Derek Peden

This may not be an original take, but in my view, having two devices is better than one. Specifically, I’m referring to an iPad mini plus an iPhone being preferable to an iPhone Duo.

Clearly the iPhone Duo comes from the marriage of those two devices. And of course I can certainly see the benefit in having an iPhone Duo and strongly considered the purchase of Duo to replace my Pro Max.

However I personally think the functionality offered by the camera systems of an iPhone Pro plus the larger screen and functions of iPadOS on a device even as small as an iPad mini represents the best of both worlds.

There is universal surprise and delight for the iPhone Duo software given the that the hardware was already leaked. And although the Duo’s capabilities have impressed me, I still have significant concerns on the durability of the fold mechanism for the multi-year use required to justify a £2000 phone.

The latest iPhones Pro which accompany the release of the iPhone Duo actually introduce a clear separation between the Duo and Pro line. With Pro phones introducing variable aperture in the camera in addition to further camera module and thermal management improvements. The iPhones Pro have a telephoto lens, new pro camera controls, pro-res video, spatial photos, spatial video and an action button, none of which is available on the iPhone Duo.

Consequently I am more tempted by the Pro line and have already been using my iPad mini as my (almost) pocketable device around the house.

My own iPad mini is the previous generation, which although not supporting Apple Intelligence does support multiple windows and split screen, even if limited by the 8.3” display. If I am to replace this by the rumoured OLED mini then I may even reach for the cellular model.

And here’s a video from Adrián Santos on X showing the two devices side-by-side.

Two devices means 2 devices to carry, 2 devices to manage apps and settings, and of course 2 devices to charge and update. But this also allows me to spread the cost of upgrades and the combined cost would still be less than an iPhone Duo.

I do remain tempted by the iPhone Duo, but equally tempted to wait for the iPhone Duo 2 and benefit from engineering improvements which will be applied to a device which is probably already in development.

Like many before me, my cursor has been hovering over the upgrade icon on macOS. My MacBook Pro has been on macOS 15.7 and never updated to macOS 26. I’m now trying to understand whether I jump in with both feet on macOS 27 or whether I trial a test installation first before I make the leap.

Boarding of flight is announced and I have no words for the lunatics running up to queue for a seat that is already assigned. It’s not like there is any preferential treatment for being first take your seat. Round those people up and you increase the remaining IQ

Thoroughly enjoying our break in Rome.

Very glad to be away from the day to day for a bit. Although it would have been preferable to have been away in August the heat would have been unbearable. Even in September it’s still uncomfortably hot late afternoon especially if you’re in the baking sun.

What doesn’t change is Rome continues to be one of my favourite cities in the world and we have barely scratched the surface in the last few days.

Well maybe not jumping to Raycast just yet, with the App requiring macOS 26 despite it’s endless bugs, issues and challenges. A launcher update will have to go on my to-do list once I migrate to macOS 27.

I know I’m late to the party but potentially conceding defeat and downloading Raycast. My muscle memory is with Launchbar which still works back lacks any signs of life.

BBC News

Netherlands moves billions in gold to London in ‘crisis preparedness’ move

What’s Dutch for “FU Mr President”.

Evening of 1st September so naturally the heating has been turned on… for little while anyway

Trying (again) to be more deliberate with use of my time. I manage to do this in the office but less so “when the clock stops”. We’ll see if this even close to sustainable.

I find discussion of AirPods with “cameras” redundant and forgetting basic physics. Cameras work in the visible range and I don’t expect any sensors to do so.

Researching some upcoming travel and still in 2026 finding restaurants where there “website” directs to Facebook. In 2026. That’s not merely laziness that’s incompetence.

I have seen price drop for the AirPods Pro 3 and considered the upgrade, but I’m both tempted to wait till September and hold off current set won’t hold a charge.

After an extended absence I’m really going to try and make a conscious effort to be reconnected with the world. The last few weeks have been a heavy mix of work and personal projects, leaving little time for anything else.

World Cup trophy needs a refresh.

Replaced my 2nd display with a Dell 4K which immediately fell off the stand and took multiple attempts to refit. I’m now not entirely convinced it won’t fall off again at any moment.

Not at the out-of-box experience I was expecting. I need decide if it’s worth keeping or returning.

No better headline than Scotland fans are donating nearly $30,000 to organizations in Providence.

Exemplary behaviour from the “Tartan Army”.

White House Plumbers

In parallel universe the 250th anniversary of the USA is marked internationally by global peace, and in Washington DC in solemn and reflective ceremony.

But in our reality…

Well done to Craig Ferguson for reaching Boston today

The young Glaswegian set out from Los Angeles on Feb. 24, driven by a cause that is deeply personal: raising awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. The mission is rooted in the loss suffered by his best friend, Struan, whose father, Russell, died by suicide seven years ago.

I was in my local Apple store today and for a brief moment considered asking for a trial with the white elephant product of Vision Pro. I applaud the R&D and the capability of the result but this is still not a viable product at the price point pitched at consumers.

The food hangover continues. We have eaten too much good food over the last 3 days and I feel completely useless today.

BBC News reports Oscar-winning Star Wars editor Marcia Lucas dies aged 80.

Her contribution was immeasurable. Without that edit the final film would have lost its impact.

I feel hungover from lunch. No alcohol but it was a nice meal and the best tiramisu I have ever had.

Is there a use case for touch screen laptops other than scrolling? Cause that seems a high price to pay for higher cost / lower quality displays and fingerprints

Watched a bluetit fly in and out of nesting box for the last 12 hours. That’s some amount of work to feed the chicks on the nest.