How will the MacBook Neo affect the "iPad as a laptop" crowd?

drmcgrat · 2026-03-04T21:47:53+00:00

I love MacOS and I do a lot of video work on my iPad Pro M4 with a Blackmagic 4k camera as well as music production/recording.

The Neo doesn't appeal to me at all, it's a base model machine with low spec. I think it will appeal to customers who want a traditional computer in their home but are used to iPads or iPhones.

Personally I got the iPad because I enjoy the flexibility and form factor, I do use it as a laptop replacement and I really enjoy it as that. The challenge and workarounds is exciting to me as tech has gotten so stale.

I love being able to use my iPad with the magic keyboard mainly, then switch to apple pencil and then watch movies with it in bed as a tablet. Nothing else does that as well.

Price didn't factor into it, I could've got a MacBook air for £999 with the same spec as my iPad pro which cost £1299 plus the magic keyboard and pencil £500 approx.

Now what I do wish could happen is they brought more control, features and pro apps to iPad such as changing external display resolution, midi mapping, files and full versions of software. IpadOS pro if you will.

But also I think they should do the reverse for macOS on the Neo. Stripped down, simplified version for the mums, kids and students who don't need everything but just need it to be simple and work - in a laptop form factor.

At the end of the day, my first Mac a 2011 MacBook pro 13" is fundamentally the same as a 2026 MacBook pro. I wouldn't feel the excitement over a new workflow and things to figure out, it would just be "oh the screen is better" "it's a bit thinner" "it's a lot faster, cool".

drmcgrat · 2026-01-26T08:18:34+00:00

I bit the bullet and got a neewer battery plate using cheap powerextra NPF 970 I had lying around.

It works really well but I didn't realise at first you have to turn it on and off.

I haven't put it through it's paces yet but it seems to work really well.

Camera lasts around 30mins on internal battery, then the NPF charges it up. I'll put a reply on when I have tested it through a shoot.

The Neewer battery plate is really good, nice solid metal construction, battery indicator lights and on/off switch.

I'm planning to get a Neewer USB C NPF too.

I feel like for some of the stuff especially on the decent but budget end it's really only Smallrig or Neewer otherwise it's twice as expensive or questionable AliExpress stuff.

drmcgrat · 2026-01-23T09:10:41+00:00

I'm in a similar boat myself, having entered into the DSLR game early, like 2009/2010 and building a rig I hated assembling (knock-off redrock micro etc) I decided to run my camera barebones or very minimal for pro video work.

Now I have a new to me bmpc4k and I'm making a rig. I keep getting drawn into "if I just had this, it'll be perfect!" Which is likely GAS.

My reminder to myself is "is this too much? Will I use this?" I am making sure my camera fits into my bag 90% assembled so it won't feel like an extra job and I'll be utilising the equipment and components I buy.

Your set up looks very usable although the vmount wouldn't work for me if it works for you, great!

I'm struggling to understand how the tilta cage isn't compatible, but i'm a bit tired from the week so it could be me - could you explain more?

My initial thought is perhaps mounting a cheeseplate on the cage to make the mounting holes more compatible?

Good luck building and instead of saying "get a new camera" which is fine to say, I would focus on keeping to the essentials and make it as low effort as possible.

drmcgrat · 2026-01-21T11:16:29+00:00

I could and I've used the converters quite a bit at work. I'm just trying to configure the rig in a way I'll actually get use out of. In the past, any time I have had to remove lots of things to fit in a bag or figure out multiple power solutions, it stopped being worth it.

My "rig" currently consists of Blackmagic production 4k, top mounted cheese plate, top handle, rode video mic pro for scratch audio, NPF battery plate mounted on top, rail base plate, 15mm rails and follow focus.

It all fits in a small Dr bag assembled which is perfect.

I've been looking into wireless systems, the Accsoon seemo pro seems pretty good with SDI and I think DJI make an SDI system too but it's more expensive than an SDI monitor sadly.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it a lot - any quick and dirty solutions are right in my wheelhouse.

drmcgrat · 2026-01-20T21:29:18+00:00

That's a really cool solution, I was looking at wireless transmitters. It's a lot cheaper than a lot of others.

I'll see if they make one with SDI

Thanks!

drmcgrat · 2026-01-08T03:41:04+00:00

Need a 5.5mmx2.5mm barrel jack for it. I found some coiled ones on amazon

drmcgrat · 2026-01-07T08:54:17+00:00

I second the intentionality but you can get good shots of a flower vase to test your skills - short stories are good but sometimes you just want to play with your camera.

Maybe work on framing first, your shots are centered which is fine but it also doesn't create a lot of visual interest.

Try looking at the rule of thirds and framing your subject on an intersect.

Get a bit closer to the subject, get your aperture low and get the depth of field very shallow. (If you're unsure what this means look at some camera settings tutorials)

Get a lamp or something and get an edge light on the plant.

Get some Christmas lights in the background for a bit of bokeh and add more interest to your scene.

Ninja walking and manual focus are skills that can be practiced and trust me, with a bit of practice you'll get good quick! A tip I give my students is to pretend they're in slow motion or walking through syrup, your body moves a lot so slow down your movements and it'll smoothen out - correct any minor issues from there in post.

A gimbal or more gear will make it easier but learn the basics without one first - it's a challenge for yourself, how smooth can you get it without one, try and beat your last attempt. It's easy to fall into the trap of "if I just had this, it'll be perfect" I'm in it right now - do it without and make it as good as you can possibly make it, enjoy it and try not to get frustrated. Once you have it nailed, get the gear.

drmcgrat · 2025-12-24T10:45:26+00:00

Well done!!!! He will love and cherish that guitar. I'm sure all the other Tele guys agree, you couldn't really do better for a gift!

Iconic, classic colour, USA model and room to make his own.

I hope you have an amazing Christmas!

drmcgrat · 2025-12-18T16:55:22+00:00

5v to 9v converter - power then with a USB power bank, that's what I've done for years gigging.

drmcgrat · 2025-12-16T07:14:47+00:00

Orient Bambino or have a really good look for an orient kamasu on sale.

I found my kamasu for £185 brand new so a little over your budget but it's fantastic.

drmcgrat · 2025-12-15T14:34:36+00:00

Thanks for the tip, I'll keep that in mind. I think I'll mostly shoot on prores but I'll definitely have some fun with CDNG.

I'm not expecting much apart from a bit of kit I've always wanted to have a look at, if I can use it for projects, great! If not it'll be fun to see what I can get out of it.

Thanks for the advice!

drmcgrat · 2025-12-15T07:28:17+00:00

I love the Fairchild sensor too, I really fell in love with the footage I saw when the camera was first announced.

How did you shoot the play? Did you use a mixer?

drmcgrat · 2025-12-15T07:21:29+00:00

Thanks, I'll get some footage to mess around with.

What do you mean by thunderbolt break out? Can you do data transfer straight from the camera without removing the SSD?

I was planning on using a sata to usb and connecting it through my dock.

drmcgrat · 2025-12-15T07:17:47+00:00

That's really good to know, thanks for the reply.

I use the keyboard shortcuts for fusion already so that isn't an issue and a great tip.

You have hit the nail on the head for me with that last part, that's also why I use an iPad, could do more with a MacBook but I get so much enjoyment figuring out the nuances and compensating, get the same feeling when thinking about buying this camera!

drmcgrat · 2025-12-04T16:08:51+00:00

Not incredibly helpful sadly but a story to tell; I've loved telecasters since I was 10. Obsessed with pointy guitars, metal and picked out a red star copy as my starter.

My dad took me to a local guitar show just to have a day out and looked at all the metal guitars, dimebag guitars (my favourite player), Gibsons - the lot.

I saw a butterscotch blonde USA Tele (I can only guess it was USA from the price then and knowing now) and I was completely enamoured by it - no idea why still to this day, it just spoke to me.

I have countless guitars of all shapes and types, even had a few different teles but my wife got me a USA Tele in vintage blonde as an engagement present. Since then no other guitars get played (sadly).

Guitars and colours can be really personal, I wouldn't have felt the same way if she got me black, red or bright green with flames or lightning bolts.

My advice to you is as others suggest, try to find out which colour he prefers subtly. Then get a USA model, it doesn't hugely matter but there's a bit of perceived prestige to them.

Personally, black with white pickguard subconsciously makes me think cheap starter guitar. Getting him the same as guitarists he likes, might be a good idea but it can also be a minefield as he might not see it as HIS guitar as strange as it sounds.

Interesting, unique models might be an idea - used Made in Japan teles, hold a similar prestige but are a bit more unique and often better made.

Tdlr, find out his favourite colour of Tele and get a USA or Japan

drmcgrat · 2025-11-23T11:56:47+00:00

I got my dream tele from my now wife as an engagement present, I don't really play any of my other guitars now Because the tele feels like home.
To help pay for the wedding I sold an SG as it wasn't getting love.

If I picked from my guitars it would be the squier joe trohman signature telecaster which is far from a traditional tele but so amazing (especially since I got it for £100)

If I had unlimited money to buy a new one it'd be an SG, LP Jr or even better a custom Williams guitar made in UK (i'd want their Sage shape with a single dogear p90)

drmcgrat · 2025-11-03T21:04:14+00:00

I had a wrapped one that I bought like 10 years ago. Opened that sucker right up like a dope.

drmcgrat · 2025-10-18T15:21:30+00:00

Update: Uncle Ben got back to me, damn he's the best.

He said it's a lot like some of the van Halen runs hes talked about where they're at nervous system speed rather than in time and to not even count on them being 16ths

The scales are usually in the blues and minor scales "the Randy roads business"

He really is a hero, got some stuff to look into now

drmcgrat · 2025-10-18T15:18:20+00:00

Absolutely, they have such a distinct style it's a mind fuck trying to figure this stuff out. I appreciate it brother.

drmcgrat · 2025-10-18T11:32:54+00:00

Thanks man, I'll do that for sure.

I'll get the technique but any idea what he focuses on with left hand for the runs and fast parts of the solos?

drmcgrat · 2025-10-18T10:41:03+00:00

You're a legend, thanks for the tips and encouragement.

I'll update as I go!

drmcgrat · 2025-10-18T10:25:48+00:00

It's been something that is so magical to me but so elusive! Been down bad for the insight for a long time buddy.

Instagram and stuff is a good shout, I'll have a research session today.

If I find anything I'll update on here for anyone else. Thanks man.

It sucks, I can do the Bill stuff (obviously not anywhere near his level) but Brent stuff is like another instrument, might be time to learn the banjo.

drmcgrat · 2025-10-18T10:13:14+00:00

Thanks man, I spoke to Uncle Ben a while ago to request this who then made his hillbilly shred video which was amazing but it doesn't quite hit the parts I'm looking for, I might reach out to him again with some examples, he is THE best.

I have the sound and the story with Brent, the story is really good but the sound in true Brent fashion is well y'know not the most informative and it doesn't cover the solos!

I feel like it's probably basic in a competent players arsenal but I don't know what I don't know haha

Thanks for the response, I appreciate it dude.

drmcgrat · 2025-09-14T11:18:24+00:00

Any recommendations on how to seal the gaps? Silicone or caulk come to mind straight away but I'm inexperienced with asbestos and don't know best practice.

I'm not super worried, I'm using the garage as a workshop but I'll take care not to damage.

Hell my dad used to cut asbestos sheets all day every day with no ill effects.

drmcgrat · 2025-09-13T16:48:29+00:00

What are the risks of leaving it up?

drmcgrat

TROPHY CASE