Making the move to a Mac?

[Amikasmom]

I'm seriously in need of a new computer, and I'm sick of paying to get my pc fixed all the time I was thinking of doing the switch to a Mac, as I have only heard good things about them (mostly here)
Problem is I JUST bought a monitor, because mine was going to die before the computer, so I didn't even think about it. So...what I am wondering is what I can and can't use on a new Mac? I have a monitor that DH told me I could still use on a Mac, but what about the Wacom pen tablet he bought me in March that I still haven't used? Is that compatible?
I have been using LR and PSE with my PC and wondering about them for the Mac? When I go to the Mac online, it shows many programs, but not LR, but Apature? If I'm gonna go buy everything, I wanna make sure I'm purchasing the right equipment. I don't know anything about Apature, so I was hoping someone might know the difference between it and LR?
Am I making the right decisions here, with all the repurchasing for the Mac?
Please help me make the right choice! LOL!
Thanks, Nichole

[LauraBean]

Your Wacom tablet should be fine. Most peripherals are compatible with both Mac and PC machines.

You'd need Lightroom and PSE version specifically for the Mac; Adobe may have some deal where you can switch licenses, but you'd have to find out from them.

Aperture is similar to Lightroom. I tried the free trials of both LR and Aperture and preferred Aperture because it felt more intuitive to me, and I've been very, very happy with it--but it's the kind of thing only you can really judge. If you loved LR, I'd probably go ahead and get LR for your Mac (it's definitely available). If you're unsure, wait until you get your Mac and try both trials and see what you think.

Hope this helps! I love my Mac!

[cstaff]

I just went to mac this week and am using my existing monitor (not apple) and wacom bamboo fun. Both were just plug and play... no problem at all. I did get the macpro and it comes without monitor... don't need portability of a laptop at this time. Also, I just got email from Adobe and since I am a PSE registered user, I was able to order CS4 for about $300 and if I got LR at the same time, it was discounted 30%. Need to get that directly from Adobe. LR is an adobe product and it is in their product listing. LR comes with both pc and mac in the package too. I believe the special on the software runs out in a few days but there is a thread someone posted with the link for the special pricing... just not sure where it is at this moment. Hope this is helpful. I absolutely love my mac and am anxious to learn. Took a ton of photos today and will upload to LR shortly. Go for it!

[echogirl]

We've had macs for about 8 years. Once you have Mac you never go back!
Go for it!

[hguenthe]

Nichole,

As Laura and Carol mentioned, you will be fine with your existing monitor and tablet. At worst, depending on the type of connector your monitor has and which Mac you go with, you may need a converter which runs around $20. Tablet, mouse, etc, should all be fine as is.

As for LR, both Mac and Windows version come on the same CD so just reinstall it on the Mac as you did for Windows and no need to have your license changed over.

As for your PSE, contact Adobe Customer Service and they have a process for changing your Windows license over to a Mac license. Takes a little bit of time with calling & signing paperwork but should be no cost to you.

Since the Macs went to being Intel based chips in them, there is a lot less difference between them and Windows machines so a lot less compatibility problems with other hardware and a lot more software options which come as dual-OS (Mac & Windows) in the same box.

[anke]

I just got my MacBook Pro a couple of weeks ago and I just installed my LR with no problem. PS is another story, I am still waiting for their response after having sent my papers in. Adobe is horrible to deal with in my opinion.
I am now loving my Mac, it took a little while to get used to, but just the fact that I don't have to run Norton and my Mozy is backing up like crazy is a big satisfaction to me!!!

[Amikasmom]

Thanks for the feedback ladies, I think I just needed so enabling! LOL..
I had a chance to make it to the city today, didnt buy but did some looking around at the Mac's....When I was talking the "expert" he said that to hook up my new monitor I bought 4 weeks ago, that I would need the adaptors like hguenthe mentioned, but they will run me at least a $100, (everything is more canadian ) and that the quality of picture will basically "suck" sooo...since I purchased the monitor from this store, he said they will take it back if I buy the Mac set up!! WOOOP! How nice is that? So I think I will have to make a stop (if possible) tomorrow and buy my Mac
I'm so happy, I just hope its a smooooooth transition...Thanks ladies

[hguenthe]

The adapters you can buy direct from the Apple Canada store for $20-$30 depending on which one you need for your monitor. But since they will take it back, that is great.

[cstaff]

I would definitely do some checking as this sounds like a store sales pitch to me. Look at the back of the mac your are thinking about (apple.com has interactive views) and see if the cords you have will work. Also, the salesperson at the apple store told me that they sell belkin cords too and they are generic so you can get them anyplace. I really suggest looking at store on apple.com come to enlighten your shopping experience

[Amikasmom]

The store is Bestbuy, and they sell the exact same computers as the Apple store, as far as I know. I just hope that now that the 8 core is out, that the dual core on the imac is got what I need and I dont need the Mac Pro....
Thanks again ladies, I hope everything goes smoothly!