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A hot MacBook Air mod + deals on Apple gear and accessories

November 27, 2021

You can make an M1 MacBook Air almost as fast as its more-expensive Pro sibling with a surprisingly simple DIY mod.

Sound impressive? And maybe enticing? You might be thinking it could make for an interesting weekend project. But for a couple of reasons, we can't really recommend it.

Better to just spend the rest of the long weekend shopping for hot deals on Apple gear and accessories -- or binging on Apple TV+ shows. (We've got tips for all that and more below.)

Enjoy ...

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

News and opinion

Some M1 MacBook Air models pack exactly the same chipset as the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro, but they don’t offer the same level of performance. Why? Because the MacBook Pro has a cooling fan and the MacBook Air doesn’t. But a quick thermal mod boosts the Air's performance considerably.

Cupertino says the goal is to hold NSO Group “accountable for the surveillance and targeting of Apple users.”

To get a glimpse at the components under the iPhone 13's hood, just download these detailed free wallpapers, which come in a bunch of gorgeous color options.

If you’re the kind of person who gets pleasure out of destroying other people’s snowmen, you’ll love Apple’s new “Shot on iPhone” ad for the holiday season.

The much-anticipated device is expected to pack a surprisingly powerful chip that would put it on par with an M1 Mac in processing performance.

Plus, more on upcoming Apple gear:

It's not too late to save in Apple's big shopping event, which you can take advantage of in-store, online and over the phone. Find out how much you’ll get back on certain Apple products.

A new iPhone concept video puts a scroll wheel in place of the usual side button. And it changes the shape of the handset to eliminate the screen notch.

Deals

The Cult of Mac Store’s big Black Friday sale is now in full swing, offering big discounts on awesome accessories for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and more. You can also enjoy free U.S. shipping when you spend $40 or more. Shop the Cult of Mac Store's Black Friday weekend sale now.

The Complete Limited Edition Mac Bundle gives you lifetime access to many of the most useful apps around. And you can get this bundle of fantastic Mac apps — worth more than $1,000 if bought individually — for less than $20 with coupon code MACBUNDLE40.

Black Friday isn't over yet! Here's where to find the tastiest discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad and more.

This pocketable 200-watt power bank can charge five devices at once, from iPhone and Apple Watch to MacBook and AirPods.

Save on tech and more all year with this unbeatable deal on a Sam's Club membership.

Is it a Black Friday sale or a giveaway? This week it’s both! Choetech is giving away three MagSafe wireless 2-in-1 charging stands -- but you don't have to win to save!

Reviews

The Apple TV+ teen basketball drama faces its first COVID-19-era game — and its second brush with police brutality — in a tense and shocking episode this week.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

The new EarFun Free Pro 2 wireless earbuds deliver quality sound, active noise cancellation, a comfortable fit and an affordable price.

The Rockspace AX1800 Dual Band Wi-Fi Extender fills in the empty spot(s) in your wireless network. And because it has Wi-Fi 6, it can provide up to 35 devices with speedy connections.

Don’t tote your MacBook around without a case. It’s just not a good idea. SwitchEasy has a couple of new offerings that bring sleek protection while also adding some color.

Setups

Bacioiu Constantin Ciprian, a longtime resident of Bucharest, designs and develops games to run on vintage equipment. And get a load of that retro Mac setup!

A Lenovo ThinkPad T480S rounds out this upgraded work-from-home rig.