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My Podcast

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Table of Contents

1. Preface

2. Main Article

3. Readers’ Favorite

Preface

My Family is Back! 🤱👦🏼 👦🏻

Dear wife and kids hopped on a plane, and 12 hours later, they were back in Boston. 🇺🇸

Well, more like 11.5 hours of flight and a half hour of waiting on the plane to get out, all because the immigration officers don't clock in until 6:00 am, not a minute sooner.

I've never quite understood this phenomenon of airports that don’t offer full service 24 hours a day, but then again, what do I know? 🤷‍♂️

They were greeted by a rainy Boston day (yes, it really rains here during the summer), but they seemed pretty rested, considering the long flight.

👶 Our thirdborn has developed so much since I saw him 5 weeks ago. He’s babbling away and grasping objects nicely with his tiny fingers.

School starts in a week and a half, and it's a relief not to have the stress of starting school in a different country. It was pretty stressful for us a year ago, but this year it's not a real issue.

Today we’ll discuss what computer I recommend to Doctors and Scientists. 👩‍💻

As someone who always uses computers and is always the first to try new features, I’ve naturally become the go-to person for friends and family searching for a new computer.

In today’s newsletter, I'll focus on doctors and scientists and answer the questions I get regularly.

Enjoy issue number 52!

Main Article

When it comes to choosing a new computer, the process usually boils down to these three options:

1️⃣ Buy a newer version of what we already have.

2️⃣ Consult our nerdy friend for advice.

3️⃣ Spend countless hours reading reviews on the internet.

🤔 So, what's the downside of these strategies?

1. Buying a new version of our existing gadget might mean overlooking better, cheaper alternatives.

2. Our nerdy friend’s needs and budget might not align with ours 🤓.

3. The internet is filled with sponsored reviews 🤑, and it's hard to know whom to trust.

4. Most reviews are short-term. Even the “long term” ones are of merely one month 🙄.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Don’t be! This newsletter is here to save the day 😀.

I've been in the trenches with laptops, tablets, and desktop computers in science and medicine for 20 years. I spend TONS of time in the tech maze to find the best systems.

Consider me your nerdy friend 🤓, but without any secret agenda.

I don't get paid or sponsored for any of this. No tech company cares about a newsletter for Doctors and Scientists enough to sponsor it.

So let's dive into the four main points that will guide you to your perfect computer:

1. Is a laptop better than a desktop?

2. The eternal battle: Apple vs. Windows.

3. Upgrades: Should you or shouldn't you?

4. Is buying an older model a wise move?

1. Is a laptop 💻 better than a desktop 🖥️?

Short answer - yes.

Doctors and Scientists are always on the go 🏃‍♀️ .

Whether it's giving lectures 👩‍🏫, attending meetings 🤝, or brainstorming at the cafeteria ☕️, mobility is key. Why spend twice as much, and worry about transferring files between your computers?

For your office, get a screen, a Bluetooth keyboard, and a Bluetooth mouse. Just plug in an HDMI / Thunderbolt cable, and you’re all set.

🏡 Take home message:

Get one laptop.

2. 🍎Apple vs. 🪟Windows

I’ve been using Windows computers since 1993 and Apple since 2010.

For many years, I had a strong preference for Windows computers. The main reasons were compatibility issues (software that doesn’t run on Apple computers) and higher price for Apple 💵.

Then the M1 Apple silicon processor changed everything.

Just watch the first reviews of the M1 MacBook Air on YouTube. The reviewers were shocked to see it outperforms computers costing x4 as much.

Apple's new M1/M2 laptops are powerful, energy-efficient (18 hours on battery!), and surprisingly affordable.

My M1 MacBook is a workhorse 🐴. It hasn't crashed or lost data since I bought it in January 2021. It's ready to go in 1 second (!) after lifting the lid.

It’s my top recommendation for grandparents 👴🏻👵 and power users 💪alike.

🏡 Take home message:

Unless you're tied to Windows-only software, choose Apple M1 or M2.

3. Should I pay more to upgrade the memory, hard drive, and processor?

🙇That’s usually the question you'll ponder the most.

😎So let's make it simple:

⭕ Internal memory

As of 2023, I recommend 16 GB. If you're performing highly demanding tasks 🏋️‍♀️, go for 32 GB. If you don't know if your tasks are demanding, that means 16 GB is enough.

⭕️ Hard drive

Calculate the current storage you’re using, excluding all the pictures and movies you haven't looked at in years.

Back these up on two separate external hard drives (so if one malfunctions, you have another copy).

📀 The hard drive to buy should be about twice the storage you're using right now. If in doubt, go for the next size up!

⭕️ Processor (Intel vs. Apple M1/M2)

Intel processors come in tiers: i3, i5, i7, and i9. For basic use - take the i5. For image processing and highly demanding tasks, take the i7 or i9.

🤔HOWEVER, as of today, I don't see a reason to go with an Intel processor.

Apple’s M1 and M2 silicon processors are so much better, there's really no comparison. Perhaps Intel will pull something surprising out of the hat. But until they do, I fully believe going for an Intel processor is a mistake. Sorry, Intel.

🏡 Take home message:

👉Internal memory - Go with 16 GB.

👉Hard drive - Go with twice the current storage you're using. If in doubt, upgrade the hard drive, not the internal memory.

👉Processor - Apple M1 will do everything you need and more. If you like a newer model with only an M2 option, go for it. But you will probably never use 100% of the processor power.

4. Should I save money and buy an older model?

If you need a basic computer, the M1 MacBook Air for $900-$1000 is stellar. 🌟

I wouldn't recommend getting an older model if you’re going for an Intel-Windows computer. These become slow after 2-3 years. 🐢

🏡 Take home message:

Older Intel-Windows models are worth it only with substantial discounts (at least 35% less).

But with Apple's Silicon M1, you can save more and still enjoy a powerful computer for years.

Readers’ Favorite

For all the relocators out there - fellowships, post-docs, and job opportunities:

💰 How much will it cost you to live in the US? In Issue #41, I reveal our monthly expenses.

📆 What's on the agenda for your first day in the US? In Issue #19, I outline everything you need to know, including the scoop on social security, visa, bank account, and more. There's no need to sweat. I've got you covered!

Epilogue

That’s it for this issue.

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Have a great weekend!

Shay