Is it worth the $2700 for a Macbook Pro 16" M3 Pro and 36GB?

[Jose_49]

It's hereeeee!!!

 

JESUS CHRIST, the screen 

 

Is freaking amazing. 

 

Such incredible depth of colors. It's true that I never got an HDR screen, but this is awesome!!!

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

On 30/11/2023 at 17:36, Jose_49 said:

It's hereeeee!!!

 

JESUS CHRIST, the screen 

 

Is freaking amazing. 

 

Such incredible depth of colors. It's true that I never got an HDR screen, but this is awesome!!!

They don't gimp on the screen..

[adrynalyne]

On 30/11/2023 at 16:36, Jose_49 said:

It's hereeeee!!!

 

JESUS CHRIST, the screen 

 

Is freaking amazing. 

 

Such incredible depth of colors. It's true that I never got an HDR screen, but this is awesome!!!

What you are noticing is less about the HDR and more about it being miniLED with a ton of dimming zones. 
 

HDR is cool but it’s less impressive than the miniLED. 

[Jose_49]

On 30/11/2023 at 21:15, adrynalyne said:

What you are noticing is less about the HDR and more about it being miniLED with a ton of dimming zones. 
 

HDR is cool but it’s less impressive than the miniLED. 

Oh, nice!! So that's the thing!

It's impressive, indeed!

---------------------------

Ok, everyone!

 

First impressions after 24 hours of usage.

• I still haven't stressed tested the battery, BUT HOLY COW, it is already lasting gooooooood time.
• Speakers are fantastic!
• 120 Hz 😍😍😍! Jesus! I've never had one on a laptop before!!!  It's beautiful!
• Impressive depth of color from the screen.
• The battery gets hit when you install many programs simultaneously (But that's nothing).
• I've been toying with this, and the more I configure it, the more I like it.
• I've used Windows my entire life. I want to retrain my brain to think Mac-a-like from doing it as I did it from Windows,
• But there are things that Windows does that I feel are more productive vs. the Mac way. I'll explain down below.
• I'm still getting used to the gazillion keyboard shortcuts!
• Feedback is appreciated!
• I feel that tweaking MacOS is expensive, as most good apps are paid.
• When it comes to windows management, Windows is king.
• I've yet to pay for most apps, as I'm using the trial version to recover a little bit financially hehehe.
• I miss the right click context from Windows. I've only found

Here are the apps I've installed so far:

1. AltTab
   1. Shows me thumbnail previews with alt + tab)
   2. I've replaced the Command + Tab with this app.
   3. I wouldn't say I like switching between Command + Tab and Command + Backtick. It feels counterintuitive.
   4. This allows me to discover all the open tabs
   5. I've tried Mission Control, but it's not the same.
2. BetterSnapTool
   1. Good lord. This allows me to snap the windows to the corner. A must-have experience
   2. I added the ability to double tap on the window's open space to maximize the screen (Not fullscreen)
   3. I mapped the snapping to Command Ctrl and Arrow Keys (Originally to Command and Arrow Keys, but it clashed with text selection)
3. Grab
   1. Allows me to launch apps in the docker by pressing Command + Position Number
4. BetterTouch tool
   1. I'm still trying to figure this thing out.
   2. It helps me bridge some of the gaps of PowerToys.
   3. It helps me to create custom key bindings and combine exceptional flows. It's a super app, indeed.
   4. I've used it to
      1. set the current active window always on top
      2. Launch Activity Monitor with Control Shift Esc
      3. Command Shift Key to open terminal.
5. DockMate
   1. I love this. It adds thumbnail previews on hover on each of the dock items.
   2. It allows me to close them on the go (Hooray!)
6. BetterBattery2
   1. Oh gosh. You already know by now how obsessive I am with battery life.
   2. The battery percentage isn't enough, I wanted to know the time estimate.
   3. I still don't know why Apple doesn't give you that option from the get-go.
7. Alfred5
   1. Holey Moley. This is the pinnacle of spotlight!
   2. This allows you to do all sorts of crazy things from Spotlight, such as copying the file's path, copying the file, and connecting the services.
   3. I've yet to pay for the full version

Other notes

1. Automator
   1. WTF?! Why hasn't this been spoken more?! This app is out of this planet. It feels like an AutoHotkey with steroids, and with a much friendlier UI that is deeply integrated into the OS.
   2. Kudos to Apple for this awesome piece of software.
2. Tweaks
   1. I've already configured the dragging on tap.
   2. Zoom in with 4 fingers to launch the launchpad
   3. I moved apps around the launchpad to make it feel like home.
   4. I've already added custom actions like "Open VSCode here"
   5. I love that I can swipe three fingers down and it will show me all the open windows of that app.

 

Some keyboard shortcuts that are strange, but useful to remember

1. Command Option H  Will Aero Shake it
2. Command Option Esc Will open force quit
3. Command Shift G Will go to a specific path in Finder
4. Fn + delete To forward delete

 

Things that I still don't like

1. 1. I hate that I need to context switch between Command, options, and Control Keys or same-group actions
   1. Jump the cursor through words
      1. Option + Arrow Keys (Vs Ctrl + Arrow Keys in Windows)
      2. Delete the Line (Command + Delete vs Ctrl + Shift Back in Windows
   2. Command + T opens a tab, but Ctrl + Tab cycles it. Windows: Ctrl + T opens a Tab, and Ctr + Tab cycles it
   3.  
2. Open the context menu
   1. You must show the path bar (Which isn't a problem)
   2. You must right click on the folder within the path bar or the folder itself in List View to show the actions.
   3. I don't have the empty space to show the actions.

 

Things that I want to do that I still need to figure it out

1. I want to trigger the Alt Tab when I three-finger swipe to the right/left.
2. I've noticed that launching Mission Control will let you switch between the previous app and the current one with ease.
3. How can I close windows within Mission Control (I've seen Mission Control + does it, but I don't want to shell the extra $10)

 

 

Overall thoughts:

1. I've been tweaking it a lot. I'm slowly feeling at home.
2. I want to learn more about shortcuts and the Mac way of doing things. If that saves me clicks, then let's do it!.

[Jose_49]

As of this moment, I'm also binge watching YouTube and seeing any other interesting apps that may pop up.

 

BTW, have I said that in all of this time, the fan hasn't kicked it not even once?

[adrynalyne]

On 01/12/2023 at 19:07, Jose_49 said:

As of this moment, I'm also binge watching YouTube and seeing any other interesting apps that may pop up.

 

BTW, have I said that in all of this time, the fan hasn't kicked it not even once?

Even when the fan does kick in? It’s low rpm and very quiet. 
 

Check out r/ macapps on Reddit. Sone good stuff on there. While there is a lot of paid stuff, there is a lot of free and open source alternatives. 
 

Also try to minimize your usage of apps that run under Rosetta 2 (Intel architecture apps) as they eat battery. You can get  list under System Report. It has a section that lists installed apps and one column is “Kind”. Sort by that. You are looking to avoid the “Intel” ones. 

[adrynalyne]

On 01/12/2023 at 18:49, Jose_49 said:

Oh, nice!! So that's the thing!

It's impressive, indeed!

---------------------------

Ok, everyone!

 

First impressions after 24 hours of usage.

• I still haven't stressed tested the battery, BUT HOLY COW, it is already lasting gooooooood time.
• Speakers are fantastic!
• 120 Hz 😍😍😍! Jesus! I've never had one on a laptop before!!!  It's beautiful!
• Impressive depth of color from the screen.
• The battery gets hit when you install many programs simultaneously (But that's nothing).
• I've been toying with this, and the more I configure it, the more I like it.
• I've used Windows my entire life. I want to retrain my brain to think Mac-a-like from doing it as I did it from Windows,
• But there are things that Windows does that I feel are more productive vs. the Mac way. I'll explain down below.
• I'm still getting used to the gazillion keyboard shortcuts!
• Feedback is appreciated!
• I feel that tweaking MacOS is expensive, as most good apps are paid.
• When it comes to windows management, Windows is king.
• I've yet to pay for most apps, as I'm using the trial version to recover a little bit financially hehehe.
• I miss the right click context from Windows. I've only found

Here are the apps I've installed so far:

1. AltTab
   1. Shows me thumbnail previews with alt + tab)
   2. I've replaced the Command + Tab with this app.
   3. I wouldn't say I like switching between Command + Tab and Command + Backtick. It feels counterintuitive.
   4. This allows me to discover all the open tabs
   5. I've tried Mission Control, but it's not the same.
2. BetterSnapTool
   1. Good lord. This allows me to snap the windows to the corner. A must-have experience
   2. I added the ability to double tap on the window's open space to maximize the screen (Not fullscreen)
   3. I mapped the snapping to Command Ctrl and Arrow Keys (Originally to Command and Arrow Keys, but it clashed with text selection)
3. Grab
   1. Allows me to launch apps in the docker by pressing Command + Position Number
4. BetterTouch tool
   1. I'm still trying to figure this thing out.
   2. It helps me bridge some of the gaps of PowerToys.
   3. It helps me to create custom key bindings and combine exceptional flows. It's a super app, indeed.
   4. I've used it to
      1. set the current active window always on top
      2. Launch Activity Monitor with Control Shift Esc
      3. Command Shift Key to open terminal.
5. DockMate
   1. I love this. It adds thumbnail previews on hover on each of the dock items.
   2. It allows me to close them on the go (Hooray!)
6. BetterBattery2
   1. Oh gosh. You already know by now how obsessive I am with battery life.
   2. The battery percentage isn't enough, I wanted to know the time estimate.
   3. I still don't know why Apple doesn't give you that option from the get-go.
7. Alfred5
   1. Holey Moley. This is the pinnacle of spotlight!
   2. This allows you to do all sorts of crazy things from Spotlight, such as copying the file's path, copying the file, and connecting the services.
   3. I've yet to pay for the full version

Other notes

1. Automator
   1. WTF?! Why hasn't this been spoken more?! This app is out of this planet. It feels like an AutoHotkey with steroids, and with a much friendlier UI that is deeply integrated into the OS.
   2. Kudos to Apple for this awesome piece of software.
2. Tweaks
   1. I've already configured the dragging on tap.
   2. Zoom in with 4 fingers to launch the launchpad
   3. I moved apps around the launchpad to make it feel like home.
   4. I've already added custom actions like "Open VSCode here"
   5. I love that I can swipe three fingers down and it will show me all the open windows of that app.

 

Some keyboard shortcuts that are strange, but useful to remember

1. Command Option H  Will Aero Shake it
2. Command Option Esc Will open force quit
3. Command Shift G Will go to a specific path in Finder
4. Fn + delete To forward delete

 

Things that I still don't like

1. 1. I hate that I need to context switch between Command, options, and Control Keys or same-group actions
   1. Jump the cursor through words
      1. Option + Arrow Keys (Vs Ctrl + Arrow Keys in Windows)
      2. Delete the Line (Command + Delete vs Ctrl + Shift Back in Windows
   2. Command + T opens a tab, but Ctrl + Tab cycles it. Windows: Ctrl + T opens a Tab, and Ctr + Tab cycles it
   3.  
2. Open the context menu
   1. You must show the path bar (Which isn't a problem)
   2. You must right click on the folder within the path bar or the folder itself in List View to show the actions.
   3. I don't have the empty space to show the actions.

 

Things that I want to do that I still need to figure it out

1. I want to trigger the Alt Tab when I three-finger swipe to the right/left.
2. I've noticed that launching Mission Control will let you switch between the previous app and the current one with ease.
3. How can I close windows within Mission Control (I've seen Mission Control + does it, but I don't want to shell the extra $10)

 

 

Overall thoughts:

1. I've been tweaking it a lot. I'm slowly feeling at home.
2. I want to learn more about shortcuts and the Mac way of doing things. If that saves me clicks, then let's do it!.

Automator is nice but also checkout Shortcuts (it’s built-in). 
 

Alfred 5 is nice but the Power Pack takes it to a whole new level. Also check out Raycast. 
 

For terminal applications, check out Warp. 
 

Finder is annoying; there are free and paid alternatives out there. I use Forklift. You can set a Finder replacement as default and it will be used everywhere unlike Windows where it allows hard- coded apps to override defaults. 
 

Swift Quit is a neat little app that monitors when all app windows are closed and quits the app for a more Windows-like application management. 
 

Use AppCleaner to uninstall apps instead of just dragging them to trash and you will keep a cleaner system. Otherwise, folders and preference files (list) will get left behind in other places. 
 

macOS will hound you incessantly if you don’t eject flash drives before removing them. 
 

You can set elevated permissions to use your Touch ID instead of needing a typed password if desired. The change gets overwritten every OS update though and I’ve been too lazy to find a way that avoid that. 
 

Parallels allows you to run Windows on ARM and it runs quite quick. You can also use it in coherence mode so that only the Windows applications are shown but otherwise it’s the macOS interface. 
 

Homebrew is an excellent package manager for CLI stuff. You can even install gui applications if you so wish. Think of it like Winget. 
 

nvm is great for managing node js versions. 
 

JetBrains IDEs work great, although they are a bit battery hungry. 

Tower is a nice git client though I feel Sublime Merge is more powerful (and more keyboard shortcut friendly). 

Keka is a great compression utility and is free from their site. 
 

IINA is an excellent media player. 
 

Yoink is a neat shelf utility and also clipboard manager (I use Alfred for clipboard manager though).

Orion is a WebKit browser that uses both Firefox and Chrome extensions. 
 

 

 

 

 

[Jose_49]

On 01/12/2023 at 22:50, adrynalyne said:

Automator is nice but also checkout Shortcuts (it’s built-in). 
 

Alfred 5 is nice but the Power Pack takes it to a whole new level. Also check out Raycast. 
 

For terminal applications, check out Warp. 
 

Finder is annoying; there are free and paid alternatives out there. I use Forklift. You can set a Finder replacement as default and it will be used everywhere unlike Windows where it allows hard- coded apps to override defaults. 
 

Swift Quit is a neat little app that monitors when all app windows are closed and quits the app for a more Windows-like application management. 
 

Use AppCleaner to uninstall apps instead of just dragging them to trash and you will keep a cleaner system. Otherwise, folders and preference files (list) will get left behind in other places. 
 

macOS will hound you incessantly if you don’t eject flash drives before removing them. 
 

You can set elevated permissions to use your Touch ID instead of needing a typed password if desired. The change gets overwritten every OS update though and I’ve been too lazy to find a way that avoid that. 
 

Parallels allows you to run Windows on ARM and it runs quite quick. You can also use it in coherence mode so that only the Windows applications are shown but otherwise it’s the macOS interface. 
 

Homebrew is an excellent package manager for CLI stuff. You can even install gui applications if you so wish. Think of it like Winget. 
 

nvm is great for managing node js versions. 
 

JetBrains IDEs work great, although they are a bit battery hungry. 

Tower is a nice git client though I feel Sublime Merge is more powerful (and more keyboard shortcut friendly). 

Keka is a great compression utility and is free from their site. 
 

IINA is an excellent media player. 
 

Yoink is a neat shelf utility and also clipboard manager (I use Alfred for clipboard manager though).

Orion is a WebKit browser that uses both Firefox and Chrome extensions. 
 

Wow adrynalyne! Thank you, thank you, thank you very much for the list 🤗

🤗

 

1. OMG Warp is freaking aweeesoooome! Thanks for that. I'll replace Terminal with that!
2. Yooooooo Swift Quit is ONE of THE apps!!! Thanks for that!

 

Jesus.What I'm finding out is that MacOS is expensive to run. Almost everything basic that Windows did seems to be $10 away 😢

 

Question:

Mac OS X used to have a three finger gesture, that if you swiped you could launch the Command + Tab shortcut. Windows copied it, and does it with ALT + TAB. Do you know if there's a way to reproduce that?

Additionally, have you seen a way to close apps on Mission Control without Mission Control +?

[adrynalyne]

On 02/12/2023 at 05:01, Jose_49 said:

Wow adrynalyne! Thank you, thank you, thank you very much for the list 🤗

 

🤗

 

 

1. OMG Warp is freaking aweeesoooome! Thanks for that. I'll replace Terminal with that!
2. Yooooooo Swift Quit is ONE of THE apps!!! Thanks for that!

 

Jesus.What I'm finding out is that MacOS is expensive to run. Almost everything basic that Windows did seems to be $10 away 😢

 

Question:

Mac OS X used to have a three finger gesture, that if you swiped you could launch the Command + Tab shortcut. Windows copied it, and does it with ALT + TAB. Do you know if there's a way to reproduce that?

Additionally, have you seen a way to close apps on Mission Control without Mission Control +?

Apologies, I don't know the answer to either; it looks like Apple removed both features. I generally don't use Cmd-Tab; if I am hurting for focus, I either use virtual desktops or Stage Manager.

For closing apps, I just use Cmd-Q, or Cmd-W for Finder. Additional keyboard shortcuts can be setup under Settings > Keyboard > Shortcuts  (something like that).

[pearlharbor49]

Congrats on your new machine! Happy to hear you are happy. Since the primary use is to generate income, can you claim it as a business expense? Take a write-off at tax time,

thereby recovering some of the $2700+ you spent obtaining it?

[Jose_49]

On 04/12/2023 at 08:28, pearlharbor49 said:

Congrats on your new machine! Happy to hear you are happy. Since the primary use is to generate income, can you claim it as a business expense? Take a write-off at tax time,

thereby recovering some of the $2700+ you spent obtaining it?

Thank you 🤗

 

That's exactly what I'm doing!!! Thanks for the tip!

[allannyholm]

Congrats on the Mac.. I wrote a comment that I ultimately got deleted because it contained too much information about various apps that I basically just yelled out with no context.

What are you looking for in apps? fun applications? serious applications like productivity applications?

 

[Jose_49]

On 04/12/2023 at 15:51, allannyholm said:

Congrats on the Mac.. I wrote a comment that I ultimately got deleted because it contained too much information about various apps that I basically just yelled out with no context.

What are you looking for in apps? fun applications? serious applications like productivity applications?

 

Well, I think I'm 95% set!!

Today, I just installed Karabiner and remapped The Fn, Ctrl, Command, and Option Keys so I can have a similar-windows-esque workflow (I still need to refine it a bit)

I'm so sorry!!! But I couldn't bear switching between command, option, control, and Fn keys to jump between cursor positions. I'm looking for productivity apps and anything in between (Pretty cool things that are must-haves). Especially things that PowerToys in Windows used to do.

I'm beginning to become pretty happy with the machine.

I've installed:

1. Karabiner (Key remapper)
2. Pika (Color Picker)
3. MuteKey (Toggles the Microphone)

I'm still looking for:

1. A way that I can swipe with three fingers and show AltTab.
2. Show the dock on multiple screens.
3. Dismiss All System Notifications at once (Not the App ones)
4. A way to improve the emoji panel.
   1. It takes too long to insert emojis
   2. It just inserts one emoji per invocation.

BTW, The menu bar is getting ridiculous. I still can't believe that we need a third-party app to handle all of these guys.

 

PS: Alfred is starting to become the best thing since sliced bread. I've been slowly adding more complex workflows and halving repetitive tasks.

I hope that PowerToys includes those functionalities one day.

[allannyholm]

I would suggest looking at Sindre Sorhus' applications - he has a great color picker tool as well. Along with a multitude of other great free apps like Dato and Velja  https://sindresorhus.com/apps

1pieceapp is a fun app to do all sorts of things - including gestures. Might take some getting used to. I use it for window snapping and hiding the Dock on specific applications that can be set up in a list inside the app https://app1piece.com

If you prefer Pika then that's good. A hidden, but older gem, is this https://couleursapp.com

enough color picking apps from me this time.

the menu bar issue is understandable, I never see it as an issue. I hide some menu bar icons from app settings if I feel that I can just open the app a second time to get to its settings window.

There's a free app called Hidden Bar on the Mac App Store that you can use instead of Bartender 4 or 5

The emoji panel? yeah I don't use it as much. I use ctrl-option-command + space once in a while - but you can always have the "Input menu" in the menu bar and then use the larger emoji picker that way. I usually have a text replacement plist file that contains the known emojis in typed out state. see screenshot

Download plist with instructions on how to install here: https://github.com/warpling/Macmoji 

The  Dock on multiple screens? try https://hidock.app - unsure if it solves anything.

 

Edited December 4, 2023 by allannyholm
urls and various highlighting

[allannyholm]

In addition, if you like to control which applications or services has access to your microphone then I suggest downloading OverSight. And to keep an eye on apps that hook into your keystrokes there's ReiKey. From here https://objective-see.org/tools.html

A great company that has been around for ages is Many Tricks with tools/applications such as MenuWhere, Witch, Moom, Usher and Desktop Curtain + more fun apps like Menu Bar Tint and Displaperture. https://manytricks.com

You want a good updating app for macOS? Try Latest from https://max.codes/latest/

Or try Jibapps' TrashMe3 for an uninstaller and app updater tool + more.. It's CleanMyMac but with less douchebaggery in terms of UI blips and blops. Jibapps also make Displays - a great monitor resolution changer and screen capture app + can hide desktop icons, also using a hotkey should you want to. https://www.jibapps.com

You won't get past the fact that many Mac applications costs a little $$. It's a clear difference from the Windows eco-system. But I've also seen Windows applications that look horrendous and could benefit from the developer asking for a bit of cash and last but not least, follow Windows' UI+UX guidelines. macOS is of course not exempt from this mish-mash. It just looks more better on macOS when it looks bad. 

There's of course a good amount of freeware [or free services to a point] applications that can match some of the more expensive applications on the Mac.. like Sketch vs Figma for instance.

Also, don't download CleanMyMac.. Get applications like OnyX or Maintenance from the same developer. https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/index.html
Want to tinker with some settings "under the hood" ? then download TinkerTool for Ventura and Sonoma from  https://www.bresink.com/osx/TinkerToolOverview.html

Download Deeper from https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/index.html for tinkering too.

In addition to all this there's Apple's built-in applications that respond well to have their defaults changed. Like TextEdit can be forced to open a ready-to-type window without going through a file request window first. 

As a good alternative for TextEdit, I suggest CotEditor from the Mac App Store. Need a Markdown editor? Try Miaoyan https://miaoyan.app or

"MarkEdit for Markdown" on the Mac App Store. People are a fan of Drafts too. Again on the Mac App Store. Both free applications.

I'm babbling.

 

Just for fun:

TextEdit goes directly to a document

defaults write com.apple.TextEdit NSShowAppCentricOpenPanelInsteadOfUntitledFile -bool false

Accent Colors from the iMac M1.

each line which begins with "defaults" is typed separately in a new line in Terminal.

edit: app to do this outside of Terminal https://mahdi.jp/apps/accents

defaults write -g NSColorSimulateHardwareAccent -bool YES

Choose a number between 3 and 8 for desired accent color. Where 'n' is where you type the number you desire

Yellow
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 3

Green
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 4

Blue
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 5

Red
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 6

Violet
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 7

Orange
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 8

Edited December 4, 2023 by allannyholm

[Jose_49]

On 04/12/2023 at 17:42, allannyholm said:

In addition, if you like to control which applications or services has access to your microphone then I suggest downloading OverSight. And to keep an eye on apps that hook into your keystrokes there's ReiKey. From here https://objective-see.org/tools.html

A great company that has been around for ages is Many Tricks with tools/applications such as MenuWhere, Witch, Moom, Usher and Desktop Curtain + more fun apps like Menu Bar Tint and Displaperture. https://manytricks.com

You want a good updating app for macOS? Try Latest from https://max.codes/latest/

Or try Jibapps' TrashMe3 for an uninstaller and app updater tool + more.. It's CleanMyMac but with less douchebaggery in terms of UI blips and blops. Jibapps also make Displays - a great monitor resolution changer and screen capture app + can hide desktop icons, also using a hotkey should you want to. https://www.jibapps.com

You won't get past the fact that many Mac applications costs a little $$. It's a clear difference from the Windows eco-system. But I've also seen Windows applications that look horrendous and could benefit from the developer asking for a bit of cash and last but not least, follow Windows' UI+UX guidelines. macOS is of course not exempt from this mish-mash. It just looks more better on macOS when it looks bad. 

There's of course a good amount of freeware [or free services to a point] applications that can match some of the more expensive applications on the Mac.. like Sketch vs Figma for instance.

Also, don't download CleanMyMac.. Get applications like OnyX or Maintenance from the same developer. https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/index.html
Want to tinker with some settings "under the hood" ? then download TinkerTool for Ventura and Sonoma from  https://www.bresink.com/osx/TinkerToolOverview.html

Download Deeper from https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/index.html for tinkering too.

In addition to all this there's Apple's built-in applications that respond well to have their defaults changed. Like TextEdit can be forced to open a ready-to-type window without going through a file request window first. 

As a good alternative for TextEdit, I suggest CotEditor from the Mac App Store. Need a Markdown editor? Try Miaoyan https://miaoyan.app or

"MarkEdit for Markdown" on the Mac App Store. People are a fan of Drafts too. Again on the Mac App Store. Both free applications.

I'm babbling.

 

Just for fun:

TextEdit goes directly to a document

defaults write com.apple.TextEdit NSShowAppCentricOpenPanelInsteadOfUntitledFile -bool false

Accent Colors from the iMac M1.

each line which begins with "defaults" is typed separately in a new line in Terminal.

edit: app to do this outside of Terminal https://mahdi.jp/apps/accents

defaults write -g NSColorSimulateHardwareAccent -bool YES

Choose a number between 3 and 8 for desired accent color. Where 'n' is where you type the number you desire

Yellow
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 3

Green
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 4

Blue
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 5

Red
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 6

Violet
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 7

Orange
defaults write -g NSColorSimulatedHardwareEnclosureNumber -int 8

 

On 04/12/2023 at 17:32, allannyholm said:

I would suggest looking at Sindre Sorhus' applications - he has a great color picker tool as well. Along with a multitude of other great free apps like Dato and Velja  https://sindresorhus.com/apps

1pieceapp is a fun app to do all sorts of things - including gestures. Might take some getting used to. I use it for window snapping and hiding the Dock on specific applications that can be set up in a list inside the app https://app1piece.com

If you prefer Pika then that's good. A hidden, but older gem, is this https://couleursapp.com

enough color picking apps from me this time.

the menu bar issue is understandable, I never see it as an issue. I hide some menu bar icons from app settings if I feel that I can just open the app a second time to get to its settings window.

There's a free app called Hidden Bar on the Mac App Store that you can use instead of Bartender 4 or 5

The emoji panel? yeah I don't use it as much. I use ctrl-option-command + space once in a while - but you can always have the "Input menu" in the menu bar and then use the larger emoji picker that way. I usually have a text replacement plist file that contains the known emojis in typed out state. see screenshot

Download plist with instructions on how to install here: https://github.com/warpling/Macmoji 

The  Dock on multiple screens? try https://hidock.app - unsure if it solves anything.

 

Jesus Christ!!

Thank you thank you thank yooooouuuuuu.

Oh man, so many good utilities!

Indeed! That's what I've noticed! Most of the programs are paid (well, developers need to eat anyways...).

Thanks a bunch for all these gems!

I did try Hidden Bar, but was giving me problems with the notch. I'm still running in trial mode many of the programs!

 

[adrynalyne]

On 04/12/2023 at 13:32, Jose_49 said:

Well, I think I'm 95% set!!

Today, I just installed Karabiner and remapped The Fn, Ctrl, Command, and Option Keys so I can have a similar-windows-esque workflow (I still need to refine it a bit)

I'm so sorry!!! But I couldn't bear switching between command, option, control, and Fn keys to jump between cursor positions. I'm looking for productivity apps and anything in between (Pretty cool things that are must-haves). Especially things that PowerToys in Windows used to do.

I'm beginning to become pretty happy with the machine.

I've installed:

1. Karabiner (Key remapper)
2. Pika (Color Picker)
3. MuteKey (Toggles the Microphone)

I'm still looking for:

1. A way that I can swipe with three fingers and show AltTab.
2. Show the dock on multiple screens.
3. Dismiss All System Notifications at once (Not the App ones)
4. A way to improve the emoji panel.
   1. It takes too long to insert emojis
   2. It just inserts one emoji per invocation.

BTW, The menu bar is getting ridiculous. I still can't believe that we need a third-party app to handle all of these guys.

 

PS: Alfred is starting to become the best thing since sliced bread. I've been slowly adding more complex workflows and halving repetitive tasks.

I hope that PowerToys includes those functionalities one day.

While not possible, you can move your cursor to the bottom of your screen and the dock will move to that monitor. Move it around where needed. 

[Jose_49]

On 05/12/2023 at 05:14, adrynalyne said:

While not possible, you can move your cursor to the bottom of your screen and the dock will move to that monitor. Move it around where needed. 

Thanks 🤗!

I'll do it! It's not a deal breaker, but it's nice to have!!!

I also discovered that MacOS has a built-in command shortcut renaming system! Your label must match whatever it has on the menu bar, and voilá! You'll have a new mapping!

I redid my Karabiner configuration, as it was clashing with other programs, and I think it's close to perfect!!!

 

[Jose_49]

BTW, I just wanted to thank you guys for taking the time to help me out 🤗!!!

All these tips, apps, and tricks have been fantastic! I slowly like everything, so I think we're on the right path!

[Jose_49]

Holy mamma!

I didn't know desktops worked independently from the monitor connected  🤯🤯🤯 🤯🤯🤯 🤯🤯🤯 🤯🤯🤯

 

Jesus Christ, that's freaking sick. It even swaps only the monitor in which the app is set!!! 🤯🤯🤯

Mad respect.

[The Werewolf]

Quote

Is it worth the $2700 for a Macbook Pro 16" M3 Pro and 36GB?

The question as stated is impossible to answer since "worth" is relative. If you need this specific system for some purpose and no other machine can do it, or even if you just want it and can afford it, then yes, it's worth it.

If by "worth" you mean "is this a fair price for a system with this configuration?" then again, see previous statement, if you need it and there are no alternatives, Apple is within their rights to charge whatever they want: price = demand/supply, welcome to capitalism.

On the other hand, by buying into the Apple ecosystem, you also buy into something almost no other computer user has to deal with: locked choices and sell-up. RAM and SSD are soldered in, so you're forced to buy what they offer as is. So you're starting from a weakened position in terms of choice. And that's your choice.

And to be clear, I'm not saying "Choosing Apple is a bad choice." rather that there are pluses and minuses to that choice, and lack of options is one of the negatives. If you buy Apple, you do it Apple's way or you're "Holding it wrong."

I also have to address this comment:

Quote

Previously I've been using HP EliteBook laptops and for some reason Windows laptops always seem to have really cheap display panel and small battery.

This is a weird game, usually played by Apple fans, which is why it's odd here. There is exactly one OEM of Apple laptops: Apple.

There are literally hundreds of OEMs making Windows laptops and there's an insane range of designs and styles out there. Some are utter garbage - or are tailored for specific markets - or are just amazing (like Microsoft's Surface line for example). It's impossible to talk about "Windows laptops" as a single thing as if there were two choices: Apple and Windows. This is the same flawed argument Apple people tend to use when comparing iPhones or iPads to Android phones or tablets. Again, only one OEM for iPhones and iPads - but thousands of Android phone and tablet OEMs.

That does mean you have to put more effort in when you buy Windows or Android simply because there are so many choices... but considering that a bad thing is a little like eating nothing but pepperoni pizza and coke from one restaurant for the rest of your life because you had one good pie there and never want to bother with the effort of trying any other restaurant. I mean, it's a way to live, but not a particularly smart or healthy one.

 

[adrynalyne]

On 05/12/2023 at 14:23, The Werewolf said:

The question as stated is impossible to answer since "worth" is relative. If you need this specific system for some purpose and no other machine can do it, or even if you just want it and can afford it, then yes, it's worth it.

If by "worth" you mean "is this a fair price for a system with this configuration?" then again, see previous statement, if you need it and there are no alternatives, Apple is within their rights to charge whatever they want: price = demand/supply, welcome to capitalism.

On the other hand, by buying into the Apple ecosystem, you also buy into something almost no other computer user has to deal with: locked choices and sell-up. RAM and SSD are soldered in, so you're forced to buy what they offer as is. So you're starting from a weakened position in terms of choice. And that's your choice.

And to be clear, I'm not saying "Choosing Apple is a bad choice." rather that there are pluses and minuses to that choice, and lack of options is one of the negatives. If you buy Apple, you do it Apple's way or you're "Holding it wrong."

I also have to address this comment:

This is a weird game, usually played by Apple fans, which is why it's odd here. There is exactly one OEM of Apple laptops: Apple.

There are literally hundreds of OEMs making Windows laptops and there's an insane range of designs and styles out there. Some are utter garbage - or are tailored for specific markets - or are just amazing (like Microsoft's Surface line for example). It's impossible to talk about "Windows laptops" as a single thing as if there were two choices: Apple and Windows. This is the same flawed argument Apple people tend to use when comparing iPhones or iPads to Android phones or tablets. Again, only one OEM for iPhones and iPads - but thousands of Android phone and tablet OEMs.

That does mean you have to put more effort in when you buy Windows or Android simply because there are so many choices... but considering that a bad thing is a little like eating nothing but pepperoni pizza and coke from one restaurant for the rest of your life because you had one good pie there and never want to bother with the effort of trying any other restaurant. I mean, it's a way to live, but not a particularly smart or healthy one.

 

That doesn't really make sense. It has nothing to do with Apple fans at all. Though this is all moot at this point.

Edited December 6, 2023 by adrynalyne

[Jose_49]

Just took the Mac outside the house for the first time today, and there are 2 things that blew my mind:

 

1. IMPRESSIVE Battery life. I've been cycling it between 20-80%. I've been using vscode, running three browsers, and a simultaneous meet meeting, and it was clocking near 10 hours of estimated time.
2. When the computer resumes from sleep on battery, there's no slowdown and you can get to work really quickly.
   1. In Windows laptops on battery (At least the 3 that I had: XPS M1530, Lenovo Y510p, and XPS 15 7590) there's a slow 2-3 second delay while everything kicks in.

[Sikh]

On 28/11/2023 at 22:54, adrynalyne said:

How can they not have done it on purpose, they literally designed the hardware. I could believe that it was not intentional with M1, but how can you excuse M2 and M3? This was a design decision, just like with Intel and how they limit their hardware by sku, they chose to implement it with that limitation. Apple has no one to point fingers at other than themselves. 

Do you say the same about Intel and AMD then or do you stay quiet? I am curious if you have ever complained about intel gimping performance on purpose when it comes to their i3 and i5 line.

[Sikh]

On 29/11/2023 at 01:27, Dick Montage said:

Look… as a staunch Apple USER (not a fan, not a fanboy, not an advocate, but as a user who benefits from their products)…

Apple makes the hardware, designs the chips, has absolute control of the OS and all tech involved.

It is, in every conceivable way, “Apple imposing it”.

And yeah, I run a multi monitor setup on my M-series MBP.

Intel and AMD also make the CPU and control what it can do and still gimp the lower ends. Look at the i3's and i5's. Since 2015/2016, they have had no reason to gimp them but they do. i5's have been proven to be i7's without HT and there isn't a reason for them to not have HT. i3's have also shown to be i5's but they are held back. AMD does the similar things but they have been someone up front about it. When they disabled cores on the lower end chips, they made it clear that "these were chips with defective cores and we felt disabling the defective core(s) and selling them as the lower model was a better use of the silicon". Many people have turned on that defective core and essentially got a higher end CPU for cheap or have turned on the core and realized their disable core(s) are actually bad. 

I dont really see the difference between the m* (not pro/max/ultra) and i3's / x600s 🤷‍♀️