Wanting a Macbook Pro and want information about it
By suspenseful
@suspenseful (40193)
Canada
July 10, 2010 8:12pm CST
I know what size I want to get, but when I went to the Apple site, there were so many choices, Iwork, ability to attach to this tv monitor, regular hard drives, solid steel hard drives, etc. that I am confused. I do a lot of writing, and much of it is fantasy so I do need to have the ability to make a map of an imaginary world, make up some music. I also have loads of photos, love music, want to get my Cds on the Mac, etc. so it is not just for simple surfing, and emailing. in short, I am sort of a creative type of person.
So for someone like me, what essentials would I need so when I get it loaded I do not say "I wish I had ordered that as well?"
Oh no one who wants me to keep using Windows should reply. i have saved up for this Mac and it took me at least three years.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@gjabaigar (2200)
• Philippines
13 Jul 10
You have to consider some applications for a writer like you. Like from Mariner Software such as the "StoryMill", "Contour", "Montage", "MacJournal", "Paperless" (ohh just choose the best for you). These are just some sample applications that you can use on Mac and there are other beside these and some are free. I think you need also some mind mapping applications like the MindView 3 Professional- Mind Mapping Software from Matchware (you can search some similar applications also)
Browse other applications for Mac on macupdate.com .... Search and watch videos on youtube users of Macs like unboxing, reviews, demos, videologs etc. .... Join in Mac forums or groupies or blogsites .... Follow on groups on Facebook.... asking here on myLots.
Here are webpages for free mac applications:
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/100-free-useful-applications-for-mac-part-i/
http://macapper.com/2008/01/10/mac-os-x-freeware-list/
The iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynotes) are cheaper than MS Office for Mac, have the same functions but has different higlights.
You can buy now what MacBook Pro you wanted to have. Then you buy other accessories or stuffs for another day or as time goes on. Buy as long as you can have the reasons and choices to have.
You have a lots of personal stuffs like photos, music, videos, documents and so on, so it is better to have an external either a USB or better is a Firewire type of External Hard Disk Drives. This is also good for to have space for Time Machine for backup files or the Mac OS backup.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
13 Jul 10
Thank you. We do have an external hard drive but my husband has all his radio plays on them. He also has them on Cds so I could ask if I could use it. Besides he is not doing much except playing Minesweep and Hearts and he does have many of the radio plays on his ipod.
We are waiting for a large check to pay a bill, but if it does not come in time, the latest I want to order the Macbook Pro is on the 17th of this month.
I was thinking of ordering Iworks along with the Macbook Pro. So is Iworks good for someone who writes novels or is it only designed for short stories and aritcles like Microsoft Works is
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
15 Jul 10
I am interested in stuff for novelists. I tend to go on and on when I write and what started as a short story or a novella eventually becomes a novel. So what happened I decided to write novels although I do a little article now and them.
I was wondering about the Open Office for Mac. I did see it on one of the Mac Sites. I think it is called Neo something.
@gjabaigar (2200)
• Philippines
14 Jul 10
Yes any External Hard Disk Drive can do whether USB, Firewire or a Network Attached Storage (NAS), and of course your husband External Hard Drive also as long as don't bothers or intervene with your workflows it will just fine.
The Macbook Pro is enough for you and as your main job or work as a writer. You can do also photos, movies and audios or anything you wanted to do just don't be confuse stay on focus on your target and goals.
The iWork 09 is good and it is cheaper than the MS Office for Mac. The iWorks 09 do the same works and functions of MS Office. And it is much similar with MS Works because of simplicity to use, MS Works is the lite version of MS Office preferable for Laptop or Portable Computers usage. The iWorks is like the MS Works for being lite and simple to use, and also it works like an MS Office. I think there are templates installed or ready to download from the internet for iWork 09 specifically on different kind of usage.
There are other applications for writers like you, and just like the applications that I said before where there are some special functions for plots, characters, timelines and etc. either for books, novels, scripts and etc.
1 person likes this
@alexorejana (57)
• United States
15 Aug 10
I have a macbook pro 15" 320 GB HDD 2.4GHz with an i5 processor...pretty much the basic 15inch pro....best computer of my life!!!! Its so fast and i didn't even pay for an upgrade..It is just so beautiful. I like a little extra screen space, and don't let them fool you at the store, they kind of try to get you to upgrade by saying oh your not going to be doing extensive work..or you don't need that extra HDD.... Don't WORRY the i5 is fast!!!!! core 2 duo is plenty fast as well so don't let them talk you into spending more money than you have got. If you really need to upgrade...do so but the comouter is amazing.... PERFECT 10 :)
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
16 Aug 10
Thank you. I was debating on getting the Macbook Pro 17" because I like as much screen as possible. I want something that I do not have to worry about it breaking down or freezing up like Windows. I never had much luck with Windows, and it seemed that I always had a lot of trouble with it.
By the way wouldn't they say that you do not need an upgrade because you are not going to do extensive work? I suppose you would need the best computer for all that extra work. That HDD is bluray is it not?
@newzealtralian (3930)
• Australia
30 Jul 10
Regardless of the operating system/computer type, the best thing you can do is to go into a computer retailer and get some help with looking at what kind of computer you need. You don't have to buy from them, just get some 'in the know' advice, and really make use of the knowledge they have on hand, but be firm in what you want (some will get pushy saying you must have this or that etc).
The other option to consider is having a computer built specifically to your needs. Not sure what the cost will be v's buying one already pre-built, but if you aren't wanting all the extra components, then it could actually work out cheaper.
A word processor application is obviously what you are going to need. Doesn't matter what one you get, they all have basic abilities. Some have more than the just the basic stuff, so look at what suits your needs and your budget.
In order to keep up with MyLot, a web browser is needed as well. Again, look at what suits you and your specific needs.
No matter the computer, you must have an anti-virus software, even if you aren't intending to access the internet, but are able to. It is amazing how many nasties come through with just the occassional internet usage.
A new computer can be exciting, and daunting at the same time. You will find that learning your new computer will take some time, so make sure you read user manuals (especially for software) so you get a basic idea of where everything is.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
30 Jul 10
Except I need more then the basics. I do a lot of writing, and I am also writing a novel where I have to construct a new country on a different planet, make some music for when the people have festivals, etc. It is sort of a fantasy novel but without the witches, etc. I do know all about the anti viruses and firewalls, but I want a computer that is heavy ended and also does not break down that much. That is why I am going with the Macbook pro.
My husband has a Windows laptop, but it is a basic one although Windows 7 and I do not want to use it.
I know how to operate the Windows, but I used to have one of those old computer types like Tandy 180 and their system was sort of like the Mac and I do have a book on it.
But me, I prefer hands on, so I will have to find the Mac expert in our church and ask him.
I do have enough money to buy it now, but I want to get the better hard drive, bag, warranty, etc.
1 person likes this
@niairen01 (1018)
• Philippines
11 Jul 10
I'm using a PRO as a gift from my Dad. He both me this because my previous job was on iPhone game, but I wasn't able to continue because of my son. Having my own Pro, I could still work while at home doing online jobs. ~Lucky me!~ ^.^
Anyway, I've been a PC user all my life, up until I had it and I'm actually Loving it. I'm not techy-geek (though I'm a programmer) so I can't describe it technically. It has a very good display and SUPER user-friendly. a new Pro comes with iTunes like media player but no movie player(pro has DVD player for that) and garage band (you being a music lover could create your own music), for your loads of photo Mac has iPhoto where you can create albums and enhance images. for attaching the pro on TV... I have no idea. I know it's possible but I don't have any money to buy the cables for that one. ^.^
I'm also using and external drive but inserting it to the Pro's USB, if that's the same with what you meant with (solid Steel drive or is this the HDD inside a CPU?? if that's the case I don't have any Ideas how to connect that one with the laptop). If you spent most of the time working with the PRO the only thing I'm ranting about is, if you use it for a very long time it tends to be so hot!! its because of its aluminum casing.
Pro is very durable. My mom actually accidentally stepped on it because I left it one time on the floor and pillows covered it, I was about to cry but it's still alive. and my son (2yrs old) usually sat on it just to mock me. I only had it for about 6 months now.
If you want to maintain all your windows programs you can do it on make. you can actually setup 2 OS here. I also have Windows 7 inside my pro. configure it using the Boothcamp.
I hope this helps.... if you decided to buy one...ENJOY!!! ^.^
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
11 Jul 10
That helps me a lot. I am talking about the inside drive. I got the book "Macbook Pro for Dummies" since they did not have a "Macbook Pro for People who think they know everything." 
. I do not want to maintain all the windows programs. I do use Microsoft Office, but I can get a free program just as good. We do have external drives - well they are my husbands, but he is not using them anymore, so I will use them.
Thanks for the advice of it getting hot. I will be careful.
. I do not want to maintain all the windows programs. I do use Microsoft Office, but I can get a free program just as good. We do have external drives - well they are my husbands, but he is not using them anymore, so I will use them.
Thanks for the advice of it getting hot. I will be careful.