The perfect BUDGET Apple Ecosystem doesn't exi-

[@lukemiani]

Would you make any changes to this ecosystem with the same budget to play with? Why or why not? Plus, check out the Best Buy mobile app: go.magik.ly/ml/1xptb/

[@AM562]

The only changes I would make is I would get an 8th gen iPad the last one with the white basil and it has a headphone jack. Probably get a better Apple Watch because I want the latest Apple Watch for the tap feature. And then a mini iPhone are you on an iPhone 12 mini

[@advaithmenon1002]

Me personally I can't find much of a use for an iPad in my life as of yet so I'd cheap out on the iPad/skip it entirely and get an iPhone that would get me another 2-3 years of updates. maybe a 13/13 pro.

[@jameslatief1]

Skip the watch, replace with Airpods Pro. As long as the Apple Watch battery hasn't hit at least a week, I would never bother buying one.

[@Craftysheep108-dp9pp]

hey luke my macbook pro recently stopped working and I was wondering if you had a spare macbook that is relitively new That you don't need if I could have it becaude I am currently doing my homework on my phone and It has proven to be verry dificult. Thanks. Ps yr amazing

[@stevenbenson9976]

Luke the one thing that's really worth mention in your Eco system and possibly the reason why the iPhone 11 is so cheap is that the iPhone 12 is 5G. I'd bump the budget to get that.

[@sweealamak628]

This is where Apple leads the industry. The Ecosystem and longevity of their products are remarkable. My Series 1 Apple Watch still works perfectly with my iPhone 14 Pro, M1 MBA and iPad Pro. I consider it my budget setup because they can be used for years making it affordable over the long run.

[@IskandarPramono]

Yes, Apple products are a long investment!

[@CFC.NobarR]

What do you use your apple watch for?

[@poopyfarts42069]

@@CFC.NobarR i personally use it to track my health and sleep (it works really well!)

[@HungryzStuff]

Just don't buy them all at once or you'll probably upgrade everything at the same time. As Tim Cook once said, "We put the air in Macbook Air in your Wallet"

[@Sr_iRL]

@@CFC.NobarR to tell the time duh!! Nah but seriously personally use mine to check the time, the date, and my local temperature 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@joaocanhoto2654]

These ecosystem video you do are immensely helpful. They provide excellent perspective on apple purchases. I always consult these whenever I'm in the mood to buy. Please continue to do these in future as Apple updates the line-up.

[@richard.20000]

Luke is right, especially fanless MacBook Air M1 has incredibly great value. M1 is still 5 years ahead in terms of CPU architecture: M1 ...... 2333 pts GB6 ....... 3.2 GHz ...... 2333/3.2 = 729 pts/GHz Zen4 ... 1948 pts GB6 ....... 4.5 GHz ...... 1948/4.5 = 433 pts/GHz ..... 1.68x for M1 M1 has still 68% higher IPC which is very impressive (equal to 5 to 7 years of advantage in CPU architecture development). Second hand M1 Air is my first Apple product and it's literally the best peace of HW I ever bought. I would recommend 16 GB RAM though.

[@santoshpss]

Whenever you're in the *mood* to buy? Are you really that rich mate?

[@joaocanhoto2654]

@@santoshpssnot at all. I said mood to buy. I don’t actually buy. I just like to fantasize about it

[@santoshpss]

@@joaocanhoto2654 Oh that's better then hahah... I sold many newly bought Apple products because I became broke (because of them)... will never buy one unless I get so rich I don't care about money lol...

[@realai581]

@@joaocanhoto2654same here 😂😅

[@poontony]

Thank you for sharing this perspective. It’s great to see a review where a normal or “average” consumer like myself can get the most of out today’s technology at a reasonable price without having to spend the most on the latest and greatest. It’s also a great video for a small or medium business owner to also get their organization on the latest tech and budget accordingly in these challenging economic times. This video has a really invaluable perspective - please keep making them!

[@sShamSss]

you are "right on the money" with this one Luke. If you add the AirPods 3 to the list (an absolute must-have for the ecosystem), you would have validated my apple product build-out.

[@Shalomrutere]

I beg to differ. The airpods are the one thing I wouldn't consider in this ecosystem. I'd prefer earbuds from Anker or Sony. They are very well integrated with Apple devices too and also have multipoint if you need that.

[@00SNIVY00]

@@Shalomrutere Does kinda defeat the Apple part of the ecosystem though. I'm not aware of any headphones that can simultaneously connect to more than 2 devices at once, that'd be the one other edge of the AirPods, since they could switch between the Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Anker would likely be better value though

[@sShamSss]

@@Shalomrutere I appreciate what you saying; however, for the sake of an “Apple” ecosystem, an apple product is what we have to recommend. I am not of the opinion that apple makes the best products in all of their categories.

[@Shalomrutere]

@@00SNIVY00 I agree with the part of connecting to more than two devices. As for the ecosystem part, it's understandable that it should be made up of only Apple products but my view is that the contributions that Airpods make to the overall system are so insignificant that they can be replaced by another. Replacing any of the other four with a product from another company would greatly affect the ecosystem.

[@sShamSss]

@@Shalomrutere ah! Very good point. For average users, who (I presume) this ecosystem recommendation is geared at, there are times when the seamless switching of sound from one device to the next and other subtleties that they won’t have to think/research about, make the AirPod 3 an easy recommendation for me

[@brentwinterbottom4671]

Watching this video on my 2018 iPad Pro 11 inch. I bought it when it was new and I am now going on over five years of use and still going strong.Tremendous value.

[@Max_Eye]

As a person from Europe I'm crying about these prices.... An M1 for around 400$??!?!? The lowest you can get it here is about 700€ and that's if your REALLY lucky

[@idonotexist5119]

i know i'm from italy and every ti e i watch one of this video i cry

[@idonotexist5119]

and the ipad too😭

[@mojave5661]

exactly. like when he made the video about the 30" Apple Cinema Display and said it's cheap. the cheapest one I've ever seen was 600€

[@NOTSOFUNNYGURU446]

Bruv in albania its like 900 euros for a used m1 it really sucks

[@Max_Eye]

@@NOTSOFUNNYGURU446 same im from Germany and a beat down M1 Air is around 700-900€ here as well it sucks. So get an 2019 16" MacBook Pro, it will be as fast, but drain more battery. But if you do light stuff on it the battery is good and the 2019 mbp are much cheaper (got mine for 600€) (compared to a new one / a 900€ MB Air M1). With some cooling mods and software these actually run perfectly quiet

[@louismiles2340]

I used an 11 Pro for a few days whilst my 13 mini was in for repair. The battery wasn't the greatest but it's so damn comfortable, even compared to the mini. The performance holds up well and the cameras rival my 13 mini, sometimes beating it!

[@committed2thecore]

Bring back the minis!!

[@jlj945]

I’m keeping my 13 mini for as long as possible

[@aymane.bencheikh]

then why buying the 13 mini??

[@jason41a]

my ecosystem in late 2024 - macbook (m7, 2016, 512GB) - iphone 11 pro (256GB) - ipad 3 (retina, 2012) [retired] - wired earpods - apple watch (1st gen) [broken]

[@billhart9832]

Luke, exactly what I needed to hear. I need total refresh and you just gave me the road map! I've been sidelined for 5years because of health reasons but have just picked up a new contract and insurance so my 2011 MBA 11", iPhone 6s(last with a headphone jack), and iPad Air 2 (with a burned screen) are all long past their need for update, and the addition of an Apple watch would help my health monitoring. Thanks!

[@CamiloGonimaRuiz]

get a 16 gb macbook air! you will not regret it

[@CamiloGonimaRuiz]

ram

[@cs1825]

As an Android/Windows User, I'm quite shocked for the value you've got with these items. Keep up the good videos!

[@noliv5832]

The biggest thing I'm getting from this video is how cheap the second hand market is in the US… getting the same models here in France would be a lot more expensive. I have an iPhone 11 Pro and I would say a cheaper regular iPhone 11 would be my choice for this mission, the third lens is useless (so low quality that I don't recommend using it at all) and I'm fine with LCD screens. Apple Watch 4 is still great to me too, the rest of the selection (M1 mba + iPad Pro) is still perfect indeed. 👍

[@sohanchodankar3130]

the third lens is great for potraits

[@eyez73]

It's the same here in the UK. It would all be a lot more expensive.

[@KristianMikulka]

This would be 1700€ in Slovakia 😢

[@EliteAgent2323]

Perhaps because of the amount of Apple products available, the price is lower when bought second hand.

[@EvianPutra]

Yoo… Indonesian here, those setup would still cost roughly $2000 here 😅

[@nathanaelkugler777]

Very good video, Luke, thanks! I agree with most of the list, except the iPhone (because I like small phones, I would get the 12 mini, but for most people the normal 12 would be a sensible choice, and cheaper than the 11 Pro) My personal ecosystem cost around 1800€ (bought all of it used): - M1 Pro 14" MacBook Pro (1100€) - 11" iPad Pro 2018 (200€) + Apple Pencil (90€) - iPhone 12 mini (140€) - Apple Watch 7 41mm (110€) - Airpods Pro (140€) Very satisfied with most of it (especially the low prices I paid for them), just the Airpods Pro are too expensive, and the battery of the 12 mini isn't the best, but thats a trade-off I can live with for the small size (and price)

[@Cartidise]

Great choice mate!

[@chengmichael]

in what world you can find an iPad Pro 11" 2018 for 200€, an iPhone 12 Mini for 140€ and and Apple Watch Series 7 for 110€??? you must be dreaming

[@PolarRed]

well I would be happy too, if I got any of any those for those prices! Where I live (europe too), I'd be lucky if i could get them for less than 75% more on top of what you paid!

[@nylotical]

@@chengmichaelearth. If you look hard enough, you will find lol.

[@jansix4287]

Your AirPods Pro are most likely fake Chinese knockoffs. I’d never buy those second hand.

[@tvandever2010]

One of your best Videos. All of these products make sense. This is the best way to get into Apple products.

[@JackStavris]

During Luke’s sponsor spot I paused the video and guessed what the products would be and I nailed them, I guessed M1 MBA, iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 12, 2018 iPad Pro and an Apple Watch 5. All are currently the best right now, especially the iPad and the MacBook. I’m currently writing this on my 2018 iPad Pro 11 that I’ve owned since 2020 and it’s still a great device I don’t see replacing anytime soon. I also own the Apple Watch Series 4, and considering a Series 5 or maybe even a Series 6 is not all that more expensive, I’d just buy one of those instead. I’ve had my Series 4 since 2018 which was a pre-order one that shipped in October 2018 and it’s still good, it does everything you’d want it to do, but battery life took a nosedive after watchOS 10 was installed, so if you own one like me it’s still fine to use but I wouldn’t go out buying one now.

[@altosack]

I had a different experience with watchOS 10 on my Series 5. Initially, the battery life was terrible, but now (10.2) it’s back to normal. _However,_ swipes only register one out of four or five times instead of reliably every time like they used to. Since I _know_ Apple knows this, and it’s intentional to get us to upgrade, Apple is pretty close to losing me out of principle, even though their products are still the best, and I should stay with them for pragmatism.

[@pilsplease7561]

I straight up destroyed the battery on my 12 pro max from using it and the battery wore out and was under apple care and they said they wouldnt fix it ended up getting a 14 pro max to replace it cause I couldnt wait till the 15 came out not much difference really

[@AFunkyTurtle]

Haha I did almost the same thing and our guesses were practically identical. I have not used a Macbook since 2018 when i sold my 2015 MBP but thought the M1 MBA would be the best value from videos and others opinions on it.

[@JRomeSr.]

I strongly agree with the ecosystem you have put out! In fact, until just recently, I had basically the same thing (minus the iPad). Currently, and this is my opinion, I have the ideal ecosystem which consists of the 15” MacBook Air (got for $899), iPhone 11 Pro Max (got for $350), the Apple Watch S6 (got for $150), and the AirPods Pro 2 (got for $90). Altogether that’s a price of about $1500 which is about as much as the new MacBook Pro 😎

[@Mentesestoicas_]

Living in Brazil seeing the prices of Apple products in US makes me so sad. For real a MacBook Air m1 here costs about 4x the full monthly minimum wage here. Even an iPhone XR costs about a full monthly salary here.

[@ErikBrainOS]

I've been waiting for another  ecosystem video! Luke, your apple ecosystem videos are the ones who hooked me into it from the first place, I remember how a few years ago after searching for some information about the ecosystem, I run into one of your videos and it convinced me to rethink about buying a new iPhone 12 Pro, instead I bought a used iPhone Xs, used  watch s4 44mm, and a pair of new AirPods Pro 1st gen. It even convinced me to sell my intel MacBook Pro 16" 2019 and use my 2012 Unibody 13" for one more year! My current  ecosystem: M1 Pro MacBook Pro 16" (2nd hand!) iPad Pro 2020 11" (2nd hand!)  watch s4 44mm eSim (2nd hand!) iPhone 15 Pro (New) AirPods Pro 2 (New) Great video.

[@erotech1]

I am still using the iPhone 6s and you say that the iPhone XR is a bad choice for starters in 2023!? 😅

[@sir.fender6034]

"It has bezels the size of Oklahoma". As being an OK native, I am baffled by this.

[@aaronbakerbcg3984]

iPhone 11 Pro Max is still my favorite phone. I would love for them to bring that design back.

[@iCaveDave]

Love this. I got a S7 watch for 160 used to replace a first gen SE, and it's cellular! bargain and almost identical to S9!

[@DraconicAux]

Had the MacBook Air M1 (2020) for about a year now, and it's amazing. the battery is so large it can last for about 3 days without a charge with light-moderate usage, and it effortlessly runs photo editing programs let alone lighter programs like writing. It's the perfect work machine like everyone says.

[@oscarperez364]

I would also recommend considering the Mac mini + iPad Pro with sidecar instead of MBA. This is my current medical school setup and it's amazing. Pair with a stand for a modern iMac G4 typebeat.

[@Craftysheep108-dp9pp]

hey luke my macbook pro recently stopped working and I was wondering if you had a spare macbook that is relitively new That you don't need if I could have it becaude I am currently doing my homework on my phone and It has proven to be verry dificult. Thanks

[@Conceptcentral-gc8zt]

Yes

[@Aritra125]

In your dreams

[@Jmg831]

I have an iPhone 8, an iPad 8, a MacBook Pro from 2008 and an Apple Watch SE the first

[@AE2355]

If I can change the ecosystem I would break it down to the iPhone 13, the 2018 iPad Pro (with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil and NO keyboard case because there is a Mac in this ecosystem), the Macbook Air M1 and the Apple Watch SE (If there's anything else I would have added it would be the Airpods 3rd gen or the 1st gen Airpod Pros)

[@MissionControlTet]

I agree except for iPhone and iPad: regular 13 is much more capable than 11 Pro, iPad 9 can be found for $240 for used model. For most people who don't even know what is 120Hz and barely ever use telephoto camera, they're better combo. 13 for the capability and latest features, 9 for cutting corners.

[@rivereee]

Fully support the Series 5, I have been hanging on to mine and if you don't care about fitness features it's still fantastic. And I love having the latest devices!

[@gregedwards69]

Still rocking a 2018 iPad Pro here, and it’s still more than adequate for my needs. It’s worth mentioning that it’s (I think) the cheapest iPad Pro that supports stage manager and has the ‘more space’ option to increase usable resolution.

[@kira64xyz]

I need an iPad because I’m an artist and it’s just my favorite way to draw ever, just having an all-in-one drawing solution I don’t need to sit in front of my computer or a desk for is so nice, I’d skip the watch though probably

[@SGS2sprint]

There’s so much data in comparing depreciation curve in Apple products really easier to find best value. Also Apple ecosystem is a must have for anyone. It’s iCloud connects services from simple picture to advanced banking services is the heartbeat of our digital ID with its most valuable product of all… locked privacy protections. Apple is freedom.

[@entertainment6871]

Honestly would’ve enjoyed to see some sort of headphones on this. Comparing beats to AirPods etc to complete the setup would’ve brought this video over the top

[@mochi4_]

6:12 I bought an iPad Air 5th gen as I use it to take notes, read books and generally do stuff in college. It's a really versatile device that's both an extension of my iPhone and a laptop-like hybrid since i also use it with a keyboard case. I can understand why people just skip it altogether - It's only useful in such specific use-cases, usually you're better off just buying a MacBook since it's a more open, desktop-first experience instead of closed touch-first one

[@alphaandliarize]

Hey Luke, just want to say thanks for all of your videos. Your knowledge and opinions helped me decide to get an M1 MBA during pandemic. It's the best I've ever made. I experienced zero issues with this laptop and Mac OS is surprisingly make me feel more productive than Windows 😝

[@jz6246]

This is amazingggg. But what aboutt those that enjoy both worlds? Hopefully, you’ll do a mixed budget ecosystem. For example, owning an iPhone plus an android tablet. Or vice versa. I would love to see your suggestions. I think a huge chunk of viewers are looking forward to that type of video, which is quite hard to find tbh.

[@mattbuffo9967]

i used that 2018 11" pro for almost 5 years worked great the whole time no slow downs or issues at all but finally upgraded to the 12.9" m1 it was worth the upgrade

[@seanchaney2546]

This is how I would do my budget Apple ecosystem MacBook Air M1-$500 Luke explains why this is so good. iPhone 13 Mini-$380 You get a newer CPU giving you a snappier experience and longer software support. I imagine will be supported longer than an average iPhone due to the iPhone 14 having the same chip. This is also pretty close to a flagship experience. AirPods Pro 2nd Gen-$150 You can’t have an Apple ecosystem without AirPods. These are easily the best ones to get. The transparency mode and noise cancellation are just so good. These are a good price for a premium device from Apple. iPad 9th generation-$200 We already have the MacBook so we have the iPad to do iPad things. Like watch KZbin, browse internet, etc. Apple Watch S7-$175 Again this gives us longer software support than the Apple Watch 5. It’s going to be faster and have better battery life. It’s very similar to the s8 and s9 so the experience using this watch should be very good. Total-$1405

[@lamprosnick5549]

I've also watched the MB Air M1 fixing video and I still can't deal with the washed out colors of the screen.

[@questionyourbeliefs]

Love this concept for a video Thank you!

[@ILLESTTRUTH]

Recently got a iPad and have been using it in tandem with my MacBook and iPhone for the last few weeks. Too a flight and it came in clutch for downloading content for the flight. I’ve used it to FaceTime and browse and shop on a bigger screen in places my laptop wouldn’t fit. I think it’s the lowest of my apple items in importance but it’s been worth it for me so far.

[@xoibor]

I just bought a $3,500 macbook alone lol, your choice of products are actually a great value.

[@Deathignator]

I think the biggest oversight here, especially with a 2018 iPad is the quality of the battery.

[@isaiahplaysroblox]

I have the iPad 5th Generation from 2017 for about 6 months and it’s doing fine just want to put that out there 😊😅❤but great vid Luke

[@DanielAndersson96]

Finally a top noch Apple Ecosystem video! 😀

[@KristianMikulka]

In my country this is like $1800 (1650-1700€) used 😐

[@gwellz]

still rocking my 2018 iPad Pro. It’s still lightning fast but I’ll probably upgrade next year before it loses all resale value

[@danieleppelsheimer9273]

The iPhone 11 Pro is the heart of Luke System. He has it right on the M1 MacBook Air. The 11” iPad Pro is also right on. Then Getting one step ahead on the Watch always on really makes sense. Thank you Mr Luke😅

[@seankenno7]

I absolutely adore my ecosystem and couldn’t live without it iPhone 15 Pro Max, 16” M1Pro MBP, 11” M1 iPad Pro, Watch 7, and TV 4K🙌🏼

[@TamaraGirodie]

This is an excellent video, with an excellent selection of products! I definitely agree on everything. For me personally, I would tweak the ecosystem slightly by not having a computer, and bumping up the iPad, and adding headphones. I have both the M1 Air and an iPad Air 5, and I find myself using the iPad Air many, many more times than the computer. It’s just so easy to reach for! The computer I use maybe once a week, but the iPad is a daily thing for me. Lots of love!

[@DevyRomulo]

Does the iPad cost include the magic keyboard?

[@OverclockerX]

I also have 11" ipad Pro 2018 and I never expected it would be holding for so long. I have absolutely no need to buy any newer iPad. It was one of my best purchases for an apple device.

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

iPad is easily apples best device, they last 10 years and more. most people don't use them to their full potential

[@Almanii030]

i Bought an Iphone 12 for 180€, Mac book pro 2015 and upgraded it to sonoma for 130€, apple watch 7 for 300€ and a ipad 2022 for 300€. Just 900€ im happy with it

[@tomburke5311]

You're going to be into Battery Service territory quite soon with one or two of those. Certainly the watch - my Series 5 has started requesting one - and also the iPad. So that might be another couple of hundred dollars not too far down the road.

[@Ruvenrvn]

I got the 15 pro max, apple watch series 7, macbook air 15 zoll m2 and and ipad pro 12,9 2020. Really happy with it and the perfect ecosystem

[@arondyte318]

Rocking the 2018 iPad Pro since launch. While the performance remains incredible , the battery has noticeably degraded when running through my daily tasks. Looking forward to upgrading to the 12.9inch M3 iPad Pro!

[@paulharrison8379]

I currently use an iPhone SE 2020 as my main phone solely so that I have a mute switch. It is quite difficult to stop all notification noises from coming out of an Android phone and I had had complaints from a number of employers about beeps coming out of my phones. Now that I have an iPhone I make zero use of the Apple ecosystem. I have disabled the iCloud. I use Microsoft One Drive for cloud storage and use Amazon and Google for films and music. When I first set up my iPhone I installed the 75% of the apps from my Android phone that were available for the iPhone. I still have my rather more flexible Android phone for use in the evenings.

[@quinnhoman6976]

if you are somebody who doesn't need the ipad part of this ecosystem you could potentially used that extra $330 to buy something like and Iphone 13 pro for around $500-$600, if you do a little deal hunting. its got a better camera system, 5G, 120hz pro motion. it also has pretty decent battery life. if you don't need the ipad and are fine with the 11 pro then it might be worth while to get 16gb of ram in the m1 air for future proofing.

[@rjmb9272]

It’s about $1800 CAD 😢

[@chrisharris7205]

I agree completely with the validity and value of this system. I am watching on a 2018 iPad Pro (12.9). I run an M1 MacBook Air as my daily and business machine. I upgraded from an iPhone 11 Pro to iPhone 13 Pro simply because the upgrade was available… I still have the 11 Pro as a backup. I would delete the Apple Watch however…I’ve tried twice with them, and the battery life is still a deal breaker for me. I use another brand available on a popular online marketplace we all use 😉 that has a 2 week battery life. It gives me all the functionality I ever used from Apple Watch. Thanks again Luke for all you do here!!!

[@melchiah1311]

I have the series 5 watch since it came out. Still going strong. No issues with battery life, the always on display is definitely user preference.

[@dierkrieger]

I was a full 100% PC laptop and Android phone guy. Then I decided to go full in on Apple by getting a MacBook Air M2, iPhone for my wife and I, plus a 10th Gen iPad for my wife, and I love it. Everything I got was brand new but I wanted new stuff. As far as watches go I use a Garmin watch.

[@s0me1newithhand7s]

any apple mac / macbook M1 series. SE 2023. ipad pro 2017. (first borderless) and ofc my beloved: air pods pro second gen. budget enough?

[@tyronstormtrist-mager3312]

Good video Luke, hard to argue with the logic and savings

[@Makingthetransition]

I appreciate the space your page fills. You constantly let people see how to enter the Apple world and benefit from the tools Apple gives, but not get into debt. I own a MacBook, an IPad with the Magic Keyboard plus a IPad Mini, two IPhones, an Apple Watch, plus AirPods, oh and the Apple Pencil plus an Apple TV. Apple products work so well together, you easily continue to buy things. The only products I’ve ever bought new from Apple have been my phones and one pair of AirPods. The Apple community is so strong, you can easily find deals on products. I have probably around $20,000 in my ecosystem at retail cost, but I haven’t spent 1/3 that. I stay in Facebook Marketplace and I add to my ecosystem when I see things that are used but in great condition and for really good prices. We can have anything we really want, as long as we’re flexible and patient, and we don’t have to overspend then be stressed to do it.

[@MrShalvayez]

I just bought a 5th gen purple ipad. air, fully specced. I love it! And I have it grouped together with an m1 imac, a second gen iphone SE, and 2 homepod minis.

[@Wodenseyes]

I have an iPhone 15, series 5 Nike Apple Watch, an IPad mini 10th gen, and a MacBook Pro 2015. And tbh I love it all.

[@wranierusenpai1400]

Me building my Apple ecosystem in years. Started with an iphone and apple watch series 3, then 2021 12.9 iPad Pro saw how easy it was to access files via phone and iPad bought a used magic key board and loved it. Fast forward to a year I bit the bullet and bought a Macbook Pro 14 2021 at first didn't see why I needed it but slowly transitioned from my iPad to macbook. My recent purchase now is an apple watch ultra 2. And I'm loving my apple products, I'm planning to get the airpods max next. I'm not a crazy apple follower where I upgrade products yearly, I love the longevity of some of the products they have.

[@michaelt9174]

Thanks for another awesome video,...just FYI in Australia and roughly the same kit I costed out around AU$2000

[@sbrown02]

What a great video on a topic that doesn’t get enough attention cause it isn’t about and the latest shiny object and with a perspective that’s always fresh and unique.

[@pangrac1]

iPad is my most important piece of my device ecosystem!!! Its light, thin, handy and powerfull to do my 95% of internet browsing and watching YT videos which I watch instead of TV. I hate to browse internet on small iphone screens like others do. The big space estate of the iPad screen is must for me! I prefer touch and gestures experience on my ipad screen over trackpad and kyeboard on my laptop.

[@sitalimwiingahamatuli2024]

Hi @lukemiani, greetings from Zambia. These are the kind of videos that made your channel popular IMHO. You help ordinary people find value in the ever-changing tech world. Thanks

[@sunnydivino]

Thank you Luke. I was thinking of an m2 mac mini but instead I think im getting the m1 macbook air. It seems like a best deal even if its used

[@speedyg123.]

Everyone’s different so for me, i would skip out on the ipad and watch which is ~$470 and use that money towards an upgraded M1 Air with 16gb of ram and a 13 Pro Max. m1 air with 16gb should be no more than $600, 13 pro max should be around $700. still the same $1300 total. perfect for me.

[@jaysee07]

awesome video. would’ve gone for the series 7 just for the bigger screen and fall detection.

[@Alex-qt1tc]

My “ecosystem” is the M2 Mac mini, M1 iPad Air for school and the iPhone 11 Pro, and I'm thrilled

[@HajjiLove]

These kinds of videos are money saving treasure troves! Thank you good sir for putting this together!

[@alunlloyd9812]

Watching this on an iPad Pro. In my opinion it’s the best in the lineup, especially as an artist. Got a M1 Pro MacBook Pro, but no iPhone lol

[@ceciliapereira3058]

THIS IS WHY I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!

[@yetkangwong1077]

The latest items I brought from Apple was my Apple Watch SE2 I still use my iPhone 11 iPad 5th Gen And my MacbookPro 2017 where I mix and record as an Audio Engineer. So I don’t see why is not impossible

[@ottf24]

Sonoma has killed the zooming across displays...

[@williambryant7686]

How much did the Magic Keyboard for that iPad Pro cost?

[@TechTiNic]

i still think this is not the perfect "budget" setup. Make a one time investment and buy ones with better specs. It will last you a long time. No point is investing in older models.

[@sol_xz]

instead of that 11 pro maybe a 13 mini? could be better 🤔

[@Zaidoesstuff]

Well then it wouldn’t be budget

[@nathanaelkugler777]

I don't agree, the M1 Air will last a very long time, it is a phenomenal machine, the M2 is hardly better. With the 2018 iPad Pro it is hard to foresee, but the new ones are also just marginally better. With the iPhone i agree, the 11 Pro won't last that much longer, the normal 12 or 13 would have been more sensible

[@POVwithRC]

You're allowed to be wrong.

[@Anteater23]

One time investment? You need to upgrade every 3-5 years if you’re serious.

[@therealturtlenecktech]

7:03 loved when you typed out an essay on the ipad desktop

[@allisonb9072]

Currently watching this video on my iPhone XR and it is a great phone. The average person does not need the latest and greatest technology to have a nice experience. I also have an iPad mini 5.

[@MarkMcLenaghan]

I have been using M1 iPad 11" at school connected to an monitor with a Logitech keyboard folio case and have stopped using my 2015 MBA at school.

[@jeffhale1189]

Thanks for sharing. I tend to buy more expensive items to last longer term. Blessings on your day!

[@timtheguy82]

honestly, i miss the smaller 5.8 inch screen the 11 pro and xs had

[@alfonsozampogna2193]

My iMac 2017 21.5imnch intel with 8GB is still perfect on Ventura and is so fast to date (with usb c ssd) Love these videos

[@lastlast2078]

I'm glad the first ground rule you stated was 'no intel' as when you started listing off the budget ecosystem and mentioned 2018 Macbook I was like dafuq?!

[@Steelo_senpai]

Question , which MacBook would you recommend for an upcoming photographer / videographer ? So many options and I’m not quite sure where to start

[@AJCOOL11256]

Something in the m series for macbooks

[@Mike-km6zz]

I have the 2018 iPad Pro and it still works very well

[@jessicawalton4690]

Ive had the 11 pro for over a year and I have 0 complaints. Except Face ID doesn’t always work the best on it lol

[@kalaniortiz66]

i think the “perfect ecosystem” really comes down to what you do. Some people like myself don’t need an iPad because I have a MacBook. I use my MacBook for school work and to do normal web browsing. If you’re a person that draws a lot for example then I say ditch the MacBook and get an iPad. This is just an example, but just buy things according to your use and don’t spend money on things you don’t need. (Written for people who like me are not apple fans nor tech fans, just every day users.)

[@DaivG]

Maintaining an Apple ecosystem over a longer period of time is generally to buy two generations back, use them for 4 years and sell them to replace them with whatever is two generations back at that point. You take advantage of the price drops at the beginning and sell them when they still generally have two years of support left for a decent price. Staggering the devices offsets all the upfront costs.

[@faridmousavinia2401]

Completely agree. This is a great selection of devices.

[@anzakaleem7932]

13” M2 MBA, iPadAir5, iPhone 15Pro, Series9 41mm, AirPod Pro2 are the perfect combo. Not budget, but future proof for 7 years.

[@BobMcBurger1]

I personally wouldn't purchase an iPad to the ecosystem I have, which is iPhone, MacBook and a watch. Just not the type to use a tablet. It's not a bad product by any means in my eyes.

[@ghost-user559]

You say that, until you get one.

[@BobMcBurger1]

@@ghost-user559 I've used many iPads over the years when I am at home. Ever since I got an iPhone for myself, that became my go to device. Since it was easier to take along with me because a pocket is all I needed. And not a backpack for an iPad. I just prefer using my iPhone and everything else work related on my MacBook.

[@zsamps]

@@ghost-user559 No, you really don't need an iPad if you've already got a MacBook. The MacBook does the same thing but does a better job.

[@ghost-user559]

@@zsamps I have both and I can tell you that it makes a huge difference and impacts your workflow significantly. It’s kind of like saying you don’t need a bike if you own a car because a car is faster and more capable? But if you own a bike and car you know that they do totally different things and they impact and improve your life differently. iPads are insanely good at reading pdfs and annotations in books and scholarly research. MacBooks are great for publishing and editing and doing final touches on projects. But iPads are king for reading and research and note taking. Everything I finish on a MacBook or Mac Mini starts on my iPad because it’s made for reading and note taking and brainstorming and browsing. MacBooks are clunky and slow and awkward to carry around to meetings or on planes or trains or coffee shops. iPads fit anywhere and with a keyboard folio you can type on them too. Different tools for different tasks.

[@ghost-user559]

@@zsamps If you don’t do anything like schoolwork or scholarly research or writing or note taking, or you don’t do scripts and planning then an iPad still becomes the best content consumption device in Apples lineup. I’m writing this comment on my iPad, and I watched this video on my iPad. An iPad can go on the couch with or, or by your bedside table. A MacBook is more delicate and the keyboard is attached, and because it’s not a touch screen you need more space and a specific angle to make it possible to type and work. However an iPad is more mobile, the touchscreen means I don’t need my keyboard to type this, and it has a better screen than my phone. It’s the exact same size as a book page or piece of paper or a notebook. Add a stylus and I can doodle or sketch, take notes, and browse through anything I want, and I don’t have to worry about my MacBook fans getting blocked or the screen and keyboard being at a weird angle. It’s just much better at casual computing than a MacBook. But the MacBook is much more powerful and more ports and a larger screen and better Applications means the MacBook is better at doing the work I planned on my iPad. But both is the way to go.

[@boyo2012]

Am I the only one who thinks it’s a bit…cheeky…to skew your chapter segments just so people can see your sponsored segments? I mean come on…I know you’re paid by the sponsors but do you need to be so sneaky about it with the chapter segments? Luke…you don’t play this way. That’s why I respect and follow you.

[@Fergy909]

These are my favourite videos that you do!