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Comment by stanislavb | Hacker News Reader

And that could be the beginning of the end. Yes, it might be slow; however, once devs start migrating to other platforms, it could become a serious hit on Apple.

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Most of the people I work with use Python, Swift/Obj-C, Sketch, and Ruby. Every single one has a Mac laptop. I don't see any of these people switching soon.

I've played around with Linux (Elementary and Fedora) and it's usable for most of the Ruby and Python guys, but it's just not the same. Not the same attention to detail (even with macOS shortcomings) and not the same apps.

Windows 10, similar thing. It's getting better, but it still feels overly complicated and kludgy.

macOS isn't the be all end all - it still has its issues, but I don't see anyone but the hardcore crowd defecting anytime soon. I think a lot would have to change at Apple in order for this to happen. Like, several cpu series behind or just blatant massive missteps. (Some would argue these have happened, but I don't think so yet.)

Most people I know in the Python universe bought Macs because for the past 5-6 years other PC makers would have hundreds of models and one or two decent ones... and those are usually special order or "business" computers you can't just run out and buy. OS wasn't the issue. Actually, MacOS is a PITA compared to Linux if you are developing for Linux... file locations are different, commands are different enough and GNU gettext makes autocomplete in the terminal work much better (i.e. tab completion for command parameters and other such magic).

When you buy a Mac, it's the same thing if you get it from Apple or at any retailer.

I ended up on Mac because Dell delayed an XPS-13 three times. I had to go to PyCon, so we ended up buying a MacBook Pro the day before I left. I've got two laptops since then, and both have been Macs because I can just go get one... they are all good computers.

I am a developer(-ish) who used a Macbook for a while because Windows used to be awful and 'PC' laptops used to be dreadful.

Thanks must go to Apple for taking the lead and showing how laptops could be really good.

- They work hard on optimising for power use, so you can leave the power adapter behind (sometimes)

- They showed that it's possible for your machine to be ready to use the second you open the lid

- They proved touchpads can be a joy to use

- They saw that high res screens were something people actually want

- They popularised a new style of keyboard which seems to be generally well-liked (writing this on a ThinkPad T450s... with a chiclet-ish keyboard, and liking it!)

I fear that if they turn away from their 'Pro' laptops, the industry will stagnate again and we'll all be cursing the cheap creaking plastic and terrible pointing devices on our Toshibas or Fujitsus. Just as we notice there's no battery left.

I'm liking Windows 10 on a ThinkPad, but I'm using the TrackPoint / a mouse, because, while the trackpad is improved, if it's not 99% as good as a Macbook's, they might as well not bother (I've switched it off).

Also, 3.5 hours remaining after 30 minutes of use, most of it typing this comment. I carry a power adapter.

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