MacBook accessories convert iPhones into webcams, protect Apple computers from scratches or connect them to old USB devices. The X smartest gadgets for the MacBook at a glance.
Ever since Apple introduced its first MacBook on May 16, 2006, the mobile computer from the Californian tech giant has delighted its users. The product line is now 17 years old and is divided into the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. Of course, MacBooks have evolved over time, and after 17 years there are all sorts of useful, protective and decorative accessories for MacBooks.
MacBook Accessories: Dual Charger
Such as a charger that allows you to charge two devices at the same time. Anyone who travels a lot knows the problem that hotel rooms tend to have too few sockets to charge the iPhone and MacBook at the same time. Especially when an Apple Watch or tablet also needs electricity to survive. The remedy creates Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter. If you want it cheaper, grab it Belkin 40W USB-C PD Charger.
Adapters and hubs for MacBooks
Let’s stay with adapters for a moment. Modern MacBooks usually only have two Thunderbolt sockets. Although they offer a high data throughput, this is of little use if we want to move the data from an SD card to the MacBook or connect a mouse and keyboard to it. This is where USB-C dongles and the right adapters come in handy. For example, Apple itself has the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter on sale that shares USB-C HDMI, USB and power. He can do that too uni USB-C HDMI adapter 3 in 1 – just significantly cheaper.
For even more connection options, ideally use the Dockteck 7 USB-C Hub, which also offers an SD card reader, two USB-A sockets, an Ethernet port and of course the HDMI socket. If you only need USB-A sockets, you can also use the RUXELY USB-C connector that turns a USB-C socket into four USB-A ports. As you can see, when it comes to hubs and adapters, there are a multitude of options. Read the comparison of USB-C hubs to find out which docks and USB-C hubs are otherwise suitable for MacBooks.
MacBook Accessories: External Storage
Apple likes to gild internal storage, which is why most buyers choose the smallest storage version of a MacBook. However, the 128 or 256 gigabytes fill up quickly, especially when photos or videos are saved on them. External hard drives and SSDs can help.
The rule of thumb here is: If you need a lot of memory for little money, you can use a classic hard drive. If you want to quickly move large data back and forth between Mac and external storage, you are better off with an external SSD. For newer MacBooks, a USB-C connection with USB 3.2 Gen. 2 protocol is required if it is to be an SSD.
The USB protocol offers enough data throughput to enable the reading and writing speed of an SSD of 1000 megabytes per second. If the SSD writes and reads faster, it needs a Thunderbolt connection. An external SSD that will make most home users happy is the SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD with 1 terabyte of storage.
It offers the USB 3.2 Gen.2 protocol and one terabyte of storage is sufficient for most users. The external hard drive for the MacBook is suitable LaCie Rugged Mini with 2 terabytes of storage space. (More on external storage for MacBooks).
laptop stand
Simply placing a laptop on the table is possible, but creates an awkward camera angle in video conferences. If you also use your MacBook as a second screen, it is usually a little too low. A laptop stand solves both problems. It doesn’t matter which one you ultimately choose, as most models only differ in design.
Apple itself offers the Twelve South Curve laptop stand which of course is one of the fancier of its kind. But it doesn’t have to be 60 euros, like this one Bontec model proves for 20 euros. If you don’t want to use your MacBook as a second screen, you can also use a laptop stand that folds up the laptop almost like this one, for example Model.
Incidentally, an iPad can be used wonderfully as a second screen for a MacBook by simply selecting your iPad under “Displays” in the “System Settings” of the MacBook. The fitting tablet holder completes the display mode of the iPad.
Protective case for MacBooks
Nothing is more annoying than rushing to stow your new MacBook in your backpack or bag, only to find when you get it out that the exterior is scratched, for example because the key was in the backpack. protective cases like this one Model by tech21 help to protect the MacBook from damage. Make sure that you order the right protective cover for your MacBook, because the models are of course different on the outside, which is why there are no universal protective covers for MacBooks.
Protection for the keyboard
We continue with the protection, but this time it is not the outer shell that is meant, but the keyboard. The MacBook is very sensitive when it comes to cleaning. You definitely don’t want to clean the keyboard with liquid cleaners because the water can permanently damage your MacBook. One option is to clean with isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth. Alternatively, cover the new and clean keyboard with a silicone mat. Once it’s dirty, take it off and clean it separately without risking laptop death.
Privacy protection for the display
Commuters in particular should be familiar with the unpleasant feeling when the person sitting next to you in the ICE stares at the MacBook screen. What is not particularly bad in most cases becomes a problem when sensitive data is open on the MacBook. In addition to special caution, one helps display filmto ward off prying eyes. The highlight of these foils is that they change the viewing angle of the display. Inquisitive eyes see black from the side, they see everything from the front. Practical.
Webcam protection
Of course, there are not only curious looks from the person sitting next to you on the train. With a lot of bad luck, unpleasant fellows will still be looking at you through the webcam. On the MacBook, the green dot next to the webcam usually lights up as soon as it turns on. And no hacker can disable this function either. But if you want to be completely on the safe side, you can buy a small one Privacy screen for the webcam in addition. This also makes sense because a MacBook is often left open in the living room or bedroom without the people in the room keeping an eye on whether the green dot on the webcam is lit or not.
Webcam mount
As beautiful and good as MacBooks may be, the quality of the webcams still leaves something to be desired. With an Air with an M1 chip, the built-in camera has a resolution of just 720p. If the picture is too muddy for you, there are webcam holders for the iPhone that convert the rear camera of the Apple smartphone into a webcam. In the Belkin mount By the way, this works in landscape and portrait format. Worth it for anyone who wants to cut a particularly good figure in video calls.
MacBook beautification
And last but not least, there are of course stickers that make your MacBook look a little better or make a political statement. For example, how about this one Banksy motifwhere a protesting human throws your Mac’s apple instead of a rock? has what.
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