Category: MacBook

Hello Everyone,

I’m facing several problems with my 2015 1TB Retina MacBook Pro. The battery isn’t holding a charge, I’m experiencing issues with the trackpad and keyboard, and one of the speakers is malfunctioning. It’s clear that I need to replace it, but unfortunately, I cannot afford the latest models.

I’ve been holding on to my laptop mainly because I appreciate having multiple ports, expansion slots, and an HDMI port, features which I will likely have to forego in my next device. To avoid feeling tempted by newer models over the years, I have intentionally stopped browsing them, leaving me somewhat out of touch with the advancements and specifications that different models offer. I’m considering both 14-inch and 15-inch models, focusing on those that provide the best value regarding features, performance, and future usability.

I have a minimum requirement of 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. I’ve heard that some MacBook Air models can also be good alternatives. If I go this route, I hope to find one with screen quality comparable to that of the Pro versions.

I’m looking for recommendations on specific year models and specifications for both the MacBook Pro and Air that would deliver the best bang for my buck while still being future-proof in terms of macOS updates. Additionally, I would appreciate guidance on what price range I should expect for these options, as I plan to shop in the UK, likely through eBay or other local classifieds. Thank you for your assistance!

I recently acquired a base 2019 MacBook Air, which I successfully repaired after encountering a keyboard issue. The previous owner had upgraded to an M4 model, leaving me with this Intel-powered MacBook Air while I also own an M2 version. Now, I’m considering how to maximize the use of this device beyond simply serving as a spare or travel laptop.

Despite its barebone specifications of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it performs quite well without noticeable lag. Additionally, the battery life appears to be in good condition, estimated to be above 80%. One potential use case could be as a dedicated machine for light tasks.

Given its capability, it would excel in handling basic functions such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. This makes it an ideal choice for students or professionals who need a lightweight device for everyday use. Another possibility is to repurpose it for creative endeavors.

It could become a portable writing station, perfect for jotting down ideas or crafting stories in a distraction-free environment. Alternatively, it could serve as a secondary screen for a more powerful computer, enhancing productivity during video editing or multitasking scenarios. Additionally, if I were to explore programming or coding, this MacBook could function as a testing environment for software development.

Its lightweight nature makes it easy to carry while exploring new programming languages or frameworks. Ultimately, this 2019 MacBook Air has the potential for varied applications, transforming it from a simple spare device into a functional tool for creativity or productivity.

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.

Apple has introduced new MacBook Pro models featuring the advanced M3 Apple silicon. However, the base 14-inch model, priced at $1,599, comes with only 8GB of RAM. This configuration mirrors that of the original Retina MacBook Pro, which was launched in 2012. Apple’s current use of integrated chips with unified memory architecture leads them to argue that 8GB on a Mac can perform comparably to 16GB on competing systems.

Not everyone agrees with this assertion. Many users, including Vadim Yuryev, co-host of the YouTube channel Max Tech, have raised concerns about the lack of 16GB of RAM in base models as of late 2023. Yuryev conducted tests comparing two 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro models: one with 8GB and another upgraded to 16GB of unified memory. His findings, presented in an embedded video, reveal significant performance advantages for the model with 16GB.

The 8GB version displayed notably poorer performance in Cinebench benchmarks and took significantly longer to complete tasks like photo merging in Photoshop and media exports in Final Cut and Adobe Lightroom Classic. These tests involved single operations but were also repeated with various applications—such as browser tabs and emails—open to reflect typical multitasking scenarios. As expected, the performance gap widened, with the 8GB model relying heavily on its SSD swap file, impacting overall responsiveness. In some cases, the 8GB model even crashed during demanding tasks like Blender rendering.

This situation presents a challenge for prospective buyers. Opting for the 8GB model may limit the M3 chip’s capabilities, yet upgrading to 16GB or 24GB comes with additional costs of $200 and $400, respectively. Apple’s unified memory design prevents future upgrades, making decision-making even more complex. In comparison, similar-priced rival laptops often come with at least 16GB of memory as standard.

This pricing strategy raises questions about the appropriateness of Apple’s starting configuration for a MacBook Pro in 2023.

I own a 2019 MacBook Air where the keyboard has suddenly stopped functioning. It does not respond to input at all. Upon restarting the device, the keyboard may work temporarily but ultimately becomes unresponsive again. What strikes me as odd is that when I connect an external keyboard through a USB-C hub, two out of three keyboards have issues as well.

Although they can type to an extent, several keys fail to register, while others input completely different characters. Notably, the third keyboard operates without any problems. All external keyboards are third-party, and I have the US keyboard layout installed. Interestingly, the power button works perfectly, which raises questions about whether this is a hardware or software issue.

If it is hardware-related, I wonder why two of the external keyboards are malfunctioning in a different manner. I’m curious to know if there are any troubleshooting steps I can take aside from opening the case to check if the connector cable is properly connected. I have a hunch that it might be a hardware problem, but the inconsistency with the external keyboards confuses me. While getting it professionally repaired may not be cost-effective, I dislike the thought of discarding a device that could potentially be fixed — it was functioning well just before these issues arose.

Any suggestions on how to resolve this situation would be greatly appreciated.

When comparing the base A16 and the base M1 Air, the specifications appear quite similar, leading to the question of whether there are substantial differences beyond the processor and the extra storage capacity of the A16, which I don’t find particularly significant. One notable difference is in RAM; the M1 Air offers 8GB, while the A16 has 6GB. This extra RAM can help ensure the M1 Air remains relevant for a longer time as software demands grow.

I faced a similar issue with my previous 32GB 7th generation iPad, which I eventually had to retire as my main device due to storage limitations. Even after removing various apps and files, I struggled to free up enough space for updates. This experience reinforces the importance of having additional storage, as updates and system data can quickly consume available space.

For instance, my 64GB iPad 9th generation currently uses around 26GB for the operating system and system data. Having both devices, I find my Air 5 running on iPadOS 15 to be a solid choice for its longevity, battery life, and storage capacity favoring the A16. I typically don’t use much local storage for PDFs and eBooks, so I initially overlooked this aspect.

On a related note, the A16 is expected to receive longer software support compared to the M1 Air, which makes it a more future-proof option. However, some skeptics argue that the A16, with its less powerful chip and lower RAM, may not be as capable of lengthy update support. That said, history has shown that Apple tends to base software support more on release dates than pure hardware specs, making the longevity of newer devices a crucial factor to consider in your decision.

**Model & History**

The device in question is a MacBook Pro 14″ from late 2024, featuring the M4 chip and is a base model. Approximately four months ago, a tea spill occurred on the keyboard. A local repair shop performed a cleaning but did not replace any parts, and the MacBook has been functioning normally since. The battery remains in good condition, and it is currently running macOS Sequoia.

**Current Symptoms**

When powering up on battery alone, the Mac operates normally until the battery runs low. The system displays a message indicating it is running on reserve battery life, followed by the yellow-triangle warning screen stating that the macOS version on the selected disk needs to be re-installed. However, if I go to Recovery and reboot the macOS, the Mac resumes normal operation. The complications arise when any external power is connected.

Regardless of whether I use an Apple 140 W charger with MagSafe 3 or a known-good 96 W USB-C brick, the MagSafe LED blinks amber for about one second before the laptop shuts off completely. This behavior occurs across both USB-C ports. Upon reconnecting the charger while the Mac is off, I briefly see a blink, but nothing happens after that. Disconnecting the charger allows me to boot once again using the remaining battery.

I have tested three different chargers and two MagSafe 3 cables while cleaning all ports with 99% isopropyl alcohol and allowing them to dry for 24 hours, but the issue persists. **What I’ve Ruled Out / Measured**

To determine the problem, I have ruled out the charger and cable as possible issues, visually inspected the MagSafe DC-in board for damage, verified that the battery fuse is intact, and noted that the liquid-detection lock does not correspond with the hard power-off incidents. **Suspicions from Research**

Based on my findings, potential causes include a faulty RAA489900/RAA489901 charger IC (U7200) or a shorted PPBUS bulk capacitor. While less likely, issues could also arise from both CD3219/3220 USB-C PD controllers or the ideal-diode MOSFET pair.

The repeated hard shut-offs may have resulted in corruption of the Signed System Volume, hence the yellow-triangle warning. **Goal**

My aim is to identify the exact issue and assess whether a U7200 re-chip or capacitor swap would be a worthwhile solution if that proves to be the root cause. I appreciate any schematics, voltage points, or any other insights you can provide. Thank you!

I recently purchased a MacBook Pro M4 and I’ve noticed that the screen has a warm reddish tint, particularly when the brightness is set below 50%. This tint is quite noticeable and has led me to explore options for correcting it. In my attempts to adjust the screen, I delved into the accessibility settings and enabled color filters.

I tweaked the RGB values to achieve a color profile that suits my preference, resulting in a cooler display. However, I find myself questioning whether it’s typical to experience this issue with a new MacBook Pro. Are there more effective methods for adjusting the display settings to make whites and greys appear in a manner that aligns more closely with my expectations?

I fully acknowledge that perceptions of color can be subjective, and I even attempted to take a photo with my iPhone to capture the tint I’m seeing. Unfortunately, the image does not accurately reflect what I observe with my own eyes. I’ve shared screenshots showcasing the settings I modified to create a display that suits my liking.

However, I’m still unsure if I should be making these adjustments at all. If anyone has insights or recommendations for further improving the display quality on a new MacBook Pro, I’d greatly appreciate it. It’s important for me to have a visual experience that aligns with my needs, and any guidance would be helpful in achieving that.

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a digital camera from Fuji and I’m eager to get some advice on the best methods to import my photos. I have an SD card slot on my MacBook Pro, the camera includes a FUJI app, and it also supports a USB-C connection. As I’m still relatively new to macOS and digital photography, I’m finding it challenging to understand where my photos are stored and how they may be displayed in the Photos app.

I’m particularly interested in knowing how to import these images into Lightroom and how to organize them for optimal use with the programs I have. I’ve heard that the “Image Capture” app on the MacBook Pro might be another good option for importing photos. However, I’m looking for insights from those with more experience who can provide clear guidance on the best approach.

Thank you in advance for your help!

I’m currently facing a dilemma about whether to choose the 13.6” or 15” MacBook Air (MBA). Recently, I sold my M4 Mac Mini since I find that an MBA aligns better with my needs. It allows me the flexibility to work at my desk connected to a 27” Dell 4K monitor, or comfortably from my sofa when I prefer to relax while working. I also have a 13” M4 iPad Pro that I’ve recently acquired and have been enjoying.

However, it’s not as practical for work tasks like emails, Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Adobe Suite as I hoped it would be. Despite this, I’ll keep the iPad, as it’s excellent for reading e-books and magazines, as well as casual gaming. I’m considering a configuration of 24GB RAM and 512GB storage in either Sky Blue or Silver for the MBA, but I’m torn between the two sizes. The 13.6” model appeals to me because I can use it in clamshell mode when connected to my monitor.

On the other hand, the larger 15” screen would provide more workspace while still being portable enough for use on the sofa. If you have experience with both sizes, I would appreciate your insights. Which model did you choose, and how has your experience been? Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly valued as I navigate this decision.