On Friday evening, I was fortunate enough to be invited to Apple’s 50th birthday celebrations in London. This was earmarked by a performance by Mumford & Sons, who performed at the foot of the endlessly impressive Battersea Power Station.

This being the UK, it was freezing, but a good time was had, regardless. I’m just glad I wasn’t the one playing the banjo.

I’ve been covering Apple professionally now for just over six years, but I’ve used, lusted over, and loved their stuff for a lot longer than that - decades, if I’m to give away anything about my age. Of course, being on the reviewer/media side of the fence now, I have to be extremely careful not to allow my near-life-long love of Apple to get in the way of objective analysis. And, if you’ve followed me over the last few years, I hope you’ll agree that I’ll point out when I don’t like something Apple has done just as much as I will applaud their innovation.

It was a proud moment, though - I’m happy to admit that. It started with me taking a photo of an iPod (content coming soon), and ended with me toasting the 50 years Apple has spent ‘thinking differently’, in-person, with Apple, while watching one of the world’s biggest bands perform on a stage just a few feet from where I was standing.

I was there because of you. So, thank you. But - back to the reviewing!

When I say the ultimate setup, I mean it quite literally. There isn’t a more powerful or more premium way to fill your desk with Apple gear than this. And boy is it mighty impressive!

Of all the MacBook Neo comparisons you can make, this is the most interesting one. Both cost the same (apart from when you start adding accessories to the iPad) and appeal to a similar demographic, but also differ significantly in terms of the chip inside. Could the iPad really be best?

As far as weeks go at Mark Ellis Reviews, this was a big one in terms of video topics! The yearly battle between the two big boys is always a staple of the calendar, but I think it’s becoming a bit…redundant. Watch the video, then let me know if you agree!

👉 iPod 5.5 Gen Review In 2026 – Not Just Nostalgia - No, this isn’t a gimmick, I’m actually using an iPod again. Find out why here! →

👉 Epomaker Luma100 Hands-on: A Perfect Middle Ground - One for the mechanical keyboard aficionados →

👨‍💻 Why I parted ways with my editor - Kirk Lepiten ep. 2 (Peter McKinnon) - I don’t watch much of Peter’s stuff these days, but I was an avid viewer not that long ago and always admired what he achieved, production-wise, with his long-time editor. Who now doesn’t work for him anymore. This is a very insightful chat between the two of them.

🎵 Soulwax presents: Abbey Road After Hours (with 2manydjs) (Soulwax Official) - Big Soulwax fan here. If you know, you know. But all I could think while watching this was: how on earth were they allowed to perform in there?

🤩 I BOUGHT MY DREAM HOUSE & WORKSHOP IN MIAMI (Mat Armstrong) - I love this dude. He deserves everything he’s worked so hard for.

Behind-the-scenes at Apple’s 50th birthday party!

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter! Content is coming thick and fast this week, strap yourselves in!

~ Mark