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It's Mac time
The frustration with Microsoft and Windows is over
A new MacBook Pro arrives first thing next week from Blackfire Brisbane.
By nature I'm averse to change and don't go weak at the knees over computer related learning curves.
The better half has a sweet little lap trained Mac so things should go well.
The preparation list
- Reinstall the OS without unwanted languages
- Condition the battery
- Install Istats widget
- Buy Transmit (FTP)
- Fret about a TopStyle replacement
- Fret about a Homesite replacement
- Fret about Firefox for Mac
- Look into Crossover
- Back a winner in the third to pay for it.
Any other tips are welcomed.
The specs are..
MacBook Pro 15.4" Intel Dual Core/2GHz 2GB/80GB SuperDrive ATi Mobility Radeon X1600/128MB FireWire400/USB2/BT2 10/100/1000BaseT AirPort Extreme Mini-DVI Out
5 comments
Comment by Jim Cook 
on 13 October 06 @ 23:59
on 13 October 06 @ 23:59
The advent of Macintel machines has finally enabled me to return after many years of Windows exile. You're in the same boat I'm in so I'll share with you what I've learned. It's going to be hard to replace TopStyle and HomeSite. I've used both for years, HomeSite for almost a decade, and they're sweet apps.
a) For CSS, I use CSSEdit ($25US, macrabbit.com/cssedit) primarily. The alternate is Eclipse (free, eclipse.org) with the Aptana (free, aptana.com) plugin. I would bet that there are also CSS plugins/bundles for TextMate (€39, macromates.com) and TextWrangler (free, barebones.com).
b) HomeSite's successor is Eclipse. I code in ColdFusion so I use the CFEclipse plugin (free, cfeclipse.org) but I see that you're a PHP guy. There's a PHP IDE for Eclipse: Google "eclipse ide php" and you'll find downloads, reviews, etc. My PHP guys have always used BBEdit ($125US, barebones.com) but recently are using TextMate with the PHP bundle. They seem to dig it. I use it some too but there's no CF bundle yet.
c) I had few problems with Firefox in OS X. Not all of my plugins are cross-platform but the major ones are. My favorite tool is Google Browser Sync that lets me keep my bookmarks organized between my Windows workstation and my MBP.
d) I didn't care much for Crossover, way too early to adopt this one. You're better off with Parallels ($79US, parallels.com) which lets you run XP, Vista and flavors of Linux (Ubuntu, Suse, etc.) right on top of OS X. It rocks! You'll need your own XP install CD though. The free alternative is Apple's BootCamp (apple.com/bootcamp). You still need the XP CD and you'll have to boot between the two OS. If you have a Windows game inventory, this is the way to go.
Hope this helps. Feel free to email anytime, especially if you don't want me clogging up your comments anymore. :)
a) For CSS, I use CSSEdit ($25US, macrabbit.com/cssedit) primarily. The alternate is Eclipse (free, eclipse.org) with the Aptana (free, aptana.com) plugin. I would bet that there are also CSS plugins/bundles for TextMate (€39, macromates.com) and TextWrangler (free, barebones.com).
b) HomeSite's successor is Eclipse. I code in ColdFusion so I use the CFEclipse plugin (free, cfeclipse.org) but I see that you're a PHP guy. There's a PHP IDE for Eclipse: Google "eclipse ide php" and you'll find downloads, reviews, etc. My PHP guys have always used BBEdit ($125US, barebones.com) but recently are using TextMate with the PHP bundle. They seem to dig it. I use it some too but there's no CF bundle yet.
c) I had few problems with Firefox in OS X. Not all of my plugins are cross-platform but the major ones are. My favorite tool is Google Browser Sync that lets me keep my bookmarks organized between my Windows workstation and my MBP.
d) I didn't care much for Crossover, way too early to adopt this one. You're better off with Parallels ($79US, parallels.com) which lets you run XP, Vista and flavors of Linux (Ubuntu, Suse, etc.) right on top of OS X. It rocks! You'll need your own XP install CD though. The free alternative is Apple's BootCamp (apple.com/bootcamp). You still need the XP CD and you'll have to boot between the two OS. If you have a Windows game inventory, this is the way to go.
Hope this helps. Feel free to email anytime, especially if you don't want me clogging up your comments anymore. :)
Thanks for taking the time and trouble Jim.
Your comments re Crossover v's Parallels is timely and interesting. It's highly likely that I will be in touch any time after next Tuesday :)
Appreciated.
Your comments re Crossover v's Parallels is timely and interesting. It's highly likely that I will be in touch any time after next Tuesday :)
Appreciated.
One list I'm referring to is the excellent..
Guide to OSX software for switchers
Plus the excellent Furl compilation by the better half..
Gurujuice -Furled for Mac
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I've discovered that there's tons of really great, useful opensource software available for OS X. One good spot to look is osx.iusethis.com. NeoOffice (neooffice.org) has replaced MS Office for me. Gimpshop (gimpshop.net) is a free alternative to Photoshop (although not as robust, still nice). And check out Blender (blender.org) for 3D modeling and rendering.