MacBook?

shippoRN · Aug 14, 2007

I'm definitely a soon to be mac convert, will be getting my first mac ever in October when the new leopard OS launches or in Christmas, after leopard has been rolled out and had a little time on the market

Everyone i've asked about doing the whole swapping between pc and mac when it comes to documents say they have absolutely no problem with it.

Not sure about the other specifics you want to know, hopefully someone mac savy will answer as I'm interested as well.

Regardless to what others say, and I've gotten alot of nay sayers who sniff at the thought of me considering a mac, i'm treating myself to one.

Gluck with your decision.

allthingsbright · Aug 14, 2007

Well, I'm interested in everyones opinions and experiences on the MacBook, I'm strongly considering getting one for nursing school.
I was wondering if anyone had any experience with importing/exporting PowerPoint or word files back and forth between a Mac and PC, I will be doing a lot of PowerPoint presentations and essays on it.
Also, if anyone knows, out of curiosity, when the last time the MacBook line was updated I would appreciate that bit of info.
Just tell me what y'all think, pros and cons, Thanks!

I'm a new convert to Mac as well and have a spanky-new iMac to prove it. I do have a PC laptop and although I HATE it, I use Word and Powerpoint on it and will continue to do so until it dies. You have to buy the PP and Word software for Mac and it ain't cheap.

GL!

Reno1978, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2007

I LOVE MY MACBOOK! I got one during my first semester of nursing school and I'm really enjoy it. There is a slight learning curve to get used to using a Mac, versus a PC, but if you're pretty computer adept, it's easy to figure out. If you aren't, they have regular classes at Apple stores of there's one around you. Be sure to mention you're a college student! You get a discount of $100, and right now they have some promotion for a free iPod nano for college students.

Anyhow, I regularly take notes on my MacBook, and transfer files between my MacBook and my desktop PC, which has my printer if needed. So, it's very user friendly in that regard and I haven't had any problems. I write papers using MS Word for Mac and have turned them in from my MacBook to my instructors and they've had no problems....or transferring PPT files to a flash drive to bring to class...no problem! It comes with wireless, so if you have wireless at your school, you'll be good to go. It's lightweight (i used to lug around a PC laptop and it was heavy and the plug/adapter was cumbersome too), which is important since you'll probably have some rather large textbooks to carry around also.

I say go for it! I'm considering replacing my desktop PC with an iMac before I graduate.

Reno1978, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2007

You have to buy the PP and Word software for Mac and it ain't cheap.

A tip on this! Check with your school to see if they have discounts on software. I got Office 2004 for Mac - Student and Teacher Edition for $79.00 through my school's bookstore. The student/teacher edition at retail is $149.95 if you bought it at the store.

The only difference buying it through my bookstore is there's no packaging and books, it's basically just the CD and license to register it, but a $60 savings is a $60 savings!

KLB00 · Aug 14, 2007

Thank you all for the replies! You've all been really helpful.

I am pretty sure I'm going to get one soon, just want to finish up my research on it before I buy, but it definitely sounds like a smart purchase and I'm pretty sure I will like it more than my PC.

Pecked2DthByChickens · Aug 14, 2007

I have been on a Mac over 15 yrs and I support them 110%!!! I am on a MacBook now. I use Microsoft Office on it (PPT, Word, Excel) and have no problems.

Once you go Mac, you never go back!

beckersSN · Aug 15, 2007

just two words... GET ONE. I switched to mac's about 2 years ago and I will NEVER have a pc again. My mac works all the time and doesn't lock up or shut down. I leave it running 24/7 and have for the last year without turnign it off and it still works like a dream. There is absolutely no problem with using office aps once you install office all documents transfer back and forth between my mac and pc's at school with no problem

WDWpixieRN, RN · Aug 15, 2007

I'm a diehard regular PC person as I used them in my former position in IT and have just always had one. Everyone in my house has had them. My 24 year old daughter recently decided she wanted a Mac as she had friends with them. I was leery, but we stopped in a Best Buy (where they don't even carry them in the store) and the salesman gushed about them. A former co-worker whose opinion I value reiterated that folks who use them love them.

I don't know much about converting files, but it can't be rocket science or they couldn't sell them to the numbers of students that they do. I don't think you'll be sorry.

tippy02 · Aug 16, 2007

I have a macbook and I totally enjoy it. I found this article maybe it will give you more info. http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jun2006/tc20060614_650605.htm?sub=techmaven

bflogrl · Aug 20, 2007

I just bought my MacBook this summer, after ruining my old PowerBook by getting moisture under the screen (it was too old and not worth fixing). I am a total mac girl. Very stable operating system, sleek, clean, cute.... At work we use PC's and I have never had a problem transfering files back and forth. I use powerpoint, excel, and word and all have worked fine going back and forth between mac and pc.

One word of advice if you are considering a PowerBook: that sweet metal case dents easily, if you carry your laptop like I do, the MacBook is more practical.

jspacegirl · Aug 21, 2007

Get the MacBook. You won't regret it. I've had an iMac for 3 years now and I have never had a problem with it. It still runs like a dream, smooth and fast. Never crashes. Whereas PCs seem slow and outdated in less than a year, I feel like I could use my iMac for another several years without any growing pains. I love it. I'll never ever buy a PC again! And I've never had any compatability issues with the MS Office programs.

The only thing that kind of sucks about owning a Mac is that from time to time you'll come across computer programs or applications that aren't Mac-compatible. Overall, it doesn't happen much, and it's not enough to make me switch back to a PC.