Introducing the Switch Journal
December 30, 2006, 12:29 PM | 5 Comments
Back in August I wrote about wanting a MacBook Pro, but also voiced my hesitation because of the rumored processor upgrades coming to the MacBook lineup. Well, that upgrade happened in late October and I’m glad I waited because Apple decided to update more than just the processor. In early December I finally got my MacBook Pro (it’s a 15 inch 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo in case you’re wondering).
I’ve been a PC/Windows user all my life (well, since I started using computers that is) so making the switch to a Mac definitely has its learning curve and I know I’m not the only person experiencing that. New to Mac users are on the rise, largely due to those who are introduced to the Apple brand through the iPod and iTunes. The ability to run Windows on the new Intel Macs is also easing the transition for many users.
Because I know my experience is one that is, and will be shared by many, I’ve decided to start a new category here on my site called the “Switch Journal.” I will be documenting the experiences I’ve had during my ascension into OS X heaven and posting tips & tricks for those who are thinking of making the switch themselves.
The first of these articles will likely come sometime next week and will be all about my first impressions with my new MacBook Pro, so stay tuned. I expect this “Switch Journal” to be a fairly popular feature in 2007, so if you’re thinking of making the switch or if you already have, let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to see in this column. Also, if you’re a long time Mac user reading these articles, feel free to comment and post your insights as well - they may be beneficial.
Posted in: Apple, Reinspire, Switch Journal
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Comments
1. Matthijs - January 4, 2007, 3:02 AM
Good idea. I switched as well last year so anything related to that is interesting. Software, usage of the OS, etc.
2. Jonathan Eckmier - January 4, 2007, 10:52 AM
Thanks for the ideas Matthijs! Those are all definitely on my list of topics to cover.
3. Matthijs - January 4, 2007, 2:13 PM
Well, if you feel like writing stuff: things that occupied/annoyed/confused me in the beginning:
- how to install/remove programs
- how copying/pasting files is different
- what software to use (I can send/post my list if you want)
- how to deal with different filetypes (you know, you recieve Word docs but don’t have/want to buy Office for mac)
- using shortcuts
- typing strange characters (after years of win you know your ALT-123 shortcuts)
etc etc.
I must admit, it surprised me a bit how used I was to winXP. In the first days, if I was very busy, I would go back to my pc just because I could work a bit faster on it. However, at this moment it’s the other way around. It annoys me when I have to turn on my pc. For example to check out a site in IE (I refuse to install anything windows on my mac, even if I can with parallels etc).
4. Jonathan Eckmier - January 6, 2007, 10:59 AM
Matthijs, I’ll probably hit most of those topics in one post or another. Feel free to add your comments on those entries once they appear. I expect I’ll be doing an entire post on software as well.
5. Derek Morgan - March 10, 2007, 1:12 AM
well, now I’m waiting for the 64 bit leopard 17” Mac book or even better if they had a Mac branded tablet…
Waiting… perhaps in April I’ll get that 2ndQ 64bit leopard?