This Week at Mark Ellis Reviews

👉 My ultimate iPad buying guide, updated advice on how much unified memory you really need for a MacBook Air and thoughts after two weeks of using the iPhone 16e as my only phone!

TOP STORY

My Ultimate iPad Buying Guide (2025) - 7 Step Process!

Buying an iPad is never a simple process, and Apple isn’t very good at making it any easier. This was demonstrated recently by the new iPad Air which, instead of including the M4 chip to remove any doubt about its newness, was released with the M3. If you want a new iPad, that now raises doubts in your mind; is it ok to buy an M3 iPad if there are M4 ones out there already?

Not to worry though, I’ve got seven key steps to help you pick the right one! Here are some of the key points:

• Ignore the rumour mill. If you want an iPad now just buy one without worrying about any far-off future releases.

• Think honestly about display size. Big iPads can be annoying to transport and hold for long periods.

• Ask yourself, do you really need those Pro features?

Find out the full guidance in the video!

8GB vs 16GB vs 24GB vs 32GB MacBook Air: How to Choose

Speaking of buying guidance, I’ve revamped my MacBook Air advice since the release of the new M4 version. Of course, you can’t buy a new 8GB MacBook Air from Apple anymore, but I’ve left it in there as an option in case people are still considering buying an M1/M2 model.

Even though the debate has now shifted to 16GB vs 24GB, my advice hasn’t really changed since the 8GB days. You can read the article to find out my full thoughts but let’s just say 16GB is the new king.

BYTE-SIZED NEWS

This Week’s Top Tech Headlines

👉 Apple’s Foldable iPad May Launch Sooner Than Expected
Reports suggest Apple is fast-tracking its foldable iPad, with a possible release by late 2026 or early 2027.

😮 We Almost Had a Port-Free iPhone 17 Air
Apple's iPhone 17 Air, debuting this autumn, was intended to be the first port-free smartphone, relying solely on wireless charging and cloud data transfers. So why didn’t it happen?

🔌 Carly OBD and App: At-Home Car Diagnostics Kit Could Save Hundreds
This handy car tool could stop you from buying an old banger in disguise.

⌚️ Smartwatch Market Shrinks for 1st Time as Wearable Bubble Bursts
Apple's uninspiring releases are blamed for the smartwatch market shrink, benefiting other brands filling the gaps.

OPINION

Was This Apple's Biggest Failure of 2024?

Quite a lot of people don’t believe that I’ve switched from the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the iPhone 16e. I can understand why; on the face of it, this seems like an utterly stupid thing to do. Why ditch better cameras, a bigger, better and faster display, more performance, and numerous other upgrades for what is one of the most uninspiring mid-range smartphones on the market?

I wouldn’t recommend doing this unless you really want to go back to basics - and, curiously, that’s where the magic lies. Interestingly, others have done the same as me. I was surprised to see several comments left against my YouTube video from viewers who have also switched from a Pro Max of some description to the iPhone 16e. They’re super happy, too.

With this in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to update you on my time with the iPhone 16e, which is what this week’s Tech Diary video is all about. The good, the bad, and why I’m still in no hurry at all to switch back to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. I’m sure that I won’t, actually. I don’t need to. My large display needs and flagship smartphone requirements are always fulfilled by the Android device I carry in my other pocket. And I really don’t want to give up the one-handedness that’s afforded by the iPhone 16e.

There, I said it: I’m enjoying using Apple’s crippled mid-ranger. It does what I need it to do. It’s also forcing me to use my proper camera gear on press trips once again - and that’s actually something of a blessing.

TOP FINDS

What Had Me Glued to YouTube…

👋 Letting Go of Instagram (Peter McKinnon) - Not a glowing review of Instagram in 2025, but not the bashing you might expect from Peter. Gets you thinking.

⚙️ Jeremy, Richard & James Buy Cheap Italian Supercars (Top Gear Classic) - I’ve been watching a lot of old Top Gear content recently because I had the rare opportunity to visit the old Top Gear test track and be driven around it, twice, by the original Stig. No, really. Life: completed.

🙈 Can You Fool A Self-Driving Car? (Mark Rober) - This video has caused quite a stir due to the nature of the Tesla-bashing content and the accusation that Rober has been somewhat creative with the truth. I’ll leave it to you to decide what you believe.

🎒 Lightweight Tech EDC - Everyday Carry 2025 (ft. Audi RS6) (Andres Vidoza) - One of the best tech creators on YouTube. And, obviously, his EDC videos are brilliant.

NEED TO KNOW

Tip Of The Week

iOS Tip: Scrolled too far? Skip the endless swiping - just tap the clock or the top of the screen, and boom, you’re back at the top.

BEST BUYS

My 3 Must-Have iPad Accessories

Seeing as I gave my iPad buying guidance this week, I thought it would be handy to suggest some accessories that will totally transform how you use your iPad.

1.  Logitech Combo Touch For iPad - Simply the best iPad keyboard (which also doubles as a case and stand) outside of the Magic Keyboard, and it’s about $100/£100 cheaper 👉 BUY HERE

2. Paperlike Screen Protector - If you’ve never used a Paperlike screen protector then just buy one. They make writing on an iPad a much nicer experience 👉 BUY HERE

3. Logitech MX Master 3s - I don’t use an iPad without plugging in this mouse. It’s very comfy, has customisable buttons and super fast scrolling 👉 BUY HERE

Just a note to say that these are affiliate links meaning I may earn from them, but they are genuinely all products that I love and use in my own setup!

‘GRAM OF THE WEEK

Lived a dream today

I got driven around the Top Gear test track by the Stig! (excuse any fruity language 🤣)

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. It’s been a busy period of releases and they keep coming with Pocos and Pixels to review in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

~ Mark