[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by MoeTE87

I really wanted the 15 pro max but there wasn’t any deals at Verizon on it, only on the 16 pro max.

The 15 Pro/Max also have Apple Intelligence when you upgrade them to the current iOS 18.2, so there's no escaping it in the long run unless you plan to live with obsolete phones and skip security updates.

As another data point, my old/beloved iPhone X that didn't do 5G and was cut off from iOS updates and had a failing battery also used to tag GPS coordinates and date/time in the metadata of every photo it took...so there really is no way to avoid the privacy leaks without being a luddite and carrying a dumb flip phone (and even then the FCC requires GPS chips in them "for 911 location tracking").

I don't do social media for privacy reasons and don't even use iCloud to back up my phone, but then again maybe I'm overly paranoid and from an older generation that doesn't like facial recognition and license plate readers tracking my every movement and what I buy?

So, enjoy your new 16 Pro Max but do take some time to check on the privacy stuff that's important to you. The physical camera button alone is worth the upgrade from even the 15 Pro/Max.....

[vreihen16]

Regarding Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.2, how much of this stuff would you actually use? In my case, I know how to write for a target audience, don't send text messages to need fancy emojis, am not bombarded with notifications because I don't do social media, and have no use for ChatGPT because I can read and interpret things for myself. (In other words, I'm not a millennial!) It's very easy for me to say don't enable it and not miss anything:

To be fair, I did enable it on my old 15 Pro after wiping my content just to see what it did. My big takeaway was that the ChatGPT/Siri programmers set traps for every single method that Captain Kirk used to talk a rogue computer to death, so humanity is doomed if AI ever decides to exterminate us all.....

[MoeTE87]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

OK you have valid reasons. Heck I haven't even upgraded to 18.2 yet. I'm waiting until 18.2.1. Yeah I', not an early adopter.

I honestly thought it was time to upgrade to be honest. The AI stuff vreihen16 mentioned has me a little worried to be honest. So we will see. New phone doesn't arrive until sometime tomorrow morning, so I have time to do some research and see if I really want it.

Originally Posted by vreihen16

The 15 Pro/Max also have Apple Intelligence when you upgrade them to the current iOS 18.2, so there's no escaping it in the long run unless you plan to live with obsolete phones and skip security updates.

As another data point, my old/beloved iPhone X that didn't do 5G and was cut off from iOS updates and had a failing battery also used to tag GPS coordinates and date/time in the metadata of every photo it took...so there really is no way to avoid the privacy leaks without being a luddite and carrying a dumb flip phone (and even then the FCC requires GPS chips in them "for 911 location tracking").

I don't do social media for privacy reasons and don't even use iCloud to back up my phone, but then again maybe I'm overly paranoid and from an older generation that doesn't like facial recognition and license plate readers tracking my every movement and what I buy?

So, enjoy your new 16 Pro Max but do take some time to check on the privacy stuff that's important to you. The physical camera button alone is worth the upgrade from even the 15 Pro/Max.....

Thanks for the info! I don't do much social media to be honest. I hardly ever post. If I do, it's more so about sports and some car stuff. I look at a lot of golf videos and memes along with sports / car things as well.

I do use the icloud to back up everything.

I will take my time and do more research and take into account what you said the last few posts and be more mindful of it all. My wife has the 15 pro, so that is good to know about the AI as I will want to make sure non of that stuff is turned off on her phone.

But all in all, how are you liking the phone?

I am very excited for the camera!


Thanks!

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by MoeTE87

But all in all, how are you liking the phone?

I jumped to the 15 Pro from my beloved iPhone X back in the spring, because its battery was failing and I needed it to run my blood glucose monitor all day at work. That was a huge jump, even when compared with my work-issued iPhone 12 Mini. The 15 Pro to 16 Pro was barely noticeable, outside of the mechanical camera button that was made possible by omitting the SIM tray in the 16 Pro/Max because of eSIM.

Since then, my work situation has changed by being forced into involuntary retirement by surprise. I can count the number of times that I've left the house since last July on one hand, and really don't need a cell phone other than for monitoring blood sugar. I figure that this is going to be the last phone that I ever buy, and for psychological reasons could not go through the rest of my life carrying something with a 15 on it. (My race car number was 16, and my nemesis for years drove car #15.) So, I splurged on the upgrade, with the hope that smart watches will be able to do everything that the iPhone does by the time that it is obsolete.

One other thing that I did as part of the change is ditch Verizon after being a cellular customer of them and their predecessor Bell companies since 1987. They were hammering me $206/month for cellular service on two phones and a watch, and I can't afford that in my unplanned early retirement. Visible (owned by Verizon and using the same towers) is offering a sale that ends later this month for their unlimited plus package for only $30/month (per phone) for 25 months, and then $45/month after that. The carrier switch took minutes to port over my cell phone number of 47 years thanks to eSIM, and their package includes unlimited tethering and free Apple Watch cellular for that $30/month! I haven't noticed a difference in service so far, and neither has my DW. I'm sure that Visible calls and data will be throttled before Verizon customers will when the system is busy, but am not working in a job where being reachable 24/7/365 is critical any more to justify spending another $150/month just in case.....

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by vreihen16

I jumped to the 15 Pro from my beloved iPhone X back in the spring, because its battery was failing and I needed it to run my blood glucose monitor all day at work. That was a huge jump, even when compared with my work-issued iPhone 12 Mini. The 15 Pro to 16 Pro was barely noticeable, outside of the mechanical camera button that was made possible by omitting the SIM tray in the 16 Pro/Max because of eSIM.

Since then, my work situation has changed by being forced into involuntary retirement by surprise. I can count the number of times that I've left the house since last July on one hand, and really don't need a cell phone other than for monitoring blood sugar. I figure that this is going to be the last phone that I ever buy, and for psychological reasons could not go through the rest of my life carrying something with a 15 on it. (My race car number was 16, and my nemesis for years drove car #15.) So, I splurged on the upgrade, with the hope that smart watches will be able to do everything that the iPhone does by the time that it is obsolete.

One other thing that I did as part of the change is ditch Verizon after being a cellular customer of them and their predecessor Bell companies since 1987. They were hammering me $206/month for cellular service on two phones and a watch, and I can't afford that in my unplanned early retirement. Visible (owned by Verizon and using the same towers) is offering a sale that ends later this month for their unlimited plus package for only $30/month (per phone) for 25 months, and then $45/month after that. The carrier switch took minutes to port over my cell phone number of 47 years thanks to eSIM, and their package includes unlimited tethering and free Apple Watch cellular for that $30/month! I haven't noticed a difference in service so far, and neither has my DW. I'm sure that Visible calls and data will be throttled before Verizon customers will when the system is busy, but am not working in a job where being reachable 24/7/365 is critical any more to justify spending another $150/month just in case.....

I need to check out Visible. Thanks. I also don't need much as a retiree. My issue is where I live only Verizon worked reliably. But if I can get reasonable phone and data for 2 phones for less I'm in.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

I need to check out Visible. Thanks. I also don't need much as a retiree. My issue is where I live only Verizon worked reliably. But if I can get reasonable phone and data for 2 phones for less I'm in.

Check out Spectrum Mobile, too. We pay around $59 a month for 3 phones. Don't remember our plan but it's not unlimited data. Came for Verizon and Spectrum is just as good. At least it is here where I live.

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

I need to check out Visible. Thanks. I also don't need much as a retiree. My issue is where I live only Verizon worked reliably. But if I can get reasonable phone and data for 2 phones for less I'm in.

Visible is owned by Verizon, and uses their network and towers.

The reason why they can offer lower prices is because Visible has no customer call center or stores with employees to pay, they don't offer bundles of extra services like streaming subscriptions, and don't give away phones whenever you sign a new 2-year contract. (Customer support is via ticket system or live chat in their app if you ever need it.) If you already own a phone or pay cash for one, you can bring it with you. If you want a new phone and don't have the cash, they offer 0% financing through Affirm.

They offer two plans. Visible is on sale for $20/month, and includes basic unlimited data and calls. Visible Plus is on sale for $30/month, and adds on unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband data, faster mobile hotspot, and free smart watch cellular. Since we have Verizon 5G UW coverage in neighboring towns and both my DW and I have cellular-capable Apple Watches, the Visible Plus plan is the right choice for us.

Another option in the pre-paid arena is Total Wireless, which is also owned by Verizon. They are targeting families versus individuals, and their current promotion works out to $25/line/month for basic unlimited service if you have four phone lines.

Both Visible and Total Wireless are pre-paid monthly plans, with no 2-year contract to lock you in. Visible also offers an annual payment option that saves a few bucks over their regular price, but strangely it is not on sale like the monthly plans.....

[Lady Jane]

A while ago I purchased the Samsung washer now my dryer gave-up this week, so I got the matching 4.7 Cu/Ft dryer on special from our local furniture store to be delivered for free on Friday. I like to dry clothes on the line anyway except towels and jeans so no big rush.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

A while ago I purchased the Samsung washer now my dryer gave-up this week, so I got the matching 4.7 Cu/Ft dryer on special from our local furniture store to be delivered for free on Friday. I like to dry clothes on the line anyway except towels and jeans so no big rush.


Attachment 3636324

My pet peeve with washers and dryers. Special colors. Which of course catch my wife's eye. If you buy them and 6 years later one of them dies you can not replace it in that color. So you have to buy a full set. I try to convince her they are tools and white is perfect but.......

[Lady Jane]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

My pet peeve with washers and dryers. Special colors. Which of course catch my wife's eye. If you buy them and 6 years later one of them dies you can not replace it in that color. So you have to buy a full set. I try to convince her they are tools and white is perfect but.......

And that's essentially what happened. My last washer was blue so I went for white and now I will have a matching set again. My OCD has been cured.

[Lady Jane]

A mini food processor when I do some mini food processing. You can't have enough kitchen gadgets.

[zener]

Newer seat modules and got ventilation to work.

[Mosaud1998]

Welp, I had an unexpected expense come up. Both rear calipers on the "winter beater" froze up. Originally, the right side caliper was frozen. I noticed that when I bought the car, but it wasn't too bad, so I put it off. The day after New Year's, I went to get gas before work and heard a grinding noise from the right side. I pulled over and took a look. There was no pad material left on the brake pads. So, it was metal-to-metal contact. The right side rotor was hot as all hell.

So, I went to Advanced Auto near my job. I paid $12.80 for the rear brake pads (ceramic), $16 for 2 rotors (usually want to change the opposite sides' pads and rotors for even wear), and $12 for the rear right-side caliper. The store is closing, so everything was 90% off. Today, I got to my mechanic; he was changing out the left side rotor when he pointed out that the left side caliper is also bad. The seal on the inside was non-existent. So, he ordered me a left-side rear caliper with a corporate discount for $62. I wish it were $12

Anyway, I ended up spending $430 on parts and labor If I hadn't gotten the 90% off deal, I would've paid close to $700 for parts + labor.

[TXSTYLE]

Some more Goodies for my Humidor. And a Digital Cigar Torch.

I'm not a Pipe Tobacco smoker but I love their aroma! These cigars are from a famed Pipe Tobacoist.

StillWell Star
Our Master Ligador, Steve Saka, while known for being one of the world’s foremost cigar experts has also been a pipe smoker for over three decades. For many years he has casually crafted handmade cigars incorporating some of his favorite pipe tobaccos into blends for his own personal consumption. While he would typically use “English” style blends, he would also mix it up with a few Aromatics, Orientals and others. While he enjoys his pipe smoking, cigars remain his first love and doing this allowed him to combine the flavors and aromas only a pipe could offer into his beloved puros.

When he told this practice to Jeremy Reeves, the head blender of the famed pipe tobacco maker Cornell & Diehl, who himself is also a cigar smoker, everyone’s wheels began spinning at the possibilities. Earnest work began to create a unique, refined smoking experience combining our shared passions.

StillWell Star is the world’s first luxury pipe tobacco cigar.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

A mini food processor when I do some mini food processing. You can't have enough kitchen gadgets.


Attachment 3636470

No no no. You CAN have enough kitchen gadgets. Ask my wife

[tcphoto]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

A mini food processor when I do some mini food processing. You can't have enough kitchen gadgets.


Attachment 3636470

The secret is to not be redundant and to have them strategically stored when not in use. The phrase that comes to mind is, what you can’t see you cannot criticize.

[ShopVac]

Well...so much for that healthier eating this year. Looked at a 22" blackstone from Costco, but by the time I'd add legs to that unit...I was in 28" territory. 36" is just too big for my needs...

Did a hibachi for my first cook after seasoning. Chicken fried rice with egg, onion and bean sprouts, few filets, sea scallops and teriyaki shrimp. 🤤

[jmg]

Got this for myself this Christmas! 2025 G87 M2. I just ordered a ricey carbon fiber rear spoiler for her too!

[Lady Jane]

MY AD charged me $20 the last time to change the battery of my Tag Aquaracer. (!) I have a few quartz watches in my little collection so now I'll be able to do it myself. It's not complicated. The price of the tool will pay for itself almost immediately. Arriving Monday.

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

MY AD charged me $20 the last time to change the battery of my Tag Aquaracer. (!) I have a few quartz watches in my little collection so now I'll be able to do it myself. It's not complicated. The price of the tool will pay for itself almost immediately. Arriving Monday.


Attachment 3639992

I've been buying watchmaker tools over the years. After a recent issue with replacing a battery with one of my quartz chronos using a Ronda movement, I highly suggest you get head magnifier (I was using a monocular), a set of precision watchmaker/jeweler screwdrivers, and a precision tweezer.

I was looking to remove a dead battery from a watch with a Ronda chrono movement. Ronda chose to use a stupid battery strap that is held on by a small screw. The strap is bent where it applies pressure onto the battery. Well, I was struggling to do it one handed with the one hand holding a screwdriver that barely loosened the screw and the other hand holding the monocular. Well, I thought I had raised the screwdriver off of the screw softly enough but no. The "spring" pressure of the battery strap launched the screw somewhere I couldn't find initially. I did later find the screw after a couple of hours searching. If your Tag uses the same setup, you'll thank me later. As you need to use two hands to work on these things. I don't know why I didn't buy the head magnifier and precision screwdrivers sooner. The precision screwdrivers are needed because of both the size of the slotted screws and the need for the blade of the screwdrivers to be very fine/sharp. Once I got the right screwdrivers, working with those screws in the watch is no longer drama filled. A precision tweezer is also needed to pick up those fine parts.

To illustrate what I mean here are a couple of pics. The first pic is showing the back of the Ronda movement with the battery strap. The red box shows the screw in question. The second pic shows how small that screw is in relation to a penny. I think you can see why having the tools I recommend is extremely important.

[zx10guy]

Just got delivery of my first Chinese branded mechanical watch and my first tourbillion movement. It's a Sugess Seakors SE8007SK. It uses a Seagull movement. I have to say I'm extremely impressed with the look and quality of the watch. The packaging is also equally impressive for the amount I paid for it. The watch has these additional complications: date, 24 hour dial, day/night indicator, and power reserve. The tourbillion doubles as the second hand complication. I've always been fascinated by tourbillion movements but won't ever pay the $10k price of admission to get the cheapest tourbillion watch on the market. I paid $545 shipped which took a week. The watch came in a nice box with a spring bar tool and extra black leather strap with a bracelet clasp.

I haven't had a chance to throw it on a timegrapher to see how it measures out. But so far it has been tracking fine with keeping proper time. It's tempting me to buy another.

[Lady Jane]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

I've been buying watchmaker tools over the years. After a recent issue with replacing a battery with one of my quartz chronos using a Ronda movement, I highly suggest you get head magnifier (I was using a monocular), a set of precision watchmaker/jeweler screwdrivers, and a precision tweezer.

Yes, my TAG has a Ronda mvt. Thanks for the warning! Most of my other quartz are either Miyotas or a Seiko Epson branded engine.

Other than that, I'm pretty well equipped including the head magnifier. (Borrowed from my clinic). Because I inherited some men watches from my dad, I am often removing links or switching bracelets for straps.