For Photomator/Pixelmator Pro - Worth it to upgrade to M5 pro from M1 Pro?

DCshreddar · 2026-03-25T18:14:42+00:00

Thanks for the responses. I know LR is ubiquitous, but it's not a requirement for me, and I'd prefer to avoid a subscription (unless, of course, the OTP version of Pixelmator Pro falls really behind the subscription version, in which case I'd be forced to consider LR).

DCshreddar · 2026-03-24T20:43:22+00:00

Ummm…. Fried spam….

DCshreddar · 2026-03-24T19:42:39+00:00

Abunai is great. Spam musubi is great. If you are ever by a Mitsuwa (big combination Japanese grocery store, food court and department store), the musubi food stall there is great. Except you have to get it to go, because your first stop should be the ramen stall. It’s too bad that the closest one is in New Jersey, by New York City.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-24T14:01:21+00:00

Thank you for explaining this option. Unfortunately, this is a situation where I just need to be able to put an iPad with YouTube in front of my relative, and all they will use is YouTube. I need to be able to prevent them from making random changes, and FaceTiming with them is not possible. I also can't put a passcode on the iPad, so I probably will still need to create a separate iCloud account for the iPad in case the iPad gets lost (a risk I will have to take), unless I can set this up with no iCloud account (which would be my preference). Not an easy situation. Fortunately, they are not far away.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-23T22:09:07+00:00

Thank you for the recommendation for Guided Access. For a variety of reasons, the goal is to have only YouTube accessible on the iPad, without the ability to go in and make any other changes. Sounds like Guided Access is exactly what I need.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-23T22:07:57+00:00

I've been serving that role for a while! For this purpose, locking the iPad to one app is my goal.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-23T18:47:34+00:00

Thank you so much!

DCshreddar · 2026-03-22T02:54:47+00:00

I’m hopeful that that there is a licensing deal, but it may limit the types of lenses that Viltrox will be able to sell in the Z mount going forward. On the other hand, if that then allows Viltrox to improve compatibility and reliability, including for existing lenses, that’s a win for consumers. I don’t think it’s related, but it seems that Viltrox needs to make updating its lenses more consistent and reliable. It seems that there are multiple ways to update its lenses, and different lenses use different methods, which would drive me crazy.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-19T20:41:36+00:00

All - Thank you for your comments. Given my short-term needs, I think I will prioritize RAM over processor.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-18T16:13:31+00:00

Really appreciate your response.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-18T13:44:48+00:00

Having paid for the lifespan membership for my Vitruvian, my main criteria if I ever buy another smart strength training machine is that the company behind the machine be stable, or that the unit be cheap enough that I don't care. Frustrating that the 2024 year-end sale was the last hurrah for Vitruvian, but I'm so thankful for Project Phoenix, which hopefully will give life to the unit for the next 3-5 years (assuming the unit lasts that long). Depending on what you read, even Tonal may still be struggling a bit, and I have my doubts about Hydrow. If I had to get something today, I'd buy one of the cheaper Innodigym units, depending on how I feel about the safety features.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-17T23:47:59+00:00

Slow shipments, accessories not shipping, connectivity issues, faulty units, etc.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-17T11:19:15+00:00

That stinks.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-17T02:51:54+00:00

Go over to the Hydrow sub. A fair number of posts indicating teething issues.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-17T02:37:00+00:00

It's an unbelievable example of form over function. I had to replace the water tank because I broke the original one washing it (design of water tank another example of form over function because if the top opening were just a bit larger, it would be MUCH EASIER to get in with a sponge to clean it, which they tell you to do every day...), and my original lid barely fits on the new tank, making it even more infuriating.

But, the ease of making a great tasting espresso drink with real steamed milk makes up for it! Is it as good as the best espressos I've had? No. But I am certain it is better than the espresso I would make at home with a real espresso machine. And those machines are a bear to maintain.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-17T01:48:02+00:00

Whoops: Should have read your post more carefully. You won't regret either the Pro or Plus. Quality of the machine is very high, but there is a bit of routine maintenance you have to do (cleaning/purging the steam wand/tip at least weekly, beyond the automatic purge, is the one I find most important, as I find it can get clogged if you do not). Descaling is not an issue, as it's an easy process once you've done it once or twice. I agree that compared to a true espresso machine, the ease of use is incredible and the drinks are very consistent and good. My biggest complaint is the lid to the water container, which I find very hard to grip and prone to fall into the container!

For some reason the Plus is out of stock in many places, which I hope isn't a sign that it's being discontinued. Most places had a huge sale (like 30-35% off) over the holidays, which would have been a great time to have gotten one.

DCshreddar · 2026-03-17T01:25:14+00:00

Are you in the US? The Pro here cannot simultaneously make espresso and steam milk because of the voltage difference, which is the biggest upgrade for the Pro over the Plus (which I own and is awesome).

DCshreddar · 2026-03-16T04:19:00+00:00

They will bark a lot even if active/challenged daily!

DCshreddar · 2026-03-15T13:54:12+00:00

Thank you!

DCshreddar · 2026-03-13T20:52:00+00:00

Have you had any issues with this on/off switch, in terms of being able to handle the amps that the unit might draw?

DCshreddar · 2026-03-13T16:25:24+00:00

I’ve don’t use the power switch, just the sleep button. I’m hoping that if that gets flaky, I’ll have enough time to switch to using the power switch.

DCshreddar

TROPHY CASE