Massachusetts-based David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV+ shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
This user of this setup was considering a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, but an alternative came up. Photo: [email protected]
Social media is a great place to get ideas for gear to include in your computer setup — or to skip in favor of doing things another way. There are usually other ways to do things, as today’s M2 MacBook Pro user found out regarding password entry and any “need” for a keyboard with Touch ID.
And if you’re into video editing, check out the user’s cool gear — a PlusTek AI film scanner and a Loupedeck+ photo and video editing console with massive programmability.
No need to buy a USB mic. Just use your XLR mic with Shure's adapter. Photo: Shure
If you’re a content creator and you have an XLR microphone, you don’t necessarily need to buy a USB microphone to interface with your computer for uses like streaming and podcasting. Shure’s got you covered with its new Digital Audio Interface. It converts any XLR mic to USB for easy use directly with a computer.
You can personalize the LCD screen just below the large multi-use control knob. Photo: Epomaker
The new Epomaker TH80-X compact keyboard comes with a large, multi-use control knob and a built-in LCD screen for customization.
Available today, the latest member of Epomaker’s TH80 family of mechanical keyboards features a space-efficient 75% layout rather than a full-size one.
Spigen's new 6-in-1 hub opens up the connectivity options for MacBook. Photo: Spigen
Mobile accessories-maker Spigen rolled out two new USB hubs for MacBooks and other laptops Monday: Spigen ArcDock Pro Multi Hub 6-in-1 and ArcDock Multi Hub 8-in-1.
In each case, a plethora of ports give you plenty of options for connecting your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro to loads of peripherals, including a high-definition external display.
The second of the two documentary series covers Messi's big move to MLS' Inter Miami CF. Photo: Apple
Apple TV+ said Monday it landed the “first and only behind-the-scenes account of soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s new chapter” with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF.
The as-of-yet untitled documentary series comes in addition to the other Messi documentary series coming to Apple TV+. That one covers the legend’s longstanding work with Argentina’s national team and his many FIFA World Cup appearances.
The little iPad holder makes using Sidecar or Universal Control a cinch. Photo: [email protected]
While many folks like to have miles of screen real estate with multiple external monitors, some enjoy simply having their iPad’s screen in tandem with their main screen, especially for use with Sidecar or Universal Control.
Today’s clean and well-lighted MacBook Pro setup mounts an iPad with the main monitor in a neat way while hiding away the laptop.
The Momax UD26 charges your iPhone, AirPods case and Apple Watch.
Photo: Momax
If you’ve got an iPhone, you need good ways to charge it. One of the more convenient methods is to use a magnetic wireless charging station that can charge more than just your handset. Momax makes 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 versions that should fit the bill nicely.
Just stick one of these on your nightstand or desk and it’s always ready to top up your iPhone and other gadgets. The 3-in-1 stand powers up an iPhone, AirPods case and Apple Watch, while the 2-in-1 juices an iPhone and an AirPods case.
And right now, Cult of Mac readers can get a 30% discount with a special coupon code. Read on.
See any cables here? We didn't think so. Photo: Basic Apple Guy
Today’s featured computer setup comes from Mac maven and designer Basic Apple Guy. We know him from the free wallpapers he offers for download. Who knew he was such a cable-management Jedi?
We came across his powerful setup with nary an unsightly cable while writing about his new “Flow” wallpaper — which was actually inspired by his fight with cable clutter.
A seven-port dock with 4K resolution output isn't easy to find for $20. Photo: Baseus
Baseus Technology unveiled its Red Dot Design-awarded Baseus Metal Gleam 7-in-1 Docking Station Thursday. It supports ultra-high-def 4K@60Hz resolution for content output.
The company touted an absurdly low-sounding price of $19.99. “It has no match in its tier with a competitive price of $19.99 since the passkey to access such a high-resolution hub is way higher,” the company said.
iPhone 14's Emergency SOS via Satellite comes to the rescue again. Photo: Apple
iPhone’s Emergency SOS via Satellite got credit for saving lives Wednesday when it was the only way a family trapped in a van amid raging wildfires on the island of Maui, Hawaii, could call for help.
The service has brought aid to plenty of people in need so far in its short life, since launch in 2022. This emergency seemed even more fraught than many, as you can see from the frantic texts shown in a post on X below.
The new "Flow" got inspiration from cable management, of all places. Photo: Basic Apple Guy
Mac maven and designer Basic Apple Guy pumps out intriguing desktop wallpaper you can put on your Apple devices like Mac, iPad and iPhone.
But the latest one, “Flow,” which he put out Wednesday, came from a truly surprising place — his obsession with cable management in his home office and computer setup.
★★★☆☆
The bulkier Targus ErgoFlip mouse looks like it could take the slender Logitech Anywhere mouse in a fight. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
If you’ve ever suffered hand or wrist discomfort from long sessions at the computer, you probably wished you could switch mousing hands, or maybe use a trackball device. Now Targus has addressed that very issue in ingenious fashion with its new ErgoFlip wireless mouse.
With a magnetic top and a stationary base, the mouse lets you “flip” it anytime you want, using a comfortable, ergonomic grip with either hand, with no need to adjust for right- and left-clicking.
Miops Spark is a handheld device that gives your iPhone DSLR-like controls. Photo: Miops
Camera products maker Miops unveiled a Kickstarter campaign Tuesday for Spark, a new camera companion designed to help iPhone users capture photos and video like professionals.
The handheld attachment provides DSLR-camera-like buttons that help you control your iPhone’s cameras.
If you love cats, not to mention sea monsters, light it up with Razer Kraken Kitty V2 and V2 Bluetooth headsets. Or you could just buy the ears. Photo: Razer
Gaming brand Razer birthed a new litter of Kraken Kitty headsets Tuesday in recognition of International Cat Day, “so gamers, streamers, and cosplayers alike can celebrate in style.”
It said its original Kraken Kitty headset is one its most popular models.
“When we first released the Kraken Kitty, it really scratched an itch in the market, as there was nothing like it before.” said Alvin Cheung, senior vice president, Hardware Business Unit.
The idea that Apple could buy Disney keeps coming up. Photo: The Walt Disney Company
As legacy studios like Disney face formidable problems, a new report suggests CEO Bob Iger might revisit a “once-unthinkable option” — that Apple might buy the company, or at least a stripped-down version of it.
After all, in a near-future of even greater tech-company dominance over entertainment, Disney may need deep-pocketed protection. And its longstanding connection with Apple could come into play.
Mac users love Logitech mice like the MX Master 3S for Mac. Photo: Logitech
With summer on the wane and the new school year looming, peripherals giant Logitech — a mainstay in our computer setups coverage, especially for the MX Master 3S mouse and MX series keyboards — is running a site-wide sale through August 16.
Logitech’s back-to-school sale is “filled with cutting-edge technology and exclusive deals to help you embark on your academic journey with confidence and success,” the company said.
Obviously, you don’t need to be a student to get the deals. Anybody can do it. See below.
Today’s featured Mac Studio setup found an interesting way to arrange its four displays — three little ones in a row and one huge one broadcasting the Bat-Signal on top.
With Batman undoubtedly on his way (OK, maybe it’s just the logo, not the actual signal), the workstation also boasts a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Apple’s Smart Folio and a remarkably affordable mechanical keyboard for use with the desktop machine.
★★★☆☆
It's a funny-looking critter, but it's useful. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
In a world of ever-more-compact-and-potent chargers, Mobfree launched a surprising and innovative entrant Wednesday on Kickstarter. It’s XuperCable, a three-in-one gadget with three retractable connectors to fast-charge a variety of devices at up to a 100 watts
It’s a funny-looking critter with its tentacles (cables), but it’s quite useful. It sticks to surfaces, it rotates and its three cables unspool and retract — what could possibly go wrong? Not much, as it turns out. The company sent me a XuperCable to try out.
These 2021 iPads are "new" in that they're not used. Photo: Apple
Amazon deals site Woot! is at it again, offering great prices on Apple gear. This time the steals are big discounts on 2021 iPad Pro — 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, with or without cellular coverage along with Wi-Fi.
They may not be new-new, but they’re not used and they could be new to you. The sale goes through August 14 at 10 p.m. PT.
You weren't going to sleep well ever again, anyway. Photo: Apple
The new Apple TV+ trailer for the upcoming drama series The Changeling starts off lightly enough — LaKeith Stanfield’s character, Apollo, can’t get a date with Clark Backo’s Emma in New York City because she’s moving to Brazil.
But once she’s there, dark magic soon reveals this Big Apple-based “drama” to be an absolute supernatural horror show. It premieres Friday, September 8.
★★★★☆
This slim dock does a lot. You can run three external displays with your MacBook and hook up several other peripherals. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Advanced computer docking stations keep getting better. The new Alogic Quad Display DV4 Universal Docking Station is a fine example, easily connecting up to four screens and several other peripherals to a computer.
That’s important for anyone relying on a laptop with limited ports — like many MacBook Pro and MacBook Air users over the years — who can appreciate a good docking station that broadens limited connectivity options.