Great time to get a new (last generation) Macbook

[suffragette]

I've been thinking about getting a new Mac for awhile now. Currently still using my reliable, but aging G4 450 Gigabit Ethernet (Mystic), but realize that it can't chug on forever (pats the G4 and its Studio Display in thanks for its years of past and future service).

Been pricing Macbooks and Macbook Pros for quite some time and went to look with the announcement of new ones and saw the last generation is being cleared. Done this looking in the past and know the clearance doesn't take all that long before they're gone, so made the plunge for a new last gen MBP and also bought a Time Capsule so I can network with the G4 and do easy backup with the MBP.

:bounce:

Asked customer service about the network setup for this and (love the CS at Apple) she actually got me a techie on the line to confirm how I could do this before making the sale. He said I just need another ethernet cable to connect the G4 (major relief since I don't want to have to track down and buy the discontinued original Airport card and install it in the G4 like I thought I would - those are @ $99 when available) to the Time Capsule and use the one I have to connect TC to my cable modem. Looked up more info online and it looks like I may need to power cycle the Comcast modem or contact them, so I'm prepared for that if needed. This will be the 1st time I'm trying networking, so any advice here is appreciated.

Backing up my files from the G4 will be a bit trickier since I have Tiger and OS 9 on it, so no Leopard or Time Machine. I'm thinking I'll work around this by migrating files I want to save over to the MBP, then backup from it to Time Capsule. Realize the 1st go round of doing this will take some time but I don't plan to include everything. Anyone have any thoughts on the easiest way to do this or problems I may encounter?

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Here is an easy one

go to the mac store and let them migrate your files

That assumes there is one nearby

[suffragette]

2. Hadn't thought of that

It would be a great option if I drove, but I can't see lugging it all on the bus or splurging on a cab.

[MagickMuffin]

3. Are you planning on keeping your G4?.?.?

I would advise you to since Leopard doesn't have OS9. That's one of the reason I didn't want to upgrade to Leopard. I also have a G4 17" that I got for Xmas last year, and my SIL got my G4 15". I like the real estate of my 17" but it has a warped lid and I have to scrunchie after putting it to sleep to keep it from popping open.

I wish I could afford a Macbook, but I can't swing it at this time.

Can I ask you how much you paid for yours?.?.?

[suffragette]

5. Absolutely am keeping my Mystic

Hey, who could resist a Mac with that name anyway? :P

I still have some programs that are useful or fun in OS 9 and my G4 isn't supported for Leopard. And my quirky Studio Display still is as crisp and sharp as ever. Figure I'll have the best of all worlds.

I have an education discount, so my new (last gen) Macbook Pro was $1399. But, my shipment was split. I received the MacBook, but Fedex sent my Applecare and Time capsule into a black hole, so no networking yet. Have been on the phone with them and Apple trying to track the package down. No fun there x(

Since I received my MacBook , I will try migration via firewire today. First time I've done this, so any tips or tricks appreciated. Back when I got my Mystic, I was moving from a PC that had issues (I learned way more about IRL conflicts and reformatting from scratch than I ever wanted to with that lemon), so all I "moved" were some docs and pics. No real transfer, since programs etc were incompatible.

That's one question I have. Will it be better to move apps or install fresh on the Macbook. For example, I have MS Office 2004. It has keys for up to 3 installs. Do I migrate it and somehow enter a new key or install fresh, then have to update it (especially that patch to work with Word 08 .docx) up to speed?

[Spritz57]

4. I found the best savings were at the online Apple store. . .

Go to the refurbished mac link, there are last generation MBP's starting at $1350 with full warranty. Similar savings are available throughout the notebook line.