<p>I'm looking forward to switching to a Mac and in doing so, I will be opting to choose the Powerbook or the iBook, though the former is preferable. </p>
<p>I'm also planning to get Microsoft Office for Mac to aid in adjusting, but I've heard there are plenty of bugs. Should I go with Apple Works? Regardless of which software, I'm planning to get an iWork to accompany whichever program I choose.</p>
<p>Are there any extra accessories that are recommended?</p>
<p>Any experiences with either? Any tips for a Mac-converter?</p>
<p>I used to be a PC person, used to PCs and incapable of using anything else. Then I got my PowerBook G4 and I love it! It did take some getting used to, but now I definitely prefer it to any PC. Plus it is very portable. I'd definitely suggest it to anyone looking to purchase one.</p>
<p>I have an Apple G5
It is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
In fact, my family was so impressed we bought 2 Apple Powerbook laptops.</p>
<p>I have Microsoft Office for all three Apple computers and they work just fine. None of our computers have crashed or for that matter had serious problems.So u should be just fine. </p>
<p>However, i do not receommend that u get Virtual PC. Virtual PC is a program that allows u to use Windows software on any Apple/Macintosh computer. It is somewhat unreliable and there are many glitches.</p>
<p>But, i advise u to do one thing. U might want to buy iLife '05. It is a collection of Macintosh programs that will find very useful and reliable, especially for school. </p>
<p>I use Office X and I havn't seen too many bugs. Every now and then it crashes.. but very rarely. Doesn't a Powerbook come with AppleWorks already? AppleWorks came with my computer when I bought it, but that was 4 years ago.</p>
<p>AppleWorks is pretty basic and Word is a bit more powerful. Word also seems to run slower, but I have a pretty old mac and on a new powerbook I doubt that would be an issue. </p>
<p>I think you should go ahead and get Office, if nothing more but to ease the transition and solve any compatability issues. </p>
<p>Generally, I use AppleWorks if I am typing something just to print it or use for myself. If I am doing something I think I might want to format heavily or send to other people, I use Word. AppleWorks is just easier for general use but Word has more features.</p>
<p>As for tips.. just update the prebinding on all you files every now and then and repair your permissions every now and then as well. It will keep it running better. You can do both of those in the terminal. I'd tell you the command but you will probably forget it between now and then and you can just look it up if you need it :P</p>
<p>Don't use IE. Use either Firefox or Safari if the new version is any good. BBEdit Lite is a nice free basic text edior. NewsFire is a good rss reader. iTunes for music. etc. I'm sure you will be used to the new OS in no time.</p>
<p>I have the iBook (14") and couldn't ask for anything more(though the powerbook would have been nice..). ANYTHING is an improvement on my last computer that completely crashed and fried during my first semester :-\ I haven't had many problems with Microsoft Office except for a few freeze ups and slow openings of things... ABSOLUTLY recommend switching over to mac!</p>
<p>eiffelguy... is that what you meant to type? Wireless keyboard on a laptop?</p>
<p>I use appleworks / microsoft works basically with the same split as madd87.</p>
<p>I got a mouse with 2 buttons and a scroll wheel... don't remember what brand it is, but it doesn't actually have buttons, you just kinda push on the front. Takes some getting used to, but I like it a lot. It's also a laser mouse, and gray and matches the powerbook perfectly, lol.</p>
<p>I also got soundsticks for my dorm... any laptop speakers are pretty bad.</p>
<p>The battery should last you long enough to get through classes, and I doubt you would want to be replacing the battery in a lecture hall or something anyway. And other places, you can just plug it in (room, library, etc). It charges while plugged in, even while in use so I don't think there's any real need for another battery.</p>
<p>Dunno. But I could care less about playing video games. I'm more concerned about getting music of iTunes and being able to work process and design stuff.</p>
<p>Hey, i really want a Powerbook for college too. I have a couple of questions tho. Do you think the 15" G4 is worth the extra cash over the 12" one. And also, do you guys know if apple normally has any back to school sales or new laptops coming out in the summer? Thanks</p>
<p>starcraft is on the mac. I don't know about CS.
I work on the comp, game on the PS2 (cmon PS3!!!)</p>
<p>ourTunes = gives you access to all of the music on the school network = I have access to over 100,000 songs to take from others comps and put on mine.</p>
<p>Dunno about back to school sales, but they do give the student discounts... I just showed the people at the store my acceptance letter to get it. I would go with the 15"... but maybe that's just me. I wish I got it with a gig of ram, but my parents wouldn't get that upgrade... maybe I'll get it some other time. (but it runs fine with the 512)</p>
<p>skier13: Show them your acceptance letter if you go to the Apple Store or if you visit <a href="http://www.apple.com%5B/url%5D">www.apple.com</a> and go their Education Store, find your university and you can get a $200 off your 15-inch powerbook.</p>
<p>I'm vying for a gig of ram soccerguy315; it's so tempting. Parent's are tech knowledgable so I'll slip it by them. :)</p>
<p>My daughter got a G4 powerbook and LOVES it. She was originally not interested in a Mac, but is grateful now because most of her friends have had various issues with
viruses, etc. She has had zero problems with it, loves the bigger screen (yes it's worth the money considering it's a longer term investment). One of her favorite accessories is a wireless "mini-mouse", I think the brand was "MacAlly". She wouldn't be without it. </p>
<p>When I get a new laptop, I will seriously consider a Mac given her success story with
hers. I'm jealous!</p>