Author: ljpuk

Is the iPhone 13 mini too small?

May 21st, 2022

I’ve been switching between iPhone models this year, all in a bid to try to resolve some ongoing RSI issues. I’ve used the iPhone 7, 11, 13, 13 Pro and 13 Mini in the last 7 months and whilst I’m not fully settled yet I do have a good grasp on what each model offers.

I thought for this post I’d concentrate on the iPhone 13 Mini. A model I’d looked towards with it’s smaller form factor whilst keeping the great cameras from the 13 and the larger screen to body ratio than that of the SE 2022.

My view was to get the biggest storage iPhone 13 mini I could budget for and keep it for as long as possible given it doesn’t look like there will be a new model anytime soon.

What I’m finding is that it’s not too small so far. I do have the system setting set to zoom and the font size set a few clicks up from standard and for my use it’s working out ok. I’m having to adjust coming from a 6.1” screen but I’m also using my phone less. If I’m at home I’ll use my iPad Mini or MacBook Air, I’m not really mindlessly scrolling social media on it. I use it for a camera, music, podcasts and everything else you’d want from a phone when you’re out and about.

Typing is ok too, I’m not looking at the keyboard when I’m typing so I must be getting used to it.

I can use it one handed and not have to do hand gymnastics and thanks to the smaller device I hold it differently so the sharper edges don’t dig into my hand.

Where I think I can advise is, if you are looking for the 13 mini to be your only device then as long as you can handle a bigger device then get the regular 13 or the Pro, you’ll appreciate the larger screen.

If you have other devices or have RSI issues or want to disconnect a bit more or use your phone as a tool then the Mini is a great way to go. It’s not too small in my opinion and you might be pleasantly surprised at how much you like this smartphone that feels like it’s from a time where smartphones were a reasonable size.
The iPad Mini is still my favourite iPad and great for photography

May 20th, 2022

It’s been another month or so with the new iPad Mini form factor and it’s become even more part of my day to day. I’m now regularly using it for note taking and it’s almost replaced my MacBook Air. It feels to me the perfect form factor for the iPad. Small and portable but still a powerhouse.

I feel that having the MacBook Air alongside this mini is the perfect setup for me at this point in my tech journey.

Where it shines for me also is with photography. I tend to take my DSLR out most places these days and being able to import and edit on a device I can chuck in my camera bag is great. I’m no professional but I love being able to unwind after a day trip by importing, sorting and editing.

I’m hoping these are selling in large numbers so we avoid what looks like is happening with the iPhone Mini going away this year.
Small Android phones

May 20th, 2022

I’ve been looking around to downsize my iPhone 13 to a mini or Android and there’s only one real option – the iPhone 12 or 13 mini.

I was surprised that there’s no smaller Android phones worth buying, in fact there’s no real small Android phones at all.

If you’d like to see more options check out this site from the Pebble cofounder who seems to feel the same way.
A non iOS 16 wish list post

May 20th, 2022

Usually about this time of year I think about what I’d like to see in iOS 16 but this year I’m just having no expectations and seeing what we get.
The quickest way to delete downloaded music on your iPhone

May 18th, 2022

I’ve been looking at a smaller phone in terms of size but also storage. 128GB does seem the sweet spot for me and whilst looking at how much space I was taking up I discovered a way to quickly delete the downloaded music I had.

If you go to general -> iPhone storage -> music

It shows you all of the downloaded music and you can then simply swipe to the left and tap delete.
Withings launches an odd attempt at a mechanical smart watch

May 18th, 2022

This is an odd smartwatch, it looks like a cheap dive watch but has smarts. I wear a mechanical so I’m back into that whole hobby and whilst inspired by a dive watch it looks like a £50 clone of a dive watch. At $499 you’d be throwing away your money, if you want a smart watch get one don’t overpay for something pretending to look like a traditional watch.
Why do I keep the blog going

May 18th, 2022

I write very short form here as you’ll most probably know. In fact my whole blog could be replaced by a tweet or series of tweets so I’m wondering why do I post here rather than just put it on social media?

For me it’s habit of what I know, being in control of my content and not being reliant on someone else’s platform.

I make no income from this venture and see myself as a bit of a failure so no need to keep this going, I’d save myself some money as it costs me to host this.

My monthly views mean nothing really to me in the grand scheme of things and I’d have more interaction on social media. Maybe it’s time to close this down and try something else like keeping to my newsletter or giving podcasting another go.

With money getting tighter and it’s only going to get worse before it gets better I am seriously considering moving to free platforms.

I think though it’s just the usual struggle of the creative person and like a lot of people I’ll stick around.
Android setups

May 17th, 2022

I’ve been looking at Android setups in a bid to understand it’s differences vs iOS. Here’s the best place I’ve found, gives a nice view of what the options are on Android and you can also grab some nice wallpapers too.
Smartphone software is more interesting than hardware

May 17th, 2022

I’ve been looking around at switching out my iPhone 13 and I’m coming to the conclusion that aside from foldable screens I’m not seeing anything particularly interesting. We are at a point where the smartphone is just a slab of glass, nothing more. There isn’t a lot of innovation out there and for me least it’s what’s on it that’s important.

I’m pretty stuck in the Apple ecosystem at this point and whilst Android looks interesting I can’t bring myself to use a Samsung just for the folding screen having endured one as a work phone. The Pixel 6 isn’t that interesting to me and it’s massive.

I feel that iOS is still where the software innovation is happening with it’s third party app ecosystem. Most new apps go there first and there are a core group of developers keeping apps I use updated.

iOS itself is better now we have widgets and overall it gets the job done. Until we get a big form factor change like a folding iPhone I don’t see big updates coming to iOS and I’m ok with just tweaks. Focus mode hasn’t worked for me this year and I find it overwhelming. I’d like to see it being tweaked this year and I’d also like to see a focus on Home Screen customisation.

Whilst I look for a less RSI inducing experience on iOS I’ll be keeping an eye on the second hand market for a smaller phoned bargain.
Is my blog getting more negative?

May 16th, 2022

I realise as I look at my last few weeks on here that my posts and probably my Twitter use has moved to the more negative view of tech or complaining about stuff.

This has got me thinking about what I do and write about here. I’m trying to write about passions but I think tech has turned into something I’m not as passionate about as I used to be. Tastes change over time and I feel gaming and Star Wars remain more positive but I think I’m run down by the tech news cycle and general lack of innovation.

I like helping so maybe I’ll look at how to’s and less finding faults on the tech side.

This blog is a stream of my random thoughts so I guess that’s where my mind is at right now, more negative.