The most UNNECESSARY Apple Ecosystem ever!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 30 окт 2024
- Apple has a way of sneaking up on you; they'll find a way to sell you on individual products, but by the time you've built an ecosystem out you've given them thousands of dollars without realizing it! Today we'll take a look at some of the Apple products of 2021 that I've reviewed and discuss why they comprise the most unnecessary and expensive ecosystem you can imagine. The 2021 iPad Pro with miniLED, iPhone 13 Pro Max, M1 24 inch iMac, and of course the new 16 inch M1 Max MacBook Pro.
Follow me on Twitter: / lukemiani
Follow me on Twitch: / lukemiani
Join my Subreddit! / lukemianiyoutube
Gear:
iFixit Pro Toolkit: amzn.to/3bYIzdM
Panasonic Lumix GH5: amzn.to/3b3oMtj
Leica 12-60MM Lens: amzn.to/3hQ5URf
Sennheiser MKH 416: amzn.to/31zGwt2
Zoom H6: amzn.to/2ECYSk6
Sennheiser MKE 440: amzn.to/2JRwIRU
Edelkrone SliderOne V2: amzn.to/33mTZmt
Amazon Links are affiliate codes and generate small commission to support the channel
Do you think any of these are justified? For more discussion on this ecosystem and whether Apple is overpriced or not, check out tonights episode of Drk Mode, my podcast that streams here on RUclips at 9PM EST!
👍
The good thing about apple products if you choose wisely and look after them is the generally last a while, I'm still getting use out of my 1st gen iPad pro and my 2014 15 inch MacBook Pro, I only replaced my iPhone X this year with the 13 pro max 1tb
I don't entirely agree with your initial arguments.
Now, I see the argument for having two macs for a single person. However, I'd be more inclined to say sell off the iMac for a Mac Mini, and get an external display. At 24", that display is small for a desktop computer in 2021. But, as someone that relies on my computers on a daily basis, having a backup is essential. I bought an Intel Mac Mini in 2019, and, while it doesn't do much, it serves up Homebridge and Plex, letting my (painfully slow) NAS be dedicated to backup duties only. You could easily get an M1 Mac Mini + a larger display (though with a lower DPI and/or brightness) for less than the iMac, and then you have a second display to use with the MacBook when you need to get work done. Heck, if you don't have a backup solution, the money you save would likely net you a lower-end Synology NAS to serve as a modern Time Capsule.
Yeah, the almost-max'ed out M1 Max is overkill. I'm glad I went with the 14" with the binned 24 core. It's got more than enough performance to last me years to come, and was a significant performance step up from my 15" 2018. And the trackpad is so. much. more. comfortable on the 14" than the 16".
I agree with the iPhone though... to a point. I still have my XS Max, and, aside from the battery not being as good as it was 3 years ago, it's still an excellent phone. Maybe if I wanted better on-the-go photo quality (which is already quite good on the XS Max), I'd consider something newer, but I have an A6400 if I want to take high quality photos and video.
I had the original iPad and only upgraded it twice: when the original iPad Pros came out, and this year for the new 11" Pro. I think the addition of a keyboard/trackpad is the big problem - you're trying to make it into a laptop computer when it isn't meant for that. I find it's great as a compact media consumption device (watching videos, taking down quick notes, reading, sheet music, etc.), and it works as a third screen if I ever need it with my MBP. And, as rarely as I upgrade, I'm more than happy to pay a little bit more for the pro model so it'll last me years and years. The 12.9" is too big to one-handed-hold for any length of time, and, to me, is just an awkwardly large iPhone. The 11" feels like the sweet spot between something small and portable, and something larger and more powerful.
Switched to iPhone 12 Pro, Apple Watch SE from Google Pixel 5 and Galaxy Watch Active 2…and I’m so ready to go back to Android…I gave Apple a shot, but it’s just not that interesting, actually pretty boring…sorry Apple fans, not for me.
why do you even need ipad? I bought ipad air 4 in the beginning of 2021 and still can’t justify it, apart from when I’m djing on a small/relaxed party or listening to my mixes on it when trying to comprehend how many people will be listening to my music or music that I mix. oh, maybe I will use it as a second monitor when my 14" macbook will arrive, ’cause my upgraded 2018 i7 mac mini can’t even handle it. I also have my work m1 macbook air so the ipad is almost always laying down on the table
I think for most people, even a MacBook Air with the upgraded GPU and SSD (or the Pro 13 if you need that little bit for performance and better battery life) is more than enough and going for the MacBook Pro 14 is unnecessary. The base iPad is also a fantastic value for pure content consumption, you CAN have a "cheap" Apple ecosystem.
Just wondering would the M1 be able to handle heavy cad usage. I want to future proof my laptop for when I go to collage.
@@Skywalker8510 when you get to college you would know. i do cad work and some applications i use are fine with 8gb laptop, but others dont even have a mac version at all. so first you'd want to get to college , know the apps you use, and im sure there would be recommended laptops for them.
I absolutely agree. As a video editor I still need a proper computer but ever since I got an iPad I don't use my computer for anything other than editing
endering.
All of my media consumption, internet browsing, documents, everything moved to the iPad.
@@amirhaveryt that's exactly opposite for me. I do the video editing on my ipad and watch contents on my laptop. And it's probaly because my laptop is like 17 inch and not as fast as the ipad Pro m1 and my ipad is 11 inch.
@@Skywalker8510 upgrade the ram. Its the only thing that has been an issue for me.
Edit. Im in collage, I use Parallels
I think most people would more than happy with a base model MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPhone 12. That's about $2,300. This holds a way better value than the ridiculous $7,700 ecosystem.
macbook air makes ipad useless, better to spend money on monitor, airpods, etc.
@@siddharthagupta8528 Not at all. Any Mac does not have a touch screen. If ur a musician, u can use the touch screen to play keys. If ur an artist, u can use the Apple pencil to draw professionally. There’s more advantages to an iPad compared to a Mac but I am only an artist and a musician.
Edit: An iPad Pro M1 also has better graphics than an IPhone 13 Pro Max, and a bigger touch screen so it is better for playing Call of Duty Mobile because you can use four fingers to move around aim and shoot. A Mac doesn’t have that kind of touch screen technology, at all.
I have an iPhone 12 in blue. It is absolutely fine in every way so I agree with you. I also have a 2008(I think) plastic MacBook which I found in the trash and that works great too for my needs.
Fr. AirPods Gen 3, MacBook Air, Apple Watch SE, iPhone 13, iPad Air is all need (not including accessories)
@@_orange_hamster talking about 95% of people the Mac makes the ipad useless
I'd love a review of 4K monitors: Thunderbolt/USB vs just HDMI, Gaming vs accurate color for photo/video editing, best bang for the buck.
My current ecosystem is:
Some airpod pros that I snagged for 90 bucks on amazon a few months ago
Dude
$90???
@@Kxnii I dunno, I believe the Amazon listing glitched but it was still a great price
@@The_Horizon you sure it wasn't one of those "renewed" ones? if they work well $90 is a great price
@@Kxnii maybe? I can't remember. But all the features work perfectly and they are good with my android
My entire ecosystem (M1 macbook air, ipad air, iphone 12 mini) was about $1600 because I got some discounts including 50% off on the 12 mini from my carrier, and I would love to add an M1 imac to it. I just cannot justify nearly doubling my entire ecosystem’s price when I have a pretty decent 4K 28” monitor i picked up for $150 that does the job very well. No way, no how. Can’t do it.
good deal.
where did u get ur monitor from ?
@@slashbxe2832 used on fb marketplace! It’s from like 2015 but for my purposes it’s more than adequate
@@John-uk3wz thats a really good deal in my area people sell stuff for so much
An m1 mac mini could be the addition you’re looking for it has the m1 for the cheapest you can get it
I think one can start an ecosystem with older used hardware and then over time find out what they really use. I found that I use my phone and laptop the most. I now know I do not need an iPad or a watch or an iMac. So then you spend all the money on two things instead of 4. The entry price for all that would be low for the first year or two then when you buy the latest you keep that for many years. Until apple makes devices that pull double or triple duty it’s not worth having separate devices to configure and pay monthly app fees for.
Sadly, I think Apple missed the boat with the iPad Pro. If they were going to put the M1 chip in it, they should have allowed it to run MacOS as well😳 Set it up so that it runs iPadOS when in tablet mode only and MacOS when attached th the Magic Keyboard. THEN it would totally be a winning proposition 🤩
I've been saying this for years. It would be the best of both worlds 🔥
That would be an absolutely amazing device if implemented properly.
Good idea but why would they opt to cannibalize themselves? They WANT you to by a Mac for “real” work and and iPad for….umm, whatever is not considered real work?
I've got one of these iPads and I'm really hoping that future updates bring more to it. Literally, it would be 1000% more useful if you could just install your own apps from any source. Can you imagine running VS Code on your iPad and being able to compile whatever you want? That M1 would be actually useful.
And Microsoft beat them to it with the Surface Laptop Studio.
Proud owner of an iPad 6th Gen from 2018 (crashes on some apps, but still works), an iPhone 11 with 128 GB of storage, an Apple Watch Series 6 I got for $100 off, and recently purchased a refurbished M1 MacBook Air for $1200 (base M1 with 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage).
Best thing I can advise is to buy not only what you can afford the most, but what's the most useful first. If I was starting from square one, I'd probably start with either the MacBook or the iPhone first. Then buy an Apple Watch and the iPad at a later time.
Can’t wait for universal control on MacOS Monterey!
“Later this fall”
C’mon it’s winter now
Yes we need more people to talk about universal control. Where is it!
ikr!!!
Imagine if universal control becomes the next AirPower. God I hope that doesn’t happen
You should make another $1000 apple ecosystem video with all the new releases and operating systems
My current ecosystem is
-M1 MacBook Air w/ 8 core and 512gb
-Iphone XR
-$120 monitor
It all works great and I think this is all people need, period. I think an iPad is simply unnecessary for any kind of affordable ecosystem and an Apple Watch SE could be something to add on.
that certainly depends! if you are an amateur/hobbyist/professional photographer, or even a videographer- you’ll beign by needing a decent screen - a 120 usd monitor won’t do! beyond that - even for photos - a macbook air will choke on most raw photo editing- so that’ll have to be upgraded… then comes storage - for video that will surely need upgrading… so, as usual - needs differ!
@@mortenthorpe Yeah I definitely agree that a better monitor will be needed for many use cases, but simply for what I need, I just need the simplest thing there is lol. But for what I've been using the Air for (video editing, basic work, and some good old gaming), it's actually been crushing everything I've thrown at it. Maybe photo editing is more demanding than I imagine though.
Same thing🤝 but I just have I pad also.
My computer ecosystem is very similar - my Acer monitor even cost about $130 - except that I have an M1 Mac Mini with the above specs and an iPhone 11.
I also have an iPad 2 and a menagerie of iPods, with a couple of the latter synced to my Titanium Powerbook G4. ;)
Nice
Exactly! So true, I sold almost all my Apple products. I don’t need iPad 12,9, IPad mini, Apple Watch and MacBook Air/Pro 14/16 inches. Today I own IPhone 12 Pro and iMac with 24inch display. More than enough to do all my daily tasks
Tech RUclipsrs: “The vast minority of people don’t need this”
Same tech RUclipsrs: “I got this, but you shouldn’t”
Lol IKR
I'm loving all these new expensive Apple products. The more they drum up a frenzy of consumerism, the cheaper all the earlier versions get. And as Luke has highlighted in many videos, the older stuff can be souped-up and made into perfectly acceptable machines. Thank you, Luke. Your videos are fun to watch.
I do not feel „blind“. I‘m quite conscious about the prices and I also compare it to other eco-systems. I also include, how long I can use devices without usability-issues. For me, the Mac/iOS eco-system is still a clear winner over the last 20 years. My strategy: A new MBP every 4 years (re-using the previous one in the family), a new iPhone every 3 years or so, a new iMac or Mini after 6 years with some upgrades in it‘s lifetime…
dude the way literally nobody gives a poop
I do about the same thing. I stick with a phone for about 3/4 years, to a computer for about 5/6 years. And I upgrade the other devices when it’s stopes to get updates.
You absolutely do not need a new mbp every 4 years
@@ValSX I agree. I just bought an m1 13" . I was previously using a 2012 15" i7. It lasted me ten years. Now my wife uses it, and it might last a couple more.
Setup for Bachelors/Doctorate student and Film Business/Hobby:
M1 Max
Iphone 12
Apple Watch Series 3
AirPods Pro
Samsung Galaxy A.10
Uses: for editing videos, zoom calls, homework, pretty much everything. Different products have different case scenarios tailored towards individual people.
My ecosystem consists of a Dual monitor gaming setup, An iPad air and a MacBook air. Thinking of getting a phone but who knows? Rn the total cost would be around $2900
The Apple Ecosystem that I desire costs approx. $8,072. It would be cheaper in the US, but I'm from India.
Kinda funny that my dream ecosystem doesn't include an iPad. But it does have the "base M1 Max" 16-inch MBP.
Currently for me: iPad Mini (5th gen, 64 GB; owned it for over two years now) and iPhone SE 2 (128 GB; recent purchase). On the way is a 14" Macbook Pro (unbinned M1 Pro chip, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB storage, FCP installed).
(edited to add...) The iPhone and Macbook replaced (or will replace) a four-plus-year-old Android phone and a nine-plus-year-old Windows laptop.
Im really happy with my ecosystem plus I got a pretty good deal on most stuff
iPhone 13 Pro 256gb - $100 (Carrier Deal)
Macbook Pro 14 - $325 (trade ins)
Ipad Pro m1 11 cellular 256gb - $500 + $160 Smart Keyboard
Apple watch S6 - $329
Damn bro you could get an ipad for a better price than an apple watch? still good
good deal, i got my ipad pro m1 128gb wifi for 500 usd, no cellular, no trade in.
The phone isn’t $100. The actual price is just somehow wrapped up into your monthly bill.
@@moldyrefrigerator i know that but in 3 years I basically only paid $100
@@ItsGerYT no lol. You paid $100 down and then whatever per month for it so you’ve paid for the phone in full and your phone plan in the bill. So you’ve not got a good deal it’s just normal and probably quite a bad deal if you break it down and realise how much you’ve actually paid.
My Apple Ecosystem:
-Nothing
-Nothing again bcuz i'm broke
-Nothing 😊
I view my ecosystem as money well spent. Enjoy using all of them.
iPhone 12 with AirPods gen2
iPad Pro 11” M1 (2021) - mobile do-everything device
iMac 21.5” 4K (2017) - reliable home desktop
Tip: wait 4 to 5 years or refurbished… from a few years back. I did that and ended up with a review unit. For those who may not know what means, it’s a demo unit that was sent out for review. Most of those units (about 85-95%) are maxed out. I got the last i9 Touch Bar 16” for $5K last year. Retailed for about $7500 or higher.
My Current System:
iPhone 12 Pro
Apple Watch Series 3
AirPods Pro
M1 Max 16 Inch
My needs for AirPods Pro is that noise canceling is great in many areas. iPhone 12 Pro really has no use. The only good things would be AirPods and laptop because they're used everyday in a work or school environment.
So my ecosystem is iPhone 12 pro 128gb, iPad pro M1 256gb, magic keyboard + apple pencil, apple watch se 40mm, airpods pro, and macbook air M1 256gb
Its just that I need that ecosystem to work
I bought a used m1 13" (16GB/1TB), a 27" QHD monitor, and I'm still using a 3-year old phone and 10.5" iPad pro. This setup is perfect for right now, and cost me just over $2200 (over 3 years). I don't understand people who "require" all their tech to be new (or even current gen).
I have an 2019 iMac Pro, 2017 iMac, 2019 Macbook Pro, 12.9” iPad Pro (replaced my 2018),an M1 Mac Mini (2020), an iPhone 12 Pro Max, an iPhone 11 Pro Max, and a number of Apple TVs. My ecosystem prior to the pandemic worked this way: the iMac Pro was in my office, the 2017 iMac was for my home, the Macbook Pro was when I travel (and would be left in the hotel room), and the iPad Pro was for bringing with me in my travels (outside the hotel or office), while the iPhone 12 was for my regular use and the iPhone 11 for calls to clients who use a particular telco company. Now that I work from home, all these gadgets are with me, at home. So your video on the Apple ecosystem is very useful…thanks.
After being a Windows/Android user for all my life, I got the MacBook Air M1, iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPad 12.9 M1 this year. I have to add that my wife uses the MacBook most of the time while I use the iPad while being on the road during the week, therefore making it a bit more useful.
Crazy Yes! But…. I have an IPad Pro, 2018, MacBook Pro 2016, iPhone 12 and a watch series 4. They don’t die. I would love to get an M1 MacBook, but… I took my 2016 MacBook in last year to fix the battery, and they replaced the battery and the keyboard under warranty all for $0. I’m now good for a few more years. By comparison, I am on my third windows PC from work during the same time frame. I would never replace the whole ecosystem in one go, but.. I am hooked. They all work, and keep working, and work together.
Come on, base MBP, $200 LG monitor, $330 iPad and iPhone 13 Mini. $3200
Surprising message today Luke. Thank you for your honesty either way. (:
“Because no one cares about the Apple Watch series 7”
That is weirdly true
If I were starting from scratch, I'd probably buy a 16GB M1 Mac mini for desktop/fixed use, a basic iPad (or maybe an iPad mini) and an iPhone SE. I'd splash out on a nice screen and speakers for the mini. As a home worker, I barely use my phone any more and I don't see the point of anything beyond a basic iPad. For me, the Mac is where the budget should go.
14" Macbook Pro $2500
13 pro $1000
series 7 $430
ipad pro 11" $800
my ecosystem
He forgot the iPod, Mac, airpods, Apple watch and he should have also gone for an extra iPad, perhaps an iPad mini.
I currently use an iPhone XS, iPad Pro 9.7, Macbook Pro 16 (2019), devices and Apple devices in particular are now at a peak in performance where really no consumer needs the most powerful system anymore, because of how far tech innovation has came in even the last 5 years
The new Macbook Pros are awesome. The screens are definitely worth it. I can't go back to the standard SDR displays on laptops. There are still blooming on it, but OLED displays at laptop sizes are not very bright, so I'd take the Mini LED LCD display right now.
Hi Luke, I bought a Mac mini M1 with 16 GB ram, 1 TB SSD and I got a SamSung screen to go with it (28.5 inch, 4K, HDR and less than 300 euro!) and I'm very happy with this, I use it every day to work from home. My iPhone is still an iPhone 7 which is really all I need and the battery still last 2 days! I of course have an iPad (2021 model) with 128 MB and an Apple Watch SE with 128 MB. I bet that still adds to a lot less than your Apple eco-system. Of course I have also to admit I have 3 more iMacs, several other iPads and Apple Watches and iPhones (wife and daughter)... mmm, good thing really my own eco-system is a bit cheaper.
Apple products are so extra sometimes when people have everything 2 times over
You know what’s really funny… Getting a phone call, and having it ring on everything; the iMac, MacBooks, the iPads, AppleWatch, and the iPhone itself…
If you have an AppleTV connected to a pair of HomePods and you are using it to view security cameras via the Home app, then it gets even more hilarious when the sound is amplified…
…
Interesting you never mentioned the M1 Mac Mini… that could also be better value for money instead of an M1 iMac, don’t you think? Thanks so much for these videos, you are the best, Luke!
It would probably work out somewhat cheaper, though Magic Keyboard and the built in Display in the iMac are substantially nicer than a cheap external monitor and keyboard are going to be.
the imac is offering more bang for buck than the mac mini. the mac min is only for those who have the required accessory before purchasing the mac mini, otherwise go for imac.
I think you are on that, just thinking the fact that you may already a capable display, only need to add magic devices, keyboard and mouse, to complete and that would be also part of a nice less expensive ecosystem! Thanks to all for the messages!!
My current ecosystem consists of a late-2011 17” MBP, iPad mini 6th gen, iPhone X & Apple Watch Series 7!
Great video and thank you for spending all that money so we don’t have to! I think the flip side to this is that people tend to hold on to their apple products for a long time… I bought an iPhone XR in 2018 and have no need to upgrade anytime soon… I went a little nuts in 2020 and bought a refurb 2018 12.9” iPad Pro, an M1 Mac Mini for work and an M1 MacBook Pro because I felt like it… but these replaced tablets and computers that were 7-10 years old. Now the challenge is to resist Apple’s magic marketing for the next few years until they entice me with either a good refurb bargain or something I can’t resist.
m1 macbook air + 29" LG ultrawide monitor + iphone SE 2020 = $1550
a very good combo for the price IMO.
I control myself :) iPad 2014 for my little girl , iPad 2018 for my son, one Apple TV from 2019, one iPhone XR for me , one iPhone 11 for my wife, my Apple Watch 3 and one AirPods serie 1 and 2 HomePod mini for our old plasma tv from 2005. I plan to upgrade my watch for a serie 8 this year for sure.
My ecosystem is an iPad 6 from 2018, AirPods Pro and 2017 iMac 5k 27 inch
Basically, nothing labeled PRO by Apple is to be considered a great value.
A MacBook Air, 4K external monitor, iPad (or iPad Air) and an iPhone 13 would work fine for an OK price.
It’s not ment for great value. It’s targeted to actual pros. How hard is that for pesants and non professionals to understand?
@@DanRustle Ok angry man
With you making a video about cutting down expenses in Apple Ecosystem, I think it's time to make the supposed annually 1000 ecosystem dollar challenge!
Your iPhone not having a case is giving me anxiety
i dislike using cases, it takes away the joy of holding the phone but i use screen protector tho, because i dislike micro scratches on screen.
My wife and I had some recent updates to our apple ecosystem. Not wanting to over do anything mine is a iPhone 12 128gb, Apple Watch series 6, air pod pros, and a 2015 MacBook Pro 13” base.
Which it’s a great setup for working on videos and school projects. Editing isn’t super fast but everything works together and I don’t feel like anything is stepping on anything else. It’s not as annoying as it was before I had the MacBook and had to sync to a pc. But really gives me an opportunity to make use of my iCloud and photo stream. As well as using my notes and calendar for probably the first time where it’s not annoying to do.
My wife’s is a iPhone 11 64 gb, Apple Watch se, air pod 2, and a 2011 13” MacBook Pro base cpu with 16gb ram and a 480gb ssd. It’s perfect enough for her to listen to her music and audio books while scrolling Pinterest and keeping track of her steps.
Now that we both have our own ecosystems I don’t think there is any way we could go back. It really helps us to keep on top of our to dos.
I don’t always feel it’s necessary to have the latest and greatest. We only tend to upgrade when our devices break, are unrepairable or too out of date to do anything. But even with some older and not even that old hardware we are able to have all of our devices, iClouds and data linked together without any issues.
For students the perfect setup is
M1 Air
iPad Air or Pro for portable note taking or second device for studying in case laptop dies
iPhone X at least
and AirPods Pro
Hey Luke: Keep on buying; we love your channel. As for me, I am satisfied with 1080p video which the camera in my iPhone 6 can shoot. I have an M1 MacBook Air (love it). No need for an iPad at all. No need for a desktop computer.
You've just made me tally up all the apple products and now I've realised that I've spent roughly 4250 T_T
my eco system is literally the 13" M1 MBP, iPhone 13 Pro, M1 iPad pro 11 inch, Series 5 watch and the airpods pro
Really happy with my ecosystem although it took some self-control not to upgrade the iPhone this year. Waiting for the 14...
M1 Mac Mini 16/256gb with a generic 28" 4k display
M1 Macbook Air (base)
iPad Mini (cellular, 64gb)+ Pencil
iPhone 11 (128gb)
AirPods Pro
Apple Watch SE
I have iphone 13 pro max 128
Macbook air m1 base
Airpods pro
Apple watch series 7
Ipad pro Z12 chip
I am happy with my Apple ecosystem. I have a MacBook Pro 16 inch 2016, iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple Watch series 7, some other older specked out Macs, three Apple TVs, AirPods Pro and a home pod mini plus HomeKit accessories and I like this ecosystem. It’s a lot, but it makes me have a smarter home and gives me joy.
- iPhone 13 Pro or Max
- 24 inch iMac
- iPad Mini/refurbished iPad Pro
- AirPods 3
I think that would be a more functional ecosystem.
Maybe swap iMac + iPad for 14 inch MacBook Pro if portable MacOS is required for you.
My ecosystem includes an Apple Watch, AirPods Pro, used MacBook Pro, used Mac Pro + upgrades and cost me $1285 total. iPads are useless unless you love touchscreens for some reason. Now that's a budget ecosystem. I really want a 14-inch though :)
Very chill video
Nice content and love the atmosphere/mood you bring with you
I actually got the Apple Watch Series 7, and as soon as I put it on my wrist, it detected AFib. I blew it off, but it kept happening, so I made an appointment with my GP, and she confirmed it. Now I'm seeing a Cardiologist, so very grateful for the Apple Watch, and I think it's already paid for itself. I also have an iPhone 12 Pro, MacBook Air M1 (base model), MacBook Air 2015 (great condition and only 54 battery cycles), and an old iPad Air 2 that still works. I'm happy with my ecosystem.
They got me for an 11” iPad Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, Apple Watch Series 7 44mm and a 16” MacBook Pro this year. It was an expensive year full of upgrades, but with Apple trade in gift cards, Verizon trade in billing credits and eBay sales my total cost for everything was $1900 so I can’t complain too much lol. I’m especially loving my 13 Pro and even more the new MBP. All awesome upgrades in their own ways!
MacBook Pro + iPad mini is the perfect combo. Only iPad not trying to be anything else than an iPad. I have base MacBook Pro 16 and the iPad mini 6
My ecosystem:
iPad Air 4 + Magic Keyboard: $1,048 (last year)
Apple Watch SE (basically my “phone” and my iPad does the rest): $329
AirPods Pro (bought and still have since launch in 2019): $249
Total cost: $1,626
Does everything I want it do, not going to upgrade anytime soon.
Honestly, I could go with a refurbished base iPhone 13, no need for iPad, 14” MacBook Pro M1 Pro, apple watch SE, 19€ EarPods and that’s about it. I really need my ports and performance on my Mac so that’s why I’ll get the MacBook Pro (if only I could afford it lol)
If you keep replacing each thing when it goes obsolete then that's crazy. And if you don't replace your tech when it goes obsolete, that's crazy in a different way.
What is the desktop background on that MacBook Pro?
Yup, in the course of one year I replaced my private phone by a 12 Pro, got me my first Mac, got Airpods as a gift, replaced my old iPad by the 11” Pro and replaced my work phone by the 13 mini, only to realise I too fell into spending over 4k on the “ecosystem”.
I think the majority of people buy devices they need, or devices they know they're going to keep for a long time. I wish more tech youtubers took this into consideration. Oftentimes it feels like youtubers are recommending stuff only because they're the newest. For example, I've seen people recommend the ipad mini 6 over the air 4 for students, but the size of that thing would make it really uncomfortable for someone whose only device for school is their ipad. Their logic is that the ipad mini has the better processor and the better front-facing camera... so what? The air 4 is still plenty powerful regardless... People who can't afford to buy the latest and greatest can also benefit from the second-hand market and get to own devices that are still more than enough for their needs and save some cash.
For someone like me your ecosystem is far unnecessary, but I reckon there's people whose jobs depend on them, so is it unnecessary for them? No.
That's why I like your videos, you still make videos about older stuff and talk about how most of us don't need the most expensive professional level stuff. Videos like that are truly helpful to those who don't own apple products and are genuinely confused without guidance. We need more people explaining these practical things to the average user
Exactly. No one is buying an entire ecosystem in one year. Buy as you need and buy products on sale
I think that the iPad Air is quite bad value. A refurbished 2018/2020 iPad Pro or brand new 11 inch iPad Pro would be a better option.
The iPad Air is an awful value however.
The iPad Mini 6 has Center Stage, along with a base model 11 inch iPad Pro (yes it's $200 more, but it's also better for zoom meetings based upon center stage alone).
You'd be better off buying a 2018 or 2020 (has center stage) iPad Pro, which comes with a better display compared to the iPad Air.
Luke, Your video reminds me of a story about a man in another land who made a video just like this one you made here. After viewing the video, the authorities came and replaced all his Apple devises running the Apple ecosystem. They replaced all his devises with those running the Microsoft ecosystem, and Windows 11. The costs was about the same for the specs of the Apple machines, if not even more for the PC devises. The man has never been the same since. He walks around mumbling to himself about the days when he really enjoyed using his Apple environment and ease of use.
I'm watching this on 2011 MacBook Pro with my iPhone SE (1st gen) lying next to me and I'm completely happy.
Apple has taken about 3k of me since 2019
As a student, ironically having my 7th gen iPad and 2020 SE has been very helpful solely by the fact that they have touch instead of faceID
Still using, and happy, with my "all the ports" Powerbook Pro circa 2012. Just works. Dogs have killed 2 chargers, and those aren't cheap, but it's better than laying down hard cold cash. And oh, it was a refurb. Back when you could buy one cheap, then add, when ready 16 gigs of Ram and 1 TB of storage - at my pace. Those days are gone.
My personal system is a base m1 mini with dual monitors, a m1 13 in MacBook Pro, an m1 iPad 12.9, an iPhone 12 and an Apple Watch SE. For me it’s a lot but it works perfectly for my college, artist, freelance life
“I’ve fallen victim to apples marketing”
You just realized that?
my entire eco system was about 1600 dollars by getting used devices on eBay. My XS Max was 400 dollars 1 year ago, 14 inch M1 Pro was given as a replacement to a 2019 MacBook Pro 13 inch I got for 485 dollars used. My iPad was also used. 250 dollars on an iPad Air 4 that was also replaced by Apple with a refurbished one. All in with a Dell 4K 27 inch monitor for 400 its about 1600 dollars
Honestly. It’s sooo easy to get carried away. My apple ecosystem:
-2015 MacBook (looking to upgrade to M2 MacBook Air)
-2019 11’ iPad Pro with magic keyboard
-iPhone 12 Pro Max
-21’ iMac
-Apple watch 4
-AirPods 2nd generation
-AirPods 3
-AirPods Pro.
-4K new Apple TV
These are my apple ecosystem and My daughter has her own.
I plan to upgrade my iPhone 8 plus this year, but I still have Macbook Air 2013, Macbook Pro 2012, 2009 27-inch iMac with upgraded GPU running open Core, and 2009 Mac Pro Open Core. I also have Apple Watch Series 3. A decent iPhone 11 and up with a Macbook Air M1 and possible iMac is all a person really needs. iPads are about convenience, drones, or for kids.
"This wasn't like I added all of these to my cart and hit check out and there was $7000 out of my bank account."
Except when you bought 5 models of the MBP, of course.
Agree with the point that you made here, however, Apple is not the problem. It’s just human, we like to buy things that we think we need but actually don’t.
When the M1 12.9 pro came out I did exactly what you suggested... Got myself a refurbished 2018 256GB 12.9in pro for $700...
I tend to buy a new product every year and upgrade my iphone every 3-4 years. Apple's current product line up as well as the general progression of moore's law means the 'base model' technology that's being sold today, WAY over performs what the average user needs. I bought my macbook pro back in 2016 with the intention on keeping it for 8-10 years, and that will most likely hold true. I just bought a 2017 27" 5k imac from an estate sale for 225 because the macbook pro is my main computer and I just 'wanted' an imac. There are ways of accumulating an Apple ecosystem for relatively cheap. As you mentioned in this video, if it's something you won't use everyday or if it's just a 'want' and not a 'need,' buy a refurbished model, it will work just as well as a new one and save you a bunch of money. Great video as always!!
Hey Luke, I’d like to know where you did you get the wallpapers on the iPad and Macbook, they look so cool :)
Same
I finally have the Apple ecosystem (except Apple TV), BUT with cheap/old products. MacBook Pro 15" (late 2013), iPad Air (2014), iPhone SE (2020) XD
I'm reallly optimistic about iPAdOS getting a full redesign soon, there's no way Apple doesn't care about the face that iPads Pro from 2018 are too powerful for nothing.
They oversell so you pay more.
pro anything from apple is overkill for most people. Macbook air, Iphone 13 and apple watch is sufficient for most needs and you have a decent apple ecosystem.
Current Eco System- IPhone 11Pro, Apple Watch SE, IPAD 9, Beats Studio Pods, MAcBook Air. I never even turn on the MAcBook anymore since I bought the keyboard case from Logitech for my iPad. Less is more for Apple and the Apple tax exists at the top end, not the bottom
I doubled my entrees into the apple ecosystem in the last few months
M1 16gb macbook air (student discount)
Iphone 13 pro max (insane trade in deal)
Apple watch series 7 (bogo promotion)
2018 ipad pro (back to school sale, basically came with a free pencil)
Airpods pro (black friday deal)
I have yet to pay full price for an apple product
I always buy refurbished and a couple years behind. I research the vendor before buying. The bonuses are, buying a MacBook or iMac at a couple years old, all of the issues have already shown themselves to consumers, so I’m confident in their reliability. The prices are great too.
Only exception is the iPhone, I have AT&T’s next up plan so I upgrade to the newest base model iPhone every year.
iPhone 13 (256gb)
MacBook Air 2019, 8gb ram 256gb SSD. Really would love the M1 chip but again, I’ll wait a couple years when the prices drop.
Apple Watch series 3
Airpods (can you count those into the ecosystem? I think you can and should since I think they’re actually the device that holds everything together, given my lifestyle)
I’m a student and also work 60 hours a week on a truck yard. I have tons of downtime at work so I study with my MacBook.
When I have to leave the truck yard, the watch informs me of notifications so I know when I stop somewhere I should read my email etc.
Calls are 100% hands free along with playing music or podcasts. I also do a lot of math while driving and it’s good to ask Siri to do basic arithmetic.
If I need internet I use the handy hot spot on my iPhone to connect, regardless of where I am.
And that’s pretty much it.
That’s a truck drivers low cost Apple ecosystem. Love it and can’t wait a couple years down the line to upgrade to M1
Funny thing is for some people this is actually their ecosystem 😂
Mines pretty close🤷🏽♂️
@@adamficzeri9048 there’s nothing wrong with that
I disagree right out the gate with Luke’s Priorities. The larger screen on my series 7 watch impresses me more than a mini LED iPad. I have my watch attached to my arm all day every day. Any size increase and a keyboard is a welcome addition. An iPad is just an occasional media consumption device because my real work gets done on my Mac.
I would change this ecosystem to be a 256GB 13 Pro Max (for 4K ProRes), an 11" iPad Pro without a magic keyboard, the same 16" M1 Max MBP but 32GB RAM instead of 64GB, and no iMac at all. The total price for that would be $5,496 instead of $7,746, a savings of $2,250.
I have the 11” iPad Pro M1 - the only time the screen blooms is when i have the brightness up all of the way
You can almost make a down payment for a car for the price of that ecosystem 😂
Just bought two 16” M1 Max 32Gb MBP’s with 2TB (one for me, one for my wife) and also a 14” 32Gb M1 Pro MBP - we’ll use the 14” as a joint travel laptop. I feel a bit shell shocked at the dent in our account, we’re far from swimming in money, but reasonably confident they’ll pay for themselves quickly in saved days of editing. After a couple of weeks with the first M1 Max, it’s already saved me several days’ editing time, just yesterday I did in a few hours a volume of editing which would normally take several days, and I think the 16” Max’s will actually pay for themselves in terms of the extra client work we can get through within just a couple of months or so. So while the up front cost seems huge, that is actually, fingers crossed, relatively trivial compared to the value they can bring in. The idea of the third, 14” MBP is also, apart from travel, also to accommodate taking on an additional full time editor in 2/3 months time. Since it’s powerful enough to be both a travel machine but a full blown editing machine, the flexibility of dual role is attractive.
In fact, in my experience of studying for a PhD, most students use the iPad to take notes, rather than using it as a second laptop. Therefore, an Apple pencil is a must, not a magic keyboard. Also, a normal 13' MBP or Air is enough, not even M1 depends if you are coding, designing or editing.
I am using an 11’ iPad Pro (2020) with pencil only + 13’ MBP (2019) + Dell U2720Q. totally affordable
I am a 'buy once and make it last' kind of person.
My current ecosystem (and I'm a designer by trade) is:
• Mid 2010 27in iMac (with a RAM upgrade to 20gb)
• iPhone 13 Pro (which until last month was an iPhone 7)
• iPad Air 64gb (which until 6 months ago was the original retina iPad from what, 2012?)
• Airpods Pro
I don't even use the iPad, it's for the family to watch TV shows around the house with. The iMac will be getting an upgrade next year as soon as the new 27in / 30in models come out.
It's unnecessary, but i need it
MacBook Pro, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch is what I need. The desktop is unnecessary for me, but my mom likes it instead of a laptop. I don’t think the ecosystem means you need all of it, but figuring out what you prefer.
If somebody told me a couple years ago that the chips in their apple products would’ve smoked intel I wouldn’t have believed it.