Fernando Silva

Back-to-school time always brings some of the best deals on laptops, and this year is no exception. Amazon is offering insane deals on both the entry-level M4 MacBook Air ($799) and the baseline M4 MacBook Pro ($1299). While my gut reaction is in awe at how much power and value you get from the M4 MacBook Air at $799, after I stopped to think about it, the M4 MacBook Pro at $1299 could actually be the best bang for buck computer out on the market, but is it worth the $500 price difference?

That is what I wanted to break down in this post. Both are exceptional values, but what exactly are you getting from the MacBook Pro that justifies the extra $500? Let’s get into it.

Early last year, Kuxiu released its X33 Pro Max iPad stand. It was the first stand to incorporate pin connectors into a magnetic stand to be able to charge your iPad. It was a fantastic idea. As a stand, it’s built very well, is high quality, does everything you need a stand to do, and gets the job done, but the fact that it also instantly charges the iPad was a game-changer for my setups. But now, they’ve brought the same tech but into your car with a mountable, magnetically charging iPad stand. Here is what you need to know.

I will continue to shout at the mountaintops that iPadOS 26 has completely changed what the iPad is to many people. I have been using my iPad Pro since 2018 as my main computer because I loved the idea and versatility of the iPad. But it was hard to recommend it as a computer solution to the average person. However, iPadOS 26 has made this a new reality for 95% of people who need a computer. But when you buy an iPad, you just get the iPad. So I wanted to share some of the best accessories to give you that computer-like feel for your iPad.

Spigen is one of my favorite Apple accessory companies because they know how to evoke nostalgia. Last year I picked up their C1 iPhone case and Magsafe wallet that themed my iPhone 16 Pro Max like the old school iMac G3 that I grew up using in school. I loved every part of that experience, and it was a great conversation starter! This year, they have added to their C1 lineup with their Apple Watch stand that isn’t just themed after the iMac G3, but looks like a tiny G3 iMac. Here is what you should know.

The iPad Mini has always had a special place in my heart. I think it’s one of Apple’s most underrated devices. Its size, form factor, raw power, and portability really make it the truest form of an iPad. Now we throw iPadOS 26 in the mix, and I think you might have the perfect portable powerhouse computer. Between the new windowing system, enhanced file management, and multitasking upgrades, I think the iPad Mini is the ideal modern-day netbook. Here’s why.

Before we deep dive into this topic, I want to mention that I love iPadOS 26. Yes, it’s the first beta, so plenty of tweaking and optimization still needs to get done. But overall, it’s been what I have wanted on iPadOS for years. That being said, a few things still hold it back from being a true MacBook replacement for some people. So if you’re debating between an iPad Pro or a MacBook, here are five essential things iPadOS still can’t do.

When Apple finished its iPadOS 26 section of WWDC, I was in awe. It felt as if my child was all grown up. They added nearly every feature I ever wanted to the iPad and iPadOS. They made the iPad feel brand new with a simple OS update and finally made it feel like a Mac! Here are some of the best features that truly make the iPad feel more like a Mac.

We are now in 2025, and there are so many MagSafe battery packs out there. Some are multifunctional, others have software touches, some can charge your phone fast, and they all have differentiators to help you decide. But sometimes you just want a beautiful-looking MagSafe battery pack that does all the main things great, while also looking slim, sleek, and stylish. That is precisely what Pitaka was able to do with their new aramid fiber magnetic power bank. Here is what you should know.

The best part of Apple’s keynote yesterday, for me, was the introduction of iPadOS 26. Apple finally opened up the floodgates and gave iPad users everything they wanted. We have an actual multitasking window manager, new menu toolbars, better background tasks, and a revamped files app. All this has transformed how people will view iPads moving forward. But the fantastic thing is that this is not just reserved for the $1300+ iPad Pro; this now works on the $299 entry-level iPad. Apple just made the entry-level iPad the best value in computers. Let me explain.

The iPad was built with versatility, modularity, and portability in mind. It is thin, lightweight, powerful enough to run intensive applications, and, with the right accessories, can be modified to fit any need. It can be a note-taking device with the Apple Pencil, it can be a consumption machine with a folio case, and it can be a powerhouse with the right keyboard case. Logitech just dropped the perfect keyboard case for people who are constantly on the move but still need the productivity of a keyboard. Here is what you need to know.

I have now tried four different smart rings from four different brands (reviews soon), and the new Renpho Lynx smart ring has been able to separate itself from the pack, practically, among other things. It does all the main things you want a smart ring to do, like sleep tracking, overall health monitoring, look discreet, but most importantly, it does not try to reinvent the wheel. After spending a few weeks with the Lynx smart ring, here is everything you need to know and why you should consider it.

With every iOS update, Apple quietly adds additional features under its accessibility category. These features are there to give people and customers alternatives to how they interact and use their iPhones. When iOS 17 was announced, they added a new feature called Personal Voice. This new feature seemed terrific; it was a way to train your iPhone to speak and sound like you, literally. But now it’s been almost 2 years since its release. So, how well does it work?

I was lucky enough to get an early look and hands-on experience with Satechi’s new OntheGo line at CES this year, and I was immediately impressed. Satechi managed to bridge the gap between tech enthusiasts like myself, who appreciate cutting-edge features like Qi2 and MagSafe charging, and everyday users, thanks to their thoughtful material choices and versatile color palette. Here’s everything you need to know!

Have you ever looked down at your Apple Watch on your wrist and thought to yourself, “I wish I could play my Game Boy games on here”? Yeah, neither have I. But now that I know it’s possible, I can’t stop playing or showing it off. My 6-year-old self would think I was crazy if I told him I could play Pokémon on my wrist in the future. But it’s 2025, and now this is possible and even works exceptionally well. Here is how to do this.

With the expected release of the iPhone 17 Air later this year and the recent release of the S25 Edge from Samsung, it looks like the theme of 2025 is all about thinness. Companies are doing all they can to flex their design and physics-defying muscles to show off just how thin they can make products without sacrificing significant features. Now, accessories companies are getting in on the fun, and Kuxiu’s new X41Q charger is impressively thin while staying efficient and powerful. Here is what you need to know!

One of my favorite product lines Nomad has made over the years is their slim power adapters. They started with their 35W slim charger, which brought fast iPhone charging in this ultra-slim form factor. Then they released their 65W version that added a secondary port and was tailored to customers needing more juice. Now, they have finally launched their 100W slim power adapter for those who need to charge their larger machines on the go. Here is what you need to know.

I’ve tested a lot of gear over the years, from laptops to smart rings to the kind of random tech accessories that get buried in drawers. But out of all of it, there are just a few items I keep reaching for over and over again. There is no method to the madness in terms of the type of accessories, but just know that they work. These are non-Apple tech products I rely on every day.

Have you ever purchased a 5,000mAh Magsafe battery bank thinking, “This should fully charge my iPhone or even more because my iPhone battery is smaller”? But then, with real-world use, you only get 50% to 80% charge? This has happened to me on a few occasions. While the mAh measurement of those battery banks is true, Lithium-ion battery tech tends to lose energy through heat, wireless charging inefficiencies, and voltage conversion. But solid state battery tech is here to fix that, and Kuxiu’s S2 has shown me the future.