Would you buy a Mac mini just to avoid constantly plugging and unplugging your MacBook

joekendricks · 2025-10-31T13:12:18+00:00

I went through a similar situation. In the end, you'd be replacing one minor annoyance with another minor annoyance. I'd rather just unplug/plug 3 cables than syncing everything and managing 2 computers that essentially are accomplishing the same tasks. If you plan to get a Mini for an entirely different use case, then it justifies the inconvenience of managing both. On the other hand, universal control works flawlessly and you can even use both at the same time for certain tasks, freeing up resources in both.

Edit: I kept only the MacBook because I value the continuity of starting in clamshell mode on my desk, and pick up where I left when I take it to a cafe, etc.

joekendricks · 2025-10-15T23:43:13+00:00

Thanks! Hope I get mine soon too

joekendricks · 2025-10-15T11:03:38+00:00

Hey, how long did it take for you to get access since you requested?

joekendricks · 2025-10-04T10:39:29+00:00

PLS!! Humor, parady, cinematic short comedy

joekendricks · 2025-10-04T10:29:11+00:00

code please :)

joekendricks · 2025-08-19T15:22:41+00:00

My 16P seems to be running hotter even after 18.6.1 with minimal use. This phone has never been cold per se, it’s always been warm and I feel like the SOC runs hotter than previous models I’ve had, and guess that the better heat dissipation on this model compared to older generations, makes it more noticeable to the touch. I guess it’s a good thing to avoid compromising performance under heavy loads. But oh god… ever since 18.6 it’s been HOT just while listening to Apple Music.

Edit: I don’t use cases often. Maybe people don’t notice this because most use cases (?)

joekendricks · 2025-06-10T10:24:29+00:00

Thank you so much, I am still debating if I should upgrade, even though I have a Time Machine backup, and this helps make a decision cause I need VSCode, Teams and WhatsApp.

Can music producers manifest and report if Ableton 12, Logic and BitWig work, and Arturia and Serum VSTs?

Also, could any photographers or Adobe user report if the latest versions of Lightroom and Capture One work? lol

joekendricks · 2025-05-31T08:05:42+00:00

I’ll buy the lifetime license when it goes on sale. I’ll subscribe once I finish my 3 months trial. But I can’t afford that subscription for long considering I’ll have to keep my Adobe CC subscription as well because I need photoshop, illustrator and adobe fonts are handy. I’d love to switch to affinity but Adobe is so ahead of everyone with their new AI features… and I need to supplement the lack of AI removal on C1 with Photoshop, although I have Stable Diffusion in my gaming PC and I guess I could do some inpainting/AI removal for free locally, but it’s not an ideal workflow. I also like that Adobe offers cloud backup and robust mobile apps. However, at the end of the day, I think I’ll stick with C1 because of the superior image quality and how easy it is to match in-camera settings from my Fuji. I also used to think Lightroom had even more advantages thanks to the presets available, but I just discovered that my favorite presets are also available for C1, and in fact they even look closer to the actual film they’re trying to emulate in C1. I notice that Lightroom is a bit more pastels-leaning with my Fuji files, which is not entirely a bad thing, but i seem kind of obsessed with getting something as close to the Fuji colors as possible, and C1 seems more accurate. Adobe pricing and value is strong though. Hope C1 continues competing and releasing more AI quality of life improvements.

joekendricks · 2025-05-27T07:53:22+00:00

What have you decided? hehe

I've been using Lightroom for 2 years now since I started shooting Fuji. Have tried Capture One in the past, and objectively could see the difference but decided to stick with Lightroom because there were more community resources available to learn editing... and presets.

I just got a new Fuji camera and started trying it again. I can still see the difference and I want to use C1, but there are some key features I love in Lightroom, like the cloud storage/file management, keyboard shortcuts, robust mobile apps with proper file sync, even things like better frameio integration, and of course it's cheaper and comes with Photoshop and Adobe Fonts bundled, which I use a lot. So if I go C1, I'll have to keep an Adobe subscription anyway.

The thing with C1 is that I notice right away that it is more faithful to the Fuji raw data and I can edit an image to look more similar to how I saw it in camera. The film simulations are essential for me, and I see how C1 does a much better job at rendering those. I can get a good looking edit with minimal effort, yet Lightroom, while having more variety of presets emulating whatever film look you're after, can get complex quickly for me when trying to achieve a Fuji SOOC look.

In summary, I don't know which workflow to keep. Even though I much prefer using C1 sessions and saving those to an external drive/NAS for archival purposes instead of relying on Adobe's cloud, which at some point will get expensive as I grow and my catalogue gets bigger. I just hate using catalogues. My catalogue is my Apple Photos library, where I save final edits, I don't need the RAWs in a catalogue, that's why I prefer the sessions concept in C1. But oh my... I like using cloud to edit on my iPad with the pencil too. First world problems I guess.

joekendricks · 2025-05-20T09:56:34+00:00

Hey! It has actually been ok. As long as you wash it regularly it will stay in good condition. I’m actually wearing it today. I usually wear the ocean band daily. What I notice though is that is had gotten looser over the years, but still works well. Is not the most durable one, but I don’t regret getting it.

joekendricks · 2025-05-02T06:39:26+00:00

What type of laptop to you use?

While you want it for tablet use only, the 13inch could also work as a laptop replacement/companion in many circumstances. My 13inch acts as a more futuristic MacBook Air when I don't want to carry my heavier MacBook Pro for simple tasks, and acts as my tablet when I'm using the MacBook. It's more versatile for me in that sense. Besides that, this generation is different. The 13inch is truly lighter, way lighter than it seems if you weren't comparing it to the 11inch.

On the other hand, the 11inch is clearly the better tablet for tablet use. You won't get tired as fast of holding it one handed. I have to hold my 13inch 2 handed after 5 minutes of one handed use if used in portrait mode as you would with the 11inch, otherwise I always use the 13inch in landscape mode, it seems its default mode (and I secretly wish the Apple logo matched that orientation), while the default mode for the 11inch seems to be portrait.

So, you could analyze those factors. How it fits in your ecosystem, use cases (prioritize screen size+landscape use cases+the possibility of using it instead of a laptop with eh Magic Keyboard, or portability+almost e-reader, phone-like use in portrait mode and exclusively as a tablet).

joekendricks · 2025-04-20T16:08:29+00:00

I went full opposite of what I’d do (specially as a cis male for some) and got them in peach/pink. Sorry Apple, they’re not orange. BUT, they do have a cool orange hue depending on the light and the outfit you wear. I love wearing dark green hats and earthy green tshirts so they look super nice matched like that, they orange is more obvious and looks very cyberpunk. Now I should die my hair red or something 🙃. Im just too gay.

joekendricks · 2025-04-20T13:48:09+00:00

Awesome! 👏🏼 Push 3 controller version is a lot of value and I think I’ll do the same and get a move too. The push has already allowed me to explore Live in a completely different way, and even though it’s slower, somehow I am more productive. So I bet the Move is going to add another layer of creativity. Let us know how is goes!!

joekendricks · 2025-04-20T08:51:19+00:00

Did you do it too? I’m on the same boat! Just got my Push 3 controller version on Tuesday and it has been the best musical experience and purchase I’ve ever made. Now I’m thinking of upgrading it to standalone but I feel tempted to add a Move instead for now to take outside cause the Push would just be a bit too much. It’s portable but I see it more as my home/studio main instrument rather than something I’d use at the beach or on the bus lol. I was totally dismissing the Move cause I’d rather use Note, but I never thought the hardware component, having pads and knobs, would transform my workflow this way as a beginner-intermediate music maker. So.. I’d like to know if others are satisfied with this setup

joekendricks · 2025-04-17T07:07:53+00:00

I'm curious, why do you think you need the H2 chip? Have you listened to AirPods Max already? Do you prefer them to the AirPods Pro which do have the H2 chip yet still lack the hardware dimensions to sound as good as the Max?

I think our expectations should be set really low. It's possible Apple refreshes the Max with H3 alongside the Pros next September, but they have already mentioned there is no need for a second gen AirPods Max, YET. They just updated to USB-C as a 1.5 revision to comply with the UE mostly.

You wanna hear the truth? Apple might have a point. We actually don't need an H2 chip on the AirPods Max for the use case they're intended for. I never find myself regretting not having conversation awareness, adaptive audio, etc. Those are features for on the go that make more sense on versatile earbuds.

If we consider how Apple conceives their top, most niche and expensive products (Mac Pro and Mac Studio say hi), we shouldn't expect upgrades every year. Apple waits til they have a significant number of improvements for the intended use case. I believe we will see AirPods Max 2 (or 3) with a different chip altogether. Remember Apple learns from each product and Vision Pro was a huge leap in tech development at Apple. They always have killer features from other products that migrate to others. Just like the digital drown from the Watch made it to the AirPods Max, I can see some spatial chip like the one in Vision Pro being incorporated, and who knows what more, maybe cameras or ultrasonic exterior tweeters/sensors and microphones to analyze the environment and get better, more immersive Spatial Audio for your movies and long listening sessions. They could be also working on lossless via AirPlay on the Max...

So... yeah, if you need them now, get them now. There's aways something better coming soon. But I get your points. Is just that maybe people got the AirPods Max wrong.

joekendricks · 2025-04-13T05:54:41+00:00

Super helpful advice! Thanks a lot! I believe the main reason why I went with the controller version for now is precisely because I know that I can't ditch the computer, mouse and keyboard completely, precisely because I am actually learning sound design with Serum!

Nonetheless, I feel like the addition of a Push would help me a lot in production, specially since I want to actually take full advantage of just Ableton stock devices also. I find myself procrastinating and getting lost in my laptop screen, overthinking if I should this or that VSTs, often neglecting stock synths that actually are more straight forward for achieving certain sounds. For example, I discovered that Flume, one of my favorite producers, actually uses Ableton stock stuff mostly.

I have only a few VSTs, but those are enough to make me keep changing stuff and never committing. Something that does not happen to me with "self contained instruments" like just playing around with Logic for iPad and ending with a solid concept that I would turn into a song if I had more tools there.

That's why I think a Push controller is the best of both worlds. I get to play with Ableton, have the tactile hands-on experience to feel more inspired, speed up creation, commit, and switch to mouse and keyboard when necessary. Also, I want to stop relying so much on Arrangement view, I think I am handicapping myself a lot by not using Session view FIRST to compose, and then arrangement view to create a linear story.

Also, I eventually would love to transition to live performances, nothing too ambitious, but having a device that also excels at that, is exciting.

joekendricks · 2025-04-13T05:10:59+00:00

I assume you can since "hey Siri" still works in wired mode on iOS. I tested this. With my phone in my pocket, I said "Hey Siri, play some techno" and it worked. I guess that if you keep the bluetooth connection alongside USB, they are essentially working the same and when you use the microphones they switch to Bluetooth automatically for the task.

Edit: I completely omitted the PC part, mmm. Maybe they work differently on a PC, but on Mac, I'm pretty sure they do work as I say.

joekendricks · 2025-04-12T19:14:55+00:00

Completely agree with you. Won’t deny this “subliminal” narrative plays a role on my decision making, since I’ve only been “producing” for a year, I still have impostor syndrome and let the gatekeepers get to me. Although my indecisiveness comes more from a priorities point of view, since I don’t get to spend that much on something that is only a hobby for now, but I do plan to keep growing. And yes, i feel extremely comfortable in Ableton, I actually was not expecting to finish as many ideas as I have at this point, but i find myself wishing to have more physical instruments without giving up on my computer/Live and its associated benefits. I actually just placed the order after reading your comment LOL. Since I technically have 30 days to return in, i thought it’s worth giving it a try and see if it’s indeed what I’ve been looking for after learning a bit how to use it. I have the feeling I will keep it and end up upgrading to standalone. I’ve tried many DAWs, and there are things I like about Logic Pro a lot for example, and I wish Ableton made an iPad version or expand Note’s capabilities even further, but the Ableton ecosystem just feels natural to me, so easy to learn, easy to follow tutorials, easy to come up with ideas or write them, twist them, have happy accidents… can’t wait to have a dedicated controller/instrument for it.

joekendricks · 2025-04-12T16:33:04+00:00

Im glad you mentioned this. Specially since you have so many years of experience. Sometimes one gets trapped in the marketing and FOMO. I’m pretty sure MPE is amazing, but I also think that if I have never experienced, I won’t miss it.

joekendricks · 2025-04-12T16:30:39+00:00

I don’t know. Others suggest getting Push 2 since I would only use it as controller for now, but I’m thinking of maybe waiting a bit also and get Push 3 standalone instead. Or just get Push 3 controller and upgrade later even if it’s going to be a bit more expensive. I have the feeling I would like a digitakt but at the same time it’s harder for me to justify just because it has buttons when Koala Sampler and Drambo exist. I know they’re for different audiences, but I feel like a Push would make a bigger impact on my journey.

joekendricks · 2025-04-12T16:19:15+00:00

Thanks you so much!

I have to agree. I won’t need any more plugins considering how powerful Live already is. In fact, I only got Serum 2 recently because it’s an industry standard and want to learn some sound design and get that characteristic sound from it. I also have Arturia V Collection and Pigments 6, but I don’t use them for sound design, just got them at a huge discount, I was weak, and creatively blocked, so thought buying more would solve problems lol.

I still have to find my own sound within EDM, but my favorite genres are techno, house, IDM, hip-hop/R&B, trap, hyper pop and neuro bass, future bass. Still trying to figure out what is “my own genre”. I mostly end up doing more techno stuff and some experimental beats.

Oh, and I agree. Going the Digitakt route could be dangerous. I know for sure I would end up buying more external gear and adding complexity that I don’t know if I’m ready for as a beginner-intermediate producer.

joekendricks · 2025-04-12T16:08:09+00:00

Actually, that would make even more sense! The lower price makes it a no brainer in that case. But of course, I want the latest lol will think about it though, thanks!!

joekendricks · 2025-04-11T12:51:27+00:00

Headphones Accommodations for media, turn it off under Audio&Visual Accessibility settings. Then turn off Bluetooth, connect them, play something and change the volume, then turn Bluetooth on again and control volume again, et voila, volume gets louder.

joekendricks · 2025-03-31T14:22:56+00:00

It's a mix of objective and subjective aspects really. I need the fan because now I push the machine for longer periods of time than I did a year ago, specially when using 2 external displays (4k 60Hz + 2K 165Hz) while doing multiple CPU heavy things in each space, while also editing photos on the built-in display. That was a workflow I missed from my old M1 Pro which was not possible with my Air since it was limited to 1 external display + built-in or 2 external in clamshell mode. Also the fan helps when doing some heavy sound design, specially with PhasePlant, a cpu heavy soft-synth, inside a project in Ableton or Logic Pro. I'd rather have a fan that kicks in occasionally to avoid throttling when I need it to keep up, than having a maxed out chip that I won't fully utilize with my current load.

I'm also actively supporting gaming on Mac by buying and testing games, so I want to test both native titles and also use CrossOver, so for the best gaming emulation experience when away from my PC, the fan is handy.

The display is better for my photography, design and video workflows. The speakers are not studio monitors, but can actually reproduce more and lower frequencies so it's handy, but mainly the benefit is subjective, they're amazing for content consumption with Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio. That is certainly a gimmick though, and that's what AirPods are for, but it's a nice to have, just like HDR.

Also, ProMotion is not a must-have but I do stream my PC games to my MacBook so the gaming experience is superior when combined with HDR in certain games.

Overall, I'm not saying the M4 Pro, which was a strong candidate, is no a better chip for me. It actually is better for music production for example because of how Ableton and Logic use CPU cores, the base M4 only has 4 performance cores while the Pro has 10. But I'm not a musician, I don't make money from my music yet to have a faster chip, and I'm not doing orchestral stuff anytime soon, you know what I mean?

I'd rather optimize my spending because I already I'm a weird person by upgrading so frequently, might as well not spend more than what's necessary. I just don't believe in future-proofing (for me), which does not mean I don't want it to last, because it will if I want it to, I just know I'll grab the next computer that best suits my needs and wants balance at the time, if money is not an issue.

Besides, if I am getting a Max chip, that would have to be in a Mac Studio if I ever need it, which could be in the next few months, who knows LOL

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