Mac

Update (7/20 5:00pm): @tommychen and @mr_avery are our winners – thank you to everyone for entering our giveaway!

In celebration of the 10th year anniversary of microSD cards, SanDisk is partnering with 9to5Toys to give readers the chance to win one of its 200GB microSD storage options. This is the “world’s first” card of its type with that amount of space for storing photos, videos, files and more.

Head below for the full details on how you can win one of these microSD cards for your MacBook, phone or digital camera. 
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For the next 4 days you have the chance to get your hands on 5 great Mac apps for absolutely free.

9to5Toys Specials has the Ondesoft 5-app software bundle for 100% off the list price. These apps all together are valued at $146 and include the following: X-Mirage (pictured above) that lets you mirror anything from your iOS devices to your Mac, an iTunes media converter, audiobook converter, easy screen shot taker, and a clipboard management app. 

Just follow the link and you’ll be on your way to some great free new apps. You can see the rest of our free and discounted apps in our daily roundups. 
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For many, the typical Apple keyboard, or something from a company like Logitech is more than enough for their daily needs. But for video editors, music programmers, serious gamers and those looking to type in different languages/dialects, customized keyboards can be very helpful. There are already a number of options for these folks, including Logic Pro X/Final Cut Pro keyboards with the quick commands printed directly on the keys, or even this super-customizable $1,500 typer, with mini LCD displays behind each key. But the new E-Ink display equipped Sonder keyboard is looking to bring an even deeper level of customization at a much more realistic price point:
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Tanga offers the Lenmar ChugPlug External Power-Supply Pack for MacBook Air or Pro for $67.99 with free shipping. That’s a savings of $132 off the bloated original listing, $62 better than Amazon, a few dollars off our previous mention and the lowest price that we can find.

We chose the ChugPlug as one of our top portable battery options for MacBooks. You can expect it to add up to an additional 4 hours of battery life to the 11-inch MacBook Air and up to 3 hours for the 13-inch MacBook Air/Pro. While not a full recharge, those couple of added hours can be invaluable when trying to get work done on the road. It is compatible with standard 45 and 60W Apple MagSafe Power Adapters. Note: not compatible with 15-inch MacBooks.

It ships with a one-year manufacturer warranty. Rated 4/5 stars.

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9to5Toys Specials currently has the AirServer Universal Mirroring Receiver for just $10. It is a great way to stream content from your iOS devices to your Mac or PC.

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Update (5/30 12:01pm): @christianareas is our winner – thank you to everyone that entered our contest!

Back in the fall, we reviewed Interpid’s Journeyman messenger bag and were impressed with the quality of its leather as well as its overall versatility.

This week we’ll be giving one away, head below for more details on the bag and how to enter to win.
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Apple has picked Mighty Switch Force! Hose It Down! to be this week’s free iOS app. Available on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, you can now download the “pick-up-and-play puzzler” for free. Regularly listed between $1 and $2, this week’s sale is the very first time we have seen the game go free since its release in early February.

Head below for more details:
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Update (5/2 12:00pm): @tweakmedia is our winner, thank you to everyone that entered the giveaway.

As Apple’s lineup continues to grow, more users are finding themselves using one device at home and one on the road. Because of that, we are seeing more home workstations in need of customization.

If you’re like myself, then an external monitor attached to a MacBook Air is the solution to this problem. The struggle of this setup is the height differential between each display. If you’re someone that sits at a desk all day, this is an issue that is certainly noticeable (and annoying!).

Grovemade, a Portland-based company, recently announced its own solution to this problem. Over the last few weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to work with the Walnut Laptop Stand. Head below for more details and to find out how you could win one yourself…
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Update (4/25 5:00pm): @sanders_voice is our winner – thank you to everyone that entered!

Last month journal-maker Moleskine released a new line of backpack and messenger bags. Since then, we’ve spent time with one of its newest products: the myCloud Smallpack in grey, which is designed for laptops up to 13-inches in size. This bag is a unique blend of compact design and high capacity storage.

Head below for full details on the myCloud Smallpack and details on how you could win one yourself…
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Yesterday we ran a deal for the biggest discount we had seen to date on any 2015 MacBook Air (it’s still alive, BTW). At that time we mentioned how most discounts on these models have been modest (about 5%). While that’s still true today, we have discovered that Adorama is sweetening these prices by throwing in some freebies and offering a mail-in rebate on AppleCare bundles.

Below you’ll find Adorama’s VIP Exclusive pricing. To be eligible for these discounts you’ll need to sign-up as an Adorama VIP. Registration is free right now and honestly has been since as far back as I can recall, but apparently it usually sells for $149. After registering you’ll be eligible for these 2015 MacBook Air prices:

• 11″ MacBook Air 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (MJVM2LL/A): $829 (Reg. $899) – $70 off
• 11″ MacBook Air 1.6GHz/4GB/256GB (MJVP2LL/A): $1,044.99 (Reg. $1,099) – $54.01 off
• 13″ MacBook Air 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (MJVE2LL/A): $949.99 (Reg. $999) – $49.01 off
• 13″ MacBook Air 1.6GHz/4GB/256GB (MJVG2LL/A): $1,139.99 (Reg. $1,199) – $59.01 off

The above listings are all standard configurations. Adorama also has a slew of custom configured MacBook Airs at a discount as well.

All of these deals include a free LG Electronics GP50NB40 Super-Multi External DVD Burner, which is an additional savings of $26.99.

Purchase AppleCare at the discounted rate of $174 (Reg. $249) at the same time as one of the aforementioned laptops and you’ll be able to save an additional $50 with this mail-in rebate.

If you’re looking for a deal on the Retina MacBook Pro, Retina iMac or any other Mac, I’d suggest starting at Apple’s Refurbished Online Store.

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Our technology deserves a nice accessory, something to complement the beautiful curves and lines of the device. We are big fans of well made add-ons that come with a story and there may be no better company in America at doing that than Grovemade. Today, the Portland-based company has introduced a new stand that gives the MacBook a little boost, crafted from locally sourced materials here in the United States.
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Apple frequently updates its Refurbished Online Store as new models become available and others sell out. Right now there are an abundance of iMac with Retina 5K display models available at deep discounts (up to $660 off). Since its release last fall we’ve seen a couple deals for retail models, but most of those were for the entry level machine.

If you’re looking for a faster processor, more RAM, or bigger hard drive, these current refurbished deals are going to be the ones you want to get in on:
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We first introduced Toffee during the holiday season, with its beautifully crafted accessories for Apple devices. The Sydney, Australia-based company offers a wide selection of bags and gear for life on the go, including a 9to5Toys favorite, the Fitzroy Satchel.

Since we last caught up with Toffee, it has introduced a number of new products to complement iPhone 6, iPad Air 2 and MacBooks. We’ve spent time with some of its newest gear. Head below for more details and an exclusive discount for 9to5Toys’ readers.

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Initially unveiled back in January, IK Multimedia’s latest mutli-platform audio interface is now ready to ship. Much like its predecessor, iRig 2 provides a quick and reliable recording/monitoring solution for guitar players but with a few new features packed in. On top of around 5 years of additional development, the new iRig will support iOS/Mac devices as well as all Android 5.0 tablets and smartphones.

While we have seen a few offerings from IK in the Android space previously, this is technically the first fully featured (and supported) audio interface available for users on Google’s mobile operating system. Head below to find out more about what the iRig 2 has to offer and the devices it supports:
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We’re all familiar with Moleskine’s line of very popular notebooks, but the Italian company is making a foray into the bag and storage scene. Moleskine has announced a number of messenger and backpack style bags designed for both technology and analog tools or supplies.

After the break we have more information on all five models, plus details on availability and pricing.

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Apple updated many of its products during Monday’s Spring Forward event. If you’re strong enough to resist these new models, you can stand to save a lot of money. Apple has issued deeper discounts to a range of products in its refurbished online store. All of these items include a full one year warranty and are eligible for AppleCare.

Apple refurbished products are extremely limited and as such it’s common for these products to sell out. Keep checking back, sold out items will pop back in stock.

In case you missed it, refurbished Apple TV is now only $59.

The best recent price drops we’ve found:

• AirPort Express: $65 (orig. $99) – was $75
• Airport Extreme: $129 (orig. $199) – was $169
• AirPort Time Capsule – 2TB: $199 (orig. $299) – was $255
• AirPort Time Capsule – 3TB: $299 (orig. $399) – was $339

• 13″ MacBook Air 1.3GHz/4GB/128GB (FD760LL/A): $719 – was $799
• 13″ MacBook Air 1.4GHz/4GB/128GB (GD760LL/B): $759 – was $849
• 11″ MacBook Air 1.4GHz/4GB/128GB (GD711LL/B): $679 – was $769
• 11″ MacBook Air 1.3GHz/4GB/512GB (G0NY0LL/A): $1,059 – was $1,149
• 11″ MacBook Air 1.3GHz/4GB/256GB (FD712LL/A): $809 – was $869

• 13″ Retina MacBook Pro 2.8GHz/8GB/512GB (FGX92LL/A): $1,399 – was $1,529
• 13″ Retina MacBook Pro 2.6GHz/8GB/256GB (FGX82LL/A): $1,149 – was $1,269
• 13″ Retina MacBook Pro 2.6GHz/8GB/128GB (FGX72LL/A): $979 – was $1,099

If you prefer to buy new, then check out this Best Buy/Amazon sale on previous generation MacBooks.

Admittedly, I am a bit of a bag connoisseur. Hauling around all my gear requires a well thought-out solution that not only keeps my stuff organized but also looks good doing it. There are plenty of bag options out there, but less that offer charging solutions and even fewer that do it well. Today we’ve spotted a new company that is aiming to solve on-the-go charging challenges and device storage. Through Indiegogo, AMPL has raised over $213,000 towards “the worlds smartest backpack”.

The SmartBag has a number of unique and interesting design cues, most notably providing a USB port in every pocket. However, the real question is how many times can it recharge your gadgets?

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Back in January, San Francisco-based bag and accessory maker WaterField Designs announced its Bolt Briefcase. Since then we’ve had the opportunity to put the Bolt through its paces. Designed to be a professional alternative to the leather briefcases of old, this bag is for travelers and techies in need of a solution for multiple occasions.

Head below for our hands-on impressions and to learn how you could win this Bolt Briefcase.

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In late 2012 Apple released a super slim unibody iMac. Its tapered 5mm design is simply an engineering feat and is most definitely worth gawking at. The front is free from ports, which creates an ultra clean look, but comes at the expense of functionality. It’s a first world problem, I know, but it can be a real nuisance having to crane your neck to plug in a USB cable. Luckily a couple accessory makers have tackled this issue by moving the iMac’s USB ports to its front panel.

One deal we’re currently featuring solves this problem for just $6.17 Prime shipped, while another new product adds even more functionality but at a higher price point…
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Today we’ve put together a really impressive bundle of 8 Mac apps including the latest versions of Screenflow and Things (which are $100 and $40 at the Mac App Store by themselves!).

Using the coupon code ULTRAMAC5 at checkout, 9to5 readers can get an extra $5 discount over at Specials.9to5Toys.com to buy the whole bundle for $39.99 – that’s 91% off from the $470 retail price. 

Every app’s latest version is included, none of which has ever been in a bundle before (except AfterShot Pro 2). In fact, 6 of the apps cost more by themselves than the whole bundle does!

Here’s what’s in the goodie bag:

1. ScreenFlow 5 ($99.99) – The best screen recording tool for Mac. Version 5 was released in October and has never been in a bundle before.
2. Things 2 ($49) – Award-winning task management app that’s never been in a bundle before.
3. Civilization: Beyond Earth ($49.99) – The latest in the epic Civilization series.
4. ExpanDrive 4 ($49.95) – Slick utility app.
5. ProSoft Data Rescue 4 ($99.99) – Market leader in data recovery. This is the new version 4.
6. AfterShot Pro 2 ($79.95) – A very solid photo editor, and the only app included that’s been in a bundle before.
7. Typed ($24.95) – A new text editor that has gotten a lot of hype and acclaim out the gate.
8. Snapselect ($24.99) – Handy new photo app from MacPhun.

In all, the value is almost $470, and with the coupon code “ULTRAMAC5” 9to5 readers can grab it for $39.99 (91% off). This one will go really quick.

Throughout Small States you’ll hear stories of people that are making a conscious effort to bring manufacturing back to the United States. Companies that strive to create products in a way that has escaped our country and fled overseas. We are finding that these manufacturers have a great pride in what they do — this week we’re taking a look at Woodchuck USA, a company who’s pride is evident across all aspects of its business.

“Nature back to people. Jobs back to America. Quality back to products.”

With its locally grown hardwood accessories, Woodchuck has managed to create beautiful additions for your Apple devices. All the while doing it with a focus on integrity and creating jobs here in the United States.

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Developed by former Apple engineers, the Duet Display app allows you to use your iPad or iPhone as an extra display for your Mac. The setup requires both an iOS app, which typically runs for $15.99 (after a $9.99 introductory price for a short time) and a Mac companion app that is free, but today the iOS side of things has dropped to its lowest price ever: $7.99.

Head below for a closer look in the intro video and more details:
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Your personal music collection is one of the most, well personal, things that many of us have in our lives. Everyone has different tastes and likes to listen in their own way. What many consumers do not realize is that they are typically not hearing the music as it was intended. We’ve covered the importance of digital-to-analog converters (DAC) before, but today we are seeing a new option that packs everything a DAC offers into a smaller, portable package.

Apogee, makers of recording industry leading microphones, audio interfaces and more, has announced the newest addition to its line of products with the portable USB Groove DAC and headphone amp for Mac and Windows PC. It comes packed with intriguing features and will launch with a special edition model you’ll certainly want to see.

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Life as a student can be a struggle, from trying to keep up with your classes to working at a part-time job. Don’t forget about your girlfriend or those student loans weighing over your head as well. The good news: we’re here to help put a couple bucks back in your pocket so you don’t have to settle for cheap beer this weekend…

9to5Toys has scoured the internet looking for some of the best discounts available to students and rounded them up. Below we’ve got details on potential savings at Apple, Amazon, Eddie Bauer, J. Crew and more. You probably had no idea that you’ve been missing out on those discounted burritos.

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Amazon offers the Apple 13″ MacBook Pro w/ Retina display (model MGX92LL/A) 2.8GHz/8GB/512GB for $1,599 with free shipping, which is $200 off list. B&H also has it for the same price and only charges sales tax at the time of purchase for buyers in NY. However, Amazon offers Prime benefits and charges sales tax at purchase for a limited number of states, so be sure to weigh both options when making your purchase.

This is Apple’s top of the line standard configuration 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.

If you’re looking for an Air, then head to this post to save $199 on a current generation 13-inch model.

Continue on for a full breakdown of its tech specs…
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IK Multimedia, one of the leading iOS (and more recently Android) audio production device makers, has announced a series of new products at NAMM 2015. On top of a new power adapter that keeps your iDevice charging while your recording or performing on-the-go and a new Android interface/audio effects processing unit, the company has revealed its new digital mobile/desktop condenser mic…

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B&H offers Mid-2013 11.6-inch Apple MacBook Air (model MD712LL/A) for $849 with free shipping. As a pricing comparison, it originally sold for $1,099 and Apple is currently charging $869 for it in refurbished condition. Whats more, B&H only charges sales tax at the time of purchase for buyers in New York.

Use your savings to pickup AppleCare at the discounted price of $174 (Reg. $249) and put your new MacBook Air on the beautiful stand it deserves (also on sale).

Full specs are as follows:
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Update (1/23 11:46am): the discount code available in this post has now expired.

If you are an iMac user you like nice things. Reaching around to the back of your iMac every time you want to plug in a USB object is not nice. Sure there are options out there. You could drop $15 on a wrap around cord or buy a nice aluminum USB 3 hub (this nice Satechi 7 port is $40 or Powered Anker is $44 or many others have existed for awhile).

If you want something that looks like it came from Apple however, check out the iMacompanion. It is a single USB 3 port that carries the power and speed of the iMac’s USB 3 (also USB 2 compatible for older models) to the base of your iMac. It has a flat USB cord that will snake under your iMac and to the back USB port. All the instructions you need are in the following graphic and a 15% off offer follows:

The big thing here is the quality: the housing is 100% aluminum and it is designed to fit perfectly onto your iMac. Wiplabs is giving 9to5Toys readers a 15% discount when bought through Amazon using code 9to5Toys at checkout which knocks it down to $34 with $4.50 shipping (offer is good for a week)

http://vimeo.com/104030314

WaterField Designs, purveyors of high-quality bags and accessories made in San Francisco, has released its latest addition to its popular line of its the commuter solutions. Designed specifically for “techies and travelers”, the made-by-hand Bolt Briefcase puts the focus on quick access to the most important items in your bag, while keeping your valuables secure.

Owner Gary Waterfield describes the new Bolt as so:

When designing the Bolt, we started with a list of what we travel with and how much protection and accessibility we need for each item. For example, my wallet and smartphone—high accessibility items—are safely stowed, but easily accessed from front magnet-closing pockets, while my laptop sits securely inside its padded main-compartment laptop sleeve.

This new bag features two “easy-access” compartments for the gear that needs to be pulled out regularly, a waterproof compartment, a padded sleeve area for laptops and a slot to slide over suitcase handles. It is available in two sizes, 13 and 17-inch and is available in a variety of colors. Starting at $249 for the small model, and $30 more for the larger rendition, the Bolt Briefcase is set to ship on January 20th.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCVplBHmggs&w=704&h=396]
Full PR below:

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As the new gear rolls in from our team on the show floor of CES 2015, consumer audio and electronics lifestyle company ION has a few announcements of its own. Makers of everything from Bluetooth speakers to headphones and DJ gear (among other things), ION Audio is introducing new hybrid light bulb speakers and a new Bluetooth turntable/audio interface…

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You love games, but your girlfriend or wife doesn’t. My goal is to change that. This week, 9to5Toys is debuting Gaming For Couples, a new weekly column looking at great games for couples to play together. We’re not necessarily going to pick the newest or hottest games for this column — instead, we’re going to suggest titles that are reasonably priced, made for both girls and guys, and widely available.

Our first edition looks at two picks just in time for the holidays: the Peggle franchise and The Beatles: Rock Band, both from Electronic Arts.

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Amazon has the HP ENVY 32-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor Quad-HD for only $432.18. That’s over $160 off the regular price and the lowest Amazon has ever sold it for.

It has a 2560 x 1440 resolution on a wide-viewing angle screen (that’s the same resolution you would get on a 27-inch iMac) and HP claims that you get “vibrant detail from practically any position.” You also get the “best sounding, richest audio” available from a monitor with Beats audio. You can connect with MHL, HDMI or Display Port, with optimized upscaling for great mobile streaming.

It received 4.4/5 stars and impressive reviews from Amazon customers.
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