I am planning on buying an iMac notebook. How easy is it to switch to Mac from windows?
146356
I have a Windows PC but a iMac notebook, and I've never regretted my decision to have a mac notebook. Truth be told that you need to use the mac's equivalent softwares - sometimes you can't find a particular software because there's only a windows version, but other than that, there's a lot of things that macs do right and I like!\n\nI like the fact that should something go wrong with the OS, and you need to re-install, you don't need to lose your software, only the kernal gets replaced...I once installed the whole OS and didn't have to load a single app or file after that!\n\nI like the way a lot of functions are made smart and easy. Connecting to wireless networks, something you'll do often with a laptop, is very quick and painless with a mac, don't have to open network connections, type passwords twice, or anything like that.\n\nI like how macs have no registry, to uninstall an app you simply move its icon to the trash. Want to move the app to a new directory, no prob, just move the file. \n\nAnd then its the little things, the way that the explorer equivalent has folder favorites, probably the feature I would like to see most in Windows...I'm tired at the office trying to go to a folder I use every day! Expose, quick searching... \n\nI found if you're going to do lots of programming its restrictive...thats why I have a windows desktop for that and everything else I can't do with a mac, but for a laptop, I think I'll stick with macs.
595244
For starters, The interface is different. It's just something you'll have to get used to. There are far fewer viruses on the mac, and you won't need to worry as much about security. \n\nApple has some great resources online that show you the differences and how to switch from your PC to a Mac.\n\nhttp://www.apple.com/support/mac101/\nhttp://www.apple.com/support/switch101/\n\nThe website seems complicated, but using a mac is a far more simple experience than a PC.
787497
Installing Windows on your Mac will not replace or remove your Macintosh operating system (ie OSX). When you turn on the computer you choose which operating system you want to use. More info at: http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/
1098532
When you figure out the "cost" of a computer, also consider the time you will spend configuring it and debugging it.  Then add in the cost of paid support and repairs. Finally, add the cost in time and money of avoiding spyware and viruses, both of which are almost exclusively an Windows problem.  If people would do that, they would see that Macs are almost always cheaper in the long run. \n \nAnd now, with the new generation of Macs being able to run BOTH the MacOS and Windows (if you ever actually needed Windows), there really is no way to justify a purely Windows computer.
1038159
Hello,\n\nI have a new 15" MacBook Pro 1.83GHz / 512 Ram (upgrading to 2G when I get time and $) / 80GB HD / 4x Superdrive and I absolutly LOVE IT!\n\nI'm getting a program called parallels to run windows on it without rebooting.  And then cutting off all internet to windows.  It's true, once you go Mac you never go back.\n \nI'm a new Mac user as well but I've had a laptop (Compaq) for a few years now.  I wouldn't go for a laptop with less than a 15" screen because I use it for a long time and hunching over like that, squeezing your arms to type just isn't what I call fun.  I believe the MacBooks only come up to 13" if I'm not mistaken.\n\nMy laptop does get very, very hot but I have a cooling pad for it so it's not bad.  And it's comparable to my old Compaq, it would get very hot as well.\n\nIf you're a light user, you could go MacBook, if you're a student like me or you're going to be using it for long periods of time go MacBook Pro, your back is worth the extra $$
1091491
Yes. It is stylish, easy to use and is far less prone to viruses. I can and do send documents from work (pc IBM compatible) to home and back again with no problems although I do occasionally have to tell the computer at work which program to use to open it.\n\nI would have a Mac each and every time - no contest.
71075
No. Apple wants to sell its operating system, so they've developed a way (a very classified way) of preventing people from wiping the system and installing Windows on their hardware. The only way to run Windows on a Mac is to use Virtual PC.\n\nOf course, the second I posted the above (which I read in this morning's San Diego Union-Tribune), I find a contradictory article stating the opposite. Truth is, Apple isn't going to make it easy to use Windows on their system; any more so that PC makers have made it easy to put OSX on PC machines.
700323
I just bought an imac desktop computer. I am very happy with it. It was an iffy purchase and I wasn't sure that I needed it. After using it for almost 2 weeks now I love it. I have been a PC person until now but have just realized how good macs really are. I would reccommend a mac desktop if you want stylish looks, reliabilty, and great performance. I agree with the person above who mentioned that there aren't a lot of programs that you can get on a mac. However there seems to be many more popping up now that macs are getting more attention. I would recommend having both a pc and a mac if you can. Then you can have the best of both worlds:) The new mac operating system x is amazing too.
1010628
Using an apple is more intuitive.  Things just work the way you think they should work.  Also, the interface is more visual whereas windows has you reading all over the place.  Think about it, how much faster is it to recognize a circular icon than scanning through a long list of programs (start menu) looking for "Macromedia Director MX 2004".  And starting an app with just one click is nice.  There's a lot more features, but I got stuff to do, and couldnt' list them all right here.  This is corny, but "once you go Mac, you don't ever go back!" I'm outy 5000.
1151561
Get the best Mac you can for your budget.  The MacBook should be sufficient for what you need.\n\nBut if you think the Mac is less vulnerable to spyware or viruses its just a matter of time.  If you carelessly surf and don't protect your machine, then the same thing will happen.  Windows is more vulnerable because it has such a larger audience for users and potential damage than Mac.  But there were major virus outbreaks a couple of weeks ago aimed at the Mac as well.
794386
Get a mac, they're the best....
21732
Yes ofcourse.\nThere are emulators that can do that.\nBut all of them are in development stage and therefore not reliable.\nSo there is no official Mac emulator for windows.\nBut there are other Mac softwares that are also available for windows.\nLike iTunes. Use them if u like.
148118
should I go for a mac or a pc?\n\nthis site gives you the answer..\n\nhttp://imedia.atspace.com/laptop2.htm
849215
So many answers and so much bad info. I use both on a daily basis. Neither is a piece of junk or a wrong choice just because of what it is.\n\nFirst, I'll explain the bad info and then give you some straight dope:\n\n"Macs for one there's no right click" -- hold the Command key when you click, same. How often do you right-click? Most people, about twice an hour. No big deal.\n"...confusing to go from a PC tool bar where it seems so simple..." -- I use both Windows and Mac, no problem with the toolbar. It's almost the same as on Windows.\n"... costs $300 or more for software, you'll find almost no shareware or freeware..." -- I haven't found any $300 or more programs except the ones that cost $300 for Windows also, such as Photoshop and Quark XPress. Tons of Mac freeware /shareware. I have dozens of them. Try versiontracker.com\n"You have to buy all your motherboard and internals from Mac franchised dealers there is no OPEN SOURCE like on a PC" -- not true. You can buy NVidia, ATI, Beldon, etc. at almost any large computer store such as Comp USA, Fry's, etc. The motherboard is not made by third-party companies but do you plan to change the motherboard in your laptop? Come on, guys!\n"Do NOT, however, expect easy data exchange UNLESS you buy Mac/PC compatible programs." --I exchange Excel, Word, JPEG, HTML files, no problem. Microsoft made some Word and Excel bottle-necks for Mac software ten years ago but now they have figured it out.\n"pictures made with the "free" software that came with his Mac. Totally unreadable in a PC" -- Huh? I make JPEG and PDF files on my Mac using Preview and screen capture and send them by email to my brother's Windows box, no problem. Someone has a lame Windows setup if they can't read standard JPEG and PDF files.\n"...he has to compress them using a Mac compression tool that does not work well with Win Zip" -- I don't have to compress my files at all. If I do, I can unzip them fine on my Windows box and so can my friends.\n"You will not find familiar, easy to use tools.  ...Fetch for FTP" -- If you don't want to see something unfamiliar, stick with Windows. And vice versa for Mac users, don't look at Windows, it's unfamiliar. About FTP, just use web-based such as www.01ftp.com\n"if you do picture work you may HAVE to buy Adobe at $600 if you want to exchanged images with PC users, because we can't deciper their PCT images" -- Not true, get GraphicConverter or QuickImageCM for free and don't save in PICT format unless you plan to publish or print it from your Mac.\n"Too many "Mac" proprietary formats to deal with..." -- Maybe your Mac using friends don't know what formats are good for Windows. They can save files in almost any format that other platforms need. Not true for Windows, but never mind. They needn't use the TWO OR THREE Mac proprietary formats.\n"...only good exchange is Apple Quicktime" -- No, Macs can use almost any video format. Microsoft has stopped making Internet browser plugins for Macs since they got mad at Apple for offering Safari to replace Internet Explorer so their PROPRIETARY WMV format needs a third-party plugin.\n"...not for casual computing, game playing or even Internet browsing, since many of the sites are Linux or NT based" -- Huh? Since when does the type of server affect your browsing ability? Many web sites use Mac servers and that doesn't keep Windows boxes from browsing. No sense here.\n"You CAN expect to have problems seeing some sites" -- older versions of Safari were totally wacky but with newest version or Firefox, this is not an issue.\n"I never got the hang of macs. they are way too complicated to operate." --  My friend's 8 year old learned to use my Mac in about ten minutes. You just have to relax and accept new ideas.\n".
882499
They are all good choices,however, the MacBook Pro will allow you to run Windows as well as Mac OS-versatility!
670851
get a ibook\n\napple has just released a brand new iBook called macBook, you should definitely check it out. it is powerful and the value is great compared to a Sony VAIO. i have used the ibook as a student and i found it one of the best computer for college students.\n\nyou should know however that mac computers work differently from other computers. it does not use windows so some programs out there may not work with the ibook. in that case, apple has created a software called boot camp that allows user to install windows as well. it takes 2 hours to install it, but afterwards you have the best of both worlds :)
8970
It depends on what kind of work you do.  It would be better to choose Windows if you do office work, check email, browse the internet, and play pc games.  Macs are known for their easy interface for tasks such as home movie editing.  In the past, the two systems had major compatiblity issues but now it is easy to transfer files between the two systems.  I would either buy a Windows desktop right away or might wait another month for a Mac system.  Apple will release new computers next month that run on Intel processors.  These computers might be able to run Mac OS X and Windows.