Something as simple as the right lamp can make a huge difference in a computer setup. Today’s sexy M3 Max MacBook Pro and Studio Display workstation benefits from a big, wide, clamp-on double-headed Pzloz LED Desk Lamp to brilliantly light the scene.
So it seems sometimes an overhead lamp can beat a monitor light bar, especially on a big, wide desk.
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Sometimes an overhead LED lamp seems even better than a monitor light bar
Redditor Slight_Ad7118 (“Slight”) showcased the well-lit M3 Max MacBook Pro workstation in a post entitled, “Work setup. Studio Display & 16” MacBook M3 Max.” He runs a space-black M3 Max MacBook Pro driving a Studio Display.
Commenters loved the setup’s clean look. Some expressed surprise at the single-display focus, since so many quality setups these days go with two, three or even four external displays.
“I’m liking the single Studio Display monitor set up so far,” Slight said in reply to a comment. “I was using multiple monitors before also but quality > quantity. I think I’ll eventually do a duo Studio Display for my end game set up.”
“After using the Studio Display I can’t use any other monitor,” they added.
Pzloz LED Desk Lamp
But some commenters fixated on the double-head overhead desk lamp arching over the top of the setup, lighting it up. Turns out his Pzloz LED Desk Lamp is affordable and recommended. And it could light up a much bigger desk than Slight’s 48-inch wide Fully Jarvis standing desk.
“Love it,” Slight said in reply to a compliment on the lamp. “Helps out greatly with eye strain and a quick vibe adjustment.” And he also agreed with a commenter that it’s a “great buy.”
But one commenter questioned that. They called it “some Chinese no name dropshipper brand with ‘new seller alert’ and fake reviews.”
With that caveat aside, Slight loves the lamp. And it costs only about $50 after a 41% discount and a 10% coupon box offer on Amazon.
Lamp features:
Double-head LED desk lamp with wireless smart remote control, memory function and 1 hour timer shut-off function.
Lamp bars extend up to 31.5 inches to cover a desk up to 71 inches wide.
Adjustable metal-clamp design. No tools required for installation.
5 color temperatures (3000K-5500K) × 5 levels of brightness (20%-100%), with 25 light combination modes plus night light mode and reading mode
360-degree gooseneck and 180-degree foldable swing arms, and 270-degree front and back rotation.
Even illumination with no glare, flicker or blue light.
Shop these items now:
Lighting:
Computer:
Display:
Input devices:
Audio:
Furniture:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
This double-head, extendable, clamp-on desk lamp suits wide desks and dual-monitor computer setups. The 24-watt lighting is highly adjustable via remote control.
Setting up your Android phone might become much faster in the near future. Industry insider Assemble Debug recently dove into the code of Google’s Data Restore Tool and shared his findings with Android Authority. He found evidence within the files of a potential tool referred to as “MultiTransportD2dTransport” as well as a line of text that reads “Copying using cable and Wi-Fi for fastest speed”.
Putting two and two together, it appears Google could one day allow users to move data from an old phone to a new one using a Wi-Fi and cable connection simultaneously. Doing so would make the transfer process much faster – at least in theory. We don’t know exactly how much faster data transfers will become when using a wired and wireless connection simultaneously. Assemble Debug couldn’t find a whole lot of information in the files.
He did, however, discover another line of text stating: “Want to speed things up?” This seems to hint that the faster speeds will be optional. If someone prefers to use the slower method of just connecting a cable between the devices, they will still have the choice.
Another feature called Restore Anytime was also unearthed from the Data Restore Tool files, but the information surrounding it is rather confusing.
Looking at the screenshot in the article, users can easily send over photos, contacts, text messages, and more from an old Android smartphone to a newer device. You don’t have to worry about losing any data or perform a factory reset on the older hardware. Nothing will be overwritten. And it even works when transferring from iPhone to Android, so long as the former still has its charging cable.
Here is where the confusion lies. Android Authority claims the donor phone can only send data without incident if it’s already been used to transfer files to your current device. If you try to send files to brand new hardware, you will have to first erase all the data on the recipient phone before moving forward. However, the article contradicts this by stating you can transfer data to new devices “at any point.”
It’s a strange feature. Perhaps Google has yet to create a clear set of parameters for Restore Anytime. That would explain why the restrictions are so confusing. Or maybe the tech giant is simply experimenting with tech it has no intention of releasing. It’s hard to say for sure, but hopefully, Restore Anytime will launch in some form. Being able to move swaths of data to recently purchased smartphones without hindrances or resetting sounds very helpful.
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Android has always been great with files and file sharing. One of the most critical times when you need access to files is switching from one device to another. Android has a built-in tool to migrate data from an old phone to a new one, and Samsung has its own data migration tool called Smart Switch, and it could get better in the future.
Android to get better and faster when setting up a new device
Google seems to be working on a new solution that merges two kinds of data migration/transfer methods to make new device setup much faster. Right now, there are three ways to import data when setting up a new phone: importing data from a Google account (cloud), importing data wirelessly, and importing data using a wired connection.
According to an Android Authority report, Google is working on a new data transfer method, ‘ MultiTransportD2dTransport,’ which can use Wi-Fi and USB cable to transfer data simultaneously using both connections. This will accelerate the data transfer mechanism and speed up the new device setup process.
X user Assemble Debug spotted this new feature in the latest version (1.0.624892571) of Google’s Data Restore Tool app.
Moreover, Google is finally bringing a feature Samsung phones have had for years. The feature called ‘Restore Anytime’ will now allow users to transfer data from one device to another anytime. Earlier, users could transfer data from one device to another only after performing a factory reset on one of the devices. New data will get merged with old data on the phone.
In classic Google fashion, there is a limitation on that feature as well. You can only continue importing data from the device that you used previously for importing data.
If you know someone who is graduating this year, whether from high school or university, chances are good the gear that’s gotten them through the last four (or more) years is ready for a refresh. The good news is that graduation time is typically a big one for gift-giving, so if you know someone who is about to hit college or the dreaded “real world,” you can make sure they’re prepared by perusing our list of the latest tech. Everything here should be a major upgrade that’ll make the transition easier and last for years to come, as well.
Laptops
Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
A good laptop remains the standard, go-to tool for getting things done. But it’s also a personal purchase, with people having strong opinions about which operating system, screen size and specs they need. So there are a few things you’ll want to know going into this purchase, but all of these laptops we recommend are some of the best and most well-rounded options on the market. Unless the person you’re shopping for has some specific needs, one of these machines should hit the mark.
Dell’s XPS 13 Plus is easy to recommend for anyone who uses Windows. At this point, Dell has almost perfected its industrial design: it’s thin and light, but not at the expense of power or battery life. The keyboard and display are excellent, and you can get impressive specs without breaking the bank. One downside is that Dell seems to have moved fully to a design that only has two USB-C ports and no headphone jack, which can be a bit limiting. But those quibbles aside, the XPS 13 Plus remains an excellent choice.
Right now, the XPS 13 Plus includes Intel’s 13th-generation Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. That also includes a 13.4-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 display, and the whole package costs a very reasonable $999 direct from Dell right now. Dell has also offered the same configuration with a 4K display for $200 more, but as of this writing it’s unavailable. Either way, that’s a lot of power for the price.
For someone who’s a gamer, though, we recommend going in a different direction. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 has been our favorite gaming laptop for a few years now, one that combines relative portability (3.5 pounds and a 14-inch screen) with serious power. In our review we said that the laptop was incredibly compelling, even if it’s more expensive than it used to be. It has a powerful AMD processor and graphics card coupled with a great display, comfortable keyboard, spacious trackpad and solid design. It’s not a champ on battery life, but we got seven hours of non-gaming use out of it – pretty decent considering the specs.
You can get the Zephyrus G14 in a wide variety of configurations, but one we’d recommend includes an AMD Ryzen 9 8000 series processor, NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and a 2,560 x 1,600 OLED display with a 120 hz refresh rate.
For people who prefer a Mac, Apple’s lineup can be surprisingly complicated. Fortunately, the company just updated all of its laptops with its latest series of M3 processors, so now is a great time to purchase one.The MacBook Air is still the company’s best laptop for most people, and it now comes in both 13- and 15-inch configurations. In both cases, it’s an extremely light and portable computer that has better battery life than almost anything you can buy. The best option if you’re looking for longevity is the $1,499 13-inch model that includes 512GB of storage, 16GB of RAM and the M3 chip with a 10-core GPU. You can grab that same configuration with a 15-inch display for $1,699. And while we think that the Air is enough computer for most people, if you’re buying for someone who has a heavier workload like photo or video editing, the $1,999 MacBook Pro is worth considering. It gives you a significantly more powerful M3 Pro chip with a 14-core GPU along with other niceties like a gorgeous 14-inch mini-LED display.
Given how dominant a force Chromebooks are in education, it’s entirely possible that someone just finishing school might want to continue using Chrome OS. Fortunately, there are lots of premium Chromebooks that are well-designed and capable enough to last for years. One of our favorites is Acer’s Chromebook Spin 714. It includes a 13th-gen Intel Core i5 processor alongside a 14-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 display that offers a little more vertical space than your average 1080p screen. Add in a solid keyboard and trackpad, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage and you have a Chromebook that doesn’t require many compromises. The one downside is that its 7ish-hour battery life isn’t spectacular — but given the laptop’s price, it’s probably good enough.
Tablets
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
No, tablets have not replaced laptops as some predicted when the category started blowing up last decade. But they also still do a ton of things well. They can be a great option for getting work done, engaging your creative side with art and music-making apps or just enjoying movies and games. For the vast majority of people, Apple’s iPad is the only tablet worth considering, even if they don’t otherwise use Apple products. That’s thanks to time-tested, reliable hardware and a massive software library with hundreds of thousands of apps optimized for the iPad’s larger screen.
As for which is the best iPad, the iPad Air remains the right choice for most at the moment – especially if you’re looking for a good graduation gift. While the basic iPad is a great value, you get a lot when you step up to the Air. Perhaps most importantly, the Air has Apple’s M1 chip, a very powerful chip for a tablet that was in many Macs for years. This means the Air is extremely fast, even though the M1 is a few years old at this point.
The rest of the iPad Air’s hardware is also impressive for the price. It has a large 10.9-inch screen with thin bezels and an anti-reflective coating; the display is also laminated directly to the glass, so there’s no distracting gap beneath the surface. The Air includes 64GB or 256GB of storage, 10 hours of battery life, support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard and an improved 12-megapixel front-facing camera. For $599, you’re getting almost everything that the iPad Pro offers for a lot less cash. The only caveat here is that Apple is expected to release new iPads this spring. As of this writing, the M1 iPad Air is our favorite, but just know that there may be a new Air on the way in the coming weeks.
Android tablets have never had the same level of success as the iPad, largely because of the well-documented software issues on larger-screen Android devices. But if you’re shopping for an Android diehard, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 (or S9+) are solid choices. The S9 features a high-resolution 11-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and has an S-Pen stylus included in the box. For someone looking for a bigger canvas, the S9+ steps things up to 12.4 inches. And while Android historically hasn’t been the best option for large-screen devices, Samsung’s Dex feature switches things up into a more desktop-like multi-window mode, which can be great for productivity. Samsung’s built-in apps that take advantage of the S-Pen are solid as well. You might have a hard time finding apps that are designed for the Tab S9’s larger screen, but if you’re buying this for someone familiar with Android, they’ll likely be aware of the trade-offs.
Smartphones
Google
The most important computer people own, or at least the one they probably rely on the most, is their smartphone. And if you know someone who is still rocking the same device they brought to campus with them four years ago, they’ll definitely appreciate an upgrade. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to pick out a phone that’ll satisfy just about anyone, regardless of whether they prefer Android or iOS.
This year, we’re recommending the iPhone 15 Pro Max for new graduates. The standard iPhone 15, 15 Plus and 15 Pro are all excellent phones, but the Pro Max is undeniably the best option out there. The 15 Pro Max has the best iPhone camera you can buy, with a 5x telephoto lens that gives it a big advantage over the 3x option on the standard iPhone 15. Other significant features include the massive and gorgeous 6.7-inch always-on display with a 120Hz refresh rate and the A17 Pro chip.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is expensive at $1,199, and some people may not be happy with such a large device. As such, the $999 iPhone 15 Pro is easy to recommend as an alternative, but camera nerds will really enjoy the 15 Pro Max. And the extremely fast processor and Apple’s track record of delivering software support for years means this investment should last a long time.
Unsurprisingly, Samsung continues to make the best Android devices you can buy – as such, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is our pick this year. At $1,299, it’s another pricey device, but it delivers everything you could ask for: an incredibly bright and high-quality 6.8-inch OLED screen, a high-resolution 5X telephoto camera (along with other excellent lenses and sensors), nearly two full days of battery life and strong performance. The latter comes thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM. It also comes with Samsung’s handy S Pen, for anyone who wants to use a stylus on the S24 Ultra’s giant screen. Given how thoroughly Samsung dominates the Android space, this isn’t a surprising recommendation, but it will make most Android fans happy.
While Samsung’s devices are hard to compete with, Google has routinely made excellent Android phones for a bit less cash. The $999 Pixel 8 Pro is worth a look if you’re a fan of Google’s clean take on Android, and their phones always have some nifty software tricks baked in. Battery life has been upgraded over the Pixel 7 Pro, the latest Tensor 3 chip keeps things speedy and its camera performance is as good as ever. And the fact that this phone is built by Google means it’ll get software updates before any other Android phone on the market; Google is also promising seven years of software updates.
Both of these phones are big (the Pixel 7 Pro’s screen is 6.7 inches while the S23 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display), but the good news is that both Google and Samsung offer smaller-screened devices that keep most of the same features and specs as their larger siblings. You’ll save some cash with a smaller device, too.
Headphones
Billy Steele/Engadget
Almost anyone would benefit from a good pair of noise canceling headphones, and once again Sony has made our top pick. While Sony’s WH-1000XM5 is almost two years old at this point, it’s still the best over-ear option on the market. At $400, they’re more expensive than the XM4, but they offer a combination of incredible sound, a time-tested, refined design and excellent noise-canceling that is hard to beat. They also fit better and more comfortably than ever, and have 30 hours of battery life. The 1000XM5 looks better, sounds better and wears better than the previous model – it’s hard to ask for much more.
While the WH-1000XM5 is getting a little old, Sony refreshed its wireless earbuds last year, making them our new favorite pick. As with its over-ear headphones, the $298 WF-1000XM5 earbuds feature incredible sound quality, long battery life, excellent noise cancellation and a comfortable design. Sony completely redesigned the WF-1000XM5 inside and out, with a new design and drivers as well as updated chips that power their noise-canceling features. Battery life hasn’t improved, but it’s still impressive. The earbuds can get about eight hours of playback with ANC active – that jumps up to 12 hours if you turn it off. Sony also included a host of smart software features like Speak-to-Chat automatic pausing, Adaptive Sound Control adjustments based on movement or location, 360 Reality Audio and a customizable EQ.
If you’re buying earbuds for an Apple user, though, consider the second-generation AirPods Pro. They don’t quite beat Sony’s WF-1000XM5 in sound quality or battery life, but there are a host of features that make them the best earbuds to use with an iPhone, iPad or Mac. The fast pairing tech Apple introduced with the first AirPods still makes it extremely easy to start using these earbuds, or to switch them seamlessly between different Apple devices. Both the case and buds are sweat and water resistant, making them a better option for workouts.
These second-gen AirPods Pro also have big improvements in noise cancellation and sound quality, and the “transparency” mode that lets in outside sound lets you have a conversation or hear the world around you in a totally natural way. Apple improved on that last summer with a new “Adaptive Audio” feature that blends noise cancellation and transparency depending on your environment. And, Apple finally added USB-C to the charging case!
Monitors
LG
There are a dizzying number of computer monitors on the market, at basically any price you can think of, which makes recommending a single monitor a very difficult task. Fortunately, we’ve looked at a host of options and have a few good ones that don’t break the bank and offer a great viewing experience. LG’s 32-inch 32UN650-W is an excellent choice for a large, high-resolution panel that includes niceties like built-in speakers, HDR, support for AMD Freesync and a stand that offers tilt and height adjustments. It sticks with a standard 60Hz refresh rate rather than anything faster, but it’s an excellent choice for most people, especially given its $450 price.
As usual, gamers require something a little different. For that set, check out the 25-inch ASUS ROG Strix 380Hz monitor. The resolution maxes out at 1080p, and it’s a much smaller display compared to the LG — but a 380Hz refresh rate is wildly quick, and the 1m GtG response time will go a long way towards eliminating motion blurs. It also has HDR, but with a higher maximum brightness than the LG. It’s a rather specialized piece of equipment, but one that’ll undoubtedly be appreciated by gamers.
Bags
Waterfield
As important as the right gear is, your grad also deserves something classy and stylish to carry all that stuff around. The Executive Leather Messenger from Waterfield Designs is an expensive choice, but it’s worth the cost. Waterfield makes everything by hand in its San Francisco shop, and the materials it uses are top notch. I’ve owned a lot of their products over the years, and I can safely say this bag will last a decade or more, and the leather will only look more attractive as time goes on.
On the inside are two padded slots, one for a tablet and one for a laptop. There are also two pockets, one zippered, as well as a pen slot and a metal key fob. Finally, there are two easily-accessible hand pockets under the flap, both with an extremely soft plush lining. The Executive Leather Messenger comes in three different leather colors and costs either $399 or $419, depending on which size you choose. It’s an investment, for sure, but it will last a long time.
Waterfield’s bags are typically quite pricey, but the company recently released a new line of “essential” options that offer the company’s excellent construction and smart features at a lower price point. The $179 Essential Messenger is a lightweight option that does away with the leather and uses tough textiles instead. But its magnetic closures are fast and easy to undo, the strap is easily removable for wearing over whichever shoulder you choose, and it has foam inserts to help it keep its structure. There’s a built-in sleeve for a laptop up to 14 inches, and I can confirm you can shove a surprising amount of gear in it considering its smaller size.
There’s also something to be said for a good backpack. For that, check out Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack. As the name suggests, it’s a fairly minimalist design that works in a lot of contexts, and it comes with the company’s typically smart organization features. It has a number of configurable dividers inside to keep everything from pooling at the bottom, and it combines the large internal space with a host of internal and external pockets and access points. Finally, it also has a number of external straps that can be easily hidden if you don’t need them — but they provide versatile expansion of the bag’s carrying capacity. If you want to attach things like a tripod or tie a jacket or blanket on, go right ahead. There are a ton of different ways to use this bag, which means it should last years as it can just be customized to fit commutes, vacations or any other excursion.
Here at WIRED, we like Sonos speakers. We really do. Throughout the past decade, we’ve reviewed all of the company’s wirelessly connectable speakers, from its small shelf speakers to its TV soundbars, and we’ve recommended every one of them. But turning your home into a Sonos-powered shrine to sound isn’t cheap. Like Apple products, Sonos speakers sell at a premium, starting at $120 for a basic model. But which ones should you buy? Read on for our favorites, from tiny Bluetooth speakers to full home theaters.
Updated May 2024: We’ve added the Victrola Stream Carbon as another great Sonos turntable option, and we’ve updated links and prices.
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Best Overall Sonos Speaker
The Sonos Era 100 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favorite Sonos speaker, for its perfect blend of sound and features. It’s the same shape and size as the Sonos One that came before, which means it easily blends into most spaces. The speaker comes equipped with a volume slider and a play-pause button so you don’t have to take your phone out whenever you want to control it. It has a USB-C input as well, along with a switch on the back of the speaker to manually disable the built-in microphone for privacy.
The Era 100 has large woofers and angled tweeters that create real stereo sound, along with a fast processor that allows the speaker to receive software updates for longer. WIRED senior editor Parker Hall says the speaker sounds noticeably better than the two generations of Sonos One speaker that came before it. It packs a punchier, more defined bass, crisp definition, and room-filling sound. There’s also a room-tuning feature that adjusts the audio based on where you put it (but this works better on iOS devices). We’re also happy to see the addition of Bluetooth pairing, in addition to Wi-Fi, so you can stream audio without a Sonos account and also pair it with a phone easily.
Sonos One SL
Photograph: Sonos
If you’re looking for a less expensive speaker that’s also free of microphones, the Sonos One SL is a solid alternative. You can only control it from your phone or the touch buttons on it (and you don’t have to worry about someone listening in to your home). The SL is also a good way to add more satellite speakers to your home.
Best Speakers to Fill Out a Room
In 2022, Sonos reunited with Ikea to release a second-generation version of its bookshelf speaker. At $130, it’s a bit pricier than its $99 predecessor, but it does come with a few upgrades, including an increase in memory and a faster processor. We still have yet to test the second-gen model, but we did like the first-generation version.
You can mount it right to your wall or stand it upright on a bookshelf or table. And if you want to network a few speakers together for a larger room, or connected rooms, this is the cheapest way to do it. It doesn’t directly take audio commands, because it has no mic, so you’ll need a Sonos One, Sonos Era 100, Google speaker, or Alexa speaker that you can yell at if you want to control it with your voice. Other than that, it does everything you’d want a Sonos to do.
Photograph: IKEA
As with the first model, the second-generation Symfonisk Speaker Lamp has great sound, and it makes for a nice addition to any room. I keep it on the media console in my apartment. The lamp gets bright enough to light the living room, and I love using the speaker to listen to podcasts every morning. It also has a more modern and elevated look compared to its predecessor—with glass shades that come in both black and white. But it’s a fingerprint magnet. I’d recommend the textile shade ($240) if that’ll bother you. My only gripe is that it lacks a microphone, so you can’t control it using voice commands. You can, however, connect it to an Amazon or Nest smart speaker to take advantage of the smart assistant support. If wall art is more your style, Ikea offers the Symfonisk Picture Frame with a built-in Sonos Wi-Fi Speaker for $260.
Best Large Speaker
The Sonos Era 300 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a rather awkward and startling appearance (we think it looks like a robot’s butt), but the sound quality makes up for it. Under the hood are six speaker drivers, four tweeters, and a couple of mid/bass drivers—all of which deliver detailed, big, and confident sound. The standout feature, however, is spatial audio. With sound that spreads in all directions and for a substantial distance without lacking definition, we think the Era 300 surpasses the Apple HomePod by a wide margin when filling rooms. It’s worth noting that it supports Amazon and Apple’s spatial audio catalog, but not Tidal’s library of Dolby Atmos content.
As with the Era 100, the Era 300 has physical controls including a volume slider, play/pause, skip forward/backward, and voice-assistant interaction (with a choice between Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control). In the back, you’ll find a socket for power, a switch to mute the mics, a USB-C auxiliary input, and a button for Bluetooth pairing (which means you don’t have to use the Sonos app to control it). If you opt for the Sonos companion app, you can adjust EQ, tune the speakers to your environment via the TruePlay feature, and pair other Sonos speakers together.
Best Portable Speaker With Bluetooth
The Sonos Roam (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the company’s smallest and most portable speaker. With built-in Bluetooth connectivity (it’s one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers), you can easily throw it into a tote bag and play music on the go. Using the Sonos app, available for Android and iPhone, you also have the ability to stream from major services like Spotify, Apple Music (with support for AirPlay 2), Tidal, and more. And you can control the speaker via voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
It may not offer audiophile-approved sound for its stature, but it’s still fairly impressive. The dual-driver system, subwoofer, and tweeter work in tandem to provide a bold bass and clear highs—with zero distortion when the volume is cranked up. And with up to 10 hours of listening, it’ll last you a full beach day—and then some.
Photograph: Sonos
The Sonos Move 2 (8/10, WIRED Reviews) isn’t as portable as the Roam—it weighs in at 6.1 pounds while the Roam is 0.95 pounds—but the second-generation version comes with a fair share of upgrades (which explains the higher price). It packs 24 hours of battery life (a major increase from 11 hours on its predecessor), a touch interface for media controls (instead of physical buttons), and the option to connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi (the original Move was strictly Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when in use). It also comes equipped with a second tweeter (both of which fire on both the left and right above the mid/bass driver) and a third digital amplifier—delivering punchy, detailed sound. It’s worth noting that, unlike the first Move, the latest version doesn’t have support for Google Assistant. You’ll have the choice between Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control. It’s a solid speaker for those who are already part of the Sonos ecosystem and are looking for a speaker they won’t take beyond their living room or backyard.
Best Sonos Soundbar (for Most)
As with the original Beam (8/10, WIRED Recommends), the second-generation Beam delivers impressive sound and has a sleek design. In terms of upgrades, it has a faster processor, support for Dolby Atmos (with compatible TVs and streaming apps) for enhanced sound, and an HDMI eARC port for higher-definition audio. You’ll also get hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant, and it works with Airplay 2. You can pair it with a Sonos Sub (an expensive subwoofer) and two other Sonos speakers for surround.
Sonos tweaked the design too, adding a polycarbonate grille to the front instead of a fabric cover as seen on the Gen 1 model. That’s supposed to make it easier to blend in with your interior decor. It’s $50 more than the previous model, which isn’t that much more expensive than the already expensive soundbar. For non-Sonos alternatives, read our Best Soundbars guide.
Sonos sub speaker gen 3Photograph: Sonos
The standard Sonos Sub will cost you $799 at Sonos. It’s superb but expensive. If you’re working with a smaller space, the less costly Sonos Sub Mini is $430 at Best Buy. Don’t bother buying surround speakers until you own a Sub, though. It will make a profound difference.
Best Small Soundbar
If you have an apartment or a smaller room, or are just getting started in the soundbar department, the Sonos Ray (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a solid option for you. The Ray comes in a compact frame, but don’t let that fool you. The soundbar produces clear, crisp sound that easily fills your space with zooms and booms, quiet conversations, and any other moments you wouldn’t want to miss in your favorite movies and shows. Plus, with adjustable settings in the Sonos app, you can configure your ideal listening experience for every song on your favorite album.
This small soundbar easily fits on entertainment centers and dressers, or you can mount it on your wall to free up as much precious space as possible.
Wanna take it to the next level? You can pair the Ray with the aforementioned Sonos Sub Mini to round out the sound in your room. The Sub Mini is wireless (aside from a power cord), so it connects seamlessly to your current system through the Sonos app.
Best for Big Home Theaters
A soundbar can make all the difference in a home theater, and they cost a lot less than a full surround-sound setup. And if you’re looking for one that’s really powerful, the Sonos Arc (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the way to go. It has full Dolby Atmos support, and in many rooms, it can bounce sound off your walls and ceiling well enough that it sounds like you have a surround setup.
With three tweeters and eight mid-woofers, it delivers deep bass and has more balance and depth than the Beam. It’s also a lot longer, stretching 45 inches, or about the width of a 55-inch TV. Its design is elegant and understated in the usual Sonos way—you won’t always notice the bar, but when you do, it’s not an eyesore at all.
Today’s beautiful MacBook Pro and PC setup lets the two “frenemy” computers work easily in the same setup through a 4K external display’s built-in KVM switch. That means no messing around with cables, and no swapping out or re-pairing peripherals.
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4K display’s KVM switch helps MacBook Pro-and-PC setup work
IT product manager and Redditor DarthChrisDK (“Chris”) showcased the sharp-looking setup in a post entitled, “MacBook Pro + PC setup.” He noted he runs two systems: M3 Pro MacBook Pro (18 GB unified memory, 512 GB SSD storage, space black) and a gaming PC (Intel 11, 3080, 32 GB RAM).
He’s also got a lovely Grovemade Desk Shelf and desk mat, a Mode Sonnet mechanical keyboard, a Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, a BenQ Screenbar Plus, an Oakywood laptop stand and fabulous Ruark Audio MR1 MK2 speakers on stands.
It’s nice stuff. And you can tell it’s a “money” setup — especially with the exquisite Omega Speedmaster and Tudor GMT Swiss watches proudly displayed in the photograph.
“Why do you need all of that?” a commenter asked.
“Because I like it,” Chris replied.
Gigabyte 4K display with KVM switch
So he uses a MacBook and a PC all the time in his home office. But, as a tech guy, he’s not one to settle for frequently plugging and unplugging devices or constantly pairing peripherals like keyboards with the different machines.
“Are you running everything through a dock, or a built-in monitor KVM switch?” asked a commenter.
“I am currently using the built-in KVM of the monitor,” Chris replied.
So his external display, a 32-inch Gigabyte 4K monitor, does the switching for him with its built-in KVM switch. The display, by the way, is geared a bit more to Chris’ gaming PC than his Mac. The Gigabyte flaunts a screaming-fast 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, along with its great connectivity options.
“I do plan to add a TB dock at some point in the future,” he added. “If the KVM works well in the long run then I might just add the dock to my current setup. Otherwise, I might use a USB switch instead, and manually change video input. But for now, I’m enjoying the simplicity.”
He noted in conversation that he’s eyeing CalDigit’s well-regarding Thunderbolt 4 dock. He also said his old Logi mouse works that predates the one made specifically for Mac integration actually works great with macOS.
“I actually also have another mouse that I use regularly,” he added. “The Logitech G Pro Wireless combined with the Logitech PowerPlay mat. It is supported by Mac as well, and it’s just really easy to use and keeps my wireless mouse charged at all times.”
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
Monitor stands, aka monitor risers or desk shelves, are often unsung heroes of computer setups. Even just a single shelf can add so much in terms of organization and ergonomics. In today’s colorful and artistic Mac mini workstation, the Fenge monitor riser is crucial. Without it, the desktop would devolve into chaos.
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Fenge monitor stand crucial to chaotic dual-display Mac mini setup
Chicago area artist and Redditor Tom Bacon (u/tombaconart) showcased the colorful, art-infused, dual-display workstation in a post entitled, “Updated Mac mini setup.”
His M1 Mac mini drives a pair of LG 4K displays, one oriented in landscape mode (horizontal) and one in portrait mode (vertical). On Wednesday we picked out a cool and unusual accessory nearly hidden in his busy and colorful setup — the Lab22 Infinity Adjust iPad stand. Today we’ll focus on another one, his Fenge monitor riser/desk shelf.
“I like my knickknacks,” he said of the army of doodads and figurines on the shelves when someone complimented the rig’s lived-in look compared to staged ultra-minimalist setups. “I actually do get a lot of work done here, as long as a cat isn’t sitting on my keyboard.”
And while he keeps it functional, he doesn’t mind a bit of mess. “Yeah I like having some easy to reach items on the riser,” he said. “I don’t mind a little clutter, just need to avoid letting things pile up when I get busy. Art and productivity focus.”
Fenge desk shelf does many jobs
Here’s the dual-monitor version of the stand in oak. That’d be my choice if my desk didn’t feature built-in shelving. Photo: Fenge
The riser he mentions is a Fenge monitor stand, which comes in single- and dual-display versions. It appears Bacon uses the smaller one, with his landscape-mode display centered. His portrait-mode display is fixed to the desk by a stout mount, not sitting on the shelf. That’s for the best, because he has loads of other stuff on the shelves.
In other words, his setup would be a real mess without that desk shelving. He’s got knickknacks and figurines all over the place, in addition to his Mac mini and other gear. Plus his white Fenge shelves perfectly match his desk and the shelf full of figures on the wall at right.
The Fenge monitor stand is made of thickened MDF panels (0.7 inches) with waterproofing and rounded edges. Solid aluminum legs and feet help ensure the shelves can hold up to 88 pounds of gear.
The single-monitor version is 23 inches wide. The double-display version is 42.5-inches wide. Both feature plenty of storage space. Both rise up displays so users can maintain good posture while viewing them.
Interestingly, Fenge claims it only takes 5 to 8 minutes to fully assemble the stand. That’s a bonus.
Bacon uses the white version of the Fenge display stand. You can also get it in black, dark blue, oak and walnut versions.
And if you like the wallpaper showing on the monitor in landscape orientation, you can get it here. And what’s on the portrait mode display is a 4K screenshot from the game Horizon Zero Dawn, Bacon said.
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Can you tell this is an artist’s setup? It’s colorful and whimsical to say the least. Photo: [email protected]
Displays and stand:
Computer and iPad stand:
Input devices:
Accessories and lighting:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
This handsome monitor stand comes in single- and dual-display versions. The wood desk shelf and storage organizer offers cable management and space for desk accessories.
Sometimes what stands out in a computer setup isn’t a major piece, like a computer or display, but a cool accessory. Today’s colorful M1 Mac mini workstation with dual displays and loads of artwork features a cool accessory one could easily miss — a Lab22 Infinity Adjust iPad stand.
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iPad Pro on Lab22 Infinity Adjust iPad stand joins M1 Mac mini in dual-display setup
Chicago area artist and Redditor Tom Bacon (u/tombaconart) showcased the colorful, art-infused, dual-display workstation in a post entitled, “Updated Mac mini setup.”
His M1 Mac mini drives a pair of LG 4K displays, one oriented in landscape mode (horizontal) and one in portrait mode (vertical).
“I like my knickknacks,” he said of the army of doodads and figurines on the shelves when someone complimented the rig’s lived-in look compared to staged ultra-mininalist setups. “I actually do get a lot of work done here, as long as a cat isn’t sitting on my keyboard.”
And while he keeps it functional, he doesn’t mind a bit of mess.
“Yeah I like having some easy to reach items on the riser,” he said. “I don’t mind a little clutter, just need to avoid letting things pile up when I get busy. Art and productivity focus.”
Lab22 Infinity Adjust iPad stand
With a name like “Infinity Adjust,” you can bet it swivels and tilts like crazy. Photo: Lab22
We noticed when a commenter asked Bacon about his iPad stand on the right in the photo, because it’s the first we’ve seen of it. It’s a Lab22 Infinity Adjust Stand for 12.9-inch iPad. It’s a collaboration with the brand Moment, known for its iPhone camera lenses. Another model serves the 11-inch iPad Pro or 10.9-inch iPad Air.
It looks like a real beauty of a stand. And it better be with a $199 price tag. Here’s how the company describes the stand:
Designed for Apple’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the white LAB22 Infinity Adjust Stand from Moment makes it easier to use your iPad for taking notes, drawing, or as a second screen. Built using durable aluminum, this stand attaches to your iPad using magnets under a microfiber surface, which helps to minimize any metal-on-metal contact, and is tilt adjustable from 5 to 90 degrees. Thanks to 360-degree rotation, it may be used in both portrait and landscape orientations.
Features and compatibility
“Infinite” adjustability (according to the company)
Metal unibody
Full coverage microfiber
Smooth motion hinges
Enhanced magnets
Easy-grip edge
Free Motion orientation
Protective coating
Compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Gen)
Does not work with iPads in cases and skins
And if you like the wallpaper showing on the monitor in landscape orientation, you can get it here. And what’s on the portrait mode display is a 4K screenshot from the game Horizon Zero Dawn, Bacon said.
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
A medical school student’s charming dual-display setup adds an M3 MacBook Pro as a third display by keeping it open on a stand. And the three displays form a pleasingly staggered formation, with one in portrait on the left, one in landscape at center and then the laptop’s screen.
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M3 Pro MacBook Pro setup uses the laptop as a third display
Redditor and medical student felluimeinmeer (“Lu”) showcased the charming setup in a post entitled, “New setup.” Its subhed reads, “What is missing?”
“To give you the best tips, though, we need to know what you’re using it for,” a commenter pointed out. “Editing, coding, streaming? It helps to suggest stuff that actually fits your needs — like, no point in a webcam if you’re not video calling, right? Let us know your workflow, and we can go from there!”
“It basically just for med school,” Lu replied. “Having multiple sources open without interruption is the goal of this setup: Safari, Digital Book Word/Notion and a video. No need for a webcam I only have like two meetings in one semester.”
Space black M3 Pro MacBook Pro
Lu uses a space black M3 Pro MacBook Pro to drive two 27-inch Dell 4K displays, one in portrait orientation (vertical) and the other in landscape (horizontal). The MacBook sits open on an Amazon Basics stand. A nice BenQ Screenbar Halo LED Monitor Light sits on the center display.
The laptop may look exactly the same as the base M3 MacBook Pro, but it features a big step up in the chip department. And you can’t get the base model in space black, by the way. But the bigger difference is in computing power, with the M3 Pro, which gives you 50% more bandwidth with its greater number of CPU and GPU cores, not to mention more unified memory. And the base M3 only supports one external display.
Lu rounds out his setup with a full-sized Magic Keyboard with number pad and Touch ID, a Logitech MX Master 3S for Mac mouse and a pair of KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers.
So what’s missing?
And given the subheading on his post, did commenters tell him what’s missing? You bet they did.
Commenter recommendations for the M3 Pro MacBook Pro setup:
“I would recommend the LG DualUp Monitor. It’s excellent for multitasking, allowing you to keep multiple sources open within your direct line of sight.”
“KEF stands would be a nice addition.”
“Get rid of the spotlights.” (Lu’s reply: “They are for my eye health, without them at night it’s quite eye-straining with the huge contrast between monitor and wall.” Separate reply to the reply: “Turn down the brightness on the monitor then?”)
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Computer and stand:
Displays and lightbar:
Input devices:
Audio:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
Multi-display computer setups with asymmetrical placements — aka, screens oriented in landscape and portrait orientations — are so popular that even vintage Apple displays are getting in the action. Today’s featured rig uses a modern MacBook and vintage displays. A M1 Pro MacBook Pro from 2021 drives a Cinema Display and Thunderbolt Display from many years earlier.
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Modern MacBook Pro and vintage displays make retro-cool setup
Redditor thatvirtualboy showcased the display-heavy setup in a post entitled, “Landscape + Portrait Layout.” In the photograph above, he has a Thunderbolt Dissplay on the left (landscape mode) and a Cinema Display on the right (portrait mode). They’re both from around 2010 and both feature 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution (2K quad high def, or QHD). His 2021 M1 Pro MacBook Pro is hidden behind the screens.
We first covered his setup in January 2023, when he kept his vintage displays far apart, and before he filled out the setup with some new items. Those include a Magic Mouse 2 and an EppieBasic LED Desk Lamp mounted next to the monitor arm and arching over the webcam atop the monitor on the left.
“I’ve already replaced the all-in-one cable on the Thunderbolt display,” Boy said. “Planning to keep using these until they either die, or the Studio Display gets refreshed. So probably a long time. With the right adapters, they work just fine with the M1 Pro.”
Boy noted the Thunderbolt Display can use the regular Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 display adapter, “which I have directly plugged into the MacBook Pro.” And he added the Cinema Display works with a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter using a CalDigit dock.
Experiment ‘for science’
“Can you connect the [Cinema Display] to the [Thunderbolt Display]’s TB2 port or do you have to connect them each by its own to the Mac? Always thought of that as I had 2 TBDs and they were flickering,” a commenter asked.
“I had never even considered trying that, assuming it was data only,” Boy replied. “For science, I just gave it a go and confirmed that it doesn’t work!”
Old-school bezels on Cinema Display, Thunderbolt Display
Another commenter lamented the rather noticeable bezels bordering the vintage screens.
“Nice but those thick borders giving me anxiety,” they said. “It’s interesting how technology has evolved, I don’t think multiple displays were as common as they are now right?”
Boy’s reply:
The bezels appear prominent when viewing the entire setup at a distance like this, but in use, they’re hardly noticeable, and are actually quite beautiful when you do stop to notice them. For my profession, I’ve used everything from a single display up to 4 displays. I think macOS makes it really easy to use a single display for most work (through the use of multiple desktop spaces and/or Stage Manager). However the two things that keep me using 2 displays for the time being is programming, and giving Power Point presentations over Zoom.
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In the old setup: Take a closer look at the Thunderbolt Display as well as the mini Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad 2, M1 iPad Pro and, on the left, AirPods Max — not to mention the Autonomous standing desk underneath it all. Photo: [email protected]
Computing gear:
Displays:
Input devices:
Audio:
Furniture and lighting:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches or challenges.