Anyone else abandoning ship?

[jerryk]

This never happened before on my mac,
These brief advice on pc related products and advice while i am only using word and these message protrude from the lower right corner of the screen.
But a dead horse is a dead horse, and food for stan barathians army!

When you view this page do you see any ads right above the page list at the bottpm? I have one for some online university. I suspect they displayed it because I looked for an online course earlier this week.
[doublepost=1553722877][/doublepost]

But your original comments pertained to ads popping up on the Windows 10 home page. Your comment above talks about ads that pop up while browsing the internet. Two completely different topics of discussion.

Yes they are 2 different topics of discussion, create by two different people and some people participating in both. Nothing too unusual.

 

[rols]

Found this thread because I was looking for experiences ditching Apple's laptops after 2 decades but sticking with my iOS devices and perhaps some recommendations for the best windows laptops to try to move to.
This after my 2016 MBP, which has been the worst machine I've ever purchased, is going to require another trip to the Apple store now the display has developed issues. That's after the two keyboard cleanings, the keyboard replacement and a swelled battery replacement. Yeah that's two bottom case replacements and no I don't throw the laptop down a well on a daily basis, it's used daily but gently.
I would even get over this and try one more time if the product line had what I needed, a 15" screen, at least 2 USB ports (really 4 but I can shut my eyes on this one) and no blasted touch bar.
Haven't read the whole thread yet, seems to have turned into general windows bashing, I don't like the OS either but I can't keep tossing money at poor quality hardware. I'll read the other 62 pages and see how many people actually tried leaving the ecosystem.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Found this thread because I was looking for experiences ditching Apple's laptops after 2 decades but sticking with my iOS devices and perhaps some recommendations for the best windows laptops to try to move to.
This after my 2016 MBP, which has been the worst machine I've ever purchased, is going to require another trip to the Apple store now the display has developed issues. That's after the two keyboard cleanings, the keyboard replacement and a swelled battery replacement. Yeah that's two bottom case replacements and no I don't throw the laptop down a well on a daily basis, it's used daily but gently.
I would even get over this and try one more time if the product line had what I needed, a 15" screen, at least 2 USB ports (really 4 but I can shut my eyes on this one) and no blasted touch bar.
Haven't read the whole thread yet, seems to have turned into general windows bashing, I don't like the OS either but I can't keep tossing money at poor quality hardware. I'll read the other 62 pages and see how many people actually tried leaving the ecosystem.

I followed this thread from the beginning.
A lot of this thread is actually quite open and constructive about pro's and cons . Some bashing (of both sides) can't be avoided, but considering the circumstances... this being MacRumors and all

 

[MBAir2010]

"these are alerts.....they alert me when i need to buy products......spend money ....on Microsoft....they have nothing to do with internet searches, ad words or google searches, the PC was first used by me only and the alerts were not set off.
/tech rep who services our computers just now.
[doublepost=1553725533][/doublepost]wow, we are in a confused state of loyalty and confidence in just buying a laptop that works.
i guess this is hit or miss because everybody has problems with their laptops.
i should get a pinebook64 and run unbuntu for only 99.99$ so i don't feel bad when the typing experience is horrible!
[doublepost=1553725634][/doublepost]

Found this thread because I was looking for experiences ditching Apple's laptops after 2 decades.

sorry we bastardizeding this thread wholeheartedly, it did have a good start tho!

 

[rols]

I followed this thread from the beginning.
A lot of this thread is actually quite open and constructive about pro's and cons . Some bashing (of both sides) can't be avoided, but considering the circumstances... this being MacRumors and all

Good - I still have 1300 messages to chew through

 

[R.P.G]

Ok so I went on the Aus Lenovo site and specced the X1E as I want it and did a comparison spec on Apple with the 15” MBP.


The cost difference was $2000 !!!! That is mental........

There is a 20% re-stocking fee if you don’t like it though, and there is no way to use it before ordering.

and you Can Upgrade to the highest Mac level spec with fraction of cost. There was 20% discount going on two weeks back..

 

[leman]

But your original comments pertained to ads popping up on the Windows 10 home page. Your comment above talks about ads that pop up while browsing the internet. Two completely different topics of discussion.

They indeed are. But as so often with these humongous threads, you have 10+ topics being discussed in parallel and then people start mixing all this stuf and the result is total chaos.

 

[R.P.G]

I just want to point out that with the exception of Mac keyboard and flex cable issues, a lot of the random problems people have here.. issues like speakers crackling, coil whine, etc.. are the same problems many have with comparable Windows laptops by Lenovo, HP, and Dell as well.

Is Intel the common denominator?

https://www.dell.com/community/XPS/XPS-15-9570-Audio-crackling-and-popping/td-p/6105798

https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/9z1dbc/does_anyones_x1_extreme_not_have_coil_whine/

Dell's XPS forums strike me as having the most unhappy customers. I considered the 9570 but stayed away after seeing all the complaints there. I guess unfortunately it's a bit of a lottery no matter what brand you choose.

I stayed away from MacBooks since the 2015 models thinking I wouldn't be happy with the new design, keyboards, and usb-c only.. but I'm really happy with my 2018 model so far.

Dell 9570 is low end 'Budget Gaming device' with poor quality management. it all depends on luck what do you get. But they are very cheap considering Hardware. I bought my First gen 9570(still have it), in one year i changed screen and touch pad both under warranty. next year i had to replace screen again. poor quality products.

if you looking for something on par with Macs , look at XPS.

 

[MBAir2010]

They indeed are. But as so often with these humongous threads, you have 10+ topics being discussed in parallel and then people start mixing all this stuf and the result is total chaos.

what? homogenized treats have 10 times the displacement of propelling mixing stiff tachometers?

 

[R.P.G]

What I pointed out was the fact that Windows 10 has in-built ads, which has been a topic of much controversy and discussion from the first day it was released. I am not sure what my personal experience has to do with it. I regret it if the tone of my post or the particular wording I used might have lead to any confusion.
[doublepost=1553722190][/doublepost]

If you never noticed anything like this, its maybe because you only use search engines and websites that have strict privacy policies. Spend some time with google servivces, amazon and the like, and the personalised internet ads will follow you like a magnet

Brave and DuckduckGo..best alternatives to stop ads..

 

[jerryk]

"these are alerts.....they alert me when i need to buy products......spend money ....on Microsoft....they have nothing to do with internet searches, ad words or google searches, the PC was first used by me only and the alerts were not set off.
/tech rep who services our computers just now.

So the tech is saying it work fine and the problem did not happen when he used it?

Is he now saying that since you have it there is some virus or something on it.

Very confusing message.

 

[MBAir2010]

No virus, windows sends alerts every once in a while. Simple pure alerts in dark blue colors!

 

[jeremiah256]

Pc laptops are not the same.

<rant>
IMHO, you're right and you are wrong.

You're right in that there is no comparison in the PC or Google world to the ease of use and the capabilities you have if you stay in the Apple ecosystem. I'd prefer to stay in the Apple laptop ecosystem because as much as I love using macOS, iOS and macOS together are like...I believe the use of the word "wonderful" is appropriate.

That said, you're wrong in that I don't enjoy the laptop hardware that is currently acting as the middle man between me and macOS. So here I am, a Mac laptop user since 2001, trying to figure out how to keep macOS front and center to my portable workstation computing, but for the first time in my life, envious, lustful, and to be honest, resentful, of what is being produced in the PC world.

Buy minimum RAM and upgrade as needed? I used to have that with my MBP. A laptop that also allows you to have two SSDs that can be swapped out? Brings back bitter sweet memories of when I removed the slow HDD and SuperDrive from my MBP and replaced both with SSDs. Access to the best graphics cards because the laptop manufacturer doesn't have a beef with Nvidia? Been there, done that.

With the way Apple is trending with the T2 type chip and rumors of modules being their way forward with desktops, I feel I need to get what could very well be my last Mac now, and at the same time start transitioning out of the Apple ecosystem. That this is so difficult is a testament to how I loved Apple's laptops and especially to how great macOS has been for me.

They might as well call the next version of macOS "Brokeback Mountain" because "I wish I knew how to quit you..." seems to be a theme for many of us.
</rant>

 

[MBAir2010]

Im in the same boat, Jeremiah numbers
kinda sucks we cant upgrade our computers, but our ssds from 2010 still work, so i might trust apple to solder in theres, if i buy a 2018 macbook pro, meaning i will be stuck with forevah

 

[jerryk]

No virus, windows sends alerts every once in a while. Simple pure alerts in dark blue colors!

Did you try these option that were posted previously. Most of the off settings for suggestions should be off by default, but perhaps something is different on your system.

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-remove-advertising-windows-10#remove_ads_lock

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Wait what? How can you be using Windows but not be aware of the fact that’s it’s a huge advertising platform for MS? Why do you think there are hundreds of Web sites along the lines of “how to disable annnoying ads in Windows 10”?

So you don't have a screenshot? Because I haven't had a single ad. I have it installed on a desktop and a Surface Pro. Show us a screenshot.
[doublepost=1553736190][/doublepost]

I think there is a big difference between seeing ads in a dedicated app that serves as a store, and seeing (unsolicited) ads in your app menu, on your lock screen and in other places.

Not to mention that they are actually collecting information to serve you targeted ads, and they were (and probably still are) also playing with ideas to add ads to stock apps, e.g.: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ne...off-ads-in-windows-10-mail-app-after-outrage/
[doublepost=1553704304][/doublepost]

You mean like these ones? https://nexusconsultancy.co.uk/blog/got-edge-faster-chrome-popup-whats-fastest-browser/

I have no idea whether MS still does popups like these — I don't use that OS too often, but I do notice that my start menu is littered with app ads.

Screenshot please.

 

[booksbooks]

It is only better if you don't want what the Surface Book does. I prefer having the computer in the top. And as for the Yoga, I hated the feel of the keyboard on the bottom. The point is there is no such thing as a one size fits all preference. People are different. And as the quotes above noted Microsoft worked to improve the hinge so what is the problem?

It’s not only better if you don’t want what the Surface Book does.

It’s absurd to hold that the Surface Book hinge is as good or better than a standard laptop hinge. It’s a terrible design: nobody would ever have such a hinge unless forced to.

Lenovo has shown that a much better hinge can be made. Microsoft needs to have a hinge like that innovated in a way where the screen/tablet can be removed.

Until then, the degrees of motion are more limited, and the bulge exists making the device much thicker at the thickest point than modern laptop, affecting its use (portability, handling, etc.). And no tent mode either.

Nobody would even copy it is how bad it is. I suspect we’ll look back at how ridiculous the industrial design of it truly is, and it will be compared to early convertible plastic laptops with quirky hinges.

 

[SDColorado]

No virus, windows sends alerts every once in a while. Simple pure alerts in dark blue colors!

Crazy. I can honestly say with my Surface Pro I have never seen anything remotely resembling a pop-up like that. Only thing I ever see is Notification Center alerting me of calendar events.

 

[kvyoung]

I made the leap today. I had a 2018 MBP arrive today and got in the car, drove to the Apple Store and returned it, box unopened. After reading about the T2 troubles here, the questionable keyboard I know about and a price that is ridiculous in comparison to competitor products I’ve had enough. I’m deeply in the Apple eco system with iPhone X, Apple Watch 3, IPad Pro 10.5 a MacBook 12 and an rMBP from 2012. But I liked my Thinkpads before switching to Mac so I am moving to a top end X1 Carbon 6th Gen and adding LTE and saving $1,100 in the process. My next phone will be Android, my watch will be replaced with Android or FitBit and for tablets not sure at this point.

I don’t hate Apple but their Canadian pricing is plain crazy. My top end rMBP 15” from 2012 cost around $2,200 but a replacement today is $4,000+. I had settled on a refurbished MBP 13” and with Apple Care it was $3,600. Mean while the XPS line and even the X1 Carbons are over $1,000 less. I’m also not really impressed by how they stand behind engineering flaws. Unless they get hit with a class action they seem to pretend everything is just fine. A quick watch of Louis Rossman on YouTube sheds a lot of light on Apple. No wonder they want to do away with third party repairs.

For those of you sticking with Apple I wish you the best. The ecosystem is hard to beat. I’m done paying the Apple tax though and doubt I will ever buy another Mac unless they get their engineering and pricing in check. If they learn from their recent mistakes they can solve the former but I don't think they will ever solve the latter. The price increases in 2018 were evidence of that and while they may be trying to increase profits when iPhone sales are dropping I think they have underestimated how many of us that were all in are simply going to move on and hurt that profit margin even further.

 

[Mendota]

It’s not only better if you don’t want what the Surface Book does.

It’s absurd to hold that the Surface Book hinge is as good or better than a standard laptop hinge. It’s a terrible design: nobody would ever have such a hinge unless forced to.

Lenovo has shown that a much better hinge can be made. Microsoft needs to have a hinge like that innovated in a way where the screen/tablet can be removed.

Until then, the degrees of motion are more limited, and the bulge exists making the device much thicker at the thickest point than modern laptop, affecting its use (portability, handling, etc.). And no tent mode either.

Nobody would even copy it is how bad it is. I suspect we’ll look back at how ridiculous the industrial design of it truly is, and it will be compared to early convertible plastic laptops with quirky hinges.

You seem to have a personal issue going here. I use and prefer the Surface Book. It I wanted a Yoga I would have bought one. I like the computer in the top, with the extended gpu in the bottom, works like a charm and there are many many happy people using the Surface Book, including myself. I don't need you to tell me what I should use. I don't like the Lenovo design, nothing against them or anyone that likes it.

At this point you seem to be threaten by the Surface Book for reasons known only to yourself. And by the way, I buy computers to use, not to look at. The Surface Book looks fine, but it's function is what matters to me. You seem to be one of those Apple people that are caught up in style rather than usefulness. The new Mac Books have serious issues to include the keyboard, that seems to be quite ridiculous given that it breaks down, but as long as it looks "cool", that seems to be all that matters to you... I need more than that.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Crazy. I can honestly say with my Surface Pro I have never seen anything remotely resembling a pop-up like that. Only thing I ever see is Notification Center alerting me of calendar events.

I agree with this. On both my desktop and my Surface Pro I have only seen notifications for the things I wish--and NO ADs.

 

[Queen6]

I agree with this. On both my desktop and my Surface Pro I have only seen notifications for the things I wish--and NO ADs.

Same across multiple systems, no ADs, no pop ups, no problems and I've been using Mac's for over two decades. W10 has it's issues, however random AD's popping up left, right and centre is not one of them.

Q-6

 

[Pared3s]

So after using a Mac for the last 20 years, I just picked up a Dell XPS 2 in 1. I'm not here to gloat but hopefully as a plea to Apple to change their ways. I'm voting with my wallet on this one. This thread is 62 pages long now. To me that says something. I think PCs are more innovative at this point. I took a hard look at my workflow and decided there isn't enough on the Mac side to keep me there. I still prefer MacOS but Windows 10 looks polished enough now where I could tolerate it.
With the MBP I felt like I was overpaying for an unreliable product. I also didn't see any utility with the Touch Bar. I'd much rather pay more for touch screen capabilities. I no longer have to tell my kids to not touch the screen! As a consumer, I feel like they are asking too much of me. Even if I had a bottomless wallet their products are just too limited to consider. I've had enough of the walled garden. I'm going to venture out for a little. Tim Apple- if you happen to read this, I will gladly switch back over if you give me a touch screen with Apple pencil support and reduce all your prices to be competitive with PC laptops. I will be happy to beta test it for you for free.
For anyone out there that reads this and is on the fence, just consider your needs and look at your options. Don't blindly follow Apple because they are like an insatiable money monster right now. They only want to raise the bar of their prices instead of the bar of progress. They lost me and I hope others will follow so hopefully they will see the error of their ways. Good luck all!

 

[agaskew]

So you don't have a screenshot? Because I haven't had a single ad. I have it installed on a desktop and a Surface Pro. Show us a screenshot.
[doublepost=1553736190][/doublepost]
Screenshot please.

Keep dreaming, all you are going to get is obfuscation. I too have never seen W10 "littered with ads", or had a single advertising pop up, except before adding a pop up blocker to the browser.

On the other hand, I booted up my old MBP last week and my Apple/iCloud/whatever ID password must be wrong or have expired - I never use it. I then had to dismiss that 'There is a problem with your account' pop up fourteen times.

 

[leman]

@eltoslightfoot @agaskew @Queen6 @c0ppo and others, since you apparently missed the biggest Windows 10 controversy and continue to pester me to screenshot something that has been documented and criticised on thousands and thousands of blogs, websites etc., here is your screenshot.

It is a freshly installed Windows 10 instance, with all default settings. The screenshot shows the windows application menu. Circled in red are apps that are NOT installed on the machine, yet there is no way to tell this since they appear in the same way as apps that are installed. If you click on one of those items, the app gets installed without your agreement. We are not talking about system-bundled apps like Mail or Calculator — these are app promotions, where the app dev pays MS to literally shove this app down your throat. Approximately 1/3 of items you can see on that screen are ads like these. And yes, you can disable them, if you know exactly where to find the setting and what it is called.

Imagine opening your Mac Application folder and find it filled with random apps from third-party devs you've never seen. If Apple would do anything like this, all you folks would be over it like mad (for a good reason). Microsoft has been doing it for years, there are over 300 million pages about it in google search index and all we get here is a "show us a screenshot". If thats not double standards, I don't know what is.