A time existed – it seems many years ago – where a laptop and desktop took up space in this office.  The office featured a different configuration; there was my desk and the desk setup my son left behind when he moved out.  At some point, the desktop no longer served any purpose.  I even lent indefinitely the flatscreen to a close friend. While a consultant advising the 2010 re-election of my friend Gary Ackerman, the laptop required replacement.  I already enjoyed my iPhone; certainly time to consider a Mac; I did.  As I always do with tech, I defer to the judgment of my son Jonathan.  At that time Jonathan was in his second year of doctoral studies at NYU.  He selected my MacBook Pro and I met him one October evening that year at his office in the Puck Building to transfer files from the old laptop and set up the brand new back.  Some five years ago time came to upgrade a bit and Marisa ‘inherited’ my original device; I shipped it to her in L.A.

In successive years, I added an iPad which I blogged introduced some Freedom into my life. I replaced it after Marisa and I returned from London (via Edinburgh) last fall. And now I find myself in the midst of trying out an Apple watch. Jonathan brought it with him during in advance of dinner last Sunday afternoon; he enjoys two. Not sure if I view myself as watch user; I do not recall the last time I used one – just that long. It reminds me to get up from sitting at my desk – a good thing. Still not sure if this lent item means I’ll go all the way.  We’ll see.

Jonathan and I have been discussing since last Spring about a successor MacBook and under my son’s influence, the game plan involves waiting for the new devices Apple is expected to unveil in early 2021.

Still I only rely on my MacBook with no other devices, desktop or otherwise.  I supplement it with large external screens here at the desk where I compose this blog and in my outside office.  When this device need repair three years ago, I basically “rented” another Mac until its return.  The laptop Marisa relied finally gave way early last winter; she chose a MacBook Air.

A few weeks ago I recognized something not quite right with my Mac.  It powered off during a Zoom when the power cord was removed. With the help of a very helpful Apple tech, we diagnosed the issue as the battery.  As I made plans to “rent” a replacement that I’d pick up at the Apple Store on 5^th Avenue, my son texted he had his old Mac available.  He brought it over when he arrived for Rosh Hashanah dinner. I loaded my programs (well most of them) and files from this Mac.  On the following Monday, the box from Apple arrived to ship my Mac for repair.  I delivered it for pickup at my friend Scott Levine’s Minuteman Press of Bellerose (who serves my printing needs and more).  Apple emailed it arrived the next day (Wednesday).  I presumed a quick return with only a battery replacement needed. The update link each day advised diagnostics in progress. Found myself frustrated.  Its return occurred this past Wednesday.  It really seems like a brand new machine.  I noticed right away they keys all seemed brand new (the A on the A key was bit worn.  I learned the repair involved repairs: Description Board, Logic, 2.7 GHz, 8GB; Display, LCD; Top Case w/Battery; and a MagSafe 2 Board. So it looks and feel brand new.  So now the question remains whether to stick to the original plan or just enjoy this device. We’ll see.

What would you do?

p.s. Here’s the tune that give title to today’s commentary.