Once you remove all of the bloat, Windows 11 turns out to be not that bad of an operating system. It's still annoying when it comes to unnecessary notifications etc., but it looks better than Windows 10 and has some good revisions of settings panels and the overall interface.

Trying to install Windows 11 on a laptop is turning out to be more trouble than it is likely worth. Having to first install Windows 10, update everything possible, and then install Windows 11 on top of it means that a normally 20min task is taking almost two hours.

What's laughable about this is that the only reason I'm even doing this is because I find it easier to complete my corporate work from my personal device than to use the locked-down business machine I am provided.

To add to the mayhem, trying to set-up a dual-boot of Windows 11 with Zorin OS (my Linux distro of choice) means even more headaches. Moving to Linux at the beginning of the year as my default operating system was one of the better technical decisions I've made in life. That is, until I realized I also still needed access to Windows on the same device.

The Best Computer I’ve Ever Owned

After six months with my 11" MacBook Air, I can confidently say— it’s the best computer I’ve ever owned.

If you're curious for more detail, read on.

Before the Air

Before switching to the Air, I went through a series of custom-built PCs, pre-built laptops, and one MacBook¹. My PCs were multipurpose, supporting everything from gaming to map drafting. The MacBook transition was mainly for creative work, like photography and podcasting, made easier by Bootcamp’s ability to run the few Windows applications I still needed.

Why the Switch?

Earlier this year, I embarked on a journey toward minimalism— not just for its own sake, but to reduce life's excesses and focus on essentials. Simultaneously, I transitioned to living car-free, which meant being more intentional about what I carried daily. With a single bag for my essentials, this shift forced me to reconsider every piece of technology I owned.

Why the Air?

The 11" MacBook Air does everything I need without the weight or bulk. My previous MacBook had ports I never used, a disc drive that gathered dust, and a 13" screen that often remained closed as I worked with an external monitor. Stripping away these extras felt right, and the Air was a clear choice with only the essentials— USB ports, a display port, and lightweight portability.

The decision to go with the 11" model over the 13" was easy. At home, where I do the bulk of my work (photo editing and the odd coding, I mean cutting and pasting), I’m connected to a 24" monitor. For writing and email on the road, 11" is perfectly sufficient.

My Air, My Thoughts

The MacBook Air is a powerhouse:

• Fast: The SSD combined with the i5 processor makes everything from photo editing to multi-tasking a breeze.
• Light: It’s the lightest computer I’ve ever owned. I sometimes forget it’s in my bag.
• Responsive: Whether it’s macOS Lion, the hardware, or my optimized software setup, my Air is more responsive than any previous device. It’s a productivity boost, if only because I always have it with me.

And yes, the sleek design is a bonus—it doesn’t hurt to look cool while working².

Final Thoughts

I’ll defend to anyone that this is the best computer I’ve ever owned. Period³. My daily work— writing, photography, and a bit of audio editing fits perfectly with what the Air offers. While I may upgrade eventually, I can see myself holding onto this Air far longer than any previous computer.

Yes, I didn’t touch on a few limitations, like the need for extra USB ports or a dedicated audio line-in⁴. But these are minor and manageable with standard home setup accessories.

I'm not an Apple FanBoy. I just appreciate products that work well and look great. My MacBook Air does both. If you're in the market for a new computer, consider what you truly need— and whether a MacBook Air might be a match.