Mac Noob

[AotW]

That is definitely my next purchase, however I have not made my decision about purchasing the Cinema display, or use my existing LCD.

About the cinema display, I can recommend it, bought the 20" and the resolution is very sharp and crisp and its design is simply Appletastic!

Very nice addition to your Mac!

[mroof1]

Thanks everybody for the replies. I finally did it. I ordered my new MBP.
It said the expected delivery date is tomorrow 7/30. I didnt sleep much last night and I bet tonight will be less!
I passed on the MS office. I think I am going to go with Open Office to start with b/c to me it seems similar layout and design as MS office. I also got Vmware Fusion. I am going to get circus ponies notebook for school.
This past wkend, my wife and I went to an apple store so that I could convince her that we (I) needed a new computer!!!
It looks like everything that comes with the system will be plenty for me to start and get ahold of first before I get more software.
Thanks. I will try to update on my AWESOME purchase!

[weezyhuy]

Open Office is great, however iWork is good also.

[mroof1]

I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions on an external hard drive? I am looking at getting one (@ 500gb or 1tb) for my new MBP. Does anyone have one or any personal experience with one? I will mainly be using it for backing up my computers. I will probably transfer my pics and music as well. I have 2 PCs and my new MBP that I will use. I have been looking at some reviews of seagate and wd brands. I feel 500gb will probably be enough size but if I find a good deal on 1tb, I will go with that. Some reviews stated that Mac couldnt use the packaged software. I have tried to read about time machine and make an informed decision. There are so many different brands and configurations. I will try to get one with all 3 connectors: usb,esata,firewire. So that later if there are upgrades I can use esata. Thanks for your help