Essential Mac software...

andrewc

andrewc

Suspended / Banned
Messages
10,024
Name
Andrew
Edit My Images
Yes
Have just ordered a Macbook and will be migrating from PC to Mac for my photography stuff. Anticipate using Aperture.

What else should I get - I'm thinking of useful plug-ins and widgets that make photography that little bit easier.

I'll be hooking it up to my CRT at home.
 
Hi Andrew,

Can't really help with the plug-ins although am keen to see what others suggest.

I use a MacBook, love it too bits.

A big MacWelcome to the MacClub!

Comus
 
Macbook user here too, I'll be keeping my eye on this thread for sure! I'm thinking of having some one-to-one sessions in the Apple Store about Aperture! :)
 
I am a big Apple user. My main machine is a Mac pro and I have just got a 17" Macbook pro hi-res. There is no going back Mac OS is vastly superior to XP and Vista is totally pants.

I use Adobe CS3 combined with Lightroom even though I actually bought Aperture first. Both Lightroom and Aperture are available on a 30 day trial so I would try both of them before deciding. If you are going to use Photoshop though I really do think that the intergration with lightroom is helpful.

Check out my site, I am just starting up an Apple mac help site, there may be a few things you like.

www.upgradeyourmac.co.uk
 
cowasaki said:
There is no going back Mac OS is vastly superior to XP and Vista is totally pants.
Click to expand...

This old chestnut again ;) Speaking as a technician who works with OSX Tiger/Leopard and Windows XP/Vista, they *both* have pros and cons. One isn't significantly better than the other, however one is likely to have the features you want. Personally I've got a G5 running PhotoShop CS2 and LightRoom 1.4. Works for me. Had a look at Aperture, it didn't click with me.
 
I find I use Lightroom much more than Aperature, a must if shooting in RAW. then depending on funds, CS3 or Elements.
Bill
 
Thanks for the links guys.
Time to upgrade my Mac!

Comus
 
TBH for photography the only plug in I use is EXIF viewer. I'd second what was said about trying both Lightroom and Aperture.

I'm on my works laptop now, but when I'm on my Mac later I'll have a look and see if I can find anything else that will be useful...
 
If you decide to go with Lightroom, which is fantastic, keep in mind that most Adobe applications are offered with student discount. So, if you're a registered student, you would qualify and probably get up to - if not more than - 50% discount!
 
I've had a look ad other than exif view there aren't any photo specific applications I've installed (other than Lightroom and Lightroom 2 beta), other ones you may find seful are CyberDuck (free FTP), Neo Office (open ofice.org for Mac) and flip4mac to play wmv files.
 
Congratulations on your new acquisition, I am sure you will love your time with the Mac but do keep in mind that there is a learning curve. Afterall, how many years have you been using a Windows platform? So, don't get too frustrated when things don't seem to go as you'd think with the Mac!

Now, here is a good site for some freeware for your new toy ...

http://web.mac.com/simon_elliott/simon_elliott@mac.com/Software.html

.. and this site if where you can find a lot of up to date information on Apple and its' product range ...

http://www.macrumors.com/

Have fun playing :)
 
andrewc said:
My Macbook has now arrived. Have installed aperture trial. I presume Lightroom is pretty much identical to the PC version.
Click to expand...

Yes it is and if you have the PC version the license is transferrable ! (also if any of your kids are at school/college/uni then you can get lightroom for about £68 - http://www.student-software.co.uk/shop/prd615 - oh and £275 for CS3 design premium :clap:)
 
A thread I'm interested in too, as I hope to be getting a Mac Pro later this year (after I've saved a little more)

A site I have already found Open Source Mac
 
OK - I've had my macbook for just over a week. I think its great. Aperture takes some getting used to - mainly unlearning Lightroom and other software. I'm very impressed with battery life as well.

I'm really pleased I made the switch. My home PC hasn't been turned on in a week - although I'm sure it will.

Running dual screen is quick and simple as well.
 
Hi Andrew,

I have an iMac 24 and it has been the best purchase I have made in a long time. I also have a 20" Acer laptop and three desk top machines. As these go wrong they will be replaced by a Mac.

Greatest thing you will notice is how quick it is to start up. About 5 seconds from sleep which is what they recommend you do. And about 30 seconds from being completely switched off. With my Acer I can make a cup of tea whilst it is booting up!

I have Lightroom and Aperture but to be honest CS3 is the only package I use for photo manipulation.

As to making DVD's then the standard software that comes with the Mac is easier to use and understand. What's more the DVD's actually work first time!

Hope you enjoy your machine.

Regards

Chris
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top