Plenty of USB-C hubs have HDMI ports, but far fewer include DisplayPort. The HyperDrive USB4 Mobile Dock offers both. And more. Photo: Hyper
The HyperDrive USB4 Mobile Dock offers ports for both HDMI and DisplayPort, giving users additional options for an external monitor. And the just-launched USB-C hub also includes dual USB-A ports, Ethernet and more.
And all this fits into a package not much larger than a Magic Mouse.
The Samsung T7 Shield is rugged enough to be used outdoors... but you don't have to. Photo: Samsung
The Samsung T7 Shield is a a credit-card size external SSD intended for outdoor content creators or travelers. It’s drop, water and dust resistant, and offers up to 2TB of capacity.
This new rugged version joins other SSDs in the Samsung T7 line.
The Targus Antimicrobial Active Stylus for iPad makes a great addition to an iPad, no matter where you take it. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Targus Antimicrobial Active Stylus for iPad resists up to 99.9% of bacterial growth for the life of the product. That’s one less thing to worry about while you’re taking notes or sketching on your tablet.
I tested this stylus with my iPad Pro to be sure it’s up to the job. Here’s why the extra features Targus built in make me quite pleased with it.
With TechMatte’s charging case, your Apple Pencil.is ready to use wherever you go. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The TechMatte Apple Pencil Gen 2 Charging Carrying Case juices up the iPad’s official stylus when it’s not attached to the tablet. It’s a secure place to carry the Apple Pencil around, and keep it topped off when you’re on the go.
I tested this charging accessory to be sure it lives up to its promises.
The Espresso Display V2 is a gorgeous external display that’s also a touchscreen. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Although Apple refuses to make a touchscreen Mac, the Espresso Display V2 is ready to fill in the gap. There are 15.6-inch and 13.3-inch versions of the very slim external display, and both support touch and an optional stylus.
I tested the screen with a MacBook and iPad to see how well it performs in ordinary use. And I also tried out the stylus as well as the stand for desktop use and the case for taking the display on the go.
Slope from Wiplabs might just be one of the prettiest stands you can buy for iPhone and iPad. It’s a simple, sleek piece of aluminum that uses micro-suction to hold onto almost anything.
If you’re after something sexy that looks great alongside all your Apple products, check it out today!
Add nine ports to your MacBook or iPad with this USB-C hub. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Owning a sleek, modern laptop doesn’t mean you need to give up all the ports that make your computer useful. This Casa 9-in-1 USB-C hub only takes up one of your MacBook’s ports, but gives you nine different ways to connect.
And right now, it’s on sale for $99 (regularly $119).
The iVoler Vertical Laptop Stand saves room on your desk, and is just cool looking. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
What to do with your MacBook or iPad when you’re not using them? You can just leave them lying around but that’s wasteful of space. The iVoler Vertical Laptop Stand holds your computer upright, either when it’s charging or when you have an external screen and keyboard connected. Best of all, its clamp closes on your computer to securely hold it but also easily release it.
I tested the very affordable stand in my home office. Here’s why I love it.
The InnoView Portable Monitor is ideal for work, school, gaming or video. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The InnoView 15.6-inch Portable Monitor might be everything you’re looking for in a second screen for your MacBook. First off, it’s beautiful. And it’s very slim and lightweight. Plus it works with a wide variety of devices: Mac, iPad, even iPhone with the right adapter.
I used InnoView’s on-the-go display for both work and entertainment. Here’s all the many ways it impressed me. And its one flaw.
Adds some library camouflage to your iPad and keyboard with the Twelve South BookBook Cover. Photo: Twelve South
While there are a lot of generic iPad cases, the new BookBook Cover from Twelve South is completely eye opening. It turns an iPad and keyboard into a leather-bound book. While making the tablet look medieval, it’s also protecting the valuable computer inside from bumps and blows.
Unlike the standard BookBook Case for iPad, this version has room to hold an Apple Magic Keyboard.
You don’t need an Apple Pencil just to take notes. Consider the Adonit Neo Duo or Adonit Neo instead. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Writing on an iPad with a fingertip is ridiculous, but an Apple Pencil is overkill for many people. The Adonit Neo Duo is an active stylus with a fine tip that works well for taking notes of sketching. As a bonus, press a button and it also writes on iPhone. It even clings to the side of several iPad models.
There’s also the Adonit Neo, a simpler version that just works with iPad.
I tested the capabilities of both styli. And I found a lot to like.
Easily switch the Adonit Neo Duo between iPad and iPhone, and write accurately on either. Photo: Adonit
Whether you’re using an iPad, iPad Pro or iPhone, the just-released Adonit Neo Duo stylus is compatible. Its small writing tip mimics a pen, and the accessory clings magnetically to several iPad models.
It’s part of a new series of styli. The Adonit Neo has many of the same features as the Neo Duo but is intended specifically for iPad. And the inexpensive Adonit Neo Lite works with all touchscreen devices.
The EZQuest USB-C Gen 2 Hub Adapter takes just one port but adds four USB-C ports. And three USB-A ones. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
You can never be too thin, too rich or have too many USB ports. The EZQuest USB-C Gen 2 Hub Adapter adds four USB-C ports and three USB-A ones, making room for an array of peripherals for your Mac or iPad.
I put the USB-C hub through real-world testing. Here are its strengths and weaknesses.
2021 iPad Pro 12.9 owners now have a version of the amazing Kensington StudioDock. Photo: Kensington
The Kensington StudioDock is now compatible with the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 thanks to a new version of the docking station that launched Tuesday. The desktop stand adds numerous ports to the tablet, and wireless chargers too.
There were already models for the 2020 and earlier versions of Apple’s largest tablet, as well as the 11-inch ones.
The Adonit Dash 4 looks great and can be used with either iPad or iPhone. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Adonit Dash 4 is an iPad stylus well suited for writing or drawing. And it offers something the Apple Pencil doesn’t: iPhone compatibility. The stylus flips between Apple’s tablet and handset with the push of a button. Or use it with Android.
I tried the Dash 4 with a variety of devices. Here’s what I found out.
The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock adds almost a dozen ports. And it enables high-speed data transfers over most of them. Photo: Satechi
Satechi’s just-launched Thunderbolt 4 Dock includes a whopping eleven ports, including three Thunderbolt 4 and four USB-A ports. And there’s also a range of other ports for connecting additional peripherals.
Plus, Satechi launched a pair of USB-C hubs on Wednesday.
Lululook’s iPad stand does an amazing job of turning an iPad into a desktop. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
iPad Pro is the best tablet on the market, but it can be more. Add a stand and you have a pretty good desktop. And you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option for that than the Lululook Urban Magnetic iPad Pro Stand.
Read on to see why I freaking love this accessory.
Connect your Mac directly to an HDMI monitor with this one cable. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
You won‘t need a MacBook with an HDMI port if you have Plugable’s USB-C to HDMI cable. Just run the cable between the external display and your Mac or iPad and you have 4K@60Hz. Even better, it’s currently available at a discount that drops the price to less than $17.
I tested this accessory in my home office to be sure it lives up to its promises.
Logitech’s new Pop collection hopes to make dark, drab desks a thing of the past. Both its Pop Keys keyboard, which features real mechanical keys, and the Pop Mouse sport quirky designs with bright and colorful finishes.
Prices start at $39.99, and they work great with Apple devices, including Mac and iPad. You can order yours this month.
Brydge 11 Max+ is a premium keyboard case for the 11-inch iPad Pro with a large trackpad. Photo: Brydge
The Brydge 11 Max+ is a clip-on keyboard designed to make an 11-inch iPad Pro into a very portable clamshell notebook. It magnetically attaches to the tablet and adds a backlit keyboard and trackpad.
After being announced earlier this year, the product is now available in stores starting Wednesday.
Get the connections your MacBook or iPad needs. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
If you need to add an HDMI connection, USB ports and micro SD and SD card slots to your MacBook or iPad, a USB-C hub is the way to go. The Casa Hub A05 5-in-1 Multi-Function Hub gives you all that for just $55.21 during our pre-Black Friday sale if you use the code SAVE15NOV at checkout.
The Kingston DataTraveler Max is so fast it leaves old USB-A flash drives in the dust. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Kingston DataTraveler Max is blazing fast. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 so the new flash drive can transfer data at up to 1,000MBps. And it uses USB-C so can be plugged into any Mac and most iPads.
I tested Kingston’s speed claims under real-world conditions. And data transfers are so quick it made me want to pitch out all my old flash drives.
★★★★★
Kit out your iPad with physical media controls as well as six commonly used ports. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The popular Apple Magic Keyboard turns an iPad into a laptop, but unlike some rivals, it doesn’t include physical media controls. However, the HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Media Hub adds these advanced options. And that’s only the start, as it also includes ports for connecting a monitor, headphones and a range of useful USB-A accessories.
Tremendously expand the usefulness of your iPad with this tiny USB-C hub. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Plug the Twelve South StayGo mini into the USB-C port on an iPad Pro or Air and you’ll add a USB-A port, HDMI and a headset jack. All without sacrificing the USB-C port. And it can be used with a Mac thanks to a handy cable.
I put this matchbook-size adapter through its paces. Here’s how it stood up to my testing.
With the Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub, you can add USB-C ports to your computer quickly and easily. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub adds a quartet of useful USB-C ports to your Mac or iPad. The days of struggling along with too few ports are over — you can finally connect as many accessories to your computer as you need.
I put Satechi’s new hub through some real-world testing. Here’s how well it works.