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David Snow - page 88

Custom-built man shed houses killer dual-display Mac mini rig [Setups]

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A backyard shed-based setup works especially well when weather isn't much of a concern. This one is in California.
A backyard shed-based setup works especially well when weather isn't much of a concern. This one is in California.
Photo: [email protected]

As winter shambles coldly toward much of the U.S. and the world, feast your eyes on a beautiful, custom-built backyard shed housing a hot Mac mini computer setup (in the photo above). It doesn’t even need heating because it’s in California. Jealous yet?

Today’s featured setup pairs a Mac mini with dual HP displays, a Logitech webcam designed for the Pro Display XDR and some slick audio gear we haven’t seen before.

Dress up iPhone 14 in a classy and protective leather case

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Mujjo's leather wallet case carries up to three cards.
Mujjo's leather wallet case carries up to three cards.
Photo: Mujjo

There’s nothing like leather to add stylish protection to your iPhone. If you have a new iPhone 14, it’s a good idea to dress up that pricey device in a high-quality leather case that’ll protect the handset and look good doing it.

For whichever iPhone 14 model you have, you can find eight Mujjo leather and leather-wallet iPhone 14 cases in the Cult of Mac Store.

Keychron’s slim new mechanical keyboard is super-customizable

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The
The "low-profile" keyboard is shorter than your average mechanical keeb.
Photo: Keychron

Keychron launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign Wednesday for its slim, highly customizable new K3 Pro mechanical keyboard. The company called it “the first-ever low profile mechanical keyboard to come with wireless connectivity and support QMK/VIA.”

And it’s “the first keyboard to ever be equipped with double-shot PBT low profile keycaps,” the company added.

The funding campaign has already eclipsed its initial campaign goal, so the product is likely to ship, just as the original K3 did.

2 more premium ANC headphones turn up the heat on AirPods Max

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At $400, KEF's new premium entry directly competes with flagship cans that are less costly than Apple's.
At $400, KEF's new premium entry directly competes with flagship cans that are less costly than Apple's.
Photo: KEF

With Apple’s top-shelf AirPods Max over-ear active noise cancelling (ANC) wireless headphones due for a refresh, competitors keep coming with hot new products.

High-end audio maker KEF jumped into the market for the first time this week with its KEF Mu7 headphones, not long after venerable brand Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) rolled out its newest flagship, the PX8.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get an ultra-wide display [Setups]

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The ultra-wide 1440p display shown here can be had for about $300.
The ultra-wide 1440p display shown here can be had for about $300.
Photo: [email protected]

Once you shell out a couple thousand bucks or more for a marvelous Mac Studio desktop machine, how do you add an ultra-wide display without running up your already-tortured credit cards?

Today’s featured dual-monitor Mac Studio setup solved the problem by going back in time. Its owner added an ultra-wide display — and much of the other gear in the workstation — from a few years ago.

Momax stands are perfect perches for MacBook, iPad and iPhone

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Momax Vertical Laptop Stand Holder is a good place for your MacBook and your iPhone or iPad.
Momax Vertical Laptop Stand Holder is a good place for your MacBook and your iPhone or iPad.
Photo: Momax

This post on unique MacBook, iPad and iPhone stands is brought to you by Momax.

It can pay to place your most important devices on stands, like your MacBook, iPad and iPhone. It usually makes them easier to view and use while also creating some extra space on the desktop for other items or uses, and out of the way of spills and other workstation calamities.

If you need a stand for a laptop, tablet or smartphone, Momax features a whole lineup. And better yet, as a Cult of Mac reader, you can get 10% off any purchase, plus an extra 5% off if you buy more than one item. See below.

Sleeper agents threaten London in Slow Horses season 2 trailer

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The gang of third-string MI5 agents from Slough House are back for season 2.
The gang of third-string MI5 agents from Slough House are back for season 2.
Photo: Apple TV+

It looks like something big and bad is about to happen to London, and it may fall to a team of remedial MI5 back-benchers to step up and stop it.

That’s at least according to the season 2 trailer of the darkly comedic Apple TV+ espionage thriller Slow Horses, which dropped Wednesday. The series resumes December 2. Watch the trailer below.

Action-packed Echo 3 trailer shows personal drama set against a secret war

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The action-thriller
The action-thriller "Echo 3" will feature English and Spanish dialogue.
Photo: Apple TV+

When a young American scientist goes missing on the Columbia-Venezuela border, all hell breaks loose. You can get a taste of the madness and mayhem, and the intense political overtones, in the Echo 3 trailer Apple TV+ released Tuesday.

The 10-episode action series, starring Luke Evans and Michiel Huisman, debuts November 23 on Apple TV+.

Now you can get MagSafe versions of Totallee’s minimal iPhone 14 cases

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The thin and light MagSafe case comes in solid black or frosted clear (shown in photo) colors.
The thin and light MagSafe case comes in solid black or frosted clear (shown in photo) colors.
Photo: Totallee

iPhone case maker Totallee launched a set of minimalist cases when the iPhone 14 series launched in September. Now it adds a MagSafe choice to the line in solid black and frosted clear colors that will work on magnetic chargers.

Totallee is known for its minimalism. Its exceptionally thin and light cases feature zero branding, even. Not a logo to be seen. And this new case is no different.

New $249 Magic Keyboard Folio goes with iPad 10

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It looks like a nice iPad 10 accessory, but it's not cheap.
It looks like a nice iPad 10 accessory, but it's not cheap.
Photo: Apple

Along with the redesigned 10th-gen iPad that Apple released Tuesday, the company rolled out the first Magic Keyboard Folio to go with the entry-level tablet. The new iPad accessory adds function keys — a first for Apple’s iPad keyboards.

While the iPad 10 costs much more than previous versions, starting at $449 instead of $329, if you want the detachable keyboard and stand Apple now makes for it, you have to add another $249.

That completes your basic iPad experience for a pretty penny. And the new Magic Keyboard Folio only comes in white, by the way.

Buy a stylish VogDUO leather wireless magnetic charger, get a free power bank

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VogDUO's leather-wrapped wireless chargers can add luxury to your everyday carry.
VogDUO's leather-wrapped wireless chargers can add luxury to your everyday carry.
Photo: VogDUO

This post on Apple accessories is brought to you by VogDUO.

VogDUO makes stylish but practical accessories for Apple gear. They include a leather-clad, 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger that can power up your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time, while adding a bit of luxury to your home or workplace.

And for a short time, if you buy one of those, you’re not just adding a touch of class to your space. With your purchase, you can get a powerful 10,000mAh USB-C Power Go Power Bank for free.

iPhone 14 shines through this durable, crystal-clear case

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An iPhone case doesn't have to hide the handset.
An iPhone case doesn't have to hide the handset.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Searching for the perfect transparent iPhone 14 case to protect and show off your gorgeous new handset? Look no further. SwitchEasy has a brilliant contender. They call it “Crush.” The crystal-clear case uses an air barrier for optimal shock-proofing, in addition to other treatments to increase durability.

And you can get it right now at a great price in the Cult of Mac Store.

Try this simple trick for a cleaner workstation [Setups]

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See the cables? It's pretty easy to neaten those up by putting the dock under the desk.
See the cables? It's pretty easy to neaten those up by putting the dock under the desk.
Photo: [email protected]

Maybe you can’t be bothered to fuss over cable management. But some tricks for a cleaner-looking computer setup are so easy anybody can pull them off with minimal effort. Take today’s featured MacBook Pro setup, for example.

Its owner is primarily concerned about replacing aging dual displays, and we’ll cover some advice on that. But he also gets a valuable lesson about how to present a cleaner workstation by making one simple change.

Get 20% off screen protector that makes writing on iPad feel like paper

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Write or draw like it's real paper with this iPad screen protector.
Write or draw like it's real paper with this iPad screen protector.
Photo: SwitchEasy

If you’re like me, you love your iPad for its many uses and its portability. And an Apple Pencil is fun to use for both writing and drawing on the tablet. But wouldn’t it be more rewarding if it felt more like writing and drawing on real paper?

This may be why I still use an old-school notebook for most of my notes and doodles. But now the SwitchEasy PaperLike iPad Screen Protectors offers an inexpensive way to make the iPad screen feel more like paper when you use Pencil.

And better yet, you can get the screen protector at 20% off in the Cult of Mac Store from October 14 through October 21. That’s a savings of $6.

Will Roku’s new smart-home gadgets work with HomeKit and Matter?

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Those who use Roku streaming devices will find the new smart-home gear, like the doorbell camera, integrate seamlessly.
Those who use Roku streaming devices will find the new smart-home gear, like the doorbell camera, integrate seamlessly.
Photo: Roku

Roku is best-known for its streaming media devices. But it’s branching out with a whole-home strategy that will see a range of smart-home gadgets, including security cameras, lights and plugs, go on sale next week at Walmart, the company said.

But a report indicates the company isn’t saying yet whether its new gadgets will work with the new Matter smart-home connectivity standard supported by Apple and other companies. It’s designed to let devices from different makers work together on systems like Apple’s HomeKit and others.

Roku’s lack of clarity is a bit odd, given that it’s among the companies supporting Matter, and that might give some would-be purchasers pause.

MacBook Pro and PC rig features designer’s own folding MagSafe stand [Setups]

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This moody shot doesn't show the folding MagSafe stand well, but you can see it in the images below.
This moody shot doesn't show the folding MagSafe stand well, but you can see it in the images below.
Photo: [email protected]

Once in a while a computer setup comes along that shows off its owner’s invention. Sometimes it’s something perfectly utilitarian and sometimes it’s something weird and wonderful (examples below).

In today’s featured MacBook Pro and Intel NUC PC setup, we find a nifty folding MagSafe charging stand just about to go on the market.

This clever new desk mat charges your iPhone and AirPods

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The desk mat's charging panel is a convenient place to top off your smartphone and earbuds charging case.
The desk mat's charging panel is a convenient place to top off your smartphone and earbuds charging case.
Photo: Journey

You may not consider the humble desk mat a necessity in your computer setup. But what if you could charge your smartphone and earbuds charging case just by placing them on your desk? You can with the new Alti Wireless Charging Desk Mat. Accessories maker Journey unveiled it Thursday.

“This charging mat is our all-in-one solution to keeping your desk clutter-free while simultaneously charging your devices. We promise that it will soon become your favorite desk companion,” the company said.

Ugreen Nexode 140W Charger is a compact, multiport powerhouse [Review] ★★★★☆

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The 5-foot braided cable that comes with the charger is one of its highlights.★★★★☆
The 5-foot braided cable that comes with the charger is one of its highlights.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

In the fast-growing world of increasingly compact-yet-powerful gallium nitride (GaN) chargers, Ugreen is a player. The company has expanded its line of multiport chargers and recently sent me its Nexode 140W model to try out.

I found it potent, reasonably compact and a fine purchase for most people who need to charge laptops, tablets, smartphones and other devices — especially if they can get it at the discount below, which makes it an exceptional value.

Last chance: Protect Apple Watch from drops and scrapes with an aluminum case (20% off)

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SwitchEasy's aluminum alloy case protects Apple Watch and looks good doing it.
SwitchEasy's aluminum alloy case protects Apple Watch and looks good doing it.
Photo: SwitchEasy

If you spend a few hundred bucks or more on an Apple Watch, you may want to protect it. People put their iPhones in cases all the time, so why not Apple’s wearable?

Good thing SwitchEasy makes a pair of aluminum cases that are protective yet subtle, saving your smartwatch from bumps, scrapes and drops.

And through October 13, you can get 20% off the cases in the Cult of Mac Store.

Ferrell and Reynolds get their musical Scrooge on in Spirited trailer

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Ryan Reynold share a new enthusiasm for tap dancing in the teaser for the Apple TV+ musical
Ryan Reynold share a new enthusiasm for tap dancing in the teaser for the Apple TV+ musical "Spirited."
Photo: Apple TV+

How many times have you watched the many-and-varied film-and-TV versions of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol? You know, Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, bad dreams, redemption. Well, if you haven’t heard, the story has once again clawed its way out of the grave.

Apple TV+ dropped a teaser trailer Wednesday for its new version, the comedy-musical Spirited set for release in theaters November 11 and on the streaming service November 18.

This time it looks like a contemporary take, with Ghost of Christmas Present Will Ferrell trying to drag corporate-executive-looking Ryan Reynolds into a vision that includes big dance numbers.

Did you know your office walls need pegboards? They do. [Setups]

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This setup just added an LG UltraFine display, but it's the pegboards everybody's raving about.
This setup just added an LG UltraFine display, but it's the pegboards behind it everybody's raving about.
Photo: [email protected]

Sometimes the hero of a computer setup isn’t the computer itself. And it may not be a slick external display or other peripherals, either. In today’s featured MacBook Pro setup, a newly added LG UltraFine display gets some attention, but the real star is something a bit more pedestrian mounted on the wall behind it.

Pegboards may have no world-changing technology built into them, but they can radically change your setup for the better as an inventive storage and charging solution.

Bose busts out compact, affordable new soundbar with AirPlay 2

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The new Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is only about 2 inches high.
The new Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is only about 2 inches high.
Photo: Bose

Bose took a further step into the compact, affordable soundbar market Monday with release of its new Smart Soundbar 600. It looks set to compete in a growing pool of home-theater audio products that don’t break the bank.

Featuring Dolby Atmos, Bose “TrueSpace” and AirPlay 2 technology, the slender speaker goes for $499, Bose said.

Get up to $290 off Roborock smart vacuums this week

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The Roborock S7+ can automatically switch from mopping floors to vacuuming carpets.
The Roborock S7+ can automatically switch from mopping floors to vacuuming carpets.
Photo: Roborock

This post on smart vacuums is brought to you by Roborock.

Hate the drudgery of vacuuming and mopping the floors in your house or apartment? You might be surprised how brilliant robot smart vacuums have become lately. They can do much of the work for you, with remarkable efficiency.

And this week you can take advantage of Roborock’s deep discounts on 10 advanced models of robot vacuum cleaners, saving you hundreds of dollars in some cases.

Safeguard iPhone 14 with dual-layer Laut Shield case

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Laut Shield's soft inner layer and a tough outer layer keep your iPhone 14 safe.
Laut Shield's soft inner layer and a tough outer layer keep your iPhone 14 safe.
Photo: Laut

Anyone who recently nabbed a fancy new iPhone 14 faces the question: Do I trust the device’s built-in durability, or do I put it in a case? Your iPhone may be tough, but is it tough enough to withstand you dropping it all over the place? Most people still elect to use cases because they can add both style and protection at a low cost.

A great option for stylish handset protection in the Cult of Mac Store is the Laut Shield case, new for the iPhone 14 lineup. Its dual-layer design is highly protective and it comes in six interesting colors.

Wounded warrior Jennifer Lawrence faces horrors at home in Causeway trailer

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Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence stars in
Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence stars in "Causeway" on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ unveiled the first trailer Friday for its upcoming drama Causeway, starring and produced by Oscar-winning actor Jennifer Lawrence. In the film, she portrays a wounded soldier struggling to adjust to life upon returning home to New Orleans.

Causeway premieres in theaters and on Apple TV+ on November 4.