I just found out that Windows XP can run on Macs without any crazy hacks. Using a program released by Apple, you can repartition your Mac and burn a Windows XP disk that will let your Intel-based Mac boot up XP.
This is very good news for me. I’ve been a Mac user for the last 5-6 years and was dreading the switch back to Windows when I got to Rotman. Now that the Mac Book Pro can run Windows Natively, I doubt that Rotman can make any valid excuse for why I can’t use a Mac laptop instead of a clunky PC laptop.
Another good thing is the timing–hopefully by the start of August the new version of OS X will be out and all of the Mac Book issues will be sorted out.
Today looks like a good day.
hey…great blog…
weird…after reading those student diary’s I was thinking someone should have a blog that wasn’t affliated with UofT…searched on google and found this…
I spoke to one of the first year students and she told me that using a mac was fine..there were actually a few students who used macs…I have a mac too and don’t want to give it up…I’m going to wait till school starts before I buy a new laptop…
anyways…keep up the good work…ill see you at orientation…or look for me at precourses…i’ll be the one w/ the powerbook =)
Hi Keven,
Thanks for the positive comments.
Right now I have a PowerBook G4 (1.5Ghz, 1 GB ram, 2x superdrive ,…) and I’m debating if I’m even going to bother buying a Mac Book Pro for school. The ‘cool factor’ aside, my current PB does everything I need and is still super fast. As long as I don’t need Windows, I’m probably just going continue to use my current laptop.
Since it’s obvious that we can use Macs at Rotman, they really should update their website so they don’t cause stress for us Mac people.
I’ll definitely track you down during pre-courses/orientation. See you then.
Riz..
As a student at rotman, I routinely scan for anyone with the time to write out a blog other than the nauseaous official diaries we get. I hope you will be able to keep it up once you start school.
BTW, you can use a mac easily at school, its just the tech support dont want to bother with mac issues.
If you have any questions, and want ‘real’ answers, let me know.
Jad
Another website which looks like a word document. Looks like a Unix platform from the old school. See you at camp.
Hi Riz,
After almost two years in Rotman. Do you think it is a good idea to have an Apple Computer during the MBA. I have to buy a new laptop for the program and I really dislike the new MS Vista (and all my apple’s friends are telling me to switch asap). What do you think?
Regards,
Marcos
Hey Maros,
I’ve continued to use my intel based mac without major problems at the school. Here are some problems though:
1. Wireless is sometimes flakey on macs. I’m not sure why but the school is doing something funky from time to time that makes connections on the mac’s “wonky.” By wonky I mean: connections can’t be made sometimes and occasional weak signals so you can’t really get much data.
2. Printing at Rotman is a pain in general on Windows and impossible (to the best of my knowledge) in Mac os X.
3. The Rotman e-mail servers don’t seem to like some of my Pages documents and think that they are viruses. On the other hand, the new office sucks (details: http://tunerds.com/chyrp/2008/04/08/word-2008-mac/) so you kind of have to deal with this some how.
Tips/solutions I use for the above problems:
1. I use parralles to boot windows inside my mac just for the purpose of printing. Usually I just print at home but from time-to-time i need to print at school. You can usually just ask a friend to print for you too.
2. I use Pages for all my personal document work and Office 2008 for group projects/presentations. It seems to be ok.
On the balance, I think I’m happier using a Mac the last 2 years than having to deal with Windows. Lower stress in general. I really don’t like Vista either.