Just bought a new Mac? Here are some great accessories you may need.
- aug
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You've made the plunge. You're getting a new Mac (or maybe you already ordered one, and you're anxiously awaiting its delivery). Though most PC accessories will work just fine with Apple's computer, there are a couple of things you're going to want to get to really tie the room together with your beautiful new Mac aesthetic. Here's a list of accessories you'll want to get you started right away.
Back it up
Seagate Backup Plus Portable 1TB External Hard Drive
Staff Favorite
One of the most important things you should be doing is backing up your computer's data regularly. The Backup Plus from Seagate can provide you with up to 5TB of space to save all of your important files, or just backup your entire drive in case something happens. This drive also comes in several color options.
Don't forget the keyboard and mouse
Logitech MK550 Wireless Wave Keyboard and Mouse Combo
You'll need a good keyboard and mouse if you have an iMac, or plan on using a display with your MacBook or even propping it up on a stand. The MK550 combo from Logitech gives you an ergonomic keyboard with an integrated palm rest for comfortably typing out dozens of words per minute along with the precision laser mouse. We like Logitech products, and the MK550 combo is a great value.
Pump up the audio
Bose Companion 20 Multimedia Speaker System
These compact speakers provide powerful, punchy sound. The convenient control pad allows you to adjust or mute the volume, connect headphones, or even add another audio device to the speakers. The audio quality is also natural and rich and will fill up any room.
Don't forget the optical drive
Apple USB SuperDrive
If you just got a newer Mac, then you may not have an optical drive, as it's mostly outdated these days in favor of digital downloads. But if you really need it, the USB SuperDrive gives you an optical drive for your Mac. Just connect it via USB-A (a USB-C hub is required for USB-C Macs).
Gorgeous display
LG UltraFine 4K Display
If you have a portable Mac and want a bigger and better display, pick up this one. It has a resolution of 3840-by-2160 with P3 wide color gamut, so it only gives you the best and most vibrant colors. It also has built-in stereo speakers, two Thunderbolt 3, and three USB-C ports for a wide range of flexibility. This is a must for MacBook (clamshell mode) and Mac Mini users.
Will the real Mac please stand up?
Twelve South BookArc for MacBook
As new as your MacBook is, you probably won't be on it all day, and maybe you want to save some desktop space. Or if you prefer to work in clamshell mode, you'll want the MacBook tucked away somewhere. Twelve South's BookArc is a sleek and beautiful stand that cradles your MacBook upright, giving you back a lot of space. Cables are neatly tucked away but accessible, and your MacBook is elevated. It comes in colors to match your MacBook.
Juice it up
Mophie Powerstation USB-C XXL Power Delivery Battery
Your MacBook is bound to run low on juice while you're traveling with it, and outlets won't always be available. The mophie Powerstation USB-C XXL Battery is a huge beast that boasts 19500mAh of juice, which is enough to extend the battery of your MacBook by another 14 hours. It features USB-C PD I/O for fast charging, and you can use it for other USB-C or USB-A devices too.
Gain those ports back
Satechi Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter V2
When Apple decided to switch over to USB-C, they went all out, as that's all the ports you'll get with a new Mac now. Fortunately, the Satechi Multi-Port adapter brings back the old ports for your existing accessories. The hub has a 4K HDMI, Ethernet, USB-C pass-through charging, SD card reader, and three USB-A ports. All while retaining and slim and sleek profile.
If you need a little more
Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Need more than one 4K display? The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock lets you connect your MacBook to two 4K displays simultaneously. This can also charge up your MacBook up to 85W, has support for one 5K display, two USB-C ports, and three more USB-A ports for all of your needs.
Simple but protective
Tomtoc 360° Protective Sleeve
This simple and affordable sleeve will keep your 16-inch MacBook Pro safe and sound. The exterior is constructed from a nylon material that is durable and easy to clean. The interior has a plush microfiber lining to keep your MacBook Pro scratch-free and smudge-free. An exterior pocket means you can take some cables and smaller accessories with you, like hubs. It comes in a few different colors, and there are versions for different MacBook models as well.
Dress it up in rich leather
Waterfield Designs VERO Sleeve
The VERO Sleeve is our favorite because it's made from a premium, high-quality full-grain leather. Your MacBook is easily accessible, and the discreet cutouts let you charge it even while it's still tucked away in the sleeve. The leather will develop a nice patina over time, and it's super classy and professional looking. Choose from two leather colors and three sizes, up to the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
From $119 at Waterfield Designs
Private audio
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H4 Over-Ear Headphones
If you prefer to listen to your audio through headphones instead of speakers, then grab the Beoplay H4 from Bang & Olufsen. These headphones offer authentic, well-balanced, and natural-sounding audio to your earbuds. They're also lightweight, comfortable, and made from premium materials that look amazing. They're pricey but well worth it if you can grab them.
Here are some suggestions
All of these are optional, but they definitely help to improve the overall experience with your new Mac, whether it's an iMac, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, or even a Mac Mini. Here are a few items that we can't do without in our personal setups.
First, we highly recommend grabbing a Seagate Backup Plus Portable Drive, because backing up your data is super important! We spend hundreds of hours on our computers for school, work, personal projects, memories, and a lot of other important stuff. It's so easy to prevent losing all of this incredibly crucial data by just backing up your computer.
We also love the VERO Sleeve from Waterfield Designs. The single piece of hide that it's made from is super high quality and feels incredible. Accessing our computer is a simple affair, and the cutout lets us charge and protect at the same time without issue. We also highly recommend the Satechi Multi-Port Adapter because it's pretty affordable, and offers all of the necessary ports that you may need when transitioning to a USB-C-only Mac.