Lifelong Windows user. Sell me macOS

[avro707]

What do you guys say? I know it is ultimately up to me but I'm looking for any feedback and opinions I can get.

I am a life long windows user too, starting with Windows 3.1, 3.11, NT and its various versions.

MacOS is just a lot easier with many useful shortcuts and time savings I don't have in Windows, even Windows 10 and 11, both which I still use.

Have W11 Pro for Workstations on this 7,1 Mac I'm using now, along with Sonoma 14.2

Note - the Magic Mouse is a horrible, terrible creation and I don't use it. I prefer to buy Logitech instead, more comfortable to use:

https://www.logitech.com/en-au/products/mice/mx-master-3s.910-006561.html

I dislike the Macbook trackpads (and those of any laptop) so I always use a mouse if possible.

 

[ProQuiz]

Does Optimized Battery Charging only work if you leave your MacBook on all the time (or at most put it into sleep mode)? Basically, if you work on your MacBook with the charger plugged-in all the time but shut down your MacBook every night, will Optimized Battery Charging still work?

 

[Alameda]

By the way, I am not sure if I want to get a mouse for this. I always got a mouse when working on Windows laptops. The trackpad on this thing is awesome so I am not sure if a mouse will be better?

On my desk, I have a 4K monitor and a Logitech keyboard/mouse (Apple’s Magic Mouse isn’t so great, and I prefer Logitech’s external keyboard as well). But the trackpad is so good that I never use a separate mouse when using the laptop keyboard. I think the trackpad is Apple’s best laptop feature.

 

[ProQuiz]

Why is it that when I do a mouse polling rate test in Safari but using the built-in trackpad on the MacBook Pro, the highest polling rate I get is 65 Hz? Is this normal and how it should be?

Mouse Polling Rate Checker 🖱️ | DeviceTests

Quickly test your mouse's polling rate online with our live polling rate checker.

devicetests.com

 

[rachislenska]

I was born in 1984 and have been a lifelong Windows user. Only extremely briefly using Macs in middle and high school. I got my first Mac (a MacBook Pro 14" with the M2 Pro chip) on October 10, 2023 just to try it out because I have been always curious and fascinated by Macs. It was my first time actually getting deep into macOS. I used it for 3 weeks but then Apple had the Mac event and announced the M3 chips. I returned my MacBook Pro with the goal of getting one with the M3 chip.

Now that it is returned, I am having second thoughts about getting another MacBook Pro or just a new desktop gaming PC. My current desktop gaming PC was built in January 2012 and I have been using it ever since so it is definitely time for a new computer whether it be a Mac or Windows PC. The thing is getting a new gaming desktop PC might not be worth it because I really don't game much these days.

However, with the 3 weeks I had the MacBook Pro, it definitely took some time to get used to and I'm not sure if I got completely used to it. Multitasking seems easier on Windows because of the taskbar. Also, maybe it's because I have been using Windows all this time, Windows seems easier to use and more logical than macOS. I don't have a "genuine reason" to use macOS (meaning there is no app that I must use that is only available on macOS) so I am not sure if the switch is worth it.

What do you guys say? I know it is ultimately up to me but I'm looking for any feedback and opinions I can get.

buy it if u want it? its your money...random strangers in an internet forum need not sell you anything...on other hand if I get a cut of what apple gets by selling you a Mac ..sure..let me know then..

 

[pipo2]

Does Optimized Battery Charging only work if you leave your MacBook on all the time (or at most put it into sleep mode)? Basically, if you work on your MacBook with the charger plugged-in all the time but shut down your MacBook every night, will Optimized Battery Charging still work?

As you already might have noticed, it will work. But yeah, it can take some time (2 months at the moment as maximum) before the "system realizes it can decharge" to 80%. There is no button for you, me or Federighi to take matters in our own hands AFAIK.

 

[ProQuiz]

As you already might have noticed, it will work. But yeah, it can take some time (2 months at the moment as maximum) before the "system realizes it can decharge" to 80%. There is no button for you, me or Federighi to take matters in our own hands AFAIK.

Yeah, it kicked in today exactly 2 weeks after getting the laptop and using it plugged in all the time. This is with shutting it down every night and booting it up in the morning.

 

[ProQuiz]

Just thought I'd update this thread. I sold my desktop PC on December 5 and have been using my MacBook Pro as my only computer since. Honestly, I don't miss my desktop PC at all. I've gotten quite used to macOS now and I'm slowly beginning to appreciate its methods of doing things over Windows. One thing I've noticed with macOS is that I am far more interested or inclined to learn keyboard shortcuts than I ever was on Windows. Not sure why that is the case though.

By the way, I also bought a Magic Mouse and have been using it since December 6. I know quite a lot of people despise this mouse but I don't find it to be "bad" at all. One thing I've learned is that Apple devices work best with other Apple devices. Staying inside the ecosystem provides a certain level of "ease of use."

Also, I still can't get over how good the display looks. HDR brightness is so good on this thing along with the contrast. It has pretty much OLED level of blacks along with 1600 nits of peak brightness in HDR. I don't think I could go back to a lesser quality display now.

I also really like how my MacBook, iPhone, and AirPods work together.

Lastly, the keyboard is awesome to type on. Feels really good and I think I prefer it to the keyboard I had on my desktop PC.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with my first true venture into the Mac world.

 

[circatee]

Nice feedback from your experience…

 

[Alameda]

By the way, I also bought a Magic Mouse and have been using it since December 6. I know quite a lot of people despise this mouse but I don't find it to be "bad" at all.

My particular complaint about that mouse is that it’s rough on my pointer finger; it tends to make me arc my middle finger over the top of the mouse. Used extensively, I get pain that goes up to my wrist. So if you get this sensation at all, I encourage you to try a different mouse.

I also used Apple’s wireless keyboards, and didn’t find them particularly good either. The downside of Kensington is that you need the USB dongle plugged in, but their wireless is much better than Bluetooth — it always discovers instantly and it doesn’t tend to get “lost” the way Bluetooth peripherals sometimes do. Just letting you know my experiences with the alternatives. If the Apple mouse works for you, all the better!

I’m glad that you chose Mac. I have to use Windows 11 for my work and I hate it. The Mac is far more stable and easier to use.

 

[JamesMay82]

Glad you decided to stick around. I’m 2 years older than you and made the move to MAC in 2008. I find it more intuitive and a better looking OS than windows. I prefer all the built in apps like photos and iMovie etc. plus the build quality is night and day.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Does Optimized Battery Charging only work if you leave your MacBook on all the time (or at most put it into sleep mode)? Basically, if you work on your MacBook with the charger plugged-in all the time but shut down your MacBook every night, will Optimized Battery Charging still work?

There is no need to shut down your Mac every night. All you need to do is turn off the screen or you can just leave he screen on and let it go to wallpaper mode.

 

[ProQuiz]

How is the CalDigit Element Hub? I just need a dock/hub with extra USB ports. By the way, does the Element Hub's power supply support universal voltage? Can I buy from the US (110-120V) and use it where I am (220-230V)?

 

[ProQuiz]

There is no need to shut down your Mac every night. All you need to do is turn off the screen or you can just leave he screen on and let it go to wallpaper mode.

Yeah, I stopped shutting it down. Right now, my MacBook Pro has been on for 8 days and I only close the lid (putting it to sleep) at night.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Yeah, I stopped shutting it down. Right now, my MacBook Pro has been on for 8 days and I only close the lid (putting it to sleep) at night.

Unless you need to close the lid for some reason, it would be best to leave it open. That way, the screen stays cleaner longer.

 

[ProQuiz]

Unless you need to close the lid for some reason, it would be best to leave it open. That way, the screen stays cleaner longer.

I thought closing the lid would actually keep the screen cleaner as dust and other stuff won't be able to get to it. Is this wrong? Also, wouldn't closing the lid also keep dust out of the cooling system as the vents are located at the top of the keyboard and are closed off when you close the lid?

 

[JamesMay82]

I thought closing the lid would actually keep the screen cleaner as dust and other stuff won't be able to get to it. Is this wrong? Also, wouldn't closing the lid also keep dust out of the cooling system as the vents are located at the top of the keyboard and are closed off when you close the lid?

In theory you’d be right but overtime i found the oil and dirt from the keyboard rubs on the screen etc. I’d keep it open if possible

 

[jido]

In theory you’d be right but overtime i found the oil and dirt from the keyboard rubs on the screen etc. I’d keep it open if possible

Yeah but you can simply put a cloth other the keyboard when you close. And the screen can be cleaned (although you’ll likely be unable to remove the marks completely).

 

[jido]

How is the CalDigit Element Hub? I just need a dock/hub with extra USB ports. By the way, does the Element Hub's power supply support universal voltage? Can I buy from the US (110-120V) and use it where I am (220-230V)?

You should ask in the Accessories section

 

[amelchi]

One app I always recommend for Windows folks switching to a Mac is Cheatsheet. After you install this, you just hold down the Command key for the selected amount of time and a window will open that shows you that app’s keyboard shortcuts. Over time, a lot of these shortcuts will become second nature. One thing I’ve found after switching from Windows to Mac is the shortcuts just make more sense.

CheatSheet

Free keyboard shortcut utility

cheatsheet-mac.en.softonic.com

where you can set the "selected amount of time"?

 

[gank41]

where you can set the "selected amount of time"?

If you hold down Option until the menu appears you can select settings from the bottom corner.

 

[Miles Fu]

The first computer I touched was Apple II in high school, then X86 PCs with MS-DOS (later Windows 3.1) in college, then X86 PCs with Windows in working life. I bought my first Macbook white around 2007, and since then I always used both Windows PC and Mac, windows more for work and Mac more for personal use.

I can pretty freely switch between two platforms, while I'd say, Mac, for me at least, it's easier to use and more user-friendly. I worry less about the configuration, optimization, virus, etc. on Mac. But I have a Windows 10 VM on my Mac in case I need to run some Windows-only applications when I only carry my Mac on travel.

I try to use external monitor with MBP as much as possible to protect my neck, so I also use Logitech mouse and keyboard. This is also the standard configuration for my kid to protect eyes and neck. My kid only uses MBP, but my wife only uses Windows as she is a lifelong Windows user, and she finds it hard to migrate to Mac.

What I'd say is that there is no right/wrong or good/bad choice, only the right tool which is more suitable for personal needs.

 

[Mike Boreham]

The first computer I touched was Apple II in high school, then X86 PCs with MS-DOS (later Windows 3.1) in college, then X86 PCs with Windows in working life. I bought my first Macbook white around 2007, and since then I always used both Windows PC and Mac, windows more for work and Mac more for personal use.

I can pretty freely switch between two platforms, while I'd say, Mac, for me at least, it's easier to use and more user-friendly. I worry less about the configuration, optimization, virus, etc. on Mac. But I have a Windows 10 VM on my Mac in case I need to run some Windows-only applications when I only carry my Mac on travel.

I try to use external monitor with MBP as much as possible to protect my neck, so I also use Logitech mouse and keyboard. This is also the standard configuration for my kid to protect eyes and neck. My kid only uses MBP, but my wife only uses Windows as she is a lifelong Windows user, and she finds it hard to migrate to Mac.

What I'd say is that there is no right/wrong or good/bad choice, only the right tool which is more suitable for personal needs.

You are unusual in being equally fluent on Mac and Windows, so in a position to make a balanced assessment. Most peoples view is coloured by what they are used to.

Many (most?) people learned their computing skills, and became comfortable with one or the other OS. Changing to the other OS is not as difficult as switching to a foreign language, but there are similarities. There is no sensible answer to which is better, French or English?

 

[rin67630]

I don't have a "genuine reason" to use macOS (meaning there is no app that I must use that is only available on macOS) so I am not sure if the switch is worth it.

What do you guys say? I know it is ultimately up to me but I'm looking for any feedback and opinions I can get.

I got on macOS three years ago. Still struggling with a LOT of half-brewed Apple software.
My only reason to stay with Apple is that I have agreed to help mac-users in our repair café and none else wanted to. MacOS is pretty, but the compulsory Finder is a pain and a lot of incompatibilities hurt me in daily use.

But I have also another reason to have adopted Intel-Macs for myself:
Apple has produced quite a series of devices with questionable reliability or design flaws. That impacts badly their resell value.
You can find gorgeous iMacs from 2014 to 2017 that are practically unusable beyond Mojave since they had a HDD built in.
They sell largely beyond their real value. If you know what to do, you can reconfigure them for free or less money and make perfectly usable Desktops for half the price of the Windows equivalents (which mainly do no even exist with a retina screen and good design).
And if you want to resell them fast: ditch macOS, install Windows 11 and sell them as "Design Windows Workstation with 5K screen" without even mentioning Apple.

 

[rin67630]

macOS isn't perfect but I like it so much better than Windows. Being able to pop open a terminal window and use Linux commands

Not a problem today with Windows too...