Windows to Mac

[HuskyHawk]

Like many of the old farts here I predate the PC. So naturally my experience with Microsoft OS, including Windows, goes to the very beginning. I was trying to resurrect a nice Dell XPS 13 that was my daughters' (she wrecked every USB-C port and the Thunderbolt port so it won't charge). Repairing it costs more than buying a replacement. I got her a MacBook Air so she won't wreck the ports but I need a new computer and hoped to revive hers. While doing the research I stumbled on a Mac Mini with an M2 chip brand new, for less than a used PC laptop. I never take my PC anywhere, just my iPad, so it seemed a cheap way to get a much more powerful machine. The M4 chip minis aren't expensive either but I'm not doing anything complicated.

My only hesitation is the learning curve of switching from something I've used for over 30 years and still use daily at work, so a different OS and file system. The Mac file system never made sense to me. I don't even like most of the changes to Windows in recent years, they hid all the things I tend to use in file explorer. I'd also probably need a new docking station but I discovered they have some that fit an integrated SSD. That's the other thing I want to accomplish with this computer, putting all our old pictures and movies on storage that is off network.

Has anybody made the switch? How bad was it? I asked my daughter and she likes the Mac, said it wasn't too hard to get used to, but I've used Windows much longer than she's been alive.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Update:

I bought the Mac Mini M4. Hell of a device when I think back to my old desktop PCs I used to build in the 90s. The OS took a little getting used to, but it's not too challenging. The menu sitting at the top left is something I need to remember, but will with use. The iPhone mirroring is amazing. You essentially have your phone on the screen. So I can view work emails, texts etc. directly. Brilliant. Having iMessage is also nice.

Now, does anybody know anything about KVM switches? I bought what seemed like the correct thing and it isn't delivering full resolution for whichever device is connected via USB-C/Thunderbolt. Even with new, high speed cables. If I can't solve that soon, I have to return it.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Update:

I bought the Mac Mini M4. Hell of a device when I think back to my old desktop PCs I used to build in the 90s. The OS took a little getting used to, but it's not too challenging. The menu sitting at the top left is something I need to remember, but will with use. The iPhone mirroring is amazing. You essentially have your phone on the screen. So I can view work emails, texts etc. directly. Brilliant. Having iMessage is also nice.

Now, does anybody know anything about KVM switches? I bought what seemed like the correct thing and it isn't delivering full resolution for whichever device is connected via USB-C/Thunderbolt. Even with new, high speed cables. If I can't solve that soon, I have to return it.

Can I ask what you’re trying to switch between with the KVM?

 

[HuskyHawk]

Can I ask what you’re trying to switch between with the KVM?

The Mac Mini M4 and a Dell Latitude 7340.

Mac: HDMI, three Thundebolt 4 and 2 more USB-C
Dell: HDMI, two Thunderbolt 4.

The switch is as pictured below. It should be what I need. However my monitor is 2560x1440. Whichever computer is using the HDMI in and USB-C in gets that. Whatever device uses USB-C/Thunderbolt only gets just 1920 x 1440 (which looks like crap). I've tried new/different cables. Tried closing the lid on the Dell so it's single monitor. No change.

Edit: @WhereistheDove? it is the one in this article. First-time Mac owner KVM-switches between M4 Pro mini and Windows laptop [Setups]

 

[WhereistheDove?]

The Mac Mini M4 and a Dell Latitude 7340.

Mac: HDMI, three Thundebolt 4 and 2 more USB-C
Dell: HDMI, two Thunderbolt 4.

The switch is as pictured below. It should be what I need. However my monitor is 2560x1440. Whichever computer is using the HDMI in and USB-C in gets that. Whatever device uses USB-C/Thunderbolt only gets just 1920 x 1440 (which looks like crap). I've tried new/different cables. Tried closing the lid on the Dell so it's single monitor. No change.

View attachment 110789

Edit: @WhereistheDove? it is the one in this article. First-time Mac owner KVM-switches between M4 Pro mini and Windows laptop [Setups]

I had similar KVM issues. They’re very finicky. I ended up going a similar route that may or may not work for you. I have HDMI and DisplayPort inputs on each of my monitors and outputs on my computer and laptop dock. So I just have both of my computers hooked up directly to each monitor at all times and then a simple USB switch for peripherals. If one computer is unhooked or turned off, it will automatically switch to the only active input. If you need both active and switching back and forth a lot, it might be a pain in your use case.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I had similar KVM issues. They’re very finicky. I ended up going a similar route that may or may not work for you. I have HDMI and DisplayPort inputs on each of my monitors and outputs on my computer and laptop dock. So I just have both of my computers hooked up directly to each monitor at all times and then a simple USB switch for peripherals. If one computer is unhooked or turned off, it will automatically switch to the only active input. If you need both active and switching back and forth a lot, it might be a pain in your use case.

That has occurred to me. The monitor itself is also a USB hub, so I could just move the USB-C cable back and forth. I'm testing that now. The Hub aspect works fine with the Mac, but I think I need a Thunderbolt to Displayport cable. Then I can just switch inputs on the monitor and move the USB.

Wow. A new higher capacity USB-C/Thunderbolt cable just arrived from Amazon. Tried that and it's just that easy. The monitor is the hub, it powers my laptop too and all I do is swap the USBC cable and input. Returning my $80 KVM

 

[Lafayette]

I abandoned KVMs a bit ago - very finicky.

Now I rock a Mac Mini with a 4' curved Samsung monitor, Opal C1 vid cam, an SSL 2+ audio board and life is a dream. I do have a spare cable (USB-C) from the monitor if I need to get a laptop or Ipad to it. Easy as changing the input on the monitor or it can do split 50/50.