Windows users who have switched to OSX?

[singaporean123]

Have been a windows user all of my life.

Currently in need of a laptop notebook that has good pixel density and colour for picture/video editing and adobe software as I'm taking a diploma in design.

People left and right have been telling me to get the macbook pro with retina display, although they always mention that it's overpriced.

The long battery life is a huge plus point to me as well.

What do you guys think? Any users that decided to bite the bullet and get a macbook regret their decision?

[Xowie]

It is not too bad. I grew up using windows and my home computer is windows but my work computer is a mac book.

EDIT: I am not sure if I would buy one if I had to buy one myself, but I have no glaring complaints.

[baldgye]

If you can afford it I would say go for it. The only real reason I don't have a macbook or a mac is that I game so OSX isn't really suitable. Also, for some reason Apple is the only one putting out good screens on laptops... everyone else seems to have stagnated at '1080' res displays :/

[jdcarpe]

I don't think you would regret your decision. The advantage of Apple hardware is that it is sturdily built, and looks great. Plus that certain chic of sitting in the coffee shop with the glowing Apple logo staring out at everyone.

As far as the OS is concerned, to me, an OS is an OS, as long as it runs the applications you need. I use Windows, OS X, Linux, and Chrome OS on different devices. I don't really have a clear preference. If you can use one, you can use any of them.

I recently replaced a stolen Chromebook with a small Win 8.1 notebook with similar specs. I hate the Metro interface of Win 8, but I just work around it.

I will probably be buying a Macbook soon. The hardware is good enough to run any apps I need, and I love the design.

[Hypersphere]

I used Windows for years. There were two things that got me to switch to Mac OS X. First, I was in the market for a new laptop. I had ordered a Dell, but it got misrouted to another state. A colleague suggested that I look at the MacBook. I was skeptical at first, but I went to a showroom that had Macs, Dells, Lenovos, and some other brands. I tried the keyboards on each, and to my surprise, I found that I was faster and more accurate when using the MacBook. So, I bought a 13-inchMacBook. At first, I put Windows on it and used it as a Windows machine. Later, I started using OS X more and more, and finally I switched over entirely to OS X. I liked it so much that when I updated my desktops, I went with Mac.

The other thing that induced me to switch was that I had colleagues who used unix-based crystallographic software. Because of my research collaboration with them, it was easier to use the same software that they used. I found that OS X was a GUI resting on a unix foundation. All I had to do was open a terminal, and I was in the unix world.

Now I have an 11-inch Macbook Air (MBA). Because my primary computers are desktops, I wanted something that was sufficiently portable that I would actually take it along to meetings and trips. I find that I use the 11-inch MBA much more often than I used the 13-inch Macbook. It has a long battery life, and it is sufficiently powerful to use when traveling. When I am back in my office, I rely on my Mac Pro desktops.

Now I have been using OS X as my primary OS for several years.  thoroughly enjoy using OS X. It is more fun than using Windows, and now I hardly use Windows at all. When I need to run a Windows-only program, I use Parallels. I also use unix, for which I can use the Mac. For linux, I use either Parallels or a dedicated linux box.

[slip84]

I will just say this: if you do get a MacBook Pro, get the AppleCare. Jesus, God, get the AppleCare.

I had two MacBook Pro machines over the last five or so years and one was the replacement for the other after they gave up fixing the first. The second was fixed a handful of times under warranty and then under warranty for the warranty of the repair... and then under a recall. So many issues on both of those machines. Apple is notorious for issues with their mobile computers. While I love their OS, I hate their mobile computers. I have had so many of their desktops and had absolutely no issues, but their mobile computers... ugh.

Just get the AppleCare. It'll pay off.

[Belfong]

I have had two MacBook Airs and they are perfectly ok so far..

[iri]

Plus that certain chic of sitting in the coffee shop with the glowing Apple logo staring out at everyone.

just like everyone else in the coffee shop.

[jdcarpe]

Plus that certain chic of sitting in the coffee shop with the glowing Apple logo staring out at everyone.

just like everyone else in the coffee shop.

Exactly. You want to fit in, don't you?

[Input Nirvana]

My Mac Story (MMS):
Windows since the beginning of time because of business, all types of software, etc.
Always had Mac interest, for obvious reasons, but I didn't feel was workable for me.
2006/2007 Apple started using Intel chips, Bootcamp, Parallels all happened.
Early 2007 stuck my toe in the water and started with a maxed out iMac and 17" MBP and NEVER looked back. Never.
I've forgotten how to fix computers and operating systems

I haven't had dozens of business machines being pushed hard like I have with windows, but I've had a number of personal machines, desktop and mobile. Have a few used for work with Parallels/VMWare, remote access, things like that. I have a fair amount of experience with others with Macs for personal and business. Some of these people have always been Mac, and others switched to Mac are like me...loving every minute of it. My personal experience with Macs has been virtually flawless, and my experience with the other Mac users I deal with closely has been very trouble free. The initial cost is a bit higher, but I have found that it's justified because I believe I'm getting a better "overall" fully integrated product that will run better, last longer and have a higher resale. Also, I walk into an Apple store and I'm treated like a rock star, contact Apple via phone/web and always have a positive interaction. This is my experience. Also, I'm in Silicon Valley and I deal with hundreds of companies deploying hundreds of Macs each at an enterprise level...so it's a tried and tested fully integrated hardware/software solution. When someone posts "It's crap" you need to consider the source and investigate their credentials. It boils down to personal preference.

And a very recent advancement...my iPhone, iPad, MBP all see each other, interact, share via iCloud/wi-fi/bluetooth automagically. AWESOME SAUCE!

What I like about Mac:
-remarkably stable
-clean, consistent interfaces
-no conflicts (goodbyyyyyee windoz)
-nice hardware
-I never need to fix, test, tweak, fart around with it, don't waste time thinking/tinkering
-it just works

What I most commonly hear is a windows plus:
-can tweak infinitely
-more hardware choices

Most important aspect of Mac:
I WILL NOT DATE A WINDOZ GIRL

[jdcarpe]

Also, I'm in Silicon Valley and I deal with hundreds of companies deploying hundreds of Macs each at an enterprise level...so it's a tried and tested fully integrated hardware/software solution. When someone posts "It's crap" you need to consider the source and investigate their credentials. It boils down to personal preference.

I think they issue you a Mac when you move to Silicon Valley. Almost EVERYONE I saw there using a laptop had either a MBP or MBA.

[Input Nirvana]

Also, I'm in Silicon Valley and I deal with hundreds of companies deploying hundreds of Macs each at an enterprise level...so it's a tried and tested fully integrated hardware/software solution. When someone posts "It's crap" you need to consider the source and investigate their credentials. It boils down to personal preference.

I think they issue you a Mac when you move to Silicon Valley. Almost EVERYONE I saw there using a laptop had either a MBP or MBA.

Going to tech giant companies here is like walking into giant Apple stores. Desktops, laptops, tablets, phones all AppleMacAppleMac on steroids. Anything different is rare.

[tp4tissue]

I don't see anything wrong with buying a mac.. as long as you install Windoz..

[Puddsy]

I used OX X for about 3 years before I switched back to windows. I like windows a lot more.

Currently, my favorite OS is Kali Linux, because I'm a silly script kiddie.

[Input Nirvana]

I don't see anything wrong with buying a mac.. as long as you install Windoz..

tp, you so totally suck 8.1 ways to Sunday....no comment on my not dating windoz chicks? So unlike you

[exitfire401]

I've been a windows user since windows 95, and I finally deviated from it in 2010. My final verdict was...meh. I didn't have any problems with the machine at all, the OS is pretty intuitive, and the machines are built to last. I sold the machine in late 2012 and went back to a windows laptop purely because I was traveling a ton for school and family and it was a lot easier to take a gaming laptop everywhere rather than tear my desktop down all the time. All things considered, I'd probably get another mac, especially since I really only ever game at home anymore, and I don't travel much. There's nothing wrong with trying something new. They keep their resale value wonderfully. I sold mine for 85% of the price I paid for it, and when my friend sold it this year, he still made $800 off of it. Keep in mind that at that point, it was a 4 year old computer. 

[rowdy]

I switch back and forth all the time - Windows 7 at work, OS X at home.

I just prefer the Mac in so many ways, most of which people have already listed above.  I have not had any problems with the Mac, it has crashed or hung literally about 3 times since 2009 (so in about 5 years), and rarely needs rebooting.  memory management is much better than Windows.  The GUI and apps are far more consistent and thus easy to learn.  It has Unix underneath, with all the scripting capabilities and heritage that that entails.  My Mac currently has uptime of 154 days and is ticking along smoothly.

Windows - it used to crash or hang fairly regularly, but since the fresh reinstall seems slightly more stable.  Bad drivers?  At least Apple write all their own drivers for their own hardware.  It needs rebooting every 2 to 4 weeks as memory management is atrocious and it just gets slower and slower until it almost become totally unresponsive, then I reboot, and it's back to normal.  The GUI is very inconsistent - half the apps have their own visual style, even Microsoft apps.  Use of window controls is inconsistent, meaning that each app has to be approached as a new learning experience.  It has DOS underneath, which is basically a single user single-tasking operating system, and is crap to try to script.

I use the Mac at home all weekend, and going back to work on Monday feels like a giant leap backwards in technology, even though the Windows machine is several generations newer.  That feeling is even worse after a week or two off - the Mac Just Works, and it seems like I have to fight to get Windows to do the simplest things.

I do have one Windows machine at home for games.

And for the record I am a software developer, and all our clients run Windows hence why we are all doomed to run Windows at work too.

[iri]

Also, I'm in Silicon Valley and I deal with hundreds of companies deploying hundreds of Macs each at an enterprise level...so it's a tried and tested fully integrated hardware/software solution. When someone posts "It's crap" you need to consider the source and investigate their credentials. It boils down to personal preference.

I think they issue you a Mac when you move to Silicon Valley. Almost EVERYONE I saw there using a laptop had either a MBP or MBA.

all the guys from my department will be given macbooks upon the move to the uk. 13" macbooks




if mac os x and windows had a fight in my head, os x would win FLAWLESS VICTORY FINISH HIM FATALITY

[demik]

applecare is the greatest thing ever.

and it should be for how expensive it is.

[jaemzp]

I owned a Macbook Pro with retina display before I switched back to Windows. The only reason for the switch is that I needed to run software that did not have an OS X counter part. There are only two problems you will run into in my opinion and that is Windows software (bootcamp and VM are rubbish when you need to run serious programs) and OS X updates (it is being more iOSified and support runs out quite quickly compared to windows unless you of course buy new hardware).

The good part is that the screen is beautiful and you most likely won't find a better laptop display on a windows laptop anywhere, especially when it is an important aspect in your field. The trackpad is also wonderful, massive, responsive, tons of gestures, and so smooth you won't be able to go back to a regular trackpad.

I've never regretted getting one and I'm certain you won't either.

[noisyturtle]

Plus that certain chic of sitting in the coffee shop with the glowing Apple logo staring out at everyone.

just like everyone else in the coffee shop.

Exactly. You want to fit in, don't you?

If we don't fit in, the drones will sense dissimilarity and attack with wool-knit beanies and pumpkin spice!

[hautehipster]

I've been using Windows since I can remember. Recently I switched to OSX and found the change smooth. Personally what I like about Apple hardware is that it is clean and it is sturdy. It is also more efficient in terms of battery life compared to Windows machines. Also since you mentioned you're designing the Macbook will play well with most design software and you have the added advantage of multiple desktop windows. I would definitely say do it this weekend.

[Joey Quinn]

I grew up using macs but I've had a hackintosh desktop for a while so I switch between the two almost daily. I like doing school work on OSX more because I can organize myself better but for work and games I always use windows. As far as Apple's hardware goes it's crazy durable my current laptop is a 2010 mbp that has been abused and is still running great. The only thing I've replaced is the HDD which I swapped for an 840 Evo just to speed up daily activities.

[tutuling]

I would definitely consider changing to osx if the price is much lower. But its software is much simpler and cleaner to use.

[ezrahilyer]

I would definitely consider changing to osx if the price is much lower. But its software is much simpler and cleaner to use.

Can't get too much lower than the $500 mac mini, and its a pretty good computer too. (Not for gaming or super heavy use, but a great personal computer)

plus the mac minis hold their value like crazy, buy it use it for two years and still sell it for $400
that might be a light exaggeration, but you get the idea.

[tutuling]

I would definitely consider changing to osx if the price is much lower. But its software is much simpler and cleaner to use.

Can't get too much lower than the $500 mac mini, and its a pretty good computer too. (Not for gaming or super heavy use, but a great personal computer)

plus the mac minis hold their value like crazy, buy it use it for two years and still sell it for $400
that might be a light exaggeration, but you get the idea.

But you would get more out of that with a pc build. Mainly the graphic card would be left out in a mini.

[Hypersphere]

Speaking of hardware, I have the latest of the aluminum "cheese grater" Mac Pro computer at work. It has the cleanest layout of any computer I have ever used, and the heavy-gauge aluminum is delightful. I have added two SSD drives and a video card -- it was so easy and so pleasant to work on this machine, I wish there was something else I needed to add!

[Altis]

I would definitely consider changing to osx if the price is much lower. But its software is much simpler and cleaner to use.

Can't get too much lower than the $500 mac mini, and its a pretty good computer too. (Not for gaming or super heavy use, but a great personal computer)

plus the mac minis hold their value like crazy, buy it use it for two years and still sell it for $400
that might be a light exaggeration, but you get the idea.

The $500 Mac Mini is grossly underpowered. You're better off with the mid-tier model, but even then, you'd get a much more powerful PC for the money. I love how some people still say that it's good for things like browsing the web, emails, and office stuff... as if any computer from the last 10 years has any real issues with that. The cost of the SSD in the Mini is way too steep, and that's really the only thing that matters for those simple tasks, ironically.

Anyways, the Macbooks are quite good despite their price. I don't have one anymore (as I don't really need a laptop beyond my awful Dell E5230 work laptop), my my girlfriend has one that's quite nice to use. The large glass trackpad is what makes Apple laptops such a joy to use, in my opinion, and OS X seems to be tailored for the form factor as well.

The resale value is as good as it gets, too. You can always install Windows on it if you don't like all aspects of OS X.

[Hypersphere]

I've been spoiled by the Mac Pro, especially the latest one, but I really wish Apple would introduce a desktop in between the mini and the Pro. Yes, there is the iMac, but it is an all-in-one, and for the way I work, I need to have my own monitors and disk drives. I do have a few minis -- one is running Windows 7, another is running linux, and another is running OS X that I use for my home entertainment center.

[jdcarpe]

Mac Mini alternative (cheaper): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KD5RUPA

[rowdy]

Mac Mini alternative (cheaper): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KD5RUPA

Celeron eeewww

[Input Nirvana]

This week I started a new gig and I'm at an office using Office 365, some proprietary software on Win 8. Clunky, non-intuitive, and seems rough to me.

I just wanna stay non-windoz.

[tutuling]

Mac mini probably be good for Web browsing and light tasks. The only thing I like about it is its form factor

[rowdy]

Mac mini probably be good for Web browsing and light tasks. The only thing I like about it is its form factor

And low power usage?

[tutuling]

The newer Intel processor they're using are more energy efficient and run more quietly. Save a little on the power and the comfort of not having loud fans blowing in the background. But there is that restriction after 5 years or so you can't upgrade to their latest osx without being force to buying a new mac.

[rowdy]

The newer Intel processor they're using are more energy efficient and run more quietly. Save a little on the power and the comfort of not having loud fans blowing in the background. But there is that restriction after 5 years or so you can't upgrade to their latest osx without being force to buying a new mac.

There is that (although my late 2009 Mac mini apparently supports Yosemite - 5 years and counting), but then a 5yo wintel box probably wouldn't run Windows 8.1 either.

[Altis]

The newer Intel processor they're using are more energy efficient and run more quietly. Save a little on the power and the comfort of not having loud fans blowing in the background. But there is that restriction after 5 years or so you can't upgrade to their latest osx without being force to buying a new mac.

There is that (although my late 2009 Mac mini apparently supports Yosemite - 5 years and counting), but then a 5yo wintel box probably wouldn't run Windows 8.1 either.

Do you just mean the ultra compacts? Because Windows runs well on older hardware as it's getting more efficient. Should be even better with Windows 10.

Apple is going the other way... Yosemite eats up a ton of RAM, making the base MacMini pretty dismal.

Even the power consumption argument doesn't really work considering the premium you're paying for the device in the first place.

I do love hearing people say that it would be good for "web browsing" and "email"... as if any computer in the last 8 years really struggles with those tasks. If that's all you're doing with a brand new computer, you probably don't need a brand new computer.

[tutuling]

The newer Intel processor they're using are more energy efficient and run more quietly. Save a little on the power and the comfort of not having loud fans blowing in the background. But there is that restriction after 5 years or so you can't upgrade to their latest osx without being force to buying a new mac.

There is that (although my late 2009 Mac mini apparently supports Yosemite - 5 years and counting), but then a 5yo wintel box probably wouldn't run Windows 8.1 either.

Do you just mean the ultra compacts? Because Windows runs well on older hardware as it's getting more efficient. Should be even better with Windows 10.

Apple is going the other way... Yosemite eats up a ton of RAM, making the base MacMini pretty dismal.

Even the power consumption argument doesn't really work considering the premium you're paying for the device in the first place.

I do love hearing people say that it would be good for "web browsing" and "email"... as if any computer in the last 8 years really struggles with those tasks. If that's all you're doing with a brand new computer, you probably don't need a brand new computer.

Well if you buy a mac mini right now. What do you expect it to do if you can't even use it to do the simplest task. I think a lot of mac mini adopters are on this bandwagon.  To give the apple brand a try knowing it's not a gaming platform. I would dismiss any intensive graphics for this. Mostly those are for industry pros who require it for their work. I think it would be an upgrade to the mac pro line which is insanely expensive in my books. But I do give apple some credit for its minimalist and clean designs.

[tbc]

The newer Intel processor they're using are more energy efficient and run more quietly. Save a little on the power and the comfort of not having loud fans blowing in the background. But there is that restriction after 5 years or so you can't upgrade to their latest osx without being force to buying a new mac.

There is that (although my late 2009 Mac mini apparently supports Yosemite - 5 years and counting), but then a 5yo wintel box probably wouldn't run Windows 8.1 either.

?

i'm not sure what you mean.  5 years ago was '09; that was after the launch of nehalem.  which are more powerful than core 2 duos.  which are in my macbook that runs windows 8.1.

i think the only formfactor that can't run windows 8 are netbook grade ATOM cpus.

[rowdy]

The newer Intel processor they're using are more energy efficient and run more quietly. Save a little on the power and the comfort of not having loud fans blowing in the background. But there is that restriction after 5 years or so you can't upgrade to their latest osx without being force to buying a new mac.

There is that (although my late 2009 Mac mini apparently supports Yosemite - 5 years and counting), but then a 5yo wintel box probably wouldn't run Windows 8.1 either.

?

i'm not sure what you mean.  5 years ago was '09; that was after the launch of nehalem.  which are more powerful than core 2 duos.  which are in my macbook that runs windows 8.1.

i think the only formfactor that can't run windows 8 are netbook grade ATOM cpus.

My late 2009 Mac mini has a Core 2 Duo (2.26GHz for the record).  Originally 2GB RAM, although I've subsequently doubled that.

It is still running Snow Leopard (bad Rowdy - that's an unsupported OS) but I lack the time and effort required to backup everything and reinstall, especially when you consider that I am planning a replacement HDD as part of the upgrade.  Maybe this year ...

It runs Windows XP, probably just about runs Windows 7.  I would query whether it would run Windows 8.1 successfuly, and i'm not just talking about driver availability.

[iri]

i used mac mini on previous workplace (as a web developer) with almost no performance problems.