MacVoices #25305: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #5 (1)

The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #5 Part 1 continues as the panel of David Ginsburg, Wally Cherwinski, and Chuck Joiner shares practical tech ideas for Apple users, from at USB hub and a USB-C charger to a MagSafe camera grip and a portable monitor. They also explain how to get great deals through Apple's Certified Refurbished Store while trading stories about hubs, mice, and multi-display travel setups. (Part 1)

This MacVoices is supported by TV+Talk, our MacVoices series with Charlotte Henry that focuses on the business and content of Apple's streaming services. https://macvoices.com/category/tv-talk/

Show Notes:

Chapters:

[0:00] Gift Guide #5 Part 1 introduction and TV Plus Talk sponsor [0:35] How the holiday gift guide works and where to find the master list [2:00] Panel introductions: Dave Ginsburg and Wally Cherwinski [2:55] Pick 1: 16-port Akasis USB 3.1 hub for power users [4:24] Real-world hub performance with drives, cameras, and lighting [6:00] Desk layout, power brick, and wish-list reactions [6:11] Pick 2: Apple Certified Refurbished Store as a hardware source [7:00] Upgrading from MacBook Air to M-series MacBook Pro at a discount [8:26] Warranty, AppleCare, and pros and cons of buying refurbished [9:52] Finding the Certified Refurbished link on Apple's site [11:43] Pick 3: Logitech MX Master 4 mouse and haptic upgrades [15:14] Multi-device pairing, thumb button menus, and pricing [18:34] Trackpad vs mouse debate and workplace setups [19:11] Pick 4: MagSafe camera grip/stand with Bluetooth remote [21:09] Using the grip as a stand, on a tripod, or with older phones [22:38] Magnetic ring for non-MagSafe cases and travel use [24:31] Pick 5: 15.6″ portable 1080p USB-C/HDMI monitor [26:11] Traveling with a second screen and productivity benefits [27:32] 1080p vs 4K for portable displays and value trade-offs [28:17] Teasing a 4K portable monitor pick for a later round [28:26] Closing credits, support options, and how to stay connected

Links:

Dave Ginsburg:

Powered USB 3.1 Hub, ACASIS 16 Ports USB 3.1 Hub with 10Gbps Data Speed，Aluminum Housing, USB Hub Powered with 96W Power Adapter https://amzn.to/49Z2g5h

Logitech MX Master 4, Ergonomic Wireless Mouse with Advanced Performance Haptic Feedback, Ultra-Fast Scrolling, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth https://amzn.to/3XCzzDS

Wally Cherwinski

Apple Refurb Store https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished

KIWIFOTOS for iPhone Magsafe Camera Grip Magnetic Phone Handle with Bluetooth Remote & Tripod Mount Adapter https://amzn.to/48HI6un

ESR for MagSafe Sticker, MagSafe Ring Magnet, 2 Pack Magnetic Metal Ring, Universal Wireless Charger Conversion Kit https://amzn.to/3XDhV2W

Chuck Joiner:

Scosche PowerFlux 70W USB-C Charger Block, 3-Port Fast Charging GaN Wall Adapter with Foldable Plug https://amzn.to/3Y8Is8e

MNN Portable Monitor 15.6inch FHD 1080P USB C HDMI Gaming Ultra-Slim IPS Display w/Smart Cover & Speakers,HDR Plug&Play, External Monitor for Laptop PC Phone Mac https://amzn.to/49Ugy7g

Guests:

David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud.

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