Not trying to start a flame War here, but I cannot sugar coat it either. Apple has so undercut it's Professional users by not offering a modern customizable computer that has upgrade and expandability options like the competition on the WinPC side.
Here's an article that is basically a case study in the drip of Apple losing it's Pro users to Windows setups.
https://www.thepixellab.net/mac-vs-pc-as-a-motion-designer-the-end-of-an-era
For those that would scream, "make a Hackintosh", I'd say it's dicey to base my business work on a computer that could be bricked with an Apple update that my Hakintosh doesn't support or requires going to forums to constantly read up on how to handle updates. I don't need additional unbillable work!
I'm pissed. Apple dropped the Mac Pro market with the trash can Mac that didn't offer any expandability or customization and cost way more than comparable WinPC's. I do 3D, video (with compositing and motion graphics) and print advertising so I'm a power user. Macs just seem to be behind the curve for pro users wanting desktops that are modern and expandable and customizable.
Please in response, don't flame but offer tangible information why you agree/disagree and why. let's keep this civil and productive.
Well... I said this several times, but I'll say it again.
After 21 years working heavily on Macs, from film and sound editing, graphic and VFX design, post-production systems design and consulting I stopped recommending and relying on Macs.
Macs lost not only their upgradability, but also (and this is at least as bad) their customisation, therefore not meeting users' needs right from the start. Macs are quickly returning to their closed cocoon, contradicting the recently shared words "technology is more powerful when it empowers everyone". They also became quite more expensive, specially if you're outside de US.
I already listed what I would need in Mac in order to buy it.
Amongst other things, one of my requisites is nVidia GPUs. Regardless of being better or worse, they are the only supported and recommended by the software I use.
And this is part of what I think is happening: Apple prepares their hardware, for their software, which makes sense to a certain point. But, again regardless of their software's value, I for one will not be conditioned by their hardware. The Mac is just a tool, not an end in itself, just like hardware and anything man made. So, if I come to the conclusion that What I need is to change my hardware setup, instead of software I will. In fact I already did it and recommended the same to whom consulted me.
Another thing on the list was the cost. Apple is expensive, except for the newly launched iMac Pro. The problem with this machine is not exactly in it's value, which is great, but again, customisation and upgradability. A part from this model, Macs are expensive and keep lifting.
There was however one thing I didn't put on the list, which for me is more and more mandatory: Support. Also a good warranty. They both a very poor. Apple's guarantee speaks for itself. The competition's blows it way, by far. Don't expect me to buy the so called "best computer on the planet" with a slim 1 year warranty. Even in the EU market, Apple fails to comply with their warranty laws. The "best computer on the planet" must have the "best warranty on the planet" to go with it. That's the real proof of manufacturer's confidence in its product. As for support… just too bad to be true. Most people don't even know the basics of the products their supporting… and again Apple's guidelines are tricky, just like a classic insurance company.
Over the recent years I've seen Apple reshaping itself… unfortunately not for the better, in my opinion.
Apple became a technological jeweller, more interested in (a very questionable) aesthetics in detriment of functionality and stability. That happened since Yosemite, culminating with current OS. In the hardware side, more and more proprietary, custom made, non standardisation and again lack upgradability and repairability has been adopted, which is the worst you can do to protect the environment - in fact is the opposite.
Yes, I'm a switcher… to the Windows side, not pretty, nor perfect, but it meets my needs. Switched to HP - runs wonderfully, cheaper, faster, 3 years warranty, one phone call away and a support that really supports me.
Windows with all it's flaws, doesn't change every year and has very wide compatibility scope, for old software as well. I'm satisfied.
The iMac Pro was something good to be seen. Is a step in the right direction.
But is a very small step, built on an ancient thinking.
Far from enough for me to return, really far.
Apple will have to reinvent itself, including reinventing why it should reinvent. Somethings are just great and don't need to be changed.
I'll be around and… who knows?… may be Apple surprises me again… positively this time.
"La originalidad es volver al origen" Antoni Gaudí
