I recently got an ipad and I'm fairly happy with it and I've been wanting to get a macbook pro to experience the macos but I'm concerned that the track pad is going to be very tedious to use and the lack of ergonomics so I have to get a stand or external display so that I don't have to look down at the screen makes me wonder if buying a macbook is worth it when it Will probably be too tedious to use without a external mouse and stand. I mean I've owned laptops in the past and they were kind of fun to use like when I'm on my bed or taking it someplace like and using it at at a desk some place outside of my room but I'm just wondering if You guys think using a macbook is tedious especially versus a desktop PC
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Concerns About Getting A MacBook Pro
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Not tedious in comparison, pretty much the same.
You can use an external mouse if you want to. I hate trackpads and always use a mouse on all my types of machines, laptop, desktop, workstation, it doesn't matter.
I prefer laptops to desktops even though I often use my laptop during the day to work with an external screen (along with the laptop screen) and a mouse (which I prefer over the trackpad). This is my preferred setup because it gives me options and mobility. I can travel, use it in bed, take it outside, work in my office or a conference room, go to the library, use it on my lap or lying on the ground, and literally work or relax with it wherever I want with one device. I honestly cannot fathom anything more tedious, not to mention depressing, than being tied to a desktop in order to use my computer.
On the other hand, if you're into gaming, I can see wanting a desktop over a laptop for a variety of good reasons -- but then I would not be getting a Mac at all.
On the other hand, if you're into gaming, I can see wanting a desktop over a laptop for a variety of good reasons -- but then I would not be getting a Mac at all.
I got my first laptop in 2002, a Powerbook 12, that was the last time I used a mouse. I love Apples big track pads.
Why not go to a store and try one? Or buy one from Apple and return within 14 days if you find it tedious?
The trackpad isn’t tedious. It’s one of the best, if not the best, ones out there. It’s nothing like what you're probably used to on laptops for Windows. I know they’ve gotten better for Windows 10, but they’re still not quite the same.
For work, I primarily use my MBP open on a stand, connected to two monitors, external keyboard, and mouse. I even have a Magic Trackpad next to my mouse and switch between them both, especially when I want to use the gestures the trackpad offers.
But when I’m not working and don’t need all those extra screens…off the stand it goes. I’ve never had a problem using my MBP all by itself, whether it’s on a table, my lap, or even in bed.
For work, I primarily use my MBP open on a stand, connected to two monitors, external keyboard, and mouse. I even have a Magic Trackpad next to my mouse and switch between them both, especially when I want to use the gestures the trackpad offers.
But when I’m not working and don’t need all those extra screens…off the stand it goes. I’ve never had a problem using my MBP all by itself, whether it’s on a table, my lap, or even in bed.
Macbooks have the best trackpads. This is a fact. Even a hardcore Windows fan will tell you this.
I'm actually considering getting a Magic Trackpad to use with my M1 Mini setup. I prefer the functionality of swiping verses tracking and clicking with a mouse pointer to perform certain functions. Needless to say, I don't use a mouse with laptops, either. But it all comes down to personal preference. My wife ALWAYS carries and uses a mouse with her Lenovo X1 Carbon.
They do, but the gap isn't as wide as it used to be, thanks to Microsoft Precision trackpad software and companies like Dell and others putting glass trackpads on their higher end stuff.
And trust me, I'm no hardcore Windows fan. I leave that title to my wife
This feels like the right answer. Asking other people about ergonomics is like asking a stranger to try on a pair of shoes for you. No matter how well intentioned the advice, we're all different in shape, size and preference.
Personally, I find the trackpad on the 14-inch comfortable to use, and I find that in a desktop setup, alternating between an external trackpad and mouse helps manage my RSI. But really, you need to try for yourself.
Trackpads are one of the best features on a MacBook Pro. Nobody does trackpads better than Apple.
If you try one in the store, make sure you turn on tap-to-click (system prefs->trackpad) as it is not turned on by default. It is one of my favorite trackpad features. Beware though: there appears to be a problem with this function on current 14" MacBook Pros (not clear whether this is software or hardware).
If you try one in the store, make sure you turn on tap-to-click (system prefs->trackpad) as it is not turned on by default. It is one of my favorite trackpad features. Beware though: there appears to be a problem with this function on current 14" MacBook Pros (not clear whether this is software or hardware).
I haven't found Mac trackpads tedious to use on any of the laptops I've owned for over 15+ years.
I do find (work) Dell Latitude trackpads to be clunky and hard to use. Got a Bluetooth mouse which works great.
I do find (work) Dell Latitude trackpads to be clunky and hard to use. Got a Bluetooth mouse which works great.
what is great about the MacBooks, pro an air is the tap and swipe functions the trackpads offers.
even my mac mini is operated ny a trackpad were i can cut, copy, paste
and use other finger gestures without suing the keyboard.
For the record, the touchpad on the Dell XPS 9380 13" is great as well!
even my mac mini is operated ny a trackpad were i can cut, copy, paste
and use other finger gestures without suing the keyboard.
For the record, the touchpad on the Dell XPS 9380 13" is great as well!
Well my Lenovo trackpad (office device) is way below the MBP trackpad in every regard. Maybe the Lenovo machine is not high end enoughThey do, but the gap isn't as wide as it used to be, thanks to Microsoft Precision trackpad software and companies like Dell and others putting glass trackpads on their higher end stuff.
And trust me, I'm no hardcore Windows fan. I leave that title to my wife
Could be haha. Seriously though, my response wasn’t an open endorsement of trackpads on Windows laptops. But my XPS 9510 has a glass trackpad, and along with the Precision drivers makes it a very useable device. Like you, I much prefer MacBook trackpads…Well my Lenovo trackpad (office device) is way below the MBP trackpad in every regard. Maybe the Lenovo machine is not high end enough
While by no means an Apple fanboy, I am borderline obsessed with my MBP 16. BUT as good as the trackpad is, with a number of useful "gestures" built in to enable different features, nothing replaces my gaming mouse. I don't use it for gaming at all, but I have 11 different actions programmed to the buttons (close tab, reopen tab, screen shot, delete, etc), and they've all become muscle memory at this point. So, even with an external monitor and keyboard, I'm not giving up my mouse.
Is this mouse connected to your MacBook Pro or a Windows PC? Mind divulging the model of the mouse?
Connected to MBP, but it came right off my Windows machine. I use the Logitech 502 Hero, which is wired because I got tired of batteries and recharging. $40 on Amazon. But this article suggests an alternative, plus references the wireless 502 Lightspeed if you need that.
The real magic mouse is made by Logitech, not Apple
Powerplay is legit, and Apple should take notice.
Need the Logitech "GHub" app, right from their page, and need to set it to "Open at Login" under the app's "Options" every time you boot. All of that took me two minutes to figure out. When you first boot the mouse is slow for 20 seconds while Logitech's "Ghub" app opens, then it takes control and the mouse flies as fast as you've set it.
Edit: 502 is USB A, so I needed an adapter. I used a tiny one here. Don't need to worry at all about the port passing power or high throughput.
Anker USB C Adapter (2 Pack),High-Speed Data Transfer, USB-C to USB 3.0 Female Adapter for MacBook Pro 2020, iPad Pro 2020, Samsung Notebook 9, Dell XPS and More Type C Devices
USB C Adapter (2 Pack), Anker USB C to USB Adapter High-Speed Data Transfer, USB-C to USB 3.0 Female Adapter for MacBook Pro 2020, iPad Pro 2020, Samsung Notebook 9, Dell XPS and More Type C Devices
www.amazon.com
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Thanks for the info.Connected to MBP, but it came right off my Windows machine. I use the Logitech 502 Hero, which is wired because I got tired of batteries and recharging. $40 on Amazon. But this article suggests an alternative, plus references the wireless 502 Lightspeed if you need that.
The real magic mouse is made by Logitech, not Apple
Powerplay is legit, and Apple should take notice.www.theverge.com
Need the Logitech "GHub" app, right from their page, and need to set it to "Open at Login" under the app's "Options" every time you boot. All of that took me two minutes to figure out. When you first boot the mouse is slow for 20 seconds while Logitech's "Ghub" app opens, then it takes control and the mouse flies as fast as you've set it.
Edit: 502 is USB A, so I needed an adapter. I used a tiny one here. Don't need to worry at all about the port passing power or high throughput.
Anker USB C Adapter (2 Pack),High-Speed Data Transfer, USB-C to USB 3.0 Female Adapter for MacBook Pro 2020, iPad Pro 2020, Samsung Notebook 9, Dell XPS and More Type C Devices
USB C Adapter (2 Pack), Anker USB C to USB Adapter High-Speed Data Transfer, USB-C to USB 3.0 Female Adapter for MacBook Pro 2020, iPad Pro 2020, Samsung Notebook 9, Dell XPS and More Type C Deviceswww.amazon.com
go try one or order and try it out. We cannot tell you what you like or what will be best for you. There's no reason for you to get a MBP to 'experiences macOS'. If you need a Mac for something, it might be the right machine... or not. You might need an external screen... or not. We don't know your work habits so...
Now... all that said, I have and M1 Air and connect it to a 4k 24" LG screen with Apple keyboard and mouse, both wireless. I use it in the evenings as a laptop and it's fine. But that's because during the day I'm at a desk and want the space the larger external screen provides.
Now... all that said, I have and M1 Air and connect it to a 4k 24" LG screen with Apple keyboard and mouse, both wireless. I use it in the evenings as a laptop and it's fine. But that's because during the day I'm at a desk and want the space the larger external screen provides.
I'll probably step on some toes with this but I hate working on laptops, even my 14" MBP. The thing is permanently plugged in to an external display with a BT keyboard and mouse. It got to the point the other day that it noticed I rarely use it as a laptop and started charging the battery to 80% so I don't ruin it.
What kills the laptop?
1. Awful working position.
2. The thing still has sharp edges at the front. I look like an emo who has been slashing their wrists after a few hours
3. WiFi. I hate WiFi. I really would rather have ethernet.
4. Batteries. They don't last forever and then you have to pay lots of money to replace them.
5. Far far far more fragile than desktops.
6. Power and USB-C connectors wear out as you move them around all the time.
Really I should have bought the bottom end Mac Studio or cheaping it, a 24" iMac. But the Mac Studio didn't exist when I bought the MBP and the 24" iMac had a lead time as it'd be a custom build.
If I am doing anything mobile I prefer to use my iPad if I'm honest.
What kills the laptop?
1. Awful working position.
2. The thing still has sharp edges at the front. I look like an emo who has been slashing their wrists after a few hours
3. WiFi. I hate WiFi. I really would rather have ethernet.
4. Batteries. They don't last forever and then you have to pay lots of money to replace them.
5. Far far far more fragile than desktops.
6. Power and USB-C connectors wear out as you move them around all the time.
Really I should have bought the bottom end Mac Studio or cheaping it, a 24" iMac. But the Mac Studio didn't exist when I bought the MBP and the 24" iMac had a lead time as it'd be a custom build.
If I am doing anything mobile I prefer to use my iPad if I'm honest.
I haven’t had a desktop in years but if you are going to leave on a desk 100%, then I would just get a desktop. I like the MacBook trackpad so for me that would not be an issue.
Only you know your ergonomic preferences. Personally, I have used Macbook Pros 9-12 hours per day since 2009, split evenly between mouse and keyboard work and direct input.
When used directly I am usually at a table with the screen tilted back a ways. I also work with the laptop literally on my lap, and standing at a high table. It's probably a side effect of working like this for so long, but I don't notice much of a physical impact from any of these modes, possibly because I am constantly moving and shifting position.
The trackpad has never been an issue for me -- it is precise when needed and good at ignoring unexpected input. I rest my palms on it all day. The last two generations of keyboards are excellent, not quite my preferred layout but good enough that my typing performance does not suffer when mobile.
If you've used PC trackpads in the past, such as on a Dell or Lenovo, please do not compare the MacBook's trackpad to one of those. It is a completely different user experience. Gesture commands such as the two finger "right click" or two finger scroll are very intuitive and unambiguously interpreted. Other gestures, such as three finger actions or pinch based zooming, I find to be more ambiguous or trigger unexpectedly. So I turn them off.