It’s a moment that’s not easy for a geek to forget. For days you’ve been anxiously tracking your new Mac as it makes its way through the FedEx/UPS/DHL labyrinth. Finally, the day arrives - your Macintosh is here. If you’ve never owned a Mac, cutting open the packing tape brings an unsettling reminder... you’ve... uh... never actually used one of these things before...
For all you Switchers, converted OSx86 “Homebrew” users, or pre-OS X users, I present a few thoughts from my experience with my new MacBook which I hope will guide you along as you start using your new Mac.
1. Set out a budget (especially for laptops).
It’s quite easy to justify the purchase of a new computer when you just look at the price of the unit itself. Once you start adding RAM upgrades, cases/bags, bluetooth accessories, etc... the actual price you’re paying for the computer can jump quicker than OJ Simpson’s lawyer fees. Make sure that you set aside enough money for all these things.
2. Check around for prices on RAM.
Apple knows that they can gauge users on RAM upgrades, so be sure to hunt around for better deals on RAM. By the time you buy RAM elsewhere and sell the stock sticks on eBay, you will have saved quite a bit of cash. The exception to this rule is Mac Pro RAM, which is specialized enough that your safest bet is to buy from Apple. Third party stores are beginning to stock it, however.
It’s also worth noting that as I bought my iMac a few days ago, I discovered that the 2 GB upgrade was competitively priced... within a few dollars of a Newegg upgrade.
3. Always buy more RAM when possible.
The more RAM you throw at OS X, the happier you’ll be. Trust me. 1 GB should really be the minimum for casual usage or 2 GB if you're a power user.
4. Check eBay.
Ah, eBay - the nirvana of geeks, insomniacs, and closet QVC watchers (you know who you are). If you’re patient and careful, it’s here that you can find some simply amazing deals. I recently purchased the 2.0 Ghz MacBook I’m typing on now for $1150 (shipped), including 3 year Applecare coverage. That’s a huge savings over the retail price. The key to eBay is never feeling pressured to buy anything and always checking the seller. Investigate the product early, bid late.
1. Enjoy removing your new Mac from its packaging.
There’s a ritual we Mac lovers go through after each new Apple product introduction: we wait until some lucky so-and-so actually gets said product and posts pictures of unpacking his new toy. Why? Because Apple puts a lot of effort into good packaging and presentation. Savor each piece of styrofoam you remove.
2. Don’t worry about an immediate reinstall.
If you’re like me, one of the first things you did with a new Windows PC was to make sure it booted and then promptly wipe the hard drive to remove all the free trials you didn’t need. With OS X, that’s not necessary. If you need to remove the preinstalled software, use AppZapper to help cleanse your hard drive. Monolingual will also help reclaim some hard drive space taken by extra languages you won’t use.
3. Install Apple software updates.
Before you get too carried away installing new applications, go ahead and install all the updates found in Software Update. To get there, click on the blue Apple at the top left of your screen and go to “Software Update.” Install all the recommended updates. Restart. Go back to Software Update and see if there are any more. Rinse. Restart. Repeat as necessary.
4. Install essential applications.
Digg is constantly filled with Top 10 lists of “must have OS X applications.” These lists are inherently subjective, but here’s a list of the first apps I install on any new Mac.
Essential
AppZapper - Fully deletes applications
Adium - Great open-source instant messaging app
iWork - The only Universal office suite at the moment
Path Finder - Absolutely essential Finder replacement
Quicksilver - Application launcher and so much more (I’d have its children if I could)
Onyx - Ultimate tweaking utility for OS X
Saft - If you’re going to stick with Safari, do yourself a favor and grab Saft.
Toast Titanium - CD/DVD burning app
Growl - Pleasant messages to let you know what your Mac is doing
Recommended
Flip4Mac - Integrates WMV files into Quicktime
Monolingual - Reclaim hard drive space from default installation
Senuti - Copy/backup music from your iPod (in case you need to change from Windows fomatting)
NetNewsWire - Powerful RSS reader
Jumpcut - Menubar clipboard collector
Menuet - Great menubar iTunes app
Candybar - Change icons to make OS X your own
Dockstar and Mail.appetizer - Two small apps to help make Mail.app more accessible
Parallels - Enjoy the eery experience of running Windows on your Mac
MenuMeters - Keep track of your Mac through the Menubar
WeatherDock - Free (highly customizable) weather app that will keep you well-informed
5. Make the Mac yours.
Take the time to make the computer your own. Change the desktop by using some of the great images found at InterfaceLIFT. Swap out some icons with Candybar. Sort through the System Preferences and customize the feel of your computer.
One of the first things I do is change the drag-and-drop behavior in OS X. It’s a quick fix that makes the experience what it should be. You’ll find many more hints like this in our Forum.
6. Play
You deserve it. See how far and how fast your new Mac will take you. I have the feeling you’ll be impressed.
7. Share
If you’ve found other great things to do with your new Mac, share them with others! Our Forum is a great place to start. We love to hear your ideas!
Recommended Comments