Airpods Max - Initial Thoughts

I've been using the Airpods Max for a bit now.  There are some things I like about them.

My likes:

I like that I've an Apple-sourced over-the-ear headset.  

They sound and feel (on the head) better than the Beats Studio Pros I have.  

They also switch to my other Apple gear (the Beats don't do that - that's a known thing; by design).  

I can have the ear cushions replaced and they look like they'll wear better than the Studio Pro ear cushions.

I love the design and color options (mine are Midnight).

What I don't like:

They're heavy and sometimes are uncomfortable around the ears.

They require lots of charging.  For some reason, they've been draining quicker (it seems) than before I updaed them -- this didn't happen until after I applied that patch that enabled lossless audio.

I can't turn them on/off (would be nice to power them off since they appear to drain quickly).

The noise cancelling doesn't work as well as in-ear sets (that's to be expected, but I also expected better noise caneelling than the Airpods Max has, especially since they cost so much.

I did purchase AppleCare+ for them, since they cost so much.  I'd rather have AppleCare+ and not need it than to not have it and need it later.

I'll be giving them a try at work tomorrow to see how well they work in my cubicle area.

UPDATE (4/25/2025):  I had an issue a few minutes ago where the Maxs didn't want to connect to my MBP.  I'd been using them downstairs (when using the Mini) a few hours ago.  No matter what I did, the headset wouldn't connect to the MBP.  I reset the headset and then attempted to connect to them from the MBP - unsuccessful.  I then did a factory reset of the headset and then attempted to connect them to the MBP - unsuccessful.  I then rebooted the MBP (shouldn't have had to do this) and then attempted to connect them to the MBP - success!  This was a super odd issue that I've never had with other BT headsets or buds.

UPDATE (5/11/2025):  I was messing with the headphones the other day and noticed that the ear cups are removeable!  This is nice, as I can remove them to clean them.  As well, I noticed that there was water in them (I sometimes fall asleep with them on my ears).  Apparently, the ear cups trap moisture.  I'm not sure if this will develop into a future problem with the water, but I do have Applecare+, so...

Samsonite Modern Utility Laptop Backpack for 15.6" Laptop

You all know that, prior to purchasing the MBP I now own, I was using a M1-era Macbook Air 13".

I'd been carrying that in a small tote that I got from work - swag from McAfee.  It was a small laptop/tablet bag that was surprisingly adequate for a 13" MBA.  I used it a long time and used it to fly out to California and New Orleans.  It'll fit under a seat on a plane and still leave room for your feet.

I'd not planned on getting a MBP when I was in California.  I could've waited until I got back but it was a snap decision and once I saw that an MBP was locally available while I was in CA, I was stubborn.

I bought the MBP and then realized that a 14" laptop wasn't going to fit in my current bag (plus, I still had my MBA with me), so I had to buy a new bag just to get it home.

What did I buy?  I bought the Modern Utility Laptop Backpack for 15.6" Laptop, which is made by Samsonite.  It's charcoal in color.  It fit most of the existing gear I had brought with me, as well as the new gear - MBP and accessories; Airpods Max and accessories; 11" iPad.  I couldn't believe that it held all of my electronics and didn't feel heavy.

There are two pockets designed for flat electronics (tablets and notebooks).  Those pockets were lined with cushioning for protection of the electronics.

I like this setup better, not only because it will fit a 14" MBP, but because it's a non-bulky backpack.

It has a TON of pockets.  I tried to stash like things in every pocket and ran out of things before I ran out of pockets.

The straps are comfortable - I did a lot of walking/toting.

I really like this bag!

I'll still use the little side pack for my MBA but I might not use the MBA all that much.  I may do a factory reset on that one and sell it, although I'll ask the wife if she wants it first.