The iPad’s Biggest Problem Is That Only Apple Is Allowed to Solve the iPad’s Problems
iPadOS 26 was a popular release, as Apple solved* several of the iPad’s most glaring issues. However, the launch of the MacBook Neo has resurfaced various iPad frustrations — and reminded me of a thought I never got around to write about last summer: The one in the title.
For a long time, people had hoped for better window management on the iPad. And they had to wait because it couldn’t be solved by someone like Many Tricks. Podcasters rejoiced when Apple improved the audio routing options on the iPad because Rogue Amoeba had no way of doing it.
Now people are wishing for a clipboard history (that Spotlight on the Mac got this year) — and only Apple can deliver it. You can’t solve it through Paste or PastePal.
UniFi Wi-Fi for Noobs (Like Me)
Ubiquiti’s UniFi series is getting a lot of (deserved) hype these days. However, as the system is meant to scale all the way from a regular home to huge enterprise settings, the purchasing process can be perplexing. Recently, this got mentioned in one of my favourite podcasts, Hemispheric Views, where Andrew Canion said he didn’t even know how to buy it, let alone use it.1
As a noob that actually managed to buy some of this stuff myself recently, I thought I’d do my best to give a layman’s explanation. Because it’s easier than you think! My target audience for this is someone who just wants a “good mesh wi-fi setup for their home."
But first:
Why did I want to get into UniFi?
Last year, I moved from a tiny flat to a large house. And it turned out that the wi-fi that was there didn’t quite cut it.
And the main reason I went for UniFi, is the modularity. It’s a bit like the difference between having an iMac and a Mac mini + display. With the latter, you could keep the screen and upgrade the computer if needed. Or you could get a larger screen while keeping the computer. And UniFi works like this. In general, they’ve separated the parts of a wi-fi setup into separate devices.
In addition to this, the software experience is pretty smooth, the hardware quality is supposed to be good, and it doesn’t hurt that it looks good as well!
The pieces you need
There are three pieces you require to complete the UniFi puzzle. And these can be had at different levels, supporting different standards. For instance, ethernet ports are usually rated for 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, or 10 Gbps. And Wi-Fi varies between Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E and 7 — and also between 2.5 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.
1) The brain
Another Tiny Tahoe Travesty
Icon buffering
The lack of polish in the latest macOS version is just insane — from cut corners, to text going over other pieces of text, and weird HIG decisions.
But I wanted to point to a piece of terrible piece optimisation I haven’t seen mentioned (even though it probably has been):
When the Design Requirements Are Perfect
The New Smart Home Line From Ikea
I’ve always quite liked Ikea’s smart home gear, as they’ve felt like good value for the price. However, with their latest batch of products, which are in stores now, it seems like they’re moving up to becoming the first thing I’ll recommend to most people! You know, if they actually work as advertised — which I haven’t got the chance to test yet. But I have a couple of devices in hand, so I’ll get to that!
However, I just wanted to shout out that I looooove the design requirements that they’ve chosen when developing these:
Everything should …
- … be dirt-cheap
- … support Matter and have a Thread radio1
- … use AAA batteries
- … have a simple, sleek, and light design
Software Should Have a Customisable UI
Part 1
I’ve recently noticed how most of my favourite pieces of software have one thing in common: I can customise them — not only to be needs, but to my preferences. And I really think this should, and could, be more widespread.
And I know that some iPhone users, when they hear customisable UI, might think: “Pff, why would I want a million ways to make my UI ugly, like an Android phone, instead of having one beautiful way??” But I’m not really talking about looks here! (Even though I also think theming is great.) I’m talking about button placements, how things work, etc.
An example: My favourite mobile browser
Winter boots "for life"?
Not too long ago, I saw a thread over at r/BuyItForLife about winter boots. And as someone who likes the (even though often unrealistic) ethos behind that subreddit that’s also a Norwegian, I obviously have thoughts.
How cold is cold?
To be clear: Even though I live in Norway, I don’t live in the coldest parts. I also don’t stay outside for days at a time! If you’re working in the arctic, or something, you probably need something even warmer than what I’m about to recommend. But’ve had no problems with my boots, down to like -15 °C (5 °F).
The principles
While I will recommend some specific brands/models — the advice is generalisable:
- Materials: Leather uppers, rubber soles, wool on the inside*.
- The boots should be resoleable.
- They should also be unlined — so you can get wool socks and soles separate from the boots themselves.
- Get them pretty roomy!
- And you should get more than one pair.
