General Discussions

**dadofgage** · 08-13-2007, 09:23 PM

Okay, I am ready to ditch my Windows-based laptop and moved to a Mac laptop - right now I am looking at MacBook and then also an external monitor.

1) What software have you bought that you felt was a good addition to your system? I will be buying Adobe Creative Suite - probably the web edition - CS3.

2) Do you use an Apple monitor or another non-apple brand?

3) Any other external peripherals that you would suggest?

4) Where did you buy your Mac - online or land-based store? if online, what site?

**rembrandt** · 08-14-2007, 05:55 AM

I've been using an iMac for a few years now after making the switch from Windows. As I have a desktop, I can't give much advice about the external monitors etc but any decent monitor should do the trick without any problems. I've also installed Adobe CS3 web edition which runs without any issues although it helps if you can boost your ram up to make light work for the processor. Only external items i have for my mac was the two button mouse, a set of harmon kardon speakers, and the isight cam as my mac didn't have one built in. I bought mine from a landbased shop because I just couldn't wait for the delivery! If you want to wait a couple more months, you'll get your laptop with the upcoming operating system Leopard (released this October) otherwise you'll have to fork out a couple of hundred buck for it later. Hope this helps.

**Frito Pie** · 08-14-2007, 05:00 PM

I have a mac powerbook and only added the Word Office software so I can participate with my PC friends with excel/doc/ppt exchanges when needed.

I use my laptop for home and office and have an external monitor that isn't Apple. It was one that was a good deal and can't even remember the brand right now (I'm at home, without the external monitor).

My office and home are wireless, attaching the printer (Brother laser) to my wireless router. I also use a wireless mouse (logitech) that I replace the batteries once every 6 months or more.

**nightlifemike** · 08-15-2007, 12:09 PM

All you really need is the Adobe Suite if you're going to be doing web based stuff. I've used Macs for over 10 years. They're the best. I couldn't live without it. It's always good to have a pc in the house though for browser cross checks when you're doing web design.

As far as peripherals go, you shouldn't have any problems selecting them. All Macs are plug and play so you won't have any issues.

As for places to buy them...if you have a small budget you can always buy a refurbished one off of the Apple Store.

If you want to go in-store and play around with the machines before you purchase...I'd suggest going to CompUSA. They've been selling Macs forever and usually they have a guy in-store that deals solely with that department...which is nice. I've walked into stores before asking if things were Mac compatible, etc...and it's funny to watch the looks on some peoples faces. They haven't even heard of the Macintosh line.

Anyways...hope that helps.

**netdesignz** · 08-15-2007, 03:36 PM

The only thing I would see that you would need to buy is Adobe Creative Suite, which you have covered.

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2) Do you use an Apple monitor or another non-apple brand?

I have an imac, so it's all built in one.

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3) Any other external peripherals that you would suggest?

I might get a different mouse, as the Mighty Mouses can get dirt in the scrollball. Try the Logitec MX Laser Mouse.

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4) Where did you buy your Mac - online or land-based store? if online, what site?

The website.

I have a bunch of free apps that I've found very handy, so feel free to contact me if you want some suggestions.