needs some questions answered before buying mac

never had a mac before and leaning towards getting one. lookin at 12in ibook or powerbook.

1. i want to use my current internal dvd-r as a external usb burner. if i get a case will it just be plug and play with a mac? does it depend on the model?

2. also i burn dvds a lot. what file system (fat32, ntfs) does mac use. cause when extrating rar files in a fat32 system on window u cannot exceed 4 gigs. is this the case wiht a mac?

3. ill be makign my pc harddrive an external drive too. will i need to have it in a certain format (fat32, ntfs) to be able to read and write to it from the mac?

4. what program do u use to extrat rar files with a mac? is it free or to u have ot buy?

5. does pirated software exist for the mac or do u need to purchase most programs. not that i woudl ever download something.

6. does anyone know what program woudl be comparable to flashfxp for pc to a mac. its a ftp program that enables ssl.

7. can a mac play divx. xvid. ac3 audio codecs?

if all this works out. do people prefer an ibook or an powerbook. i want this notebook to last 2 or 3 years.

 

Powerbook will offer better performance and build quality.

 

hi spohn,
i'm no mac user myself but i can answer most of your questions:

1. you should be able to use your external dvd burner - to be on the save side - check if the manufacturer provides osx drivers for that model.

2. mac supports fat file systems - no ntfs

3. same here (please correct me if anything has changed with updated osx versions..)

4. for that kind of stuff people usually use stuffit - also available for win.

5. duh

6. no idea.. but google it..

7. yup

if ibook - wait for the new models - otherwise u might consider the macbook pro instead of the powerbook - it is more futureproof..

greetings
gernot

 

thanks for the help. look like im holding off on the mac. asked my tech friend about them last nite and he didnt know. but started telling me how i should get a tablet. and i was like nah. then he is offering to sell me his notebook so he can get one. so probley going w/ a sony s460 w 4 year warrenty and 3 extra batteries. one extra power supply for a grand.

if i can only write to fat32 u cannot extract large rar files. such as dvdrs. otherwise i think i would have tried the ibook. dont want to wait for new ibooks. neeed a computer now. thanks for help again