Mac OS X El Capitan Review

Overview

• OS X 10.11 El Capitan released in September 2015.
• Three updates have been issued since the initial release.
• Users report both new features and ongoing issues with the update.

Best New Features

Giant Pointer

• Shake mouse or trackpad to enlarge the pointer, making it easier to find.
• Initially overlooked during launch; now considered indispensable.

Notes App

• Major update enhances usability and features.
• Ability to create lists, add videos, audio, and PDFs.
• Competes well against apps like Wunderlist and Evernote.

Font Change: San Francisco

• Replacement of Helvetica with San Francisco as system font.
• More space-efficient and friendlier look; initial jarring experience, now familiar.

Mission Control

• Improved usability by moving away from overlapping windows.
• Spacebar feature allows for window previews.
• Absence of window snapping to edges noted; alternative apps available.

Recent Bug Fixes & Updates

• Common issues with new software updates expected; users advised to wait for initial updates.
• Speed and frequency of updates notable; three updates in four months.
• Fixes include Wi-Fi, mail, photos issues, and compatibility improvements with Microsoft Office.
• Comparison to Snow Leopard as a reliable OS, but El Capitan still has reliability issues.

Spotlight Enhancements

• Spotlight can now be moved and resized, addressing past criticisms.
• New natural language search capabilities hint at potential Siri integration.
• Users encouraged to search with colloquial phrases.

Speed Improvements

• Claims of significant speed boosts:
  • Apps launch up to 40% faster.
  • Switching between apps takes half the time.
  • Opening PDFs is four times faster.
• Introduction of Metal graphics technology enhances performance, particularly in gaming and graphics-intensive applications.

Conclusion

• El Capitan shows promise with speed and usability improvements, but reliability remains a concern.
• Feedback encouraged through comments.