Mac OS X: Mac not all they say they are!
Mac not all they say they are!
by Steven Limbrick - 5/3/08 2:48 AMHi everyone,
Just before I go into this I would like to say having a Mac Pro laptop really is good but: Firstly it is not true you do not have to restart a mac as they claim after an update as sometimes you do. Secondly it is so slow when you do download updates. Thirdly they do not tell you that you cannot use the inbuilt webcam unless you use their own Apple I Chat this costs you £60 a year, then you can only chat to people that have a mac and have paid to be on I Chat, what a con. You cannot use the webcam for other sites so what is the point of having it. Also is there a webcam out there some where you can use on an apple machine that allows you to see other sites?
Other than that if you are switching from Pc to Apple computers it is definitely a learning curb it is not as easy as they say. It is if you have never used a pc as you would not have the know how of a pc. But that is something one has to get used to and it has its good and bad points purely because you maybe used to a pc.
I have also now put XP on the mac laptop to see how this works. So far very good with the right programme of course, but again you cannot use the built in webcam at all. This is so frustrating to pay out a fortune for Mac pro laptop and it is not what you expect. Not once was I told that you cannot use the built in webcam on other sites even in the adverts they make it look as though you can use it anywhere. Mind you I did not just buy the Mac laptop just for the webcam but that is not the point as one expects to be able to use it.
I know it is a long time coming but I had to point out what I have found so far as Apple do not tell you these things. Very tricky and very frustrating.
So now to my question: To this point am I missing something here as to how I can use the webcam on other sites. Can you or can't you or is it just knowing how? Is their a webcam you can buy to allow you to on a Mac as no-one seems to sell one?
So where did "they" say this?
by R. Proffitt
- 5/3/08 3:48 AM
In reply to: Mac not all they say they are! by Steven Limbrick
I can't find on the apple.com site any such claim. Who are they?
Bob
Ahh, the elusive "They"
by mrmacfixit - 5/3/08 5:47 AM
In reply to: Mac not all they say they are! by Steven Limbrick
working, unseen, to spread their truth and knowledge about everything.
There are websites that deal exclusively with the information put out by "Them", Snopes.com springs to mind.
I wonder why "They" always seem to believe "Them" rather than actually look for the correct information. Just easier, I guess.
One thing you failed to mention though. Apparently your access to Google, in the UK, is blocked. If it were not, then you would have already found an external web cam, have found that the iSight camera is not limited to iChat, that the iSight can be used with XP running on a Mac, that some updates require a reboot, that iChat is not a "pay for" service and that different sites have different system requirements for video input.
P
ISight cam
by Steven Limbrick - 5/3/08 2:27 PM In reply to: Ahh, the elusive "They" by mrmacfixit
Not very helpful mrmacfixit. Please be more helpful. I may of got IChat wrong but it does say on the Apple site to join for a fee after 60 days to use all. Approx £50 now is the cheapest due to rates
It is not clear so I took it as you pay for everything including Ichat: Your annual subscription to .Mac gives you a host of powerful online services that work seamlessly with the applications you use every day. Choose a Basic Membership or a .Mac Family Pack. This is what it states. As you can see it is easy to think we have to pay for it.
As for using the web cam or iSight as it is called on other sites then how do you do this. With a pc it is easy a web cam just picks it up but not the iSight. Most sights do not use it so does this mean I need to get another, but may not also as it is a different system to pc. On XP on the mac on MSN Messenger for example you cannot use the iSight as it does not know it is there so please tell.
The advert states on UK tv that you do not need to reboot a mac after installing software etc but you do sometimes. Instead of your sarcasim please try and help. Spo how do you get the built in webcam on the mac to work on other sites please. Thank you.
IChat
by mrmacfixit - 5/3/08 4:02 PM
In reply to: ISight cam by Steven Limbrick
is Free.
It comes with every new Mac.
DOT MAC is the service for which you pay.
iChat requires an AIM screen name, these are free.
You could also use a DOT MAC name. You get to keep your free trial DOT MAC name after the 60 days, even if you do not subscribe.
It does not say, anywhere, on the Apple site that you have to pay for iChat, just for DOT MAC.
Try www.mercury.im/ as a starter.
P
iChat etc and message to all posters who replied
by Steven Limbrick - 5/5/08 3:38 AM In reply to: IChat by mrmacfixit
Thank you mrmacfixit much more helpful. I am very grateful. I cannot see anywhere that it states you get to keep the DOT MAC name as this is why you can see that I thought you had to pay for it. This was very helpful and reassuring of Apple. It is obvious you are a Mac person through and through and one day I hope to be as well.
The problem is making the transition from pc. As some things are a lot easier on the pc and some things are a lot easier on the mac so it is getting used to the two types of computers. I found on the mac doing a slide show of photos rediculously complicated. Also right click on a pc is so useful but on a mac there does not seem to be so many options. It is as BeatleMegaFan says, The learning curb depends on the user. If I had started on a mac then I would probably be saying similar things about a pc if I had never used one. I am quite good on a pc and can help others so it is not that I am a newbie but could be I am a bit impatient and not reading properly.
BeatleMegaFan I can adapt but when you here on the adverts which were very extensive through last year where they (R. Proffitt - by they I mean Apple) were running pc's to the ground it definitely stated you do not need to reboot etc. But I may of got what it meant by that mixed up which is easy in an advert as you tend to pick out the things you want to hear and not listen to the whole. Of course when they show you what it looks like etc they only show the best bits, as in all types of adverts for what ever it is for. I will definitely not be selling my laptop pro as I never give in and I will get used to it so for those ask me to sell no thank you.
I appreciate the words of wisdom from BeatleMegaFan and mrmacfixit and has been most helpful and made me feel that I will not be beaten. Things are very different on the mac but as you say it is getting used to the two systems.
I have done the 60 day trial to DOT MAC so do have my name now for iChat.
The other thing I find a bit annoying is not Apples fault but printers do not all let you print from a mac. So my laptop pro I have a cannon ip4300 for which I use for the pc does not pick up the laptop. Really annoying. So if anyone knows if I can get this to do it then please help. I will probably have to contact Cannon to see if it is possible.
Thank you.
Hi, Steven.
by Angeline Booher - 5/5/08 4:42 AM
In reply to: iChat etc and message to all posters who replied by Steven Limbrick
I bought my first Apple product, an iMac, less than one year ago. The hardest part of the transition for me was putting the Windows modus operandi behind me. (I have not yet upgraded to Leopard, so my iLife programs are all '07. I am a DOT Mac subscriber, but have no interest in iChat.)
I had anticipated things were going to be different. Seeing the very small manual that came with it was a pretty good clue. 
However, I had done lot of homework on the Apple site. They have some excellent tutorials, one of which is "Switch 101" which covers some basic difference between Windows and Mac.
Each program offers good "Help" for a click.
Many here use a third party program,for photo work, but iPhoto serves my needs. Leopard might be even easier, but with my older one, by holding down one key, a slideshow is created so easily and quickly. I learned that from clicking the iPhoto "Help".
Though I have been guilty of backsliding a few times, I am learning not to do things the way I did with the PC. Things are much more sensible and simpler with a Macintosh. They are not perfect, but the stress level goes down, and the enjoyment level goes up.
Angeline
Printers + Macs
by BeatleMegaFan - 5/5/08 2:11 PM In reply to: iChat etc and message to all posters who replied by Steven LimbrickMany printers either come with drivers in the box or their manufacturer has them available for download via their website. The OS X install disks might have those drivers; you can select from quite a few brands in the Leopard installation. Apple did a god job of providing support for those printers, but again, not all are supported. One thing I found interesting is when I connected my old HP printer to my Mac, Software Update automatically detected the drivers for it and downloaded them for me once I authorized it to. Nice, Apple.
Now, to your reboot point, both Windows and OS X have to reboot to install some updates at different times. Minor updates do not always affect the computer files/system as much and as such, will not require a reboot. Technically, like in Windows, you don't have to reboot after they are downloaded. But if you plan to install and use the updates, you will have to restart the computer. It's very possible that you may have mixed something up here. I've never heard of this concept in the way you have described it.
A few things on .Mac: for the email, storage, and Back To My Mac capabilities, it proves to be a pretty good deal. Even the .Mac Web Gallery idea is reasonable, though it can be limiting in some ways. But for things like iWeb and such, it's not too good... Point is, you don't need it, but because of all the close synchronizing between the .Mac accounts and OS X apps, it's quite handy. It doesn't have as much to do with iChat as other programs though. Since you seem to be (somewhat) interested in iChat and .Mac, you may want to check out those other features. It may help you sort some things out with the Mac.
Just my two cents.
-BMF
Macs are everything Apple says they are
by BeatleMegaFan - 5/3/08 4:34 PM In reply to: Mac not all they say they are! by Steven Limbrick1. Apple's professional-level notebook is the MacBook Pro. The Mac Pro is a completely different machine, but I think you already know that.
2. I've never heard that all updates on Macs can be installed without restarting the computer. Some updates can be, but critical updates that affect specific applications or system files will require you to reboot the Mac in order for them to take effect. Windows works the same way, last time I checked.
3. As mrmacfixit has already pointed out, .Mac (pronounced Dot Mac) is the subscription service that you must pay for in order to have an email address/Apple ID ending with @mac dot com. It works very well with iChat and other programs that have integrated .Mac support, like the current versions of iPhoto and iMovie, but it is not required to take full advantage of other programs. I have both a .Mac subscription and a regular AIM username, and both can use video conference with each other in iChat. Trust me, it works, and there's no reason why it shouldn't. You do not need it for iChat video conferencing.
4. "You cannot use the webcam for other sites so what is the point of having it. Also is there a webcam out there some where you can use on an apple machine that allows you to see other sites?"
I believe you are asking if the built-in iSight camera will work with web-based video applications and the like. Compatibility probably depends on the site/service. The camera itself cannot be blamed for it. If you are looking for an external webcam, just look for one that clearly states that it has Mac compatibility. Or just find a used FireWire iSight camera on eBay (those are the old, external iSight models and are no longer in production).
5. The learning curb depends on the user. You'll find many differences between OS X and Windows. Many people believe that OS X is easier because it has been developed with a more user-friendly interface. Usually, it is easier to use once you figure out where everything is. For many basic tasks, it only takes a few minutes to get the hang of it. Sure you have to get used to it. It's not like Apple thinks the average person will automatically know how to adapt to the Mac OS.
What has Apple not pointed out? Their manuals are very straight-forward and they offer tutorials at the Apple Stores should anyone need them. Apple doesn't have "anything coming", as you put it. They've done a great job with the Macintosh platform over the years. It's not like they are hiding information from their users. Apple tells you almost everything you need to know, and if you don't know how to use their products, ask. Their customer support is pretty good and Apple has been known to treat its customers well, hence the strong band of Apple loyalists. I've had my share of experiences with Apple support, and they usually did a great job of helping me out.
-BMF
I've been using a MacBook Pro for about a year now and it is by far the best laptop I've ever used. It's solid, works when I need it, and is a great tool to have.
I remember when I found out there was no Santa Claus.
by grimgraphix - 5/3/08 4:55 PM In reply to: Mac not all they say they are! by Steven LimbrickYou have an interesting list of issues here. All I will say is that you should ask for a work around with some of these issues - like your web cam. Other things like complaining about having to restart your computer after updates strikes me as much ado about nothing. The computer gives you plenty of time to save stuff before restarting, so you should never lose anything.
If you are really so unhappy about your mac pro that you feel the need to vent... then feel free to vent. We are patient here and happy to help if you are stuck. If things can not be reconciled, then let me know, and I will be happy to take the notebook off your hands - I am happy to give a reasonable price for a used computer. General markdown for used electronics starts at around 40% and goes from there, considering how old the computer is, I may have to give you less.
Always happy to help !
grim
Now listen here Grim,
by mrmacfixit - 5/3/08 7:56 PM
In reply to: I remember when I found out there was no Santa Claus. by grimgraphix
you just join the queue on this sale of used Macbooks!
40% mark down. How cheap you are. I am willing to offer at least 55% markdown.
Don't you try to rip this guy off with a measly 40%
P
(NT) ;-)
by grimgraphix - 5/5/08 12:02 AM In reply to: Now listen here Grim, by mrmacfixit
best podcast for switchers...
by m1five - 5/9/08 3:16 PM In reply to: Mac not all they say they are! by Steven Limbrickhttp://www.pc2macswitch.com/category/podcast
You can also email pc2macswitch, the address is on his site.
While I can not start video ichat my daughter calls me and I can use my isight camera.
Try the pc2macswitch podcasts and the pc2macswitch blog.
Also check to see if there is a macbook users group in your area.
using the web cam on a mac
by hangtownvp - 5/9/08 8:30 PM In reply to: Mac not all they say they are! by Steven LimbrickI have been using both pc and mac, I have never had a problem with any of my mac's, I have macbook, ans macbook pros and they work fine on yahoo, and every site I wanted. I have never had a problem and down loads are slow probably because of you ISP. the problems you are having are not true for any other mac user, I have worked with thousands of users and not a single problem with a one. call apple and they can probably walk you thru it in a matter of sec's. I own a recording studio and macs run about 75X faster in processing and rendering of almost any project out there. basic word and such there is no real work for either.
Something does not seem right.
by rccoffee - 5/9/08 9:39 PM In reply to: Mac not all they say they are! by Steven LimbrickSteven,
1. I used Win 95, 98 and XP/Home then switched to Panther 10.3 and, since November 2007, Leopard 10.5. You are right. There is a learning curve when you change OSes whether it is with the same platform (Windows) or with another (Mac or Linux). Just a newer version of a program on the same platform requires learning new things.
2. I was offered .mac (DOT MAC) but there is nothing there that interests me and I have never purchased it for around US$79.00 yearly.
3. I use Yahoo Messenger with the free i-Sight included in my i-Mac and I can see and talk to anyone around the world whether they use a Mac or Windows, whether it is an old (external) or new (internal) i-Sight or Logitech or Microsoft or Ecam webcam.
4. I have never used i-Chat.
5. I am neither a Microsoftie nor a Macfan. I just want a computer that works and works well and seamlessly when I want it to work and not when it wants to.
6. There are 2 Apple Stores where I live and a company close by in another city that is an Authorized Apple Dealer. I took advantage of all the free courses offered to learn how to use my Mac and this made it much easier to switch. I believe that there are books for we switchers although I never bought one.
7. My biggest problem was software for the Mac. Apple includes some great software with each Mac but a lot of the software was totally new to me. I was familiar with software for Windows. Since I am fluent in French, I joined a French website for Macs and they offered a lot of information about software for Macs in French.
8. I will never use any version of MS Vista!
9. After driving a Rolls-Royce (Mac) who would want to drive a used 1974 Pinto (Windows)? Since you are British, perhaps I should replace "used 1974 Pinto" with any LADA.
10. I am waiting for more than a little "refreshed" i-Mac. I want more than 2 USB ports and I want Blu-Ray included in my Mac. Apple is behind in bringing their computers up-to-date with Windows computers.
11. My greatest "find" was Roxio Toast Titanium. Great software.
12. Just as with Microsoft, sometimes you have to restart your computer after updates and sometimes you do not.
13. Perhaps there are Apple Stores where you live or perhaps a class at a local secondary school (high school), college or university where you could really learn to use your Mac.
Good luck,
Ralph
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
