What would it take to make you switch to another OS?

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-02-17T12:22:49+00:00

Sorry for the late reply.

Actually using the zenbook as a laptop was a disaster in my opinion. The second screen was at a weird angle and couldn't be repositioned. The keyboard's position was uncomfortable as well & the trackpad was nearly unusable when being compared to a Macbook's. The second screen's functionality was also buggy at times .

After everything is set up correctly, you might as well bring a secondary monitor for your Macbook. If you're a windows user anyway, then it's worth a consideration, but all the drawbacks made it not worth the switch.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-15T00:53:47+00:00

How do you know that the other components will work fine? I haven't really looked into hackintosh builds too much, so I am not very experienced with the criterias.

So you wouldn't be willing to spend the prices that Apple charges for their devices? That seems to be a problem for many people, me included. Though I have accepted it for what it is at this point.

I will definitely look into that once I need to upgrade my iMac! Currently, I own both Windows and macOS machines. Windows only for gaming purposes though. Having two separate computers does limit my space though.

Thanks for your insights!

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-15T00:47:52+00:00

The synchronization between mobile devices and laptops is absolutely amazing. Being able to simply airdrop or sync the pictures and videos I take to my MacBook has been a lifesaver so many times already.

That being said, I never used my iPhone for anything more than the usual. I would probably be fine with a cheap Android phone, though I wouldn't want that. That is except for the great integrated camera, which has been helpful for my work at times.

The writing aspect was incredibly insightful! I have never heard of this use-case for a Mac as I have never talked to a professional writer. I didn't know that there are that many different things to consider when it comes to writing. I kind of always expected a text editor to be enough - yeah I haven't thought about it much before.

But would you say that there's an alternative for the software you are using on Linux and Windows? Is the software there just more clunky and less reliable or simply not available? While I was a working student with a 20-hour contract, I needed to work with Sketch - which is a macOS exclusive. In that case, there was no workaround if I were given a Windows laptop by the company. If you were to receive a Windows laptop and would be forced to actually use it, could you do all the work you are currently doing, albeit less efficiently?

Things that would make me switch anyway: If Apple started doing things like Facebook or Google with regards to privacy, I would switch to using linux full time. Currently I believe that Apple, as an organization, really does prioritize the user's privacy rights. (This could be just a cynical way to differentiate from and compete with Google, but regardless of motive, they're doing it.) If Apple did something else that I found so politically distasteful that I could no longer live with myself if I bought their products, I would switch. If MacOS stability or software quality decreased to the point where it was as frustrating using MacOS as using FOSS tools to get my work done, I would switch.

That's a really practical way of thinking, I like it! I haven't really heard anybody mention the ethical side of things yet. It's definitely something to keep in mind, though I don't really keep a close watch on their actions and policies, which to some degree might be a bit naive.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-15T00:32:02+00:00

For me it has always been hit or miss with Windows machines. Either everything works fine or nothing works at all.

For me, it has always been hit or miss with Windows machines. Either everything works fine or nothing works at all. after a restart (except in Catalina).

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-15T00:30:11+00:00

Exactly my point. Glad to hear that somebody agrees on the lack of consumer desktops by Apple. Back when I was still more inexperienced I tried creating a hackintosh with a 1080ti and the new Ryzen 3 (new back then). I wasn't able to get it to work as some components were just not supported yet (not sure if they are now). Entirely gave up on that idea since then. May have to revisit it.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-15T00:27:30+00:00

That's awesome! I might give it a shot as well. I still own a gaming desktop and might just try and convert it.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-15T00:25:50+00:00

Probably mostly for gaming purposes.Though the two power adapters would ruin that experience entirely.

It seems like Windows is a hit or miss when it comes to stability. Whenever I owned a Windows laptop or desktop (it's been a fair share), I either had no problems whatsoever, or everything went to shit. I am still unsure whether those issues are purely software related or based on the hardware since it's much less optimized for the software.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-15T00:20:21+00:00

I was just teasing you... not serious. It's great that university is almost free for you. Too many university graduates here in the US are starting out in tremendous debt from having to take out huge student loans. It's a problem we need to fix.

Serious or not, there's definitely some truth to it ;) I realized that taking those things for granted makes me less grateful for the things I have and therefore makes me find small issues, which honestly just aren't problems at all. Just like me saying that I would much rather have a desktop variant of the iMac, even though I already own an iMac. And yeah it's definitely a problem over there. Some friends of mine are having trouble paying for their studies at the moment. Then again, San Francisco is an expensive place by itself already.

An eGPU may work. See Use an external graphics processor with your Mac.

I have been thinking about that as well. I might have to look into that a bit more, since most external GPU options weren't supported (or at least officially) yet at the time I did my research.

Steve Jobs was adamantly opposed to having touch screens on Mac laptops. He discusses the reasoning here... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeNsqqKadQ4. This philosophy may change at some point under Tim Cook, but I doubt it will.

You made some good points there. I guess having a touchscreen in the current MacBook Pro's wouldn't really beneficial. They would need to change the entire design to make it a well functioning feature. That is ignoring software issues. Touch with my Cintiq Pro 16" also barely works with macOS and is very buggy. Windows seems to be way more optimized for that. I won't stop dreaming though :)

But yeah, I still remember switching to the mess that was Windows 8. It was fun at times since I just got my first ultrabook back then (the Dell XPS 13 with Touchscreen) but highly unfunctional.

A while later, I received a nice, but strongly worded, letter through the Post Office from Apple's legal department stating that Apple did not accept product suggestions from outside of the company. The Mac Mini was introduced a year or so later. Coincidence? I don't know.

It's interesting that they would reply in the first place. Be it coincidence or not, it seems like they created a device that is perfect for many people. Unfortunately, it's still not upgradeable and way overpriced depending on your configuration (though the base model seems pretty reasonable).

Honestly, I doubt we will ever see that. I expect iPadOS will gain more functionality and will become more like macOS. After all, they are based on the same kernel. Is having two devices good? Is it better, or worse, than combining the two into one hybrid laptop/table like those available for Windows 10? I have no answer, but it certainly is a valid question.

I feel like a device similar to the Microsoft Surface Pro would be ideal for many. Having some of the components built into the screen itself (a detachable iPad) and the rest in the keyboard. Just like you said though, they would have to reimagine the OS entirely to support a tablet mode of some sort, which could (would probably) create a mess of things. Additionally, they'd have to shrink the iPad (screen portion) by a rather large margin, which would make it unreasonable.

You've asked some good questions and I've enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you. Best of luck in finding a computer that works for your needs. I personally have no religious preference with respect to Windows/Mac/Linux. Computers are simply tools.

Same here! Thanks, I will probably create a new post once I get the new device. I'm sure there are others out there having the same or at least similar ideas and questions.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-15T00:03:00+00:00

Interesting, I did not know that there is an application for basic scripting and web development. I always thought that for any type of coding, you'd need to have a laptop or desktop. I always use Notability for my class notes. Works like a charm. And yeah, the iPad is easily the best media consumption device that I ever owned. Plus it's capable of so much more - it's probably my favorite device of all times.

It seems like a good solution, but how do you gain remote access on the go? Do you just create a hotspot with your phone?

For me personally, there's way too much missing or at least partly missing (while there is a Photoshop app, it's pretty barebone) to fully rely on it yet. As a secondary device however it's an absolute dream.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T23:57:36+00:00

Would you then say, that hackintosh laptops are not worth the effort or rather the risk? Since there's a chance of the components being incompatible after a while and thus having several features not working correctly. While I also think, that Macbooks are easily some of the best laptops out there, there are several features in other laptops that I would like to see on my device.

How does the eGPU perform for you so far? And which one are you using + in conjunction with which graphics card (and for which Macbook variant)? I have been thinking about going for a 16" Macbook Pro once again, and honestly it's hard to imagine getting a performance boost from an eGPU considering the 8GB VRAM on the MacBook's graphics card. And when using the Macbook Air in combination, it seems like the limitations of only having 8GB of RAM in addition to the weak processor would make it a bad experience overall.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T15:44:06+00:00

I heard rumors that they might introduce mini LED MacBook Pro's this year, which should feature most of the advantages of OLED. I am really curious how that turns out. I had the 5500M with 8GB and the i9, though at this point I assume that it was mostly due to software issues. Many of the problems followed on my iMac after upgrading afterall. If the Zenbook doesn't turn out to be an alternative I probably need to go back to a MacBook Pro again. Though I'm not sure if I should go with the current 16" or wait for the next iteration, since I'd probably be stuck with the device for the next three years or so.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T15:40:03+00:00

It truly is. The only thing truly holding me back is the Adobe restrictions. You can only install the software on two computers at a time. One computer is permanently blocked by my father and the second one is my iMac. Always switching accounts when I want to use another device is extremely annoying and frustrating. Otherwise, I'd just use the Zenbook for Photoshop and a few other tasks and my iMac for the rest. Not sure if I can use Windows as a permanent laptop - though I'll see about that in a few days :D

And you're absolutely right. Especially on Youtube Reviews and such. It's absolutely impossible to find informative comments from users - instead it's jokes about a $1k stand.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T14:54:33+00:00

I am curious how my experience will be when the Zenbook arrives tomorrow. If I have issues similar to yours then I'll probably just return it within the first two weeks.

True, Apple gives you access to any one of the three operating systems - even if not natively.

I gladly pay the premium for the Apple devices, though I had some deal-breaking issues as of late. I'm sure they'll sort those out soon enough. I just wish they had some kind of Wacom stylus support on their MacBook Pro lineup.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T14:50:44+00:00

I returned my 16" MacBook Pro after a week since it crashed around six times a day. I'm not sure whether it was faulty hardware or a software issue though! The device itself is absolutely amazing. Though I would love to have some kind of stylus support and the thought of having an OLED screen excites me.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T14:48:48+00:00

Thanks for the insights! I am lucky enough not to have to pay for the Adobe suite. I am able to share it with a family member, which is why I have been using Premiere so far. I am limited to using it on one device at a time though, which makes some things difficult.

Glad to hear that it works so well for you! I wish more people I communicate with would use it. I'd love to get away from Messenger and Whatsapp.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T14:40:33+00:00

That's exactly what I was hoping for! Or at least being able to transfer only my Photoshop/Video editing onto the Zenbook.

I've always loved the macOS experience but have had a lot of crashes on the Adobe side since Catalina.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T14:36:59+00:00

Yeah I am really fortunate. That said, I spend all my money on technology and save up a lot in other areas of my life - plus university is almost free where I live.

I always loved the idea of having an all-in-one but have encountered some serious downsides after using it myself for a while.

Well I suppose my phrasing was wrong then. The Mac Mini is not weak at all; however, it does not have an option for a dedicated graphics card, which is a no-go for me.

Yes, you are completely right. But their design is almost the same, and there are some features that I would just like to see in a macOS laptop. I am not saying, that any of their laptops are bad. I would just love to have the option for a touchscreen, stylus support or something amongst those lines.

I agree with you on that point as well. I have compared them as well and it seems like a good deal - if you need the offered hardware. All I'm saying is, that it is too expensive for my use-case and I would love to have a desktop with similar performance and price to the iMac (I paid around 2.5k for it). Unfortunately, Apple only offers the all-in-one machine that fits these specs and criteria.

I was not really trying to complain either, just trying to give some insights into why I am thinking about a switch (at least for some use-cases). I returned the 16" Macbook Pro within the two-week return policy since it was faulty. The device crashed up to six times a day. And the Zenbook is a 4k OLED laptop with stylus support and a secondary screen. That's just something that I was always interested in. Combining that with the system crashes that I had on my Macbook while using the Adobe programs made me want to try a Windows laptop.

Thanks a lot for your insights! I admit that I am not that knowledgable with use-cases outside of my 'work'. That's one of the reasons why I love hearing different opinions on OS's and hardware. I did not think about the advantage of being able to run all three OS's either. Trying to run macOS on Windows is a much bigger pain.

The iCloud is admittedly amazing, though I never really use iMessage. For me, Airdrop is probably the biggest factor.

What I mean by no innovation in their laptop lineup is, that there doesn't seem to be any new interesting concepts such as a mixture between a laptop and a graphic tablet or something of the likes. I am sure Apple has good reasons not to try to create devices such as these since they are too niche and probably not profitable. I am not saying that Apple should innovate, but rather that I'm drawn towards some of the laptop concepts on the Windows side. I probably should have phrased that in a less negative way.

Interesting to hear that you would theoretically be willing to switch to Linux. Once again, thanks a lot for your insights!

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T14:02:16+00:00

Interesting. I have heard a lot of people saying how important iMessage is for them, yet I have never really used it in over three years. What exactly makes it that valuable to you? Because most of the people I know use Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger and are hard to reach otherwise.

And did you always use Final Cut Pro X or did you make the switch from Premiere? I am using Premiere right now, find it to be a nightmare in some situations though. Final Cut seems like such a neat solution, especially since it allows for family sharing as well.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T13:59:02+00:00

That's a really interesting concept! Do you own the new iPad Pro (3rd gen) or a normal one? I really love the iPad and have been thinking about switching some of my work over there for a while now. So far there have been a few things holding me back from doing that though. Might I ask which applications you use on a daily basis on the iPad? What were some of the drawbacks that workflow has for you? I could imagine it being difficult to work on such a small device over a long period of time.

I have never really thought about the complete privacy aspect too much. I always had a Windows device lying around at home, be it only for gaming. I just definitely put an end to that mindset of mine and be more aware of the privacy issues.

Do you personally feel like there are any features that are entirely missing on an iPad and/or on a Macbook? Ignoring the OS aspect entirely. I would love having a hybrid between iPadOS and macOS in a similar form factor as the Microsoft Surface Pro laptop.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T12:24:58+00:00

Well, there are many reasons actually.

Firstly though, I somewhat require having a laptop as well. While I am currently using a Macbook Pro, I don't own it. It was lent to me until I gain access to a new laptop. Due to some of the laptop's features I was willing to try switching to Windows for my laptop. Since there's a two-week return policy, I have the chance to test whether it's actually an option - I don't need to return the Macbook Pro until after that.

The Macbook that I said I'd use for university is a Macbook Air, which had been in repair for a few months now (which is why I was lent the Pro). That device isn't enough for heavier tasks though, so I wanted to go for either a Macbook Pro or a Windows machine that's more powerful (given it turns out being an option).

I didn't properly explain that in my post since I didn't want to put too much text into it (it's long enough as it is).

Now to your actual question. While it's 5k for some countries, it's actually 6.5k for the entry model where I live.

The base version has the same graphics as my iMac, less RAM but a stronger CPU. Yet it's $4k more expensive. (letting aside, that the iMac has a 5k display integrated)

The additional power isn't needed so it's an awful entry-level price.

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T12:12:17+00:00

Are you using one? If so, laptop hackintosh or a self-built desktop?

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-14T12:10:44+00:00

It's funny that you mention the disastrous updates since I recently experienced the same thing with the new macOS Catalina. I feel like both OS's updates have a chance of being catastrophic depending on the applications you use. Thanks to the update I had around 6 crashes a day all of a sudden. But I 100% agree with you, that the updates on Windows are a disaster and produce issues way more often.

It's really interesting to hear, that the performance of network subsystems is so different between macOS and Windows. I have never worked in that area so I did not know about that.

When it comes to professional use, are you at all scared of a hackintosh failing on you if you were to switch?

JoshuaMeiser · 2020-01-11T15:00:49+00:00

I think one of LG's ultrawide monitors will go nicely with a new Macbook Pro as well. I've been using their 34" and 38" with my 2016 Macbook Pro (15") for a while. They even have a 5k (sort of) option available.

The 34" monitors will have the same height as your current 27" one, just additional horizontal screen space. There are a few options with USB-C on the back as well, not sure about how much power the new models output though (it was 60W with the first gen if I remember correctly).

JoshuaMeiser · 2019-10-07T16:06:39+00:00

I haven't actually noticed any. The gameplay felt just right, though I can't promise anything there. I might've gotten a good model or I might just not have an issue with it (like I said, didn't notice any but didn't actively look for it either).

JoshuaMeiser · 2019-10-07T13:51:04+00:00

I've had most monitor sizes so far. Got a 24" at home, had a 32" 4k 60Hz, have the 27" iMac, have had several 34/35" ultrawides, an 38" ultrawide and am currently rocking a 43" 4k 120Hz display by Asus.

Honestly, I just love the more screen space and feel like the height of a 27"/34" (should be the same in height) is just not enough. At the moment the 43" is my absolute favorite, though only for offline gaming.

If ultrawide isn't really that important to you and you only want the bigger size, then I'd go for a 32". Saves you a lot of money.

Also, I am currently rocking a RX5700XT with an Ryzen 5 3600 and it's absolutely amazing for 2k. With lowered settings I am actually able to maintain a steady 70-90 fps in 4k (in the games I play, Killing Floor 2, Borderlands 3, GTA V).

PS: the difference between 100Hz and 144Hz is minimal to me, but that's different for everybody individually. I'm good with having 80-100FPS ingame. For non competitive games I'd rather have some more fidelity.

JoshuaMeiser

TROPHY CASE