Techuisite Digest: March Highlights on Apple, Tech Reviews, and More
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the March Digest
In this edition of the Techuisite Digest, I aim to provide a sneak peek into my blog, Techuisite.com. This newsletter is a taste of what awaits subscribers on my site. As a paid member, you receive two Techuisite Digests monthly, along with early access to all Medium posts. Free subscribers can enjoy at least one Digest each month, with previews for additional content.
If you're interested in becoming a paid member, I'm currently offering a promotion of 50% off for the first three months.
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This marks the third and final newsletter for March. Although I missed February due to the arrival of a new baby, I'm making this one available for all, breaking from the usual member-only format.
Although I had intended to discuss the latest iPad, Apple has instead announced WWDC 2024. While this is exciting news, I’m not a developer yet, so it’s not the main focus of today’s Digest. Thank you for subscribing, and enjoy your week!
Affinity's Acquisition
I wanted to share my thoughts regarding the anticipated announcement of Apple's new iPads, but news broke about a troubling acquisition. I'm a long-time user of Affinity Designer for my Techuisite projects, and the prospect of Canva acquiring it raises concerns for me.
The Verge published an insightful article discussing this acquisition. I’ve been using an older version of Designer, and I’m considering purchasing a license for Affinity Designer 2 to safeguard my creative work in case of any negative changes. The Affinity team truly deserves recognition for developing a product that has garnered such attention, and I hope they receive fair compensation for their work. The Affinity suite has been a standout in the macOS, iPadOS, and iOS ecosystems, and I wish for its continued success post-acquisition.
If you’ve been contemplating purchasing Affinity products, now is the time to secure a one-time license, as future pricing may change significantly once Canva takes over.
YouTube Tech Reviews
As I watched countless YouTube reviews of the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, I noticed a prevailing bias towards video production. This focus became frustrating for me as a non-video creator, and I found the reviews repetitive.
This realization prompted me to reflect on how I compose my own reviews. My evaluations often center around my specific usage—primarily writing—which may not resonate with many readers. Since starting on Medium, I've been cautious about diving too deep into specifications and benchmarks. However, as writing is my primary passion, I recognize that I may also have a bias in my reviews.
This epiphany became clearer after watching a YouTube video by Alec Sullivan titled “I Was Right About The M3 Pro…”. He emphasized the importance of the user experience and how technology should facilitate our tasks rather than hinder them. It's hard to disagree with that perspective. We often get caught up in discussing minute improvements or shortcomings that may not matter to most users.
While I’ve titled this section "YouTube Tech Reviews," I aim to focus more on the overall experience of devices rather than just my writing needs. Personal use can be a valuable part of reviews, but it shouldn’t overshadow the broader implications for all users.
Space Black MacBook Pro Experience
Speaking of user experience, let’s discuss my impressions of the M3 Space Black MacBook Pro. I found an incredible deal on a base model with 18 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, which I couldn’t resist. This laptop is truly my dream machine.
A few months back, I mentioned wanting a model with 36 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD, but this deal was too good to pass up. I intend to test this model before deciding on my ultimate configuration. To be honest, I suspect that 36 GB would be more than I need; my main concern lies with the SSD capacity.
Regardless of its specifications, this MacBook Pro is an impressive machine. The Space Black finish is stunning in person, and the display is absolutely gorgeous. I find myself wanting to use it all day, both at home and work. The text clarity and vibrant colors are truly delightful. I recently downloaded a wallpaper called “Graffiti” from Basic Apple Guy, and the colors are just stunning!
I’ve encountered some issues with the Asus Zenbook 14X OLED lately, which I plan to detail in an upcoming post. Reflecting on the specs I mentioned earlier, I realize that battery life has become a crucial factor for me, especially since my routine is more mobile now with two kids to care for.
Having a laptop that doesn’t require constant charging is a significant advantage. While Apple and certain Windows laptops offer devices with excellent battery life, the MacBook Pro stands out in this regard.
I will soon provide a more comprehensive review of this MacBook Pro. I plan to compare it side by side with the Zenbook over the next few days to solidify my impressions. While I understand this isn’t a direct comparison, I believe contrasting what I consider one of the best Windows laptops with Apple’s finest will yield valuable insights.
My initial experience with the MacBook Pro is overwhelmingly positive; I find it hard to let go of this machine. Justifying the price can be challenging, even with the deal I secured. However, as Alec pointed out in the aforementioned YouTube video, the primary focus should be on the user experience and allowing technology to support our endeavors. In this regard, the MacBook Pro excels with its performance, stunning display, and versatile port options (the SD card slot is a game changer).