I used a MAC for 30 days, and I’m glad it’s over

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#macOS #macbook #laptop

00:00 Intro
00:49 Sponsor: Proton Mail, the secure and private email service
02:22 macOS: sub par software
07:49 The Apple Ecosystem: not useful to me
09:35 macbook Pro: top notch hardware, but...
12:24 M1 Pro CPU: powerhouse with one crucial flaw
13:20 Performance & Battery Life: no equal
14:30 Why it's just not for me
16:04 Sponsor: Get a PC made to run Linux
16:59 Support the channel

MacOS sucks as an operating system. No going around that, it's designed for mono tasking, or full keyboard use. No window tiling, dock can't minimize apps by clicking on them, the green button puts everything full screen...

The Global menu is great though, I wish it was well supported on Linux. No cut and paste for files and folders in the file manager is completely insane, and dragging files to other folders, or even to an open app is SO SLOW.

Installing apps was OK once you get used to it. The app store is pretty useless, as everything I wanted to use wasn't in it: resolve, firefox, GIMP, rectangles, an app for nextcloud notes, obs, steam, none of them are in the app store.

Virtual desktops are ok: gestures are good, but I'd argue GNOME does them better now: three fingers up in macOS doesn't show the virtual desktops, you also have to move the pointer towards the top of the screen to reveal them, or create a new one
You also can't just swipe right with 3 fingers to get to a new virtual desktop and start opening apps there.

Clicking on a window only focuses it, it doesn't select what you want, which is also annoying to get used to. Font rendering is absolutely great, though, especially compared to font rendering on Linux.

Now in terms of hardware, there's very little that's wrong with this macbook pro:

- The display is pretty great, high res, color accurate, high refresh rate, it's very good, bUT it's also covered in super reflective glass, without a matte coating. The keyboard took me a while to get used to, no numpad on such a big laptop is annoying. The webcam, mic and speakers are insanely good, and trounce everything I have ever used with Windows or Linux.

But, in the end, I still prefer using my Slimbook Executive 16. Why? First, while the build quality of this mac is undeniably better, it's also extremely heavy. 1.5 kilos for the executive 16, 2.1 kilos for the Macbook

The ports on the mac are far less useful as well, lacking any USB A port. In terms of trackpad, I'm not super convinced by the one on the macbook. It's huge and precise and gestures work really well, but the click is just so unsatisfying.

M1 is a cool architecture, but it also has trouble running VMs for operating systems that aren't ARM based, which means it's basically unsuitable for my day to day work where I need to test distros, on a VM first, and then on actual hardware.

On geekbench, It scores 2038 in single core score, which isn't bad, and 12636 in multi core, which is among the highest I've ever reviewed on a laptop, and it was on battery, not plugged in.

Battery life is insane, with 14 to 16h of light work, and 6 to 8h of video editing, compared to 7 or 8h on the executive, and about 3 to 4h of editing.

In the end, I have more fun using my Executive 16. It feels solid enough, although it does scratch more easily, it weighs less, I like its keyboard and display just as much, and I actually prefer the touchpad on the Executive The mic, speakers and webcam aren't super important to me, so I don't really mind the downgrade, but I have to admit the ones on the executive are just way below the ones the macbook ships with.

On top of that, my Executive can run a full blown Linux distro, and VMs, which this mac can't, yet. Of course I'll try Asahi on it at some point, but for now, it looks far from ready.

[GZXC]

"The system feels like its designed for mono-tasking, not multitasking"

As someone that uses a Mac for work, I 100% agree. I've since adapted, but hopefully I can get Linux next time I need a laptop refresh.

[Bluexx]

I was forced to use MacOS for a web developer job, so I feel your pain.
I can't see why it's on as a high pedestal, other than mindless startup, camera hardware, and the exclusive software.
It's too limited, it's too expensive, and hand-holdy.

[PhoticsTV]

The floaty windows on macOS is a problem. There's a $10 app called Magnet that is currently the #1 Productivity app. (I don't use it, so I don't know if it's good.) So, clearly window management is lacking on macOS.

Yet, I'm currently stuck with Mac. I've been keeping a list of blockers…

*BLOCKERS*
• Apple Arcade
• Disk Utility
• Hype
• Keynote (iWork)
• Final Cut Pro
• Messages
• Music (Ecosystem trap)
• Notes (iCloud features)
• Numbers (iWork)
• Pages (iWork)
• Photos
• Pixelmator Pro (Image Editing)
• Time Machine
• Xcode
• Widgets

That last one is my app, and I probably could port it, but I doubt if it would make money as a Linux app. 😊


*macOS Features*
• Screenshots
• iPhone Messages


*Ready To Go*
• Audacity (Audio Editing)
• Blender
• DB Browser for SQLite
• FileZilla (FTP)
• Handbrake (Video Transcoder)
• Inkscape
• Thunderbird (Email)
• Visual Studio Code

While there are lots of Linux alternatives for the iWork suite of apps, I like how it works on Mac. The iCloud integration is great and it works across macOS / iOS / iPadOS.

Even if I switched to Linux as the operating system, Apple hardware is really good. Apple Silicon is amazing! Yet, I just put Ubuntu on a 2017 MacBook Air. It runs great. That gave the Mac new life, since Apple isn't giving it the latest major versions of macOS. So, perhaps Asahi Linux is a good middle ground.

[_modiX]

In the settings:
1. You can tell macOS to always show the menu bar, also in fullscreen
2. There is an option called "spring loading delay" which can be reduced so dragging and triggering timeouts on directories and tabs gets faster, so you don't have to wait so long when dragging things around.
Also:
- There are tiling window managers that allow resizing multiple windows (e.g. Amethyst)
- To cut and paste a file, you have to copy the item and paste it via cmd+opt+v (you can see this when you right click and hold option after copying a file)

[ichijofestival]

The window snap feature really has become a must-have OS feature.
Windows has tried to expand on it-- and I definitely think it can be improved-- but those little pop-ups with the different configurations aren't doing it for me.

[briannacluck]

I used a mac for almost 2 years at a former job since that was what IT sent to everybody. I eventually got used to it, and some of the keyboard shortcuts were nice for what I needed to use them for, but I remember the relief I felt when I went to a job that let me use Linux instead so I could set it up how I wanted.

[Tommy-T]

Incredible hardware plagued by inferior software.

[jackh]

A few corrections - 4:12 This can be sped up by changing the spring loading speed in system settings. 5:47 This can be overcome by enabling three-finger drag in settings (as can a lot of similar limitations).

[etc]

I started using a macbook transitioning from an ubuntu laptop. At first the experience was not that great like confusions with when to use control, option and command but as time went on i grew comfortable with it. I really like the hardware aspect of the mac with a really good screen, touchpad and keyboard. Also for the software I do not use a secondary screen and use full screen apps with workspaces. I have configured the touchpad shortcuts to easily swipe between workspaces and it is really a good experience. I setup workspaces in order for what i need and am quickly able to swipe between them. This is a bit hard to do on other linux desktops and is a bit finicky if achieved via extensions. Overall I like my macbook to work with now.

[taputechnic]

During the pandemic, I had the option of bringing my $10K Mac from work for home office, but instead I opted to use my $1300 personal Linux box, even buying some extra RAM to run some intensive programs. The Mac UI, as described here, slowed down my productivity.

[daliareds]

You better brace yourself for all the mad Apple fanfolks

[jayforcinema]

Thank you! I am a Linux enthusiast who went to the Mac systems because half my software needs are proprietary, and Windows is a nightmare to work with. I totally agree with all of your points about the software customisability issues and illogical limitations. Here are a few 'hacks' to make some of it simpler -
1. In System settings - accessibility - Trackpad, you can set up three finger drag. This will allow you to move stuff without having to click and drag
2. There's a fantastic free app called Spectacle that does the Window snapping for you (and has simple, powerful keyboard shortcuts)

For me the reflective screen hasn't been much of a problem, but you could perhaps install a matte screen guard to fix that. I also switched my hard drive cables to Micro B 3.0 - USB C 3.1 Gen 2, and got dual ended pen drives with USB C, so I rarely need to use Dongles (although I do carry one for the odd USB-A need). Numpad is definitely a much needed missed item. I also use getmacapps site when setting up system for first time.. it installed most of my basic apps, the rest I DMG / Apple Store as needed.

Mac OS definitely lacks the finesse and customisability of Linux. But you get to work with most of it. I might return to Linux full time some day. But the stupid-ass proprietary stuff keeps me tied. Windows is a no-go though, for sure

[CoffeeToCode]

I feel those pain points since day one, for those who are sort of forced to use MacOS (Mobile developer) here are some tips that might make your life a bit easier:
1. Install Homebrew it’s a sort of Linux equivalent to Flatpack
2. Enable three finger drag and drop (Hidden under accessibility)
3. Enable tap to click (No more force click)
4. Turn on the config that groups all opened app windows under the app icon
5. Window management is the weakest point, so something like Magnet might help (Or try the new stage manager)
6. Don’t use Chrome as your daily browser it consumes CPU and RAM like there is no tomorrow at least on intel MacBooks.
7. To move (cut and paste) use cmd + c then option + cmd + v at target location
There are more settings that can be fine tuned(Yes privacy related too) that will help you make the daily use a bit less frustrating.

[moneodev]

You CAN cut and paste, but it's really goofy. First command-c as if you were copying, but to cut you have to do command-alt-v. Yeah... really goofy

[adam]

An entirely fair review. I'm a Mac guy and it works great for me. The issues you had would never be a problem for me, because I don't use my machine that way.

[treetox]

I did the same but only lasted 2 days using a MacBook! It was a horrid experience and I felt like Apple was constantly telling me, "This is the way WE think you should use this laptop..." - I felt too controlled!

[GabrielArrudaD]

Some issues that can be mitigated:
- You can move files on Finder using Command + Opt + V on the paste moment
- Using Opt and clicking on maximize is the same of double clicking
- Three fingers can be configured to function as click and drag

[the.dorgas]

I would like to see you do the same with Windows 11, including games.

[fshtank]

As someone who’s used both MacOS and Linux (Mint Cinnamon, Ubuntu Gnome & unity) I found the Mac UI a different work flow to understand vs. Linux to become productive. Creating new desktops is not that difficult (I do prefer Keyboard shortcuts though) and drag and drop of files is not as difficult as you Made it sound. But having said that, If the proper commercial software I user were available on Linux i would be running Linux Mint as my main, hands down. As it is, Mint is a side project computer where I run DBs and K8s as warranted.

Let me freak you out a little now. I’ve maintained (and to this day) the best OS combo could dream up and would want to use is Windows UI (Win 7 that is) running atop Linux. That is Mint. 😜.
BTW I am a full MacOS user with my phone and iPad in the Apple eco-system. Its pretty good. And the closest to a Linux experience with a polished UI that runs “commercial” software. And I’ve been running it for about 8 years now.

[audigex]

I "daily drove" Mac for 3 years about a decade ago, and it was great - but going back to it in 2024 (because I want to do some iOS development), it really feels like it hasn't moved on at all. It basically feels like almost the exact same OS, and has been comprehensively overtaken by both Windows and Linux for productivity and UI quality-of-life. I couldn't agree more with your "It's built for monotasking" statement, that's exactly my feeling

I still like Mac, and I think the laptops particularly are great when you just want to sit on a train and do one thing, or work on a university assignment... but for modern computer use and multitasking it's falling behind