What to Do After Ordering a MacBook Pro

Congratulations on your new MacBook Pro! Here are the essential steps and tips to take after ordering to optimize your new device and integrate it smoothly into your daily routine.

Setting Up Backups and Software

Your initial setup should include backing up your MacBook Pro as soon as possible. You can achieve this by formatting external hard drives to HFS (for Time Machine compatibility). Connecting your drives and setting up Time Machine will ensure your data is safe and backed up immediately.

In addition, consider researching and downloading Mac counterparts for your most frequently used programs from Ubuntu. Some examples include:

QuickSilver - A powerful Mac application launcher and dock replacement. fantastical - An intuitive calendar app for scheduling and personal assistant duties. LibreOffice - A free and open-source office suite, similar to Microsoft Office. ffmpeg (GOM player) - A robust media player with powerful video and audio editing capabilities. Cyber Duck FTP - A versatile FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV client for managing files on remote web servers. Text Expander - Auto-replacement tool for frequent text expansion with snippets and macros. Evernote - A popular notetaking and voice memo app for organizing and storing information. NotePaper - An alternative to Evernote, providing a simple and intuitive way to capture ideas. Adium - A chat application that supports many instant messaging protocols.

These tools will enhance your productivity and ensure you’re ready to take on any task.

Investing in Additional Gear

If you’re keen on upgrading, consider purchasing a Thunderbolt Display. The Thunderbolt Display is not only visually stunning but also tremendously flexible. It offers compact yet powerful connectivity options, including Thunderbolt ports for easily plugging in your MacBook Pro and detaching it for portability. However, the display lacks an audio jack, which is a minor drawback if you rely on external speakers.

Alternatively, you can explore other solutions such as an external sound system to plug into your MacBook Pro for added convenience.

Staying Productive While You Wait

While you wait for your MacBook Pro to arrive, it’s important to stay productive. Engage in some non-tech activities or plan your tasks for when the new device arrives.

Moreover, consider making the transition from Ubuntu to macOS smoother. While you might have loved Ubuntu, macOS comes with a robust Unix foundation that offers a seamless experience. Install any applications you frequently use, and don’t forget to uninstall any that are no longer necessary. Apps like Photo, Final Cut Pro, and Aperture for photo and video editing, as well as software development tools, will enhance your productivity.

Exploring the Mac Community

To get a broader perspective on the latest and greatest in the Mac community, consider browsing several Apple and Mac blogs, such as TuAW (Techmeme Redirect). These platforms offer a wealth of information on available applications, updates, and discussions within the Mac community.

For physical accessories, check out the Apple Store or other electronics stores to explore a variety of options for enhancing your MacBook Pro. From protective cases to external hard drives, there’s a wide range of compatible accessories available.

Welcome to the Mac community! Enjoy exploring all that your new MacBook Pro has to offer.