Should you buy a Mac Studio now or wait?
Macworld The Mac Studio is Apple’s most powerful desktop following the discontinuation of the Mac Pro in 2026. It has effectively become Apple’s flagship professional workstation, aimed at users who need sustained CPU and GPU performance, large amounts of unified memory, and a desktop form factor. Typical Mac Studio buyers include video editors, software developers, AI and machine learning users, 3D artists, music producers, engineers, and other professionals whose workloads benefit from workstation-class performance. If you’re considering buying a Mac Studio, there are three questions to answer: Should you buy now or wait for the next generation? Can you actually buy the configuration you want given current shortages? Which model and specification is right for your workload? Mac Studio: Buy now or wait? Buy now if… You need a machine immediately. You’re upgrading from an Intel Mac. You primarily use: Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve Logic Pro and music production software Xcode and software development tools Docker, virtual machines, and development environments Your current Mac is slowing down your work. Though introduced in March 2024, the current Mac Studio remains an exceptionally capable workstation. The M4 Max model can comfortably handle 4K and 8K video editing, software development, professional audio production, creative applications, and demanding multitasking workloads. For professionals who need a powerful Mac workstation today, the Mac Studio remains the most affordable way to access Apple’s Max- and Ultra-class chips in a desktop form factor. Wait if… You already own an M1, M2, or newer Mac Studio. You’re specifically interested in the upcoming M5 generation. You want the longest possible lifespan from your purchase. You need the highest memory configurations available. Your workloads focus heavily on AI development or large-scale 3D rendering. A Mac Studio refresh is widely expected, with M5 Max and M5 Ultra models anticipated in the near future. If your current machine is still meeting your needs, waiting may provide access to newer architecture, updated connectivity standards, and potentially improved memory options. Mac Studio availability problems There are long waits for Mac Studio configurations.Foundry Availability is currently one of the biggest factors affecting purchasing decisions. Several higher-memory configurations of Mac Studio have become difficult to obtain, while some models have experienced extended shipping times. As a result, the configuration that looks best on paper may not be the configuration you can actually buy. If you need a Mac Studio immediately, availability may ultimately determine which model and specification makes the most sense. When is the next Mac Studio expected? The current Mac Studio lineup was introduced in March 2025 with M4 Max and M3 Ultra options. Industry expectations point toward a refresh featuring M5-series chips, there were expectations that the update could happen as soon as WWDC on June 8. However, exact timing is now uncertain because supply-chain and memory availability issues could affect both launch timing and availability of future models. When Apple introduces new Mac Studio models buyers can expect improvements in performance, AI capabilities, storage speeds, wireless connectivity, and overall platform longevity. Max vs Ultra: Which Mac Studio should you buy? Foundry The primary difference between the Mac Studio Ultra and Max models lies in the processing architecture, where the Ultra chip essentially combines two Max chips into a single die to provide roughly double the performance cores and graphical power. The choice between the two comes down to the intensity of your workflow. M4 Max Mac Studio: Best for most professionals Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max, 2025) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $1,999 Best Prices Today: $1999 at Apple | $1999 at B&H The M4 Max Mac Studio offers a lower entry price and is the model most buyers should choose. It’s ideal for: Video editing Software development Music production Photography and design work General professional workloads Starting at $1,999, it delivers workstation-class performance without the significant premium commanded by Ultra models. M3 Ultra Mac Studio: Best for extreme workloads Apple Mac Studio (M3 Ultra, 2025) Price When Reviewed: $3,999 Best Prices Today: $3999 at Apple | $3999 at B&H The M3 Ultra is designed for users who regularly push hardware to its limits. It’s best suited to: Large AI models Professional 3D rendering Scientific computing Massive video-production projects Heavily multi-threaded workloads The Ultra architecture provides substantially more CPU and GPU resources, higher memory ceilings, and greater expansion potential than the M4 Max. However, most professionals will not fully utilise its additional performance. Where to buy Mac Studio to get the best deals In the U.S., you can usually buy the Mac Studio from Apple and the following stockists. Right now availability is constrained and delivery dates are weeks away, however. Apple has a 9-10 week wait for the 32GB models, but the 64GB and 94GB RAM options have a 16-18 week wait. B&H has a listing for the M4 Max Mac Studio, but they are “unavailable”. The M3 Ultra Mac Studio is listed as “discontinued”. Best Buy lists the M4 Max Mac Studio unavailable and the M3 Ultra as “sold out”. In the U.K., you can usually buy the Mac Studio from Apple or the following stockists: Apple has a 10-11 week wait for most models, although the 64GB RAM option has a 16-18 week wait. KRCS offers long delivery times for the Mac mini M4 Max, with the 512GB model being out of stock. Argos stocks the Mac Studio, but both models are out of stock. Currys stocks the Mac Studio, but both models are out of stock. Another option is to buy refurbished. The best option to buy a refurbished Mac Studio would normally be Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store, but there are none available as of June 2026. We have seen a refurbished deal at BackMarket U.K. that could be worth buying, if you really need a Mac Studio: Mac Studio, M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 511GB: £2,725. Delivery is in days. Note that it would usually cost £2,099 so you are paying a premium for a highly sought after Mac. The U.S. Back Market has an M2 Max Mac Studio for $2,152. What specifications should you choose? Assuming you can find one in stock, here is some guidance on which specifications to select. RAM Memory is more important than processor upgrades for many buyers. Because Apple Silicon uses unified memory and cannot be upgraded later, it’s worth buying more RAM than you think you’ll need. As a general rule: 36GB–48GB is sufficient for most professional users. 64GB–96GB is recommended for serious video production, AI workloads, and advanced creative work. Higher capacities are most useful for large AI models, 3D projects, and specialist professional workflows. Don’t make the mistake of spending your budget on a larger CPU upgrade while compromising on memory. Storage Internal storage can be supplemented with external Thunderbolt drives, making it easier to expand later. For most professional users: 1TB is a sensible minimum. 2TB is a better long-term choice. Larger capacities are best reserved for users with substantial media libraries or large project files. Mac Studio vs Mac mini: Which is best? Many buyers should also consider the Mac mini. Although, like Mac Studio component shortages are affecting availability. Apple Mac mini (M4 Pro, 2024) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $1,399 Best Prices Today: $1399 at Apple | $1399 at Apple United States | $1399 at B&H The Mac Studio is worth the extra cost if you need: More GPU performance Higher memory capacities More Thunderbolt connectivityAdditional display support10Gb Ethernet and extensive peripheral support Note that the Mac mini with M4 Pro is a more compelling alternative than waiting for an M5 Mac mini. One key advantage is connectivity: only the M4 Pro Mac mini and the Mac Studio support Thunderbolt 5, while the standard M4 Mac mini is limited to Thunderbolt 4. Thunderbolt 5 provides significantly greater bandwidth and is particularly valuable for: External SSD arrays and high-speed storage Professional video editing and post-production workflows Multi-display setups Audio production and recording environments AI clusters, machine learning workloads, and advanced storage solutions For users who can benefit from these capabilities, the M4 Pro Mac mini offers advantages that are likely to remain relevant even as newer generations are released. If your workloads are primarily coding, productivity, and moderate creative work, the Mac mini m4 Pro may offer better value. Other things to consider Apple The Mac Studio does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse. A professional monitor can add significantly to the overall cost of ownership, so factor this into your budget before purchasing. If you’re buying for the long term: Prioritise RAM. Don’t skimp on storage. Buy the best configuration you can realistically afford. Consider whether waiting for the next generation makes sense if you expect to keep the machine for five years or more. Should you buy a Mac Studio? Buy now if you’re upgrading from an Intel Mac, your current machine is holding back your work, or you need a workstation immediately. Good luck finding one though. Wait if you already own a recent Mac Studio, want the latest M5 architecture, or need the highest-end configurations and are willing to see how Apple’s next-generation lineup develops.

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Replace four charging bricks with this 140W Anker charging station, now $25 off
Macworld Anker 140W 4-port GaN charger View Deal (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); If you’re looking for an easy way to free up cable clutter both at your desk and on the road, this Anker 140W four-port GaN charger is down to $65, a savings of $25. It’s a great deal on its own, but the included 5-foot 240W USB-C cable makes the deal even sweeter, since similar cables sell for $10-$15. This speedy Anker block replaces up to four separate chargers. There are three USB-C ports and one USB-A port available, and they can all run at the same time. The top two USB-C ports can each hit 140W at their peak, which is enough to fast-charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro, not just the smaller Air. That matters if you’re powering a laptop alongside a phone and tablet, so you’re not sacrificing charging speed on the device that needs it most. When all ports are in use, the top C-port will be able to hit 65W charging, which is still enough for laptops, while the second caps out at 45W, and the last Type-C port and the A-port can deliver a maximum of 12W each.   GaN construction keeps the footprint smaller than older charger designs at this wattage. Since this is a four-port charger, however, you shouldn’t expect this to be a tiny travel-sized model. It has a size to match, and that’s perfectly ok. For a desk setup or a packed travel bag where you’re replacing several chargers, that tradeoff makes sense. At $65, the Anker 140W charger is a great value, and it can easily replace a full drawer of chargers—and a couple of cables too.

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Best MacBook backpacks, bags, cases and sleeves
Macworld A good MacBook bag shares many qualities with Apple’s laptops. We want it to be tough, so it needs to be made from good materials. We want to use it for multiple tasks, so it needs to have plenty of pockets and compartments. Let’s admit it, with the diminishing number of ports on the MacBook, the bags often have the edge. And since we all admire good design here, we certainly don’t mind if the bag looks fantastic. Plus, whatever MacBook you’ve got, Air or Pro, you’ve probably spent enough on it that you don’t want to risk it breaking—and don’t mind spending just a little more to keep it safe. There’s no shortage of companies out there that make protective accessories for MacBooks, from laptop bags and rucksacks to sleeves, covers, and shells that clip on directly, and plenty of them do their best to be just as stylish as the Mac they’re protecting. We’ve rounded up a selection of our favorite cases, sleeves, backpacks, roll-tops, shells and totes for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, whether you have a 13-, 14-, 15- or 16-inch model, to keep your Mac safe. Some might seem expensive but remember you are entrusting the bag to protect your valuable MacBook and also relieving stress on your body when carrying it. Here’s where you don’t want to skimp and risk your laptop, back and neck. Keep reading for the full list or jump to your preferred type of laptop carrier below. A sleeve usually just protects the MacBook from scuffs and knocks when carried on its own or as further protection within a bag. Backpacks offer a lot more storage aside from your tech. Briefcases are somewhere in between and often look more business smart. We rounded up other bags such as duffles, messenger bags and totes, wheeled luggage, and finished with protective shells that encase the MacBook for all-day protection. Best MacBook sleeves Best MacBook backpacks Best MacBook briefcases Best MacBook bags Best MacBook luggage cases Best MacBook shells Best laptop sleeves for MacBook A simple or multi-function laptop sleeve keeps the MacBook protected during travel either tucked under your arm or not taking up too much space in a bag. Bellroy Laptop Sleeve – Best MacBook sleeve Pros Premium feel Magnetic closure Colors Price When Reviewed: $59 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59 View Deal Belkin $59 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Fits: 13-14-inch and 15-16-inch versions Bellroy is a Australian accessory brand that makes premium bags, cases and wallets, and its laptop sleeves offer high-quality protection. The outside of the Bellroy laptop Sleeve is made from a woven, water-resistant material that is eco-friendly—made from 100% recycled PET bottles. Inside, the quilted microfiber lining features a soft ridge that holds your laptop in place. The sleeve snaps shut with a neat magnetic bumper. Available in Black, Slate, Navy, Bronze and a leather-free Saltbush. Bellroy Apple sells only one MacBook sleeve in its online store: the leather-free Bellroy Caddy for Mac Laptops, which is available in two sizes for 13-14-inch MacBooks and the 15- and 16-inch MacBooks. There’s fold-down, front-pocket access and a foam-padded laptop sleeve, as well as two stretch mesh pockets and mesh pen slips.

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Skip the subscription trap and own your PDF editing software for $40
Macworld TL;DR: Get lifetime access to PDF Reader Pro for Mac for $39.99 (MSRP $79.99) and edit, convert, sign, and organize PDFs without a subscription. Getting stuck behind subscription paywalls just to fix a PDF or sign a document is frustrating. PDF Reader Pro for Mac gives you the tools to edit, convert, merge, sign, and organize PDFs in one place for a one-time payment of $39.99 (MSRP $79.99). Once you own it, it’s yours for life. There are no monthly fees or surprise renewals. Whether you’re updating contracts, filling out tax forms, or just combining files, PDF Reader Pro gives you the tools to handle it without the cloud-based fuss. What you can do with PDF Reader Pro: Edit text and replace images directly in your PDFs Merge, split, crop, or rearrange pages with ease Compare files side-by-side and annotate or comment Convert PDFs to and from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HTML, and more Add watermarks, headers, and footers (batch support included) Use OCR to make scanned text searchable Secure your files with passwords and add legally binding e-signatures If you’re a Mac user tired of recurring fees, this is your sign to make the switch. Grab PDF Reader Pro now for $39.99 and simplify your PDF workflow forever. PDF Reader Pro Premium License For Mac: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Elon Musk's SpaceX & Tesla email accounts must be handed over in Apple lawsuit
After objecting to turn over relevant emails during discovery in a lawsuit brought on by Elon Musk, the judge is forcing the matter. Musk's email accounts must be submitted for review.Elon Musk's lawsuit against Apple isn't going his wayApple and OpenAI were sued by Elon Musk's xAI, now owned by SpaceX, due to alleged anticompetitive practices. The trial hasn't been going well for Musk so far, as it was accused of destroying and withholding evidence previously.On Tuesday, Judge Mark Pittman responded to Elon Musk's objections over his various email accounts. The objections were overturned, and business email accounts owned by Elon Musk for SpaceX and Tesla must be turned over for discovery. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Court orders Elon Musk to turn over Tesla and SpaceX emails in Apple/OpenAI lawsuit
United States District Judge Mark Pittman has rejected xAI’s attempt to keep Elon Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX emails out of discovery in the lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI. Here are the details. more…

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iOS 27 might finally bring split-screen multitasking to the iPhone
With iOS 27, designed to support the folding "iPhone Ultra," Apple might solve one of the biggest problems with foldable devices. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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9to5Mac Daily: June 2, 2026 – iOS 26.5.1, new Apple Wallet rumors
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 30% and get a $100 Savings Card. more…

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Apple's on-device AI protects privacy, Microsoft's cloud-based plans offer only convenience
Qualcomm and Microsoft believe cloud-based AI wearables are the future, rather than entirely optional and secure on-device features like Apple Intelligence.Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon (left) with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (right). Image Credit: Qualcomm.Big tech has all but embraced the proliferation of AI. Microsoft and Qualcomm are the latest to suggest the future of hardware and software development lies in AI-first devices.On June 2, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon discussed a new wearable device dubbed Project Solara, a joint venture of the two companies. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple reveals winners of the 2026 Apple Design Awards
Today, Apple announced the winners of the 2026 Apple Design Awards, honoring 12 outstanding apps and games. This year’s winners include… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Future Apple Vision Pro could gain Apple Pencil that can simulate textures
Apple has proposed an Apple Pencil-like stylus that could be used with Apple Vision Pro to convey the texture of virtual objects through haptic feedback.Apple Pencil can now react to the surface of an iPad, but in future versions could become virtual reality sensors - image credit: AppleThere's an old children's toy where one pencil is connected to another such that drawing with the first pencil also moves the second. A newly-granted patent is akin to this idea, except instead of copying or enlarging drawings, the Apple Pencil relays "surface roughness and other surface features, as well as motion data (e.g., trajectory and velocity) of the hand-held device" in virtual reality.This "Surface texture detection and emulation" patent does explicitly refer to a "pencil" system, but it's really applicable to any handheld device. Whatever form it takes, this is most probably an Apple Vision Pro accessory that Apple says is specifically intended to create "increased immersion during XR [Extended Reality] sessions." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Maryland Governor calls out Apple over Towson Town Center store closure controversy
Apple Towson Town Center employees received an endorsement from Maryland Governor Wes Moore in their fight against Apple over the company’s decision to close its first US unionized store. Here are the details. more…

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Turn idle screen time into a rewarding intellectual adventure
Turn 10 minutes a day into real learning with this Nibble app deal. You get bite-size lessons, audio, games and even AI chats with legends. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iOS 27 is coming, here are five new features I’m most excited about
We’re just days away from Apple’s iOS 27 unveiling on June 8 at WWDC. Here are five rumored new features in iOS 27 that I’m most excited about. more…

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Apple shares hit new all-time closing and intraday highs
In Nasdaq trading today, shares of Apple Inc. rose to hit a new all-time closing high. Apple’s all-time intraday high was also set today… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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MacBook Neo is the sole bright spot in a crashing global PC market
A memory shortage that isn't expected to ease before the end of 2027 will drive global PC shipments down 11.3% in 2026, even as Apple's MacBook Neo puts new pressure on PC rivals.MacBook NeoMarket research firm IDC expects conditions to worsen through the year, with PC shipments projected to fall 20% year over year in the fourth quarter. Rising memory costs are limiting product availability and making it harder for manufacturers to maintain broad product lineups.PC shipments still grew 3% during the first quarter of 2026, but that came from buyers accelerating purchases ahead of expected price increases and shortages. Much of that demand was pulled forward from later in the year, masking a market facing tighter supplies and a weaker outlook. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Paste launches MCP support to connect your clipboard history to AI tools
Clipboard manager Paste got even more useful today, with the release of Paste MCP: a tool that connects your clipboard history to several AI tools, from Claude and Codex, to Cursor and beyond. Here are the details. more…

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Microsoft Deliberately Bricking All Office For Mac 2019/2021 Installations
Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021 for Mac will reportedly drop into "reduced functionality mode" on July 13, 2026, when a license-validation certificate expires, leaving perpetually licensed apps able to open files but not edit or save them. Slashdot reader joshuark shares a report from OSnews: "Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021 for Mac view-only conversion (2026) is a scheduled remote degradation of perpetually-licensed Microsoft Office software for macOS and iOS, set for July 13, 2026 when a license-validation certificate used by the Office apps expires," reports the Consumer Rights Wiki. "After Office 2019 for Mac reached end of support in October 2023, Microsoft assured customers their installed apps would 'continue to function.' The July 13, 2026 conversion instead drops the apps into a Microsoft-defined 'reduced functionality mode,' in which files can be opened and viewed but not edited or saved. By May 30, 2026, the original 2023 end-of-support page had been re-dated and rewritten on Microsoft's site; the 'continue to function' clause was removed." Microsoft's advice to the users they're stealing from is to keep using the applications as mere viewers, switch to the free Office 365 web applications, pay for a 365 subscription, or buy a brand new regular copy of Office 2024. None of these make any sense, and clearly, all of this should be illegal, but it's not because the software industry is a clown show. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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AV Access iDock M10 Review: The Best KVM Dock for MacBook and PC Setups?
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Instant KVM switching 2x 4K/60Hz display support EDID emulation Cons Takes up two MacBook ports Weak USB device charging Our Verdict If you have a shared setup of one MacBook and one desktop Windows PC or a desktop Mac mini or Studio, the KVM functionality of the iDock M10 comes into its own when those two computers are sharing the same dual displays and input devices at different times. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$289.99 Best Prices Today: AV Access iDock M10 KVM Switch Docking Station for MacBook Retailer Price $289.99 View Deal AV Access $289.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket A KVM docking station enables you to instantly share a single set of peripherals—the KVM stands for Keyboard, Video (monitors) and Mouse—between two computers. While most docks allow you to connect different computers, a KVM dock makes it easier with a special “Switch”—a button that you push to instantly take control from the other computer. The KVM Switch virtually disconnects the first computer and connects the second without you having to unplug any cables. For dual-computer setups, this can save on desk space and hardware costs, as well as potentially increasing productivity through time savings. The dock is connected to both of your computers using dedicated video and USB cables. The iDock M10 from AV Access is a Mac-dedicated KVM dock that you can connect to a MacBook and a desktop computer, including a Windows PC. It comes with a KVM Wired Remote Controller, which is the button you press to toggle between computers. The AV Access iDock M10 is best for users sharing dual monitors, keyboard and mouse between a MacBook and a desktop PC or Mac. Setup requires two MacBook Thunderbolt ports and dedicated connections to both computers. Major limitations include weak device charging, limited port flexibility, no support for two laptops, and no workaround for base M1/M2 single-display restrictions. Simon Jary Specs and features Two upstream USB-C ports (10Gbps, 100W) Two USB-A ports (10Gbps) Two USB-A ports (5Gbps) One USB-C port (10Gbps, 7.5W) Two HDMI ports One DisplayPort (upstream to PC) One HDMI port  (upstream to PC) Ethernet (1Gb) UHS-I SD card reader (104MBps) 3.5mm combo In/Out audio jack (front) 3.5mm KVM Switch jack (back) 120W power supply The DisplayPort and HDMI port next to each other are to connect to the desktop computer. You connect your displays using the two adjacent HDMI ports.Simon Jary The dock comes with two HDMI ports to connect to dual 4K displays at 60Hz. Remember that base M1/M2 Macs and the MacBook Neo are limited to just one external display, and the M10 is not a DisplayLink dock that can resolve that limitation. Any M1/M2 Pro/Max or later MacBook is fine, supporting two displays. Two monitors are supported on base M3 MacBooks, although the laptop’s lid must remain closed. Handily, there’s a wake-up button the top of the iDock, shown below, that means you don’t have to open the M3’s lid every time you want to start using it; the Wired Remote Controller will also wake it. Next to the top button are indicator lights showing which of the computers is currently in use. Simon Jary While switching between computers is super easy with a KVM, the iDock M10 demands it connects to your MacBook using two of the laptop’s Thunderbolt ports, which means you then really need the other ports offered by the docking station. The iDock M10 features 15 ports but four of them are used as upstream connections to the two computers. Two USB-C ports connect to the MacBook (a special dual-USB-C cable is included) while the desktop PC connects via one USB-C port and either a DisplayPort or HDMI port. As Macs don’t come with a DisplayPort, that means you’ll use one Thunderbolt port and the HDMI port of the Mac to connect to the KVM dock. Connect the MacBook using the dual-USB-C cable that takes up two of the laptop’s Thunderbolt ports. The PC is connected via the dock’s USB-C and either of the DisplayPort or HDMI ports.Simon Jary The upstream USB-C connections can passthrough up to 100W of power to the connected MacBook. The one spare USB-C port can output at 7.5W, which will charge an iPhone or iPad but slowly. None of the other USB ports can supply more than a trickle of charging power to devices, however—enough to power a mouse or keyboard. That means any connected storage device may need its own power supply. The remaining dock ports include four USB-A ports and one USB-C port, as well as an SD card reader slot, Gigabit Ethernet port and a headphone jack. Most modern docks now include at least 2.5Gb Ethernet but 1GbE is still the norm and will work with faster networks, although pegged back to its maximum speed. The data-only USB-C port is rated at a speedy 10Gbps, but four USB-A ports is overkill these days where USB-C now rules the roost. The USB-A ports are fine for the keyboard and mouse, but most of us are used to wireless input devices these days. With the AV Access iDock M10 you will undoubtedly save time switching between computers in this specific wired setup compared to pairing wireless input devices but is it worth losing a second Thunderbolt port for? With any dock, monitors should work seamlessly with most docks connecting to different computers, so the KVM part is mostly to enable near-instant sharing of wired keyboard and mouse between the MacBook and desktop. That’s one of the limitations of a KVM dock—it uses up a lot of the computers’ ports, and the ports on the dock just aren’t as versatile as the ports on most modern docks. Simon Jary Who is the iDock M10 actually for? The point of a KVM dock is to share peripherals between two different computers at the simple push of a button. The iDock M10 is built for a MacBook and a Windows PC setup, but with some self-supplied cables you could share between a MacBook and a Mac mini or Mac Studio. You can’t share between two laptops. The MacBook will be connected via the Dual-USB-C–to–Dual-USB-C Cable that is provided in the box. For the Mac mini, you will need to provide your own USB-C–to–USB-C cable plus USB-C–to–DisplayPort cable to connect to the docking station. For the Mac Studio, you will need to use the supplied USB-C–to–USB-A cable plus your own USB-C–to– DisplayPort cable to connect to the docking station. No software driver is required for the KVM Switch to operate. The KVM Wired Remote Controller can be pressed to switch between the two computers sharing the keyboard, mouse and screens.Simon Jary How does a KVM dock remember the screen setup for each computer? EDID emulation tricks the video source (the laptop or desktop) into thinking a specific, compatible display is permanently connected. It stores the display’s identification data—such as resolution, arrangement and refresh rate—even if the actual monitor is switched to the other device. Using EDID the iDock remembers the disconnected computer’s video settings when using the other. This keeps each computer’s video settings as desired despite swapping between them, and also prevents any screen flickering and resolution reset delays caused by the disconnecting and reconnecting. Simon Jary Price The AV Access iDock M10 is priced at $289.99 / €323.99. It is also available at Amazon and Amazon UK. That’s at the high end of the pricing charts for a USB-C docking station—especially one with so few extra ports—but you are paying for the special KVM Switch functionality and its ability to increase productivity in a specific MacBook plus PC/Mac shared setup. Should you buy the AV Access iDock M10? This dock is not aimed at most Mac users. If you need a standalone dock for one computer or don’t mind flipping between keyboard and mouse when you have two computers, there are more compelling solutions, which you’ll find in our roundup of the best Mac docking stations. However, if you have a shared setup of one MacBook and one desktop Windows PC or a desktop Mac (mini or Studio), the KVM functionality of the iDock M10 comes into its own when those two computers are sharing the same dual displays and input devices at different times.

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iOS 27 could make AirPods a lot more powerful with one upgrade
iOS 27’s unveiling is almost here, and Siri’s major overhaul is set to make not only the iPhone feel far more powerful, but AirPods too. more…

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