We've found the best Mac mini (M4) prices available right now.

And the design comes with a twist.

Stay hydrated in style and cut down on single-use plastic with our favorite bottlesnow updated with information on lead.

These WIRED-tested slates let you take the worlds library anywhere.

Eight years ago, workers loudly protested White House policies. This time around, the companies are trying to keep a lid on activism.

There is nothing suspicious about the shift in Democratic fortunes. But partisans from across the spectrum are questioning the results, for different reasons.

MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingPros2 or 4 USB-C portsBuilt-in Find My locatorSlim chargerInternational Travel Set availableConsOur Verdict Twelve South PlugBug With Find Me is a great travel charger with a built-in locator to give you peace of mind that you should never lose your trusty charger again.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayPrice When Reviewed79,99Best Prices Today: Twelve South PlugBug with Find MyRetailerPriceTwelve South79,99 View Deal99,95 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketWe have reviewed a lot of USB-C chargers, from tiny ones you could lose in a pocket to giant desktop chargers with enough ports for every device you own. While wed never forget where the big desktop charger is situated, the smaller and more portable chargers have a frustrating habit of disappearingCan I borrow your charger for a minute? is the plaintive plea that most charger owners will hear every now and again or far too frequently in a large office or family.That minute can stretch far enough to the point where when you next need to charge your phone or laptop you suddenly find its not where it should bemaybe your colleague or family member didnt even ask you and just took it for a minute.Short of taping an AirTag onto your charger you have little option but to go hunt the office or house power sockets for it. Or maybe you left it in a suitcase that has gone missing.Accessory maker Twelve South has a cunning product that could make that hunt all the easier. Its PlugBug With Find My charger has a locator built into it. The locator is hidden away in a back compartment, so looks better than a sleek charger with an AirTag strapped on.It works just like an AirTag, and you set it up the same way and check for it in the Find My apps Items section. You can make it sound an alert and all the other features available to Find My app items. Like the AirTag it requires a replaceable batteryone is includedthat is easy to swap out when it runs out in a couple of years.Not just a big AirTagThe principal purpose of the PlugBug is as a USB-C wall charger, and it comes in two models.Twelve SouthThe PlugBug 50 has two USB-C ports, each rated at 50W. Use both at the same time and one will charge at 30W and the other at 20W. 50W is powerful enough to charge a MacBook Air. MacBook Pro owners would be better served with the more powerful 120 model.The PlugBug 120 has four USB-C ports, each rated at 120W. Use all four at the same time and they will charge at 1x 50W, two at 25W and the last one at 20W, or one 50W, two 20W and one 25W. Three might configure as 65/35/20W, and two at 70/30W.The charger detects dynamically delivers the right amount of fast charging power to each device being charged so you dont have to worry about which port to connect each device to.Twelve SouthDesignThe PlugBug With Find My is long but thin so is especially suitable in those hotel rooms with power sockets tucked into hard-to-reach places behind desks or nightstands.It features a fetching red section that makes it visually easy to spot, toowhich could come in handy when you try to distinguish it in a busy caf or airport environment.While the PlugBug is a more than capable home charger, it is especially useful on your travels. The U.S. model has folding prongs for extra travel slimness.The PlugBug 50 measures 3.3 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches (8,3 x 4.9 x 2.2cm), and weighs 3.9oz (110g).The PlugBug 120 measures 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches (10.4 x 6 x 3.1cm), and weighs 8.8oz (250g).Twelve SouthThe U.K. and E.U. versions ship with plugs attachments for both regions. The U.S. model features just the foldable North American prongs. Apple sells an exclusive Twelve South PlugBug Travel Set, which includes interchangeable international adapters for U.S., U.K., E.U., AU, KR and CN and a travel case, for both the 2-port and 4-port models ($79.95 and $129.95).PriceIn the U.S. the PlugBug 50 costs $69.99 and the PlugBug 120 is priced at $119.99, direct from Twelve South or via Amazon. See also the value-for-money Travel Set sold exclusively through the Apple Store.In Canada the two models are priced C$99.99 and C$169.99. In the U.K. its 69.99 and 119.99. And in the E.U. its 79,99 and 139,99 Euros.For more USB-C charging options check out our recommendations for the best iPhone chargers and best MacBook chargers.VerdictWe thought wed seen it all from the wide range of USB-C chargers but the powerful Twelve South PlugBug With Find Me is a great travel charger with a built-in locator to give you peace of mind that you should never lose your trusty charger again. It wont stop you forgetting it and leaving it at home only to slam into your thoughts as your reach the airport or hotel, but at least youll know exactly where it is.

MacworldWith the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, Apple offers standard configurations to make it easy to pick a laptop. They seem straightforward, but if you start to think about all the things you do on a Macwhether youre a student or a professionalyou can start to wonder about which model to choose and maybe even find it difficult to decide.Its a decision you dont want to take lightly. Youre investing a considerable amount of money, and you dont want to end up with a Mac that isnt up to the task or a Mac that has more than you need.This guide was created to help shoppers figure out what to look for when buying a MacBook. Well cover the main components you need to consider: the CPU, the GPU, the amount of unified memory (RAM), the SSD, the display, the battery, and the ports. Well go over what your use case may be, and which component configurations would work best to help you get the most bang for your buck.The M System on a Chip overview: CPU, GPU, unified memory, SSDLets first start with a brief overview of the heart of every Mac: the M System on a Chip. Its called a System on a Chip (SoC, or just chip) because, unlike past chips, it has more than just a CPU that does the main job of processing work. It also houses the graphics processors (GPUs), the unified memory (a combination of CPU and GPU RAM), and the SSD for file storage. In the past, these were all separate components.Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3, 256GB/16GB RAM, 2024)Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 256GB/16GB RAM, 2024)A benefit of having all these components under one unified part is that it helps with performance and power efficiency. A drawback is that the user cannot upgrade the components after purchase. So, its even more important than before to carefully consider the specifications you need for what you do.CPU: Processing cores and how many you should getThe Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main data processing component and is divided into processing cores. There are two types of cores, which Apple divides intoperformanceandefficiencycores. Generally, the more cores in a CPU, the faster the processing speed.Apple currently offers five CPU models in its MacBooks: the M2, M3, M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. The M2 and M3 has the lowest CPU core count, while the M4 Max has the highest.Which one is right for you? Lets break it down based on tasks.M2 (8-core CPU with 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores): a good chip for everyday usage and can handle tasks in media editing apps. M3(8-core CPU with 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores):you do the usual everyday tasks and work, which includes web browsing, light productivity apps (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Microsoft Office), media streaming, light gaming, easy media production (iMovie, GarageBand).M4 (10-core CPU with 4 performance and 6 efficiency cores): a lot like the M3, but a bit faster.M4 Pro(12- or 14-core CPU with 8 or 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores): you are regularly performing work thats a bit more in-depth, such as complex Excel spreadsheets, multi-layer image editing, and creation in Photoshop or other graphics apps, production of video and audio shorts, databases, serious gaming.M4 Max(14- or 16-core CPU with 10 or 12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores): you make a living as a media producer (Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Autodesk Maya, etc.), software developer, or any other work that requires multitasking and long hours with heavy work.Keep in mind that the base M4 is robust enough to handle the tasks that the M4 Max is designed forit just takes longer to finish. If you only occasionally need to do those high-end jobs or youre learning how to do them, you can live with the M4.The M3 and M3 chips offer different CPU, GPU, memory, and SSD configurations.Macworld.seGPU: Graphics processing powerThe GPU (graphics processing unit) is primarily used for rendering graphics and video on the screen. However, because GPUs offerparallel processing, a GPU can be used for other jobs, including AI, though the NPU (which is the same across all MacBooks) handles much of that workload.As with the CPU, the GPU has processing cores, and the more cores, the better the performance. Apple partners the increase of CPU cores along with the increase of GPU cores, so you dont have to worry about, say, getting a M3 Pro chip with not enough CPU cores. Which one is right for you? Lets break it down based on tasks.M2 (8-core CPU): capable of everyday tasks and casual games.M3(8- or 10-core GPU): general tasks and everyday work, media streaming, easy media production, light gaming.M4 (10-core GPU): like the M3, general tasks and everyday work, media streaming, easy media production, light gaming.M4 Pro(16- or 20-core GPU): moderate to serious media production and gaming.M4 Max(32- or 40-core GPU): professional-level media production and hard-core gaming.Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4)Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo1899 at Alternate1899 at Apple1.899,00 at amazon.deRead our full Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) review Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)Best Prices Today: 0.01 at idealo2399 at Alternate2399 at Computeruniverse2.399,00 at amazon.de14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max)Unified memory: More RAM is always betterApples M chips use unified memory, which is where the chip reads and writes the data it is working on. Its called unified memory because its used by both the CPU and GPU. Its often referred to as RAM (random access memory). (Traditionally, RAM referred to the memory used by the CPU only, and the GPU used video RAM or VRAM).Each M-series chip comes with a standard configuration of unified memory. Here are the standard memory configurations Apple offers and where you may want to upgrade.16GB: Good enough if youre doinggeneral productivity work, internet access media streaming, and easy media production.24GB or 32GB: Nice amount for moderate media production, graphic work, podcasting, and gaming. Even for people who dont do processor-intensive work, this is a better fit.Above 32GB: Professional-level graphics and media production, software development, hardcore gaming.Remember, you cant add RAM later, so make sure you consider spending a little more to customize your Mac at purchase. For example, the M3s standard configuration is 16GB, but an option for 24GB is available for $200. Its not cheap, but we recommend getting as much memory as you can afford. You cant go wrong with opting for more memory than the standard configurationit helps with performance.When Apple originally introduced the MacBook Air in March 2024, the standard configurations came with 8GB of RAM. When Apple introduced the M4 series of MacBook Pro in October 2024, it increased the base standard configuration to 16GB. The MacBook Air also got the boost without a price increase. So, now all MacBooks have a minimum of 16GB of RAM with some standard configurations that have more.SSD: file storageThe Mac uses a solid-state drive (SSD) to store your files, apps, and other data. But in addition to data storage, the SSD can play a role in a Macs performance. The larger the capacity, the better the performance, mostly in instances that involve very large files.The higher the SSD capacity, the more NAND chips Apple uses. The more chips in use, the faster the performance, because the data can be accessed in parallel. For example, a 10GB file saved over four SSD chips is faster than the same file saved over two SSD chips. For smaller files used by most people, the difference is still there but isnt noticeable.So there are two considerations for the SSD size: How much room you need, and how big are the files you create. With that in mind, here are some recommendations.256GB: General productivity work, internet access media streaming, and easy media production.512GB: Frequent work in iMovie, GarageBand, and other consumer-level media production apps.1TB or more: Professional media production in apps such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Compressor, etc., software development, graphics.These considerations dont involve photos that can accumulate quickly and take up a lot of space or the Photos app. If you like having local access to your photos, consider an external storage device. This also doesnt consider cloud storage, such as iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, and other services. You dont want to work directly on files in cloud storage because its not an efficient way to work. But cloud storage is a viable way to manage the space on an SSDyou can move files you wont need immediately to the cloud.The MacBook Air (left) has an LED display,. while the MacBook Pro (right) has a Mini LED screen.FoundryDisplay: Looks are everythingApple uses different display technology for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The Air uses a tech thats more affordable to implement, and it looks good, but it doesnt look as good as the tech used for the MacBook Pro. Of course, youll pay more for the better Pro quality. Here are the two display technologies and who they are suited for.LED(MacBook Air): General-purpose use, but it can also handle consumer-level video and photo editing that you would do in apps such as Photos, Adobe Photoshop Elements, iMovie, etc. Also good for steaming videos from YouTube, Apple TV+, Netflix, etc., and moderate gaming.Mini LED(MacBook Pro): Serious video and photo editing and graphics work in pro-level apps (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, etc.) where color and detail are important.Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)Read our full Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) review Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max)Battery life: All-day workThe MacBooks offer excellent battery life that will last all day long. However, the different chips affect the duration because a chip that offers more processing prowess requires more battery power. There are also lots of considerations to think about regarding your specific use case. Heres a look at how the different MacBooks compare and our recommendations.M3 MacBook Air: Apple cites the same battery life numbers for both the 13- and 15-inch models since both laptops have a 52.6-watt-hour battery (up to 18 hours), though youll probably get a little more battery with the 13-inch model due to the smaller screen. Either way, thats the battery is long enough to last a whole day doing general-purpose work, access the internet, and work in Pages, Keynote, or Microsoft Office. You can even do light media work in iMovie or GarageBand, but heavier jobs will tax the battery.M4, M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro: The 14-inch MacBook Pro has a 72.4-watt-hour battery; the M4 can last up to 24 hours, while the M4 Pro/Max lasts up to 22/18 hours. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is rated at 100-watt-hours, and the M4 Pro can last up to 24 hours, while the M4 Max lasts 21 hours.Since the Pro laptops are bigger than the Air, the battery is bigger. If youre doing production-type work while on location and you cant plug in, the Pro is the one to get, even if its bigger/heavier than the Air.Ports: Making connectionsAll of Apples MacBooks have Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a MagSafe port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. But thats where the commonality ends. Heres what you need to know.MacBook Air: Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. Thats because the Air is meant to serve primarily as a travel buddy in situations when you arent connecting too many devicesmaybe an external Thunderbolt/USB-C display for presentations, or a drive to save/transfer files. The Thunderbolt ports conform to the Thunderbolt 3 specification, and while its fast, it is the slowest of the MacBooks.MacBook Pro: As a mobile desktop device, the MacBook Pros have an HDMI port for connecting an external display and an SDXC Card slot for file transfers from a camera or other device. All MacBook Pro models have three Thunderbolt/USB-C ports. However, laptops with the M4 chip have the Thunderbolt 4 implementation, while the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips support Thunderbolt 5, which is the fastest specification.The MacBook Pro has an SDXC Card slot (far left) and HDMI port (far right), which are not on the MacBook Air.FoundryFor more information, check out the following guides:Best MacBook 2024: Which MacBook should you buy?MacBook Air vs Pro: Differences between MacBook Air and ProMacBook Pro comparison: 14- vs 16-inch MacBook ProM3 MacBook Air: Everything you need to knowM3 MacBook Pro: Everything you need to knowApple 13-inch MacBook Air (M2, 256GB/16GB RAM)

Microsoft is bundling its Copilot generative AI (genAI) assistant with consumer Microsoft 365 subscriptions in several countries, thecompany announced last week.Copilot Pro will be included in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions inAustralia, Malaysia,New Zealand,Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand,the companysaid in astatement firstspotted byZDNet.It means users will gain access to Copilot features in apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Designer Microsofts text-to-image appis also included.Microsoft willalsoincrease the cost of the subscriptionpriceswill vary in each countrythough this will be less than the cost of a separate Copilot Pro subscription. Australian customers, for example, will pay an additional $4 AUD a month for M365 Family subscriptions, and an extra $5 AUD for M365 Personal subscriptions, according toThe Verge. In comparison, Copilot Pro costs $33 AUD per user each month.Customers will be limited in how much they use Copilot in apps,however, with acredit systemin place. Those who want unrestricted access will need to pay for a Copilot Pro subscription.Microsoft didnt say whether it plans toextend thechangesto consumer M365 subscriptionsin other regions, but its possible the move is a trial run for US and European markets.In the US, Copilot Pro costs an extra $20 per userpermonth for M365 Family and Personal customers.I suspect this is just the first step in[Microsoft]bundling Copilot to a larger audience, said Jack Gold,founder and principal analyst at J. Gold Associates.The initial countries are probably a trial deployment to see how it goes, what the most common uses are, and how much they can charge. Ill bet that in the next[one to two]quarters,youll see a much wider rollout to many other countries.Itsalsopossible theCopilotbundlinginconsumer M365 subscriptions could presage a similar move for business customers, thoughtheres no mention of such a move on the horizonjust yet.Microsoft charges an extra $30-per-user-a-month fee to businesses for access to Copilot in Microsoft 365.Despiteconsiderable interest in the M365 Copilot, businesses have beenslow to rollout thegenAI assistant widely across their organizations, in part due to high costs and a perceived lack of value.Its likely this will be the case sooner or later: Analysts at Gartnerhave said theyexpectgenAI featurestobe included at no extra cost in office software subscriptions by 2028, according to arecent report(subscription required), as vendors seek broader adoption of their AI tools.For Microsoft, this couldevenmean the addition of a new M365 pricing tierthe long-rumored E7that would include premium features currently available as paid-for add-ons, such as Copilot.

The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued an urgent directive barring employees and contractors from using mobile phones for work-related calls, following a major breach in US telecommunications infrastructure attributed to Chinese-linked hackers.According to an internal memo, CFPBs chief information officer advised staff to move sensitive discussions to secure platforms like Microsoft Teams and Cisco WebEx, reported theWall Street Journal(WSJ).