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The Mental-Calisthenics Edition Monday, March 21, 2022

Apple Silicon's Greatest Trick Is Leveling The Playing Field For Laptops And Desktops, by Roman Loyola, Macworld

What Apple has done is simplify the line in a way that requires fewer mental calisthenics—you no longer need to ponder if the performance sacrifice is worth the mobility. Customers who need only one computer now have more choices. In some production workflows, a MacBook acts as a companion to a more powerful desktop Mac—now with the M1, the MacBook can play both roles.

Apple's Studio Display Uses A Unique Power Connection, But Don't Pull It Out, by Malcolm Owen, AppleInsider

The Studio Display uses a non-standard power connector on the back, but while it is technically removable, most users shouldn't pull that cable out.

[...]

It is likely that Apple advises against removing the cable due to the difficulty in doing so normally, without accidentally causing damage to the cable, its connections, nor the display itself.

Apple Studio Display Contains 64GB Of Storage, But Only 2GB Used, by Hartley Charlton, MacRumors

Economies of scale may also be responsible, with production costs for pairing the A13 with a smaller amount of storage potentially costing more than the same 64GB system currently used in the ‌iPhone 11‌ that is still on sale and the ninth-generation ‌iPad‌.

Uneven iPhone

iPhone SE (2022) Review: An Uneven And Disappointing 'Upgrade', by Jason Cross, Macworld

This is just such an uneven product. The processor is overkill, way more than any budget phone needs. It’s faster than Android phones that cost over $1,000! This sort of bleeding-edge performance is rarely the top concern of people who choose the most affordable phones. In other areas, it’s so far behind the times, even for a $400-ish phone.

Why I Fell Out Of Love With The iPhone SE, by Philip Michaels, Tom's Guide

Despite some notable improvements, the iPhone SE (2022) failed to distinguish itself as anything more than a minor refresh to its predecessor. And it's the features that aren't there that rankle the most.

Stuff

Customers Complain Of Worrying iPad Air 5 Build Quality Issue, by Stephen Warwick, iMore

Multiple users of the new device say the rear of the device feels thin and makes creaking noises.

Subscriptions? In This Economy? Free Alternatives For Watching, Reading And Listening, by Heather Kelly, Washington Post

To start saving, consider swapping out paid entertainment with some free options.

Notes

Apple Mac Studio: Reviews Reviewed, by Jean-Louis Gassée, Monday Note

General audience media such as the NY Times and the Wall Street Journal didn’t give top billing to the Mac Studio. This might reflect their knowledge of their audience, or advertising revenue considerations. Probably both.

Foxconn 'Basically' Resumes Normal Operations In China's Shenzhen, by Ben Blanchard, Reuters

The world's largest contract electronics maker said on Wednesday it had restarted some production and operations at its Shenzhen campuses after arranging for some staff to live and work in a bubble, an arrangement requested by the local government as it battles the spread of COVID-19.

The company said in a statement that according to a government notice, it has "basically resumed normal work order and production operations" at its major campuses such as in the city's Longhua and Guanlan districts.

Bottom of the Page

Another day out and about -- well, out and in office -- and another day where the FaceID with Mask did not work for me. Am I holding my phone wrong? It kept telling me to look down. I have no idea if I can just look down with my eyes, or do I need to move my entire face. But, either way, it still didn't work.

Oh well.

~

Thanks for reading.