Bought a Mac, wanted to get familiar with for support

[htsource]

How many of you are Windows based techs but also have a Mac so you can support it as well?

Questions and requests for Mac support is increasing but not too crazy. I had a Macbook about 4 years ago but sold it 2 years ago, didn't really use it so it was just collecting dust.

Picked up a Macbook air used as I thought I could start learning Mac, I have some basics but unless I have one that I can use it, I won't have much exposure to the Mac world.

Reason I got the small one is I carry my Asus 1008HA EeePC a lot, the 11" air is close enough for size and weight, although a lot more in price. I got bootcamp installed so I can dual boot with Windows 7. I even got the HDMI adapter so I can use it as my main computer.

So far my experience has been positive with it, Core2Duo CPU is much quicker than Atom based, boot up time is great. I upgraded the EeePC with an OCZ Vertex SSD, Macbook Air is still quicker booting into Windows 7. Few things I really like how Apple implements:

a) built-in touchpad with integrated multi-touch - takes a few days to get used to but once I familiar with, it's great. I almost didn't know how to use a regular touchpad with Windows I even went out and got the Magic Trackpad when I attach the Mac Air to my external display.

b) Time Machine backup works beautifully, works out of the box with very minimal setup.

Not so good about Mac:

a) the new taskbar aero peak with Windows 7 is great especially with multiple windows opened

Will try to break it to see if I can fix it later on

 

[SmithFamilyDesigns]

I am considering buying a mac for learning but can't justify the cost. I only have around 1 mac question per 2 months. I have tried the hackintosh route but its not an accurate experience.

 

[robert152]

I was a strict PC tech for 5 years. My new job, I got thrown into a position in which I support strictly Macs (It's a school district). So I was thrown into a field I had no experience in. And to be honest, it was a rough start, but I have come to appreciate Apple and the products they make.

I built myself an iMac G5 (Intel) from 4 different macs that were too costly to repair and given to the shop. You could go that route to get one, or buy a refurbished one. Apple sales refurbished macs Apple Refurbs or you could go a third party route MacofAllTrades (I threw this one up because it was one of the first results in Google).

But, good luck on getting and learning more about Mac. If you have any questions feel free to message me.

 

[RichmondTech]

I love Apple products, but just can't justify the cost. Doesn't make good business sense as it would take way too long to recoup the expense of the machine AND my time. Remember, every hour you're playing around with the Mac learning the system is an hour that you're not working on a paying job or bringing in new business.

 

[iisjman07]

I bought a Macbook which had some major issues (cracked screen, bad keyboard top layer, no psu, bad battery, old os) and fixed it up to a working standard. I think repairing a broken one is a great way to get used to the hardware, and I bet you're not wanting to take your brand shiny new laptop apart.

 

[rusty.nells]

If you want to get familiar with the OS, try this. I've done it a few times with success. It even worked on a cheap, non-Intel motherboard with a dual-core Celeron and 2 gigs of RAM.

 

[gunslinger]

I got my first Mac in 2008. Started to officially support Macs last year. You can come by Macs pretty cheap buying refurb. Both my white Macbook and 27" iMac are refurbs. I would not suggest a hackintosh or VM because as already pointed out these do not give you an accurate experience.

 

[wtigger]

I've purchased my Mac's used, at pretty reasonable prices. $500 for a nice Intel 2.4Ghz Dual Core Intel 20" screen iMac (brushed aluminum case). Also got a MacBook Pro (non-unibody, aluminum also) for $550. I don't buy new

I've repaired a few already: hard drive in an iMac (lotsa fun, NOT) and screen in MacBook unibody laptop.. I purchased all the service manuals on eBay and found a few other nice online resources as well.

I see it as an investment. No, I don't get a lot of Mac issues, but I do feel being as multi-talented and diversified as possible is good for business.

 

[madan]

one of the options for learning is running a virtual machine. this way you can learn about the OS without having to install it.
I have heard of instances of OSX server running on the virtual box at virtualbox (dot )org

Mac OS X Server (Leopard, Snow Leopard) Works without Additions See Manual for more information.

I started troubleshooting PCs, and came across macs in 2004, got hooked- learned to fix them now our company supports both!

have come to love, learn and respect both OS for their inherent strengths and weakness!