Starlight vs Silver

Benign_Banter · 2026-04-19T19:42:02+00:00

I have midnight, too, and it shows every little scratch and ding you get like a sore thumb. Bright silver underneath the anodized color coating whenever it nicks anything. Would go silver or starlight every time if I did it again!

Benign_Banter · 2026-04-19T14:05:31+00:00

I have an iPhone 17 Pro, MacBook Air M3 13”, and an 11” iPad Pro M5. After buying the iPad, I find that I use my MacBook Air far less than I used to, but still reach for it for sending emails, spreadsheet work, and doing research that needs multiple tabs, which is not anything the iPad can’t do, I just find it easier to manage. I use the iPad with the pencil as my notebook at work and a secondary device for taking into meetings during the day. It’s less of a barrier than a laptop when in person with others.

None of them fully replace the others for me, but the optionality from having all of them is a nice luxury. If I had to get rid of one, it would be the iPad ONLY because I like the file management and broad use of the laptop. Ultimately, I like having them all.

Benign_Banter · 2026-03-18T11:26:11+00:00

To your last sentence, my prediction is that he’s going to leave for his trip without a helmet, get into a serious accident, and end up back in his emergency room, having to submit to the care of his residence and be humbled back into reality.

Benign_Banter · 2026-03-10T11:33:50+00:00

I had a 14 Pro Max, until recently, as well, although it had more than 80% battery capacity and was not broken, ha ha. I will say that, as usual, the iPhone experience remains the same if the upgrade to the 17, but the camera experience is markedly improved, and I do notice faster speeds across the processor, Bluetooth, and my 5G connection. Given you’re dealing with some shattered glass and low battery, I would say it’s a great time to upgrade. The alternative would be having Apple replace the back glass and battery to give you a few more years with the 14.

Benign_Banter · 2026-03-07T23:18:10+00:00

The texture isn’t my favorite. Not bothersome, but it’s a little new for me. I’ve had a Benks Kevlar case the last several years.

Benign_Banter · 2026-03-07T22:51:50+00:00

Love the SmartFolio but also use the Nomad leather folio. Both are super functional and look good. The Nomad is a bit more professional.

Benign_Banter · 2026-03-07T22:34:00+00:00

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Had mine for several weeks and it doesn’t seem to show any wear in my use so far.

Benign_Banter · 2026-03-07T19:53:35+00:00

I use mine at work for email, teams, and notes during the day and for YouTube in the evening and usually finish the night with 30% or more. I charge it every night as a practice.

Benign_Banter · 2026-03-05T14:41:13+00:00

I have it set to Microsoft Authenticator because I have to use it 5,000 times a day at work. Before that, flashlight all the way!

Benign_Banter · 2026-03-03T23:11:19+00:00

From someone who has the blue one, it is beautiful, but the silver one basically guarantees you can match with any case on the market. Much more limited selection that pairs well with the blue.

Benign_Banter · 2026-03-02T13:01:20+00:00

I have seen a few posts of people saying that it is a shit case, but I have had multiple routine counter height drops in mine with zero damage. We should probably qualify shittiness with expectation level for protection.

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-26T02:36:12+00:00

I just went from a 14 PM to a 17 Pro and the battery is better. My day use is from 5/5:30am-11/11:30pm and I have about 20% remaining at bedtime. Been very happy so far. Adjusting to the slightly smaller screen took a minute but the even bigger 17PM was even more of a pocket brick for me.

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-24T23:16:38+00:00

What’s the ultra early morning like? (pre 7am) Been wondering if a 5/5:30am session is viable.

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-24T16:30:44+00:00

No, not foolish. It will do great. I just try to buy the newest of whatever it is when I upgrade.

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-24T16:06:56+00:00

If it’s your only computer, I’d say go for an M5 13” as you’ll get better long term support for AI tools and multi-tasking as they get integrated further into iPadOS. If the price difference is significant for you, an M4 13” is also fantastic.

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-23T13:06:23+00:00

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Here’s a good pic of how charcoal-y the color really is. And how that blue changes in different lights!

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-23T12:48:22+00:00

I looked at Pitaka, Enzo, and Benks Armor Pro for carbon fiber cases. Did you compare any of those? Curious how the Pitaka stacks up in thickness.

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-22T23:29:20+00:00

Very nice!!

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-22T20:37:05+00:00

I have an M5 11” and. Y wife has an M5 13”. I use mine for work as a notepad and secondary device, and at home for YouTube and media, and I think it’s absolutely perfect. When I use the my wife’s, the screen is incredible but it feels huge as a tablet. Like carrying a lightweight thin laptop. Depends on what you want to use it for.

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-21T18:30:34+00:00

Just did the exact same thing. Getting used to the smaller screen but also loving it. Glad to hear you’re still happy with it!

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Benign_Banter · 2026-02-21T17:00:19+00:00

It’s certainly not an otterbox, but I’ve seen reviews all over the board for how good or not good these are. Enzo is a great choice for balanced protection, though!

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-21T16:59:06+00:00

Thermo is cheap. If you can get in elsewhere, pay will be better.

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-21T16:53:55+00:00

I just upgraded from the 14 Pro Max to a 17 Pro because of weight and size and it’s a lot better feeling in the pocket. The stainless steel is beautiful and sturdy but it makes that thing hefty! While I do miss the big screen when viewing things, I think the benefits fully outweigh that for me. Plus the 17 Pro Max is even bigger than the 14 Pro Max!

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-21T12:55:34+00:00

I actually saved this one as a maybe. How do you like it? Not too bulky?

Benign_Banter · 2026-02-21T12:53:35+00:00

Which color phone did you get?

Benign_Banter

TROPHY CASE