There’s nothing like a major upgrade. Today we return to one of the most magnificent computer setups we’ve seen lately, as it somehow found a way to top itself. When you’ve already got a loaded Mac Pro, two Pro Display XDRs and a top Apple laptop and tablet, where do you go from there?
You thank the HomePod mini for its service and welcome new $1,250 speakers to the party.
Apple has started selling refurbished iPad mini 6 and M1 iPad Pro models through its Certified Refurbished store in the US. Both these tablets launched in 2021.
Depending on the iPad you want, you can save up to $320 by buying a refurbished unit.
Among the everlasting truths about computer setups, first comes “a setup is never finished.” And the second might be, “A setup can always be improved.” The user behind today’s featured setup certainly found out about No. 2 when he asked for advice on how to improve his M1 Max MacBook Pro and dual-Studio Display workstation.
Find all the advice below — jokes ‘n’ all — as well as all of the setup’s excellent gear.
If you like a touch of “soft and comfy” with your style, Elago’s fiber-fill sleeves for MacBook and iPad could be for you. They’re a soft cases for your devices that are also environmentally friendly because the material in them is recycled.
And these sleeves won’t break the bank, either. You can choose from different sizes and colors and pay less than $30 in some cases. Check out the collection in the Cult of Mac Store.
Wouldn’t it be great if the right job opened the door to building a killer computer setup? It happened for design and product lead Jaime Creixems.
Today’s featured setup is his M1 Max MacBook Pro and Studio Display-driven wonderland, complete with excellent audio equipment and fun sidelights like Lego sets.
With modern computer displays, you can have brilliant colors, tons of screen real estate and even a cool curve in the screen. But will you be happy reading text on it? That’s not necessarily a sure thing.
In today’s featured MacBook Pro-based computer setup, a developer finds she likes her 34-inch curved ultra-wide display, but not in every possible way. She craves more pixels, having been “ruined” by her MacBook Pro’s crisp display.
So many people love Apple gear because the Cupertino tech giant gets a lot right with its hardware. That certainly includes monitors, and not just the phenomenal Pro Display XDR and new Studio Display. We see a fair number of new computer setups relying on classic Apple screens like Cinema Display and Thunderbolt Display.
Today’s featured MacBook Pro and Xbox setup is a good example. Even with a modern gaming console — and given the right adapter — a display from a dozen years ago is still keeping it real.
Some computer setups are simply music to our ears — almost literally, in some cases. Today’s featured setup sees (and hears) an M1 MacBook Pro playing frontman to a band that includes a few pieces of key audio hardware and software as well as dual curved ultra-wide external displays.
And whether or not it’s “ultra-minimalist,” as stated by the user — it’s not, by almost any definition of computing minimalism — it appears relatively spare and effective.
A super-size iPad Pro supposedly on Apple’s docket for 2024 has been cancelled or delayed, according to an analyst who previously indicated a 14.1-inch model was on the way.
So while Apple is expected to slightly increase the screen sizes of the iPad Pro line, an even larger model isn’t in development.
Apple plans a modest increase the screen sizes in the next generation of iPad Pro models, according to a reliable source. Numerous earlier leaks indicted these will also be the first Apple tablets with OLED displays.
That will make the upcoming iPad Pro significant a improvement over the 2022 version.
Since ancient times, the legendary unicorn has been described as a horse-like creature with a single horn projecting from its forehead. Considered magical and unique, the mythical beast has come to signify a one-of-a-kind treasure.
The only iPad case we’ve found that comes close to fitting that description is Zugu Case. It’s just right in so many ways, no matter which iPad you have. That’s what makes Zugu the unicorn of iPad cases.
To a lot of people, “home for the holidays” may mean even more massive amounts of gameplay than usual. That could be the case with the owner of today’s featured computer setup. In addition to two Mac minis, the workstation sports an Xbox Series S with a couple of special-edition controllers.
And two of the three displays in the setup are curved gaming monitors. The other’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro mounted on a stand.
Some setups are no-nonsense, just the facts, ma’am — strictly utilitarian. Others are fanciful and full of toys. Today’s featured setup leans toward the latter, with its burgeoning population of Transformer figures crowding the shelf above the display and even related wall art.
And there’s plenty of gaming going on there, too, via a custom gaming PC and Nintendo Switch OLED in addition to an M1 MacBook Air and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Oh, and it has one of the coolest speaker systems ever made, too.
Apple’s iPad Pro has been a game-changer since it arrived on the scene in 2015. Powerful and portable, these devices make a great personal upgrade or gift, and you can purchase one at a surprisingly low price. During a 48-hour window in our December Deal of the Day series, you can get a refurbished iPad Pro from 2017 for just $189.99.
No coupon is necessary, but you only have until December 8 to claim this deal.
It’s not easy to find the perfect iPad case, whether you’re walking around with a little iPad mini 6, a standard 10.2-inch iPad or the latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro. But it gets a lot easier if you know about Zugu Case. The company’s practical and attractive cases are among the highest-rated and best-reviewed iPad cases in the world for a reason.
So cease your searching. You just found the Zugu iPad case you didn’t know you were looking for.
We enjoy seeing computer setups grow and change. We last looked at today’s featured setup when its user described it as “temporary” back in June. Since then it has metastasized into a monstrous beast with a maxed-out Mac Pro, a 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro, a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, iPad mini and dual Pro Display XDRs.
And the custom-made desk with lights against a dramatic backdrop of 3D wall panels really enhances the setup, too.
Black Friday 2022 is now one for the record books, but you can still take advantage of hefty discounts on Apple products.
So, if you have been looking to buy a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods or other Apple products for a while, take advantage of the best Black Friday deals on Apple gear right now. Just bear in mind that these deals can be slippery as an eel. If you see one you like, jump on it ASAP, because there’s no guarantee it will last.
Some people like a lot screens in their computer setup, others like to be glued to one and one only. In today’s featured computer setup, the user wrestles with the question of whether to keep his iPad Pro front and center, right in front of the external display, or just leave it out. Meanwhile, a MacBook Pro sits off to the side in clamshell mode.
Because the user asked for opinions on social media, he got them. Lots of them. But it proved to be a tricky question to answer definitively.
A great computer setup starts with a solid desk — preferably a standing desk, so you can sit or stand as your aching body requires. Today’s featured setup finds a MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, Studio Display and Dell 4K monitor resting easy on a stout maple standing desk and monitor riser.
Wherever you see wood in the photograph, know that it’s 3 inches thick. That’s one way to reduce monitor wobbling.
Even if you have an Apple Pencil 2 that sticks magnetically to the edge of your iPad, that’s not a super-secure storage option for the stylus because it could get knocked off. And it’s not an option at all for the original Apple Pencil. So it’s a good idea to have another, much more secure way to carry your stylus.
That’s where the Elago Apple Pencil Holder comes in. Strong adhesive lets you stick it anywhere.
And right now you can pick it up for just $10.99 in the Cult of Mac Store.
Retail juggernaut Amazon.com keeps running lists of its most-wished-for products that folks want to buy or get as gifts. Consistently at or near the top of the tablet case list, you’ll find Zugu’s popular cases for the 10.2-inch iPad and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
What makes those cases so coveted? There are plenty of reasons. Read on.
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The launch of the 2022 iPad Pro in 12.9- and 11-inch versions means current tablet users have new upgrade options. Their M2 processor makes these the most powerful iPads ever made, but they are not right for everyone.
I’ve used an M2-powered iPad Pro for a week now, and that’s given me insight into who should upgrade and who should not. Some people should definitely go for the latest and greatest, but others would be disappointed if they did so.
Here’s my advice when making your decision.
When you look at the gear in today’s setup you might say, what is this, an ad for Elgato? The workstation is rife with Elgato devices widely used by streamers for video-production workflows, like its popular Facecam, Wave:3 microphone and Stream Deck.
But the MacBook Pro setup isn’t used for streaming at all.
The software engineer who occupies the well-appointed workstation finds perfectly productive things to do with all that Elgato gear, other than streaming.
Apple put its latest processor in the 2022 iPad Pro and it gave the tablet a significant performance boost. The M2 chip make it almost 20% faster than its predecessor.
And it’s almost 80% faster than the 2018 iPad Pro.
The handy Apple Pencil 2 is down to its lowest-ever price of $89 on Amazon. That’s a sweet $40 discount off its $129 MSRP.
The Apple Pencil 2 will perfectly complement your new M2 iPad Pro or M1 iPad Air.