Peek Performance = Maximum Macintoshing

March 12, 2022

Looking in the rear-view mirror, it’s clear that the last 10 years weren’t the best for the Mac.

Apple released a long succession of Macs and MacBooks that were just OK. Some were better than others, but overall the Mac was characterized by a quixotic march to ever increasing thinness, less and less ports, a more and more dongles.

But my lord, Apple Silicon has injected new life into the line.

With this week’s release of the Mac Studio, a diminutive machine that is nonetheless the fastest Mac ever made, it’s clear the Mac is very much back.

Apple now has perhaps the best lineup of machines the company has produced in 36 years. It’s exciting times for the Mac, and we’re here for it.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

News and opinion

In 2010, Steve Jobs proudly proclaimed Apple had become a “mobile device company.” Tim Cook went further, dismissing anything that wasn’t a mobile device as a “hobby project.” It sounded like the Mac’s days were numbered. At Cult of Mac, we even ran a story on how to replace your Mac with an iPad. How things have changed. With Tuesday’s launch of the Mac Studio, Apple completed the best Mac lineup we’ve seen in more than a decade.

The Apple M1 processor inside the newly announced iPad Air 5 makes the tablet as powerful as the similarly sized iPad Pro. Given the price difference, the new Air is a better option for most people. The iPad Pro has advantages. And it’s still the right device for some folks. But think hard before putting down an extra $200 that might be unnecessary.

Apple blew our minds this week with its all-new and somewhat unexpected Mac Studio. The diminutive desktop, which has the same footprint as Mac mini but is almost three times as tall, is by far Cupertino’s most powerful machine to date when you buy it with the incredible new M1 Ultra chip. And I can’t work out how it’s so darn expensive!

Apple on Tuesday gave us our first glimpse at its brand-new Mac Studio — its first desktop featuring the M1 Ultra chip. It’s bigger than a Mac mini but smaller than a Mac Pro, and it’s the most powerful machine Apple has built to date.

As widely predicted, Apple launched its third-generation iPhone SE during its “Peek Performance” event Tuesday. The new entry-level handset features 5G connectivity, a speedy A15 Bionic chipset, improved battery life, greater durability and up to 256GB of storage, Apple said. And it will cost $429, a not-too-painful bump over the previous model’s $399 price tag.

The iPad Air 5 is one of the highlights of Apple’s March product event. While not a redesign, the new midrange tablet offers a faster processor, Center Stage support and other improvements.

The Apple Studio Display, revealed Tuesday alongside the new Mac Studio desktop, finally brings a high-end Apple monitor at a more-affordable price point.

Planning to buy some new Apple gear? Sell your old Apple gadgets to Cult of Mac now to earn an extra $20. Simply use the code UPGRADE at checkout to top-up your buyback quote. The offer is good through the end of March, so enjoy it while you can.

A MacBook with a broken screen can seem like a nightmare scenario. You’re stuck with a computer you can’t use and a repair bill that can easily exceed $600. But it turns out, for some people, a MacBook without a screen is actually the perfect machine.

How-tos

Ukrainians need all the help they can get. If you want to do your bit, you can donate to one of many charities that are now working to support citizens by providing food and water, blankets and clothes, and other essential supplies. Here’s how to get started.

Don't you just hate having to give visitors your long and complicated Wi-Fi password? Instead, turn it into a QR code.

One of AirPods Pro's best features for the hearing impaired is Conversation Boost, which makes other people easier to hear. Here's how to use it.

Deals

Get Microsoft Office for Mac — and learn how to use it properly — with this Premium Microsoft Office Training Bundle + Lifetime License of MS Office Home & Business for Mac 2021.

How do you feel when you don’t get a good night’s sleep? Sluggish? Slow? Unproductive? If you’re looking for a way to get to sleep and stay asleep, Restflix may offer a solution. And thanks to a new price cut, you can get a lifetime subscription to this sleep app for just $99.99. That’s 83% off the normal price of $599.

Want to get into software development? The Software Development Processes Bootcamp Bundle is a four-course package that introduces key concepts you’ll need to succeed in the industry. And right now, it’s on sale for $19.

Reviews

Although Apple refuses to make a touchscreen Mac, the Espresso Display V2 is ready to fill in the gap. There are 15.6-inch and 13.3-inch versions of the very slim external display, and both support touch and an optional stylus. I tested the screen with a MacBook and iPad to see how well it performs in everyday use.

The TechMatte Apple Pencil Gen 2 Charging Carrying Case juices up the iPad’s official stylus when it’s not attached to the tablet. It’s a secure place to carry the Apple Pencil around, and keep it topped off when you’re on the go. I tested this charging accessory to be sure it lives up to its promises.

This AirPods case is like carrying a tiny little Macintosh with you wherever you go. And it can be yours from as little as $11.99.

Setups

People love to put the finishing touches on their computer setups. Some love it so much they just keep doing it. Given the temptations of new gear always coming out and the never-ending allure of the glittering gadgets other people put in their fabulous setups, is the work ever really done?

As we know from looking at lots of computer setups, having at least two monitors is popular, and so is having at least one of those in portrait mode.

Ever wonder how people get crazy-cool mood lighting in and around their computer setups? Today’s featured setup shows a cool blue wash that might just drown productivity. Or maybe it’s just for off-duty hours. Whatever your preferences, an increasing array of products can help you get your setup light show on.