after some research I decided to order a MacBookPro 15'...I've read the constant pro's and cons of MS and Apple OS and hardware and thought it would be a good time to get it.

I ordered mine on Apple's CH website and looks like another week or so before I receive it. Taking a bit longer than I expected... so got time to prepare for it

so has anyone done similar switch recently? how was it to make it to the other side?

I switched over 4 years ago and haven't looked back. Installed WinXP as well but haven't even used that. Grant you there is a learning curve, took me about 2 weeks to really get the hang of it. You have to rethink the way you do some of your work on it and don't expect it to work the same way as your Win box did (cause it actually works better ).

You should look into something called "applecare". It is a service offered by MAC for a fee (don't remember how much but it is worth), you can call them 24/7 with any questions and they will walk you through. I am a MS user (company provides) but my wife and mother in law are always on the phone asking questions and thanks to applecare.

I've been a PC user since I was like 6.

I was skeptical of Mac but, I have to say that after almost a year of having it as a home computer I'm quite happy with it.

It is pretty easy to have it as a home computer, and dosn't give you much hassle. I have a partition for winxp (Linux I usually go with a USB Drive).

at the beggining I wished that you could sort of "assemble and "disassemble" mac's like you do playing around with dos and tweaking the registry and stuff, but I've noticed there is no actual need for it.

So hey, do the Mac leap, it's not that hard.

One day all computers will be MAC'S

there are also a number of forums where I'm sure you'll get plenty of friendly advice from other mac owners, should the need of assistance arise.
when you get the computer, make sure to check out the fantastic (and free!) program 'quicksilver'. it takes a bit of time to set up, but after that it makes using the mac even easier/faster.

good luck!

My Macbook should be here any day now, but in general I don't think I will switch per se since I still have a lot invested in my Windows desktop hardware + software. In addition I've never had any really issues with windows, I tend to install the absolute minimum amount of software, I use IMAP for all email accounts (no emails stored on my PC), I never download or open questionable files and I make regular back ups of all my data.

With regards to Applecare, you can save a packet by buying the registration code off Ebay. Just make sure you use a reputable seller with plenty of feedback and you pay using PayPal.

Now you are sounding like Windows. I still believe on personal preference.

I made the switch last year and I'm very happy with it. My XP machine died and there was no way i was going to try Vista with the reports i'd heard. Also many of my programmer friends had switched to mac and i figured they must know a thing or two...

It takes a while to "de-windowise" yourself, MAC is more intuitive but when you used windows for as long as I have, you tend to look for the hard way to do things first. At first, I felt a bit retarded cause simple things like finding files and installations are a bit different and it feels a bit like learning to drive on the opposite side of the road, but it passes very quickly. Find a mac user friend and ask them to show you their favorite tricks.

I didn't get applecare cause i didn't know about it, but i found answers to pretty much everything i needed on the mac forums on the internet.

"Once you go MAC, you never go BACK"

Hi,

I am curious why you are interested in the Mac. I tried one a few years ago but I found for the way I work the Mac just was too confusing and difficult to use. It seems like things that are easy on the PC were so much more difficult on the PC. I got rid of the Mac and went back happy to the PC...which just seemed more productive to me.

After many conversations with better informed employees at Apple Stores( there are a few -- but a lot of them don't seem to have a clue about the computer world outside the Apple eco system) clearly Macs are not for me. They just don't run the programs I use regularly or work in way that seems at all productive for me.

Then again I don't get pc crashes or PC viruses ---and I always regularly patch. I had no problems with Vista and 7 RC is running well. Maybe I am not typical...but I am not sure why my experience seems to be a lot better than other people.

have fun

Martin

thanks for the comments so far. Appreciate the Applecare suggestion as well. I'll still hold on to my ThinkPad T60 which I think are some of the toughest laptop's out there..real workhorses and I've never had a problem with the hardware itself..
Privatelly I need a computer for internet, media downloading/sharing, picture editing, music etc. Windows does what it needs but it is slow and buggy and I simply interested in making it more easy and reliable. I'll post my experience after the unboxing.

Congratulations Jaro. I switched about 6 years ago and never looked back. You'll love the new toy, I bought the 13" version a few weeks ago with the flash memory option and I'm pleased as can be. Best laptop computer I've ever owned.

It's not a laptop, It's a macbook

On the Applecare bit...I understand that if I get it on eBay it can be purchased any time correct? or does it need to be purchased right away before the unit is shipped?it has to be also for a particular unit not just any?

You're not wrong Ouchboy. There's only two things that get on my lap, and one of them's my MacBook Pro.....

Yes of course, me too.....OK then, I rephrase, 'One day ALL computers will be Mac's or poor imitations of Mac's'!

To feel really good about about your decision vsist apple website and watch "Mac vs PC" ads

Good luck!

If you haven't already, check Switch 101. You could also book time with an Apple genius at Apple Store Bahnhofstrasse.

I've helped a lot of my friends to switch and they we're pretty much up and running in a couple of hours.

Have fun.

I am counting the days to reach bloody 20 years !

You need to apply it within one year of purchase i.e. before the original warranty runs out. The other bonus is that since you bought your Macbook after June 09, you should qualify for a free (or nominal charge) upgrade to the Snow Leopard OS when its released in September 2009.