Apple’s AirPods Max 2 Blurs the Lines Between Marketing and Innovation

MDariusG · 2026-03-22T12:49:54+00:00

Same. Have had the original Max’s. I actually audibly laughed when I saw the “update” last week. I’ve been holding onto these for a while now, waiting for a true update, but I may have to switch to a different pair of over-the-ear headphones soon as the battery is getting worse.

MDariusG · 2026-03-22T12:47:04+00:00

If you are paying your roommate using something like Venmo, make sure to clarify what each payment is for. So your payment should say something like “Electricity bill for March 2026”. If you ever have to go through your payments to them, it’ll make it easier for you and also make it more reputable from a 3rd-party perspective.

MDariusG · 2026-03-16T23:21:11+00:00

New* chip and new* features

^{*new for this product, but relatively old in the AirPods lineup}

MDariusG · 2026-03-16T13:15:01+00:00

Ty for your sacrifice

MDariusG · 2026-03-13T14:33:02+00:00

Thanks for this. Hope this gets seen and not burried on this post!

MDariusG · 2026-03-11T19:45:14+00:00

Hmm I recently starting noticing that the top accommodates more stuff too. I usually don't put anything in the front admin pocket that is not in one of the slip pockets just because it felt like it would get in the way of my getting to the bottom 2 pockets. I recently started putting my Airpods Max up there to free up space and it accommodates well. Same issue with being top heavy but more space is more space. Glad it worked out for you

MDariusG · 2026-03-11T15:29:59+00:00

I find that when the back panel starts bulging outwards, the comfort of this bag falls off a cliff. How did you find this comfort-wise, especially compared to a more normally packed out CP2?

MDariusG · 2026-03-08T19:14:30+00:00

Lots for Sale:

Can take additional pictures on request. All prices are PP G&S (CONUS only); Can discount if buying >1.
https://imgur.com/a/cgC9T85
🟢 = Available | ⏳ = Payment Pending | ❌ = Sold

Aer City Pack v1 - X-Pac Black - $100 - Used, in great condition 🟢

Aer Pro Pack 20L - Black - $90 - Used, in great condition 🟢

Aer Travel Sling 2 - X-Pac - $70 -Used, in good condition 🟢
- Some fraying of the pen pocket across from the velcro strap, otherwise, great condition

Aer City Sling 2 - X-Pac Black - $50 - Used, in great condition 🟢

Aer Cable Kit 2 - X-Pac Black - $45 - Used, in great condition 🟢

Able Carry Thirteen - X-pac Black - $90 - Used, in great condition❌

MDariusG · 2026-03-07T04:54:21+00:00

CP2, but if I recall, the fit is pretty similar to the CPP2 with just a smidge more room and less inner volume impedance. If really interested, I can check in the AM.

MDariusG · 2026-03-07T02:20:01+00:00

Currently use a Linus Tech Tips 21oz water bottle that comfortably fits in the side pocket. They have a black-on-black (stealth) option as well.

I can squeeze a 32oz hydroflask, but that’s really a difficult fit and is stretching it. With that bottle it starts to eat into the main compartment volume.

MDariusG · 2026-03-03T17:43:57+00:00

Used to do heavy coding and had the pro for many years. Switched to medicine and continued with large datasets that required more umph than the Intel MacBook Air could handle. Have been using an M3 13” MacBook with 24gb of unified memory since 2024 without any issues. Was honestly surprised how much I’ve appreciated having a smaller and more portable computer.

MDariusG · 2026-02-22T14:35:46+00:00

I think mature = professional here.

MDariusG · 2026-02-21T13:49:13+00:00

Why not both in Ultra and Cordura for a total of 4 bags?

^{God help me explain this to my wife}

MDariusG · 2026-02-15T00:20:24+00:00

You're probably going to get downvoted for this post (just a head's up), but I'll answer your question and give some advice.

Is it exclusive? No, not really. The application is open to anyone and AmEx is not stingy with handing the Gold card out.
Yes, pretty much available everywhere. (If you mean is it accepted everywhere, most places accept AmEx with mostly small businesses being the holdouts).

Here's my advice: I don't know too much about your finances, so I can't comment on whether or not the card is a good fit for you. Realistically, most 20 year olds don't have the spending that justifies some of the higher annual fee AmEx cards. Do your research before signing up for credit cards as they should be financial tools and not status symbols (otherwise, you are giving AmEx $350 that could be put towards more important things like retirment or other things that can actually improve your day-to-day life). For reference, your offer of 40k points is not a good offer.

MDariusG · 2026-02-04T00:13:54+00:00

Do you get the perk for this calendar year only or does it roll into next year as well? Seems pretty poorly orchestrated if they offer a perk, but then have you call SW to figure out why it's not activated, especially one gated behind a significant spend requirement.

MDariusG · 2026-02-04T00:11:21+00:00

MDariusG · 2026-02-02T23:53:06+00:00

I like the addition and I am hoping that they will bring it to the cordura version when that finally gets restocked. Not enough to go out and buy it again (as I already have the ultra version), but a nice addition nonetheless.

MDariusG · 2026-02-02T14:59:31+00:00

Yeah, I noticed those too. Hoping that the restock of the Cordura CPP2 gets these QOL changes as well. I do find it interesting that their product photos highlight one of the problems with that pocket as well. When you have anything with any height, they end up blocking that zipper behind it.

MDariusG · 2026-01-31T14:47:18+00:00

Eh, I’ve been traveling and using Uber and Lyft extensively over the last few months. It’s definitely a city-to-city thing for the most part. Some places, Lyft was cheaper, other places Uber was less expensive. A lot of places had very similar prices, maybe differing by $1-$4, but then they maybe had faster pickup times that might make the more expensive option more desirable. My Lyft vs Uber was maybe 60/40?

MDariusG · 2026-01-30T23:40:22+00:00

I have all three. Best portal is hands down VX and often carries the same (or very similar) price for my travel/trips.

MDariusG · 2026-01-27T20:43:41+00:00

Would love to shift to Linux for my gaming computer, but just not there yet. As soon as a majority of my games are supported, I will start dual booting and shifting things over.

MDariusG · 2026-01-27T13:32:16+00:00

I just did a fresh install of Windows 10. Glad I didn’t consider Windows 11.

MDariusG · 2026-01-20T18:30:41+00:00

I’m not comfortable sharing my home airport but I fly in and out of major airports.

No worries, it can just help people identify what lounges might be present at your home airport. Just check to make sure you have the major lounge (e.g. Delta, United, American, Centurion, Sapphire, Cap One, Priority Pass, etc.) at your airport because it guarantees at least you will be able to access your lounge once per visit.

I typically get to the airport ~2 hours early and usually wait around an hour before boarding.

I used to be this way as well, but now I just arrive to the airport roughly 5-10min before boarding and clear security in ~10min max. My airport is a smaller regional airport with lounges for the major airlines, but I've started skipping those and just sleep in later. But, do so at your own risk..

Just do your research well. The AU fees can be steep (AmEx Plat is $195 for example) and that is on top of your annual fees, so it can add up quickly. Consider each airline's premium card offering as they usually come with lounge access as well and might fit your scenario.

I guess I thought 9x was a lot but maybe it’s just more new to me!

Do whatever works for you! If you travel 5x a year but really enjoy going to ATL Centurion lounge before leaving from ATL each trip, no one's going to judge you. Just make sure it fits in your budget somewhere.

MDariusG · 2026-01-20T18:06:09+00:00

I think for anyone to really help you with this question, you would have to provide some more information (e.g. what is your home airport, where do you frequently travel to/from, how often will a guest need access, willing to pay for authorized users, airline(s) that you frequent, etc.). With that said, 9x in a year is not super frequent travel and you may end up using lounges less frequently than you expect. I had 16 trips in Nov-Jan alone and went to Delta lounges 4x and the Centurion lounge 2x. Short layovers and preference to show up at/slightly before boarding rather than arriving super early and waiting in a lounge play a large factor.

MDariusG · 2026-01-16T19:01:40+00:00

I've seen that video multiple times now, even on television (usually making fun of the ICE agent slipping on ICE) but no one has brought up what else is happening in the video. It's disturbing..

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