Is Your iPad Obsolete and Outdated?

My iPad 4 was a serious investment. I don't think that I got $400 value out of it. There are many apps that it will no longer run, so I feel abandoned by Apple.

My $75 Fire HD 10 inch tablet is almost as powerful and runs everything I have tried.

The situation is far worse with the $200 Microsoft Surface tablet that I purchased 10 years ago. It was very underwhelming to begin with, and now it will run next to nothing. There is an online support group of people who for some strange reason are still fans of this tablet.

I've been arguing that people don't need tablets if they have a good smartphone.

https://www.lifewire.com/obsolete-ipad-4138570

iOS 15 Settings You Need To Turn Off Now

Since I upgraded to IOS 15, my battery life has seemed to be worse.  This video is interesting for limiting background traffic and protecting privacy.  

Not sure about Android phones, but there may be some settings that are similar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxdoC2sG1i4

Transistor count

Apple tops the transistor count in Microprocessors.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transistor_count

Apple SUED for refusing warranty repair!

https://youtu.be/_v2_yK30YB4

Apple Took All My Money

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNUQ2o-wiL8&t=607s

Not personally interested in laptops, but I am impressed with the progress Apple has made with its custom processors.  Apple was the first company to introduce a 5-nanometer processor.  I'm waiting for AMD and Intel to catch up.  Until recently, Intel was struggling to go from 14-nanometers to 10-nanometers.

The biggest chip manufacturer is in Tawain.  It has been reported that Intel has contracted for 100% of the not yet available 3-nanometer chip production.  In other words, everyone else is out of luck and would have to look elsewhere to produce faster chips.

Did Apple Just Prove the iPhone Could be Cheaper?

More than one person has pointed out that the new iPad Mini is cheaper than the new iPhones, with essentially the same hardware.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPidIspifRM&t=837s

The Semiconductor Heist Of The Century | Arm China Has Gone Completely Rogue, Operating As An Independent Company With Inhouse IP/R&D – SemiAnalysis

https://semianalysis.com/the-semiconductor-heist-of-the-century-arm-china-has-gone-completely-rogue-operating-as-an-independent-company-with-their-own-ip/

Streaming videogames

Roughly 32 years ago I had an argument with a coworker.  He argued that once internet speeds became fast enough to transmit full-screen video, we wouldn't need game consoles, since we would be able to stream video games from a server to our computer screens.  Rather than pay for expensive hardware, that hardware could be on a server someplace, saving us money.

I have to admit that he had remarkable foresight literally 30 years ahead of his time.  This was at a time when the Internet was text only.  However, I saw a number of problems with his idea...

1.  Internet speeds were still fairly low, like 1,200 to 2,400 bits per second.

2.  Latency is always an issue when playing games.  No matter fast your Internet is, there is an overhead to transmitting data back and forth.  

3.  It is always advantageous to have your own hardware.  Imagine having to share hardware with other people competing for the same physical resources.  I figured that hardware would get cheaper over time, eliminating the need to share hardware with other people.

4.  His idea reminded me of the early days of computing where you would have to dial into a mainframe using a dumb terminal, one of which I actually owned and used at the time, whereas the new trend in computing was for everyone to have their own computer.

I argued that streaming video games would never be practical.  He couldn't understand why I didn't see the obvious wisdom of his idea.

Two years ago Google introduced Stadia, which was a video game streaming service, and it totally flopped.  Other companies like Microsoft and Amazon are working on the same idea, but they all suffer from the same problems like latency. 

It makes very little sense to be dependent on unreliable Internet communication and shared hardware to play games when you can purchase a video game console like the Xbox Series X for $500.  Putting hardware in a centralized location instead of your living room isn't necessarily cheaper, except that you can share that hardware with other people, but what if you all want to use the hardware at the same time?

In theory, this could become practical someday, but the same technology that will make this more feasible will also make it more feasible for you to have your own hardware that is just as good.  This is the problem I saw three decades ago.

How THIS wallpaper kills your phone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXKvwPjCGnY

Apple is about to start scanning iPhone users' devices for banned content, warns professor • The Register

https://www.theregister.com/2021/08/05/apple_csam_scanning/?td=keepreading-btm

Apple claims to protect its customer's privacy.  Regardles of how good the cause is, I don't want them looking at my photographs.  It also shouldn't be their job to act as police.

The price of Flash drives

Five years ago I wrote:

I think that the first flash drive I owned was either 128 or 256 megabytes. Later I would get a 512 because I had a computer that could record television and I could fit a single program on a 512, which at the time seemed impressive. Now you can purchase 128 gigabyte (128,000 megabyte) flash drives for under $30.

I remember 1-gigabyte drives costing like $90. When my company gave me one I felt privileged. Now you can't even buy them, and no one would want one anyway.

When the IBM computer came out with its first hard drive in the mid-1980s, it was only 5 megabytes and cost a fortune.
----

Now it is possible to buy a 1TB flash drive for around $180 to $200. However, there seem to be a bunch of cheap ones for sale that are fake.

For $15 to $60 you can get 128GB to 512 GB flash drives which are a better deal.

--
Best wishes,

John Coffey

http://www.entertainmentjourney.com

The $200,000 Smartphone Unboxing

Some people have much more money than sense.

https://youtu.be/zDG-n8JN_78?t=902

Apple vs The Paradox of Choice!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNAo0UdYF6g

Apple Is Hiding Something…

Computers for rich people.

https://youtu.be/2GlbxfquG-U

Not impressed with new iMacs.

Apple tends to introduce new models, sometimes taking away features like ports and memory, and then charge at least $200 more for the new computer compared to the previous model.

Compared to my used 2017 27" iMac with a 5K display that I paid $1,050 for, the new iMacs have ...

A smaller 24" 4.5K display.  (4K is overkill on this size display.)

Only 8 gigs of RAM.  (This is not really enough.)

Is non-upgradeable.  According to one source,  you can't even fix them.  Maybe Apple can fix them.

Fewer ports.

A crappy Apple keyboard and crappy "magic mouse."

The M1 processor that is over twice as fast.

Costs at least $250 depending upon the model.

The M1 processor is a mobile processor, but it outperforms most desktop processors.  On the high-end CPU list, the M1 is almost halfway down, but my Intel i5 7500 is close to the bottom.

• 
  Apple M1 8 Core 3200 MHz
  (14%)
  14,872NA

• 
  Intel Core i5-7500 @ 3.40GHz
  (6%)
  6,067$203.95

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

My 2017 iMac came with 8 gigs of RAM, but I added 32 gigs.  That is overkill because a total of 16 to 24 gigs is plenty.

If I wanted an M1 processor then I would buy a Mac Mini for under $700 and then configure the peripherals the way I wanted.

It is possible to upgrade the processor on my iMac, at some cost, but I am thinking of doing that.

Intel Core i7-7700K @ 4.20GHz

(9%)

9,706$409.99

--

Best wishes,

John Coffey

http://www.entertainmentjourney.com

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Review Geek <reviewgeek@reviewgeek.com>
Date: Wed, Apr 21, 2021 at 8:22 AM
Subject: Apple's New M1 iMacs, iPad Pro, AirTags, Updated Apple TV, and More
To: <john2001plus@gmail.com>

Read in Browser   April 21, 2021 Happy Hump Day! Apple announced a bunch of new stuff yesterday, including svelte new iMacs with the company's M1 chip, an updated M1 iPad Pro, the long-rumored (and finally official) AirTags, a new Apple TV with the A12 Bionic processor and (vastly) improved remote, and even a new purple color for the iPhone 12. There's a lot, but we have all the details below. Posts for days, y'all. Other highlights: Geico had a bunch of customers' data, including driver's license numbers, stolen. Here's what you need to know. iOS 14.5 is coming next week with a bunch of new features. That LEGO Luigi we saw a couple of days ago? He's official now. You can pre-order him. It's 'uigi time! If you're looking for a new smartwatch, $81 off the Fitbit Sense is a pretty stellar deal. …and more! -Cam   Apple's Redesigned M1 iMac are As Colorful and Thin As a Magic Marker Even though the 2021 iMac is very thin, it still packs plenty of upgrades, ports for accessories, and additional features. You'll be happy to know it rocks up to four USB ports, 2 thunderbolts, and a new magnetic power cable that routes the power adapter brick under your desk on the floor. That way, your workspace is clean and tidy. Apple even threw an ethernet port in that power adapter, too. Read More »   iOS 14.5 Rolls Out Next Week, With Apple Watch FaceID Unlock for iPhones Following its "Spring Loaded" event today, Apple announced that it will be rolling out iOS 14.5 starting in the week of April 26. iPhone users can expect several new features including the ability to unlock FaceID-capable iPhones with your Apple Watch. Read More »   Apple's New iPad Pro Features M1 Chipset, Liquid Retina XDR Display, 5G Support Spring is a time for rebirth, so it's no wonder that Apple chose to put a new face on the iPad Pro. Announced during its Spring Loaded livestream, 2021 models of the iPad Pro feature M1 chipsets, Thunderbolt 3 ports, and optional 5G. The 12.9-inch model also features a cutting-edge mini-LED "Liquid Retina XDR" display, while the 11-inch model has an OLED panel. Read More »   Apple's Trackable AirTags Arrive, So You Can Find Your Stuff Today, at Apple's Spring Loaded event, the company unveiled its long awaited AirTags trackers. For $29,  you can use them to find your Apple products or anything else. Unlike most Bluetooth trackers, AirTags can give you precise directions to find your stuff. Read More »   New Apple TV 4K Automatically Calibrates Color on Any TV, Fixes the Siri Remote Nearly four years after Apple launched its first 4K TV box, the company is putting out a new Apple TV 4K with HDR video and an upgraded Siri Remote. The new streaming box replaces the 2017 Apple TV 4K and starts at $179. Read More »   STUFF WE LIKE Pick Up a Rubik's Cube Today and Try Your Hand at the Iconic Puzzle Cube The iconic Rubik's Cube 3D combination puzzle was invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Erno Rubik. Since then, an estimated 450 million Rubik's Cubes have been sold worldwide, along with several variations. But if you've ever wanted to try your hand at the original 3×3 cube, now's your chance! There are 43 quintillion possible movies, but only one right answer. Can you figure it out? Get it at Amazon →   Apple Introduces iPhone 12 in a New Flat Purple Color The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini are getting an all-new color just in time for Spring. Today at Apple's Spring Loaded event, the company unveiled a stunning new purple colorway. This is the same iPhone you already know and love, only in Purple, and it'll be available starting April 30th. Read More »   Polaroid's Tiny Instant Camera is Big on Nostalgia If you're a fan of retro tech but also want instant gratification, Polaroid's newest instant camera is worth considering. Yes, that's the same Polaroid company that died once or twice but then came back. And while instant cameras are a dime a dozen, this new $99 Polaroid Go is the smallest yet. Read More »   Nomad Launches AirTags Keychain and Glasses Strap with $10 Pre-Order Discount Shortly after Apple announced its AirTag Bluetooth trackers, Nomad debuted its first AirTag accessories, the AirTag leather keychain and the AirTag glasses strap. Both accessories are available for pre-order and ship by July 20th. They usually cost $40 each, but Nomad is offering a special $10 pre-order discount. Read More »   Follow Us on Social Media   Mercedes-Benz Teases an Entry Level Electric Minivan Mercedes-Benz is teasing yet another electric minivan, but this time it's an entry-level option aimed at families and other leisure users. The company will be formally unveiling the vehicle on Monday, May 10 at 11 a.m. CEST. Read More »   MINDBOUNCE TRIVIA The Outer Case Of The Atari Jaguar Game Console Lived On As A? Dental Camera » Frisbee » PC Case » Lamp »   HTC's Fitness VR Headset Looks Amazing, Too Bad It's Not Real Earlier today, several sites reported an apparent leak of an upcoming HTC fitness-focused headset. It looks comfy and well-designed to prevent the sweaty head issues most VR headsets face. Unfortunately, HTC has no intention of making the HTC Vive Air headset. And that's a shame. Read More »   Save $81 On the Powerful Fitbit Sense Smartwatch Fitbit Sense, the company's most powerful smartwatch, is on sale for $249 at Amazon. That's $81 off the usual $330 price tag, and a fantastic value for a fitness-focused watch with GPS, ECG, and EDA Scan capabilities. Read More »   Geico Customers' Driver's License Numbers Stolen In Months-Long Data Breach A security flaw allowed "fraudsters" to steal driver's license numbers from Geico's online sales system, according to a data breach notice filed with the California attorney general's office. Geico has since fixed the vulnerability, which went unnoticed for over a month, but asks that customers look out for fraudulent unemployment applications. Read More »   Momma Mia! LEGO Luigi is Now Available for Pre-Order It looks like Amazon didn't jump the gun on revealing a LEGO Luigi starter set by too much. Today LEGO made it official and announced the $59.99 Adventures with Luigi Starter Course. And better yet, it's taking pre-orders now. Don't wait; LEGO Mario sold out in a day. Read More »   HOW-TO GEEK Buy an AirTag, Not a Tile Tracker (Unless You Use Android) Tired of losing your keys? Worried about your backpack getting stolen? Adding a Bluetooth tracker to either item can greatly improve the chances of you finding it. But with the introduction of Apple's AirTags, if you own an iPhone, there aren't many reasons to buy a Tile tracker. Read More »

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Nintendo is "working without stopping" on its next new console after Switch | GamesRadar+

https://www.gamesradar.com/nintendo-is-working-without-stopping-on-its-next-new-console-after-switch/

There have been rumors of this since 2019, but Nintendo repeatedly denied that they were working on a new system.  Ironically, the Nintendo Switch, which is a low-power portable tablet has been outselling the new ultra-powerful systems from Microsoft and Sony.

Hypothetically, if Apple were to put their new M1 chip into a portable game system, it would be remarkably powerful.  The chip should be better than anything Nintendo can get their hands on.  I have heard rumors that Apple might do something like this.  Even their latest phones should make for a powerful game system.

I switched back to Intel after a month on an M1 Mac.

https://youtu.be/CF2ks8wx_go

The Apple M1 isn't magic, it's good design - M1 Deep Dive pt 2 | Upscaled

This is interesting, more from a technical point of view.

https://youtu.be/3SG5e4z-Ygg

New iPhones FATAL to pacemaker users?

Here he is talking about the large and powerful magnetic connector on the iPhone 12.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH2oAX-8hpM

New powerful phone microprocessors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33en6dNCb1k  

The most notable thing about this particular phone is that it uses a new processor that will also be used on an upcoming flagship Samsung phone, and the only thing notable about that is the Geekbench score, which is around 3600 to 3700, which is almost exactly the same as my 2009 Core-I7 iMac desktop computer.  My 2017 iMac is not a huge improvement but it scores over 6000.    The latest iPhone is around 3900.

With 5-nanometer processors, compared to the 42-nanometer of my 2009 iMac and the 14-nanometer of my 2017 iMac, we are seeing desktop performance in handheld devices, with no active cooling.  Apple made an upgraded version of their phone processor for their laptops, called the M1 chip, and it has a Geekbench score on the Macbook Pro of 7331.  

Apple is trying to abandon Intel processors.  Reportedly they are working on more powerful chips for their future desktop computers.  I have heard incredible predictions of around 60 processor cores for their upcoming pro computers, using two processors.

We are seeing exciting changes after a decade of only marginal improvement.