Make the swap to Mac?

[tog]

extraT said:

So back to my original question… how easy is a Mac to use for a non Mac person…?

I have never used Windows regularly (or at least not since it was a program that ran on DOS) so I can't really describe switching, but I have helped friends and relatives who have bought Macs and then struggled to work out how to use them. You have to accept that things are different, and be prepared to learn those differences. Some people are always saying how Macs are more intuitive, and maybe if you have never used either before it might be, but if you are used to Windows I am not sure they are!

[dundarach]

Linux Mint for me.

VM Windows and Hackintosh when required.

[the-norseman]

dundarach said:

Linux Mint for me.

I'm a Manjaro convert at the moment after switching from the Debian based versions.

[David_M]

tog said:

You have to accept that things are different, and be prepared to learn those differences.

This is true of all software, but ignored by the fans on every side.

That said, for the large majority of home/personal users all they need to know is how to open the browser and that is pretty obvious on every desktop environment.

[ZesPak]

Chris Hinds said:

What I find about using a Mac after some time is simple that everything feels "sluggish". All of the switches between screens are actually deliberately slow to make everything smooth. So much so that when you use a Windows machine, it feels much more snappy generally and your choice of software is wider. What I found, even when I had a MBP was that when I wanted to do anything serious, I'd crack out the Windows world, whereas anything more "consumable" I stuck in Mac. Once Apple went down the M1 route, suddenly my Windows door was closed... and so back to a Dell/Lenovo/HP it is. What I find annoying though is that my ideal machine still isn't made... ideally I'd like to swap the Intel CPU out for AMD - right now Ryzen has Core totally beaten.

This is my take as well. "butter" is a good term but it's a double edged knife. When I was using a MacBook, I loved it for a lot of reasons, but running windows on it for most work related stuff just felt wrong and a waste.

I'd love to have a go on the M1 machines, they are an incredible achievement by Apple. However for me the use case is so limited that I'd be better off buying a Chromebook at less than half the cost, which I did.
They are great machines but the sad truth is that most people use Windows, so most hardware and software is taylored for that. I always felt like going around that is more than a hassle than it's worth.

Even for my parents, who I put on an iMac a decade back (I figured it was great for them and their use), it was by a huge margin the most expensive computer they ever owned, after an initial period of "what did you get us", they did appreciate the machine... Until they got a bicycle GPS they couldn't load any maps on, not Apples fault but very annoying to say the least. I checked their website and it looks like they fixed the OSX software now. The machine is long gone and to be fair, they are running a 7yo Intel NUC now that is still fast, stable and can do everything they want.

In short, they make some great hardware but just like a Chromebook I probably have the wrong mindset to make it work for me as an only/main machine.

[eeLee]

extraT said:

Thanks Tribbles,

Something else I forgot to add, I live in Austria= QWERTZ layout. In windows you can switch the key map to QWERTY, which means I have to either touch type from memory. Not too bad actually. Is that possible in a Mac?

If you source a Mac locally, you will get the proper keyboard. Austria of course is badly-served with Apple Stores - you will end up at Media Markt or Hartlauer or something.....but if you've gone local with a keyboard, Apple will supply you. I am wholly-immersed in the Swiss-German layout which is exceedingly similar on Windows and Mac.

I flit between a M1 MBA, an iPad Air and a Surface Pro. I also have a Logitech keyboard that will handle those three.

Once you come to terms with the nuances of settings and preferences and understand the different ways you might install programs, it comes down to certain muscle memory if you use keystrokes a lot (I do). Interestingly, each machine I use has different appeals to me and I am neither pro-Apple nor pro-Windows.

[CrgT16]

I had all versions of windows on desktop up to XP then, my first laptop was a MacBook Pro. It was used daily for 6 years including watching DVDs most days. Great reliable machine until motherboard went. So I was sold on Mac OS. Then got an iMac, all great until a house fire.
Got back to windows and it’s ok, still lust after the polished Mac environment but can’t justify the machine costs and in my line of work I need windows.
Thinking of replacing my 6 year old Dell XPS 15 with a Mac but struggling to take the plunge. Looking at a high end gaming PC like an Alienware or Razer Blade. Same price but can also use it to play some games.

Ideally would have both but can’t justify the indulgence.

[Magnum 475]

extraT said:

So back to my original question… how easy is a Mac to use for a non Mac person…?

I’m the wrong person to answer this, sort of. I’ve run Macs and Unix machines since 1991. But Mrs Magnum had never used a Mac before she met me. It took less than 30 minutes to show her the basics 11 years ago. She now gets frustrated every time she has to use a Windoze machine for work, as she finds the Mac easier & more intuitive. As a bonus, I no longer have to be “IT support guy” at home, as we just don’t get any problems from the Macs.

Oh, and the new M1 hardware is shockingly powerful for the price.

[LeeM135i]

I swapped early last year when my company HP laptop died and there was a laptop shortage so needed something quickly and all I could get next day (that was any good) was a 13" MBP. Took a couple of weeks to get really comfortable with it and learn the keyboard short cuts but I'm a natural now. My wife uses it every now and again but hates it mostly because she uses a windows machine as her daily computer, I think to be successful you have to go for it and stick with it.

Check all the software you need to run is compatible with the Mac then go for it. The M1 computers are so fast and efficient for a small form factor thin and light, they will run all day unplugged!

There are some really nice features if you are also a iPad and iPhone user, you can copy paste across all devices. Copy on iPhone paste on Mac if you want a bigger screen. You can answer your iPhone / FaceTime / send a text from your Mac.

If you get stuck use command and space to open spotlight then type what you want and you will get a list of web searches, files and programs that relate to the search.

There's a long list and I am happy with Mac after the switch. About to start a new job and one of the criteria for taking it was that I needed to have a Mac.

[Piginapoke]

LeeM135i said:

I swapped early last year when my company HP laptop died and there was a laptop shortage so needed something quickly and all I could get next day (that was any good) was a 13" MBP. Took a couple of weeks to get really comfortable with it and learn the keyboard short cuts but I'm a natural now. My wife uses it every now and again but hates it mostly because she uses a windows machine as her daily computer, I think to be successful you have to go for it and stick with it.

Check all the software you need to run is compatible with the Mac then go for it. The M1 computers are so fast and efficient for a small form factor thin and light, they will run all day unplugged!

There are some really nice features if you are also a iPad and iPhone user, you can copy paste across all devices. Copy on iPhone paste on Mac if you want a bigger screen. You can answer your iPhone / FaceTime / send a text from your Mac.

If you get stuck use command and space to open spotlight then type what you want and you will get a list of web searches, files and programs that relate to the search.

There's a long list and I am happy with Mac after the switch. About to start a new job and one of the criteria for taking it was that I needed to have a Mac.

Universal controller is incredible

[jesusbuiltmycar]

Saw some comments earlier in this thread about animations and transitions slowing I g things dow …

Just wanted to point out that tear transitions and their speed are configurable and can be completely disabled.

I made the switch 5 years ago, having used a mixture of Windows at home and Linux/Unix for years - and would never switch back.

[Tycho]

Piginapoke said:

Universal controller is incredible

Personally I’ve used it once and think it’s a complete gimmick. If I’m in front of my MacBook I don’t need to use an iPad as it can’t do anything my MacBook can’t.

Genuinely out of interest, what do you use it for? I mean Microsoft has had mouse without borders for years and no one uses it and it is the same thing.

[Piginapoke]

Tycho said:

Piginapoke said:

Universal controller is incredible

Personally I’ve used it once and think it’s a complete gimmick. If I’m in front of my MacBook I don’t need to use an iPad as it can’t do anything my MacBook can’t.

Genuinely out of interest, what do you use it for? I mean Microsoft has had mouse without borders for years and no one uses it and it is the same thing.

I often use the iPad as a second screen to my iMac, kept the cricket on it last week

[Tycho]

Piginapoke said:

Tycho said:

Piginapoke said:

Universal controller is incredible

Personally I’ve used it once and think it’s a complete gimmick. If I’m in front of my MacBook I don’t need to use an iPad as it can’t do anything my MacBook can’t.

Genuinely out of interest, what do you use it for? I mean Microsoft has had mouse without borders for years and no one uses it and it is the same thing.

I often use the iPad as a second screen to my iMac, kept the cricket on it last week

Ok, at least you've found a use for it the works. I guess you have an app on the iPad that isn't on the Mac otherwise you'd just use Sidecar?

[LeeM135i]

Tycho said:

Piginapoke said:

Universal controller is incredible

Personally I’ve used it once and think it’s a complete gimmick. If I’m in front of my MacBook I don’t need to use an iPad as it can’t do anything my MacBook can’t.

Genuinely out of interest, what do you use it for? I mean Microsoft has had mouse without borders for years and no one uses it and it is the same thing.

I have a personal / consultancy MacBook Pro and a work MacBook Pro, 1 x big central screen and 1 x bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Universal control is great as I can have 2 x computers running side by side and use 1 x keyboard and mouse to run both, OK its a bit gimmicky but it helps keep the desk clear. I also have the 12.9" iPad so when things get spreadsheet / solid works crazy I can park my email on the iPad screen and still use the same keyboard and mouse to drive 2 x Macs and an external display!

Can't wait for the Continuity Camera function, using an iPhone as a native webcam!! It will give me a great camera and mic set up and take wires off the desk!! I work in the medical sector and we get tech 'how can we do this' calls which in extreme circumstances can be life or death, being able to take a high quality webcam to a piece of equipment and show how to do something will really help. No more carrying a computer and wired webcam while trying to explain or show how to complete a task will be a game changer*. *I know wireless webcams have been / are available but they always go missing / get put down 'somewhere' never to be found again, with find my / Apple Watch ping the iPhone won't get far.