7 ms·

Not a troll attempt, but I want to know why people use Hackintosh over, say, Ubuntu or Fedora? What can you do with Hackintosh that you still can't with a Linu

by hd4 9y ago

Not a troll attempt, but I want to know why people use Hackintosh over, say, Ubuntu or Fedora? What can you do with Hackintosh that you still can't with a Linux distro? Edit: Possibly a bit late to ask, but I should have asked if you had ever seriously tried Linux and if so what your experiences were like?

amiga-workbench 9y ago
Compile software for iOS.
- hd4 9y ago
  This is the only reason I have considered a Hackintosh in the past, actually got one but didn't get around to writing code for it because I got busy with other things. I wish it was less of a closed garden. I'm not sure how it helps their cause by setting the entry bar tied to hardware costs.
wingerlang 9y ago
Run macOS software..
- hd4 9y ago
  Which software in particular?
  - rootlocus 9y ago
    Not Mac OS specific, but Photoshop or the Unity engine are good examples.
  - wingerlang 9y ago
    On top of my head of apps I use more or less daily. Xcode, Hazel, DragonDrop, 1Password, DayOne, Alfred, KeyboardMaestro, LINE, DaisyDisk, Sketch, Hopper, Fantastical 2, SnappyApp, BetterTouchTool and so on. Some may have equivalents (but I'm sure nothing as polished) or will run under Wine but I have bad experiences with both. There are also workflows that take advantage of macOS features (e.g. location service) that wouldn't work on Linux I guess.
  - Keyframe 9y ago
    Adobe, Avid, Scrivener, Scapple, MS Office (yes), Movie Magic Scheduling, MM Budgeting to name just a few among many.
ldev 9y ago
Install git without requiring root privileges... Also git is a 3rd party application, yet somehow all distros treat git as part of base system/OS bundle/whatever, so Fedora 25 has set version of 2.9, 24 of 2.7, etc. WHY. WHY. It's third party software, not part of your god damn OS - there should be only one version of git in the repos for ALL FEDORA VERSIONS - and that would be the latest... Come the fuck on. Replace "git" with every other package.... Linux is so amateur hour with all plainly stupid decisions, I'd rather pay good money for proper unix.
- hd4 9y ago
  Your criticisms of Linux are basically that there is a proper security/stability process in place.
  - ldev 9y ago
    0.2% desktop users agree. Continue live in your strange bubble, just stop mentioning linux to normal folk.
    - hd4 9y ago
      I didn't realise normal folk came to HN, but your advice is noted.
      - ldev 9y ago
        I've found HN through /r/programmingcirclejerk and thought no one would be so out of touch with reality, not even Steve Jobs, but this is golden. hail linux
- chrizel 9y ago
  If you want the latest and greatest of everything, you could use Arch Linux. Git today in many ways could be seen as fundamental component of many tools. Many packaging and build tools use it to fetch data. (like homebrew, plugin systems for many text editors etc.) Also, the git version of your distribution IS relevant because other packages depend on it. For example, on my Ubuntu system the git package is a dependency of over 170 other packages. If you could install a newer version, a lot of these other packages might break. The recommended way of installing git on macOS is via Apples git variant by installing Xcode which also requires root privileges btw.
brendaningram 9y ago
I think that most people would answer your question by saying "because I need Mac app XYZ and Linux doesn't have a nice equivalent yet". I used to have a MacbookPro. I'm now 100% Linux (Debian). In my particular case, the only reason I would go back to using a Mac is for Logic Pro X (music creation software). I've used Ardour and Bitwig on Linux, but Logic is still superior in many ways. Having said that, it's not enough to drag me back to Mac, and there's no way in hell I'll ever use Windows again on any of my own systems. Generally speaking, I'm now 100% FOSS, and plan to be so for the rest of my tech days.
- vetinari 9y ago
  I use macOS for, wait for it, MS Office. Yes, LibreOffice in Ubuntu or Fedora are good enough technically, and there are same problems when exchanging documents with Office for Mac as there are with LibreOffice. However, deflecting blame works. When exchanging files with someone and something is broken in LO, it is automatically fault of LO. When something is broken in Office for Mac, it is an uh-oh moment, as obviously it is the latest product from the same company, so the effort to resolve the issue is much more constructive. Another reason is, that both Mail.app and Outlook are usable as Exchange clients (yes, I'm stuck with that, with IMAP disabled there :(). Evolution is a trainwreck. There is a plugin for Thunderbird, but it is a no-go, as it is a yearly subscription. One time price would be fine, but no way I'm going to pay yearly for using Exchange mail in Thunderbird.
  - lloeki 9y ago
    > Exchange [...] with IMAP disabled there This saved my bacon in a similar situation back in the day: http://davmail.sourceforge.net http://davmail.sourceforge.net
mtw 9y ago
Final Cut Pro, encode/decode videos in ProRes, Sketch app, Xcode, Photshop & Lightroom (don't even mention Gimp for Linux, i don't know any professional who'd touch it), and generally a much less frustrating and more productive UI (better support of external monitors, better system fonts, etc )
- jpkeisala 9y ago
  Exactly. I actually switched off from Mac to Windows last year and I do miss Sketch App and Xcode. I image in Linux also Adobe tools would be something that many would miss.
jwr 9y ago
Context: Linux user since 1994, also uses Windows often, software developer (anything from low-level embedded to Clojure and ClojureScript). It's all about Mac OS. It lets me get things done without dealing with silly things. Let's quickly list what I sorely miss when switching to my Linux machine: * Multiple monitor support: connect any number of monitors, any time, and have them Just Work. HiDPI or not, doesn't matter. The OS even remembers which of your windows where placed on which monitor at which size, and will do its best to move them when you connect a monitor. No other OS even comes close. * Consistent keybindings (Emacs-style) in all windows and dialogs. Control-a always gets me to the beginning of the line, whether in a text editor or in a file-open dialog box. * Reasonably consistent keybindings in apps. Can expect Cmd-q to quit every app. * Flawlessly working suspend/resume on laptops. * Full-screen any app and it works fine. * Apps like LaunchBar (I think quicksilver used to be a free alternative). * Spotlight, which finds everything. * Ability to remap any key to whatever I want and have it work everywhere. * Drag & drop everywhere. And if you laugh at this, consider that this is coming from a command-line guy with 25 years experience with computers. The way Mac does drag & drop is faster and more convenient than fiddling with command line. For example, did you know you can drop a file or a directory from anywhere into any file/open dialog box? * Apps like Simplenote, Bear, Ulysses: excellent tools for specific purposes. * TextExpander. * Predictable ubuquitous working clipboard. For me, switching over to my Ubuntu machine is an exercise in frustration. I can't redefine my keys, there is nothing like TextExpander, multiple monitors just don't work unless stars align just right and you have all the monitors in just the right order at boot time and you better not mix hidpi with normal. Drag and drop is nonexisting. Copy/paste is a free-for-all where each app does things differently and you have multiple clipboards (Ctrl-V vs middle mouse click). Basically, in order to get things done, I'd much rather work on a Mac. A side note: to really understand why the Mac is so good, you have to work on it for a while, with someone showing you things (like dragging files into file/open dialogs). People seem to think this is about superficial things like aesthetics, or Adobe software. It's not.
- hd4 9y ago
  Great response. Did you manage to post any/all of this to the feedback-request thread by the guy from Ubuntu about 3 weeks ago? If not, I think you should. I might even do so on your behalf as I've definitely felt some of these pain-points myself.
locusm 9y ago
There was an Ubuntu thread some weeks ago that seemed to paint a pretty good picture of Linux pain points.
nottorp 9y ago
Just another data point: I've used Linux as my main desktop from about 1999 to 2008. I'm familiar with installing it from 80 floppies (before anyone points it out, that was before 1999, more like 1994) and recompiling <1.0 kernels to get the drivers I want installed. I actually make money off customizing embedded linux-es (arm boards) and writing software for them. I prefer the command line to mouse clicks and "wizards". I moved to OS X because I want a desktop that actually works. I have several Linux VMs - one per project - which I use mostly from the command line. At the moment, OS X and iOS are the least annoying desktop and mobile operating systems. Note that I said least annoying. They all suck in different ways and I wouldn't use OS X as a server. I also think Apple has no idea how to do online services; for example I don't use iCloud for anything. Still, the operating systems beat the alternatives. Only problem is, you have to use OS X for a few months to realize how much invisible polish has been put in. I first bought a MacBook, and it took me a year or more to decide to switch my desktop to a Hackintosh as well.
- hd4 9y ago
  >2008 The Linux desktop experience has come a long way since then. Try Ubuntu 16.04.
  - nottorp 9y ago
    I have a VM of it. Unity is still as annoying as it was in 2008.
    - hd4 9y ago
      I've heard a lot of reported display/performance issues when running it in a VM. Try installing it on bare metal.
      - nottorp 9y ago
        I mean design, not performance...
        9y ago
StreamBright 9y ago
Because Linux (regardless which one) does not provide you the same desktop experience as MacOS. This is a subjective topic, all I am saying the experiences are different. Personally I prefer MacOS over Linux because it just works from the UX point of view and I can run Linux on it pretty easily with Vagrant.
rangibaby 9y ago
The only thing stopping me from ditching OS X for Ubuntu entirely is I still use Adobe apps for work. I dual boot for now.
ap46 9y ago
Mostly for those with iOS/macOS development & the creative suite of software from Adobe & Apple. There rest might do it for the heck of it too, slick UX & benefit of doing ML/DL from one single OS & machine instead of context switching between Linux machine & a macOS based laptop for the above reason.
k__ 9y ago
The only valid reason is software you need or if you want to do native apps for iOS. I'm pretty happy with my my laptop that has the high end mac book stats (besides the display) and costs less than 50% of it. I run Xubuntu on it and it basically has everything I need, but XCode.
- rimliu 9y ago
  So your laptop's build quality, trackpad, battery life, weight are on par with MBP?
  - bo1024 9y ago
    Same question. I am pretty sure such a thing does not exist at any price.
- hd4 9y ago
  Xcode (and by extension iOS development) is one of those things that makes you wonder if it ultimately does more damage to Apple in the long run than good in keeping it Mac-only. What is the purpose in limiting the number of possible developers of apps/programs for your ecosystem by their brand loyalty?
shabble 9y ago
The two main things I haven't found viable alternatives for under linux are ITerm2, and reliable+configurable touchpad gestures (with features comparable to bettertouchtool + controllermate). It's slightly amusing to me that by far and away the best terminal emulator that I've ever encountered is OSX-only, and it's embedded in my workflow enough that it would be a real pain to do without. I was going to note that FinalTerm inspired some of those features but was now dead, but going by [1] it appears it may be resurrected. [1] https://github.com/RedHatter/finalterm-reborn https://github.com/RedHatter/finalterm-reborn
H1Supreme 9y ago
One reason: audio applications (and associated hardware). I run Linux for the majority of my development work, but Mac just owns for audio. That said, I have 4 hard drives, with 3 OS's in my main computer. So, I can boot into whatever, depending on my needs.
flyosity 9y ago
macOS is easier to use in pretty much every way, and I write Mac and iOS software which you can't do on Linux.
627467 9y ago
I triple boot my i7-4770K+GTX780 with Windows 10, MacOS and Ubuntu. While I alternate between MacOS and Windows 10 every couple of months I rarely jump into Ubuntu unless it is to repair/recover something. I've tried using it more. I recall using Ubuntu full time for about 2 months a couple of years ago. But I'm a designer and use various CAD apps which are mostly available in Windows, some in MacOS and none in Ubuntu. I also recall breaking a lot of things when tinkering with Ubuntu. So while I constantly have this drive to try Linux and open-source workflow I just never manage to make it work. I break things too easily and many trivial tasks are too much of an "hassle" (like getting proper CUDA support to use in Blender) meaning the chances of breaking things while tinkering is higher.
bbrik 9y ago
Just adding to the other responses, one thing I miss whenever I am not on mac is quicklook/preview. Finder can preview most files you browse instantly. be it music, images (including photoshop and raw camera files) video, text, pdf, spreadsheets, docs, etc. Preview is a really amazing and simple app.
ryandrake 9y ago
I would miss Xcode for sure. Linux unfortunately has nothing that compares, unless you think a bunch of xterms running vi is a development environment. Don't even get me started on Eclipse (yuck!)
- prewett 9y ago
  Visual Studio Code is available for Linux. I've never used it, but I'd think it would compare favorably to Xcode (especially since everyone seems to complain loudly about Xcode). https://code.visualstudio.com/download https://code.visualstudio.com/download
  - ryandrake 9y ago
    Thanks, I'll have to give it a shot. Always thought VS Code was more geared toward .JS but it looks like they have cobbled together extensions to support C++ [1]. I used Visual C++ long ago, in a past life when I used to develop on Windows, and it was pretty good. Played around with more recent versions of it (2010 - 2015) and boy has it gone downhill! Very slow and clunky compared to what I remember.
- eugenekolo2 9y ago
  Have you used an IDE besides Xcode? I've found Xcode to be one of the worst IDEs I've ever used. And in fact, a bunch of xterms is even better.
BlackjackCF 9y ago
Reasons why I want a Hackintosh: - Apps that I've grown used to that are macOS only like 1Password, Photoshop, and Quiver - Integration with iMessage - I really enjoy being able to send messages from my laptop - Avoiding weird edge cases where shit just doesn't plain work on Linux. I have a lot of issues with a HiDPI display on Linux that I don't ever have to deal with on Mac. I know Linux is about configurability, and that's why I'm running Elementary OS at home, but these are the reasons why I would consider a Hackintosh now.
petercooper 9y ago
A whole bunch of things for me. Many already listed here, but I'd add two: 1) macOS's high quality text rendering. I keep checking in on Linux and despite installing all manner of weird hacks over the years, I've never got text looking as good as on the Mac in every app. 2) I've not found anything vaguely as good as Screenflow on Linux either for recording the screen and audio live and editing all in one app.
mschout 9y ago
I ran Linux on the desktop from ~1996 until about 2008 when I switched to OS X. The things that keep me from going back is a much shorter list now than it was back then, but for me it boils down to: 1: Lightroom/Photoshop. I'm a hobbyist photographer, and the tools just aren't as good in Linux. Gimp, Darktable etc are interesting, but they just aren't up to par yet with Adobe's offerings. And basically everyone in photography seems to be using Lightroom + Photoshop. 2: iMessage - being able to have my SMS and iMessage messages on the desktop (and synced back and forth from my iphone) is just way too useful every single day. Yes there are apps that provide similar functionality, but the beauty of iMessage is that nobody has to use an app. They just send texts like normal. Maybe there is a solution to this that works in Linux but I haven't seen it.

by hd4 9y ago

amiga-workbench 9y ago

Compile software for iOS.

hd4 9y ago
This is the only reason I have considered a Hackintosh in the past, actually got one but didn't get around to writing code for it because I got busy with other things. I wish it was less of a closed garden. I'm not sure how it helps their cause by setting the entry bar tied to hardware costs.

wingerlang 9y ago

Run macOS software..

hd4 9y ago
Which software in particular?
- rootlocus 9y ago
  Not Mac OS specific, but Photoshop or the Unity engine are good examples.
- wingerlang 9y ago
  On top of my head of apps I use more or less daily. Xcode, Hazel, DragonDrop, 1Password, DayOne, Alfred, KeyboardMaestro, LINE, DaisyDisk, Sketch, Hopper, Fantastical 2, SnappyApp, BetterTouchTool and so on. Some may have equivalents (but I'm sure nothing as polished) or will run under Wine but I have bad experiences with both. There are also workflows that take advantage of macOS features (e.g. location service) that wouldn't work on Linux I guess.
- Keyframe 9y ago
  Adobe, Avid, Scrivener, Scapple, MS Office (yes), Movie Magic Scheduling, MM Budgeting to name just a few among many.

ldev 9y ago

Install git without requiring root privileges... Also git is a 3rd party application, yet somehow all distros treat git as part of base system/OS bundle/whatever, so Fedora 25 has set version of 2.9, 24 of 2.7, etc. WHY. WHY. It's third party software, not part of your god damn OS - there should be only one version of git in the repos for ALL FEDORA VERSIONS - and that would be the latest... Come the fuck on. Replace "git" with every other package.... Linux is so amateur hour with all plainly stupid decisions, I'd rather pay good money for proper unix.

hd4 9y ago
Your criticisms of Linux are basically that there is a proper security/stability process in place.
- ldev 9y ago
  0.2% desktop users agree. Continue live in your strange bubble, just stop mentioning linux to normal folk.
  - hd4 9y ago
    I didn't realise normal folk came to HN, but your advice is noted.
    - ldev 9y ago
      I've found HN through /r/programmingcirclejerk and thought no one would be so out of touch with reality, not even Steve Jobs, but this is golden. hail linux
chrizel 9y ago
If you want the latest and greatest of everything, you could use Arch Linux. Git today in many ways could be seen as fundamental component of many tools. Many packaging and build tools use it to fetch data. (like homebrew, plugin systems for many text editors etc.) Also, the git version of your distribution IS relevant because other packages depend on it. For example, on my Ubuntu system the git package is a dependency of over 170 other packages. If you could install a newer version, a lot of these other packages might break. The recommended way of installing git on macOS is via Apples git variant by installing Xcode which also requires root privileges btw.

brendaningram 9y ago

I think that most people would answer your question by saying "because I need Mac app XYZ and Linux doesn't have a nice equivalent yet". I used to have a MacbookPro. I'm now 100% Linux (Debian). In my particular case, the only reason I would go back to using a Mac is for Logic Pro X (music creation software). I've used Ardour and Bitwig on Linux, but Logic is still superior in many ways. Having said that, it's not enough to drag me back to Mac, and there's no way in hell I'll ever use Windows again on any of my own systems. Generally speaking, I'm now 100% FOSS, and plan to be so for the rest of my tech days.

vetinari 9y ago
I use macOS for, wait for it, MS Office. Yes, LibreOffice in Ubuntu or Fedora are good enough technically, and there are same problems when exchanging documents with Office for Mac as there are with LibreOffice. However, deflecting blame works. When exchanging files with someone and something is broken in LO, it is automatically fault of LO. When something is broken in Office for Mac, it is an uh-oh moment, as obviously it is the latest product from the same company, so the effort to resolve the issue is much more constructive. Another reason is, that both Mail.app and Outlook are usable as Exchange clients (yes, I'm stuck with that, with IMAP disabled there :(). Evolution is a trainwreck. There is a plugin for Thunderbird, but it is a no-go, as it is a yearly subscription. One time price would be fine, but no way I'm going to pay yearly for using Exchange mail in Thunderbird.
- lloeki 9y ago
  > Exchange [...] with IMAP disabled there This saved my bacon in a similar situation back in the day: http://davmail.sourceforge.net http://davmail.sourceforge.net

mtw 9y ago

Final Cut Pro, encode/decode videos in ProRes, Sketch app, Xcode, Photshop & Lightroom (don't even mention Gimp for Linux, i don't know any professional who'd touch it), and generally a much less frustrating and more productive UI (better support of external monitors, better system fonts, etc )

jpkeisala 9y ago
Exactly. I actually switched off from Mac to Windows last year and I do miss Sketch App and Xcode. I image in Linux also Adobe tools would be something that many would miss.

jwr 9y ago

Context: Linux user since 1994, also uses Windows often, software developer (anything from low-level embedded to Clojure and ClojureScript). It's all about Mac OS. It lets me get things done without dealing with silly things. Let's quickly list what I sorely miss when switching to my Linux machine: * Multiple monitor support: connect any number of monitors, any time, and have them Just Work. HiDPI or not, doesn't matter. The OS even remembers which of your windows where placed on which monitor at which size, and will do its best to move them when you connect a monitor. No other OS even comes close. * Consistent keybindings (Emacs-style) in all windows and dialogs. Control-a always gets me to the beginning of the line, whether in a text editor or in a file-open dialog box. * Reasonably consistent keybindings in apps. Can expect Cmd-q to quit every app. * Flawlessly working suspend/resume on laptops. * Full-screen any app and it works fine. * Apps like LaunchBar (I think quicksilver used to be a free alternative). * Spotlight, which finds everything. * Ability to remap any key to whatever I want and have it work everywhere. * Drag & drop everywhere. And if you laugh at this, consider that this is coming from a command-line guy with 25 years experience with computers. The way Mac does drag & drop is faster and more convenient than fiddling with command line. For example, did you know you can drop a file or a directory from anywhere into any file/open dialog box? * Apps like Simplenote, Bear, Ulysses: excellent tools for specific purposes. * TextExpander. * Predictable ubuquitous working clipboard. For me, switching over to my Ubuntu machine is an exercise in frustration. I can't redefine my keys, there is nothing like TextExpander, multiple monitors just don't work unless stars align just right and you have all the monitors in just the right order at boot time and you better not mix hidpi with normal. Drag and drop is nonexisting. Copy/paste is a free-for-all where each app does things differently and you have multiple clipboards (Ctrl-V vs middle mouse click). Basically, in order to get things done, I'd much rather work on a Mac. A side note: to really understand why the Mac is so good, you have to work on it for a while, with someone showing you things (like dragging files into file/open dialogs). People seem to think this is about superficial things like aesthetics, or Adobe software. It's not.

hd4 9y ago
Great response. Did you manage to post any/all of this to the feedback-request thread by the guy from Ubuntu about 3 weeks ago? If not, I think you should. I might even do so on your behalf as I've definitely felt some of these pain-points myself.

locusm 9y ago

There was an Ubuntu thread some weeks ago that seemed to paint a pretty good picture of Linux pain points.

nottorp 9y ago

Just another data point: I've used Linux as my main desktop from about 1999 to 2008. I'm familiar with installing it from 80 floppies (before anyone points it out, that was before 1999, more like 1994) and recompiling <1.0 kernels to get the drivers I want installed. I actually make money off customizing embedded linux-es (arm boards) and writing software for them. I prefer the command line to mouse clicks and "wizards". I moved to OS X because I want a desktop that actually works. I have several Linux VMs - one per project - which I use mostly from the command line. At the moment, OS X and iOS are the least annoying desktop and mobile operating systems. Note that I said least annoying. They all suck in different ways and I wouldn't use OS X as a server. I also think Apple has no idea how to do online services; for example I don't use iCloud for anything. Still, the operating systems beat the alternatives. Only problem is, you have to use OS X for a few months to realize how much invisible polish has been put in. I first bought a MacBook, and it took me a year or more to decide to switch my desktop to a Hackintosh as well.

hd4 9y ago
>2008 The Linux desktop experience has come a long way since then. Try Ubuntu 16.04.
- nottorp 9y ago
  I have a VM of it. Unity is still as annoying as it was in 2008.
  - hd4 9y ago
    I've heard a lot of reported display/performance issues when running it in a VM. Try installing it on bare metal.
    - nottorp 9y ago
      I mean design, not performance...
      - 9y ago

StreamBright 9y ago

Because Linux (regardless which one) does not provide you the same desktop experience as MacOS. This is a subjective topic, all I am saying the experiences are different. Personally I prefer MacOS over Linux because it just works from the UX point of view and I can run Linux on it pretty easily with Vagrant.

rangibaby 9y ago

The only thing stopping me from ditching OS X for Ubuntu entirely is I still use Adobe apps for work. I dual boot for now.

ap46 9y ago

Mostly for those with iOS/macOS development & the creative suite of software from Adobe & Apple. There rest might do it for the heck of it too, slick UX & benefit of doing ML/DL from one single OS & machine instead of context switching between Linux machine & a macOS based laptop for the above reason.

k__ 9y ago

The only valid reason is software you need or if you want to do native apps for iOS. I'm pretty happy with my my laptop that has the high end mac book stats (besides the display) and costs less than 50% of it. I run Xubuntu on it and it basically has everything I need, but XCode.

rimliu 9y ago
So your laptop's build quality, trackpad, battery life, weight are on par with MBP?
- bo1024 9y ago
  Same question. I am pretty sure such a thing does not exist at any price.
hd4 9y ago
Xcode (and by extension iOS development) is one of those things that makes you wonder if it ultimately does more damage to Apple in the long run than good in keeping it Mac-only. What is the purpose in limiting the number of possible developers of apps/programs for your ecosystem by their brand loyalty?

shabble 9y ago

The two main things I haven't found viable alternatives for under linux are ITerm2, and reliable+configurable touchpad gestures (with features comparable to bettertouchtool + controllermate). It's slightly amusing to me that by far and away the best terminal emulator that I've ever encountered is OSX-only, and it's embedded in my workflow enough that it would be a real pain to do without. I was going to note that FinalTerm inspired some of those features but was now dead, but going by [1] it appears it may be resurrected. [1] https://github.com/RedHatter/finalterm-reborn https://github.com/RedHatter/finalterm-reborn

H1Supreme 9y ago

One reason: audio applications (and associated hardware). I run Linux for the majority of my development work, but Mac just owns for audio. That said, I have 4 hard drives, with 3 OS's in my main computer. So, I can boot into whatever, depending on my needs.

flyosity 9y ago

macOS is easier to use in pretty much every way, and I write Mac and iOS software which you can't do on Linux.

627467 9y ago

I triple boot my i7-4770K+GTX780 with Windows 10, MacOS and Ubuntu. While I alternate between MacOS and Windows 10 every couple of months I rarely jump into Ubuntu unless it is to repair/recover something. I've tried using it more. I recall using Ubuntu full time for about 2 months a couple of years ago. But I'm a designer and use various CAD apps which are mostly available in Windows, some in MacOS and none in Ubuntu. I also recall breaking a lot of things when tinkering with Ubuntu. So while I constantly have this drive to try Linux and open-source workflow I just never manage to make it work. I break things too easily and many trivial tasks are too much of an "hassle" (like getting proper CUDA support to use in Blender) meaning the chances of breaking things while tinkering is higher.

bbrik 9y ago

Just adding to the other responses, one thing I miss whenever I am not on mac is quicklook/preview. Finder can preview most files you browse instantly. be it music, images (including photoshop and raw camera files) video, text, pdf, spreadsheets, docs, etc. Preview is a really amazing and simple app.

ryandrake 9y ago

I would miss Xcode for sure. Linux unfortunately has nothing that compares, unless you think a bunch of xterms running vi is a development environment. Don't even get me started on Eclipse (yuck!)

prewett 9y ago
Visual Studio Code is available for Linux. I've never used it, but I'd think it would compare favorably to Xcode (especially since everyone seems to complain loudly about Xcode). https://code.visualstudio.com/download https://code.visualstudio.com/download
- ryandrake 9y ago
  Thanks, I'll have to give it a shot. Always thought VS Code was more geared toward .JS but it looks like they have cobbled together extensions to support C++ [1]. I used Visual C++ long ago, in a past life when I used to develop on Windows, and it was pretty good. Played around with more recent versions of it (2010 - 2015) and boy has it gone downhill! Very slow and clunky compared to what I remember.
eugenekolo2 9y ago
Have you used an IDE besides Xcode? I've found Xcode to be one of the worst IDEs I've ever used. And in fact, a bunch of xterms is even better.

BlackjackCF 9y ago

Reasons why I want a Hackintosh: - Apps that I've grown used to that are macOS only like 1Password, Photoshop, and Quiver - Integration with iMessage - I really enjoy being able to send messages from my laptop - Avoiding weird edge cases where shit just doesn't plain work on Linux. I have a lot of issues with a HiDPI display on Linux that I don't ever have to deal with on Mac. I know Linux is about configurability, and that's why I'm running Elementary OS at home, but these are the reasons why I would consider a Hackintosh now.

petercooper 9y ago

A whole bunch of things for me. Many already listed here, but I'd add two: 1) macOS's high quality text rendering. I keep checking in on Linux and despite installing all manner of weird hacks over the years, I've never got text looking as good as on the Mac in every app. 2) I've not found anything vaguely as good as Screenflow on Linux either for recording the screen and audio live and editing all in one app.

mschout 9y ago

I ran Linux on the desktop from ~1996 until about 2008 when I switched to OS X. The things that keep me from going back is a much shorter list now than it was back then, but for me it boils down to: 1: Lightroom/Photoshop. I'm a hobbyist photographer, and the tools just aren't as good in Linux. Gimp, Darktable etc are interesting, but they just aren't up to par yet with Adobe's offerings. And basically everyone in photography seems to be using Lightroom + Photoshop. 2: iMessage - being able to have my SMS and iMessage messages on the desktop (and synced back and forth from my iphone) is just way too useful every single day. Yes there are apps that provide similar functionality, but the beauty of iMessage is that nobody has to use an app. They just send texts like normal. Maybe there is a solution to this that works in Linux but I haven't seen it.