If you’ve been playing along at home, you know of all the flip-flopping I’ve done trying to decide on my new layout. I finally did it with the help of MindNode to weigh the pros and cons and Apple dangling shiny things in front of me.

So here’s what I wound up choosing: an iPhone 13 mini, a Mac mini with 256 GB storage, and an M1 iMac. Allow me to explain each choice.

First, the iPhone 13 mini. I am trading-in a SE 2020 for it. Why? There’s a lot of new computational video in the iPhone 13 line up and more beefy hardware. I don’t do anywhere near the filming I used to do but I do have a degree in Film/Video/Audio. I already have a set of Sandmarc lenses and filters. So why not get the best I can for a low price. With a “Friends and Family” trade-in, the price was right.

Second, the iPad mini. I currently own an iPadAir 4 but purchased it with only 64GB of RAM when I bought it. I hadn’t a clue of what leaps Apple was going to make in computational videography and so quickly. I was looking at the Air as purely a consumption device. I know I won’t be editing Citizen Kane on it but I can edit rough cuts of short scenes out in the field to make sure I’ve culled the footage that I need. Plus with the money Apple is giving me on the trade-in, a 256GB Mac mini will cost me roughly $300 including tax!

Lastly, I’m either going to get an M1 iMac or the next iteration of 24″ iMac. I’ll most likely get the middle model with two Thunderbolt ports plus two USB-C ports. Granted, my 2015 21.5″ iMac isn’t going to garner much trade-in value, but… The iMac will do all the heavy lifting visually. And with my current Bluetooth keyboard being able to pair with up to three devices, I can comfortably type Reviews and OpEds on my iPad mini and 24″ iMac. Plus the iMac affords me the opportunity to keep using specific pieces of software that I can’t exist without.

Naturally, I’ll need a hub and such. I already own a trackpad and the aforementioned keyboard. But I believe I can keep procuring accessories to a minimum.

No doubt, many of you are reading this trying to figure out if I’m legally sane. But there is a method to my madness.

Every piece of kit I have selected will fit my needs now and for many years to come. Lots of the upgrades that I’ll desire will be primarily software. All at what is considered today a reasonable price. For my needs that’s a win-win-win.

©2021 Frank Petrie