Aspects of Apple silicon chips replacing Intel processors in Macs that you don’t always hear about are how quiet and cool the M1 and M2 machines are by comparison. In today’s featured computer setup, an IT engineer sings his M1 Pro MacBook Pro’s praises in that regard, not to mention its habit of sipping battery power rather than gulping it.

And he’s also got a popular dual-display configuration going. In this case it’s a Studio Display in landscape mode and a Dell 4K display in portrait mode.

The Satechi Pro Hub Slim connects plugs directly into the side of a MacBook to greatly expand the range of ports available to the user while adding minimal bulk. It’s slim enough for Apple’s latest notebooks.

There’s nevertheless room for HDMI, two full-size USB-A ports, memory card readers and more.

Even if you’re already giving up on your New Year’s resolutions to eat better and exercise more, you can still fulfill the one about saving money — with huge discounts on Microsoft software. Just check out the big sale at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com to save on Windows, Office and more.

Some might argue that music producers work a lot harder than the stars who perform the hits they help make. And while there’s a lot of art to what producers do, they can’t do it without the right gear. Luckily for home DJs and performers alike, EasySplitter is poised to break down that particular barrier for professional music production.

This AI-powered tool can remove vocals from recorded tracks in an instant, so you can use the background music for whatever you like. And right now, you can get a lifetime EasySplitter subscription for less than $30.

New Apple TV+ series Shrinking centers on a man who loses everything and finally decides to start doing something about it. The comedy stars Jason Segel and Harrison Ford (in his first major TV role). And, with the creative team behind Ted Lasso and the star of How I Met Your Mother, Apple TV+ execs are clearly hoping for success on a par with the streamer’s biggest moneymakers.

They might have it. However, Shrinking will need to overcome its major flaws to become something truly worth watching.

If you’re gunning for a job at Apple (or anywhere in the tech sector, for that matter) you’ve got nothing to lose by learning Python — and a lot to gain. This computer language consistently ranks among the top platforms that programmers use in a variety of fields, from data analytics to cutting-edge AR.

If you’re on the outside looking in, you might think that this kind of versatility means Python is a tool only experts can wield. But one of the best things about this computer language is how easy it is to learn, especially when you’re learning with this Python certification bundle.

If you have been eyeing Apple’s Studio Display for a while but choking on the $1,599 price, Amazon has currently discounted it by an amazing $300.

Post the discount, you can get the Studio Display for $1,299, saving 19% from the regular cost.

Apple’s drive to make all its own processors hit a bump in the road. It’s reportedly stopped development on chips to add Wi-Fi to its devices, and will instead keep outsourcing these.

The reason is simple: Apple doesn’t have enough talented engineers to design all the chips it wants. It’s putting most of its available resources into Mac and iPhone processors.

Calling them “the world’s 1st LE-Audio ANC true wireless earbuds,” EarFun plans to launch its new flagship Air Pro 3 active noise-canceling (ANC) wireless earbuds Thursday, February 2. The company recently sent me a pair to try out.

True to form, EarFun brings good value for the price with these buds, as it has with others. They’re not perfect, but for discounted pre-launch and launch prices at or below $60, you can’t really go wrong. See below for more details about the buds, including LE Audio.

Whether you do any kind of work on a Mac or PC, chances are you need at least one of the tools in the Microsoft Office suite. This suite has everything a professional needs, and boasts several features that can make you more productive in every stage of development, whether that’s creating documents or compiling data.

If you’ve been holding off on buying these essential apps, the time to buy them is now. Cult of Mac readers can get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for just $29.99.

Apple’s entry-level M1 iMac is down to its lowest price of $1,099.99 after a massive $200 discount. The machine carries an MSRP of $1,299.

You can get a similar $200 discount on the 8-core M1 variant, dropping its price to $1,299.99 after a $200 off.

Claims that Apple is phoning home to analyze every image on your Mac have been proven false. Jeffrey Paul, security researcher and consultant, claimed early last week that his Mac was sending small bits of data to Apple every time he clicked on an image on his computer.

After Paul’s claims caused a bit of a stir, researchers got to the bottom of what was actually happening. Not only did they conclude the network activity was innocent — it was caused by a bug that’s already been patched in the latest macOS update.

Apple TV+ brought back surfing competition documentary Make or Break for a second season that starts February 17. The trailer pumps up the surfers’ desperation to win the coveted World Surf League Championship title.

“Season 2 … I guess we weren’t that bad,” one surfer chuckled. Sure, the show is back, but in the trailer it looks like some of the surfers could be done for good if they don’t do better.

Upgrading our Apple products is something we do regularly, but how often do you upgrade your kitchen knives? If you can’t remember the last time you gave your cooking tools an overhaul, it may be time to find a new, high-quality tool that can do it all.

With this Japanese chef’s knife, you can put a multi-use tool in your rack for all your slicing and dicing. And it’s now on sale for just $79.99 (a 73% discount).

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 could feature faster Wi-Fi 6E support for faster data transmission speeds. The company’s 2023 Mac mini and MacBook Pro feature the latest Wi-Fi standard.

Wi-Fi 6E adoption is still in a nascent stage in the smartphone world, with very few high-end devices supporting it.

Attach the Twelve South BackPack to an iMac and you can use it to hide accessories behind the desktop computer’s screen, saving on visible clutter.

Despite the name, the device isn’t really a backpack. It’s an aluminum shelf that attaches to the Mac’s stand.

Apple dropped its trade-in values for many older iPhone models. The decrease is as much as $80 for some.

Even so, used iPhones retain for value for a long more time, and can be worth hundreds of dollars off the price of a new model. Or just trade them in for an Apple gift card.

If there is one thing every person should have in their emergency arsenal, it’s a solar generator. With this HomePower One bundle — which includes a solar generator, a backup battery and two panels — you can ensure your home and devices will stay running no matter the situation.

Plus, it’s great for taking on camping trips and other outings. It’s on sale now for $1,299.99.

Apple TV+ has a trio of new children’s shows coming this spring. There’s Eva the Owlet and Frog and Toad, plus Jane, inspired by the work of primatologist Jane Goodall.

And that’s not all. Apple’s streaming service already has many shows for children, and several of these will get new seasons soon. Apple is also bringing back A Charlie Brown Valentine in February.

Those eager for their first glimpse at Apple’s VR/AR headset should check out a concept design that might well be our best look yet at a product supposedly coming later this year.

It’s heavily based on leaked info about the upcoming virtual reality/augmented reality device — possibly called the “Reality Pro” — but with style added.

Creative Zen unveiled its Air active-noise-cancelling (ANC) earbuds at CES 2023 and now you can buy them in the U.S.

For stylish, stemmed ANC earbuds with Ambient Mode, relatively long battery life and other solid features, they look like a good value at $45.

HomePod 2 and (surprise!) HomePod mini both include temperature and humidity sensors. These can be used by Apple’s Home app to control HomeKit accessories. Or just tell you how hot or cold it is in your living room.

Here’s how to use the sensors in Apple’s large and small smart speakers.

Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Hal Howell recently shipped his computer setup to Cult of Mac for inspection, so to speak. He emailed photos and words, anyway.

He runs an Intel Mac mini with an outboard engine of sorts on it for extra graphics processing power, plus Satechi USB-C hubs with extra ballast (er, storage).

Check out the full manifest of the Navy man’s gear below.

When it comes to cybersecurity, most VPN services can feel like a protection racket. You’re basically shelling out a monthly fee to get safe passage navigating open Wi-Fi. But savvy online citizens should know there’s another option. Decentralized VPN can now be set up through hardware like this nifty, lightweight DPN adapter from Deeper Connect.

There are two distinct advantages to making the switch. First, you’ll have a portable DPN that can work on multiple devices globally. Second, you’ll only have to pay once to secure your online data and internet. And right now, you can save $100 on this handy hardware.

Apple has not given up on updating the underlying architecture for its Home app. After initially pulling the upgrade, the company is working on version 2 and could release it soon.