I am a low vision / Legally blind technology user, and I enjoy coding and writing about technology. I can write as much as I’d like on my iPad, but I am not able to write code at all. This is because the iPad doesn’t have a terminal or the ability to write iOS apps. There are exceptions to this which include BitRig Replit and other vibe coding apps, but I really feel like I lose control over my creations when I rely on these apps, so, I can only use the iPad for writing and watching content.

Working with the MacBook Neo

I recently purchased the MacBook Neo, and I have to say that I take it everywhere I go. I went out to eat and sat outside, and brought my Neo to write this post, and it has been a wonderful experience. I have always felt that the iPad with Magic Keyboard isn’t the most stable, and it just seems like the keyboard isn’t the best where as the Neo has a full Mac Magic Keyboard. The only thing that could be better is that the screen isn’t the brightest while outside, but that is to be expected with this device.

I also really like that I can simply open Xcode or my terminal at any time, and get some coding done while out and about, and I don’t need my 16 inch machine. I also notice that my battery is great as well.

This machine really does feel like I am using some of the older MacBooks before we moved to the terrible butterfly keyboard of older MacBooks. It doesn’t have everything my 16 inch does, and I really like those features, but it is really nice just taking a small machine out to do some work instead of just being inside all the time.

Conclusion

So, to summarize, I really like this machine. I think this will motivate me to be out more and to do more work that isn’t just code. I will do the same thing with my iPad Pro, and try writing and completing other tasks and will write about those in another post, but this is my initial thoughts while using this machine for the first time outside.

I would highly recommend this computer if you want a great looking machine to use while on the go, and you need versatility in what it can do. The iPad Pro may have more RAM and storage, but it is much more expensive, and I do not feel like you get the same laptop like experience with a keyboard that costs half the price of the MacBook Neo.

Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you in another of my articles soon.

About the Studio Display XDR

The Studio Display XDR features a 27-inch Mini-LED display with 120 HZ refresh rate. It also has 2000 nits brightness, which means that this display has the same if not slightly better display then the ones that come on the MacBook Pro laptops now.

In comparison, the standard Studio Display monitors come with a 60 HZ refresh rate display with much less brightness, and an LED backlit display. This means that the color quality and refresh rate are lower than then that of both the MacBook Pro and Studio Display XDR screens, and I can definitely tell the difference.

Why Do These Differences Matter

As a person with low vision, I sit extremely close to my screen, so having a screen with the highest quality matters. I notice eye fatigue when using a monitor that is not optomized for long use, and this does occur for me on a Studio Display. I personally do not notice this as much when I use the built in display on my Mac, so there is definitely a difference with each screen, and you can read those differences in the specs listed above.

i would like to mention that my situation is very different from other s with low vision. Each person’s vision is different, but I can say that the better screens from Apple definitely do make a difference, but that may not be the case for everyone.

Conclusion

While the Apple Studio Display XDR is expensive, I feel like cost is worth it. Not only is there a better display, there is other internals that have been upgraded, which include better speakers. I really do believe the Studio Display XDR is worth the cost, and it at least isn’t as expensive as the Apple Pro Display XDR which came in around $5,000! Will you be getting one of these new displays? If so, which one, and why?

Why a Blog on Substack?

I write everywhere online, I know, but I felt like I needed a place to write long form content about technology. I used to write everything over at iaccessibility.net, but I’d like to attract a wider audience in the technology industry and beyond. My goal is still to make tech more accessible to everyone, but I think that this outlet will have more of a reach, and will be seen by those who want or need to read this content.

I made the decision to try Substack based on a recommendation made by , and I am really enjoying the platform so far. I hope to make many connections through my journey here.

Possible Post Topics

I will go ahead and warn you now that topics here on this blog will range from beginner tech posts all the way to the more advanced coding and developer topics. I may write about how to get started with an iPhone on one post, and then I’ll write about a topic related to building apps for Apple platforms after that. The one thing you can be sure of though, is that we will NEVER directly discuss politics, unless it affects technology. This publication will NOT take a side, and political discussion in the comments will NOT be allowed as well. I want to make sure that this blog is tech focussed, and that everyone can learn from what is offered here.

There is also one more thing you can be certain of. This blog will have a definite Apple bias. I am a huge fan of Apple products, so they will be discussed in detail. With that said though, I promise that I will talk about everything in tech. I can appreciate what Android and Windows have to offer, but like everyone, I have my preferences.

Moving Forward

I’m really glad that you’ve taken the time to read this post. I have been very excited to get this started for a while, and here we are! I have many more posts already planned out, so you will continue to receive content, and I will especially have some great bits for my paid subscribers in the very near future. I think we are going to build a great community, and it is really my sincere hope and dream that we can make technology exciting for everyone again. Let’s bring trust and optimism back to the industry.

Thank you again, and I hope to see you and your friends in a future post here on Michael’s Perspective.