The easiest Apple machines examined and reviewed

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In the event you’ve acquired your coronary heart set on an Apple laptop, the probabilities are you’ll be needing top-of-the-line Macs to make that dream a actuality.

The factor is, Apple makes all kinds of various computer systems, so understanding what you’d like goes to be a bit fiddly.

That is the place we’ve determined to step in as our crew of consultants has examined lots of Macs, specializing in key issues comparable to how nicely a pc is constructed, in addition to how nicely it performs in actual world and artificial benchmarks, and, if it’s a laptop computer, how lengthy the battery will final. The most effective choices are discovered under.

To get these real-world testing outcomes, our crew of consultants makes use of every Mac as their essential gadget for not less than per week, utilising each real-world expertise and a collection of industry-standard benchmarks and specialist gear comparable to colorimeters to achieve correct and comparable outcomes.

We’ve additionally made certain to select vary of Macs, starting from the sunshine MacBook Air laptop computer proper as much as a totally fleged iMac, so no matter you’re in search of, you’ll make sure you discover a Mac that fits you.

In the event you can’t discover a Mac you want in the meanwhile, we’d advocate bookmarking this checklist as we’ll be updating it continuously as extra of them go via the Trusted Labs. It’s additionally price trying out our Finest Laptop computer, Finest Ultrabook, Finest Pupil Laptop computer and Finest Price range Laptop computer pages for a extra common look if you happen to haven’t acquired your coronary heart solely set on going for macOS.

Finest Mac at a look

MacBook Air M1 – Finest worth MaciMac 2021 (24-inch) – Finest worth desktop MacApple MacBook Professional 2021 – Finest Mac for content material creationApple MacBook Air M2 (2022) – Finest mid-range Mac

How we check

Study extra about how we check Macs Each Mac we evaluate goes via a collection of uniform checks designed to gauge key issues together with construct high quality, efficiency, display screen high quality and battery life. These embrace formal artificial benchmarks and scripted checks, plus a collection of actual world checks, comparable to how nicely it runs probably the most continuously used apps. We additionally be certain that to make use of each Mac we evaluate as our major gadget for not less than per week to make sure our evaluate is as correct as potential.

MacBook Air (M1)

Finest worth Mac

Execs

It’s so quick due to M1Exceptional battery lifeStrong app supportGreat keyboard

Cons

Poor webcamSame design as beforePoorly positioned (and solely two) USB ports

If it’s an awesome worth Mac you’re after, look no additional than the MacBook Air M1.

The headline characteristic right here is the M1 chip that we discovered to outperform the competitors at this value throughout testing, with it breezing via primary productiveness duties, in addition to rendering 4K HDR video content material with a number of apps working within the background. At the same time as probably the most ‘worth’ Mac on our checklist, it nonetheless packs fairly the punch.

This particular MacBook Air is a fanless machine, which means it also needs to be further quiet, and we discovered that even beneath load the laptop computer didn’t make any noise, which is a testomony to how good the thermal efficiency of those M1 chips is. In addition to being quiet, we additionally discovered the M1 MacBook Air to be a smooth machine, though its slender body does imply there isn’t a lot room in the way in which of ports – you solely get a pair of USB-C choices, in addition to a headphone jack.

In comparison with its predecessor, the show has been up to date to now help the DCI-P3 color gamut, which we discovered to supply a extra vibrant picture, in addition to one which additionally stays sharp and brilliant sufficient for day-to-day and extra inventive purposes, particularly due to its sharp 2560×1600 decision.

Throughout testing, the battery life additionally proved to be nice, with a complete of 11 hours of go-juice earlier than you’ll have to cost the MacBook Air up once more.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full evaluate: MacBook Air (M1)

iMac (2021, 24-inch)

Finest worth desktop Mac

Execs

Unbelievable designExcellent webcam, audio system and microphonesBright and sharp display screen

Cons

No SD card slotCan’t modify the peak

Preserving within the theme of extra ‘worth’ sort Macs, if it’s a desktop one you’re after, the iMac (2021, 24 inch) ought to serve you fairly nicely certainly.

It’s on the design entrance the place the brand new iMac has obtained its largest refresh in a decade, with a shedload of colors on supply, starting from the inexperienced our pattern got here in, to pink, orange and silver. The brand new iMac is a pc that’s designed to suit into your house as extra of a ornament than a PC.

The port choice has additionally been modernised with a number of USB-Cs, however not a lot else – you’ll be out of luck for native HDMI out and even an SD card reader; it might seem that Apple values these extra as ‘Professional’ choices, however, there’s nothing a USB-C dongle can’t repair.

The 24-inch display screen measurement on supply right here is a superb center floor between the smaller and now outgoing 21.5-inch Mac screens of previous and the bigger 27-inch possibility that may match higher in bigger rooms. In addition to providing measurement, the precise panel right here can also be improbable. Whereas it will not be Mini LED or characteristic XDR like a number of the higher-end MacBooks or Apple’s standalone shows, it encompasses a 4.5K show with some good color accuracy that makes it very best for each day-to-day work and extra intense workloads.

Inside, this new iMac packs in Apple’s personal M1 chip similar to the MacBook Air above which presents some spectacular efficiency. In essence, it’s one of the highly effective methods cash can purchase immediately, with some glorious efficiency in our benchmarks that beat off Home windows-powered counterparts. macOS Huge Sur additionally proved to be easy and easy to make use of, whereas the SSDs learn and write speeds have been particularly spectacular, and on condition that by the purpose of evaluate, Apple’s silicon had been round for just a few months, there’s additionally an awesome collection of help apps on M1 {hardware}.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full evaluate: iMac 2021 (24-inch) Evaluation

MacBook Professional 16-inch (2021)

Finest Mac for content material creation

Execs

Gorgeous displayAmazing performanceThe ports and MagSafe are again

Cons

RAM upgrades are costly

The Apple MacBook Professional (2021) is a correct powerhouse laptop computer for content material creation and sits atop the tree for Macs for this goal.

Throughout testing, we discovered it to supply glorious ranges of energy due to both the selection of Apple’s revitalised M1 lineup of processors, with this MacBook Professional coming with both the M1 Professional or the beefier M1 Max. Each supply some fairly massive efficiency positive factors in comparison with the unique M1 Macs, which have been already fairly highly effective themselves, it should be famous.

In addition to providing positive factors beneath the hood, the 2021 MacBook Professional additionally comes with fairly the uprated show, contemplating Apple has jumped to Mini LED backlights. This led to an extremely vibrant panel, with a measured peak brightness of 1600 nits, in addition to an immense HDR efficiency, making it very best for creating content material. As well as, the decision on supply, whereas simply being shy of 4K, was capable of supply up some sharp and detailed photos. If that wasn’t sufficient, the show right here additionally helps ProMotion, giving it the powers of 120Hz refresh price for some particularly easy output.

The MacBook Professional 16-inch additionally gives a boxier body with the identical industrial allure as different MacBooks, alongside the return of latest ports together with HDMI out, an SD card reader, and MagSafe energy supply. We additionally discovered the scissor keyboard to really feel responsive, with degree of journey and well-sized keys making typing a pleasure. The most important change to the chassis although is that there isn’t a Contact Bar on this MacBook Professional, and as an alternative is a traditional row of operate keys.

We additionally discovered the battery lifetime of the 2021 MacBook Professional to be spectacular, with the bigger 16-inch mannequin lasting for 21 hours throughout testing, which matches Apple’s claims. This helped it to get via a working day with juice to spare, and we didn’t have to achieve for the charging lead as soon as. For a extra intense set of duties comparable to video enhancing and content material creation, it’s possible you’ll want to achieve for his or her cable, although.

Reviewer: Max ParkerFull evaluate: Apple MacBook Professional 2021 evaluate

Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022)

Finest mid-range Mac

Execs

Unbelievable performanceSleek, up to date designExcellent keyboard and trackpadLong battery life

Cons

Costly beginning value and upgradesMore colors would have been niceThe M1 model stays a wonderful purchase for much less

The most recent Mac on our checklist, the Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022) is without doubt one of the finest mid-range Mac on the market we’ve examined.

Inside, this 2022 Air options Apple’s all-new M2 chip which could be considered extra of a refinement to the previous M1, versus a re-engineering. Efficiency is incrementally higher than the M1 chip, and subsequently the M2 is greater than highly effective sufficient to deal with intense duties comparable to 4K video enhancing with ease. We discovered that 8GB of RAM on the usual mannequin was greater than sufficient, though you’ll be able to improve to 16GB for some further headroom, which is able to price you an additional £200/$200. That is additionally a fanless MacBook, which suggests it’s silent on a regular basis, however could fall down throughout sustained masses as a result of lack of lively cooling.

By way of its show, the MacBookAir M2 has a bigger show with thinner bezels – the entire display screen measurement sits at 13.6 inches, which is the most important accessible on a MacBook Air immediately. Whereas it isn’t Mini LED like on the Professional, the IPS LCD continues to be greater than succesful for day-to-day working.

The MacBook Air M2 has a boxy design that’s in step with the present MacBook Execs and a body that’s thinner than the earlier MacBook Air. To be exact, this new 2022 iteration is 1.13cm thick, which truly makes it thinner than an iPad with a Magic Keyboard hooked up, and a weight of 1.24kg additionally makes it immensely transportable. There’s additionally the addition of MagSafe to the social gathering for charging, though you don’t get an SD card reader and HDMI out, as you do on the MacBook Professional.

It should be stated, the battery life with this M2-powered MacBook Air is nice, with our testing exhibiting it to final for 14 hours throughout a video loop check, which presents a 2 hour enhance in comparison with the earlier mannequin. As well as, for a working day in the actual world, we discovered it to final comfortably with 20% juice nonetheless left within the tank

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full evaluate: Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022)

FAQs

What’s the strongest Mac in 2022? Probably the most highly effective Mac in 2022 is arguably the MacBook Professional 2021, due to its alternative of both M1 Professional or M1 Max chips that we discovered to blitz the competitors in our benchmarks. Is M2 higher than M1? Briefly, sure. Our checks discovered the efficiency distinction to be incremental, however there’s a optimistic totally different between M1 and M2 which may be well worth the improve if you happen to’ve acquired the money to spare. Is it higher to get an iMac or a MacBook Professional? This is determined by private desire and likewise what you want a Mac for. In order for you a strong desktop Mac, then the iMac might be finest, whereas if you happen to’re going to be on the transfer quite a bit, a MacBook Professional goes to be higher (in addition to additionally being extra highly effective in its 2021 iteration).

Trusted Evaluations check knowledge

Cinebench R23

Geekbench 5 single core

Geekbench 5 multi core

CrystalDiskMark Learn velocity

CrystalMarkDisk Write Pace

Brightness

Black degree

Distinction

White Visible Color Temperature

Battery Life

MacBook Air (M1)

1731

7308

12 hrs

iMac (2021, 24-inch)

1719

7527

534 nits

0.4918 nits

1086:1

6593 Okay

MacBook Professional 16-inch (M1 Professional, 10-core CPU)

Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022)

8100

1928

8968

2913.7 MB/s

2319.6 MB/s

503 nits

In the event you’ve acquired your coronary heart set on an Apple laptop, the probabilities are you’ll be needing top-of-the-line Macs to make that dream a actuality.

The factor is, Apple makes all kinds of various computer systems, so understanding what you’d like goes to be a bit fiddly.

That is the place we’ve determined to step in as our crew of consultants has examined lots of Macs, specializing in key issues comparable to how nicely a pc is constructed, in addition to how nicely it performs in actual world and artificial benchmarks, and, if it’s a laptop computer, how lengthy the battery will final. The most effective choices are discovered under.

To get these real-world testing outcomes, our crew of consultants makes use of every Mac as their essential gadget for not less than per week, utilising each real-world expertise and a collection of industry-standard benchmarks and specialist gear comparable to colorimeters to achieve correct and comparable outcomes.

We’ve additionally made certain to select vary of Macs, starting from the sunshine MacBook Air laptop computer proper as much as a totally fleged iMac, so no matter you’re in search of, you’ll make sure you discover a Mac that fits you.

In the event you can’t discover a Mac you want in the meanwhile, we’d advocate bookmarking this checklist as we’ll be updating it continuously as extra of them go via the Trusted Labs. It’s additionally price trying out our Finest Laptop computer, Finest Ultrabook, Finest Pupil Laptop computer and Finest Price range Laptop computer pages for a extra common look if you happen to haven’t acquired your coronary heart solely set on going for macOS.

Finest Mac at a look

MacBook Air M1 – Finest worth MaciMac 2021 (24-inch) – Finest worth desktop MacApple MacBook Professional 2021 – Finest Mac for content material creationApple MacBook Air M2 (2022) – Finest mid-range Mac

How we check

Study extra about how we check Macs Each Mac we evaluate goes via a collection of uniform checks designed to gauge key issues together with construct high quality, efficiency, display screen high quality and battery life. These embrace formal artificial benchmarks and scripted checks, plus a collection of actual world checks, comparable to how nicely it runs probably the most continuously used apps. We additionally be certain that to make use of each Mac we evaluate as our major gadget for not less than per week to make sure our evaluate is as correct as potential.

MacBook Air (M1)

Finest worth Mac

Execs

It’s so quick due to M1Exceptional battery lifeStrong app supportGreat keyboard

Cons

Poor webcamSame design as beforePoorly positioned (and solely two) USB ports

If it’s an awesome worth Mac you’re after, look no additional than the MacBook Air M1.

The headline characteristic right here is the M1 chip that we discovered to outperform the competitors at this value throughout testing, with it breezing via primary productiveness duties, in addition to rendering 4K HDR video content material with a number of apps working within the background. At the same time as probably the most ‘worth’ Mac on our checklist, it nonetheless packs fairly the punch.

This particular MacBook Air is a fanless machine, which means it also needs to be further quiet, and we discovered that even beneath load the laptop computer didn’t make any noise, which is a testomony to how good the thermal efficiency of those M1 chips is. In addition to being quiet, we additionally discovered the M1 MacBook Air to be a smooth machine, though its slender body does imply there isn’t a lot room in the way in which of ports – you solely get a pair of USB-C choices, in addition to a headphone jack.

In comparison with its predecessor, the show has been up to date to now help the DCI-P3 color gamut, which we discovered to supply a extra vibrant picture, in addition to one which additionally stays sharp and brilliant sufficient for day-to-day and extra inventive purposes, particularly due to its sharp 2560×1600 decision.

Throughout testing, the battery life additionally proved to be nice, with a complete of 11 hours of go-juice earlier than you’ll have to cost the MacBook Air up once more.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full evaluate: MacBook Air (M1)

iMac (2021, 24-inch)

Finest worth desktop Mac

Execs

Unbelievable designExcellent webcam, audio system and microphonesBright and sharp display screen

Cons

No SD card slotCan’t modify the peak

Preserving within the theme of extra ‘worth’ sort Macs, if it’s a desktop one you’re after, the iMac (2021, 24 inch) ought to serve you fairly nicely certainly.

It’s on the design entrance the place the brand new iMac has obtained its largest refresh in a decade, with a shedload of colors on supply, starting from the inexperienced our pattern got here in, to pink, orange and silver. The brand new iMac is a pc that’s designed to suit into your house as extra of a ornament than a PC.

The port choice has additionally been modernised with a number of USB-Cs, however not a lot else – you’ll be out of luck for native HDMI out and even an SD card reader; it might seem that Apple values these extra as ‘Professional’ choices, however, there’s nothing a USB-C dongle can’t repair.

The 24-inch display screen measurement on supply right here is a superb center floor between the smaller and now outgoing 21.5-inch Mac screens of previous and the bigger 27-inch possibility that may match higher in bigger rooms. In addition to providing measurement, the precise panel right here can also be improbable. Whereas it will not be Mini LED or characteristic XDR like a number of the higher-end MacBooks or Apple’s standalone shows, it encompasses a 4.5K show with some good color accuracy that makes it very best for each day-to-day work and extra intense workloads.

Inside, this new iMac packs in Apple’s personal M1 chip similar to the MacBook Air above which presents some spectacular efficiency. In essence, it’s one of the highly effective methods cash can purchase immediately, with some glorious efficiency in our benchmarks that beat off Home windows-powered counterparts. macOS Huge Sur additionally proved to be easy and easy to make use of, whereas the SSDs learn and write speeds have been particularly spectacular, and on condition that by the purpose of evaluate, Apple’s silicon had been round for just a few months, there’s additionally an awesome collection of help apps on M1 {hardware}.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full evaluate: iMac 2021 (24-inch) Evaluation

MacBook Professional 16-inch (2021)

Finest Mac for content material creation

Execs

Gorgeous displayAmazing performanceThe ports and MagSafe are again

Cons

RAM upgrades are costly

The Apple MacBook Professional (2021) is a correct powerhouse laptop computer for content material creation and sits atop the tree for Macs for this goal.

Throughout testing, we discovered it to supply glorious ranges of energy due to both the selection of Apple’s revitalised M1 lineup of processors, with this MacBook Professional coming with both the M1 Professional or the beefier M1 Max. Each supply some fairly massive efficiency positive factors in comparison with the unique M1 Macs, which have been already fairly highly effective themselves, it should be famous.

In addition to providing positive factors beneath the hood, the 2021 MacBook Professional additionally comes with fairly the uprated show, contemplating Apple has jumped to Mini LED backlights. This led to an extremely vibrant panel, with a measured peak brightness of 1600 nits, in addition to an immense HDR efficiency, making it very best for creating content material. As well as, the decision on supply, whereas simply being shy of 4K, was capable of supply up some sharp and detailed photos. If that wasn’t sufficient, the show right here additionally helps ProMotion, giving it the powers of 120Hz refresh price for some particularly easy output.

The MacBook Professional 16-inch additionally gives a boxier body with the identical industrial allure as different MacBooks, alongside the return of latest ports together with HDMI out, an SD card reader, and MagSafe energy supply. We additionally discovered the scissor keyboard to really feel responsive, with degree of journey and well-sized keys making typing a pleasure. The most important change to the chassis although is that there isn’t a Contact Bar on this MacBook Professional, and as an alternative is a traditional row of operate keys.

We additionally discovered the battery lifetime of the 2021 MacBook Professional to be spectacular, with the bigger 16-inch mannequin lasting for 21 hours throughout testing, which matches Apple’s claims. This helped it to get via a working day with juice to spare, and we didn’t have to achieve for the charging lead as soon as. For a extra intense set of duties comparable to video enhancing and content material creation, it’s possible you’ll want to achieve for his or her cable, although.

Reviewer: Max ParkerFull evaluate: Apple MacBook Professional 2021 evaluate

Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022)

Finest mid-range Mac

Execs

Unbelievable performanceSleek, up to date designExcellent keyboard and trackpadLong battery life

Cons

Costly beginning value and upgradesMore colors would have been niceThe M1 model stays a wonderful purchase for much less

The most recent Mac on our checklist, the Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022) is without doubt one of the finest mid-range Mac on the market we’ve examined.

Inside, this 2022 Air options Apple’s all-new M2 chip which could be considered extra of a refinement to the previous M1, versus a re-engineering. Efficiency is incrementally higher than the M1 chip, and subsequently the M2 is greater than highly effective sufficient to deal with intense duties comparable to 4K video enhancing with ease. We discovered that 8GB of RAM on the usual mannequin was greater than sufficient, though you’ll be able to improve to 16GB for some further headroom, which is able to price you an additional £200/$200. That is additionally a fanless MacBook, which suggests it’s silent on a regular basis, however could fall down throughout sustained masses as a result of lack of lively cooling.

By way of its show, the MacBookAir M2 has a bigger show with thinner bezels – the entire display screen measurement sits at 13.6 inches, which is the most important accessible on a MacBook Air immediately. Whereas it isn’t Mini LED like on the Professional, the IPS LCD continues to be greater than succesful for day-to-day working.

The MacBook Air M2 has a boxy design that’s in step with the present MacBook Execs and a body that’s thinner than the earlier MacBook Air. To be exact, this new 2022 iteration is 1.13cm thick, which truly makes it thinner than an iPad with a Magic Keyboard hooked up, and a weight of 1.24kg additionally makes it immensely transportable. There’s additionally the addition of MagSafe to the social gathering for charging, though you don’t get an SD card reader and HDMI out, as you do on the MacBook Professional.

It should be stated, the battery life with this M2-powered MacBook Air is nice, with our testing exhibiting it to final for 14 hours throughout a video loop check, which presents a 2 hour enhance in comparison with the earlier mannequin. As well as, for a working day in the actual world, we discovered it to final comfortably with 20% juice nonetheless left within the tank

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full evaluate: Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022)

FAQs

What’s the strongest Mac in 2022? Probably the most highly effective Mac in 2022 is arguably the MacBook Professional 2021, due to its alternative of both M1 Professional or M1 Max chips that we discovered to blitz the competitors in our benchmarks. Is M2 higher than M1? Briefly, sure. Our checks discovered the efficiency distinction to be incremental, however there’s a optimistic totally different between M1 and M2 which may be well worth the improve if you happen to’ve acquired the money to spare. Is it higher to get an iMac or a MacBook Professional? This is determined by private desire and likewise what you want a Mac for. In order for you a strong desktop Mac, then the iMac might be finest, whereas if you happen to’re going to be on the transfer quite a bit, a MacBook Professional goes to be higher (in addition to additionally being extra highly effective in its 2021 iteration).

Trusted Evaluations check knowledge

Cinebench R23

Geekbench 5 single core

Geekbench 5 multi core

CrystalDiskMark Learn velocity

CrystalMarkDisk Write Pace

Brightness

Black degree

Distinction

White Visible Color Temperature

Battery Life

MacBook Air (M1)

1731

7308

12 hrs

iMac (2021, 24-inch)

1719

7527

534 nits

0.4918 nits

1086:1

6593 Okay

MacBook Professional 16-inch (M1 Professional, 10-core CPU)

Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022)

8100

1928

8968

2913.7 MB/s

2319.6 MB/s

503 nits

UK RRP

USA RRP

EU RRP

CA RRP

AUD RRP

CPU

Producer

Display screen Dimension

Storage Capability

Entrance Digital camera

Battery

Battery Hours

Dimension (Dimensions)

Weight

ASIN

Working System

Launch Date

First Reviewed Date

Decision

HDR

Refresh Fee

Ports

GPU

RAM

Connectivity

Colors

Show Expertise

Display screen Expertise

Contact Display screen

Convertible?

MacBook Air (M1)

£999

$999

€1129

CA$1299

AU$1499

M1 8-core

Apple

13.3 inches

2TB

720p

49.9 Whr

18

304 x 212 x 161 MM

1.29 G

B08N5NMHM3

macOS

17 November 2020

02/12/2020

2560 x 1600

60 Hz

2x Thunderbolt 4 and headphone jack

Apple M1 7-core

16GB

Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0

Gold, Silver and House Gray

LED

IPS

No

No

iMac (2021, 24-inch)

£1249

$1299

€1449

CA$1599

AU$1899

Apple M1

Apple

24 inches

512GB, 1TB, 2TB

1080p

4.46 KG

B0932W4TJP

Mac OS Huge Sur

Could 2021

28/05/2021

4480 x 2519

60 Hz

4 x USB 4

Apple M1

16GB, 8GB

4 x USB 4

Blue, Inexperienced, Purple, Orange, Silver, Yellow

IPS

IPS

No

No

MacBook Professional 16-inch (M1 Professional, 10-core CPU)

£2399

$2499

M1 Professional (10-core CPU)

Apple

16.2 inches

16GB

1080p

100 Whr

21 00

168 x 355.5 x 16.8 MM

2.1 KG

macOS Monterey

2021

3456 x 2234

Sure

120 Hz

SDXC card, HDMI, 3,5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3, 3x Thunderbolt 4

M1 Professional (32-core GPU)

16GB

Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6

House Grey and Silver

Mini LED

IPS

No

No

Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022)

£1249

$1199

€1499

CA$1499

AU$1899

Apple M2

Apple

13.6 inches

256GB, 512GB, 1TB

1080p

52.6 Whr

30.41 x 21.5 x 1.13 CM

1.24 KG

MacOS

2022

03/08/2022

2560 x 1664

60 Hz

2x Thunderbolt 3, 1x MagSafe

Apple M2

8GB

Midnight, Starlight, Silver, House Gray

IPS

No

No

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