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Updated September 2026: in late 2021 I was choosing between the new M1 Pro MacBook Pro, the 2020 M1 MacBook Pro and the 2020 M1 MacBook Air to replace my 2012 MacBook Pro, and wondering whether to wait for M2. I have rewritten it to show how the choice played out.

I had used macOS as my main system for years and planned to stay with Apple. My 2012 MacBook Pro had started giving problems, so I needed to upgrade. The 2021 M1 Pro MacBook Pro was fast, with a mini-LED screen and a notch, and looked future-proof, but it was over my budget. The 2020 M1 MacBook Pro was a little over budget too, performed similarly to the Air, and there were rumours the Touch Bar would be dropped, so buying it felt impractical. The M1 MacBook Air fitted my needs and budget, but with M2 expected soon, buying the older model seemed hard to justify.

When did the M2 MacBook Air arrive?

Apple announced the M2 MacBook Air in June 2022, with a new flat design, a larger display with a notch and MagSafe charging. It also cost more than the M1 Air, which Apple kept selling at the lower price.

Was the Touch Bar rumour right?

Mostly. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models launched in 2021 had already removed it. A 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 still kept the Touch Bar in 2022, before that model was eventually replaced.

Was waiting for M2 worth it?

For many buyers, not really. The M2 was faster, but the M1 Air remained cheaper and good enough for everyday work. Waiting made sense mainly for those who wanted the new design.

How should you choose between generations today?

• Memory first: 16 GB matters more than a newer chip for multitasking.
• Price gap: buy the older model if the saving is large.
• Software support: a newer chip is likely to be supported for longer.
• Screen and ports: Pro models add better displays and more ports.

Is a MacBook Pro worth it over an Air?

Only if you need sustained performance, the brighter display or extra ports. For writing, browsing and office work, an Air is enough.

What is the lesson from this decision?

There is always a better chip coming. Buy when your current laptop is holding you back, and choose the model that fits your work and budget now.

Keep reading

• Buying a Used M1 Pro MacBook Pro: What to Check
• M1 MacBook Air in Hindsight: Was It Worth Buying?
• iPad 9th Generation: Disappointing Then, Good Value Later?

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I called the 9th-generation iPad a disappointment: the same design as the 7th and 8th generations, no USB-C, no second-generation Apple Pencil support, and an older A13 chip. I have rewritten it with what it did offer and how it looks as a used buy.

After many leaks, Apple launched the 9th-generation iPad and I was disappointed. The design was unchanged from the previous two generations, with no better display, no USB-C and no support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, while the new iPad mini got a redesign. The A13 Bionic chip was a couple of years old. It could handle everyday tasks but would not satisfy anyone wanting more power from an affordable iPad. Apart from price, I saw no reason for owners of older iPads to upgrade, and hoped the next model would get a real redesign.

What did the 9th-generation iPad improve?

More than I gave it credit for. Base storage doubled to 64 GB, the front camera gained an ultra-wide lens with Center Stage, which keeps you in frame on video calls, and the display gained True Tone. For students and families, those changes were useful.

Did the next iPad get the redesign?

Yes. The 10th-generation iPad, announced in October 2022, moved to a flat-edged design with USB-C. Apple kept selling the 9th generation alongside it as the cheaper option for some time.

Is the 9th-generation iPad worth buying used?

• Good for: reading, video, note-taking, video calls and schoolwork.
• Less good for: heavy creative apps, long-term software support and modern accessories.
• Check: which iPadOS versions it supports, since older models drop off updates first.

Which Apple Pencil does it use?

The first-generation Apple Pencil, which charges through the Lightning port. Make sure you buy the right Pencil, since newer ones will not work with it.

Was my disappointment fair?

Partly. For enthusiasts it was a dull update. For buyers who wanted a reliable, affordable iPad, it was a sensible choice, and that is who it was for.

Keep reading

• Apple Pencil 1st Generation: My Discontinuation Call
• M1 Air, M1 Pro or Wait for M2? How It Played Out
• Apple Pencil vs Third-Party Styluses for iPad Users

It has been few weeks since I switched to OneDrive as my preferring online cloud platform and to back up my mobile photos & videos. Post migration to OneDrive, I had hiccup of extracting my old photos from RAR file exported from Google Photos to OneDrive. However, in this article, I wanted to detail the comparison between Google Photos and OneDrive, focusing only about photos and its features

Google Photos: 

• Memories: For each day, the app shows different memories happened over years.
• Uniqueness: At times, even shares some collage photos with similar photos taken earlier
• Effects: At times, the Google adds cinematic effects or 3D effects to photos

Additionally, Google shares animation effects for group of similar photos or for videos

OneDrive:

• Memories: Shares only the images/photos taken during same timeline
• Uniqueness: Saves Photos & videos with source format. Example:Stores live photos as it is
• Video files are saved in source quality and no compression of file is name
• Effects: No effects are applied, the file is saved and stored as it is.

For below comparison, taken photo of credit cards and uploaded both files into Google Photos and OneDrive

Google Photos - Photo Search functionalities

• Search Term: card(s)Shows up results of only photos with single card
• Does not show up photos holding multiple cards

Improvements needed

• Need to allow users to enable option for saving photos or videos in source format
• Photo search to be improved a little bit compared to OneDrive

OneDrive - Photo Search functionalities

• Shows up results of photos of all photos having single card or multiple cards.
• Shows up results on filename having card as well

Improvements needed

• Need memories function to be improved, so more such photos are shown up
• Photo Effects option to be enabled
• While searching, there should have been choice to filter out filetypes like PDF or JPEG files only

For more comparison like above or if you are looking to read more such articles, please feel free to check out the G R Team Sites.

Keep reading

• Sudden issue in my Ford EcoSport
• Is it Time for Apple to Launch its Own Search Engine?
• AI Voice Cloning Scams in India: Your 2026 Survival Guide

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I was planning to buy a treadmill for home and listed the pros and cons of buying in a physical store, at a time when lockdowns made shop visits uncertain. I have rewritten it as a guide to choosing between a store and buying online.

I had decided to buy a treadmill to keep fit, and the next question was where to buy it. Lockdown restrictions had already delayed the decision. For buying in a store, I listed the advantages: you can see the treadmill, test the running surface for your walking and running style, check features directly, get faster service for faults and find spare parts more easily. The disadvantages were higher prices than online, longer waits if stock was not available, uncertainty about shop opening and transport during the pandemic, and very high prices on advanced models.

Why test a treadmill in person?

Because fit matters. The deck length and width, cushioning, motor noise and handrail position all affect comfort, especially if you run. A few minutes on the machine tells you more than a spec sheet.

What are the advantages of buying online?

• Lower prices and frequent sales.
• Wider choice of brands and models.
• Reviews from owners about reliability and service.
• Home delivery, sometimes with installation.

How do you get the best of both?

Try models in a store, then compare prices online, including the store's own website. Before buying online, check who provides service in your city, how long spare parts are available, and the return process for such a heavy item.

Which specifications matter most?

• Continuous motor power, not peak power.
• Running surface size, larger for running than walking.
• Maximum user weight.
• Folding and floor space, if the room is small.
• Warranty, especially on the motor.

Is a treadmill worth it for home?

If you will use it regularly, yes, especially where outdoor walking is difficult. Many treadmills end up unused, so be honest about your routine before spending on an advanced model.

Keep reading

• Apple Pencil vs Third-Party Styluses for iPad Users
• Planning a Surprise Visit Home: Lessons From My Trip
• Why Apple Denies India Self-Service Repair even in 2026

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I wrote about the downsides of giving children their own phones during online schooling, especially YouTube's suggested videos and chat apps that could keep them on their phones for hours. I have rewritten it as a practical guide for parents on setting sensible limits.

In an earlier post I wrote about the disadvantages of giving children their own phones and how unsuitable advertisements could distract them. During the pandemic I noticed two more concerns. First, children looked up lessons on YouTube, and the suggested videos could pull them towards content unrelated to their studies. Second, schools needed chat apps for class updates and notes, but the same apps made it easy to chat and video call with friends for long periods. My view was that phones can do more harm than good for children if they are not supervised properly.

How do you make YouTube safer for children?

• Use YouTube Kids for younger children, or a supervised account for older ones.
• Turn off autoplay, so one video does not lead straight to another.
• Save study videos to a playlist in advance, so children do not need to search.
• Watch together sometimes, to see what the recommendations look like.

How do you manage chat apps used for school?

Check the app's privacy settings with your child, so only known contacts can reach them. Agree when the phone is used for school and when for friends. Many parents keep phones out of bedrooms at night.

Which parental controls are available?

Android phones can use Google Family Link, and iPhones have Screen Time. Both let you set app limits, approve downloads and schedule downtime. Parental control options change over time, so check the current settings on your child's device.

Is it better not to give a child a phone at all?

It depends on age, need and the child. A shared family device, or a basic phone for calls, can work for younger children. Whatever you choose, talking regularly about what they see online matters more than any single setting.

What if you are worried about your child's screen use?

Talk to them first, calmly, and agree limits together. If you are concerned about their wellbeing, speak to their school or a doctor.

Keep reading

• Your Child's Vision: Why Early Eye Checks Matter
• Do You Really Need a New Phone? How to Decide
• Family Photo Backups After Google Photos' Free Limit

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I listed four reasons to buy the 2020 M1 MacBook Air to replace my slow, unsupported older MacBook Pro: performance, five years of future-proofing, reliability and battery life. I have rewritten it to look at how those reasons held up.

For a long time I wanted to replace my older MacBook Pro, which had become slow and could no longer run newer versions of macOS. The M1 MacBook Air looked like the answer. It was topping benchmarks, I expected it to be supported for at least five years since it launched in late 2020, reviewers praised its reliability, and its battery life was said to be excellent.

Did the M1 MacBook Air's performance hold up?

Largely, yes. For browsing, office work, photo editing and light video work, the M1 Air still feels quick. It shows its age with heavy video editing, large projects and many apps open on 8 GB of memory.

Was it really future-proof for five years?

That prediction held. More than five years after launch, M1 Macs were still supported by current macOS releases. Apple does not publish end dates, so check the latest macOS compatibility list if you are buying one now.

What about battery life and reliability?

Battery life was one of its strongest points, and the fanless design means no fan to wear out. Like any laptop, the battery ages. On a second-hand unit, check the battery's cycle count and condition in System Settings.

Should you buy an M1 MacBook Air today?

• Yes, second-hand or refurbished, if the price is well below a new Air and you do everyday tasks.
• Choose 16 GB of memory if you can find it, since memory cannot be upgraded later.
• Consider a newer model if you want it to last another five years or more.

What should you check on a used M1 Air?

Battery condition, screen for marks or pressure damage, keyboard and ports, and that it has been removed from the previous owner's Apple ID and Find My. Ask for the original purchase receipt if possible.

Was switching from an old Intel MacBook Pro worth it?

For most people who made that move, yes. The jump in speed, silence and battery life was far larger than typical upgrades between laptop generations.

Keep reading

• Buying a Used M1 Pro MacBook Pro: What to Check
• M1 Air, M1 Pro or Wait for M2? How It Played Out
• Do You Really Need a New Phone? How to Decide

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I wrote about regretting that I had moved my whole family onto Google Photos, trusting its unlimited free storage, just as Google announced photos would start counting towards storage limits. I have rewritten it as a guide to managing a family's photo backups when free storage runs out.

Google announced that photos would count against each account's storage limit, and anyone over the limit would need to pay. I started looking at alternatives, and my main criterion was cost. Google's paid storage seemed a little more expensive than rivals such as Microsoft OneDrive, and leaving Google Photos was painful. The bigger problem was my family. Trusting the unlimited offer, I had installed Google Photos on my relatives' phones, helped them upload all their old photos and made sure they kept backing up every time they changed phones. Moving now meant finding an option with family sharing and plenty of storage at a fair price.

What changed with Google Photos storage?

From June 2021, new photos and videos uploaded in the space-saving quality started counting towards the free 15 GB that each Google account shares across Gmail, Drive and Photos. Photos uploaded before then remained free.

Which services offer family storage sharing?

• Google One: paid plans can be shared with family members.
• iCloud+: storage can be shared through Family Sharing on Apple devices.
• Microsoft 365 Family: each person gets their own OneDrive storage.

Plans and prices vary by country and change over time, so compare current offers.

Is it easier to stay or to move?

For families, staying is often simpler. One shared paid plan can cover everyone without changing their habits or apps. Moving several people to a new service takes time and support.

How do you keep family backups under control?

• Check each person's storage a couple of times a year.
• Delete duplicates and forwarded images, which fill space quickly.
• Keep an offline copy of important photos on an external drive.

What if a family member runs out of space?

Backup stops quietly. Set a reminder to check, or add them to a shared plan before it happens.

Keep reading

• My view on transfer from Google Photos to OneDrive
• Planning a Surprise Visit Home: Lessons From My Trip
• Kids, Phones and Online Classes: Setting Sensible Limits

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I argued that new phone upgrades had lost their purpose: camera and processor improvements had become hard to notice while prices kept rising. I have rewritten it as a guide to deciding whether you actually need a new phone.

Phones are among the most important gadgets we own, and their basic job is to connect people. Recent launches have focused mainly on cameras and processors. Earlier, each new camera was a clear step up and upgrading made sense. By 2021 the camera changes were so small they were hard to spot, and prices had risen sharply. It seemed people were upgrading to show status rather than out of need. With the pandemic hitting many households hard, I felt it was time to weigh what a phone really needs to do against what it costs.

What are good reasons to replace a phone?

• It no longer gets security updates.
• The battery cannot last a day, and a replacement is not worth it.
• It is too slow for the apps you rely on, such as banking or work apps.
• It is damaged and repair costs close to its value.

How do you make an old phone last longer?

Replace the battery when its health drops, clear storage, remove apps you do not use and keep the software updated. A battery replacement is often the cheapest way to make a phone feel new again.

How long are phones supported?

Support periods have grown. Several makers now promise many years of software updates for their recent models, so check the promised update period before buying, since it matters more than small camera gains.

Is it worth buying last year's model?

Often, yes. Prices drop when the new model arrives, and the difference in daily use is usually small. Refurbished phones from reputable sellers, with a warranty, are another way to save.

What should you do with your old phone?

Back it up, sign out of your accounts, reset it and then sell, trade in, give it to family or recycle it properly. An old phone can also serve as a backup or a camera for a child.

Keep reading

• M1 MacBook Air in Hindsight: Was It Worth Buying?
• Buying a Used M1 Pro MacBook Pro: What to Check
• Kids, Phones and Online Classes: Setting Sensible Limits