Switching from Apple to Linux: My Framework Laptop Journey
Table of Contents
- Current Status
- Setup Progress
- Hardware & Installation
- What Works ✅
- Development Tools
- System Integration
- Workflow Wins
- Alternatives Found 🔄
- Applications
- Workflows
- iPhone Integration
- What Doesn't Work ❌
- Deal Breakers
- Minor Annoyances
- Missing Features
- Current Status & Next Steps
- Quick Setup Checklist
- Resources and References
- Pop OS Specific
- Framework Laptop
- Linux Learning
Switching from Apple to Linux: My Framework Laptop Journey
I'm making the leap from my all-Apple setup (Mac, iPhone, iPad) to a Framework 12 laptop running Pop OS. This is a living document where I'll track challenges, solutions, and lessons learned during the transition.
Current Status
- Ordered: Framework 12 laptop ✅
- OS Choice: Pop OS (System76's Ubuntu-based distro)
- Timeline: Waiting for delivery
- Preparation Phase: In progress
Setup Progress
Hardware & Installation
- [ ] Framework 12 laptop arrives
- [ ] Create Pop OS installation media
- [ ] Back up essential files from Mac
- [ ] Full Pop OS installation
- [ ] Order additional ports/modules for Framework
What Works ✅
Development Tools
Track what works seamlessly from day one
System Integration
Hardware and OS features that work well
Workflow Wins
Processes that transferred smoothly or improved
Alternatives Found 🔄
Applications
macOS → Linux replacements that work
| macOS App | Linux Alternative | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Workflows
New approaches that replace old patterns
iPhone Integration
Solutions for staying connected to iOS devices
What Doesn't Work ❌
Deal Breakers
Critical issues that need solutions
Minor Annoyances
Things that work but not as well
Missing Features
Functionality I can't replicate
Current Status & Next Steps
What I'm Testing Now:
- [ ]
Biggest Challenge This Week:
Next Priority:
- [ ]
Quick Setup Checklist
- [ ] Essential applications installed
- [ ] Development environment configured
- [ ] File sync working
- [ ] Email/calendar connected
- [ ] iPhone integration acceptable
- [ ] Daily workflow functional
Resources and References
Pop OS Specific
Framework Laptop
Linux Learning
- Linux Journey
- Arch Wiki (excellent even for non-Arch users)
Last Updated: August 23, 2025
Next Steps: Waiting for Framework 12 delivery, continuing macOS workflow documentation, researching Pop OS configuration guides.