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  • Share Your Beer Photos!

    I couldn’t find any existing discussions on this topic, so I decided to share my recent discovery. Today, I visited the LCBO and came across some intriguing beer that caught my eye. I was so drawn to it that I felt it was an absolute must to purchase. The selection was diverse and unique, making it difficult to resist.

    There were several varieties that piqued my curiosity, prompting me to explore flavors beyond my usual preferences. The marketing and packaging of the products were particularly engaging, leading me to imagine how they would taste. To document the experience, I recorded a video unboxing to showcase the beer I bought. I thought it might be fun for others to see what I found and to share my initial impressions.

    I believe that trying different beers can be a delightful adventure, and I’m excited to dive into these new options. As someone who appreciates unique flavors and craft brews, I’m always on the lookout for something special that stands out from the mainstream offerings. As I share this with you, I encourage fellow beer enthusiasts to venture into local stores, seek out those unusual finds, and not hesitate to experiment with different tastes. Who knows what surprises might await you?

    Stay tuned for my video unboxing, where I’ll reveal the beers I chose and provide my thoughts on them.

  • Inquiry About Mac Studio Drive Performance

    I am in the process of replacing my iMac 27-inch 2019 model with a Mac Studio, as Apple has designated it as end of life. At the moment, I have a configuration in mind, but I have a question that I hope someone can assist with.

    I don’t necessarily require 1TB of storage, which adds unnecessary cost to my purchase. Historically, I have always opted for 512GB, but I’ve come across numerous discussions on YouTube suggesting that choosing the 512GB model might lead to a significant decrease in data transfer speeds compared to the 1TB version.

    I am reaching out to see if anyone has BlackMagic benchmark tests for the 512GB model they could share with me. It would also be helpful if someone could either confirm or refute the claims regarding performance differences.

    Your insights would greatly assist in my decision-making process as I look to upgrade my system. Thank you in advance for any information you can provide!

  • Do macOS and Time Machine create automatic snapshot backups?

    Hello everyone,

    A few weeks ago, I purchased my first Mac, specifically a Mac Mini M4. Since then, I’ve been getting familiar with its features and capabilities. One of the first things I did was set up Time Machine for hourly backups on an external SSD. It’s great to know that my data is being backed up regularly.

    I have a question regarding backups within macOS. Apart from Time Machine, does macOS perform any automatic backups or snapshots on its own? I’m curious whether there are built-in features for data protection that I should be aware of. Thank you for any insights you can provide!

  • Do 3.5 HDD enclosures support SMART on Mac?

    The controller chipset in question, the ASM1153E, is designed to support UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol). This indicates that, in theory, it should function as expected.

    However, to ensure compatibility and reliability, you will need to install the SAT SMART driver, which can be found in a previous post linked by Binary Fruit. It is also important to note the evolving landscape of driver management in macOS.

    Third-party developers have historically relied on KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for drivers and various functionalities within kernel extensions. However, there is a significant shift taking place as these kernel extensions are progressively being replaced by System Extensions.

    This shift represents a significant change in how operating systems are designed to handle these functionalities. As for the future, there are uncertainties regarding the longevity of the current solutions in upcoming macOS versions, such as macOS 26, known as Tahoe.

    It is unclear whether the existing setup will remain effective or if an updated alternative, specifically a system extension, will be provided to replace the kernel extension versions that are being phased out. This means that users should remain vigilant for updates and consider potential long-term implications for their current setups, particularly as the operating system evolves.

  • How frequently do you inspect your watch for dents, scratches, or other damage?

    I rarely inspect my Apple Watch for signs of damage or wear unless I’ve really given it a hard knock. To me, it’s just a tool, and tools naturally accumulate wear over time. There’s no way to completely prevent this; even the best cases don’t guard against scratches caused by tiny bits of grit, and screen protectors can’t stop all damage. While it’s possible to reduce some minor issues, one must consider the trade-offs.

    Using a case can make your Apple Watch look like cheap plastic, while a screen protector might slightly hinder touch responsiveness and brightness. I own a luxury Omega watch worth several times more than an Apple Watch Ultra, and it has neither a screen protector nor a case. It showcases a few scratches and marks, but those imperfections represent the beauty of wabi-sabi—the acceptance of transience and imperfection. I know people with watches valued well into six figures.

    Regardless of how often they wear them—be it daily or on special occasions—they wouldn’t dream of covering their timepieces with cases or protectors. This speaks to a shared appreciation for the marks that come with time and use. If you’re looking for a different perspective, I recommend exploring articles on the concept of wabi-sabi. It highlights the beauty in age and wear.

    My Omega is nearly 20 years old and still functions perfectly, with the potential to do so for another couple of decades if maintained properly. In contrast, I suspect my Apple Watch Ultra 2 will become e-waste in just five years, maybe ten at best.

  • Do you consistently choose the same color for your Apple Watch?

    I have a preference for the silver variant, whether it’s stainless steel or natural titanium. To me, this choice is timeless and versatile, allowing it to pair well with any strap I might choose. What about you? Do you have a favorite color that you consistently choose, or do you like to switch things up from time to time?

    Wishing you all the best!

  • Tapping a notification reveals “Open” button instead of directly opening it

    When I tap on a notification, it now slides over and displays an “Open” button instead of directly opening the app. I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this.

    Did I accidentally change a setting that triggered this change? It’s becoming quite an annoyance, and I would appreciate any guidance on how to revert it to the previous behavior.

    If anyone has information or suggestions on how to fix this, I would be grateful. I just want my notifications to function as they did before.

  • Who else chooses a standard iPad instead of the iPad Air?

    When comparing battery life, the standard iPad outperforms the iPad Air, which is a significant factor for me. That extra hour or more is greatly appreciated.

    Considering the price difference, I find myself questioning the value of upgrading to another iPad Air. I currently own the 9th generation, and it serves my needs well while being more budget-friendly.

    I also have an iPad 11. Apple consistently advertises a battery life of 10 hours for all its iPads, but my experience suggests otherwise.

    The claim often doesn’t hold up under real-world testing. The iPad Air 5 is powered by the M1 chip, while my iPad 11 features a down-clocked A16 chip, which typically consumes less power.

    This difference in chip performance helps explain the better battery life I’ve noticed. After thorough testing with both devices under ideal conditions—specifically light usage with low brightness and efficient settings—I’ve observed that the battery life of the 11th-generation iPad seems to be 15 to 20% longer.

    However, battery performance can vary significantly based on individual usage patterns. For heavy users, battery life differences may become negligible.

    In my case, the iPad Air 5 provides approximately 22 hours of screen-on time, while the 11th-gen iPad approaches 27 hours. My iPad Air 5 is two years old, and I was informed that I couldn’t buy a new battery or expand its storage.

    Furthermore, there are no external drive options available. When I had to replace my Air due to issues, the ordering process raised concerns—I received a device with a different name and credit card digits, leading me to wonder if it was refurbished instead of brand new.

    Lastly, I am seeking advice on how to back up files on the 5th generation Air, as I understand this capability may differ from the Pro model.

  • Using Word for iPad: Tips for Thesis Writing and Citation on MacRumors Forums

    Many have chosen to write their thesis on DOS&Company, showcasing the adaptability of technology in academia. The original poster (OP) didn’t inquire whether it’s feasible to generate scientific articles or theses exclusively with an iPad.

    However, depending on one’s discipline, an iPad can certainly be a comfortable tool for this purpose. In fields such as life sciences or data-driven research, students often rely on tools like Excel for data analysis and figure creation.

    Apple’s Numbers app covers similar functionalities. If Numbers’ analytical capabilities fall short, alternatives like DataAnalysis or more advanced options like Juno and Carnets are available.

    Nevertheless, if there is a need to use specific software required by the research or coursework, a desktop or laptop remains essential. This is similar to the requirement to transfer results from lab equipment.

    An iPad can efficiently handle text entry, figure imports, data processing, and graphing. However, it is important to consider the “convenience factor.”

    In many science fields, collaboration is integral. If most in your group use Matlab, for example, it makes sense to follow suit to ensure continuity and easy access to help.

    Using Matlab at home necessitates a compatible device. On the ergonomics front, I emphasize that writing on a bare iPad is not recommended.

    A suitable workspace with a desk, chair, good lighting, a keyboard, mouse, iPad stand, and possibly an external monitor is crucial. A touch of low-volume music can also enhance the working environment.

    From personal experience, I frequently switch between an iPad Pro, a MacBook Air, and a Windows laptop for drafting articles, project applications, and more. While I could virtually manage tasks for a thesis using just the iPad, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this approach for newcomers.

    A laptop often reduces the stress and complications associated with writing and researching, as needs can vary widely across disciplines.

  • First Gen SE: What is its Future Viability?

    Like many others, I eagerly anticipated the release of the iPhone SE4, hoping for a device that would suit my needs. Instead, Apple introduced the $600 iPhone 16e, which left me feeling disappointed. I wish they had retained the SE name for this new model, or better yet, created a dedicated SE line that focuses on the preferences of users like me, particularly regarding price and size.

    In the meantime, I continue to use my first-generation iPhone SE. Although it only has 32GB of storage, I manage to make it work with the help of iCloud. Unfortunately, the software has capped out at iOS 15.8.

    This raises the question: how much longer can I rely on this phone for my daily needs with such outdated software? I have considered updating my browser to Firefox or other alternatives, but I still cherish the features that my old phone offers. The home button, headphone jack, and compact size are elements I truly appreciate and find difficult to replace.

    While newer models may boast impressive features, they don’t cater to my specific preferences, which makes it harder to upgrade. As I cling to my first-generation SE, I find myself wondering if Apple will ever return to the roots of what made the SE line appealing in the first place. A phone that balances functionality, simplicity, and affordability could surely find a loyal audience among those who value these aspects.

    For now, I’ll hold on to my trusty device and hope for a better option in the future.