Macbook Air

How Can I Replace the Hard Drive in my MacBook Air?

MacBook Air

Episode 1578

Robin from Rockford, IL

Robin's 2012-13 MacBook Air has finally died. He gets the "blinking question mark." Leo says that the computer can't read the hard drive, and that's a fairly easy fix. But where and how? Leo says to go to OWC. Not only can he get the right drive by looking up the model number, but they also have video tutorials, and will send the right tools to do it. 

Should I buy the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?


Episode 1568

Dan from New Jersey


Is PayPal safe for Craigslist?


Episode 1559

Ashley from North Carolina

Ashley is trying to sell his MacBook Air on Craigslist, and the person most interested wants to pay through PayPal and have it shipped. Leo says that the benefit of PayPal is that there are guarantees for payment. However, there are cases when those guarantees are not enough. So it's important to take a close look at what PayPal will do to protect him. He should look at their buyer ratings on eBay, if they have them.

It's always hard to prove if they got the item, and they can always say they didn't receive it. So he should make sure he is protected.

Is the MacBook Air worth upgrading?

Apple MacBook Air

Episode 1540

Rob from Cincinnati, OH

Rob has a process in his Mac called "User Event Agent" and he doesn't know what that is. Is it necessary? Leo says it is. It just monitors all of his activity. This includes mouse key presses, typing, etc. If he were to stop it, his computer would become unresponsive. He shouldn't really get caught up with what he finds in the Task Manager, especially when the processor and RAM are being used.


Apple iPad Pro

Episode 1538


Apple to Announce New Hardware on Tuesday at NY Event

Episode 1536

The scuttlebutt is, that on Oct. 30th, Apple will be announcing two new iPadPros, one 11", both bezeless, with FaceID. They will essentially be large versions of the iPhone X. But there's also a belief that Apple will make a slightly smaller 12" model, with a larger screen. There may also be no lightning port, but instead, a TypeC charger port. Leo also hopes that Apple introduces a new MacBook Air with a hi resolution screen. The rumor that Leo finds hard to believe is a new Mac Mini. He hopes so, it hasn't been updated in forever.

Should I buy a MacBook Air or Mac Mini?

Apple MacBook Air

Episode 1531

Matt from Florida

Matt is thinking of getting a MacBook Air with an i7 or a Mac Mini. But he's been holding off because he keeps hearing rumors of new models. Leo says that the problem with those two devices is that they haven't been updated since 2015, so buying one will get him an antiquated processor. The screen is also low resolution by comparison to today's standards. Leo also says that the rumor of a Mac Mini is extremely unlikely. There's no real data to support it. In fact, since Apple is more focused on mobile devices, it's more likely that Apple will discontinue it entirely sooner or later.

Where can I buy parts for my MacBook Air?

Apple MacBook Air

Episode 1525

Rico from Cerritos, CA

Rico is trying to replace the cracked LCD screen on his MacBook Air. He's having issues with the LCD layers underneath the glass. Where can he buy a replacement part for that? Rich says that Rico should go to iFixIt. They not only will show him how to fix issues like that, but they also offer the parts and tools to do it.

Another option is to buy a broken MacBook Air for parts. He can check OWC at They have parts as well, but mostly for upgrades.

Can I use an HDMI splitter with a MacBook Air?

The Audiobook Speakeasy

Episode 1499

Rich from Tuscon, AZ

Rich is an audiobook narrator and he just finished building his own vocal booth to record his audio files. But since the booth is so small, he wants to have his laptop on the outside with a monitor connected and a monitor on the inside. WIll an HDMI splitter do the job with a 2012 MacBook Air? Leo says that a splitter can degrade the image quality. The Air also has a mini display port, so he'd need an adapter for HDMI. They're pretty cheap. The Air won't really have an issue with the splitter.