[bju1223]

hi i am a new owner (a proud one) of a 15" 1.5MHz/80GB 5400rpm/128Mb video memory/512MB ram ... this is my first mac and boy does the mac os look nice! i just have a couple of questions:

1. i notice is window xp feels faster (snappier) then mac os (normal usuage like navigating through folders and stuff) ... is it because mac os is such a ram hog and i don't have enough ram?

2. the bottom of the powerbook is very very hot!!! i put it on my desk so there is gap for air to circulate throught the bottom and i only put it through some light usage (webserving/email) ... i been reading that the powerbooks gets hot using on lap ... but i was only surfing the net with the powerbook placed on the desk ... is this normal?

3. is there any must have download/utilities for mac os?

thanks

[zzarg]

performance:
It's strange it's running slow for you. My 867Mhz 12" is actually very snappy, but you may be right about the RAM... I started out at 640MB (so more than yours to start with) - I've now got 1.12GB and find it really speedy compared to a similar spec WinXP Pro machine

heat:
yup, seems to be fairly common with PowerBooks... they got hot !
I'd suggest grabbing a copy of Temperature Monitor: http://macupdate.com/info.php/id/12381 to keep an eye on it !
I use a Targus ChillPad (a couple of USB powered fans) but there are other 'lap' solutions, and things like the iCurve to raise it off the desk to improve airflow

must-have apps:
these are very much personal recommendation but for me;
<ol>
<li>AdiumX Instant Messenger (MSN, Yahoo, Jabber etc)
<li>QuickSilver application switcher
<li>skEdit HTML/source editor (www.skti.org)
<li>TimeLog (for client billing)
<li>Skype VOIP communications
<li>BluePhoneElite for managing SMSes and calls
<li>e2sync (if you use Entourage it adds iSync functionality)
<li>OnyX for system maintenance
<li>iScrobbler (for AudioScrobbler updates)
<li>Meteorologist to keep track of the weather
<li>Virtue for multiple desktop support
<li>SizzlingKeys (for iTunes) - iTunes control at your finger tips
<li>SafariNoTimeout - when 60 seconds just isn't long enough to open that web page, nothing else will do
<li>StartupSound - you don't hear it often, but sometimes it's enough to wake the dead !
</ul>
... just have a search for any of these on macupdate.com for the latest versions

expect to see a lot more suggestions added to this list !

[Randman]

You might want to do a clean install. For some reason, the OS on a new Mac often seems laggy. Try that and see if performance improves.

[wilsonng]

DragThing ($29) A praiseworthy alternative to the OS X’s Dock. After I acquired DragThing, I just use the OS X dock to show current running applications. I use DragThing as a tidier program launcher instead of placing my Applications folder on the Apple dock. You can group applications and documents into different tabs according to projects. I have another dock with drag-and-drop programs like StuffIt Expander and some AppleScripts. You can also create specific docks for specific programs. Its auto-hide feature helps reduce window clutter on your screen. This is a great complement to Expose’s window management feature. DragThing is not just a program dock but also a file and window management tool that helps your work productivity. Especially valuable for laptop users when screen real estate is at a premium. It does take some adjustment to even learn all of the functions but it did change my whole worklife.

DiskWarrior ($80) and TechTools Pro ($98) It's like your first aid kit or spare tire in the trunk. You never know when you're gonna need it but you're glad you have it. These programs are an insurance policy in the event something bad happens and you'll be happy that it's there for you when you need it the most. See "Murphy's Law" about sh*t happening when you don't want it to happen (usually during the most critical of times).

TinkerTool (free) Unlocks many of the hidden features inside OS X without having to go to Terminal.

DEVONThink Personal Edition ($40) The ultimate scrapbook. Everybody has scraps of information that they want to keep. Sometimes we place tidbits in a scrapbook, an outliner, or a Word document. DevonThink’s powerful search engine allows you to search related documents based on keywords, classifications, groupings, etc. Store QuickTime movies, pictures, PDF files, almost anything you want. Its fuzzy logic and intelligent search capabilities allows you to find other related documents inside DEVONThink. Other solid alternatives include HogBay Notebook and AquaMind NoteTaker.

Slim Battery Monitor (free) - A nice compact alternative to Apple’s built-in battery indicator in the menu bar. More control over the indicators and a smaller battery icon helps makes room on your menu bar. You can change the battery icon to a vertical orientation to save a little more space on your menu bar. You can change the color of the battery icon when it is fully charged, charging, and when running on battery power. I set mine up to hide the battery icon when it is fully charged. The battery icon will pop up when it is charging up or if it is running on battery power.

Menu Meters (free) - A nice alternative to monitor CPU use, disk activity, memory use, network connection, and dial-up connections. Replaces Activity Monitor, CPU monitor, and Internet Connect. Essential for computers with smaller screens such as PowerBooks and iBooks.

VLC (free) - a powerful audio/video player that can handle media formats that QuickTime can't recognize.

AppleCare - extends the warranty of your PowerBook by 2 years. You need to buy it before your first year warranty is up. Trust me.... Search the forum about AppleCare and they'll tell yo the same thing - if you have a PowerBook, get it!