[mariotheotaku]

Hello, I'll be getting a Macbook Pro 17" soon and I need to know what accessories I should have to keep this in pristine condition and to get the most out of it? I will be using it for graphic design and this is what I'll be getting soon:

Logitech VX Nano Wireless Mouse
Wacom Intuos3 Graphics Table


What I am looking for:
Carrying Case where I can put some accessories like the mouse as well
Keyboard Protector (Been looking at iSkin but I heard it has some troubles when closing the computer)
Palmrest Protector (been looking at Malware, any others?)
Outside Skin where Apple Logo is (I want to be able to custom made my own)
Good Essencial Software (I have MO '08 already) also need software for graphics and drawing (besides Adobe) to work with Leopard and Vista.

Thanks In Advance

[Aiyo]

oh, software wise i have no idea. For graphics I recommend Adobe Photoshop CS3, Flash CS3, and Illustrator CS3( what i use). Gimp is also good to have on the side.

Hardware wise i can help you
i recommend:
2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x2GB
200GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm
MacBook Pro 17-inch Hi-Resolution Glossy LED Widescreen Display

for spectacular performance get that. if you need more hardware help for anything else.

ALSO say MACBOOK Pro. The Mac Pro is TOTALLY DIFFERENT!

[patrickj]

I only just switched to a MacBook myself a few weeks ago, so no expert - but anyway ...

One handy little app is Skitch - screencap plus much more.

I am also very happy with a MyBook external drive to use with Time Machine ...

[clarkbark]

For Graphics and drawing that works with Leopard and Vista you should get "Gimp". It works well and is for both platforms.
For watching videos and movies a good software is "VLC" its free and has all the codecs you will need.
If you check up on newsgroups often a good software is "Unison" from the company "Panic"

The stuff I listed is all free.