Flip Flopping between macOS and Windows

[Shanghaichica]

I've had consoles before, and what held me back was their setup with my TV in the living room or bedroom. In both cases I'm sitting on a couch or recliner playing. I'm probably 3 or 4 feet away and while the TV is large, I am some distance. I had trouble with text and seeing small things on the screen. Plus being on the tv, I interrupted family members from the access of the tv. I could possibly set it up on my monitor, but at that point, why not just keep using my PC?

As for this topic, I have to say, I'm closer to flopping back to the PC since flipping to Macs. I'm not giving up on my Macs, but the usefulness of my MBP is not as great as my Razer laptop and/or my desktop PC. I still love the MBP, its a great laptop but the practicality of it is more limited. I find its best role is to be a sort of hub for my apple centric devices, i.e., backing up iPhones and what not. Managing my apple services and interacting with icloud.

I do get the not using the TV for gaming. I prefer portable devices because even though I have 5 TVs in my house. Someone else will likely be using it. I have a switch because I like portable games. I guess if you want a personal computing device that can play PC quality games then a windows laptop/Desktop is a good option.

 

[LeeW]

I need to tell these neighbors who think they hate apple

Leave them to think what they want I guess.

If a Mac was in some significant way better for them they would find it. Would you try and convince them otherwise if they used a Mac and they said they hated Windows?

When my neighbour bought a new M1 MBA he shouted over the hedge "I just bought the MBA with the new intel M1 chip". Did I correct him? No, he was happy and wouldn't have cared like most people.

 

[MBAir2010]

Leave them to think what they want I guess.

we have a community pool here, and the elders just hate apple now
I guess Bezos is telling them subconsciously or maybe the news is trashing the AirTags?

I am watching sports in a warm sunlit porch for over 3 hours, an the MacBook Air M1 shows 98% battery!
the screen display is not bad either!

 

[maflynn]

Would you try and convince them

I avoid pushing one platform over another. That almost always ends in me either being the tech support or they being frustrated with switching

 

[LeeW]

I avoid pushing one platform over another.

Me too, you like and use what you like and use. I am not going to try and convince you otherwise.

I am used to friends being more android/Windows than Apple. I get a lot of teasing over Apple, the Eco-system or the walled garden are the go-to negatives. But I always point out to them that it is the Eco-system and the walled garden that attract me to it. Usually shuts them up.

During Christmas, I used AirDrop to send a photo to my wife. I was immediately met by a "you're not special fanboy, I have that on my Pixel". I was like where did that even come from? All I said was "I will AirDrop that to you". It was me telling my wife to unlock her phone so I could. I just hate that ****.

However, I did point out that Android has only had it for a couple of years, I have had it for like 10 on my iPhone. So..

 

[keeper]

Our family must be odd as we all have whatsapp but we use iMessage..

 

[DeepIn2U]

I agree. I do think the 13 pro/pro max is the better option. I got my 13 pro max around the launch of the 14 series and I don’t regret it. Half of my family use iPhones and half use android phones including my husband. But like you say iMessage is a mute issue as we all use WhatsApp. I think for me I’m just so engrained in the ecosystem and used to it I couldn‘t switch. I’ve been using an iPhone exclusively since 2014 and also used it between 2009-2012. I did try in 2019 to switch back to the android with the note 10+ but I only lasted about 6/7 days before my iphone was taken out again and the note gotten rid of. There’s nothing wrong with android phones but I’m just more comfortable using an iPhone and other Apple devices.

As for windows I’m not really a fan. I switched to Mac as my personal computer in 2015 and haven’t been back. I think I’ve been traumatised by years of poor hardware and buggy software. I‘ve continued to use windows laptops for work (no choice). Currently work from home and have to use a windows laptop all day long. It’s ok. More stable than any any of my past experiences. However I will say that my MacBook still uses an intel chip which is older than the chip in my work windows laptop. However my MacBook is significantly, faster and smoother than the windows laptop.

The personal Intel Mac (or any personal Windows PC like for like) will always be faster than a corporate windows PC (like for like) due to the many GPO’s affecting use of the os and how the software and windows profile is setup. Always!! You’ll probably notice a few restrictions on the corporate PC as well that you’d loose your mind with if placed on your personal PC. Run gpedit and have a thorough look.

 

[kamikazeeMC]

What a ride, in a way I'm happy I can't afford to constantly switch, otherwise I may be the same. I too dislike having redundant devices, while fine with either I would prefer Apple at this point.

If I were able to get a PS5 at the end of 2020, I think I would still be happy combined with the M1 Air I had back then. Though doing the switch has made me realise the following. At the start of 2021 I got an itch to get back into 3D (Max and Blender) and being able to game again. While creative, I came to the conclusion I'm more of a consumer of creativity, started a few 3D projects but quickly fell off, haven't actually finished any since 2019. Didn't want to force it, maybe I'll come back later. Gaming wise, got some decent play time when Lost Ark released, but other than that all the people I played with no longer have the time and I mostly just watch streamers (they can do all the tedious bits and read all the dialogue, while I have it in the background doing other things). Went for the last 7 months without launching any games, only recently started playing Fortnite with my cousin and niece who live on the other side of Aus. While I strongly dislike controller for anything FPS, given enough time I could may the switch.

Because I've never constantly stressed my computer, I didn't think too much of the stability issues I've only recently (hopefully) solved. I did some stress testing at the time, could have done more but though I was good and considered the random crashes, either windows things or buggy game design.

I've built my systems to not 'need' upgrading any components during the time I keep which is typically 5 years. I like tinkering, but no longer want to deal with it (more time for other things). I want a Mac because my use case now fits with it, it's relatively silent and if there are issues I can just take it back to the store in person.

To my regret of switching from the 13 mini, I've had the Pixel 7 since the end of October. While it has been mostly good and has scratched the itch of being bored of iOS. The fingerprint reader has been frustrating (better since the recent update) and the camera doesn't colour balance well under artificial light, whereas the iPhone did (for me anyway). I want my phone to point and shoot knowing I don't have to second guess and retake. If I wanted to edit all my photos I would just use a dedicated camera. Going to hold out for the 15 Pro, I don't hate it enough to run out and change it.

 

[LiE_]

Went for the last 7 months without launching any games

I think as I've gotten older games just done give me enjoyment like they used to. Even if they initially seem fun that usually quickly fades and it starts to feel like a chore.

while it has been mostly good and has scratched the itch of being bored of iOS. The fingerprint reader has been frustrating (better since the recent update) and the camera doesn't colour balance well under artificial light

Yea I found the FPS on the Pixel 7 to still be average. When I have to think about it then it's not doing a seamless job, it's still a nuisance. The white balance I've also found as well, sometimes on a sunny day everything looks very orange and when I'm in doors taking a photo of a paper document the paper is very blue.

 

[kamikazeeMC]

I think as I've gotten older games just done give me enjoyment like they used to. Even if they initially seem fun that usually quickly fades and it starts to feel like a chore.

Yeah I feel the same, I've started a few games only to quickly lose interest. If I really want to see how the story goes I turn the difficulty down or even turn on god mode and power through just to see it play out. This is why I've just been watching play throughs.

When I have to think about it then it's not doing a seamless job,

Yep usability is king, at home the FPS generally works but when out and about and finger oils build up, it's bad when you want to quickly pay for things or just using your phone. I've even found my self unlocking my phone and moving my finger back and forth on the screen to keep it awake while waiting in line.

I'm really liking the idea of a MBP, bit don't really need the portability, ergonomics could be in issue though. But the screen is really nice and I like flat chiclet keyboards despite have a custom mechanical. If I switched to a desktop Mac later it would be a decent chunk more factoring in a studio display.

 

[LiE_]

If I switched to a desktop Mac later it would be a decent chunk more factoring in a studio display.

I either want an updated 2023 iMac or M2 Mac Mini and studio display. I am very tempted by the current iMac with 16GB RAM.

 

[LiE_]

So I decided to buy another M1 iMac 8/8 16/512. I last sold this back in June due to wanting to change to Windows but it was a really good machine for what I do. I was tempted to wait for the 2023 Macs but a couple things made me get the current iMac.

1. The rumored M3 iMac is coming at the end of 2023, I can't wait that long. The current M1 iMac is already plenty for my usage. The updated iMac will likely be more expensive and I may no longer have access to a family member's student discount.

2. I was also considering waiting for the M2 Mac Mini and pairing it with a Studio Display. This configuration including peripherals would likely cost double the £1664 I paid for the M1 iMac. Overkill, and believe it or not am trying to be mindful of money now.

3. I have a hard stop on my budget now and the M1 iMac just about fits.

The iMac I had previously was the computer I've been the most content with in a long time, I had it for just over a year and it didn't have anything I disliked. I shouldn't have sold it and gone on a mad flip flop spree, but here I am and I have learnt.

So this is what I've ultimately ended up with

- iPhone 14 Starlight 128GB
- Apple Watch Series 7 41mm Midnight
- iMac M1 8/8 16/512 Silver

I really hope that once I have my iMac I can put this saga to bed.

 

[LiE_]

So managed to grab a PS5, much prefer it to the Series X I had.

Still very happy with the iMac and paired with the PS5 it's a compelling package.

Quoting myself from the past where I had the iMac. I still have the lamp, desk mat and pen, that's got to be a record

 

[maflynn]

I either want an updated 2023 iMac

I REALLY love the look of the iMacs, the only thing that holds me back is the small display. That's a show stopper for me.

 

[LiE_]

I REALLY love the look of the iMacs, the only thing that holds me back is the small display. That's a show stopper for me.

I thought the same but the 24” screen uses a 4.5K resolution which works out as a retina 2240 x 1260. Which is a nice improvement over the usual 4K 24” that gives a 1920 x 1080 retina.

 

[lcseds]

24" ain't happening with me.

 

[kamikazeeMC]

The iMac I had previously was the computer I've been the most content with in a long time,

Ah I keep over looking this, I'm hesitant about an all in one desktop. I don't tend to upgrade my desktops but monitors I can keep. In saying that I've never had a monitor that matches an Apple one in colour and sharpness. An M1 would be enough for me too, would end up with the next iteration when I'm actually able to get so it would be a solid buy. Could possibly run cooler and quieter, maybe even get a display size bump. Definitely have to add this as a consideration for my next computer.

I really hope that once I have my iMac I can put this saga to bed.

I wish you luck, but we know it never ends aha. On the plus side, there's other hobbies that cost more.

Quoting myself from the past where I had the iMac.

I think the oldest stuff in my setup on order are speakers, headphones and lamp.

I thought the same but the 24” screen uses a 4.5K resolution which works out as a retina 2240 x 1260. Which is a nice improvement over the usual 4K 24” that gives a 1920 x 1080 retina.

Was about to ask how you feel about this. For a bit I was running a 34" 3440x1440 with a 27" 1440p vertical to the left side. The UW died and I've gone with the 27" as my only screen and I haven't missed having dual screens or even the UW now my usage is mostly consumption.

Before I had a script to option 4 browsers open at specific sizes across both screens, roughly 1/3 and 2/3 for both screens. Found myself sitting off to the side/turning sideways most of the time. A video constantly playing on 2/3 of the UW and sometimes another on the 1/3 of the vertical. So while reading stuff on the vertical or the UW and glancing at the video every now and then or getting side tracked completely.

Since moving to the single, while still listening to something play in the background, having one full screen browser, I can focus and get through individual things quicker.

 

[keithop]

I really hope that once I have my iMac I can put this saga to bed.

well I for one have appreciated you being so open with your flip flopping. It's made me feel better about my own flips even if it hasn't put an end to them

I've spent the last few months giving windows/android a really good test and whilst it's all a lot better than it was, and it's absolutely possible for me to do all my work/play in either system, apple is currently the winner for me.

"simple" things I take for granted on ios like secure face unlock even in the dark which don't work well on android... and I mean that's something I use every time I pick up the phone so it's pretty important.

video on the iphone is still in my experience best in class.

I do love the amount of customisation in android and the zoom on the s22ultra, but then I hated the duplicate apps (samsung folder, google folder, microsoft folder) and all the "click here to change to use the samsung message app" "click here to use the google message app" and so on.

ironically, even though the iphone only recently got always on display, its implementation feels much more useful to me! with widgets there all the time v having to tap on the clock on the samsung (no idea who thinks that's useful).

I would really like a larger than 27" retina display for the mac .... can't really justify the xdr pro given it's massive overkill for my needs and will likely be replaced this year anyway, but I may have to suck it up and buy its successor if they don't release a larger studio display.

Anyway, brilliant thread this, I've really enjoyed it.

 

[maflynn]

So I decided to buy another M1 iMac

I do like the iMac, but what about a studio?

I really hope that once I have my iMac

My only advice is to try to find contentment in the imperfect. A lot of people are saying that trying for perfection will only lead to sorrow, and frustration and instead good enough is the goal we all should strive for.

 

[LiE_]

I do like the iMac, but what about a studio?

I considered it for a while but the fan noise issues put me off. I had the 27" iMac 2020 briefly and that was sent back because it had an "idle" fan RPM of 1250 which is absurd. The studio has the same fan idle RPM but also tons of reports of a buzzing noise that develops. Also the Studio + Mac Studio Display is a £3,000 combo vs the £1664 for the iMac I have coming.

 

[MBAir2010]

The blue iMac is the exact color of my freshly painted room now,
and would look great with the 2 blue HomePod mini speakers!
that would be the only reason I would purchase one!

is 24" a small screen?
I thought that was a perfect size for humans sitting 2 feet infront of a monitor?

 

[maflynn]

is 24" a small screen?

Its a matter of perspective.
Someone using a 13" MBP for years, and gets an iMac, the screen is going to look expansive. Someone who's been using a 34" ultrawide, its going to feel constraining.

 

[keithop]

Its a matter of perspective.
Someone using a 13" MBP for years, and gets an iMac, the screen is going to look expansive. Someone who's been using a 34" ultrawide, its going to feel constraining.

yeah absolutely.

I used 27" imacs for ages.... swapped to a 49" monitor with a pc and all of a sudden, 27" feels too tiny to use day to day :/

 

[circatee]

I ordered a Magic Trackpad today. Interesting times ahead, I’ve never owned one before…

 

[LiE_]

I’m struggling with the move back to Apple. Firstly the drop in high refresh rate on both the phone and monitor side is proving difficult to adapt to. Secondly and more importantly office 365 apps just look terrible on macOS. I spend my day in office 365 and on the web.

Other things I’ve noticed.
- Input via mouse feels less connected and accurate in macOS.
- Text in macOS in many places looks poor. I think this is due to Windows rendering text in a more crisp way. macOS feels like text is bold and a little chunky.
- iOS feels slow to navigate compared to Android.

I’m well within Apple return window so I need to think on it. I was convinced that coming back to Apple I would feel right at home but having spent so much time on Windows and Google Pixel it has felt off.