BeginnerMac.com

Every now and then I hope to offer a quick tip or two to make working on your mac a little easier.

It seems like the common theme that comes up when you are describing a Mac to a non-Mac user, is simplicity. Simplicity of use. Simplicity of design. Simplicity of functionality. “It’s just like when you expect it to do something, it just does it”, is probably what you’ve said before. I hear ya.

Have you ever wanted to capture a quick snapshot of something on your screen? Maybe you are having a video chat with someone and they make a funny face and you want to capture that to, perhaps blackmail them later???? Or say you are trying to describe to someone where to click on the screen? Or, maybe you just want to grab a photo from the web, but you can’t drag it over? Easy

Shift + Apple + 4 – is the command sequence that will bring up a cross hair that will then allow you click and drag to select and area of the screen that you would like to take a picture of. That’s it! That simple.

This post will serve as the beginning of a series of posts on Mac Hardware.

In the land of computers and technology, there are two basic categories to which “stuff” falls into. Those categories are what we refer to as hardware and software. In this series, we will focus on some of the different facets of Mac hardware.

What is hardware?
Hardware refers to anything physical to the computer. It could be the actual computer itself, a keyboard, a mouse, a hard drive, a memory chip, etc… Anything that you can physically touch and pick up.

Dang, Macs are pricey!
It’s no lie that a new Mac will cost you more than if you are going to buy a new PC. Now, hold on…let me explain.
The old adage of “you get what you pay for” falls true for this exact point. If you compare a brand new Apple product to a brand new multi-brand PC product, it will be clear at first glance in terms of the craftsmanship and quality that goes into creating an Apple piece of hardware. But think of it this way, would you rather pay cheap up front and then have to go out and buy something in a short amount of time, or would you rather pay some good money up front and have it last?

I think we all know the answer.

Some different types of Mac Hardware

Apple Mac Pro – the “big daddy” of the Mac computers. The Mac Pro is desktop computer, meaning that it belongs at or under your desk. I guess the best way to think of it is that you can’t put it on your lap (i.e. laptop). The Mac Pro comes in all different configurations in terms of hard drive and memory. If you are looking to do any video editing or photo manipulation, and don’t plan on needing to take your computer on the road with you, then this is your workhorse.

Apple iMac – definitely the “luxury” Mac. This is the computer for you that doubles as an elegant piece of furniture. In terms of looks, it is absolutely gorgeous with a brushed metal finish and smooth curves. I have seen iMacs in people’s living rooms, in doctor’s front offices, as well as on desks in dorm rooms. Just like the Mac Pro, the iMac comes in different configurations as well. The beauty about the iMac is that it is pretty much “all-enclosed” in that you don’t need to buy a monitor because the monitor (screen) IS the computer. The only other pieces of hardware that you will need would be a keyboard and mouse. If you need a powerful computer that would still look good sitting out in the living room, this is your winner.

Apple Mac Mini – the little guy with a big punch.  Yes, that image there is the entire computer.  It really is amazing how small a footprint it leaves.  All you need to do is plug in a monitor, keyboard and mouse, and you are ready to go.  No wonder a lot of people are using the Mini as their home media system (more on that later).  If you need a beefy computer that is compact, yet elegant in style, the Mac Mini is the one for you.

Check back for Part II, where we will look at Mac laptops.