During June 2024, the top 10 ‘most liked’ photos on the Bernews Instagram page included Kebobs On The Curve restaurant’s opening, Bermuda Carnival images, Olympics siblings Emma & Jack Harvey, Modern Gent Dapper Lounge And Spa’s opening, a collision on Harbour Road, ValeVibe party at Clearwater and the Bermuda flag in Hamilton. #1 – Kebobs […]

The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC], in partnership with Amrita Bhalla of Performance Solutions, is hosting a webinar titled “Social Media Mastery: Elevate Your Brand on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn” on July 11th, from 12:30pm to 2:00pm, online via GoToWebinar. A spokesperson said, “This event is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the practical tools to […]

[Written by Don Burgess] If you ask any non-resident what they know about Bermuda, they will normally say either the Triangle or our shorts. Practically every Olympic Opening Ceremony recognizes our island for wearing Bermuda shorts, but for Paris, the focus was on the Triangle. Buzzfeed News, in an article entitled ‘The 38 funniest jokes about […]

During July 2024, the top 10 ‘most liked’ photos on the Bernews Instagram page included Jack Harvey winning his heat in the Olympics, BermudAir’s ‘Kids Fly Free’ promotion, supporters at the Olympics, Yan-Xia Rogers being called to Bermuda Bar, Eastern County Cup Cricket Competition, Jah-Nhai Perinchief, Dara Alizadeh & Emma Harvey at the Olympics and […]

During August 2024, the top 10 most liked photos on the Bernews Instagram page included a baby girl being born during Hurricane Ernesto, a raft up in the West End, BELCO workers reparing a power outage, the Bacchanal Run event, Donna Raynor meeting Snoop Dogg, Somerset winning Cup Match, a map view of power outages […]

During September 2024, the top 10 ‘most liked’ photos on the Bernews Instagram page included Yushae DeSilva-Andrade finishing 4th in the 2024 Paralympics, ‘Zhamir Strong’ 6K Family Fun Walk, Run & Roll event, Northshore Medical awarding Toya Anderson $40K Scholarship, Jessica Lewis finishing 5th in the 100m at Paralympics, Zyon Minors, Asia Seymour & Shea-Lah […]

During October 2024, the top 10 ‘most liked’ photos on the Bernews Instagram page included Bermuda Credit Union Co-op. Society appointing Ryan Robinson Perinchief, 2024 Bermuda Gombey Festival, the Somerset Bridge, microscopic view of Bermuda beach, Fenty Beauty launch event, BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, police seizing two firearms, Pronto’s brick & mortar outlet, Royal […]

Collie Buddz has been nominated for Album of the Year [Reggae] at the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards, with his album “Take It Easy”. The organisation said “The complete list of nominees for the ‘Caribbean Music Awards’ 2024 is: Album of the Year [Reggae] Buju Banton – Born For Greatness Collie Buddz – Take It Easy […]

Made in Bermuda Nights will take place on three Saturday nights in July, including July 6, July 13, and July 20. A spokesperson said, “Sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport, Made in Bermuda Nights returns to the island’s summer entertainment calendar. This year the focus and emphasis on Bermuda, her talent, her […]

Trinidadian soca superstar Destra Garcia, known for her electrifying performances and boundary-pushing music, spoke to us exclusively about her love for soca, her diverse heritage, and her return to Bermuda for “Soca in the City”, happening on Saturday, June 15. A Special Connection With Bermuda Destra’s connection with Bermuda is not just about the performances […]

Fire Wayne, Donquili, Rikkai Scott, Yesha Townsend, Troika and T’aja Williams will take the stage for the 2024 Premier’s Concert on Sunday. A Government spokesperson said, “A memorable night of entertainment is anticipated on Sunday [June 30], when local artists, Fire Wayne, Donquili, Rikkai Scott, Yesha Townsend, Troika and T’aja Williams take the stage for […]

On August 23, Finsbury Garden will host an event with Arijahknow Live Wires, The Kings Band, surprise performances, the Gombeys and more. The event promotion said, “This August 23rd at the newest and hottest outdoor venue in Bermuda, Finsbury Garden. Arijahknow Live Wires and The Kings Band performing local and international hits like Reggae Highway, Gombey Warrior, […]

[Written by Stephen Wright] Musician Robert Symons has been delighting passengers aboard one of Bermuda’s ferry with the soothing sounds of his steel pan, finding creative ways to sustain his career. A professional musician since 1976, Mr Symons has performed four days a week on the ferry, from Dockyard to Hamilton, since last month, drawing […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

[Updated] Following the passing of Government Senator Leslie Robinson, the Premier expressed his ‘profound sadness’ and said it is heartbreaking to mourn her loss. Premier David Burt said, “This is an unimaginable tragedy which has shocked so many of us to the very core. Bermuda has lost an eminently qualified professional woman who had chosen […]

President of the Azores José Manuel Bolieiro is set to visit Bermuda to help celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the first arrival of Portuguese emigrants to Bermuda. A spokesperson said, “The “175th Portuguese Commemorations Committee” wishes to let the public know that the President of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, will be visiting Bermuda to help […]

“Beyond a general feel-good, this Government doesn’t seem to know why it is even joining Caricom,” Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson said, while the PLP said “instead of being distracted by the OBA’s fearmongering, the PLP is focused on building a fairer Bermuda for Bermudians.” OBA Statement Mr Richardson said, “This Government continues to force Bermudians […]

Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert is attending the XVI Ministerial Development Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean from 30 October to 1 November 2024 in Bridgetown, Barbados. A Government spokesperson said, “The theme for this year’s Forum is ‘Resilience in Action: Social Policies to Navigate Uncertainty in Latin America and […]

Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch responded to Craig Cannonier’s comments on the Bermudiana Beach Resort, saying he notes the “amnesia displayed by the Shadow Minister in his comments as he would have had conduct of this matter when he served as the Minister of Public Works under the OBA administration.” This follows after OBA MP […]

“Bermuda and the Azores share a deep connection, extending beyond our shared history and into our environments, cultures, and identities,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban said as he spoke at the banquet to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the first arrival of Portuguese immigrants to Bermuda. A Government spokesperson said, “He addressed the […]

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, […]

The Chamber of Commerce said they look forward to the upcoming Throne Speech and hope it covers a variety of topics including our aging population, Caricom, corporate tax, real estate, the sugar tax and more. A spokesperson said, “The Chamber looks forward to the upcoming Throne Speech and Pre-Budget reports, which we hope will cover some of the […]

“We believe it would be more beneficial for the economy and society overall if the Government focused on strengthening its existing responsibilities before extending its reach into further areas of the private sector,” the Chamber of Commerce said following today’s Throne Speech. A spokesperson said, “It was positive to see a couple of points that […]

There are good reasons to keep an eye on the Leonid meteors this year.

The post Is an ‘Off-Year’ Leonid Outburst in the Cards For November? appeared first on Universe Today.

The theory goes that black holes accrete material, often from nearby stars. However the theory also suggests there is a limit to how big a black hole can grow due to accretion and certainly shouldn’t be as large as they are seen to be in the early Universe. Black holes it seems, are fighting back …

Continue reading "Early Black Holes Fed 40x Faster than Should Be Possible"

The post Early Black Holes Fed 40x Faster than Should Be Possible appeared first on Universe Today.

In This Episode Erin and Weer’d discuss: a factual clarification about the procedure to get a Massachusetts Non-Resident License to Carry; a 4th Amendment case that went in the favor of liberty; a vehicular assault that was stopped by a … Continue reading →

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: a 5th Circuit ruling that marijuana use can’t preclude gun ownership; switchblades now being legal in Massachusetts; Hawaii relaxing their laws on blade and impact weapons; a Hawaiian gun buyback with some dubious … 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: bodycam video of the Georgia shooter and his father being interviewed last year, and it might surprise you; a defensive shooting at a pro-Israel demonstration in Newton, MA where the defender was arrested … 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: a declaration that suspended the 2nd Amendment in a Florida city during Hurricane Helene; a police chief in Massachusetts who was reprimanded for speaking out against an unconstitutional law; Brandon Herrera’s re-creation of … 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, Weer’d, Weer’d. It’s all about Weer’d this episode. In This Episode Erin and Weer’d discuss: the new NRA Executive Vice President’s disturbing (cat) skeleton in his closet; Tim Walz going “hunting”, and the questions it raises about his knowledge … 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 →

The Roddenberry Archive has begun a “multi-decade collaboration between The Gene Roddenberry Estate and OTOY...

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

Did you know? Star Trek turns 55 this year, and to coincide with the anniversary of Trek first...

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.

“There is a brush fire in the Glebe Road, Parsons Road, Pembroke area,” the police said this afternoon [Aug 7]. A police spokesperson said, “Bermuda Fire & Rescue are currently on scene. Police are diverting traffic around the area at St. Augustine’s Hill and Deepdale Road. We are asking that motorist use alternative routes where […]

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 […]

[Updated] There is no access to Bermuda College this morning [Oct 9] the police have confirmed. A police spokesperson said, “Please be advised there is currently no access to Bermuda College due to an industrial accident on the compound. There have been no reported injuries at this time. Police and Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service are […]

Members of the public stepped up to help a 44-year-old man who was “seen unresponsive in the water” at Elbow Beach. A police spokesperson said, “Around 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, police received several reports of a swimmer in distress on the public side of Elbow Beach. “Officers were informed that the swimmer, a […]

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith and Acting Chief Inspector Mark Tomlinson of the Bermuda Police Service [BPS] are currently in Brazil where they are attending the 9th Americas Working Group meeting on Cybercrime. A police spokesperson said, “The officers addressed the gathering on measures and countermeasures implemented by the [BPS] to deal with cybercrime, which […]

Police responded to a reported armed robbery at Mr. Chicken Express in Devonshire, with the suspect brandishing a knife and stealing a “draw containing a quantity of cash from the cash register.” A police spokesperson said, “Around 10:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, police responded to a reported armed robbery at Mr. Chicken Express on […]

Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at Robinson’s Marina in Somerset this morning [Oct 24], where a suspect “brandishing a machete, entered the service station and demanded money.” A police spokesperson said, “Shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, police received a report of a robbery at the service station located […]

Bermuda has been named one of the top places where beautiful people are born by a beauty and wellness website. StyleSeat, an online destination for beauty and wellness professionals and clients, ranks the island as high as second when it comes to “birthing the hottest celebrities globally.” They point to actress Lena Headey, who starred […]