[quayee]

My MBP arrived today (15inch 2.33ghz 2gbram etc) and i'm loving it! But I just had some questions that I hope some of you could clear up (i'm kind of a new Mac user).

When I put a dvd in the drive, it's asking me to choose a region. Is there any software I can download or anything that will make it all region free and not set in stone after 5 tries?

Also, what other software should I look into getting that's cool? I realise this is a broad question but really, to get going etc what will be handy to have etc?

I'm really sorry these are dumb questions but I gotta start somewhere!!

Thanks alot.

[macboy]

Welcome to MacNN.

- The DVD region is only limited to change 5 times. VLC could play all DVD's, but not anymore. The only solution is re-installing the OS. (although I dont think you'll ever need to change your region more than twice. I watch all sorts of DVD's and I've only changed the region once.)

- This is a very relative question. It totally depends on what your using your MBP for. iAlertU, Adium, HandBrake, VLC, AppZapper, Xtorrent, Rapidweaver/iWeb and SuperDuper are some of my personal favorites.

[cosmic dancer]

Hello quayee and congrats on your new laptop.
-In response to your question about the DVD zone, I remember that there is a site where you can
download firmware updates. At least it existed some years ago, firmwares were developed by a person whose nickname is VI...firmwares were designed for macs. You would have to know the exact reference of your DVD writer/player. Be very cautious, this operation voids your guarantee and could damage your DVD player. I wouldn't advise you to do that on a brand new machine.
I was told that VLC app. reads DVDs without counting the swaps but I am not sure though. Another application, called 'mactheripper' could also be of help. By transferring the DVD content to your HD, the Mactheripper gets rid of the encryption. In preferences system, turn off 'Open DVD player' when a disc is inserted, so that you'll be sure to keep the zone still.
-In my point of view, there are so many cool appl. for OSX, I would suggest to dig at versiontracker.com for what's interest of yours. Personally, I like listening Radio programs: Realplayer combined with Wiretap Pro allows you to record radio programs. Firefox, Google Earth, are entertaining. Picasa webAlbum uploader if you have a google account is also valuable. For your system maintenance, Maintenance 3.4 - a script available on Apple - Downloads - Mac OS X is also very practical. I would suggest you browse this web-page, as there are many app. you could give a try, following your likes.
I am sure macnn members will give you more up-to-date and interesting point of views.
Enjoy your mac!

[apollo11]

Like you I have just got my MacBookPro 15 inch 2.33.2Gig after my teenage son appropriated my 10 day old white MacBook 13.3 2.33 2 gig !

I've loaded in BootCamp and then Windows XP to play LockOn Gold and Sims 2. On the MacOs I loaded in iSpazz and Key Spazz for fun.

Yep, I do like the MBP but I actually prefer the materials and proportions of the MacBook.

Use Superduper to make a USB bootable clone in case of mishap and Smartdisk to put an HD monitor for your internal HD in the menu bar.

I like to regulate my MBP temp with Fancontrol ( never runs above 55 C (as monitored by Temperature monitor Lite)

[11011001]

Originally Posted by macboy 

Welcome to MacNN.

- The DVD region is only limited to change 5 times. VLC could play all DVD's, but not anymore. The only solution is re-installing the OS. (although I dont think you'll ever need to change your region more than twice. I watch all sorts of DVD's and I've only changed the region once.)

I actually think it decrements a counter in the drive. After 5, the change is hardwired and without exception, permanent.

[quayee]

Thanks heaps everyone. It's great to be welcomed and really good to see that everyone is so helpful!

Your advice is is great!! Thanks heaps, i'll definitely be looking into everything mentioned. And as far as I can tell, there's not much that I can do about the region on the drive that isn't very risky. Does everyone here just basically have it set to one region and only play dvd's that fall under it? I guess i'll check some things out and see what happens.

In terms of what i'll use my MBPfor, i'm a film student at uni, so obviously i'll be looking to get final cut pro. I'll be making films and also using my MBP to edit and work with photos (doing a photography minor) so i'll be looking at photoshop for that.

Any other suggestions? I've noticed alot of people on here talking about the temp gauge thingo so I guess that's pretty important...

Again thanks to everyone, I really appreciate the help as I really am kinda starting from scratch.