Amber’s work setup consists of an iMac, a MacBook Air, an iPad Air — and one very, very costly laser cutter. This is the way it all works collectively, and the way she will get issues accomplished for AppleInsider.
At this level, I am fairly certain I’ve earned my popularity as essentially the most tech-critical member of the AppleInsider workers by way of numerous different items I’ve written. I am certain that’ll even be mirrored right here.
When Mike requested me to put in writing a chunk about my setup, I scoffed. Certainly, my setup could be far much less spectacular than my coworkers’ — and I nonetheless stand by that.
Nonetheless, I believe what I’ve chosen to maintain as I’ve slowly pared down my tech arsenal is perhaps considerably fascinating. If nothing else, I am certain it will be an important distinction to everybody else’s setup.
Low tech, however not no tech
For those who’ve ever labored a job in quick meals, likelihood is you went by way of a section the place you have been repulsed by no matter you have been making. Within the early aughts, I labored at slightly bagel store in Virginia Seaside, Virginia. This short-lived stint as a baker meant for a couple of decade after I finished working there, I hated bagels and cream cheese.
Weirdly sufficient, I believe working in tech journalism has type of accomplished the identical factor. It is laborious to get enthusiastic about issues once you’re uncovered to them day by day, and after a whilst you even form of start to resent a few of it.
That is not to say that I hate all know-how or that I counsel you throw your iPhone into the closest dumpster. It is not so simple as that — however it has modified how I interface with my tech on a deep stage.
So, this is what my setup seems like as some form of modern-era Luddite if you happen to’re fascinated with that form of factor.
2021 M1 iMac
For as a lot as I’ve scaled again my tech use in recent times, I nonetheless love the sensation of a desktop pc. If given the selection, I might most likely eliminate my iPhone and iPad nicely earlier than my iMac, which could not have been one thing I might stated at the same time as not too long ago as a 12 months in the past.
In truth, I used to have an Intel MacBook Professional, which I traded in for credit score towards the iMac. What can I say, I’ve all the time been a desktop person.
My M1 iMac is a workhorse, although it isn’t significantly spectacular by present era Apple Silicon requirements (test discounted M4 iMac costs). It has 16GB of RAM and a 512GB laborious drive, which is greater than sufficient for something I would like.
My iMac, days after I bought it
It handles Photoshop and Premiere with out fussing, runs all of the software program I would like for my laser cutter and Cricut, and is far more aesthetically pleasing than any PC I’ve ever owned. That remaining level turns into extra necessary when you understand you’ll spend day by day gazing your pc for at the least a couple of hours.
Its gigantic display means I’ve sufficient room to maintain a phrase processor up alongside no matter I am researching with out squishing my face towards the display to learn something.
I swapped the included Magic Keyboard for the Lofree Move, although this time with the quantity pad, and the Magic Mouse for a Logitech M340. I nonetheless use my color-matched HyperDrive iMac Hub.
Swapped out the Magic Keyboard for the Lofree Move and by no means appeared again
A few vigilant viewers have additionally noticed a now-ancient-by-tech-standards BenQ Display Bar which has lived on the high of my display since February 2020. There’s additionally a Satechi USB-C Slim Dock that I exploit, although it primarily simply offers me a few additional USB-A ports.
However that is all that I’ve in terms of my important work machine. Fairly easy.
Ultimately, I am most likely going to retire the iMac and will bump my M2 MacBook Air up as my important machine, offered I can discover a monitor that feels as good as my iMac display. And when that day comes, I assume I am going to most likely really feel a twinge of disappointment.
However, in the interim, I am keen on it. I like its sunny yellow colour, the 24″ retina show, and the truth that I’ve by no means had a single drawback with it within the three years I’ve owned it. As somebody who solely ever appeared to have points with PCs, I’ve realized to like the reliability that Apple brings to the desk.
M2 MacBook Air
One of many good issues about working from house is that you may, theoretically, work from anyplace. I am not precisely a globetrotter, however the means to take my work on the highway means fewer hiccups when one thing comes up.
This grew to become obvious in 2022 when my mom was recognized with breast most cancers. Taking my iMac to my mother and father’ home or to prolonged physician’s appointments wasn’t doable, so I wound up engaged on my iPad Air, which was not my favourite.
Amber’s M2 MacBook Air
So, this 12 months, I lastly added a brand new pc into my setup, one thing I wasn’t precisely excited to do then, however I’m genuinely glad I did.
My M2 MacBook Air (test costs) is not significantly spectacular spec sensible. I opted for the 8GB model as a result of I usually do not do something significantly useful resource intensive on it. I went with the 256GB laborious drive; my greatest remorse is that I did not double that. I do not are inclined to maintain quite a lot of issues on my laborious drive, however the working system alone takes up 25GB, which does not depart a lot house after I set up Photoshop.
Apart from the storage difficulty, I actually like this little machine. It is all the time useless silent; it is extraordinarily transportable, and, like my iMac, I’ve but to have an issue with it.
4th-Gen iPad Air
I’ve gone on file right here at the least three or 4 occasions, saying that my favourite Apple product is the iPad. I am not fully certain if I nonetheless stand by that sentiment or not, although I nonetheless suppose it is one of the best product that Apple makes.
My iPad Air is historic by iPad requirements, however it nonetheless works extraordinarily nicely for every little thing I would like.
My iPad equipment are pretty commonplace. When utilizing it to browse the net, screw round on Discord, or watch YouTube, I maintain it hooked up to its complementary Magic Keyboard. This setup is, actually, improbable, and I extremely suggest it to anybody who desires a laptop-like expertise however does not essentially want macOS.
After I use the iPad for studying, taking notes, or utilizing Procreate, I normally pull it off the Magic Keyboard and simply use it with my Apple Pencil. Moreover, I’ve it arrange with the Rock Paper Pencil display protector and Apple Pencil Tip, two equipment I contemplate important if you happen to’re writing or drawing in your iPad.
Utilized in tandem with Astropad’s Rock Paper Pencil
I used to do far more on my iPad again within the day, however these days, it is largely been relegated to the system I play Hearthstone on. A part of it’s because I bought a MacBook Air, which I knew would probably be the case.
The opposite half is that I haven’t got time to make use of my iPad as a lot as I might like. I attempt to spend an honest chunk of my day away from screens, which suggests after work, any additional gadgets have form of been backburnered.
When it comes time to retire the iPad Air, I am not fully certain what I will do. I used to imagine that I might merely get one other iPad Air to interchange it, however that presently is not something I am fascinated with.
I’ve toyed round with the concept of possibly going again to the iPad mini (test costs), which was the primary iPad I ever owned, all the best way again in 2014. I like the scale of an iPad mini, and its lighter weight means I can comfortably maintain it in a single hand once I need to learn.
However, for now, I am going to proceed utilizing my iPad Air.
iPhone 13 mini
I do not significantly love smartphones. I believe I’ve most likely stated that loads of occasions right here, however it bears repeating.
I get overwhelmed fairly simply once I’m hunkered down in focus mode, and a smartphone appears solely designed to interrupt no matter ideas you are presently having.
At the same time as I write this, my iPhone has lit up with three notifications. And, whereas I did not test them correct, my eyes did dart throughout my desktop to the MagSafe charger my iPhone lives on whereas I am working.
Not my iPhone 13 mini, however it seems similar to it
And sure, there are arguments the place you can simply arrange totally different focus modes to deal with this. Belief me, I’m conscious of my choices. However many of those notifications are issues I truly cannot silence: Slack notifications, texts from family and friends, good doorbell alerts, notifications reminding me to take my remedy, and so on.
The actual fact is, if you happen to personal a smartphone and need to take part in society, you are still going to want to take care of a non-zero quantity of notifications. For many individuals, it isn’t an issue, however I am hardly alone in my tech exhaustion.
It additionally taught me that social media is not for me. I discovered that, similar to everybody else on the planet, I had been shedding quite a lot of time to doom scrolling. First, it was by way of Twitter, which resulted in me deleting my private Twitter in 2020.
Then, it was Instagram, which I wound up eliminating a couple of month in the past. Reels have been consuming up a considerable quantity of my day and actually not giving me something in return, other than a bizarre compulsion to test Instagram upwards of fifty occasions a day.
That being stated, the iPhone 13 mini is just about what I need out of a cellphone, good options apart. I like the truth that it matches in all my pockets, which isn’t one thing most ladies can say about their smartphones.
I just like the battery life, which remains to be going sturdy although it is three generations behind. I like that it integrates seamlessly with all my different Apple merchandise.
And, as somebody who spends at the least two hours a day speaking on the cellphone, I like the truth that it is fairly dependable. It is began to indicate some age-related goofiness, however even that has been comparatively minimal.
Ultimately, I am going to must improve my iPhone to a more moderen era. Sadly, it is most likely going to be prior to I might like.
I am already dreading an improve as a result of I do not significantly love having a smartphone within the first place, and dropping a number of hundred {dollars} to interchange a tool I’ve had paid off for years is especially irritating.
Blink Doorbell
Let me go on file by saying I do not truly like video doorbells — in any respect. I acknowledge their utility, however one thing is unsettling about understanding how there’s going to be a digicam slapped on the aspect of practically everybody’s entrance door.
I’ve a sophisticated relationship with my Blink doorbell. A giant a part of it’s the movement detection characteristic.
For no matter cause, movement detection appears to be significantly dangerous on this mannequin. I get mail delivered to my entrance door virtually day by day, and I believe the digicam has managed to catch the U.S. Postal provider twice within the two years I’ve had it.
Then again, I can just about let you know whether or not or not the town bus is operating on schedule as a result of I am unsure if it is ever missed recording a pleasant little clip of the bus driving by. It additionally catches stray cats and spider webs and incessantly triggers if the solar goes behind a cloud too rapidly.
But when somebody walks as much as my home and drops off a package deal I have been anticipating for work, the percentages are, the digicam is not going to even faux like it’ll work.
And, turning up or down the digicam’s sensitivity solely worsens issues. One step down and it quits capturing movement altogether, and one step up means it triggers each automotive, particular person, or stray animal passing by my home.
For those who’re presently white-knuckle gripping your mouse or iPad whilst you learn this, saying, “Amber, why do you have got a video doorbell if you happen to hate them?” I perceive your frustration.
It finally boils all the way down to this: My home does not presently have a hardwired doorbell. I bought a quote to put in one for $350, offered the challenge went off with out a hitch.
My home is 140 years previous, so just about anytime I am quoted for “finest case state of affairs” pricing, I do know so as to add at the least two hours of labor to the overall price ticket.
Comparatively, my Blink doorbell was purchased on sale for $20, and my historic subscription plan is $10 a 12 months. At that value, I can get about 32 years of service out of my doorbell for the price of having a brand new one hardwired in.
My doorbell will not be supported for 32 years. I might be stunned if it is supported for an additional 5.
My level stands, although. Even when I’ve to purchase one other Blink doorbell, it isn’t going to be as costly as getting one thing hardwired in — doubly so as a result of these doorbells incessantly drop in value in the course of the holidays and Prime Days.
My solely plan to alter something in regards to the doorbell is so as to add a third-party doorbell chime so I needn’t depend on my cellphone for the alerts.
Ride1Up Roadster
This is not one thing I exploit explicitly for work, however there have been a handful of occasions the place it is are available helpful to return loaner overview gadgets and the like. To not point out, it is also improved my life exterior of labor, which I am certain might be useful to my job in a technique or one other.
This little magnificence is my Ride1Up Roadster, and it’s most likely certainly one of my favourite issues I personal.
Having a motorbike is improbable, particularly once you reside in a metropolis that has nascent bike infrastructure. In 2024 alone, I’ve ridden my bike simply shy of 1,200 miles, and it is given me quite a lot of freedom I would not have had if I simply caught to strolling.
Driving by the lake has turn into certainly one of my favourite actions
Journeys to the grocery retailer are a breeze. Each grocery shops I store at are roughly 20 minutes by way of bike, and so they each permit me to trip my bike alongside the lakeshore, which is a good way to remind myself that the place I reside could be very fairly.
This 12 months, I additionally began going to the health club when the climate was respectable, one thing I’d by no means have been in a position to do with out a bike. Waking up at 5:30 am and taking a pre-dawn bike trip to the health club earlier than work genuinely grew to become certainly one of my favourite actions.
My bike is mild, tipping the scales in any respect of 33lb. Because of this I can simply deliver it out and in of my home myself — I haven’t got a storage, so I do have to hold it up a few steps.
Initially, I had vary anxiousness as a result of I might solely have about 18 miles price of journey with pedal help on the second setting (out of a most of 5). Nonetheless, since getting a bit stronger and shedding slightly weight, I exploit pedal help much less, although I’ve a foul knee.
Nonetheless, I do reside in a spot with wild temperature fluctuations. These fluctuations imply as soon as the climate dips down between 40 and 50 — e.g., the whole lot of early spring and late fall — my vary decreases drastically.
Right here it’s, of us. My favourite piece of know-how in my total home — a 99-pound CO2 laser that lives in my craft room. That is the xTool P2 CO2 Laser Cutter, or as I name her, Penelope.
I do not use it practically sufficient, however each time I do, I am perpetually stunned by the standard of the product it places out. In an ideal world, I’d have sufficient money and time to make use of this factor each day.
xTool P2 55W Desktop CO2 Laser Cutter
My huge laser challenge this 12 months is reducing Christmas ornaments for family and friends. I additionally take pleasure in reducing out 3D mannequin homes, which, for some cause, I’ve taken to hanging on an in any other case clean wall in my front room.
A laser cutter is a kind of issues that nearly nobody wants, however the second you get one, you’re feeling bizarre in regards to the prospect of not having it.
You realize the previous adage “When you have got a hammer, every little thing seems like a nail”? Nicely, when you have got a laser cutter, every little thing seems like a possible challenge.
My tasks over the 12 months have included Christmas ornaments, acrylic LED night time lights and signage, keychains, coasters, jewellery, jewellery stands, jewellery containers, 3D fashions, plant trellises, and about three dozen engraving tasks for family and friends. So, it’s totally versatile certainly.
Once more, I am not satisfied that the typical particular person wants a virtually 100-pound CO2 laser. For those who’re solely planning on making a small handful of tasks, you’d most likely be higher off seeing in case your native makerspace has a laser cutter you need to use.
Nonetheless, this can be very enjoyable to make use of. For those who do quite a lot of crafts, have a small enterprise that wants novel sorts of merchandise, or are prepared to search for one-off jobs to offset the fee, it is perhaps price selecting one up.
What I plan so as to add sooner or later
My greatest challenge coming down the pipeline is to transform certainly one of my spare bedrooms right into a theater room of kinds. It could be a pleasant use of the house and a superb place to unwind, particularly on these wet or snowy days when you possibly can’t get exterior.
So, which means that in some unspecified time in the future, I am going to must look into both a TV or a projector for the house, some seating and storage, and a few temper lighting for the room. This challenge remains to be in its very early levels, however I am certain I am going to speak extra about it on AppleInsider as soon as it takes off.