I ended up ordering the iPhone 12 in blue. My iPhone XS is still going strong but my girlfriend’s sister was looking to upgrade her phone and buying second hand, so it worked out for me to sell that to her and then just upgrade to the iPhone 12. I ended up buying the Navy Blue Silicone case and a Spigen clear case so I’ll decide which one I’m going to keep once I get the phone ~early-mid Nov.
Not including the AC adapter on the idea of being ‘environmentally friendly’, then including a USB-C to Lightning cable for which most people don’t have the correct AC adapter for is rather stupid. I already have the quick charge adapter, but most people don’t. Also, wireless charging is worse for the environment, so it would’ve been more ‘environmentally friendly’ if Apple just put USB-C on the iPhones this year and included a USB-C to USB-C wire and offered a discount to get the AC Adapter if you’re buying the phone.
Not including the AC adapter on the idea of being ‘environmentally friendly’, then including a USB-C to Lightning cable for which most people don’t have the correct AC adapter for is rather stupid. I already have the quick charge adapter, but most people don’t. Also, wireless charging is worse for the environment, so it would’ve been more ‘environmentally friendly’ if Apple just put USB-C on the iPhones this year and included a USB-C to USB-C wire and offered a discount to get the AC Adapter if you’re buying the phone.
My second insurance (which I was somewhat doubtful on, after they took like 2 weeks to come up with a decision vs my other one that did it instantly) also decided to pay out my insurance money for critical illness. Inshallah for that half a year I was full time employed as a teacher, and their insurance which for whatever reason was still covering here two years later. So ordered that new iPad Air for my mom. She is primarily going to be the one helping me, after my liver transplant, and is the one who has taken with me to the hospital every time and so on.
By Wahabipapangus Go To PostMy second insurance (which I was somewhat doubtful on, after they took like 2 weeks to come up with a decision vs my other one that did it instantly) also decided to pay out my insurance money for critical illness. Inshallah for that half a year I was full time employed as a teacher, and their insurance which for whatever reason was still covering here two years later. So ordered that new iPad Air for my mom. She is primarily going to be the one helping me, after my liver transplant, and is the one who has taken with me to the hospital every time and so on.That’s a nice birthday gift. Well deserved as well.
It’s basically a Pro lite. Gonna last her many years.
By jts Go To PostThat’s a nice birthday gift. Well deserved as well.
It’s basically a Pro lite. Gonna last her many years.
Is this dude big?
I saw him for the first time during the David Blaine Balloon event and they wanted you to know he is a youtube tech video star.
I really want an Air, but hard to justify after a new TV, and upcoming purchases of PS5 and iphone.
What do you guys mainly uses tablets for? It would mainly be an expensive ereader for me.
By Shanks D Zoro Go To PostIs this dude big?He is one of the biggest tech related youtubers.
I saw him for the first time during the David Blaine Balloon event and they wanted you to know he is a youtube tech video star.
I really want an Air, but hard to justify after a new TV, and upcoming purchases of PS5 and iphone.
What do you guys mainly uses tablets for? It would mainly be an expensive ereader for me.
By Shanks D Zoro Go To PostIs this dude big?Yeah the guy's big.
I saw him for the first time during the David Blaine Balloon event and they wanted you to know he is a youtube tech video star.
I really want an Air, but hard to justify after a new TV, and upcoming purchases of PS5 and iphone.
What do you guys mainly uses tablets for? It would mainly be an expensive ereader for me.
With tablets your mileage may vary a lot, depends on lifestyle and a million other factors. For some people it clicks, for others it doesn't.
I have to say, I have a big ass iPad I got like 3 years ago but I really don't give it that much usage, maybe use it 2-3 days a week. I was fascinated with the idea of watching video, drawing, reading books and comics, etc but usually I just settle for my MBP. I think what frustrates me the most is the trouble typing if you're using it as a tablet. It might be the worst typing experience out of 3 classes of mobile devices (laptops, phones, tablets).
I don't mind owning it that much since I still give it use and it still feels fresh and crispy in performance, so the investment is diluting nicely throughout the years. However it can still be considered a bit wasteful and indulgent. I could scratch it off easily.
I still think Apple needs to fix the tablet/laptop dichotomy and get on with hybrid devices, and Mac moving to ARM might just be the first step in that.
I'm trying to use my iPad Pro 12.9" as my primary laptop, but damn, they have some long way to go in some regards. That screen and fluidity though....makes me always come back to it.
If they update it and the magic keyboard next Spring, I'm switching immediately.
If they update it and the magic keyboard next Spring, I'm switching immediately.
By jts Go To PostYeah the guy's big.Isn't that what the keyboard dock/stand combo is supposed to address?
With tablets your mileage may vary a lot, depends on lifestyle and a million other factors. For some people it clicks, for others it doesn't.
I have to say, I have a big ass iPad I got like 3 years ago but I really don't give it that much usage, maybe use it 2-3 days a week. I was fascinated with the idea of watching video, drawing, reading books and comics, etc but usually I just settle for my MBP. I think what frustrates me the most is the trouble typing if you're using it as a tablet. It might be the worst typing experience out of 3 classes of mobile devices (laptops, phones, tablets).
I don't mind owning it that much since I still give it use and it still feels fresh and crispy in performance, so the investment is diluting nicely throughout the years. However it can still be considered a bit wasteful and indulgent. I could scratch it off easily.
I still think Apple needs to fix the tablet/laptop dichotomy and get on with hybrid devices, and Mac moving to ARM might just be the first step in that.
By reilo Go To PostIsn't that what the keyboard dock/stand combo is supposed to address?Yeah but need to sit down or sit up for it, so it isn’t always ideal. Besides, it’s a super expensive accessory.
By rossonero Go To PostI'm trying to use my iPad Pro 12.9" as my primary laptop, but damn, they have some long way to go in some regards. That screen and fluidity though….makes me always come back to it.I’ve been using my iPad Pro 2018 model for like 2 years now as a total replacement for a laptop. I’m also someone who mostly just browses and creates documents here and there, so I’m not a heavy user by any means — but it’s almost at the level where it could replace a laptop for most people.
If they update it and the magic keyboard next Spring, I'm switching immediately.
What's the best notepad app on Android? Google Docs are taking way too long to load and regularly crashing, don't need any cloud features.
By Hitch Go To PostWhat's the best notepad app on Android? Google Docs are taking way too long to load and regularly crashing, don't need any cloud features.Google Keep?
i want a midnight green iphone 11 pro.
i really do.
and i’d get it if it wasn’t still priced practically the same. fucking hell.
i really do.
and i’d get it if it wasn’t still priced practically the same. fucking hell.
By /bacon Go To PostGoogle Keep?Booted it up, crashed
Moved everything to OneNote for now, seems much quicker
By LuminaryGhost Go To PostI’ve been using my iPad Pro 2018 model for like 2 years now as a total replacement for a laptop. I’m also someone who mostly just browses and creates documents here and there, so I’m not a heavy user by any means — but it’s almost at the level where it could replace a laptop for most people.Almost but still not there. When it comes to the iPadOS, I really think it needs support for multi user accounts. The apps have some way to go as well.
But I still like it. What kind of weather app do you use by the way?
By Hitch Go To PostBooted it up, crashedWeird.
Moved everything to OneNote for now, seems much quicker
Are you still on Android Ice Cream Sandwich or something?
No idea
I'm well overdue an upgrade but have to choose whether to do it through O2 or Carphone Warehouse
Either way I'll be paying an extra £15 a month :(
I'm well overdue an upgrade but have to choose whether to do it through O2 or Carphone Warehouse
Either way I'll be paying an extra £15 a month :(
By rossonero Go To PostAlmost but still not there. When it comes to the iPadOS, I really think it needs support for multi user accounts. The apps have some way to go as well.On the iPad I use Hello Weather. It’s great.
But I still like it. What kind of weather app do you use by the way?
By reilo Go To PostIsn't that what the keyboard dock/stand combo is supposed to address?I would have jumped on that if it wasn't £350
Trying out the Philips Hue lighting system starting today. Already a fan after installing it and changing the color temperature of the bulbs in our office to something whiter/bluer and also dimming them. We bought the starter kit that includes the hub, three white ambiance bulbs, and a smart button since it is enough to outfit the office, which is the place the adjustments are most needed.
Still need to learn more about the system and see if we can setup something to let us setup a schedule for the lights to adhere to according to what time it is. If we still like using this and think it will benefit us to expand it into more rooms by the time Black Friday and Cyber Monday hit, we will be buying some more bulbs.
Still need to learn more about the system and see if we can setup something to let us setup a schedule for the lights to adhere to according to what time it is. If we still like using this and think it will benefit us to expand it into more rooms by the time Black Friday and Cyber Monday hit, we will be buying some more bulbs.
By Kibner Go To PostTrying out the Philips Hue lighting system starting today. Already a fan after installing it and changing the color temperature of the bulbs in our office to something whiter/bluer and also dimming them. We bought the starter kit that includes the hub, three white ambiance bulbs, and a smart button since it is enough to outfit the office, which is the place the adjustments are most needed.It's amazing but be aware that that rabbit hole goes deep.
Still need to learn more about the system and see if we can setup something to let us setup a schedule for the lights to adhere to according to what time it is. If we still like using this and think it will benefit us to expand it into more rooms by the time Black Friday and Cyber Monday hit, we will be buying some more bulbs.
By jts Go To PostIt's amazing but be aware that that rabbit hole goes deep.Yeah, we have noticed this. Lol
It looks like we will want to replace the switches that operate our smart bulbs with something that is hue compatible so that when we turn off the lights and then later turn them back on they are at the proper hue and brightness.
By Kibner Go To PostYeah, we have noticed this. LolThat used to be a bigger problem, but nowadays there is a setting in the Hue app that lets you state the power-on behaviour, and one of the options is "power loss recovery" which makes it exactly that: resume the last used color and brightness.
It looks like we will want to replace the switches that operate our smart bulbs with something that is hue compatible so that when we turn off the lights and then later turn them back on they are at the proper hue and brightness.
For some years, there wasn't any option for power loss recovery, so every time a bulb lost power (via electrical switch or simply with a power outage) it would always turn back on on the default color and brightness. So imagine having a power outage during the night or something, when the power came back it would turn on all of the lights. Far from ideal.
Regarding switches there are many different options and preferences since it somewhat impacts the home aesthetics and so on. Personally I am fine with the Hue dimmer switches. In fact, they have been somewhat lifesaving because we live in a wooden house that had the electrical wirings on the surface of the wall, and thus I was able to completely remove some of the electrical switches and their wires, leave the light fixtures permanently wired on, and install those wireless dimmer switches instead, for a much cleaner look without having to go through trouble or money to install the electrical wiring inside the walls.
Yeah, our thing is that we have really liked using the routines to have the lights change color temperature and brightness throughout the day. A soft, warm light starting from sunrise until 8 am where it transitions over a half hour to a cooler light for a better work environment (it is our office, afterall), to a bright, warm light after 5 pm, and then back to the soft, warm light after sunset.
We would like when we leave the room and flip the switch for the lights to turn off. And then, when we come back in hours later and flip the switch back on, for it to be the appropriate color temperature and brightness according to the schedule I outlined above. The "power loss recovery" option unfortunately doesn't allow for that. But I think we can get away with it using smart switches, like you mentioned. (we also like the Philips Hue Dimmer switch)
The pack we bought also came with a smart button. One of the configuration options is for us to have it set the lights for the room it is associated with according to a time schedule. So, if it is between 8 am and 5 pm, we can have it make the lights be that "work" light setting we use. Or, if we press it between 8 pm and 7am, we can have it make the lights be that soft, warm color we use at sunset. I think the smart switches would offer similar programmability.
My only real gripe with the system is that the hub doesn't keep track of what state each bulb should be at any given time. If it did, we would not need the smart switches. It could be setup so that whenever a smart bulb turns on, it requests from the hub what its settings should be at that moment. That is the ideal.
We would like when we leave the room and flip the switch for the lights to turn off. And then, when we come back in hours later and flip the switch back on, for it to be the appropriate color temperature and brightness according to the schedule I outlined above. The "power loss recovery" option unfortunately doesn't allow for that. But I think we can get away with it using smart switches, like you mentioned. (we also like the Philips Hue Dimmer switch)
The pack we bought also came with a smart button. One of the configuration options is for us to have it set the lights for the room it is associated with according to a time schedule. So, if it is between 8 am and 5 pm, we can have it make the lights be that "work" light setting we use. Or, if we press it between 8 pm and 7am, we can have it make the lights be that soft, warm color we use at sunset. I think the smart switches would offer similar programmability.
My only real gripe with the system is that the hub doesn't keep track of what state each bulb should be at any given time. If it did, we would not need the smart switches. It could be setup so that whenever a smart bulb turns on, it requests from the hub what its settings should be at that moment. That is the ideal.
I see. Yeah, that makes sense. And although here are many complex options out there like IFTTT, specialised Hue apps that allow for more than what the official Hue app lets do, scripting stuff etc, that *might* be of help in achieving something like that, it is no doubt simpler, easier and more assured to just go with smart switches, and that gives the extra benefit of the constant standby state of the lights that allows for cool stuff like being able to control them from off, be it from your phone (in and out of the house - sometimes it can be useful), voice assistant if so inclined to, etc.
I will say that with Apple HomeKit and Shortcuts, the Philips Hue management is super easy. I don't even use the Hue app, which has come along way from the original versions that were trash.
By reilo Go To PostI will say that with Apple HomeKit and Shortcuts, the Philips Hue management is super easy. I don't even use the Hue app, which has come along way from the original versions that were trash.I haven't branched out and tried other apps, yet. Will need to do so at some point. I do appreciate that the platform is as open as it is.
iPhone 12 launched in Korea today and picked mine up an hour ago.
Boy this thing feels fast. Everything just pops open.
Korea got this iPhone a month earlier than it usually does because of the 5g infrastructure already in place, and I can already notice the difference with 5G. Ran a speedtest and got 700mbps. Youtube videos run so smoothly.
Best part about upgrading is that I get unlimited 5g data. My previous contract was only 15gb LTE a month. And I am paying roughly the same. Downside is that I only get 5GB of tethering a month. I guess that want to stop people from just using it as a wifi router at home.
Thanks for the thought. Gonna wait till early next year before I get it. See how the winter is with Corona before making a purchase like that.
Boy this thing feels fast. Everything just pops open.
Korea got this iPhone a month earlier than it usually does because of the 5g infrastructure already in place, and I can already notice the difference with 5G. Ran a speedtest and got 700mbps. Youtube videos run so smoothly.
Best part about upgrading is that I get unlimited 5g data. My previous contract was only 15gb LTE a month. And I am paying roughly the same. Downside is that I only get 5GB of tethering a month. I guess that want to stop people from just using it as a wifi router at home.
By jts Go To PostYeah the guy's big.
With tablets your mileage may vary a lot, depends on lifestyle and a million other factors. For some people it clicks, for others it doesn't.
I have to say, I have a big ass iPad I got like 3 years ago but I really don't give it that much usage, maybe use it 2-3 days a week. I was fascinated with the idea of watching video, drawing, reading books and comics, etc but usually I just settle for my MBP. I think what frustrates me the most is the trouble typing if you're using it as a tablet. It might be the worst typing experience out of 3 classes of mobile devices (laptops, phones, tablets).
I don't mind owning it that much since I still give it use and it still feels fresh and crispy in performance, so the investment is diluting nicely throughout the years. However it can still be considered a bit wasteful and indulgent. I could scratch it off easily.
I still think Apple needs to fix the tablet/laptop dichotomy and get on with hybrid devices, and Mac moving to ARM might just be the first step in that.
Thanks for the thought. Gonna wait till early next year before I get it. See how the winter is with Corona before making a purchase like that.
Welp, used the Best Buy sale to get color Hue bulbs for the living room, dining room, and kitchen area. GF has been experimenting with them for the last hour, so I think she likes them. lol
Will be nice when she dials in a good setting for watching movies while still having enough light to get up and get something from the fridge or pantry.
Will be nice when she dials in a good setting for watching movies while still having enough light to get up and get something from the fridge or pantry.
By LuminaryGhost Go To PostOrdered a Mous Clarity case for my iPhone 12. Heard good things.No issues with Magsafe?
By Nonja Go To PostIs magsafe just magnet on the back of the phone or is there more to itA magnet and also an NFC chip for identification. Right now, all that means is that Magsafe chargers can announce themselves and allow 15w wireless charging, and the phone responds with a colour animation for whatever case is put on the back
Honestly, at 15W and being able to handle the phone while charging, Magsafe almost convinces me of wireless charging.
But the truth is that it’s still faster and more efficient to charge with a wire. Tests shown that with the same 20W brick and the USB-C to lightning cable it charges at almost double the rate. Sometimes you want to top up your battery in a pinch, why would not want to to get the max charge you may get out of a few minutes of juicing up. And the wire for that is (still) free in the box. The Magsafe puck costs $40.
On top of it, a few nuisances. The Magsafe puck requires a very specific and for now uncommon PD profile to charge at max speed. The Apple 20W power adapter has that PD profile and only a few more exist that do as well (not even the the more powerful MacBook USB-C chargers have it). That limits your options greatly.
And lastly, while Magsafe charger IS a Qi charger, it charges any non-Magsafe device at absolute crippling speeds, like 3-5W, vastly reducing its multipurpose usefulness. Hell, it doesn’t even charge the Apple Watch which is crazy to me.
I see its value as an overpriced bedside charger (no rush to charge; no need to look for a wire; assurance of alignment vs other wireless chargers; can use the phone in the morning before plugging it off) and as a car holder / charger hybrid when they come out with that. Even then, not ideal in a carplay setup (most need to be plugged in), so it doesn’t even fit that Apple lifestyle design perfectly yet.
I do think the Magsafe ecosystem will be something nice to see developed over the years, regarding charging and all kinds of other accessories. Can see it making its way to other devices as well.
But the truth is that it’s still faster and more efficient to charge with a wire. Tests shown that with the same 20W brick and the USB-C to lightning cable it charges at almost double the rate. Sometimes you want to top up your battery in a pinch, why would not want to to get the max charge you may get out of a few minutes of juicing up. And the wire for that is (still) free in the box. The Magsafe puck costs $40.
On top of it, a few nuisances. The Magsafe puck requires a very specific and for now uncommon PD profile to charge at max speed. The Apple 20W power adapter has that PD profile and only a few more exist that do as well (not even the the more powerful MacBook USB-C chargers have it). That limits your options greatly.
And lastly, while Magsafe charger IS a Qi charger, it charges any non-Magsafe device at absolute crippling speeds, like 3-5W, vastly reducing its multipurpose usefulness. Hell, it doesn’t even charge the Apple Watch which is crazy to me.
I see its value as an overpriced bedside charger (no rush to charge; no need to look for a wire; assurance of alignment vs other wireless chargers; can use the phone in the morning before plugging it off) and as a car holder / charger hybrid when they come out with that. Even then, not ideal in a carplay setup (most need to be plugged in), so it doesn’t even fit that Apple lifestyle design perfectly yet.
I do think the Magsafe ecosystem will be something nice to see developed over the years, regarding charging and all kinds of other accessories. Can see it making its way to other devices as well.
What's the consensus on faster charging -- doesn't that deplete your battery longterm? Or does it not matter when it's at 20W or less?
By reilo Go To PostWhat's the consensus on faster charging – doesn't that deplete your battery longterm? Or does it not matter when it's at 20W or less?Maybe battery tech is different now but I thought faster charging was fine for batteries until they get charged up to ~80% capacity. Then you want it to switch over to a "trickle" charge for the remaining bit.
By Kibner Go To PostMaybe battery tech is different now but I thought faster charging was fine for batteries until they get charged up to ~80% capacity. Then you want it to switch over to a "trickle" charge for the remaining bit.I think my phone does this. It charges from 0 to 60% in 30 minutes, then the following 40% in 35 to 40 minutes.
By jts Go To PostNo issues with Magsafe?Supposedly it works, but it’s not as strong as it would be without it — I’ve seen similar with some Spigen cases and others which don’t have the circle embedded into the cases. I’ve reverted back to just using a wire to charge my phone though, for the same reasons you mentioned above. It’s less wasteful and more efficient to just use your wire. I’d hope that with MagSafe, they’d get better about improving wireless charging efficiency in the next few years. I only have one wireless charger now in my living room, otherwise I always use a wire.
It is true that the lower the charging speed the healthier for the battery but I think it’s just been generally accepted that batteries are eventually a consumable that you either replace at some point (even if harder to replace, they are still replaceable for the most part) or swap your device altogether, and that in the end cycles matter more.
The devices have increasingly more power management techniques to try and help preserve battery health (throttling and shutting off as necessary), but lets be honest battery degradation over the years is also a factor to push us for upgrades.
Be it as it may, people have spoken and pushed for fast charging. Apple has been berated at and shamed for including 5W chargers in the box as shortly as up to a couple of years ago.
The devices have increasingly more power management techniques to try and help preserve battery health (throttling and shutting off as necessary), but lets be honest battery degradation over the years is also a factor to push us for upgrades.
Be it as it may, people have spoken and pushed for fast charging. Apple has been berated at and shamed for including 5W chargers in the box as shortly as up to a couple of years ago.
I don't think most people do. And I think statistically speaking, people tend to keep their phones 2-3 years now. I feel like around the 18 month mark is when the battery starts degrading.
By /bacon Go To PostWho cares about battery longevity when you buy a new phone every yearThe need to upgrade every year seems less and less likely, even for tech enthusiasts. The year to year upgrades are so minimal at this point. Look at most iPhone 12 reviews, they’re basically telling you there’s no reason to upgrade if you have a working iPhone 11, iPhone XS or even iPhone X. I upgraded to a 12, because my girlfriend’s sister wanted a new phone (iPhone 8) so I’m selling her my iPhone XS, but my iPhone XS is fine and the battery health was 88%.
My iPhone X felt a bit long in the tooth tbh. Battery health starting to dip under 80 and honestly I couldn’t stand the 64GB of storage and constant offload of apps. But that was my own poor choice.
But still, it lasted me a decent 3 years (and still makes a good phone). Before that, 2 years with 6s Plus. And before that, 3 years with iPhone 5. That’s not too bad a record I think. Time just flies though, but that’s another issue.
But still, it lasted me a decent 3 years (and still makes a good phone). Before that, 2 years with 6s Plus. And before that, 3 years with iPhone 5. That’s not too bad a record I think. Time just flies though, but that’s another issue.
Isn't magsafe, still wired charging? Or can it store charge and you just carry the magnet piece around?
By sy Go To PostIsn't magsafe, still wired charging? Or can it store charge and you just carry the magnet piece around?It uses induction instead of contacts just like any wireless charging, but yes, calling it wireless charging has always been BS like that. It needs to be touching the charger, which is wired.
I guess a third party could do a licensed magsafe charger / powerbank just like you describe, but due to inefficiency I'm not a huge fan of the idea. If it could store say 1000mAh that would convert to 500-700mAh of actual power via wireless charging at best, i.e. we would be carrying some deadweight just for the convenience of not having a connector.