OT ~ Who here uses and Apple Computer?

[Mom2Rae]

Dh and I have and HP Desktop and Laptop. We want to convert some home movies and pictures into movies with music and stuff and we heard Apple computers make it a chinch to do so. Problem: We've never used one!

We've been doing our homework, but I was hoping to get some honest opinions of the Apple. We've tried buying movie making software for our PC but they are so complicated to use and the movie maker software that Windows XP offers is hard, too!

I guess I've seen so many of Rosie's home movies on TV and she had mentioned that she uses an Apple to do it and how easy it is.

Thanks for your help!

 

[tchrrx]

I just purchased an Apple, but it is still at the store. They are attempting to move my old files onto it. I'm hoping it works. I'd love to hear people's opinions too. (even though it's really too late for it to matter!)

 

[Desnik]

LOVE LOVE LOVE our Apple computers!!! I'm on my Apple laptop now! We also have a desktop Apple. They are so user friendly. DH had to convince me to get an Apple because I was so use to my PC and scared I wouldn't be able to figure it out! It really is easy, DH edits all our videos from WDW and says it's so easy. He has made the videos using our pictures with music. It comes out really nice. We have convinced just about everyone in our family to switch to Apple! They all love it and even my dad can figure it all out!!LOL He is not computer literate at all and is now doing all kinds of things because it is so easy!

 

[java]

I just got one and it like learning a new language. But I think that once I get it it will be easier. I have a question to those of you with an Imac though(how cool is no tower ) do you have xp on there too? I am coming across things like news video that require media player and it is not working on my mac. (although I have a media player on my mac- I don't know how to switch to that player?) But so far so good. Oh and I LOVE the webcam! kids are having so much fun with it.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

I just got one and it like learning a new language. But I think that once I get it it will be easier. I have a question to those of you with an Imac though(how cool is no tower ) do you have xp on there too? I am coming across things like news video that require media player and it is not working on my mac. (although I have a media player on my mac- I don't know how to switch to that player?) But so far so good. Oh and I LOVE the webcam! kids are having so much fun with it.

You should be able to get a player for almost all of the media out there. You shouldn't need to "switch" to a new media player, you're just missing the extension that you need for the browser. Additionally, you'll want to download Netscape for OS X for those few sites out there that don't want to cooperate with Safari.

For those of you who are looking to edit movies and photos, iLife is the suite of programs that comes with the macs and will make editing sooooo easy. It will do just about everything that your everyday, casual user wants it to do. The programs will step you through the process. FYI, though, if you're working with media on mini-cd/dvds, you'll want a desktop that accommodates mini-disk media. Alternatively, if your video camera will allow you to plug it into a computer, you can download your videos for editing that way.

For all prospective users, mac offers great training and support for the new user. From studio classes to online tutorials through ".mac", they make it easy for you to make the jump.

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE my mac.

 

[Paull117]

I have been a programmer for 8 yrs. For me I have to use a PC and what ever pro line of OS they have out. Right now I am using XP but I am testing Vista.

If anyone asks me this question. This is what I ask what do you plan on doing with it. If you are doing web, some word processing, and looking at video and picture editing. The mac will do. For the most part it is better at video and picture editing, but if you have do any type of business software I recommend a PC.

Now you can get a MAC with XP OS loaded on it. This is the best option for a do it all type person, but the problem I see is that XP runs slow.

If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

Paul

 

[MamaKto3]

Love my MAC!
We switched 2 years ago. Took the leap by trying a laptop out first. Much more painless than trying to switch everything out first. iMovie, iDVD, and iPhoto are a dream to use. To be honest, I'm still trying to find the time to really do them justice, but even basic transferring of home movies is a breeze.
Last year, we purchased a desktop, and plan to use our old PC for the kids to use.

BTW, there are a lot more programs (even adding more programs every day) than there ever used to be. (I think a lot of people had a beef about programs not being available). I do admit that I tried the preloaded word processing programs and such, but ended up buying Microsoft Office for MAC. I don't do that much stuff on these files, but budgets, address databases, etc were all in Word or Excel. JMHO, but it was easier than learning that new language.

Good luck!

 

[Harvest02]

We have had an Apple computer for years!!! I love it because it is very easy to use, and my kids like our computer too! We were always "Windows" people, but my DH talked me into getting an Apple Desktop computer. We have no issues with it whatsoever, and it is very user friendly!! IPhoto is great!!! I have all my Disney pictures on it, and you can do IMovie and stuff which is fun!!! I would highly recommend getting one! Also, one other thing, I have noticed we do not get near as many viruses on our Apple! Another plus!!!

 

[Mom2Rae]

Thanks so much!

DH just called me and he's at the mall right now to buy it. It's so hard for me to part with $1600 (we've decided on the desktop), but after I see one of our movies...it'll be worth it!

Thanks again for all of your opinions and help...I think the best research is to actually get first hand reviews and advice from users of the product you're considering buying.

I have a HP laptop for web and work (Quickbooks) so this Mac will just be for photo/movie fun.

 

[DVCJones]

I have an eMac and love it!!!! Macs are so easy to use. My 64 yo mother got one (her first computer) about a year ago. She loves hers too. I figure if a 64 year old women can do it ANYONE can.

Creating slide shows to music is a snap. The first time I created a movie took a little bit of time, but I was learning the ins and outs of the program. Now I think it is pretty simple.

Good luck with your new Mac. I think you will really enjoy it!

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

I am a Mac user and have been for years...DH and I are both graphic designers. We have 2 iMacs, 2 MacBooks and an older iBook.

DH is definitely an Apple advocate, he has converted his sister, her husband, his mom AND dad, MY mom and dad and most recently my brother to Macs.

If you have ANY questions at all he can answer them for you.

(Anybody else excited about the iPhone??)

 

[SueM in MN]

We have 3 mac laptops in our house, 2 old imac desktops (6 and 9 yrs old,which still work well, thank you. We also have one Windows tablet computer, which was my younger DD's communication device, except that it was always having problems (we had to re-load Windows about 3 times).

I heard some talk today on the radio that the average person spends 12 hours a month 'dealing' with their computer - between updating virus software, getting rid of viruses, fixing program conflicts. They must have been talking about Windows uses, because between all our Macs, I haven't spent more than 12 hours in the last year dealing with them (and no time at all dealing with viruses).

I have the Mac version of Windows office on my laptop and I would say it works the same (even better in some situations) than the Windows version of the same software I use at work. In fact, if I make a Powerpoint presentation at work on my Windows computer and try to bring it to another Windows computer (or get it off our work server while signed in on another computer), it's kind of hit or miss on whether or not some of the things (animations and special slide changes will work). I figured I would run into the same problem if I authored a Powerpoint on my Mac, but when I bring those Mac-made Powerpoints to my Windows computer, they work just fine.

 

[SueM in MN]

(Anybody else excited about the iPhone??)

 

[rwrocksme]

I got a MacBook for Christmas, and I LOVE IT!!!!! Actually, I'm using it right now. I take it just about every where, and it is so nice and easy to use. I have made a few (short) films using iMovie HD, which is included with iLife, the software that comes with Macs. It is SO EASY!!!! Defenetly recomended.

 

[jennifer293]

I am a budget shopper, so here I sit with my $399.00 Dell laptop I got on Black Friday last year...DH on the other hand thinks he must spend a fortune on everything he owns..Hence the reason he has 2 ibooks..each over $2000 a piece not to mention the $199 + tax he just spent for the Windows XP w/Vista this past week. I thought for sure when he bought the 2nd one he would sell the first one since it is only 1 1/2 yrs old..NOPE...he gave it to our 6 yr old DD.

They are very user friendly and very easy to navigate, but in my opinion so not worth all the extra money vs. any other brand.