10 Cool Gift Ideas for Mac Users This Holiday Season
Posted by BRENT DIRKS
Looking to snag the perfect gift for a Mac fan this holiday season? We’re here to help! Here are some great accessories that will make perfect gifts for any Mac owner.
1. Mophie Powerstation USB-C XXL
Who says battery packs are just for your iPhone? The Mophie Powerstation USB-C XXL is a powerhouse that can charge pretty much any Apple product imaginable, including newer MacBook models that have a USB-C connection.
The 19,500mAH battery can provide up to 14 hours of additional battery power for a USB-C laptop at 30W. That means you can charge a MacBook or a MacBook Air as quickly with the battery as with a normal power adapter. It can also juice up the new iPad Pro models quickly using the USB-C port.
This model also includes a 2.4A USB-A port to charge other devices, like a smartphone. Its LED indicator will let you know how much power remains. As a nice plus, the exterior is covered with soft fabric that’s easy to hold and won’t scratch other devices in your bag.
2. TwelveSouth PlugBug Duo
Nearly every MacBook owner has the ubiquitous (and hefty) Apple charger in their bag. The TwelveSouth PlugBug Duo makes it much more useful.
Compatible with Apple’s MagSafe and USB-C power chargers, the device snaps on top of the adapter and adds two additional USB plugs. Both of these ports provide 2.1A to quickly charge another device like an iPhone or iPad.
For the world traveler, Twelve South also includes five different AC prongs that will convert a MacBook charger to fit most electrical outlets around the globe.
3. CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Thunderbolt 3 technology has quickly become the standard on Mac laptops and desktop models. To make the most of the technology, a Thunderbolt 3 dock can solve the dongle dilemma and add other connections including USB-A, HDMI, and others.
One of the best on the market is CalDigit TS3 Plus. The dock can provide up to 85W of power, which is good enough for even the largest 15-inch MacBook Pro. There are 15 total ports on the dock, allowing you to connect up to two 4K monitors or a single 5K monitor. Other options include five USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, digital optical audio, and an SD card reader.
4. Belkin Mixit DuraTek Kevlar USB-C to USB-C Cable
The charging cable Apple provides with modern MacBook models is notoriously thin and prone to eventually fraying. A strong alternative is Belkin’s Mixit DuraTek Kevlar USB-C option. As the name suggests, the cable uses DuPont Kevlar, the same type of material found in bulletproof vests and crash helmets.
The cable’s flexible insulation also helps strengthen the ends to prevent splitting. Along with a number of Apple-inspired colors like space gray and gold, the cable is backed by a five-year warranty.
5. WD My Passport Portable SSD
Additional external storage can go a long way, especially for Mac users who need to store large photo/video library.
Compared to the usual external HDD, external SSD storage offers a number of advantages. The WD My Passport Portable SSD its available in sizes up to 2TB. It can transfer files at speeds of up to 540MB/s. The drive is ready to use with any USB-C port and is also compatible with a USB-A.
It also offers password protection and hardware encryption for additional layers of security.
6. Logitech MX Vertical Mouse
Using a regular mouse can strain your wrist and cause pain at the end of a workday. But Logitech’s MX Vertical Mouse looks to help those aching muscles by turning the usual design on its side. Thanks to a natural handshake position, the mouse prevents forearm twisting and reduces muscle strain.
A 4,000 DPI sensor provides more precise tracking and requires less hand movement. It connects to your Mac via Bluetooth or by using a small Logitech receiver in a USB port. The mouse can go for up to four months on a single charge.
7. Rain Design mStand360
A stand is another great way to improve ergonomics while working with a Macbook. It can raise the screen to eye level and help reduce neck strain. A solid all-around choice is Rain Design’s mStand360.
Compatible with all Macbook models, the aluminum stand cools your laptop by acting as a heat sink. A swivel base allows you to quickly access ports and share your screen with others. As a nice touch, the built-in cable organizer can help control a wire mess on a desk.
You have three colors of the stand to select from—space gray, gold, or rose gold.
8. Saddleback Leather Thin Front Pocket Backpack
The old adage that you get what you pay for definitely applies to the Saddleback Leather Thin Front Pocket Backpack. Instead of trying to carry around an expensive MacBook in a thin and poorly made backpack that’s bound to fail when you least expect it, Saddleback Leather’s option is made to stand the test of time and then some.
Made with full-grain boot leather, the backpack features a main pocket for up to a 15-inch MacBook. Three other pockets on the exterior can hold smaller objects. The backpack has no parts that might break, such as zippers or snaps. While this item is costly, Saddleback Leather backs its products with a 100-year warranty.
There are two colors of the backpack to choose from. And the leather will patina and look even better with time, which is sure to please any recipient.
9. Apple AirPods
While Apple’s AirPods are a popular choice for both iPhone and iPad owners, the completely wireless earbuds are also a great choice for Mac users. As long as you first pair them to an iOS device on your iCloud account, the earbuds should automatically sync to your Mac and be ready to rock.
The hugely popular earbuds begin playing audio automatically when placed in your ears, and pause when removed. You can also double-tap an AirPod to activate Siri on your Mac.
AirPods can go for up to five hours of music playback on a single charge. Add in the included case, and you can listen to music for almost 24 hours without needing to ever touch a charging cable. That makes them a perfect addition to a Mac, any iOS device, or even the Apple Watch.
Make sure to take a look at our tips and tricks to make the most out of the AirPods if you get them.
10. AstroPad Luna Display
While Apple has always been adamant that there will never be a touchscreen Mac, AstroPad’s Luna Display offers a unique way to create a one—using an iPad.
The small adapter, available in USB-C or Mini DisplayPort versions, plugs into nearly any MacBook or desktop Mac. After installing both a Mac and an iPad app, you can use the tablet as a wireless second screen on the same Wi-Fi network.
Along with the ability to use an Apple Pencil on the tablet, Luna Display also supports wireless keyboards and mice.
Happy Shopping, Mac Fans
Hopefully, one of these gift ideas will make your shopping even easier this holiday season. Whether you pick out a stand, power bank, or something else, these accessories should definitely bring a smile to any Mac owner.
Don’t have time to wait for these to arrive? Check out last-minute gifts that don’t need shipping instead.
Read the full article: 10 Cool Gift Ideas for Mac Users This Holiday Season
