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MacBook Pro - page 19

Is this ‘every MacBook Pro user’s standard setup?’ [Setups]

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A new Studio Display completes the setup, joining a MacBook Pro and a raft of excellent audio gear.
A new Studio Display completes the setup, joining a MacBook Pro and a raft of excellent audio gear.
Photo: [email protected]

You, like many people, may build your computer setup around a MacBook Pro. But is yours the “standard setup” for MacBook Pro users?

If you answered “there’s no such thing,” you’re right. That’s why we were surprised to see a reference to such a standard in reaction to a setup with a MacBook Pro, a new Studio Display, an excellent CalDigit dock and a raft of excellent audio gear that not everyone has or even knows about. But maybe they should.

Never mind the MacBook Pro, you’re going to want this glowing duck [Setups]

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Just try to stay in the warm glow of that duck.
Just try to stay in the warm glow of that duck and you might get some work done.
Photo: [email protected]

You can amass an array of the world’s most formidable tech gear and photograph it, but if you get a cute animal in the frame — living or inanimate — that’s where all eyes will go.

Today’s clean MacBook Pro setup boasts a 34-inch curved ultra-wide display, a custom mechanical keyboard and other cool stuff.

But it also has a duck that glows.

What we’re expecting from 2022 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro or M2 Max

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What we're expecting from 2022 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro or M2 Max
Late 2022 MacBook Pro buyers can look forward to faster macOS notebooks.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s overwhelming evidence that Apple is about to reveal the M2 Pro and M2 Max, a fresh generation of high-performance processors for notebooks. These are expected to go into the next generation of 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

Here’s what to expect in new macOS laptops before the end of 2022.

M2 MacBook Pro hits Apple’s refurbished store with big discounts

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13-inch MacBook Pro with an Apple M2 processor
All refurbished products from Apple are eligible for AppleCare+.
Photo: Apple

Apple has started selling refurbished M2 MacBook Pros in the United States and Canada through its online store. You can save up to $200 off the MSRP of the computer by buying the refurbished model directly from Apple.

The M2 MacBook Pro looks the same as the 2020 model, with the switch to a newer chip being the only upgrade.

Do this if you want to massively improve audio quality [Setups]

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The DAC is the little gadget to the left of the monitor.
The DAC is the little gadget to the left of the monitor.
Photo: [email protected]

If you’re at all into audio equipment, you’ve probably heard of a digital-to-analog converter, or DAC. You might think it’s a fancy thing for rich audiophiles. But, actually, even you already have a few DACs if you have gadgets that make sound, like a computer, tablet and smartphone.

But not every DAC is created equal. Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup illustrates the point by going to the trouble of adding a standalone DAC in between a laptop and a pair of excellent powered speakers.

16-inch MacBook Pro is cheaper than ever after $400 discount

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If you've been wanting an M1 Pro MacBook, don't miss this opportunity.
This is the time to buy the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Photo: Apple

You can get Apple’s 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro with a staggering $399.01 discount. The deal brings the price of the machine down to $2,099.99.

This is among the lowest prices ever for the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Note that the listing only shows a discount of $300, with the additional $99.01 off automatically applied at checkout.

RGB hues bathe Beatles-themed retro Apple rig in otherworldly light [Setups]

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Three types of RGB lighting create this effect.
Three types of RGB lighting create this effect.
Photo: [email protected]

Sometimes you just can’t help taking a wholistic approach to a computer setup, taking in the whole room. That’s what happens when the user makes their home office a veritable museum like that which surrounds today’s featured MacBook Pro setup.

Three themes set it apart: The Beatles, the variety of RGB lighting and the concrete blocks holding up the Ikea countertop and the retro Thunderbolt Displays sitting on it.

Magic Trackpad nestles in developer’s cool custom wrist rest [Setups]

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There's nothing like polished wood. And did you notice the custom wrist rest?
There's nothing like polished wood. And did you notice the custom wrist rest?
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s featured computer setup displays an innovation we’ve seen from time to time, but not as often as we’d expect. It’s a custom keyboard wrist rest built to fit a Magic Trackpad or other trackpad in its middle section.

This one’s on the tall side, suitable for a mechanical keyboard. The developer who had it made to his specifications finds it — and the Magic Trackpad 2 — more than adequate for his needs.

What to expect at Apple’s Sept. 7 ‘Far Out’ product event [Updated]

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Far out: Apple’s Sept. 7 iPhone event is on and in person
There's a lot to look forward to on September 7 at 10 a.m.
Image: Apple

The long-anticipated Apple early fall event is just around the corner. On September 7, executives will take to the stage at Apple Park to unveil an array of new products.

Here’s everything we’re expecting at the “Far Out” event, plus the devices we’ll likely have to wait until later in the year to see.

Sleek, dual-display MacBook Pro rig gives off serious Tron vibes [Setups]

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This is how you take a picture of a setup if you want people to think it's an ad.
This is how you take a picture of a setup if you want people to think it's an ad.
Photo: [email protected]

When you look at a lot of computer setups showcased on social media, it’s not difficult to see that many of them are staged. They’re so well put together and photographed, you just can’t see normal slobs owning them.

But sometimes the internet tricks you with a surprisingly slick photograph of a real person’s setup. That seems to be the case in today’s featured dual-display MacBook Pro setup, photographs in a cool-gray wash.

“This looks like a render advertising the mouse or something,” one commenter said. “Tron vibes,” added another, referring to the 1982 sci-fi film known for its then-cutting-edge computer animation.

iPad Pro extends brilliant 5K display through Sidecar [Setups]

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The LG 5K display and the iPad Pro work together through Sidecar.
The LG 5K display and the iPad Pro work together through Sidecar.
Photo: [email protected]

Apple has said many times it won’t produce a touch-screen Mac because that’s what iPads are for. But Sidecar functionality can make an iPad a touch-screen extension of a Mac, where you can drag and drop elements and work with them using Apple Pencil or your fingertips.

Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup mounts a big 5K display and an iPad Pro right next to each other. In the photograph, you can see the desktop wallpaper running right onto the tablet’s display through Sidecar (more on that below).

And who doesn’t love an all-Apple audio arsenal? This setup rocks paired OG HomePods, AirPods Max on a cool charging stand and AirPods, too.

This sick rig sports 9 Macs and 3 Apple displays [Setups]

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Can you picture needing 9 Macs, including 3 top-shelf machines?
Can you picture needing 9 Macs, including 3 top-shelf machines?
Photo: [email protected]

Occasionally a computer setup displayed on social media makes you swoon. Usually it’s a combination of amazing gear, artful arrangement and exceptional photography, like something staged by a pro. But sometimes it’s just a sick amount of awesome Apple computers and displays.

Today’s featured setup, run by a consultant who “works for several companies,” relies on four high-spec Macs, five very-nice-but-not-exceptional Macs and three Apple Displays, including a Pro Display XDR — which goes for $5,000 or more by itself.

Does your wallet hurt yet? We just took ours to the ER.

‘Tower of power’ spurs cable-clutter debate over otherwise-clean rig [Setups]

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Plenty to see here, but the
Plenty to see here, but the "tower for power" in the corner drew most of the attention.
Photo: [email protected]

Some people care deeply about cable management, with nary a cord to be seen in their computer setups. Others couldn’t care less about it, leaving wire-spaghetti all over the place. And folks in the middle want to do it right, but meh, maybe next week, and maybe only somewhat.

Today’s featured MacBook Pro and iPad Pro setup stakes out much of the ground described above. Cable management is in play, but it’s done in a way that drove some neatniks crazy while others applauded the controlled mayhem.

MacBook Pro getting speed increase this fall

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Apple preps subscription service for iPhone, Mac and more
Apple is about to take the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2021 and put in even faster processors.
Photo: Apple

Updated versions of the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro will go onto production during the last months of 2022, according to a prominent Apple analyst. These will have faster processors.

Another reliable source said essentially the same, making it likely that Apple is about refresh its top-tier notebooks.

Why the Apple M2 Pro processor will be even better than expected [Updated]

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Apple might get cutting-edge 3nm processors in 2022
Apple will reportedly be one of the first companies in the world able to offer processors made with a 3nm process.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Multiple sources say the Apple’s upcoming M2 Pro chip will be made with an enhanced manufacturing process that wasn’t yet available for the recently released M2. That will make Apple’s next processor more efficient than the one in the new MacBook Air.

Even better, the M2 Pro could launch in updated MacBook Pro models before the end of 2022.

How do you fix that wobbling screen? [Setups]

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A wobbling monitor will drive you mad in short order.
A wobbling monitor will drive you mad in short order.
Photo: [email protected]

Imagine buying a massive new ultra-wide, curved monitor to display what you do on your Macs in style. But once you get it all set up, the monstrous thing won’t stop wobbling.

Today’s featured M1 MacBook Pro and Mac mini setup suffers just that problem, despite the use of a recommended monitor arm attached to a solid standing desk.

Check out the advice the user got and all the gear in play below.

2021 MacBook Pro models sink to lowest-ever prices

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If you've been wanting an M1 Pro MacBook, don't miss this opportunity.
If you've been wanting an M1 Pro MacBook, don't miss this opportunity.
Photo: Apple

Amazon surfaced the lowest prices ever on certain 2021 MacBook Pro laptops Tuesday, including 14-inch and 16-inch models. Specifically, there are three options featuring the M1 Pro chip and different sizes of solid state drive (SSD).

If you’re in the market for one of those, act fast. Deals where you can lop $300 off the the usual prices don’t usually last long.

When downsizing your display is not downgrading [Setups]

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The Studio Display replaced a 34-inch ultra-wide monitor.
The Studio Display replaced a 34-inch ultra-wide monitor.
Photo: [email protected]

We’ve seen a few computer setups lately where the owner switches from one or more large monitors to something smaller. But they don’t necessarily see losing the screen real estate as a “downgrade.”

That’s the case with today’s featured M1 Pro MacBook-centered setup. It went from a 34-inch ultra-wide 4K monitor to a new 27-inch Studio Display.

Essentially it boils down to “size isn’t everything.” When it comes to displays, there’s actually a lot more to the picture.

MacBook Pro and Studio Display replace iMac in picture-perfect setting [Setups]

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An M1 MacBook Pro and Studio Display enjoy the sunset by the coast north of Boston.
An M1 MacBook Pro and Studio Display enjoy the sunset by the coast north of Boston.
Photo: [email protected]

Some older iMacs are being shown the door, giving way to newer Macs paired with Studio Displays. That’s the case with today’s featured computer setup. In it, an iMac gave way recently to a plenty-powerful M1 MacBook Pro paired with a brilliant Studio Display.

And the attractively spare setup, well placed in a beautiful coastal setting, is nearly all Apple — down to the input devices and audio gear.