iMac or MacBook?

We'll help you make that tough decision.

Author

Lewis Wallace
March 23, 2024

If you’re in the market for a Mac, the ol’ “laptop or desktop” decision can pose quite a dilemma.

MacBooks are portable and powerful, but pricey.

Desktop Macs appeal for different reasons: The iMac is a gorgeous and capable computer that comes with everything you need, and the Mac mini is a low-cost machine with its own special selling points.

This weekend’s new buying guide lays out the pros and cons of each type of computer. It should help you make a rational decision when it’s time to shop for a new Mac.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

  • The Department of Justice’s antitrust lawsuit about Apple’s “iPhone monopoly” is just plain weak.

  • Apple’s Safari browser definitely beats Chrome on the privacy front. But it doesn’t come with some of its strongest privacy features switched on by default. Here’s how to fix that.

  • I bought an after-market car stereo to add CarPlay to my creaky old truck a while back, and I love it. It wasn’t cheap, though, and installation cost even more. I wish I could have gotten this folding, CarPlay-compatible touchscreen, which is now on sale for less than $80.

  • A security flaw in some of Apple’s M-series processors, which power recent Macs and iPads, sounds troubling.

  • And finally, this sale on refurbished iPhones offers some incredible deals, like an iPhone SE for just $126.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Buying guide

iMac vs. MacBook: Should you buy a desktop or laptop Mac?

Should your next Mac be a desktop or a laptop? We look at the great iMac vs. MacBook debate and lay out the benefits of both.

How-tos

Crank up Safari's privacy to the max

Safari comes with loads of privacy features that can keep your browsing activity hidden from ad networks, user tracking and data farms.

Everything you can do to get the latest AirTag firmware update

AirTag users will want the latest firmware for the item tracker. Here’s everything you can do to get it, and then be sure it’s installed.

How to use iPhone’s awesome new text-to-speech feature

In iOS 17, the iPhone got a built-in text-to-speech feature called Live Speech. You can even use a digital version of your own voice.

How to type the Apple logo

You can use the Apple logo as an emoji. It's easy to do on a Mac, and we show you how to add  to texts on iPhone and iPad, too.

How to tag photos on iPhone with people and pets

Tag photos on your iPhone with the names of your friends, family and pets so you can easily find pictures of them later on.

News

Why the DOJ's antitrust lawsuit against Apple is weak

It's the biggest legal challenge Apple has faced, but the arguments in the DOJ's antitrust case appear to be based on outdated info.

iPhone 17's display could get a big anti-reflective upgrade

It might ship with upgraded cover glass featuring a "super-hard anti-reflective layer" and improved scratch resistance.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

New 'one-of-a-kind' Apple Jing'an store draws crowds in Shanghai

See pix of Apple’s stunning new retail outlet, located near the landmark Jing'an Temple.

Hackers can exploit flaw in Apple M-series processors

Understand the potential impact of a vulnerability in Apple's M-series processors that could lead to unauthorized access to encrypted data.

Plus, more on Apple updates:

Concept video shows gorgeous iPad Pro we hope is coming soon

See the sleek and slim design, OLED display and other anticipated features of Apple's upcoming 2024 iPad Pro in a concept video.

Why you shouldn't use M3 MacBook Air in clamshell mode

Find out about the performance drawbacks of the M3 MacBook Air in clamshell mode. And why they might not affect you.

Deals

Get this improved, intuitive Apple TV button remote for less than $40

Function101 Button Remote is for anyone who misses the simplicity of a traditional TV remote. Get an alternative Apple TV remote for less.

Plus, more gear from Cult of Mac Deals:

iPhones go for as little as $126 in refurb blowout

Woot's refurbished iPhone deals include handsets from iPhone X up through recent models like iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone 14.

Get up to half off great Soundcore headphones and earbuds

Amazon's Big Spring Sale offers fantastic deals on some excellent audio products -- up to half off Soundcore earbuds and headphones.

Master ChatGPT and Google Gemini with these intro to AI courses

Master ChatGPT and Google Gemini with these artificial intelligence certification courses. Eduonix presents this $30 AI intro bundle.

Plus, more software and services from Cult of Mac Deals:

Get up to a whopping 70% off Belkin products

Need a new accessory for your Apple gear? The Belkin Spring Sale brings deep discounts on a wide array of helpful products.

Reviews and recommendations

EarFun’s first over-ear headphones break new ground on value [Review] ★★★★★

Not everyone is willing to pay hundreds for great headphones. If you're one of them, read our 5-star EarFun Wave Pro headphones review.

iPhone gaming gets even better with redesigned Backbone One controller

Enhance iPhone gaming with the improved Backbone One iPhone game controller. It adds physical controls for a better experience.

New Axie 3-in-1 power bank makes global charging a snap [Review] ★★★★☆

We recommend Journey's Axie global charger and power bank for anyone who needs to charge iPhone and other gadgets globally.

Setups

Smackdown: Magic Mouse vs. Logitech MX Master 3

Where do you stand in the great battle between Apple’s Magic Mouse and Logitech’s mighty MX Master 3?

Powerful speakers flank smart TV display

IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers pump out 100 watts of sound apiece for use in a computer setup or a music studio.

Pro Display XDR completes powerful MacBook Pro rig

User with loaded M3 Max MacBook Pro adds Pro Display XDR to powerful setup, which already boasts two other displays.