| Cult of Mac

Apple’s beloved MagSafe connector could make a comeback

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Here's how to hack the new MacBook's power chime onto the Aiir and Pro. Photo: Apple
MagSafe is gone but not forgotten. Not at Apple, anyway.
Photo: Apple

Apple is exploring charging cables that attach to its devices with magnets. This is highly reminiscent of its discontinued MagSafe system.

Previously, this was a great way to keep MacBooks from being accidentally damaged but Apple stopped using it during the company’s transition to USB-C.

Get set to jet set with these travel tips and tools [Deals]

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Learn to explore the globe while spending less, earning more, and speaking new languages.
Learn to explore the globe while spending less, earning more, and speaking new languages.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Despite the amazing age of technology we live in, traveling isn’t any less of a hassle than it used to be. Luckily we’ve found some great options for taking the edge off next time you’re in line at a security checkpoint, trying to catch a snooze on a cramped train, or worried about your phone dying while on that international walking hike you’ve been waiting years to make. There’s plenty more than that here, take a look and see if there’s a travel companion here that’s right for you.

Enhance your computer or mobile with these awesome peripherals [Deals]

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Back up and expand your mobile capacity by 32 gigs without having to sign up for cloud storage.
Back up and expand your mobile capacity by 32 gigs without having to sign up for cloud storage.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks are great, but they can always be improved. Whether you’re looking to game better on your mobile or just make sure you’ve got a spare charger when your old one goes kaput, we’ve collected some of the best deals on peripherals for your portable tech.

2015’s best gear and gadgets from Cult of Mac Deals store [Deals]

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The epic shockproof, rain-resistant, external battery with solar charging.
The epic shockproof, rain-resistant, external battery with solar charging.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There’s not much time left to buy gifts but still plenty of amazing deals in the Cult of Mac Store to check out. If you’re looking for some new techy toys or tools that are guaranteed to please, let us make it a little easier on you. Have a look at the five best deals on gadgets and gear from 2015 on sale now:

It’s smart to play it safe with a second MagSafe 2 for your MacBook [Deals]

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MagSafe2
Do you have a backup plan?

If you’ve owned a MacBook for any amount of time, you know that the MagSafe charging brick has a limited lifespan. Besides getting scuffed up and grimy, the rubberized cables are prone to fray which is more than unsightly — the exposed power conducting wires can be dangerous. Add to that the risk of losing your MagSafe (which would never happen, right?), it’s a good idea to pick up this spare for almost half the normal price, only $42.99.

Count Again: The iPhone 5’s 8-Pin Dock Connector Really Has 9-Pins

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That 8-pin dock connector is really a 9-pin one upon closer inspection.
That 8-pin dock connector is really a 9-pin one upon closer inspection.

Will the next iPhone have an 8 pin or 9 pin dock connector? The iOS 6 beta says 9, but if you count the pins on the leaked dock components, there are only 8. Which is correct? Both: according to a new report, the new dock connector’s aluminum shell teams up with the 8 gold pins to make a ninth pin, resulting in 60% less real estate than the existing 30-pin connector, and better transfer rates with a fraction of the electrical contacts.

MagSafe To MagSafe 2 Adapter Unboxed, To Hilarious Effect [Humor]

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Ridiculous! Photo Paul Kafasis
Ridiculous! Photo Paul Kafasis

Apple is generally known not just for the minimal design of its products, but also for the minimal design of its packaging. But when it comes to the new MagSafe to MagSafe 2 adapter, the box is not only huge in comparison to its payload, it also consists of a frankly ridiculous number of individual parts. And Paul Kafasis, boss of Rogue Amoeba software, has the photos to prove it.