So you just got an iMac -- now what?
All day on December 25, TUAW presents "Now What?" We've got first steps and recommendations for all the Apple gifts you (hopefully!) found under the tree today. Happy holidays!
It was probably the biggest box under the tree (unless you really splurged on the anniversary edition of the Radio Flyer wagon); now that you've got your new, speedy iMac unpacked and plugged in, what's next?
USB + Input
Despite a full set of three USB ports on the back of the iMac, you're inevitably going to need more ports up front at some point. A hub that makes a fashion-forward statement -- or a retro one -- will be a nice add-on for your machine. If you're going to be importing loads of holiday pictures from your new digicam to your iMac, a standalone SD card reader will be faster than using the camera's tethered upload.
If you're feeling restricted by the included wired Mighty Mouse, you could spring for the wireless Bluetooth version... but believe it or not, Microsoft makes a snazzy Mac-friendly wireless mouse too.
Storage
If you've already got a Time MachineCapsule or other outboard storage, you're all set to begin backing up your new iMac; otherwise, a drive for backup should be first on your post-Christmas shopping list. Western Digital's MyBook Studio Edition matches your iMac's aluminum finish and provides quad-interface storage for backups and more. If you forgo the Firewire, you can find USB-only 1TB drives for around $100US -- no excuse not to get the storage you need. Of course, if you need lots of storage, there is another way.
Power Audio
The onboard iMac speakers aren't that bad, but they can't rock the house like a dedicated audio system can. Speakers are always better purchased in person if possible, so you can give them at least a cursory evaluation, but if you can't make it to the Apple Store or your local stereo shop then either the M-Audio Studiophile or the Altec Lansing Expression Bass units will provide ample bang for your buck.
Virtualization Station
Nothing says you have to run some flavor of Windows on your Mac from time to time... but in some ways, it's comforting to know you can. Apple's Good to Know guide covers the basics of both Boot Camp config and virtualization tools like VMware, Parallels and VirtualBox (recently updated to version 2.1, still free as in beer for non-commercial use). For occasional Windows application use without the overhead and license cost of Windows itself, Codeweavers' CrossOver Mac product may fit the bill.
Virtualization isn't just about running Windows, either; scores of open-source OS projects will happily coexist on your iMac if you let them. You can fire up Ubuntu or other Linux distributions, or get yourself a Jumpbox and run one of many prepackaged server and web applications with ease.
Printing
I've long been a fan of HP printers on the Mac, but recent aggravation with scanner drivers for my PSC 2175 (there ain't any, sad to say, for Leopard; I'm using Hamrick Software's VueScan instead) has got me thinking about a new printer from a new vendor. One device that caught my eye and might catch yours: the Samsung SCX-4500W multifunction unit costs $350US and includes a WiFi card along with an Ethernet connection. It's monochrome output only (the scanner does work in color) but the design is reminiscent of the original NeXT Cube's companion laser printer, so that's a plus. For a color output companion to the iMac you might consider the Canon PIXMA line, which has models for most budgets and feature needs.
Got other vital suggestions for new iMac owners? Let us know below.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Luigi193 said 2:07PM on 12-25-2008
WOAH, what's up with the spacing!?!?!
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Michael Rose said 2:12PM on 12-25-2008
Oops! HTML foul, fixed.
Luigi193 said 2:14PM on 12-25-2008
LOL, np... just was like, woah, that doesn't look TUAWy!!!
Merry Christmas Mike!!!
Isaac said 2:10PM on 12-25-2008
I have an HP printer with the whole shebang for leopard. Actually, it is some of the best software suite/drivers I've ever used. Mac or PC.
I have a HP C5180 and it prints beautiful pictures, and has great drivers.
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Luigi193 said 2:14PM on 12-25-2008
#!/bin/bash
That shebang?
Daniel Anderson Jr. said 2:22PM on 12-25-2008
My iMac is a year old but my new mini DV to VGA adapter is new! Two monitors! HUGE desktop(s)! Sweet! Thanks to my beeeee-yoootiful wife! Works like a charm (both wife and iMac dual display setup!)
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Pabby said 2:35PM on 12-25-2008
I'd like to recommend the HP Photosmart's over the Canon Pixma, especially for Mac users. Although HP's software is nothing to write home about (in fact it is some of the most miserable clunky-slow junk software I've seen for Mac...) the units themselves are superb. I'm using the new C8180 and it is hands-down the best of the bunch; Costly (around $300 US) but worth every penny. It scans over the network which is a niche feature that few units provide.
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JoshK said 2:44PM on 12-25-2008
Does VueScan make wireless HP scanners work with Leopard? I have a HP C3100 something...I can print wireless but to scan I need USB. I'd love to find another solution but alas nothing comes up. Is VueScan the answer?
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john said 2:53PM on 12-25-2008
in Storage:
if you have a Time Capsule, not Time Machine, we've all got Time Machine :)
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Michael Rose said 3:13PM on 12-25-2008
Whoops! Fixed. Blame it on the nog.
Yen Lai said 2:57PM on 12-25-2008
That's a terrible Photoshop job.
;)
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Michael Rose said 3:13PM on 12-25-2008
I refer you to my earlier comment re: excessive nog. :-)
Actually, IANAGA -- I am not a graphic artist.
LexicalConverter said 7:47PM on 12-25-2008
I'd recommend the HP Photosmart C7280 over the Samsung--it's Wi-Fi capable(Even scanning!), works with Leopard, has double-sided printing and a document feeder for the scanner. And all for about $150.
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Galley said 10:22PM on 12-25-2008
Don't forget about the two powered USB 2.0 ports in the aluminum keyboard that comes with the iMac.
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Mac Diva said 12:28PM on 12-26-2008
I am really pleased with my Canon Pixma ip100 portable printer. It does full size printing, including color, and is fast. Best of all, it takes up very little space and weighs only four pounds. I take it and my MacBook Air with me when I travel, for a total of seven pounds, and, full computer and printer functions. The ip100 is easily used on a Wi-Fi network and also has an optional Bluetooth adapter for those places that do not have Wi-Fi. I paid more, but recently saw it on sale online for as little as $150.00
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OlsonBW said 4:17PM on 12-26-2008
Don't buy a Microsoft mouse or keyboard. Buy a Logitech one instead. No I don't work for either of these companies (not Apple either). I am a Computer Systems Analyst for an organization of over 10,000 people. We replace the Microsoft keyboard and mice a lot more often than Logitech ones. And we have more people with Logitech mice.
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RJHD3 said 7:28PM on 12-31-2008
I've been using the same microsoft keyboard and mouse at my office for six years and it hasn't failed. Generally the Microsoft HW accessories are pretty good quality.
OlsonBW said 4:18PM on 12-26-2008
Buy an Epson printer. I've had several of them and change them out about every three years. The only reason is that the new ones have gotten that much better. Kind of like computers. Note that they do scan in color was well as black and white the printing anything, regular stuff on regular paper or pictures on glossy or mat paper is great.
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Peter Kazanjy said 6:35PM on 12-27-2008
Great list of stuff for new users, Mike!
Another nice thing that new Mac users might find of value: You can bring your old PC along with to your new Mac, as a virtual machine. You can do this with Fusion (my favorite, of course) and Parallels too.
Here's a vid that shows how you can bring your OS, apps, and files all over to your new Mac in one big bundle. Really makes the switch easy.
http://www.vmware.com/go/migrateyourpc
Pete Kazanjy
Product Marketing, VMware Fusion
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Mette said 12:49PM on 12-28-2008
to JoshK and all new users: Vuescan is definitely worthwhile for scanning. The interface is beautiful and logical, the supported scanners list is astounding (http://www.hamrick.com/vuescan/vuescan.htm#hp) and the feature list is as rich as you could want, even including OCR. I have been using it for years with a succession of scanners and have especially appreciated the continuity of interface, not to mention the responsiveness of the developer to any questions. And yes, the Photosmart C3100 is included in the list of supported scanners. It is comparable to Apple's Print interface in its consistency across all the printer models, only this is for scanners.
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