Powerbook Upgrade? Is it possible?

One quick question here on the mac I have. I haven't really had too much time to play withi it and since most of my graphics programs are on my pc, I'm waiting to get photoshop and illustrator for the mac before I really dig into using it.

But I wanted to know if it was necessary to do the registration with Apple that they ask for in the beginning when one signs up with the account information. I don't know if it's necessary to do so because of the applecare warranty it has.

I've never registered any gadgets or machines of mine before...but is it necessary. For instance I have Verizon as my cell carrier, and I own a phone by LG, but I've never registered the phone on LG's site. So is it necessary to register the mac? Just wondering.

Oh and one more thing. Has anyone here used Open Office as opposed to Microsoft Office. I have it on my pc and I really like how it works. I can save my files in any format including MS Word for several versions. Thanks for your time, I look forward to hearing from you all again.

Cheers!

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Deker,
Thanks for your answer. Cool, now I know. Did you happen to check out that link for Open Office. I'm just wondering if I should ditch the MS Office and go with that. Thanks again for your time, it's greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

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Alright Deker,

I don't have Office, but I'll go ahead and follow your advice ;)
Thanks a million...I think I'm going to be doing lots of downloading here and there for some other things I need. Do all programs run on macs that are for macs? What I mean is does Office run on 10.3 as it would on 10.4 or would I need a different version? If I need a different version, is that the same for all other applications.

I know it might be a basic elementary question, but I just want to be sure I know what I'm doing. I don't think I know all there is to know about different platforms and all that good stuff.

Cheers!

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dek, how well does Pages do as a word replacement? haven't had a chance to check it out yet.

chris

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Dek... our own little Apple Guru.

OKay, Deker, I have 10.4 so I would have to have an Office that runs on 10.4 right? How often does Apple upgrade their OS and what is Panther? Is that a different OS or what is it?

Okay, I'm off to find out what "Pages" is because I don't know what it is but it sounds nifty. So I'll Google it and get some information on that.

Malibu, you're right. Deker is an Apple Guru :D

Cheers!

P.S. By the way, any good carrying cases recommended for the Powerbook?