Issue #3
The Untitled Newsletter Dec 2020
I might be a day late. 🤷♂️
2020 Sucked, but the Tech Didn't
There was a lot of crappy things that happened in 2020, but the tech that came out of it wasn't a part of that.
iPad Pro 2020 and the Magic Keyboard
The first major announcement for people in the Apple/iPad space was the announcement of new iPad Pro's and the Magic keyboard. While the new iPad Pros weren't anything dramatically new, it was still nice to get an update to the line. I bought one because I needed more storage. 512GB of space isn't a lot when you edit 4K video, so I picked up the 1TB model. With this I got 2 extra gigs of ram. There are the additional features like the LIDAR sensor and the "studio mics quality" mics. I have an issue with that last one. First no, second no. I've also yet to see a need for the LIDAR sensor on the iPad.
For a lot of iPad Pro users the big new thing was the Magic Keyboard. This not only gave the iPad a solid base keyboard to type on, but also the addition of a trackpad. I think this fundamentally changed how a lot of users used their iPads. For me it became a laptop when I needed a laptop. Unlike other iPad keyboard cases though it was easy to detach it and make it a tablet again when I wanted that. Months later I think the Magic Keyboard is still my favorite tech purchase of 2020.
Pandemic Purchases
I made a few pandemic purchases. Mostly focused the ergonomics of my setup, but also in ways to help me focus on my work. I made a couple of videos about them. I'm really grateful that I took that time and focused on the ergonomics of working from an iPad.
HomePod Minis
When the HomePod Mini was announced I was pretty excited. I love the full size HomePod, and these were a third of the cost. Now I knew they wouldn't sound as good, but I was hopping for something a bit more. Apple has a great reputation of making amazing quality audio devices. Not that the HomePod Mini is bad, but they just don't hit that bar Apple has set.
I bought two and put them in a stereo pair. I don't think one on it's own is loud enough. Especially since they are in my kitchen, which is an open space with my living room. It's a large area to fill for two little speakers. They do a fine job, but I don't think they are good enough for music. I mostly use them to listen to podcasts and audiobooks.
iPhone 12 Pro
Apple got me good with the iPhone 12 Pro. A blue iPhone, how could I say no? I didn't. I really like it, but there isn't anything that makes a real quality for life difference to me. Except for maybe the MagSafe wallet, I really like that.
Now I'll be completely honest the biggest reason I bought this was because I knew I was going to be leaving my day job sooner or later. The iPhone 11 Pro Max that I had was the companies phone. I figured this is the perfect opportunity to get my own phone. If I wasn't leaving I'm not sure I would have spent the money to upgrade. Then again, a blue iPhone.
AirPods Max
The final piece of tech that blew my mind in 2020 was the AirPods Max. I have been looking forward to over the ear AirPods for a while now. The price was a bit of a shocker, but I'm really glad I bought them. They're the most comfortable and best sounding headphones I own.
I still need to make a review video about them. I've actually sat down a few times to do it and I rambled on forever. I realized I needed to spend more time with them to really get my head around them. Every time I put them on I'm still surprised with how great they are. They do have some faults, like the lightning port, but I'll save that for the video.
Shortcut - Craft Research
I've been getting really into Craft lately. I've started using it for all my long term notes, scripts, outlines, research, and a lot more. I'm going to do a full walkthrough video of Craft in a week or two.
This shortcut is one of those classic one action shortcuts that's really handy to use. It takes whatever is on your clipboard and appends it to a research or scratchpad document.
I use this a lot for apps that I want to check out later, or any products I need to check out. This is a handy shortcut if you need to gather links or text to refer back to them at any point.
Wallpaper
This Months Videos
How to Customize an iPad Home Screen (What’s on my iPad 2021 Part 1)
My Favorite iPad Apps & Accessories of the Year
First Day as a Full Time YouTuber (And Launching Two New Projects)
iPad Keyboard Case - The Logitech Folio Touch for iPad Review
MUST HAVE iPad Accessories! - Carry Cases, Stands, and More
What The Next iPad Pro Should Be and Why I Still Work From an iPad
What iPadOS 15 Should Be - Widgets, External Monitor, and More!
