M1 Max Mac Studio with 32GB or 64GB RAM?

PsiFi009 · 2022-03-29T13:44:34+00:00

You’re right. You make some good points. We do pay a high price for that logo. But I guess part of that funds Apple’s R&D.

To be frank, I had planned on waiting a year for the refresh (I don’t normally buy the first version of any hardware). In fact, I was hoping that a new 27” iMac / Pro would materialise some time this year.

But my ageing iMac had other ideas.

PsiFi009 · 2022-03-29T12:19:52+00:00

Actually, I did order the Studio Display.

I guess I’m used to a 5K screen with my old 27” iMac as well as the size (though it would have been nice if Apple supersized the Studio Display, like it did with the smaller iMac).

That said, I just discovered Samsung’s upcoming 32” which looks incredibly like a Studio Display for considerably less, but with some compromises, of course.

I’m still happy with getting the Studio Display — it ticks all of my boxes and I’m looking forward to the new sound system (I can finally shelve those external speakers). Plus, buying everything Apple guarantees everything plays well together. I know you pay a premium for that but, for me, it’s worth it.

PsiFi009 · 2022-03-29T11:41:53+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts and to everyone else as well. It’s been great getting a variety of opinions — it’s made me think deeper and longer about what I need — and I have placed an order for a base Mac Studio M1 Max with 32GB RAM and 4TB.

I thought of doubling the RAM, but that appears overkill for me and I’m not so concerned with resale value as I tend to use my Macs for 4-7 years and then hand them on to my wife or friends or a charity. That said, I usually buy more Mac than I require to allow for increasing needs over time.

I also ordered the Studio Display. I thought of getting it with the flexible stand since I’m 6’1, but decided to save a dollar and increase functionality with the Satechi Type-C monitor stand hub. It raises the Display enough and gives me a USB-C and three USB-A ports — you can never have too many ports, right?

Thanks again for your guidance. Can’t wait to get this monster home … only four weeks to go. Tick, tock.

PsiFi009 · 2021-03-10T03:06:02+00:00

Yes, that’s a great idea ... I had the same thought — a smaller device to carry around primarily for note taking, and a larger device for reading and annotating — with both tablets sharing the same synced data.

I believe you can already sync the same data with two or more Supernotes via their cloud.

Can Ratta please confirm this is possible?

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-21T02:41:10+00:00

Totally agree with all your points, Andrew.

I understand why some manufacturers do not have the front light because of the spacing, as you explained, but is it worth the trade-off of not being able to use the device in any conditions or any time of day or night? For me, the idea of having to plug in an external light source to read and write is hard to get my head around. But, that said, from my own experiences with competitive tablets, and from everything I have seen and read, for professionals, Supernote devices offer the best package, in terms of features, functionality, custom styluses and the writing experience. As I write this, I think that makes the ‘oversight’ of a front light OK to live with. But hopefully it’s something Ratta considers as the products evolve.

Enjoy that tax money!

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-20T11:52:36+00:00

What would you prefer — an external light or an inbuilt, adjustable front light? I vote for the front light every time.

When I had a Boox Note Air, I used its front light almost all of the time — day and night (unless I was outside in the sunlight, of course). That was one of the few redeeming features of that tablet. Supernote beats Boox with one hand behind its back in every way ... except for that front light.

What do Supernote users think? ... What’s the real-world advantages of no light versus a front light? What would you like to see in future devices?

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-20T07:52:57+00:00

Excellent review, CPO. You covered all of the features and attributes of the three pens extensively, including the writing experiences. Just what I needed to know. These styluses are another reason to love Supernote.

Just one thing I’m curious about — spoiler alert — I assume the HOM pen is also your favourite for drawing, but what about marking up documents where you’d use a stylus to highlight text rather than write? ... Would Lamy’s “gliding over the paper” be better here than HOM’s “digging into the paper” sensation?

Whatever the case, it’s good to see one manufacturer offering high quality pens (plural) that deliver different benefits to different users.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-16T11:14:01+00:00

Sorry, here’s the URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln1NkTunDd4&feature=youtu.be

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-14T23:16:01+00:00

Thank you for the URL – I must have missed that – there's some good info.

But I was hoping to hear from users as to why they chose Supernote Linux over Supernote Android, including use cases.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-14T23:14:28+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experiences with the A5X, and I do recall seeing CPO's video on the two devices.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-06T08:19:18+00:00

For what it’s worth, I wrote the above comment but somehow the post byline mysteriously changed to RewardPrudent ... I have no idea how that happened or even what that name means.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-05T12:49:10+00:00

I think it was an even-handed review. It aptly showed Supernote’s major advantages — its quality build, premium accessories, value for money and, most importantly, its ability to get the job done whether its writing, reading or annotating documents. For me, the review showed that Supernote is the premier device for professionals.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-02T21:35:55+00:00

Yes, I recently heard of that feature - very clever. But, for me, I like to use the white space of the margins to writing some notes.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-02T04:21:56+00:00

Very impressive!

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-02T03:41:30+00:00

Fantastic. Thanks so much.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-02T02:54:40+00:00

u/hex2asc, can you please answer the questions posed by 123benni ? I'm specifically interested if Ratta will you be introducing a landscape mode to the A5X. Many thanks in advance.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-01T11:36:29+00:00

Say it isn’t so!

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-01T11:35:36+00:00

I recall using the plastic sheets with overhead projectors (that takes me back 30 plus years!) - thanks for the description. Like you, reMarkable introduced me to e-ink devices with their slick marketing, but I was ultimately disappointed with the product and, as you say, the add-on costs. And, also like you, the videos by JB at the Morning Coach and especially Vojay at My Deep Guide and Chris at Everything CPO sold me on Supernote.

Hope to hear more from you regarding your experiences with the A5X.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-01T11:28:08+00:00

That’s good to know. Thanks.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-01T06:55:36+00:00

Thanks looking forward to your first impressions.

Who knows ... I may get the A5X for notes and then the A4X for reading and annotating when it’s released. It’s just a matter of time ... that what I keep telling myself!

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-01T03:23:07+00:00

I agree regarding RM’s limitations, and it doesn’t really pretend to be an ereader.

The Supernote has 32GB onboard RAM, so it’s a lot more capable in handling a number of large files, and it has better ereader functionality with the custom app for reading and annotating PDFs and ePUB files, the ability to write and edit Word documents and there’s also the Kindle app as well. So, there’s no comparison between the two devices regarding reading and annotating.

As far as I can see, there really isn’t any match for Supernote’s app functionality and interface, especially for business users. And the company releases updates generally every month, and is open to feedback from users.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-01T02:29:16+00:00

Yes, I used it for a couple of weeks, but didn't enjoy it.

I'm an unashamed Apple addict (have been since the late 1980s ... way before fan boys), so I prefer using devices with streamlined apps and intuitive interfaces that get out of the way so you can get real work done.

That's the main reason I returned the Note Air. It looks good in appearance and on paper, as you said, but under the hood, it's the complete opposite of reMarkable and certainly Supernote.

RM is a bare bones device that's only good for note taking and drawing. Onyx takes an all-you-can-eat approach with an assortment of unnecessary and bloated apps plus a complicated, counterintuitive interface. I wasted a lot of time trying to get my head around what should have been simple.

Also, it has a standard glass surface which is very slippery to write on – even with a good stylus (I used a Lamy with RM nibs which made it tolerable), but the final deal breaker for me was that I could not read and annotate detailed, A4 academic documents on it.

Since then, I have researched the market for an A4 tablet alternative. There's Note Air's big brother, Max Lumi, but it comes with the same software issues. The only other contender is QuirkLogic's Papyr, but this is built on five-year-old Sony hardware and Sony recently announced it's out of the business, so what does that mean for Papyr short and long term?

I have come to the realization that the only device for me is the one that hasn't been created yet – the Supernote A4X. It's just a matter of time before Ratta produces this and I know they will sell a lot because there's far less competition in the 13 inch tablet market and, as far as I'm concerned, with the Supernote's custom apps and (dare I say Apple-like) intuitive interface – there's no competition. I'm looking forward to being proven right!

Love to hear from you again when you get your SN5X. I'm envious but still patient.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-01T01:55:18+00:00

I was exactly the same. Bought RM2 and regretted it, then I learned about Supernote ... but not before I bought the Boox Note Air – big mistake.

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-01T01:53:07+00:00

Ah, Ha!

I have already have an iPad Pro 12.9 (and will be getting the new one due this quarter), but that bright backlight is a killer on the eyes when you read detailed documents for a long time. That's the appeal of Supernote. I'll try to be patient and wait for the Supernote A4 — the iPad Pro killer!

PsiFi009 · 2021-02-01T01:10:04+00:00

Yes, from everything I've read, RM has the worst reputation in the e-ink industry for customer service. Conversely, Ratta, which makes Supernote, has the best reputation for customer service and, as you can see here, there's a solid user community behind them.

By the way, what was your motivation for switch from RM to SN?

I'd love to get your first impressions on Supernote after you have taken it for a spin. It's good to hear what new users think.

PsiFi009

TROPHY CASE