Mobile menu toggle

Reviews - page 60

Best iPad Pro keyboard cases for people on the go [Reviews]

By

The Smart Keyboard Folio turns the iPad into a laptop, but there are better options.
The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is the best-known iPad Pro keyboard case, but it’s not the best option for everyone.
Photo: Andrea Nepori

Add a keyboard to your iPad Pro and it becomes a powerful but extremely portable laptop. So many people see the potential that companies make an array of keyboard cases. The range of designs gives buyers choices depending on what they want most: portability, protection, price, etc.

We’ve tested plenty of them; here are our picks for the best available.

Kanex USB-C hub becomes part of your iPad Pro [Review]

By

Kanex iAdapt 6-in-1 Multiport USB Type-C Docking Station review
The Kanex iAdapt Docking Station clips securely to your iPad Pro, adding significantly to its capabilities.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Kanex’s USB-C hub clips solidly to the side of your 2018 iPad Pro, adding HDMI and USB-A ports, dual memory card readers, and even a 3.5mm audio jack. It can be used alongside Apple’s popular keyboard folio or without.

This latest entry in the iAdapt line offers a very unusual design that wraps around a corner of the tablet, so we tested to see how well it stands up to real-world use.

6 classic Mac games you can enjoy on iOS

By

Flashback
This was a game-changer for computer games back in the day.
Image: MobyGames

With a constant stream of new, console-quality games in the iOS App Store, and subscription gaming service Apple Arcade on the way, there’s arguably never been a better time to be an Apple gamer. Yet despite all the great new iOS games, sometimes you just want to relive your misspent youth.

This week, Paul Cuisset’s classic Mac platformer Flashback blasted its way into the App Store. To mark the occasion, we dug up some of the best classic games that graced vintage Macs but now can be played on your iOS device. Check them out.

Dump the HDMI cable with IOGear’s SharePro Mini [Review]

By

IOGear SharePro Mini
The SharePro Mini can really cut down on the clutter around your TV.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

IOGear has a simple, wireless replacement for HDMI cables. The SharePro Mini creates its own little Wi-Fi network to stream video between a small transmitter and receiver, connecting your MacBook and TV without a wire. There are some limitations, of course.

We’re been testing this gadget for weeks. Tune in to see if it’s something you need for your living room, or for your next presentation.

StayGo hub offers all the ports your Mac is missing [Review]

By

Twelve South StayGo review
The StayGo is an 8-port USB-C hub designed to be used in the office or on the road.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

TwelveSouth has a hub for those who remember the days when MacBooks came with USB-A, Ethernet, and video ports. This uses a single USB-C port to bring back six legacy ports.

On top of that, the StayGo comes with a 1-meter cable for use on your desktop, plus a short built-in cable for plugging in on the road.

Is this the hub your Mac needs? Read on to find out.

Mophie’s newest iPhone battery case is surprisingly svelte [Review]

By

Mophie Juice Pack Air review
The Juice Pack Air expands your iPhone’s battery life without also expanding your pocket.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The latest Juice Pack Air from Mophie proves iPhone battery cases don’t have to be bulky. This one is relatively slender, while still extending the time between recharges a considerable amount. There’s even room for a Lightning port as well as wireless charging.

Find out what it’s like to use this accessory designed for the 2018 iPhone models in our hands-on review.

Ullu Pocket Wallet wraps your iPhone XS in luxurious leather [Review]

By

Ullu-Pocket-Wallet-1
Treat yourself with 20% off everything.
Photo: Adel Neal/Cult of Mac

When you spend upwards of $1,000 on a smartphone, you shouldn’t rely on a $3 case to keep it safe. You should protect your investment by lavishing it in luxurious leather that keeps (almost) every inch of it suitably covered up.

That’s what I did with the gorgeous Ullu Pocket Wallet.

Handcrafted from Italian calf leather, this case carries your iPhone and credit cards in a compact, stylish package that won’t weigh you down. It protects your handset from scratches, scuffs, and dirt without getting in your way.

It’s also on sale right now — and you should get your own.

Fuse Chicken Universal charger with battery takes on the world [Review]

By

Fuse Chicken Universal
The Fuse Chicken Universal is ready for your next international vacation.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Anyone headed for Europe or Australia needs a way to charge their iPhone or MacBook, and the Fuse Chicken Universal is ready. Despite its ridiculous name, this is a serious international charger and 6700mAh battery. Even better, it can wirelessly power up your iPhone.

We went on the road with this handy charger. Here’s what we found out.

Satechi dual HomeKit plug makes your outlets smarter [Review]

By

Satechi Dual Smart Outlet review
This smart plug could be the start of your home automation makeover.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Satechi’s dual-socket smart outlet lets you easily dip your toe into home automation. There’s nothing to install — you just plug it in — but the Dual Smart Outlet still allows you to control two different appliances from your iPhone, iPad, etc. It uses Apple’s HomeKit so it’s compatible with plenty of other accessories.

Find out how you can take a first step into controlling your home with Siri voice commands in our hands-on review.

Minix’s amazing USB-C hub is also a 240GB hard drive [Review]

By

Minix Neo Storage review
Minix Neo Storage is both a 4-port USB hub and an external SSD drive.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Minix Neo Storage is one of those inventions so clever they make you ask, “Why didn’t someone think of this before?” It combines into one small package two accessories many people carry around: an external hard drive with up to 240GB of capacity and a 4-port USB hub.

We tested it with both a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro. We’re sharing our real-world experience.

Best summer tech: Turn up the heat with these great gadgets [Reviews]

By

Summer tech
Summertime and the living is easy if your iPhone has the right gear.
Photo: Pexels

Summertime means everything from hitting the pool to heading out on vacation. And, of course, your tech is coming along for the ride.

We’ve compiled a collection of accessories you might find turn up the heat on summertime fun. There are smart glasses, travel chargers, wireless speakers and headphones, and more.

PhotoGrip Qi is a camera grip and wireless charger in one [Review]

By

Adonit PhotoGrip Qi
The Adonit PhotoGrip Qi is charging this iPhone XS Max while taking this picture.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Adonit actually found a way to make taking vacation pictures with your iPhone easier. The PhotoGrip Qi turns your phone into an old-school point-and-shoot. Plus it includes a tripod with a remote shutter button. On top of that, its flexible iPhone clamp wirelessly charges the handset.

I still remember the days before phone cameras. Come see how well Adonit did re-creating that experience.

myCharge battery sports built-in Lightning and USB-C cables [Review]

By

myCharge HubMax Universal with iPhone and iPad Pro
iPhone, iPad Pro, and myCharge HubMax Universal: you’re ready to go.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Hands up if this ever happens to you: you remembered your iPhone or iPad and an external battery but forgot the charging cable. That frustration isn’t possible with the myCharge HubMax Universal as it has both a Lightning and a USB-C cable built in. Even better, this 10050 mAh battery has a pair of wall prongs so it can plug straight into a socket.

Go on the road with me as I put the HubMax Universal through its paces.

Elevate your carry style with this roomy roll-top backpack [Review]

By

backpack review
Rosen is ready to find room for himself in a well-packed Moshi Captus backpack.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

Moshi passed a critical first test as I opened up the box containing a review unit of its new roll-top backpack the company calls Captus.

My wife liked the looks of it.

Over the years, she has seen me review backpacks and messenger bags and while I reach nuanced conclusions for each, her evaluations are consistently blunt – most bags skew masculine.

Uniq iPhone battery is also wireless charger and phone stand [Review]

By

Uniq HydeAir
The Uniq HydeAir sports several unique features along with the expected ones.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Uniq HydeAir isn’t your standard 10,000mAh external battery. Beyond USB-A and USB-C ports, it also lets you enjoy the benefits of wireless charging when traveling. And it even has a built-in stand for your phone.

Charge into our hands-on review to discover if HydeAir is right for you.

LG’s latest UltraFine 4K monitor is two big steps forward, half a step back [Review]

By

LG UltraFine 4K (2019) review
The updated LG UltraFine 4K is larger than its predecessor, and looks great.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The LG UltraFine 4K comes with a recommendation from Apple, and it’s not hard to see why: this 23.7-inch monitor was designed to work well with recent Mac models, and even the latest iPad Pro. There are several welcome enhancements in this latest version, but one change is less positive.

We went hands-on with this beautiful, $699.95 display so don’t miss our review.

Adonit Note is the affordable stylus your iPad needs [Review]

By

Adonit Note review
Adonit Note costs half and much, looks twice as good as Apple Pencil.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

More than artists want to draw on their iPad, and Adonit has just introduced a stylus for the rest of us. This lightweight accessory offers most of the features of the Apple Pencil, while costing far, far less.

We fully tested the Adonit Note iPad stylus, so be sure to read our review.

Dual wireless charger takes the fuss out of juicing up [Review]

By

Choetech Dual Wireless Fast Charger
Is a five-coil wireless charger bananas?
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

You wanted an AirPower, but Apple failed you. While the Choetech Dual Wireless Fast Charger does not pack all the advanced features of Apple’s infamous vaporware, this five-coil wireless charger does deliver several welcome advantages over standard Qi chargers.

And these come at a fraction of the price Cupertino probably planned to extract from your overburdened wallet. If you want to charge two devices at once, this could be the charger for you.

UAG Scout brings serious drop protection to iPad Pro with Apple keyboard [Review]

By

UAG Scout for iPad Pro
The UAG Scout shields both a 2018 iPad Pro and an Apple Smart Keyboard Folio.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Some third-party case makers have begun treating the iPad Pro with a Smart Keyboard Folio attached as a single device. Urban Armor Gear is the latest to introduce a lightweight protective case that goes around both, adding drop protection and an Apple Pencil holder.

Don’t miss our hands-on review of the UAG Scout Series, which is available for the most recent 12.9- and 11-inch iPad Pro.

Update April 27, 2020: UAG released a version of the Scout modified for the larger camera hump in the 2020 iPad Pro.

Your summer pool party needs Urbanears’ portable Bluetooth speaker [Review]

By

Urbanears Rålis review
Urbanears Rålis would be a welcome guest at your next pool party.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

No outdoor party is complete without music, and that requires a sound system that can be heard over plenty of other noise. The new Rålis from Urbanears delivers more than just the necessary volume: it sounds outstanding.

Check out our review of this high-end portable speaker.

iPad Pro case gets medieval on your tablet [Review]

By

Twelve South’s BookBook vol. 2
This is an iPad Pro case, believe it or not.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Twelve South’s BookBook vol. 2 goes beyond just protecting your expensive iPad Pro; it adds old-world charm. This case transforms Apple’s tablet into an elegant leather-bound hardcover book.

We tested the updated version of the BookBook with our 2018 iPad Pro, so don’t miss our hands-on review.

Are the Powerbeats Pro better than AirPods? [Review]

By

Powerbeat Pro in charging case
Order yours now!
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Back in 2014 – long before the AirPods – I picked up what would become my go-to fitness earbuds – the PowerBeats2. A year and a half later, the AirPods came out, replacing my PowerBeats2 that were literally falling apart.

Fast forward to now, and I’ve been using my AirPods – both my first gen, and more recently, my second gen – in almost every situation. I use them all the time and carry them almost everywhere I go. But sometimes I hate my AirPods. No matter how simple and convenient they are, they insist on slipping just a little when I wear them while exercising. And if there’s any background noise or wind, even the loudest volume is inaudible while wearing the AirPods.

Even with those minor drawbacks, they were my favorite headphones. Then I got the new Powerbeats Pro.

Miniature six-lead ECG is more accurate than Apple Watch [Updated Review]

By

AliveCor KardiaMobile 6L
The pocket-size AliveCor KardiaMobile 6L can take a six-lead ECG.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

AliveCor’s KardiaMobile 6L promises to be much more accurate than the heart monitor built into Apple Watch Series 4, and almost as easy to carry around. It’s the first personal ECG with three electrodes approved by the FDA to check the electrical activity of the heart.

We put this ultra-portable iPhone accessory to the test, as well as the more basic single-lead KardiaMobile, so don’t miss our reviews of each.