Windows and Linux
7th of September, 2025
I recently picked up the Asus ProArt PX13. The hardware is solid, but Windows is still a pain to use. Linux has improved a lot, but problems still come up, usually because of the wide range of hardware and drivers.
On Fedora, suspend doesn’t work properly, so the battery keeps draining even when the laptop isn’t in use. Windows still comes with bloatware and ads, though I was able to remove most of them for now.
Most of my work happens on a Mac mini, especially creative work. This is entirely because of the lack of creative apps on Linux.
The PX13’s workflow is divided between the two systems. I use Linux for productivity and personal use. I allocated 256GB out of the 1TB drive and disabled the dGPU to save battery. I use Windows for schoolwork and heavier tasks like game development. That’s just about it.
I definitely miss the Apple ecosystem. Messaging, AirDrop, continuity, and other features just work without effort. That level of convenience is notably absent.
Link to Windows worked once but then began disconnecting intermittently. I understand why a Microsoft account is required, but I don’t want to have to create one because of how intrusive it is. You can still use a local account on Windows and sign in to Link to Windows separately, but I’m not willing to risk it turning into a merged experience.
Attempting to troubleshoot shows that numerous people have issues with the Link to Windows/Phone Link service too.
There are great alternatives that narrow the gap, such as LocalSend as an alternative to AirDrop. At this point, I’m thinking of just using the cloud to synchronize between the three OSes.
Autocorrect on Windows does not work, but suggestions do. That’s another thing I miss about macOS.
Web Browser
At the core of my workflow is Firefox. I don’t save passwords anywhere except on Passwords.app, simply prefer keeping my passwords centralized. In other words, I manually type them in from the Passwords app each time.
I have to say that I am not a fan of the design at all. Then again, on macOS Tahoe, Safari looks awful.
My preferred services lack native apps on Linux and Windows, so I depend on web apps instead.
iCloud.com
iCloud.com has received numerous upgrades. Now I can view my Photos, Notes, Contacts, and more by unlocking my phone when prompted. At the very least, I have access to my most important data. I even have access to my iCloud Drive, which is fantastic.
Music
I rely on Apple Music on the web. Spotify clearly has Apple beat here, as the web version of Apple Music leaves a lot to be desired. For instance, I like to sort by Artist, but it’s not possible on Apple Music web. For now, as long as I have access to my music library, that’s all that matters.
Messaging and Communication
WhatsApp is available on the web, but it’s not polished. At least there’s a native Windows client. Not having iMessage really hurts, but WhatsApp is a great alternative.
On the other hand, nothing beats Mail.app. Search has always worked for me, sometimes eerily so. Without a polished and well-designed email client for Linux, I end up just using the Gmail web app
Cloud Syncing/File Storage
I am using iCloud Drive as a temporary solution, as I intend for it to be for personal use only. I do need to consider either using a local NAS or a professional cloud service for work and backups.
Growing Pains
Linux is nowhere near ready for the average user. I’ve had to troubleshoot so many problems. As I mentioned, sleep/suspend doesn’t work, and there’s no fix in sight. It may never be fixed.
Battery life is inconsistent, even with the dGPU disabled. At least it’s better than Windows.
The lack of creative apps is a major issue. I will not use GIMP as I’m not a masochist. Krita is good, but the UI is not my cup of tea. Without Pixelmator, Final Cut, Affinity, or even the Adobe Creative Suite, I don’t think I could ever be a full-time Linux user.
Web apps have improved a lot but still leave a lot to be desired. There really aren’t any native GTK apps that feel like must-haves, which is understandable considering the low adoption rates.
Windows is, well, Windows. It’s excellent for gaming, but it’s not for me.
Silver Linings
Gaming on Windows works out of the box and I can always tweak settings to improve performance or fidelity, something that my PlayStation 5 cannot do. I also enjoy the NVIDIA overlay, which shows detailed performance statistics.
On Linux, the ability to play games that don’t run natively on macOS is a blessing, and I appreciate that Fedora GNOME feels about as close to macOS as you can get.
Conclusion
MacBooks have set the standard since the release of the M-series chips. The battery life is unmatched, and the experience simply works without constant tinkering. The Apple ecosystem and default apps remain unparalleled, which is why I cannot see myself fully switching to Linux or Windows.
Windows and Linux each have their strengths, such as gaming, customization, and open-source flexibility, but for daily use and creative work, macOS continues to deliver the most seamless, reliable, and enjoyable experience.
Many people enjoy troubleshooting and customizing to achieve their perfect setup. I no longer have the time for that, and I am perfectly happy with the workflow I have built across these systems.