MacBook Pro

Pro Display XDR completes powerful MacBook Pro rig [Setups]

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Pro Display XDR setup
The third, final and best display here is Apple's stellar Pro Display XDR.
Photo: nachoal@reddit.com

In the computer setup arms race over bigger and better external displays, one monitor reigns supreme (with a price tag to match) — Apple’s phenomenal Pro Display XDR. Today’s M3 Max MacBook Pro rig just added one to its two other displays, including the oddly square LG DualUp.

Powerful speakers flank smart TV display [Setups]

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IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers
You can also stand them up vertically, as shown here.
Photo: IK Multimedia

High-quality speakers in MacBooks and Studio Displays and the like are all well and good. But if you want great sound in your computer setup, you’re better off with studio monitor speakers like those in today’s MacBook Pro setup. They’re IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers.

The powered pair of studio monitor speakers pump out 100 watts of sound apiece. And right now they’re 25% off at $300 each. Find them in the gear list below if you want to level up your setup’s sound.

Apple’s most powerful laptop gets $250 off

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Best-selling Macs - MacBook-Pro-M3-trio
M3 Max MacBooks are rarely on discount.
Photo: Apple

Want a laptop that can easily handle your demanding video editing or data processing workflow? The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max should be your top choice.

Find the laptop’s $3,499 price tag steep? Amazon is knocking $250 off the M3 Max MacBook Pro, making it a little more affordable.

Can you handle a display this massive? [Setups]

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Big OLED smart TV display setup with MacBook Pro
When it comes to OLED smart TVs as computer displays, how big is too big?
Photo: Katert@Reddit.com

Is bigger always better? Nope. And the debate rages on over how big an OLED smart TV display should be to best-suit a computer setup. Would you go large at over 50 inches, or stick to, say, 42 inches or smaller?

Today’s MacBook Pro setup raised the issue again, surfacing some sensible advice. And the smart TV in question is on sale!

M3 MacBook Pro gets a whopping $199 discount

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Late-2023 MacBook Pro with M3
M3 MacBook Pro becomes even more affordable after a $199 discount.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s M3 MacBook Pro packs the best bits of its more powerful M3 Pro and M3 Max siblings at a lower price point. At $1,599, the laptop is also $400 cheaper than its siblings.

Amazon’s latest deal drops the price of the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro by $199. The discount means you can get the machine for as low as $1,399.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Classic Macintosh SE stands with new Studio Display [Setups]

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MacBook Pro and Studio display setup with classic Macintosh SE
A classic Macintosh SE sits off to the right of the M1 MacBook Pro and Studio Display setup, and it actually gets some use.
Photo: nickdmiller@reddit.com

Pimping out a computer setup with vintage gear is super-cool, even if the old stuff doesn’t get much use (or is solely for display purposes). Today’s M1 MacBook Pro setup recently added a new Studio Display, and both of those modern machines bask in the glory of a nearby classic Macintosh SE from the 1980s.

The ancient all-in-one computer still works and it even gets some use.

MacBooks make up whopping 90% of Mac sales

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Best-selling Macs - MacBook-Pro-M3-trio
MacBook Pro models account for a bit more than half of Mac sales.
Photo: Apple

MacBook Pro and MacBook Air combine to account for a staggering 90% of Apple’s Mac sales. That’s according to a new report Wednesday about best-selling Macs from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).

The laptops’ dominant popularity over desktop Macs has long been evident. But the new report showing 2023 data really puts an exclamation point on it.

14-inch M3 MacBook Pro gains multi-display support

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M3 MacBook Pro multi-display support
Updates will soon enable all M3 MacBooks to drive multiple displays in clamshell mode.
Photo: Apple

The new M3 MacBook Air laptops Apple rolled out Monday support up to two 5K (or lower rsolution) external displays in clamshell mode. And now the base 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro will add multi-display support, according to a report.

In the case of the entry-level MacBook Pro, which uses the same chip but lacks multi-display functionality, support will come in the form of a software update. M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pro models already support the feature.

Apple adds M3 MacBooks and iMac to Self Service Repair program

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Apple's Self Service Repair Program includes M3 MacBook models as iPhone.
Apple's Self Service Repair Program now includes M3 MacBook models as iPhone and other products.
Photo: Apple

The Apple Self Service Repair program just expanded to include MacBooks and iMacs with the M3 processor released in 2023.

The program provides customers access to parts and tools they need to fix their own devices, and already includes many models of iPhone and iPad plus earlier Macs. But there are some big gaps.

Take up to $400 off MacBooks while you can

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save $400 on MacBooks at Best Buy
These MacBook deals at Best Buy range from $150 to $400 off.
Photo: Best Buy

Looks like the end of February is a great time to score an incredible deal on MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. And that’s because Best Buy offers save $400 on MacBooks. Various models on sale include a powerhouse 15-inch MacBook Air at a record low price.

So if you’re ready to save, check out select sale items below.

M3 MacBook Pro supercharges trader’s rig [Setups]

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M3 MacBook Pro setup
The 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro with 36GB of unified memory handles powerful software.
Photo: Diesel_Formula@Reddit.com

What kind of performance boost do you get when you go from an M1 MacBook Air to an M3 Pro MacBook Pro? A pretty big one, if today’s MacBook Pro setup from an investor is any indication. They made sure to purchase a model with plenty of unified memory — 36GB — to ensure no number of open tabs would slow them down too much.

Slick new Yamaha speakers blast rapper’s soundtrack [Setups]

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MacBook Pro setup with new Yamaha speakers
This setup replaced big ol' Yamaha speakers with smaller new ones the user said sound just as good.
Photo: jonyoungmusic@Reddit.com

For those who get by with audio from a laptop or display speakers in their computer setup — as good as that can be these days — an upgrade to desktop speakers offer a real treat for the ears. Today’s MacBook Pro setup from a Florida-based rapper just got a nice set of brand new Yamaha speakers and jacked them in to a huge subwoofer under the desk. 

M3 Pro and Max MacBook Pros hit Apple’s refurbished store

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M3 MacBook Pro in space black
Buy refurbished and save big on your new M3 Pro/Max MacBook Pro.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s Certified Refurbished store in the US is now selling MacBook Pros with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips. Refurbished models are available in 14-inch and 16-inch displays.

Buying a refurbished unit can help you save up to $300 on the M3 Pro MacBook. On laptops with the M3 Max chip, the savings can be as high as $530.

Find the best laser printer for your Mac

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Best laser printer for Mac
For most cases, laser printers outshine inkjet printers. Here's how to find the best laser printer for Mac.
Photo: Cult of Mac

What is the best laser printer for Mac users? When choosing between laser or inkjet, we recommend laser. Laser printers used to be prohibitively expensive, but prices have come down, and you’ll have fewer headaches. Inkjet printers are better for photos but are a pain to own. Replacement ink costs a fortune, the heads clog, and they dry out if the printer isn’t in regular use.

Laser printers, on the other hand, can sit idle for weeks without problems. They cost more up front, but are often cheaper to own in the long-run.

In this guide, we’ll explore which brand of printer works best with Mac and top laser printers that are fully compatible with macOS, whether you need a printer for your personal use, a home office or a small business.

YouTuber loves his Elgato Stream Deck [Setups]

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Elgato Stream Deck setup
This setup produces many YouTube videos and occasional conference calls.
Photo: MentalOriental@Reddit.com

One of the interesting gadgets we see more and more of in computer setups is the Elgato Stream Deck and its various interations. Today’s MacBook Pro user relies on one to make YouTube videos, and the company’s key light helps with pro-level lighting, too.

MacBook Pro rig rocks Sonos sound system [Setups]

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Sonos One SL speakers in MacBook Pro setup
The Sonos sound system consist of Sonos One SL speakers on the desk and a Sonos Beam soundbar behind the user's seat (not shown).
Photo: MentalOriental@Reddit.com

Sonos audio products are popular for a reason — they sound great and they’re not too far from affordable. Today’s MacBook Pro and Studio Display user thinks the monitor’s built-in speakers are good for many uses, but when they really want the big sound — for gaming, it turns out — they’re all about their Sonos One SL speakers and Sonos Beam soundbar.

Score latest iPad Air in any configuration at $150 off

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iPad Air 5
If you didn't buy an iPad 5 when they came out, here's your chance to save big.
Photo: Apple

A great sale at Best Buy brings you one of Apple’s greatest tablets, the iPad Air (5th Generation) at $150 off — no matter which configuration you want. That includes the base 64GB model with Wi-Fi only, up through the 256GB model with Wi-Fi and cellular coverage, and in a choice of five colors. See the deals below.

Day or night, you can’t go wrong with stereo HomePods [Setups]

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Dual HomePod MacBook Pro setup
The daytime photograph shows the treasured HomePods clearly.
Photo: aleksiralda@Reddit.com

Paired for stereo sound, two full-size HomePod smart speakers — the original or second generation — are a thing of auditory beauty. And they don’t just sound great, they look good, too. Yet we don’t see paired HomePods much in computer setups (HomePod minis yes, the big ones, no).

Today’s MacBook Pro setup takes full advantage of Apple audio, however, and the user couldn’t be happier. Well, except with Siri, that is. Check out their setup’s cheerful day version (above) and moody night version (below).

User trades 4K display for a second MacBook Pro [Setups]

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Dual MacBook setup
This setup traded a vertical 32-inch display for an M2 Max MacBook Pro, among other changes.
Photo: MagneticMotion@Reddit.com

For the second time in as many weeks we’ve come across someone ditching a nice external display and keeping just one — and this time it’s to add a second powerful MacBook Pro used as both a computer and a secondary display. In fact, now it’s triple-display setup, but two of them are laptops on stands.

No regrets on move from monster PC to M3 MacBook Pro [Setups]

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M3 Max MacBook Pro setup
The M3 Max MacBook Pro in clamshell mode offers plenty of power in a small, mobile footprint.
Photo: juicemaistro@Reddit.com

If you have a powerful custom desktop PC, why would you switch to a MacBook Pro? We’ve seen plenty of setups that opt to include both, but today’s setup made the swap and its user feels zero regrets.

The Mac laptop is just that powerful, and the option for mobile use proved irresistible.

‘Small’ MacBook Pro rig punches well above its weight [Setups]

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MacBook Pro setup
Despite appearances, there's really a lot going on here.
Photo: dartiss@Reddit.com

Isn’t it great when someone on social media humbly displays a well put-together and complete computer setup that makes yours look like random debris? Well, at least it’s a good learning opportunity. And today’s MacBook Pro setup is an exceptional example, as it doesn’t look like “all that” — even though it is.

At a glance you might not guess that it packs about two dozen components, and the user is happy to explain how he uses most of them.

M3 Max MacBook Pros get hefty discounts

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Space black M3 MacBook Pro
Save big on Apple's most powerful MacBook Pros.
Photo: Apple

Since its launch in late October 2023, retailers have frequently discounted Apple’s M3 MacBooks. Continuing that trend, Amazon is offering hefty discounts of up to $250 on the M3 Max-powered MacBook Pros.

Thanks to the deal, you can get the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max chip and 1TB storage for as low as $2,999, saving $200 from its $3,199 MSRP.

Good monitor arms ‘go a long way’ [Setups]

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Mac Studio setup with three mounted displays
This user swears by the arms his 4 displays are mounted on.
Photo: TheJTizzle@Reddit.com

Sure, you can buy a computer monitor and set it up on the stand that came in the box. But what if you want to easily move the external display around? And what if you want to have multiple screens and move them around?

Keeping monitors up off the desk and mobile can really improve your setup. And the best way to do that is to mount your screens on arms. It takes some effort, but as today’s user points out below, it’s worth it.