• ReallyZen@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    16
    arrow-down
    2
    ·
    edit-2
    7 months ago

    Disclaimer: Linux user through-and-through ; I have a modern “m” mac for some work specific applications.

    Setting up a macbook today doesn’t require an apple id or even an email address. My warranty is with the non-apple authorized retailer I bought the computer from, I don’t use the software store (but I think it would work) nor do I use any apple services like itunes, or, without the apple id, I don’t have icloud backups. And I don’t/can’t buy anything from the store, of course.

    I am able to update the os, I have just one notification in the settings about setting up the account but no showstopper at all.

    So what does apple get from me? I’d guess crude location (from my vpn), hardware/OS version and maybe installed software? That’s not much, and since it’s a work machine it’s offline all the time, I can’t see that device doing much behind my back.

    If apple is indeed looking deep into that laptop, then I guess they’ll see I also have Asahi on it. And maybe they are really really intrusive and notice I’m using that Asahi partition 80% of the time (;

    Joking aside, if you need macos, it is possible to use macos. With some limitations: handle your own backups, get your software from the vendors and… And that’s it.

    • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      10
      ·
      7 months ago

      Sadly we know you are very much the exception in Apple Land.

      Generally, folks who buy Apple do so because they don’t have to think about this stuff.

      Most people just login/create accounts as prompted (on Android too, with companies like Samsung - there was a post yesterday confused about such logins).

      • ReallyZen@lemmy.ml
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        7 months ago

        I posted the above for the sake of precision - OTOH, I had my workplace buy an ipad and that was impossible to setup without email + creating an apple id. I don’t care much (used work email), but still. Same with:

        • Windows 11
        • my latest kobo ereader
        • Stay away from Sonos loudspeakers too

        Since I’m borderline psychotic about this, I always create a temporary access point on my phone that I delete right after setup is done, over a disposable email address from simplelogin.com.

        • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          arrow-down
          1
          ·
          edit-2
          7 months ago

          Yea, I really try to avoid those logins. A Windows machine really has no need of it, and if your Corp IT allowed it to work that way, they’re really dropping the ball. Regardless of the size of the company, you buy windows pro licenses, and don’t even allow the creation of, or connection to, MS accounts with business devices.

          My work phone is an iPhone, because work manages it, so Android holds no value there.

    • dingdongitsabear@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      7 months ago

      there’s a significant portion of software provided only via the App Store with no independent download from the vendor available. granted, you can get most stuff with direct download and macports/brew but there is stuff out there that forces you to sign in.

      telemetry that’s baked in along with the global Apple network that you’re involuntarily part of (that’s how random airtags/find-my-shit work) should be deal breakers for anyone.