Monthly Mini-Bytes - March 2021

 

Where are the M1 iMacs and Others? Before we start, know that there was no Mini-Bytes for February. You didn't miss out. We didn't publish last month. Anyway, where are the new M1X equipped Macs? No one knows, and Tim Cook stopped returning my calls and texts after that poker game back in October. And just like the rest of the world I am out in the cold when it comes to knowing when the new Macs will drop. The delay is a big problem. Currently the low end M1 equipped Mac Mini, MacBook Air, and 13-Inch MacBook Pro smoke the more expensive Intel-based machines. It is a colossal waste of money to purchase an Intel Mac at this time, which means if you are an aficionado of a big screen iMac you are out of luck. The good news is that Apple has more leaks than a screen door in a boat without Flex Seal, so we can get a good look at the new iMacs that will come with the anticipated M1X. This is the same chip that will show up in the 16-Inch MacBook Pro and a refreshed MacPro. To learn more about the new designs, visit: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-15/apple-plans-redesigned-imac-new-mac-pro-smaller-mac-pro-cheaper-monitor

What Type of Backup Drive for Time Machine? Computers consume a lot of power, and power doesn't grow on trees. Okay, carbs grow on trees (apples, pears, etc.), which you can eat for energy so I guess my analogy is lacking, but your computer -- a computer uses a healthy amount of electricity. Apple employs advanced power management to help save energy, the environment, and your power bill. Unfortunately, this can wreak havoc on certain external drives. Those small little USB drives that are bus-powered (no power cord) are convenient and easy to store, but when used for Time Machine we have seen them get corrupted. Lately we have been suggesting desktop-class hard drives with a dedicated power supply. These are larger units that you plug into the wall. Since they have their own power supply they are free of the computer's power management, and, in our opinion, a better choice for Time Machine Backup with current systems on newer Macs.

Long Live the HomePod! ...or not

Yes, Virginia, Apple is putting the original $350 HomePod out to pasture. It was too expensive and fell to the more affordable smart speakers on the market. But the sound they produced was just amazing, and with the price drop to $299 it is a compelling argument for a smart speaker if sound is your number one qualification. To learn more about the HomePod, visit: https://www.apple.com/homepod/