Switching from Linux to OS X
Switch to: MacOS X
Date: October 11, 2008
As a switch to MacOS X also means switching to new hardware, the story goes beyond operating system user experience.
Linux has been my primary desktop since about 1997 (2.0.30 era kernel). I have been an avid *nix user for the majority of my teens and adult life.
About two months ago I was in the market for a new laptop. I immediately began researching Dell’s line of Latitude and XPS systems. I put together a number of configurations, but could never get exactly what I wanted for the amount of money I wanted to spend.
This new purchase would be a big one because my laptop has become my main development machine. Its something I use at both home and the office. My thinking was that it had to be a machine I really loved if I was going to be sitting behind it day and night for the next few years.
The search through Dell was disappointing to say the least. One of their XPS systems was extremely appealing, but I just couldn’t get it with the exact specs I wanted for the amount I wanted to spend. One of my friends couldn’t understand why I didn’t just buy a cheaper HP. I tried to explain that it was not about cost, but rather about what I wanted in a machine. I didn’t want to buy a laptop that I could just afford, I wanted to buy one that I “wanted”.
It was at this point that I began perusing the local Apple store. I did a lot of research online and kept my eyes open for any upcoming Apple keynotes so as not to have my new purchase replaced by a new product line in the immediate future. All looked well, so I bit my lip and dove it.
I decided on the Macbook line. The Macbook pro’s were just a bit much for me and not what I was looking for. They seemed fragile, especially for the starting price, which is something that was complete turn off for me. The only thing that was really desirable about them, were the NVidia graphics cards.
The Macbook had the right set of specs with a build and a look I really liked. I will admit that the purchase of the black version was totally a vanity option as the bigger hard drive isn’t worth THAT much more….I just didn’t WANT a white laptop.
I will also say that software was also a big deciding factor with why I went with the Apple. I’m happy to install an alternative operating system on my own, but having a pre-installed vendor supported one REALLY is comforting. I wish Dell had their Linux department together in this arena, but they just don’t….which is very disappointing to say the least.
Almost two months in I can honestly say that I do not regret my decision at all and am VERY happy with my purchase. I would highly recommend it to any one else in the market for a new laptop, regardless of their level of computing experience.
Summary
Pros:
- Subtle System Surprises (like the 'find' feature in Safari or how the current workspace indicator in Spaces will flip sideways if your external monitor is sideways)
- TONS of these little things in OS X
- Extremely rich set of system frameworks
- Ruby built into the system
- Based off BSD
- With all the above geeky pros, its still a laptop that I'd recommend to my parents
Cons:
- Black case shows smudges (makes you self conscious about having oily hands)
- Not as open as Linux
Applications used:
Textmate, GarageBand, Pixelmator, Quicksilver, Skitch, Nodebox, Adium, Writeroom, Mail.app, Safari, VMware Fusion, Screenflow, Handbrake
Switch Satisfaction
Author
Switcher: Mel Gray
Website: http://www.seomoz.org
Profession: Developer
Location: USA / Seattle, WA
Switch
Category: Operating Systems
From: Linux
To: MacOS X
Switch Date: 04/10/2008
Usage type: Home/Business/Freelance
Used for:
I'm a professional geek, so I use it for work, entertainment, and education.
Computer configuration:
Macbook
2GB Ram
250GB HD (5400 RPM)
2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
Black :)
Previous computer:
Dell Inspiron e1505