Useful Mac Accessories Worth Checking Out

[MacRumors]

If you recently picked up one of the new M1 Macs that Apple released in November, or received a new Mac for the holidays, you may be in search of useful accessories to go along with it. In our latest YouTube video, we rounded up some great Mac accessories that are worth checking out.

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MacRumors videographer Dan has highlighted several of his favorite Mac products, ranging from storage options to displays, docks, and more. A list of what's in the video is below.

• WaterField Designs Vero Leather MacBook Sleeve ($119) - If you have MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air and are looking for a sleeve option, the Vero from WaterField Designs has a slim fit, protective design that slips right into a bag or backpack.
• WaterField Designs Executive Messenger Bag ($379) - Looking for something more than a sleeve? The Executive Leather Messenger Bag from WaterField Designs has lots of pockets for housing all of your accessories plus there's padding for your MacBook.
• Twelve South PlugBug Duo ($50) - The Plugbug Duo is a little add-on for your MacBook charger that provides two USB-A ports that can be used for your accessories, with power provided by the MacBook power adapter.
• Twelve South ParcSlope ($60) - The ParcSlope is a stand that's designed to elevate your MacBook or iPad to a more comfortable working position, raising the screen and adding additional airflow.
• LG UltraFine 4K Display ($700) - LG's 4K 23.7-inch display is an ideal companion for Apple Macs, given that it was designed for Apple devices. It connects over Thunderbolt 3, offers up to 85W of charging power, and it has two Thunderbolt 3 ports and three USB-C ports.
• Brydge Vertical Dock ($170) - The Vertical Dock from Brydge holds your MacBook upright and is a solid docking solution for using your machine in clamshell mode. It connects via two USB-C ports, and then there are an additional two accessible ports at the back of the dock.
• 13-inch LineDock ($349) - Designed for 13-inch machines, the LineDock is a docking solution that attaches to the bottom of your MacBook. It adds extra battery life and up to 1TB storage, plus it has 100W passthrough charging and a total of nine ports including HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, SD card slot, USB-A and USB-C options.
• Aukey PowerZeus 500 ($460) - If you need power for your devices in an emergency or while off the grid, Aukey's PowerZeus 500 offers a 518Wh capacity that can charge up a MacBook several times with enough juice left over for other devices. There's also the smaller Power Titan 300 if you don't need quite as much power.

What are your favorite Mac accessories that you would recommend to others? Let us know in the comments.

Article Link: Useful Mac Accessories Worth Checking Out

 

[Apple_Robert]

Good video, Dan.

 

[rKunda]

I just received the vero sleeve this week and it’s very nice. Much thicker than you’d think from the promo pics. Instead of a lined leather sleeve it’s really a pretty well padded case.

I have their bolt briefcase arriving today. Always eyed their products but never bought anything until this month.

No long term use yet, but their sales and support was stellar.

 

[jlc1978]

waterfield makes great products, I have 5 or 6 bags and sleeves and love them. Tom Bihn does as well.

I'd avoid the PlugBug. Neat idea, but not durable; mine came apart after a few years.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Skip the bridge dock unless you anticipate keeping your computer for a LONG LONG time.

I got one for my Retina MBP and it was awesome after some of the kinks were ironed out (mainly it's display port cable was crap and didn't trigger the MBP to operate in clamshell mode. Sending it to a dock first then out to the monitor helped.)

But once I purchased the Touch Bar version MBP the dock was a dead weight. Not only would it of course not work with the TBMBP it was hard to sell even as a combined set with the Retina.

A great product, but hard to get rid of once it becomes obsolete.

 

[pdaholic]

Dan’s videos are the best. Great setup and selection.

 

[Ken88]

$460 accessory? I almost could buy a powerful iPad Air 4 with that.

 

[OldCorpse]

I guess it’s just me, but I found these accessories a bit underwhelming. The sleeve seems OKish, but really nothing to write poems about.

I am interested in accessories, but this video did not hit the spot. A nice hub that’s truly multi C TB connector would be nice.

All in all - my rating “underwhelming”. Of course, that’s just me, YMMV.

 

[Johnny907]

Um. A bunch of overpriced accessories of dubious value.
How about the Incase Hardshell Dot Case? 50 bucks, looks great, fits various models like a glove and protects your Macbook from bumps, scratches and dents. Yes 50 bucks is a bit steep but after checking reviews from verified buyers on Amazon all the usual suspects that sell for 30 or less haven't yet been updated for the M1 models and either don't fit at all or fit poorly and block the full opening of the screen or start to snap and shatter from stress caused by a poor fit.
Thanks to the Hardshell I can toss my MBA into my messenger bag or carryon without stressing about it.

 

[PowerMacBook]

The only thing I thought might be maybe interesting is that solar panel, which doesn't appear in the list with links ;-)

 

[nathansz]

wow

none of these items are particularly useful and they are all INSANELY expensive for what they are

 

[Aoligei]

Wow... Those are some real expensive accessories... Living in Apple world must be elite exclusive...