Leaving the Apple ecosystem (how did you do it?)

[Kierikka]

Have you tried to reinstall the Macbook from scratch, installing a fresh MacOS not from a backup? It sounds like something is messing up your system. I have had problems with both Windows and Mac that has disappeared when the system is reinstalled.

The problems with Flash Player I think has something to do with Chrome not allowing Flash to play automatically as there is to many security holes in it. Adobe will stop develeping Flash player soon. And Google has made their own Flash player in Chrome for years. I have not installed Flash player on a computer, Windows or Mac for years, using Chrome when sites need Flash.

For many a Chromebook is enough today. My daughter uses one from school and it is perfect for her needs and she is using it with a iPhone and a iPad. Best is to use services that work for your needs. Google apps is perfect as it is free and many schools and businesses use it so it will not disappear soon.
I am using Googles services and Dropbox as a backup and complement to my iCloud service. Personally I like the ”ecosystem” that Apple has and it works for my needs. I have bought software for both iOS and MacOS and it would cost alot if I would switch platform. And it would be the same if I would have been switching from Windows. For me switching would cost more for software then for hardware.

I have used and tried Android but it did not fit my uses, and I use Windows in a virtual machine and have used it since DOS 4 or 5 and Windows 3, but personally I do not like it even if Windows 10 is much better.

Look for services that are crossplatform and start using them. Choose something that fits your needs. And the most important is to remember to make good backups of all your data.

Good luck

 

[LincolnsiPod]

I have spent most of my college, grad school, and now-transitioning-into-professional-life, cross-platform. I have been totally invested in the Apple ecosystem a few times. I find that it is too expensive to get into, for what you get, and I always end up leaving it. Here is my set up currently:

Awesome, thanks for sharing. It does seem like the desktop/laptop is a major achilles heel for Apple.

Grass is always greener - especially if you've been enjoying the same pasture for a long time. Think long and hard about the change. I don't want to discourage you from doing it. There are many people here who jumped ship and are super happy. If that works for you, you'll save money and enjoy limitless options for hardware and software. It can be fun and very liberating. At the same time, if you've been around Apple for a long time, you may never quiet adjust to the world outside of the walled garden that is the Apple ecosystem.

That's my fear, I actually took the time to play with an Android and try out Windows 10 on an Asus laptop. I didn't like the Android as I thought it was too "busy," though I'm sure that could be customized, but where I'm annoyed at the notch cutout Apple did with the iPhone X, I was equally annoyed with Samsung's where the display actually stretches to the edges around the phone. But again I could pick another Android powered phone but Samsung I hear is the best alternative if you're looking for a phone/watch combo.

Windows 10 experience was, eh. Not really a fan of the interface but it was functional. Some things I didn't like though was suddenly rediscovering what "drivers" were, and the lack of a consistently universal "text-only" copy-paste, something I've used regularly on a Mac and it never occurred to me that this function could still be missing on Windows. I relegate all my gaming to consoles, so a gaming rig is not something I really need.

Have you tried to reinstall the Macbook from scratch, installing a fresh MacOS not from a backup? It sounds like something is messing up your system. I have had problems with both Windows and Mac that has disappeared when the system is reinstalled.

I might do that as a side project if things really get out of hand. I rarely use Flash but needed to use it to watch a TV channel in live streaming to watch a movie and it was a disaster. I suspected Flash itself was the problem though.

 

[iMi]

Awesome, thanks for sharing. It does seem like the desktop/laptop is a major achilles heel for Apple.



That's my fear, I actually took the time to play with an Android and try out Windows 10 on an Asus laptop. I didn't like the Android as I thought it was too "busy," though I'm sure that could be customized, but where I'm annoyed at the notch cutout Apple did with the iPhone X, I was equally annoyed with Samsung's where the display actually stretches to the edges around the phone. But again I could pick another Android powered phone but Samsung I hear is the best alternative if you're looking for a phone/watch combo.

Windows 10 experience was, eh. Not really a fan of the interface but it was functional. Some things I didn't like though was suddenly rediscovering what "drivers" were, and the lack of a consistently universal "text-only" copy-paste, something I've used regularly on a Mac and it never occurred to me that this function could still be missing on Windows. I relegate all my gaming to consoles, so a gaming rig is not something I really need.



I might do that as a side project if things really get out of hand. I rarely use Flash but needed to use it to watch a TV channel in live streaming to watch a movie and it was a disaster. I suspected Flash itself was the problem though.

Sounds like you are answering your own question here. All devices/OSs have flaws and missing features. We are moving toward OS parity as far as macOS and Windows 10 are concerned, but differences exist.

Console gaming (which is how I mainly game as well -Xbox) resolves another issue. Macs, as you know, are relatively weak in this area. This is where PC has a bit advantage. Except you don’t need it, so one less things you’ll “gain” by going with a Windows 10 machine.

 

[BlueGoldAce]

Sounds like you are answering your own question here. All devices/OSs have flaws and missing features. We are moving toward OS parity as far as macOS and Windows 10 are concerned, but differences exist.

Console gaming (which is how I mainly game as well -Xbox) resolves another issue. Macs, as you know, are relatively weak in this area. This is where PC has a bit advantage. Except you don’t need it, so one less things you’ll “gain” by going with a Windows 10 machine.

True but also not that simple.

I game on PC and console, and the couch factor means I spend more time on consoles.

But PC gaming has a nearly infinitely larger library of games. Do you want to play a game from 15 years ago? You can. PC gaming is superior in nearly all aspects, but that doesn't appeal to everyone. PC gaming is also cheaper (once you have the PC) to own the games.

I believe, gaming aside, both OSes can stand on their own merits.

 

[iMi]

True but also not that simple.

I game on PC and console, and the couch factor means I spend more time on consoles.

But PC gaming has a nearly infinitely larger library of games. Do you want to play a game from 15 years ago? You can. PC gaming is superior in nearly all aspects, but that doesn't appeal to everyone. PC gaming is also cheaper (once you have the PC) to own the games.

I believe, gaming aside, both OSes can stand on their own merits.

Good point. It also depends on what time of games you like to play. If you're after a good strategy game, PC is king. Although more strategy games are being offered on consoles.

I found productivity to be better on PC as well. Not sure why. Maybe it's the integration between Office and Windows. Either way... I found certain tasks much faster and smoother. If you choose to use iWorks, not having to convert files alone saves time.

 

[rojo99]

I’ve had an iPhone/iPad/ MacBook Pro/TimeCapsule for about 8 years, and it appears Apple have only gone downhill in the last few years. I do feel Apple need to put the “Pro” back in what they call the MacBook Pro. And what about “it just works”? Their significant changes in the device seem more like hindrances. I can’t imagine how many times I’ve had the HDMI, Ethernet, power, and maybe a USB stick all in use at the same time. Carrying around a dongle for this and a dongle for that only adds to Apple’s money machine and significantly reduces its laptop portability. Of course, whoever came up with that smart idea of the changing function keys needs to be canned. Instead of adding new bells and whistles, how about providing upgrades to current devices like the TimeCapsule. It’s configuration abilities is light years behind the current router capabilities.
I always upgraded my iPhone in a year of a new generation release. iPhone 4 to 5s and now to a 6s. I prefer to plugin my earpods. Got to like fingerprint recognition but the one thing that makes me not want to upgrade now is lack of the consideration of the user, not what Apple thinks is right. Of course Apple is going to say facial recognition is more secure. What do you think they’d say? iPhone X is not for me. After all the advances in cellphone technology there comes a plateau where adding “functionality” becomes a waste of memory and storage plus the majority of the users don’t use every “bell” and “whistle”.

 

[TheFluffyDuck]

Apple is becoming too expensive for me. Apple used to go down in price every year, now it just goes up. Money is finite, so these Windows, Android, and most important services advice has been a godsend. Thanks, everyone.

 

[DiamonDecoden]

this is an old thread but that is what I am doing right now! I realized that I was seeking form over function which yes I love pretty things and love the aesthetics of Macs.

The thing is a lot of Apple stuff do not play well with your other systems for instance the Apple watch it needs an iPhone. Apple has made its product iphone-centric and that is the issue. However, if you go to the other side, you will notice it is not perfect but it gives you more freedom. Also better for professionals. the Mac stuff is not so pro friendly- unless you develop for Apple / Mac apps and such. That is just my observation.

 

[krause734]

I wanted to leave Apple since the Mini/Pro desktops haven't been updated in years. I switched to the latest Intel NUC w/ Samsung SSD. I am using Linux Mint (didn't want to go back to Windows) which I surprisingly now prefer to MacOS. I still think the iPhone/iPad is the best smartphone/tablet but I may switch eventually. The biggest thing was leaving iTunes. Rythymbox on Linux is actually preferable to the bloated monster iTunes has become. I didn't want a laptop or iMac. Apple hardware is overpriced and their standalone desktops are ancient.

 

[ADGrant]

this is an old thread but that is what I am doing right now! I realized that I was seeking form over function which yes I love pretty things and love the aesthetics of Macs.

The thing is a lot of Apple stuff do not play well with your other systems for instance the Apple watch it needs an iPhone. Apple has made its product iphone-centric and that is the issue. However, if you go to thee other side, you will notice it is not perfect but it gives you more freedom. Also better for professionals. the Mac stuff is not so pro friendly- unless you develop for Apple / Mac apps and such. That is just my observation.

The Adobe apps are pretty much the same on both platforms, Microsoft office is slightly better on Windows but you have to be a power user to notice.

BTW Most developers who aren't developing Windows apps and have a choice seem to prefer MacOS. When ever I go to developer conferences that aren't specifically Microsoft, MacBooks seem to be in the majority. Even at the main Microsoft developer conference (Build) I have seen Microsoft presenters on stage using MacBooks. Most Google developers use Mac as do most Facebook developers. Even IBM has converted 50% of their employees to Macs.

The reason is that MacOS is a Unix based system like Linux which support the same command line tools. However, unlike Linux, you don't need to waste your time fiddling with device drivers and MS Office and the Adobe suite of apps are available. Microsoft even sells/gives away a .NET IDE for the Mac called Visual Studio for Mac allowing developers to build web apps based on MS programming languages on a Mac. The only thing you can't do is build Windows Apps.

In order to better compete with Apple for developer mindshare, MS has also introduced a Linux subsystem for Windows so developers can use the same tools for building Web apps that they use on MacOS and Linux.

 

[DiamonDecoden]

The Adobe apps are pretty much the same on both platforms, Microsoft office is slightly better on Windows but you have to be a power user to notice.

BTW Most developers who aren't developing Windows apps and have a choice seem to prefer MacOS. When ever I go to developer conferences that aren't specifically Microsoft, MacBooks seem to be in the majority. Even at the main Microsoft developer conference (Build) I have seen Microsoft presenters on stage using MacBooks. Most Google developers use Mac as do most Facebook developers. Even IBM has converted 50% of their employees to Macs.

The reason is that MacOS is a Unix based system like Linux which support the same command line tools. However, unlike Linux, you don't need to waste your time fiddling with device drivers and MS Office and the Adobe suite of apps are available. Microsoft even sells/gives away a .NET IDE for the Mac called Visual Studio for Mac allowing developers to build web apps based on MS programming languages on a Mac. The only thing you can't do is build Windows Apps.

In order to better compete with Apple for developer mindshare, MS has also introduced a Linux subsystem for Windows so developers can use the same tools for building Web apps that they use on MacOS and Linux.

It all comes down to preference and your needs. Windows is not as bad as people think it is. It's definitely cheaper in price so most businesses use them. I personally have a MacBook and I use windows at work. I also work on both platforms including dappling in a bit Linux in the past.

In my personal experience, Linux is not user friendly. Windows and macs both have pros and cons. Windows is more open and macs is more locked down but not as bad as iOS. Both windows and macs have improved over the years. Windows becoming more stable and macs gain ing more productive features (I remember mac not being supported by many application in the past, it's still true in the engineering field that I worked in. You just can't use some engineering apps in macs presently still). In the end, comes down to preference, needs and what you are willing to pay. I purchased my mac for aesthetics, but I can really work happily on either windows or mac. Now with ultra books and touch screen windows, I'm definitely more inclined to windows as it give me more choices just like android.
No,windows / android are not necessarily cheaper in the long run but they can be more feature rich.

Currently, I'm trying to reduce my devices. I used to have many apple products (iMac, iPad, iPhone, MacBook pro, apple pencil- i really don't need so many devices) but I'm loving the all in one products such as the note 8 phone. With apple I would need an iPhone, iPad pro and apple pencil. Now I just have note 8.for me, it's less stuff to haul around but at the same time being more efficient and cost effective too. I do gained more android devices but they really have more useful features. That's my perspective.

 

[ADGrant]

It all comes down to preference and your needs. Windows is not as bad as people think it is. It's definitely cheaper in price so most businesses use them. I personally have a MacBook and I use windows at work. I also work on both platforms including dappling in a bit Linux in the past.

In my personal experience, Linux is not user friendly. Windows and macs both have pros and cons. Windows is more open and macs is more locked down but not as bad as iOS. Both windows and macs have improved over the years. Windows becoming more stable and macs gain ing more productive features (I remember mac not being supported by many application in the past, it's still true in the engineering field that I worked in. You just can't use some engineering apps in macs presently still). In the end, comes down to preference, needs and what you are willing to pay. I purchased my mac for aesthetics, but I can really work happily on either windows or mac. Now with ultra books and touch screen windows, I'm definitely more inclined to windows as it give me more choices just like android.
No,windows / android are not necessarily cheaper in the long run but they can be more feature rich.

Currently, I'm trying to reduce my devices. I used to have many apple products (iMac, iPad, iPhone, MacBook pro, apple pencil- i really don't need so many devices) but I'm loving the all in one products such as the note 8 phone. With apple I would need an iPhone, iPad pro and apple pencil. Now I just have note 8.for me, it's less stuff to haul around but at the same time being more efficient and cost effective too. I do gained more android devices but they really have more useful features. That's my perspective.

Many businesses (including the one I work for) have to use Windows because the specialist apps they need to run only run on Windows. OTOH many other businesses have standardized on Macs. When my wife became a private preschool director (basically CEO/Principle), the school had been using Dell Laptops running Windows. I helped her switch the School to Macs and everyone is much happier.

I am not particularly bothered by Mac’s lack of a touch screen. The only use case I could see wanting to use that would be Photoshop. There are very few touch/tablet friendly applications available for Windows, the apps are nearly all Desktop apps using MS’s older APIs so they can also run on Windows 7. Most Websites are not touch friendly either. I think the excellent trackpads Macs have are much more useful than a touch screen.

I have all the devices you mention above. I can’t see trading my 12.9” iPad Pro for a phablet. I would not have any problem giving up the pencil though, but not the keyboard.

I purchased my Mac because I was sick of dealing with Windows and I had recently bought an iPad and was enjoying not dealing with Windows. I have no experience of the pre-Unix Macs, I found it hard to take them seriously. I have about 30 years experiance with Unix and about the same with Windows. This includes developing software for both platforms.

Mac’s aren’t locked down. You can toggle a security setting and then install anything you want including a lot of Unix/Linux applications. I did lock down the Mac’s at my wife’s preschool though because she will call me if there is a problem.

 

[steve_man75]

Because it's aging and turning into a serious joke. Once upon a time things used to just work. No longer. For example:

WindowsServer Memory Leak with High Sierra that slowed my MacBook to a crawl and eventually forced a reboot (finally fixed with a 10.13.1 update)

MacBook screen flickers at random

Screen Sharing via Messages stopped working inexplicably, forced to use a third party screen sharer to workaround)

Bluetooth crashes and would not be turned on (forcing a reboot)

Emoticons would not occasionally not be added when using the CNTL-CMD-SPACE to access menu (forcing another reboot)

AirPlay Mirroring suddenly stops working, streaming audio only (iPad)

Custom Ringtones removed from iTunes forcing me to look for workarounds

Finder refuses to locate files despite settings to ensure a hard drive wide search

Underwhelming support for external monitors despite discontinuing their own line (support for HiDPI is inconsistent and it’s never clear what monitor line officially support it, issues with sleep, and other notable glitches depending on monitor)

I'm currently using a mid-2014 MacBook, and I am shocked by the poor build quality and design of the newest MacBook Pros, an overly wide touchpad that I was constantly setting off when trying to type, a flimsy keyboard, along with an overall feeling the MacBook would break in half if I held it too hard. My 2014 had a much better build quality.

Flash Player refused to work in both Safari and Chrome, with Chrome being buggy and blocking permission despite the fact that permissions was given to enable the plugin. Closed captioning was buggy as well.​

And these are just the problems this week. It's getting close to where I'm splitting my time between troubleshooting and working because something is always going wrong. I've used Apple near exclusively for 10 years and there seems to be a clear downward trend in the stability of my devices. The usual norma is now and then i'd have an issue, like with handoff or continuity, where the fixes were relatively simple (such a slogging in and out of iCloud). Now though things are much less reliable. I'm exploring a more open ended system so I'm more flexible in using cross platform solutions depending on who has the better tech now.

I totally agree. I used to be Apple-only because Windows had become a joke, and the iPhone was the only phone that "just worked." However, since the death of Steve Jobs, I've watched that "just works" thing slowly fade away. Honestly, I have as many problems (actually more) with my Macbook Pro (which is a 2015 Retina model) as I do with my Windows desktop that is a requirement for some systems at work.

My iphone... seriously, Apple... I have a 7 Plus, and it has CONSTANT problems loading things, lagging, running things slowly, and often times things like Airdrop just do not function. I hate the fact that I cannot set other apps to use instead of Apple's default apps. Safari, iMessage, etc. no thanks. Apple music/itunes is archaic, and not user friendly.

The best operating item that I own is my new iPad Pro. Works like a champ. However, it is severely limited, as Apple refuses to let you use pointing devices, etc. to make it more like a desktop. The Surface Pro is killing the game in that part of the tech world.

The Apple Watch... what a joke. You can't even import aftermarket watch faces. Apple has simply turned it into an expensive Fit Bit. Sold mine after about 10 months.

Sure, Apple has built a reputation for building great stuff, but computers that are 2-3 years behind everyone else in performance, and lack up serious updates (i.e. Macbook Air) make Apple look like they are just in it to make money. Used to be worth the price premium, but not anymore. Will be replacing my iphone with an Android in the next few months. Hopefully one that has an actual headphone jack... I know, how un-Apple of me to say that...

 

[stomachbuzz]

I know many people who cannot comprehend leaving iPhone simply because of iMessage. Since I switched to Android, I keep getting their messages and they keep getting mine...due to that crusty old tech called SMS. I'm not sure they even noticed I switched.

As a first-time lurker, I registered an account solely for this comment. This is exactly my situation.

TL;DR: My current set-up - 2015 MBP & iPhone 7 - works satisfactorily for day-to-day use. I know I can do better, but fear of losing iMessages, Photos, and keychain is holding me back. Looking to upgrade phone ASAP, but scared of continuing on with iPhone 8. What do I do?

You might call me an Apple "newb". 23 y/o with few tech devices. Ever since smartphones came out, I had the Samsung Galaxy (1, 2, 3, 5)
I got a mid-tier Toshiba laptop for HS grad. After 3 years, it fell apart and I made the [expensive] jump to a 2015 MBP.

When I had Android and Windows laptop, I was trying to hobble together a bootleg version of Apple's iMessage integration. I used plug-ins, apps, etc. It was never worked. Being able to type text messages via keyboard is very appealing to me.

I got the MBP, and an iPhone 6s ~5 months later. I found the move to iOS to be awkward, and left me very frustrated with the utter lack of features/options the iPhone offered. At certain times, I found myself screaming out loud "where is XXX option???" or "WHY.IS.THIS.SO.HARD?!" Sometimes I spent 10-15 mins trying to do the SIMPLEST task before giving up. For reference, I'm an extremely calm person, but sometimes iOS drives me up a wall.
My Samsung S5 had a scheduled messages feature. I greatly enjoyed this. I could lay in bed at 11pm, and schedule texts to be sent out @7am. Such a crude, simple feature, but nowhere to be found (or downloaded via app) on iPhone. I later found this feature is next to impossible due to complication with permissions in iOS.
Additionally, Android has about 5 different ways to categorize phone calls - incoming, outgoing, missed, declined, etc. iOS has 2 - all and missed. Like...really? It's 2018 and I'm limited to sifting calls by 1 filter?

There are many other gripes I have. I find the iPhone keyboard/typing system to be extremely frustrating. I often find myself wishing for a mechanical keyboard (look up LG Xenon) as it typically takes me 2-3x to type a message due to typos, fighting autocorrect, fat-fingering the keyboard, or trying to select something for copy-paste (Sometimes I wonder 'is it just me???'). Additionally, with MBP, I was forced to keep Chrome as a backup browser for the 2-3 times per week I encounter a webpage that Safari will not run. In the past, I considered Chrome a superior browser, but I was browbeat into Safari for MBP iOS integration.

I upgraded 6s to a 7, and have been equally unimpressed. Feels great in my hand, but damages very easily. It's basically operable, but nothing stands out as any reason to stay loyal other than integration.
Have had my 7 for ~2 years, and ready to upgrade. Unfortunately, the 8 seems like a clone of the 7 (which is a clone of the 6), and the X is simply obscene ($1000).

I want to make the switch back to Android, but the only things stopping me are iMessage integration, keychain, and other iCloud features - photos, etc.

Like I said, I'm a simpleton. I only own a smartphone and laptop - no tablets, watches, TVs or etc. Even within the MBP, I'm a simpleton - mainly use Safari, iMessage, photos, and email.

 

[The_Interloper]

If you are sticking with your MacBook Pro (and intend to stay with the Mac for your computing needs) then you are still going to probably be best served with an iPhone.

Since I wrote the message you referenced, I have mainly switched back to Apple gear which you can read about here.

I still use both iOS and Android (plus Windows and Mac OS) on a daily basis. There are ways and means of leaving the Apple ecosystem entirely – as I've mentioned previously, iMessage is of little consequence to me as nobody else I know uses an iPhone. Here in the UK (and in Europe) the primary messaging service is WhatsApp which is completely cross-platform.

If you are simply using iMessage as text-based (as opposed to Apple-specific rich content), then your contacts will still get your messages from Android devices; they'll just see a different coloured bubble and it will be delivered by SMS. This is available on the Web, so you can access/sync it/send and reply from your Mac. Photos is easily replaced by Google Photos and, in some ways, is much better.

Keychain is a trickier one, though not impossible. I personally use Last Pass, although 1 Password is another good option. You will need to export your Keychain passwords using this tool. Once you've done this, you import them into your new cross-platform password manager of choice. It's a little involved, but doable.

Switching to Android isn't as tricky as you might think and, in some ways, you should find it easier than most as you are not using additional hardware such as AirPods or the Watch. There is nothing on the Android side of things to fully match these in terms of functionality and integration, in my opinion. But a mix of just an Android phone and MacBook Pro is very doable, although you will lose things like calling from your Mac etc.

 

[convergent]

For those who have been using exclusively Apple devices and relied on the ecosystem but since left it, I'm wondering how you did it?

Currently I have a MacBook/iPad/iPhone/Watch setup, and my first thought is to update the laptop first, since that seems to be the weakest link, then switch to a new tablet (like maybe the S3), then a new Samsung (maybe a Note 8 or another Galaxy phone) and a Gear S3 watch as part of an incremental move over. This gives me time to adjust to using Windows 10, and then I can learn how to use Android later on, so I'm not trying to do everything all at once.

Thoughts?

I bought a Surface Pro first, which sufficiently took care of my Mac and iPad needs. It took me a number of months to replace my daily driver apps that had no version for Windows. Once I was sufficiently happy with that I replaced my iPhone and Apple Watch with a Note 8 and Gear S3. I'm quite happy with this kit and have traveled the world with it numerous times over the last year.

 

[SDColorado]

I bought a Surface Pro first, which sufficiently took care of my Mac and iPad needs. It took me a number of months to replace my daily driver apps that had no version for Windows. Once I was sufficiently happy with that I replaced my iPhone and Apple Watch with a Note 8 and Gear S3. I'm quite happy with this kit and have traveled the world with it numerous times over the last year.

You are further along than I am with replacing your Apple Gear.

I purchased the Surface Pro on your recommendation and I really do love it. I had been hanging on to the idea of having it as a companion device to a MacBook Pro, but after giving my 2016 to my wife after hers died I gave a 2018 a try and that did not go so well. 3 returned 2018 MacBook Pro's later, I have a Lenovo X1 Extreme on order, so maybe I will catch up with you this year on leaving the Apple Garden.

Though I have to admit the iphone+Apple watch may be the hardest for me to give up.

 

[torana355]

I have an iMac, MBA, Windows HTPC and a S9+ and they all work well together. It really feels good to not be locked into any one ecosystem. The key is giving it time to learn how to do things in new ways, don't expect things to happen in a few weeks. When I first got out of the Apple Ecosystem it was hard but after a year I learned new ways to do things and once you get the hang of it you will find it not only works just as well but is far more flexible.

 

[SDColorado]

I have an iMac, MBA, Windows HTPC and a S9+ and they all work well together. It really feels good to not be locked into any one ecosystem. The key is giving it time to learn how to do things in new ways, don't expect things to happen in a few weeks. When I first got out of the Apple Ecosystem it was hard but after a year I learned new ways to do things and once you get the hang of it you will find it not only works just as well but is far more flexible.

It kinda worked that way when I first got into the Apple ecosystem too. Had a lot of questions about I do this or that, what program do I use instead of X. Had to boot into bootcamp to run certain things.

I had a little frustration doing that going back to Windows after a decade or so away, but the more time I spent with it the more natural it became and now I really like using my Surface Pro. It’s become a “go to” device that I was actually using more than the MBP and my iPad has become a bedside table device.

 

[convergent]

You are further along than I am with replacing your Apple Gear.

I purchased the Surface Pro on your recommendation and I really do love it. I had been hanging on to the idea of having it as a companion device to a MacBook Pro, but after giving my 2016 to my wife after hers died I gave a 2018 a try and that did not go so well. 3 returned 2018 MacBook Pro's later, I have a Lenovo X1 Extreme on order, so maybe I will catch up with you this year on leaving the Apple Garden.

Though I have to admit the iphone+Apple watch may be the hardest for me to give up.

I thought giving up the Apple Watch was going to be the biggest let down; but I've been quite happy with the Gear S3. This stuff gets very personal though, so not everyone will have the same experience. I was very disappointed to see that the new Galaxy Watch dropped Samsung Pay too.

Just out of curiosity, what is keeping you from using the Surface Pro as a laptop? Are their apps on MacOS that you can't live without, or is it something else? When I dock my Surface Pro at my desk, its nearly indistinguishable from my work laptop docked, or my Mac Mini. When I'm on the road, I don't really need a lot of power.

One thing I have noticed over the time I've had the Surface Pro is that there are times when I'm mobile that it would be handy to have the inking be on a separate device. But not enough to warrant carrying an iPad on trips. At home, I can easily use it that way when docked.

 

[SDColorado]

I thought giving up the Apple Watch was going to be the biggest let down; but I've been quite happy with the Gear S3. This stuff gets very personal though, so not everyone will have the same experience. I was very disappointed to see that the new Galaxy Watch dropped Samsung Pay too.

Just out of curiosity, what is keeping you from using the Surface Pro as a laptop? Are their apps on MacOS that you can't live without, or is it something else? When I dock my Surface Pro at my desk, its nearly indistinguishable from my work laptop docked, or my Mac Mini. When I'm on the road, I don't really need a lot of power.

One thing I have noticed over the time I've had the Surface Pro is that there are times when I'm mobile that it would be handy to have the inking be on a separate device. But not enough to warrant carrying an iPad on trips. At home, I can easily use it that way when docked.

I do use the Surface Pro as a laptop, but just not solely.

There aren’t any apps on MacOS that I can’t live without per se, but there are one or two that do work better on MacOS. I can get around that by just keeping my iMac or dealing with it.

But there are also times where I need the discrete graphics card and find trying to do graphics intensive work on the Surface Pro brings it to its knees. It is an awesome ultra book, but with only the Intel Iris Plus 640 graphics, it was never going to be a heavy lifter. That said, it’s still the device I grab most often, especially for travel.

I have one of the Lenovo X1 Extremes on order after sending yet another 2018 MBP back, so I will see how that goes.

The Surface Book 2 had a lot of appeal to me as well, but not sure how well it would perform with the Surface Dock and multiple monitors. Maybe they will have a refresh at their October event that would warrant another look if the X1X doesn’t work out.

I think the only time I would consider carrying an iPad with me again for business or travel, would be if they refreshed the mini and added pencil support. That’s the only size I would be willing to add. I know they would rather push supersized phones, but I prefer a smaller phone personally. I almost find the X too big

 

[bobbie424242]

I have one of the Lenovo X1 Extremes on order after sending yet another 2018 MBP back, so I will see how that goes.

When you have received it and had some use with it, let us know your experience with the X1E!

 

[SDColorado]

When you have received it and had some use with it, let us know your experience with the X1E!

Will do. It is due to arrive Tuesday and we will see how it goes. I will put it through its paces and evaluate for the next 30 days

 

[convergent]

I do use the Surface Pro as a laptop, but just not solely.

There aren’t any apps on MacOS that I can’t live without per se, but there are one or two that do work better on MacOS. I can get around that by just keeping my iMac or dealing with it.

But there are also times where I need the discrete graphics card and find trying to do graphics intensive work on the Surface Pro brings it to its knees. It is an awesome ultra book, but with only the Intel Iris Plus 640 graphics, it was never going to be a heavy lifter. That said, it’s still the device I grab most often, especially for travel.

I have one of the Lenovo X1 Extremes on order after sending yet another 2018 MBP back, so I will see how that goes.

The Surface Book 2 had a lot of appeal to me as well, but not sure how well it would perform with the Surface Dock and multiple monitors. Maybe they will have a refresh at their October event that would warrant another look if the X1X doesn’t work out.

I think the only time I would consider carrying an iPad with me again for business or travel, would be if they refreshed the mini and added pencil support. That’s the only size I would be willing to add. I know they would rather push supersized phones, but I prefer a smaller phone personally. I almost find the X too big

OK, that makes sense on the apps. I kind of did the same thing. I left a Mac Mini on one side of my desk and my Surface Dock and monitor on the other. At the beginning, I would do things on the Mac from time to time but after a while it has started to collect dust. Literally the only thing I use it for now is to backup my wife's iDevices. I have even now connected the monitor to my Surface Dock and just plug it back into the Mac if I need to do a backup for her. The dock with an i5 Surface Pro handles the 3 monitors just fine.

 

[SDColorado]

OK, that makes sense on the apps. I kind of did the same thing. I left a Mac Mini on one side of my desk and my Surface Dock and monitor on the other. At the beginning, I would do things on the Mac from time to time but after a while it has started to collect dust. Literally the only thing I use it for now is to backup my wife's iDevices. I have even now connected the monitor to my Surface Dock and just plug it back into the Mac if I need to do a backup for her. The dock with an i5 Surface Pro handles the 3 monitors just fine.

One of the main reasons I still hold onto a Mac is that we do a lot of motorcycle travel alone or with a riding club and we use Garmin Basecamp to plan the routes. It is a bit of a bear to use on any platform, but the Windows version just flat out sucks to the point of being almost unusable. I am hoping that changes soon, because support is running out for it on the Mac side, being a 32-bit App. They claim there will be an update coming in Fall. Hopefully, the new version also improves the Windows side of things.

What will resolution/refresh rate the dock handle? I have seen a 2 4K monitor setup with the Surface Dock, but it was only capable of doing so at 30hz if I recall?

I am trying to decide if I can really get away with using a docked laptop for doing what I want to do, or if I should just build myself a desktop to replace the iMac.