Bryan Chaffin and guest-host Jim Dalrymple talk about how they use their iPads, and it turns out they’re pretty different use cases. They try to talk about where Apple TV might go but venture into a much deeper conversation about Apple’s original TV shows and videos. Spoiler: one of them is a pessimist. They close the show by examining the state of the Mac. Another spoiler: one of them is a pessimist!
MacBook Pro
You Can Now Buy a 15-Inch MacBook Pro with Radeon Pro Vega Graphics Options
Space Gray 15-inch MacBook Pros with a Radeon Vega graphics are now available to purchase on the Apple Store. Users can choose from Radeon Pro 560x, Radeon Pro Vega 16 and Radeon Pro Vega 20 options. The Pro Vega 16 will add $250 to the cost of the machine, while the Pro Vega 20 options will add $350. Apple announced the introduction of the Radeon graphics following its October 30th ‘There’s More in the Making’ event.
B&H Has Discounts on 2017 15-Inch MacBook Pro Models Today
B&H is today, Tuesday 13 November, offering massive discounts on MacBook Pros via its DealZone. A Mid 2017, Space Gray 15.4″ MacBook Pro with a 2TB SSD can be purchased for for $2,799, a reduction of $1,420 on the original price. Meanwhile, the 512GB model can be purchased for $2,199 – an $800 saving. The savings are only available until midnight Eastern Time on Tuesday, or while stocks last. Most US states also qualify for free shipping, while UK customers can get shipping from $5.46. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new laptop! More details, and other deals are available via the B&H website.
A Roundup of the Best 2018 Black Friday Tech Deals (Updated)
Black Friday deals seem to be appearing earlier than ever, but are they really deals? Here are some Black Friday tech deals I’ve found so far.
Podcasts
Apple Launches 13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) Solid-State Drive Service Program
The program allows customers to get free SSD replacements on “a limited number” of “MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports).”
Apple's T2 Security Chip Can Prevent Microphone Eavesdropping
Apple’s T2 security chip has been added to the new MacBook Air. It’s also in newer MacBook Pro models. And it can prevent eavesdropping.
Apple's Tim Cook Asks Bloomberg for a Retraction. No Spy Chip
Two giants are clashing. Neither side is budging. The truth is ever more elusive.
Apple Diagnostic Software Hasn't Killed Right to Repair
Headlines have been saying that Apple diagnostic software effectively kills the right to repair movement. But iFixit disagrees.
Apple Releases macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 Supplemental Update 2 for MacBook Pro (2018)
The update is specifically for MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (2018) models, and is being labeled by Apple as a “stability and reliability” update.
The Hackindog Episode - TMO Daily Observations 2018-08-10
Dave Hamilton and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to look at Apple’s ongoing problems with the 2018 Touch Bar MacBook Pro, and Pandora’s plan to improve podcast discoverability. John also inspires Jeff to coin the term “hackindog.”
Core i9 MacBook Pro Fix, How to Hook Us on Apple's TV Shows - TMO Daily Observations 2018-07-25
Kelly Guimont, John Martellaro and Jeff Gamet dive into Apple’s software fix for the MacBook Pro Core i9 throttling problem, plus Kelly may have figured out Apple’s strategy for drawing us in to its own original TV shows.
Tests Confirm Core i9 MacBook Pro Software Update Fixes Throttling Issue
Apple addressed Core i9 MacBook Pro throttling issues head on with a software update on Tuesday and early tests show the issue really is fixed.
Apple Releases Software Fix for MacBook Pro (2018) Thermal Throttling, Apologizes for Bug
Apple released a software update and apology for what it called a bug that resulted in the much-ballyhooed thermal throttling issue in its new MacBook Pro 2018 models.
New HomePod Features, Understanding MacBook Pro Throttling - TMO Daily Observations 2018-07-23
John Martellaro and Andrew Orr join Jeff Gamet to share their thoughts on reported features coming in HomePod OS 12, plus John explains why some people are overreacting to processor throttling in the i9 Touch Bar MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro, FreezerGate and a Tempest in a Teapot
There was a disruptive event this week in the Apple community that made screaming teenage girls at a concert look calm and sensible by comparison.
How to Interpret the 2018 MacBook Pro Thermal Issues Report
The Core i9 2018 MacBook Pro was tested with one particular app and experienced some thermal throttling. A fuss ensued. John weighs in.
Apple Interface Consistency, Storage Permutations, Walmart Streaming Video - ACM 471
In this age of different devices and platforms, Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet talk about the lack of consistency in Apple’s interfaces compared to the days when “Apple” meant “Mac.” They also go over some listener feedback (read criticism) about their rant last week on Apple’s storage pricing for new MacBook Pro models. Lastly, they discuss whether not Walmart can make a go in the streaming video market, and how that might actually work.
Core i9 MacBook Pro Throttling, When to Buy a New Mac - TMO Daily Observations 2018-07-18
Kelly Guimont and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to look at a report saying the Core i9 MacBook Pro is hobbled by thermal throttling, plus John explains how to better predict when Apple is about to release new Macs.
Cool Stuff Found
Core i9 MacBook Pro Thermal Issues Throttle Performance
Apple’s new top of the line Touch Bar MacBook Pro with an i9 processor upgrade looks blazing fast on paper, but may not be in real world use.