This is SERIOUS business...

[Leah]

I have DH convinced that I need a Macbook Pro!! But now I need to convince myself. I'm scared that my current software (Office/Photoshop) will not work on a Mac and then I'll have to fork over more money for new software. Help! Is my current Windows software good on a Mac?

What are the pros and cons?

[NeverendingJen]

Yes, you will have to get a new version of photoshop for a mac, I believe. not sure about office. thats one of the things making me anti mac for now, lol

[Traci Reed]

On some of your software, if you've upgraded recently, they might give you a MAC license (adobe does this) but your windows software won't work on MAC, you'll have to buy the MAC versions. There are alternatives such as OpenOffice which is free.

[Leah]

I just upgraded to CS5 last May, so I don't want to have to pay another $200 again. Of course.....then I could get CS6? lol haha

Traci, are the Mac Office programs comparable to Word/Publisher (that's all I really use)?

[Traci Reed]

Well you can get Office for the Mac and it's the same thing, just coded to work on a mac...

[BrattyMeg]

I haven't found a good open source for Publisher..I tried Scribus and it was ok but not the same. My kids school uses Publisher quite a bit so I just put the actual Microsoft Publisher on the old PC

There is no mac version of Publisher for Office so if you use it a lot and rely on it I'd consider maybe *gasp* not getting a mac

[Leah]

What other kinds of software would I need?

I mainly use Photoshop and Outlook for email, iTunes of course and my browser.

[Leah]

I haven't found a good open source for Publisher..I tried Scribus and it was ok but not the same. My kids school uses Publisher quite a bit so I just put the actual Microsoft Publisher on the old PC

There is no mac version of Publisher for Office so if you use it a lot and rely on it I'd consider maybe *gasp* not getting a mac

No I don't use Publisher a whole lot, so it's not a big deal. We would need a Mac license for my DH's Quickbooks though. That's how I talked him in to "needing" one!

[BrattyMeg]

I've seen Quickbooks for Mac pretty cheap on Amazon (well not cheap but about 30-40% off the retail cost usually)

usually if you have the latest version of Adobe software they will swap platforms for you free or with a small charge. I'd def call them and find out.

[Sherri Tierney]

Good luck with your decision. I'm PC all the way so there is no deciding for me. We have Mac at school and I have a difficult time with them.

[Traci Reed]

Macs come with their own email software just like Outlook.

[ripal]

Adobe will let you have their current version for free. So, if you get Mac while CS5 is still their current version, they can mail you the DVD. Once they start shipping CS6, you won't be able to convert (for free). However, like you mentioned, you can upgrade your window version to CS6 and then transfer CS6 over to Mac. That might work. You might just want to call Adobe and figure out which would the best way to transfer your license. I only had to pay shipping charges for DVD to transfer my license to Mac.

I got lucky about MS Office. My work offered the whole suite for $20 for home use!!!! I grabbed it right away! lol

[k23m]

Adobe *might* let you switch your photoshop license to a mac version. This would be the only thing I would be worried about - if you can't switch it, you will have to buy a full new version.

For word processing, instead of MS Office, I would TOTALLY get Open Office, like Traci said. Its FREE and its awesome! And it comes with the spreadsheet and presentation tools too.

Other than that...everything else should be free (itunes, mail comes with, additional browsers).

I say go for it!! :)

[Nettio]

Just want to say that if you're not in dire need of a new computer right now, you may want to hold out a little bit before buying a new MacBook Pro. There's rumors that a new redesigned version is coming out sometime between the end of this month and June.

Of course they're just rumors and it's Apple so you never know but I'm ready to upgrade mine and I'm holding out.

[BrattyMeg]

I wish they would come out with something that was similar to the Macbook (not pro or air)

I think they really miss a market with a "cheaper" laptop line like they used to have

[Leah]

DH's in there checking them out now. :)
I do agree with Meg though, it would be nice if there was an in between. The Air is definitely not for me, but I'm guessing the Pro is just a bit heavier and has the disc player. I would be down sizing with the Pro...can't justify the price if the 17".

[Nettio]

I wish they would come out with something that was similar to the Macbook (not pro or air)

I think they really miss a market with a "cheaper" laptop line like they used to have

Isn't the Air essentially the same pricing as the Macbook though? They start $999 which I think is around where the old MacBooks used to be. With the iPad, Air, and MBP, I don't think there's any chance of the MacBooks coming back. If anything there's rumors of them possibly merging the MBP and Air lines eventually.

[Leah]

Well...he came out with a new Macbook!! :D It's purty!

I just thought of something...what about all my PS actions - are they compatible? Oh please tell me they are!!

[Traci Reed]

they are :)

[Leah]

I have another question...what about all the kits I've downloaded and deleted the Mac file? Can I use those kits still or am I going to have re-download?

[Lyd]

You can use them no problem. That Mac file is unnecessary. It's just something that automatically gets thrown in there.

[abm234]

When my desktop crashed and we replaced it with a Mac I decided to take the leap and switch to Photoshop from Creative Memories Storybook Creator. I had to learn the Mac and Photoshop at the same time. I think I cried everyday for a month and thought I would never scrap again. Now I can't imagine life without them! I hope your transition goes smooth!

[Arual]

doing the cross platform swap with Adobe is super easy. I didn't have any issues but just a warning, there are many who have reported having to wait a long time for theirs to arrive. Mine came very fast. I just had to sign and fax a form to them (they will tell you where to get the form online on their site) and pay shipping and it arrived fast.

[Sweeet]

Boy oh boy, all this apple talk makes me hunger for a MCP....at least I learned ALOT in this thread so IF there ever becomes a day where I wish for the 17" model & my DH surprizes me with one, HECK ya, I'll be educated by then! wahoo! :D