The end of an Era?

[Chrissy]

Back in the stone age when I was born, we didn't have desk-top computers or laptop computers. We didn't even have mobile phones!

I can't remember how long I have been using desk top computers, but my current laptop is the only one I have ever had. It's a wide screen Dell, bulky and heavy. It takes a long time to fire up because it's old, and it doesn't always work very well. Last year when I was visiting the US we knew that there were new rules that said laptops had to be started up to go through security. To be honest, my laptop has never liked starting up with the battery. We've even bought a replacement battery but it made no difference. Anyway, going out to the US it started up. I thought it was a miracle. Coming back into the UK, from the US I found myself not caring whether it started up or not, I was quite prepared to say well just keep it. It's really that bad.

I've always used PC's and have never even tried a Mac.

Today, that will all change. my OH has retired from work, and we've had a mini celebration by treating ourselves to two brand new all-singing, all-dancing Apple Mac machines. They have both arrived today.

History has shown that setting up such things doesn't always go smoothly. We're starting with the laptop and then moving onto the desktop if all goes well.

I hope that I can transfer my documents and my photos, and still do scans and print. If I can't it may be a while before you see me.

I hope that I'll be back...

[tiffanyhenschel]

Congratations, and have fun with your new toys
I made the switch from a Dell to a MacBook a year and half ago for work, and I don't regret it at all. Some of my family warned me that I would hate it, but now I am looking forward to my home computer to wear out so I can replace it with another MacBook.

[sgtstretch]

Have fun and enjoy. If you need any help, I'll be glad to help. I've used Macs my entire life so I know most of the tips and tricks.

[carlc]

'Congratulations' Chrissy.



Always wanted a Mac - can only afford an iPod.😊

[Lady Onogaro]

I had an HP laptop, and to be frank, I hated it. Last year I finally caved in and bought a MacBook, and I love it. I gave the HP to my husband, who uses it for his chess programs. Occasionally, I use it when I need a larger screen. But I much prefer the Mac to the PC.

[MY63]

Good luck with the change over I am sure that you will pick it up quickly

[manoeuver]

hope you dig the mac.

[FredRydr]

And then, once you have a Mac and you find out how it works with an iPhone, you're really hooked.

Fred

[eriquito]

I found the transition from PC to Mac only slightly awkward. Very much like visiting England, knowing that everyone is speaking English, but running in to a few new terms and phrases.

Once that slightly awkward transition is complete, you'll never look back.

Good luck!

=) Eric

[Marsilius]

Yes. Like roads England things are mirror image from Mac to PC. I found it harder to go from Mac to PC, but that may be because Macs traditionally "pamper" fuzzy thinkers? If u use Powerpoint, Keynote is WONDERFUL.

[Hawk]

We switched years ago. It has been a great ride. With all of the Apple products we have purchased, I feel we should get a quantity discount (which won't happen). Apple has come a long way.

[tandaina]

Yup, switched years ago and would never go back. There are some good "switcher" guides out there. Search for "Switching from PC to Mac" or "Switch from Windows to Mac" and you'll find lots of great information. I'm so used to Mac now I can't navigate a windows PC to save my life.

[Robert]

I have used Mac PowerBooks/MacBooks since 1994 - - never regretted the switch from Windoze and neither will you.

[Cob]

Well, someone has to swim against the tide and that someone is me.

Three years ago I was obliged to use a Mac; I hated it.

Never again!

Cob

[Chrissy]

Well thank you all very much for your kind comments, and here I am typing my first ever words on my MacBook Pro

I have to say that it has all been quite straightforward so far. The only thing we don't have is an ID each. I already had an Apple ID, so we've used that. It's had us set up encryption that happens when we switch off this machine, but I'm up and running with email and FPG so I'm happy.

We have no printer attached yet, so that's something to do later.

I have a couple of questions for Mac experts please:

Does anyone know where the delete key is? I have only found backspace so far.

My OH didn't think it was a great idea to add this up to date machine to our 10 year old PC format network, but this MacBook said that would be the way to transfer all of our documents and files over. I assume that by setting up a new network with this laptop and our desktop there might still be an easy way of transferring files. Is that correct?

I'm sure I will think of other questions, but so far this rocks!

[Crazyorange]

Congrats....you're a smart women. I bought a dell 2 years ago and regret the purchase all the time. The windows format sucks. I just dropped off the laptop to have a virus removed from it. I almost said screw it (instead buy a Mac). But I need to save for the Mac. Windows is the pits.

[Laura N]

Well thank you all very much for your kind comments, and here I am typing my first ever words on my MacBook Pro

I have to say that it has all been quite straightforward so far. The only thing we don't have is an ID each. I already had an Apple ID, so we've used that. It's had us set up encryption that happens when we switch off this machine, but I'm up and running with email and FPG so I'm happy.

We have no printer attached yet, so that's something to do later.

I have a couple of questions for Mac experts please:

Does anyone know where the delete key is? I have only found backspace so far.

My OH didn't think it was a great idea to add this up to date machine to our 10 year old PC format network, but this MacBook said that would be the way to transfer all of our documents and files over. I assume that by setting up a new network with this laptop and our desktop there might still be an easy way of transferring files. Is that correct?

I'm sure I will think of other questions, but so far this rocks!

On my laptop which has a different keyboard than my desktop, the delete key is in the second row from the top all the way to the right. To forward delete you have to do "fn" then "delete," I think. But that doesn't work on every keyboard. When I google keyboard questions, I make sure to put in your machine -- e.g., "forward delete macbook pro." -- because I know it's different on my laptop than our old iMac.

You should be able to move your files onto a hard drive if you have one that does both.

I gave up on encryption, but I definitely recommend the Time Machine backups. On the desktops we have those attached permanently, and I try to make sure to plug in the Time Machine backup drive at least once daily on my laptop, and before any major operating system install. Time Machine is great, should you ever have a problem.

[Chrissy]

'Congratulations' Chrissy.



Always wanted a Mac - can only afford an iPod.😊

I know what you mean. We've never been able to afford one until now. Are you due to retire soon?

[Costanza]

Congrats, Chrissy. Once you go Mac you never go back. You will love it. I have been in the Apple ecosystem for almost 20 years. I haven't owned a Windows computer in 12 years nor have I used one in 5. It is a great feeling. Especially when you integrate everything.

[carlc]

'Congratulations' Chrissy.



Always wanted a Mac - can only afford an iPod.

I know what you mean. We've never been able to afford one until now. Are you due to retire soon?

Sadly not

In fact the way the retirement age is increasing it seems like retirement is receding rather than coming closer.