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MacBook Pro - page 3

Cool dual-display rig unleashes fearsome dinos on Hawaii [Setups]

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4K LG monitors
The M3 Max MacBook Pro hangs off the right-hand edge of the desk in a clamp-on tray.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s M2 Max MacBook Pro setup with dual 4K LG monitors is enviable and well-situated. I say that not just because the compact workstation is cool, but because it’s in Hawaii with a dramatic view.

And the cool dinosaur wallpaper on the two 32-inch LG UltraFine 4K displays got a plenty of love from commenters, as did the Michael Scott (The Office) poster of him quoting hockey great Wayne Gretzky (“You miss 100% of the shot you don’t take.”)

Powerful new OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock packs 11 ports

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OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock
Get blazing-fast connectivity with OWC's new Thunderbolt 5 dock.
Photo: OWC

The new 11-in-1 OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock promises to maximize the potential of the latest Thunderbolt 5 technology for computers like M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro, OWC said Monday.

The dock, scheduled to begin shipping in July with a price tag of $329.99, is one of the first comprehensive Thunderbolt 5 solutions available for Apple users looking to expand their connectivity options.

Try these crazy ways to get Touch ID with or without Magic Keyboard [Setups]

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Magic Keyboard Touch ID
In this setup, the user Velcros a Magic Keyboard to the side of the desk on the right -- just so they can reach the Touch ID button.
Photo: [email protected]

It’s easy to get addicted to using Touch ID whenever you need to gain password-restricted access to anything. But not everyone is a big fan of Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (not the function, the keeb itself). Today’s MacBook Pro setup user found an odd but practical solution. They use a Keychron Q1 mechanical keyboard as a daily driver and Velcro a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID to the edge of the desk so they can reach the Touch ID button.

Trio of small screens extend Studio Display in MacBook rig [Setups]

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portable monitor
In addition to a Studio Display, a whole lot of small screens are mounted on stands in this MacBook Pro setup.
Photo: [email protected]

Careful mounting of devices is a hallmark of light and clean computer setups because it lifts most of the gear up off the desk, making room for other gear or simply creating clean, open space. In today’s setup, the MacBook Pro sitting open on a stand is just one of three small screens, including a portable monitor, that nicely complement and expand the Studio Display.

Behold ‘an Apple fan’s dream setup’ [Setups]

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dream setup
This dream setup features an M4 Pro MacBook Pro and a Studio Display.
Photo: [email protected]

“Everything starts with a dream,” goes an old saying — and it even applies to computer setups. Today’s attractive and highly functional M4 Pro MacBook Pro, Mac mini and Studio Display setup amounts to a dream for its owner. But in expressing that dream on social media, its owner found commenters had plenty to say about their versions of “an Apple fan’s dream setup.”

Dual MacBook rig seems quite at home in camera and Lego museum [Setups]

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Lego models and camera collection
Plenty of users adorn their setups with knick-knacks, but rarely do we see such extensive collections. And a pooch, no less.
Photo: [email protected]

OK, today’s MacBook setup doesn’t actually live in a camera and Lego museum like the headline on this post suggests — but close enough. The user is clearly a collector. The sheer number of cameras on display is impressive, and the Lego Star Wars spaceships flying up high on a shelf in the photo inspire some awe, too. And it’s not every day we see a dual-MacBook setup with both mounted open on stands, either.

I want everything in this Mac Studio workstation [Setups]

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pegboard stands
Pretty much every piece of this setup is enviable.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s featured computer setup pretty much has it all in terms of enviable gear, though it could use better lighting. Its M1 Max Mac Studio may not be the latest Apple M-series desktop, but it’s still formidable. And it drives a Pro Display XDR, perhaps the ultimate external monitor. And the setup even excels at the little things, including great audio gear and a pair of illuminated pegboard stands I’ve never seen before.

Powerful new GaN charger pumps up MacBooks at 40% off

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CukTech 15 140W GaN Charger
With a 140 watts of charging power and four ports in a compact size, it's potent.
Photo: CukTech

Apple device users looking for a more compact and versatile charging solution now have a compelling new option in the new CukTech 15 140W GaN Charger, the company said Wednesday. That’s particularly good news for MacBook Pro owners. And not just because of the 40% off launch discount — but because this charger packs enough power for laptops.

How to make apps avoid the MacBook screen notch

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Make apps avoid the MacBook notch
It’s easy to make apps avoid the MacBook notch
Image: Cult of Mac

If your favorite app doesn’t work well with the screen notch in your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, there is a solution. Apple created a “Scale to fit below built-in camera” setting that always puts the app into the space below the notch when in full-screen mode.

And it can be set for individual apps. Here’s how.

4 young filmmakers show how iPhone 16 Pro Max does movies right

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iPhone 16 Pro Max does movies right
Four emerging filmmakers find a lot to love in shooting with iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Photo: Apple

Four talented Indian filmmakers push creative boundaries, showing how iPhone 16 Pro Max does movies right and demonstrating how Apple’s latest technology democratizes high-quality filmmaking, Apple said Tuesday in a feature story. The emerging auteurs’ work is part of the 2025 MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone program.

Old Thunderbolt displays keep up with new Studio Display [Setups]

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Thunderbolt Displays
This user loves the color reproduction on their Thunderbolt displays.
Photo: [email protected]

Have you ever run multiple displays with different resolutions? Today’s featured Mac mini setup sports older Apple Thunderbolt Displays (2.5K resolution, aka 2560 x 1440p) flanking a newer Studio Display (5K, or 5120 x 2880p). Seems like that might cause a touch of seasickness looking back and forth between them all the time — or maybe a sticky mouse cursor — but it doesn’t bother the user at all. For them, it’s all about the excellent color reproduction across the board.

Mac mini drives brilliant pair of well-mounted displays [Setups]

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Asus displays
The good-looking and symmetrical setup features a pair of Asus displays nicely mounted on arms.
Photo: [email protected]

Few things take a computer setup up a few notches more than a good monitor mount — especially when it features dual arms positioning dual displays well off the desk. Today’s M4 Mac mini setup enjoys a pair of solidly affordable 4K Asus displays mounted on a Huanuo Dual Monitor Stand with two highly adjustable arms for optimal positioning.

Should you upgrade Apple gear now to beat rising prices from tariffs?

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upgrade before Apple prices rise
With the possibility of big price hikes looming, those looking to upgrade might want to act fast.
Photo: Apple

President Donald Trump’s newly announced 54% tariff on Chinese imports sent shock waves through the tech industry, with Apple potentially facing billions in additional costs. This raises an urgent question for consumers: Should you rush to buy that new iPhone or MacBook before prices skyrocket?

You might want to accelerate the timing of that upgrade you had in the back of your mind. But those who aren’t desperate to upgrade might benefit from playing the waiting game. See the ins and outs below.

Another easy way for 2 laptops to share 1 display [Setups]

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vertical laptop stand
Using a dual laptop stand, this user loves how easy it is to switch between MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with Studio Display.
Photo: [email protected]

Hooray for (super-) simple solutions. Today’s MacBook Pro and MacBook Air user runs both laptops with Studio Display. But how does he switch between them? Sure, he could employ cabling and software fixes to run both at once, but in this case simple hardware in the form of a dual vertical laptop stand comes to the rescue.

Apple preps M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro launch for later this year

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Final Cut Pro for iPad editing a Cult of Mac video
M5 iPad Pro may only be a few months away from launch.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple’s M5-equipped iPad Pros reportedly already entered “late testing” stages inside the company and should go into mass production in the second half of 2025.

And, sticking to its regular upgrade cycle, Apple also will refresh the MacBook Pro lineup with the M5 chip later this year.

MacBook Pro refurb is nearly half off (M1 + Touch Bar)

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Apple MacBook Pro 13
Get a refurbished MacBook Pro with Touch Bar at almost half tag price!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This MacBook Pro refurb is a great way to get a high-end machine with insane battery life on the cheap.

For just $550 (nearly half off) you get a 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro for $100 less than Walmart is selling a brand-new M1 MacBook Air.

These machines are almost identical except the Pro has an internal CPU fan that allows the M1 chip to perform at its maximum.

“You’re getting the same computer with a better cooling system for sustained performance for $100 less, so it’s a steal,” said Cult of Mac writer D Griffin Jones in our internal Slack.

Plus, this MacBook Pro boasts the infamous Touch Bar (which some people love) plus an extra high-performance Thunderbolt 4 port.

Compact MacBook Pro station wins for best use of space [Setups]

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saving space with setup
It's not like it's an incomplete setup, either.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s MacBook Pro setup so excels at saving space it fits more into its little nook under a staircase than many people, including me, fit in setups without that constraint. In addition to the usual, they’ve even got multiple game systems, two printers and a book collection in there. And the user still rocks a version of my previous laptop, the great M1 Pro MacBook Pro. No doubt it’s still good for a few more years.

Don’t miss all the best Apple deals in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale [Updated]

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Amazon Big Spring Sale
Apple deals abound in Amazon's Big Spring Sale through March 31.
Photo: Amazon

Amazon is famous for its Prime Day and Black Friday deals, but it also runs the Amazon Big Spring Sale, on now. It ends Monday, March 31, unless extended. That wouldn’t be too surprising, given that the mega retailer often extends its sales. So it’s another chance for you to score savings on all sorts of Apple gear, including MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iPad Pro, iPad Air, Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 2 and more. Click on our posts to all the best deals, below.

Alogic Roam power bank keeps laptops going strong [Review] ★★★★

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Alogic Roam power bank review★★★★
The Alogic Roam 21000mAh Power Bank keeps your gadgets going on the go.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Anyone who constantly moves around with multiple devices knows finding a reliable power bank for laptop charging can be a challenge. After more than a week of using the new Alogic Roam 21,000mAh Power Bank, I’m ready to share my hands-on experience with the premium charger. Is it worth the investment? Yes. Let’s dive in, and I’ll tell you why.

Get into mechanical gaming keyboards with this $40 pick [Setups]

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affordable mechanical keyboard
This mechanical keyboard for gaming will run you only about $40.
Photo: Newmen

For people who have only used membrane keyboards in office and at home, whether Magic Keyboard or similar wares from the likes of Logitech, mechanical keyboards can be a tempting world to check out — especially for gamers (because mechanical keystrokes hit at the same time won’t cancel each other out). And mech-keeb customization can be fun. But where to start? Today’s MacBook Pro and gaming PC setup puts forward an excellent candidate for an affordable mechanical keyboard.

His-and-hers MacBook Pro rigs make for matrimonial bliss [Setups]

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2 Macbooks - his and hers setups
He said he and his wife are rarely in the setups room at the same time. Coincidence? Maybe.
Photo: [email protected]

In my setups coverage across social media, I see plenty more man caves and she sheds for solitary dwelling than dual setups meant for spouses working side by side. No surprise there, right? And yet dual setups for couples pop up occasionally, like today’s double workstation with 2 MacBooks.

Gamer loves easily switching from MacBook Pro to PC [Setups]

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setup KVM switch
This setup uses and inexpensive KVM switch and Thunderbolt 3 dock to switch between MacBook Pro and gaming PC.
Photo: [email protected]

In a world where people love their Macs for some uses and their PCs for others — especially gaming — a setup KVM switch comes in mighty handy. That’s because it lets you easily switch between Mac and PC using the same peripherals, like keyboard, video (displays) and mouse. That spells K-V-M.

New audio interface and microphone give good voice to MacBook Pro rig [Setups]

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio audio interface bundle
Now I'm ready to record, podcast and sound better on calls.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

After finally incorporating a proper pair of speakers into my evolving MacBook Pro setup in late 2024 — following years of writing Cult of Mac setups articles, often with a focus on high-quality audio gear I shamelessly envied — I just upped my rig’s audio ante again. And this time it’s mainly from the input perspective. I added a new Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface, a condenser microphone mounted on an arm and, ridiculously, two more pairs of over-ear headphones (I already have too many cans and earbuds).