[Preciousss]

Hello!

This is my first post after lurking for the past two weeks. I've learned a lot from this forum over all the others so I decided to join your ranks.

I plan on buying my first PowerBook sometime before the end of the year (once I dig myself out of my current debt) and was trying to calculate what my total expenses would be along with what additional software/accessories I should get. Now I know that we have all sorts of users here (graphics professionals, students, etc.) and that everybody's using different apps. But what, on the most basic level, would you recommend as a must?

For my purposes, I work at a small non-profit with an Access database and Windows 2000 network; my current laptop is running XP Pro. Here's what I came up with so far:

- Virtual PC, XP Pro (or some other emulator). 250 bones, yikes! Any other (cheaper) options? I'm OK with biting the big one and getting this just because I need it for work. And this seems to be the one to go with.

- M$ Office v.X (I know, I'm biting lots of big ones but does anybody have any experience with StarOffice or ThinkFree? I think I just got tired of my Performa 636, system 7.5-whoo-hoo!, not being able to open Word files with just ClarisWorks.) Good news is I can get this for 50 bucks so no biggie.

- Norton Antivirus or maybe SystemWorks - I was told by someone whose opinion I am inclined to trust that SystemWorks isn't necessary and just to get virus protection. Feedback? $69.95

- AppleCare - I initially was gonna forego this but I'm thinking this would be wise now. Opinons? Anybody living dangerously out there with no AppleCare? $350 bucks.

- Double RAM offer, 40 smackers. Weren't there similar deals through other online sellers?

- Printer (most likely bundled with my preciouss). Is there a model I should go with over another?

- And I made a decision on a carrier: the Spire boot for $35. Velcro, so it won't scratch the finish like a zipper might, and I could stow it in a cheaper backpack and save some dough. Although the Spire Icon looks nice ($130).

Altogether that's an additional 800 bucks. Whew! But I've already resigned myself to putting myself back into debt after clawing my way out.

Any advice you can offer would be appreciated.

Thanksss

[jambajooz]

Originally posted by Preciousss:
Hello!

This is my first post after lurking for the past two weeks. I've learned a lot from this forum over all the others so I decided to join your ranks.

I plan on buying my first PowerBook sometime before the end of the year (once I dig myself out of my current debt) and was trying to calculate what my total expenses would be along with what additional software/accessories I should get. Now I know that we have all sorts of users here (graphics professionals, students, etc.) and that everybody's using different apps. But what, on the most basic level, would you recommend as a must?

For my purposes, I work at a small non-profit with an Access database and Windows 2000 network; my current laptop is running XP Pro. Here's what I came up with so far:

- Virtual PC, XP Pro (or some other emulator). 250 bones, yikes! Any other (cheaper) options? I'm OK with biting the big one and getting this just because I need it for work. And this seems to be the one to go with.

- M$ Office v.X (I know, I'm biting lots of big ones but does anybody have any experience with StarOffice or ThinkFree? I think I just got tired of my Performa 636, system 7.5-whoo-hoo!, not being able to open Word files with just ClarisWorks.) Good news is I can get this for 50 bucks so no biggie.

- Norton Antivirus or maybe SystemWorks - I was told by someone whose opinion I am inclined to trust that SystemWorks isn't necessary and just to get virus protection. Feedback? $69.95

- AppleCare - I initially was gonna forego this but I'm thinking this would be wise now. Opinons? Anybody living dangerously out there with no AppleCare? $350 bucks.

- Double RAM offer, 40 smackers. Weren't there similar deals through other online sellers?

- Printer (most likely bundled with my preciouss). Is there a model I should go with over another?

- And I made a decision on a carrier: the Spire boot for $35. Velcro, so it won't scratch the finish like a zipper might, and I could stow it in a cheaper backpack and save some dough. Although the Spire Icon looks nice ($130).

Altogether that's an additional 800 bucks. Whew! But I've already resigned myself to putting myself back into debt after clawing my way out.

Any advice you can offer would be appreciated.

Thanksss

Although Im new here too, Welcome! I don't really have any comments for Apple software since this will be my first Mac purchase but I do have a comment on Applecare, RAM and Spire.

Yes, Applecare is pretty steep but it covers a whole lot. Since I couldn't afford Applecare for now, Im thinking of a couple alternatives I got from reading the posts. You can check out www.safeware.com, they have insurance on laptops. It will cost you $150 a year, or you can call your local insurance firm like State Farm.

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...ight=insurance

Go for the $40 double your RAM. Its a great deal and Ive looked around, unless proven wrong. And lastly I went for the Icon backpack, Im getting it this Friday but Im not too happy with the color (they only had all-black left) so Im going to use it for a while and return it for a color I want when they come in. Although I like your idea of just getting a boot and cheaper backpack. I will surely look into that. Thanks! Hope this helps....

PS: If you do want to go with Applecare, keep in mind that the Pbooks come with 1 year parts warranty, so maybe you can get it later on when it's about to run out.

[aktive]

I have the PB 667DVI and I have the Spire Icon for it. Its the best purchase I've made for my tibook.

I got the black/midnight blue color combo, it looks like a really stylish bag and it isn't at all bulky. Just looks like a sleek, smart backback. And best bit of all is that noone ever knows that I've got a $2500 laptop in it. Good for security.

I spent a good 2 months researching various bags on the net before I committed as $100+ for a bag is quite expensive. However, I'm very happy with the Spire Icon, and the way I see it $130 isn't that much in comparison to the high price of the TiBook.

So, all in all, well worth it.