Mac laptop recomendations

July 16, 2025, 01:59 PM

quote:
Originally posted by parabellum:
Who do our Mac users favor for a Bluetooth mouse? I see Apple has a couple but I'm not so sure about the ergonomics, and I don't see a scroll wheel.

Logitech for Mac or windows is always my choice. I love the Logitech MX Master 3S for Mac (the for Mac is in the title). I’ve used it and it’s predecessors for years. I have one of their smaller Bluetooth ones in my travel bag, either the marathon or triathlon series.

I’ve never liked the Magic Mouse. Its minimalism just isn’t my cup tea. I like feeling my buttons and scroll wheels.

July 16, 2025, 02:31 PM

straightshooter01

Apple Magic Mouse all day. It always connects, its surface is essentially a track pad. It does have left and right button functions you just press on the left or right front edge of the surface of the mouse the buttons are underneath the surface. It is a lot like the Windows vs Mac. Most windows folks hate Mac because it is so different but once you go Mac your life is so much better. Most folks are used to mice with wheels and buttons all over them but once you get used to the elegance of the magic mouse you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Unless you have some physical reason to not be comfortable with the flatter format like tendonitis or something.

The ONLY complaint that I have with the magic mouse is that the charge port is on the belly of the mouse which means you cannot charge it and use it at the same time.

July 16, 2025, 03:14 PM

Georgeair

As an Apple convert a few years ago, I second the Magic Mouse unless she is a gamer and needs multi-buttons. Yes, you think no, but perhaps a double life after you're in bed?

In place of a scroll wheel you just move your finger forward or back on the surface of it. Pretty cool actually.

My only complaint is the default "orientation" of the way your screen moves in relation to the mouse is backwards, but easy enough to change in settings once and forget about it.

Battery life is pretty good, and the form factor is small so good for a traveling computer. I suspect she'll like the touchpad on that computer as well.

I just plug mine in from time to time in evening or when I'm not using it a bit. Worst case when I've forgotten and it has run down, a 15-20 minute charge will usually get me functional long enough to finish what I'm in midst of.

July 16, 2025, 04:50 PM

ruger357

Late to the party but wanted to chime in since I just bought a new laptop and say great choice.

After going down the rabbit hole for months and researching and watching every single youtube video on which macbook is the best, I landed where your wife did. MacBook Air M4 (15"). I did bump up the ram and storage to 24mb and 1TB only because I use this for work and personal and I want it to be good for 10-15 years like my old macbook air 13" that it is replacing (2011(I think?) macbook air 13' that is still going strong). Just wanted a bigger monitor for my older eyes.

Thrilled with my new purchase. I'm sure y'all will be too. I use the trackpad mostly but I do like to apple mouse.

July 16, 2025, 04:59 PM

V-Tail

quote:
Originally posted by parabellum
Who do our Mac users favor for a Bluetooth mouse? I see Apple has a couple but I'm not so sure about the ergonomics, and I don't see a scroll wheel.

You just move your finger up / down on the surface, as if there were a scroll wheel there. Also works the same way left / right.

I have been using this mouse for a few years, it's great! Many other brands have connection delays, latency, etc. but the Apple mouse has proven the most responsive for me. Highly recommended!

July 16, 2025, 05:01 PM

V-Tail

quote:
Originally posted by P250UA5:

iptuons

July 16, 2025, 05:03 PM

P250UA5

quote:
Originally posted by V-Tail:
quote:
Originally posted by P250UA5:

iptuons

Options...fixed the post.

Android autocorrect has really taken a massive backward step. Just allows non-words through, and corrects real words to random gibberish.

July 16, 2025, 05:04 PM

V-Tail

quote:
Originally posted by straightshooter01:

The ONLY complaint that I have with the magic mouse is that the charge port is on the belly of the mouse which means you cannot charge it and use it at the same time.

I just plug mine in once or twice a month, when I'm not using it. The charge lasts a long time.

July 16, 2025, 07:03 PM

straightshooter01

quote:
Originally posted by V-Tail:
quote:
Originally posted by straightshooter01:

The ONLY complaint that I have with the magic mouse is that the charge port is on the belly of the mouse which means you cannot charge it and use it at the same time.
I just plug mine in once or twice a month, when I'm not using it. The charge lasts a long time.

agreed., I should have said "minor" complaint. I have a couple of isolated times over years of use when I ignored the warnings and ended up with a dead rodent and couldn't work while it charged for a few minutes.

July 16, 2025, 08:09 PM

JasonEuc

For non-Apple and non-Logitech accessories, I recommend to look at Satechi.

At ~ $30 their mouse is more traditional than the Magic Mouse.

July 16, 2025, 08:41 PM

JasonEuc

One thing about Mac’s, the trackpads are exceptional.

Most Windows users who have only experience with those trackpads, mostly horrible, go straight to a mouse.

When mobile, ask her to give learning the trackpad and the gestures a try. She might leave the mouse at home.

On my desktop, I bought a Magic Trackpad and have it to the left of the keyboard, and the mouse on the right. I use both solely because the gestures are so efficient.

July 16, 2025, 08:41 PM

JasonEuc

quote:
Originally posted by JasonEuc:
One thing about Macs, the trackpads are exceptional.

Most Windows users who have only experience with those trackpads, mostly horrible, go straight to a mouse.

When mobile, ask her to give learning the trackpad and the gestures a try. She might leave the mouse at home.

On my desktop, I bought a Magic Trackpad and have it to the left of the keyboard, and the mouse on the right. I use both solely because the gestures are so efficient.

July 16, 2025, 08:57 PM

ruger357

The Apple Store also has free classes to show you how to use it and how to transition from Windows. And I’m sure you know, YouTube is full of videos on how to set it up and tips and tricks…

July 17, 2025, 05:42 AM

DanH

quote:
Originally posted by P250UA5:
Piggybacking on this thread, my wife is due for an upgrade from her decade-ish old MacBook.
Any significant benefit to buying directly from Apple vs Costco?

The biggest difference is buying directly from Apple is you can customize your laptop while Costco and everyone else gets "base" models on Apple's website.

July 17, 2025, 11:25 AM

ruger357

quote:
Originally posted by DanH:
quote:
Originally posted by P250UA5:
Piggybacking on this thread, my wife is due for an upgrade from her decade-ish old MacBook.
Any significant benefit to buying directly from Apple vs Costco?

The biggest difference is buying directly from Apple is you can customize your laptop while Costco and everyone else gets "base" models on Apple's website.

Also check Best Buy online. They have more options and seem to be a little cheaper than Apple.