Tag: iPad

Apple’s Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro with a floating design, backlit keyboard, and glass multi-touch trackpad is now available. We compare it to the new Brydge Pro+ to see which device wins out in features and quality.

Brydge Pro+ and Magic Keyboard similarities

Both of these premium-quality accessories fit the same models of iPad Pro. There are versions for both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes of the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pros. With the Logitech Combo Touch only available for older iPads at the moment, these are the only true options that users have if they want a keyboard and trackpad combo.

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Each of them sport fantastic build quality, with Brydge being made up of aluminum with a glass trackpad while the Magic Keyboard has a vinyl exterior with metal hinges and a glass trackpad of its own. Both manufactures can also push firmware updates to these devices, making sure they stay up to date and compatible with the latest iPadOS updates.

There are full backlit keyboards on each, an adjustable hinge to set your preferred viewing angle, and protection for the display of your iPad.

From there, these two excellent productivity tools begin to diverge.

Apple’s Magic Keyboard

Apple’s own Magic Keyboard sets the bar in terms of what an iPad Pro keyboard should be. Rather than rely on Bluetooth, Apple uses the Smart Connector which means you never have to charge the keyboard. As long as your iPad Pro has power, so does your Magic Keyboard. An additional USB-C port on the hinge makes this even easier to manage.

To connect your iPad, just bring it near and the magnets do the rest. They pull the iPad into place and hold onto it well. As we adjusted it, it never misaligned or came free errantly.

The keyboard itself has a great amount of key travel with very solid keys. There is a small amount of key wiggle compared to the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but not much at all. Brydge has a higher degree of wiggle to the keys, often with us having the occasional keystroke not register.

The backlight is near perfect, with almost no light leak around the keys. Brydge has quite a lot of backlight leaking around the keys which can be distracting, especially depending on your viewing angle.

To no surprise, Apple nailed the trackpad as well. It is decently sized, though can feel cramped if you are used to the larger ones on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. It supports multi-touch gestures for going to the home screen, accessing the app switcher, and moving between apps. Not to mention two-finger swipes to go back inside of apps, two fingers for scrolling, and pinching for Maps and Photos.

Apple also managed to enable clicks around the entire trackpad surface. Brydge uses a diving board style trackpad which means the far end is fixed, allowing the rest to flex and click. This hurts the user experience when you try to press down and it simply doesn’t let you.

Brydge Pro+

The Brydge Pro+ keyboard has a full row of function keys above your standard keys. These make it easy to control media, lock the iPad, adjust volume, and even control brightness.

Apple decided not to include these function keys, which is disappointing. It makes manually adjusting the keyboard backlight on Apple’s offering much harder, requiring users to dig into settings.

A Control Center toggle for this could go a long way. Apple’s keyboard does adjust automatically based on the room’s ambient light, but if you do want to adjust it on your own it isn’t as simple as it could be.

Brydge Pro+ also has a far better angle variance. Brydge Pro+ can go from 0 degrees while closed to 180 degrees when fully opened. Magic Keyboard restricts movement to only around 125 degrees. If you want it to go further back, you’re out of luck.

The trackpad on Brydge Pro+ is bigger than the Magic Keyboard, which would be better if it supported all the gestures that the Magic Keyboard supports. But, in our testing, we’re seeing some lag between user input, and the movement of the pointer on the iPad screen. This isn’t great.

The Brydge Pro+ is much more affordable than the Magic Keyboard. It still maintains a premium price tag, but at $199 for the 11-inch, it comes in at a hundred dollars less than Apple’s offering.

Which should I buy?

If money is no object, then go with the Magic Keyboard. It has a better design, keyboard, and trackpad. The physical Smart Connector reduces any lag, of which can be a frustrating problem with Brydge’s trackpad.

	Brydge	Magic Keyboard
iPad support	2018 and 2020 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros	2018 and 2020 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros
Material	Aluminum	Metal and vinyl
Function keys	Yes	No
Backlit keys	Yes, adjust through function keys	Yes, adjusted automatically
USB-C Port	USB-C input for charging keyboard	Additional USB-C for charging iPad Pro
Connectivity	Bluetooth	Smart Connector
Supported angles	0 to 180 degrees	0 to 125 degrees
Price	$199 and $229	$299 and $349

However, if you are willing to compromise and still want an excellent keyboard with a functional trackpad, Brydge can save you some cash while still delivering a quality typing experience.

Where to buy

The brand new Brydge Pro+ is set to begin shipping at the end of April, running $199 for the 11-inch and $229 for the 12.9-inch model.

The Magic Keyboard for Apple’s new iPad Pro is available to purchase from Adorama, Amazon and B&H Photo. The 11-inch version costs $299, while the 12.9-inch version retails for $349.

 

By Malcolm Owen
Tuesday, April 21, 2020, 12:06 pm PT (03:06 pm ET)

Apple’s share of the global tablet market increased in 2019, according to Strategy Analytics, with the iPad securing 44% of sales revenue for across the entire year based on the sales of application processors alone.

The iPad and iPad Pro have been extremely popular tablets for quite some time, with Apple’s tablets repeatedly being touted as the most popular by a number of research firms and analysts. In the latest report discussing the global tablet market, Apple’s products are said to have increased market share in a slowly growing global market.

In Strategy Analytics’ report into the application processor market for tablets, the firm refers to the system-on-chip or processor vendor, rather than the final tablet producer. In effect, the comparison is pitting Apple’s A-series chips against those produced by Intel, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung.

While the chips produced by rivals are typically either sold to a variety of different tablet vendors, or in the case of Samsung, used in its own products as well as by others, Apple does not offer its A-series chips for use by other manufacturers. In effect, the results can potentially skew in favor of Apple’s opponents, as a Qualcomm chip may be used by multiple vendors instead of just one, as is the case for Apple.

Strategy Analytics claims the Applications Processor market as a whole grew 2% year-on-year in 2019, hitting a total value of $1.9 billion for the period. Of that total, Apple accounts for 44% across all of 2019, an increase from the previous year, though in the fourth quarter of 2019, Apple’s revenue share was even higher at 47%.

By comparison, Qualcomm and Intel each secured 16% of the annual market share. MediaTek and Samsung make up the rest of the top five chip vendors on the list.

While this approach focuses on the value of chips being produced and used in devices, it does not take into account the quantity of chips produced.

“The tablet shipment decline trend continues to be a challenge to tablet AP vendors, even as average selling prices show strength,” commented Strategy Analytics associate director Sravan Kundojjala.

The new 2020 iPad Pros are powerful, stunning, and better than ever. We take a closer look at both sizes of the 2020 iPad Pro to see what the differences are in specs as well as what it is really like to use the larger or smaller versions.

Specs and features

One of the most common questions we receive ask if there is any difference in specs or performance between, say, the entry-level 11-inch iPad Pro and the maxed-out 12.9-inch iPad Pro. We are happy to say that no, there is absolutely no difference and you won’t be losing out on any performance by going for the smaller 11-inch iPad Pro over the 12.9.

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Between the two, the processors, internals, and other specifications are exactly the same, with the only difference being the larger display. The 11-inch has a 2388-by-1668 display at 264 pixels per inch while the 12.9-inch comes in at 2732-by-2048 at the same pixel density.

That means you don’t get a better display either, just a larger one, by going with the 12.9-inch.

Both devices run the same software and have the same accessories. They both work with the second-generation Apple Pencil and can be connected to the Smart Keyboard Folio or upcoming Magic Keyboard.

Keyboards

Speaking of keyboards, if you do a significant amount of typing on your iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch is a far better option for two distinct reasons.

The first is the on-screen keyboard. Going from the 11-inch to the 12.9, the keyboard covers up far less of the display. Depending on the app, you can get far less usable space on the 11-inch model. The 12.9-inch takes up less than half the screen while the 11-inch is more than half the screen.

Then there’s the physical Smart Keyboard Folio.

With this, the 12.9-inch has a full-sized keyboard. Comparing it to our Mac’s keyboard, they are the same size. This makes a world of difference when you move between a desktop or laptop and your iPad Pro. Your fingers gain a sense of muscle memory and when the keyboard keeps changing sizes, your fingers trip up and you make more mistakes.

The 11-inch iPad Pro has a compressed keyboard and doesn’t align with how your fingers were trained. It is still a solid keyboard, but requires your fingers to “relearn” the key placement each time.

Multitasking

Another significant differentiator is multitasking, as a lot of users don’t take full advantage of the multitasking abilities iPad Pro has. At the same time, you can open two apps side-by-side in split view, bring in another via slide over, and watch a movie in picture-in-picture.

If you do that on both displays, there is a stark contrast regarding what you can see. The 11-inch iPad Pro has very little usable space —even less if you tried to open up the keyboard to type.

The 12.9-inch, on the other hand, has plenty of space and is easy to write on while looking at a source, while monitoring your Twitter feed, while the news is playing in the background, or whatever your second task happens to be. It is a lot going on, but is manageable on the larger display.

Portability

A larger screen may inherently lend itself to more productivity, but it is hard to beat the compact size of the 11-inch. The 11-inch is a true workhorse in a small body and if you tote it around frequently, the 11-inch size may be the way to go.

We’ve been steadfast users of the 12.9-inch due to multitasking capabilities and the necessary space for video editing, but spending a few days again using the 11-inch has made us love that more compact size. Icons are a bit smaller —which is good if you like fitting more onto a smaller display but bad if you have problems with your eyes.

The 11-inch iPad Pro is not only the most powerful iPad, but it is the physically smallest other than the iPad mini. That is a great tradeoff if you want both power and portability.

We also prefer the 11-inch when it comes to media consumption. It is lighter and more comfortable to hold for long bouts of time while reading, playing games, or kicking back to watch a video.

In the end, it is hard for us to with any degree of certainty recommend one over the other. We are fond of the 12.9-inch for its display and production values but love how easy the 11-inch is to carry around.

If you fall into one camp over another, hopefully the decision is easy for you when picking up your new tablet.

Lowest prices on Apple’s 2020 iPad Pro

Instant discounts on Apple’s new 2020 iPad Pro are already in effect, with the latest deals at your fingertips in the AppleInsider 2020 11-inch iPad Pro Price Guide and 2020 12.9-inch iPad Pro Price Guide.

2020 11″ iPad Pro deals

2020 12.9″ iPad Pro savings

 

By Mikey Campbell
Wednesday, March 25, 2020, 11:08 pm PT (02:08 am ET)

A teardown of Apple’s 2020 iPad Pro posted to YouTube on Wednesday offers an initial, albeit cursory, look at the new tablet’s internal design and component loadout, which is nearly identical to 2018’s model.

Conducted by YouTube channel EverythingApplePro, the disassembly reveals little in the way of new information.

The new 2020 11-inch iPad Pro is fed by a 7,540 watt-hour battery split into two cells, a slight decrease from the 7,812 watt-hour unit provided in the 2018 version. While the video fails to take precise measurements, one cell appears to be slightly shorter than the other, likely a design decision to accommodate the new iPad Pro’s enlarged camera array.

Moving to said camera, the 2020 variant sports a dual-camera setup with one 10-megapixel module serviced by an ultra-wide lens and a 12-megapixel module topped with Apple’s standard wide lens.

New for iPad, and indeed any Apple product, is the LiDAR Scanner, which consists of two lens-capped modules, one stacked atop the other. The system has not been detailed in full, but the parts in view are likely a a VSCEL transmitter and receiving sensor. The pair work together to create depth maps by measuring the time it takes pulses of light to travel to and from a target surface.

Interestingly, the entire package — dual-cameras and LiDAR Scanner — is more compact than the triple-lens unit deployed in iPhone 11 Pro. Current rumors suggest Apple will build its ToF technology into a next-generation “iPhone 12” this year, potentially resulting in a a triple- or quad-module arrangement, depending on handset model.

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The front side of the logic board, which was not removed from during the teardown, appears almost identical to the circuit board found in 2018’s tablet, save for a swap to Apple’s A12Z processor. There are a few minor changes, like redesigned power and data connectors, and what could be the replacement of a chip identified in 2018 as “343S00248-A0 1835NHGY.”

As illustrated by a now obligatory bend test, iPad Pro unsurprisingly buckles when enough force is exerted on the thin aluminum chassis. The perfunctory overview shows no structural enhancements were added to the tablet.

Whether this year’s iPad Pro suffers from the same out-of-the-box bend as its predecessor is unknown. Apple last year said “some” units shipped out with a slight curvature at or near the dielectric antenna “lines” that trace their way around cellular-capable versions of the device. Following customer complaints, the company issued a statement on the matter, saying its engineering tolerances allow for a deviation of no more than 400 microns across any one side.

AppleInsider is currently evaluating the 2020 iPad Pro and will have much more on the tablet this week.

 

By AppleInsider Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2020, 05:11 pm PT (08:11 pm ET)

Code discovered in the gold master of iOS 13.4 reveals each of Apple’s new iPad Pro models, released on Wednesday, boast 6GB of RAM and the company’s U1 Ultra Wideband chip, the latter of which could be used to locate rumored “AirTag” device trackers.

Code spelunking performed by 9to5Mac shows all versions of the new 2020 iPad Pro get identical 6GB allotments of system memory, 2GB more than all but the highest tier 1TB configuration of 2018’s iPad Pro.

The additional RAM will assist iPad Pro’s new A12Z processor chew through critical tasks and should allow more apps or browser tabs to be open simultaneously in the background.

Not much is known about Apple’s A12Z processor beyond its 64-bit architecture and 8-core graphics capabilities, but Apple claims the chip outpaces most laptop PCs available today.

Beyond memory, iOS 13.4 code reveals the fourth-generation iPad Pro integrates Apple’s U1 Ultra Wideband chip. The company fails to mention U1 support in documentation released today as part of the hardware announcement, but it can be assumed that the tablet will include features similar to iPhone 11.

Introduced in 2019 with iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, the U1 chip uses UWB technology for spatial awareness as it applies to other similarly equipped devices. For example, iPhone 11 can precisely determine its location relative to another nearby iPhone 11 or, as revealed today, 2020 iPad Pro.

Currently, the U1 is limited to prioritizing AirDrop recipients (accomplished by pointing an iPhone 11 to another iPhone 11 or 11 Pro), but that is expected to change in the near future. Apple is rumored to release a Tile-like tracker that is a shoo-in for UWB integration.

 

By Mikey Campbell
Friday, March 06, 2020, 06:22 pm PT (09:22 pm ET)

Apple on Friday launched a repair service program for third-generation iPad Air models suffering from a so-called “blank screen issue” that can in some cases leave the tablet’s display permanently disabled.

The “iPad Air (3rd generation) Service Program for Blank Screen Issue” covers current-generation iPad Air models manufactured between March 2019 and October 2019, Apple said in an announcement posted to its website.

Under certain undefined circumstances, the screens of impacted units may go blank permanently. Users might see a brief flicker or flash appear before the screen goes blank, the company said.

Apple failed to provide additional detail on the issue, but noted the problem should impact only a “limited number” of iPad Air units.

Owners of eligible iPad Air models can take their device to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or brick-and-mortar Apple Store for assessment and free repairs. Alternatively, customers can arrange to mail in their device by contacting Apple Support.

Typical of other Apple service programs, the iPad Air initiative does not extend standard warranty coverage and covers affected devices for two years after first retail purchase.

The third-generation iPad Air debuted in early 2019 as a middle-of-the-road option that sits between Apple’s iPad and iPad Pro series.

 

By Wesley Hilliard
Saturday, February 29, 2020, 10:31 am PT (01:31 pm ET)

Apple hasn’t forgotten its employees in China isolated because of the coronavirus, and is sending them care packages containing food, medical supplies, and an iPad.

The care packages contain some snacks, face masks and even a new 10.2-inch iPad. Also enclosed with the items is a letter from Apple, to the employee.

Dear Colleagues in Hubei and Wenzhou,

We hope this note finds you heathy and well. Since the last communication with you, we understand that you are all staying strong in this challenging time. We understand the difficulties you are facing and would like to provide our best support to you and your families. Hubei and the city of Wuhan have been hit hardest by the coronavirus outbreak, which has now claimed 2,835 lives in China.

We are sending our best wishes to you, on behalf of the entire Apple Team, together with another CareKit for you and your families. In the kit, you will find comfort items and an iPad which can be used to facilitate children’s online learning or help pass the time during the prolonged stay at home.

In addition, a series of counselling and consultation services have been prepared especially for you to help you through this time.

A post containing the letter and package contents on Chinese social network Weibo was discovered by MacRumors on Saturday morning.

The 2019 coronavirus continues to sweep the globe. New cases appear everyday throughout the world, and the virus continues to be a severe issue in China. AppleInsider has covered the outbreak and its potential damage to Apple and its supply chain since January. As we near new product announcements and another iPhone product cycle, the lack of fully operational facilities in China may have put Apple behind production schedule.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is optimistic about the state of things, and that China is getting the virus under control.

 

By Christine McKee
Saturday, November 30, 2019, 11:06 am PT (02:06 pm ET)

Amazon’s Black Friday Weekend Sale is heating up with early Cyber Monday deals on iPads and accessories. Grab the lowest price seen to date on the Apple Pencil, save $100 on 2019 iPads, and much more.

Early Cyber Monday deals

Amazon’s Black Friday weekend Apple sale is going on now, with some of the best deals we’ve seen on iPads and Apple accessories. Stock is running out fast, so it’s best to secure your place in line before inventory sells out.

At press time, 2019 iPads are up to $100 off, with the spacious 128GB model on sale for $329. With Apple Pencil capability, the 10.2-inch iPad delivers an abundance of features at a budget-friendly price, such as up to 10 hours of battery life, 1080p HD video recording, Touch ID and Apple’s A10 Fusion chip.

Speaking of the Apple Pencil, Amazon is knocking $20 off the iPad accessory while supplies, matching Black Friday’s record low price of $79. The Apple Pencil is great for students and business users who are looking to take notes during class or meetings.

Below is a selection of the best iPad deals going on right now. For even more discounts, be sure to visit our iPad Price Comparison Guide.

10.2-inch iPad deals

Early Cyber Monday deals on iPad accessories

Even more iPad deals

11-inch iPad Pro Black Friday weekend savings

• 11″ iPad Pro (64GB, Wi-Fi): $649.99 ($150 off)
• 11″ iPad Pro (64GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular): $799 ($150 off)
• 11″ iPad Pro (256GB, Wi-Fi): $799 ($150 off)
• 11″ iPad Pro (256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular): $949.99 ($150 off)
• 11″ iPad Pro (512GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular): $1,099.99 ($200 off)
• 11″ iPad Pro (1TB, Wi-Fi): $1,099 @ Amazon ($250 off)
• 11″ iPad Pro (1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular): $1,249 ($250 off)
  Deals on even more models…

12.9-inch iPad Pro Black Friday discounts extended

• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (64GB, Wi-Fi): $899 ($100 off)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (64GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular): $1,049 @ Amazon ($100 off)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (256GB, Wi-Fi): $999 ($150 off)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular): $1,199 @ Amazon ($100 off)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (512GB, Wi-Fi): $1,199 ($150 off)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (512GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular): $1,299 ($200 off)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (1TB, Wi-Fi): $1,449 ($100 off)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular): $1,549 ($150 off)
  Plus many more 12.9-inch iPad Pro deals…

Additional Apple Cyber Monday deals

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running additional exclusive savings on Apple hardware for Cyber Monday that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in bonus discounts on AppleCare, software and more. These deals are as follows:

Interested in additional Apple hardware? See if there is a Mac, iPad or Apple Watch deal that will save you $100s by checking out prices.appleinsider.com.

 

By Christine McKee
Saturday, November 09, 2019, 09:24 am PT (12:24 pm ET)

Shoppers looking for a budget-friendly iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular support can snap up a sixth generation model for just $299, a discount of $160 off — and the lowest price we’ve seen on Amazon — while supplies last.

On the heels of the company’s iPad Pro markdowns, Amazon has issued another early Black Friday deal on Apple products by knocking $160 off the 32GB 2018 9.7-inch iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular.

Now $299 for the sixth-generation iPad in Gold and $399 for the spacious 128GB model, these deals deliver the lowest prices we’ve seen for the LTE tablets.

With Apple’s latest 2019 iPad with Cellular selling for $130 more, this 2018 iPad discount offers significant savings while still supporting the first-generation Apple Pencil, making it a great holiday gift for students looking to take notes during the upcoming spring semester, as well as kids wanting a device in which to play educational games.

For deals on nearly every iPad model, be sure to check out the AppleInsider iPad Price Guide.

Alternative deals: 2019 10.2-inch iPads also on sale

Apple Pencil savings

Additional Apple Deals

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running additional exclusive savings this month on Apple hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in cash discounts on AppleCare, software and more. These deals are as follows:

Interested in additional Apple hardware? See if there is a Mac, iPad or Apple Watch deal that will save you $100s by checking out prices.appleinsider.com.

Function101’s BentoStack PowerHub attempts to be a one-stop shop for portable power, docking, and storage needs, but while it has its limitations, the stackable system still shows considerable promise for those who work on the go.

You don’t see products like BentoStack PowerHub all that often. Products that try to integrate multiple individual products together into a single gadget — and do it successfully. Though that seems what Function101 has pulled off.

A lot of what we see with BentoStack isn’t new. We’ve seen wireless chargers, wireless chargers integrated into battery packs, battery packs that integrate USB hubs. However, we haven’t seen a wireless charger on top of a battery that also has as a USB-C hub and additional storage all packed together.

BentoStack Powerhub is an evolution of the original BentoStack that modified a traditional bento box into a storage container for daily accessories, followed by the BentoStack Charge which packed in the battery. Now the BentoStack PoweHub has evolved once more to integrate the USB-C hub and other thoughtful features.

What you get — and what you can get

The basic model of the BentoStack PowerHub includes three separate pieces that stack together and are secured via a simple silicone band.

On top, there is an 8000mAh battery pack that has a USB-C PD input/output, a USB-A output, and a 10W Qi wireless charger on top. The Type-C port is capable of taking or outputting up to 18W of power, and the Qi charger can output up to 10W (or 7.5W for iPhones).

Below the battery lid is the eight-port USB-C hub which has two USB-C 3.0 ports, an SD card reader, a micro SD card reader, HDMI output, a 3.5mm audio jack, and two USB-A ports. All of this is powered by a USB-C input.

Lastly, the base section has two movable separators for three compartments. These can hold the usual nicknacks that one carries around such as charging cables, SD cards, or wall adapters.

Function101 has made the set expandable and modular as well, by allowing other components to be added to the stack, such as an Apple Watch band lid or extra storage.

Daily use

We’ve been using the BentoStack PowerHub for a bit now and it has some real perks, though still a few notable downsides.

First, the drawbacks. The USB-C hub must be removed from the bottom before it can be used, which means it takes a bit more space on our desk. We also find the top of the hub somewhat wasted — it has a magnet to hold our Apple Pencil 2 but that isn’t a situation we run into often. As a “valet” for our AirPods earbuds, it is also not all that realistic.

The one way we can see it being used is if you store your Apple Pencil in there for travel for the original iPad Pro or recent iPads that use the first-generation stylus, rather than on the side of your iPad Pro. By the way —this hub works great for iPad Pro.

While it provides storage, we found ourselves always needing more than it offers. For a few items, BentoStack is great but for larger gear like a portable drive or card reader, it didn’t always fit with our other priority items.

Those issues aside, we enjoyed using BentoStack PowerHub. It simplified our workflow and was an easy way to carry the necessities with us.

In our workflow, we used the bottom storage for a USB-C cable, an Apple Watch charger, and our AirPods, sometimes a battery or some extra memory cards, but it didn’t hold everything. For daily use, it is probably good for most people, but for longer trips, a bag with pockets is probably more practical.

Should you buy the BentoStack PowerHub?

If you find yourself needing the individual components that make up BentoStack PowerHub, there’s no reason anyone wouldn’t be interested in picking one up. It is a very compact design when put together and reduces the need for so many individual pieces.

We have seen smaller batteries, we have seen smaller USB-C hubs, but joining them together is an appealing proposition.

I initially was very against the battery pack as it added weight, but after using it, I started to appreciate it. With the PowerHub, I don’t have to bring a Lightning cable along for my iPhone and I can charge it up from my Mac or whatever power cable I bring with me.

Plus, while I first started using this with my Mac, I found far more use for it with my iPad Pro instead which made an external charger even more useful.

Pros

• Sleek design
• Multiple outputs on battery including USB-C PD and Qi
• All-in-one device
• USB-C hub is useful for Mac or iPad Pro
• Storage keeps cables and small parts organized
• Expandable

Cons

• Apple Pencil magnet isn’t all that useful
• Can still be a lot of clutter on a desk when all out
• Storage won’t hold all necessities
• Battery pack is too big to carry around by itself

Rating: 4 out of 5

Where to buy

The BentoStack PowerHub is now available for preorder from Indiegogo. Exclusive to AppleInsider readers, you can grab it for $95 by hitting this link to get a price less than the publicly available ones.