Mac Power Users 650: Craft Deep Drive

On this episode of Mac Power Users, I share my impressions of the M2 MacBook Air, then Stephen and I talk through Craft. While it can be used for simple note taking, it also packs a lot of powerful personal knowledge management tools for users who need them.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • 1Password: Have you ever forgotten a password? You don’t have to worry about that anymore. 
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code MPU at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
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Manage Email Distractions with SaneBox (Sponsor)

Better email management. You want it? This week’s MacSparky sponsor, SaneBox, can help you get it. SaneBox uses A.I. to analyze your email history and identifies what is important to you, making sure you’re seeing the important emails in your inbox. 

You don’t have to come up with rules for your email. You’ll train SaneBox, which is really easy. You’ll move emails from your inbox and Sane folders, and SaneBox’s A.I. will learn to get it right the next time. Have email filtered to @SaneLater, which you can check once a day to see which of the emails you actually have to process. You know all of those newsletters you get? Send them to @SaneNews, so you can read them when you’re ready for them, and not have them interrupt or distract you when you’re trying to get work done.

SaneBox will help you get back your sanity and your time. Get straight to the emails you actually need to deal with, and have SaneBox deal with the ones that don’t require your immediate attention. Get those distractions out of your way with SaneBox. You can try it for yourself and sign up for a free trial, and you’ll get a $10 credit you can use towards a SaneBox subscription. Try it out for a better email life.

iOS 16 Lock Screens and Focus Modes (MacSparky Labs)

I’m digging deeper with iOS 16 and I really dig how you can combine focus modes with lock screens on the new operating system. In this video, I demonstrate how I’m mode-shifting on my phone using this new feature, and what I’d like to see improved before this gets launched to the public.

Geek Meter: 1 (of 3)This one is easy as I walk you through some useful upcoming iPhone features.

Comparing Webcams (MacSparky Labs)

This week I’ve been testing external webcams with this video. Specifically, the Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam, the Opal C1 4K, and Apple’s Continuity Camera beta feature planned for macOS Ventura. I got some surprising results…

This is a post for MacSparky Labs Tier 2 (Backstage) and Tier 3 (Early Access) Members only. Care to join? Or perhaps do you need to sign in?

Using the M2 MacBook Air

After much waffling, I ended up buying an M2 MacBook Air. I purchased this as a second Mac. My main machine is a 16″ MacBook Pro with all the bells and whistles. I love it, but it’s vast and expensive. I’ve wanted something thin and light to go along with it. In addition to my 16″ MacBook Pro, I’ve had a loaner 14″ MBP (basic build) for a few months. Its owner wants it back, however, which further lit the candle for me to consider adding a MacBook Air to the toolbelt.

I realize having two Macs is a luxury, but I was curious, and the Apple Store had a nice build in stock (1TB Storage, 16 GB Ram, Space Gray). I bought it to kick the tires and determine if I wanted to spend that much money to have a second computer. (This MacBook Air costs the same amount as a new band saw.) After a week of use, I figured I’d pick between three options.

  1. I would not be in love with the MacBook Air, and I’d return it, going back to the one Mac lifestyle.
  2. I’d love this particular MacBook Air and keep it.
  3. I’d love the MacBook Air but return it to get a different custom build.

Having used the new M2 MacBook Air for four days, option one is off the table. I dig this Mac. A thin and light Mac to go along with the big one is an excellent fit for me. I haven’t decided between options two and three yet, but here are some initial observations:

  • Thin and light is not an understatement. This thing with the lid is about as thick as the 14″ MacBook Pro base (not including the lid). Putting this Mac in my bag will be no problem and almost no weight. The base is the minimum thickness you could have while still supporting a headphone jack.
  • The 14″ MacBook Pro screen is noticeably better than the MacBook Air screen when side by side. The MacBook Air screen is acceptable and does not feel inferior when not set next to a 14″ MacBook Pro.
  • When working in Final Cut and Screenflow (or rendering video from either of those apps), there is a considerable difference between my 16″ MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. Render times are around 350% longer on the MacBook Air. That said, it does render the video, and I have something I can upload and share. It can do production work, but I wouldn’t want to do production work on it every day. In a pinch (or when on a trip), the MacBook Air is up to the task.
  • When doing any single-core operation, the MacBook Air excels. I’ve been writing, emailing, planning, and even photo editing (with Apple Photos), and I can’t tell any difference between the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air.
  • The MacBook Air keyboard feels better than it does on my MacBook Pro. Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like there is just a little more resistance. It could just be that one is new and the other has some mileabe on it.
  • The sound through the MacBook Air is acceptable. The sound through the MacBook Pro is excellent.
  • I also like the design symmetry between the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. They are clearly of the same lineage, and I like that.

Focused 156: The State of GTD

Inspired by a Cal Newport article on Getting Things Done, Mike and I go through an audit of the (in)famous productivity system on the latest episode of Focused.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Get a special one-of-a-kind financing offer.
  • Setapp: More than 240 powerful apps. Try it free for a week.
  • Indeed: Start hiring now and only pay for quality applications matching the sponsored job description.