Good Bye My 20 Years Old Friend: Apple
Switching from MacBook to ThinkPad taught me the value of freedom in tech: customization over polish, utility over aesthetics
In the fast-paced world of technology, our gadgets often feel like extensions of ourselves. They’re not just tools but companions in our daily lives, helping us create, communicate, and navigate the world. For a long time, my Apple Macbook Pro was my steadfast companion. It was more than just a laptop; it was a gateway to creativity, productivity, and connection.
However, as with any long-term relationship, the time came when I started to feel the urge for change. This is why I left my Macbook Pro for a Lenovo ThinkPad, what I gained, lost, and everything in between.
It is not my first time using Linux, but I have never used it primarily as my daily driver. I always had my Apple machine, but I have also done many things with my Linux ecosystem.
Some time ago, I began to question my choices, and I also came to an end with Ubuntu. Here is my article about it:
I Changed My Go-to Linux Distro for the First Time from Year 2006
This time is different. I will use Linux as a daily driver with my Lenovo laptop, and I will not have an Apple computer.
I am not a novice user of Linux, but I had the liberty that if something needed to be fixed with Linux, I always had the practical company of Apple. Now, I don’t have that.
This journey has not been created because of economic reasons. I can afford any new Apple product, but I began to question the unshakable quality of the Apple Macbook Pro when I bought it in 2018 with a butterfly keyboard. I was on a business trip, and two keys stuck. I tried a hair dryer, and I blew heavily, but no luck. I searched for a local laptop repairer in a city I had visited for the first time, but there was no Apple store. I’ve begun to think it is not the same Apple as before and felt cheated. It was the moment that I checked Apple products more objectively and began to feel rabbit holes all the time. When I purchased my 2019 Apple Macbook Pro, I had a massive problem with an external monitor:
Kernel Panics in New MacBook Pro 16" — Solution is Here
Then, I stopped buying the new Macbook Pro and still have the 2019 version. During this time, I used the most up-to-date Macbooks with M1, M2, and M3 chipsets during my job, but none of them were appealing to me. They are costly and add very little value to the new versions year by year.
Lastly, this is not a sponsored article or has affiliate links inside. I purchased a Lenovo laptop with my own money and my account:
I will also write about my Journey, Linux distro choices, applications, and how I have overcome these situations. If you don’t want to miss it, follow me and subscribe to my newsletter.
The Catalyst for Change
Feeling Boxed In
My Macbook Pro and I had some good times together. It was sleek, powerful, and reliable. However, over time, I began to feel boxed in by Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem. What once seemed like seamless integration now felt like golden handcuffs. I craved flexibility and the freedom to customize my digital environment without constraints.
The Innovation Dilemma
Apple’s reputation for innovation is legendary, but recently, I questioned whether the brand was still living up to its pioneering spirit. Each new Macbook release offers little more than a slight speed bump or a minor tweak here and there. Meanwhile, the price tags kept getting heftier, and my trusty Macbook felt slower with every software update.
The Appeal of ThinkPad
Amid my growing dissatisfaction, the Lenovo ThinkPad caught my eye with a huge discount. Known for its durability and performance, the ThinkPad starkly contrasted my sleek Macbook. It promised a level of openness and customization that Apple couldn’t match. Making the switch wasn’t just about getting a new laptop; it was about embracing a philosophy of computing that prioritized control and choice with Linux.
What I Left Behind
Switching to ThinkPad wasn’t without its sacrifices. There were aspects of the Macbook experience that I missed dearly.
The Seamless Ecosystem
Apple excels at creating a seamless ecosystem where devices and services work together effortlessly. I missed the convenience of syncing my messages, photos, and files across devices with iCloud. It was a feature that epitomized the “it just works” philosophy, and its absence was noticeable.
Plug-and-Play Simplicity
One of the Macbook’s hallmarks is how well everything works. From apps to peripherals, the Macbook offers a frictionless experience I took for granted. The transition to Linux on my ThinkPad introduced me to a world where extra steps and configurations became part of my routine.
Premium Build Quality
The Macbook Pro is the epitome of premium build quality. Every detail, from its keyboard to its aluminium chassis, felt refined and purposeful. The ThinkPad is built to last, but I longed for the tactile pleasure of the Macbook’s design.
The Details Matter
It’s often the little things that make the most significant difference. The intuitive keyboard shortcuts, the elegance of the fonts, and the overall aesthetic of macOS contributed to a user experience that was both enjoyable and productive. I missed these subtle yet significant touches in my new computing environment.
The Freedoms I Gained
Despite the nostalgia for my Macbook, the switch to ThinkPad brought its liberations.
Financial Relief
The cost of staying within Apple’s ecosystem is high, not just in terms of the initial purchase price but also when it comes to accessories and repairs. The ThinkPad offered a compelling performance-to-price ratio that made the financial aspect of the switch incredibly satisfying.
A New World of Software
Leaving macOS for Linux opened up a new realm of software possibilities. While the Linux ecosystem might lack the polish of macOS apps, it more than makes up for it in functionality and customization. I was happy to make this trade-off, as it allowed me to tailor my software environment to my needs.
From Status Symbol to Workhorse
The ThinkPad doesn’t have the same aesthetic appeal as the Macbook Pro, but what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in utility. It’s a tool, first and foremost, designed for getting work done. This shift in perspective — from viewing my laptop as a piece of jewellery to seeing it as a reliable workhorse — was liberating.
The Challenges and Adjustments
The transition could have been more seamless. Adapting to the different keyboard layout on the ThinkPad was a hurdle (German QWERTZ because of the country I live but I have always used ANSI US QWERTY), reminding me that no change comes without its challenges. Yet, this discomfort was a small price to pay for the autonomy and flexibility I gained.
Reflecting on the journey
The switch from Macbook Pro to ThinkPad was more than just a change in hardware. It was a journey of self-discovery, revealing what I value most in my digital life. The ThinkPad, with its robust performance and practical design, suits my current needs and philosophy towards technology. However, I carry forward a deep appreciation for the elegance and integration of the Apple ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
As I continue on this path with my ThinkPad, I’m reminded that the world of technology is ever-evolving. My needs and preferences might change, but the lessons learned from this transition will remain. It’s not about which brand or operating system is objectively better; it’s about finding the right tools that resonate with my way of working and living.
Ultimately, switching from a Macbook Pro to a ThinkPad was more than seeking a better laptop. It was about questioning, exploring, and ultimately finding a new way to interact with technology that aligns with my values and needs. And that’s a journey worth taking, no matter where it leads.