Still snarky, Carrot Weather 6.0 blooms with fresh features [Awesome Apps]
Snarky and amusing as ever, new Carrot Weather 6.0 brings fresh features and more data for your worrisome weather obsession. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Keychron launches ‘Ultra-Slim’ keyboards for Mac w/ 1,200-hour battery life, USB-C, 2.4GHz wireless
Keychron has built a strong reputation for mechanical keyboards over the last seven years and now the company has jumped into the slim keyboard market. The new B1 and B6 Pro Ultra-Slim models come in Apple’s Magic Keyboard style with some added features and an affordable price. more…

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China court rules in favor of Apple in case involving App Store fees
According to a ruling by the Shanghai IP Court, Apple did not abuse its market power and has not charged unfairly high App Store fees… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Logitech launches designed-for-Mac desktop keyboards in multiple sizes
Upgrade your setup with Logitech's latest wireless desktop keyboards (and a mouse). They offer Mac compatibility, comfort and style. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Best Mac monitors and displays 2024
Macworld The monitor might be the most important part of your Mac’s setup–after all, you can’t use any desktop computer without one and even the 16-inch MacBook screen can be extended to an external display twice that size. Because you’ll spend a lot of time looking at it, you’ll want to invest wisely. Not only will you want a monitor that provides a pleasing experience, but the quality of the images on the screen can also affect your work. However, picking a new monitor can be daunting. Not only are there many manufacturers to choose from, but there are also lots of sizes, resolutions, and features to consider–and when we say lots, we mean lots. We’re here to help guide you while you shop, and we have some tips on what to look for in a monitor. Apple sells displays for its Macs, and you could go with its offerings, but its displays are a quite bit more expensive than what third parties have. Buying from a different company may mean you may not get a feature that Apple offers, but it may also be a feature that you don’t need, depending on how you use the monitor. Note there are compatibility issues for plain M1 and M2 Macs, which, unlike M1/M2 Pro/Max/Ultra MacBooks, can’t connect to more than one external display. Fortunately, we can show you how to connect multiple monitors to M1 and M2 Macs. There are plenty of companies that have great monitors that you can use with your Mac, without having to take out a second mortgage. Our sister publications Tech Advisor and PCWorld have tested several displays, and we list their top-rated ones that we have been able to confirm work with Macs, alongside the monitors we have reviewed below. Here are our recommendations in order, starting with Apple’s most expensive. Update May 2024: Added Dell UltraSharp U2723QE. Best Mac monitors: Recommendations Apple Pro Display XDR – Apple's top-end professional 6K display Pros Phenomenally well-specced Peak brightness of 1,600 nits, stunning picture quality Cons Seriously expensive (but this isn't a consumer display) Stand not included Price When Reviewed: $4,999 (standard), $5,999 (nano-texture glass) Best Prices Today: $4999 at Adorama$4,999 at Amazon$4999 at Apple Size: 32-inch Resolution: 6K (6016×3384 pixels) Connections: Thunderbolt 3 (96W PD), 3x USB-C Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Rotation stand extra $999/£949 Orientation: Landscape; Portrait with stand Apple’s highly specced Pro Display XDR is a stunning piece of engineering, and we found it hard to find fault with the picture quality and colour output, but at that price and with these features this is a display for a very specific audience.  The XDR is phenomenally well-specced: it’s 32in and 6K, offering 40 percent more screen space than Apple’s 5K displays, and offers a peak brightness of 1,600 nits (or 1,000 sustained). But it comes with a seriously eye-watering price tag, especially if you want to include the Pro Stand for adjustability and pivoting. While this is an expensive monitor by consumer standards, but it really isn’t a consumer monitor. It’s intended for a professional audience. Picture quality is maintained at ultrawide viewing angles, thanks to industry-leading polariser technology. This is so that a creative team can gather round a single monitor and evaluate a photo, video or design project without suffering a loss of consistency. Connected via Thunderbolt, it can charge a MacBook at up to 96W.–Neil Bennet Read our full Apple Pro Display XDR review Samsung M8 Smart Monitor (2023) – Best budget option for Mac users Pros Great price Colorful 32-inch display with HDR10+ Dual-band wi-fi with AirPlay support Adjustable stand (height, tilt, pivot) Cons Only 400 nits brightness Doesn’t support DCI-P3 or Adobe RGB Weak speakers Price When Reviewed: $699 Best Prices Today: $507.95 at Amazon$629.95 at B&H$699.99 at Best Buy Size: 32-inch Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels) Connections: Micro-HDMI (with HDMI adaptor), 1x USB-C (video), 1x USB-C peripherals, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, Thread Webcam: HD Stand: Tilt and height adjustable (included) Orientation: Landscape We really liked Samsung’s 32-inch M8 monitor when it was first launched a couple of years ago. It wasn’t perfect, but it did make a made a great, affordable alternative to Apple’s expensive Studio Display, and the latest version adds a number of new features as well as reducing the price even further. Now costing $699/£649 the new version of the M8 looks very much like its predecessor – which does still remain on sale on sites such as Amazon, so make sure you buy the current model, which is listed with the full model number M80C on Samsung’s web site (or LS32CM801UUXXU if you want the detailed stock-keeping code). The lightweight plastic casing still feels a little flimsy, but it’s not as though you’ll be carrying the monitor around in a backpack, so it should be fine as long as it’s sitting safely on a desk or a TV stand. The design has been updated to make it even slimmer, measuring just 11.4mm thick for the main screen panel, and as well as adjusting the height and tilt of the screen, you can now rotate the screen into the upright (portrait) mode as well. The built-in speakers do sound rather thin, but the M8 includes Bluetooth so that you can stream to an external set of speakers if you want to. It also includes a detachable webcam with 1080p resolution for video calls. There are USB-C and DisplayPort interfaces on the back panel for wired connections but, like its predecessor, the M80C model also includes dual-band wi-fi and supports Apple’s AirPlay, so that you can stream video to the M8 via wi-fi from your Apple devices. Other new features include a microphone with voice support for Amazon Alexa (and a privacy switch to deactivate the mic if you prefer), and the M8 also supports the Thread standard that will allow it to connect to smart home devices that also support Thread. Apple Studio Display – Apple's 'affordable' 5K production monitor Pros Handsome design Good image quality Impressive spatial audio 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage Cons High starting price and costly upgrades No HDR or ProMotion Changing stand after purchase requires a service call Price When Reviewed: $1,599 Best Prices Today: $1,499 at Amazon$1499 at B&H$1499.99 at Best Buy Size: 27-inch Resolution: 5K (5120×2880 pixels) Connections: Thunderbolt 3 (96W PD), 3x USB-C Webcam: 12-megapixel Stand: Tilt. Height-adjustable stand extra $400/£400 Orientation: Landscape; Portrait with $1,599/£1,499 VESA mount adapter As a production display, the Studio Display is still expensive but is an affordable alternative to the Pro Display XDR. Buyers will enjoy its handsome design, good image quality, and impressive spatial audio, but you can save a lot of money by going with a non-Apple display. Apple displays have always produced very good image quality, and the Studio Display continues that tradition. Colors are rich, contrast is good, and the brightness is suitable for most tasks. The Studio Display has a tilt-adjustable stand, but it does not pivot between landscape and portrait modes, like the Pro Display XDR, although a very expensive WESA mount does add a portrait option. You can get a stand that provides about four inches of height adjustment but it doesn’t come cheap. The price tag for the tilt- and height-adjustable stand is a whopping $400/£400 more. The Studio Display has six speakers (four force-canceling woofers, and two high-performance tweeters) that sound better than any display we’ve used. Connected via Thunderbolt, it can charge a MacBook at up to 96W.–Roman Loyola Read our full Apple Studio Display review BenQ PD2725U – best for Mac-friendly features Pros Very good image quality Supports 100% sRGB Stand adjusts height, tilt, swivel and rotation 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports Cons Supports 95% DCI-P3 400 nits max brightness No webcam Price When Reviewed: 899.99 Best Prices Today: $749.99 at Adorama$749.99 at B&H$749.99 at Best BuyNot Available at Amazon Size: 27-inch Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels) Connections: 2x Thunderbolt 3 (1x 65W PD), 2x USB-A Webcam: No Stand: Tilt and height-adjustable stand Orientation: Landscape and portrait Most monitors that use standard HDMI, USB-C or DisplayPort interfaces are compatible with Macs, but BenQ has a number of displays that also include Thunderbolt 3 and are specifically designed for Macs. There’s a special section on its website to provide help for Mac users, and even Help files for owners of Macs with M1 and M2 chips as well. The PD2725U is the first of its Mac monitors, offering a 27-inch screen with 4K resolution (3,840×2,160) for a competitive $899.99/£859.99, and there are 32-inch and 34-inch versions as well. BenQ quite rightly emphasizes the versatility and ergonomic design of the PD2725U, as the sturdy metal stand allows you to tilt, swivel and adjust the height of the screen without paying extra (as you have to do with Apple’s Studio Display). You can even rotate the screen into the upright (portrait) position as well. It’s well connected too, with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort interface, plus two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which allow you to connect the PD2725U to your Mac and also to daisy-chain a second 4K display for a twin-monitor setup. There’s also a built in hub that provides two USB-A (3.1) ports, and the ability to share your keyboard and mouse with two computers so that you can use the monitor with two computers and switch between them as required. There’s a small set of built-in speakers, which aren’t particularly powerful, but the display also includes a 3.5mm audio socket for connecting headphones or external speakers as well. The display doesn’t have a built-in webcam, but BenQ includes a small puck–a kind of dial control that lets you quickly adjust the various display settings for different tasks and applications. The image quality is very good–clear and detailed, with bold colors, and the display supports 100% of the sRGB color space, so it’ll be suitable for basic graphics and design work. However, it only supports 95% of the DCI-P3 color space used for high-end video work, and its 400 nits brightness isn’t quite as vibrant as the 500 nits of my MacBook Pro’s built-in display. Professional users who need a high-end display for video editing may prefer to pay a bit more for a display with full P3 support, but the PD2725U provides an excellent and affordable 4K display for most Mac users to use at home or for general office work.–Cliff Joseph Alogic Clarity Pro Touch Display – Best touchscreen display for Mac Pros Impressive 4K 60Hz touchscreen Fantastic adjustable stand Cons Fiddly Mac touchscreen software install Hub doesn’t daisy-chain extra displays Price When Reviewed: $1,199 Best Prices Today: $890 at Amazon$1199 at Alogic Size: 27-inch or 32-inch Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels) Connections: USB-C (65W PD), USB-B, 2x HDMI, DisplayPort Webcam: 8-megapixel (retractable) Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait The Alogic Clarity Pro Touch offers Mac users a large, premium touchscreen on a monitor that boasts one of the best height-adjustable, tilt and pivot stands that we’ve tested. It’s a precision, 10-point multitouch, One Glass Solution (OGS) touchscreen that combines the monitor’s protective layer with its input layer via a conductive medium keeps the Clarity Pro Touch’s screen as thin as the other Clarity monitors, while maintaining the monitor’s bright picture. Touchscreens are useful for artists and video professionals, with many pro tools having accurate touch functionality that beats using a mouse. It’s a more intuitive way to fine-tune levels and effects in photo-editing or music mixing, in applications such as Adobe Lightroom and Audition, and Apple Pro Logic. Alogic has an optional accessory, the $199 Clarity Fold Stand, to better facilitate comfortable drawing or interacting onscreen—the articulating stand securely holds the monitor raised at an angle like a drafting board. It can rotate 360° so that you can share work with colleagues. We did find the touchscreen setup a little fiddly as you have to install drivers for Mac, but once up and running, the operation was smooth. The height-adjustable stand offers a versatile swivel and tilt experience, and the screen can be used in either landscape or portrait modes. Its retractable webcam automatically raises itself from within the monitor when an app requires it, and then auto-retracts when it’s no longer needed. The 27-inch Pro Touch and new 32-inch Max Touch are the top-end of Alogic’s Clarity range of monitors: the entry-level Clarity (reviewed below) boasts the same premium screen but isn’t a touchscreen and lacks the webcam; the Clarity Pro is also non-touch, but does come with the smart webcam. Read our Alogic Clarity Max Touch review for a closer look at the larger touchscreen model.–Simon Jary BenQ PD2706UA – Best Ergonomic Display Pros Competitive price Includes flexible ergonomic arm Supports 100% sRGB Good connectivity Cons Only supports 95% DCI-P3 400 nits max brightness (with HDR) Weak speakers Price When Reviewed: $629.99 Best Prices Today: $599.99 at B&H$599.99 at Best Buy$629.99 at AdoramaNot Available at Amazon Size: 27-inch Resolution: HD (2560×1440 pixels) Connections: 4x USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 1.4, 2x DisplayPort 1.2 Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Joint (Rotation) Orientation: Landscape It’s a common criticism of Apple’s own displays that they don’t allow you to adjust the height of the screen unless you pay a ridiculous amount for an optional adjustable stand. Most rival displays do allow you to adjust the height, of course, but BenQ’s 27-inch PD2706UA goes even further. Rather than having a conventional stand, the PD2706UA includes an ergonomic arm that attaches to your desk and allows you to freely adjust the height, tilt and swivel, and even rotate it into the upright portrait mode with just a tap of your finger. You don’t have to pay a fortune for this flexibility either, as the PD2706UA provides an attractive 4K display for just $629.99/£549.99. The ergonomic arm is designed to either clamp onto the edge of a desk or table, or attach to the circular grommets found on many pieces of office furniture. It does require a little patience to assemble properly, but the free movement of the screen will be a blessing for people who may have problems with their neck or shoulders, or simply for quickly swiveling the display into position to show your work to clients or colleagues. The display provides 4K resolution with support for HDR10, which is good value at this price. Connectivity is good too, with HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces, along with one USB-C connector that handles video and provides 90W output for charging a laptop. It also includes a built-in USB hub that provides three USB-A ports and one USB-C (for data transfer only), as well as BenQ’s ‘hotkey puck’, which sits on your desk and provides a quick dial control for selecting display settings without using the traditional on-screen menus. As always, BenQ keeps Mac users in mind by providing a Mac version of its DisplayPilot app, which provides features such as an ‘M-book’ mode that is designed to match the color settings on a Mac. The display also supports 100% of the sRGB color space, and 95% of DCI-P3, so it can handle a wide range of graphics and design tasks. Our only real complaint is that the display only provides modest levels of brightness – 350nits or 400nits with HDR – compared to 500nits for my office iMac. The built-in speakers are pretty feeble too, but the PD2706UA does have a 3.5mm audio connector so you can use headphones or external speakers if you want to. Some professional users might prefer a more expensive display that supports 100% of DCI-P3, but the PD2706UA will be a good, affordable option if you just need a 4K display for use at home or in the office, with the added bonus of the versatile ergonomic arm thrown in for good measure.–Cliff Joseph Alogic Clarity 27in UHD 4K Monitor – More affordable classy 4K display Pros Impressive 4K 60Hz screen Fantastic adjustable stand USB-C hub with 90 watts of power  Cons No webcam Hub doesn’t daisy-chain extra displays Price When Reviewed: $799.99 Best Prices Today: $599 at Amazon$799.99 at Alogic Size: 27-inch Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels) Connections: USB-C (90W PD), USB-B, 2x HDMI, DisplayPort Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait The Alogic Clarity is a stunning 27-inch display with built-in hub and a fantastic height-adjustable, tilt and pivot stand. It will appeal to Mac users with its Apple looks and is even, in some ways, a superior monitor to Apple’s own Studio Display, although its 4K resolution isn’t as sharp as Apple’s 5K screen. The stand is one of the best we’ve seen, and easily beats Apple’s standard monitor stand. It features multiple display connections and can power your MacBook at up to 90W via either USB-C or USB-B. There is also a Clarity Pro model that features a built-in retractable webcam, although we prefer a standalone webcam (check out our favorite Mac webcams), as well as a touchscreen version reviewed above.–Simon Jary Read our full Alogic Clarity 27in UHD 4K Monitor review HP Z27k G3 – Good low-cost option Pros Affordable 4K display Adjustable stand -tilt, swivel, height and rotation Supports 99% sRGB USB-C hub with 100 watts of power  Cons Brightness levels could be higher Not aimed at professional users No built-in speakers or webcam Price When Reviewed: $544 Best Prices Today: $515.95 at Amazon$525.52 at Walmart$541.95 at B&H Size: 27-inch Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels) Connections: HDMI 2.0; 2x DisplayPort 1.4; 4x USB-A; 1x USB-C (100W PD); Gigabit Ethernet Webcam: No Stand: Tilt, swivel and height-adjustable stand Orientation: Landscape We liked HP’s E27u (reviewed later in this feature), which provides a very affordable 27-inch display for just $424/£287. However, the E27u provides only QHD resolution (2,560×1,440), and while that’s fine for web browsing or running office software such as Microsoft Word or Excel, many Mac users will prefer a full 4K display for graphics and design work, or watching films and video. There’s an HP solution here too, as its Z27k G3 provides an attractive 4K display (3840×2160) for just $544/£479. That’s barely a third of the price of Apple’s 27-inch Studio Display, and it does mean that the Z27k G3 has to make a few compromises to keep the price so low. However, it gets the basics right, with a smart, compact design, and good image quality and connectivity features – not to mention a few additional features that even the Apple Studio Display lacks. The display is neatly designed, with a simple metal stand and base, and very narrow borders around the edge of the screen—in fact, it’s so compact that I had to whip out a tape measure to confirm that the screen really is a full 27-inches in size. The stand allows you to tilt and swivel the screen, and also adjust the height—which is a costly optional extra for the Apple Studio Display—and you can even rotate the screen into upright (portrait) mode if you want to. There are USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces for video input, and a second DisplayPort interface that allows you to daisy-chain a second monitor as well. The USB-C interface can provide 100W power to charge a laptop, and also allows you to use the four additional USB-A ports that are located on the back panel. There’s one big limitation here, though, as using the display in 4K mode with 60Hz refresh rates limits these USB-A ports to the slower USB 2.0 standard, which is probably only suitable for simple devices such as a mouse or keyboard. If you lower the refresh rate to 30Hz then the USB ports can run at faster USB 3.0 speeds, but that’s not a compromise many people will want to make. There’s no built-in webcam or speakers either. The screen quality is very good, though, especially at this price. The display only provides 350 nits maximum brightness, so it’s not quite as bright as the 500 nits display of the MacBook Pro that we tested it with. Even so, the image still looks bright and colorful to the naked eye, and the Z27k G3 is a good low-cost option for anyone that wants a high-res 4K display for office work or entertainment. And, while it’s not aimed at professional users, the display supports 99% of the sRGB color standard, so it can handle some basic photo and video-editing work too.–Cliff Joseph Spectrum One 4K Gorilla Glass — Affordable Studio Display alternative Pros Good image quality HDR support Variable refresh rate up to 144Hz Elegant design Cons Stand sold separately for $99 Blacks aren’t as deep as Apple Studio Display No built-in speakers, microphone, or webcam Price When Reviewed: $799 without stand Best Prices Today: $799 at Dough Size: 27-inch Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels) Connections: USB-C (100W PD), 2x HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, 2x 10Gbps USB-A, USB-B, audio mini-jack, Gigabit Ethernet Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait The Spectrum One with Gorilla Glass is worth a look if you’re in the market for a display and cringe at the $1,599 starting price of the Apple Studio Display. There are a few trade-offs: it’s 4K resolution rather than 5K, and it lacks speakers, a microphone, and a webcam. The height-adjustable stand costs an extra $99. Its overall image quality isn’t as good as the Studio Display, but it’s still very good for even professional-level image work. A Mac can also use one of the two HDMI 2.1 ports, but by connecting through USB-C you’ll also be able to use the display as a hub and its other USB-C port (15 watts), the two USB-A ports, and the 3.5 mm audio jack. It has a few advantages over the Studio Display, such as a variable refresh rate to a maximum of 144Hz, a higher maximum brightness, and it can connect to game consoles at 120Hz. Overall, it’s a display that’s worth the investment. Read our full Spectrum One 4K Gorilla Glass review Dell Ultrasharp U2421E — Stylish USB-C 24-inch HD screen Pros USB docking station Versatile design Good quality display USB-C hub with 90 watts of power  Cons Limited brightness Weedy speakers No webcam Price When Reviewed: $389.99 Best Prices Today: $348.99 at Amazon$389.99 at Dell$391 at Walmart Size: 24.1-inch Resolution: HD (1920×1200 pixels) Connections: 2x USB-C (1x 90W PD), HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, 3x USB-A, audio mini-jack, Gigabit Ethernet Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait The sylish Dell Ultrasharp U2421E is a slick design perfect for those with a USB-C/Thunderbolt charged MacBook, as the docking station features are handy. The color range is also good, and while the price is high for this resolution and size, there are cheaper prices available online—check the latest prices above. It’s big enough for general office work and a nice option for those who use a laptop as their daily workhorse. it looks professional and almost Apple-ish, and the support arm allows it to pivot and tilt extensively. It’s also got decent color representation with close to 100% sRGB coverage and 83% of the P3 color space. There’s also a decent range of ports at the back and underneath. Connected via USB-C, it can charge a MacBook at up to 90W.–Mark Pickavance Limink LK14 Laptop Triple Screen Extender — Best screen extender for portability Pros Adds two 14-inch screens Portable Easy setup Cons HD, not 4K Price When Reviewed: $699.99 Best Prices Today: $699.99 at Amazon Size: 14-inch Resolution: HD (1920×1080 pixels) Connections: USB-C or HDMI to host Webcam: No Stand: Simple Orientation: Landscape If you need a bigger screen you can plug a display into your Mac laptop, but if you want multiple screens without the giant extra monitors, a better option is to buy a portable external display. These displays tend to not be much larger than the display on your laptop, but they don’t add a much more weight and can more than double your screen space. The Limink LK14 portable Tri-screen Monitor is a screen extender that your MacBook fits into and adds a 14-inch screen either side of the laptop’s own. It is compatible with 13-16-inch MacBooks, and connects via either USB-C or HDMI cables (included). Setup is easy and you can attach and detach this extender to your MacBook in about a minute. It’s HD rather than 4K and so is not as sharp and clear as the MacBook’s own. But it’s fine for spreadsheets, browsers and other mainstream applications. It’s great for adding supplementary screen estate when you’re on a video call, or for presentations. At $699, it is expensive, but you are paying for portability and two decent screens. The whole package, which comes with a leather protective cover, can be folded up and placed in a drawer when not in use, and is light enough (3.3lbs; 1.5kg) to take with you on your travels.–Simon Jary Read our full Limink LK14 Al Alloy Portable Triple Monitor review Asus ProArt PA279CV – 4K for the budget-conscious Pros Accurate image High maximum brightness Menu settings allow calibration USB-C hub with 65 watts of power  Competitive price Cons Unimpressive design Luminance uniformity could be better HDR is bright but otherwise falls short No webcam Price When Reviewed: $499 Best Prices Today: $449.99 at Best Buy$459.99 at Adorama$499 at Microcenter Size: 27-inch Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels) Connections: USB-C (65W PD), 2x HDMI, DisplayPort Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel Orientation: Landscape The Asus ProArt PA279CV is a 4K monitor that offers accurate color and important “pro” features such as accurate gamma presets. It even has USB-C connectivity, making it an excellent choice for creators looking to upgrade from their laptop display. It’s not a great-looking monitor, with larger than average display bevels on the plasticky chassis. It’s not luxurious but it’s fine for an office or workstation. Asus’ ProArt PA279CV is a sensible choice for content creators who want a color accurate 4K monitor but don’t want to clean out their savings account. Connected via USB-C, it can charge a MacBook at up to 65W—enough for a MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro.–Matthew S.Smith Read our full Asus ProArt PA279CV review Acer Nitro XV272 – Color-accurate HD on a budget Pros Very accurate color   Great out-of-box image quality  Good range of image adjustments  Smooth, clear motion performance Cons Expensive for a 1080p monitor  Bland, basic design   Modest SDR brightness No USB-C Power Delivery Price When Reviewed: $399.99 Best Prices Today: $244.99 at Newegg$279.49 at Staples$399.99 at Acer Size: 27-inch Resolution: HD (1920×1080 pixels) Connections: 2x HDMI, DisplayPort Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation Orientation: Landscape Acer’s Nitro XV272 costs more than a lot of 1080p monitors, but the IPS, 165Hz screen provides above-average image quality, excellent color accuracy and motion performance, and a full range of monitor-stand adjustments and a generous array of ports make it worth the cost. It also has three video inputs, four USB ports, and a stand that feels a bit cheap but offers numerous ergonomic adjustments. These features signal that the Nitro XV272, though not expensive, is a cut above entry-level 1080p monitors. It lacks a USB-C with Power Delivery port, so won’t charge your MacBook.–Matthew S.Smith Read our full Acer Nitro XV272 review Dell U3223QE – Large-screen with 4K resolution Pros IPS Black panel fulfils its promise  Accurate color with wide gamut  High brightness in SDR   USB-C hub with 90 watts of power  Cons Edges of display are noticeably bright  HDR performance disappoints  No webcam Price When Reviewed: $1,149.99 Best Prices Today: $576.95 at B&H$629.99 at Amazon$849.99 at Best Buy Size: 31.5inch Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels) Connections: USB-C (90W PD), HDMI, DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation Orientation: Landscape and portrait The Dell U3223QE uses LG’s IPS Black tech to deliver a top-notch, professional-level, 31.5-inch 4K display with a built-in USB-C hub.  It retains the great color performance high-end IPS panel monitors are known for, and, to sweeten the deal, provides crisp 4K resolution. But there’s more to the U3223QE than the panel. It’s also a fantastic business, productivity, and professional monitor loaded with image-quality options and a king’s buffet of connectivity. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, and swivel—features that shoppers expect at this price. However, it throws in a bonus: It can pivot 90 degrees for use in portrait mode. This is rare for a 32-inch monitor, as most stands lack the height to allow it. The USB-C hub is crammed to the gills with connectivity. This includes multiple USB-C ports, one of which can handle up to 90 watts of Power Delivery, five USB-A ports, and ethernet. Connected via USB-C, it can charge a MacBook at up to 90W.–Matthew S.Smith Read our full Dell U3223QE review Mobile Pixels Geminos Dual Vertical FHD Monitor – Vertically stacked dual-screen option Pros Two vertically stacked monitors Ergonomic screen layout Adjustable height and viewing angles 65W USB-C passthrough charging Cons HD not 4K Webcam is too high when both screens are flat Price When Reviewed: $699 Best Prices Today: $699 at Mobile Pixels Size: 2x 24-inch Resolution: HD 1080p (1920-x-1080 pixels) Connections: 2x HDMI, 2x USB-C (65W PD), 2x USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio In/Out Webcam: Yes Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation Orientation: Stacked landscape The Mobile Pixels Geminos is a monitor curiosity that might take your fancy. Instead of having two screens side by side, the Geminos stacks two on top of each other, with the ability to fold the whole thing down flat if you want to. Having two screens stacked on top of each other will save your neck from frequent twisting plus a bunch of freed-up desk space too. The two joined 24-inch screens are HD rather than 4K so won’t suit those who want the deepest, richest colors, but as a productivity option, we applaud Mobile Pixels for the idea and comfortable dual-screen alternative. Setup is a little complicated, and you can buy two separate monitors cheaper, although not stacked vertically, for which you would need a special mount. There’s even a version, Geminos T, with a touchscreen for the lower monitor.–Simon Jary Read our full Mobile Pixels Geminos Dual Vertical FHD Monitor review HP E27u G4 – Affordable 27-inch HD monitor Pros Affordable 27-inch display Attractive image with 2560×1440 resolution HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C inputs 4-port USB hub Cons No webcam No speakers Price When Reviewed: $424 Best Prices Today: $139 at HP$139 at HP (US)$249 at Amazon Size: 27-inch Resolution: HD (2560×1440 pixels) Connections: 4x USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 1.4, 2x DisplayPort 1.2 Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel Floor, Joint (Rotation) Orientation: Landscape Apple’s Studio Display and Pro Display are seriously expensive, and they’re very much designed for professional and creative users who need 5K or 6K displays for graphics and video work. Not everyone needs such a high-res display though, and I’ve always found that a QHD (quad-HD) display with 2,560×1,440 resolution is the affordable sweet spot that works well for both general office work and off-duty entertainment. HP’s somewhat clumsily named E27u G4 is a good option here, providing an attractive QHD display with a variety of connectivity features for just $424/£286.80. You’re not going to get a top-of-the-range display for that price, and the E27u does lack a few added extras, such as a built-in webcam or speakers. It gets all the basics right, though, with good image quality, multiple video inputs, and a useful built-in USB hub. The display’s 250 nits brightness may be relatively modest, but we found that the E27u looks bright and sharp enough for working with productivity software such as Microsoft Office, and also for streaming video from the BBC iPlayer and Apple TV+. And while Apple charges an extra £400 for an upgrade that allows you to adjust the height of its Studio Display—which is more than the entire cost of the E27u—you can tilt, swivel and adjust the height of the E27u, and even rotate it into upright (portrait) mode at no extra cost. The E27u includes HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C interfaces for connecting to your Mac, with the USB-C port also providing 65W power to charge a MacBook or other laptop if required. When using the USB-C connection you can also use four USB-A ports to connect devices such a keyboard, mouse or hard drive, and there’s also a second DisplayPort interface that will allow you to daisy-chain a second monitor if required. Our only complaint is that there’s no audio connector that would allow you to connect headphones or a set of external speakers to the display – although HP does sell a special ‘speaker bar’ that bolts onto the bottom of the screen if you want to add audio ($43.00/£40.00).–Cliff Joseph Dell UltraSharp U2723QE Pros Manager software Good price-performance ratio Many connections Wide range of setting options Cons Plasticky design Ports difficult to access Price When Reviewed: $549.99 Best Prices Today: $549.97 at Amazon$550 at Dell Size: 27-inch Resolution: 3840 x 2160 picels Connections: 2x USB-C PD, 5x USB-A, gigabit ethernet DP-in/DP-out, 1x HDMI, USB-C upstream (for daisy chain) Webcam: No Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel Orientation: Stacked landscape Dell advertises the U2723QE with “exceptional contrast.” This is made possible by the panel’s IPS Black technology. Indeed, the screen offers an unusually high contrast ratio of 2000:1: black looks like black, and colors are very clearly distinguishable. Thanks to its wide color space support (100 percent Rec.709, 100 percent sRGB, and 98 percent DCI-P3) it is on a par with modern Apple LCDs. The screen settings can be adjusted using the joystick on the back, or directly from the Mac desktop using the Dell Display and Peripheral Manager software. Here you can quickly adjust the brightness and contrast. There is also the option of defining a schedule for changing the brightness or contrast. If required, users can also define hotkeys for brightness and contrast control. However, the software works on the MacBook, Mac mini, and Mac Pro, but not on the iMac. The ports on the back are hard to reach and not entirely in logical positions. The two connections at the front are also arranged at the bottom, which makes plugging them in from the bottom a gymnastics exercise every time. A side or rear-facing solution like Apple’s would be better here. But this display does offer a lot of ports, and it’s a complete USB-C docking station for MacBooks and a good extension for the Mac mini or Mac Studio. Read our full Dell UltraSharp U2723QE review. Read our full Dell UltraSharp U2723QE review How to choose a Mac monitor Display technology is a bit of a movable feast, with a lot of confusing jargon and technical features to wade through, as well as a variety of different interfaces and cables that are used by Apple itself and the various monitor manufacturers. So it’s worth taking a closer look at some of the factors that you need to think about when buying a monitor for your Mac. Screen size Size isn’t everything, as the saying goes, but it’s a good place to start. Your decision will be influenced by how much desk space you have, and how comfortable you are while using the display. Some people think that a big screen is best, but then when they start to use it daily, they find that it’s too big. And the same goes for customers who think a small screen is best. If you’re looking for a size to start with for your own personal research, we recommend 24 inches—just like with Apple’s iMac. That seems like a good size for most people, and it’s easy to go up or down from that point. Most people tend to go between 24 and 27 inches for home use. For professionals—graphics, video, audio, even spreadsheets—a large screen will help you be more productive. Think 27 inches and higher. You’ll be able to fit more elements on the screen and not waste your time scrolling. If on-screen real estate is valuable to you, consider a multi-display setup. A smaller screen can be used for things like chat, email, web, and more, while the bigger screen is your main workspace. Or get screens of the same size and maximize the space. Screen resolution Screen resolution can go hand-in-hand with screen size. Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels used to create what you see on the screen. The higher the resolution, the more detail you can see. Larger displays tend to have more resolution options, as well as the ability to support higher resolutions. Often, when you find two displays that are the same size but have a wide price difference, it’s mostly because of the screen resolution. Monitors with high resolutions are more expensive. For example, Apple’s $1,599 Studio Display is 27 inches, and it has a high screen resolution of 5120×2880 (5K resolution). On the other hand, LG sells the 27-inch 27UK650-W, but it’s a 3840×2160 (4K) resolution display for content creators, and it’s $350–lower resolution, but $1,249 cheaper. (There actually aren’t other 27-inch 5K monitors available, except for the $1,449 LG UltraFine 27MD5KL-B.) So what screen resolution should you get? Here are some suggestions; these are guidelines that you can adjust based on your preferences. For general purpose use, such as web browsing, email, media viewing, small photo and video projects and viewing: 1920×1080 or 2560×1440 (HD) For more-involved content creation, productivity, and media viewing: 3840×2160 (4K) For pro-level content creation, productivity, and media viewing: 4K or higher Want to use an 8K monitor? Read How to connect an 8K display to your Mac. Connecting to a Mac How a monitor connects to a Mac can be confusing. The traditional HDMI and DisplayPort connectors used by many monitors are being replaced–or complemented–by USB-C and Thunderbolt ports. And though USB-C and Thunderbolt cables may look the same, there are actually some important technical differences between them, so it’s important to check which ports your new monitor uses and make sure you buy the correct cables and adapters. Most recent Mac models have Thunderbolt ports, so if you buy a monitor that has HDMI or DisplayPort interfaces only, then you’ll need an adapter to connect to the Mac. This can get a bit confusing, but Apple does provide a list of the ports included on most recent Mac models so that you can figure out what you need. Apple also provides a guide to HDMI and DisplayPort technology, which covers Mac models going right back to 2008, so that should provide all the info you need for all the Macs you use at home or at work. Less expensive monitors still tend to use HDMI and DisplayPort, and while it’s not too costly to buy adapters that will allow you to connect your Mac, we reckon it’s worth future-proofing your new monitor by getting one that includes at least one USB-C or Thunderbolt port. If a display uses Thunderbolt to connect to the Mac, it may have additional USB-C or Thunderbolt ports so the display can act as a hub. In this case, If you have a device you want to connect to your Mac, you can connect it to one of the ports on the monitor, which is already connected to the Mac and probably in an easier location for access. Look for a USB-C or Thunderbolt connection with power delivery (PD) that can charge your MacBook. A 65W PD will be enough for a MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro, but you’ll need at least 90W for a 15-inch or 16-inch Pro. Read our article on how to connect a second screen to a Mac which explains everything you need to know about how to identify which ports you have, the adapters you will require, and how to set things up. Ergonomics If you’re going to spend a lot of time sitting at a desk looking at your lovely new display then you need to keep ergonomics in mind. The ability to tilt the angle of the monitor back and forth, swivel it around for easy viewing, and adjust the height of the monitor in order to avoid an aching back or neck. Some monitors can pivot or rotate in either landscape or portrait mode. As a rough guide, there is a point at about 2 to 3 inches from the top of the screen that should be at eye level. Obviously, eye level varies from one person to another, so it’s important that you can adjust the screen for your own personal comfort. You may also prefer a monitor that doesn’t suffer from glare, or you will be forever repositioning the monitor (or your head) to compensate for that. Other considerations There are other considerations you’ll want to make when shopping for a monitor. A lot of these come down to personal preference or what you need for the work you do. They include: Color space (gamut): The number of colors a monitor can show. Professionals need specific color spaces. Refresh rate: The frequency when a screen is refreshed. Higher rates produce smoother animations. Webcam: Some displays have a built-in camera you can use for FaceTime and other video conferencing apps, or to record yourself. Speakers: If you plan on frequently viewing or listening to media, a good set of speakers makes for a better experience. Mac, Monitors

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Snatch this beautiful AirTag Apple leather loop for just $8
Macworld Getting an AirTag set up is super easy, but figuring out how to secure them to something like a bag or a zipper is a different discussion. Thankfully, this gorgeous leather loop from Apple is only $8 right now, down from $39, the best price we’ve ever seen and the perfect companion for your AirTaf. Made out of red, tanned leather, this Apple AirTag case is simply gorgeous. Even more, it’s elegant no matter what you attach it to. This beautiful case will keep your AirTag tightly in place. Just loop the leather around whatever you want to hook it to, such as your backpack, and slip the AirTag through the cutout. AirTags are super useful to have. These button-shaped devices will keep track of any of your personal items, such as your bags or keys. There are so many uses for AirTags that we’re sure you’ll find a few that work for you, They use the Apple Find My network by leveraging Bluetooth technology. They’re super easy to find through the app, immediately displaying the location of whatever you’ve hooked the Apple AirTag Leather loop to. If you don’t have one, a 4-pack is down to $79 right now, a savings of $20 and a savings of nearly $10 per AirTag on its $29 price tag. So go ahead and order yourself a few of these beautiful leather loops for your Apple AirTags. Get the Apple AirTag Leather Loop for $8 Gadgets

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Apple TV+ is your place for space with five series’ featuring the final frontier this season
If you're a sci-fi fan, particularly one who craves the vastness of space exploration, Apple TV+ is a must-have. With shows like… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Exclusive sale: Save 20% on this sweet silicone Apple Watch band
This silicone magnetic Apple Watch band looks great and is easy to use: SwitchEasy's Skin Silicone Magnetic Apple Watch Band is a jack-of-all-trades. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Rare App Store antitrust win for Apple, as Chinese court dismisses lawsuit
Apple has enjoyed a rare App Store antitrust win, as a Chinese court dismissed a lawsuit accusing it of charging excessive commissions. The iPhone maker is facing an onslaught of antitrust legislation and lawsuits around the world, most notably surrounding the App Store … more…

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Here’s when you can get affordable new Beats Solo Buds
Time for new earbuds? You can soon preorder powerful new Beats Solo Buds for just $80 with epic battery life and tiny case. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple may finally let Android users watch TV+ shows in an app
Macworld Apple has placed a job ad for a senior Android engineer, in a signal that its walled garden strategy may soon have to change. The new recruit will work on an Apple TV app for Google’s mobile platform. The ad, which inexplicably calls the platform “android” with a lower-case A in three out of five instances, says the Apple TV app team “is looking for a proactive, hardworking and experienced senior android [sic] engineer to lead the development of fun new features, and to help build an application used by millions to watch and discover tv [sic] and sports.” There has technically been an Android TV+ app before now–the Chromecast version of the service runs on Android–but this appears to be something more squarely aimed at mobile users. The base pay for the role ranges from $131,500 to $243,300 depending on skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman first spotted the ad. “The move,” he notes, “suggests that the company is looking to gain market share in video streaming—and is setting aside its rivalry with Android in order to chase additional users.” It’s debatable, however, whether the hunt for subscribers or the desire to avoid regulatory intervention is more of a factor in the move. As Gurman points out, the vast Android user base would enable Apple to access many more potential subscribers to its streaming service, which by most measures remains small in comparison with Disney+ and Netflix. But the company may also be motivated by wanting to amend the troubling optics of only allowing users of its own mobile platform to easily access the service in light of escalating attempts by lawmakers to bring tech monopolies to heel. Android users can obviously access Apple TV+ on their devices, but the experience is inferior to Apple devices and requires using Apple’s web portal. Most famously, Apple has tried to preserve the integrity of its “walled garden” product ecosystem by restricting iMessage to Apple users, and by limiting that service’s compatibility with other platforms: Android users are frequently ostracised for the negative effect of their green bubbles in group chats. Lawmakers’ patience with this strategy finally ran out last year, and their pressure induced Apple to pledge that it will implement RCS support and make life easier for Android users. Apple may be hoping to avoid more such embarrassing defeats in the future, which would also explain why it released a number of Windows apps earlier this year, as Gurman observes. And if a few million Android fans sign up for TV+ along the way, that’s a bonus. Android, Streaming Media

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Your introduction to AI and coding costs just $39.97
This 213-course educational bundle covers coding and AI for beginners. Get your start in a coding career with this affordable coursework. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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iOS 18 Siri will better understand people, events, locations – report
A new report says that iOS 18 Siri features will include a better contextual understanding of things like people, companies, events, and locations. A new ‘catch-up’ feature is also said to be included in the AI feature-set, where you can ask Siri to bring you up to speed on notifications you’ve received while away from your phone … more…

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Give your Mac a makeover with custom icons
You can change any icon on your Mac to customize it to your taste. Edit the thumbnail icon of any app, folder, disk or file.  (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple gets another App Store antitrust win, this time in China
Apple has won a lawsuit accusing it of abusing its dominant power in the app marketplace, with a Chinese court rejecting claims Apple's App Store fees were too high.iOS App StoreIn 2021, Jin Xin sued Apple China, insisting Apple stopped charging its 30% App Store commission. Xin also demanded that Chinese consumers should be allowed to use other payment systems than Apple's own, as well as an apology and approximately $15,500 in compensation.Three years later, the Shanghai Intellectual Property Court sided with Apple, according to a yet-to-be-published judgment received by the South China Morning Post. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple to add Japan’s ‘My Number’ ID card functions to iPhone
At the request of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Apple CEO Tim Cook agreed to put Japan's "My Number" identification card… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Deals: Apple's new 13-inch iPad Pro M4 gets a $120 price cut
Released only two weeks ago, Apple's 13-inch iPad Pro with the M4 chip is already eligible for a triple-digit discount, with limited supply available at the reduced price.Snag a limited-time 13-inch iPad Pro price cut.Apple Authorized Reseller B&H is offering the $120 discount on Apple's brand-new M4 iPad Pro 13-inch with a 2TB capacity in Space Black. The Wi-Fi model with Standard Glass, which normally sells for $2,299, is on sale for $2,179. Amazon has a few units left in stock at $2,174, with more on the way.Grab the deal at B&H Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Vision Pro Marvel app reviews: ‘Best experience’ or ‘flimsy and meh’
Hands-on reviews of the new Vision Pro Marvel app What if…? are in, and are best described as mixed. One reviewer said that it was “maybe the best hour I’ve spent on the device since I got it,” while another described it as a “flimsy” and “meh” experience. Both, however, were upbeat about the future potential … more…

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If you had an iPhone 7 with audio problems, your settlement deadline is soon
Earlier in 2024, Apple agreed to settle a class action suit over audio issues with the iPhone 7 — but conditions are very limited and the time to apply is almost over.iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 PlusIt was the "Audio IC Defect," also known as the 'loop disease,' and affected users had greyed-out speaker buttons while on a call. Plus they had loss of Siri voice commands, the Voice Memos app wouldn't work, and microphone audio quality degraded.The class action lawsuit that followed took six years to conclude with Apple agreeing to settle for a total of $35 million. Affected users were sent a postcard by the settlement administrator, and anyone receiving it has up to Monday, June 3, 2024, to respond. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Anker’s Nano Power Bank is Discounted to Just $35
Anker’s ever-reliable and stylish power bank is discounted at $15 off in today’s deal. The Nano Power Bank with USB-C Cable is down to just $34.99 from its original price of $50 on Amazon through a Prime membership. The Anker Nano Power Bank houses a 10,000 mAh battery that’s ready for charging smartphones, tablets, and […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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