[help] Switching To Ibook

Many moons ago I posted a thread asking opinions on whether I should switch to Mac. I never did. I have decided now that I am going to switch. But I have some questions that I want to clear up first. Any help is appreciated.

Background: I use a Dell Inspiron 2650 notebook running Windows XP. It has a 30gb hard drive, 256mb RAM, 1.2ghz Pentium Celeron processor, a 15" SXGA screen, etc. It weighs 7 pounds, the battery runs for an hour tops, and it's ugly. It also hates me.

I want one of those new iBook G4's, the 12" combo drive one. I always wanted a small and portable notebook (the one I have is like a rock and sits on my desk). Especially now that I'm starting college, portability is important, and that's why I went with the 12" and not the 14".

VirtualPC: is it worth it? I have several programs (The Sims, Doom, etc) for Windows, as I've been a Windows user all my life. Some of them I don't know that I'd be able to even find as a Mac version (Sim Farm anyone?). VirtualPC seems like a good option, but what do you guys think?

Airport Extreme: I connect to the internet using dial-up. It'd be nice to go in the living room with my iBook and not have to be connected to any wires and remain connected to the internet. Is this possible with the Airport? It looks like it works like the base for a cordless phone, where I'd plug the phone line into the Airport base and put the Airport card in my iBook. Is this correct?

Fonts: I have a ton of downloaded fonts. Are Windows and Mac fonts different? Can I convert Windows fonts to Mac fonts?

What is the Mac equivalent of Notepad in Windows? I use Notepad to code the HTML for my website; what would you recommend using on the Mac?

Do .exe files work on a Mac?

I have an iPod filled with my entire collection of Mp3's. If I plugged that into my iBook, could I transfer the files from the iPod to the iBook, even though my iPod is formatted for Windows? Would plugging the iPod into the iBook somehow erase my files from the iPod?

Any ideas on how to raise money for the iBook? I have $450 to my name. I called my grandfather and asked for some money, but I'm not sure how that is going to work out. I have stuff to sell (software, external cdrw drive, beanie babies, cameras, etc) but no one is buying it. I also have a job, but I make only $6.50 an hour and I don't go very often because it's terribly boring.

So, there we go. Help, please?

#68121

1. Virtual PC is worth it, since you already have tons of windows app anyway. Make use of them. I don't think you can do a lot of gaming on an iBook.

2. I have no idea about AP Extreme.

3. If you had the appropriate app, you should be able to convert the fonts. Or you can redownload them. Most free font sites have mac versions.

4. Notepad equivalent should be TextEdit. There's also BBEdit, not free though.

5. I don't think exes works on macs. Well, on VPC they do.

6. I don't think you can use iPod for Win on your Mac. So accidental erasure of your MP3s is not lightly. Correct me if I'm wrong.

7. Rob a bank. Prostituition? Work your ass off on that job of yours.

#68126

Isn't the little widget that controls whether an iPod is Win/Mac controlled by firmware? And does that mean you can change it via download? I think yes but unless someone gives me an iPod I don't know. Anyone?

#68129

First off, after reading this topic (at work, on a mac) I reported it to Apple® (as a bug "supposedly")

That reminds me I should report all polls of pc users switching thanks to Aqua-Soft.org.

All I can say for you dude is go and buy one. Its good for you and foreverybody.

Easy to use, fun, stable, simple, beautiful and most competible:

Do .exe files work on a Mac?

Yes - like kings they work. Virtual PC on your mac would run it perfectly, not to mention you can drag and drop stuff off your mac desktop to your virtual pc window. Taha, show him watchya'v got! :rock:

#68130

1. VirtualPC (especially on iBook) is not good for games. If you have 3D games (ie. The Sims), it won't help you.

2. EXE is a Windows format, therefore it only works in windows (or VPC)

3. Fonts are standard,either TTF or OpenType or one of the others. You can just copy your fonts over. In fact, Panther has "font book" which makes managing fonts easier (I hear).

4. Thats a nice machine, have fun with it. Be sure to fill up the RAM, you'll thank me. Ive used OSX w/ only 128/256MB of RAM. Its not fun when you begin to multitask for a while.

#68132

About the AirPort Extreme thing, as far as I know you have the right idea. Just plug the base into your phone line and run the little setup assistant thingy. Also I am pretty sure you can use a Win iPod on a Mac, just not vice versa.

Please don't quote me on this, I could be completely wrong.

:smiliemaker:

AquaKid 3D

#68188

Originally posted by contrasutra@Oct 22 2003, 01:47 PM

3. Fonts are standard,either TTF or OpenType or one of the others. You can just copy your fonts over. In fact, Panther has "font book" which makes managing fonts easier (I hear).

what about those dfont thingys.

I looked through the mac in my school and all i found was .dfonts.

#68190

Originally posted by contrasutra@Oct 22 2003, 08:47 PM

1. VirtualPC (especially on iBook) is not good for games. If you have 3D games (ie. The Sims), it won't help you.

2. EXE is a Windows format, therefore it only works in windows (or VPC)

3. Fonts are standard,either TTF or OpenType or one of the others. You can just copy your fonts over. In fact, Panther has "font book" which makes managing fonts easier (I hear).

4. Thats a nice machine, have fun with it. Be sure to fill up the RAM, you'll thank me. Ive used OSX w/ only 128/256MB of RAM. Its not fun when you begin to multitask for a while.

So if I get an iBook I can never play The Sims again? Unless, of course, I go out and buy the Mac version. What about things like Doom and Paint Shop Pro?

The iBook comes with 256mb RAM, I think. But I shouldn't buy extra from Apple, right, because it's expensive? I'll load up on RAM around Christmas when I have a lot of money. Same thing for the Airport; it isn't happening until I get my Christmas & birthday money. I guess I'll live without wireless internet for a couple of months.

What do you mean it's "not fun" when you are multitasking? What does it do?

#68364

it drags with only 128MB of RAM.

Well, if you mean DOOM Classic, you don't have to run that in VirtualPC. DOOM has been open sourced for years, and I'm sure there is a Mac port. They would probably just have to recompile the linux/bsd version,so that has probably happened years ago.

Yes, if you want to play the SIMs, get the mac version.

And Dont get the RAM from Apple, its 5x more expensive.

#68384

Originally posted by contrasutra@Oct 23 2003, 07:13 PM

it drags with only 128MB of RAM.

Well, if you mean DOOM Classic, you don't have to run that in VirtualPC. DOOM has been open sourced for years, and I'm sure there is a Mac port. They would probably just have to recompile the linux/bsd version,so that has probably happened years ago.

Yes, if you want to play the SIMs, get the mac version.

And Dont get the RAM from Apple, its 5x more expensive.

Well I'll have 256mb RAM to start with.. I'm sure I'll add more later. The most strenuous thing I'd be doing is using Photoshop. Where would you recommend getting RAM for the iBook?

I guess it's Doom classic. I've got Knee Deep in the Dead, The Shores of Hell, Inferno, Thy Flesh Consumed, & Doom II. I got it in a big combo pack at CompUSA a long time ago. I'll have my friend who has cable internet find me a Mac version of Doom. I've been playing Doom since I was 6 (I'm 17 now) and it's my favourite; I was definately the weird girl on the block.

I'll ask for the Mac version of The Sims for Christmas.

#68389

Here's a link for DOOM on OSX:

http://doomlegacy.idevgames.com/

It uses OpenGL to render, so you can get very high resolutions (1024x768 on the iBook I think)

There's probably other versions too.

It comes w/ the shareware WAD (the level files), but you can eaily copy over the WADs from your other DOOM discs.

Its only 4MB, so you don't need someone with a cable modem.

#68394

Originally posted by contrasutra@Oct 23 2003, 07:48 PM

Here's a link for DOOM on OSX:

http://doomlegacy.idevgames.com/

It uses OpenGL to render, so you can get very high resolutions (1024x768 on the iBook I think)

There's probably other versions too.

It comes w/ the shareware WAD (the level files), but you can eaily copy over the WADs from your other DOOM discs.

Its only 4MB, so you don't need someone with a cable modem.

Thanks! I have an entire CD of wads in addition to the games I mentioned. Looks like I'll be okay on the game front.

#68395

Originally posted by Goku@Oct 22 2003, 04:33 PM

Yes - like kings they work. Virtual PC on your mac would run it perfectly, not to mention you can drag and drop stuff off your mac desktop to your virtual pc window.

'sright.

#68505

I just ordered my iBook. 12" screen, 40g hdd, 800mhz G4, combo drive, 640mb ram built-in (my dad made me do it that way.. so, yeah). Also got the Airport Extreme card & base station (seeing as I'm having a not so great time of this, I'm sure it will turn out that my ISP is one of those that doesn't support the Airport). I just spent $1582. I was not anticipating having to pay tax. Nowhere did it say I'd have to pay tax. My dad thought it was weird since there are Apple stores in New York, but you know. So after we give the credit card number (I ordered online), yada yada, THEN it comes up with $113 tax! AFTER giving the credit card number and placing the order. I'm not a happy camper.

Does anyone know how they verify that people using the educational discount are actually students or whatever? My school claims that my acceptance letter should arrive in the mail tomorrow (I'm already accepted; it's a community college and is open enrollment, I even spoke with the counseling center the other day and I know I'm in the computer as a student), but you know, this is me, and I'm bound to have some sort of problem.

This makes an extra couple of hundred dollars I didn't account for (some for the extra ram, and then the tax). I had only $1355 (my grandfather is sending $1000 and I have $355 in my own bank account).

Someone tell me that everything will be alright, despite getting off on the bad foot (or at least I think I did). Does anyone have any comments on how fast Apple ships?

I feel awful about spending all this money and now I have a feeling the whole thing was a mistake. I shouldn't feel this way about the machine I've woken up every morning thinking about, spent all day researching for the past few days, and have lusted after for over a year. I'm getting a Mac! This should be a joyous occasion. Someone tell me everything is going to be alright! -sigh-

#68891

Do you happen to be jewish?

Yeah, spending $1500 in one fell swoop can be irritate your stomach, especially when its other peoples money.

My suggestion: Enjoy it. If you spend all your money, and then don't even enjoy it, it was a complete waste. Make sure you have fun (and do your work )

Hell, I can't even sleep at night because I sprung for a laser printer.

#68896

if you don't stop whining and be happy your parents spent all that money on you i'll personally fly over to give you a slap.

that computer you've got there is exactly the one i want, so if you're not happy just give me a pm and you can have my address

#68900

Originally posted by contrasutra@Oct 25 2003, 01:12 AM

Do you happen to be jewish?

Yeah, spending $1500 in one fell swoop can be irritate your stomach, especially when its other peoples money.

My suggestion: Enjoy it. If you spend all your money, and then don't even enjoy it, it was a complete waste. Make sure you have fun (and do your work )

Hell, I can't even sleep at night because I sprung for a laser printer.

Usually I spend large amounts of money no problem; I take after my aunt, which isn't too great since she's bankrupt (perhaps it was buying every Swarovski crystal "thing" ever made..) But no, I'm not Jewish

I know I need to enjoy it, and I'm sure that once it gets here I'll be thrilled with it and I'll stay up all night just to look at it and revel in the fact that it's actually mine.

I actually feel like sleeping. I don't lose sleep over things; if anything, something like this makes me want to sleep extra.

#68911

Originally posted by Fissy@Oct 25 2003, 01:38 AM

if you don't stop whining and be happy your parents spent all that money on you i'll personally fly over to give you a slap.

that computer you've got there is exactly the one i want, so if you're not happy just give me a pm and you can have my address

If for some reason I hate the iBook, I'll keep you in mind.

#68914

please don't like it, please don't like it...

seriously though, stop worrying... it shouldn't even be in doubt if you'll like it.

Think about all those pretty effects you'll get with panther,

beautiful aqua interface,

real osx dock.

just using it will be a pleasure for you...

and its pretty good value by the looks of it + you've got no worries about apple releasing better ones in 2 weeks.

-fissy

#68916

Originally posted by Fissy@Oct 25 2003, 02:21 AM

please don't like it, please don't like it...

seriously though, stop worrying... it shouldn't even be in doubt if you'll like it.

Think about all those pretty effects you'll get with panther,

beautiful aqua interface,

real osx dock.

just using it will be a pleasure for you...

and its pretty good value by the looks of it + you've got no worries about apple releasing better ones in 2 weeks.

-fissy

I'm very excited about Panther. I wasn't initially excited about the dock, but I can see where it will come in handy. iCal will come in handy for school, which is important; I intend to graduate someday (only to return to school, just on the other side of the desk, lol). I think I just need to sleep on it.

#68920

Just thought I'd update. I recieved my iBook yesterday. I am very pleased with it.

#73474

hehe, theres a surprise

tell us any annoyances or brilliant things you weren't expecting, cause like i said, i'm going to buy that exact machine in the near future

#73477

http://webcookie.net/iBook - some pictures and screencaps.

Expose: it's cool, but I don't really use it right now. I may in the future. F-11 is the best one (that one shows the desktop).

The trackpad is really nice, much nicer than the one on my Dell laptop. I didn't have a hard time adjusting to control-clicking when I'm using it. But when I'm at my desk I still use my trusty two button scroll wheel mouse.

I need Photoshop very badly. The tryout version would take me 15 hours to download on my dialup. Not cool.

I'm not very fond of the Mail program and I'd rather use Outlook. I'm not very fond of iPhoto, either. It's confusing and.. guh. iTunes is easy to use and I already knew this from having the Windows version. iCal is fun; unfortunately I don't have much to put on it right now since school hasn't started yet. Safari is a million times better than IE.

The 12" is crisp, but sometimes I feel it's too small (I'm used to a 15"). It's extremely light and portable. The battery time is good; I get around 4 or 4.5 hours doing web browsing, iTunes, Mail, AiM, and other programs here and there with the screen almost as bright as it goes. I love the keyboard and the rubbery feel of the inside.

Plug & Play! Plugged in my digital camera; it just worked. Plugged in my printer; it printed! No drivers, no software, no installation! The only thing I had some trouble with was setting up the AirPort, but I've got it up and running now (I don't know what the problem was, but I unplugged it and plugged it back in and then it worked).

Sleep mode is great. Astrid's (I named the iBook Astrid, lol) ready to go when I am, no need to boot. I love the little pulsing light in the front (although a bit creepy in the middle of the night when I look over and see my computer "breathing").

#73772

Very Nice wouldnt mind having an iBook 14"

#73774

My iBook just came today too. I haven't stopped playing with it since I got it, I love it

I don't think i'm going to sleep at all tonight I am having too much fun just playing with things and setting it all up.

#73791