Hardware

My favorite iPad stand is getting an upgrade

Jim Gresham ∙ July 17, 2017

On November 27, 2013, I gave a gushing review of the MiStand, where I claimed the stand was "my new go-to dock, with a small simple and highly functional design." Today, I am still confident in that claim, as the MiStand has not left my kitchen counter since that initial review almost four full years ago. I use it regularly to hold my iPad, while working in the kitchen, watching videos or FaceTiming family. Consequently, I was very excited to learn about MiStand+, which is currently raising funds via Indiegogo for an upgraded version.

My favorite accessories to use with the 2016-2019 MacBook Pro

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated July 1, 2023

Last year, I shared a roundup of my favorite accessories for my 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro. Times have since changed, and I was recently convinced to pick up a new 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro.

In this piece, I’ll pick up where I left off in my previous post by going over additional accessories that I consider essentials for my 2017 MacBook Pro. Worthy of note, these should all work with the 2016 MacBook Pro too.

How to test your RAM’s integrity with MemTest86

Joaquim Barbosa ∙ Updated November 2, 2018

If you've been experiencing strange behaviour from your computer, or have recently upgraded or replaced your RAM, it might be a good idea to test its integrity. This ensures that it is installed correctly, that no part of it has failed, and that it has no intermittent problems.

iMac Pro tech specs

Anthony Bouchard ∙ June 5, 2017

Apple discontinued the Mac Pro to work on a completely new kind of all-in-one computer that has comparable specs. They're going ahead and calling it the iMac Pro, and behind that super sexy space gray finish is a ton of computing power that appeals to professionals who need the extra processing power.

In this piece, we'll talk about the tech specs of the iMac Pro, which was just announced by Apple at WWDC 2017.

Meet HomePod, the new Apple speaker

Anthony Bouchard ∙ June 5, 2017

Apple is taking a new responsibility in the world of delivering music to your home by unveiling the HomePod, a new wireless speaker and assistant for your house.

This intelligent new wireless speaker uses similar technology to what’s available in the AirPods, except it’s incredibly more advanced on both the software and hardware ends of things.

New 2017 iPad Pro tech specs

Anthony Bouchard ∙ June 5, 2017

Among all the new gadgets and accessories Apple unveiled at WWDC 2017, a revamped iPad Pro was one of the lead attention-grabbers. In this piece, we'll go over the tech specs of both the new 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

HomePod tech specs

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated August 3, 2018

Apple’s HomePod was by far one of the most exciting announcements at WWDC 2017. A totally new kind of technology for Apple’s realm of expertise, HomePod is a speaker system that also acts as a Siri virtual assistant and HomeKit controller, among other things.

In this piece, we’ll go over the HomePod’s tech specs so that you have an idea of what kind of technology is packed into the new accessory.

Twelve South’s BookArc stand for Apple notebooks now available in Space Gray

Anthony Bouchard ∙ June 1, 2017

Twelve South just launched a new Space Gray color option for its popular BookArc stand for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro on Thursday.

It's intended to look great with the OEM Space Gray color Apple offers for its MacBook with Retina display and 2016 MacBook Pro (with or without the Touch Bar), and it joins the classic silver finish, made to match the standard aluminum finish of the previous generation MacBook Pro, along with other notebooks in Apple's lineup.

How to install macOS 10.12 Sierra on unsupported Mac hardware

Joaquim Barbosa ∙ Updated January 26, 2023

With macOS Sierra, Apple dropped support for some of its hardware models for the first time in several years. Citing various incompatibilities and hardware deficiencies, they cut out a large swathe of machines from running Sierra. However, many Mac owners have questioned their motives, observing that some machines have made the cut whilst their more powerful contemporaries (such as the MacBook Pro) have mysteriously been left behind.

This led some to conclude that Apple is simply raising the bar to encourage hardware upgrades, and that there is often no incontrovertible hardware reason which dictates the unsupported machines. In many cases this turned out to be true, and with a few tweaks and amendments many of the "unsupported" machines have been brought back into the fold by a tool by dosdude1, called macOS Sierra Patcher. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to use the tool to install macOS 10.12 Sierra on older Mac hardware, which claims not to support it.

Aukey’s Ora 2-in-1 lens system for iPhone helps expand your mobile photography capabilities

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated February 4, 2017

I know a lot of people who take their iPhone photography seriously, and a number of them use the stock iPhone camera in all of its glory, while a select few use hardware lens attachments that can enhance the capabilities of their iPhone cameras beyond what software can.

In this review, we’ll show you a very affordable, yet high-quality 2-in-1 lens attachment option from Aukey called the Ora, which lets you experience both detailed macro shots and incredible wide angle shots.

Fitbit buys Pebble’s software assets, but cancels new hardware

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 19, 2018

Fitbit, the maker of popular activity and fitness trackers, has officially acquired Pebble. The deal was finalized this morning, both companies have said.

The acquisition includes all of Pebble's software assets, but excludes any hardware. Yup, that's right—looks like the Pebble smartwatch is officially dead.

“Due to various factors, Pebble is no longer able to operate as an independent entity,” the company said. “We have made the tough decision to shut down the company and no longer manufacture Pebble devices.”

Ottm is a stunning hardwood wrist band for your Apple Watch

Anthony Bouchard ∙ November 25, 2016

Back in March, a really sweet Indiegogo campaign for a trio of Apple Watch wrist bands made completely of wood dubbed Ottm was announced, and now the first units are making their way from the production line over to the hands of consumers.

We've finally got ours after months of waiting, and we've excited to show you what we think about them.