Filed under: MacBook, Holidays
So you just got a MacBook -- now what?
A couple days before Christmas a year ago, I walked into a local Apple reseller and without hesitation told the salesperson I wanted a MacBook. It was my first brand-new Mac ever, and I couldn't be prouder of my little machine. While I was sitting in Barnes and Noble writing this post, an older lady sitting next to me leaned across the table to her companion. "I got my grandson one of those for Christmas," she said, pointing at my MacBook.
If you're reading this, you've also just received a MacBook for Christmas or Hannukah, or have recently purchased one. So, what do you do with it now? You need accessories, of course! Some of the best ones to get are:
A case
There's all different cases for the MacBook, from simple sleeves that you can use to cushion your MacBook when you place it in another bag to hardshell cases to roller cases and backpacks. My current pack is the InCase Nylon Backpack ($99.95 USD), which has more pockets than you will know what to do with and is extremely comfortable. InCase also manufactures a number of sleeves and smaller cases. Other respected brands include TimBuk2, Brenthaven, and many more.
An extra power adapter
After an incident where I accidentally left my MacBook power adapter at a friend's house 100 miles away and had to purchase an extra, I've found that having two power adapters has been one of the best decisions I ever made. I keep one adapter at home, and the other stays in my backpack. I'm never caught anywhere without a power supply.
Security lock
Because I bought my MacBook at Christmas last year, the Apple reseller included about $100 worth of accessories with the purchase - and the most valuable and useful is the security lock. These locks are usually made from steel cable. You wrap one end around a table leg or another anchor that can't be easily removed, then insert the other end into the security slot on your MacBook. Some locks have a combination, others have keys; Kensington makes popular models with both lock types. They usually run between $25 and $40, and it is worth the investment especially if you frequently use your MacBook outside the home.
Cleaner
Another product in my accessory gift pack was a trial package of iKlear, which included several portable iKlear wipes, two cloths, and a small bottle of iKlear solution. I quickly discovered that my MacBook gets dirty easily -- from the glossy screen down to where my not-always clean hands touch the keyboard. Without wiping down the MacBook once a week or so, it'll easily start looking rather dingy and somehow fingerprints get on the monitor even though you try your hardest not to. The trial package of iKlear starts around $19.95 and contains enough to let you get a feel for the product line.
AppleCare
Last, and certainly not least, for portable users I can't stress enough the need to purchase AppleCare -- especially if you plan to have your MacBook for the full three years that you can have it. I've already used my AppleCare to get a new case for the MacBook after plastic began flaking off the front nine months after I bought it. Along with AppleCare, make sure you take the steps needed to get your MacBook listed as one of your valuables in your homeowner's or renter's insurance. In case something happens, you'll be covered on all sides.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Raheem said 9:38AM on 12-25-2008
Great post. Today I got a Huzzk Sleevie (by request) for my 13" Macbook and I love it. The Macbook can sit in it indefinitely strapped in, or it can be used as a carry case.
http://store.apple.com/ie/product/TN728ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA2Ng&mco=Mjc3Mjk3Mw
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Zoli said 9:41AM on 12-25-2008
2 Things:
1- Is it just me, or are there no good shells for the new MacBooks out there?
2- If you have an American Express Platinum, you get a double warranty for all of your purchases, making applecare a little less valuable for amex card holders...
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jim said 8:55PM on 12-27-2008
Try scotch tape to clean your screen. Seriously. Scotch tape leaves no residue and lifts aways fingerprints and other matter that clings to a screen. I was shown this trick many years ago by a sage photojournalist years ago on an internship. I use it to clean camera lenses.
If you think this is crazy put some fingerprints on a mirror and scotch tape them away.
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Marcus said 11:50AM on 1-18-2009
Works like a dream, thumbs up!
ablets said 11:49AM on 12-25-2008
Glad tidings to all, and a great post.
My additions to your list:
- a card reader, one that has at a minimum a slot for your digital camera's card, and preferably one that will accommodate your favorite travel companion's camera, celly, camcorder, etc. If you have or think you might get a high resolution camera and shoot lots of large images (think RAW), get a high speed reader. You'll appreciate it when you've got a whole day's worth of shooting to upload.
- a small zippered bag to carry your little gizmos (wipes, cables, card reader, dock, flash drives,...)
Cases: I use 3
- a handled hard neoprene sleeve if I'm just taking it somewhere for a short use and then going home
- a Samsonite wheelie with one compartment for the computer and parts and another for a change of clothes, for overnight business trips
- a Lowepro Fastpack for travelling with my DSLR, lenses, etc. It's small enough to carry-on; ditch the computer gear, and it's a great camera daybag with room to pack lunch.
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j b said 11:16AM on 12-25-2008
The last thing you want to do on Chritmas day is buy more stuff. Most people want to know how to use their Macbook, not buy more stuff. One thing at a time. Seems TUAW has truly lost sense of the ecomomic downturn facing most ordinary people who struggle to save for MacBooks.
Try doing some useful articles instead of encouring us to get into even more debt.
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Michael Rose said 12:04PM on 12-25-2008
JB, we understand your point -- and helping people use their Macs, iPods and iPhones is what we do almost every day. The idea here is to point out some necessary or helpful items that new owners might consider.
If you have constructive suggestions, tips or recommendations for new MacBook owners, please pass them along and we'll add them to the post.
Simon Arch said 12:33PM on 12-25-2008
"Try doing some useful articles instead of encouring us to get into even more debt."
I said this in the iPod touch post, and I'll say it here: if you can't manage your money, that's your problem.
chaser said 11:59AM on 12-25-2008
I didn't get a macbook. :( But I am saving up for one. :) I feel it is more rewarding when you buy an item like that yourself.
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BigDaddyK said 4:58PM on 12-26-2008
Well said!
j b said 12:14PM on 12-25-2008
Michael,
I think you are just perepetuating the ecnomic downturn with this poor excuse for an article.
I would rathhr have seen an article on the issues that happen when one buys a MacBook.
1. Internet issues via Airport.
2. Transferring data from a pc.
Most new MacBook owners are from the Windows world and it would be bewildering enough just to navigate the intricacies of the new interface, rather than advising them to buy even more peripherals. Many windows users would not have a clue about dragging to trash....etc
I just think TUAW is showing its rampant commercialism here when it should be doing a more informative, constructive articles abut real-world issues that face switchers of which there are many.
Welcome them to your clique. Get with the times, they are-a-changing....
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Michael Rose said 12:44PM on 12-25-2008
"perpetuating the economic downturn" -- I think you're giving us rather too much credit, so to speak.
"Most new MacBook owners are from the Windows world" -- I'm not certain this is strictly true. However, Robert's post from earlier in the day did go into specifics for Windows users new to the Mac. Transferring data from a PC is a good suggestion, we've covered it before and we'll do so again. I'll add a link to the Belkin cable and Apple's data transfer service to this post.
"Many windows users would not have a clue about dragging to trash" -- I'd like to believe that Windows users are smart enough to know that "Recycle Bin" and "Trash" are the same thing.
"I just think TUAW is showing its rampant commercialism here when it should be doing a more informative, constructive articles abut real-world issues that face switchers of which there are many."
Like I said, that's exactly what we do every day. http://www.tuaw.com/category/switchers
Raheem said 2:51PM on 12-25-2008
Seriously JB what are you so bitter about? I recently got a macbook and there are tutorials for ex-windows users everywhere including TUAW archives. This is just a good guide for what you might need to get going.
Oh and I never experienced either of those issues when switching... and dragging to trash was quite obvious.
xgarland said 1:06PM on 12-25-2008
Great Post
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roberto said 2:42PM on 12-25-2008
anyone recommend the speck on incase for MB? i have a preference for the speck clear hard shell. wondering if anyone has experience?
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Rubbinz said 9:09PM on 12-25-2008
My gf gave me the Brenthaven ProLite I for my MacBook. Very nice case designed for the 13.3" MacBook.
@ Zoli, Speck just came out with a "SeeThru Satin" hardcase for the new MacBooks. Looks real nice, comparable to Incase's current hardshell for the previous gen MacBook. iLounge did a brief writeup on it: http://tinyurl.com/9j5ry3
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monkeyc said 2:48AM on 12-26-2008
On the no decent shells, Im not sure what people define as a shell but I purchased a crumpler "the school hymn" 13" zipped shell/case for my macbook and its superb, its not a super snug type so easy to get on and off, very well made, padded and very soft lining and you can fold it back and use it on trains.
Granted at $75 au it isnt cheap but it will still be kicking in years - I have 2 crumpler laptop bags and one is 5 years old and looks new, theyre incredibly well made.
Info here http://www.crumpler.com.au/Lite/English/Products/-School-Hymn-13-SH0102B.html but no sure about US resellers ok
Something I also reccomend is some software - pathfinder is well worth the money to replace finder's woeful functionality (something switchers from windows will notice trust me - you miss windows explorer fast) and always look at freeware before spending money - there is so much stuff out there for free or nominal cost from hard working dev's that you should never need to spend big money (yes smith micro and roxio im looking at you)
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Jimmydagostino said 2:15PM on 12-26-2008
It would be nice if my new MacBook would have consistant wifi... It just keeps dropping and have no idea why??
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Marcus said 10:50PM on 1-17-2009
I've had the Incase Neoprene sleeve since I got my macbook back in 2006, have just ordered one of the new alu macbooks, tempted to get another incase one, but have seen these Hussk Sleevie ones that stay on the mac even when you open it. Have any of you guys tried these ones yet?
Also... this may be of some interest to you guys who want the Higher Education discount but for some reason are not connected to your university's network at time of ordering:
http://thecheesegrater.co.uk/higher-education-prices-for-the-apple-store/
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