping to bash them.

I've been a Mac-owner my entire life. Typically, they're lower maintenance as long as you remember to do the system updates. If you have a firmware update available, do it. Macs do get viruses (mine did 'cause I was an idiot who forgot to do updates for ages) but not as often because a lot of people just don't write them to target Macs. Basically there's a whole list of pros. And you're not spending your money on "the logo". If you want a decent PC, you're gonna end up spending the same amount of money after taxes and your OS and all your malware blockers anyway. I've worked with computers for years, as does my mother professionally, and that's just how it is. If you prefer Apple, it's not a waste of your money.

One thing though, that seems to have become an issue since Mavericks and Yosemite that Apple is denying (grumble, I've fought with them about this) is the two applications folders and that one of them will not back up with Time Machine.

Make sure all your applications are saved to the Macintosh HD > Applications folder.

There is another (HD >Users > You > Applications) that I leave empty. Half my applications were in there before but when I had to reinstall my OS and restore from a back up, nothing was there. For some reason it doesn't process that second folder and Apple is just gonna claim there's something wrong with your spare drive. For all the good service they give you, that's one thing that's bugged me.

If you've bought AppleCare, good. If you haven't, you should. It is worth every penny of the extra money. Other than that, if you ever need help troubleshooting something, shoot me a message. If it's a software issue, I can probably do it in my sleep better than some of the customer service techs can over the phone.

[Karkat]

I don't have a ton to add from what Jo said, but I'll try to add a little imo

Pros:

-Relatively user-friendly once you figure it out.
-Nice setup, imo. Clean, organized, functions very nicely.
-Does a lot of the things a PC can do- you'd be surprised. And if it doesn't, usually Wine can help you out.
-Pretty, shiny, ooh (I'm sorry, I just had to include it.)
-Ok, now this is gonna sound really stupid, but it actually makes a lot of difference. The macbooks come with THE BEST laptop charging cords in the history of laptop charging cords. Don't believe me? It separates from an extended, grounded 3-prong into a regular 2-prong mini cord. The bit that goes into the computer (Sorry, it's 4AM; I can hardly remember my own name at this point.) is small and has a charging light on it, letting you know when it's charging, when it's done, etc.

The best part though? (Aside from the sleek and compact design of it all)

The port is MAGNETIC. The charger stays in because IT IS HELD IN BY A MAGNET. I nearly cried tears of joy over that when I discovered it- you don't understand; my old laptop had a regular charger, and it would FALL OUT RANDOMLY ALL THE TIME. And so my computer was constantly dying, and the battery died out really fast.

-Of course, it's less prone to viruses.

Cons:

-Weird to switch from PC
-Less Apps than PC- and can take some real problem-solving to find the Mac equivalents at times. (And they don't always work, either.)
-You can't replace the battery, or really open it up. Hope nothing goes wrong on you for awhile!
-The fan is in a really stupid place??? I realize why they did it, or at least I think I do, but it's so easily blocked... Guh.
-Kinda hard to restart it if things really fuck up as you can't take the battery out, or do other things you could with PCs :/

Differences between PC:

-Ok, so I'll get the obvious elephant in the room addressed. You comfy with the exit window button being on the right side of the window? Stop. It's on the left side now- get used to it.
-Also, you may wonder "Where did my options bar go in my windows?!?!?!?" It is now at the top of your screen. Always. That might take a little getting used to as well.
-Getting to programs is entirely different, and finding files is like learning a new language, so good luck there.
-If it's a one button like mine, two fingers= right click. Don't Panic.
-YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO DEAL WITH INTERNET EXPLORER. I REPEAT, YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO DEAL WITH INTERNET EXPLORER; REJOICE!!

Hope this was helpful and not a complete waste of space ^^;

[Damon16b]

Ive used macs nearly all my life and I've gotta say, for the pros:
much more user friendly
more reliable (mines only crashed 4 times since i got it)
better looking os
I've found that is much faster to navigate around the filesystem as its better laid out.

cons:
price
less apps
app development can be harder (xcode sucks!!, long live xamarin!)
less hardware customisation
less hardware integration (many things only work with windows)

[Magenta]

I don't have a ton to add from what Jo said, but I'll try to add a little imo

Pros:

-Relatively user-friendly once you figure it out.
-Nice setup, imo. Clean, organized, functions very nicely.
-Does a lot of the things a PC can do- you'd be surprised. And if it doesn't, usually Wine can help you out.
-Pretty, shiny, ooh (I'm sorry, I just had to include it.)
-Ok, now this is gonna sound really stupid, but it actually makes a lot of difference. The macbooks come with THE BEST laptop charging cords in the history of laptop charging cords. Don't believe me? It separates from an extended, grounded 3-prong into a regular 2-prong mini cord. The bit that goes into the computer (Sorry, it's 4AM; I can hardly remember my own name at this point.) is small and has a charging light on it, letting you know when it's charging, when it's done, etc.

The best part though? (Aside from the sleek and compact design of it all)

The port is MAGNETIC. The charger stays in because IT IS HELD IN BY A MAGNET. I nearly cried tears of joy over that when I discovered it- you don't understand; my old laptop had a regular charger, and it would FALL OUT RANDOMLY ALL THE TIME. And so my computer was constantly dying, and the battery died out really fast.

-Of course, it's less prone to viruses.

Cons:

-Weird to switch from PC
-Less Apps than PC- and can take some real problem-solving to find the Mac equivalents at times. (And they don't always work, either.)
-You can't replace the battery, or really open it up. Hope nothing goes wrong on you for awhile!
-The fan is in a really stupid place??? I realize why they did it, or at least I think I do, but it's so easily blocked... Guh.
-Kinda hard to restart it if things really fuck up as you can't take the battery out, or do other things you could with PCs :/

Differences between PC:

-Ok, so I'll get the obvious elephant in the room addressed. You comfy with the exit window button being on the right side of the window? Stop. It's on the left side now- get used to it.
-Also, you may wonder "Where did my options bar go in my windows?!?!?!?" It is now at the top of your screen. Always. That might take a little getting used to as well.
-Getting to programs is entirely different, and finding files is like learning a new language, so good luck there.
-If it's a one button like mine, two fingers= right click. Don't Panic.
-YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO DEAL WITH INTERNET EXPLORER. I REPEAT, YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO DEAL WITH INTERNET EXPLORER; REJOICE!!

Hope this was helpful and not a complete waste of space ^^;

The magnet though! I destroyed a computer because a accidentally tripped on the cable and it dragged the entire computer down with it and smashed the screen. It's happened with my Mac but it slides like a fraction of an inch before the magnet snaps out so you don't do exactly what I did with my first computer.

Also, I've successfully run a number of PC programs on Mac. Not to mention, although I find it's weird and slow, you can dual-boot your computer if you really need something specific to Windows and want the best of both worlds. Just don't expect to be doing any hardcore gaming on a MacBook.

Last, once upon a time... Macs used Internet Explorer. Those were dark times. I also remember when Netscape still existed but that was a long time ago.

[Typhlosion]

My father received a desktop Mac as a gift and the first thing he did was to Bootcamp Windows *shrugs*

Really, the only thing you're paying extra for is the OS. If you never had too much of an experience with an OSX I suggest that you set up OSX is a Virtual Machine to see if you like the experience.

If you use only the daily programs, like iTunes/internet/word and that's it, the lack of apps shouldn't be a worrying problem. And, if you do need a Windows/Linux exclusive (e.g. a scientific tool) you could always bootcamp. Or Wine.

Personally, when I tried Mac all I could think of was that it was a shiny Ubuntu, really. The system settings, the options on top, the close button to the left. The dock is kinda silly, the one-button mouse is a ridiculous concept (solution: buying a normal mouse) and window resizing feels weird.

But, it's shiny, and hip.

[Infidelitas]

I might use boot camp later on if I want.

I mainly like the hardware. That sexy aluminium unibody design. Grrrrr :)

[Magenta]

the one-button mouse is a ridiculous concept (solution: buying a normal mouse).

Oh god yeah, if there's one thing I recommend for Mac desktops is just get a damn mouse that's got the left and right buttons.

On a laptop you're fine though. You can go through all your touchpad settings and enable right-corner right-clicking so it feels natural.

Also you can fix the stupid fucking feature that makes scrolling "natural" but in reality is just backwards from every other computer in existence that isn't a touch screen.

[xXl0sth0peXx]

I recently got a macbook pro thanks from a lovely friend, and I'm in love with it.

I've wanted to get one for a long time, but it's just been out of my price range. But I was able to get this one for a smashing deal which I can't resist.

I don't mind the mouse honestly. Maybe it's because my windows laptop has one too and I'm so used to it now, idk. It exceeds my expectations and I'm really happy with it. My dad is anti-mac though, which is pretty funny. :P

[Karkat]

The magnet though! I destroyed a computer because a accidentally tripped on the cable and it dragged the entire computer down with it and smashed the screen. It's happened with my Mac but it slides like a fraction of an inch before the magnet snaps out so you don't do exactly what I did with my first computer.

Also, I've successfully run a number of PC programs on Mac. Not to mention, although I find it's weird and slow, you can dual-boot your computer if you really need something specific to Windows and want the best of both worlds. Just don't expect to be doing any hardcore gaming on a MacBook.

Last, once upon a time... Macs used Internet Explorer. Those were dark times. I also remember when Netscape still existed but that was a long time ago.

I'm relatively new to the Mac world, so I did not know this. :P

Ah, Netscape. Days of floppy disks, green hilly desktop backgrounds and windows start up noises.

...Not to mention those horrid dial-up noises...

[Magenta]

...Not to mention those horrid dial-up noises...

I still hear dial-up noises on occasion... my mum works with computers so I have her ringtone on my cell set up as such >_> Anyway, that was somewhat off-topic.

But yes, Macs once ran Internet Explorer until Apple came out with Safari to save us from the horror.

[Infidelitas]

I recently got a macbook pro thanks from a lovely friend, and I'm in love with it.

I've wanted to get one for a long time, but it's just been out of my price range. But I was able to get this one for a smashing deal which I can't resist.

I don't mind the mouse honestly. Maybe it's because my windows laptop has one too and I'm so used to it now, idk. It exceeds my expectations and I'm really happy with it. My dad is anti-mac though, which is pretty funny. :P

I am getting mine because I just got a full time job and can afford it. It's not new though, but it's hardly been used so it's a good deal.

I am just looking forward to having a computer where the OS is written for the hardware. I have had problems with Windows before when I have installed them.

[jtsang995]

Pros: Apple products (iPhone, iPod, iPad and other macs) works seamlessly together with use of iCloud.
No Viruses
High reliability than PCs because of better quality product.
OS updates are always free.
Most come with flash storage so the computer is blazing fast.

Cons: You have to pay to run window side by side.
Not as many apps as PC.
Hardware must be mac compatible.

[nick_1999]

I have been using Macs since 1st grade (when the iMacs were the bubbles XD) and absolutely love them! Personally, I would have gotten the newer Macbook Pro, but oh well.

Pros: Little to no malware, viruses, etc. The Apple security is nearly impeccable.
Better video editing software (iMovie) than Windows Movie Maker (gah)
Free updates
Incredibly fast due to the built-in flash

Cons: Newer iMovie is not as good
No built-games (*le gasp) unless you poke around in Terminal (which I don't
recommend doing until you've been using your Mac for a while)
App Store doesn't have as many free apps as Windows

Good luck, man!

[phuckphace]

No Viruses
High reliability than PCs because of better quality product.
OS updates are always free.
Most come with flash storage so the computer is blazing fast.

- if you don't want malware, don't download it.
- this is what Apple would like you to believe, but it's objectively false. all Apple products are assembled from components manufactured by LG, Samsung, Intel, Hynix, etc. just like PCs. it all comes from the same Foxconn factory in Shanghai. just configure and buy one direct from Apple and note where it ships from.
- Windows updates are also free.
- so do most new PCs.

Cons: You have to pay to run window side by side.
Not as many apps as PC.
Hardware must be mac compatible.

- because Apple likes to nickel-and-dime their customers on top of already charging 2x more than the competition.
- I personally don't see the point in owning a computer that has a smaller software library than the PS3. I guess the shiny case is supposed to make up for that?
- And you'll find that the vast majority isn't, because of Apple's monopolistic ecosystem. Buy a rebranded component from us for twice the price or get bent, says Apple.

just doing my part to dispell the BS that flows out of Apple's marketing dept. they're almost like the government, except Apple has more money.

[Perfectly Flawed]

I can't stand Macs. My PC can do everything a Mac can and more without having the annoying interface Macs have. I tried the editing software on the newest iMac for a news program and it wasn't any better than Adobe Premiere or Sony Vegas, so the only potential benefit went out the door for me.

PC's also have the potential to be much faster and run games way better than Macs which is a huge perk for me. My older gaming PC blows the new iMac out of the water despite it being 5 years older than the new iMac.

Macs are for a different kind of person than me. I guess PC's are more for technically capable people who want to customize everything. Macs restrict customizability in order to make the system easy to use, and that annoys me.

[Infidelitas]

I have been using the Mac for the last few hours and I must say that I am enjoying it very much.

I love the keyboard and the hardware in general.

I am still getting used to the OS, but that will come with time.

Overall, I am happy with my purchase.

[DoodleSnap]

Industrial Design. Few manufacturers of PCs can match the type of design that goes into a Mac. Apart from that, I enjoy the idea of one for a casual portability notebook, but the price tag is far out of my league.

[DJTEEN10]

Just got one too same specs>

Pros-
Orgainzed
Cleen desktop
Speed
Ability of running mutiple screens

Cons-
File conversions
Some programs not offered or updated as quickly

[NilnocK]

Love my MBP. Its the second one I've had. First one lasted me 5 years, hopefully this one gets me through college. Not looking forward to when i have to buy another though, the price tag is ridiculous.

[allynxis]

I'd like to get a Mac soon but I've tried using it before and never really got the hang out of it, it all seemed quite confusing when I tried it

guess I'm just too used to Windows, eventhough I heard that Mac OS is quite simple once you understand it