neoncat

Eh, no argument that that upgrades over the iPad 10 are minimal at best, but with the usual Amazon, etc. discounts, it remains a tremendous value. Pair it with a simple $15 bluetooth keyboard (no need for the wildly, ridiculously expensive Magic Keyboard) and it's a fine email/web surfing station, kitchen/recipe computer, Netflix-and-chill machine, or Minecraft / Apple Arcade device for the kids. Leaving off Apple Intelligence strikes me as a bit like leaving off MagSafe from the 16e: An odd choice, but Apple's user data probably showed them that neither were a priority for their given devices or intended audiences. 

One thing I agree with the review about, however: A used or refurbished M1-based Pro or Air is a great step-up for an awesome price, if you're lucky. The used market for those iPads in general is funny, though. I think sellers are realizing their value and prices are creeping up.

Mr. Hilliard, you're a fine writer and I enjoy your articles. But your increasing need to challenge readers with parochial arguments in the comments is a bad look (not that my opinion matters, of course.)

I have no real skin in this game—I don't live in the EU. I tend to like more open systems than more closed, but I get the advantages Apple's approach brings, even if it also brings tremendous baggage and restrictions that deserve to be challenged. More importantly, however: Dominos have an interesting way of continuing to fall. The longer Apple digs in its heels, the less control it will have over outcomes. Which is such classic Apple behavior: Kick and scream until the terms are fully dictated and then they have zero chance to represent their viewpoint, whether on behalf of their customers or their own financial goals. They should let go of the App Store before the whole thing, bad *and* good, gets burned to the ground. 

tiredskills said:

Oh come on.  A world of interesting things to make 3D films about and they choose Bono?  Apple's boner for Bono and U2 is bizarre.

Apple's boomer-something approach to music strikes again. It's either constantly trying to resurface fossils like Bono (what next, a scintillating multipart documentary about the ennui of Dennis DeYoung? Pinch me!) or creepy-uncle-style salivating over Billie Eilish. You know, to show they're hip with the kids. She'll be long retired from music, moving on to bigger and better avenues for her talent, and Apple will still be trying to give her awards for existing. 

But I suppose it makes sense that this movie is for the AVP, then. An inessential artist specially featured in a format for an inessential product. (chef's kiss)

While I don't necessarily align with the author's feelings toward latest/greatest technology, it is still incredibly refreshing to again see that AI is one of the few Apple news sites willing to publish pieces contrary to the Apple sycophancy that makes most other similar sites little more than free PR for a trillion dollar company. The criticisms here are mature and couched in personal preference and a viewpoint that just because it says "Apple" on the box doesn't mean it's instantly manna. 

haha. ok, I give you credit for doing the research. Tim has mentioned in interviews before that he has pairs of "custom" Nikes, whatever that may mean in terms of their appearance. But yes, perhaps the prominent white swoosh on dark shoes as in today's announcement is more unusual than I realized. 

However, given his position at Nike, even so, I don't think it represents anything nefarious.