As it's really looking like Apple will never go back to making upgradable computers again, I guess many of us will have to move away from the Mac.
The question is: Where do we go from here?
On one hand, I really don't want to go back to Windows, and especially Windows 10. I'm sure I'm not alone in this.
On the other hand, Linux is great because it allows you to have a hardware selection (not to mention pricing) that's closer to that Windows than Hackintoshes, it's Unix-based (great for Terminal users), it has some nice programs, and it can even be made to look remarkably like OS X. With Linux, you can get the power you want for things like media transcoding and gaming - though I realize Linux doesn't have nearly as many games as OS X. But there's a lot of mainstream software that you can't get on Linux. You also can't watch iTunes videos without stripping the DRM, which is not something you're going to want to put an old Mac through. There's also the potential legal issue - technically Hackintoshes are illegal, but Apple doesn't care, especially since it doesn't really make upgradable Macs anymore, so I guess they realize that they're not catering to everybody and Hackintoshes make it possible for people to keep using OS X, which I guess Apple sees as a plus as it could keep people using real Apple products like peripherals and iPhones, and it could even keep them buying some Macs, like maybe a Mac Mini to keep in the garage or a MacBook Air or two for their kids.
But then you have Hackintoshes. The advantage of Hackintoshes is that they allow you to have OS X and its vast selection of mainstream software, while also being more upgradable than a modern Mac. But they can be a pain to set up - especially on laptops - and I keep reading comments about Hackintoshes requiring a lot of maintenance - though I don't have a Hackintosh, so don't really know for sure whether or not Hackintoshes require a lot of maintenance.
I have no idea what I'll do when I need a new computer. I'll just have to hope my trusty 2011 13" MacBook Pro will last me long enough to decide what my next computer should be and which OS it should run.
I feel somewhat unqualified to weigh in as I'm actually only an occasional lurker here, and hardly what anyone would call a "power user". On the other hand, I've been using Linux exclusively since about 2008. I have literally downloaded and burned well over 100 Linux based OS's and tried them on for size. I used the "Buntu's" (Ubuntu and derivatives) for years, but lately have been sold on Linux Mint. It is elegant and complete requiring almost no post-install configuration, and has worked equally as well on the 4 different computers I've tried it on. One of the keys here I believe, is their proprietary updater. By default, it weeds out all the "bleeding edge" updates that can break your system - had that happened twice with the Buntu's. All updates are numbered 1-5 depending on their risk factor to your system, and numbers 4 & 5 are not automatically checked for installation. You have to manually do that if you want. So far, no hiccups for me.
My beloved Compaq Presario laptop died suddenly about two months ago, and being currently laid off, I couldn't afford to buy a new computer. I started looking on ebay and stumbled upon a page of iMacs. I used to go into the Apple store and drool all over the shoes of the "Geniuses" when they first came out. I couldn't believe how inexpensive they had become. A testament to built-in obsolescence! I purchased a late 2006 17" duo with keyboard and mouse for $89. My wife loved it so much, I went back and purchased another 2006 (this one a 20") for her to replace her year-old Lenovo laptop! That one I got without keyboard and mouse for just $70. So I got two great computers for about half the cost of a new mediocre laptop!
I shrunk the original partitions for the native OS-10's on the two computers to 50 GB, but kept them intact. I then installed Linux Mint to the remainder of the hard drives. I now have the best of both worlds. I can use the Mint for all my regular needs, but still have OS-10 to fall back on if needed. Like tonight, I was chasing an internet gremlin and was chatting with a very nice man from India representing TWC/Spectrum. He asked me to open a terminal. I told him I was running Linux. After a looong silence, I offered to reboot into OS-10 and he happily gave me the instructions to proceed. Mint, like most Ubuntu derivatives comes with 5-years Long Term Support (updatable for 5-years). After that, I can just reinstall a new OS. I can keep these old Macs running and productive till they die...or I do.
Now I'm not a gamer, nor a coder, nor dependent on numerous Windows or Mac programs. But for me, I can do virtually anything needed with Linux. Like someone else said here; it depends on your workload.I will admit in the beginning there was a steep learning curve, but that was mostly due to the fact that I knew precious little about computers in the first place. I remember I was once instructed to "Go into the BIOS and change the boot order" and it took me over a week to figure out how to do that! The point being that if I can learn, any one of you can as well - and much, much faster I would wager.
There is one thing I have learned that I would like to pass on. There was mention of the various Linux desktop environments, and an inference that they are a liability. I would disagree.I think they offer many things to many people. As previously observed, if you prefer the feel of a Mac, the Unity or Mate environments are probably what you want to try. However, if you are still Jonse-ing for Windows XP, XCFE or LXDE is probably where you want to go. If you like really beautiful graphics, try KDE - just be ready for the resources it grabs. But...IMPORTANT...download the desktop version of the OS you want to run! Don't install Unity then logout and back into a different desktop environment. Yes, it is technically possible to do so in Linux, but you're asking for trouble if you do.
Well, that's my opinion and it's worth exactly what you paid for it. I defer to the old adage: "Opinions are like 'exterior orifices' ; everyone has one, but nobody particularly wants to hear about yours."
On one hand, I really don't want to go back to Windows, and especially Windows 10. I'm sure I'm not alone in this.
On the other hand, Linux is great because it allows you to have a hardware selection (not to mention pricing) that's closer to that Windows than Hackintoshes, it's Unix-based (great for Terminal users), it has some nice programs, and it can even be made to look remarkably like OS X. With Linux, you can get the power you want for things like media transcoding and gaming - though I realize Linux doesn't have nearly as many games as OS X. But there's a lot of mainstream software that you can't get on Linux. You also can't watch iTunes videos without stripping the DRM, which is not something you're going to want to put an old Mac through. There's also the potential legal issue - technically Hackintoshes are illegal, but Apple doesn't care, especially since it doesn't really make upgradable Macs anymore, so I guess they realize that they're not catering to everybody and Hackintoshes make it possible for people to keep using OS X, which I guess Apple sees as a plus as it could keep people using real Apple products like peripherals and iPhones, and it could even keep them buying some Macs, like maybe a Mac Mini to keep in the garage or a MacBook Air or two for their kids.
But then you have Hackintoshes. The advantage of Hackintoshes is that they allow you to have OS X and its vast selection of mainstream software, while also being more upgradable than a modern Mac. But they can be a pain to set up - especially on laptops - and I keep reading comments about Hackintoshes requiring a lot of maintenance - though I don't have a Hackintosh, so don't really know for sure whether or not Hackintoshes require a lot of maintenance.
I have no idea what I'll do when I need a new computer. I'll just have to hope my trusty 2011 13" MacBook Pro will last me long enough to decide what my next computer should be and which OS it should run.
