- Five-Monitor Arc. The Boston office of Mitch Haile is a great introduction to the world of seriously.
- If you want to set up your MacBook as a workstation, but you still need to be able to grab it and go, this is the dock to get. Mouse: Apple Magic Mouse 2. Apple's own mouse hardware has always been a cut above, and the Magic Mouse 2 definitely earns its place as one of the best models available.
While there will always be customers who need the sort of power that only a workstation or gaming PC can provide, most of us are content with our laptops and MacBooks – sometimes, however, we can all get envious of those big, beautiful displays. Here's how to get the most out of using your MacBook as a desktop.
These days, even a midrange laptop (that is, neither low end nor premium) is more powerful than a high-end desktop was just a few short years ago, and the needs of most people haven't changed much in that time. As a result, unless you know you need a desktop, your current MacBook is probably more than enough for most of your needs (for reference, this article was written around using a four-year old 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, and the overall experience is still very slick).
Install only for me; Click Continue. (optional) If you want to change the destination for installation choose Change Install Location. (optional) If you chose Install for all users of this computer, enter the administrator credentials for the device. Click Install Software. Once the installation is complete, click Close. Bottom line: A Mac Mini coupled with an affordable eGPU enclosure and a Radeon RX 580 is both an excellent gaming machine and the best value for money you can have with a Mac computer. For the price of a base 27-inch iMac, you can get an upgradable setup that delivers more performance.
It's all about the display.
Before you get started, there are a few things you're going to need. Chief among them is an external display, and the kind of display you can use will depend on the kind of MacBook you have. If it's one of the MacBook Pros or MacBook Airs from the last couple of generations, you'll be able to use a 4K display, which is great if you can swing it; properly set up, your external monitor can offer the same kind of Retina detail you're used to seeing on your mobile devices.
If you can't quite handle driving a 4K monitor, you can still connect some pretty impressive displays: LG makes a 34-inch, very widescreen display (the LG 34UM95) with a resolution of 3440×1440 – what makes this such an interesting display for Mac users is that it has a Thunderbolt connection. That means you can plug in your monitor and your power, and be done; the speakers and USB ports in the back of the display can run over Thunderbolt. If even these wide displays are too imposing, you can still hook up a 27-inch 1440p or 24-inch 1080p monitor through your video-out ports.
The Apple Thunderbolt Display is in dire need of a refresh, but it's still a great (if expensive) option, since you can charge your MacBook at the same time. We like the idea of using at least a 1440p display because it lessens the need to use the internal display of the MacBook; it's often really difficult to get a comfortable setup that uses both a bigger external display and the smaller internal laptop screen at the same time. Find an external hard drive on a mac.
Does your keyboard have a command key?
If you're planning on using your MacBook with just an external display (that is, with the MacBook closed and its display turned off) you're going to need an external keyboard, as well as either a mouse or a trackpad. You've probably got a USB keyboard and mouse lying around, and these will work fine, for the most part; even if they're designed for use with Windows, you can figure out what the Mac-equivalent keys are with a bit of trial and error.
If you'd rather buy a keyboard designed and labeled for use with your Mac, you have two good options. The first is Logitech's K811 keyboard ($85 on Amazon), which is designed for use with both Macs as well as iPads (and even iPhones, if you want). To that end, it has all of the Mac keys you want, but it also has easy-switch buttons that let you pair it with your Mac and two other devices and swap between them with a keypress. The real reason it gets a mention here, however, is that it's one of the only Bluetooth Mac keyboards that's also backlit. If you do a lot of typing in a dim or dark room, having a backlit keyboard can be a lifesaver.
Your other option, if you choose to forego the Logitech, is to snag one of Apple's new Magic Keyboards, which now come with Lightning ports and built-in, rechargeable batteries. It's hard to beat the minimalist design, and for a quality Bluetooth keyboard, the $99 price tag isn't bad (if you're an Amazon Prime member, however, you can get a new, last-gen Apple Wireless Keyboard for just $56). How to view downloads on mac. Buying an Apple-specific mouse is less important, as just about any mouse will work as you expect. If you don't mind shelling out the cash, the new Magic Trackpad 2 is extremely nice, but let's be honest; it's a bit overpriced at $129.
You're going to want a MacBook stand, too.
Right, so you've got a nice monitor and a new keyboard to hook up to your MacBook, but do you have a place to put it? You could absolutely get away with stacking a few books on your desk and just plopping your MacBook Pro on top of them, but there are some real benefits to getting a proper stand.
- It maximizes your MacBook's airflow. MacBooks already take a little flak for running hot, so running them with the display closed seems like it's asking for trouble. In reality, your laptop will be fine, but it's nice to keep them as cool as is reasonably possible – not only does it reduce stress on your MacBook, it helps maintain performance (as things heat up, your MacBook might throttle the processor to prevent it from overheating).
- It makes it so much easier to unhook and hook up your desk cables. It's going to be a while before we can do away with every one of these cables, so in the meantime, we're stuck plugging and unplugging a few cables every time we want to take our MacBook with us. Having a specific stand just for the MacBook creates a spot where your MacBook goes every single time, and it makes the routine quicker and easier to get down. Most good stands will also help to keep those cables corralled.
- It keeps your MacBook from getting knocked around. It might just be my bad luck, but it's surprisingly easy to shove your MacBook around if you're using it to drive an external display and you're not paying much attention. Having a stand can keep it safe and secure, even if you're a clumsy writer who bumps into their desk a lot.
There are two specific MacBook stands we like, the first of which is the BookArc ($50, Amazon), from well-known Mac accessory manufacturer Twelve South. Good for when you plan on keeping your MacBook closed most of the time (when connected to all of your desk-bound accessories, we mean), the BookArc can fit any current MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Pro with Retina Display.
The second good stand choice comes from Rain Design. The mStand ($43, Amazon) actually the #1 selling laptop stand on all of Amazon at the moment, and for good reason. It's solidly constructed, and lifts your MacBook high-enough off of the desk to provide a comfortable viewing height – a plus whether you're hooking it up to an external monitor or just rocking the laptop solo).
You'll want a few more accessories.
You're going to need a few more accessories to round out the desktop / MacBook dock experience. Something that you might not think about is your audio. If you're used to listening to music or sound on your MacBook's speakers, you're not going to be able to hear that well with the laptop closed. Depending on which monitor you buy, you might find that it has passable speakers built in.
If you're on the market for a new set, however, I recommend the Edifier R1700BT bookshelf speakers ($150, Amazon/Edifier). The model name might give it away, but these are actually Bluetooth speakers – they'll hook up wirelessly to your MacBook, and connections on the back let you hook up any other devices.
Going wireless is a great idea in a situation like this, as it gives you one less cable to plug in any time you want to move things around (also check out our roundup of the best wireless headphones, while we're at it). You might also be able to hook speakers into a monitor hooked up via DisplayPort or Thunderbolt, but you won't be able to use your Mac to control the volume if you do so; you'll need to use the controls on the speakers themselves.
Another important accessory is a good USB hub. Remember, we're trying to minimize how many connections you need to attach to your MacBook when you sit it down to dock. A USB hub will take up a single port and give you however many you need in return – but you should take care to buy a powered USB hub. That's a hub that has an external power supply. That way you can charge mobile devices on the hub without trying to draw too much power from a single USB port on your laptop.
Amazon has a few really affordable models in their AmazonBasics line, too, which is nice. You can score a 7-port USB 3.0 hub for $30, or a 4-port for $17.
If this is a desk in a secure place, like a home office, or an assigned desk at work, there are a couple of other handy accessories that could make your life easier. Number one is an additional MagSafe power adapter for your laptop (unless you're using a Thunderbolt display, in which case never mind). New versions are $79 straight from Apple, whether you need a 45-watt, a 60-watt, or an 80-watt AC adapter.
You may also wish to consider investing in a webcam. It's true that your MacBook already has a camera built into the lid, but if you're going to be keeping it closed most of the time (or if you have the 12-inch MacBook with an awful 480p webcam), you'll need something to replace it. Logitech is really the only major player left in the webcam market (Microsoft makes a few as well but their OS X support is spotty). The Logitech HD C920 is only $63 on Amazon right now, and it gives you both a replacement webcam as well as a replacement microphone.
Finally, it might be a good idea to pick up some extra mobile device cables that you can just leave plugged into the hub all the time. Lighting cables for your iPhone and iPad, micro-USB (or probably USB-C very soon) for your Android devices. That way you can plug your phone in to charge when you dock your MacBook, and just grab it and go when you're finished.
Your MacBook could be the best desktop you've ever had.
It's true that some of the recommendations are a little pricey – namely the monitor, though it's often the most underrated piece of computer equipment – but taken as a whole, it's still cheaper than buying a second desktop to use alongside your MacBook. Plus, this is all equipment that will work with the next MacBook you buy; it has staying power.
One of the best parts of using your laptop as your desktop is that you never have to worry about whether you have this file or that file, since you always have all your files (so be doubly sure to back things up). The most important part of making this work is making sure you can 'dock' your MacBook quickly and easily, so it doesn't become a frustrating part of your day. If you've got a must-have Mac accessory for the desk, be sure to let us know in the comments.
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While many countries are on a lockdown due to COVID-19, remote work is becoming a lifestyle. Remotely accessing a Mac is designed to be easy. Apple has spent a lot of time ensuring anyone can log in to their Macs — both desktop and laptop — from any other Mac device, anywhere. And, besides, there are a variety of third-party apps ready to help with that too.
Still, remotely managing their Mac sounds overly complicated to a lot of people. From how you connect to sharing files or screens to using your Apple device as a remote mouse, we want to demystify the process in the easy-to-follow guide below.
Best Remote Access Apps for Mac
There are times when you want to access your Mac remotely, and there are many different solutions to remote access your Mac. Best utilities in one pack, give it a go!
How to access your Mac from another location
There're two ways: you can allow remote login to your Mac from another computer, or allow others to access your computer using Remote Desktop (it's available from the App Store).
Allow remote login to your Mac from another computer
For devices using the same macOS, you can allow remote Mac login using a Secure Shell (SSH). This enables Mac remote desktop access using a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).
To set up Remote Login:
- Go to System Preferences > Sharing
- Select Remote Login.
- Choose which users you want to have remote access or the ability to control your Mac.
You can either select All Users, which means any other device on your network, or any Mac you own, can access and connect, or click the plus sign to pick the exact users.
When you want to remotely log in to your Mac from another device, you need to know your username (the name that appears when you login) and your computer's IP address. Write them down and keep them safe, as allowing access to your Mac does make it potentially less secure, especially over cellular or public Wi-Fi networks.
Accessing, controlling, or viewing information on your Mac can be done with a built-in Terminal or any other SSH app using your username and IP address.
Allow others to access your computer using Apple Remote Desktop
With macOS remote Mac access and control is even easier. To set up it:
- Go to Menu > System Preferences > Sharing
- Select Remote Management - it should appear as a checkbox.
- Now you can select who has remote desktop access. Either select, All Users, which means any other device on your network, or Mac you own, can access and connect, or click the Add button(+), which gives you the ability to select who can have remote access and/or control.
What mac is best for music production. If you are using a VPN or VNC viewer and want to access your Mac remotely, you will need to setup a password first. It is also possible to use iOS devices, such as an iPhone and iPad, through Apple Remote Desktop, available from the App Store. https://coollfile670.weebly.com/red-giant-vfx-suite-1-0-38.html.
How to stay on the same page with Screens
Collaboration has become of utmost importance to today's workplaces. And with more and more people working remotely, being on the same screen (ahem, page) is a must.
Screens allows you to work remotely with any computer regardless of your location. Whether you are on a business trip or traveling, stay confident knowing you can access any file on your home computer at any time.
This robust screen sharing tool for Mac supports:
- Multiple displays
- Drag-and-drop file sharing
- Hiding your remote screen while accessing it
- Accessing other computers (e.g. colleague's) as a guest
- Alternative shortcuts (useful when connecting Mac to PC)
- Custom actions in case of disconnection
To start using Screens, get the app from Setapp and configure the following:
- Remote login and remote management (as per the guide above)
- Install Screens Connect helper app and create a Screens ID on every machine you'd like to connect to in the future
- Use your Screens ID in the Screens app and it will automatically determine which of your computers are available for connection
Remote desktop client for Mac
Control any computer remotely – a perfect way to access your Mac from anywhere without limitations.
Share files between devices
Today we have plenty of ways to send and share files. But ask someone to send something, and you are likely to get it through email. Due to the ubiquitousness of email, it's still the default method for file sharing, despite its obvious flaws and constraints.
Fortunately, there are much better ways:
Native macOS File Sharing
Few people know that their Mac has native file sharing functionality built in. To use this feature, activate it in the Sharing pane of System Preferences by checking File Sharing. If you only want to share specific folders, add them to the Shared Folders list. If you only want specific users to access the folder, add them to its Users list. Otherwise, everyone will be able to access it.
AirDrop
Although not the most reliable solution, AirDrop works fine for occasional sharing a file between Apple devices. In the Finder, choose Go and then AirDrop on both the sending and receiving Mac. As soon as you see the receiver's user icon, drag the desired file onto it to send.
Read more about how to use AirDrop
Dropshare
Mac Desktop Review
If you don't want to send files Mac-to-Mac directly but rather through a cloud storage, there is no easier way than Dropshare. The app works with numerous cloud providers, from Dropbox to Google Drive, and saves your files for sharing by simply dragging them onto its menu bar icon.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
The most technical but also the most robust way to share files from your mac is to use FTP, which you could do either through Terminal or an FTP Client, the latter being much more user friendly.
There are a few popular FTP clients one could choose from. The robust file managing app ForkLift covers most of the FTP functionality but takes it to the next level and could be a viable replacement for the Finder altogether with its quick search, instant previews, and file comparison.
DCommander is another full-featured file transfer app for Mac that combines speed and reliability, able to handle thousands of files, schedule backups, and even automate transfers.
M7803 mac keyboard. At last, when it comes to sharing the same files on different devices, an app like ChronoSync Express becomes invaluable.
ChronoSync Express is powerful tool for sharing and transferring files from Mac to Mac, or any another Apple device. With a feature called Synchronizer Document, you can select which files need to be automatically synchronized and shared between devices, just like that:
- Create a new synchronizer document for each folder synchronization you'd like to perform
- Name the synchronization
- Change the Operation to Synchronize Bidirectional
- Select folders to sync on the left and right
- Test with a Trial Sync
Do you need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
Whether you are working on your Mac directly, logging into your Mac remotely, or sharing access with someone else, security should be on top of your mind. Apple catalina os.
As a rule of thumb, you should always use a VPN when connected to a public Wi-Fi network, as someone could log in and see the information you send just as easily as you do.
And with remote access — even in the View Only mode — someone can see every file and document on your Mac, except those that are password protected. Unfortunately, if you leave passwords in a visible document, you expose yourself to immense risks.
A secure VPN client for Mac like Shimo is well worth using to stop unwanted eyes from lurking around, especially if you are sharing sensitive files, financial records or customer data.
However, for extra peace of mind and security, consider firing up your VPN automatically on all networks you are not 100% sure about to keep your emails, bank accounts and personal documents safe.
To share your Mac with someone else, download a remote Virtual Network Computing (VNC) app like Jump Desktop. With full remote access and Mac remote control, the other person — or yourself connecting to another Mac — can have the same level of control as the person using that device. Except for Admin level access, since it's password protected.
Starting with Jump Desktop is easy: either yourself (gaining access) or the person you are giving a remote view or control access to your Mac, needs to add details of the device and the password.
Secure your access with VPN
Get a VPN client for Mac to avoid privacy infringement while connecting remotely. It's secure and free to try.
Once permission is granted at the other end, remote Mac screen sharing or control (whereby you can use the iOS device as a remote mouse) becomes possible.
How to use your iOS device as a remote mouse
If your remote work starts on a patio hammock somewhere in east Asia, you should note that Apple iOS devices, such as an iPhone or iPad, can be used to control a Mac remotely, much like a mouse can control a desktop or laptop. Apps that make this possible work on VNC.
Remote Mouse is the easiest, most effective way to turn your iOS device into a wireless remote control for your Mac.
Although remote access through a local network would be most effective, since the closer you are to the device the quicker the connection, it's also possible from anywhere in the world, providing the network is secure and fast enough.
Setting up and granting access to the iOS device is the same process as when someone wants to access using a Mac. Except you need to give them a password. And make sure it is different from your primary Mac or iOS (App Store) one.
So working together or checking on your devices can be done from anywhere in the world and there are lots of ways to do that, from sharing screens and files to having complete access to a system set up far away. Setapp equips you with all the apps needed to remotely access any device you need and elevate your work to the global level.
These might also interest you:
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
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