We just hit August, so I thought I would talk about some of my most invaluable gear this summer.  Of course, some of this is specific to my situation, but I am making this list long enough, so that it may give some an idea even if they aren't in my exact situation.  Of course, some of the items are great in all of the seasons, so this should not always be considered mutually exclusive.

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post

AirPods Pro 2 -  I jumped on the bandwagon when these came down in price during Amazon Prime sales.   My wife is a bird lover, so I usually don’t listen to my outdoor speakers when we are both out because she prefers hearing the birds chirp.  Anyone else have a significant other that will all the sudden say, "I hear a Chickadee"?  This happened in a Sprouts parking lot, recently. Personally, I like listening to music, but the transparent mode makes it easy to carry on a conversation as my music plays.  In other words, she can listen to birds and I can listen to Byrds.

Roll n' Jack Jeep top removal - I bought this while it was still available.  It seems to disappear for months on end.  In my opinion, this is safer and more flexible than a hoist.  I should know because I had a hoist installed by a local carpenter and it was great for a year.  All of a sudden, I was pulling down my jeep top onto the Jeep and the screw anchoring it came out of the wall!  Luckily, I wasn't hurt, but it left a small dent on my Jeep as a reminder.  This device isn't leaving anything to chance.  

Clearly Filtered Pitcher - Who knows the contaminants we are putting in our bodies by drinking water from the tap?   Also, I don’t like adding to the plastic in the world, so this served two purposes.  The water is cleaner and I don't have a need to carry around plastic bottles.  I also added a LARQ bottle to carry around when we leave the house.

Apple Watch Ultra - obviously this works great with AirPods (I mentioned above), but it is also nice in the pool since it works with laps and it even tells you the temperature of the water… in addition to all the other features use on a daily basis.

Kindle Paperwhite - great little reader I can take anywhere.  

Pool float - This is a necessity for my pool time.  This was the least expensive model I have seen, but still does the same job as those costing $50 more.

Morning coffee - there is just something perfect about morning coffee on the deck before the day gets too hot!  The photo below is from a trip.  At home, we use a Breville Espresso Machine.

Ninja Blender - smoothies! Yum!

Alpine outdoor speakers - when out in the pool, these add some nice ambiance.  

Canon Selphy Printer - so much fun to take photos and print them out as keepsakes.   

Misting outdoor fan - too hot, this offers some relief! 

Dolphin Pool cleaner - this makes the pool so easy to clean.  

Salt water - softer water with no red eyes! 

CRKT Squid Knife with Blade Assist - I often need a knife for opening salt bags, dirt bags, and many other things out in the yard.  Love the easy action on this little fella.

Crocs/Birkenstocks - My at home shoe combo.  When doing normal stuff around the house, I like the Birkenstocks and outside, especially in rain or when in the pool, I wear the always fashionable Crocs.  

iPod classic 160gb - when I want to completely unplug and chill.  I usually use with Ety ER4P earbuds or a pair of Grado SR60s with my 160GB iPod filled with Apple Lossless files.  

Weber Spirit S-315/Big Green Egg - the combo of a gas grill and smoker is awesome!

iPhone - the camera alone is worth the price of admission.  However, music, video, communication, etc.  Around here, even the flashlight comes in handy.

Sony camera/Rokinon - I thought about adding a smaller camera this year, but went with a smaller, 35mm f2.8 lens instead.   Love this combo for walking around during the summer. 

Good Bags -  for work, I carry a backpack.  For other stuff, I carry a Billlingham Hadley 2020 Pro camera bag.  I remove the insert if I am not carrying my camera.

Projector for movies - we have a projector for outdoors (below), but usually watch the 100 inch screen indoors.  Summer movie nights are fun.

Butcherbox - for the grill, it’s a pleasure to have good quality meat and seafood.  More food than gear, but its a necessity.

iPad 13 inch M4 - more vibrant than ever and easier to get stuff done outdoors.  The pencil is great for photography edits and notes, as well.

Sunglasses - When I have my contacts in, my two main sunglasses are probably 20 years old.  A pair of Raybans that wrap around the ears (great for bumpy Jeep rides, especially for hot days when the top is off) and below a pair of Persol sunglasses ( actually I have two pair - house and car).

Oakley glasses- when my contacts are out, I like having a pair of glasses that go indoors and out.  These have progeressive lenses, so covered without needing a pair of prescription sunglasses (though I have a pair from the Shaq line I keep in the Jeep for a possible emergency situation..I also keep a pair of past year's subscription glasses).  I need to be able to drive home if my glasses break or I lose a contact.

Cuisinart ice cream - make your own with less ingredients.

Fuji film camera - I have a film camera from 1965 that my dad handed down to me.  I have never used it, but I have a roll of film on the way, so looking forwarded to seeing if it it works. I have a more recent Canon P&S film camera here if the Fujika is a bust.  For summer, I always like to try something new and this year, one of those things is film.  

Adidas - These are probably my perfect summer shoe for leaving the house.  I bought a pair of Greats, that are better leather, but I still just prefer the iconic looks and the fit&feel of the Adidas.  

Game Controller - I am not a big gamer or anything, but with all the retro games coming to iOS and iPad OS, I was happy to have a controller that would fit my iPhone (in case) and my iPad (via an augmentation to the controller).

Pets and wife - Summer isn't the same without my little companions.

I am sure I left something off this list.  If I missed an essential, please let me know.  Enjoy your final days of summer!

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post

This is my second installment of my " Elegant Solutions series".  Please read more about this series here.

When I bought my first DSLR, the incredible Canon 20D, I started looking for a decent camera bag. 

Over the years, I have purchased camera bags of all sizes, including hard case designs from Pelican.  But when I first saw the Billingham Hadley Bags, I was awestruck!  Something about it just screamed out elegance.

In 1973, the Billngham bags were first created for fishing and hunting.  However, when the owners got word that there were New York photographers using fishing bags for camera gear, a light went off and they started creating camera bags.  When they were featured in Practical Photography Magazine, they had enough orders to fill their order books.

At first, I just could not afford one of these beautiful bags, but I eventually added it to my Amazon wishlist, where it remained for years.  However, recently I found out it wasn’t just a pretty face, but also very functional.   The water proofing layer in its design is pretty incredible.  Who wants to get their expensive camera gear soaked?

The large pockets, the removable camera insert, and the fact that opening the bag doesn’t require the loud process of pulling apart Velcro.  It’s a more elegant process of unhooking leather from brass. 

With the elegant looks, the timeless design, the fact that it can be used as an overnight bag, and the overall functionality, it is impossible to look at the Billingham Bags and not think about the elegant design.  I recently bought the Hadley Pro 2020, so a review is forthcoming. 

I recently wrote a review of the WiiM Ultra Streamer.  A few comments on the article lead me to believe there are a lot of people that do not understand why anyone would want to use AirPlay with such a device.  Below is an answer to some of those questions.

As I mentioned, I mainly use my WiiM devices with Amazon Music.  It offers hi res audio when streaming from a device like a phone or tablet.  Wonderful!

So why would anyone want AirPlay when seamingly all my basis for streaming are covered with Amazon?

Well, reason number 1 is that when using iOS and iPadOS, AirPlay is built into the system.   As a result, the numerous audio apps, even podcast apps like Overcast, can send to an AirPlay device.  As a result, on these platforms, AirPlay has you covered.  In other words, AirPlay is flexible and not limited to one app.

Also, on iOS and iPadOS, you can link together any AirPlay devices you might own for multi room audio.  This is built into the control center of iOS and iPad OS.

Macs are similar, AirPlay devices show up right in the sound options.  Click an AirPlay device and audio flows to that device.  It is a very easy way of listening to have any audio playing through your sound system.  Sure, if you use Chrome on MacOS, there are workarounds with some apps that have web versions, but all audio apps I am aware of can use AirPlay.  

The same can be said of controlling things from the Apple Watch.  Even using Amazon Music, you can open the link to show the speakers you have available to send the signal.  All Airplay products are available right there on the watch screen.

What about Bluetooth?

There is no lossless version of Bluetooth.  Bluetooth has a more limited range and Bluetooth does not have the multi room capabilities built into these popular operating systems.


AirPlay is mp3 quality

Apple can use 256k AAC files when streaming from an AirPlay 2 device to another AirPlay 2 device.  The thing is, in some cases that won’t matter.  When listening to podcasts or a news article being read, as two popular examples, I don’t need lossless, but I just want it to play on my streamer and I don’t want the hassle of Bluetooth (which is usually not as seamless as Airplay on Apple devices).

Secondly, some apps, like Amazon ( at least as I write this) send out audio using AirPlay 1 protocol.  This will send to multiroom audio AirPlay 2 devices in a lossless format, up to 24/48k.  

When you share a house with someone it helps when things are easy to use.  AirPlay qualifies.  Airplay 2 can work with Siri and a HomePod without ever opening a phone “ Siri, play Beatles in cave”.


Apple Music

If data from 2022 still holds true, Apple Music is the second largest paid music streaming service in the world and USA.   I personally have a subscription to Apple Music and Amazon Music.  Why?  Apple Music, to my tastes, has a much better interface, works with Siri, works with CarPlay, and it’s bundled into other services we use.  It comes bundled with a family plan and my wife also uses it.  On top of the interface, it has music I matched available when I am away from home and it has playlists that we enjoy.  The AppleTV app also works with Siri.  

I have Amazon Music for hi res streaming to WiiM when I am in the mood.  The interface may be the worst of any I have tried.  However, it works for albums when I know what I want to hear and I like the Alexa integration (especially with the Ultra's remote).  It is also cheaper than Tidal and Qobuz with a Prime membership.

Why not just use Apple Music via direct connection? 

I had my iPad setup to play Apple Music via direct connection in my office for over a year and it gave me hi res lossless streaming in my favorite music app.  I still have it available and use it with the WiiM Ultra via a more direct connection. 

However, quite often, I would find myself trying to decide on whether or not I wanted to continue using the iPad for music or to take it off the stand and use it for note taking, editing photos, etc.  The old Wiim Mini in my office was my backup, but this device looks better, has a better DAC, and has a headphone output alongside EQ and PEQ.   Without all of these features, I would have kept the WiiM Mini in the space.  This also allows me to move the WiiM Mini to my headphone setup in the living room.   My old Yamaha WXC-50 isn’t compatible with Amazon Music, so this gives me that feature.  

Workarounds

The main workarounds to use AirPlay with the WiiM Ultra are to connect an AirPlay device to it or to use Multi-room audio in the mix ( you can AirPlay to a WiiM with AirPlay enabled and link it to the Ultra).   Personally, I dug an old  1st Gen AirPort Express out of a drawer and connected it to the optical input. 

I didn’t need multi-room audio for this setup, since the receiver in the room has an AppleTV connected and it also has AirPlay built in.  This will mainly be for headphone use and convenience since my receiver will inevitably sit on the Ultra Input most of the time. 

If you mainly listen on a Mac and want a way around the issue, outside of a direct connection, some audio apps have web versions of their music app.  For example, Apple Music and Amazon both have web versions of their music apps.  You can open them in a Chrome browser and Cast the signal to the Ultra.

Wrap Up

As I mentioned in the WiiM Ultra review, I have many options for getting an audio signal into the Ultra.   Will I be using Airplay very often?  No, I won't because I will mainly be listening to Amazon Music.  However, do I want the option available? Yes, I may want to stream a podcast or something to the Ultra and having an Airport Express feeding it, solves that problem.  Can I live without Airplay?  In this implementation I could, but why do that when it is so easy to add it, one way or another...at least with the devices I already have in my house?   I would not spend money to fix the issue, though. I would just deal with Bluetooth instead.

I have three other Wiim music streaming devices, but when I first heard about this device, I knew I would want it.

​My use case is that I wanted WiiM Ultra for my office setup, so below I will describe how I am using it and how those things work.

This is by far the most important feature and I would not have purchased the Ultra if it did not work with Amazon.  That being said, it works great with my Amazon Music app and its casting feature.  This works for hi res files, as well.

As a side feature, I have an Amazon Show in my office and it can control what is playing in the Ultra with Alexa voice commands.   Also, the included remote has Alexa built in.

Before I move on to many other features, it should be mentioned that unlike other Wiim devices, this device does not have AirPlay.  That would have made it perfect for now and into the near future, but I guess you can’t have everything.  

​I don’t plan to use it with AirPlay very often, but I dug through some drawers and found my old AirPort Express and connected it to the optical input.  It does AirPlay 1, which I prefer to Apple Music to AirPlay 2 in this setup.  In short, AirPlay 1 is lossless up to 24/48 with Apple Music and AirPlay 2 is lossy 256k files with Apple Music. 

As a side note, if you have another Wiim device, you could connect it directly to the Ultra or you could Airplay to the other device (if it is in another system) and then link them in the Wiim app and get Airplay to the Ultra that way.

I have a Mac Mini with a HiDisz S8 DAC, an iPad connected to a Topping DAC, and a Tivoli radio that are going through a TC 754 preamp and feeding the line in of the Ultra.  This works great for my different needs in the space.  The line in, from what I understand goes through an analog to digital to analog conversion, but what comes out still sounds great.   In any mode where you use a line in, you will not get album art, but you can use the VU Meter if you want to see something on the screen.

As with the RCA inputs, this also goes through digital conversion.  I know some purest would not want to subject their vinyl to this conversion, and I was also hesitant, but I am happy with it for now.  After more listening, if I don’t like it, I can run it through my TC 754 pre-amp ( which also has a phono stage) and split the preamp output so one goes to the Wiim Ultra and the other goes directly into my receiver.  This will allow me to keep analog in its domain when I wish, but still be able to feed all of these signals into the Wiim so I can mess with the Equalizer and PEQ settings.  The best of both worlds. 

I have Audirvana on my Mac that houses my main music library.  I can send audio from it directly to the Ultra or using DLNA.  The upside to DLNA is that I get album art in the Ultra display. 

As a side note, you can use the meter with inputs that have album art, as well.  

​I also tested the Home Server link built into the Wiim app.  It connected to my Plex and LMS servers without issue.

I have a Google Home that is in my office, as well.  I have actually had it unplugged, but booted it up and tested casting to the Ultra by voice and it worked great.

As I mentioned, this worked with Alexa.  The remote is only a few buttons, but also covers some basic commands like play and pause.  It also has some presets you can assign.

The headphone out gives me a second headphone amp in my office.  I have a tube amp that sits next to it.  The two sound quite a bit different, so it allows me to use the one that fits my needs at the moment.   I use it with AKG K701s and they get plenty loud.  I do plan on working with the EQ to tailor the sound to my liking.  For now, I just used their preset for bass boost and it sounded better.  The AKG's are a more detailed headphone that, to my taste, sound better with a bit more bass in the signal.

Other than the lack of AirPlay built into the WiiM Ultra, I could not be happier.  It serves all of my other needs and sounds great doing it.   

​Extra:  I did mentioned multi-room linking in the Airplay section above, but one thing to be considered is that when you feed phono or a line input into the Wiim Ultra, you can now share it with other Wiim devices in the house.  It is pretty cool to listen to vinyl in rooms without a turntable.  Of course, you still have to get up and go in the other room to flip the record, but it is what it is.  

In 1989, Owen Edwards wrote a book called Elegant Solutions.  The book was about modern technology:

“Everything in this book will satisfy a practical need, but what really matters is that each will satisfy a deeper yearning, a need for things to be admirable and intelligent, generous and sound, functional and spiritual.  For after all the measurements are made and all the sales pitches completed, elegant solutions stand out because they are truly objects of affection.”

The interesting thing is that I have not picked up this book in more than a decade, but as I flipped through the pages featuring everything from Q-tips to the Porsche 911, I couldn’t help but think of the many things I own that would fit this description today.  Of course, several items that are mentioned are still in my home… even the Jeep Wrangler.  However, I thought I would write a few articles of the products that I believe still fit the bill for elegance in the modern world.  I may cover a few in the book if I think it is relevant today, but most will be elegant products not mentioned.

The first thing that came to mind was the elegance of the Big Green Egg. 

“Today’s Big Green Egg is a modern-day evolution of these ancient cookers. Centuries ago, these knee-high cookers – known as kamados – were fueled by wood or natural charcoal (just as the Big Green Egg is today), and pots were hung inside them for cooking rice. Eventually a slatted cooking grid was added inside for grilling and roasting meats. Popularity spread as U.S. service members discovered kamado cookers during World War II and shipped them home after the war. The domed cookers were an exciting alternative to the metal charcoal or gas grills of the day, and people became enamored with the added flavor and juiciness this “newly discovered” style of cooking gave to foods.

American serviceman and entrepreneur Ed Fisher was one of those who discovered the domed clay cooker. He was amazed at how much better the food tasted, and he began to import them, sensing that there might be an interest back home. When he opened the first Big Green Egg store in Atlanta in 1974, he sold a simple clay kamado based on the same design and materials that had been used thousands of years ago. Despite the great results they produced, these original cookers were fragile and not durable after exposure to the elements. Ed Fisher was fully committed to developing a company to produce and market these amazing cookers, and set out to make the best one ever created.”​

The Big Green Egg is a statement piece in the backyard.  It can’t be missed with its egg like shape and its green exterior.    However, the exterior is only a small part of the story.  This one design will accommodate overnight low and slow smokes and high heat pleasures like pizza.  The versatility is amazing.  

I wanted a small keyboard to take on the road to use with an iPad.  I have no need for the $350 Magic Keyboard since I mainly use one of the mechanical keyboards I have around the house with the iPad.  For a mouse, I have a Logitech Ergo MX that has the benefit of being able to be used without sliding it around.  It uses a roller ball on top to move around the curser.

Note:  I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page.  Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).
​
That being said, when I want to head out to the deck or just pack really lightly for a trip, the Seena Foldable keyboard is perfect. It folds down to a very compact package (I included a Magic Trackpad in my photos below for comparison purposes) and it takes up almost no room in my bag.

I have seen some videos saying that that the new M4 iPads are overpriced.   I thought I would make a list of similar products that it can potentially replace to really get a decent estimate of its value.

There is a market out there for portable monitors.  People use them as secondary displays for computers.  Actually, I have one, but not in this quality, so I thought that I would see what they cost.  The closest thing I could find was the model below:

Portable Monitor OLED 15.6 Inch Touchscreen 4K UHD 3840X2160 100% DCI-P3 100000:1 Multi-Touch HDR USB-C HDMI Travel Monitor- This is made under the brand Upperizon and currently sold on Amazon for 559.99.   

While it is slightly bigger than the 13 inch iPad, that could be a plus or minus depending on what you want to carry with you.  

Below are some stats from the iPad

•         2752-by-2064-pixel resolution at 264 ppi
•         ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz
•         Wide color (P3)
•         True Tone
•         Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
•         Fully laminated
•         Antireflective coating
•         SDR brightness: 1000 nits max
•         XDR brightness: 1000 nits max full screen, 1600 nits peak (HDR content only)
•         2,000,000:1 contrast ratio

The Upperizon has a slightly higher PPI.  However, it has a lower refresh rate (60HZ vs 120HZ).   The Upperizon has 2 speakers, while the iPad has 4.  The iPad weighs 1.28 pounds, while the Upperizon weighs 1.9 pounds.  The Upperizon is 350Nits vs the iPad’s 1000 nits (1600 nits peak with HDR).  The Upperizon has more inputs, but the iPad has thunderbolt 4.  Also, the iPad would need a capture card for sharing the screen with anything other than a Mac.  The Mac would be a wireless connection, as well.  

As you can see, they both have their plusses and minuses, but the brightness and refresh rate are big deals, so I would expect the iPad display to sell for a lot more.   Hard to put a number on the iPad - just the screen - because there are no comps.  You have to get into the $20,000 monitor range to find something similar with a tandem display.

The iPad can be used in a high end audio system as the media server.  It works well with a dock, preferably with HDMI and USB out.  However, it can feed a USB DAC a bit perfect audio signal and can perform bit rate switching on the fly with music streaming services.  Unlike most streamers, it can play Apple Music’s hi res format.  The only comp that I am aware of right now would be the Fiio R7, but there are big differences between the two units.

The iPad has a 13 inch OLED screen, as mentioned above.  Also, if you want to show the display on a bigger screen, it can fill the entire screen via HDMI or USB-C with Album Art.

The Fiio R7 is currently around $700 ($720 if you want it in white).  It uses a modified version of Android 10.  Android 10 was released almost 5 years ago.  This device comes with its own DAC.  However, reviews show that the DAC has a “ESS IMD Hump”, which means you could pair a nicer DAC to the iPad or if you want to use digital out, you could pair the Fiio with a more accurate DAC.  The Fiio has many more inputs and outputs, which would be great if you wanted to use as a preamp.  The Fiio also has a nice headphone amp, but it uses the same DAC. 

Unfortunately, it is difficult to find an exact comparable because the iPad isn’t meant to be a preamp.  However, the main issue, besides preamp capabilities, is the difference in the screens.  The Fiio uses a 4.97 screen that is 720x1280.  It only has 4GB of RAM vs the iPad’s 8.  It does have the ability to send the video to a TV, but it is boxed in and looks like a mirror of the 4.97 screen.  It should be noted, that the iPad is more portable and can be taken anywhere with a thumb DAC/Amp or even with the well reviewed, dirt cheap, Apple USB-C Dongle.  

While these are different, there are still pros and cons of both.  The iPad’s bigger screen, the extended display feature, the portability, etc.  The newer OS and more RAM could also means it runs smoother.

The Fiio is a better headphone amp and preamp, I suspect many people would prefer a more accurate DAC with their pick of an external headphone amp, but it probably depends on the person.

I personally use the iPad with a Topping DAC (HiDisz or Dragonfly DAC on the road) and a Little Dot Tube amp.  

Wacom One 13 Touch Drawing Tablet with Screen (2023), Full-Laminated 13.3” HD Touchscreen Graphics Monitor - currently $550 on Amazon -  The Wacom has a 1920x1080 resolution, which doesn’t match the iPad.   I believe the Wacom uses an LCD.  The Wacom needs a computer to work.  I am sure there might be some advantage to this Wacom, but the ability to just use the iPad without another computer, while still being able to use with a Mac wirelessly seems like a tough thing to beat.  

I should mention that Wacom has some units that also contain the computer, but the one I see that is currently available on Amazon has a 16 inch screen and cost $2499.   They had a 13 inch version in the $2000 range (using an old Dell link to see the price).   Of course, a 16 inch screen means more weight on the go.  It weighs 4.7 pounds compared to 1.28 pounds of the iPad.   You could also carry along a MacBook Air (2.7 pounds) with the iPad and still have less weight to hall around.   If you bought a MBA  ($999) and the iPad ($1299)  you would come out ahead on price (even with the cost of the Apple Pencil), too.  Also, you could split them up when you only needed one of them.   Not saying they are perfectly comparable, but I do think it shows that Apple isn't pricing the iPad Pro too high for what you get in return.

Camera - The iPad can be a scanner or even a photography tool (though I would use it sparingly that way).

Book Reader/Note Taker - A 10.3 inch Remarkable 2 currently costs $549 -  The Remarkable is a black and white screen which is fine for reading books, but PDFs, Magazines, and anything you want to read with color (RSS feeds, etc) would be better on the iPad.  The Remarkable feels more like paper when writing, but many have "Paperlike" or other versions of removable clear covers that can replicate the feel...while still being able to remove to go back to the clearest picture possible.
 
Laptop replacement for some people?  If you need Pencil input, touch, a removable keyboard, the only real competition is the Windows Surface computers.  Those run full Windows which is a big advantage over iPadOS for some people, but on the other hand, it runs Windows, which could also be a downside for some people.   For me, it is not a replacement, for just about every other person I know, it is.  I saw a video where a guy was complaining because it did not have a batch mode in the Files app...yeah, like most people care about that.  Now lets see the guy use a Pencil on his Mac screen...or remove the keyboard from his MacBook Air...I am waiting.!! LOL

Portable gaming machine - with the new retro games, Apple Arcade, Steam (streaming), Gaming apps, it has become a much better portable gamer over the years.  You can pair Xbox or PS controllers to it these days, as well.  It can also be a display for your portable gaming device with a capture card.  There is really no comparable because it all comes down to which games you want to play, but its a lot of fun and the screen size, resolution, and speakers best all individual gaming machines.

Portable Video Machine - Do they still make portable DVD players?  This is better if you want to watch movies from just about any service or watch Youtube.  You can also download your own movies or stream from Plex.  Not sure anything comes close (especially with the cellular option), the gorgeous display and the great speakers. ​

Of course, the list above is based on my own use cases.  However, I am sure there are more that I missed based on other people's needs.  If it just replaced the top three things on this list, we are looking at a savings.   The fact is that the screen is a technological marvel and those in the tech community seem to be downplaying what Apple did with this design.  The fact that this is probably the best screen on any consumer item ever just gets looked over because we have a bunch of sad sacks crying about iPadOS not doing all the things they can do on a Mac.  

So in my quest to find the perfect case, without a keyboard for my M4 iPad Pro, I landed on the "ESR for iPad Pro 13 Inch Case M4(2024), iPad Pro 13 Rotating Case with Removable Magnetic Cover, Adjustable Portrait/Landscape Stand with Raised Screen View, 9 Standing Angles, Shift Series, Black" .   

​Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.

As I have mentioned in the past, I do not need a keyboard very often, and when I do, I have several workarounds that make it possible.   I had a Logitech Combo Touch keyboard on my last iPad, and most of the time, the keyboard cover was off and sitting in a chair.  As a result, I wanted something that could cover the iPad, supply a stand of some sort for when I don't want to hand hold it, and if possible, a slim case for when it is in tablet mode.  

The ESR Case does all of this, to some extent, and more...

A unique feature of this design is that it has a heavy case on the outside that performs all of the standing functions and a light interior case for when you want to hand hold the iPad.  Really a win/ win situation.

The inner case is a light shell (~187g) compared to the 582g iPad.   It covers the back and has a small lip to protect the screen.  Personally, I prefer having my iPad with some protection no matter how I am using it.  Below is a photo of the iPad in the inner case laying next to the closed outer case.

The thing that makes this case really useful is the fact that it uses magnets to connect the inner case to the outer case.  This means it can go from tablet mode to standing mode in less than a second.   

The case has two flap on the back to prop it up into 9 different positions.   The larger flap is for standing it up to see it better and the smaller flap helps put it into a good writing or Pencil input mode. 

Of course, you can use these angles as you please.  Below is a screenshot from a Youtube video.

Propping it up is nice for video:

One of the really unique features is that since it uses magnets, the inner case can be placed higher on the stand to improve the viewing distance.  This is great for sharing the screen with a Mac or for games and movies:

This mode is also great for typing, especially if you have a thick mechanical keyboard:

One thing I was surprised by was the fact that I could actually use this case with a keyboard on the couch.  I have two approaches.   The first is an old keyboard case I used for a while with my original iPad Pro 9.7.  The keyboard was designed with a back cover to hold the iPad and the front was a Bluetooth Keyboard with a trackpad.  It worked great and even has function buttons.  A while back, I separated the keyboard from the case, so I could use it to control an iPad (for music) from across the room.  It worked great.  Well, since I was using a Logitech Combo Touch with my M1 Pro, I didn't use this keyboard all that often.  However, I placed this in front of the ESR on my lap and it works great.  This is more than enough for the rare times I need to type a lot on the couch.  It was already in that area because of its prior use.   

Below is a pic of the iPad on my lap from the couch.  You would think it wouldn't be steady, but because the outer case is quite heavy, it stays put without any issues. The other picture shows the screw hole from where I removed the old cover.

Occasionally, I will also use the iPad with the case and a smaller mechanical keyboard or a Magic Keyboard that I have had for years.  Because I have long legs, I could probably use any keyboard in lap.  While the iPad doesn't really require a mouse thanks to touch input, when desired, I pair it up with a Logitech Ergo MX mouse that has a scroll ball to move around the curser rather than needing to move the curser around by moving the mouse.  As a result, the Logitech can pretty much be used anywhere, including the arm of a couch.

One additional feature, which is nice for when you toss this in a bag, is a small pouch for the Pencil.  

This keyboard has two flaws.  The first would be the weight when moving it from place to place.  It may be one of the heaviest cases available.  That being said, when hand holding the device, you can remove it from the outer case.  The second issue is the fact that the magnets that connect the cover to the iPad don’t really hold the cover in place when turned upside down.  I had a similar issue with another case, so this may be some issue with what Apple told these manufacturers.  This case actually does a better job of being attached to the cover than my other case, but still should be mentioned.

Outside those two issues, I am really happy with this case.  It seems custom made for my many different use cases.
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So, I bought a 2024 M4 iPad Pro 13 inch and now I need something to carry it in. So which choice is best?

Most of the reviews I have seen focus on the $350 Magic Keyboard.  However, I have always had issues with this keyboard because of its lack of protection when it’s in tablet mode.   For just protection from dropping it or even minor scrapes, it wouldn’t work for me.  Also, I just don’t like the feeling of the metal in my hands.  I guess the upside is that it’s lighter without any case, but holding it that way doesn’t make me feel as comfortable.  Also, I am sure this is a technological marvel, but $350 for a keyboard case?  It doesn’t make sense to me, but perhaps that is because I would never use the keyboard enough to justify that price.  

The second option for people that want tablet-mode protection, but still want to have a keyboard that directly connects to the iPad, there is the $259 Logitech Combo Touch Folio.   This would be my first choice in most circumstances for travel.  Having the kickstand on the case makes it easier to get into a proper position when I am using it on a desk or table.   This is the keyboard case that I used with my M1 iPad.  The reason that I am holding off is the price and the fact that I rarely used the keyboard.  Yes, it’s nice to have on the road, but I am not traveling much these days.  

So, I have been looking for a case that is mainly protection for the iPad and found just a general case with a cutout that holds the Pencil when it is being charged by the iPad.  It’s a really good choice for those that just want to throw their iPad in a bag and not worry about the Pencil detaching.  The cover can be folded behind it to make a stand, as well.  It is one angle (two if you flip it around), but better than nothing.  Mine had some issue with the cover magnets, so I am sending it back.

To replace the cases above, I got one from ESR.  This case is most unusual.  First off, it has a case inside the case.  The lightweight internal case is for handheld use or when you want to lay it flat on a surface.   The outer case holds the iPad in with magnets, so it can be removed with ease.  The outer case allows 9 different angles, so it works great in the lap when I am sitting on the couch.  If I want to type on the couch, which is rare, I have an old Bluetooth Keyboard that has a trackpad built in that I can fit on my lap with this case.  The case is very sturdy in this position, so it is not as cumbersome as it sounds, but I have long legs which helps.

I can also fit my old Apple Keyboard in front of it on my lap and type without any issues.  Of course, I don’t have a trackpad in this setup, but the function keys help and I can use touch with my fingers.  When I want to have a mouse, I have Logitech Ergo MX mouse that I have used with the iPad for years.  It works great since you control the curser with a ball on top rather than moving the mouse around.  This allows it to work on the arm of the couch or in tight spaces.

The weight of this $56 stand/case fully loaded is a hefty ~1337g!  It is probably the heaviest case on the market.  I will have a full review with more photos coming soon!

The inner case alone only adds 187g to the 582g iPad, so not nearly as heavy when you hand hold the device outside the case.  That being said, you are only carrying the case from place to place, but even on the couch, you can just rest the case on your body and it is pretty sturdy thanks to the magnets holding everything in position and the weight makes it feel less like it will fly off when you move around a little bit.  I do think the heavy outercase does kind of defeat the point of a light iPad, but its nice to have the protective inner case, that doesn’t add a lot of weight when you are hand holding the device.  

Despite the weight of the ESR, it is really starting to grow on me.  I love the way the iPad can be mounted near the top of the case/stand which puts it at a much better height for playing games or watching media.  The stand will even allow you to mount it in portrait mode, which I prefer for reading books and magazines.  

As I said, the main downside is the weight, but the cover, when closed, doesn’t hold the cover to the iPad if you flip it upside down.  I wish those magnets were just a little bit stronger.

I would have looked at the Zugu cases, but they won’t ship until the end of July.  I may take another look in August when they are available if the ESR Shift case doesn’t end up working out for me in the long run.   

So, I was reading MacWorld and saw an article entitled “Are we in a Post iPad Era”.  I found it quite interesting, especially when compared to the much different Cult of Mac article “Should you buy a MacBook or iPad?”  

To begin my article, I just want to show a few stats from 2023:

According to Canalys, Apple sold around 54 million iPads in 2023.   According to Statista, Apple sold 21.9 million Macs.   This is far greater than a 2 to 1 split in a year when Apple didn’t even release a new iPad model.

So, out of the gate, the numbers look more like a post-Mac era.  Apple still has the greatest market share in the tablet market, while Macs make up less than 10 percent of the PC market.  Let's be honest, the vast majority of "professionals" use Windows.

So lets look through some of the points in the article:

“But rumor has it Apple has been investigating foldable screen technology, which might conceivably someday allow you to carry an iPhone-sized device that folds out into an iPad-sized device. While it might not be a powerhouse in the class of the iPad Pro, it does mean a possible world where the iPhone might start eating away at the low end of the iPad market. After all, why carry two devices when one might do?”

So, even under this possible future change to the iPhone, it “might start eating away at the low end iPad market”.   This would assume that those willing to spend whatever Apple charges for a foldable iPhone are the same folks buying the cheap iPad.  Not sure how true that is and I am not sure a foldable from Apple would be all that popular for the people buying the low end tablet.  According to a quick Google search, today, the largest unfolded Android phone on the market is 7.8 inches.  That is small compared to 11 and 13 inch iPads.   Maybe it will replace the mini for some people, but it won’t replace those that are buying larger iPads.    Also, in his own prediction, it doesn’t spell a “Post iPad era”.   

The next theory is , "a convertible MacBook, were Apple to make one, could threaten the iPad Pro. If a Mac can offer what an iPad can and more, then once again, why carry two devices?”

The numbers don’t fit this argument.  Currently, given the numbers I posted above, Apple sells more than double (in some years triple) the number of iPads over Macs.  In other words, there are a lot of people buying the iPad to be able to have a similar experience to their iPhones on a much bigger screen and with more features.  It’s a familiar operating system to a lot more people than the Mac.  As iPad gets better and better at “Pro” level apps, there will be less and less reason to carry two devices…. but that other device people will stop carrying will be the Mac laptop.   As I have said before, the Mac is the niche’ device, not the iPad.  Also, as the Cult of Mac post I linked above noted, currently, the iPad is the right choice for most people.   That won't change with a Mac going to touch unless it's simply a rip off of the app design of the iPad with the ability to install pro level Mac apps.  I would argue that this would still be an iPad.  A Mac would be more like a Mac interface and it isn't built around touch. 

The better argument is that Apple figures out a way for the iPad to handle more pro level apps and it becomes the portable Apple device while they push you to the Mac desktops for more extreme level work.   Personally, I already prefer the convertible iPad for my on the go work.

The perfect on the go device for me would be the iPad that also runs MacOS in Parallels (or similar Apple software) or via dual boot.  This would hurt Mac numbers and improve iPad numbers.  This would be the easiest route for Apple to take, but Apple obviously wants us to buy two devices.  If they decide on one device for portable, they will continue developing iPad in that direction or simply add MacOS as an option to certain versions...and I suspect those versions won't be cheap.  Look at what you have to pay to get their matte iPad display!

And the final argument is almost laughable at this point, “Take the Apple Vision Pro, which more than a few early reviewers have described as “an iPad you wear on your face.” One of the device’s more applauded uses is as an immersive media player, something that has traditionally been one of the iPad’s strengths. Might a more affordable and more ergonomic Vision Pro successor steal some of the iPad’s thunder?”

We are a long, long way away from these heavy goggles replacing anything.  That’s the problem with the AVP, they replace nothing unless you are a loner.   If they make them cheaper, if they make them lighter, etc… they might occupy more of a niche in the market place, but as they are now, we are a long way from them replacing anything, much less a tablet where you are still in the room with your loved ones and not wearing uncomfortable, heavy gear on your face.   Also, as they shrink the goggles and make it more approachable, can they keep the price down?  

I have already seen people discuss the most spec’d out iPad with Apple Case and Apple Magic Keyboard, coming into the $3000 range.   However, that isn’t a very good comparison unless a majority of people are going with this setup.  I have to think that the number of people going with this specific setup is minuscule, and even then, it's around a $1000 less than the best Vision Pro.  The iPads range in price from $350-1299 in their base configurations..the base configuration of the AVP is closer to $3500.  This is ten times more than the base iPad.  No, it won't be replacing the iPad with anything called AVP.   Apple would need a new set of glasses that more likely than not will plug into an iPad rather than replacing it to get to the those prices.

He wraps up the article with this point “But it’s also hard to overcome the feeling that Apple’s slow development on the software side has hamstrung the iPad’s future with a steadfastness that borders on pathological.”

While I would love to see Apple make changes faster on the iPad, it has changed quite a bit over the years, much more than any other product they have updated.  They added Pencil input, Keyboard support, Stage Manager, External display support, Universal control, Screen Mirroring, using it as a monitor with a capture device, mobile Final Cut, Logic, thunderbolt, tandem OLED, etc.  It isn’t like they stopped developing for it.

Also, this article is being written now because Apple released these iPads with essentially last year's software.  The next iPadOS won’t be available until the fall (many features will be announced at WWDC in less than a month).  Let's wait and see what they changed.  I don't expect them to just say, "we are skipping updates this year because the iPad is perfect the way it is".  No, development of the OS will continue, apps like Logic, Final Cut, ProCreate, will get even better on the iPad (they already announced this much) and it will continue to fill the gaps for that one portable computer that fits most of the market.  I expect there will still be uses for Mac laptops (especially MBPs), but I can personally get by with a desktop Mac or PC now and use only the iPad for my portable needs.  I expect that with the next iPadOS update, even more people will fit this category.