Mac users, should we switch? Updated

[80sjunkie]

We need a new personal laptop and are considering a Mac. Why should we make the switch? All of our work PCs and laptops are windows, so we would definitely need Office. Do you think we would also need Windows for Mac?

[aspentosh]

I have had a Mac for 7 years now and I'll never go back. I had a Macbook Pro for 5 of those years and it was way more than I needed. I got a new one in July of last year and opted for the Macbook Air. It's more reasonably priced, still super fast and powerful and it's LIGHT as can be. I highly recommend it unless you're super gamers or something similar. And if you are, I still recommend the Pro.

[80sjunkie]

Internet of course, but mostly Office stuff, so using Word, Excel, PPT, etc. I get that we might want to use the apple versions of these things (like keynote) but compatibility between this machine and work machines is important. That is my main concern.

[Deleted]

Team mac- see the other post on why.

We use iMacs at work too-- before I switched, I had no issues going back and forth in Word on my PC, other than formatting issues. Its just easier now that both are mac.

[aspentosh]

My work computer is a mac so I don't ever worry about going back and forth. DH's work computer is a PC and he has never had an issue.

[casmgn]

I have slowly become an Apple fan with recent iPad and iPhone purchases, but I don't know that I would spring for a Mac laptop. For what I would use it for (which sounds very similar to you), a PC works fine. We have an Asus which gets great reviews and is a lot cheaper.

[GailGoldie]

I am another who now loves apple products (my iPhone and iPad) but just couldn't go for the $$$ of a Mac laptop and got another PC.

[countthestars]

I love my iPad and iPhone, but wish I had stuck with a PC for our laptop. It was expensive and we really just use it for browsing the internet. If we want to use Office we use my work computer because it's just easier.

[Redpoppy]

I have a Mac and love it. For work, I VPN in and then use Remote Desktop for Windows (free) to get to my work pc. I will continue getting macs.

[80sjunkie]

Aug 16, 2012 11:51:28 GMT -5 v said:

Do either of you work for decently large companies? I bought Office for Mac for something like $9.95 though Microsoft's Home Use Program (which it extends to employees of companies with lots of licenses).

Good idea, I just emailed IT. Fingers crossed.

[Lissa]

We no longer have a Windows machine in our house. Once you go Mac...

We use VMWare Fusion to run a Windows VM for the rare occasion we need it. I used to use it all the time, but stopped as I became more comfortable with OSX. I got a new MacBook Pro a few months ago and haven't even bothered to install Fusion on it this time.

The hardware really is better, but I recommend getting AppleCare too - especially with a laptop. I was still pleased with my 4 yr old MBP, and only upgraded to get the last of the discontinued 17's.

[80sjunkie]

Update: Just walked to the apple store and bought a 13in Macbook Pro! This means I may have more questions. ;D

[aspentosh]

Welcome You'll love it!