Perplexed iMac User

[JanHatleberg]

I have been using PCs since the first machines appeared in the mid-eighties. Last year, having had enough of Dell and Microsoft especially with viruses, etc. I switched to an iMac G5 about a year ago and overall, it was a good move. I found macosx.com through pure frustration; primarily its because of the tech/customer service (oxymoron) issues from companies that say their products are Mac compatible but offer little in the way of support or help. Of course the same was true with PCs but even worse now. I purchased an Linksys Internet telephone that was highly recommended by Walter Mossberg (Wall Street Journal) only to find out it wasn't Mac compatible yet, then I bought a Linksys Print Server (PSUS4) and was told it "worked" with Macs but I haven't found any documentation to prove it and I'm hesitant to even try loading the software. Lastly, I switched from a Lexmark C510 color printer that costs hundreds of dollars for toner and the like to an HP LaserJet 2420 and can't get web pages to print (insufficient memory I'm told) and HP's website is worthless to Mac owners. So, luck would have it, I Googled for help with my HP and the print server and found a link to a macosx.com forum where over 700 people have asked for help on some of the same issues! At least I now know that I'm not alone in this strange world and that knowledge makes me feel less like a failure. As a new member I was asked to make my first post here; to say hello and tell my story. I expect I will be reading and posting a lot in the next few days and feel there is light at the end of the tunnel! Jan

[Arden]

Hi Jan,

The beauty about the iMac G5 is that it is a great computer no matter what your skill level. Not only is it good for a switcher like you, or someone just starting out with computers, it also adorns the desk of this very proficient power user. But then, you could probably say that about any Apple computers.

As far as support issues go, I've had to run circles around it all my life. I remember back in the late 90's being outraged that Sierra had cancelled the port of Half-life to the Mac, and it would sadden me if I were to dwell too long on what Mac gaming could be like had that decision not been made. You will probably find, though, that the best technical support comes not from the manufacturers, but from the userbase who have already been through what you are experiencing a hundred times. I also discovered this site quite by accident a few years ago, and for some time it was one of my favorite pastimes. While I don't think you'll get as addicted to posting and reading as I did, I do hope you get some utitility out of the community here and around the Internet.

And tell all your friends to get Macs, too.

[Satcomer]

I found so many complaints about HP printers on this board I always tend to lead to Canon printers. I also found that so called home print servers are more headache than they are worth. I had bought and Airport Extreme router and was using the USB port on it for network printing. I then got an Canon IP5300i printer that is wireless. It took me a total of thirty minutes to figure out the wireless portion with my software firewalls (it involved UDP traffic). My Windows computer can also wirelessly print it to also.

As for routers someone here (I can not remeber who) suppested Netgear or D-Link. Linksys support for Macs is very poor at best. Also for an IP phone I went with Vontage and is working well.

I hope you find answers to your questions. I also have some important web sites you can use during your Mac adventure.

1) Accelerate Your Mac and there excellant drive search lasso.
2) MacWindows - The help get Macs into Windows networks
3) MacFixit -guess what they do
4) MacUpdate and/or Versiontracker find all of Mac software at these places

[Rhisiart]

As far as routers are concerned, I would recommend Netgear.

That's very dissapointing about the HP printer. You'd expect better from a company that size (it seems that if you are you're safest with Epson or Canon printers).

My experience with software products for Macs has been pretty hassle free over the years, but then there may be many products out there that are highly specialised, which most simple home owners like me don't need.

As long as Apple's unix-based OS remains commercially viable (I'll go back to pen and paper if it doesn't), and you are prepared to do a little research on new products, I think the switch from PC to Mac is more than justified.

[bobw]

Netgear and Epson for my choice.

[JanHatleberg]

Thanks one and all for your posts, its very encouraging for someone like me who has just taken the first lethal bite out of the Apple. Although I can't chuck the HP printer I appreciate the recommendations and will look to this site before buying anything new. Could I have your thoughts about using .mac for backups and linking data between my iMac and Power Book G4? I have a .Mac account but haven't used it very much, also I use Entourage for mail, etc. because it allows me to connect with others who are Windows users. Thanks again. Jan

[Rhisiart]

iSync is simple to use to keep both your machines updated for Safari bookmarks, e-mail addresses and iCal items.

.Mac is OKish. You don't get a heap load of storage space and I find the .Mac server very slow. I personally think an external storage device is worth having for back-ups. That's what I use to exchange data between my G4 and iBook.