Two weeks ago, I made the big leap: switching from Linux Mint to macOS, specifically on a MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro chip. Before making the jump, I had a few concerns. There aren’t many experience reports about this transition, and I wondered how I would adapt to this ecosystem. Today, with some hindsight, I want to share my impressions and discoveries from these first few days.
Impressive Hardware, but Not Perfect
First, let’s talk about the MacBook Pro itself: it’s an impressive machine. The premium feel is undeniable. It’s pleasant to use: it makes no noise, doesn’t heat up at all (I don’t game on it, only develop), and the screen is simply magnificent, with perfect resolution thanks to HiDPI.
The user interface is smooth and enjoyable, although I wish I could customize certain aspects more. Having replaced my old setup (a desktop PC for remote work and a laptop for on-site work), I now have a single machine connected to a Dell dock for added flexibility.
Hardware Drawbacks
However, not everything is perfect. Here are the main disadvantages:
HiDPI and External Monitors
I connected two external monitors, and there was a major disappointment: it’s impossible to achieve HiDPI quality without lowering the resolution. Compared to the MacBook’s Retina display, the external display quality falls far short of expectations. This is clearly one of the biggest drawbacks for me.
Keyboard Layout
As a user of AZERTY Windows keyboards for over 35 years, adapting to macOS’s keyboard layout takes time. Specific keys like Command or Option are initially confusing. Fortunately, I think this will improve after a few weeks of intensive use.
Learning New Keyboard Shortcuts
Switching to macOS also means having to learn new keyboard shortcuts. While this is a temporary inconvenience, it can be frustrating for users coming from Windows or Linux.
A Very Smooth Development Experience
For development, Docker remains an essential part of my setup. I opted for OrbStack instead of Docker Desktop, and it’s flawless: fast, stable, and hassle-free.
On Linux, I sometimes had issues with file permissions for files generated by containers. These problems are completely gone on macOS: everything works perfectly.
When it comes to tools, I can easily find all my essentials:
- DBeaver for SQL queries.
- PhpStorm as a code editor.
- Insomnia for API calls.
- Oh-My-Zsh for my terminal.
- GIMP for graphic editing.
- Discord for communication.
Arc, the Ultimate Web Browser
For web browsing, I now use Arc, and it’s a true revelation. It’s exactly the dream browser for my needs. There are too many interesting features to list here, but if you haven’t tried it, go for it! Plus, since it’s based on the Chromium engine, there are no compatibility issues.
A Successful Transition
So far, I’m very satisfied with my experience on macOS. Despite a few hardware and ergonomic drawbacks, I have no regrets about this change. In the worst case, I had considered running Linux via Parallels Desktop, but it turns out that’s absolutely unnecessary.
This transition to macOS has been a pleasant surprise, and I’m confident this machine will effectively support me in my future projects.