Editor
Celine Low chevron_right
For as long as I've owned a laptop, I have never understood the appeal of MacBooks. There is a distinct air for MacBooks, it was always the sleek, expensive, atas option that makes you look like you've got your life together.
Since I've joined the tech space, I've been more conscious of the gadgets I use. And I've been using Windows and have been perfectly content with its software.
However, I have been considering switching to a MacBook for some time; I own an iPhone so it makes sense. Plus, I was literally the only person in my office who didn't own a MacBook. The only one. It gets tad bit awkward when my fellow colleagues are AirDropping files to each other and screen mirroring presentations like it's nothing, while I'm fumbling with Google Drive attachments and HDMI cables like it's 2010.
To that, I say NO MORE! And spoiler alert: I don't regret it. But, there were some hiccups here and there.
The Migration Process Was a Breeze
Initially, it seemed like such a chore to transfer everything from my old laptop to the MacBook, but it barely required any effort on my end to complete the process. When you turn on the MacBook, there's a tool called Migration Assistant that walks you through transferring files, emails, and account settings from your Windows laptop.
It was surprisingly smooth and not that long, a couple of hours tops, for all my files. Everything transferred over intact. My documents, photos, browser bookmarks – nothing amiss.
The one thing it doesn't migrate is your actual programs. Windows apps don't magically become Mac apps, so I had to reinstall things like Chrome, Spotify, and my work software. But most major apps have Mac versions, so it wasn't as painful as I feared. With a simple tap to start the process, you can leave your laptops for a few hours while you do other things.
The Keyboard Confusion Was Real
Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+Z are combinations burned into my muscle memory. Transitioning to a MacBook, however, had me typing with my index fingers like a boomer. The Ctrl key is essentially nonexistent on a Mac keyboard; in its place, I’d find myself hitting the fn button out of habit.
That first day with the MacBook tested my patience for sure. I’d reach for that bottom-left corner instinctively, only for absolutely nothing to happen. Once, I triggered some completely random shortcut and had a mini panic attack, trying to undo a mistake I didn't intend to make. I'd chant internally (sometimes verbally depending how frustrated I was): "Command, not Control."
But fortunately, it gets easier with time. After just two days, my fingers started adapting. Now, a month in, I barely think about it anymore. Though I won't lie, switching between my MacBook and my home PC still trips me up occasionally. When I do type on a Windows keyboard now, my fingers instinctively reach for a Command button that isn't there.
The Trackpad Ruined Other Trackpads for Me
It's very fluid and responsive. That didn't take much getting used to, but in those first few days with the MacBook, I was so confused about the scrolling direction, especially coming from Windows.
I spent my first week constantly scrolling the wrong direction, overshooting everything, and in turn feeling my throat close up in pure frustration. On a MacBook, when your fingers move downward on a trackpad, the page moves down, instead of the other way round for a Windows trackpad.
You can change this on your MacBook (System Settings > Trackpad > Natural scrolling) if you prefer to stick to the Windows' way of scrolling. I did try this initially because the trackpads was actually harder for me to get used to than my "Command, not Control" mix-up.
However, Apple's logic is that you're moving the content itself, like you're pushing paper up on a desk. Or as if you're reading on your smartphone (Android or iOS alike), the screen moves with your finger. It's so simple but it absolutely makes sense. Why isn't this a uniform feature across all trackpads?
So, I decided to stick it out and adapt to Apple's way. And I fear I can never go back.
Here's my reaction to unboxing my first MacBook:
View this post on Instagram
Finding Files Was a Bit of a Panic
On Windows, I had File Explorer and I was used to a taskbar that was always there at the bottom of the screen. macOS, by default, prefers a much more minimalist "clean screen" aesthetic.
At first, it was jarring to look down and see nothing but my background wallpaper. I hadn't a clue on how to navigate the laptop. WHAT DO I DO? THERE'S NOTHING THERE FOR ME TO CLICK!
Thank goodness for my colleagues, who could see how visibly confused I was, ran over to show me how to "summon" my apps. You hover your mouse toward the bottom of the screen and wait for that split second where the Dock glides into view. Here's where I found the Finder app — which I'd say is File Explorer's more elusive sibling — and other apps like Notes and Apple Music.
Spotlight search is also helpful to find whatever file you're looking for. A quick Command + Space combo brings it front and center instantly. Alternatively, if you're more "mouse-oriented," you can just hover over the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar and click that magnifying glass.
Like my "Command, not Control" key muscle memory, navigating the MacBook eventually became second nature. Now, I’ve actually grown to appreciate the extra space on my screen. The interface stays out of your way until you actually go looking for it. It forces you to focus on the window in front of you, rather than the clutter beneath it.
Experiencing the Ecosystem Kinda Fried My Brain (In A Good Way)
I’ve had an iPhone for a couple of years, and I've heard from people: "You gotta use it with other Apple devices. It's gonna change you."
I can attest that it did change the way I thought about ecosystems as a whole. I never did adopt a specific ecosystem before, but now that I've had a small taste of it — using my iPhone alongside a Mac — I get it. The sync between both devices is pretty mindblowing.
Obviously there’s AirDrop. I finally understand why my colleagues were waiting for me to get a MacBook. Moving photos or heavy files from my phone to my Mac happens as fast as I can say "AirDrop".
But the real "brain-frying" moment was discovering Universal Clipboard for the first time. I can copy a sentence from my iPhone Notes, then Cmd + V on my Mac to paste it. And it's there! I was catching flies, mouth agape in total disbelief.
Overall, It Was A Great Experience
The adjustment period was a true challenge, and there were moments I missed the familiarity of Windows. But now that I'm over that hump? The experience is smooth, the build quality is excellent, and having everything work together so smoothly with my iPhone was worth the switch.
Is a MacBook necessary? No. Could I have stuck with my laptop? Absolutely. But am I glad I made the switch? Yeah, I really am. And I don't think atas is such an overrated thing.
Stay updated with ProductNation on here, Instagram & TikTok as well.
Read more stories like this on ProductNation: