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Best MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Offers Accessible in January 2024

If you’re aiming to start the new year with a fresh MacBook, this is an ideal moment to purchase one. Recently, Macs have seen a decrease in price, mainly because of Apple’s shift to Apple Silicon. These MacBooks are also more powerful than ever before.

Apple’s newest macOS Tahoe update has eliminated support for nearly all Intel Macs (with a few exceptions). If you wish to keep up with the latest Apple software, now is a suitable time to make an upgrade.

### M3 MacBook Air

In 2022, Apple launched the revamped MacBook Air featuring a slimmer profile, a larger display with reduced bezels, and the return of MagSafe. It also debuted in new Starlight and Midnight colors alongside Silver and Space Gray, though Gold is no longer an option. This new design was introduced with the M2 chip and has continued on.

**15-inch models with M3 chip:**
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1099 at Amazon ($600 off!)

The 15-inch model is a great choice if you desire more unified memory than the average user, which can be particularly beneficial for multitasking. The 13-inch model is a solid alternative if you’re looking for something newer than an M1 MacBook Air while remaining close to a $600 price range.

### M4 MacBook Air

In March, Apple revealed an updated MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip. This laptop closely resembles the earlier model, with the addition of a new Center Stage webcam and a fresh Sky Blue color that replaces Space Gray.

Right now, you can enjoy a $200 discount across the latest MacBook Air models. Apple is said to be developing a new entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip expected within the year – but at these prices, it’s wise to grab the MacBook Air without any compromises.

**13-inch models with M4 chip:**
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $799 at Amazon
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $999 at Amazon
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1199 at Amazon

**15-inch models with M4 chip:**
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $999 at Amazon
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1199 at Amazon
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1399 at Amazon

### M4 MacBook Pro

Apple revamped the MacBook Pro in 2021 with an all-new miniLED display featuring ProMotion, additional ports (notably an HDMI port and SD card reader), along with larger batteries and improved thermal performance. It also received a 1080p webcam for the first time.

While the MacBook Pro may not be as budget-friendly as the MacBook Airs mentioned, if you require a stunning display and extra ports, there are still some appealing deals to be found. All the models listed below are M4 Pro and M4 Max chip variants, delivering the highest level of performance available in a MacBook Pro.

**14-inch models:**
– M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1749 on Amazon ($250 off!)
– M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 1TB of storage, 24GB of memory: $2099 on Amazon

### M5 MacBook Pro

In October, Apple revealed the new 14-inch MacBook Pro equipped with the M5 chip. However, contrary to expectations, they only launched it with the base M5. If you seek greater performance or a 16-inch variant, you’ll need to opt for an M4 Pro or M4 Max chip.

M5 is about 15% quicker overall compared to M4. When compared to M4 Pro, M5 is roughly 10% slower in CPU performance. It also competes with M2 Pro and M3 Pro in GPU performance, rendering M5 a highly valuable choice compared to investing in an M4 Pro model.

### Conclusion

With Apple’s latest releases, now is a prime time to think about upgrading to a new MacBook. Whether you choose the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, there are numerous models and configurations available to meet diverse needs and budgets.

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Anticipated Advancements in the iPad Series Until 2026

This year, Apple is expected to update most of its iPad collection. The company initiated a new iPad generation with the debut of the M5 iPad Pro in October, and every other iPad in the series will follow suit later this year. These are the latest speculations.

## M4 iPad Air

The first significant iPad release of the year will likely be the upcoming iPad Air model, possibly arriving in March. This will incorporate the M4 chip into the iPad Air, offering another 10-20% increase in performance compared to the M3 chip.

With the launch of the N1 chip and the C1X modem in the M5 iPad Pro, it’s likely that the forthcoming iPad Air will also transition to Apple’s proprietary modem and networking chips. This will facilitate quicker cellular connectivity and support for Wi-Fi 7.

Aside from internal chip advancements, there aren’t many evident enhancements for the M4 iPad Air. Possible but unconfirmed updates could include a 600 nit display (which is currently exclusive to the 13-inch model) and new color variations. A 90 or 120Hz screen would also be a welcome feature.

While OLED has been anticipated for the iPad Air, it most likely won’t debut until 2027 or beyond.

## A19 iPad

Following that, the budget iPad, priced at $349 but frequently available for $299 during sales, is rumored to receive the A19 chip. This enhancement is more than just a specification upgrade, as it will introduce Apple Intelligence capabilities to the budget iPad for the first time.

Like the iPad Air, the budget iPad is also likely to adopt Apple’s proprietary N1 chip and C1X modem.

Personally, I’d really like to see a proper keyboard for the budget iPad, something akin to the Magic Keyboard available for iPad Air and iPad Pro. As it stands, the budget iPad is limited to the Magic Keyboard Folio, which only allows for use on a table, as it requires a kickstand for support.

The iPad is expected to receive the A19 chip sometime in the first half of 2026.

## A19 Pro iPad mini

Lastly, the iPad mini is poised for its first refresh since 2024. This update will likely bring the A19 Pro chip, but it will also present a much larger upgrade… OLED.

This upgrade is anticipated to occur later this year; however, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is focusing on the iPad mini to be its next significant product to transition. Apple first introduced OLED to the iPad Pro back in early 2024 with the M4 model, having initially brought it to the iPhone lineup beginning in 2017.

In addition to the OLED and A19 Pro chip, the next iPad mini is reportedly going to incorporate a more water-resistant design, according to Bloomberg.

The iPad mini has not undergone a significant redesign since 2021. Based on these rumors, it appears that Apple has significant plans for the 5-year anniversary of that initial redesign.

## Wrap up

Overall, it’s a relatively quiet year for iPad, excluding the iPad mini.

Looking ahead, Apple intends to integrate a vapor chamber cooling system into the M6 iPad Pro, which is set to launch in early 2027. However, that’s somewhat outside the range of this discussion.

If none of these updates pique your interest and you’re satisfied with the current iPad models, there are currently discounts on the current generation iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro ranging from $50-100 off.

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Utilizing Apple CarPlay Without Mobile Service: Essential Information You Should Have

Apple CarPlay in particular circumstances, such as when venturing into secluded regions or while roaming, may leave users questioning if the service can be utilized without an active cellular connection. The answer is affirmative: CarPlay operates without cellular service being available or when cell service is disabled. Nevertheless, the functionality of CarPlay will be somewhat constrained, and this only applies if you adequately prepare for using it without an active cell connection in the vehicle.

The easiest way to comprehend Apple CarPlay is to envision it as a mirrored display of your iPhone. Connect the device to your vehicle using either a Bluetooth connection or a USB cable, and the car’s infotainment system activates, presenting an iOS-like interface where certain iPhone applications can be accessed on the move. This indicates that CarPlay will activate as soon as you link your iPhone to the car, regardless of the phone’s cellular status.

It is also crucial to recognize that not every iPhone app is meant to function with CarPlay. The feature will not allow video content streaming or gaming on the car’s display. These are distractions that contradict the intention of CarPlay. Apple only provides essential iPhone apps through CarPlay, applications that a driver might wish to use while driving with minimal interaction. The selection includes communication apps for hands-free calling and messaging, navigation apps (such as Apple Maps), and audio entertainment apps for playing music and podcasts. Siri support is also offered for managing some of these apps, and Siri voice control may improve further when Apple unveils the enhanced Siri experience in iOS 26. However, most apps will need an internet connection, though several support offline mode, meaning they will function even when a cellular connection is not readily accessible.

Which CarPlay applications function without a data connection?

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Assessing the Trustworthiness of Used Teslas

Consumer Reports indicates that Tesla ranks at the bottom among 26 brands when it comes to used-vehicle reliability. It holds a Reliability Verdict score of 31 out of 100, narrowly trailing Jeep, which scored 32. Lexus leads the rankings, with Toyota in second.

Tesla is a prominent player in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, and EVs are appealing not just for their environmental benefits but also because they tend to be more economical to operate over time compared to gasoline vehicles. While Tesla aims to transform the EV industry, this sector is still quite new, which could explain its persistent issues.

According to Consumer Reports, this evaluation focuses on vehicles that are generally between five to ten years old. It also highlights that reliability may differ among specific models, meaning a particular used Tesla might outperform another. Nevertheless, this is a discouraging report for Tesla and for prospective owners who favor purchasing used rather than new vehicles.

Possible issues with a used Tesla

<img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.bgr.com/img

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Uncover a Gas Substitute Free from Petroleum to Take the Place of Fossil Fuels

living solar panels composed of microorganisms aiding in the path toward a more sustainable future. While some companies like Tesla and Rivian have been concentrating on building vehicles that operate on electricity, others have been exploring more fascinating and distinct methods to energize the automobiles of tomorrow — and this new configuration would even be compatible with existing gas-fueled vehicles, as well.

We initially learned about Aircela’s revolutionary “air-based” fuel technology earlier this year, when the organization garnered attention for demonstrating the technology live. Unlike conventional gas systems, which depend on petroleum to produce gasoline, Aircela’s apparatus extracts carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and then employs a combination of water and air to synthesize its own gasoline — which can subsequently be used in virtually any gas-operated machine.

It’s a captivating design that currently produces gasoline at a rather slow rate, generating only up to one gallon of gasoline from the air per day, but given the components and the potential for scaling up, that is quite remarkable. This specific machine is also compact compared to the larger devices generally used to convert raw materials into gasoline, making it small enough to be installed in residential, commercial, and even industrial environments. This could facilitate the distribution of fossil-free gasoline to the general public more readily than ever.

How it operates

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Four Budget-Friendly Options to the MacBook Pro That Are Worth Exploring

MacBook Pro stands as Apple’s premier laptop, offered in 14-inch and 16-inch variants with a wide range of configurations available. These devices are designed for tasks including video editing, motion graphics creation, animation, music production, and software development, but the MacBook Pro is also appealing for professionals across any field requiring a laptop. With Apple targeting the working professional demographic, the MacBook Pro commands a relatively high price. The base 14-inch variant, featuring Apple’s latest M5 chip, begins at $1,599. The base 16-inch model, equipped with an M4 Pro chip, starts at $2,499.

Identifying a competent alternative to the MacBook Pro necessitates some careful consideration, as the market is saturated with budget-friendly laptop choices. A gently priced laptop is unlikely to fulfill the premium standards expected by a MacBook Pro buyer. Furthermore, even mid-tier laptops are generally not outfitted with hardware capable of rivaling a MacBook Pro. Nevertheless, viable alternatives do exist. Manufacturers such as Dell, Samsung, Microsoft, Lenovo, Asus, and even Apple itself produce robust, sleek, and attractively designed laptops that can rival the MacBook Pro. Several of these options are available at more affordable starting prices, so let’s examine a few that merit consideration.

MacBook Air

Ranked among the top 5 Apple products of 2025, the MacBook Air is the perfect laptop if you seek a MacBook Pro substitute that allows you to remain within the Apple ecosystem. It offers the same macOS experience, comparable build quality, and access to complimentary software like Safari, Pages, Numbers, Calendar, Contacts, and Mail. In fact, for numerous laptop users, we believe the MacBook Air is the sole Apple laptop worth purchasing.

The Air is both versatile and potent, and Apple emphasizes

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Indie App Highlight: ‘Backlot’ – Your Crucial Resource for Uncovering TV Series and Films

# Indie App Spotlight: Backlot – Your Premier Movie Companion

In the ever-growing realm of streaming platforms, figuring out what to watch can often seem daunting. Enter **Backlot**, an inventive app crafted to enhance your viewing journey by merging discovery, watchlists, and streaming data into one ad-free hub.

## Key Features of Backlot

### Discover Feed
At the core of Backlot is its **Discover feed**, which highlights trending films, TV series, and actors. This feature removes the inconvenience of toggling between various streaming services, allowing users to delve into content within a singular interface.

### Universal Search
Backlot also boasts a **universal search** capability, empowering users to locate specific shows and find out where they are available for streaming. This is especially handy given the constant shifts in streaming rights and accessibility.

### Watchlists
Users can curate tailored **watchlists** to bookmark content they intend to watch later. This list syncs effortlessly across all iCloud devices, ensuring that your viewing aspirations are always within reach.

### Reaction Notes
For those who relish reviewing or discussing shows, Backlot provides a feature to record reactions and notes directly within the app. This can be tremendously useful for reviewers and podcasters wanting to capture their insights promptly.

## Download the App
Backlot is accessible for free on the App Store, offering users fundamental features like the Discover feed. For those desiring the complete experience, **Backlot Pro** can be acquired for $2.99 per month, $19.99 per year, or a one-time payment of $75 for lifetime access. The app is compatible with both iPhone and iPad.

In a landscape where streaming alternatives are plentiful yet disorganized, Backlot emerges as a holistic solution for movie and TV show aficionados, simplifying the process of finding and enjoying your next favorite title.

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The Follow-Up to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Now Accessible on Netflix

Paul Dano’s science fiction film centered on the future of humanity in relation to AI, or simply browsing some of the finest games available on Netflix, it’s easy to overlook something on the service. Nonetheless, if you appreciate the 2000 movie “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon,” you might be pleased to discover that its underappreciated sequel is now streaming. Although, some viewers might argue that it’s better left unwatched.

Helmed by the action choreographer and director from the original film, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny” on Netflix might elicit mixed feelings from anyone who is a devotee of the classic. Complicated by various creative and casting choices, the narrative centers on a martial arts master (Michelle Yeoh) who gathers a team to safeguard a sword of mythical renown from a clan and their warlord (Jason Scott Lee).

In light of Roger Ebert awarding the original “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” a 4-star rating and declaring it “the most exhilarating martial arts movie I have seen,” the sequel undoubtedly bore significant expectations. Even if it appears that Netflix original films are generally overlooked, there remain several reasons why this movie might frequently be disregarded — yet viewers should determine for themselves whether it merits their attention.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon receives a sequel 16 years later

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Upcoming Modifications to Apple Card Anticipated This Year: Most Recent News

**The Prospects of Apple Card: A Synopsis of Goldman Sachs’ Obstacles and Possible Modifications**

Since its introduction more than six years ago, Apple Card has encountered considerable difficulties for its partner bank, Goldman Sachs. As reports indicate that Goldman Sachs is contemplating an exit from the collaboration, the future of Apple Card hangs in the balance. This article summarizes the current landscape surrounding Apple Card, the financial setbacks faced by Goldman Sachs, and the prospects for a new partner.

### Goldman Sachs Financial Setbacks

Goldman Sachs is reportedly aiming to divest its Apple Card partnership, with JPMorgan Chase positioned as the primary candidate for acquisition. Other potential players, including American Express, Capital One, and Synchrony, have been noted, yet their chances of assuming control seem minimal. American Express CEO Stephen Squeri has conveyed hesitation regarding the partnership, pointing out that the existing customer demographic includes a substantial proportion of subprime borrowers.

So far, the Apple Card partnership has set Goldman Sachs back by at least $1 billion, contributing to overall consumer product losses nearing $6 billion. These setbacks are attributed not only to credit delinquencies but also to the appealing features of the Apple Card, which include no foreign transaction fees, no late fees, up to 3% cash back on partner merchants, and 0% APR financing on Apple products.

### JPMorgan Chase Acquisition

At present, JPMorgan Chase is viewed as the “preferred option” for acquiring the Apple Card partnership. However, a formal agreement has yet to be finalized. One of the main obstacles for any prospective new lender is the elevated percentage of subprime customers linked to Apple Card. The subprime rate for Chase is approximately 15%, whereas Capital One’s stands at about 31%. In contrast, Apple Card’s subprime rate is 34%, indicating a significant risk for any financial entity contemplating the partnership.

Moreover, Apple Card’s delinquency rate is around 4%, surpassing the industry average of 3.05%. For a transaction to occur, a new lender would likely need to negotiate a “substantial discount” given the current liabilities of over $20 billion.

### Apple Card Savings Account

Another facet of the conversation is the Apple Card Savings Account, which is also backed by Goldman Sachs. Although it necessitates customers to possess an Apple Card, it lacks a strong affiliation with the card itself. Customers can choose to have their Apple Card cash back directed into the savings account, but aside from that, the two offerings are not significantly linked.

Currently, Goldman Sachs continues to provide its Marcus by Goldman Sachs savings account to consumers, despite a wider withdrawal from the consumer finance sector. It is conceivable that Goldman Sachs will retain the savings account even if the credit card partnership shifts to another financial institution.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, it seems highly probable that the Apple Card partnership with Goldman Sachs will come to an end by 2026, following years of discussions with various lenders. Although the precise outcomes for Apple Card remain uncertain, the substantial number of subprime customers and the considerable financial losses indicate that changes are on the horizon. Potential modifications could involve the implementation of late fees and a reduction in the card’s generous benefits.

Should JPMorgan Chase decide against the acquisition, Capital One could emerge as a formidable alternative, especially considering its recent acquisition of Discover, which positions it favorably as both a card issuer and payment network. The future of Apple Card will hinge on how these negotiations progress in the upcoming months.

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