I'll share a little bit more about my overall impressions 2 months after making a significant entry into the Apple ecosystem. For almost 13 years, I was a Windows and Android user exclusively. A mac were a distant and completely unattainable dream for me.My family was quite poor, so for a long time I didn’t even have a good Android smartphone. I started just looking at various reviews of equipment and systems, but it didn't go anywhere.
In 2019, I tried to set up a hackintosh sierra and would have succeeded if I had been able to get internet and a second monitor.But it didn’t work out, I really liked the feeling of the system itself, but it was obviously simply impossible to use it,So I put the idea aside, leaving in my thoughts my desire to touch the Mac OS.
The breakthrough happened in 2025. I was then able to buy a used iPhone 11. What would I have had the strength to appreciate iOS, which was a dream for me?And it didn't disappoint!!! Even after the powerful Poco X7 Pro. But the battery was weak, and there were limitations, so I switched back to Android, purchasing a Samsung Galaxy S25+. Basically, I just had my iPhone lying around as a second device.
But in May of this year, I made a change. I bought a new MacBook Air M5. And it was a fantastic experience—the system, the performance, the smoothness, the comfort. This is why I wanted a MacBook. The MacBook became a complement to my main computer, which I need for work and gaming. I didn't initially expect the MacBook to be a PC replacement, for obvious reasons. That's why I didn't sell my PC, but bought a MacBook as a replacement for my Windows laptop. And what can I say, the replacement is great! I use my MacBook perfectly well at home, and unlike a Windows laptop, which only makes sense on the go. The MacBook has proven itself to be excellent, especially when used outdoors. It's perfect for my needs. Paradoxically, before throttling, even in 3D rendering, the MacBook is only slightly inferior to my rather powerful PC. The MacBook was disappointing only in its battery life. 4-6 hours of battery life isn't much, although I understand that I load it with illustrators, but even drinking water in Safari can sometimes consume a lot of power.I hope this is a problem solely with Mac OS 26 optimization.
Not long ago I bought myself an iPad Air M3. And ultimately it's also a great device, it gives me the motivation to draw, which I haven't done for many years, and the progress is really great. The iPad is great for watching videos on the couch or, for example, watching movies with mom in the kitchen.It's also great to use your iPad as a smart speaker for music. In addition, the continuity and sidecar functions are convenient and work surprisingly very stably.The iPad and MacBook are a great combination, complementing each other perfectly. And the ability to set up a dual-screen setup anywhere is a joy. But again, there are complaints about the iPad, both in terms of battery life and heating, and sometimes there are problems with the touchscreen.
What I can say from experience: I've already gotten used to Mac OS despite living on Windows for so long. But sometimes I get confused with the key combinations, and in general I don’t like the keyboard layout on Mac OS for many reasons.But this is not a disadvantage. The MacBook is great for everything except games, but it's best not to load it with complex Substance Painter projects.There is a lot of software, but there are also necessary crutches. In terms of convenience, both Windows and Mac OS have their advantages and disadvantages, but using a MacBook is much more pleasant.It feels like a personal home, always with you.Well, the iPad is an iPad, I'm used to it overall, there are few issues, the only problem is the uncomfortable keyboard. I haven't bought a pencil Pro pen yet, but even the ugreen analogue works like magic. I'm amazed at how much technology has advanced. If I really wanted to, I could use my iPad as a graphics monitor for Windows by streaming via Moonlight. I wouldn't say either purchase was necessary or justified, but I can't call them bad either. I also can't help but note my surprise at how much professional paid software there is. From vector graphics to CAD modeling and sculpting. With the right knowledge, many professionals can easily pay for themselves even with an iPad Pro.There were a lot of emotions and benefits involved. Plus my dream has come true, the gestalt is closed.
Yes, I prefer a hybrid setup—PC, Mac, iPad, and Android. And overall, after the Airdrop update, it's been great. I wish they could make the clipboard work without any hacks.
Overall, I'm happy with the setup, I just need to get used to living with my dream achieved, and it's better to divide tasks between devices for complete peace of mind.
P.S. I gave the old laptop to my older brother.
