Desktop version?

LeonardoM

进士
I wonder what we’ll see first, the android subsystem officially launching in WIn 11, or Pleco for (ARM) Macs. Might influence my next hardware purchase, as my 2013 MacBook Air is already quite senile.

I think a Mac port now is way closer than a windows one. This because M1 Macs are very compatible with iOS apps.
 

Fernando

榜眼
I think a Mac port now is way closer than a windows one. This because M1 Macs are very compatible with iOS apps.

In the case of windows I’m not talking about a proper windows port of Pleco, but running the android version, as Windows 11 is slated to support running android APKs.

Of course, from a support perspective I’d be better off with the Mac, but I’m looking at installing Pleco immediately upon buying my next laptop. Also very interested in next year‘s Macbook Air with magsafe. @mikelove make it happen!
 
You could always get an iPad. The screen is way larger than the iPhones', and the 4.0 version of Pleco as far as I know will be released for both macOS and iOS.
Thank you, Leonardo. I bought an iPad years ago mainly because of Pleco. I don't know how many people who work only with PCs will buy a Mac just for Pleco. Some will, some won't.
 

Fernando

榜眼
Thank you, Leonardo. I bought an iPad years ago mainly because of Pleco. I don't know how many people who work only with PCs will buy a Mac just for Pleco. Some will, some won't.

I have bought two iPads already just because of Pleco. Back in the day when iPads had no proper mouse and trackpad support I used it alongside a Mac for my work. Now I have one of those el cheapo 10.2 iPads with a Logitech combo thing. In theory I could use only that for my work, and occasionally I do. But I refuse to pay what apple charges for a 12.9 iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard. In the end of the day it’s still an iPad running iPad Os, and I much prefer a real laptop.
 
I'm a Mac person and just purchased the M1, would be very happy if the OS version of Pleco is developed, licensed and brought to market fairly quickly... I would pay extra for that access. I've been using Pleco regularly for work, reading and writing via iphone and ipad for many many years. I have been patiently awaiting the convenience of direct Pleco access on my Macbook!
 

Fernando

榜眼
I have been patiently awaiting the convenience of direct Pleco access on my Macbook!

Welcome. I have been waiting for five years, some have been waiting for longer. It’s like waiting for a tree to grow so that you can enjoy the shade. Except you don’t see it growing, and there’s some guy in the US methodically and lovingly building it line by line, and at times doing and undoing it like Penelope’s shroud.
 

mikelove

皇帝
Staff member
In fairness, 5 years ago the gap between "how much it would cost us to make a Mac version" and "how much we could expect to make from a Mac version" was quite vast; the combination of Catalyst making Mac porting easier + Apple making it clear they had no plans to end Mac sideloading has shrunk that gap considerably, but only in the last 2 years or so.
 

Fernando

榜眼
Hey, I jest. No need to justify yourself. I know you have to take financial viability into consideration. Otherwise Pleco for Linux would probably be a thing (and I would totally use it).

Also even weird how we came to speak of such a thing as “Mac sideloading”. Macs have been around long before there were app stores. Shifting frame of reference.
 

Alca

Member
Hey, I jest. No need to justify yourself. I know you have to take financial viability into consideration. Otherwise Pleco for Linux would probably be a thing (and I would totally use it).

Also even weird how we came to speak of such a thing as “Mac sideloading”. Macs have been around long before there were app stores. Shifting frame of reference.

Gosh pleco native on linux, the dream :D
 

Fernando

榜眼
Gosh pleco native on linux, the dream :D

Isn’t it? If there were Pleco for Linux, even with limited functionality, such as only the dictionary database and the document reader, I would probably buy a no-OS laptop, install Linux, and never look back.
 

gabor

探花
In the case of windows I’m not talking about a proper windows port of Pleco, but running the android version, as Windows 11 is slated to support running android APKs.
Below my experience running Pleco on Windows 11.
Summary: most functions work, but exactly the document reader (popup definition) does not. For now.
 

Fernando

榜眼
Below my experience running Pleco on Windows 11.
Summary: most functions work, but exactly the document reader (popup definition) does not. For now.

Thanks for the heads-up. I guess this is no longer an option for me then...
 

mikelove

皇帝
Staff member
So.. no Christmas beta gift this year, I suppose?

Nah, to be perfectly honest the last thing I want to do at Christmastime is answer like 800 emails from people bugging me about not being able to install the beta or not understanding how to use the beta or asking if it's too late to sign up for the beta or expressing grave offense about a particular change or missing feature in the beta or whatever.
 

LeonardoM

进士
Nah, to be perfectly honest the last thing I want to do at Christmastime is answer like 800 emails from people bugging me about not being able to install the beta or not understanding how to use the beta or asking if it's too late to sign up for the beta or expressing grave offense about a particular change or missing feature in the beta or whatever.

hahaha! That's a very good point!
Although you could leave people deal with it, and begin answering them on the new year. But i totally get it ;)

And since we're are at it, merry Christmas to you, to the devs, and to everyone who's reading!
 

mikelove

皇帝
Staff member
Any closer to getting a Linux desktop app up and running? I know its not an easy task.

No plans for that at the moment. Realistically, we'd probably only think about it after we launched macOS + Windows ports and saw those ports successful enough that we thought we could make our money back from porting to Linux as well.
 
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