BUEI Films is set to feature the screening of ‘They Shot the Piano Player’ at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI] on Saturday, May 25, at 7:30 pm. A spokesperson said, “Films at BUEI continues at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI] with the screening of the 2023 docudrama, ‘They Shot the Piano Player’ on […]

A series of six free movie nights, designed to “uplift and empower” the community, started on Friday [June 14] at Parson’s Road Playground. The Jazzy Treats Free Movie Nights continue on June 28, July 12 and 26, and August 9 and 23, running from 6 pm to 10 pm, featuring live entertainment, fun castles, food […]

Jazzy Treats is hosting a series of free Movie Night events at Parson’s Road Playground. Scheduled for 6 pm to 10 pm, these gatherings will occur on June 14 and 28, July 12 and 26, and August 9 and 23. Attendees can enjoy an array of amenities including fun castles, various foods, popcorn, snowballs, and […]

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI] is set to feature the 2023 adventure/comedy ‘The Book of Clarence’ on Saturday [July 27] at 7.30pm in the Tradewinds Auditorium. A spokesperson said, “‘Films at BUEI’ continue at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI] with the screening of the 2023 Adventure/Comedy, ‘The Book of Clarence’ on Saturday, July […]

A Royal Air Force [RAF] military aircraft was recently spotted at LF Wade International Airport, making a landing in Bermuda under cloudy skies yesterday [Jan 11], with the aircraft still seen on the island as of earlier today. For our past coverage of military aircraft on the island, click here. Related Stories Photos & Video: US […]

Royal Air Force [RAF] typhoons were recently spotted at LF Wade International Airport as they made a landing on the island. The RAF website says, “The Typhoon FGR.Mk 4 is a highly capable and extremely agile fourth-generation multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed for the full spectrum of air operations, including air policing, peace […]

A Royal Air Force Airbus recently stopped by the LF Wade Airport. To view all other coverage related to military aircraft, click here. Related Stories Photos & Video: Military Aircraft Visit Bermuda Photos & Video: Various Aircraft Visit Bermuda Photos & Video: Military Aircraft Visit Bermuda Photos & Video: Military Aircraft Visit Bermuda Photos & […]

The Bermuda National Trust and Sompo International are launching their 4th annual Student Art Competition, under a theme of ‘Worth Protecting’. “We are excited to invite Bermuda’s young people to use their artistic talents to show aspects of Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage that they think are worth protecting. Hopefully the theme will inspire students […]

The Bermuda National Gallery [BNG] announced the opening of Meditations on Form: Jewellery by Melanie Eddy, the “Gallery’s first-ever jewellery exhibition, generously sponsored by Butterfield with support from the Bermuda Foundation.” A spokesperson said, “The exhibition, which opens to the public on October 4, 2024, showcases the sculptural work of Bermuda-born, London-based designer Melanie Eddy, […]

Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art will be showcasing the work of award-winning Bermudian documentary photographer and visual storyteller, Nicola Muirhead, in the next Rick Faries Gallery exhibition entitled ‘Descendants of Summer: A Preview,’ which will be opening on Friday, October 4. A spokesperson said, “This exhibition showcases a sample of Muirhead’s ongoing documentary series Descendants […]

The fictional ‘Stormtrooper’ from Star Wars is displayed in the Hamilton Princess hotel lobby, created by artist Daniel Arsham using minerals like selenite, blue calcite, and hydrostone. A spokesperson said, “The fictional ‘Stormtrooper’ soldier made famous in filmmaker George Lucas’ Star Wars movie appears to be standing guard in the left corner of the hotel lobby […]

The Black Pony Gallery is selling artwork in the temporary exhibition, Alternative Voices: A Perspective on Contemporary Art from the Azores, which is on display at the National Museum of Bermuda in Dockyard. The exhibition is in honour of the 175th anniversary of the first arrival of Portuguese Immigrants to Bermuda with a specific feature […]

The Bermuda National Gallery recently opened ‘Meditations on Form: Jewellery by Melanie Eddy’, its first-ever jewellery exhibition, generously sponsored by Butterfield with support from the Bermuda Foundation. The exhibition highlights the sculptural designs of Bermuda-born, London-based jeweller Melanie Eddy. “It’s a full circle moment to be having my first solo exhibition back here in Bermuda […]

Concacaf has embraced the new WhatsApp Channels service launched by Meta, engaging over 1.6 million fans and providing a private way for followers to access the latest updates and content related to football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. A spokesperson said, “Concacaf has upped its digital engagement game with the governing body […]

The PLP has launched a new WhatsApp Channel which they said will send out “press releases, party statements, party events and highly informative social media content.” A spokesperson said, “In an effort to keep the public updated we have created a Progressive Labour Party WhatsApp Channel. “This WhatsApp Channel will allow persons to receive our […]

YouTube has featured Bermudian B. Dylan Hollis – who also has millions of followers – in its official newsletter as one of the platform’s “top creators.” The YouTube newsletter highlights Hollis for earning more than 200,000 channel subscriptions in the first 90 days of publishing his first short, and says, “Known for his cooking videos, […]

Mikaela Ian Pearman, owner of Mikaela Ian PR, will host a comprehensive workshop this weekend for small businesses and budding content creators who want to rapidly increase their instagram audience. A spokesperson said, “This workshop, Instagram Growth: Crafting Compelling Content for Audience Expansion, is designed to empower small businesses and aspiring content creators in enhancing […]

Minister of Education Diallo Rabain commended the talented students at Northlands Primary School for their rendition of Kirk Franklin’s “Bless Me,” which garnered recognition from the renowned gospel artist on Instagram. A spokesperson said, “The Minister of Education Diallo Rabain JP, MP extends congratulations to the incredibly talented students at Northlands Primary School for their […]

Former cricketer Dwayne Bravo and CG’s Aunt Angie have teamed up to release “West Indies Deyah,” a new anthem celebrating West Indies cricket for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. A spokesperson said, “Former cricketer Dwayne Bravo, also known as DJ Bravo, and CG’s Aunt Angie have teamed up to launch a new track titled […]

[Updated with video] The Classic Old School Soca Fete was held this weekend, as one of the many events put on for the Carnival festivities. You can view photos from the event below, we will have additional coverage of the festivities all weekend, and you can view all Bernews coverage of the Carnival festivities over the years […]

Dr Ty Douglas performed a song he co-wrote titled ‘Baton in Hand’ in honour of the 1968 Olympic legends Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Harry Edwards at the recent San Francisco Juneteenth Festival and Parade. Dr Douglas, who co-wrote the song with his colleague Dr Wayne Bucknor, was also interviewed and featured on the KBMX […]

Bermudian actor Nicholas Christopher is set to star in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre in New York. Mr Christopher and Sherie Rene Scott will step into the roles of the unlikely lovers, Seymour and Audrey, respectively, beginning on October 22. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s hit musical will […]

[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 […]

[Updated] The Convening of the Legislature and the Throne Speech will take place on Friday, November 8th. A Government spokesperson said, “The public is advised that the Convening of the Legislature will take place tomorrow [Nov. 8], on the Cabinet Office Grounds. “On Friday, Her Excellency the Governor, Rena Lalgie will set out the Government’s […]

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"

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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.

Putting humans on Mars has been one of NASA’s driving missions for years, but they are still in the early stages of deciding what exactly that mission architecture will look like. One major factor is where to get the propellant to send the astronauts back to Earth. Advocates of space exploration often suggest harvesting the …

Continue reading "Scaling Propellant Production on Mars is Hard"

The post Scaling Propellant Production on Mars is Hard 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.

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.

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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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.

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 Ministry of Public Works advised of a “smouldering bunker fire at the Tynes Bay Waste to Energy facility in Devonshire.” A Government spokesperson said, “The incident has resulted in periodic impacts on service delivery. The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service and Tynes Bay personnel are closely monitoring the situation to ensure it remains under […]

“More than sixty cannabis plants in various stages of growth” were “seized and subsequently destroyed,” the police confirmed. A police spokesperson said, “Shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, police officers were on mobile patrol when they had occasion to attend a property in the area of Mission Lane, Pembroke. “A check of the […]

The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] confirmed that “over the last twelve months, a total of 12 firearms and quantities of ammunition have been seized by officers.” A police spokesperson said, “Forensic examinations on these firearms have confirmed their use in crimes that are currently under investigation. Ballistic tests on a number of these firearms, have […]

The RMS beauty brand has launched the Bermuda Rose Kit, a limited-edition blush collection inspired by Bermuda, with a special shopping evening scheduled for October 26 at the Cassine store. A spokesperson said, “Join the Bermuda Blush global launch at Cassine. The Hamilton based clean beauty boutique launches the RMS Bermuda Rose Kit in the country […]

Bermudian model Aliana King has been featured once again, this time gracing the pages of a Marie Claire article exploring spring beauty trends. Ms. King has also appeared in a number of other campaigns for well-known brands, including Charlotte Tillbury, David Yurman, SKKN, FREDDY WR.UP, Nordstrom x Nike [NxN], Skims, Redken, L’Oréal, Aveda, Garnier, Maybelline, and Allure, as well as style magazines […]

Gold The Label collaborated with media professional, Mikaela Ian Pearman to “anchor the idea that luxury is for every woman, every occasion and can be implemented in their daily lives from their accessories right on through to the way they take care of their bodies and overall well-being.” A spokesperson said, “Recognizing the importance of […]

Bermudian fashion expert and costume designer Shiona Turini has worked on ‘Lady in the Lake,’ a drama-thriller miniseries that recently premiered on Apple TV+. The Wrap reports, “‘Our brilliant costume designer, Shiona Turini, was just coming off her Beyoncé ‘Renaissance’ tour. She helped us create these costumes and the coloring that we were going for, […]

Bermudian clothing brand Pressure ‘Til We Perish has launched a special line of pink t-shirts to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Brand owner Vincent Darrell explained that a portion of the sales would go directly to the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre charity. “This campaign truly reflects the community Pressure ‘Til We Perish is building […]

Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Fenty Fragrance will officially launch at 59 Front in Hamilton today [Oct 24]. A spokesperson said, “Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Fenty Fragrance have officially landed at 59 Front, with the full collection available starting at 4:30 PM on Thursday, October 24, the company announced today. “To celebrate, the line […]

Phoenix Stores held its Fenty Beauty launch event yesterday [Oct 24] at its 59 Front Street location. A spokesperson previously said, “Our team put in the work to craft a proposal to secure our spot as Bermuda’s go-to retail destination for the hottest beauty trends. “To celebrate, the line will debut at a special launch […]

The Court of Appeal ruled that the “Chief Justice was wrong to conclude that the Respondent’s right to freedom of expression under section 9 of the Constitution was violated by the pursuit of criminal proceedings in this case”, in relation to former police officer Barbi Bishop who was alleged to have posted an ‘All Lives […]

34-year-old Melvin Holdipp pleaded guilty to 10 counts of burglary and 4 counts of theft and was remanded into custody. A police spokesperson said, “Between the 30th of August 2022 and the 11th of October 2022, the Bermuda Police Service [BPS] investigated the reported burglaries of several local businesses, namely: Price Rite in Warwick Robin […]

The trial of Sophia Cannonier and Michael Watson has been delayed. The couple –  who are accused of matters related to Covid-19 quarantine rules which are alleged to have occurred in July 2021 – appeared in Magistrates Court court this morning [March 7] however the matter was delayed, and another court date has been set, with a mention […]

West Hamilton Holdings Limited has “entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Princess West Limited which will result in the sale of 69 and 71 Pitts Bay Road, representing approximately 86 percent of the Company’s property assets. The filing said, “In a filing with the Bermuda Stock Exchange West Hamilton Holdings Limited, is […]

Clarien Bank Limited has signed an agreement to acquire Omnium Trust Company Limited [Omnium Trust] and Omnium Corporate Services Limited [Omnium Corporate Services], a boutique practice offering quality trust and corporate administration services. A spokesperson said, “The terms of the acquisition, which strengthens Clarien’s aspiration to be Best Wealth Manager in Bermuda, are private and […]

The Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers [ABIR] said they “welcomed the news that RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. has successfully closed its acquisition of Validus Re and its subsidiaries from American International Group [AIG].” A spokesperson said, “ABIR member RenaissanceRe becomes the fifth-largest property and casualty reinsurer in the world after the acquisition of Validus, which […]