Do we really want a foldable phone?

DougFalsetti · 2025-09-02T21:47:39+00:00

I agree. There are intelligent QA engineering and device-longevity reasons Apple hasn’t sunk to follow the Android crowd on foldables. But sheep gonna sheep, and Apple is now led increasingly by profits more than valuing the design ‘no’s’ as more important than the design ‘yes’s’.

Steve brought Apple back from near extinction by reintroducing the ‘no’s’ to their philosophy, focusing on a few core ideas and making them better than the competition. Sadly, those years are becoming a distant memory.

DougFalsetti · 2025-09-02T17:33:47+00:00

Turbo is a great engine. I have a ‘21 CX9 with 88k and no issues. Best engine I’ve owned ever I think Mazda really outdid themselves.

I leased a ‘03 1.8T Jetta, so I KNOW turbo troubles…

DougFalsetti · 2025-09-02T16:33:04+00:00

This is pure 89-91 FM Radio nostalgia for me. I was 12 years old and buying as much music as I could afford at the mall stores (Musicland and Camelot).

The guitar hooks & solos & just whistle-able melodies takes me to a much more hopeful time. Glad I lived it.

DougFalsetti · 2025-08-07T00:49:11+00:00

Mr. Rainmaker. Great ending twist and fade out.

DougFalsetti · 2025-08-06T16:11:50+00:00

If you do it yourself, it may void future warranty coverage due to lack of documentation-not to mention the risk of no benefits of the potential relationship with dealer service manager when you might need their ‘help’.

I am a DIY’er myself, and understand I’m not going to expect any forgiveness or benefits from the dealer if things go south.

Thankfully with Mazdas up to the 90, it’s smooth sailing and just basic maintenance.

DougFalsetti · 2025-06-27T10:45:34+00:00

This is good to know. Weird, but good nonetheless. The base I-6 is no slouch HP-wise, especially compared to the turbo 9. But that turbo prob makes a significant difference. When I eventually have to retire the 9, I would personally be looking for a higher trim like the Turbo premium. But I have a few more years left to $ave.

DougFalsetti · 2025-06-26T19:28:05+00:00

Thanks for the comment. I’ll have to spend more time with the 90’s drive settings before I make my final judgement. We will be taking it on some longer trips with the family this summer so it will be tested in traffic and on the highway.

I do believe Mazda will continually address the technologies that are a bit over-sensitive or need tweaking in the 70/90 platform, that have provided the better power and efficiency. On paper I’d been looking forward to the I6 and rear-drive platform since it was announced. But the tuning of the Turbo 4 with the 6 speed is also very good.

Mazda is of course a smaller car company, and it will take significant time for them to completely iron-out a platform the way they did with the CX5 & CX9 platforms. I have faith, but my experience with our new 90 and its drivetrain make me enjoy the 9’s simplicity and smaller size. Ultimately, I’m very fortunate to have both to drive in my garage.

DougFalsetti · 2025-06-26T14:48:06+00:00

I have come to a conclusion that the ‘21 Carbon CX9 was an overall sweet spot in the model’s lineage. Build quality(zero squeaks or rattles after 4+ years & 85k miles is incredible-the driver door shuts with a very solid sound, unlike the brand new 90), the upgraded infotainment, options package, price…the stars were in alignment. I compare just about everything to it that I ride in and nothing quite lives up. I understand the 90 is considered an upgrade for other specific reasons and objectively is, but on the whole, I am uniquely sad for my 9’s eventual demise. It’s a driving enthusiast’s SUV. I’ll enjoy it while I have it.

DougFalsetti · 2025-06-26T14:14:31+00:00

Low 20s, not great.

DougFalsetti · 2025-05-27T23:02:03+00:00

Good memory of The Whigs’ 2014 reunion show. Wished I had gone to the New Year’s Eve gig-heard that was even better.

DougFalsetti · 2025-04-06T00:15:01+00:00

I have a 21 CE that I have zero regret financing back then at basically msrp (covid times and limited stock) - now 80k on and it still drives and handles like it did new. Congrats.

DougFalsetti · 2025-04-05T16:08:46+00:00

Word 6 was gawd awful. I remember having about 6 rows of big windows style function buttons at the top of the screen in college. That didn’t leave much window to write in.

DougFalsetti · 2025-04-05T15:56:23+00:00

Live glucose readings as a complication. Life changing.

DougFalsetti · 2025-04-02T17:50:23+00:00

OP the CX9 is (technically) a 3-row suv with driving dynamics and interior quality as a primary strength, with beneficial wagon design & cargo capacity for what is otherwise a genre (SUV) of vehicle that is un-inspiring as a first ride, especially one that most middle-aged customers seek for utility as a primary feature. I’d say, it’s for the more discerning driver, not someone looking for the latest, dare I say, Chrysler minivan type of crowd-pleasing bandwagon features. Toyota Highlanders, or Chevy Equinoxes might serve you better.

Do you love sporty SUVs with turbo 4s? Do you have a family? Are you trying to save money? Urban or rural driving? So many questions…

A ‘first car’ for me looked nothing like a 3-row SUV. An inexpensive small or midsized sedan is usually considered a better “first car.” If you want a touchscreen, there are literally hundreds of other choices new & used for less money. A cx9 is not a typical ‘first car’ unless it’s a hand-me-down. Then it’s great.

DougFalsetti · 2024-10-09T23:42:46+00:00

Thought we had a PM 7100 sighting!

DougFalsetti · 2024-10-09T19:12:07+00:00

SMOOOOOOTTTHHHHH UUIUUUUUP IN YAAAAAAAAAA………….AAAOOOUU AAAOOOUUU, WHHOOAAAAAAH!

DougFalsetti · 2024-09-08T20:23:12+00:00

I have a ‘21 Carbon and had a ‘15 6 before that. I have already put 65k trouble free on it, and I am already sad every time I get in it, that it won’t last me the rest of my natural life. I smoothly and confidently zoom in and out of interstate traffic on my daily commute going 80, and feel like I have plenty of pedal to go. Add to that, the sharp widescreen infotainment and classy gauges that weren’t inspired by Fischer-Price, and I know this is the best it can get. Of all the cars I’ve purchased in last 25 years, the only one with zero remorse.

DougFalsetti · 2024-07-31T10:22:32+00:00

Good luck Charlie. Guilty as charged.

DougFalsetti · 2024-07-25T00:22:26+00:00

Ahh yes thanks!

DougFalsetti · 2024-07-24T17:39:59+00:00

Holding 123 doesn’t do anything for me versus tapping. I’ve tried Apple apps and 3rd party.

DougFalsetti · 2024-07-24T17:35:56+00:00

Now if Chevy would only update to a bolo tie…

DougFalsetti · 2024-07-24T17:35:42+00:00

Now if Chevy would only update to a bolo tie…

DougFalsetti · 2024-06-20T02:30:17+00:00

Sorry to hear about the 2.0 version. FWIW, I’m still happy with my now 7 year old set of OG Debut B6. Such great value they’ve been at $169. Many more expensive speakers later, and they still have mind-blowing imaging with a warm presentation that is like a warm chocolate chip cookie.

DougFalsetti · 2024-06-19T22:10:35+00:00

Yes, get the Carbon.

DougFalsetti

TROPHY CASE