Mobile menu toggle

Reviews - page 57

IOGear Share Pro sheds the HDMI cable for wireless video [Review]

By

IOGear Share Pro is a wireless video adapter
The IOGear Share Pro takes the place of a huge HDMI cable, and plugs right into your MacBook.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Wirelessly connecting a MacBook to a TV is a snap with the IOGear Share Pro. It uses the computer’s USB-C port to stream video to a screen up to 60 feet away, no wires needed.

I fully tested this accessory. Dive in to see how it preforms in regular use.

I hated the iPad Pro Smart Folio Keyboard, but now I love it

By

Smart Keyboard Folio
As a keyboard, the Smart Keyboard Folio makes a great stand.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

I picked up the Smart Folio Keyboard for my iPad Pro a few weeks back, because I was traveling and needed to do some work on the go. I’ve avoided the expensive accessory in the past, because a regular Bluetooth keyboard is so much better — on paper anyway. Even the most basic Bluetooth keyboard offers far more essential features than Apple’s own keyboard case. But after trying the Apple keyboard, I like it a lot. The keys themselves are still awful, but the convenience factor is off the charts.

Secret Oops! brings silly spy-themed AR fun to Apple Arcade [Review]

By

Secret Oops! is AR fun on Apple Arcade
Secret Oops! puts its virtual 3D game board in your living room.
Screenshot: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Mix a bumbling spy, a secret base, and a lot of augmented reality and you’ll get Secret Oops!, the latest addition to Apple Arcade. This innovative children’s game from MixedBag shows a virtual 3D game board in the real world through the magic of AR.

I explored the possibilities of Secret Oops!; read on to see what I found.

Why the iConnectAudio4+ is the best audio interface for iPad and Mac

By

iConnectAudio4+ is the best gift you can buy for your iPad. And your Mac.
This is the best gift you can buy for your iPad. And your Mac.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

The iConnectAudio4+ isn’t a new product. It’s been around for a few years. And this isn’t really a review. This article will be more of a PSA, telling you about a unique input device can change how you use your iPad for audio.

The feature that sets the iConnectAudio4+ apart from other USB audio interfaces is that it can connect to two computers at once, and send audio to both. It can even route audio — digitally — between your Mac and your iPad.

Doqo turns iPad Pro into MacBook with 7 ports [Review]

By

Doqo keyboard with 12.9-inch iPad Pro
The Doqo keyboard with 12.9-inch iPad Pro has advantages even over a MacBook.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Anyone who longs for the days when MacBooks came with tons of ports can look to the Doqo, an iPad Pro keyboard case that includes a pair of USB-A ports, HDMI, memory card readers, and more. There’s also a trackpad and full-size keyboard. This could be the touchscreen laptop you’ve been hoping for.

I’ve extensively used the Doqo keyboard with a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and explore its advantages and problems in this review.

Lepow portable display is a perfect companion for your MacBook [Review]

By

Lepow 15.6-Inch USB-C Portable Monitor
Photographing a display is difficult, so the Lepow 15.6-Inch USB-C Portable Monitor looks better than this.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

MacBooks are wonderfully portable but a laptop display can be cramped for getting serious work done. The Lepow 15.6-Inch USB-C Portable Monitor is so slim and light it can easily go with you and double your available screen space.

I fully tested this surprisingly affordable USB-C monitor. Read my review to see how well it performs in the real world.

The best USB-C hubs for Mac and iPad 2019

By

Best-USB-C-hubs-2019
There are plenty of good USB-C hubs, but here are Cult of Mac’s favorites.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Nothing expands the capabilities of your Mac or iPad Pro more than a good USB-C hub. Plug one in and you can connect to TVs and tons of other peripherals, including external storage.

There’s an immense variety of these, depending on whether you want portability or a huge number of ports. There are even hubs designed specifically to clip to the side of an iPad.

To help you find the best USB-C hubs, Cult of Mac compiled this list of our favorites.

Sleek wireless charger has your iPhone covered in 3 ways [Review]

By

Review of RapidX MyPort wireless charger
It's a wireless charging stand as well as a stand-in for on-the-go charging.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

Many wireless chargers are designed to serve three mobile devices. The RapidX MyPort is made to selflessly serve one device in three different ways.

MyPort is first a smartphone stand to wirelessly charge your iPhone. But the vertical charging element has a restless side. It begs to be detached from the base to travel as a companion to your iPhone. It works as a portable wireless charger. And, with its two USB ports (one USB-A, one USB-C), it becomes a quick-charging wired power bank.

Keychron K2 is the only mechanical keyboard you should get for iPad [Review]

By

keychron k2
Clickety-clacky, there's no going back
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

You probably need a keyboard. If you have an iMac, then you already have the one Apple included the box. If you have an iPad or a MacBook, then you should have that thing up on a stand at eye level, with a keyboard and mouse/trackpad attached so you don’t kill your neck/back/wrists. And if you want a clicky keyboard that works great with all three, then pretty much your best (and only) option is the Keychron K2, a beautiful, solid little device that can work with just about any device you have.

These stocking stuffers are the perfect gift for tech lovers

By

stocking stuffers 2019
You don't have to give a big gift to make someone's holiday memorable with these great stocking stuffers.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The holidays are near, and the season of gift-giving is here. Finding that perfect something for your loved ones can be tricky, but sometimes it’s the little things that really make the difference.

Whether it’s a stocking stuffer, a secret Santa gift or you just need something quick and easy, these are five excellent gift ideas to point you in the right direction.

Space-saving USB-C docking stand sports a whopping 11 ports [Review]

By

Brando 11-In-1 Hub Type-C Docking Stand adds all the ports you could want
Brando’s Docking Stand adds nearly a dozen ports, both common and obscure.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Forget your frustrations with the minimal number of ports on your MacBook or iPad Pro. The Brando 11-In-1 Hub Type-C Docking Stand lets you connect virtually any peripheral to your computer. There’s a trio of USB-A ports, Ethernet, HDMI and an SD card reader. And that’s only the start.

Get the full list, and see how well this multi-port stands up to real world use, in this review.

Rotor Riot iPhone game controller lets you kick more ass in Apple Arcade [Review]

By

Rotor Riot Wired Game Controller plays well with Apple Arcade.
Rotor Riot Wired Game Controller is like plugging an Xbox controller into your iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

While the 100+ games on Apple Arcade are designed for touchscreens, many of them are more fun with a physical controller. That can be one from an Xbox or Playstation, but the Rotor Riot Wired Game Controller is a better option for iPhones because of its built-on phone stand and Lightning connector.

I tested this surprisingly-affordable MFi controller with some of the best titles on Apple’s gaming service. Read on to see why I’m so impressed by it.

Wonderful gifts for any Mac fan [Gift Guide 2019]

By

Mac-Gift-Guide-2019
Shopping for a Mac fan? Start here!
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

If you’re buying for an Apple fan who loves their Mac, there are loads of awesome gifts you should consider. We’ve rounded up the best to make your holiday shopping a little easier.

Gift-Guide-2019-bugWe’ve picked out the best headphones, mice, keyboards, and more so that you don’t have to spend hours hunting down the perfect purchase. And many of them are on sale today for Cyber Monday.

Now all you have to do is break out your wallet.

RAVpower travel router also connects iPhones to hard drives and SD cards [Review]

By

RAVpower FileHub Travel Router is also a hub.
RAVpower FileHub Travel Router does far more than its name indicates.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Life on the road can be a hassle, even with an iPhone, but there’s a lot the RAVpower FileHub Travel Router can do to make it easier. It’s a battery, a hub with a USB port and SD card reader, and (naturally) a travel router.

I road tested every feature of this accessory. Read on to see if it deserves a place in your travel kit.

Awesome gifts for any Apple Watch fan [Gift Guide 2019]

By

Apple-Watch-Gift-Guide-2019
Shopping for an Apple Watch fan? Start here!
Image: Killian Bell

It couldn’t be easier to buy holiday gifts for loved ones who own an Apple Watch. There are so many wonderful accessories out there for the best-selling smartwatch on the planet.

Gift-Guide-2019-bugAnd Cult of Mac can help you find the best. Our Apple Watch gift guide includes our favorite bands, charging stands, wireless headphones, and more. Any many of them are now on sale for Black Friday.

Now you have no excuse to leave your holiday shopping until the last minute.

M. Night Shyamalan’s Servant is unsettlingly good fun [Review]

By

Apple TV+ series Servant accused of ripping off Sundance movie
There's nothing creepy about a nanny cradling a fake baby, right?
Photo: Apple

A spooky nanny. A creepy baby. And a whole bunch of crazy plot twists. It can only be Servant, M. Night Shyamalan and Tony Basgallop’s psychological horror series for Apple TV+.

The series debuted on Thanksgiving, and I’ve already hungrily snarfed down the first 30-minute episode. While I’m not yet sure if it’s enjoyable junk food or a balanced, healthy meal, I liked it a whole lot. Check out my episode one Servant review.

Brilliant gifts for any iPad fan [Gift Guide 2019]

By

iPad-Gift-Guide-2019
Shopping for an iPad fan? Start here!
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Black Friday is upon us, which means it’s a great time to start your holiday shopping. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to buy — Cult of Mac is here to help you choose the best gifts for the iPad lover in your life.

Gift-Guide-2019-bugYou’ll find the best headphones, speakers, game controllers, and keyboards in our iPad gift guide for 2019. And there’s something to suit every budget.

So, when you’ve finished scoffing down that turkey, check out the roundup below.

Amazing gifts for any iPhone fan [Gift Guide 2019]

By

iPhone-Gift-Guide-2019
Don't know what to buy? Let Cult of Mac help.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

With so many iPhone accessories available today, it’s hard to know where to start when buying holiday gifts for the iPhone lover in your life. But Cult of Mac can help.

Gift-Guide-2019-bug

We’ve rounded up some of the best accessories out there for iPhone owners. We’ve got great cases, superb headphones, gorgeous charging stands, and more.

Prices start at just $25, and many of the products are currently on sale for Black Friday. Snap them up while they’re cheap!

10 Apple books every fan should read [Gift Guide 2019]

By

Books-Gift-Guide-2019
These books offer rare insights into an incredibly secretive company.
Image: Killian Bell

Gift-Guide-2019-bugWhether you’re buying for yourself or a friend or family member, there’s no shortage of great books about Apple. But with so many millions of words written about the Cupertino company over the years, which books most deserve your time?

Allow Cult of Mac‘s gift guide to fill you in on the 10 Apple books that deserve space on your shelf.

Double-insulated touchscreen gloves fight the frost [Review]

By

Mujjo touchscreen gloves with iPhone
Touch sensitive and toasty.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

For the longest time, winter gloves had one job: Keep our hands warm. When smartphones came along, things got complicated for gloves.

Consumers demanded a fabric conductive enough for our gloved hands to work our touchscreens. Simple enough — except, of course, on really cold days, when fingers inside those typically thin touchscreen gloves felt like icicles.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is amazing, but it’s still a Mac [Review]

By

MacBook Pro review
It's about time!
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

There’s a great Steve Jobs story that somehow seems relevant in a 2019 MacBook Pro review. You probably know it, but I’ll tell it anyway. After the iPad launch, Jobs supposedly walked into a meeting with the Mac team, carrying an iPad. He woke up the iPad, which happened instantaneously. Then he woke up a Mac, which took a while to come out of sleep. Then he asked something like, “Why doesn’t this do that?”

Today, he might take the iPad Pro, and the brand new top-of-the-line MacBook Pro, start them both editing a few images, and wait for the fans to spin up on the Mac. While it cranks up to leaf-blower levels, he’d point at the silent iPad, and make some scathing quip.

The new 16-inch MacBook Pro is an incredible computer that’s let down by the red-hot Intel chips inside. Apple’s cool, fast, super-powerful A-series ARM chips can’t come to the Mac soon enough. Using this Intel machine after using an ARM-powered iPad for several years, the Mac feels like there’s something wrong with it. And yet, barely 24 hours into owning one, I absolutely love it.

OtterBox Strada wraps your iPhone 11 and credit cards in leather [Review]

By

OtterBox Strada Case protects and beautifies your iPhone 11
The OtterBox Strada leather folio wallet case is a both tough and attractive.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Combining your iPhone case with your wallet is an easy way to simplify your life. Take the OtterBox Strada for the iPhone 11, which offers slots to hold multiple cards, while also wrapping around the front, back and sides of your handset. A leather exterior gives it a luxurious look and feel.

I used an OtterBox Strada for weeks — here’s how it stood up in daily use.

The best accessories for your new 16-inch MacBook Pro

By

WaterField Designs Executive Leather Laptop Briefcase
Bag 'em! It's time to accessorize that monster laptop.
Photo: WaterField Designs

Your shiny new 16-inch MacBook Pro arrives this week, and of course you want to deck it out with all the latest accessories. What you need will depend on what you use your computer for, but almost everyone will want a case, a keyboard and a mouse. And there are plenty of other MacBook Pro accessories you might need to get the job done.

Check out our guide for dongles, cables and even battery packs that will help you get the most out of your new MacBook Pro.