I Switch From Windows to Macbook and iPhone: Pros and Cons

In February 2022, my 4-year Asus ultra slim notebook seemed to be forcing me to update to the latest Windows 11. From my previous experiences with big system updates, I knew that would take forever, but at that point, the system was failing to the point it couldn’t be used. So I clicked on “Update.” 

Funnily enough, the update didn’t solve my issue. It was just adding the issue of figuring out how this slightly new Windows user interface works and troubleshooting my laptop. 

But it didn’t work. And that one idea that was back in my mind from the start started to creep out on me: It was time for a new laptop. 

You see, as a Computer Science engineer, my life revolves around a good-working laptop. I am a blogger these days, and I travel more than I stay at home, but the tech nerd in me always craves a nearly-perfect human-computer interaction. I learnt about this in school, and I knew it was possible. And, oh my, how much I dislike the word “troubleshooting.”

Some of my friends were bragging about their cool MacBook, and after a while and lots of price research for laptops in general, I decided on the most expensive MacBook I could find available in stores in my city. I wouldn’t wait for any special delivery, because I had work to do.  

14-inch MacBook Pro M1 Max 2021

This is the laptop I settle for. 

With 64 GB of RAM and a hardware storage of 1 TB, I thought this would be the update I craved. Since my old Asus only had 8 GB memory and 256 GB storage, this MacBook was something of fantasy land. 

My first impression was of the box. What detailed and perfect packaging. It reads, “Designed in California, made in China.” 

I immediately thought, “Wow, $100 is only for the packaging.” 

Then I carefully unwrap the laptop and charger from their perfectly wrapped paper. At that point, I was amazed because it felt like the most expensive thing I’d ever owned. 

And then, I open the lid of the laptop. And the thing started. It asked me a few questions about my language, location, wifi, and iCloud account. I can’t remember, but it didn’t take too long. 

And then it was done. It was open. And I just stared at it. It then hit me. 

I don’t know how to use this MacBook. It looks completely different from what I’ve been using all my life. I didn’t even know what to do to test if it worked. I was paralyzed. 

Then I remembered that my iPhone friends use this thing called “Safari.” This Apple browser was my gateway to the world. But I had no idea where to find and how to open it. For the first time in decades, I felt stupid and outdated. 

Then I went back to the same group of friends and asked a bunch of “How-tos” questions. 

One of the most important was “How to open a browser window.” But the thing that was stressing me the most was how to open the equivalent of Windows Explorer on my MacBook. I learnt that that is called “Finder” and it’s a pain in the ass. 

I’m going to spare you the details of my learning to use a MacBook journey. But I will give some of my best tips and learning for when you’re switching from a Windows laptop to a MacBook for the first time. These things need to be said! 

Switching from a Windows laptop to a MacBook for the first time: My tips

• It will take time to adjust. Most of my friends suggested giving it two months (!!!!seems like forever), but it’s true. After about two months, I finally felt like I understand the basics. 
• In the Apple ecosystem, all things that are installed on the device are called “Apps”: Safari, Finder, Photos, Mail, etc.
• The apps and Apple ecosystem use a special language, aka, way of referring to things, and you’ll need to adhere to it because that’s how you will know what to Google when you can’t find your shortcuts or can’t open an app. Arrogant, I know, but you can’t find the right answers if your questions are wrong. 
• To open an app, press Command + Space. Then simply type in the search box the app you need (Safari, Finder, Photoshop). This is the first thing I learnt and one of the things I use the most. It’s been 1.5y, and I still don’t know/care where to find Adobe Premiere installed on my laptop. That’s how I open all my apps. 
• The adapting continues after those two months, but it makes more sense after that. 
• The first thing you need to learn is how to use the browser. Most stick to Safari, the default Apple browser. I like to use Brave. Others prefer Chrome. It’s up to you. 
• After setting up your browser, proceed to install your work apps. Some can be found in the App Store; others must be downloaded from their website. You’re a Mac user, so click the “Download Mac” button. 
• MacBook allows you to have multiple screens. When you full-screen an app, all top menus disappear (hover over the top to see it). Command+Tab is what you want to switch between the different apps. 
• When you need to do something and have no clue, Google it! I asked the internet the most basic and stupid questions. But given the many replies, others have been wondering the same. You’re not stupid. It’s the same process for all of us. 
• Battery life. It’s amazing; Apple has a smart system to keep your battery alive for a really long time. However, if you are at your desk for longer, you might want to keep it plugged in to minimize charging cycles. Here’s a YouTube video that explains this really well.

The Good about switching to a Macbook

• The keyboard is different. Feels weird at first, but IT IS THE BEST keyboard on a laptop. There’s no turning back from this. You like expensive stuff now. 
• The buttons on the keyboard make sense. You’ll slowly learn how to use it and get used to the shortcuts. Windows has created some reflexes, but you’ll replace them in a couple of months. And I still have no clue how to use “Option.” 
• The battery life is amazing. This laptop is 0.3 kg heavier than my previous one, but the battery lasts forever. I can’t complain. 
• The retina screen is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. And now I get to stare at it daily, sometimes for 12 hours. 
• This MacBook is silent. I never thought I would say this, but there is no Windows PC in this world to keep its cool like this one. NONE! 
• The only time it gets a bit hot, it’s when I run Adobe Premiere Pro to export a 4k video while connected to an external hard drive, editing in Lightroom and browsing the web, and streaming stuff in the browser. It gets hot but doesn’t stop, glitches, or make sounds. 
• It NEVER stops working. There are no errors, bugs, or frozen apps. Windows made you live in fear, but that is a story of the past. 
• Close the lid to put it to sleep. Then open it to resume working. It’s that simple. 
• It’s SIMPLE to use. Takes a while to get used to, but it will make tasks so much easier for you. It gives you time because you get things done faster. 

The iPhone

After about one week of my new life with a MacBook, I decided (blame my friends again) to get an iPhone 13 Pro. Yes, that was one expensive month, spending like a millionaire. 

Spending $1,500 on a smartphone, who am I? They make $100 smartphone these days, but somehow, Apple thrives by selling their devices worldwide. Coincidence?

No. 

The iPhone costs like a luxury product. And it feels like a luxury product. Because it is. 

But online reviews convinced me that it would go well with my brand new Never-gonna-eat-again MacBook. I decided that if I was going die later that month because of starvation, at least I’d lived the good life. 

I opened the iPhone, came home, open the MacBook, and they somehow magically connected the moment I used the same iCloud account on the iPhone. They knew they are family now. 

They work in perfect harmony. They know when they are around each other and when they are apart. Sounds like cheesy poetry, but it’s now. 

Ok, let me explain in plain words. 

Switching from an Android to an iPhone for the first time: My tips

• Apple has designed things in a simple manner. Whatever you need, simply search for it in the search bar. The apps are called intuitively by their main function (e.g., Mail, settings, safari, calendar, clock, weather, etc.)
• There are a lot of settings you’re not used to, so again, it will take some adapting time. I might say the transition period is shorter on iPhone (compared to MacBook). 
• When in doubt, Google it. 
• I found that Apple fans are more engaged and eager to give you specific answers to solve all your issues. But you need to learn how to ask the right question first. 
• The iPhone works. It never glitches, freezes, or has faulty system upgrades. 
• It may get super hot when it’s hot outside. Let it cool for a bit, and it will be ok. 
• The battery is amazing. 

Having an iPhone and a MacBook

Welcome to the ecosystem. I hate this word, sentence, and concept, but it’s true. 

Apple has created its own online world, where everything works seamlessly, aiding you in your work. Seems too good to be true, but it is. You get what you paid for. That’s why so many love to get a new iPhone every year. It’s not that the last-year iPhone isn’t good anymore; it’s that Apple makes you addicted to their new innovations. 

Each newly launched product has a few new features. 

And you loved the old product so much, you want to see that new feature and own it. 

Having these two together has tremendously improved my life as a content creator. I wouldn’t go back unless you’d pay me good $$$$$. 

Here’re my pros of using the iPhone and MacBook together:

•  Seamless connectivity. There’s this thing called “Airdrop,” which allows you to send files between your MacBook and iPhone instantly. You can also send files to others who own an Apple product. For instance, I share photos with my friends. You don’t need to be friends on Facebook or have each other’s phone numbers to share files. It’s a one-time thing or a long-term relationship – up to you. 
• When my phone rings, my MacBook rings as well. And I can answer on the MacBook. Super helpful when I keep my iPhone on silent (and my mom is calling).
• You can see your iPhone photos in the Photos app on the MacBook. No cables are needed. 
• You can share your internet connection from your iPhone to your MacBook. There’s a button top right on MacBook under WiFi. Click on Personal Hotspot, and that’s it. EASY!
• If you’ve connected your iPhone to a local WiFi, when you open your MacBook, don’t type in the password again. Open the wifi you want to connect to on your MacBook, and then unlock your iPhone. It will ask you if you want to share the pass to the wifi to your Mac. “YES. ” Thank you, universe! And Apple! 
• You can open tabs on your iPhone and continue watching on your Mac. 
• Share pass, locate your other device, and so much more that I don’t even know. 

After 1.5y these two still surprise me. 

But it’s not all great with the iPhone and Macbook. I have to give you the full image of what it’s like to switch from a Windows to a MacBook and iPhone. Here it is. 

The bad when switching from Windows to MacBook and iPhone

• The chargers. While the MacBook can be charged via USB-C, the iPhone has a special cable. 
• The MacBook comes with a special cable as well and a bulky charger, which I use. USB-C also works, but I haven’t tried it. 
• When connecting the external hard drive, or SD card, make sure you click on the EJECT button next to them in Finder before disconnecting. If you don’t, you’ll need to go to Disk Utility and let it do its thing, and it will take forever to make that device work again on MacBook. 
• Hard drives need to be formatted to EX-FAT to work on both MacBook and Windows. Format it when buying a new hard drive. 
• Transferring stuff from a Windows device to a MacBook is time-costly. You’ll need a hard drive. 
• Siri, the Apple voice assistant, occasionally pops up, saying, “What did you just say? I didn’t quite understand”, while you were in a private conversation with a physical friend. It also stops during streaming to ask you this. 
• The cost. These are high-end products. There is no cheap iPhone or Macbook. And I believe they’re not for everyone. If it helps you be more productive, earn more, upgrade your workflow, and success at your job, then yes, the investment is worth it. 

Conclusion: switching from Windows and Android to MacBook and iPhone

Most Windows and Android users will hurry up to point out the price of these Apple products. 

The loyal Apple fans will point out that there’s no better system. 

And both groups are right. 

I use this combo (Macbook and iphone) for crafting my blog, vlogs and content creations. I works wonders for me. 

I read about other creators doing the same. 

It’s not a myth; it truly does what it says it does. 

I also heard about people trying to switch from Windows to Macbook and being disappointed. But after going through that process myself, I don’t believe it had anything to do with the system but with the person. 

Some people are not open to change. We are all different. 

While I accepted feeling like a fool for 2 months for not knowing the basic shortcuts on my brand-new expensive laptop, others have not made this compromise.