Possible IBM Convert!

Howdy:

I am a LONG TIME IBM Compatible user considering an Apple notebook product. At one time I though Apple was the devil. Yes, **** is apparently freezing over.

Anyways, since I am obviously unfamiliar to Apple, I have a few questions.

Background
---------------

1) I am an accounting major graduating in May.

2) I am a major power user. It's not uncommon to have memory hogs such as Movies, MS Office and internet apps running all at the same time.

3) I have had some exposure to the Mac OS back through middle school, but its been years since Ive really dealt with Macs or the OS.

4) I am moderately skilled user. I can usually find my way around an OS and programs without help and fix problems when I screw up.

Questions
-----------
1) Is an Apple notebook is a good choice for a person going into the mainstream accounting field?

2) What is the biggest issue I will have with transitioning from Windows?

3) How long do the Mac Notebooks last before I am out buying its replacement?

4) Should I consider the Macbook Pro?

5) What would be an ideal system configuration?
- I know 1GB Ram will be a must
- I am coming from the perspective of HD space, Graphics
cards and other goodies

6) I hear that the MS Office package (a must for me) is having issues with the new Intel Duo chips since it was designed for the G3 chips. Should I hold off on purchase until a new version comes out?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your help! I will followup as the conversation progresses.

- Jesse

IBM Windows XP Pro

IBM Windows XP Pro

IBM, Windows XP Pro

Posted on Sep 1, 2006 10:07 PM

20 replies

Exiva

Level 1

0 points

Sep 7, 2006 11:54 AM in response to Exiva

I would like to take that back, it just shut down while NOT in Windows!

Sep 7, 2006 11:56 AM in response to Exiva

I am running Windows, but still my IT dept. didn't
want to hear about the Mac.

You could lie. 🙂 I believe when you are running Windows via Boot Camp, you are in a very real sense not running a Mac: it's a completely Windows computer, albeit with a few different keys. Although I have worked for companies that even standardized on brand of Wintel machine, and would refuse to support Toshibas etc.

Actually, this makes me realise the fact that it
shuts down only when I go into
Windows.....hmm......guess Apple doesn't like
Windows..hehe...not funny though, I can't even check
my bank account unless I log into Windows...can't
access online banking using Safari.....

That will vary by bank. I can do online banking with my bank through Safari. Unfortunately, that's only going to change if/when Mac marketshare increases.

Sep 7, 2006 12:00 PM in response to Exiva

Sorry to hear that. Call Apple Care. My machine is a couple of weeks post-repair for the same thing, so far so good.

jessep28 Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 7, 2006 12:03 PM in response to Exiva

You made a good point Exiva for the notebook being more of a toy than a real work machine for accountants.

Granted you can get a 10 key and mouse for notebooks, but I am the type who really would benefit from a desktop more than a notebook for work tasks. I need to have all my junk spread out on a desk 🙂.

They are starting to discount Mac Office for students ($99 with rebate) so I wonder if Apple is drawing down inventory for a new version coming out.

I will probably wait a month before buying to allow the back to school crowd die down and see if they come out with Core 2 Duo Macbooks.

Like I said though, I am pretty much sold on them. I like the OS better from a GUI perspective. However, it stinks that the business field is so Windows dominant that it will require me to either load Windows or keep an IBM Compat. handy at home to reduce headaches. I know IBM Capability is possible on Macs, but it's not convenient 🙂.

Exiva

Level 1

0 points

Sep 7, 2006 12:12 PM in response to Plecostomus

I am running Windows, but still my IT dept. didn't
want to hear about the Mac.

You could lie. 🙂 I believe when you are running
Windows via Boot Camp, you are in a very real sense
not running a Mac: it's a completely Windows
computer, albeit with a few different keys. Although
I have worked for companies that even standardized on
brand of Wintel machine, and would refuse to support
Toshibas etc.

I know it sounds unbelievable.....that's what I said to my IT dept....I brought the Mac into the office and started it in Windows saying to them: look it is a normal computer...still, they didn't want to touch it, so now I am forced to do all my work from this "Jurassic" Compaq they gave me, which dates back to the dinosaurs era.....:(

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Possible IBM Convert!