MacOS vs Windows and the new MacBook Pro series – some more thoughts
I’ve been a Mac user since Windows 3.1 came out. I figured since I liked a real GUI environment I might as well go with the real thing. My first Mac was an LC way back when. Yet… I don’t consider myself a “fan boy.” I really think 6 of one is half a dozen of the other. It depends on what you are used to. Since I also use Microsoft tools, like Office, and Dropbox and other cross-compatible tools from Google and Evernote, etc., I like to think of my Mac as “just a tool” rather than something I’m in love with.
I prefer the Mac OS. And lately I’ve come to enjoy the Mac ecosystem more with things like Universal clipboard.
I use my Mac mostly for software development and then all the daily things people do with their computers. I find it mostly stable and easy to use. But it is far from the original “it just works” idea.
Objective studies on usability show it’s really a matter of what you are used to. There are many people I know and respect who are highly skilled developers in the field of computer graphics who do all their main work on Windows machines. They are not Mac haters. It’s just that the tools they use (Maya, etc.) are only available on Windows and that’s the way it’s been for a long time and so they became used to that environment.
When forced to use a Mac, rather than instantly fall in love, they are just as confused by MacOS as Mac users are when trying to get things done on Windows.
I also run Windows (7 and 10) in Parallels on my MBP – mostly for browser testing – and find it awkward to use. but I’m sure that that’s really because I’m just not used to it.
Getting away from the entire Apple ecosystem is difficult. And there is no reason for me to consider giving up my current late 2013 Retina MBP, which is specced out (for the time) with a 512 GB SSB and 16 GB of RAM. It works just fine. But I did wanted to upgrade, because 512 GB is too small for my data now.
But the new MBP series is just too expensive. Real sticker shock. So I suspect I’ll just keep going like I am for a few years – or possibly sell this one and upgrade to an older model that’s newer than mine with more capacity.
But I don’t see anything in the new MBP that makes it worth the price – especially since I would need to get the even pricier 1 TB option.
But How about the times they tie you up into having to buy extra adapters and other accessories that are not required of a PC?
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Yes, I agree with you on that. For example, I find it really strange that the latest iPhone can no longer connect to the latest MacBook Pro without purchasing an extra $25 lighting-to-USBC connector. I meant to include that in my article.
I recently started using Mac and am blown away by its functionality. It has made my workflow so much easier and more efficient. I will never return to windows again, even though it hurts my pocket.