That's it, ThinkPad Ordered.

[macjunk(ie)]

The crapware you saw is installed by Windows NOT Lenovo... Not much can be done about that as you found out by doing a fresh ISO direct from MS.. On the bright side, most of them are just placeholders where if you click on it you are taken to the store to install and they are easily removed...

Windows overall is not as bad as it use to be.. I think Windows 10 has come a long ways.. There are some minor irritations sure but there are some irritations with MacOS as well... I do prefer MacOS over Windows but the gap is narrowing..

Given that I have to choose between a rock and a hard place, I am not going to fret over the things Microsoft is doing cause I can still beat the system into the way I want it. Whatever I did on the Mac, I can easily do the same on Windows. So it is not all that bad.

But still, all the recent events led me to believe that Microsoft was turning a new leaf. Now I am just not very sure. The bloat ware really left a sour taste. I fully expect Microsoft to reinstall all that bloat ware in their next big update. I can understand the bugs; have experienced a few in OSX as well.

Windows, is still not a OS that I want to use ; it is an OS that I have to use due to lack of alternatives. Microsoft is trying real hard to capture the developer demographic. The WSL is a good example of that. But installing bloat without permission is pushing it.

 

[raqball]

Yeah I agree... The OS should have zero bloat..

 

[0989383]

Sadly Microsoft are going more towards commercialising Windows to support the whole free OS thing to compete with Apple's free OSX for life thing. Free ads, bloatware etc and also Google level spying and recording of our activity. NOW, does it put me off? Nope. whilst I'm no expert or coder, I can look up guys on YouTube telling me how to disable it. The average user? Probably not. Sigh. What they're doing with the info god knows.

I have faith in Microsoft. It's just as great a brand as Apple but has had a tough time. Poor leadership from the top IMO. Seem to be finding direction. I think my next PC will be either a more premium ThinkPad or Surface - if they come down in price. That way, I really will have precision build quality like Apple and a capable operating system - if I had to describe Windows in one word it'd be 'capable'. For the Mac, 'flawless'. Microsoft have some way to go to achieve that shiny flawless experience. I think Windows 8 taught them to take it slowly. I admire the complicated stuff still being very much there and no attempt to remove it in newer Windows versions. I was sort of annoyed that Apple were subtly trying to simplify handy little tools like System Information / Network Utility etc by jumbling them about in different releases.

Do any of you other guys - particularly the ones who use Mac + Windows - admire the rough, technically exposed and more manual way of Windows in a messed up but computer-fan way? I sort of do.

 

[raqball]

The non signature versions of Windows are loaded with bloat.. Some of it MS and some of it manufacturer installed. If you get a PC with the signature version it's suppose to be bloat free but it's really not.. Even the signature version has some bloat, but it's minor and is mainly just placeholder links to the play store.. Easily deleted and takes about 1 minute to clean them all out..

The new Surface Laptops look gorgeous! The bummer is it only has one USB A port, no SD card slot and like the Macbook everything is soldered on. SSD fails and to the trash with it...

I really wish PC makers and Apple would go back to user replaceable RAM, SSD, ect.. It's one of the reasons I chose the X1 Carbon. The only thing on it that's non user replaceable is the RAM I believe..

 

[Queen6]

Sadly Microsoft are going more towards commercialising Windows to support the whole free OS thing to compete with Apple's free OSX for life thing. Free ads, bloatware etc and also Google level spying and recording of our activity. NOW, does it put me off? Nope. whilst I'm no expert or coder, I can look up guys on YouTube telling me how to disable it. The average user? Probably not. Sigh. What they're doing with the info god knows.

I have faith in Microsoft. It's just as great a brand as Apple but has had a tough time. Poor leadership from the top IMO. Seem to be finding direction. I think my next PC will be either a more premium ThinkPad or Surface - if they come down in price. That way, I really will have precision build quality like Apple and a capable operating system - if I had to describe Windows in one word it'd be 'capable'. For the Mac, 'flawless'. Microsoft have some way to go to achieve that shiny flawless experience. I think Windows 8 taught them to take it slowly. I admire the complicated stuff still being very much there and no attempt to remove it in newer Windows versions. I was sort of annoyed that Apple were subtly trying to simplify handy little tools like System Information / Network Utility etc by jumbling them about in different releases.

Do any of you other guys - particularly the ones who use Mac + Windows - admire the rough, technically exposed and more manual way of Windows in a messed up but computer-fan way? I sort of do.

Microsoft has come a long way with Windows 10, albeit still remaining far from perfect. Windows is now an extremely solid OS, equally much depends the users actions. As for Spying they are all at it, difference is some choose to disclose, some hide in the shadows, employing deflection.

Microsoft is generally heading in a good direction for a vehicle of such magnitude. Tend to agree free or lower tier iterations of the OS will more and more become dependant on some form of monetisation. Apple, very simple the cost of OS X over the average lifecycle of their systems is obviously baked into the cost of every Mac

As for the bloat; in the past I always wiped the drive and installed Windows clean, never had any real drama. These days I will just buy from Microsoft, picking up a signature system. Agree there is some inherent additions from Microsoft, equally many are simply links, easily removed, or just turned off.

Overall I feel that Microsoft has a real push on productivity, creativity, stability, Apple sadly just marking time, looking only to appeal to the base consumer, with 80% being good enough. Anyway we will see how it all pans out, however after over 20 years, down to my last Mac utilised in a professional role, with frankly no compelling reason to replace it with another Apple product...

Q-6

 

[macjunk(ie)]

I really wish PC makers and Apple would go back to user replaceable RAM, SSD, ect.. It's one of the reasons I chose the X1 Carbon. The only thing on it that's non user replaceable is the RAM I believe..

I really like the X1 Carbon. It shows how you can put in a fantastic keyboard in a machine that thin and light! And user serviceable to a certain extent! The engineering in the Yoga is also great. Thin but does not feel flimsy. For some reason, I do not cover it in a skin of some sort and use a keyboard cover. It just feels as if it can take more abuse. The material used does not seem prone to chipping like the MBP I have.

Microsoft has come a long way with Windows 10, albeit still remaining far from perfect. Windows is now an extremely solid OS, equally much depends the users actions. As for Spying they are all at it, difference is some choose to disclose, some hide in the shadows, employing deflection.

Microsoft is generally heading in a good direction for a vehicle of such magnitude. Tend to agree free or lower tier iterations of the OS will more and more become dependant on some form of monetisation. Apple, very simple the cost of OS X over the average lifecycle of their systems is obviously baked into the cost of every Mac

As for the bloat; in the past I always wiped the drive and installed Windows clean, never had any real drama. These days I will just buy from Microsoft, picking up a signature system. Agree there is some inherent additions from Microsoft, equally many are simply links, easily removed, or just turned off.

Overall I feel that Microsoft has a real push on productivity, creativity, stability, Apple sadly just marking time, looking only to appeal to the base consumer, with 80% being good enough. Anyway we will see how it all pans out, however after over 20 years, down to my last Mac utilised in a professional role, with frankly no compelling reason to replace it with another Apple product...

Q-6

Signature editions should be fine I think. I was looking for a Signature ISO image ....did not find it of course.

I am disappointed in Microsoft cause I think they hit below the belt with this one.
I understand Win laptops coming with junk on them but a clean install meant that I could get rid of it all. But in this scenario, it reinstalls itself! In what world is this okay? I would like to see what goes on in the head of the Microsoft exec that built this in! And take note, these are not just links (even this would not be okay BTW). They are full app installs.

There was a time when the vendors were purveyors of the bloatware. Today, Windows consumers have to deal with a double whammy - vendors sell the hardware and the bloatware; Microsoft sells the OS and the bloatware. Devolution!

Also, it is shocking that Microsoft feels it is prudent to install third party software on a clean install! What if, Candy Crush is compromised tomorrow (totally hypothetical)?

These things tell me that Microsoft still has its head up its a**. Things like WSL tell me that they have realized that this is the case and they are trying to get it out. Takes time I guess. But it is still better than the current scenario where it looks like I have my head up Apple's. Will....have....to.....get...it....out

In the next few years, the best case scenario would be that Ubuntu (or any other Linux) gets good funding. We need a third alternative where the consumer is NOT the product. Good driver support and a good collection of default apps to get started off. I will gladly pay.

P.S: A youtube video showed me how to prevent this reinstall of bloat. A regedit! What a shame!

 

[0989383]

I remember in 2008 when I first started liking Apple products, it was so much more compelling today. My favourite features were how Macs were built rock solid. The system was simple, smart and everything Apple boasted about genuinely had a purpose: Time Machine was AMAZING. The simple casing and minimal design of the MacBooks back then was astonishing to me in a world of 1.5" black plastic slabs with washed out displays etc at the time, known as the Windows laptop. Even Expose and other minor tools in the system were intuitive, single key operated etc. Today, it's all sorts of more complicated 'show' features that looked great at WWDC but I found myself using very little.

One of the most frustrating things about OSX in my past few years of usage was how, you know how desktop apps typically had keyboard shortcuts across the system built into them? Some of these 'from the iPhone' apps dropped that ability.. leading me to think Apple had completely forgotten about bringing any new Mac original apps out and no intention of making more..

OSX is like a ship that has lost its power, just casually moving over the waves from the momentum of the iOS ship running alongside as the iPod sinks in the distance behind them both. Sure, we can stay onboard the OSX ship but whose to say Apple won't let it end up like the iPod ship.. Microsoft's not perfect, but one things for sure, the 'Windows 10' ship and Microsoft hardware effort is full steam ahead, maybe now more than ever.

Apples lousy 'we don't sell replacement parts' and stingy 90 day warranty on their expensive repairs is what led me to.. buy a new Mac? Nope. Buy a ThinkPad.

Don't get me wrong, I miss a lot of minor things from the Mac like Time Machine and other Mac UI elements I've been used to.. but if I make some silly financial decisions to buy a Mac now - likely an Air because it'd all I'd be able to afford - I'd be buying what old gen Intel processors, last decade screen, expensive unsupported charger type and for what, double what Lenovo built with the latest processor, graphics chip, comfortable keyboard, 1080p IPS screen... I think I'd be a fool to go back. Especially for the future OSX releases to further remove what I loved about OSX so much. :-(

 

[Queen6]

I remember in 2008 when I first started liking Apple products, it was so much more compelling today. My favourite features were how Macs were built rock solid. The system was simple, smart and everything Apple boasted about genuinely had a purpose: Time Machine was AMAZING. The simple casing and minimal design of the MacBooks back then was astonishing to me in a world of 1.5" black plastic slabs with washed out displays etc at the time, known as the Windows laptop. Even Expose and other minor tools in the system were intuitive, single key operated etc. Today, it's all sorts of more complicated 'show' features that looked great at WWDC but I found myself using very little.

One of the most frustrating things about OSX in my past few years of usage was how, you know how desktop apps typically had keyboard shortcuts across the system built into them? Some of these 'from the iPhone' apps dropped that ability.. leading me to think Apple had completely forgotten about bringing any new Mac original apps out and no intention of making more..

OSX is like a ship that has lost its power, just casually moving over the waves from the momentum of the iOS ship running alongside as the iPod sinks in the distance behind them both. Sure, we can stay onboard the OSX ship but whose to say Apple won't let it end up like the iPod ship.. Microsoft's not perfect, but one things for sure, the 'Windows 10' ship and Microsoft hardware effort is full steam ahead, maybe now more than ever.

Apples lousy 'we don't sell replacement parts' and stingy 90 day warranty on their expensive repairs is what led me to.. buy a new Mac? Nope. Buy a ThinkPad.

Don't get me wrong, I miss a lot of minor things from the Mac like Time Machine and other Mac UI elements I've been used to.. but if I make some silly financial decisions to buy a Mac now - likely an Air because it'd all I'd be able to afford - I'd be buying what old gen Intel processors, last decade screen, expensive unsupported charger type and for what, double what Lenovo built with the latest processor, graphics chip, comfortable keyboard, 1080p IPS screen... I think I'd be a fool to go back. Especially for the future OSX releases to further remove what I loved about OSX so much. :-(

Rather mirrors my thoughts; for me there is currently very little compelling about the Mac & OS X. Once albeit more expensive than it`s counterparts the Mac did provide value for money. 2017 no that intrinsic value IMHO has all but evaporated. Pretty much on windows 10 now professionally, no issues, therefore I have equally few concerns. I'll keep an eye to the Mac, however I have very few expectations other than form over function, trick & bells...

Q-6

 

[raqball]

I agree with you both.. Apple is done innovating.. It's all about thin, lite and appealing to the design wants of the Starbucks crowd.. Rather sad really as I've been a long time Mac fan. Heck I still have an use my @mac.com email address... Who remembers back when you had to pay $100 for that? LOL.. Talk about a ripoff service but I paid it..

The touchbar? Meh.... Reading through these forums you'd think Apple innovated and invented it.. Ahh.... Nope! Been tried and failed a few times before. Most recently on the Thinkpad back in 2014 I believe. The backlash was so strong that Lenovo immediately dumped it the next year...

When my X1 comes I'll probably dual boot with Ubuntu Mate as my primary OS and Win 10 as a secondary...

I really think Apple wants to get out of the PC bizz.... They'd be more than happy to sell iPhones and iPads and it would not surprise me in the least bit if that's where they land a few years from now..

 

[0989383]

I'd really like to use Ubuntu to be honest but a lot of people are crying that it's UI is under threat?

Plus, which cloud service and content managing apps would I use etc etc. I'm struggling enough with that on Windows!

The one thing I miss: Seamless Integration. Sadly.

I also have my @me.com email, not as old, but still was costly per year!

Nailed it: they do want out of the PC business. The Mac isn't focussed on what it used to be.. I wouldn't even mind if using an iPad as a main PC worked but I tried that prior to deciding on the ThinkPad but it just didn't work even in the ways you'd think it would like Office...

 

[Essaux]

How does Elementary OS perform on a thinkpad? I am thinking about getting one for on the side.

 

[macjunk(ie)]

How does Elementary OS perform on a thinkpad? I am thinking about getting one for on the side.

Not very battery efficient if you ask me...Even after configuring TLP. Not sure how Deepin would work on this...folks say it is pretty efficient. I would recommend getting the Dell XPS Ubuntu edition. You get official support and folks in my office are getting 8-10 hours easy on it...It really is an awesome machine.

Just an update for the rest: So my Thinkpad adventure has hit a bump. I was working on it the past few days and for some reason...I was feeling strained. As if I had to focus more on the screen to make out text. I sit in front of the laptop for more than 10 hours per day...never had an issue with the MBP. Turns out, Lenovo screwed the display on my Yoga 370! It employs PWM dimming (which I never heard of before)...basically the worst recipe for me cause I employ dark backgrounds and low brightness (10%-20%).

I am going to try and return it but I have thrown out the instruction manuals...hopefully they do not charge me the 25% restocking fee...If they do, I might as well as keep it and use as my tablet for casual use. My MBP is not going anywhere though...

Just damn! I really liked the versatility of the laptop...was excited to write on it, make notes in OneNote...so awesome but now this.

Now I will get to meet the famed Lenovo customer service in Singapore /s
I hope they just refund my purchase.

Surprisingly, the Thinkpad 13 laptop I got for my wife is a lot more comfortable (even though it is cheaper). The display on it also uses PWM but at a much higher frequency. Lenovo seems to use PWM in quite a few number of models in the Thinkpad line.

Also discovered the r/thinkpad in reddit. Nice place to get your Thinkpad fix. Should have done more research but I had a lot of faith in Thinkpad. Lesson learnt. But as usual, the advantage here is that there are quite a few manufacturers in this space now...Dell and Samsung with their new offering

 

[Kcetech1]

I think every single laptop that does not use CFL backlights or OLED screens are PWM. I know the rMBP is as ive seen the backlight signal on an oscilloscope, it just goes with LED backlights

 

[bopajuice]

Interesting reading. Lots of great reviews. The only thing is I don't recall my Windows 10 ISO having all that bloat ware. Is it on all versions?

 

[macjunk(ie)]

I think every single laptop that does not use CFL backlights or OLED screens are PWM. I know the rMBP is as ive seen the backlight signal on an oscilloscope, it just goes with LED backlights

Not clear. Are you saying that the MBP also uses PWM?

Interesting reading. Lots of great reviews. The only thing is I don't recall my Windows 10 ISO having all that bloat ware. Is it on all versions?

I suppose so. When you download the ISO, it contains both the Home and the Pro versions. You choose which version you want when you are installing from the ISO

 

[Essaux]

Not very battery efficient if you ask me...Even after configuring TLP. Not sure how Deepin would work on this...folks say it is pretty efficient. I would recommend getting the Dell XPS Ubuntu edition. You get official support and folks in my office are getting 8-10 hours easy on it...It really is an awesome machine.

Thanks for the heads up on this. I have been fiddling around with elementary and I really like its design (guess it is the mac guy inside of me), but will look into the Dell XPS Ubuntu edition as well, I have heard and seen some pretty good reviews on it.

Really can't believe how apple is neglecting its computing user base. Sad days that I am also looking for something else besides my mbp.

 

[0989383]

Well guys I've just come up with a better idea.

Windows 10 is great on paper and certainly does the job - better than ever before. But it's a bit like a German car in reality. Useful, but using it seems to be like using your toaster. Do you get what I mean? Boring. It doesn't feel as satisfying to have all your content and work stored on it. I've been using it for over a month now.

The ThinkPad is fantastic hardware. Even mines, the cheapest one. Does it compare to a Mac? No chance. More comfortable keyboard yes.

Programmes like SketchUp won't run at all - crash straight away. I've tried everything except a clean install of windows. Mine craft runs well but there's a glass shard like artefact on the screen when moving past textures. The 940MX graphics card does NOTHING. It refuses to run many games, and when it does there's glitches and all sorts. Particularly on older game. It doesn't really run any newest titles.

Windows 10 apps, I hated them and removed them initially. Eventually, I re installed them and enjoyed using them. But, when I started loading my content in, for example, my folder of 10,000+ photos from OneDrive into its Photos app all was well. Except, Windows adds ALL OneDrive folders with photos into it. I uncheck the option. Quit. Reopen the app. It's back. And hundreds of icons belonging to other programmes, game screenshots, personal, disturbing photos all loaded into my photos library. I submitted feedback to Microsoft but no indication if they'll ever recognise that as an issue.

Third Party apps aren't as great on Windows either. They feel like they were written by computer science geeks with no sense of design or social confidence at my university... on the Mac, third party apps feel like they were built meticulously under 70's Steve Jobs personal supervision. Non-big company apps of course. E.g. Onyx.

The ThinkPad is fast. Runs an intel ssd. Latest Intel processors. Yet my girlfriends 2015 MacBook ProRetina - FileVault encrypted and all - starts up in like 3 seconds vs 14 or so for the ThinkPad. It's like comparing LaFerrari to a Fiat but still bragging they're both Italian cars!!! Sigh.

This £650 computer is sitting here and certainly 'does the job'. But what am I doing?

I'm going back to the iPad Air 2. It literally gathered dust in the one spot since the ThinkPad came.

My photos, calendar, contacts, mail, etc etc 'my life' all work better on the iPad. Sure. It's not perfect. I've said this and felt this before ordering the ThinkPad. But now I have a Pc sitting about to do what the iPad can't.

So in essence, moving all my content back to iCloud. Shelving the ThinkPad for when I need it. Going iPad only. If I persists for more than a few months and I can live without a PC well, I might sell the ThinkPad and buy a sub-£200 netbook to do the PC tasks. Recover some of the money. Sure, I'll make a loss. But this Experience has been valuable. This is why I share it with you.

Many are jumping away from the Mac to Windows. I'm not too fussed on Windows 10. Good yeah but it's no OSX. Hopefully WWDC brings the iPad more rather than less steps closer to replacing our Macs. It's a long way off today, but let's face it,in 10 years time owning a laptop will probably be for professionals and enthusiasts!

 

[macjunk(ie)]

Well guys I've just come up with a better idea.

Windows 10 is great on paper and certainly does the job - better than ever before. But it's a bit like a German car in reality. Useful, but using it seems to be like using your toaster. Do you get what I mean? Boring. It doesn't feel as satisfying to have all your content and work stored on it. I've been using it for over a month now.

The ThinkPad is fantastic hardware. Even mines, the cheapest one. Does it compare to a Mac? No chance. More comfortable keyboard yes.

Programmes like SketchUp won't run at all - crash straight away. I've tried everything except a clean install of windows. Mine craft runs well but there's a glass shard like artefact on the screen when moving past textures. The 940MX graphics card does NOTHING. It refuses to run many games, and when it does there's glitches and all sorts. Particularly on older game. It doesn't really run any newest titles.

Windows 10 apps, I hated them and removed them initially. Eventually, I re installed them and enjoyed using them. But, when I started loading my content in, for example, my folder of 10,000+ photos from OneDrive into its Photos app all was well. Except, Windows adds ALL OneDrive folders with photos into it. I uncheck the option. Quit. Reopen the app. It's back. And hundreds of icons belonging to other programmes, game screenshots, personal, disturbing photos all loaded into my photos library. I submitted feedback to Microsoft but no indication if they'll ever recognise that as an issue.

Third Party apps aren't as great on Windows either. They feel like they were written by computer science geeks with no sense of design or social confidence at my university... on the Mac, third party apps feel like they were built meticulously under 70's Steve Jobs personal supervision. Non-big company apps of course. E.g. Onyx.

The ThinkPad is fast. Runs an intel ssd. Latest Intel processors. Yet my girlfriends 2015 MacBook ProRetina - FileVault encrypted and all - starts up in like 3 seconds vs 14 or so for the ThinkPad. It's like comparing LaFerrari to a Fiat but still bragging they're both Italian cars!!! Sigh.

This £650 computer is sitting here and certainly 'does the job'. But what am I doing?

I'm going back to the iPad Air 2. It literally gathered dust in the one spot since the ThinkPad came.

My photos, calendar, contacts, mail, etc etc 'my life' all work better on the iPad. Sure. It's not perfect. I've said this and felt this before ordering the ThinkPad. But now I have a Pc sitting about to do what the iPad can't.

So in essence, moving all my content back to iCloud. Shelving the ThinkPad for when I need it. Going iPad only. If I persists for more than a few months and I can live without a PC well, I might sell the ThinkPad and buy a sub-£200 netbook to do the PC tasks. Recover some of the money. Sure, I'll make a loss. But this Experience has been valuable. This is why I share it with you.

Many are jumping away from the Mac to Windows. I'm not too fussed on Windows 10. Good yeah but it's no OSX. Hopefully WWDC brings the iPad more rather than less steps closer to replacing our Macs. It's a long way off today, but let's face it,in 10 years time owning a laptop will probably be for professionals and enthusiasts!

I understand what you are going through right now...and IMHO...you are giving up too early.

Of course Windows 10 is not the best OS out of the box but you can still beat it to the shape you want it in. You don't have to use Photos - uninstall it. You have saved pretty penny going in for the Thinkpad, why not buy professional photo software like Adobe Lightroom? You certainly have some spare change for it now that you did not go for the Mac.
You might miss some third party apps like iStat Menus, Day One, Spark, LaunchPad, Little Snitch etc. Most of these apps do not have good replacements but note that none of these apps are crucial to your workflow. All you need to do is tweak your workflow in accordance with the apps available to you in Win10. And again, since I have saved a little cash going for the Thinkpad, I can easily afford to buy good replacements for these apps if they do turn up in Windows.

The one thing I don't understand is the slow startup time in your case (though it is not a big deal). My Thinkpad starts up in 3-4 seconds! Plus I don't even have to type a password cause of fingerprint! It is awesome! Maybe there are too many startup programs in you case? Maybe your AV is doing something funny.

And to be honest, an E series can never subconsciously replace your MBP. Wrong choice. Perhaps if you go for better hardware, like a Thinkpad T470 or a X1 Yoga or X1 Carbon or Yoga 910, pick one up during a sale...then you could try again maybe? If the hardware isn't as exciting, then I think the battle is already lost in your head.

I empathise with you. All these years we have been using Apple. We are addicted to it. We will have to wean ourselves off it. Because we are wired to resist change, we will want to go back to Apple at the first opportunity...even at the cost of gimped computing experience (in my view, iPad is no laptop replacement - even if Cook says so). If that is justifiable to you though...then you should. After all, you deserve to be happy. I like OSX...but whenever it comes to spending money on Apple now...I just can't help but think Apple is taking me for a b*tch and dumping its load on my face (vulgar but pretty much how I feel)

This is not the first time I am trying to quit Apple Failed twice now. Maybe third time is the charm.

 

[0989383]

I understand what you are going through right now...and IMHO...you are giving up too early.

Of course Windows 10 is not the best OS out of the box but you can still beat it to the shape you want it in. You don't have to use Photos - uninstall it. You have saved pretty penny going in for the Thinkpad, why not buy professional photo software like Adobe Lightroom? You certainly have some spare change for it now that you did not go for the Mac.
You might miss some third party apps like iStat Menus, Day One, Spark, LaunchPad, Little Snitch etc. Most of these apps do not have good replacements but note that none of these apps are crucial to your workflow. All you need to do is tweak your workflow in accordance with the apps available to you in Win10. And again, since I have saved a little cash going for the Thinkpad, I can easily afford to buy good replacements for these apps if they do turn up in Windows.

The one thing I don't understand is the slow startup time in your case (though it is not a big deal). My Thinkpad starts up in 3-4 seconds! Plus I don't even have to type a password cause of fingerprint! It is awesome! Maybe there are too many startup programs in you case? Maybe your AV is doing something funny.

And to be honest, an E series can never subconsciously replace your MBP. Wrong choice. Perhaps if you go for better hardware, like a Thinkpad T470 or a X1 Yoga or X1 Carbon or Yoga 910, pick one up during a sale...then you could try again maybe? If the hardware isn't as exciting, then I think the battle is already lost in your head.

I empathise with you. All these years we have been using Apple. We are addicted to it. We will have to wean ourselves off it. Because we are wired to resist change, we will want to go back to Apple at the first opportunity...even at the cost of gimped computing experience (in my view, iPad is no laptop replacement - even if Cook says so). If that is justifiable to you though...then you should. After all, you deserve to be happy. I like OSX...but whenever it comes to spending money on Apple now...I just can't help but think Apple is taking me for a b*tch and dumping its load on my face (vulgar but pretty much how I feel)

This is not the first time I am trying to quit Apple Failed twice now. Maybe third time is the charm.

I think it's because my SSD is a 2.5" drive - not the newest or fastest and of course, even if it was, bottle necked by the connector between it and the logic board. I use the Windows Defender anti-virus which I was pretty impressed by!

You're completely right. And to the point where, I know you're giving me the best advice by the head, but the heard is wired into Apple.

I won't sink 1,000+ into a Mac anymore. Not today, and not in the future because apple will 100% NOT change policies that are serving them well. It's not because of the ports or proprietary crap. I'm used to that. It's the fact if it breaks Apple won't let me buy parts to fix it. On a laptop, I don't accept that. So many parts can go wrong.

I view an iPad like an iPhone. A modern day miracle, built like a tank. Possibly at the point where it lasts so long it actively undercuts sales of new iPads. That suits me. Its also costs half as much to buy initially which suits me.

Sure, it doesn't have all the niche nice widget apps you mentioned and full functionality of the Mac. It's also FAR from perfect - I'm under no illusion there. And I don't expect many to agree with me.

My issue is I can't afford a Mac. So I'm looking at this from that point of view. Many of you can afford one, and wouldn't give that up - I get that. Neither would I if mine didn't break. Not for an iPad not for a windows 10 pc either.

It's Apples 'vision' that keeps me living in hope and tolerating the ipads gross inability to meet my needs 110% like the Mac did today. I have the faith that Apple are working towards that iPad. It could be 5 years away at this rate. I'll simply need to start enjoying the carefully implemented additions to iOS as they come.

The past five years of OSX has been useless iOS feature brought to the Mac. But snap back to iOS 6 and you'll agree iOS has certainly gotten miles better than it was. Slow process yeah, but directionally it's right. And Apple seem to be more committed to the dismay of Mac fans. I guess I'm sort of doing what they want by jumping into the tablet.

I was concerned that with no PC surely I'd be screwed for university. But they have computer suites of fast, ergonomically comfortable desktops available all the time. Same for work in the future, I doubt employers will expect you to have much more than basic internet facilities in most business jobs. Let alone allowing too much confidential info onto my personal devices. So in terms of that, I shouldn't be too worried.

This ThinkPad can't do basic games as well as it suggests on paper. It won't run sketchup etc for reasons unbeknown to me. Windows 10 is great like my washing machine is great. But I'm not thinking too much about using it tomorrow. Whereas with the iPad Apples marketing has got me.

 

[raqball]

There are a lot of people these days using a tablet as their main PC type machine. Nothing wrong with that if it fits your needs..

What would stop me from being able to do it (on an iPad at least) is the lack of file management.. My son has a Samsung Tab S3 and he uses it as his main PC.. Since it's Android powered, he does have full file management.. Even with that, I don't think I could swing it as I need programs for specific tasks that a mobileOS won't support...

 

[0989383]

There are a lot of people these days using a tablet as their main PC type machine. Nothing wrong with that if it fits your needs..

What would stop me from being able to do it (on an iPad at least) is the lack of file management.. My son has a Samsung Tab S3 and he uses it as his main PC.. Since it's Android powered, he does have full file management.. Even with that, I don't think I could swing it as I need programs for specific tasks that a mobileOS won't support...

Did you see this mornings MacRumor post? Looks like Apple have a pleasant surprise for us. Hope it ticks all our boxes for using the iPad more seriously

 

[raqball]

I did see that.. It's the main item that iOS / iPad is missing to be a serious replacement for a PC. There are other limitations but adding file management would be a huge step in the right direction..

 

[maflynn]

I did see that.. It's the main item that iOS / iPad is missing to be a serious replacement for a PC. There are other limitations but adding file management would be a huge step in the right direction..

Yes, I was shocked at Apple exposing the file system for iOS, but I still prefer a laptop over a tablet.

 

[raqball]

My Silver Lenovo X1 Carbon 5th gen arrived and it looks great! I was concerned about the color a little but seeing in in real life has sold me..

After numerous updates I made a USB recovery stick and nuked it for Ubuntu as my primary... I am running it dual boot and will mainly use Ubuntu..

Everything is rocking away on Linix... Overall very pleased with the machine. I have the i5 / 512 / 16GB RAM and an LTE card installed. I need to hit AT&T and get a sim card for it but the LTE card is recognized under Ubuntu so I assume no issues there..

Build quality is Apple'esk and I have zero complaints with the machine so far.. Keyboard demolishes the new MacBook Pro! The trackpad is not as good as the MacBook Pro but it's not terrible like other Windows trackpads are. Sound is pretty good but not as good as the MacBook Pro...

A few photos of the Silver...

 

[macjunk(ie)]

My Silver Lenovo X1 Carbon 5th gen arrived and it looks great! I was concerned about the color a little but seeing in in real life has sold me..

After numerous updates I made a USB recovery stick and nuked it for Ubuntu as my primary... I am running it dual boot and will mainly use Ubuntu..

Everything is rocking away on Linix... Overall very pleased with the machine. I have the i5 / 512 / 16GB RAM and an LTE card installed. I need to hit AT&T and get a sim card for it but the LTE card is recognized under Ubuntu so I assume no issues there..

Build quality is Apple'esk and I have zero complaints with the machine so far.. Keyboard demolishes the new MacBook Pro! The trackpad is not as good as the MacBook Pro but it's not terrible like other Windows trackpads are. Sound is pretty good but not as good as the MacBook Pro...

A few photos of the Silver...

Looks great! Congrats.
I prefer the black though. What screen did you get? OLED or IPS?