The Gift at the Top of All Our Wishlists:
Apple's New MacBook Air Featuring the Apple Chip!
A few months ago, we let you know about Apple's upcoming switch from using Intel's chips to producing computers with their own proprietary chip. This highly-anticipated changeover has officially begun, and you can purchase a new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or Mac Mini with an Apple chip right now! Of course, our very own John was first in line to purchase a new laptop and see what is different with the brand-new Apple chip. Read on for his review of his new MacBook Air, and get ready to update your Christmas list...
M1 MacBook Air
Last week, Apple made the biggest change to its lineup of laptops in 15 years…but if you looked at them, you’d never notice! What changed?
You may have heard about it in the news, possibly phrased as “Apple making its own chips” or something similar. The short version is that until now, the chips inside Macs were made by a company named Intel, and bought by Apple. Now, Apple is designing their own chips, because they believe they can make them better.
The downside is that software has to be rewritten for the new chips. Apple has already done the work on all of their software: things like their new operating system (Big Sur), Music (neé iTunes), Safari, Mail, Photos and all the other apps that come with a Mac are ready to go. They also developed something called Rosetta that lets these new Macs run all the old software, so you don’t necessarily have to wait for your favorite apps to be rewritten.
As always, I’ve thrown myself into danger by buying the latest and greatest from Apple, and here are my thoughts:
Apple put out a new MacBook Air, a new MacBook Pro, and a Mac mini. They all have similar performance to one another, since they use the same chip. I got a MacBook Air, which is still the least-expensive Mac laptop, starting at $999. Even though it’s the entry-level model, it’s the fastest computer I’ve ever used. It’s faster, by a lot, than the 2020 MacBook Air I’m replacing with it. Webpages in Safari come up incredibly quickly, my multi-thousand-image Photos library loads instantly, and so on. What’s the battery life tradeoff for all of this speed? It gets almost twice the battery life of the previous model.
Take a look at the quick clip below, where someone opens every app in the Dock at the same time:
There are likely still bugs to be worked out, but I haven’t run into any in my first week with this laptop. I’ve been putting it through its paces, and we’re happy to answer questions about whether one of these Macs is a good match for your needs. Feel free to call us at 707-573-9649 to schedule a new-computer consultation, and we'd be happy to guide you to the right fit for you.
If you’re looking for a special treat for yourself this holiday season, and you have an older (or even newer!) laptop, this might be a good option.
Finding Peace
2020 has been one of the most chaotic years I have ever experienced. I suspect you feel the same. If you have been reading this newsletter for the last few years you will know I am very focused on gratitude. In addition, during this holiday season, I have added the word and feeling of Peace to my daily thoughts. When I can focus on something that brings a smile to my lip or joy to my heart I begin to feel at peace.
Often this helps me step away from the chaos and relax. I like to peruse YouTube for cute kitten videos, or really stop and pay attention to the beauty around me when I’m out for my daily walk or simply sit with my husband talking about nothing. These things bring me peace. I’d love to hear how you allow yourself to experience peace. I might share your response in the New Year.
Our wish for you this holiday season is for all that is sweet and kind, loving and inspiring, joyful and heartwarming to find its way to you and bring you Peace.
We are so grateful to you, our clients, for your continued referrals and support of our business.