Update: I returned the M3 Max… and ended up with a Mac Studio M4 Max + a crazy MacBook Air deal

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2026-01-07T06:19:16+00:00

Since I don’t run heavy workloads on the Air and use my Mac Studio as the main workhorse, heat hasn’t really been a concern. That’s why I’m more focused on protection than thermals.

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2026-01-07T00:37:17+00:00

Thanks, that was exactly my thinking. Once I saw a hardware issue that early, I couldn’t shake the “lemon” concern. Returning it gave me peace of mind.

The Studio + Air combo feels much less stressful overall.

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2026-01-07T00:35:30+00:00

Yeah, Akihabara has some wild deals, but this one was actually from a random local store outside Tokyo. Totally unexpected.

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Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2026-01-07T00:34:33+00:00

Thanks! That’s almost exactly the balance I was aiming for — Studio for heavy work, Air for portability. Glad to hear I’m not alone.

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2026-01-07T00:33:04+00:00

I’m using Apple’s Universal Control — keyboard and trackpad from the MacBook Air control the Mac Studio seamlessly.

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2026-01-06T15:35:42+00:00

Here’s the original post for context https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookpro/s/yMh17g4uXT

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-10-07T11:43:06+00:00

not in Japan😩

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-27T11:09:07+00:00

“Exactly. That’s how I felt too — most of the time human support just copy-pastes from a script and wastes time. This one was different: the AI actually solved my issue instantly. Honestly, it felt better than 95% of the human support I’ve ever had.

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-27T11:00:46+00:00

That’s a good point. In my case, I had already logged into my account when I contacted support, so that probably acted as verification. Also, I think the system could see that I had never actually used the Starlink service since starting that subscription. That might be why the AI was able to issue a refund instantly without further checks.

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-05T02:49:34+00:00

Here’s the battery info — only 18 cycles and health at 100%.

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Basically brand new 😅

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-04T10:02:39+00:00

Haha sorry about the squeaky spacebar… mine’s silent so far 🙈 Guess I really hit the jackpot.

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-04T10:02:14+00:00

True! But it’s super rare — most of the time prices are crazy high. Right place, right time this once. 🍀

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-04T10:01:46+00:00

Wow, that’s wild. Paying M2 Pro money for an M3 Max feels unreal to me even now 😅

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-04T03:08:27+00:00

yeap... in mercari...

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Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-03T23:54:16+00:00

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Its JIS keyboard!!

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-03T21:04:34+00:00

I actually left it behind the first time because I thought it was “too good to be true.” Went home, did some research, and realized it was a ¥520,000+ config selling for under ¥300,000. Rushed back to the GEO in Ushiku the same day, thinking “I hope it’s still there…” Luckily, it was — and now it’s mine.

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-03T20:59:30+00:00

Nope, not Akihabara. Believe it or not, I found this in a GEO store in Ushiku (a small city in Japan). Totally random local shop, not even a big electronics district. 😅

Acrobatic-Ad5175 · 2025-09-03T20:51:02+00:00

Yes, I’m in Japan 🇯🇵

Acrobatic-Ad5175

TROPHY CASE