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iPad accessories - page 13

Cult of Mac Magazine: 10 things we love about iPhone X, and more!

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cover
Cult of Mac breaks down all the things we love (and hate) about the new iPhone X.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Cult of Mac publisher, Leander Kahney, can’t think of anything to hate about the iPhone X. On the contrary, there are lots of things to love. Kahney breaks down the 10 things he just loves about the iPhone X.

In this week’s issue, you’ll find that story and more. The first iMac Pro reviews are in — see if the new Pro is worth the $5,000 price tag. Check out our Gift Giving Guides and get your holiday shopping out of the way now! Get your free subscription to Cult of Mac Magazine from iTunes. Or read on for this week’s top stories.

Best Lightning cables to replace the one you already broke

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Apple's Lightning cable works great, right up until it doesn't. These are the best Lightning cables to replace it.
Apple's Lightning cable works great, right up until it doesn't.
Photo: Richard Unten/Flickr CC

Lightning cables are the most boring part of your iPhone or iPad kit, but one of the most essential. After all, without one your iPhone won’t last much longer than a day. Apple’s cables prove adequate, but we wouldn’t recommend buying one as a replacement or a spare. You can find several better (and cheaper) options for charging your iDevices. Here are our picks for the best Lightning cables.

This backpack makes lugging life light work [Review]

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Shift Pack
The Shift Pack by Alpaka.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

My closet floor resembles a bullpen. But instead of pitchers, it houses a rotation of backpacks and bags ready to be activated for work, day-long excursions or extended travel. Depending on the week, I could shift between four or five bags.

But when Shift Pack recently arrived for a tryout, it threatened to retire a couple of my veterans. It is a single backpack that aims to cover all the bases, work, play and travel or all at once if necessary.

Charge better with 3 extra-long Lightning cables [Deals]

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CoM - 10' Lightning-to-USB Cable- 3-Pack
With this three-pack of extra-long Lightning cables, you're covered for inevitable fray and breakage, all for around the price of a single standard cable.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

For all their solid design, our iOS devices depend on a short, fragile cable to stay charged and synced. Every Lightning cable seems to inevitably fray and break to the point where it stops working or becomes a safety hazard.

This makes having a backup a must. With this three-pack of extra-lengthy, MFI-certified Lightning cables, you get extra utility and extra lives, all for about the cost of a single standard cable from Apple. Grab three for just $20 at Cult of Mac Deals.

Keep your gadgets charged, connected, and protected [Week’s Best Deals]

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From double-duty thumb drives to universal power, dig the week's best deals at the Cult of Mac Store
Photos: Cult of Mac Deals

2017 is humming right along. OK, maybe more like crashing along. Nevertheless, we’re offering the best deals this side of the digital divide. This week, our top gear and gadgets include a 64GB thumb drive that doubles as a connector cable, a powerful app for unlocking PDFs, a portable battery pack that can charge almost any device, and a VPN subscription that’ll protect your online life.

Save an extra 10 percent on innovative gear and gadgets [Deals]

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This heads up display for your car is as useful as it is futuristic.
This heads up display for your car is as useful as it is futuristic.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

In the wake of CES, we’ve all got the next generation of tech on the brain. But we’re impatient, so we’ve gathered some of the best deals on the most futuristic gear and gadgets in the Cult of Mac Store.

Below you’ll find a head-up display for your car, a charging cable that adds a MagSafe-style connection to your phone, a flash drive for both computers and iPhones, and the most feature-packed charging hub you’ll find. By entering the coupon code CES10 at checkout, you’ll get 10 percent off each deal.

Week’s best Apple deals: Accessorize your gadgets on the cheap

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iphone and ipad accessories
You've got the Apple gear. Now it's time to accessorize.
Images: CASEFORMERS, iNK Stories, Logitech

Whether you received the gifts you wanted over the holidays, or had to return something and treat yourself, you’ve probably gotten the Apple gadgets you want by now. Take this time to accessorize the ones you’ve got.

We found cases, keyboards and more for this week’s roundup best Apple deals.

Adjustable stand makes your iPad Pro even more pro

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ElevationLab created DraftTable because a steady drawing hands needs a steady stand for the iPad Pro.
ElevationLab created DraftTable because a steady drawing hands needs a steady stand for the iPad Pro.
Photo: ElevationLab

Frank Lloyd Wright didn’t create innovative home designs by drawing from his couch. He sat at a drafting table, its surface supporting his paper at the angle of his choosing.

So what would he do with an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil? He might try the new DraftTable by Portland, Oregon-based Elevation Lab.

Week’s best Apple deals: Get iPad Pro at Black Friday prices, Goat Simulator for free!

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iPad Pros at Black Friday prices? Goat outta here!
iPad Pros at Black Friday prices? Goat outta here!
Photos: Apple, Acoustic Research, Coffee Stain Studios

Christmas is almost here, and if you’re still shopping for gifts, you only have a few days left before express-shipping fees kick in and brick-and-mortar stores get stingy with discounts to take advantage of your need.

Before that happens, check out some of the best iPad, iPhone and game prices we’ve seen all year, in this week’s roundup of the best Apple deals.

Finally, a holiday gift guide you actually care about [Deals]

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GG - Mainframe
Beats by Dre, UE ROLL 2, and lots of Mac amenities make for some very happy holidays.

The people on your holiday shopping list deserve cutting-edge gifts. That’s why you won’t find ugly sweaters or gifts that are actually meant for pets not people in the Cult of Mac gift guide.

Loaded with tech gift ideas for Apple fans, this handy guide will make you the best gift-giver in the family for once.

These Bluetooth headphones will blow your ears away [Deals]

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These headphones bring the beat and the best of Bluetooth.
These headphones bring the beat and the best of Bluetooth.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When scoping out a new set of headphones, the balance between quality, convenience and cost is always at play. These headphones from Franklin manage to hit the intersection of all three, with a foldable yet solid build, sonorous sound and all the convenience of Bluetooth. Right now you can pick up a set for just $39.99 at Cult of Mac Deals.

Always on the go? Stay charged with a pair of MFi-certified Lightning cables [Deals]

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These two, 2-meter long Lightning cables are going for less than a single, standard one.
This pair of 2-meter Lightning cables is going for less than a single usually costs.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you need an extra Lightning cable for the office or the weekend getaway bag, it’s always clutch to have a spare. And, let’s be honest, the standard Lightning cable that came with your iPhone has probably seen better days. Usually running upward of $20, this 2-meter, MFi-certified Lightning cable set costs just $12.99 — a total of 77 percent off the normal price. With a reach of 2 meters, you won’t have to worry about getting out of bed in the middle of Game of Thrones to charge your iPhone.

Buy now: Pick up a pair of 2-meter MFi-certified Lightning cables at 77 percent less than what you’d normally pay.

How to transfer your iPhone media to Mac (and back again)

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Back up your iPhone to your Mac on the go.
Back up your iPhone to your Mac on the go.
Photo: Rob LeFebvre/Cult of Mac

Want a quick way to move your photos, music and documents from your iPhone to your Mac? What about backing up your iPhone on the go?

iKlips Duo is an innovative little gadget that will do both. It’s a well-made, MFi-certified USB stick that lets you connect to your iPhone (or iPad) via its Lightning port and to your Mac via a USB 3 port. Toss it in your bag and rest assured that you’ve always got a way to get your data off your iOS device.

It’s simple, easy and doesn’t require iTunes or iCloud. Here’s how to transfer your iPhone media to your Mac or PC, and then put it back, if you like, using the iKlips Duo.

Wrap your iPad and iPhone in luxurious leather [Reviews]

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These lovely, leather folios are delightfully classy.
These lovely, leather folios are delightfully classy.
Photo: Rob LeFebvre/Cult of Mac

SurfacePad for iPhone and iPad solves a problem I have with most folio-style cases.

These tend to cover up too much of the gorgeous Apple design without giving much in return. There’s always a trade-off between form and function. If you’re going to hide the gleaming Apple devices behind a case, at least make it look as classy and useful as Apple does.

The SurfacePad for folio cases from Twelve South are delightfully minimal, covering the front and rear of your iPad or iPhone in luxurious leather without sacrificing a refined look.

Flexible stylus has some cool hidden talents [Reviews]

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StylusFlex
The StylusFlex does a bit more than just let you poke at your screen.
Photo: Evan Killham/Cult of Mac

StylusFlex

Most people don’t use a stylus with their iPhones, and late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs wouldn’t want them to. But the StylusFlex might change a few minds because it’s not simply a substitute for the five styli you have at the end of your arm.

You have plenty of reasons to just stick with your fingers when you’re using your iPhone or iPad, and this device seems to realize that. That’s why it does a few extra things that might help it earn its keep.

These accessories will give your iDevices a new lease on life [Deals]

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Take your iPhone or iPad to the next level with these cool accessories.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You love your iPhone, you love your iPad, but what if you could make them even more worthy of your (let’s be honest, slightly creepy) affection?

We’ve found four peripherals that’ll enhance, protect and expand the capabilities of your favorite iDevice. From glow-in-the-dark charging cables to slim charging cases and flexible mounts, there’s something here anybody can enjoy. Take a look!

Why the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is Apple’s most important iPad since the original

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The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is the best tablet Apple's ever made.
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is the best tablet Apple's ever made.

Small was the new big at Apple’s “Let us loop you in” keynote today. And while some felt the 64-minute unveiling was the most snooze-worthy event ever, Apple used it to unleash the most important iPad its made since the original tablet launched in 2010.

The new 9.7-inch iPad Pro is much more than just a smaller variant of the 12.9-inch super slate Apple came out with last year. It’s a machine built to target Apple’s next big customer pool: the 600 million people still using 5-year-old PCs.

“That’s just sad,” Apple VP Phil Schiller said onstage, describing the unfortunate souls toiling with aging Windows machines. And the new, right-sized iPad Pro is exactly what those people need.

Laptop or tablet? Brydge the gap with Bluetooth iPad keyboard case [Reviews]

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Brydge
The BrydgeAir iPad keyboard case is the perfect fit for your iPad Air.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

We all like to carry our gadgets around with us, but there are certainly times when being ultra-portable is apropos to the activity at hand. Say, vacation. I want to be able to take along just my iPad, or perhaps get some writing done in the local coffee shop — and the trendy ones usually have tiny tables that aren’t big enough for a full laptop.

The BrydgeAir iPad keyboard case is an impressive Bluetooth accessory and a fantastic match for the iPad Air. The keyboard allows me to be a bit more productive than I would without an actual keyboard, turning my iPad into a small, MacBook-like, laptop-style tablet.

Beefy iPad Pro case is worth its weight in protection [Reviews]

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As a working iPad, the Pro needs protection like Gumdrop's DropTech Case for iPad Pro.
As a working iPad, the Pro needs protection like Gumdrop's DropTech Case for iPad Pro.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Best List: DropTech protective case for Apple iPad Pro by Gumdrop

Apple charges a whopping $599 to repair a broken screen on an iPad Pro. With its 13-inch screen, yeah, the Pro has a lot of glass, but 600 bucks is nearly as much as it costs to buy a new one. Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either.

So I’m grateful that my iPad Pro is safely ensconced in the equivalent of a big, rubbery safety blanket. Gumdrop’s DropTech Case looks like a flattened tractor tire, with big ridges on the back for maintaining a grip. It’s not elegant by any stretch of the imagination, but I’m confident it’ll save me a trip to the Genius Bar.

6 must-have iPhone and iPad accessories for musicians [Reviews]

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The iPhone and iPad are great companions on and off the stage with the help of these amazing accessories.
The iPhone and iPad are great companions on and off the stage with the help of these amazing accessories.
Photo: Austin Prock/Unsplash

app-factor-logo-thumbnail iPhones and iPads have become more than just media-consumption devices in so many ways. From using an iPad as a virtual cookbook to using it as a portable way to develop a website, the iPad and iPhone are extremely useful in everyday life. One of the biggest categories where these devices have made a huge difference is music.

Best iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch accessories for frequent travelers

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7 must-have accessories for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch owner on the go.
7 must-have accessories for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch owner on the go.
Photo: Unsplash

app-factor-logo-thumbnailI travel frequently, both for work and for pleasure. Over the past few years I’ve found certain accessories I just can’t live without. Whether I’m walking out the door to a coffee shop or I am getting on a plane and need to pack more serious gear, these are the travel accessories I couldn’t live without when it comes to iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

iPad Air 3 case on Alibaba hints at Smart Connector

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If this picture is accurate, the iPad Air 3 could come with a Smart Connector.
If this picture is accurate, the iPad Air 3 could come with a Smart Connector.
Photo: Shenzhen Hong Technology Co./Alibaba

It’s a product with some holes in it and it’s the holes that could be of interest to Apple fans excited about the upcoming iPad Air 3.

A photo allegedly showing an Air 3 case has cutouts for a Smart Connector and four speakers. The Japanese Apple blog Macotakara raised the possibility of a beefed up iPad after seeing a case available for pre-order on Alibaba.

This attaché is ready to serve your iPad Pro

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Creative types will find the Staad Attaché a good fit for the iPad Pro and all its accessories.
Creative types will find the Staad Attaché a good fit for the iPad Pro and all its accessories.
Photo: WaterField Designs

Companies have designed shoulder bags exclusively for iPads, but let’s face it — most of us just toss them in whatever bag we have. Sure, we’ll spend on a hard cover or even a protective sleeve, but the iPad’s size and sleekness don’t demand that we dedicate a separate bag.

But the iPad Pro changes things a bit. It’s larger, is best utilized with an attachable keyboard and, if you live the creative life, you need a place to stow that Apple Pencil.