Weekend Catch-Up: AirPods, MacBook Neo, Apple Temptations and the M2 Dilemma

242 In this first proper unscripted phone-call episode, Bobby and Jon do something a bit different. Rather than sitting down for a formal studio recording, they hit record on one of their regular catch-up calls and let the conversation go wherever it wants. The result is exactly what you’d expect from two friends who spend a lot of time talking tech, cars and life: a candid, funny, slightly chaotic deep dive into the things they’re obsessing over right now. They start with Bobby’s trip to the Apple Store after losing his AirPods Pro 3, which quickly turns into a broader conversation about whether the new AirPods Pro 3 are really that much better than the Pro 2, whether the updated AirPods Max 2 are worth considering, and how easily Apple still manages to tempt even the most self-aware buyer. From there, they get into the new MacBook Neo, why it’s such an interesting entry point into the Mac lineup, who it’s actually for, and whether either of them really needs one or just badly wants one. The conversation then widens into the current Apple lineup more broadly, including the MacBook Air, Studio Display XDR, the iPhone 17 range and the prospect of a foldable iPhone. Is Apple about to create another must-have category, or is this one of those products that sounds exciting until you actually imagine carrying it around every day? To round things off, Bobby and Jon switch gears and talk cars, EVs and the ongoing internal battle between rational decision-making and emotional attachment. Jon shares where he is with the EV search, while Bobby opens up about the reality of owning the BMW M2, the costs, the joy, the dilemma, and why saying goodbye to a car you love is rarely as straightforward as it sounds. If you enjoy relaxed long-form conversations that feel like you’re eavesdropping on a real call between mates, this one’s for you. Timestamps 00:00 - This call will be recorded: introducing the new unscripted format 01:24 - Why Bobby and Jon are trying candid phone-call episodes 02:22 - Bobby’s trip to the Apple Store after losing his AirPods Pro 3 04:05 - AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 3: ANC, fit, call quality and why Bobby can’t go back 05:54 - AirPods Pro 3 comfort tips: why sizing down the ear tips matters 07:44 - AirPods Max 2 and whether they’re worth the upgrade 09:17 - From headphones to hardware: first impressions of the new Apple lineup 11:03 - MacBook Neo first thoughts: is it brilliant value or pure gadget lust? 12:48 - Neo pricing, colours, who it’s for and why it feels like a gateway Mac 16:08 - iPad vs Neo: where each one wins in real life 19:58 - Who should actually buy the MacBook Neo? 21:29 - Could Apple ever let iPads run MacOS properly? 24:04 - Replacing an ageing iMac: could a Neo make sense long-term? 25:37 - Studio Display XDR impressions: overpriced or worth it? 28:56 - MacBook Air temptation and the difference between wanting and needing 31:06 - The iPhone 17 range and whether anyone still really needs the Pro 32:31 - iPhone Fold speculation: exciting future or expensive compromise? 37:19 - Jon’s EV search and what matters most when choosing the right electric car 39:16 - Bobby’s BMW M2 dilemma: joy, cost and knowing when to let go 42:07 - Why the M2 might stay a little longer 43:27 - MINI handover plans and wrapping up the call Apple, MacBook Neo, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Max 2, iPhone Fold, EVs, MINI, BMW M2, tech podcast, car podcast, lifestyle podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.