A new MacBook Pro! Eeeeek, I am so excited! I have been wanting a new computer for a while, and with half of my income now coming from freelance writing, Matt thought this was as good a time as any. (The fact that I got a student discount didn’t hurt either. Apparently being a Ph.D student isn’t all crappy.)
Though I am over the moon excited about my new toy, we have a major problem. I have no earthly idea how the heck to use a Mac computer. Like, seriously, no idea. We got back from the Mac store, and I just stared at the thing wondering where the flip to start. Sure, I bought the extra one-on-one training, but I don’t think those college kids at the Mac store have any idea just how clueless I am. I literally feel like an 80 year old grandma who just saw a computer for the first time. I’m not kidding, its that bad.
So, here is where you come in. I need your help! For those of you who have Macs, I need your knowledge. Yeah, I’ll take the lessons from the peeps at the Apple store, but I need the insider knowledge. You know…What programs do you use for blogging? What are the cool programs I need to get? What artsy things can I do now that I own a Mac? What should I learn first? What places have cute carrying cases? You know, all those important things :)
So, if you have any tips for this 80 year old, technologically challenged grandma, please share, I desperately need them!
*PS: If you haven’t entered my Misikko giveaway, hurry and enter, it ends Thursday night!
13 comments:
Allison,
I've had a MacBook for three years and still have no idea how to use it, haha :)
Cute cases: BookBook! I cannot wait to order a MacBook Pro (soon!) so I can get one of these! link: http://www.twelvesouth.com/products/bookbook/
Congrats on your Pro, I think you'll like it!
Caroline
I also have a MacBook Pro and love it! It took me a minute to figure it out but it's really easy to use! The main difference is not having the "Start" menu, really. The iPhoto is awesome for pictures!
I have a hard case on mine and it cost $50 at Best Buy but was worth it. It's clear and totally protects the Mac.
Not a mac guy, but I know how to use 'em. This should help you out:
http://www.mactricksandtips.com/2008/10/mac-101-56-useful-mac-shortcuts.html
I LOVE my MacBook Pro!! Will never ever buy a PC again!
Helpful tips that I use a lot:
Shift + apple key + 4 is screen shots.
Holding down control and moving your mouse super zooms in on the screen.
You can set up F keys, so for instance my F11 button zooms out so I can see every screen I have open. Super convenient.
an external hard drive is a must.
iPhoto is amazing. love the effects.
PhotoBooth is almost too much fun. You could spend hours playing with the effects and creating funny faces. I can't help but do it and crack up. By myself. HA!
http://pursuitofllt.blogspot.com/
How exciting!! I got my Mac just a few months ago!!
I used Macs all through college, but when I got my own I actually had some problems. It just takes a little time to get used to the file storage and stuff, but you'll get the hang out it! :)
You are going to love it!!! I got one a few weeks ago. Now it is my new best friend!
I have a macbook pro and I'm convinced I will never go back to PC! I would recommend a hard shell for it (there are some by speck on Amazon that are great) and a protector for the wrist area. I got mine from Moshi and it is great at preventing my bracelets from scratching up the aluminum.
I don't blog (yet) but I use MacJournal and supposedly that is great to publish from. Another essential is "Clean My Mac". It consolidates all of the useful space on your computer and deletes useless files. Kind of like "defraging" on a PC, but it only takes 10-15 seconds. Good luck!!
I love my Mac book, but definitely don't take full advantage of all that I could do on it... I can tell you though,that once you get the hang of it, it is way easier than a PC. I will never go back!
If you've never had a Mac before and have never even used one before, then why on Earth did you buy one? That just seems kind of silly to me.
Thanks everyone for the wonderful tips. I'm hoping to learn, slowly but surely.
Anonymous...I bought a Mac because at this point in my life, it is better suited to my needs. A lot of editing, portable writing, design stuff, etc... so now was a good time to switch. Just because I've never used something, doesn't mean I can't ever start. Change can be good :)
I was pretty sure based on the title, the answer was a David Yurman ring!
so exciting!!! you'll get used to it real fast!
I had the same exact problem when my bf surprised me with my MAC. I was thrilled but just looked at it and didn't know what to do haha!
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