Mobile menu toggle

Reviews - page 61

Take wireless charging on the go with the Powerstation Hub [Review]

By

Mophie Powerstation Hub review
The Mophie Powerstation Hub can charge a Mac, iPhone and iPad all at once.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Powerstation Hub is a powerbank with an extra trick: wireless charging. There’s no reason to leave the convenience of wireless power at home when you can take it with you anywhere. This accessory also sports USB-C and dual USB-A ports, plus there are built-in AC power prongs for easy recharging.

We kicked the tires on this mobile battery. Come see how it performed in our tests.

This charging cable is so tough it’s wearing chainmail [Review]

By

Fuse Chicken Shield review
No hyperbole: the Fuse Chicken Shield is truly sheathed in chainmail.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Shield charging cable from Fuse Chicken is literally wearing stainless steel chainmail. It seems designed to survive battle with orcs, or at least the dangers it might run into on a job site. Amazingly enough, this company’s Titan cable is even more rugged, being wrapped in two layers of flexible steel.

There are Lighting and USB-C versions of both, and we took them into battle to test their mettle. Actually, we towed a car with one, and hit the other with a hammer. Read on to see how they survived.

HyperDrive 9-in-1 multi-port hub is surprisingly slender [Review]

By

Sanho HyperDrive Power 9-in-1 USB-C Hub
The HyperDrive Power has an extra-long USB-C cable so iPad Pro users can take advantage of its many ports.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

USB-C hubs with a profusion of ports are hot now, but Sanho’s HyperDrive Power is far sleeker than any of its rivals. And it doesn’t sacrifice connectivity options for its svelte profile, offering a trio of USB-A ports, dual memory card readers, HDMI, a headphone jack and even Ethernet.

Our review involved testing all nine ports, which took a while. Read on to see if the HyperDrive Power deserves a place in your gear bag.

Apple Card is as friendly as a credit card can be [Review]

By

Apple Card
Everything about the Apple Card is well designed, even the package it comes in.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A credit card is a departure from Apple’s usual computers and accessories, but the Apple Card is just as gorgeous and the associated software every bit as easy to use as an iPhone or Mac.

I’m among the first cardholders, so here’s what it’s like to carry an Apple Card.

This is the handiest travel battery you can buy [Review]

By

As battery packs go, this one looks pretty good.
As battery packs go, this one looks pretty good.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

The ZMI PowerPack 20000 is the most useful backup battery you can buy. It packs a huge, 20,000mAh battery that can power a MacBook and two other devices at the same time. Plus, you can quick charge it via USB. And it can even work as a USB data hub.

This 14.29-ounce (405 gram) brick might be overkill for daily juicing of your iPhone, but for everything else it’s amazing.

This is the most beautiful multi-device wireless charger we’ve ever seen [Review]

By

Courant Catch:2 review
The Courant Catch:2 is simultaneously gorgeous and extremely functional.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Like the AirPower charger Apple wasn’t able to deliver, the Courant Catch:2 can wirelessly send power to multiple devices placed anywhere on its charging mat — there’s no need to carefully arrange them. Plus, this accessory truly looks like the luxury product it is, with a handsome leather exterior.

Power through my review of this just-released product, which I tested with recent and older iPhones.

IQbuds Boost wireless earbuds also help you hear better [Review]

By

Nuheara IQbuds Boost
Beyond just music, IQbuds Boost make it easier to listen to friends and family.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Nuheara’s IQbuds Boost work as Bluetooth headphones, but that’s only the start. They are really for people who need just a bit of help hearing. They aren’t true hearing aids, but might actually be better.

Take a listen to my review of these high-end wireless earbuds, along with an optional Bluetooth accessory that connects them to your TV.

Inateck’s USB-C hub brings back ports you forgot you need [Review]

By

Inateck 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
This 8-port hub lets you hook your Mac or iPad Pro up to almost anything.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The designers of Inateck’s latest USB-C hub obviously believe that too much is never enough. It has eight ports, including the typical USB-A and HDMI ones but also some real legacy ports, including Ethernet and even VGA. There’s also a built-in removable USB-C cable for use on the go.

There’s a lot to test here, but I put this full-featured hub through its paces. Plug into my review to see what I learned.

Smart gear case corrals cords and small accessories [Review]

By

The Developer's Gear Case from WaterField Designs
The Developer's Gear Case gives you one place for cords and accessories small and bulky.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

The Developer’s Gear Case from WaterField Designs looks like a bespoke Bible case your pastor had custom made after he sent around an extra collection plate at Sunday service.

But have faith, for the inside of the case will deliver you from the hell of tangled cords. And it will end the searches for the smaller tech accessories that are constantly lost in your backpack or shoulder bag.

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.