So… I got a Mac. A Mac Mini to be specific. I officially know nothing about it except what Manny and Amy have been able to beat through my thick skull.
The user experience was everything I expected it to be, given Apple’s reputation, and so far I like it. We’ll see what happens when I start using it for a few of the projects I bought it for. In the mean time, feel free to leave your software recommendations in the comments.
For my own reference later: OS X Switch List.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:17 am
I’d like to second the Pages rec from the OS X Switch List. (and Keynote, it comes with Pages and is great) And add it Omnigraffle. (You might have a free version installed already).
June 1st, 2007 at 6:17 am
I don’t know if you’re in the weeds the way I was when I first switched, but it was downright painful for me to move from full-time PC to full-time Mac just like that.
Once you get comfortable with OSX, here’s a list of my favorite OSX add-ons. These are game changers in my opinion.
I would recommend checking out the top software list at iusethis.com (http://osx.iusethis.com/top) for some broader suggestions.
Here’s my list of favorite apps, in no order:
Parallels Desktop - XP on Mac (perfect)
VLC - plays any video
Azarues - Bittorent
Flickr Uploader
Adium - Chat
Isquint - Video to Ipod
Witch - Fast app switcher
Todos - Fast app launcher
Super Duper - Backup
Nocturne - Mac at night
Meteorologist - Menu bar weather
Mailtags - Tag your mail
Google Desktop - Spotlight on crack
MacJanitor - Maintenance app
Handbrake - DVD to iPod
Letterbox - 3 panel Mail.app
Kismet - evil doing
Google Earth
Camino - Mozilla for Mac
Fenetres Volantes - amazing screensaver
Cyberduck - FTP
Blue Coconut - iTunes share downloads
AppZapper - Uninstaller
That’s about all I can think about for now, but hit that link of add-ons, too. They’re delicious.
June 1st, 2007 at 7:34 pm
I thought I knew you.
June 1st, 2007 at 7:39 pm
You should. Use the right tool for the job. When it comes to video editing, buying a new mac is way cheaper than buying a new PC AND then buying a copy of video editing software that’s worth a damn.
June 1st, 2007 at 8:15 pm
Check your spam filter. I think it ate my comment this morning. CHOMP!
June 1st, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Oh, well you didn’t say anything in the main post about video editing. That’s a pretty important fact, because it’s pretty much the only reason for buying a mac that’s rational.
June 1st, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Oh c’mon… buying one to be cool is perfectly rational.
June 2nd, 2007 at 2:47 am
That’s why I bought one, hollaaaaaa!
June 2nd, 2007 at 7:49 pm
You can also use VMware Fusion to run windows on os x. It’s in beta right now and free. It doesn’t have all the functionality of parallels yet (they’re working on it) but it’s $80 cheaper.
Some others:
Transmission - Bittorrent (more lightweight than azureus)
TVShows - Subscribe to shows you like and you can get Transmission to DL them automatically
iStumbler - Strength and status of all the wireless networks in the area