I have been using my Macbook for nearly two months, and I've come across some pretty cool applications in that time. The following apps are programs that I use every day. Each app offers something that makes my day just a little be easier, and more enjoyable. I'll start with two simple menu bar additions, touch on two time-wasting games, and then work my way up to one of the most well made programs on the Mac.

5. Magical by Charcoal Design

This free program makes adds a customizable clock to the OSX menu bar. I configured my clock to have a tiny black square with the day of the week, and the day of the month in it. Before I had MagiCal, I would have to go to the dashboard to see what full date was, and this is obviously way too inconvenient. But thanks to MagiCal, I can get the information I need with just a quick glance no matter what I'm doing on my computer.

4. Caffeine by Lighthead Software

Have you ever tried to watch a movie on your Mac, and found yourself flicking the mouse every five minutes because the screen was dimming? If you have, then Caffeine is the program for you. Caffeine sticks a little cup of coffee in your menu bar. Clicking it prevent your Mac from automatically going to sleep, dimming the screen or starting screen savers. Click it again, and your Mac is back to normal. This little lifesaver is free from Lighthead Software.

As a long time Windows and Linux user, I have always heard other's thoughts on switching to a Mac. A phrase like 'once you go Mac, you never go back' was common occurrence when talking to others about computer manufactures and operating systems. And although I had never regarded such phrases as worthless Apple propaganda, I had suspicions about whether or not a Mac could be really be that much better.

During a recent errand at the USC Bookstore, I discovered an extraordinary deal: a black Macbook for only $899. The bookstore was selling old Apple products at reduced prices to make room for the current line of products. The Macbook that caught my eye was originally $1399 - $500 in savings and a rare find for a Mac! I couldn't pass it up, and after about a day of deliberation, purchased the new Macbook.

Basic Specifications

• Black Macbook MB063LL/A
• 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4 MB shared L2 Cache
• 1 GB (two SO-DIMM) 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300); 160 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA hard drive; 8x Super Drive
• One FireWire 400, two USB 2.0 ports, Mini-DVI port with support for DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video output (requires adapters, sold separately)
• Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit); built-in 54 Mbps AirPort Extreme (based on 802.11n draft specifications); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• 13.3-inch (diagonal) glossy TFT widescreen display, 1280 x 800 resolution