The Tailoring Talk Magazine

Apple at 50: Our First Macs, iPods, iPhones and What’s Next

245 On April 1, 1976, Apple was founded. Fifty years later, Bobby and Jon jump on the phone for a candid, unfiltered conversation about the company that shaped so much of their tech lives.   This isn’t a polished keynote-style retrospective. It’s two Apple fans talking honestly about the products, moments and memories that stuck with them most. They get into their earliest encounters with Apple, from old Macs and the first iPods to the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone X and the original iPad. They also talk about why Apple still has such a hold on people, how certain products changed the wider tech industry, and what might come next as rumours continue around foldables, AR glasses and future Apple Watch upgrades.   There’s nostalgia here, but there’s also scepticism. Bobby and Jon also touch on Apple in 2026, Tim Cook’s legacy, privacy, product strategy and whether the company can still deliver the next truly era-defining device.   If you’ve ever owned an iPod, queued mentally for an iPhone, or wondered whether Apple still has the magic, this one’s for you. In this episode: * Apple’s 50th anniversary and why it still matters * The first Apple devices that pulled us in * Why the iPod changed everything * The iPhone models that felt genuinely revolutionary * The original iPad and how opinions changed * Foldables, AR glasses and Apple’s future * Apple Watch Ultra, Vision Pro and what we’d actually buy next * Tim Cook, ethics and the harder questions around Apple today Listen now and tell us: what was your first Apple device, and what’s your all-time favourite? Timestamps 00:00 Intro and setting the scene 01:10 Travel chat, hand luggage and taking tech away 06:22 MacBook vs iPad and the convenience debate 09:58 Apple’s 50th anniversary and current Apple books 12:27 Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Apple’s founding story 15:53 Ronald Wayne, the early Apple story and what might have been 20:08 Jon’s first Apple experience using an old Macintosh 22:02 The first iPod and the moment Apple became irresistible 26:56 First iPhones, networks and early Apple buying memories 27:52 Why the iPhone 4 was such a landmark device 30:11 The iPhone X and the jump to Face ID 31:44 The original iPad and how different it felt 35:55 What Apple might do next - foldables or AR glasses? 41:37 Apple Watch Ultra, future upgrades and rumours 44:08 Meta glasses, privacy and waiting for Apple’s version 46:53 Tim Cook, politics and the more complicated side of Apple 49:18 Final thoughts at the 50-minute mark Apple 50th anniversary, Apple podcast, Apple history, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, first iPod, first iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhone X, original iPad, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple foldable, Apple AR glasses, Tim Cook, Apple nostalgia, tech podcast, Apple fans ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Weekend Unfiltered: My New MINI Electric and Jon’s Ford Explorer Drive

244 In this weekend unfiltered chat, Bobby and Jon do exactly what listeners have come to enjoy most from these candid catch-ups: hit record and let the conversation go where it wants. This time, Bobby is speaking from inside his brand new MINI Cooper Electric and, despite previously saying he’d never own an EV, he’s already completely won over. From the remote parking features and Apple-like build quality to the OLED display, voice controls and overall personality of the car, he shares why this MINI feels special almost immediately. Jon then talks through his recent Ford Explorer EV test drive, including the biggest surprise of all: just how much better it felt to be back in an electric car. The pair get into real-world range, battery pre-warming, charging practicality, interior design, trim choices, safety systems and how different buyers prioritise different things depending on where and how they drive. It’s a relaxed but genuinely useful conversation about what makes a modern EV appealing, what still causes hesitation and why range, tech and ease of use matter so much in the real world.  Timestamps 00:00 - Another weekend unfiltered chat begins 00:33 - Bobby records from his new MINI Cooper Electric 01:00 - The surprise remote control parking feature 02:09 - MINI app tech and daily manoeuvre memory 03:19 - Why these features don’t always come across on a test drive 04:24 - Jon’s early thoughts on the Countryman EV and range worries 04:45 - Bobby on the MINI’s OLED screen and infotainment 06:20 - Voice controls, assistants and living without physical buttons 07:44 - Apple Watch access, personality and why the MINI feels special 09:24 - Build quality, trim level and how premium the car feels 10:43 - Sound system, user profiles and day-to-day usability 12:00 - Cars and phones are converging 12:56 - Security, remote control and keyless access 14:13 - Jon’s Ford Explorer EV test drive begins 15:00 - Why going back to an EV immediately felt better 15:20 - Range, charge limits and battery pre-warming 16:21 - Explorer interior, practicality and driving impressions 17:47 - Roof bars, tyre costs and EV ownership considerations 18:58 - Weight, stability and the square steering wheel 19:46 - Ford trim flexibility vs MINI pack structure 21:28 - Why Jon is prioritising range above all else 22:45 - Real-world MINI range vs Explorer range 24:22 - Home charging and the reality of EV ownership 25:48 - Bentley test track day and a possible MINI road trip to Cheshire 26:45 - Wrap up and subscribe reminder   Tags MINI Cooper Electric, MINI Cooper SE, Ford Explorer EV, electric cars podcast, EV range, EV charging, car tech podcast, MINI review, Ford Explorer review, electric vehicle buying advice, OLED car screen, EV test drive, Bentley Continental GTS, weekend unfiltered chat ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e and M5 Macs: Upgrade or Skip?

243 Apple dropped a lot of hardware in a very short space of time, so in this episode I’m cutting through the launch-week noise and getting to the only question that really matters: what’s actually new, what are the real benefits, and do you genuinely need to bother upgrading? We cover iPhone 17e, iPad Air with M4, MacBook Air with M5, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max, MacBook Neo, the refreshed Studio Display and the new Studio Display XDR, all through the lens of whether you should stick with what you’ve got or twist and make the jump.     There’s a proper look at why iPhone 17e could be the smartest iPhone in the range for normal people, why iPad Air with M4 remains the sweet spot for most users, and why MacBook Air with M5 may be the easiest laptop recommendation in the whole lineup. I also get into the new MacBook Pro for serious creative and professional users, why MacBook Neo might quietly be one of Apple’s most important launches because it opens the door to the Mac world without feeling cheap, and why the new Studio Display XDR is the sort of product that makes creative pros start mentally selling organs.       The overall verdict is simple: this wasn’t a week of reinvention, it was a week of refinement, smarter product positioning and some genuinely sensible upgrade paths for people on older gear. So if you’ve been wondering whether Apple’s latest announcements are must-buy upgrades or just very polished reasons to keep what you’ve already got, this episode is for you.   Timestamps 00:00 Apple’s launch week in one sentence 00:24 What this episode is about 00:53 iPhone 17e - key specs, benefits and who should upgrade 03:04 iPad Air M4 - the sweet spot iPad? 04:20 MacBook Air M5 - the easiest laptop recommendation 05:29 MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max - who it’s really for 07:50 MacBook Neo - Apple’s most interesting strategic launch? 10:03 Studio Display and Studio Display XDR - what’s new and who they’re for 12:22 Final verdict - what’s worth upgrading and what isn’t 14:42 Outro   ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Weekend Catch-Up: AirPods, MacBook Neo, Apple Temptations and the M2 Dilemma

242 In this first proper unscripted phone-call episode, Bobby and Jon do something a bit different. Rather than sitting down for a formal studio recording, they hit record on one of their regular catch-up calls and let the conversation go wherever it wants. The result is exactly what you’d expect from two friends who spend a lot of time talking tech, cars and life: a candid, funny, slightly chaotic deep dive into the things they’re obsessing over right now. They start with Bobby’s trip to the Apple Store after losing his AirPods Pro 3, which quickly turns into a broader conversation about whether the new AirPods Pro 3 are really that much better than the Pro 2, whether the updated AirPods Max 2 are worth considering, and how easily Apple still manages to tempt even the most self-aware buyer. From there, they get into the new MacBook Neo, why it’s such an interesting entry point into the Mac lineup, who it’s actually for, and whether either of them really needs one or just badly wants one. The conversation then widens into the current Apple lineup more broadly, including the MacBook Air, Studio Display XDR, the iPhone 17 range and the prospect of a foldable iPhone. Is Apple about to create another must-have category, or is this one of those products that sounds exciting until you actually imagine carrying it around every day? To round things off, Bobby and Jon switch gears and talk cars, EVs and the ongoing internal battle between rational decision-making and emotional attachment. Jon shares where he is with the EV search, while Bobby opens up about the reality of owning the BMW M2, the costs, the joy, the dilemma, and why saying goodbye to a car you love is rarely as straightforward as it sounds. If you enjoy relaxed long-form conversations that feel like you’re eavesdropping on a real call between mates, this one’s for you.   Timestamps 00:00 - This call will be recorded: introducing the new unscripted format 01:24 - Why Bobby and Jon are trying candid phone-call episodes 02:22 - Bobby’s trip to the Apple Store after losing his AirPods Pro 3 04:05 - AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 3: ANC, fit, call quality and why Bobby can’t go back 05:54 - AirPods Pro 3 comfort tips: why sizing down the ear tips matters 07:44 - AirPods Max 2 and whether they’re worth the upgrade 09:17 - From headphones to hardware: first impressions of the new Apple lineup 11:03 - MacBook Neo first thoughts: is it brilliant value or pure gadget lust? 12:48 - Neo pricing, colours, who it’s for and why it feels like a gateway Mac 16:08 - iPad vs Neo: where each one wins in real life 19:58 - Who should actually buy the MacBook Neo? 21:29 - Could Apple ever let iPads run MacOS properly? 24:04 - Replacing an ageing iMac: could a Neo make sense long-term? 25:37 - Studio Display XDR impressions: overpriced or worth it? 28:56 - MacBook Air temptation and the difference between wanting and needing 31:06 - The iPhone 17 range and whether anyone still really needs the Pro 32:31 - iPhone Fold speculation: exciting future or expensive compromise? 37:19 - Jon’s EV search and what matters most when choosing the right electric car 39:16 - Bobby’s BMW M2 dilemma: joy, cost and knowing when to let go 42:07 - Why the M2 might stay a little longer 43:27 - MINI handover plans and wrapping up the call Apple, MacBook Neo, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Max 2, iPhone Fold, EVs, MINI, BMW M2, tech podcast, car podcast, lifestyle podcast.   ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

From Petrolheads to EV Drivers? Our Honest Electric Car Debate and What We’d Actually Buy

241 Welcome back to Tailoring Talk Magazine and the first episode of Season 15. In this long-overdue return, Roberto, Alex and Jon sit down for an honest conversation about electric vehicles, real ownership experiences and whether switching from petrol to electric actually makes sense in the real world. Roberto opens with a confession: after years of saying he’d never own an EV, he’s now seriously considering selling his BMW M2 and making the switch.  From there, the conversation explores the realities of EV ownership, including range anxiety, charging, running costs, practicality and how different lifestyles change what makes a good car. Rather than reviewing cars or reading spec sheets, this episode focuses on real-world use, real budgets, and what each of us would actually buy with our own money. IN THIS EPISODE • Why Roberto is reconsidering electric cars after years of resisting them • Alex’s long-term experience living with EVs and what he’d change next • Jon’s experience with EV ownership, hybrids and reliability challenges • Range anxiety – myth or real problem? • Charging at home vs public charging • How lifestyle and driving habits change what car makes sense • Running costs and the reality of EV ownership day-to-day • The cars we’re currently considering buying • Family EVs vs performance EVs vs city cars • What we’d each choose if we had to decide tomorrow The discussion also covers several popular electric cars currently on the market, including models from Tesla, Hyundai, BMW, Volkswagen, Kia and others as the team compares range, practicality and real-world usability. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro and confession: from petrolhead to considering EVs 02:25 – Why this episode: honest conversation, no reviews or spec sheets 03:10 – Why Roberto’s M2 isn’t getting used and how this conversation started  04:50 – Alex’s EV journey and living with a Polestar  08:50 – Jon’s EV history, Nissan issues and going electric again  10:50 – Roberto’s Hyundai IONIQ 6 experience and dealership problems 13:10 – Realisation: why EVs make sense for city driving 15:40 – Running costs, practicality and daily usage 20:30 – Range anxiety: myth vs reality and how charging actually works  29:40 – Different lifestyles, commuting and choosing the right EV 30:40 – Roberto test driving EVs and reconsidering his stance 31:30 – Home charging, solar, and real-world running costs  33:15 – Alex’s criteria for his next EV (road trips, range, usability) 37:55 – Roberto presents EV shortlist for Alex 38:00 – Tesla Model 3 discussion 46:00 – Volkswagen, BMW, Hyundai and Kia comparisons  49:30 – Counter suggestions and alternative EV options 50:10 – Jon’s shortlist and priorities for a family EV  01:13:50 – Roberto’s current thinking about replacing the M2  01:22:20 – Options, trims and spec pricing discussion 01:23:45 – Final thoughts: where each of us stands on EVs  01:25:40 – Outro and wrap-up KEY THEMES One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that there’s no single “best” EV. The right choice depends on how you actually use your car, whether you can charge at home, how far you regularly travel, and what matters most: comfort, range, driving experience or practicality. The episode also highlights how quickly EV technology and infrastructure have evolved in recent years, changing the ownership experience significantly compared with earlier electric cars. LISTEN IF YOU ARE: • Thinking about buying your first electric car • Curious about real EV ownership rather than marketing claims • A petrolhead wondering whether electric cars are worth considering • Interested in cars, technology and honest conversations ABOUT TAILORING TALK MAGAZINE Tailoring Talk Magazine is a podcast about style, technology, cars, culture and the things that make modern life interesting, hosted by Roberto Revilla with co-hosts Alex Hansford and Jon Evans. FOLLOW AND SUBSCRIBE If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast and share it with someone who’s thinking about going electric. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.