It’s no secret that we are fans of Apple devices and the accessories that make them look good. From decals to stickers, from stands to cases, Apple accessories are a dime a dozen and for this post, we are going to look into accessories for the MacBook.
This time though, we are changing it up a bit. Instead of the usual, we are featuring accessories that will make using your MacBook a lot easier. Some of them are for managing cables, while others help you save space. Others fix nuisances that litter the regular Macbook user, and we also have one that can help you really multitask across multiple (physical) screens.
Found another accessory that you think should be part of this list? We’d like to hear about it in the comments section below.
Recommended Reading: 20 Creative MacBook Decals & Skins To Attract Attention
1. Nifty MiniDrive
If you find the 128GB or 256GB SSD on a MacBook Pro a little too small for your liking, you might wanna get a Nifty MiniDrive for an extra boost of up to 64GB.
The Nifty MiniDrive uses a MacBook’s SD card slot to add to your storage space. While conventional SD cards would stick out of the MacBook when inserted, the Nifty MiniDrive uses a MicroSD card so it would sit flush with the body, thereby creating a seamless and clean look.
As of now, it is compatible with the older MacBook Pro, Retina and Air models while support for the late 2013 models are in the works.
Price: $39.99 – Visit website
2. PlugBug
The PlugBug is a unique add-on for people traveling with iPads. It replaces the original male plug with one that has a USB at the back – this allows iPad users to charge both their MacBook and iPad at the same time.
Besides that, your iPad mini would also charge faster through this device thanks to the 10 watt power output. Although it currently only supports US sockets, more international options are said to be in the works.
Price: $34.99 – Visit website
3. ZenDock
The ZenDock is a cable management tool that helps you get rid of messy cables on your desk. It has a Firewire, USB, ethernet, Mini DisplayPort, speaker and microphone pass through, thereby creating the illusion that only one cable is attached to your MacBook. There’s even a cutout for the MacBook power cable.
The ZenDock is compatible with the older MacBook Air, Pro and Retina olders and the creators are also planning to release a version for the new MacBook when it’s made available (late 2013).
Price: $159 – Visit website
4. Snuglet
The MacBook MagSafe is made in such a way that it’s easily removable. However, this also means that when it’s used in bed or on other uneven surfaces, it’ll come off way too easily.
The Snuglet is a small metal device that sits inside the MacBook charger port to prevent the power cable from being accidentally removed when it’s pushed up or down. The Snuglet can be easily removed with a paperclip-like hook and its usage won’t interfere with charging.
Price: $19 – Visit website
5. LapTuk Pro
Here’s another tool to help minimize the usage of desk space while using a MacBook with an external screen. The solid steel LapTuk Pro is designed in such a way that you can slide your MacBook into it. You then place the monitor on top of the top layer of steel – this gives the added benefit of an elevated monitor for better posture.
Since LapTuk Pro is elevated off the table, you can slide things like a tablet or bluetooth keyboard underneath whenever they are not in use, creating a clean and clutter-free desk.
LapTuk Pro has a 4-port USB 3.0 hub that comes with its own power adapter.
Price: $99.99 – Visit website
6. LandingZone
The LandingZone is a desktop dock for your MacBook Pro or Air that allows you to easliy leave your USB and desktop peripherals in place when you take your MacBook away from your desk.
The most high-end version, LandingZone 2.0 PRO includes 4 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 pass-through ports, a Kensington Security Slot, a Mini DisplayPort and gigabit Ethernet port. The Kensington Security Slot ensures that no one can undock your MacBook while you’re away. The LandingZone also has its own power adapter if you plan to use all the ports at once.
Price: $49 – $179 – Visit website
7. Henge Docks
With Henge Docks, you can have the comfort of working with a desktop while enjoying the portability a MacBook offers as it docks a MacBook vertically, thereby saving lots of desk space for your external monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Once you have to leave the office, simply undock your MacBook to take all your work with you. Henge Docks uses extension cables (instead of built-in connectors) and feeds them nicely to get a clean desktop.
Price: $55 – $74.95 – Visit website
8. DualHead2Go
If you enjoy working with multiple monitors, you might wanna consider getting a Matrox DualHead2Go, a device that uses a Thunderbolt port on your MacBook to extend the display up to 2 additional monitors (giving you a total of 3 screens).
The tiny box is powered by a USB port and can power 2 monitors with 1920×1200 resolution. You can choose to mirror the external displays or extend it for greater multitasking possibilities.
Price: $160 – Visit website
9. mTower
Somewhat similar to Henge Docks, mTower is also a device that helps you save some desk space, taking up approximately one third of your MacBook’s footprint (about 114x24mm).
All ports and cables are still accessible when the MacBook is docked, not interfering with the device’s performance. Because of its anodized aluminium body, the sleekly designed mTower also doubles as a large heat sink for your MacBook.
Price: $49.90 – Visit website
10. PowerCurl
The good thing about a MacBook charging cable’s length is that it allows you to charge your MacBook from a power outlet that’s far away. However, that length also means that it is not that easy to bring around with you.
PowerCurl is a simple yet effective solution to the problem – you can use it to hold your power adapter in the center while winding the cables neatly around it. It’s available in 2 colors (blue and grey) and is compatible with both old and new MacBook Pro and Air models.
Price: $9.99 – Visit website
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