Got my first Mac today

[OpticalPrime]

Customer basically gave me a black one. I plan to get aperture and final cut software soon. Just curious if any other mac users around here with some good tips/info they could pass along

btw, are there any good videos or books to teach me how to use photoshop, aperture and final cut?

[Charles Putnam]

Did you get a MacBook or MacBook Pro? If you're looking at using Final Cut, having a dedicated video card chip vs. integrated video would serve you better. Also, up your RAM to the max (4gigs if I recall).

Apple has several good videos on Apeture. For Photoshop, there are several good video podcasts (via iTunes) that will help you.

[AndrewCCM]

I use those (well, not Aperture... Prefer Lightroom). You should enjoy the new machine...

If you have used Photoshop on the PC, it's almost identical on the Mac.

Have you used any NLE's in the past? I found that using Final Cut Pro was a little difficult at first since I was more used to Canopus and Premiere (on the PC)... I haven't used it since version 4.5 so I am unsure what has changed. Do a search online for podcasts and training/learning sites. Those help a lot.

Anyway, congrats and good luck.

[Angelo]

Scott, congratulations on your purchase. Make sure you have ordered a MacBookPro.
I use Aperture2 and Photoshop.
Mac just came out with 2.0.1 upgrade for Aperture2 that fixes a problem I was having when assembling books. It's a great program and, along with Photoshop you'll be very happy. Apple has free videos on using Aperture2, but there's another company that puts out short lessons which are very helpful as well. I will post them this evening when I get home.

[OpticalPrime]

thanks guys.

[Angelo]

OK, your video card is a 144 - not optimum but Aperture will run fine according to the Apple store here in Houston. 4G of Ram will definitely be a plus.

I recommend you learn and use Aperture2 features for enhancements and forget about Photoshop, for now. Aperture2 has tons of enhancements - use those and once you feel comfortable with them (know them inside and out), then jump into Photoshop.

I use Aperture 98% of time and 2% Photoshop.

Let me know if you have other questions.

[OpticalPrime]

thanks angelo. do you know any podcast or books, videos, etc for aperture 2 help?

[Angelo]

Yes, I'll post them this evening when I get home. You'll be busy for hours viewing the lessons.
I swear by Aperture, but it's really the only post production software I've ever used, except for Photoshop and the plug-ins I've purchased.

[OpticalPrime]

are there plugins for aperture like photoshop? if so, do you know of any good ones?

btw, what are some good PS plugins?

[SaSha]

Congrats on your Macbook...gotta love the bringing back of the black.

[digitalpixels]

Congrats on coming to the side of the Mac.

I've been using Macs my whole life, and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

[AndrewCCM]

Many times it's not the "side" it's in addition too.. In my case at least...
Each have their strengths and weaknesses... but lets not go there.. LOL

[Concisus Cognatus]

Welcome to the world of Mac computing. I think PS will be fine with the configuration you're using. My Power Mac is older and without much of the computing power you have and it handles PSCS, FCE, and many other apps without missing a beat.

[rescue951]

do MB now take 4gb of RAM? thought they would only take 2??

[Angelo]

Robert, I spoke to the Mac Store Houston and, if I remember correctly,it maxes out at 4gb