Would I like the mac os coming from windows you think ?
Macs - Are they any good for me if I am mainly a windows user ?
- Thread starter ng4ever
- Start date
- Apr 21, 2016
- 3,460
As a Windows user considering a switch to macOS, there are several factors to consider in determining whether you would like the Mac OS. Here are some points to help you make an informed decision:
1. User Interface: macOS has a different user interface compared to Windows. It is known for its sleek and intuitive design, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The dock and menu bar at the top of the screen provide quick access to applications and system settings. If you appreciate a clean and visually appealing interface, you may enjoy the Mac OS.
2. Software Compatibility: macOS has its own software ecosystem, which means some Windows applications may not be available on Mac. However, many popular applications have versions for both operating systems, and there are often alternatives available. It's essential to check if the software you rely on for work or leisure is compatible with macOS.
3. Performance and Stability: Macs are known for their stability and reliable performance. macOS is designed to work seamlessly with Apple hardware, resulting in a smooth and efficient experience. The operating system is less prone to viruses and malware compared to Windows, which can be an advantage for security-conscious users.
4. Integration with Apple Ecosystem: If you already own other Apple devices like an iPhone or iPad, macOS offers seamless integration with these devices. Features like Handoff, Continuity, and iCloud synchronization allow for a more cohesive user experience across multiple devices.
5. Learning Curve: Switching from Windows to macOS will require some adjustment. While many concepts are similar, there will be differences in terms of file management, keyboard shortcuts, and system settings. However, Apple provides extensive documentation and support to help users transition smoothly.
Ultimately, whether you will like the Mac OS coming from Windows depends on your personal preferences and requirements. It may be helpful to try out macOS on a friend's Mac or visit an Apple Store to get a hands-on experience before making a decision.
1. User Interface: macOS has a different user interface compared to Windows. It is known for its sleek and intuitive design, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The dock and menu bar at the top of the screen provide quick access to applications and system settings. If you appreciate a clean and visually appealing interface, you may enjoy the Mac OS.
2. Software Compatibility: macOS has its own software ecosystem, which means some Windows applications may not be available on Mac. However, many popular applications have versions for both operating systems, and there are often alternatives available. It's essential to check if the software you rely on for work or leisure is compatible with macOS.
3. Performance and Stability: Macs are known for their stability and reliable performance. macOS is designed to work seamlessly with Apple hardware, resulting in a smooth and efficient experience. The operating system is less prone to viruses and malware compared to Windows, which can be an advantage for security-conscious users.
4. Integration with Apple Ecosystem: If you already own other Apple devices like an iPhone or iPad, macOS offers seamless integration with these devices. Features like Handoff, Continuity, and iCloud synchronization allow for a more cohesive user experience across multiple devices.
5. Learning Curve: Switching from Windows to macOS will require some adjustment. While many concepts are similar, there will be differences in terms of file management, keyboard shortcuts, and system settings. However, Apple provides extensive documentation and support to help users transition smoothly.
Ultimately, whether you will like the Mac OS coming from Windows depends on your personal preferences and requirements. It may be helpful to try out macOS on a friend's Mac or visit an Apple Store to get a hands-on experience before making a decision.
- Mar 29, 2018
- 7,114
You'd probably love it once you get used to its UI. If you can afford it, that is.
- Apr 16, 2017
- 1,878
Depends on what you are expecting from it. UI looks more polished compared to Windows, performance & battery life on new M-series chips is awesome. But if you want Mac to behave like Windows, then you will be disappointed. Some of the Windows's apps (& games) won't have a mac version available. This is one of the reasons why I never consider Apple whenever I am looking for a new laptop.
And I won't even get into the repairability issue.
And I won't even get into the repairability issue.
- Aug 22, 2013
- 823
For me the file manager and settings UI on mac is below par. Windows file manager is way better in UI department. If you are using old printers you might have to get a new one as the there is little support for most of the old printers. The native arm apps are okay but anything other than that will have a decent delay in opening. 8 Gb Ram models are way too aggressive in memory management so do not opt for it if you are high end multi tasker. 256 Gb storage in base model is big issue, you will have to opt for an external SSD if you need all your files with you all the time. Apple only gives you 5 Gb of free cloud storage which is good for nothing so be ready for payment if you want decent cloud storage option.
If possible, it would be best to try a Mac before buying, to see if you like it. Personally I hate macOS and feel the a lot more thought has been put into the design of Windows. macOS certainly looks very nice visually. But in terms of usability I greatly prefer Windows. Of course, there are plenty of people who prefer macOS to Windows. That's why it would help to try it first, as it really comes down to your own personal preference, rather than other people's opinions.
- Mar 13, 2022
- 599
I have had lots of both over the years, and in my HO, MacOS is slicker and has way less bloat. Macs are super quiet and powerful and Apple regularly update the OS automatically(if you want). App availability can be an issue, but not usually mainstream stuff and, some would argue, their graphics stuff is superior. Don't have any gaming experience.
But, I agree with brambedkar59, if you like cracking the lid and fiddling/upgrading, stick with PC type gear.
This is particularly important with their newer stuff. I sold my M2 MBP because I found it boring.
I currently run a 2011 13" MBP and a 2010 MacPro 5,1 and have a ball switching stuff around.
The only other thing to consider is the Apple ecosystem. If you have an iPhone, iPad, Mac or other Apple stuff(watches, earbuds, homepods) it's awesomely well integrated. Very cool.
My 2 cents worth...
- Aug 21, 2020
- 476
I have an M1 Macbook Air. If you do anything other than gaming and using Windows-dependent power user apps, Mac is the way to go. Apple Silicon is seriously fast, RAM management is more like a phone so you can get way more out of 16 or even 8 GB RAM. All storage is PCIe SSD so everything loads instantly. No drivers. Ever. Works seemlessly with other Apple devices. Never ever had malware in my life and even if I tried, by default, every app on macOS is a sandboxed instance so imagine running Sandboxie on everything.
Personally I like the app ecosystem on Mac a lot better. Mac app developers seem to be obsessed with matching Apple's software quality so there are little to no bugs, always beautiful designs and lots of automation/ease of use right out of the box of course for a price but it's not much. There are just far fewer crappy apps in the Mac ecosystem than Windows fortunately.
Disclaimer: I have used Windows for almost all my life since Windows 93. Used ChromeOS for 2 years and Ubuntu for 6 months. Switched to macOS in 2021 and have been using it since.
Personally I like the app ecosystem on Mac a lot better. Mac app developers seem to be obsessed with matching Apple's software quality so there are little to no bugs, always beautiful designs and lots of automation/ease of use right out of the box of course for a price but it's not much. There are just far fewer crappy apps in the Mac ecosystem than Windows fortunately.
Disclaimer: I have used Windows for almost all my life since Windows 93. Used ChromeOS for 2 years and Ubuntu for 6 months. Switched to macOS in 2021 and have been using it since.
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- Jan 8, 2011
- 22,361
What's your use case?
Buy new or refurbished.
Cons:
Buy new or refurbished.
- Mac mini M2 start from $599 excluding KBM. You can use compatible accessories from other manufacturers.
- MacBook Air M2 is the next best option at $1099 (Price bump over M1).
- iMac is not recommended. The mini and Air are better overall.
- MacBook Pro and Mac Studio are only recommended for power users. Overkill for checking Emails and watching YouTube videos.
- Mac Pro is not recommended.
Cons:
- Apple made a few compromises with the M2 lineup by giving the base models slightly slower Storage speeds than the M1 lineup.
- A PC that lacks custom upgradability.
- Mar 13, 2022
- 599
?
That's pretty well every Mac between 2009 and 2021.
Huge statement Ink, care to explain your reasoning.
If you want to "check emails and watch YouTube videos", buy a Chromebook...
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- Mar 29, 2018
- 7,114
One great thing is with Apple you can visit the store and try it.
This
Great overall take on Macs.
So it all depends on your usage and needs. Go to an Apple Store, play with their offerings and enjoy the eye candy. Then go home and think again about your usage and needs.
BTW: Graphics designers I know prefer Mac over Windows for their work any day of the week.
- Jan 8, 2011
- 22,361
- Mar 13, 2022
- 599
From a performance stand point true. But, as discussed, they are not very user friendly.
I would argue, however, there are a large number of perfectly good Intel based Mac's that would be a better price and upgrade fit for myriad users though, including me.
I would argue, however, there are a large number of perfectly good Intel based Mac's that would be a better price and upgrade fit for myriad users though, including me.
I switched from Windows to Mac to Windows during study and despite the popular claim of Mac users that Mac's are easier to use, I actually like the Windows interface a lot more.
Besides the points mentioned by @brambedkar59 and @Brahman I would like to add that with Windows you have so much more options for (freemium) software at much lower costs.
Only when you are an all Apple devices user (as stated by @MuzzMelbourne ) the ease of connecting and oper-interability between Apple devices is way easier (seriously a lot easier)
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- Oct 3, 2022
- 380
But you will have some learning curve ahead to learn to defend it. I hear it is BSD Unix based, so if you know how to defend Linux, that might help I guess.
I'm also a Windows user. Recently, I bought two iPads. I guess macOS and iPadOS are more or less similar. I didn't like the iPad because of the many OS restrictions compared to Windows. macOS or iOS may be better in terms of security and privacy than Windows, but I like Windows for its usability and compatibility. Heck, I can't even use an ad blocker or extensions effectively. And iOS doesn't allow users to remove a child's account from family sharing. I prefer Windows over mac or iOS.
- Mar 13, 2022
- 599
Not even close to each other. Chalk and cheese really...
Ultimately, this is what it boils down to.
However, Linux is where you really get to take control...
Acadia
Level 1
- Sep 25, 2020
- 26
The most important feature of a computer, for me anyway, is the ability to backup and recover the entire operating system. There are several excellent programs that do this for Windows; Apple OS does not have that many. There is the built-in program, Time Machine, for macOS backup and recovery. I have never used a mac, only read that Time Machine is decent but not quite as reliable as the better Windows programs. On the other hand, macOS is easier to re-install from scratch and then reinstall all of your programs.
Whatever you decide, good luck, and keep us informed.
Acadia
Whatever you decide, good luck, and keep us informed.
Acadia
- Apr 16, 2017
- 2,094
I have win10 desktop and a MacMini, and have had a few macbookpros. I have the mini for easy integration with iphone & watch, icloud & my wife's iMac, and also AppleTV, Airpods max. But I prefer my win10 running VMware, I'm using it 95% of time. fwiw, my wife used windows at work for 10+ years, then retired and it took her only a few days to prefer her iMac, which I had "forced" on her. Good idea to go to apple store if there's one close to you, and play enough to get a good understanding and feeling of UI. If you like to tweak your computer, stay with windows.
