[murphcid]

Well after lusting after one for 34 years (I remember 1984's ad), I finally got one today. It is a 13" last years model (I have too many USB devices to go to USB-C) with the 256gb flash drive. I have already had a problem with it, where random keys on the right side of the keyboard would not work. Option pressed five times seems to have fixed the issue. It is just enough different from my Linux laptop to be confusing. So what are some of the important tips and tricks I need to learn to use this thing to its full potential?

[DarlaMack]

Well after lusting after one for 34 years (I remember 1984's ad), I finally got one today. It is a 13" last years model (I have too many USB devices to go to USB-C) with the 256gb flash drive. I have already had a problem with it, where random keys on the right side of the keyboard would not work. Option pressed five times seems to have fixed the issue. It is just enough different from my Linux laptop to be confusing. So what are some of the important tips and tricks I need to learn to use this thing to its full potential?

Congrats on your new Mac!! Just out of curiosity.. what did you get and from where? Something brand new should've have issues already.

Here's a few articles to check out on iMore that will get you started.

10 things every new Mac owner should know | iMore
Ten Mac apps you need to download right now! | iMore

[taz323]

Congrats, enjoy.

[hero11]

cmd + alt + esc -> force quit

enjoy

[murphcid]

I got it as Best Buy yesterday. It was a 2015 model, not the latest, but since I have so many legacy USB devices, I could not afford to go completely USB-C (Which the salesguy told me was rather common, they were selling out of the older model). I had the key issue, and googled it, and apparently it is somewhat common. Option five times seems to reset whatever the problem was. I find myself comparing it to my Linux Mint 18 installation (on my 13.3" HP laptop), and I must say I like both very much. So far I have not had a great deal of time to spend learning it, but I plan on rectifying that on my day off (Friday). Mail was reasonably easy to set up for my Gmail account, which is nice. I might add my Yahoo account as well.

Congrats on your new Mac!! Just out of curiosity.. what did you get and from where? Something brand new should've have issues already.

Here's a few articles to check out on iMore that will get you started.

10 things every new Mac owner should know | iMore
Ten Mac apps you need to download right now! | iMore

[ElenaCanada]

Congrats on the mac! I'm sure you will grow to LOVE it. Wish I could help you with your troubles. It is strange for a brand new one. I'm sure one of the more techy people will be able to sort you out.
:-)

[John Yester]

Congrats on the Mac. Use it well for many years to come!

[metalchick719]

Awesome! Macs are great. I was always a Windows person until I got my first MacBook Pro in May 2011. It just functions so much better and gives me far less problems than my Windows computers have (I had a Dell that ran XP that I recycled in June 2011 and still have a Windows 7 Sony VAIO). I definitely prefer using a Mac, whether it's for work or play. Hope you're enjoying your new MacBook!

[Abu Khadija]

If you just got it and there's a problem than I would take it to the nearest Apple Store and see what they say. Also you have 90 days of phone support. If this one is a keeper than I would get the extra AppleCare, it's worth it.

[murphcid]

The battery life is just nuts, wow! I am liking this laptop very much so far. I am also looking for a malware scanner, I have added Avast to the mac since I am all about security. It is actually a little more comfortable to type on than my HP linux Mint machine. Still getting used to the different commands from windows and linux.

[murphcid]

Thanks.

If you just got it and there's a problem than I would take it to the nearest Apple Store and see what they say. Also you have 90 days of phone support. If this one is a keeper than I would get the extra AppleCare, it's worth it.

[angusmatheson]

AppleCare on the phone is also spectacular. The added support from AppleCare and Apple Store Genius Bar make using a Mac so much easier. So sorry you ran into problems right out of the box! That should never happen. At least no crapware to uninstall.

[Abu Khadija]

I've never got AppleCare on the iPhone, or the iPad. But if I get the 2nd generation I definitely will.

[murphcid]

I am really liking this thing. Again, I am astonished at the battery life, and while there are a few quirks compared to Windows (or even Linux), it is nothing that I cannot overcome. I am glad I made the purchase. Windows 10 Anniversary edition is the bane of my existance right now since it breaks webcams, and the spouse-unit's new laptop needs to have a working webcam so she can Skype with our oldest daughter away in college. The Mac on the other hand works wonderfully well.

[murphcid]

I am loving it. I had to go to the apple store today so they could show me how to iMessage the kids on their iPhones from the laptop, and it is great. This laptop is rapdily becoming my daily driver, and *sob* I am thinking about an iMac next *OH NO!*

[robertk328]

Congrats on the new Mac Don't worry about "last year's model" -- you'll get many many years of use out of it! I bought two '15 models this year and couldn't be happier.

[murphcid]

After I had to return the new laptop to Best Buy since the webcam would not work (not the Mac, my wife's new HP), I started looking at the 5k iMac's, thinking, I really need one of these.... Nooooo! Where does the madness stop! I might even go to the Apple store again just to look. Or perhaps I will look for an older MacPro, you know the ones that look like real tower computers, not the round things. My Linux machine feels neglected, and my Winders machine feels old and stodgy.

I did make one change, I put the dock on one side, and I sort of like it there. And it is funny, I dislike iPhones (I use HTC phones), but love my iPads.

[o4liberty]

Just picked up a 2016 MacBook pro13 I also have the 2014 model in my office. I had picked up a Lenovo 910 first but after a few days and to many issues I returned it and got the mac. Can't go wrong with the MacBook strong laptop with little or no issues.

[robertk328]

Just picked up a 2016 MacBook pro13 I also have the 2014 model in my office. I had picked up a Lenovo 910 first but after a few days and to many issues I returned it and got the mac. Can't go wrong with the MacBook strong laptop with little or no issues.

Excellent! congrats on the new MBP!

[murphcid]

I had to use the little linux laptop today because it was lonely. I have been devoting all my time to my wonderful Macbook Pro system. I am really liking the system. I am getting more used to using it, and the fact that I can use terminal to do things is an added benefit. I think that I am going to save up for Microsoft Office to add to it, just so I can use the same software across my main platforms. Libre Office works great under the Mac. Why did I wait so long to get one? Oh yeah $$$$$.

[nappalonia]

I'm really starting to like mine too, but I can't use it for school yet until get the microsft office I'll probably get it right after the holidays.

[mpnine]

Congrats and welcome! I've been using Mac at home for 25 years and haven't regretted it.

Cmd-shift-4 will enable you to take A screen shot of whatever you drag a rectangle over on the screen

[murphcid]

Thanks for that tip.

Congrats and welcome! I've been using Mac at home for 25 years and haven't regretted it.

Cmd-shift-4 will enable you to take A screen shot of whatever you drag a rectangle over on the screen

[JT2050]

One of the most important things to remember is that the migration process is just that, a process. You'll have to "unlearn" a bunch of things that you learned to do on a PC that are different on a Mac. The process can be frustrating and stressful, but eventually you'll forget things like, "If I want to shut down, go to the start menu" and really start to enjoy the elegant Apple interface. Best of luck!

[firstborn80]

I had to use the little linux laptop today because it was lonely. I have been devoting all my time to my wonderful Macbook Pro system. I am really liking the system. I am getting more used to using it, and the fact that I can use terminal to do things is an added benefit. I think that I am going to save up for Microsoft Office to add to it, just so I can use the same software across my main platforms. Libre Office works great under the Mac. Why did I wait so long to get one? Oh yeah $$$$$.

I did the same as you and purchased the 2015 model not long ago. It was on sale at Best Buy and I had a coupon, so I saved $300. It's amazing how quickly you get used to it. I used my 2011 HP over the weekend and found myself trying to scroll using the trackpad. I purchased Office 365 for the Mac last week and couldn't be happier. Definitely recommend that if you really want to use the Office suite. Really considering getting an iMac now!