This isn’t specifically related to that article or to agentic web browsers, but I did recently use Amazon’s “Rufus” AI to help me in my purchase of a new iPad. I found it quite helpful, though not perfect.
So my situation is that I had a very old 13" iPad Pro (2018) that basically can’t be upgraded any more. It has Lightning connector and other limitations, such as the Logitech keyboard case I used with it breaking (2nd one – Logitech replaced the first for free). Since I only use this iPad for reading in bed at night, I haven’t been too bothered by the limitations, but I have considered upgrading my other iPad and “downshifting” it to night duty and getting rid of this old one.
Recently Apple announced the iPad M5 and that intrigued me, especially with Amazon having it on sale for Black Friday. But one reason I haven’t upgraded in the past is that a new iPad meant upgrading all my accessories: my Apple Magic Keyboard, Pencil, etc. wouldn’t work with the new iPad. Buying all of those again would be an extra $400.
Since I don’t buy iPads often, it’s hard for me to remember which Pencils and cases and keyboards work with which. The Pencils all sound like the same thing, but are very different, and each only works with certain iPads. Cases are a horror show of compatibility issues as they depend on the iPad size, type, and year. I got bogged down in the weeds trying to find compatible accessories and trying to figure out exactly how to proceed with the upgrade.
I was about to just give up, but I decided to try using Rufus to clarify exactly which Pencils and accessories worked with which devices. It was very helpful and would provide me with exact Amazon links for the recommended item. Once or twice there was some confusion where the AI contradicted itself, and I was a little worried it might be lying to me. But I found that if you ask the same question in two different ways you’ll get a more accurate answer. (It really is no different from talking with a salesperson at Circuit City back in the day, where the sales guy will tell you anything to make a sale, and you have to call him on it. “Why do you say this VCR has four heads when the box says it only has two?”)
Anyway, I ended up making the plunge, buying a Magic Keyboard clone from a third party manufacturer for $99 instead of Apple’s $350 one. I got a new Pencil on sale, too. I ended up springing for the 13" iPad M5 as my current one was the 11" where I wasn’t entirely happy with the size. Everything came and worked just as advertised, and really love the screen real estate of the 13". I moved the 2021 11" down to serve as my night iPad, where it works just fine and still gives me access to Apple Intelligence and other newer features. The old 13" iPad I sent to Apple as a trade-in (they say I’ll get about $100 back).
BTW, the third party keyboard case works great – the same “floating” magnetic design and the only difference between it and Apple’s is that it connects via bluetooth instead of the special connector on the back, so this keyboard has to be charged separately (via USB-C). But it lasts for weeks on a charge and connects in less than 2 seconds, so that’s not a big deal.
I’m delighted with everything and rather impressed with the Rufus AI (your mileage may vary).