Hi.

I’m just going to ask here. Not so recently (about nearly a month now, technically this is my third weekend) I received my long awaited on hold 13" Touchbar Macbook Pro M2.

So, let me preface this, I (think) I’m an iPad Pro power user, but I have zero knowledge on Mac OS. I’ve been playing around to get loads done (and it does get loads done), what are some of the apps that you good fellows would use in your Macs?

I’m trying to get inspiration. Initially I didn’t install anything, then I over-installed got got chastised by a good friend as “I’m turning my mac into windows” and then I dialed the dialer back.

For now, I think I have -bash (because it was required for something, even though I know nothing) -lots of python (because the apps require it to run -BetterTouchTool (I’m using goldenchaos config as a base, still learning) -Raycast (I find it… amusing. I’m still trying to marry the functions of Raycast and BetterTouchTool)

Of course there are other apps, but I’ll like to hear what Mac users of the Fediverse use. I’ve seen a lot of apps get mentioned, but some I think are very old, so I’m not sure how they hold up in 2024.

Thanks for responding!

(yes I’m just trying my luck, but who knows if anyone can/will respond?)

  • mbirthEnglish
    4·
    12 days ago

    One of the first tools people tend to install is either Alfred or Raycast. I never used Alfred for more than a nifty app launcher, so a few weeks ago I’ve decided to uninstall it and just use the integrated Spotlight feature (⌘ + SPACE).

    Same with window arrangement tools like Rectangle, Magnet or Swish. There’s no real need since macOS 15.1.

    What you DO need is AppCleaner. Instead of just dragging an app to the Recycle Bin to uninstall it, drag it into AppCleaner and it will find all additional stuff that app created and allow you to remove that, too. Maybe also add UninstallPKG to remove remnants of apps that were installed using .pkg files.

    What I also use on a daily basis are a few extensions for Safari: Wipr to block ads in Safari, Noir to not get blinded at night, and SponsorBlock to skip ads in YouTube videos.

    If you often download videos and audio files, Downie is pretty good for that.

    Media playback: IINA and/or VLC.

    If you want to play around on the command line, I prefer iTerm2 over the built-in terminal app. Install Homebrew to get a nice easy way of adding even more command line tools.

    If you often organise your files using Finder, Yoink is great as a temporary bucket. iPreview and Peek (maybe Syntax Highlight, too) are great for previewing various kinds of files (SPACE in Finder).

    For my office needs, I’m using all the integrated apps, e.g. Pages, Numbers, Calendar, Contacts, Reminders, Notes, Mail, etc.

    I think that’s as generic as it gets. I have lots of other apps, but they are mostly for specific things… nothing I use on a general basis.

    • Spiritsong@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      3·
      12 days ago

      Hey there. Thanks for the response. Yeah I have Raycast, (I think I posted before) and I kind of like it. I’ll also grab the AppCleaner and UninstallPKG.

      I have used Wipr before on my iPadPro, I’ll definitely add that to my MacBook safari. Noir seems nice, I do face that problem. I just added Peek and I’m glad to see that you recommend it too. Thanks again!