Why should we stick with Mac Os/Macs?

[chad.petree]

I'm not trying to start a war here, I'd only like to have a pretty open conversation about the benefits of using mac os instead of windows and yes I don't count Linux because in my opinion sometimes you really really need paid apps and the free alternatives are not up to the task.

I've been trying windows 10 for the last few days and I have to say that I'm pretty impressed, it looks good and microsoft keeps improving it by the day (they need to desperately update the icons ) , the final product may end up being really nice, and I think to my self , what does Apple / Mac Os have over windows? Better security? I love not having to use an antivirus on mac, but is it really that easy to get a virus on windows?

The hardware side has really caught up on windows, the new dell xps 13 looks amazing, that screen easily rivals apple's (LG's) displays, the samsung ultrabooks look quite nice too.

Trackpad and keyboards, yes I think apple is still the king, but again the new windows keyboards and trackpad have really improved.

You can pretty much get every major program on windows, I'm studying to become a designer and I see some of my classmates using the same programs I do without issues.

And don't forget the price, apple products are considerably more expensive.

What about optimization, I think it was a bigger deal before, but if I get a laptop from a big manufacturer the drivers function properly.

Again, I'm not trying to say hey let's all dump apple, I just wanna why do you stick with apple? What makes you say Mac Os is so superior?

 

[ardchoille50]

There is no way anyone could ever get me to dump Apple. I have an iPhone 6, iPad mini, iPod Nano, Apple TV and a Mac.. no other company makes this variety of products that work together so seamlessly (iCloud, Continuity, Handoff, AirDrop, AirPlay, etc.).

 

[KALLT]

One thing that hasn’t substantially changed on either OS X or Windows is the user experience for end users. I’ve tested the Windows 10 beta extensively the last couple of weeks –*for the same reasons as you –* and to my surprise, I still dislike the system for the same reasons I had when I switched to OS X in 2008.

Things like:

• A busy Windows Explorer that crowds out basic functions with too many buttons, smart views and UI components, whereas the Finder remains simple;
• Installers that put your program files and preferences in sometimes random locations, even hidden folders, whereas on OS X there is the application folder and preference settings are stored in one of the libraries;
• A notification tray on the lower right-hand side with a will of its own, which doesn’t always show you the information you need without setting it up first, whereas OS X has the menu bar with the essentials and the Dock for running applications (for which the Windows notification tray is also used);
• Hidden settings menus everywhere, Windows 10 even added a Settings application next to the old Control Panel (I hope that they ditch one for the other before the beta ends), whereas on OS X you only have System Preferences and application preferences.

Bottom line is: OS X still has that straightforwardness that lets me focus on my work and activities, rather than managing the system itself. Organising your files is easy, installing programs is easy, changing the settings is easy. When you set up a new Mac, it will be quick to change it to your liking; you don’t have to spend hours doing it. OS X gives me a distinct feeling of control, it never overwhelms me.

On top of that, Windows 10 feels clunky. It has big, goofy buttons (for touch input), it wastes lots of space, especially in programs like Mail, and overall has a design language that I just don’t feel comfortable using (e.g. very flat, few component dividers, lots of text and few distinctive icons). It’s clear that Windows 10 has different design goals than OS X, such as versatility for standard and touch input and different screen sizes (one of the key features is support for universal apps that run on desktop, tablet and smartphone alike).

I’m not saying that OS X is superior, I think both products are equally powerful and that you can use them to your liking. However, the focus and end-user experience is different. OS X is simple, but not simplistic, it has a UI that’s meant for one purpose alone and a finish that grants it that spark of an iOS app (crisp icons and text, animations, shadows, transparency). That is what resonates with me the most and determines my choice of operating system, both on desktop and smartphone.

 

[VMukhtarov]

Cheap Windows laptops are completely crap. Good laptops are as expensive as MacBooks. And don't forget about subscription based Office, future Windows and not cheap software. Then why not just buy Apple?

 

[ardchoille50]

Cheap Windows laptops are completely crap. Good laptops are as expensive as MacBooks. And don't forget about subscription based Office, future Windows and not cheap software. Then why not just buy Apple?

Yep, you get what you pay for.

 

[KALLT]

Good laptops are as expensive as MacBooks.

Perhaps the baseline, but not the high-end. You pay excessive amounts for processor and RAM upgrades and only the €2,799 15” MacBook Pros have dedicated graphic cards. For that kind of money you get incredible laptops from other manufacturers.

 

[Blackstick]

Our organization issues Dell Latitude 7 series ultra books with Windows 7/8.1 (soon to be W10) and MacBook pros and airs. The reality is, Windows is fine on proper hardware, and these Dells easily cost $1500-2500, same as Macs. As a personal preference, I enjoy the ecosystem integration I find on the Apple-side. In the sense that my phone can send texts and calls to my mac, most notably.

I too like what I see in Windows 10, but beyond the desktop os, i wouldn't consider a mobile device from Microsoft before one running ios or droid.

Also, while I enjoy OSX, Windows is what keeps my team of engineers employed-- both because of users needing technical help and the ways it can break stuff.

 

[Taz Mangus]

I'm not trying to start a war here, I'd only like to have a pretty open conversation about the benefits of using mac os instead of windows and yes I don't count Linux because in my opinion sometimes you really really need paid apps and the free alternatives are not up to the task.

I've been trying windows 10 for the last few days and I have to say that I'm pretty impressed, it looks good and microsoft keeps improving it by the day (they need to desperately update the icons ) , the final product may end up being really nice, and I think to my self , what does Apple / Mac Os have over windows? Better security? I love not having to use an antivirus on mac, but is it really that easy to get a virus on windows?

The hardware side has really caught up on windows, the new dell xps 13 looks amazing, that screen easily rivals apple's (LG's) displays, the samsung ultrabooks look quite nice too.

Trackpad and keyboards, yes I think apple is still the king, but again the new windows keyboards and trackpad have really improved.

You can pretty much get every major program on windows, I'm studying to become a designer and I see some of my classmates using the same programs I do without issues.

And don't forget the price, apple products are considerably more expensive.

What about optimization, I think it was a bigger deal before, but if I get a laptop from a big manufacturer the drivers function properly.

Again, I'm not trying to say hey let's all dump apple, I just wanna why do you stick with apple? What makes you say Mac Os is so superior?

If you are wavering at this point and it sounds like Windows new shining OS is starting to win you over, then go out and buy a Windows machine with Windows 10, when it publically becomes available on it and use it daily. That is really the only way you will understand how to make this decision. That is what I would do if I were questioning using Mac OS over using Windows OS.

 

[simonsi]

There is no way anyone could ever get me to dump Apple. I have an iPhone 6, iPad mini, iPod Nano, Apple TV and a Mac.. no other company makes this variety of products that work together so seamlessly (iCloud, Continuity, Handoff, AirDrop, AirPlay, etc.).

This. 10x this.

 

[Taz Mangus]

Things like:

• A busy Windows Explorer that crowds out basic functions with too many buttons, smart views and UI components, whereas the Finder remains simple;
• Installers that put your program files and preferences in sometimes random locations, even hidden folders, whereas on OS X there is the application folder and preference settings are stored in one of the libraries;
• A notification tray on the lower right-hand side with a will of its own, which doesn’t always show you the information you need without setting it up first, whereas OS X has the menu bar with the essentials and the Dock for running applications (for which the Windows notification tray is also used);
• Hidden settings menus everywhere, Windows 10 even added a Settings application next to the old Control Panel (I hope that they ditch one for the other before the beta ends), whereas on OS X you only have System Preferences and application preferences.

And from what I understand Windows 10 is still using the Windows Registry to store settings and startup items.

 

[e93to]

* iCloud-based connectivity - it's now the main big selling feature of Apple products. Syncing Calendar, Notes, Reminders, etc between Mac computers and iPhone/iPad is seamless and well-integrated. Now I can't live without these features.

* Mac computer doesn't slow down after some period of time. I thought this was a myth among Windows PC's but I've noticed that some of friends' computers actually do slow down. Meanwhile, my 5-year old MBP is still as fast, stable and quiet as the first day I got it

* The overall OS feels tight and solid (well, at least Mountain Lion and Snow Leopard do). The integration between apps and the OS system is well handled. Furthermore, the harmony between hardware and software (Trackpad & gestures, Mission Control button on keyboard, etc) offers better user experience.

* Menubar apps. I just love them.

* Mac makes things easy and simple - partitioning (I wouldn't dare to do this on PC...), full system back-up, internet tethering/hot spot, etc. When I tethered my iPhone to MBP to temporarily use Internet in a car, my friends were amazed...

* Mission Control and Spaces make multi-tasking easy. For me, these features best-represent Mac user experience.

I love Mac, but it is not perfect. Windows is also a wonderful product, and offers a lot of things that Mac doesn't. I use Vista time to time on my MBP, and wow, it is beautiful. I also use Windows 7 on uni computers, and it is an excellent OS as well. "Snapping" tool is a very clever and useful feature (can be added to Mac with Hyperdock..). I haven't used Windows 8 a lot, but I give MS credit for trying a new interface.

 

[shankar2]

I'm also a windows 7 user who changed over to mac. I just find the integration of my iPhone and mac very useful. Notes calendar contacts everything is synced via icloud.

Now we can receive iphone msgs to my macbook and answer calls made to the iphone on a macbook

Also the finder experience for opening files etc is way superior to windows.

Finally for my work there are some great mac only apps like Logoist 2 art text graphic converter tweetbot etc

I love my MacBook

 

[bbfc]

I could never go back to Windows now. My iPhone and MacBook Pro work so well together. We use Windows machines at work and they are ok but I find myself becoming frustrated with them.

Just installed Windows 10 on a VM and my god this thing is a mess. The UI is all over the place. Not at all sure what it's supposed to be. Windows 7 was the last great Windows release, at least in my opinion.

 

[robgendreau]

Funny...Apple's vaunted connectivity/ecosystem is one thing I dislike. I think it's resulted in compromises in some Apple software that make it less useful but I can usually get something else. OneDrive is still better than iCloud for example. But I realize that's a big selling point for Apple...and Windows now. Win 10 IS the mobile app as well, and I have used a Win tablet running regular old Win applications and although a bit clunky it was useful at times.

The nice thing about Windows is that it's a commodity system. I can buy a cheap box and fire up Word and it really doesn't matter a whole lot what the OS is. Maybe if I was someone who had only one tool it would be a Mac, since I still prefer them for a daily driver so to speak.

Someone mentioned that it's just easier to work on a Mac in terms of settings and such, and that's true. Ditto security, a big deal. But OTOH you can't do much of anything with Mac hardware. If you want screaming speed, PC's are the way to go, and it's far far easier and cheaper to keep up with hardware innovations. But most of us don't need that, and in some cases (retina) Apple is ahead by leagues.

At the end of the day it isn't a question of loyalty or using one system, be it Linux, Android, Mac, iOS or Windows. It's getting the right tool for the right job. Sure, you might have to make compromises if money's short, but most all of this can get the job done, and some work better for certain things than others. No reason to be slave to one corporate giant or the other.

 

[psik]

This will be my last mac most likely...

After 6 months the anti-glare coating is rubbing off while apple fails to recognize it as an issue - i have yet to take it to the store, and they may well repair it for me, but this tells me that apple is slipping both on hardware (and software)

The OS i am on right now (Mavericks) is ok - but really its not that witty or fast, or improved at all since Snow Leopard (Yosemite is even way worst, for the average users, though few people tend to think it's fine)

the price of macs are very high and will likely become higher - I will go with other laptops such as samsung that will give me a similar experience at a lower price (not to mention better screen resolution!)

 

[Fishrrman]

Question:
[[ Why should we stick with Mac Os/Macs? ]]

Answer:
Because -- to an old guy like me, at least -- the Windows OS is as incomprehensible as Chinese.

If the Mac OS suddenly disappeared, I'd consider something like Linux, MacUbuntu (?), etc. -- and make do with that.

 

[Jessica Lares]

I stay because of the third-party software.

 

[campyguy]

I stick with the Mac OS for several reasons, especially for these two words: The Registry.

I have three friends, one of them being my business partner, who swear by Windows. All 3 of them have asked me to help them with fixing their PCs infected with the FBI malware and other viruses - they stick their noses where they shouldn't IMO...

I own a Mac, and I use Parallels Desktop to emulate Win 8.1 and Win 10 - I get 3 OSes for the convenience of one. I don't see my Mac as a "Mac" - I see my Mac as a computer that runs UNIX with an Apple-designed GUI. I live in Terminal, and use other apps like iTunes that make my life fun. I have competitors that use MS Project and brag about its power - I use Merlin, which is Mac-only, and my licenses are $750 cheaper per CAL. I use Office, which is also on Windows. I use Adobe CC, which is also on Windows.

I just don't see any advantage of using Windows...

 

[adamhenry]

I dislike the maintenance chores required to keep a Windows machine optomized (Update installs, disk cleanup, and disk defragging). Some of those can be scheduled for off hours but I always have to verify it actually happens. The registry is a convoluted mess that I always hated to work on.

 

[PeteC1971]

As a recent 'convert' to Mac from both Windows and Linux (mostly Ubuntu), I find OS X very satisfying to use. I've been an IT Pro for 20 years and find the technical reasons for owning a Mac probably the most compelling. Unix based, secure, easy to use and, most importantly, reliable.

Windows 8, I absolutely detested and still do. Windows 7 (and XP before it) were good OS's from a day to day use point of view. That's part of the reason for a change plus my main hobby is Photography and Linux is pretty ordinary dealing with image editing etc.

I also have Parallels so I can still use the occasional application that doesn't exist on OS X but does on both Ubuntu or Windows 8.1.

It's horses for courses but the Mac can do pretty much everything and does pretty much everything very well indeed.

 

[cynics]

I can't find a reason to switch to a Windows PC. Only thing I find appealing about Windows 10 is its similarities with OS X.

Integration with my iOS devices via iCloud is perfect for my usage. Start something on my iPhone finish it on my iMac. Take phone calls, send SMS and iMessages. Reminders, Calendar, Notes, Maps, Safari, Shared photostream, etc. It just works very well for me.

And as far as price goes I don't find Macs to be that expensive when compared equally. And for everything you can find and justifiably say Apple is overpriced someone else can find something from Apple that makes a Windows based PC look overpriced. 5k iMac for example, Dell Ultrasharp is around 2000, base 5k iMac is 2500 and that includes an entire computer (w/ speakers, microphone, camera, bluetooth mouse and keyboard AND the OS installed)! lol

Now don't get me wrong, Yosemite has its short comings. To me I feel like it lost some of that rock solid stability and attention to detail OS X used to have. However I've enjoyed Apple products for far too long to jump ship at the first sign of trouble. Windows has had plenty of version that have down right sucked and then gotten tremendously better. So I owe it to Apple and myself to see where they go from here.

If there is ever a day where I find more value in with Windows and a PC I'll switch. Simple as that. I won't buy any product I genuinely don't prefer.

 

[cfedu]

I started using mac's in 2008, and since then I have used almost every Apple product. I'm currently using a 2012 Mac Mini and a 2012 Macbook air. I got rid of my iPad as I find that the MacBook Air ultra portable is a much more pleasurable experience. I switch to Android last year as I could not justify 700$ for a phone when I could get a Nexus 5 for free.

I really enjoy the ease of use with my Macs, I can buy any mac and just clone my old hard drive and be up and running within an hour. The last windows machine I used had XP and it would take almost a day to get my computer back up and running after a virus or some other malfunction corrupted the operating system. There have been times it would take days to correct driver issues, with Mac this has never been an issue.

I was always able in the past to find great deals on used Mac's, and upgrade them before I sold them. Now that Macs are not upgradeable I can no longer get top dollar for my old Macs. I have always been able to sell my old Macs for the same price that I bought them by upgrading them, so the cost benefit of Macs has been reduced IMO.

Between the reduced crapware on new Microsoft Branded computers, the improvement of Windows and the reduced resale value of Mac's, I may just have to give windows another try. The surface pro 4 might be my replacement for my macbook air and if it goes well I will just fully commit to windows and put Windows 10 on my Mac mini (2012).

 

[Fzang]

There's a certain "Apple philosophy" where most programs from free to $999 are crafted to look like a part of a larger whole. On Windows there's zero consistency between everything. Just look at how many random styles of pop-up windows there are. Maybe this will become better with Metro or Modern (or whatever it ended up being) over the years, but Windows developers have always been slow to ignore everything outside their own little cubicle.

 

[KALLT]

Mission Control and Spaces make multi-tasking easy. For me, these features best-represent Mac user experience.

Windows 10 is finally catching up in that area. Admittedly though, the window snapping and task bar popups are very convenient. I wish these things were supported natively on OS X as well.

There's a certain "Apple philosophy" where most programs from free to $999 are crafted to look like a part of a larger whole. On Windows there's zero consistency between everything. Just look at how many random styles of pop-up windows there are. Maybe this will become better with Metro or Modern (or whatever it ended up being) over the years, but Windows developers have always been slow to ignore everything outside their own little cubicle.

It’s still present in Windows 10. Perhaps it’s still a work in progress, but the melting of Modern UI and classic desktop really shows in many places. There is still a lot of work ahead of them to make the user experience consistent, if that is what they want.

Apple is doing it too, unfortunately. iTunes has many custom components that you don’t see anywhere else and Apple has been doing this since I own a Mac. It always annoyed me that they do this. iPhoto has this as well, but fortunately, Photos is adopting a native style. The iWork apps also have some distinct differences, but they are kept to a minimum.

In addition, OS X has taken on many design elements from iOS that sometimes conflict with the UI of OS X. Launchpad for instance is as limited as it can be: it’s severely restricted; you can only move one icon at a time, you can’t use any shortcuts or keys, folder management is a pain. It’s such a chore to use it, although I quite like the idea of it. Apple shouldn’t just transplant features from iOS to OS X, they should take the inspiration and create something original that fits into OS X.

 

[Mac-lover3]

Why should we use Apple products?

I use them because I like the way they work. I have an iPhone 5 and a MacBook Air for school. The MacBook Air is a nice, fast and lightweight machine that has quite a lot of power though it's from 2011. Also battery is still very good using Yosemite I still get around 4-5 hours of normal usage out of it (Safari, iTunes, Pages, Word, Mail,...). And yes Yosemite was not the best build of OSX but is was good, apart form the major Wi-Fi bug and Mail bug for Gmail & Exchange.

Than iPhone it just works great it is almost 3 years old and still works great even with iOS 8. I do agree that iOS 8 wasn't the best OS version but with 8.3 (yes Public Beta) it starts being stable and reliable again.
Now let's just hope that OSX 10.11 and iOS 9 are focussing on bug fixes, stable software and some nice new functions. That with a nice iPhone 6s and 6s+ and the new MacBook should Apple be satisfied with this year.