★★★★★
The Casemade Leather Laptop Case combines elegant design with a protective wool interior. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Love doesn’t have to be complicated. I can fall for a product just because it’s simply perfect, even though what it does isn’t very complex. That’s what happened with the new Casemade Leather Laptop Case.
It’s made of top-quality cowhide leather, with a wool interior… including a pocket. It zippers closed and cushions the computer without unnecessary bulk.
I’ve been happily carrying my notebook in this case because it’s simply beautiful and designed exactly right for what it does.
OWC Express 1M2 80G holds up to 8TB, or put in your own NVMe M.2 SSD. Photo: OWC
Professionals who need an SSD with terabytes of storage and crazy-fast data transfers have a new option: the OWC Express 1M2 80G. The drive offers up to 8TB of capacity, and because it uses Thunderbolt 5, the SSD offers 48GBps real-world data transfers.
It’s available in a range of storage capacities, or users can insert their own NVMe M.2 SSD.
★★★★☆
We went hands-on with the wee little Rolling Square Supertiny. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Rolling Square claims, “Supertiny is the smallest 65W GaN Charger ever.” It’s definitely very small, but can still quickly power up a MacBook or other full-size computer.
I put the claims to the test and came away impressed. I do have one caution, though.
The Plugable UD-7400PD means your Mac can have five additional screens. Photo: Plugable
If your job or your dream setup requires connecting five external monitors to your Mac, you need Plugable’s UD-7400PD. It supports up to four 4K displays and one 8K display… even on MacBooks that are supposed to be limited to one external screen. No rival dock can match that.
As a bonus, the dock adds USB-A ports, an Ethernet port and more.
★★★★★
The Espresso 15 Pro looks stunning. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Espresso 15 Pro offers everything Apple users want in a high-end portable monitor. 4K? Yes. Gorgeous. Oh, yeah. Touchscreen? Got it. USB-C? Check.
It has an all-aluminum body that makes it look great from any angle. And as a bonus, it comes with an innovative stand that lets you position the screen where you want it, even above your notebook.
I used the Espresso 15 Pro display in my home office and when working remotely, and am simply blown away. Here’s why.
Save on a lightweight second screen for your laptop. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Ever tried juggling spreadsheets, emails and a dozen open tabs on one tiny screen? That’s a one-way ticket to frustration. A laptop screen extender like Mobile Pixels’ Duex Plus DS can help.
This 13.3-inch portable second monitor might just become your laptop’s new best friend. The second screen instantly upgrades your setup, whether you’re working remotely, traveling or just flexing your multitasking skills. And for just $179.99 (regularly $259.99), it’s a deal too good to pass up. You can get this deal by using code DISPLAY20, but only through March 30 (and only while stock lasts).
The Zagg 6-Port Media Hub is ideal for fans of watching video on an iPad. Photo: Zagg
Don’t buy a separate stand and hub for your iPad until you check out the Zagg 6-port Media Hub that launched Wednesday. Add an HDMI port, a USB-A port and more to your tablet without taking up any more space on your desktop than a stand alone would.
Plus, it got a big brother: the Zagg Pro Dock is a stand for MacBooks with 10 ports, including dual HDMI and Ethernet.
These are part of a collection of new hubs from Zagg with a range of port options.
Wi-Fi isn’t your only option with a USB-C Ethernet adapter. Photo: Plugable/Cult of Mac
The new Plugable USBC-E5000 5Gbps USB-C Ethernet Adapter lets you add a wired internet connection to your MacBook. Simply plug it into a USB-C port on your computer for data transfers at up to 5Gbps, or 5000Mbps.
The affordable adapter, which launched Tuesday, also works with iPad and even recent iPhone models.
Save big on this advanced 25,000mAh power bank, which can fast-charge a MacBook and an iPhone at the same time. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
You know the feeling: You’re midflight, knee-deep in an important email or crushing it in a gaming session — and your laptop battery hits 1%. Panic mode activated. But with the Iniu Leopard 140W power bank, that nightmare (technically, it’s called nomophobia) never needs to happen again.
This airline-approved power bank isn’t just another bulky battery pack, either. It’s a fast-charging, multidevice powerhouse that can revive your MacBook Pro to 59% in just 30 minutes or juice up your iPhone 15 Pro Max to 71% before you finish your coffee. Loaded with advanced features and designed for everything from smartphones to gaming consoles, it’s the power solution you didn’t know you needed — but definitely do. And it’s on sale now for just $93.99.
★★★★★
espresso Display 15 stands out from its rivals. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The espresso Display 15 doubles down on appearance. Not only does it have a great-looking LCD, its aluminum-and-glass exterior makes the screen match a MacBook or iPad perfectly.
Even better, it comes with a clever magnetic stand that can hold the display above your notebook, or beside it if you prefer.
espresso’s 17-inch Pro version from 2023 is the best portable monitor I’ve used, so I went into my review of the smaller version with high expectations.
ESR’s Geo Digital Pencil is inexpensive but still offers a range of useful features. Photo: ESR
The Geo Digital Pencil from ESR costs a quarter of what Apple Pencil Pro does, but both iPad styli support Find My so they can be easily located. And they cling magnetically to an iPad, and can be used for writing or sketching.
In addition, ESR also unveiled a mouse that magnetically attaches to a MacBook for easy portability.
Mac users can grab this 13-in-1 docking station to add the ports they need. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Need more ports for your MacBook? This affordable docking station for MacBook Pro or MacBook Air packs a whole desktop’s worth of ports into a compact form that connects with a single USB-C cable.
espresso Display 15 with with Stand+ Photo: espresso Displays
The espresso Display 15, an ultra-thin 15-inch monitor, launched Tuesday. It boasts an aerospace aluminum casing, not the usual plastic, but a lower price than previous high-end portable displays from this company. It gets power and data from a MacBook or iPad via a single USB-C connection.
It’s paired with Stand+, an ergonomic stand with a surprising trick.
★★★★☆
You might not need a USB-C hub if you use this great-looking portable monitor. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Plugable 15.6” USB-C Portable Display connects to MacBook or iPad to add more screen space, but that’s only the start: it’s also a hub with a pair of high-speed USB-C ports available for external drives, a keyboard, etc.
As a person who regularly works outside of the office with an iPad Pro, I’m more than qualified to test this accessory for road warriors who are perpetually short of USB-C ports. Here’s why I love it.
You don't need to carry a cable with this new iPhone power bank from Belkin. Photo: Belkin
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K w/ Integrated Cable lets users charge their iPhone or other device without needing to worry about a separate USB-C cable. And it can juice up two devices at once.
Those who need more power can turn to Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro 3-Port Laptop Power Bank 20K.
★★★★☆
ProtoArc XK01 offers all this but folds for easy stowing. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The ProtoArc XK01 Tri-Fold Bluetooth Keyboard is ready to make your business trips more productive. It’s full size, with a numpad and function keys, too. But it folds down to fit easily in a briefcase.
It’s available solo, or with a travel mouse, or as the centerpiece of a bundle with the mouse plus a USB-C hub and multi-port wall charger.
I fully tested the folding keyboard with my 13-inch iPad Pro, plus the other components, too.
★★★★☆
Chargeasap Connect Pro can juice up an iPad but also your old micro-USB devices. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Chargeasap Connect Pro is a charging and data cable with a built-in power meter and swappable magnetic connectors. It’s ready to power up a broad variety of devices at up to 100W, and iPhone at up to 27W.
The high-quality cable is 4.75 feet long, and it comes with three magnetic connectors. And with the meter, you always know how much current is flowing.
I tested it with my Apple devices, and a bunch of others, too. Here’s how it performed.
★★★★☆
Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger: Powerful enough to be useful, small enough to go anywhere Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Happily, powerful USB chargers keep getting smaller. The new Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger is the most portable one I’ve ever used, but it still puts out enough juice to keep a MacBook, iPad and/or iPhone going.
I went hands-on to test the capabilities of this affordable accessory.
WD My Passport HDD is now available in capacities up to 6TB. Photo: Western Digital
Western Digital expanded its WD, WD_BLACK and SanDisk Professional product lineups with 2.5-inch portable HHDs that, for the first time, can hold 6TB of data.
Despite what some might expect, pricing is not through the roof. The new high-capacity hard drives (not SSDs) are available for under $200,and all cost less than $230.
★★★★★
Baseus Blade 2 is just the right shape to fit easily in a bag with your MacBook or iPad. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Baseus Blade 2 Ultra-Thin Laptop Power Bank is loaded with great features, including two USB-C ports, 12,000 mAh of capacity, a max of 65W output and a built-in status display.
But what sets it part from the pack is its design. It’s slim enough to go easily into bags designed for MacBook and iPad. And it’s relatively lightweight, too.
I tested the Baseus Blade 2 with my gear. Here’s how well the accessory lived up to its promise.
On sale: Baseus is offering $30 off the regular cost. But the deal ends soon.
Satechi's first mechanical keyboard won't take up much room on your desk. Photo: Satechi
The Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard offers a 75% layout with low-profile brown switches. It can connect with up to four computers, whether Mac, iPad, iPhone, Windows, etc.
The wired/wireless keyboard debuted at CES 2024, and is available now.
★★★★☆
espresso 17 Pro offers just about everything you could want in a mobile screen. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The espresso 17 Pro checks every box in a premium portable display. It sports a 4K resolution, touchscreen with stylus support, and a sleek design ready for on-the-go use.
The 17-inch screen is brilliant as a productivity enhancement when away from the office, but it’s also intended for digital artists to use everyday. Or just anyone who’d like a touchscreen Mac.
I tested the espresso 17 Pro in my home office and while traveling. Here’s why I love it.