I Bought An Apple With My Commissions - A Very Special One!
My current laptop is old and slowing me down. Hence, I bought a MacBook Air, a 2020 vintage based on Apple's M1 processor. I think you should read how they make their M1 family of chips run so fast and so cool, in an article by Pro Tools expert, Mike Thornton.
Initially, I tried to buy it on eBay. When the bidding ended I was outbid for more than I was willing to pay for a used computer.
Instead, I called Apple and found out they had an Apple-certified refurbished model that met my specifications: M1 Processor, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
Not only did Apple sell it to me at a price I was willing to pay, but they also gave me a 1-year warranty and a 14-day money-back guarantee.
In addition, I also purchased the Parallels Windows emulator so I can run Windows and the macOS simultaneously.
Pics Of My M1 MacBook Air
I picked this up at the Apple store three days after ordering it. It was packaged like a new computer. It looked new with no physical flaws.
After I got it out of the box, I updated the operating software as well as recharged the battery to full strength.
Free One On One Online Training
When I purchased this computer, Apple gave me two free one-on-one personal online training. I selected video and sound as applied to creating webinars as my two topics.
The next day I received the phone call at the scheduled time and Shannon accessed my computer screen and provided the video training. She provided me links to further training documents for reference.
Since this session took longer than expected, almost an hour, she suggested I reschedule the session for sound.
My Laptop Up And Running
Here is a screenshot of my laptop in action.
I will be able to have as many windows open with no overload on the system. That is how I work when I write new content. Hence, I will be able to function efficiently compared to the snail's pace before.
Budget Macs Are Now High Performers
An equivalent Windows machine would have cost me more. This was not the case when Apple used Intel chips. Since Apple controls the System On A Chip (SoC) as well as the operating system, they are now producing machines that are beating Windows machines by a wide margin.
Intel and AMD are playing catch-up. However, since there are multiple players in the Windows world who all want something different, the chip makers will never be able to optimize the results for everyone.
If you are looking to replace your computer, check out the new Macs. Apple has just launched computers based on a faster M2 chip. So the M1 machines are available at a discount.
Do you have an M1 Mac? If so, I would love to hear your experience in using it for your business.
Cheers.
Edwin
Recent Comments
6
Hello Edwin,
That's great that you have purchased a refurbished laptop from Apple, that would give me a lot of confidence in purchasing! Especially with the one-year warranty, that helps to give peace of mind.
Having used Windows computers for the last 20 years, (I had never used a computer before that) I find it difficult to change. Although, I did think about it when I was using Windows XP as that was regularly crashing, thankfully those days have gone!
I must admit that I have not had any problems with Windows 7 and now Windows 10, it appears to work really well.
It is interesting about the Apple processors, I just had a quick read of the article that you put in your blog post. I have an Intel i5 processor on my laptop and an Intel i9 processor on the desktop. Although the laptop is eight years old it still works perfectly! SSD's always give a computer a good boost! So far I haven't overloaded the desktop even when I'm video editing and using Dragon NaturallySpeaking!
Although I don't know loads about computer processors, the subject kind of fascinates me! I wonder what the difference in speed would be against the Apple, Intel and AMD processors?
It's interesting that Apple has steamed ahead in this department. I believe there is quite a bit of competition between AMD and Intel. Incidentally, my wife's Dell laptop has an AMD processor, so far, so good!
I'm really pleased that you have been able to purchase a new laptop Edwin. It's so important that we have a computer that works quickly and efficiently. In this day and age, we shouldn't have to wait for pages to load forever! I'm certainly glad the Windows XP days are well and truly over!
Enjoy your day and your new Apple.
Roy
Hello Roy,
Great insights. I appreciate your detailed response. There is more in common between Windows and Mac these days. Especially since most of our work is web-based using browsers. The difference is much like using Chrome vs Edge.
There are some studies I want to send you that I think you will find interesting from an academic perspective. Since I can't do it here I will include them in a PM if that is OK with you.
Cheers.
Edwin
Hello Edwin,
It's a pleasure, Edwin! As I mentioned, although I'm not particularly an expert, I find the subject interesting! Over the last 20 years, I have tried to educate myself on computer specs etc., I still have a long way to go!
I think part of the reason I like learning about computers and their capabilities etc.; is due to the fact that it's important to have the right tool for the job. One of my websites is on garden equipment, the reason I started it was because I see so many people struggling unnecessarily in their garden. If they had the correct tools, their life could be so much easier! It's the same with computers, I believe!
Please feel free to send me some studies, Edwin, I would appreciate that, thank you. It's absolutely fine to send a private message any time, I have no problem with that whatsoever.
On a slightly different note; one thing I have found really useful with my desktop is having three monitors. It makes everything much easier when you are working online. I guess your laptop would be capable of running at least another monitor if not two monitors.
It's just a thought, Edwin, I like to make life as simple as possible!
All the best,
Roy
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Edwin, this is exactly what I did - reinvest some of my online business earnings and bought a new laptop.
I chose an HP and also got mine at a great deal.
The new one is making such a difference to the way I work and the speed at which I can do research and write my blogs.
The free training was a great add-on.
An engaging service touch.
Do enjoy.
Cassi
Hi Cassi,
Loved your response. As they say, great minds think alike ha!
You are right, That private session made me feel special. I will also be registering for free clinics on these kinds of topics at the Apple store. I love the service that Apple provides for its customers. No wonder they were the first company to reach two trillion dollars in value as reflected by their stock price.
There are a couple of posts for my website I have almost completed so I better get cracking on them.
All the best.
Edwin
Thank you, Edwin and happy writing!
Cassi