[alligator]

I'm now pretty familiar with my G5, but I'm looking for advice on what "essential" or "ultimate" Mac software I need to really make it fun to use. I have downloaded the trial of Photoshop Elements, and I'm using Final Cut Express. Can anyone recommend anything else interesting? Even games are good, but I don't buy many games and if I do, they must be family friendly (like The Sims, or Sim City).

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Horsepoo!!!]

Family games? http://www.pangeasoft.net/ (currently not loading...dunno why) has some games your kids will love.

Bugdom 1, 2, Ottomatic, Enigmo, and 2 other games coming really soon.

None of them will particularly push your G5's capabilities...but your kids will love those games.

edit: dang...make that 1 other game coming soon. I didn't realize Billy Frontier is out (not sure if that game is as suitable for your kids than the others).

[Nonsuch]

Did you switch because of the G5? Wow. Let's hope there are thousands and thousands of people like you.

This question is always difficult to answer without knowing what kind of things you like to do on your computer. I'll take a stab though.

Since you bought Final Cut Express, you didn't get Apple's loop-based music software, Soundtrack. This is a great little program. It comes with a DVD's worth of loops that you can arrange into compositions, like Acid on the PC if you're familiar. No software program I've used lately has been as addictive.

[Adam Betts]

For starter, you could customize your computer such as desktop background, theme, icons.

Themes:
www.resexcellence.com/themes/

Icons:
www.iconfactory.com/
www.xicons.com/

Desktop Background (there's countless of them out there but here's few)
www.macdesktops.com
www.resexcellence.com/archive_desktops_01/

----------------------

Since you bought Photoshop Element, you may like this simple software: Desktastic by Panic Software

If you want to explore huge library of OS X softwares, you could go to

www.versiontracker.com
www.macupdate.com

[Timo]

I like this app: http://www.iconfactory.com/ip_home.asp

[BZ]

Hmm.. my list...

- Everything from OmniGroup (http://www.omnigroup.com) including OmniWeb, OmniGraffle (I think on your G5)

- WeatherPop

- Watson

- Graphic Converter (on your G5)

- BBEdit

Expensive, but I like:
- Photoshop
- Office v.X

And you already have some of the best software:
- iTunes
- iPhoto
- iSync
- Mail
- iCal
- AddressBook
- iChat

For free:
- Mozilla, Netscape
- iTerm

Enjoy (very jealous of G5)

BZ

[Macanoid]

You want some amazing software? well have a look at this:

music software like nothing on the planet, and Mac only: Logic 6
http://www.emagic.de/home/news/index.php?lang=EN

webdesign software like nothing on the planet, and Mac only: Freeway Pro
http://www.softpress.com/en

[alligator]

Yes, I switched just because of the G5. I had already modified my PC for video editing, and when I heard about the G5, I couldn't resist. Of course, it cost me a fortune, but I'm really happy I did it.

That, and my wife has been watching Felicity reruns. Oddly enough, the Noel Crane charater got me thinking that everything I really like doing (photos, music, and video) performs better on a Mac. Product placement works!

[voyageur]

I second the vote for Watson

[engaged]

May I suggest that you have look and try some of the offerings from Unsanity. They just make the whole Mac experience that little bit more 'complete'!