Mobile menu toggle

Mac - page 21

14-inch MacBook Pro is cheaper than ever [Update: Not anymore!]

By •

2023 MacBook Pro.
Don't miss this amazing deal on the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
Photo: Apple

Update: We hope you jumped on this MacBook Pro deal as soon as we posted it, because it looks like it evaporated.

Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro is down to its lowest price on Amazon. You can get the machine with a discount of as much as $250.

The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro is listed with a $250 discount, bringing its price down to $1,749. This is the cheapest the machine has been available for since its launch earlier this year.

How to finance a MacBook

By •

There's more than one way to finance a MacBook.
There's more than one way to finance a MacBook.
Photo: Pixabay/Pexels/CC

Macs offer great value, but they aren’t necessarily cheap. After all, Apple’s most affordable laptop, the MacBook Air, currently starts at $999. If you need a capable computer that you can take anywhere, but you don’t have enough cash on hand to buy a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro outright, you have options.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by 800LoanMart.
In the FAQ below on how to finance a MacBook, we lay out the options available to you, ranging from Apple Card Monthly Installments to buy now, pay later plans from companies like Klarna and Affirm.

Every Mac nerd needs this whimsical wallet [Review] ★★★★★

By •

Untitled Folder Wallet in hand outside★★★★★
It’s a folder! It’s a wallet! It’s untitled!
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

If you’re the right kind of person, the Untitled Folder Wallet by Nik Bentel is handy and practical while doubling as a funny visual joke. It’s a premium leather wallet that happens to look exactly like the New Folder icon in macOS.

It has three pockets for carrying cards, cash and coins. The leather is soft and the stitching holds strong. And best of all, it’s shaped like a tiny folder.

It’s a limited-run item of only 500 units, so if you want one, you’d best order now. I’ve been using it for about a week. Surprisingly, I fell in love with it.

Attach 2 screens to MacBook with Mobile Pixels’ redesigned Trio and Trio Max

By •

Mobile Pixels Trio
Don't give up on plenty of screen space when on the go.
Photo: Mobile Pixels

Mobile Pixels just started taking preorders for updated versions of Trio and Trio Max, clip-on accessories that add not one but two external displays to a MacBook or other notebook.

Don’t think these products will trap you in the office — the add-on screens are intended for use on the go.

The new versions offer larger screens in thinner, lighter designs. And there’s a new attachment system, too.

How far can you get on Apple silicon without Rosetta?

By •

Grid of Apple app icons
How far can you get without Rosetta 2?
Image: Apple

Is it possible to get work done on an Apple silicon Mac without ever installing Rosetta 2, the compatibility layer for running old Intel apps? In short, yes.

After buying my first Apple silicon Mac earlier this year, I was curious if I could get settled into my new computer without Rosetta. And I was successful. I’ve been writing articles, making videos and recording podcasts for more than a month, and I haven’t yet come across a mission-critical app that’s Intel-exclusive.

Save $100 on a stacked dual monitor that’s perfect for standing and seated desks

By •

Become more productive than ever with almost $100 off this dual monitor perfect for standing and seated desks.
Multitask better than ever before with almost $100 off this stacked monitor.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you work remotely or from the office, your monitor setup offers telltale signs about the productivity of your space. Having one massive screen is handy for combing through paperwork, organizing spreadsheets and creating presentations. But utilizing multiple screens? That’s a game-changer.

To truly power up your productivity, this Geminos 24-inch dual-screen monitor allows you to easily work on two screens in an ergonomic, stacked style. It’s perfect for both sitting and standing desks. And right now, you can grab it for only $699.99 (regularly $799), the best price on the web.

Top 3 tools for Mac developers

By •

3 handy developer tools
These three apps solve three annoying problems with coding on the Mac.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Whether you’re just learning how to code, you’re studying computer science or you’re a well-seasoned Mac developer, these three apps are sure to help you in your work. I have an app that adds a whole slew of new features to the Xcode Simulator, one that makes it easier managing packages in Homebrew and a better way to download and install Xcode.

All of these tools are, themselves, open source. There are links to each GitHub repo where you can learn from them and compile them yourself.

Make instant transcripts for podcasts, videos and meetings with MacWhisper

By •

Instant video & podcast scripts
There’s an easy and free way to use Whisper to generate subtitles and transcripts.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

MacWhisper is a great way to get text transcriptions for podcasts, live streams, meetings, videos — whatever you may need. Just drag a file onto the Mac app’s window and you’ll get a transcription generated on the fly. You can even use the microphone to make transcriptions live as you’re talking.

You can easily edit the transcription like a Word document and export it as a subtitle file for a video, a text file for reference or an HTML file for publishing online.

Slowing computer demand finally catches up to Mac

By •

2023 MacBook Pro in 16-inch and 14-inch versions
Even the speed-boosted 2023 MacBook Pro couldn't bring up Mac shipments.
Image: Apple

Mac shipments declined a jaw-dropping 41% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2023, according to a market-analysis firm. It seems Apple finally joined other PC makers in seeing reduced shipments of traditional computers.

Mac mini is a total dream machine [The CultCast]

By •

Apple crammed a whole lot of computing power into the Mac mini.
Apple crams a whole lot of computing power into the Mac mini.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The M2 Pro-powered Mac mini is a dream machine for creative types, according to our reviewer D. Griffin Jones. He joins us to sing the praises of this pint-size powerhouse. (It’s quite an upgrade from the 2015 MacBook Pro he used before.)

Also on The CultCast:

  • It’s just two months until we’ll see Apple’s mixed-reality headset. We can’t help thinking this pricey “star product” is gonna flop hard, even as it points the way toward the future.
  • A free book coming next week will reveal Steve Jobs “in his own words.”
  • Will the next version of watchOS really bring big changes?
  • Erfon knows where you can find a steady supply of genuine Apple accessories at cut-rate prices.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Our sponsors: Hello Fresh and Mylio

  • Hello Fresh is America’s No. 1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free!
  • Mylio is the easy way to manage all your photos on all your devices. Try it at Mylio.com/cultcast.

Mac mini with M2 Pro: Apple silicon for the rest of us [Review] ★★★★★

By •

Mac mini with external hard drive, keyboard, trackpad and display sitting on the floor (isometric perspective)★★★★★
Here’s your classic product shot with everything sitting directly on a floor without anything plugged in.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The new Mac mini is the best value in the entire computer industry, point blank. It’s a $700 computer that won’t break a sweat editing high-resolution video, exhaustively long podcasts or giant graphic design projects — all at the same time. The M2 Pro model takes it even further.

Because of my job here at Cult of Mac, I wear a lot of hats. In a typical week, I edit videos, record a podcast, dabble in graphic design, compile open-source projects in Xcode and research topics for my writing. I’m basically all the creative professional stereotypes Apple loves to put in their promotional videos rolled into one.

After living with the new Mac mini for over a month, I can confidently say this is a fantastically powerful machine within the reach of independent creators, small businesses and schools.

Get a refurbished MacBook Air with case for less than $250

By •

Get a refurbished 11
Work and play from anywhere with this refurbished MacBook Air.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

In a world increasingly cluttered with discarded hardware, buying refurbished gear is starting to look like the responsible choice in more ways than one. That goes double when it comes to MacBooks, which are known for their durability and reliability.

Case in point? This refurbished MacBook Air from 2015 comes ready to go for only $247.99.

macOS Ventura 13.3 and iPadOS 16.4 usher in new emoji and other improvements

By •

First public betas for iOS 16, macOS Ventura arrive
Apple released OS updates for its various computers today, including Mac and iPad.
Photo: Apple

The wait is over for macOS Ventura 13.3 and iPadOS 16.4, which Apple released Monday. While not major upgrades, they do bring new emoji, a better way for devs to work with betas, and other changes (including security updates).

Apple also released iOS 16.4, as well as watchOS 9.4 and tvOS 16.4, today.

Get Microsoft Office on your Mac or PC for just $40 for life

By •

Access Microsoft Office on your Mac or Windows computer for life for just $40.
Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro for Mac or Windows on sale for $39.97 (regularly $349) now through April 3 during the Spring Digital Blowout promo — no coupon needed.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Some software is just essential. And until April 3 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific, we’ve got a great deal on one of computing’s bedrock software suites: Microsoft Office Pro for Mac or Windows. This multi-app bundle comes with the software that functionally runs the professional world.

Right now, a lifetime license to these essential Microsoft Office programs is on sale for just $39.97 (regularly $349) during our Spring Digital Blowout sale.

Run Windows apps on Mac seamlessly with this easy-to-use software

By •

This $50 subscription to CrossOver+ makes Windows software accessible on Mac.
Make Windows software accessible on your Mac with CrossOver, now only $49.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Mac users get plenty out of their computers, but things can get a little complicated when trying to incorporate Windows software. Now, you can eliminate those frustrations and maximize your Mac experience by picking up a subscription that supplies seamless access to your favorite Windows apps.

For those tired of the slowness of running Windows software on their Mac, meet the CrossOver Windows compatibility app. You can get a one-year subscription to it for only $49 (regularly $74). You won’t find a better price than this anywhere on the web.

Apple TV app for Mac finally getting left sidebar

By •

Apple TV app for Mac finally getting left sidebar
This is likely close to what the redesigned Apple TV for macOS app will look like.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Apple TV app for macOS is reportedly about to get a redesign that includes a left sidebar. That will apparently make it nearly identical to the iPad version.

The update might debut in macOS Ventura 13.3, which is currently in beta.

Why you should buy Apple Certified Refurbished products

By •

Apple logo lit up, with
Buying a Certified Refurbished product from Apple can make a lot of sense ... but not always.
Photo: Laurenz Heymann/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

Apple products are known for delivering high performance and carrying a premium price tag. If you are on a tight budget, should you consider buying a refurbished Apple product instead?

Apple’s Certified Refurbished store offers a great way to get a like-new product while letting you save hundreds of dollars on your purchase. Here’s what you need to know about Apple’s refurbished gear.

Yellow iPhones, faster iMacs and more! [The CultCast]

By •

A yellow iPhone 14 and a yellow iMac, along with the logo of Cult of Mac's Apple-oriented podcast,
Apple just decided to paint the town yellow.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Did the world really need a yellow iPhone 14? Especially one that looks about as bold as a buttered banana? At least we’ve got new iMacs coming to ease our disappointment.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Those new iMacs are just the beginning of a coming wave of even-more-powerful Apple computers.
  • Who in their right mind would pay $600 for an Apple Watch band?
  • At least the yellow iPhone wallpaper is free (and so is Microsoft Outlook for Mac).

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Our sponsors

4 must-have productivity apps for Mac

By •

Speed up your work on a Mac
These apps (and system features) will help you work faster.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

I’m going to show you five ways you can instantly boost your productivity on your Mac. You might not have thought your Mac was capable of these advanced features. But in my opinion, the Mac’s reputation for being un-customizable is misunderstood. Four of these tips depend on third-party productivity apps that will add radical new system features to your Mac.

I’ll show you how to get instant window snapping on the Mac, powerful screenshot and recording tools, a clever clipboard manager that should be built into macOS, a simple tip for opening apps faster, and a smart time-tracking tool that’ll keep you productive.

Apple’s M3 iMac might ship in second half of 2023

By •

M1 iMac with yellow light
Apple's next iMac could look a lot like the current iMac.
Photo: Ishtiaq Khan Parag/Unplash

Apple might launch an upgraded iMac in the second half of 2023. The machine is currently in an advanced development stage, according to the latest report.

While the upcoming iMac will retain the same 24-inch display as the current model, Apple reportedly will make some internal layout changes.

Apple boosts iPhone, Mac and iPad trade-in values

By •

MacBook, iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch
Users of many Apple computers can trade them in for cash.
Photo: Apple

Apple bumped how much it will pay for trading in used products. An iPhone 13 series model now brings in as much as $600, a previous-generation iPad Air is worth up to $320, while the trade-in value for a MacBook Pro is as much as $730.

The payouts have increased up to $160 when compared to what Apple was offering last week.

Correction: Linux will not run on Apple silicon

By •

NOT the year of Linux on the Mac.
Linux on the desktop has been foiled once again.
Image: PantheraLeo/Wikimedia Commons/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Last week, I wrote a story incorrectly concluding that a full Linux desktop environment would soon run on Macs with Apple silicon. This was a misunderstanding of the facts.

While some of the work in the Asahi Linux project has been worked into Linux Kernel 6.2, and while Linux 6.2 will be adopted by the next major versions of Ubuntu and Fedora, this does not mean that Apple silicon Macs will be able to boot into these desktop environments.

How Apple’s secret Exploratory Design Group makes magic happen

By •

The Exploratory Design Group works at Tantau 9, this building on the Apple campus.
The Exploratory Design Group works at Tantau 9 on the Apple campus.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Few outside of Apple have ever heard of the company’s secretive Exploratory Design Group. However, the team includes many of Apple’s brightest minds — and is developing some of its most innovative products.

Despite the secrecy, the XDG made headlines recently when its project to add blood glucose monitoring to Apple Watch leaked out. Now more details on the group and its moonshot projects have come to light.