Windows? MacOS? Linux? ChromeOS? – not the biggest question any more

What matters more is the ecosystem, not the operating system.

Back in the early days of personal computers, you chose which computer to buy, based on what applications it would run.  Before Macs and PCs, there was a proliferation of different hardware and software architectures, meaning that applications would rarely run across platforms.  In 1979, if you wanted a spreadsheet application, there was only one, and it only ran on the Apple II.

In the 1980s PC’s and Macs began to emerge as the dominant hardware architectures, each with a unique operating system.  This meant that software developers could release two versions of their software, knowing they covered nearly all personal computers in the world.  Even then, some would release their software only for Microsoft DOS or Windows, deciding it wasn’t worth the effort to develop and maintain a separate version for Macs, given Apple’s relatively low market share compared to Microsoft Windows based PC’s.

Over the years since then, the industry has invested enormous time and effort into software development tools and environments that allow applications to be developed in a way that can be easily made to run on almost any operating system and hardware architecture.  Also, an increasing number of applications and services cloud-based, that can be accessed using a web browser, from any operating system.

Recently, after much deliberating, I decided to make the Big Move from one major ecosystem to another.  Why? - well, it wasn’t the operating system or hardware its-self.  I don’t really care if the button to close a window is on the right or the left (although I must say it has been a bit like moving from skiing to snowboarding, face-planting quite a bit as I make the transition!).  I’m super impressed by Apple Silicon (M1, M2 etc processors), but as someone who studied and loves digital electronics and computer hardware architecture, it pains me to say that architectures wax and wane, and that the microprocessor was not a major factor in my decision.

What drove the move was the ecosystem of applications, services and content that I want, working across the different types of devices that I use every day.  I.e. across desktop, tablet, phone, TV, home voice assistants, and car.  For example, I want my calendar, reminders, documents, media, and messages available through all of those as makes sense.  I want to quickly add something to my grocery list verbally and hands-free.  I may then use my tablet to review, refine and group the list into different shops, and then my phone to check the list when out shopping.  I want to read my messages anywhere, and send messages from the most suitable device, which depends on where I am at the time, and how long and complex my message will be.

For me, the switch has moved me closer to my ideal.  Your mileage may vary, and will depend on what applications and services you value and use day-to-day.  Also, inevitably, budget becomes a factor for most of us.  On that note, how did we ever get to a point where some high-end phones now cost more than a high-end laptop, despite the hardware being cheaper, with less horsepower and much smaller screens?  Well, it’s the ecosystem.