[kerisabe]

Finally took the plunge tonight and purchased my first mac, a 17" MacBook Pro.

Ive got a few questions to ask tho, how to check the total storage of the HD? Cause im supposed to get the 120Gb, but it says on the Macintosh HD there is only 93.5Gb left , and I just booted this thing up! Did I get the 120 or the 100Gb HD??

[pheonixash]

There's a lot of software that comes pre-installed on your MacBook Pro. Tiger, iLife '06 and lots of other stuff you'll find in your Applications folder. You seem to have got a 120GB HDD.

Congrats on your first Mac! Enjoy the experience.

[jaydon34]

dam nice purchase I want a macbook pro. The 15" glossy baby thats the way to go .

[zerostar]

control+click on the hard drive and do "get info" Capacity will tell you the total.

Good purchase! and welcome to the Mac platform.

[kerisabe]

Thanks for the quick responses! Yes, I got the 17 glossy screen..it's awesome,, im gonna install the adobe softwares soon.. can't wait to play around with this beautiful thing.

[kyles_mac]

Welcome to Mac. You'll never regret the switch.

[cbrfanatic]

def wont regret the switch. Great purchase, took the plunge and just got the best one huh, good way to go.

[Crouching Donkey]

Hey, welcome aboard!

I remember when I got my Powerbook G4 - how excited I was about finding out about OS X features. My only regret was why I hadn't made the switch sooner!

Enjoy your MBP!

[kerisabe]

Guys, where is the font library? Im tryin to download a couple fonts into the library but can't find where it is.

edit: nevermind..found it

[JKT]

FWIW, just double click any fonts you download and Font Book will launch and give you a preview before you choose to install them.

[kerisabe]

JKT thanks for the pointers.. btw, do u know where to download a focus fixer and noise fixer plug-ins for the Photoshop CS2? TIA.

[kerisabe]

Btw, Ive realized after a few software installs that my DVD/CD drive is DAMN loud during the installation process... it sounds trrrrrrrrrtttttttttttttttt... is that common? Plus when Im loadin the disc in.. it sounds like clunk clunk somethin is breakin inside lol.

[Velocity211]

Originally Posted by kerisabe

Btw, Ive realized after a few software installs that my DVD/CD drive is DAMN loud during the installation process... it sounds trrrrrrrrrtttttttttttttttt... is that common? Plus when Im loadin the disc in.. it sounds like clunk clunk somethin is breakin inside lol.

That happens every time I load a disc into my PowerBook, so yeah, that's common.

[kerisabe]

Im so relieved to hear that .. I was expecting something worst, at least I go the Applecare.

Oh yea, I think Im gonna upgrade the memory REAL SOON! Maybe get another 1gb ram. Right now, it feels kindda slow especially when Im multitasking. Other than that.. Im really enjoying the MBP!! Lots of softwares have been installed... now the HDD is only 85Gb left (from 120Gb) and it's not even 24 hours yet since Ive purchased it.

[sadpandas]

Yes yes yes! congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forum. That is a bit strange that you only have 85gb left but you said it yourself, you have installed lots of software... What types of programs have you installed?

pan
das
sad
nap

[Karpfish]

if you really want to, you can reinstall OSX with the discs and choose to just install the OS or install certain other things, but not everything, or everything if you would like. It will save you lots of space, especially with a smaller HD in a laptop.

[kerisabe]

Actually ive only installed the Adobe Creative Suite (Collectors Edition), once i turned on the mbp, it started to download all kinds of updates and it was like ALOT!! Plus I installed a few small things like msn, and a few other stuff.

iWork. Office, Final Cut HD, and Macromedia collection is still waiting to be installed. If I install all of em with my "small" remaining HDD storage, will it cause a negative effect on the performance of the mbp? I got an external HDD (250Gb) for files. But for programs u have to install it in the mbp's HDD right?

[Commodus]

Originally Posted by kerisabe

Actually ive only installed the Adobe Creative Suite (Collectors Edition), once i turned on the mbp, it started to download all kinds of updates and it was like ALOT!! Plus I installed a few small things like msn, and a few other stuff.

iWork. Office, Final Cut HD, and Macromedia collection is still waiting to be installed. If I install all of em with my "small" remaining HDD storage, will it cause a negative effect on the performance of the mbp? I got an external HDD (250Gb) for files. But for programs u have to install it in the mbp's HDD right?

You don't absolutely have to install to the main hard drive, but some app updaters will assume you installed in the Applications folder (mainly Apple programs).

OS X generally doesn't bog down as much as hard drive space shrinks, so don't worry about it as long as you've got about 10% of your hard drive space free for temporary files. One thing to consider about reclaiming free space: if you don't intend to use GarageBand, you can get rid of it and its very large (multi-GB) sample library. I know that Monolingual can also get rid of a lot of unneeded language files. You do have a 120GB hard drive - it's just that the software Apple preloads to keep everyone happy often takes up a lot of space. Note that no hard drive out there, Mac or Windows, will show you the capacity you see on the box even if it's empty - marketing has made virtually all companies report a gigabyte as though it were 1 billion bytes rather than 1.024 billion, so the practical reality isn't quite there.

[cambro]

The first thing I do when I get a new mac is boot up from the included installation CD and do a custom install.

You can save many gigs of space by getting rid of language localizations you don't need, printer drivers you don't need, and other things like garage band demos, music loops etc.

I highly recommend that you do this if you are concerned about maximizing your HD space for other stuff.

[Macpilot]

Originally Posted by cambro

The first thing I do when I get a new mac is boot up from the included installation CD and do a custom install.

You can save many gigs of space by getting rid of language localizations you don't need, printer drivers you don't need, and other things like garage band demos, music loops etc.

I highly recommend that you do this if you are concerned about maximizing your HD space for other stuff.

Excellent advice. At least 2gb of junk you will never need in there.

[kerisabe]

Thanks for the tips guys, btw just tried my external HDD, it's so friggin NOISY! ha ha ha, I think im gonna put it FAR down the table so I can't hear the fan runnning lol.

I just checked the "system info" through my Photoshop CS2, how come it shows the architecture to be G4 instead of the Core Duo? Here ill post it below :

Adobe Photoshop Version: 9.0 (9.0x196)
Operating System: Mac OS 10.4.7
System architecture: PowerPC G4 with AltiVec
Physical processor count: 1
Processor speed: 2147 MHz
Built-in memory: 1024 MB
Free memory: 342 MB
Memory available to Photoshop: 979 MB
Memory used by Photoshop: 70 %
Image cache levels: 6
Serial number: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Application folder: Macintosh HD:Users:christopherbunjaminesktop:
Photoshop scratch has async I/O enabled
Scratch volume(s):
Startup, 111.5G, 89.9G free
Primary Plug-ins folder: not set
Additional Plug-ins folder: not set

Installed plug-ins:

ADM 3.1.0 - from the file “/Users/christopherbunjamin/Desktop/Adobe Photoshop CS2.app/Contents/Required/AdobeADM.bundle/”
ASDataStreams 1.0.3 - from the file “/Users/christopherbunjamin/Desktop/Adobe Photoshop CS2.app/Contents/Required/ASDataStream.plugin/”
Camera Raw 3.0.0 - from the file “/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Plug-Ins/CS2/File Formats/Camera Raw.plugin/”
PNG Icon Parser 1.2.2 - from the file “/Users/christopherbunjamin/Desktop/Adobe Photoshop CS2.app/Contents/Required/ADM-PNGCarbon.plugin/”
ScriptingSupport 9.0.0 - from the file “/Users/christopherbunjamin/Desktop/Adobe Photoshop CS2.app/Contents/Required/ScriptingSupport.plugin/”
Plug-ins that failed to load: NONE

Installed TWAIN devices: NONE

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

I was just wondering. Thanks..

[mac1896]

Originally Posted by kerisabe

Thanks for the tips guys, btw just tried my external HDD, it's so friggin NOISY! ha ha ha, I think im gonna put it FAR down the table so I can't hear the fan runnning lol.

I just checked the "system info" through my Photoshop CS2, how come it shows the architecture to be G4 instead of the Core Duo? Here ill post it below :

Adobe Photoshop Version: 9.0 (9.0x196)
Operating System: Mac OS 10.4.7
System architecture: PowerPC G4 with AltiVec
Physical processor count: 1
Processor speed: 2147 MHz

snip

If you are not using a "Universal" install of CS2, it will be running under "Rosetta" (emulation of the G4), thus, showing a G4.

[brokenjago]

Rosetta doesn't emulate the G5? Hm. I didn't know that. Good to know.

[mac1896]

Originally Posted by brokenjago

Rosetta doesn't emulate the G5? Hm. I didn't know that. Good to know.

Things that make you go "hmmmmm"....

Good Question. That I couldn't tell ya..........

I've been using G4s for so long I actually forgot about the G5s even being around.

[kerisabe]

SECURITY:

Btw, is there any anti-virus/security software installed in the MBP or do we have to get it separately? So far so good.. the only problem Ive had only the Safari closed on me twice by itself while downloading a few fonts online.

[kerisabe]

Second question for the day...

Is there anyway I can improve the playback of 1080p videos on my MPB? Cause the frames are choppy compared when playing back the 720p or 480p. Thanks.

[mitchell_pgh]

Originally Posted by kerisabe

Second question for the day...

Is there anyway I can improve the playback of 1080p videos on my MPB? Cause the frames are choppy compared when playing back the 720p or 480p. Thanks.

Your sig can be no larger than 200 pixels wide by 50 pixels tall.

[gooser]

Originally Posted by kerisabe

SECURITY:

Btw, is there any anti-virus/security software installed in the MBP or do we have to get it separately? So far so good.. the only problem Ive had only the Safari closed on me twice by itself while downloading a few fonts online.

1. your macbook will come with a built in firewall. as far as anti-virus stuff opinions around here are mostly that you don't need it. i personally don't use any. this is why you bought a mac.
coming from windows this may be hard to understand.
2. do not buy anything made by norton for your mac.

[Rumpole]

Originally Posted by cambro

The first thing I do when I get a new mac is boot up from the included installation CD and do a custom install.

You can save many gigs of space by getting rid of language localizations you don't need, printer drivers you don't need, and other things like garage band demos, music loops etc.

I highly recommend that you do this if you are concerned about maximizing your HD space for other stuff.

I bought a MBP 2 weeks ago and ran Migration Assistant from my Imac G5. I have now got everything as I want it, but am down to 33Gb free space. Is it now too late to reinstall from the installation disc, losing languages, printer drivers etc. that I don't need, without backing everything up and doing a clean install? I remember that when I have upgraded from earlier versions of OS X, I have used "backup and install" (or some similar sounding easy install option that kept all my pre-existing HD contents), but I can't remember if that gives you any custom install options. I am reluctant to start any reinstall process from the disc that came with the MBP without knowing where I may end up before I start. The hassle of backing everything up and doing a slimmed-down clean install is too much for the saving of a couple of Gb. Any advice would be appreciated.

[kerisabe]

Originally Posted by Rumpole

I bought a MBP 2 weeks ago and ran Migration Assistant from my Imac G5. I have now got everything as I want it, but am down to 33Gb free space. Is it now too late to reinstall from the installation disc, losing languages, printer drivers etc. that I don't need, without backing everything up and doing a clean install? I remember that when I have upgraded from earlier versions of OS X, I have used "backup and install" (or some similar sounding easy install option that kept all my pre-existing HD contents), but I can't remember if that gives you any custom install options. I am reluctant to start any reinstall process from the disc that came with the MBP without knowing where I may end up before I start. The hassle of backing everything up and doing a slimmed-down clean install is too much for the saving of a couple of Gb. Any advice would be appreciated.

I dun even bother to do it, im just too lazy I guess.. The only thing Im concerned is the performance of the graphics, is there any way that I can help increase that?? Watching a 1080p clip is pretty painful in these things... the frame is pretty CHOPPY, do I have to say that twice, no problem watching the 720p tho..

[olePigeon]

Originally Posted by kerisabe

I dun even bother to do it, im just too lazy I guess.. The only thing Im concerned is the performance of the graphics, is there any way that I can help increase that?? Watching a 1080p clip is pretty painful in these things... the frame is pretty CHOPPY, do I have to say that twice, no problem watching the 720p tho..

Upgrading your RAM to 2GB might help with the 1080p. That's a lot of data to be pushing, it could be swapping to HDD pretty quick.

Also, if you've just started to use your MacBook Pro, Spotlight might still be indexing. Give it a day or so.

[jaydon34]

Originally Posted by kerisabe

I dun even bother to do it, im just too lazy I guess.. The only thing Im concerned is the performance of the graphics, is there any way that I can help increase that?? Watching a 1080p clip is pretty painful in these things... the frame is pretty CHOPPY, do I have to say that twice, no problem watching the 720p tho..

Thats odd being that I play 1080p on my macbook fine. I watch the apple trailers all the time .

[kerisabe]

jaydon34: Are u sure your macbook plays 1080p materials smoothly?? The last time I checked, even playin regular 480i dvd on the macbook look pretty choppy, it's not smooth at all. That's one of the reason why I went w/ the mbp.

[jamil5454]

The MacBook (and especially pro) can easily play H.264 encoded 1080p material. It's really the H.264 that makes it have to work so hard, but it can do it with some headroom left.

[buddy1065]

When I was at the store the Macbook pros seemed to do OK with 1080p that I downloaded. Not sure but I think I recalled some flicker on the low end Macbook Pro 15". I definitely saw some flicker on the Macbook. But perhaps I downloaded something higher than 1080p. The 17" seemed to run it flawlessly though. Oh well, if all else fails I usually re-install/format the HD. I also recall someone doing this and his problem was solved.

[kerisabe]

Maybe I should do that and re-install the OS and softwares.

Does anyone know how to use the iSight w/ MSN Messenger?

[Ryknow215]

I would guess that if you turn your iSight camera on, you'll see an option for video chatting become available, whether it is in the buddy list window or within the chat window. That's the way it is with both iChat and Skype; once the camera is turned on, a little icon becomes available. Try it out and see what happens, although I can't help you with turning iSight on with a MBP. I've got the external iSight

[kerisabe]

Yea, I dunno how to turn on the iSight in my MBP other than using the Photobooth or iChat since the iSight will turn on by itself when using those programs.

Maybe I should use other msn program? Right now im using the MSN Messenger Ive downloaded from the Microsoft website, and there is no camera button on the window or settings.

[JKT]

MSN Messenger does not do video conferencing on the Mac and unbelievably the next version won't either. It is MS's way of pretending to be non-monopolistic by being able to say "MSN Messenger is available for the Mac" but in reality offering crippleware.

Try Mercury Messenger or aMSN instead.

[Frugle]

hmm, that is odd that your MacBook won't do HD... I litterally just got done playing 2 1080p videos without a single jitter.. (and i'm real OCD about fram drops) make sure you have all none used apps closed when watching HD...

Oh, make sure you are COMPLETELY up to date with software update, generally with new computers, if you leave it the way it came, it will have little glitches.


the program that helped me the most when I got my first mac was and still is Quicksilver.. most useful program in the world..

I love my mac, and I really hope you do to!

(do you notice your computer whining? if so, Quite MBP silenced mine, but doesn't work for everyone)

[kerisabe]

Thanks for the inputs guys, Ill try those msn programs..

Umm yea I had a few apps running while watching the 1080p clips. It jitters. The computer updated itself once I first booted it up. So i guess the software is updated enough. No, my MBP doesn't whine at all, and it runs so quiet I can hear a pin drop.

[Gossamer]

Originally Posted by kerisabe

Thanks for the inputs guys, Ill try those msn programs..

Umm yea I had a few apps running while watching the 1080p clips. It jitters. The computer updated itself once I first booted it up. So i guess the software is updated enough. No, my MBP doesn't whine at all, and it runs so quiet I can hear a pin drop.

Actually you'll want to run Software Update again, there are a couple updates that don't install the first time around. IDK if any of these would affect video playback, but they're there.

[kerisabe]

Ok Gossamer,

Im gonna do the software update again now. Hopefully that helps....

[pnsji]

Originally Posted by zerostar

control+click on the hard drive and do "get info" Capacity will tell you the total.

You could also do
"apple" and "i" for info