Macbook Pro longevity

 

I have in previous posts championed the various Apple products We have purchased over the years. I admit to owning many windows Pc's over the years and still use a Windows 7 PC I've upgraded to a Win10 machine and I'm pleased its still working well. I use it along with a MacBook Pro in My ham shack.The other MacBook I use in the upstairs mostly for emails and browsing.I have found Windows based operating systems still have many, many programs for Ham radio use so keeping the win10 PC makes sense.

 The two MacBooks I still use are old hand me downs from Our children who upgraded to MacBook Air laptops for college. These two MacBook Pro's are from 2010 and the operating MacOS is High Sierra. The upgrade path disappeared many years ago. I've even replaced both batteries when they failed to hold a charge which ended up being a very easy repair. I didn't use direct Apple replacement batteries because of the cost but they have worked OK so far.

 I wish iPhones would have the longevity these MacBooks have had, but to keep up with the Cell phone advancements of 3G-5G I know the trading up has been necessary. Luckily My iPad is only replaced when it has failed and I use it a lot!!

 I guess in conclusion I just want to express how happy I am when electronics last for a good number of years. Ham radio equipment seems to be timeless if one doesn't mind not having the latest and greatest!!!

 73--Tim

 

Weather Station

 I have thought about buying a weather station for many years but only recently decided to purchase one.They have advanced a lot over the years so no wiring for connections was necessary. Looking at the many options I settled on a model that uses wireless Radio - 915mhz for this specific model and 2.4ghz Wi-Fi to connect to the internet.The internet connection gives the station wind direction, forecasting information, date and time and access to an App on mobile devices. This model has the main station display plus a second small display for indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity.

 The main display shows windspeed and direction, indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity, relative barometric pressure and rainfall data, plus many more options including historical data. The setup and installation was easy following directions both in Quickstart guide, online manual and even the internet app. I first powered up all the devices inside the house and made sure all connected to main display and also connected to the internet.I did install Lithium AA batteries for the Temp/humidity outdoor sensor. all others were good name brand alkaline batteries.

 The outdoor sensors installation did not take much time but the wind sensor was a little tricky with three feet of snow on the ground. That sensor is temporarily on the eave of the garage but later when snow and temperatures improve I will probably mount towards the peak.

  I only have one problem and that is the wind sensor does not want to be recognized by the mobile phone app. That is not a show stopper for now since the wind speed is working on the main display.This is another issue after weather is warmer. 

  I'm very happy with My new weather station and in My research I realized most have similiar options and reviews are good. I did buy this one on sale. Good for me!!!

   73s--Tim