Switch From Dell Laptop To Ibook

Alright, here goes. I've got a Dell laptop (Inspiron 2650) that I just bought in January. Since mid-February it's been giving me a lot of problems. It freezes quite frequently (several times a day). Since the issues I had with my last computer from Dell, I should've known better than to buy another one. But I did, and I regret it. At this point, I am ready to switch to Mac, namely the iBook. So, now my problem is, how do I go about this? I need to sell this laptop in order to have the money to buy the iBook, and I have someone who is interested in it. I've had a PC all my life, and have therefore accumulated quite a bit of software. I don't want this all to go to waste once I get the iBook. I've heard of a program called Virtual PC, I believe, which lets you run Windows programs on a Mac. How does this work, does it work well, and how much does it cost? I know my digital camera and printer are Mac compatible. Will it be difficult to switch to Mac? Like I've said, I've had a PC all my life and am used to that. Any information anyone can give about switching and such would be greatly appreciated.

This is my first post here, though I've been watching the community for awhile. I hope I posted this in the right place.

#35904

What do you use your computer for? it may/may not be easy to switch.

Virtualpc emulates a whole Windows Operating system. Its $200 I believe.

More information would help, as this is an important decision.

#35905

1) My story is the same as yours. Except my two Dells have been faithful to me . Now I have an iBook too, and I love it.

2) Virtual PC is TOO SLOW for running anything bigger than Minesweeper.

3) With the release of Panther, it might speed up a bit. Also, Apple is planning to make a way to get Windows apps convert-able to Mac. I think something like Boschs..

4) If you really don't have any apps, you can use Linux apps. Just install Fink, and all Linux apps are available for download and use.

#35942

You cant convert Windows binaries into Mac binaries (or anything for that matter) because that would involve access to the source code, and MS isnt going Open Source any time soon.

Boschs is an emulator, just like VirtualPC, and right now I believe it only works for pre Windows 95. ie. Win 3.1 ,DOS.

I bet they could port WINE though. Too bad WINE sucks.

PS. Id wait for Panther, because if you buy an iBook now, you're gonna have to pay another $130 for Panther, when they will come standard after its released. Plus, the iBook will probobly be $200 cheaper.

I'll give you $50 for your Dell, by the way.

#35944

I'm waiting for Panther too. I'm not going to get it until it is officially released.

#35951

It is very easy to switch to a Mac. Most files are compatible with both windows and Mac OS, so you wont have much trouble with that. Yes, Virtual PC is great for running windows programs. It works fairly well. I'm not sure on the cost of it, but it shouldn't be too much more than regular software.

You'll have no problem getting used the Mac environment. It is very easy, especially if you have been using windows all your life. If you have any other specific questions feel free to ask. I don't know where to recommend selling that windows laptop. You might be able to get some money for it at a pawn shop or something. I'm sure you have your places.

#35954

Originally posted by contrasutra@Jun 26 2003, 08:39 PM
PS. Id wait for Panther, because if you buy an iBook now, you're gonna have to pay another $130 for Panther, when they will come standard after its released. Plus, the iBook will probobly be $200 cheaper.

Contrustras definitly right here. Go with Panther. You wont regret it! (Y)

#35955

Lorelei: Dell has excellent customer service, have you gone through their service channels to get your machine fixed? I had an employee who dropped his laptop from only a few inches - well under Dells posted drop tolerances. For the price of shipping Dell replaced his notebook and mirrored his drive. You just can't beat that.

#35969

Originally posted by deadzombie@Jun 27 2003, 03:10 AM
Lorelei: Dell has excellent customer service, have you gone through their service channels to get your machine fixed? I had an employee who dropped his laptop from only a few inches - well under Dells posted drop tolerances. For the price of shipping Dell replaced his notebook and mirrored his drive. You just can't beat that.

I'm very disappointed with Dell's customer service. With my last computer, they gave me two new hard drives and 2 new motherboards, neither of which solved the problem I was having. I called to inquire about a replacement computer, since obviously, after trying everything, it was still having problems, and they refused me. That really annoyed me. :\

#35971

Originally posted by contrasutra@Jun 26 2003, 09:32 PM
What do you use your computer for? it may/may not be easy to switch.
Virtualpc emulates a whole Windows Operating system. Its $200 I believe.
More information would help, as this is an important decision.

I use my computer to go on the internet, make websites, listen to music/burn cd's, and do some simple graphics and photography. I don't think there is a version of Paint Shop Pro for Mac, which is really bad, since that's my program of choice.

I think Panther looks exciting and perhaps it would be a good idea to wait until that comes out. If I don't sell my Dell, it's going to take me awhile to save up the money anyhow. I'm hoping to get some good money for graduation (I homeschool and will be graduating very soon). Do we know when Panther is coming out?

Oh, I also recently bought an iPod. Although I have no problems with Music Match, I'm sure it would work a lot better with iTunes.

#35974

Well, you sound like the perfect candidate for a Mac. Go for it. (Y)

You could always get Photoshop Elements. Its the same price as PSP (cheaper if you look for a sale), and its comparable, if not better.

#35976

Originally posted by contrasutra@Jun 26 2003, 08:39 PM
You cant convert Windows binaries into Mac binaries (or anything for that matter) because that would involve access to the source code, and MS isnt going Open Source any time soon.

Boschs is an emulator, just like VirtualPC, and right now I believe it only works for pre Windows 95. ie. Win 3.1 ,DOS.

I bet they could port WINE though. Too bad WINE sucks.

I donno dude... I mean I didn't check the Linux apps I downloaded whether they were for PPC or x86, they just always worked. Perhaps I just got lucky and each time I downloaded the right thing. Or - Fink does a great job of converting x86 apps! (Y)

#35988

Originally posted by Lorelei@Jun 26 2003, 11:34 PM
Oh, I also recently bought an iPod. Although I have no problems with Music Match, I'm sure it would work a lot better with iTunes.

YOUR DAMN RIGHT!!

iTunes Music Store, Kick ass!! (Y) (Y) (Y) :own: :own: :own:

You are definitly a Mac user. Dont wait another day, GO OUT AND BUY A MAC NOW!!!

I'm sure you can find some paint software you really like, even if it isnt exactly Paint Shop Pro.

-----------------------------------------

Like contra suggested, Photoshop Elements probably wouldn't be too bad an idea. You might even end up liking it more! Who knows?

#36050

Thanks everyone for your help. I'm going to see about getting an iBook soon. I've got $53 to my name at the moment, which doesn't go very far. I've got a few things to sell and I've got graduation coming up, plus my paycheck, so hopefully within 1-2 months I'll have an iBook. I can't sell my Dell, I'm weak. Photoshop Elements looks interesting and I'll have to investigate that further. And iTunes looks like the greatest thing since sliced bread.

#36109