MacBook Gear | Gear Diary

Urban Armor Gear’s Composite Case for MacBook 12-inch

I recently had the opportunity to use and test a composite case for my 12-inch MacBook from Urban Armor Gear. This manufacturer’s sample states it is military grade and drop-tested. Although I’m not about to start drop-testing my MacBook, I have no reason to believe it’s not military grade. It feels very sturdy and well-built, while remaining lightweight. So as I just mentioned, my initial reaction is that it is really light. I’m sensitive to things that add bulk to the MacBook since it’s size and weight are a key part of what makes it so nice to travel with….

News & Features

The Logitech Z533 Multimedia Speaker System Offers Big Sound for Under $100

There are lots of ways to get better sound from your laptop or tablet but perhaps the best, and simplest, is to plug a decent desktop audio system with two speakers and a subwoofer into it. The Logitech Z533 Multimedia Speaker System is just such a system. It offers 120 watts of impressive sound and is under $100!

Reviews

Moshi USB-C to USB Adapter Is a Taste of Future Connectivity

Apple went big when they rolled out their new MacBook. It’s thin, light and looks fantastic. It also eschews traditional connectivity for the new USB-C standard. I have little doubt we will see this type of connectivity on more and more devices but Apple is, once again, forcing new connectivity on consumers. That’s where the Moshi USB-C-to-USB Adapter comes in.

Reviews

The Brinell SSD EVO Wood 250GB External Drive Makes Your Portable Drive Look Ugly and Slow

There are a multitude of portable drives available, and we’ve reviewed quite a few of them here. Many are light, fast, have large capacities, and they are very capable, but have you ever seen one that was all of the above and looked as good as the Brinell EVO Wood 250 GB external drive?

News & Features

BassJump 2 Turns Your Mac Into an Audio System Worth Your Music

The TwelveSouth BassJump 2 is more than “a bass boost just for MacBook.” It’s that and more! The BassJump 2 turns a Mac’s anemic sound into something you’ll actually want to listen to. The metal square plugs into your Mac and then, with the free downloadable software, gives your Mac an audio boost you won’t believe until you hear it. The BassJump 2 is designed to be used with your iMac, Cinema Display, MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Pro with Retina. In other words, the BassJump 2 was designed for any and all current Macs and boy does…

News & Features

Logitech z533 Multimedia Speakers Deliver Powerful Sound for Under $100

My first computer speakers came from Logitech and are still going strong. My office speakers come from Logitech and fill my larger study. Now Logitech had unveiled the Logitech z533 Multimedia Speakers. A front-facing subwoofer, 2.25” full range drivers and a wired control pod for convenient power, volume and bass control combine to create huge sound for small dollars.

Reviews

Moshi iGlaze Pro 13 Is Thin and Light Protection for Your MacBook Pro with Retina Display

I love my 13” MacBook Pro with Retina display. It is fact, light and powerful. I had worried that, going down to a 13” MacBook from the 15” I loved would be an issue. It’s not. And now that I have the Moshi iGlaze Pro 13 I can protect the laptop for mere ounces of added weight.

News & Features

Bluelounge Aaden Charges Rechargables on the Go

BlueLounge has done it again with the Aaden USB powered charger for charging rechargeable batteries from your laptop or other USB power source. It’s one of those simple accessories you don’t need but, once you have it, you’ll be happy you do. In other words, it’s typical Bluelounge. 🙂 And at just $19.95 it will make a great stocking stuffer.

Reviews

Moshi iVisor for 2015 MacBook

The folks at Moshi recently provided Gear Diary their iVisor for MacBook, a clear (matte) anti-glare screen protector for the new 12” MacBook. Moshi gives a 100% guarantee that the screen protector will install bubble free and I have to say that it installed flawlessly for me. Once it was on, I hardly noticed it was there, except for the fact that the screen now had a matte look rather than the normal glossy look. The fit was clean and simple and can easily be removed and re-applied as needed. Moshi recommends you retain the backing sheet in case…

Reviews

Moshi Muse 12 for the 2015 MacBook

The folks at Moshi recently provided Gear Diary with a number of products for the new MacBook. Among them was a protective sleeve called the Moshi Muse 12.

Reviews

Stop Running to Outlets to Charge Your MacBook with This External Battery

While traveling, once thing that I’ve always hated is sitting in an airport, or on a long train ride somewhere and not having an outlet to plug up my MacBook Air. So I started looking for an external battery pack that was in my budget that wasn’t too gaudy, but would charge up my MacBook in the event I cannot charge my laptop when I get that red 5% alert. There aren’t many of said products on the market, but I did stumble upon the BatteryBox from GBatteries Energy. The BatteryBox certainly isn’t cheap. At $220, it’s cheaper than Lenmar’s…

Reviews

Moshi iGlaze for the 2015 MacBook Review

Recently, the folks at Moshi were kind enough to provide Gear Diary with a few of their products to evaluate for the new MacBook 12” (2015). I’m going to look at the first of these — the iGlaze for MacBook, a clear shell to protect the outside of your MacBook.

Reviews

Western Digital My Passport for Mac Review: Portable, Stackable, Massive Storage

I have a two-year-old 1TB Western Digital My Book I use for monthly Time Machine backups on my Mac. I paid roughly $150 for it (they’re ~$99 now); at 6.5″ x 5.5″ 2″ it isn’t exactly portable. I’ve been testing a 2TB WD My Passport that measures ~4.25″ x 3.25″ x 0.6″ and costs $99. Hmm, which would you rather?

Reviews

Give Your Mac a Lift with the TwelveSouth BaseLift!

The TwelveSouth BaseLift is one of those simple accessories that adds to both the comfort and utility of your Macbook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. It offers a better typing angle and keeps your laptop cool on your lap. Best of all, this one accessory will work with pretty much any of the current portable Macs and is under $40.

Reviews

Waterfield Zip Briefcase for 12″ MacBook Is Small, Light and Easy to Carry

If you opted for one of Apple’s new 12″ MacBooks you are someone who appreciates style and cutting edge technology. (Yes, you are also someone who is willing to compromise performance for portability but that is another issue.) If you want to travel light but protect your MacBook you will want to check out the Waterfield Zip Briefcase for the new MacBook. The Zip is “just enough” laptop case without being “too much” laptop case. It almost looks like a sleeve but adds so much functionality on top of that that you certainly cannot call it a sleeve. Inside the…

Reviews

Grovemade Walnut MacBook Back: Not Your Average Laptop Accessory

It’s not every day that I recommend a product simply because it’s lovely to look at and adds joy to my tech experience, but the Grovemade Walnut MacBook Back is just such an item. At $49.99, it’s in that no-man’s land between cheap enough to not think twice about — but just pricey enough that it might give you pause.

Reviews, Travel

Booq Cobra Squeeze Backpack Review: A Most Excellent Gear Bag

My criteria for a backpack that I’ll use for longer than during the review period (and that I’ll continue to enjoy carrying) is pretty basic: it needs to be light when empty, durable, good-looking, well-organized, and it must be comfortable to wear when it is inevitably overloaded. The booq Cobra squeeze meets all of my needs and then some.

Reviews, Travel

The Oneadaptr Twist Plus World Travel Adapter Is the Perfect Power Source

Having just returned from my trip to the IFA Global Press Conference in Malta, I’ll cut to the chase and suggest this to every one of you who is even considering traveling abroad: buy a Oneadaptr Twist World Travel Adapter. Both versions are under $50, and either would make a very thoughtful gift for yourself or your favorite road warrior.

Crowdfunding, News & Features

HydraDock Rids You Of The Single Port Issue On Your New MacBook

When you purchased that new MacBook, I’m sure you weren’t too thrilled to learn you’d only have one USB port, right? Sucks to be you right? But that may not be the case for too long as a startup by the name of KickShark is raising funds via Kickstarter for their solution to your problem, going by the name of HydraDock. The thing about the new MacBook is that it comes with just one USB. Now how can you charge your phone AND your computer at the same time? Easy, with the HydraDock. With a goal of $35,000 and…

Crowdfunding, News & Features

This Innovative Macbook Case Shatters Crowdfund Goal, Raises $50k+ In A Week

If you’re a Macbook Air or Pro owner with a love for Legos, then you’ve probably have seen an article floating around about the Brik Case MacBook Case KickStarter by the Jolt Team.

Crowdfunding, News & Features

Getting the New MacBook but Want More USB Ports? Check Out the InfiniteUSB

If you’re looking forward to getting that new MacBook Apple announced earlier this month, I highly suggest you look into the new InfiniteUSB Kickstarter that will solve one of the laptop’s most disheartening problems.