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Help me let go of Apple

almost 7 years ago from , Founder of http://functionandform.co.uk

I know in my head its time to drop Apple. They haven't released anything that really revolutionises how we interact, create and design with computers since the iPad. And, the Surface Pro looks incredible. Being someone who uses a Wacom tablet as well, it seems like it could be the best thing for designers like myself.

But it still runs on windows. After twenty years of using Mac (since I was 8 years old on my dads Macintosh Performa), I still can't seem to move on.

It makes me wonder, what am clinging onto? Is it justified? Am I just scared of change? what does everyone think?...

35 comments

  • Doug HardesterDoug Hardester, almost 7 years ago

    What do you need or want changed? What do other products have that contributes to a better workflow and production? Are the features that look "cool" actually useful for work or fun? Etc. Etc.

    I think people need to look at questions like these before asking such a question.

    As far as my opinion – I think the Surface Pro looks great but there's absolutely nothing that would make me a better web designer and developer.

    26 points
    • Ryan Duffy, almost 7 years ago

      This is a wonderful answer. I agree completely, everyone is looking for something to revolutionize their workflow. It's 2016 guys, we're pretty deep in at this point. Automotive companies don't revolutionize their vehicles from year to year. They simply improve what's already there, because it works. How long did it take Tesla to show up?

      5 points
      • Ronnie JohnsonRonnie Johnson, almost 7 years ago

        I think comparing our industry to the automotive industry is a bit of a stretch. Technology has allowed us to leap in ways that were just not possible before.

        Likewise, to say that "we're pretty deep in at this point" because "it's 2016" is missing the point entirely. In my opinion, we're just scratching the surface.

        4 points
        • Ryan Duffy, almost 7 years ago

          I gave you a point because you were able to work in "scratching the surface". Nice one.

          2 points
          • Ronnie JohnsonRonnie Johnson, almost 7 years ago

            I do what I can do.

            this message brought to you by Microsoft Surface Studio | Powerful workstation designed for the creative process

            4 points
    • Noureddine AzharNoureddine Azhar, almost 7 years ago

      I feel the exact same way. I mean, it looks pretty cool and as a piece of it tech it seems really well thought out. But unless I was purely a digital artist / illustrator, moving to it will not change anything for me.

      3 points
      • Lewis Jacobs, almost 7 years ago

        This! I think people are missing the target market for the SS. It's for digital artist. As a designer that does a lot of illustrative work it appeals to me, but it's not offering me something I don't already have (MBP + Cintiq). The only reason I consider moving to Windows based computing is that it supports modular hardware and gaming.

        0 points
    • Todd Padwick, almost 7 years ago

      The digital world is evolving. So my considerations were that designers should be prepared to evolve with it. For example touch screen devices are used much more now then they were 5 years ago. Most of the products I design now, are mainly for users who spend more time on a touch screen device... so does that make me out of touch with them if I spend more time on a device that is not as tactile? I certainly don't go for gimmicks or just because they are on trend... this is something I have always avoided doing. I strive to find the right solution for every problem.

      0 points
  • Marcin BauerMarcin Bauer, almost 7 years ago

    On word: hackintosh.

    Or wait till the Hackintosh community installs macOS on it :) I've been working on a powerhouse PC hardware setup, with macOS installed on it for 3 years now. It works flawlessly. There is a bit of a hassle setting it up, but then you have a Mac for 1/3 the price.

    7 points
  • Dana (dmxt)Dana (dmxt), almost 7 years ago

    I'm a designer and front-end developer, I used Windows since I was 3. I tried hackintosh, and it's unbearable. It doesn't have alternative tool such as http://getsharex.com/ and I couldn't live without it. I can't live without screenshot auto-upload with auto-clipboard with practically any image hosting or FTP hosting you want, I can't live without color-picker auto-copy HEX to clipboard and many other useful tools inside one tiny program. I tried to find an alternative on OS X and they're all garbage in comparison with ShareX.

    For design, of course, Adobe softwares support Windows and that's all what I need.

    For web-development, we have Brackets, Sublime, Atom, Notepad++ and other text editors.

    There's http://cmder.net/ to use for terminal, it got all unix commands, syntax highlighting, supports gulp and other commandline softwares smoothly.

    4 points
  • David Holman, almost 7 years ago

    I'm thinking the same thing.

    At the moment, MacOS is the "best" option and Apple hardware is solid. But Microsoft is operating with a new generation of leadership and catching up fast.

    While Apple has been working to make MacOS more like it's lackluster iOS, MS has made great strides since releasing Windows 10. And Surface has consistently out-done the iPad, and now possible the iMac.

    I wouldn't worry about switching right away, but keep a close watch on MS (or maybe Google) to eclipse Apple's innovations in the near future.

    4 points
  • Todd SielingTodd Sieling, almost 7 years ago

    Without trying to be rude, I'm not sure what you're expecting from these things. Are you just bored and want to be entertained by change? Your ability to interact, create, and design largely lie with what you work on. If you feel like another tool is surpassing the one you use, then you should consider changing (and there are good comments here about switching cost), but if you're just feeling meh about announcements, I'd encourage you to find something to work on that does invigorate you, and lets the tool fade into the background where it belongs. If you need to be excited by the tool to use it, I promise your focus is in a place that will always, always, eventually let you down.

    3 points
    • Account deleted almost 7 years ago

      Please add this response to all of the following themed posts...

      Should I change my creative process. Sketch or Photoshop. Mac or Windows.

      0 points
    • Todd Padwick, almost 7 years ago

      No i do not think you were being rude at all... its a valid comment.

      I always try to avoid gimmicks, and I strive to find the most appropriate solution for every problem rather than following trends. If i am designing for an audience who predominately interact with touch screens, on something that isn't, I wander if that is removing myself from the problems i hope to solve? It is the opposite to being excited by the surface... I love the work set up that I have. Its more that I want to make sure I am not falling behind an industry that maybe evolving.

      0 points
  • JE LS, almost 7 years ago (edited almost 7 years ago )

    Don't let go… not yet. Changing platforms and migrating all your workflow shouldn't be decided on hunches or small disappointments.

    You need to perceive a really HUGE advantage to do so. Otherwise your time and productivity will fall for a time, only to find it wasn't that big of a deal.

    Do this: use an alternative product for a time. Even if you can, borrow it from a friend for a day or two. Talk/watch people that uses it everyday. Be prepared if the time comes, and never look back once you've made up your mind. But don't hurry either.

    YES: it is a bittersweet time to be a professional user of Apple products; but there are really good things too, and productivity is still a good reason to stay (what the heck, even IBM acknowledged this recently), for a while more at least. Not all of the alternative software to Adobe is on Windows right now. It may not be the right time to switch now. but it's important to keep an open mind, just in case.

    I intend to test the Surface Pro myself a bit more, though the Apple Pro with a superior Pencil experience is more of a temptation right now…

    2 points
  • Luis La TorreLuis La Torre, almost 7 years ago

    You should design a prototype of the device of your dreams, see if people like it. Then maybe Apple will see it, then steal (or borrow) your idea and put it in their new device. Boom! Mission accomplished.

    1 point
  • Nathan HueningNathan Huening, almost 7 years ago (edited almost 7 years ago )

    Hardware is great, and important. It will help you get your job done. But ultimately it's secondary to software. A computer should be a tool to help you create -- which machine allows you to do that best?

    1 point
  • Nathan HueningNathan Huening, almost 7 years ago (edited almost 7 years ago )

    They haven't released anything that really revolutionises how we interact, create and design with computers since the iPad

    I don't want to be that guy (I know, I know...), but I got the Watch for my birthday as a surprise, and I LOVE IT. It has revolutionized I interact with my phone which, frankly, is the computer I spend most time with.

    1 point
    • Todd Padwick, almost 7 years ago

      See I hate the idea of the watch, but if I had one i probably would be the same! And by doing so im sure you have a better understanding as to how everyone else interacts with their tech as well.

      0 points
  • Nemanja NenadicNemanja Nenadic, almost 7 years ago (edited almost 7 years ago )

    So company needs to revolutionize something every year or two for you to use their products?

    From reading this I'mg guessing your driving latest Tesla, eating Soilent and have Rumba cleaning your floors. This year atleast.

    We're extremely spoiled generation...

    1 point
    • Todd Padwick, almost 7 years ago

      Its actually the opposite Nemanja. I love the set up that I have had for years, and do not wish to change it. But if the audience I am designing for, is evolving, should I evolve with them to understand the problems I am tasked with solving. By the way, I have a 20 year old Honda, an iPhone 5c with a cracked screen and I use a dust pan and brush.

      0 points
  • Jake FlemingJake Fleming, almost 7 years ago

    Use both? Surface for this, Macbook Pro/iMac for that.

    1 point
  • Pasquale D'SilvaPasquale D'Silva, almost 7 years ago

    You just need courage.

    1 point
  • Philip LesterPhilip Lester, almost 7 years ago

    I've been pondering this same question, especially after yesterday's event. Apple is starting to reflect the complacent Microsoft in the early 2000's. They seem more concerned with revenue streams than providing an amazing experience for users. This ironically is damaging their reputation and will ultimately hurt their revenue.

    The one thing that's keeping me in the ecosystem is macOS and it's exclusive software titles (sketch and xcode really). Windows would have to make some incredible leaps and bounds in terms of security and stability to make the switch over, but their new hardware sure does look enticing.

    1 point
  • Bevan StephensBevan Stephens, almost 7 years ago

    Just do it. You will probably realise that they are more or less the same. But you'll also probably feel liberated by not being reliant on a particular OS or hardware manufacturer.

    1 point
    • Nathan HueningNathan Huening, almost 7 years ago

      More or less the same, like a Chevy and a BMW are mostly the same. Both have 4 tires, stereo, A/C, and will get you to work on time.

      0 points
  • Vision 229Vision 229, almost 7 years ago

    I started with win10 on Bootcamp, finaly my MBP15 was quick as hell. Then i switched to a Surface Pro 4, wasn´t that fast so i got the Surface Book, and man that thing rocks!

    0 points
  • Kris KimKris Kim, almost 7 years ago

    I think you can try Windows by installing it via bootcamp or Parallels Desktop on your Mac and see if it can fit your workflow. If you manage to switch all your workflow to Windows platform, then why not.

    0 points
  • joe andersonjoe anderson, almost 7 years ago

    Try it out at the microsoft store, if it works well for the jobs you need done, why not?

    0 points
  • Spencer HaizelSpencer Haizel, almost 7 years ago

    Just take the plunge. It won't kill you.

    0 points