This rant on TUAW is a funny read. It is something I have wondered about for a while, especially about the switchers to OS X.
To maximize the window, in OS X is a weird concept. It is basically done with the green button (the one on the right in the cluster of buttons on the top right). But it doesn't work quite the same way as the maximize window concept under Windows. I don't use it, because I don't like the fact it doesn't always take up the screen realestate like I am used to on Windows. So since it doesn't act correctly, I avoid it.
Anyway, the aesthetics of a Mac obviate the need for maximizing the document window. The Mac is program based. Try command-tab. You'll see only programs. You select the program that you want running on top and control-tab through its open documents. That's why the menu bar shows only one application at a time. Use expose to access all document windows.
Windows is window based. Alt-tab goes through all open windows. Imagine myriad windows open and you'll quickly realize the Mac and it's application based tabbing is more superior. I think Vista will be like the Mac.
Men and women, boys and girls, please: Mac OS X more or less offers only one way to manually maximize windows across your entire display for a reason - because they don't have to be that large.
To maximize the window, in OS X is a weird concept. It is basically done with the green button (the one on the right in the cluster of buttons on the top right). But it doesn't work quite the same way as the maximize window concept under Windows. I don't use it, because I don't like the fact it doesn't always take up the screen realestate like I am used to on Windows. So since it doesn't act correctly, I avoid it.
Anyway, the aesthetics of a Mac obviate the need for maximizing the document window. The Mac is program based. Try command-tab. You'll see only programs. You select the program that you want running on top and control-tab through its open documents. That's why the menu bar shows only one application at a time. Use expose to access all document windows.
Windows is window based. Alt-tab goes through all open windows. Imagine myriad windows open and you'll quickly realize the Mac and it's application based tabbing is more superior. I think Vista will be like the Mac.