Friday Notes #35 — Do I really Need This?

In recent weeks, I felt in a rabbit hole as I found myself wondering if I would get a shiny new 2021 12.9” iPad Pro or a shiny new 2020 M1 MacBook Air. Do I need any of these? No. The thing is, I’m a computer guy. I’ve been a fan since 1982 when I started with TI 99-4A and later an Apple ][+. My whole career is about computers, or more generally speaking: information technologies. As far as I can remember, I always wanted the best I could afford. In addition, my hobbies, being a blogger and content creator and amateur photographer, are heavily dependant on computing devices.

I can afford a new iPad or a MacBook Air, yet I know I don’t really need them. The M1 Mac mini is as fast as I need. My 2018 11” iPad Pro is great at the tasks I throw at it. Yet, I’m unsatisfied. Like doctors looking to have the best tools to help them execute their procedures, I’m one of those looking at exactly the right computing device for the right task in the right context. If I get the MacBook Air, my iPad Pro usage will diminish. There is a finite amount of time that I can use computers in a day.

As I’m still wondering what I’m going to do, I decided to buy the Apple Magic Keyboard With Touch ID for my Mac mini. Why? Because of the Touch ID on the keyboard. Not a big deal, but very convenient. And expensive at 179 CAN$. Do I really need this? No. 🤷🏻‍♂️