NBR: I drowned my computer. So tell me...

JJ&BB1146

A few nights go, I tripped and spilled a huge cup of water all over one of our end tables, which contained almost every electronic device we own (laptop, iPhone, camera AND video camera, etc.) since that's where I sit most of the day to BF. I was able to salvage everything but the laptop, which is a total loss. I'm OK with that because it was 7-8 years old. But now I obviously need a new one.

I'm debating between getting a new PC or a Mac. I know that Macs are awesome, hardly ever get viruses, etc. But I'm still hesitant to make the transition. So, tell me about transitioning from a PC to a Mac. How hard is it? Will I have to buy a bunch of new software, too? What else would I need to know to make a decision?

ssinca

we bought a mac desktop last thanksgiving and we LOVE it.  there are a few little things you'll have to get used to (I'm a big fan of the ctrl key on PCs, on the mac it's the apple symbol, the button closest to the spacebar) but I'd played around with my parent's and my sister's mac so I knew a little.  it's really not difficult to learn and is much more user-friendly.  it's awesome for photos, music, and videos.

you can buy microsoft office for macs - same word, excel, powerpoint programs that you're probably already used to.

if you do end up with a mac, I recommend buying the classes.  it's $99/year for unlimited classes - you can either go to a group class or a one-on-one if you have specific questions.  everyone that we've met at the apple store (different states even) have been super friendly.  you only have a month (I think) to sign up for the classes once you buy the comp so you can't really do it after the fact.

ETA:  this is the info for the classes:

https://www.apple.com/retail/onetoone/

anyway, I think we're both now converts.

Mrs.Purdue

do you own software for your PC already (i.e. would you be buying new software even if you go with another PC) or was it just basically the software that came on your computer?  if you do have PC software, then yes, you'd probably have to rebuy it in the mac version.  some companies will let you get the mac version for a smaller fee than buying it outright. 

we just went through this debate at our house too.  since i'm a photog, i felt a little pressure to go with a mac, just because that's the creative-type platform of choice.  ultimately, i decided that it wasn't worth 2x the PC price, so we just got a new Sony VAIO, 15'', 500gb harddrive, 4Gb RAM, blue ray DVD for $750.  The comparable mac that I wanted was $1900, so it just wasn't worth it for us. 

HSartteach

I had to transition while I was at UT at it was REQUIRED to own a mac laptop as "most school districts use macs" blah, blah, blah.  I've only been to one school (Westlake) that actually had macs.

That being said, it was the best thing I've done.  I love, love, love my mac.  I hate using the pc's at school.  I had to used to no touchpad at the beginning and a few other transitions, but it generally wasn't that hard.  I say go for it...come to the dark side!!!  You know you want to ( said with devilish tone and squinted eyes )

carlinlp

Tys school is filled with big, beautiful macs. I think all the new schools in lisd are.

kiarox2002

I love my Mac!  It is so easy to use and I am not a computer person.  I am able to figure things out easily.  When I had a PC, I was always having to ask DH to help me.

Nessia

We converted last year. Very happy. iPhoto is AWESOME!

mlf625

I'm so in love with my mac.  Everything is so easy and intuitive.  I can't stand to use my old PC laptop now because it feels so old school.

BLONDIE6FT

if you wanna save $$, we bought my last 2 computers at mr. notebook. i think they have 2 locations now. they refurbish laptops and have great tech support.