Background – Why Switch to a Mac?
Macs are becoming more popular as installing unique software on the computer is less of a need with functionality being on web sites. People are also becoming more concerned about security. Apple provides better support especially if you live near an Apple Store. Microsoft Windows 8 has also frustrated many Windows users with a dual interface that will hopefully be replaced in 2015. There are other options than a Mac if you don’t need a fully flexible computer.
Recommendations if switching to a Mac from Windows
Make Apple do most of the work for you. You are paying a premium for a Mac and should take advantage of Apple’s in-store support.
a. Prior to going to the store, write down your list of needs. Example – portable, word processing, photos, email, and web sites. If you have some special thing you do (like print greeting cards or design buildings, list it)
b. Go to the store and tell them you are interested in switching. Pull out the list and have them SHOW you how each thing is done on a Mac. For example, you may be used to Microsoft Word. While you can get Microsoft Word on a Mac, the free Mac word processing program (which can read and write Word documents) is likely all you need. Make them prove a Mac meets your needs.
c. Consider a laptop rather than a desktop. There are really 3 main options. A cheap ($500) desktop called a Mac Mini. A really expensive ($1100-$2000 but beautiful) desktop called an iMac. Two types of laptops called a Macbook Air ($900-$1300) or Macbook Pro ($2000+). While all choices are valid, a Macbook Air is the most popular. A Macbook Air can be connected to full size keyboard, mouse, and monitor to behave just like a desktop. However, if you want support in the Apple store, it is easy to bring in the Macbook Air.
d. Ask if Apple will migrate the data from your PC. Unless you are an expert, decide to bring in your PC and have Apple copy all the documents, photos, and settings to your new computer.
e. Schedule one-to-one training. Once you have the new computer, you can sit with someone to ask questions and show how it is done. Consider doing multiple sessions so you can come back in a week and follow-up after using on your own. Have Apple explain what training and warranty you get and what costs additional. Apple’s extended warranty is expensive but if you want additional training and no worries, consider it.
f. Ask about extras. What printer do you recommend (you don’t have to buy from Apple)? Do I need adapters to connect to my old monitor? What if I buy an iPhone or iPad at a future date?
Suggestions once you get the computer home
a. Watch some of the videos from Apple on switching from a PC to a Mac. Consider watching these before you buy. There are a small number of differences.
b. Difference 1 – No backspace, only delete on the keyboard. If you use an external keyboard, you can have a backspace. Delete and Backspace are almost the same thing but this may be the biggest adjustment when switching from Windows.
c. Difference 2 – Menus are always at the top of the screen on a Mac while within the application window on Windows. Once you see it, you will get it.
d. Difference 3 – No Start button. Common Application are always available at the bottom of the screen, there is a spaceship icon to bring up all Applications.
e. Difference 4 – Typically don’t need to turn off programs or even the computer in a Mac. Just use it and don’t think about it. The little minimize buttons are on the left rather than the right.
f. Difference 5 – You typically don’t need disks or to download software from a website to get more software. Simply go to the App Store icon, and select what applications you want. They install automatically. For most users, all the software you need comes with the Mac (spreadsheets, photos, word processing, etc.) so there is nothing to do.
While this sounds like a lot, the above steps are easier than going from an old Windows computer to a new Windows computer.
