Author: admin

  • Mail App Notifications Missing After 18.5 Update

    I have been putting off updating my iOS due to previous issues with broken updates, but I finally took the plunge and upgraded to iOS 18.5. Unfortunately, now my Mail app isn’t showing notifications. To troubleshoot, I attempted several solutions.

    First, I disabled and then re-enabled the notification settings for the Mail app, hoping that would resolve the issue. I also restarted my phone, thinking that a simple reboot might fix any glitches. Additionally, I checked for further software updates, just in case there were any fixes released for this specific problem.

    I made sure to open and close the Mail app multiple times to see if it would refresh and start displaying notifications. Lastly, I reviewed my Focus settings, ensuring that they weren’t interfering with the app’s notifications. Despite all these efforts, the notifications still don’t appear.

    I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has encountered this issue or has found a solution. It’s frustrating to deal with a problem like this after finally updating to what I hoped would be a more stable version of iOS. If anyone has any tips or advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

  • Why I Prefer iPP + MKB Over My MacBook Air Despite Its Efficiency

    Many of you might relate to this sentiment, but there’s something uniquely enjoyable about using the iPad Pro combined with a Magic Keyboard (iPP+MKB). Despite the fact that my MacBook Air (MBA) offers a more efficient workflow in several aspects, I still find myself drawn to this tablet and keyboard setup.

    One notable advantage of the MBA is its keyboard, which I find to be slightly superior and larger. The MBA, being a 13-inch model compared to my 11-inch iPad Pro, provides a more spacious typing experience.

    Additionally, the battery life on the MBA is impressively longer, allowing for extended use without the need to recharge. However, there’s an undeniable appeal to the iPP+MKB combination.

    Perhaps it’s the vibrant tandem OLED screen that enhances visual clarity and color depth. The iPad’s interface also plays a significant role in creating a pleasant user experience.

    The touch-responsive capabilities and the seamless transition between applications contribute to a sense of fluidity that can sometimes feel lacking on traditional laptops. Thus, I find myself questioning what specifically makes this pairing so satisfying.

    Is it purely the hardware, or could it stem from the iPad’s inherent versatility and user-friendly nature? Each time I sit down with the iPP+MKB, I’m reminded of the joy it brings, despite the MBA being the more practical choice in many ways.

    The combination offers a unique experience that keeps me coming back, curious to explore the reasons behind my preference.

  • Feeling Discontent with My New iPad

    I have been using my iPhone extensively, even for managing my business. Recently, I decided to purchase an iPad to enjoy a larger screen for my tasks. I opted for the latest base model, as I didn’t require much processing power.

    One of my primary reasons for using the iPad instead of the iPhone was to handle my bookkeeping. This involves switching between a couple of apps and Safari, where I log in to my web-based bookkeeping software. I input information into forms on the site while fetching data from other applications, such as invoice numbers, total amounts, fees, and net amounts.

    Essentially, I copy the necessary figures from other apps and paste them into Safari. However, I’ve encountered a frustrating problem with the new iPad. Each time I navigate away from Safari and return, all the entered numbers disappear and the forms reset.

    This issue is reminiscent of older versions of Safari, which would freeze when memory was low. It’s puzzling that a brand new iPad lacks the capability to retain this information, especially since my older iPhone 13 Pro manages to do so without any issues. I am looking for solutions to this dilemma.

    I attempted using split screen functionality, yet the other two apps I need for information aren’t compatible with it. I really hope I won’t need to invest in a more expensive iPad just to retain data in forms. Overall, aside from this issue, everything else about the new iPad meets my needs satisfactorily.

  • Retrospective Analysis: M4 iPad Pro Pricing Appears Much Less Appealing

    As an owner of the M4 iPad Pro, I can’t shake the feeling that I might have overpaid. The 14″ M4 MacBook Pro, which boasts an impressive screen, excellent speakers, and monitor support, is priced at $1,599. Meanwhile, the 13″ M4 iPad Pro with 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage comes in at $1,399. This price doesn’t even include the additional cost of the keyboard case, which is an additional $329.

    When you add this up, the total cost for the iPad Pro often surpasses that of the MacBook Pro in practical scenarios. It’s challenging to argue that the iPad Pro is a more advanced or superior product compared to the MacBook Pro. There are also alternatives like the iPad Air, which can perform 95%—if not 100%—of what the iPad Pro can do at a significantly lower price. Given that I need an iPad for work, the added features of the Pro don’t seem to justify its high price tag over the Air.

    While I do appreciate the iPad Pro, I am hesitant to purchase another one at full retail price. Lately, I find more value in some of Apple’s basic model configurations, particularly within the non-“Pro” lineup. The notable exception to this trend is the base M4 MacBook Pro, which has proven to be an outstanding choice. As I reconsider my options, I am increasingly inclined to explore more budget-friendly alternatives rather than opting for the premium models.

  • Risks of Using an iPad Without an Apple Account

    When setting up and using an iPad without an Apple ID, there are certain security risks to consider. While the device will still receive necessary security and software updates, lacking an Apple Account limits access to some features that enhance security and privacy. Without an Apple ID, users cannot utilize Advanced Data Protection, which provides additional layers of security for personal data.

    This absence can expose any sensitive information stored on the iPad, particularly if the device is lost or accessed by someone else. If someone gains physical access to the iPad, they may easily view or extract personal data unless third-party applications are individually secured. Moreover, without an Apple ID, users miss out on features like Find My iPad, which can help locate a lost device.

    Losing the iPad could result in a total loss of data since there would be no way to track or remotely wipe the device. Overall, while it’s possible to use an iPad without an Apple Account, doing so increases vulnerability to data breaches and unauthorized access. Users must take extra precautions, such as setting strong passcodes and ensuring any third-party applications are individually protected to minimize risks.

    Ultimately, having an Apple ID enhances security, providing essential features that help safeguard personal information and ensure a more secure user experience.

  • Is the iPhone 16 Plus a Good Investment?

    After several years using the various SE versions, I’m thinking of upgrading to a larger iPhone. My main focus is on the 16 Plus and how it compares to the upcoming 17 Air, which is being touted as the successor. One of my main concerns with the 17 Air is its rumored design changes. The potential for a thinner, flimsier structure doesn’t appeal to me, especially when considering durability.

    Additionally, I am not impressed by the anticipated smaller battery and the fact that it may only feature a single camera. These changes might affect the overall functionality and user experience, which are important to me. When looking at the differences in processing power, I find that the gap between the two models doesn’t seem significant enough to justify moving to the newer model right away. If the performance improvements aren’t major, it raises the question of whether it’s worth waiting for the 17 Air when the 16 Plus might still meet my needs.

    Another factor to consider is the potential for price increases due to tariffs and inflation. As technology prices continue to rise, it’s crucial to weigh the cost against the benefits of upgrading. Overall, while the allure of a new model is tempting, I need to carefully evaluate these concerns before making a decision. The existing features of the 16 Plus may provide more value than the upgrades offered by the 17 Air, so I want to ensure that I make a choice that aligns with my priorities.

    Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.

  • Discover Photos Backup Anywhere: An Easy Way to Safeguard Your Photos

    I’m thrilled to announce my indie Mac app, Photos Backup Anywhere. This application serves as a simple, one-click solution for backing up your photos, drawing inspiration from Time Machine.

    Photos Backup Anywhere is designed to work seamlessly with iCloud, even accommodating the “Optimize Storage” setting. This ensures that your entire photo library is safely backed up, offering peace of mind.

    It’s important to keep in mind that backup is not the same as synchronization; iCloud sync does not protect against data loss. The app enables you to back up your content to any volume connected to your Mac, including NAS network drives and external storage devices.

    If you have any questions about the app’s functionality or features, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help and eager to hear your feedback.

    Additionally, I would like to highlight that we have a frequently asked questions section available for those who may want to learn more about the app and how it works. Lastly, there is a free TestFlight beta version available for you to try out the app before its official release.

    I’m looking forward to your thoughts and experiences with Photos Backup Anywhere!

  • Using Carbon Copy Cloner for Cloud Storage: A Discussion on MacRumors Forums

    Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) is not suitable for backing up data directly from Apple Cloud or any other cloud storage service. It typically struggles with network-type drives, as it treats them in a way that may not offer reliable performance. If you’re looking to back up your data, it’s important to clarify that CCC is not designed to create backups of cloud data itself.

    Using CCC for local backups is the more effective strategy. You can create images on external drives or a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) system. Local storage options, such as those connected via Thunderbolt, USB 3.1, or gigabit Ethernet, provide significantly better speed and lower latency compared to internet-based solutions.

    In some cases, it might be quicker to reinstall an operating system than to recover it via a cloud backup. For data files, a dual approach can be beneficial: maintain local backups while also syncing crucial files to an offsite service like Dropbox. This allows for selective restoration, ensuring that you can retrieve only the necessary files in the event of a data loss, rather than struggling with slow internet speeds for larger restores.

    Currently, I’m evaluating Acronis and Arqbackup, leaning towards Arqbackup for its capabilities. While Acronis has been a solid solution for Windows systems, macOS offers reliable alternatives like CCC and SuperDuper for backup needs. However, be aware that the time taken to upload or recover large amounts of data to the cloud can be considerable.

    In summary, CCC can back up files to iCloud, but it may not handle system backups effectively if you are using the optimization features of iCloud Drive. Testing backups with various configurations is essential, particularly when dealing with larger data sets.

  • Is Airdrop Missing from Finder?

    I used to have AirDrop easily accessible in the Finder sidebar, but now I can’t seem to add it back. It’s frustrating because I’m not sure where it has gone or how to retrieve this option. When I use Spotlight to search for AirDrop, I can see that it is still an app, but I am unable to locate it among my applications. This inconsistency is confusing, as I would like to have AirDrop readily available for my file-sharing needs.

    If anyone else has faced a similar issue or knows how to get AirDrop back in the Finder sidebar, your advice would be greatly appreciated. It’s essential for me to streamline my workflow, and having quick access to AirDrop is a significant part of that.

  • Problems Encountered with Internal Display After First-Time Firewire Connection

    Hello Mac community. I hope you can help me with a problem I’m experiencing. Please bear with me as I navigate the forum. I acquired several Macs as a joke, all models from 2009 to 2011.

    Recently, I started working with a 2011 21.5-inch model that has a display issue; the backlight isn’t functioning. To check for any image output, I purchased an HDMI adapter for Firewire. Given that the image output remained blank—meaning the monitor wouldn’t activate—I decided to test it on my larger 27-inch iMac from 2011. In hindsight, that was a mistake.

    After turning off the 27-inch iMac, I found that restarting it required multiple plug-ins and plug-outs of the HDMI adapter before the system recognized the internal screen again. The internal display remains black, and it only activates after several attempts of manipulating the HDMI adapter. This situation is quite frustrating. For context, here’s what I’m working with:
    – Mac Model: 2011 12.2
    – Processor: i7 2600
    – RAM: 32GB
    – Graphics: 6970 1GB
    – Storage: 2x 512GB SATA
    – Operating System: macOS Ventura (via OpenCore)

    I apologize if I posted in the wrong thread.

    The 27-inch iMac used to start normally with its internal display. However, since my trial with the HDMI adapter, it only activates after this cumbersome process. Thank you for any help or guidance you can provide! Your assistance is greatly appreciated.