Considering switch to MAC

[rimcon]

I have been using PCs for many years and now that I am retired and most of my time on the computer is spent on photography I have been considering switching to MAC. I presume this will mean all new software. What I am most concerned about is Photoshop. The last few times I have upgraded at a considerable savings. If I do this will I have to go to a complete new version. Also what about word processors, spreadsheeets, databases and the like, will I require all new and expensive versions rather than just upgrades

Thanks
Ed
--
In Search of Light
http://www.pbase.com/rimcon

 

[Tom_N]

Check with Adobe, but I think you might be able to "side-grade" if you pay them something like a $20 fee, and get rid of the Windows copy.

Another possibility, though I hesitate to recommend it, would be to buy a copy of Windows XP and run it under a program like Parallels. (Not that Parallels is bad, but since there is already an Adobe PhotoShop that is native to PowerPC Macs, and soon will be one that is native to Intel Macs, why wouldn't you want the latter?)

 

[James C. Murray]

TomN is correct, Adobe will ask you to sign a destruct form for your Windows versions and forward it to them and they will send you an OS X version essentially for the postage. However if your Windows version is an older one you will have to pay the upgrade fee to the current version, IE now that CS3 is current they will not send you an OS X version of CS2, you will have to get the upgrade. Obviously with CS3 being Mac Intel optimised you would want that version anyway.

My wife went with an iMac a few months ago and there were a couple of programs that are Windows only that she had to have but otherwise most of her data files could be transferred and your every day stuff such as E-Mail and internet is available in OS X, nothing too traumatic there.

If you don't want to put money out for MS Office, I'm told that Neo Office (free program) is a fair substitute although I got the Mac MS office.

I am in the same situation as you are although I have been on the iMac a fair bit trying to get up to speed as I will be switching when the new MBP are announced. One thing that I found well worthwhile was David Pogue's

Missing Manual book on OS X. He has an appendix that describes the OS X equivalents of many of the Windows functions which is very good for finding things that you were familiar with in Windows.

 

[Conchita]

soon will be one that is native to Intel Macs

CS3 is intel native.

 

[BlisteringBarnacles]

If you don't want to put money out for MS Office, I'm told that Neo
Office (free program) is a fair substitute although I got the Mac
MS office.

NeoOffice is OpenOffice with the Mac interface. Unlike MS Office for Mac, it is already universal, and a great robust and free alternative.
Checkout Gimpshop, for a PS replacement (also universal).
Cheers.

 

[NoJive]

I made the switch in Dec. 2006 after 20+ years of PCs. My only regret is that I waited so long. Macs and OS X are just downright elegant in design and rock solid in stability. The software available is phenomenal. Adobe charged me $6 to crossgrade from CS2 Windows to CS2 Mac. (Call the sales line not customer service.) Now that CS3 has been released they will probably charge you the upgrade fee to get to the latest version for the Mac, depending on which PC version you have. You will not regret the switch.
--
-Rich

 

[rimcon]

thank you all for your quick response i am still doing much research but your responses have alleviated much of my anxiety

Ed
--
In Search of Light
http://www.pbase.com/rimcon

 

[guttaperk]

I'm a recent 'switcher', though I still use both WinXP as well.

I don't regret a thing. I hardly use my XP desktop now.

Hardcore gaming is a major weakness of the platform as it now stands, though there are enough casual games to satisfy most people.

Most other issues can be dealt with- but be warned: trying to make your Apple function just like a PC makes about as much sense as trying to make your new convertible speedster work just like your SUV.

So part of the process is being willing to accomodate differences.

You will likely need new software for most functions.

• For heavy-duty office suite functionality, there's no replacement for Microsoft Office. However, most people don't need it.
• Apple's iWork packages an excellent personal word processor (Pages) and an excellent presentation application (Keynote). Both applications are also available separately. I bought the package.
• I don't need a spreadsheet app often, so I use the free NeoOffice for its spreadsheet. People who need a personal spreadsheet program that is faster or more full-featured may need to buy a spreadsheet app- there are a few available (for around US$30, I believe)
• I don't use a database app, but I've heard positive reference to FileMaker. I have no details.

P.S. MAC stands for Media Access Control. I think you mean that you are considering switching to a Mac!

--

'The camera can photograph thought. It's better than a paragraph of sweet polemic.' Dirk Bogarde
-adrian charles-
barbados.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/guttaperk/