The Mac, Part 2
Monday, August 27, 2007
Continued from Part 1...Software
One of my requirements was to be able to run my essential design software, such as Dreamweaver and Fireworks. Luckily, these two programs come in Mac versions, and I didn't have to buy anything new. I was also able to find Mac versions or equivalents of all the software I need. Naturally, I immediately installed Firefox, which I find is somewhat faster on the Mac. I got Adium for instant messaging, and was amazed at how much better it is than any of its Windows counterparts. For recording, I decided to invest in new software rather than run my stone-age copy of Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 through a Virtual Machine. I purchased Logic Express 7 along with the computer, and while I still have a long while to go before I have really learned how to use it, I am impressed by what I have seen so far. On a related note, I also am quite impressed with GarageBand '08, which is really good for quickly stitching stuff together. The included software instruments are also spectacular. iMovie is also quite good for quick jobs, though it lacks some really important features, and can be a bit frustrating in its simplicity. For example, I find its automatic transition length feature to be annoying and difficult to turn off.
Complaints
As much as I love my new MacBook (and even though it's as close to perfect as I have yet seen a computer come), I do have some complaints. Possibly the biggest problem I have is the lack of a filmstrip view in Finder. I would like to second Molly Wood of Buzz out Loud in saying that I am astonished that an OS that is so graphically oriented would lack such a useful feature.
Also, it can be a bit annoying for a former Windows user to realize that clicking the Big Red Close Button doesn't exit the program, but merely the window. To actually quit the program and free up RAM, you have to click the Application name in the Finder bar and click quit or click Cmd-Q. As I use the computer more, I am starting to not mind this so much... it's just a matter of getting used to it.
The only other annoyance I can think of is the lack of a "start" type app menu... While the dock is great, it is more comparable to Windows desktop icons, and opening the application folder a billion times can get a bit annoying.
Wrap Up
I'll make this short... I really like my MacBook (as I'm sure you could tell) and am now a loyal Apple fan. This computer is for people that are serious about computing, but is also easy enough for beginners to use. I'll write another analysis after I have used it longer.
--------
P.S. I really like the Expose feature and find it beats the crap out of Aero's "Flip."
Copyright © 2007 Daniel McCullum. All Rights Reserved. Subscribe (RSS).