What are /r/AppleWhatShouldIBuy's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

So basically the mid-2011 iMac with i7 has the following CPU model:
i7-2600 which scores around 8000 passmark points (https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7-2600+%40+3.40GHz)

The CPU model of the linked MBP is a:
i7-7820HQ which scores around 9500 passmark points (http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7-7820HQ+%40+2.90GHz)

That means the CPU of the new MBP is a bit better.

I am not really sure about the GPU used in the iMac but it should be an 6770M or 6970M. Both are worse than the MBP GPU.

Storage will be the biggest factor, the SSD totally crushes the iMac and you will notice it for sure, it will fly compared to the iMac.

So basically the 15" MBP is in nearly every aspect superior to the iMac you currently own.

The only aspect where it could be a bit problematic is the RAM, which is limited to 16 GB, but you should know for yourself if you ever hit the 20 GB in your iMac. If not the 16 GB are fine and itself even faster if you would compare 16 to 16.

If you can wait for a sale, the iPad 9.7 (2017) can be had for around 250 USD: https://slickdeals.net/newsearch.php?src=SearchBarV2&q=ipad+2017&searcharea=deals&searchin=first

I doubt you can find a used iPad Air 2 much below that price point.

At the very least, you'll want to get something iOS 11 compatible (see the bottom of the page).

I would also recommend the refurb section of the Apple Store since those will still come with the 1-year warranty.

MFi certified is meaningless. There is a flood of poor quality or even fraudulent MFi certified cables out there. You have to either buy official Apple cables or Monoprice or Anker Powerline. Trust me. All other cables are garbage and will fail after just a couple of weeks.

https://lifehacker.com/the-monoprice-lightning-cable-is-the-best-cheap-cable-f-1675342597?null

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-lightning-cable/

Thanks that looks perfect and I'm thinking of doing the same thing as you, i.e., remove the SSD from my dead MacBook and pop it in the enclosure as a 512GB external disk for a new one.

Amazon UK link for those who do not speak Italian

I haven't found any hubs that properly support Displayport via USB-C. I use a USB-C hub that has ports for USB-A (my mouse/keyboard/phone), ethernet, and a single USB-C port to use as a passthrough power source. Then I hook up my external monitors to the ports on the MacBook itself using USB-C to Displayport cables. In my case, the hub cost around $50 and there are tons of them on Amazon with good reviews.

Is there a reason why this wouldn't work for you? I suppose that if you have two monitors, it means you can't use the 13" MBP without a Touchbar, because it only has two ports, but all the others should work (unless you have a monitor that supports 4K 60hz via HDMI, in which case you could buy this along with a USB3-gigabit ethernet adapter).

To make it even more confusing Amazon currently has the colors flipped on their product page. Midnight is showing the purple/grey and Ink is black

https://smile.amazon.com/Apple-iPhone-Leather-Case-MagSafe/dp/B0BDJ5TQB3

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B09B3914CC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've had this anker magsafe charger since November. The magnets are very strong, never dropped my phone. I love it.

Actually there is a retina version, my bad. 3 more years huh, I'm not sure. It probably will run on, maybe still feel pretty fast for you. But 2012 is pretty distant. For a 13 inches i5 2.5 GHz version

www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=intel+core+i5-3210m+%40+2.50ghz

Compared to the 2015 13 inches i5 2.7 GHz version

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i5-5257U+%40+2.70GHz

The gap is...well pretty big, intel did quite well when they went up from the 3rd gen to 4th gen so even the 2014 version has notable better benchmark results.

And to show how old the thing is, that 2012 i5 spec is also comparable to the newest core m macbook...

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+m5-6Y54+%40+1.10GHz

I mean, it's 5 years old, and it was before intel got stuck with performance improvements so....

In terms of good enough, well I don't know, how fast is good enough? It will do all the things you want for a while I'm sure but will it still be pleasant with software updates over time? Well I have no idea.

I found this from Consumer Reports on the Sierra fix, it's in beta right now.

Oh, I have the same for a few years. It’s pretty solid.

After I wrote the post I found that one - also by Lamicall. I’ll give it a chance. https://www.amazon.com/Lamicall-Tablet-Stand-Height-Adjustable/dp/B094FZ8KK5

I believe you are talking about the MBP 13 M1 in 2020? Regarding to "dual displayport", if you are thinking about two external monitors for this model, then it is not possible. This model does not support two external monitors no matter what dock you use.

> 4) Power button that can turn the connected computer on while in clamshell

I did not aware any dock for M1 mac could do this...

And in general, Caldigit is the only brand I see could offer so many ports and work with M1 macbook hassle free. https://www.amazon.com/CalDigit-TS3-Plus-Thunderbolt-Dock/dp/B07CZPV8DF

If you want a gaming laptop then go for windows like Acer Predator,Razer Blade, Legion.

I can suggest some setups according to your preferences:

1) A MacBook Pro with Pro Xdr Display

2) A Mac Mini with Pro Xdr Display

3) A Mac Pro with Pro Xdr Display

Mechanical keyboards:

Keychron K2

Logitech G915/G815

Keychron K6

You need it for artistic purposes I would suggest iPad Pro. However if you want to go for windows I would suggest go for dell Inspiron 2 in 1 or the Microsoft surface studio. The laptop or tablet you are buying should fit your needs. Do some research and get to know if your software works on which devices in windows or macOS.

Dell Inspiron 15 2-in-1 7591-15.6" 4K Touch - i7-10510U - MX250-16GB - 512GB SSD https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B08121N9MQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_W5GHKC99625T6QFG6NYT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio - 14.4" Touchscreen - Intel Core i5 - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Platinum https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B07XF55D7Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_J8WR7YRXQGJ9KRY8Y9AX

I would put an unsupported product from 15 years ago from a major company at the same level of risk (of not working) as a contemporary off-brand product. Going on Amazon and sorting by rating, you can get this well reviewed MP3 player for $22. Hardly seems risky to me.

I have the AirPods pro, I love them but at first they were very annoying. I have tiny ears and they used to wiggle out whilst I was running. I bought these little silicone widgets and they now fit great!

AhaStyle 3 Pairs AirPods Pro Ear Hooks Covers [Added Storage Pouch] Anti-Slip Ear Covers Accessories Compatible with Apple AirPods Pro (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0837G66Q5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WP2VH7WZBN709ZGAP085?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You can get a portable monitor for less than $100.

Or you can go up and beyond like these two below:

https://www.amazon.com/Vodzsla-Portable-Monitor-Extender-Computer/dp/B08Z7BPVQH

https://www.amazon.com/P2-Portable-Extender-Speakers-Compatible/dp/B08ZLVK881

:)

I bought this one on amazon and am very happy with it.

For a 13" MBP you need a 11 inch case. Sounds weird, but its a nice fit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VVLE5CG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this Tozo case for $9 on Amazon and it’s honestly better than the $29 peel.

It still has a marginal lip of about .75-1mm, but the lip edge kind of curves back in towards the screen, making it not nearly as pronounced or sharp as the peel when you move your fingers around the margin. I probably won’t find any better than this :/

Edit: although it’s semi translucent black so you can’t see the natural phone color as well :/

Nada. Most you’d get is 15W best case. You’d be better off with something like these... (should be available in your area) the second one is probably you’re best bet cost wise. Yes, it’ll only charge at 30W vs 61W, but it’s useable compared to the 15W charge of the one you suggested.

USB-C Charger, Anker 100W 4-Port Type-C Charging Station with Power Delivery, PowerPort Atom PD 4 [Intelligent Power Allocation] for MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, Pixel, iPhone Xs/Max/XR, Galaxy and more https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VSMK849/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LKCHFbYPTTRKD

Or

USB C Wall Charger, Anker Premium 60W 5-Port Desktop Charger with One 30W Power Delivery Port for MacBook Air 2018, Ipad Pro 2018, S10, and 4 Poweriq Ports for iPhone Xs/Max/XR/X/8, S9/S8 and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072K5ZJXF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TLCHFb3HJQD9V

If it’s a 2011, the hard drive is in all likelihood removable, so you can just pull it out and put it in a USB enclosure if the machine won’t boot. I’m not sure if Target Disk Mode (connecting the two machines with a cable) is possible between those models, so I would recommend the enclosure approach if and only if you are comfortable removing the drive. Ifixit.com will have a guide specific to your model to walk you through getting the drive out. Then just install it in any USB SATA enclosure, which you can get cheap online. Here’s one under $10 on Amazon. ORICO USB3.0 to SATA III 2.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure for 7mm and 9.5mm 2.5 Inch SATA HDD/SSD Tool Free [UASP Supported] Black(2189U3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M08LCXW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GFM2Eb15N7MFZ

If you are on an iMac, can you not hardwire?

The Airport Card is quite easy to replace on the pre-2012 iMacs, and you could even find a loose antenna wire. As you won't be moving that much, you could check out this one - https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wi-Fi-11N-USB-Adapter/dp/B071Y6Y83W

Yeah I'm a student so no money here but there's some you can get for not too much. This one is apparently a hit or miss as to if you get the USB-C one or not, but people said that if they didn't get the one with the USB-C port they sent it back and got a new one that did, free of charge.

Hello, for minimalist look I will recommend the PITAKA Magcase. It is Ultra Thin(0.03in) and Super Light(0.49oz) due to the Aramid Fiber material. Check it out and decide if it suits your needs. Good luck in your search!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-External-Solid-State-Drive/dp/B01AAKZRU2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492368493&sr=8-1&keywords=samsung+external+ssd Was a good option for me... It was very compact, fast and you can use your MacBook charging cable to connect it to the Mac.

Hard drive and RAM are likely the issue, though the GPU could be fried.

First I would take it into Apple and make sure there isn't an issue with a major component. As long as nothing (except maybe the battery) is wrong with it, do the following.

-Buy an SSD. EVO 850 from Samsung, $100 for 250GB. Of course you can shop around, but it's one of the best out there. Don't spend extra on the Pro.

-Upgrade RAM. Looking at 8GB of DDR3 1333 MHz. $50 https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-1333mhz-PC3-10666-204-pin-SODIMM/dp/B002YUF8ZG

And of course if the battery needs replacing, get it done. $150 max.

So for $300 you've given your computer new life. Save the extra to buy a new machine in 2 years.

If the GPU is gone, you would have to take it to a 3rd party to get the motherboard replaced. This will likely blow your budget, DO NOT REPLACE THE MOTHERBOARD.

My suggestion? Look at Swappa for a 2012-2014 MBP 15". It will be a bit more than your budget but at least you'll get more out of it than you would replacing the motherboard, as you would still need to do other upgrades.

I have Mosiso Rubberized hard case. I like it, I can still fit my Mac in the sleeve. I thought about getting a skin but those are difficult to apply. The mosiso does increase thickness a bit.

If you want to bring a bit more personality then you should consider a decal skin, even though it is not a case.

http://www.amazon.com/MacBook-Display-Mosiso-Soft-Touch-Plastic/dp/B00IMQFWSO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460178504&sr=8-1&keywords=mosiso+macbook+pro+15

make sure you choose correct model, not sure if you have the retina or non-retina model.

This guide may help you out! And for what brand of RAM I used Crucial in my macbook pro.

I didn't get an answer here, but did get one answer on the "What Should I Buy Wednesday thread.

Elsewhere on Reddit--and unfortunately I don't remember where--someone recommended the Skinomi protector. I haven't purchased it yet, but then again my iPad Pro doesn't get here until Tuesday. I'll keep you posted on anything I find out, and hope you'll do the same for me!

It seems like I never submitted my edit I made, my bad. It's actually the HP 3050a I was talking about. For some reason it's extremely pricy on Amazon though because the selling price in store when I got it was about 50$. The 2540 seems to be the replacement for the one I had so maybe you could check that one out.