2017 - A year leaving the Apple walled garden

[TTTedP]

Well I rebuilt the wall when Samsung once again dropped the ball with updates and I came to the conclusion that out of the current smartwatches the Apple Watch works the best for me.

Sad to admit it but me too. I lasted a whole week and just couldn't cope. Surface PC was OK. Pixel was Nice. Using Google as the hub for all synching worked. But in the end, it felt like a patchwork of different looks, feel, and workflow. I went running back like a little boy who ventured too far from home.

I am keeping Apple for PC, Tablet, Phone and Streaming Device. 'They just work' is still a very strong trait.

If you haven't seen this article yet, it's a good read. I have different examples of what I like best about Apple but his one statement says it all.

"In hindsight, compulsively chasing the "best tech" was unhealthy and only distracting me from the real goal: finding technology that works well for me and helps me live a better, happier life"

https://www.macstories.net/stories/apple-ecosystem-comfort/

I'm trying to re-channel my tech energy to consumption and content creation vs. the perfect combo of alternatives. After talking a walk around the block, I realize what's good about Apple and that their shortcomings amount to a little less than what I discovered elsewhere.

I'm sure in another 6 months I'll get the urge to look around again

 

[TTTedP]

I’m stunned that all the studios actually agreed to this but I’m not looking a gift horse in the mouth.

I keep thinking there's going to be a catch once everyone is using the service.

 

[DiamonDecoden]

Sad to admit it but me too. I lasted a whole week and just couldn't cope. Surface PC was OK. Pixel was Nice. Using Google as the hub for all synching worked. But in the end, it felt like a patchwork of different looks, feel, and workflow. I went running back like a little boy who ventured too far from home.

I am keeping Apple for PC, Tablet, Phone and Streaming Device. 'They just work' is still a very strong trait.

If you haven't seen this article yet, it's a good read. I have different examples of what I like best about Apple but his one statement says it all.

"In hindsight, compulsively chasing the "best tech" was unhealthy and only distracting me from the real goal: finding technology that works well for me and helps me live a better, happier life"

https://www.macstories.net/stories/apple-ecosystem-comfort/

I'm trying to re-channel my tech energy to consumption and content creation vs. the perfect combo of alternatives. After talking a walk around the block, I realize what's good about Apple and that their shortcomings amount to a little less than what I discovered elsewhere.

I'm sure in another 6 months I'll get the urge to look around again

I'm glad you found what works for you! I think if you can stick to one platform, that's the best.

I do have to comment that 1 week is not nearly long enough for you to adjust yourself especially with all NEW tech- phone, laptop, and Google home! What made you go out and buy all brand new stuff?! Wow. You need at least a few months for android. I'm still learning more things now. You probably got the stress that you have to decide now so you can return it within 14 days. That's not good. Lol next time, try one thing at a time and longer time especially if you spent years with apple.

I do get the feeling that you wanted everything to match with same branding and the interface. I have that urge sometimes as well. I feel like it's OCD sometimes. However, my other feeling of being trapped to one company felt stronger. After I switched, it's not perfect but I do have to get over that I was used to on iOS - such as swipe right to go back. You soon realized you're on a different OS and this one have its advantages too.

Apple does work vertically and Google more horizontally both have its pros and cons. I have my macbook left which is one thing that do not rely on an iPhone! Yay!

 

[TTTedP]

I'm glad you found what works for you! I think if you can stick to one platform, that's the best.

I do have to comment that 1 week is not nearly long enough for you to adjust yourself especially with all NEW tech- phone, laptop, and Google home! What made you go out and buy all brand new stuff?! Wow. !

thanks. I have access to a bunch of alternate tech devices through work so not out a lot of cash. It was a drawn out process where I dabbled with the alternates for a few months before a full move. It was only after going 100% non-Apple that I started feeling the pain.

The thing about switching is you do realize there are good alternatives. You can leave Apple any time. You also realize how well thought out and cohesive Apple's ecosystem still is, despite all the negative articles and nay-sayers these days. Tech choices are increasingly personal. There are many options. When you feel like you chose Apple vs being locked in, it's much more settling.

 

[rui no onna]

I keep thinking there's going to be a catch once everyone is using the service.

Honestly, the cross-compatibility that this service provides encourages digital purchasing since videos purchased are not locked down to just one service/device/ecosystem anymore. It's physical media that becomes at risk.

 

[Dodgeman]

Started with android, and when my Samsung phone at the time failed me and Apple was becoming all the hype I switched. Had about 3 iPhones over the course of 6 years.
What I love about Apple is it is very easy to use, simple and fluid.
However I do not use any of the apple eco features. Most that I use if FaceTime. Do not u iMessage or iCloud even. What I hated about Apple was their App store. Mainly all of their apps that are any good cost money compared to android where they are usually free.
Camera was great, layout of everything was great, watch was cool. However with Samsung I have the Note 8 and it has so many great features, and I hardly use any of them.....
Apple is best from a user friendly prespective, but the high price and all the hype and their trendy-ness steered me away a bit. I do have more control with android just not sure if I 100% like that or not.

 

[DiamonDecoden]

thanks. I have access to a bunch of alternate tech devices through work so not out a lot of cash. It was a drawn out process where I dabbled with the alternates for a few months before a full move. It was only after going 100% non-Apple that I started feeling the pain.

The thing about switching is you do realize there are good alternatives. You can leave Apple any time. You also realize how well thought out and cohesive Apple's ecosystem still is, despite all the negative articles and nay-sayers these days. Tech choices are increasingly personal. There are many options. When you feel like you chose Apple vs being locked in, it's much more settling.

That's good. I don't think I am going 100% non apple either *just yet*. I'm glad that the macbook don't heavily rely on the iPhone.

But eventually later this year or so I'm thinking about switching from the macbook to the surface laptop or the pro. I can't wait. It'll be great as I love to draw and paint! And ports! I miss my ports. The iPad will never work as it runs iOS.

 

[Endorphine88]

Good post.
I actually went the opposite direction. Prior to 2007-2008 I was very much an Apple-hater. I appreciated the customization PCs offered, I owned every possible Blackberry that ever came out, I had TiVo for my entertainment needs and a Creative mp3 player (loved that thing).
I gave the original iPhone a try and hated it. Up until 2011, the only Apple product I owned was an iPod touch. Then I got the Macbook Air and then I got the iPhone 5. I haven't looked back since. Am I locked in? Depends on how you look at it. No one is forcing me to go to the store and buy everything from Apple. It just all works together and I like it. I'm an artist so I need all my files to be easily accessible between all my devices without having to plug in dongles and USBs and docks and SD cards. I like a wireless anything is all I'm saying. Is it always 100% reliable? Of course not, nothing is. Does Apple mess up a lot sometimes? Totally! But overall, if I had to give them a percentage rating for satisfaction - I'd give them 95% which is pretty darn good in my opinion.
I think it's great to venture out and diversify your tech, try other brands and don't be a blind follower of one brand just because they're "popular". Apple does not work for everyone. I see so many people buying an Apple product out of conformity or even obligation to be "cool". They've definitely worked hard to establish themselves as "aspirational", but I think that's the wrong reason to buy from Apple.

 

[TTTedP]

I think you're on the money with this one Endorphine88. Good post. I'll give them a 90%

 

[meerkat1990]

Good post.
I actually went the opposite direction. Prior to 2007-2008 I was very much an Apple-hater. I appreciated the customization PCs offered, I owned every possible Blackberry that ever came out, I had TiVo for my entertainment needs and a Creative mp3 player (loved that thing).
I gave the original iPhone a try and hated it. Up until 2011, the only Apple product I owned was an iPod touch. Then I got the Macbook Air and then I got the iPhone 5. I haven't looked back since. Am I locked in? Depends on how you look at it. No one is forcing me to go to the store and buy everything from Apple. It just all works together and I like it. I'm an artist so I need all my files to be easily accessible between all my devices without having to plug in dongles and USBs and docks and SD cards. I like a wireless anything is all I'm saying. Is it always 100% reliable? Of course not, nothing is. Does Apple mess up a lot sometimes? Totally! But overall, if I had to give them a percentage rating for satisfaction - I'd give them 95% which is pretty darn good in my opinion.
I think it's great to venture out and diversify your tech, try other brands and don't be a blind follower of one brand just because they're "popular". Apple does not work for everyone. I see so many people buying an Apple product out of conformity or even obligation to be "cool". They've definitely worked hard to establish themselves as "aspirational", but I think that's the wrong reason to buy from Apple.

You make some very good points and I too did not start buying Apple phones until the 5. I've had Mac computers off and on throughout the years and certainly have felt they've made some mistakes but overall (HS excluded) I'm pleased with the garden inside the walls. I rarely look beyond the walls at all.

I do miss the powerful stereo speakers on my HTC One many moons ago.

 

[Dodgeman]

Apple isn't bad at all.
However take a screen shot on the iPhone and you have the thumbnail at the bottom. There is no way to turn that off but in Samsung (android) there is.
On the touch and hold peek & pop feature on Apple yes you can turn it on and off BUT if it is on there is no way to customize the contacts popping up. For example let's say you utilize the force touch it will give you the option to start a new text and possibly the last 3 people you texted or most interacted with. Not a fan of that but the peek and pop feature is cool I guess but it is almost the same as opening the app and initiating that action.

The APP store was redesigned it needs a new redesign. Most apps cost money vs. android counter parts and usually the apps that Apple displays are games and other stuff that I am uninterested in.



Apple makes great products I just think the put some customization into the wrong areas and some areas need more customization options.
Also the look is a tad boring especially on the X which is a 1k device.

 

[Thrutheroofnunderground]

I followed your post pretty well, and can understand throwing a few different things together. I have an Android phone currently, but I'd like a iPhone and new Watch 4. Some of it has to do with it being what my wife and the greater majority of her family use. The other is that much of the attraction of android—the "customization" of things honestly doesn't really appeal to me. I don't take the time to make this and that my defaults. I want to get away from the vast knowledge hub that is Google. I want the security, stability, and resale value of the Apple products. I haven't owned a MBP in quite some time, but they look and feel exquisite. Much different that the ASUS which honestly "does the job".

I totally get liking a variety of things and not being "locked in", and I think anything Amazon related is overrated. It has specs that would have been decent like maybe 5 years ago, MAYBE. The Roku stuff honestly just "make sense". I think it takes the Apple thinking of long ago of "it just works" better than the AppleTV setup. The menus are much more cumbersome and less intuitive with the Apple units. Anybody can use a Roku, which makes sense. I don't really understand getting the Chromecast on top of the Roku. That seems like overkill.
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Agreed. That's one thing that does bother me about Google. There's so much tracking occurring. Google is very secure, but zero respect to privacy.

This is the reason I'm going to be making the switch. Email is a hard issue though as I use G-Mail and they let all kind of 3rd parties scan your email for advertising purposes. NOT ok with that.