Armand & Paiva LLC, co-founded by T.J. Armand and Carl H. Paiva, has announced a series of new global entertainment projects, including ventures in New York, London, and Bermuda. A spokesperson said, “Armand & Paiva LLC, an entertainment company co-founded by award-winning producer T.J. Armand and esteemed Bermudian entrepreneur Carl H. Paiva JP, is proud […]

Ubersoca Cruise [USC] was awarded “Best Cruise Event of the Year” at the Caribbean Music Awards held recently at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn. A spokesperson said, “Ubersoca Cruise [USC], the world’s premier Caribbean music festival at sea, was awarded ‘Best Cruise Event of the Year’ at the Caribbean Music Awards held recently at the […]

Bermuda Craft Brewing announced BEERMUDA, a festival of live music, beer tasting, food and fun at the National Stadium North Field on September 27 and 28. A spokesperson said, “Local brewery, Bermuda Craft Brewing, is excited to announce BEERMUDA, a festival of live music, beer tasting, food and fun at the National Stadium North Field […]

[Written by Dale Butler] The fifth Pastoral-Parishioners’ Anniversary took place on the grounds of the Christ Anglican Church, Devonshire, on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 6.00pm with a very appetizing dinner by Kenny’s Kitchen and water donated by John Barritt & Son Limited; an exceptional night of entertainment followed. The tent, lighting, and stage backdrop […]

[Written by Dale Butler] The Vernon Temple A.M.E. Church at 6 Hawthorn Lane, Middle Road, Southampton held a first-class Male Voice Gospel Concert on Sunday, September 22, 2024 in honour of distinguished patrons John and Marilyn Smith, who will celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary on October 9. The church building was filled to capacity with […]

Bermuda Craft Brewing hosted the BEERMUDA event, a festival of live music, beer tasting, food, and fun, at the National Stadium North Field this weekend. “BEERMUDA will showcase top international and local musicians while offering guests the chance to taste more than 40 specially selected craft beers from around the world. On tap beers will […]

[Written by Dale Butler] Tino Martinez is now broadening his Bermuda music experience with a variety of guest artists. On Thursday, September 26 at 7:30pm at The Deep inside the Lido Complex [Elbow Beach], Tino pulled out all stops. Regulars in the band, Raymond George [piano] and Torey Tacklin [bass] had a joyous evening with […]

[Written by Dale Butler] Leopards Club was the venue on Saturday, October 12 for entrepreneur and live music impresario Mickey Robinson to host an eager audience that has been supportive of his ventures since he started in 2022. We were treated to a delicious meal by Chef Raymond Dowling of Quality Catering and a seamless […]

[Written by Dale Butler] It was ‘A Grand Musicale’ evening organized by the Women’s Day Committee of St. Paul A.M.E. Church on Saturday, October 26 at 7.00pm, highlighting the Women in the Arts Concert. Host pastor Rev. Nicholas Genevieve-Tweed sat with admiration as a flawless program was delivered with 15 acts for patrons and general […]

Former Premier of Bermuda Dr. Ewart Brown paid tribute to the late Quincy Jones, recalling that the celebrated musician and producer “loved Bermuda.” Dr. Brown said, “Meeting Quincy Jones and spending time with him was awesome. When I lived in Los Angeles, every single person I met who was in the entertainment industry recognized him […]

[Updating] The by-election for Constituency 36 Sandys North is being held today [Oct 4], and we are thrilled to have some of the island’s brilliant young minds from Bermuda Youth Connect hosting a live discussion in advance of the results, and we will also be streaming the announcement live from the polling station. There are […]

Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban travelled overseas to attend the Green Overseas Climate Finance Forum. A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to advise that the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, JP, MP, travelled overseas this weekend to represent Bermuda at […]

Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward addressed members of Sandys Rotary Club and “shared information on Bermuda’s job market in 2024 and the Government’s strategies to strengthen the workforce.” A spokesperson said, “Minister Hayward spoke about the following: Challenges of an Aging Population: Bermuda’s shrinking working-age population presents challenges, including labour shortages, pressure on […]

The Government of Bermuda London Office invites Bermudian students and recent graduates in the UK to a networking dinner with Premier David Burt in Central London on Wednesday, November 20th. A Government spokesperson said, “The Government of Bermuda London Office invites Bermudian students and recent graduates’ resident in the United Kingdom to a networking dinner […]

The Free Democratic Movement [FDM] announced that Omar Dill was elected as Party Chairperson by acclamation. A spokesperson said, “The Free Democratic Movement [FDM] proudly announces a new chapter of leadership, with Omar Dill elected as Party Chairperson by acclamation. This transition introduces a refreshed executive team dedicated to advancing the FDM’s mission of empowering […]

[Updated with video] “This inexcusable waste of taxpayers dollars lies squarely with Premier Burt and his colleagues,” OBA MP Craig Cannonier said following the government’s announcement that a “decision was made to pivot the Bermudiana Beach Resort to residential rental units.” The property, originally called Grand Atlantic, was built over a decade ago as a housing development, only […]

The City of Hamilton welcomed President of the Azores José Manuel Bolieiro for a special visit today. A spokesperson said, “Today, the City of Hamilton was honored by an impromptu visit from His Excellency José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Azores, as he joined Bermuda in celebrating the 175th anniversary of the first Portuguese immigrants arriving on […]

Minister of Transport Wayne Furbert recently met with senior British Airways officials in London to “discuss partnerships and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the longstanding air connection between Bermuda and London.” A Government spokesperson said,  “Joining the Minister in the meetings were Lester Nelson, CEO of the Bermuda Airport Authority [BAA], and Aaron Adderley, President […]

Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward held a press conference today [Nov 6] to announce the launch of the Bermuda Coders Initiative, a “groundbreaking digital skills education programme made possible through a partnership with the United Arab Emirates’ Government Experience Exchange Office.” Minister Hayward said, “Developed by Udacity, a global leader in digital education, […]

One Bermuda Alliance leader Jarion Richardson and Warwick candidates will host a town hall on November 14 to discuss the OBA’s platform and community issues. A spokesperson said, “Join One Bermuda Alliance leader, Jarion Richardson as he and Warwick candidates host a town hall meeting on Thursday, 14 November 2024 at the Warwick Workman’s Club. The […]

Climate change is a huge topic and often debated across the world. We continue to burn fossil fuels and ignore our charge toward human driven climate change but while our behaviour never seems to improve, something else does! For the last few decades we have been pumping chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere causing a hole in …

Continue reading "Good News, the Ozone Layer Hole is Continuing to Shrink"

The post Good News, the Ozone Layer Hole is Continuing to Shrink appeared first on Universe Today.

A town in the Austrian Alps might not seem like the most conducive place to come up with daring space missions. But, for the last 40 years, students and professors have been gathering to do just that in Alpbach, just north of the Lichtenstein/Austrian border. One outcome of the Alpbach Summer School this year was …

Continue reading "A Mission to Triton and Neptune Would Unlock Their Mysteries"

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Supermassive Black Holes (SMBHs) can have billions of solar masses, and observational evidence suggests that all large galaxies have one at their centres. However, the JWST has revealed a foundational cosmic mystery. The powerful space telescope, with its ability to observe ancient galaxies in the first billion years after the Big Bang, has shown us …

Continue reading "How Did Supermassive Black Holes Get So Big, So Early? They Might Have Had a Head Start"

The post How Did Supermassive Black Holes Get So Big, So Early? They Might Have Had a Head Start appeared first on Universe Today.

Rarely does something get developed which is a real game changer in space exploration. One example is the Skylon reusable single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane. Powered by the hypersonic SABRE engine it operates like a jet engine at low altitude and more like a conventional rocket at high altitude. Sadly, ‘Reaction Engines’ the company that designs the engines …

Continue reading "Reaction Engines Goes Into Bankruptcy, Taking the Hypersonic SABRE Engine With it"

The post Reaction Engines Goes Into Bankruptcy, Taking the Hypersonic SABRE Engine With it appeared first on Universe Today.

Eventually, every stellar civilization will have to migrate to a different star. The habitable zone around all stars changes as they age. If long-lived technological civilizations are even plausible in our Universe, migration will be necessary, eventually. Could Extraterrestrial Intelligences (ETIs) use stars themselves as stellar engines in their migrations? In broad terms, a stellar …

Continue reading "A Spider Stellar Engine Could Move Binary Stars Halfway Across a Galaxy"

The post A Spider Stellar Engine Could Move Binary Stars Halfway Across a Galaxy appeared first on Universe Today.

Filmmakers love New Zealand. Its landscapes evoke other worlds, which explains why so much of The Lord of the Rings was filmed there. The country has everything from long, subtropical sandy beaches to active volcanoes. The country’s otherworldliness extends into its atmosphere, where a cloud nicknamed the “Taieri Pet” forms when conditions are right. The …

Continue reading "An Otherworldly Cloud Over New Zealand"

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In This Episode Erin and Weer’d discuss court cases involving: machine guns being ruled as bearable arms; California required to issue Non-Resident Carry permits; another challenge to the Maryland assault weapons ban. David brings us an interview with Jan Wolbrecht … Continue reading →

In This Episode Erin and Weer’d discuss: the journal of the Covenant school shooter; a school shooting in Georgia, and not only was the shooter arrested, but so was his father; the Ninth Circuit has stuck down some, but not … Continue reading →

In This Episode Erin and Weer’d discuss: a minor but important change to Massachusetts’ new training requirements; the goofiness of the SKS used by the would-be Trump assassin; the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals being petitioned to stop treating the … Continue reading →

In This Episode Erin and Weer’d discuss: Gov. Maura Healey signing the emergency preamble to the new Massachusetts gun law, and its details are insane; SCOTUS hearing a case on “Ghost Guns” in Garland v. VanDerStok; 2023’s FBI Crime Statistics,  and … Continue reading →

Weer’d is feeling sick after his colonoscopy, but Erin, David, and Oddball have come to the  rescue with an ACP Round Table. In This Episode We discuss: gun manufacturers handing over purchaser information taken from warranty cards to political groups; … Continue reading →

Anadarko Petroleum, Chevron, Plains All American, Occidental Petroleum and Noble Energy have emerged as the top five "Best Places to Work" in the U.S. oil and gas industry.

A new promotional video for Star Trek: Lower Decks: Season Two is available from StarTrek.com...

Fans of Captain Janeway will be pleased to hear the announcement that a new Janeway...

On the anniversary of what would have been the 100th birthday of Star Trek creator Gene...

As part of the Star Trek Day celebration, commemorating the 55th anniversary of the original...

Per the Star Trek On Paramount+ Twitter account, this week’s episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks will feature...

At its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple announced updates coming to its various operating systems, most of which focus on its own version of AI, dubbed Apple Intelligence. MacBooks will get macOS 15, aka Sequoia, that will support Image Playground, Apple’s image generation tool, and AI composition features that can rewrite, proofread and summarize text in Mail, Notes, Pages and more. But the AI smarts will only be available to Apple laptops with an M1 chip or newer. So if you have an older model (pre-2020), or want the latest chips to get the most out of macOS 15, you might want a new MacBook. This guide will help you pick which one makes the most sense for you.

After testing every model Apple makes, we think the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip and 16GB of RAM is the best choice for most people. But there are definitely reasons to consider the cheaper M2 Air and the fully featured Pro laptops. We’ve broken down all the options to help you decide which is the best MacBook for you.

Factors to consider when buying a MacBook

Compared to PCs, Apple computers tend to have more streamlined specifications. The company has long been known for this simplicity, and the M-series “system-on-a-chip” condenses things even further. It started with the M1 chip, which has since been retired in all models. The M2 and M3 chips can be found in current-generation MacBooks, but the latest Apple silicon, the M4 chip, is only housed in the new iPad Pro. All M-series chips combine, among other technologies, the CPU, graphics card and unified memory (RAM). Apple’s Neural Engine is included too, which is a specialized group of processor cores that handles machine learning tasks such as image analysis and voice recognition. 

While a unified chip means you have fewer decisions to make when picking a MacBook, there are still a few factors to consider, including specs like the number of CPU cores, amount of RAM, storage capacity, screen size, and, obviously, price. The finish color may be a minor consideration, but it's worth pointing out that the Pro come in just two colors (Silver or Space Gray) but the Air adds two additional hues (Midnight and Starlight).

CPU cores

Currently the lowest-specced chip in a MacBook is the M2 in the 13-inch MacBook Air. It comes with an 8-core CPU and either an 8- or 10-core GPU. At the other end of the spectrum, the M3 Max chip is built with up to a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU. Cores are, in essence, smaller processing units that can handle different tasks simultaneously. Having more of them translates to the computer being able to run multiple programs and applications at once, while also smoothly processing demanding tasks like video editing and high-level gaming. In short, more cores allow for more advanced computing and better performance. But if your processing power needs fall below professional-level gaming and cinematic video and audio editing, getting the highest number of cores is likely overkill — and after all, more cores equals higher cost and more power usage.

RAM

Your options for RAM, or in Apple’s terminology, Unified memory, varies depending on the chip you choose. The M2 and M3 chips can be paired with 8, 16 or 24GB of RAM. The M3 Pro chip has 18 or 36GB memory options, while the most powerful M3 Max chip supports 48, 64 or a whopping 128GB of RAM.

You’ve likely heard the analogy comparing memory to the amount of workspace available on a literal desktop surface, whereas storage is the amount of drawers you have to store projects to work on later. The larger the worktop surface, the more projects you can work on at once. The bigger the drawers, the more you can save for later.

More RAM is ideal for people who plan to work in multiple apps at once. And the more demanding each program is, the more RAM will be required. Extra memory can also come in handy if you’re the type who likes to have infinite numbers of tabs open on your browser. If your daily workflow doesn’t involve simultaneously using a vast number of memory-intensive programs, you can save yourself money and buy the RAM configuration that you’re most likely to actually use.

For casual users, 8GB may be enough, however, if you can afford an upgrade to 16GB of RAM, we recommend going doing so, as modern browsers tend to be pretty memory-hungry. Investing in more RAM now will give your new MacBook a longer lifespan of reliable use. It’s also important to keep in mind that, unlike most PCs, the RAM in current-model MacBooks is not user-upgradable, so you’ll want to get what you plan on needing at the outset.

Storage capacity (SSD)

Storage options range from 256GB of SSD for the M2 MacBook Air and 8TB of storage for the MacBook Pros with the M3 Max chip. If you want to rotate between a long roster of game titles or keep lots of high-res videos on hand, you’ll want more storage. If you’re mostly working with browser- and cloud-based applications, you can get away with a smaller-capacity configuration. That said, we recommend springing for 512GB of storage or more, if it’s within your budget. You’ll quickly feel the limits of a 256GB machine as it ages since the operating system alone takes up a good portion of that space. Having 1TB will feel even roomier and allow for more data storage over the life of your laptop.

When Apple announced the iPhone 15, the company also announced new iCloud+ storage storage plans, with subscriptions that allow up to 12TB of storage. You could also transfer files to an external storage device. But if you don’t want to pay for a monthly subscription and prefer the convenience of having immediate access to your files, it’s best to get the highest amount of storage space your budget allows for at the outset.

Screen size

MacBooks come in 13-, 14-, 15- and 16-inch sizes. That might not seem like a huge difference, but, as Engadget’s Nathan Ingraham noted when he reviewed the now-retired 15-inch M2-powered MacBook Air, a larger screen "makes a surprising difference.” That’s especially true if you plan to use your laptop as an all-day productivity machine and won’t be using an external monitor. More space means you can more clearly view side-by-side windows and have a more immersive experience when watching shows or gaming.

But screen size is the main factor influencing weight. The 13-inch MacBook Air M2 weighs 2.7 pounds, whereas the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro weighs 4.8 pounds. If you plan to travel a lot or swap your work locations regularly, a smaller screen will make life easier in the long run.

All MacBooks feature IPS LCD panels (in-plane switching, liquid crystal display), which Apple markets as Retina displays. The MacBook Air M1 has a Retina display. A Liquid Retina display comes with the M2 MacBook Air and the Liquid Retina XDR display comes with the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. “Liquid” refers to the way the lighted portion of the display “flows” within the contours of the screen, filling the rounded corners and curving around the camera notch. “XDR” is what Apple calls HDR (high dynamic range).

Compared to most other laptops, MacBook displays are notably bright, sharp and lush. But one feature worth pointing out is another Apple marketing term: ProMotion. It’s the company’s term to describe a screen with a higher, 120Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother scrolling and more fluid-looking graphics. Only the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros offer ProMotion; the other models max out at 60Hz, which is perfectly fine for everyday browsing and typical workdays. But if you want buttery-smooth motion from your display, you’ll have to shell out more money for an upgrade.

Price

When the MacBook Air M3 came out, Apple dropped the price of the base-model, 13-inch, M2-powered Air with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. With a $999 starting price, it’s now the least expensive new MacBook you can get. Alternatively, you can spend up to $7,199 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max with 128GB of RAM and 8TB of storage. Chip type, screen size, memory and storage capacity all influence the final price, which is why guides like this can help you determine just what you need (and what you don’t) so you can get the most cost-effective machine for you.

We recommend the MacBook Air M3 for most people, the MacBook Air M2 for students and those on a budget, and the 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pros for professionals. If you have extra money to spare once you’ve picked your machine, we recommend upgrading to at least 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage to make your machine as future-proof as possible.

Best MacBooks 

MacBook FAQs

What's the difference between MacBook Air and Pro?

The MacBook Air comes with a standard M3 or M2 chip. MacBook Pro models have the option of more powerful M3 Pro or M3 Max chips. The Pro has a higher resolution screen with a higher peak brightness that supports XDR (extreme dynamic range). The battery life on most Pro models is longer than on the Air models. Pro models also have more ports and more speakers. In short, the MacBook Air is aimed at everyday users looking for good productivity and entertainment capabilities, while Pro models are aimed at professionals who need a high-performance computer.

What's the difference between macOS and Windows?

MacOS is the operating system developed by Apple and used in all of its desktop and laptop computers. It can only be found in hardware made by Apple including MacBooks and iMacs. Microsoft’s Windows operating system can be found in the company’s own Surface laptops as well as computers made by a wide array of manufacturers, like Acer, Asus, Dell and Razer.

The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] is “renewing the witness appeal for anyone that can assist with the ongoing investigation regarding a single vehicle motorcycle collision that claimed the life of 50-year-old Steve Perinchief, Bermuda’s fifth road fatality this year.” A police spokesperson said, “In particular, members of the public who can confirm Mr. Perinchief’s whereabouts […]

The Coast Guard handled two separate jet ski accidents late last month, including a collision with a boat and a collision between two jet skis. A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre [BMOC] spokesperson said, “On Monday 26th August at 6:30pm, Bermuda Radio was advised by Fire Dispatch that an ambulance had been requested as a jet […]

A collision involving motorcars occurred in Sandys today [Sept 9], with one driver sustaining injuries. A police spokesperson said, “Around 5:50 PM on Monday 9 September 2024, police and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a two vehicle collision, involving motorcars on Somerset Road Sandys in the vicinity of Lantana Drive. “Information […]

[Updated] A two vehicle collision involving a car and a motorcycle occurred this afternoon [Sept 29] on Harbour Road in Warwick. A police spokesperson said, “Around 2:20pm Sunday, 29th September 2024, police officers responded to a reported two vehicle collision on Harbour Road in Warwick. “Details remain limited at this time. “However, it is understood […]

[Updated] Police responded to a single vehicle collision on North Shore Road in Hamilton parish this morning. A police spokesperson said, “Around 8:55am Monday, 30th September 2024, police officers responded to a reported single vehicle collision on North Shore Road in Hamilton parish. “Details remain limited at this time. “However, it is understood that a woman […]

There are “between 4 and 6 RTCs being reported daily,” and the police are urging people to “slow down, always drive sober, do not drive when stressed or tired, put your phone down and please wear your seatbelt and fasten your helmet.” Acting Superintendent Robert Cardwell said, “By design, it was hoped that increased traffic […]

A 45-year-old female motorcyclist was treated for non-life-threatening injuries after colliding with a car near Darrell’s Wharf in Warwick. A police spokesperson said, “At last check, a female rider hurt in a reported two vehicle collision near Darrell’s Wharf in Warwick around 2:20pm Sunday, 29th September 2024, apparently received treatment at King Edward VII Memorial […]

A 30-year-old male motorcycle rider was injured in a collision in Warwick this afternoon [Oct 7]. A police spokesperson said, “Around 1:25 pm on Monday, October 7, 2024, police and other first responders attended a serious single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle at the junction of Middle Road and Ten Pin Crescent, Warwick. “Upon arrival, […]

On October 8, 2024, police found two abandoned vehicles in separate road traffic collisions in Smiths and Sandy’s, with no injuries reported. A police spokesperson said, “Around 1:25 a.m. on Monday, October 8, 2024 Police received a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision [RTC] on Middle Road, near the junction with Verdmont Road, […]

There has been a two vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcar and a motorcycle in the area of Barnes Corner in Southampton Parish. A police spokesperson said, “There has been a two vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcar and a motorcycle in the area of Barnes Corner, Southampton Parish. “Details are limited at […]