Old Macs, new Macs ... and 'Pachinko'!

March 26, 2022

Take a love of Apple computers ... add an obsession with hunting down vintage gear ... and finish with a fascination for getting ancient software and systems up and running.

That's the tech trifecta that fuels the interesting hobby of collecting classic Macs.

If it sounds like something you'd enjoy, we've got tips on getting started in this week's lead story.

Also, don't miss the latest on the new Mac Studio and Studio Display, which continue to serve up surprises.

Finally, if you're looking for something to stream on Apple TV+ this weekend, we've got two timely picks: Epic new series Pachinko, which premiered Friday, and creepy thriller Servant, which just wrapped up its third season with a tasty cliffhanger.

Enjoy!

– Lewis Wallace, managing editor

So, you want to collect old Apple computers? Here’s a quick guide to buying classic Macs. These tips should get you started and help you avoid common pitfalls.

News and opinion

The gadget butchers at iFixit finally got their hands on Mac Studio. After many hours on the operating table, Apple’s newest desktop has been pulled apart to give us a detailed look at its compact yet powerful insides.

Plus, more on Mac Studio and Studio Display:

Apple might soon give customers the option to get a Mac or other device with monthly fees, rather than paying the full cost up front.

Complaints posted online claim the recently released tablet is so flimsy it makes a creaking noise when pressed.

Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio and Puerto Rico also pledge their support for this convenient new feature.

Apple is rumored to be working on a bigger version of its budget laptop. But the new machine may launch under a different moniker.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

The European Union plans to break down the barriers between mobile messaging services with its Digital Markets Act. The move would be a major blow to Apple.

How-tos

Twitter made creating a GIF as easy as posting an image. Using the iPhone camera, users can capture a short video in the social-networking service’s app that is automatically converted into a GIF. It’s easy and fun!

Hooking a hardware keyboard up to your iPad is easy, and brings all kids of cool features otherwise unavailable. Here's how to do it the right way.

Deals

There are some tools your computer basically requires to be useful. A good word processor, a data-management tool, a slideshow presentation app and an email manager are some of the big ones. You get programs that do all that and more with the Microsoft Office suite. And now you can get them all — for life — at a totally killer price.

If you like to wear your Apple Watch to the gym as well as the office, you need a band that’s ready for anything. And you won’t find better than the brilliant (and insanely affordable) silicone band from BluShark.

Parallels lets you run Windows and macOS at the same time. And, through March 31, it’s on sale for $79.99 (regularly $99).

Plus, more software deals:

Cult of Mac Deals rounded up some of the highest-quality apps and online courses, then slashed the prices to make them much more affordable.

Reviews

In epic new Apple TV+ series Pachinko, three generations of a Korean family — caught between Japan, America and their homeland — eke out a living as times change and fortune fails to provide for them.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

Elago's transparent band looks absolutely terrific. Made from a strong and lightweight thermoplastic, it's incredibly comfortable to wear all day long. And it’s insanely affordable at less than $13.

The ports on Plugable's new docking station allow users to mix and match up to three monitors, even with M1 MacBooks that natively support only one.

Satechi's new stand adds extra height to the all-in-one desktop, and makes room for four additional USB ports, an SD card reader and an audio jack.

Setups

Checking in with real people and their first impressions about the new computers — and their answers to others’ questions about it — offers an early look at how things are going with Apple’s latest products.

Ever had trouble getting your Mac to recognize input devices? A brand-new Mac Studio, mounted neatly on a pegboard behind a sprawling Samsung display, doesn't play nice with Logitech's keyboard and mouse.

In the days since the monitor's launch, we’ve seen quite a few crop up on social media. The owner of this one talks about Apple's new monitor, "warts and all."