Hey apple enthusiasts! im a windows/android user so dont be too mean to me, but i got a macbook pro recently because my laptop kicked the bucket and im a graphic designer looking for a reliable and relatively powerful machine.
ive been reading about macbook stuff and trying to figure out the macOS.
Are there any things you would have hoped you’d known before getting into the macbook game? Or just any apps/ things these computers can do that are unique and cool? basically tips for an apple newb
thanks!
(unrelated but how are more people not mad about 60hz screens for 1700 bucks lol)
I have a note saved in Obsidian with every app I install on a new Mac. Unfortunately many of these are paid apps:
- AltTab: switch windows instead of apps (useful for apps with multiple windows open)
- Bartender 4: let’s you hide icons on your menubar
- BetterMouse: lots of control over mouse. Ability to inverse scroll on mouse only and leave natural on touchpad. The right click pan scrolling is great too.
- DisplayLink Manager: let’s you use more than one external monitor on non-pro machines if you have a compatible dock.
- Fantastical: great calendar app if you manage multiple calendars and need to send your availability to people external of your company.
- Greenshot: I take a ton of screenshots
- iStat Menus: puts cpu, memory, network, etc graphs on your menu bar.
- Jump Desktop: best RDP client I’ve found.
- Obsidian: not Mac specific, but an amazing note taking client.
- Raycast: expands your cmd+space with many plugins available. Probably my most used app.
- Rectangle Pro: Better window management including snapping windows to sides of screens.
- iTerm2: Much better terminal app than the stock one.
I want to also shout out Bartender, Obsidian, and ITerm2. Great apps.
I used to love Fantastical - but since they went to a subscription model I’ve ditched them. I refuse to rent software. I’m using BusyCal in it’s place and it’s almost as good. I ditched 1Password for the same reason.
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE an app called Moom. Which allows much more control over the layout and placement of onscreen windows (which sounds like maybe similar to Rectangle Pro on your list).
