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Features lost across versions of macOS

talk.tidbits.com

21–30 of 73 posts

Re: Features lost across versions of macOS

#21

Apple's PMs removed a feature that was very useful on my MBP: system font size adjustment. Now I must wear my glasses all the time I use the computer. This is not comfortable or fun. I could increase the display pixel size, but then everything looks like garbage when I do wear my glasses. Apple has lost its user-focus. Its products will only get worse and worse. Fortunately, this creates opportunity for new companies…

Coming from Linux with X11, I really can’t get used to fractional scaling for the same reasons you mention.

Sadly, the Linux world decided to go with Wayland, which explicitly copies this brain damage from MacOS.

MacOS implemented it for backwards compatibility reasons, not because it makes any technical sense. Linux + X11 started where MacOS wished it could be, but then they somehow forgot the history.

Anyway, I’m hoping one of the *BSD’s gives me another 10 years of being able to set the font size without blurring/fisher pricing everything else.

Re: Features lost across versions of macOS

#23
post #16
post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've never used Stage Manager and barely remember its discussion during the hype videos from the mother ship. Do you mind briefly describing your certain workflows to see how an actual person is using it IRL?

I use it mostly in situations where I rapidly need to switch back and forth between 2 or 3 windows. For example developer documentation and an IDE, or Procreate and a photo I'm taking inspiration from. I'll admit I used it a lot more before I upgraded to a dual monitor setup on my Mac. I still use it a ton on my iPad, since I only have one screen to work with.

The animation lag drives me up a wall. Cannot abide.

Re: Features lost across versions of macOS

#24
post #10
post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I actually like Stage Manager for certain workflows (on both my Mac and my iPad Pro). I don't leave it on most days, but it is actually something I'd miss if Apple removed it.

Can you describe that workflow? For myself, real estate on an iPad Pro screen is a premium and apps are self-contained; on macOS, I want full control over size and position on all three axes. Another aside though, why can’t I scroll the app list vertically on iPadOS rather than be constrained to just 4 ‘recent apps’. The moment I have to reach for something not of those 4, I have to go to the exposé view and scroll h…

What is this third axis of which you speak

Re: Features lost across versions of macOS

#25
post #22
post #20

They removed Secure Delete because it doesn't work with SSDs due to the way they work at the hardware level (wear leveling).

couldn't they just immediately issue a "TRIM" afterwards or am I missing something?

No, it doesn’t work reliably, which is why they removed it. It’s better not to have a tool than having a security tool that might work.

Also IIRC secure delete is useless on APFS volumes as they are always fully encrypted, even when FileVault is not enabled.

Re: Features lost across versions of macOS

#26
post #9

That calculator widget in the sidebar was my favourite. One swipe & it's exactly where it's supposed to be, was hoping it would be back since widgets came back now, but no.....

> One swipe & and I'm frustrated that my gesture/swipe to have my browser navigate suddenly is interrupted by this OS side panel that intercepted the gesture instead and is displaying something nobody wants to see right now arghhhh!!!!! yet, when i try to intentionally get that side panel, nothing happens

One of the first setting I change on macOS is swipe to go back with three fingers instead of two.

Re: Features lost across versions of macOS

#27
post #9

That calculator widget in the sidebar was my favourite. One swipe & it's exactly where it's supposed to be, was hoping it would be back since widgets came back now, but no.....

> One swipe & and I'm frustrated that my gesture/swipe to have my browser navigate suddenly is interrupted by this OS side panel that intercepted the gesture instead and is displaying something nobody wants to see right now arghhhh!!!!! yet, when i try to intentionally get that side panel, nothing happens

haha, it needs some finesse to start swiping in from outside the trackpad

Re: Features lost across versions of macOS

#29
post #18

I would add: A useable System Preferences app. It's been renamed "Settings" and some idiot tried to make it look like iOS. It's the absolute worst part of modern MacOS IMHO. As a Mac user measured in decades, it's the thing most likely to drive me back to Linux. [edit: I am curious why this topic has been flagged]

Also a Mac user for nearly 2 decades. I don't care too much about most of the things mentioned in the article but I absolutely agree with you about the new System Prefs.

Another thing terrible about the Settings app is you cannot navigate it with the keyboard only (at least I have not figured out how). So if your Bluetooth mouse fails (which happens at least once a week for me) you can’t use a keyboard alone to correct it. Nope you have to fish out a wired mouse, plug it in, and then reset Bluetooth or whatever it takes to get the BT mouse working again. Madness.

Re: Features lost across versions of macOS

#30
post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Also a Mac user for nearly 2 decades. I don't care too much about most of the things mentioned in the article but I absolutely agree with you about the new System Prefs.

Another thing terrible about the Settings app is you cannot navigate it with the keyboard only (at least I have not figured out how). So if your Bluetooth mouse fails (which happens at least once a week for me) you can’t use a keyboard alone to correct it. Nope you have to fish out a wired mouse, plug it in, and then reset Bluetooth or whatever it takes to get the BT mouse working again. Madness.

Settings -> Keyboard -> Turn on "Keyboard Navigation"
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