[ryter221]

I'm no stranger to the Macs, and I've been using them for a few years, but my experience has been confined to the desktop (an iMac G4, an iMac G5, and an Intel iMac. I like iMacs.)

However, this week, for the first time I'll be receiving my first ever Macbook, which happens to also be my first laptop of any platform. Whenever I read tech magazines or browsed the web, I always skipped over any articles with useful tips for laptop users or cool things you can do with your Macbook.

So, what I'm hoping to get is any tips, advice, tricks, useful hardware or software to get, the essentials, and pretty much anything a laptop user, as well as a Macbook user, needs.

Thanks!

[larrinski]

I have 2 programs I use on my laptop that are very useful...

Though you may use it already, Quicksilver is more useful on a laptop(no mouse needed). As well I find iStumbler useful while out to check wireless strength.

[stefanicotine]

I'm in the same boat as you, Ryter. Nothing but desktops until this week. Mine should be here on the 29th, how about yours?

As far as laptop apps go, check out iAlertU. It's basically a car alarm for your MacBook. They have videos of it in use on YouTube, and if you do a google search for it there's a download 3 or 4 links down.

Also check out Virtues if you're into virtual desktops. You can use the motion sensor on your MacBook to switch between desktops. A little tap on the side. I'd feel kind of guilty smacking my MacBook, but it's a cool thing to show off at least.

[Z4cane]

I have been using a notebook for many years, don't know how I could be without one. This is my first Macbook though. I love it (though I wish the battery life was better).

[ryter221]

Thanks, I do use Quicksilver and I'll deifnitely be using it on the Macbook. I also use VirtueDesktops, so that'll be another addition, though what's required for the Smacking feature to work?

Thanks so far for all the advice!

[stefanicotine]

I think the smackbook feature is built in to the latest version now