Learning to Play on PC after Mac

Question

I'm wondering how difficult others may have found moving from playing the Sims on a macbook to playing on a PC/gaming laptop? Specifically in terms of actually playing the game - not in terms of moving files or anything like that. Was it very noticeable? Was it maybe easier than expected? Or quite difficult? Maybe there are some computers out there where it feels more similar?

Background on the question: I'm looking into getting either a new laptop or a proper gaming laptop. I've been a macbook user for 18 years. My work computers have always been PCs (HP and Lenovo), and I've generally found myself struggling a lot when I need to use the laptop instead of having it plugged into my desk set up. In particular, clicking, dragging, scrolling, and anything involving the trackpad is just difficult for me. Even after almost 10 years in the workforce and regularly using these computers as laptops, I continue to struggle. And to note, I have probably logged over a thousand hours on these computers as a laptop in that time, so it's not a matter of me just never using it that way. And my understanding is I'm not alone in this with mac users (and that it's often the same with seasoned PC users switching to a macbook).

Considering the main areas I find most difficult with my work computers are also the main techniques needed for playing the sims (go figure lol), I am a bit worried about switching over to a gaming laptop. Getting a new macbook pro is technically also an option, but based on the specs I need to handle both the Sims (and probably dreamlight valley now that I could get it) and everything else I use it for, and my promise to myself that my next laptop will be a minimum 16" screen, it would cost me quite a pretty penny. Whereas a gaming laptop at the quality I'm looking at (and if I buy on sale), I'd be paying 2/3 or less the price. And then in the future I could probably get a lower storage macbook, too, if I keep up the cycle of gaming on a gaming laptop, everything else on my macbook, while also likely extending the life of both computers by not overusing them. Which is why I'm asking this question - the option is there, but I really want to explore the gaming laptop option first as I do think it's a better option for me long-term financially.

puzzlezaddict · Answer

kaseyanne5​&nbsp; I've been a Mac user since I started using computers, and switching to a desktop gaming PC for Sims 3 and 4 was easy, actually almost immediately easier than playing on the Mac.&nbsp; The critical difference for me was my gaming mouse, especially being able to free-rotate the camera by holding the middle mouse button (Sims 4 has a Sims 3 camera mode, if you haven't seen it).&nbsp; The keyboard feels a bit better under my fingers, but my Macs were and still are fine in that respect.
The trackpads on my Macs are better than anything I've come across on a Windows laptop, although the gap has closed somewhat recently.&nbsp; So you'd likely have the same touchpad-related issues on a gaming laptop, maybe worse depending on the model.
So I would highly recommend a gaming-themed mouse with a laptop or desktop.&nbsp; You don't need to spend much money on it—the standard Logitech options work great, and Sims games have no use for a dozen extra mouse buttons.&nbsp; However, with Power Toys, free tools released by Microsft, you can rebind mouse buttons to certain keys to make playing even easier.
Point is, the transition to&nbsp;playing will likely be at least reasonably smooth.&nbsp; Dealing with the file structure might take some getting used to, but the user folders at least are identical in macOS and Windows.

kaseyanne5 · Answer

Thanks for sharing! I do have a whole desk set up with two monitors - not a gaming mouse, just a regular one - so I'm nor concerned about when I play there. I just know I often end up on my couch playing the game in front of the TV somewhat regularly, which is why the touchpad is a concern for me. But if the playing can be better in other ways beyond the graphics stuff when on desktop, that could also help with the balance at least. And maybe long run it's about getting a mouse and lap desk that I can use on a couch, i just don't know how that would be comfy. XD

haneulfier · Answer

I play on both Mac and PC. I don't notice any real difference at all, except that I can't use ReShade on the Mac. I use a mouse with both.I don't think it's a noticeable change.&nbsp;

puzzlezaddict · Answer

kaseyanne5​&nbsp; In that case, you might consider getting a wireless mouse to take with you to the couch, that is if you get a gaming laptop.&nbsp; You could place the mouse on a book or something else flat and maybe not be particularly inconvenienced, depending on how you're positioned in general.&nbsp; It's not necessary but might be a worthwhile quality-of-life improvement.

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