What do I need to switch to a Mac?

Question

I'm a PC user considering the prospect of switching to a Mac. (A MacBook, to be specific.) I'll be recording podcasts, storing digital media (i.e., iTunes), using the Internet on-the-go, and performing other basic computing functions that I've gotten used to with my PC. What kinds of things do I need to be prepared for, and what all will I need to buy to meet this criteria and make the switch from Windows to Macintosh as seamless as possible?

Answer 1

There is a great page on the apple (maker of the mac) website. the site is:

http://www.apple.com/macosx/switch/

Answer 2

You'll find most of the same capabilities in the Mac out of the box.

The only problem you'll really have is if you need to convert specialized program files like MS Outlook. Music files, and media files don't need conversion so you'll be ok there.

Since you will be on a learning curve intially, I would suggest the "paid for" conversion service at the Apple store, called ProCare.

"ProCare members can take advantage of the complete data transfer option which includes a basic data transfer, plus limited conversion of your files to select Mac applications included on your new Mac or sold in the retail store. With a complete data transfer, your photos wind up in an iPhoto library, your music finds a new home on iTunes, your bookmarks arrive safely in Safari and your saved mail messages appear the very first time you launch Mail. Even your movies and documents get filed away in the proper folders on your new Mac."

Enjoy your Mac, they are beautiful computers.

Answer 3

Really, the switch is quite painless. It's a lot more painless than the switch from XP to Vista. Everything you mentioned is a breeze on Mac OS X. You won't really need to buy anything. If you have existing printers, digital cameras and other things like that, your new Mac will most likely support them, even if those accessories don't say they're made for Mac. Check out that link posted by Rich, there's a lot of good info there.

Benefits of Mac:

No viruses, or any other malware for that fact. (This is due to Mac OS X's UNIX underpinnings, not "lack of users" or "low market share.")

Seamless integration. Your hardware will work perfectly with your software, because both are designed by Apple.

You will enjoy many advanced features that are not available in Windows, even Vista. Features like Exposé, Spotlight Search, a built-in dictionary that can be invoked in any application with a simple keystroke, easy to build scripting using Automator, zero-configuration networking, system wide spell checking and many more.

Macs can dual-boot with Windows or run Windows within Mac OS X itself. With BootCamp, you can dual-boot with Windows and run any PC application, even high-end games.

Excellent support and customer service. Apple is well known for it's support. I had a wonderful experience with Apple when the logic board in my Mac mini went bad. (This was due to a power issue in my home, not the Mac.)

Great software. Most of the software made for the Mac is better than similar software for Windows. Crap doesn't survive on the Mac market. iLife is absolutely amazing. Mac OS X is compatible with many file formats, right out of the box. As I mentioned before, you can run Windows applications. With a Mac, you can have it both ways.

Beautiful hardware. Quality hardware. Apple puts the sex in tech. Apple hardware is always beautiful, as well as functional. Apple has extremely talented engineers. One look at an iMac will tell you that much. The hardware is of excellent quality and built to last. Macs are well known to have a longer life span than PCs.

Upgrades? Who needs them. A seven year old iMac can still run the latest release of Mac OS X. Sure, you can add more RAM or get a bigger hard drive, but your Mac will run beautifully for years to come. When a new version of Mac OS X is released, you won't need to scramble to purchase upgrades in order to run it. (Leave that to the Vista adopters.)

Crashing. It doesn't happen. I'm not saying Mac OS X is absolutely perfect, but it's damn close. Most problems are easily fixed within minutes. Macs don't require the constant maintenance needed by PCs.

Value. When all of these things add up, you'll actually be saving money, as well as time, in the long run. You'll find yourself actually doing more on a Mac. Things you never thought of doing on a PC.