I have previously had multiple forays into Linux as my main desktop. This has generally ended with a return to macOS at some point for one reason or another. This pattern has recently repeated itself. However, I think it’s worth recording that this time the switch back was not due to any irreconcilable issue.

• One weekend with Ubuntu
• New Rig

Background

I have been using macOS both personally and professionally for the last 15 years. In 2021 my work laptop, a MacBook Pro, suffered a keyboard failure that required a replacement. I took advantage of the keyboard replacement program for my 2018 MacBook Pro while it was still covered under warranty. The laptop had become glitchy. After two weeks without a laptop, it was returned. When returned there was an unmistakable glare in the bottom of the screen, which appeared to have been introduced as part of the keyboard replacement process. At the time, I couldn’t help but feel that this compromised the usual Apple justification for its price premium based on quality.

In early 2023, my personal MacBook Pro suffered an unfortunate incident that was my own fault. After this, I couldn’t bring myself to continue my Apple loyalty. So, I bought a 2018 Thinkpad T480 from refurbed.ie. This purchase gave me slightly more compute power than I had with the 2018 MacBook Pro, but for about €300.

Experience

I revisited some of my previous articles and will continue exploring those points. This time, I installed Debian. Initially, I had started with Alma Linux after hearing that CERN had made it their default distro. However, some subsequent shenanigans from Oracle made me rethink that choice.

My app usage has evolved over the years, so here’s the updated mapping:

• Mail: Thunderbird → Pinned tab in Firefox for Gmail and Outlook
• Browser: Firefox
• IM: Skype → Pinned tab in Firefox for Slack
• News: Liferea → No RSS Reader anymore
• Video: VLC
• Editor: Sublime Text 2 → Neovim
• Music: Banshee → Spotify
• File Sharing: Dropbox → SSH
• Desktop Environment: i3 WM → GNOME Desktop

My experience with desktop Linux has been fantastic. I don’t miss any apps. I no longer use Word, Excel, or Adobe Creative Suite. I have no unsatisfied VPN requirements. Debian is stable and boring, which is exactly what I want. Snaps allow you to use newer UI applications on an older distro, so you’re no longer stuck with outdated software. Web technologies have advanced to the point where pinned tabs can serve as suitable replacements for apps.

Back to Mac

Recently, I came into possession of a 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro for personal use through work. I’ve abandoned my ThinkPad and am now using that machine. I feel conflicted about this. I only recently came across articles like the one from DHH, which resonate with what I’ve been experiencing. So, why have I switched back?

• The battery life in standby mode is breaking my heart. Every time I pick up my ThinkPad (which isn’t that often), the battery is nearly empty.
• So much of my data is in the Apple ecosystem. I’m working to change this, which, paradoxically, is easier with a Mac.

What is different this time is that, if I had to go back to Linux, I would do so with very little apprehension.