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Switcher Hangout (Windows to Mac)
Switching to Mac, Worries and Hesitations
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<blockquote data-quote="cwa107" data-source="post: 1342712" data-attributes="member: 24098"><p>Welcome to Mac-Forums.com, taqu. Your concerns are certainly valid and you've come to the right place to seek assistance with them. </p><p></p><p>As chas_m mentioned, all modern *notebooks* run warm. Why? Because they use ever more powerful processors that are the equivalent of desktop processors. But since there's much less space to install thermal mitigation systems, they do tend to warm up on the bottom. This is why most manufacturers have gotten away from the term "laptop". If you feel uncomfortable with the heat on your lap, it's highly recommended that you look into getting a lap desk/cooling pad.</p><p></p><p>With that said, unless I'm doing something particularly processor intensive, my MacBook Pro runs nearly cool to the touch on the bottom. Apple has done a great job in controlling the heat in their notebooks, but since they are made of aluminum (a great conductor), it certainly can get warm - but never uncomfortably so for my lap. In fact, 95% of the time, I use it without a lap desk. Another thing that can help is snap-on cases like the Speck shell that prevent scratches and act like an insulator. For $30, it's cheap insurance.</p><p></p><p>Fan noise has never been a problem with Macs, period. 95% of the time, I never even know my fan is on - and when it is, it's just a low hum that can barely be heard above ambient noise. I will personally guarantee you that it will outperform your HP's fan noise and heat in every measurable way, just because it's designed that well.</p><p></p><p>As far as Windows apps go - VMWare Fusion and Parallels Desktop will allow you to run your applications side-by-side with your Mac apps. This can ease the transition while you seek Mac-specific alternatives. I highly recommend either of the two products. They can also be setup to allow you to port your existing Windows machine over to a virtual machine to run directly on your new Mac. This makes things very simple when you're switching platforms - although ultimately, I recommend buying native Mac apps so that you don't have to struggle with running multiple OSes simultaneously (which can incidentally generate more heat and run your battery down).</p><p></p><p>One of the things I recommend to anyone considering a first Mac is to schedule a personal shopper appointment with your nearest Apple Store. Give them a call to setup an appointment. This will allow you a solid hour with an Apple Store employee to go over all of the models to find the one that best suits you and have all of your questions answered. It's a free service and there's no obligation to buy anything.</p><p></p><p>I think if you're really ready for a change and have had enough with Windows, you'll find the Mac to be a pleasant experience. It is a little different than what you're used to however, so be prepared to learn new things - and remember that just because something is done differently, doesn't make it "wrong".</p><p></p><p>Good luck on your search and let us know if we can be of further assistance.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="cwa107, post: 1342712, member: 24098"] Welcome to Mac-Forums.com, taqu. Your concerns are certainly valid and you've come to the right place to seek assistance with them. As chas_m mentioned, all modern *notebooks* run warm. Why? Because they use ever more powerful processors that are the equivalent of desktop processors. But since there's much less space to install thermal mitigation systems, they do tend to warm up on the bottom. This is why most manufacturers have gotten away from the term "laptop". If you feel uncomfortable with the heat on your lap, it's highly recommended that you look into getting a lap desk/cooling pad. With that said, unless I'm doing something particularly processor intensive, my MacBook Pro runs nearly cool to the touch on the bottom. Apple has done a great job in controlling the heat in their notebooks, but since they are made of aluminum (a great conductor), it certainly can get warm - but never uncomfortably so for my lap. In fact, 95% of the time, I use it without a lap desk. Another thing that can help is snap-on cases like the Speck shell that prevent scratches and act like an insulator. For $30, it's cheap insurance. Fan noise has never been a problem with Macs, period. 95% of the time, I never even know my fan is on - and when it is, it's just a low hum that can barely be heard above ambient noise. I will personally guarantee you that it will outperform your HP's fan noise and heat in every measurable way, just because it's designed that well. As far as Windows apps go - VMWare Fusion and Parallels Desktop will allow you to run your applications side-by-side with your Mac apps. This can ease the transition while you seek Mac-specific alternatives. I highly recommend either of the two products. They can also be setup to allow you to port your existing Windows machine over to a virtual machine to run directly on your new Mac. This makes things very simple when you're switching platforms - although ultimately, I recommend buying native Mac apps so that you don't have to struggle with running multiple OSes simultaneously (which can incidentally generate more heat and run your battery down). One of the things I recommend to anyone considering a first Mac is to schedule a personal shopper appointment with your nearest Apple Store. Give them a call to setup an appointment. This will allow you a solid hour with an Apple Store employee to go over all of the models to find the one that best suits you and have all of your questions answered. It's a free service and there's no obligation to buy anything. I think if you're really ready for a change and have had enough with Windows, you'll find the Mac to be a pleasant experience. It is a little different than what you're used to however, so be prepared to learn new things - and remember that just because something is done differently, doesn't make it "wrong". Good luck on your search and let us know if we can be of further assistance. [/QUOTE]
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