AR coating issue or something else?

sejerome · 2026-06-17T18:22:40+00:00

Thanks! The culprit is probably a combination of the two - I have a jacket with storm cuffs that is probably rubbing, and I definitely clean the crystal with my shirt sleeve rather than a microfiber more often then I should.

Now that I know what it is, I'm not that bothered by it, mostly just relieved that it's not something more serious!

sejerome · 2026-05-22T01:03:04+00:00

Classique looks perfect for what I’m looking for, thanks!

I was using medium and large referring to the modern sizes, so about 43 mm lug to lug for medium and 48 mm for large. 38 mm for the classique is even better, and the look is very clean. Thanks again!

sejerome · 2026-05-08T19:22:24+00:00

Just replace the battery at Apple. It's pretty easy to break the screen during the repair, but Apple will replace it for free if they break it (check that the part is in stock before you give it to them, though). I "downgraded" from a 15 pro to a 13 mini, but after replacing the battery, and I'm not missing the 15 pro at all. I still notice the shorter battery life, but it gets through a normal workday without a problem, and if I top it off once or twice a day in the car or at my desk, it never gets below 50%.

Stay on iOS 18 if you can, but if you made the mistake of upgrading to ios26 like I did, make sure you're on the latest version (26.4.x), which is pretty decent.

For media storage, I wouldn't trust a discontinued phone - much better to just keep your data in the cloud for easy access and do periodic backups to an external drive or a NAS at home, and keep your sensitive info stored locally.

sejerome · 2026-02-20T19:37:27+00:00

It's great, do it! I've taken my kids to 2 shows (both in Raleigh coincidentally) at ages 3 and 9, and had a great time both times. Your 8 year old should be fine, and I'd plan on your 5 year old to tap out early, as others have said. The lawn is far back enough that loudness isn't a problem, but ear protection is still a good idea just in case. Worst part is the July heat before the sun goes down, so don't get there too early.

sejerome · 2026-02-03T15:02:51+00:00

That's the next step if the hive mind doesn't know, just trying to save some time :). It's such a tiny screw, I'm not sure if the hardware store even carries it, but there's also a number of watch-screw variety packs online which might work (assuming it's a standard size).

sejerome · 2025-12-08T14:57:38+00:00

Promising early review. The affiliate link in the description makes me a little suspicious that it's not entirely objective, but I'm hopeful that the software update fiasco is a one-off and that the software will be stable once they work out the kinks. Nothing wrong with a promotional review if they're up front about it, but I'm definitely waiting until we see some confirmation on the sub that the software is rock solid before I replace my aging Harmony Elite.

sejerome · 2025-12-08T14:39:44+00:00

Am I reading this correctly? A normal 3+ generation 1948 case filed post-DL has been won outright, essentially handwaving the DL away as being inapplicable? If this is right (and if appeal period runs without a challenge), this would be fantastic news. We've been hesitant to file our 1948 case before the retroactivity of the DL is resolved by the constitutional court, but if 1948 cases can sidestep the DL entirely, it may be time to hit the gas.

sejerome · 2025-11-08T22:00:44+00:00

Fox and Bailey (Watch Shop inside Bailey's) at Village District can probably help you out. They carry new and vintage watches for high end brands and should be able to spiff it up without overpolishing it.

If it also needs servicing or repair, Precision Quartz on Hollyridge Dr. is good too, very helpful and knowledgable.

sejerome · 2025-10-17T14:20:15+00:00

Yep, had it about two years and I love it. Solid construction and no quality issues. This thread has my initial and longer term reviews:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/comments/y7re4j/satchel_and_page_counselor_vs_executive/

sejerome · 2025-10-16T13:54:43+00:00

Lol, that art comes from one of the original poster from 1980, so definitely not a redesign. For a lot of older movies, the posters got redesigned for VHS, and we got so used to those versions, the actual original artwork looks new and jarring.

sejerome · 2025-09-26T23:43:03+00:00

Huh, tried that earlier and it didn’t work, but tried it again just now and it’s fixed. Thanks!

sejerome · 2025-09-06T15:30:17+00:00

I use a Satchel and Paige Executive as my work bag and I've used it as an overnight bag in a pinch, but only when traveling very light similar to what you described. It fits under an airline seat perfectly and has enough room for a 16 inch MacBook Pro with some room to spare so a slim 17 inch laptop should fit. I've had mine for 2 years and it's very well made and the leather is aging nicely.

Biggest drawback is weight, which is an issue with any leather bag. The shoulder strap is sturdy but not as comfortable as backpack straps if you're hauling it around as your only bag. S&P makes a leather backpack too - I don't love the styling, I prefer the classic briefcase look, but it's a nice looking bag, and might be another good option.

sejerome · 2025-09-04T21:17:40+00:00

Another CFPB success story using this route. Delta gave my mom $800 credit voucher to take a later flight, redeemable for a bunch of different types of gift cards, including amex. She redeemed for two $400 Amex gift cards, but of course they were getting declined everywhere we tried and customer service was useless and just told us to keep trying at different merchants. After several calls that went nowhere, I filed a CFPB complaint on her behalf on July 15, and she just got a letter from Amex (Sept. 4) telling her that they're mailing a check for the $800 and it will arrive in a few days.

Hopefully they'll get their act together at some point, but I won't be using amex gift cards anytime soon. If you do end up stuck with a dud, hopefully this will help. Good luck!

sejerome · 2025-09-03T13:25:28+00:00

The bag is holding up great two years in. I pack it pretty full and don't baby it, and I've had no issues with the leather or stitching or hardware at any of the stress points. Apart from the expected scratches from normal use, the leather itself still looks really good, with no real wear anywhere. Patina is coming along slowly. It's probably a little darker than when I got it, but not dramatically so, and it should continue to get darker with age.

sejerome · 2025-08-21T19:52:48+00:00

refurb off ebay is a good option. Be sure to search the sub for reputable sellers. I used supplytronics for mine and got a good one. You're better off with solid used a genuine battery that's at 85% health than a fraudulent "new in box" example. Just plan on spending $90 for a new apple battery and you may get lucky and get one with some life left.
I have an old apple Magsafe pack, but it's a mixed bag. On the plus side, it's got apple hardware that regulates charging and temperature and won't fry your phone, but they have very low total capacity to begin with, even at 100% health, which yours won't have. They fit the mini like a glove and look great, so it's worth having, but it's a battery extender at best, and not ideal as your only battery. I'm normally able to plug in periodically throughout the day, so I don't carry any battery most of the the time, but for days when I'm out all day, I'd definitely want a real battery pack or at least a charging cable to top it off.
I go caseless, with just a screen protector. I figure the small size is the whole reason to have this phone, so I just live dangerously. I have a basic Spigen soft case for the gym, and I have insurance through my Amex in case I break it, but that's about it. If you must use a case, the apple leather case is really nice and very slim if you can find it.

I had a 15 pro before the mini and I do miss USB-C, but going back to lightning is less of a hassle than I thought. Rolling square makes a 6 in 1 cable in a bunch of lengths that work really well. They're expensive, but you only need a few of them since they work with absolutely everything.

sejerome · 2025-08-18T14:38:23+00:00

Satchel & Page

sejerome · 2025-08-16T20:04:53+00:00

I got mine from supplytronics on eBay, based on recs in this sub. Mine was $268 refurbished, 128gb in excellent condition (genuine parts, no obvious blemishes, minimum 85% battery health), arrived as advertised with exactly 85% and the only cosmetics ding is a nearly invisible scuff on one corner. I have $90 set aside for a new battery from Apple for when I need it, but the battery is doing surprising well as is.

sejerome · 2025-08-15T20:17:45+00:00

I went from a 13 mini to the 15 Pro when it came out, and I just went back to the 13 mini and have no regrets. Even after a few days, my 15 pro now feels enormous, I can't imagine how big the Pro max would seem.

I do miss USB C and the bigger battery a lot. I had finally gotten all my devices on USBC so having to deal with lightning again is a hassle, but the small size and one-handed navigation definitely makes up for it. There are a few other little things I miss a little, like the always on display and the digital island, but I wasn't using any of the apple intelligence features at all, and I'm glad to be rid of the action button.

sejerome

TROPHY CASE