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Hardware Changes

 Hello, 

Yes, I only post upgrades anymore, but this has become a repository of my journey of computers and I like that. Anyway, it's been a bit since I have updated my current computer situation. 

Gaming: I am somehow still gaming on my built PC, that thing still goes strong on most games. I am starting to look at an upgrade due to some case issues, and just aging hardware. The biggest reason being the end of life for Windows 10 means it will soon be a security risk (thanks Microsoft). Anyway, I am sure I will update when that happens. 

Apple: 

As I always have a Mac these days, figured I'd go through some updates. My old 2015 MacBook Pro was traded away when I picked up a 2018 MacBook Pro 15' (2.2 GHZ Intel 6 Core, DDR4 2600mhz 16GB RAM, Radeon Pro 555X 4GB VRAM, 512 GB SSD) from a buyout with work. I didn't end up holding on to it long as I sold it off as I had picked up a Mac Mini (M1, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD). 

Mac Mini

I picked up the Mac Mini as I had loved my iPad with the Apple Silicon, so knowing they were doing a non-mobile version, I had to pick one up. It did not disappoint. It was my intention to basically turn it into a server computer when I eventually put money into a M1Pro as a laptop. However, life got in the way and the Mac Mini ended up my daily computer for a few years. It was wonderful, never once would I complain about the performance. It has been regulated to a server computer now, chugging away running Plex, and a few other server parts. I appreciate it because it doesn't consume much power, and overpowered for what I will need for a long time. Though… that M4 tiny Mac Mini is tempting... 

A friend let me borrow their 2016 MacBook Pro 15' for about a year. It's specs at the time were great, but basically on par with the 2018 other than having a quad-core. It worked for what I needed it to do, though going back to Intel from Apple Silicon was a tough at times. 

2024 MacBook Air

However, finally after so many years coveting a laptop with an Apple Silicon chip in it, I finally picked up a new MacBook Air (M3, 16GB, 512SSD). It was a toss up of if I should upgrade to an M3 Pro model; however, I decided to buy on my current use case, not on my aspirational ones. I am pleased so far with the laptop. 

Things I have loved

- Battery, I've basically been chugging away on this thing for a few hours (including testing some games) and I am at 92%. This was the main thing I had wanted with these chips
- Keyboard: FUCK, I didn't realize truly how bad butterfly keyboards were but switching to these is like a dream.
- Feel: This is a good feeling laptop, it's form, weight and size just all land right. Do I wish it had an SD Card slot… yes, but honestly, beyond that, I don't think I'd ask for anything else.
- Performance: So Far with many tabs open, and some light gaming can say thing is precisely what I'd like. I am impressed it has no fan and haven't felt much heat. Though I am sure after an hour gaming session might be different. 

I have a feeling I may be updating this soon with a new gaming PC spec but that will depend on BFCM. Overall I hope the ethereal ghosts of this blog are doing well. 


Scottish Samura

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