I am looking for a (new) 2021 MacBook Pro from a REPUTABLE computer dealer

[eisfeld]

5 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

I did a lot of research before deciding on the 2021 MacBook Pro vs the new Air M2, and also the M1 Air vs M2 Air.  The consensus of most reviewers I saw on YouTube was that the M2 is really only marginally better and in most cases just not worth the added cost.  Apparently it will be the M3 that will have major differences.  There are literally dozens of comparison reviews on the M1 vs M2 vs the anticipated M3 on YouTube.

 

For right now, the M1 is the best bang for the money with the Airs is the takeaway I arrived at, and if you really want something better, wait for the M3.  For most people that will use the device in a casual way like for web browsing, emails, etc.., the M1 Air is incredible I think, and probably the best laptop on the market, bar none!

Yes the M1 Air is the best value for money no doubt about that. And for most people the base model for $800 or thereabout will be just fine. But I'm using the laptop professionally and will keep it for quite a few years so spending a few hundred more to get something a bit better might still be worth it. The M3 is still about a whole year out (probably end of 2023). Not going to wait so long.

 

4 hours ago, BKKBike09 said:

I have a Midnight Air (M2 with 16GB / 512GB) - just bought it to replace a 2012 MacBook Air which worked flawlessly for years until trackpad started playing up a bit recently. Midnight shows fingerprints much more than I thought it would.

Absolutely great to hear from someone who actually has the exact device I'm eyeing. If you don't mind, how long have you had it now and it does show some other signs of wear other than fingerprints? And if you had the chance to swap it for a silver one, would you do it? I've had silver Macbooks since the days they switched from plastic ones and Midnight is appealing to me because it would be a nice change for once and I don't like the grey or golden ones

 

 

4 hours ago, BKKBike09 said:

The latest MB Airs are basically comparable performance-wise to MB Pros from a couple of years ago. I think unless intended use is gaming or serious video editing, latest MB Air is a great choice. I don't know if local pricing will be changed to reflect weakened THB?

Hehe my 2017 Air has actually 10-20% lower CPU performance than the 2013 Macbook Pro that I also have so right now I'm working on a machine that is pretty much a decade old in terms of CPU and I'm kinda managing with it as you are doing with your 2011 iMac. The M2 Air according to Geekbench has 2.5x single core and a whopping 6x in multi core compared to the 2017 Air https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/compare/18681875?baseline=10507402

 

I am 100% convinced that Apple will hike the prices in Thailand with the next hardware refresh unless the Baht makes more significant changes. It certainly has been very volatile vs the USD recently.

 

5 hours ago, BKKBike09 said:

If you do buy a new MB, one tip is don't buy the compact charger because it has the wall plug pins built in. So you can't swap out the plug pins for a UK or other set if you travel etc. 

 Oh wow that's easy to miss. Thanks for mentioning. But I guess in the worst case I'd just use a travel adapter. Not great but not a showstopper. But since you brought my attention to the charger options there is one more crucial difference it seems: the dual charger has the USB outputs on the under- or upper side of the charger instead of being on the opposite side of the prongs. In other words: with the old chargers, the new slow 30W charger or the new 67W charger the cables will stick away from the wall like most chargers while with the 35W dual charger they stick down or up.

 

[eisfeld]

55 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

The charger with the ability to change wall plug fitting is also what you need if you use an extension cable with the charger. The cable on the new MB Air charger is longer than on my old MB Air charger, but I still like to be able to use the extension lead.

Another thing I noticed in Thailand is that if you use the charger directly plugged into the wall without the extension cable you'll have electric leakage through the chassis of the laptop because there's no grounding which can be uncomfortable. The extension cord I have for my EU charger uses 3 metal contacts instead of 2 with the third one being ground and elimintates the current leaking into my hands. It seems like the new slower chargers can't be grounded!

[WaveHunter]

1 hour ago, BKKBike09 said:

The charger with the ability to change wall plug fitting is also what you need if you use an extension cable with the charger. The cable on the new MB Air charger is longer than on my old MB Air charger, but I still like to be able to use the extension lead.

 

Apple have also changed the design of their chargers so that the cable to connect to the laptop can now be removed from the charger. This stops the cable fraying where it joins the charger (nearly every charger I've ever had, had this issue after a while). 

 

I've never used a skin so can't comment on the tactile qualities.

 

One other point about all the new MBs - they no longer have any USB-A ports, everything is USB-C. So you need an adapter to use any USB-A device ...

I was on the phone with AppleCare|Asia just a few minutes ago and they said that the power adapters sold with the newer MacBook Pro's are no longer country-specific, meaning that the adapter that comes with the device has a US style wall outlet plug and can accommodate 110 or 220 outlets, so that was nice to hear.

 

Even bigger surprise...even though the adapters no longer come with a wall outlet extension cable, the one that came with my old MacBook Pro charger can snap into the new adapters just fine.  Big relief since the adapter itself is too heavy to plug into most Thai wall outlets without falling out due to the weight LOL!

 

I never had a problem with frayed mag-safe cables but I know lots of people do so it's nice it is now detachable.

 

And yeah, I already ordered a USB>USB-C adapter that will connect to the USB cable between one of the USB-C ports and my powered USB hub for my peripherals and external hard drives.

 

Thanks for all your suggestions. I would not have thought to check all this stuff out with AppleCare if you had not mentioned them ????

 

Just posting all of these details in case anyone else is also considering the purchase of a MacBook.

 

Edited November 23, 2022 by WaveHunter

[BKKBike09]

1 hour ago, eisfeld said:

Absolutely great to hear from someone who actually has the exact device I'm eyeing. If you don't mind, how long have you had it now and it does show some other signs of wear other than fingerprints? And if you had the chance to swap it for a silver one, would you do it? I've had silver Macbooks since the days they switched from plastic ones and Midnight is appealing to me because it would be a nice change for once and I don't like the grey or golden ones

Only had it a month so it's looking pretty new ... I like the Midnight colour - I wouldn't swap it for Silver. As you say, makes a change. 

[WaveHunter]

58 minutes ago, eisfeld said:

Another thing I noticed in Thailand is that if you use the charger directly plugged into the wall without the extension cable you'll have electric leakage through the chassis of the laptop because there's no grounding which can be uncomfortable. The extension cord I have for my EU charger uses 3 metal contacts instead of 2 with the third one being ground and elimintates the current leaking into my hands. It seems like the new slower chargers can't be grounded!

That's so funny you mentioned the leakage issue!  I just noticed that last night...and the adapter was not even plugged in. I always unplug the magsafe cable from the computer when I'm not using it.

 

My powered hub was connected to a USB port, and even though it was turned off it still caused leakage you could feel by lightly rubbing your fingers over the closed case of the MBP.  Unplugging the USB plug from the port made it stop.  Sort of spooky! 

 

My big problem with the new power adapter for the 2021 MBP is that it does not include an extension cable.  Because the adapter is so heavy and Thai outlet receptacle are so loose, the weight of the adapter plugged directly into the wall will cause it to fall out!  The new MBP no longer come with an extension cable but I just found out that my old extension cable for the 2013 MBP will snap into the new adapters perfectly.

 

[WaveHunter]

6 hours ago, BKKBike09 said:

...If you do buy a new MB, one tip is don't buy the compact charger because it has the wall plug pins built in. So you can't swap out the plug pins for a UK or other set if you travel etc. ...

I'm not sure if you are referring to an optional power adapter, but according to AppleCare, the charger that comes with the new MBP has a removable plug, and all of the current power adapters seem to have that same snap out plug right up to the 140 watt one.  For my 8 core device, it is a 67 watt adapter, as shown here:

As you can see, it has a snap out plug, and you can snap in an extension power cable, or many different style plugs like these:

 

The only design difference seem to be they did away with the 2 prongs to wrap the Magsafe cable around because it was causing too many cable to become frayed, and they made that cable removable, I guess for the same reason.

Edited November 23, 2022 by WaveHunter

[eisfeld]

It seems like only the 35W dual charger doesn't have the snap adapter? It's the first one in the charger pics I posted earlier. Its prongs just fold in.

[WaveHunter]

Just curious if anyone can tell me if these two adapters are basically the same?  I've heard positive reviews of the UGreen brand when it comes to SSD enclosures and usb hubs, and of course Apple accessories are usually infamously  overpriced for no good reason.  I need three adapters so saving 1500 THB is money well spent elsewhere.

 

Honestly, unless I'm missing something important, the Ugreen looks and seems to be better quality!

 

Any thought?

 

Apple USB-C to USB Adapter at 690 THB:

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/apple-usb-c-to-usb-adapter-i160588337.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.9.2de4264ddmBdF0&trafficFrom=17449020_308357&laz_trackid=2:mm_150051164_51202885_2010202869:clkgg22jj1gihv1dooaeea&mkttid=clkgg22jj1gihv1dooaeea

 

UGREEN USB C USB3.1 TYPE C Male to USB3.0 Female Adapter  at 170 THB:

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/ugreen-usb-c-usb31-type-c-usb30-usb-adapter-otg-30701-for-samsung-galaxy-note9-plus-note-8-macbook-pro-2017-google-pixel-2-xl-nexus-6p-5x-lg-v30-oneplus-6-5t-i594284892.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.4.252135f3T7S1Sc&trafficFrom=17449020_308357&laz_trackid=2:mm_150051164_51202885_2010202869:clkgg5o9u1gihv3bdbb6if&mkttid=clkgg5o9u1gihv3bdbb6if

 

Edited November 23, 2022 by WaveHunter

[sometimewoodworker]

10 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

1) You cannot set up an OS on a iOS device without an iCloud account.  The hardware will not allow that. 

As i said previously I don’t know for sure I don’t have a new device to check
 

10 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

2) The hardware does in fact record your iCloud account into the hardware side of the device.

It may do I suspect that for a free account not created on the device, no it doesn’t

 

10 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

3) Once it is recorded, it can not be erased by you, even if you completely reset the device to factory settings. 

 For a free account created on the device that may well, probably is, true

 

10 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

4) The iOS hardware will only allow up to a maximum of three iCloud accounts to be associated to it, and no more. 

That is badly worded and as worded is wrong

it is quite possible that there is the limit of three free iCloud accounts to be created.

 

It is not true that you can only log into iCloud on a maximum of 3 accounts.

The reason for the delay in responding to your post is that I was logging out of then logging into accounts on one of my devices and I had to refresh the iCloud accounts.

So categorically you can sign into at least 4  iCloud accounts. I see no reason that the Apple tech is not correct and there is no limit to the number of iCloud accounts (not created on the device) that you can sign into. I could create more free accounts but see no point 

10 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

5) Even if an account is deleted from iCloud (which I believe can not even be done), it doesn't matter since this is a hardware restriction, not a software or iCloud restriction.

probably Correct, as far as I can see, but irrelevant as you can use a different (already created) account.

From your own link

 

“Please note that there is no limit to how many accounts you can have on a device. As long as an iCloud account exists, you can use it even if the 3 account limit was reached.

This means that you can create a new iCloud account elsewhere and use this account to sign in to this device. In other words, you can use your Apple ID to set up iCloud on another Apple device, iPhone, iPad, or Mac.”

[eisfeld]

2 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

Just curious if anyone can tell me if these two adapters are basically the same?  I've heard positive reviews of the UGreen brand when it comes to SSD enclosures and usb hubs, and of course Apple accessories are usually infamously  overpriced for no good reason.  I need three adapters so saving 1500 THB is money well spent elsewhere.

 

Honestly, unless I'm missing something important, the Ugreen looks and seems to be better quality!

 

Any thought?

 

Apple USB-C to USB Adapter at 690 THB:

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/apple-usb-c-to-usb-adapter-i160588337.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.9.2de4264ddmBdF0&trafficFrom=17449020_308357&laz_trackid=2:mm_150051164_51202885_2010202869:clkgg22jj1gihv1dooaeea&mkttid=clkgg22jj1gihv1dooaeea

 

UGREEN USB C USB3.1 TYPE C Male to USB3.0 Female Adapter  at 170 THB:

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/ugreen-usb-c-usb31-type-c-usb30-usb-adapter-otg-30701-for-samsung-galaxy-note9-plus-note-8-macbook-pro-2017-google-pixel-2-xl-nexus-6p-5x-lg-v30-oneplus-6-5t-i594284892.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.4.252135f3T7S1Sc&trafficFrom=17449020_308357&laz_trackid=2:mm_150051164_51202885_2010202869:clkgg5o9u1gihv3bdbb6if&mkttid=clkgg5o9u1gihv3bdbb6if

 

Unfortunately the apple website is really low on specs for this adapter. They don't write what speeds or wattages it supports. Ugreen is a respectable brand and I've been using their cables for a while without complaints. I start to prefer them over Anker even. Their adapter at least says clearly it's USB 3.0 with up to 5Gbps so speed should be good enough but not sure about charging capabilities. I saw also there exists a braided version and a version without cable, just adapter. Wonder if the non-braided black plastic ones are older versions?

 

Edited November 23, 2022 by eisfeld

[WaveHunter]

1 hour ago, sometimewoodworker said:

As i said previously I don’t know for sure I don’t have a new device to check
 

It may do I suspect that for a free account not created on the device, no it doesn’t

 

 For a free account created on the device that may well, probably is, true

 

That is badly worded and as worded is wrong

it is quite possible that there is the limit of three free iCloud accounts to be created.

 

It is not true that you can only log into iCloud on a maximum of 3 accounts.

The reason for the delay in responding to your post is that I was logging out of then logging into accounts on one of my devices and I had to refresh the iCloud accounts.

So categorically you can sign into at least 4  iCloud accounts. I see no reason that the Apple tech is not correct and there is no limit to the number of iCloud accounts (not created on the device) that you can sign into. I could create more free accounts but see no point 

probably Correct, as far as I can see, but irrelevant as you can use a different (already created) account.

From your own link

 

“Please note that there is no limit to how many accounts you can have on a device. As long as an iCloud account exists, you can use it even if the 3 account limit was reached.

This means that you can create a new iCloud account elsewhere and use this account to sign in to this device. In other words, you can use your Apple ID to set up iCloud on another Apple device, iPhone, iPad, or Mac.”

Whatever.  I see you get your kicks by playing devil's advocate rather than just checking out the links I posted or just calling a Tier-2 specialist at Apple.  I have better things to do then play this silly game.

Kind regards.

Edited November 23, 2022 by WaveHunter

[WaveHunter]

50 minutes ago, eisfeld said:

Unfortunately the apple website is really low on specs for this adapter. They don't write what speeds or wattages it supports. Ugreen is a respectable brand and I've been using their cables for a while without complaints. I start to prefer them over Anker even. Their adapter at least says clearly it's USB 3.0 with up to 5Gbps so speed should be good enough but not sure about charging capabilities. I saw also there exists a braided version and a version without cable, just adapter. Wonder if the non-braided black plastic ones are older versions?

 

Now that looks like a really well made cable!  Did you see that on Lazada (I hope)?  I did an image search for it but I can only find it listed on Amazon.

[WaveHunter]

1 hour ago, eisfeld said:

Unfortunately the apple website is really low on specs for this adapter. They don't write what speeds or wattages it supports. Ugreen is a respectable brand and I've been using their cables for a while without complaints. I start to prefer them over Anker even. Their adapter at least says clearly it's USB 3.0 with up to 5Gbps so speed should be good enough but not sure about charging capabilities. I saw also there exists a braided version and a version without cable, just adapter. Wonder if the non-braided black plastic ones are older versions?

 

Found it on Lazada! ???? Thanks for the heads-up!!!

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/ugreen-70889-type-c-to-usb-30-otg-5gbps-andriod-typec-ipad-airpro-20-22-macbook-pro-m1-i2441394667-s8459679925.html?clickTrackInfo=undefined&search=1&source=search&spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.i40.493f26a6KHjhnd

 

 

Edited November 23, 2022 by WaveHunter

[sometimewoodworker]

11 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

Whatever.  I see you get your kicks by playing devil's advocate rather than just checking out the links I posted

You can’t accept that you are wrong, see under. You have found a limit to creating accounts, congratulations, that limit is virtually redundant and irrelevant because it doesn’t stop you using iCloud. You can’t accept that your statement is false and misleading 

On 11/20/2022 at 2:44 PM, WaveHunter said:

Apple products will NOT connect to iCloud if more than one previous person has owned the unit, which would be a real nightmare since without iCloud you could not even update the computer. 

[BKKBike09]

16 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

I'm not sure if you are referring to an optional power adapter, but according to AppleCare, the charger that comes with the new MBP has a removable plug, and all of the current power adapters seem to have that same snap out plug right up to the 140 watt one

See post below. I ordered the MB from Apple online and chose the dual charger option because it seemed like a good idea even if an additional cost. It's not clear that the plug isn't removable. So I ended up going to an Apple store to buy a standard charger ...

 

As an aside - I wanted to buy the MB from a reseller but if you want to add RAM etc buying online is waaaaay quicker (days as opposed to weeks). Seems like Apple don't really want to support their resellers that much.

 

15 hours ago, eisfeld said:

It seems like only the 35W dual charger doesn't have the snap adapter? It's the first one in the charger pics I posted earlier. Its prongs just fold in.

I think that's correct.

[WaveHunter]

2 hours ago, sometimewoodworker said:

You can’t accept that you are wrong, see under. You have found a limit to creating accounts, congratulations, that limit is virtually redundant and irrelevant because it doesn’t stop you using iCloud. You can’t accept that your statement is false and misleading 

Again, Sorry to disagree with you, but I will take the word of TWO senior tech specialists at AppleCare who discussed this with me on the phone in detail, over yours, especially when you admit that you have never tried to attach more than three iCloud accounts to a device.

[WaveHunter]

For anyone who has also wondered why you should spend rediculous amounts of money for Apple branded cables, I saw a really good YouTube video where the differences were explored between expensive Apple branded thunderbolt cables and generic ones listed on AliExpress at about 10% of the cost.

 

He ran benchmarks on both cables and guess what?  No significant difference at all. 

 

He actually chose the cheapest, negatively rated cable he could find on ALiExpress to compare with the Apple cable! 

 

Here is the video link:  

 

 

My takeaway...buy them on Lazada or AliExpress!  Apple makes great devices but they are such a rip-off when it comes to accessories.

 

I need some UBS-3 to USB adapters.  I was going to buy the Apple one at 680 THB:

These are the two I decided to buy off of Lazada at only around 120 THB each.  They are UGreen brand which has a really good reputation for quality, and they actually look to be better quality than Apple:

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/i2441394667-s8459679925.html?urlFlag=true&mp=1&spm=spm%3Da2o4m.order_details.item_title.1

 

and this one:

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/i2553635981-s9083745795.html?urlFlag=true&mp=1&spm=spm%3Da2o4m.order_details.item_title.1

 

 

 

 

Edited November 25, 2022 by WaveHunter

[sometimewoodworker]

On 11/24/2022 at 10:30 AM, WaveHunter said:

Again, Sorry to disagree with you, but I will take the word of TWO senior tech specialists at AppleCare who discussed this with me on the phone in detail, over yours, especially when you admit that you have never tried to attach more than three iCloud accounts to a device.

you are still wrong. I have never created multiple accounts on my mobile devices however I have logged into and out of 5 different iCloud accounts in one of my mobile devices. I see no reason why I would not be able to continue logging into other accounts as advised by Apple.

 

So yes there is quite possibly a limit to the number of accounts you can create on a device. however there is NO limit to the number of accounts (that have not been created on a device) that you can sign into. Just because you did not ask the correct questions to the tier 2 specialist does not make your misinterpritation correct.

 

 

On 11/23/2022 at 6:59 PM, sometimewoodworker said:

It is not true that you can only log into iCloud on a maximum of 3 accounts.

The reason for the delay in responding to your post is that I was logging out of then logging into accounts on one of my devices and I had to refresh the iCloud accounts.

So millions of mobile devices that are sold second, third hand and forth hand are sold with no restrictions

Edited December 8, 2022 by sometimewoodworker