Notebook Computer
MacBook Air M2, 2022 model
This is the Mac to get if you 1) need a Mac and 2) need that Mac to be portable. This was recently updated and it’s just an excellent, excellent Mac. I am using an M2 MacBook Air with 24 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage and it’s just great. I got it in dark blue which generally looks black. It’s sharp as all get out.
Desktop Computer
M1 iMac
The M1 iMac is not the newest Mac at this point, but it’s still a great Mac. If you happen to already have a monitor, then the newly announced M2 Mac mini is a fantastic machine. My recommendation is to suck up the cost and add RAM to the machine when buying it (you can’t add it after). Get at least 16GB of RAM.
iPhone
iPhone 14
It’s the perfect phone for someone who keeps their phone for three years. Now that the iPhone’s base model has 128GB of storage, you don’t even need to go for the larger sizes. Now, if you take a lot of photos and videos… Well, then you already know you need more space.
iPad
iPad Air
The iPad Air is the iPad to get if it’s going to be your only iPad. It’s fast and has almost all of the goodness of the iPad Pro 11" for a little less money. I have an iPad mini 6 because I find I don’t use my iPad as much as I used to now that I work from home at least half the time (so my Mac is always right here).
Apple Watch
Series 8
There’s no getting around it: The Series 8 is a spendy watch. If you can’t afford the Series 8, then just wait until you can. I bought a Series 7 with my own money.
AirPods
AirPods 3
I had the AirPods Pro for 2 years (or so) and I really liked them. In subway conditions, the noise cancelling was excellent. But since I’ve been home (like most of us), I’ve not needed that. And because of the crackling (a known issue) and lack-luster battery life, I bought myself the AirPods 3.
iCloud Storage
200 GB
You should get over yourself and throw a couple of bucks at Apple for the iCloud storage. The prices are competitive and, if take care to set it up correctly, your iPhone will back itself up each night. Then turn on iCloud Photo Library and have all your photos available to you even if you fill up your iPhone. Seriously, we’re talking about three bucks a month.
Certified Refurbished
If you don’t shy from refurbs, getting one of these machines from Apple’s Certified Refurbished store is a great deal. iPhone and iPads come with new outer shells, new batteries, and have the regular one-year warranty. If money is tight (or you are smart with your money), this is the way to go. The M1 Mac mini pops up on here from time to time and it’s a hell of a bargain.
What I’m Currently Using
M2 Mac Book Air, 24 GB RAM, 512 GB storage
iPhone 13 mini, 128 GB
iPad mini, 6th gen, 64 GB
Apple Watch Series 7
AirPods 3
Despite my recommendations of certified refurbished products, the three above were bought new.
Page updated: 2023, February 11
