Good afternoon all,

New mac user checking in. I recently purchased a RMBP2.6/8/256, and being a PC user for almost 30years (currently 42yo) I must admit I am liking the mac a lot. On overall, its very intuitive and very easy to use. Am an engineer by trade, I have stopped relying on my PC desktop and been using the RMBP since I layed my hand on this 2 weeks ago. I am surprised that the bundled software in the RMBP such as pages/numbers etc is much much easier to use than their equivalent word/excel etc


A few questions ....

1. Is there a way to mount a safety lock such as Kensington lock on this machine?

2. What would be the recommended optical drive for this RMBP? I was thinking of getting the Apple superdrive but have seen mixed reviews on its reliability issues.

3. I deal with a lot of AutoCad drawings in dwg format. Is there a dwg reader available that is free to install and use?

4. Which external drive that is the best value and reliable? There is too many models out there and I am getting confused. The external hard drive I intend to keep data and also serve as my backup.

5. What would be the best habit that can care for the batteries? In other words at what % battery power level is best to start charging? And does it matter is the charger is left hooked up for long periods ?

Thanks in advance to all advice give.

mine is rmbp 2.6/8/256, and so far so good with youtube in hd. smooth as expected.

When I am at the office, it will definitely be running 8:00am to 5:00pm. But when I am off for a meeting, I will put it to sleep. At home it depends. I usually use it between 9:00pm above till around 3:00am. Touch wood, so far so good.

Usually, equipment that is all original from manufacturer will be ok for long usage. Those that have issues like burnouts, failures etc if one really look at the equipment in question usually other 3rd party stuff are being used. So long as the equipment is not a modded one, there shouldn't be any issues. Inferior accessories such as power cords, cables, adapters, these items may be well designed but are they perfect partners with your equipment? Also the work environment do play a part. Ample room for notebook to breath, dry conditions also plays a part in its well being.

FYI, this is my first mac, previous are all PC based notebook. All I can say is that the quality of finish is very high compared to other brand notebooks. So if it is quality finished, then it should be quality designed. I am enjoying my rMBP very much.

With aluminium unibody, heat dissipation is also much much more efficient than plastic bodied notebooks. Even in my office, with the ac on, I don't even hear the internal fans moving.... But when I am at home, i do hear and feel a slight vibration.

The included charger with extension cord does have the ground pin connected. Not so when you just use the charger unit with the 3 pin adapter module, as the ground pin is not connected. There is a third party that sells the 3 pin adapter module with a ground pin, cant remember what brand it was. As for me usage is no issues, I do feel some minor static but not to the extend that is unbearable/uncomfortable.

To newbies the website http://pcclassesonline.com/ is very informative. check it out.

I am having the same specs. On sketch up software, no issues. On Autocad, depending on the amount of rendering/3D solid models/wireframes, it does take some time to load up the file, but when it does, no issues so far with mine. All I can say is that the retina display is awesome.

Hi there. This is my opinion of the rMBP. Bought it last month and loving it. All the while a PC user.

Pros.
1. Retina display, high res, beautiful. Looking at normal monitors is not so nice anymore. I am a photographer and somehow all my old photos I created since 2004 is very much nicer now than before. The best LCD i have prior to rMBP was the Dell Studio series, and now even that is not on par with retina display.
2. Battery life. i5/13/8gb/256ssd. So far with 51 cycles still achieving 97% capacity of 6330mAh. Runtime around 8 hours is normal. With light surfing not much power usage with safari. Games on the other hand uses much more processing power so around 5 hours. Charging is also quick, its probably just a tad after 1 hour from 15%.
3. Bundled software, with the mac version of word/excel/powerpoint/. I am liking the mac's pages/numbers/keynote. Easy to use and learn. I am relying less and less on my PC now. On top of that, there is garangeband, iPhoto, and many2 other softwares that help me move along the day smoothly.
4. Trackpad. Mac uses gestures and with 1 to 4 fingers, a lot of commands can be given. Its customisable too. With PC or a PC notebook, a mouse is a minimum for work. With rMBP its easy peasy with just the trackpad and gestures command. Easy to learn and master and very responsive.
5. No fear of virus attacks however malware is a concern. Apple tackles the virus issues at their side. Any issues, updated will be released and Mac auto updates seamlessly. For malware, there are good software to combat the issues and most are free downloadable from apple store itself.
6. On most parts, whatever can be achieved by PC can also be done on the MAC, but somehow the MAC does it easier though. Its more user friendly. Of course, being a new MAC user, one does need time to familiarise the commands etc but once you know how the MAC ticks, you are good to go.
7. Seamless sync with all your other Apple product. My iPad, iPod, iPhone sync in unison now.
8. Multiple desktop and multiple platform. I can now do multitude of tasks on different desktops which is cool. Also with proper software can also run windows on it. I wanted to do that previously but now do not see the need though. I am happy with just MAC. If I do want to get files or use softwares on the windows I use remote desktop instead. And its way easier to configure in MAC than in windows.

Cons.
1. Expensive softwares from the app store. Games are even more expensive. But I don't mind so much as I play my games on my iPad.IPad games are much much cheaper.
2. Extra effort in taking care of the casing. Sleek aluminium casing promotes scratches, dings etc. So manhandling the unit is a no-no.
3. rMBP does not come with any accessories except the power adapter , a cable and thats it. So prepare to fork out some RM for suitable bag/sleeves/for the notebook.
4. Does not have a built in dvd rom drive and apples' own version is expensive at RM249. If you need one, then any one from samsung or LG is recommended at just RM100 a pop.
5. Thunderbolt ready accessories still cost a bomb but usb3 is also fast enough.
6. Current versions of rMBP is not upgradeable unlike its predecessors, as the ram, processors etc are all soldered/mounted to the board. So when buying, think carefully what u need. My advise is get the best bang for your buck.
7. Certain websites with shockwave can't be displayed with MAC properly. So do expect this disadvantage. Nonetheless, my banking and most of my surfing areas are good to go.

I think thats covers it. Indeed Apple products is expensive, and yes it does have its limitations, but what it can do it does it with ease and proper. Best Rm4600 i've spent on a apple product

Good luck in your choices. All the best.

IMHO..

1) I do not whether both have all the same functions. As for me what I want to use is there in the MAC version, after a while it gets easier IMO. The files can be converted to and fro but sometimes its not perfect as both uses different settings/fonts etc. You could use 365 for a fee though.
2) I have no idea whats in store for the 2015 models.
3) I was referring to a general note. So far surfing is no issues for me with safari on MAC.
4) I have yet to experience the reliability of MACs since I am also new to this system. Most probably the first to go on the mac would be the battery. And when that happens usually other stuff will start to degrade etc. From what I have searched through the net, the lifespan for a MPB would be around 4 -7 years depending on the level of TLC it received from the user. For me thats good enough as based on previous encounters with PCs, with the advancement of hardware as well as softwares will eventually make you want to change or upgrade.

All the best in your choices.

When it gets to 100% can unplug and use... Anyway do download:-
1. Memory Clean - To maintain your RAM memory (very useful free software)
2. Battery Health - Gives better insight to your onboard battery life etc etc. plus advise on maintaining your battery.(very useful free software).
3. AdwareMedic - This free software get rid of any adware/malware that can get trough to your system. Very useful.

Then you are good to go and congrats.

I am not familiar with ccleaner. However what memory clean does is that it captures all those unused RAM and feeds it back to the notebook for the next operation. Its easy to use and when you need maximum ram available to open an extensive software.

The power adapter is type switching power supply. If you can see sparks emitting from usage, better get yourself another new adapter. All things fail, sooner or later unfortunately.

This is interesting. Fortunately for mine, there is no such issues. I hook up 3 pen drives, ext hardisks and also Maxis broadband on both left and right subs without accounting issues like this. Probably there is another issues elsewhere that is making your rMbp behaving like you have described.

There are quite a number of types of sleeves available with varying $$$. As for me, I bought one of those Everki notebook bag that has a built in sleeve for the rMBP. So when it is travelling its got double protection Spend some time and visit retailers such as McStudio at Lowyat, as there have quite a number of types on offer.

May I know what sort of issues ur referring to?

For MAC, no need for anti virus. Apple will provide updates from time to time to handle issues like these. However softwares to remove and check for adware is a must though.

www.adwaremedic.com and its free to download and use.

Since you are new to the mac, surf here pcclassesonline.com

Hi all,

Can sifus recommend a good free CBR, comic book reader?

I was searching in the app store but couldn't find any free ones.

Thanks in advance.

Have u tried to force quit the problematic app?

Then force quit the Finder by relaunching?

Have u tried to switch off the mac then restarting?

Some easily done task if haven't tried yet..

P.s. One of the USB was being quirky before. Tried a lot of stuff then finally I switch the rMBP. It was all good after that.

All the best..