Sick of Mac - ditching it and going back to Windows exclusively

jahalpin

I have had a Mac Mini for almost a year and am pretty sick of all things Apple.
It is so bad, that I have decided to get rid of the Mac altogether.

For a start, I don't like the way Mac OSX Leopard does things, Windows Vista is far better. The most basic of things are difficult to setup in OSX (eg Ejection icon for DVD drive)

I've also had problems with Safari being unusable due to its instability, Firefox isn't much better.

There should be no problem running Mac programs on Mac OSX due to the fact that the Mac is a totally closed system ie Apple has total control over the hardware used and writes the operating system (most problems in Windows are due to the fact that the PC is an open standard and poorly written drivers can cause problems).

I have been using Windows Vista on my main PC since it was launched and have never had a problem with it.

Connecting to a network is also far more difficult on Mac than it is on Windows.

There also seems to be serious compatibility issues between versions of OSX eg. programs working on 10.4 but not 10.5 etc.

Mac OSX is often referred to as a better OS than Vista but it still runs very slowly on what is reasonable hardware (C2D 1.83 and 1GB of Ram)

I will admit that Macs look much nicer than standard PC's but that seems to be all that they have going for them.

Trouser_Press

Going back to Windows after switching to a Mac is akin to returning to Twink after a fling with Angeline Jolie. Disturbing.

Thomas_S_Hunterson

If I'm completely honest, the only issue raise that I can agree with is that of the backwards compatibility between 10.5/.4 and even then only with regard to the current version of smultron. All of the other issues, I believe, were probably due to your impatience to adjust to the slightly different layout of OSX.

artielange

jahalpin wrote: »

I have had a Mac Mini for almost a year ............

I have been using Windows Vista on my main PC since it was launched and have never had a problem with it.

But if you were using Vista and had no problem's why the Mac Mini?

CuLT

I think you're approaching it the wrong way, and I think a lot of people approach the whole "which OS will I pick" issue incorrectly. Personally, I use my Mac and my XP machines for different purposes. Some things work better on either system.

I like to code on my Windows machines because I'm very comfortable with the Windows-based editor and version control software I use. There's also a bunch of other stuff that I've just become very accustomed to on Windows.

However, there's a bunch of stuff I much prefer about OSX and the Macbook generally. It's a much more comfortable and visually appealing experience, so it's my "recreation" machine. Great battery life, I prefer the instant messaging programs (I love Adium) and the general interfacey stuff. Terminal is handy. Keyboard is lovely. TweetDeck is multiplatform, but just seems that bit nicer on OSX.

I find that segmenting off tasks to different machines/OSes has really, really helped knock out any problems that I have with either system, because if one does it better than the other, I simply use that.

Sad Professor

A lot of switchers find the transition from Windows to Mac very hard. As I said many times before, the biggest problem they face isn't so much learning the Mac way of doing things but rather unlearning the Windows way of doing things. The user often goes from being something of computer wizard on one system to being a complete novice again. It causes a lot of frustration. Some adapt quicker than others. Knowing an experienced Mac user or posting on boards like this help a lot.

I don't really know what to say to you, OP, or even any of the above applies to you, but you want to give us a bit more detail on the problems you're experiencing I'm sure we'll all do our best to help.

You shouldn't be experiencing major stability issues with Safari and Firefox so something must be wrong there. And 1GB of RAM isn't enough for Leopard, I'd recommend upgrading to 2GB at least. Also, what kind of network are you trying to connect to?

ozt9vdujny3srf

I used leopard for 9 months with a gig of ram with no problems, so I think it is enough, although 2 is a good bit better.

How much are you selling your mini for?

Red Alert

I went almost totally Mac, after using a combination of Windows 2000, then XP and also linux. I have a Vista machine that I couldn't do without, but it really only gets turned on about once a week.... I might try install hacked OSX on it someday if I'm stuck for something to do.

Diarmuid

jahalpin wrote: »

It is so bad, that I have decided to get rid of the Mac altogether.

What are you hoping to achieve by posting this on a Mac forum?

eddyc

Diarmuid wrote: »

What are you hoping to achieve by posting this on a Mac forum?

Microsoft PR?

Dont be at yourself

I've been using Mac Minis for years, and am currently running Leopard on a Mini with 1gb ram, and haven't had any stability issues, even with things like Safari 4 beta.

I couldnt even contemplate going back to Windows, but each to their own.

marzabar

Trouser_Press wrote: »

Going back to Windows after switching to a Mac is akin to returning to Twink after a fling with Angeline Jolie. Disturbing.

lol. I have my mac with about a year and even using windows makes me flinch...

projectmayhem

jahalpin wrote: »

I have had a Mac Mini for almost a year and am pretty sick of all things Apple.
It is so bad, that I have decided to get rid of the Mac altogether.

For a start, I don't like the way Mac OSX Leopard does things, Windows Vista is far better. The most basic of things are difficult to setup in OSX (eg Ejection icon for DVD drive)

I've also had problems with Safari being unusable due to its instability, Firefox isn't much better.

There should be no problem running Mac programs on Mac OSX due to the fact that the Mac is a totally closed system ie Apple has total control over the hardware used and writes the operating system (most problems in Windows are due to the fact that the PC is an open standard and poorly written drivers can cause problems).

I have been using Windows Vista on my main PC since it was launched and have never had a problem with it.

Connecting to a network is also far more difficult on Mac than it is on Windows.

There also seems to be serious compatibility issues between versions of OSX eg. programs working on 10.4 but not 10.5 etc.

Mac OSX is often referred to as a better OS than Vista but it still runs very slowly on what is reasonable hardware (C2D 1.83 and 1GB of Ram)

I will admit that Macs look much nicer than standard PC's but that seems to be all that they have going for them.

This has to be a troll... Even Windows fans hate Vista

jahalpin

I'm not trolling, I'm just giving my honest opinion.

I have tried very hard to like my Mac, but have not been able to.

Upgrading the ram on the Mini isn't really an option due to the fact that it has to be totally taken apart to put in extra memory.

As for Vista, I believe it is the best version of Windows yet, it is very stable and a pleasure to use. I have Ultimate on my main PC and HP on my laptop.

As I said in my original post, the Mac looks very nice and the wireless aluminum keyboard is also very nice, but I just don't like using OSX.

Mena

CuLT wrote: »

I think you're approaching it the wrong way, and I think a lot of people approach the whole "which OS will I pick" issue incorrectly. Personally, I use my Mac and my XP machines for different purposes. Some things work better on either system.

I'd agree here. I run Windows, OSX and Linux. Each have their uses as far as I am concerned, and I wouldn't give up any of them.

hideous ape

Have you installed the latest MacOSX updates?

Leopard 10.5.6 is the latest released version. I really don't know anyone that has ever switched back to Vista...XP yes...but Vista not a chance. Windows 7 looks like the first version of "Vista" that will actually be the genuine replacement for XP.

DVD ejection icon...just press the key on the keyboard dedicated to ejecting DVD's. Have you tried learning many keyboard shortcuts? Once you learn some keyboard shortcuts and learn to use "Spotlight" (Command+Spacebar) you can fly around MacOSX. I use Spotlight for everything, launching apps, finding files, jumping straight to a specific Preferences page, etc.

Still each to their own I guess.

Creamy Goodness

CuLT wrote: »

I like to code on my Windows machines because I'm very comfortable with the Windows-based editor and version control software I use. There's also a bunch of other stuff that I've just become very accustomed to on Windows.

i know it's hugely off-topic, but what version control software do you use on windows Ross?

440Hz

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

i know it's hugely off-topic, but what version control software do you use on windows Ross?

Off topic indeed!! :pac:

*smack* Don't do that again!!

denisor

WHat spec is the Mac mini? And how much will you sell it for?

faceman

Its wrong of me to say to the OP, kthxbai, but i just did!

Look at the end of the day, windows isnt cool and OS X is. In fact you could sit in a coffee shop with your mac switched off and you would still look way cooler than someone with a top spec PC running Windows OS X Lite Vista.

What is it about how leopard does things that say are so different than tiger did, for the average user?

Mr. Presentable

faceman wrote: »

Look at the end of the day, windows isnt cool and OS X is. In fact you could sit in a coffee shop with your mac switched off and you would still look way cooler than someone with a top spec PC running Windows OS X Lite Vista.

?

Ha. That's what people who drive with foglights on say. I looks way cool!

Iomega Man

Foglights on a MBP....I like it!

cabrwab

I agree everybody is entitled to there opinion, but vista stable?!!!
I have it on my work computer, and every single vista pc in our office has being a mess. It was the reason i switched to a mac i had enough.
Vista copied a savage amount from the mac os.
As a previous poster said if safari aint stable there is something seriously wrong. I can do so much with the mac that if i dare try do the amount work on a windows pc it would explode.

Yeah mac's are the new bluetooth head piece you hate people who have them, my 9months of mac ownership and usage have being extremely trouble free.

Im not a MAC fan boy yet, but im getting there. Even my OH who is not tech savy loves the mac, i find our internet faster and better.
The 1 issue i have is the amount of work involved in setting up the 3G modems, i had to use the vodafone one over the xmas, but once set up its actually easier to connect.

I'am wondering what type of network you were trying to setup that wouldn't work with the mac.
Anyway best of luck with your return to the world of vista i hope it stays being a happy one. Sorry to loose you from the world of mac!
I hope you did try to learn to use the os properly as it does take learning/forgetting!

Eric Cartman

jahalpin wrote: »

I don't like the way Mac OSX Leopard does things, Windows Vista is far better.

i think hell just froze over

Sad Professor

nipplenuts wrote: »

Ha. That's what people who drive with foglights on say. I looks way cool!

People who drive with foglights on all the time are idiots. And people who buy Macs because they look cool are idiots too. I use Macs because OSX genuinely is better than Windows. The fact that the machine (usually) looks nice too is just a bonus.

Unfortunately Apple's marketing does little to dispel the perception that their products are merely fashion accessories.

ozt9vdujny3srf

What's wrong with liking something because it looks cool?

whiterebel

My wife won't switch her company over to Vista due to all the problems she is hearing about. She does look adoringly at the Mac when she sees how it does everything so effortlessly, though. Says something when HP ship XP and tell M$ its Vista. TBH if the OPs criteria for changing back are so weak, I really doubt he gave the Mac a chance. I presume he'll give Vista more than 1Gb of RAM too:eek:

440Hz

Bryan Deep Connection the Uncivil wrote: »

What's wrong with liking something because it looks cool?

hehe! Who let you in here? :pac:

Mena

eirlink wrote: »

if the IT guys adopted os x , i think , IMO , Their jobs would be in danger?
OS x does NOT need an IT dept !

go figure..........

You'd be very, very wrong there. Take it from someone who was once in charge of thousands of mac's.

silvine

Okay to play devil's advocate. Things the Mac is bad at:

1 Encoding MKVs
2 Can't run certain programmes e.g. I need to use windows for Nokia Software Updater
3 Pages insists on using it's own format and Word is slow on the Mac
4 It's expensive
5 Not being able to run .exe can be disconcerting for some people
6 Games

ethernet

silvine wrote: »

Okay to play devil's advocate. Things the Mac is bad at:

1 Encoding MKVs
2 Can't run certain programmes e.g. I need to use windows for Nokia Software Updater
3 Pages insists on using it's own format and Word is slow on the Mac
4 It's expensive
5 Not being able to run .exe can be disconcerting for some people
6 Games

1. Don't know what they are. I stick to the more common formats.

2. That's Nokia's fault, along with others. Bluetooth might be enough for synchronisation of contacts, photos and so on in many cases

3. As does Word. Save in .rtf to be more word processor friendly. Office has been ported to the Mac platform. Expect speed issues.

4. True.

5. Tell that to the Unix brigade. It's an alternative way of doing things on another platform. You get used to it after a while.

6. Don't bother with them but hear this complaint many times.

ZENER

I fail to see the point of this thread at all to be honest. I got fed up with driving an Alfa Romeo a few years ago and got rid of it and bought a Honda. Did I post a thread in Motors about it ? NO !! Did I complain that the indicator stick is on the opposite side to what I was used to ? NO !! I bought a car where everything was where I was used to it being. Simple !

So the Mac didn't suit you !! No biggy !!! You tried it, and found it didn't do things the way you were used to - the Windows way - it's nobodies fault !! Have fun using Windows.

Put the Mac in Adverts.ie or Buy&Sell and close the door on your way out.

Ken