Clockwise 646: An Email Job
Mar 4, 2026
Stephen Robles, co-host of The Primary Technology Podcast and Mac Power Users, weighs in on Apple pricing, the MacBook Neo, and displays. Amanda Silberling, senior culture writer at TechCrunch, discusses Apple hardware, colorways, and consumer tech trends. They debate whether colors affect purchases, Apple’s new low-cost device strategy, and if the Studio Display XDR offers good value.
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Childhood Sims And SimCity Memories
- Amanda and Stephen mostly didn’t play The Sims, while Mikah and Dan recall SimCity and similar games from youth.
- Amanda used infinite-money cheats as a kid; Dan and Stephen remembered traumatic tornadoes and preferring narrative-driven games.
Color Drives Hardware Desire More Than Specs
- Colorways are a strong emotional tipping factor for hardware purchases even when specs don't justify an upgrade.
- Mikah bought an iPhone 17 Pro for its cosmic orange color; Amanda is tempted by a pink MacBook Neo despite not needing a new laptop.
Watch Straps Are Where I Splurge On Color
- Stephen collects Apple Watch solo loops and values colors in watch straps more than in pro hardware.
- He complained Apple updated sport loops but left out a new guava solo loop, calling it a personal affront.