This week’s Mac Geek Gab is your fast lane to smarter tech moves, featuring Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton steering you through the latest Quick Tips and listener Q&A. You’ll learn how to turn your car’s Source button into a play/pause controller, why stuffing your user manuals into a custom GPT might be your next life hack, and how AI tools like Perplexity are leveling up fast. Plus, the gang workshopped their own MGG-GPT—because the more input you give, the better your tech life gets. Don’t Get Caught underestimating what AI can do for you!
From the wisdom of when to buy a Mac (hint: when you need one) to the best practices for Migration Assistant and password hygiene, this episode is packed with practical advice. Thinking about travel gear? The crew compares their go-to backup batteries—from Pete’s 20k mAh beast to Dave’s slick INIU Qi2 charger. And if you’re mourning Mint, the budgeting app, the guys explore strong replacements like Quicken and Banktivity. It’s a full ride of tips to keep your tech life optimized and your wallet sane.
- 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1085 for Monday, April 14th, 2025
- Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 QT-In new Subarus, play/pause is done by holding the Source button
- 00:04:28 QT-Put all your user manuals into a custom GPT.
- 00:05:39 Mark-QT-Use ChatGPT to write Photoshop scripts
- 00:08:35 Shopify (and other companies) mandating the use of GPTs
- 00:13:17 Workshopping the MGG-GPT
- 00:15:21 Russ-CSF-More on Perplexity and other LLMs
- 00:16:57 The more input you give AI, the better the output
- 00:17:59 David-1083-Thanks for the motivation to back up my stuff!
- 00:20:20 SPONSOR: Storyworth uses quick, weekly email prompts to create a unique keepsake hardcover book for you or your loved ones. Save $10 on your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/MACGEEKGAB.
- Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 00:21:47 Larry-With the potential for price-increases due to tariffs, should I buy a new Mac now?
- MGG Advice: Buy a new machine when you need a new machine, and get the most Mac you can afford
- 00:33:29 The price of computers over the years
- 00:35:23 Barry-What’s the best source when using Migration Assistant?
- 00:42:28 GW-Is it good practice to Regularly Change Passwords?
- 00:48:00 Changing passwords in a corporate environment
- 00:54:06 SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Sign up at Coda.io/mgg for FREE.
- MOAR Questions Answered
- 00:55:34 DLH-What size battery do you travel with, and why?
- 01:03:15 The FAA Did a Disservice to the Traveling Public with regards to Batteries
- 01:09:36 GW-Good Budgeting Software after Mint?
- 01:14:40 MGG 1085 Outtro
