Keychron’s Redesigned NumPad Doubles Your Productivity With Additional Gaming and Macro Keys

For designers and data enthusiasts, the number pad is a productivity powerhouse. It streamlines repetitive tasks, frees up valuable desk space, and keeps your workflow flowing. But what if your number pad could be more than just a utilitarian tool? Enter the Keychron Q0 Max, a fully customizable number pad that blends cutting-edge features with a familiar design. It might outwardly look like a numpad, but it’s a meticulously designed tool built to streamline workflows for both casual users and productivity powerhouses. Designed for content creators, programmers, or simply anyone who values efficiency, the Keychron Q0 Max wireless keypad offers a compelling combination of features and customization. Its compact size makes it a perfect space-saving solution for desks of all sizes, while its powerful functionality caters to users who demand more from their peripherals. With its attractive price tag and feature-rich design, the Q0 Max is a strong contender for the title of best productivity keypad in the market.

Designer: Keychron

The Q0 Max builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Q0 Plus, by offering a more versatile layout. It retains the familiar numeric keypad but adds five dedicated macro keys on the left-hand side and a convenient rotary knob. These additional controls unlock a treasure trove of customization possibilities. Imagine assigning complex macros to single keypresses, streamlining repetitive tasks, playing games, or using the knob for media control or application switching. The Q0 Max empowers you to tailor your workflow for maximum efficiency.

Hot-swappable switches allow you to personalize the typing experience to your exact preferences. Do you crave the satisfying tactility of the Jupiter Tea switches? Or perhaps the smooth glide of the Jupiter Red is more your style? Keychron offers a variety of options to suit every taste. Additionally, south-facing RGB lights enhance the visual appeal, bathing your workspace in a vibrant glow that complements your setup.

For users who crave even deeper control, the Q0 Max boasts compatibility with QMK/VIA software. You can remap any key and program those valuable macro keys to perform actions you use frequently. Imagine launching specific applications, inserting frequently used text snippets, or controlling multimedia playback – all with a single tap. Keychron has also made significant upgrades to the Q0 Max’s core components. Pre-installed switches now hail from the Gateron Jupiter series, renowned for their impressive durability. With a staggering 80 million keypress lifespan, these switches can handle even the most demanding typing marathons.

The Q0 Max comes dressed in two sleek color options: classic carbon black and crisp shell white. This allows you to seamlessly integrate the keypad into your existing setup, ensuring it complements your aesthetic preferences. The barebone kit, ideal for enthusiasts who already have their preferred switches and keycaps, starts at a budget-friendly $109. For those who prefer a complete package, the finished version with pre-installed Gateron Jupiter switches and high-quality PBT keycaps comes in at $119.

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DIY Macintosh Studio is an ingenious dock for the iPad mini and Mac Studio

They say necessity is the mother of invention, so it’s probably not surprising that some of the best and sometimes even outrageous designs were born out of someone’s itch, as they call it. Take for example this rather interesting DIY project that gives a home for an iPad mini and hides the Mac Studio in plain sight. While there’s no shortage of products that address those needs separately, this creative solution manages to combine both in an inspired way, paying homage to the product that catapulted Apple to fame 40 years ago: the venerable original Macintosh. Of course, it isn’t just a superficial nostalgia trip, but one that also harnesses some of the best features of Apple’s product design today.

Designer: Scott Yu-Jan

Although it’s patterned after the Mac mini, the powerful Mac Studio is exponentially taller, and its presence can’t be ignored when you place it under a monitor. On the other side of the fence sits the lightweight and compact iPad mini, which has gained a lot of features that almost make it suitable as a desktop device. These two products come from very different lines but share the same family spirit. Putting them together might sound superficial, but this 3D-printed modular case manages to pull it off so tastefully.

Dubbed the Macintosh Studio, the enclosure sits on top of and snugly hugs most of the Mac Studio, leaving only the ports near the bottom unrestricted. The front of the contraption has a slot for the iPad mini to slide in securely and connect to the Mac Mini via a single USB-C cable. This way, the iPad mini is always charged and ready to go when you need it, while also serving as a second screen for the Mac Studio thanks to Apple Sidecar. This gives both devices a customized home without removing anything from their functionality. You can even draw on the iPad quickly, though the position and angle of the screen won’t be ideal for working on art and designs.

The Macintosh Studio design doesn’t just copy the original Macintosh’s form but manages to insert a few modern conveniences to take advantage of all the unused space at the back. There’s a retractable headphone hook at the top, for example, as well as interchangeable drawers for a single portable hard drive or a stack of SSDs. There are other possible designs, but these two, in particular, add value to the experience while still staying within reasonable limits.

Given that it’s simply a 3D-printed enclosure, there’s plenty of flexibility when it comes to the color of the Macintosh Studio. A variety of hues could make it look like a hybrid of the Macintosh and the colorful iMacs, adding a bit of life to what is normally a plain and drab silver aesthetic. All in all, the design is quite ingenious in how it manages to solve two rather different problems while still preserving the individual values of each product.

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Maximize Your Productivity with This Dual Touchscreen Display

Multiple portable displays boost productivity by enabling multitasking and reducing the need to switch between applications. With extra screens, you can have reference materials, email, and active projects open simultaneously, streamlining your workflow and saving valuable time. This setup is especially beneficial for professionals, students, and anyone needing to stay productive while on the go. It allows for a more efficient use of time and resources, making it easier to keep up with the demands of today’s fast-paced work environments. The market for portable displays isn’t as saturated as other tech sectors, primarily due to the niche demand and the technical challenges associated with creating lightweight, durable, and high-performance screens that can easily integrate with a range of devices. Creating a product that balances portability with screen quality, battery life, and ease of use requires significant innovation and investment. Among the options available, the FlipGo from JSAUX stands out as a compelling solution for several reasons. Let’s dig in and explore how it addresses the core needs of power users.

Designer: The JSAUX Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $379 $559 (32% off). Hurry, only 239/300 left! Raised over $917,000.

First, the essential feature of the FlipGo is its portability without sacrificing display quality. It’s slim, light, and easy to carry with laptops, tablets, and smartphones so that you can create a multi-screen workstation anywhere. The magnetic attachment system securely connects to the Snap Stand or monitor arms, making the setup intuitive. This design allows the portable display to easily integrate with laptops, tablets, and certain smartphones, offering a simple user experience. The package includes four sets of magnets in FlipGo. The monitor can be magnetized to a monitor arm with various magnetic mounts like the Snap VESA adapter. This makes FlipGo a clear choice when you need to position it anywhere.

You can also use the Flex Folio, which serves as a stand and a case. This origami-like accessory provides protection and supports the display when necessary. Regardless of a portable external display’s portability, it’s not worthwhile if the quality is subpar. This is particularly true when considering screen size and resolution. You can choose between two dimensions: 13.5 inches and 16 inches. Both provide ample screen space without feeling cramped. The 13.5-inch model weighs 1.1 kg, while the 16-inch model is slightly heavier at 1.6 kg, underscoring its portability.

Magnetic Design

However, this display isn’t just notable for its size and weight. It also offers remarkable quality. The smaller model has a 2.2K resolution (2256×1504), and the larger model boasts a 2.5K resolution (2560×1600). Both feature a 100% sRGB color gamut for vivid, crisp visuals. A standard 60Hz refresh rate further improves the display’s smoothness.

FlipGo arranges desktop displays vertically for a more focused, productive experience. Its square-like aspect ratio minimizes head movement. The ultra-narrow bezel connects the screens, offering an uninterrupted view. It simplifies tasks like writing papers or handling multiple sources. It also supports split-screen browsing, making it easy to manage various desktop windows. As a day trader, this setup is particularly beneficial. It allows the stock charts for technical analysis to be on top while the trading software is at the bottom.

FlipGo powers up directly from your laptop’s USB-C port, using a single cable to light up two screens for One to Duo or UltraView mode. When connected to an external power supply, it also charges the laptop. Although FlipGo has two separate displays, it can be a single screen to present content. You can switch between these displays with just a click. FlipGo ensures that neither your productivity nor your perspective is ever limited. FlipGo’s neatest feature is undoubtedly its touch and gesture support for macOS and Windows. Not only does it function as a typical touchscreen, but it also serves as a secondary touchpad for your MacBook, enhancing your productivity.

Regarding productivity, the built-in hub varies slightly between the Pro, Touch Screen, and Standard models. The Pro model includes a display switch button, two USB-C 3.2 ports for Mac and Windows, a Mini HDMI (HD), an OTG USB-A 2.0, an OTG USB-C 2.0, a menu jog dial, and a power button. The latter model, however, has two HD inputs but lacks the Display Switch Button.

The FlipGo comes in two sizes and two tiers: Pro and Standard. Each provides different features. The Pro tier has UltraView mode with a single cable for dual-screen use and supports DisplayLink. The Standard tier does not include Pro features but can be upgraded for touchscreen capabilities, turning your FlipGo into a portable tablet. Regardless of tier, all FlipGos offer the same visual quality, resolution, 400 nits of brightness, and color accuracy. The 13.5-inch model costs $379, and the 16-inch model is $479. Both models include a 12-month warranty, lifetime support, and international shipping from May 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $379 $559 (32% off). Hurry, only 239/300 left! Raised over $917,000.

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ASUS ROG NUC mini PC offers a small gaming box with a big catch

Handheld gaming PCs might be the buzzword in the industry, but they’re not the only small-form gaming-oriented computers around. In fact, it’s probably thanks to the relative success of the likes of the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion GO, and ASUS ROG Ally that the formula for compact gaming computers has been tested and proven. It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that gaming desktops in mini PC form would be popping up more frequently, like this latest entry from ASUS’ ROG brand that carries in its compact body some pretty big specs, a big legacy, and, unfortunately, an equally big price tag.

Designer: ASUS ROG

Gamers, especially those on the PC side of the fence, might already be familiar with the Republic of Gamers brand, but “NUC” might sound alien to them. The name, which stands for “Next Unit of Computing,” actually came from Intel and was used for the chipmaker’s line of mini PCs. After a decade of existence, Intel decided the product line really bore no fruit, definitely not in terms of profit, and decided to shutter the hardware and license the name to ASUS. Thus, the ASUS ROG NUC is pretty much the merger of two DNAs, one from Intel’s somewhat proof-of-concept mini PCs and the other from ASUS’s gaming house.

Unlike Intel’s NUCs, which were pretty much barebone general-purpose budget computers in a small box, the ROG NUC has the beating heart of a gaming laptop, just crammed in a small box that’s just around two inches thick. That includes an Intel Core Ultra processor, the kind that boasts upgraded AI chops, and an integrated NVIDIA RTX 4060 or 4070, depending on the configuration. There are plenty of ports for connection, as well as options for expanded storage that you can easily access thanks to its tool-less chassis.

While those might sound like juicy features for a gaming mini PC, the starting price of $1,629 makes it look less palatable, or $2,199 for the next step up in specs. For that price, you can already get a respectable gaming laptop with nearly the same or even better specs, and you won’t need to hook it up to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. And unlike a desktop PC, you can’t upgrade anything other than memory and storage, so performance is pretty much a fixed value.

These raise the question of who the ASUS ROG NUC will be for, and the answer is quite a niche market. It will be for PC gamers who don’t exactly need mobility but do have limited desk space for a tower. It might even be for users who already have a more powerful gaming desktop and just need a secondary computer for their office. Either way, these scenarios make that high price tag even less appealing unless ASUS holds a sale immediately after launching the product.

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Touchscreen iMac like the Microsoft Surface Studio hinted by Apple patent

Apple products have always been hailed by designers, and its computers have long been the tool of choice for many digital content creators, especially graphic artists. None of those computers, however, have ever sported a touchscreen, even one that supports the Apple Pencil, an irony that isn’t lost on many digital artists. This means they have to settle for external drawing tools or, for some more daring users, mods that combine MacBook internal with a drawing tablet. A Mac that can instantly be used as a digital canvas is definitely going to be an artist’s dream, and based on a patent that Apple has filed, that dream could still become a reality, and it already has the perfect design for that.

Designer: Apple

Apple M3 iMac

Apple might have plenty of reasons not to put touch screens on iMacs and MacBooks, but those reasons are starting to drop one by one. It might not want to muddle the lines that separate its Macs and iPads, for example, but you can already run touch-based iOS apps on Macs for years now. And it’s not like it’s lacking the technology to make it all possible, as proven by the highly successful iPad Pro and Apple Pencil.

A patent unearthed by Patently Apple reveals that the company has indeed, been toying around with that idea, though it’s not exactly surprising given how many ideas tech companies patent all the time. Admittedly, the patent’s focus is less on the touch screen itself but more on the stand and hinge mechanism that would let you tilt and even pull the whole iMac down to the desk’s surface, making it more comfortable for artists to draw on. It’s an instant display tablet without having to buy an expensive Wacom or switch to a different technology from the one you might already be familiar with.

As weird as that idea might sound, it has actually already been done before and with surprising success. The Microsoft Surface Studio pictured at the top is one of the company’s unexpected hardware champions, quickly endearing itself to content creators. It is almost exactly what Apple’s patent describes, an all-in-one computer with a stand and hinge that lets you tilt and turn it whichever way you need to, and it comes with a touch screen, too!

Microsoft Surface Studio

It’s not hard to imagine how such a feature could be a game changer for artists on Macs, making their workflows more seamless. Of course, it’s far too premature to get excited over this patent, because tech companies also have a tendency not to implement even a fraction of the patents they hold. And given Microsoft already has an implementation of this design, it might still come down to a legal battle if Apple does decide to push through with a touchscreen iMac since it filed the patent years before the Surface Studio came out.

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This aluminum bench stands on the shoulders of discarded Mac Pro cases

Apple is not a big fan of reusing its products for something else, at least something that is still close to the original function of the design. It probably won’t object to completely unrelated applications of those designs, especially when it’s for a creative and artistic purpose. The non-functional parts of an iPhone, for example, could be disassembled and framed to be displayed as a piece of tech history. Or one might simply take the empty shells of old Mac Pro and turn them into a piece of structural art, which is exactly what this rather striking metal bench tries to accomplish in a way that will probably make you wonder how strong those old Apple desktops might have been.

Designers: Quinner Baird, Alec Alborg, Ferb Liebana, Berit Levy, Jaime Uriarte (Caliper)

The designs for more recent Mac Pros have been rather controversial, to say the least. The cylindrical 2013 was derided for looking like a trash can, while the boxy 2019 design, though a bit more traditional, is jokingly called a cheese grater. Neither are good foundations for a stable piece of furniture, but the first-ever Mac Pro fortunately fits the bill perfectly. It was a minimalist brushed aluminum box with tapered legs on the front and back to raise it up and equally tapered handles on those same sides for easier lifting.

Made for Manhattan clothing brand Hidden as part of store display, the Mac Pro Bench is exactly what it sounds like. It takes two first-gen Mac Pros, totally gutted of any and all electronic components, and has a folded aluminum plank attached on top. The plan has a tapered shape that fits perfectly between the front and back handles, making it feel as if the desktops were made for this very purpose. Two versions of the bench exist, one preserving the brushed aluminum aesthetic of the Mac Pro, and another thoroughly coated in Hidden’s green motif.

It’s not being sold en masse, which will probably keep Apple’s lawyers happy, though there are also ways to make your own. That said, it’s probably not a good idea outside of making it a decorative piece. It’s actually not tested how much weight the Mac Pros will be able to handle, especially with a bench meant to sit more than one person. The hollow legs of the desktop don’t look reassuring either, and it might have been more practical to have sawed those off, even if it meant ruining the original Mac Pro shape.

That said, it’s possible to reinforce the foundations of the Mac Pro Bench to make it a more usable piece of furniture. More importantly, however, the piece of art could also spark the imagination and creativity of others to make similar designs that reuse discarded desktop PCs in a less conventional and more interesting manner.

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Lunar New Year-themed Custom Mechanical Keycaps ring in the ‘Year Of The Dragon’

Celebrating the Chinese New Year in fitting spirit, this limited-edition mechanical keyboard comes with both QWERTY and the Standard Chinese Script… but what we love more is the fitting red and gold color scheme, and those beautiful majestic fire-breathing beasts found on the special keys! The special keycaps sit on Drop’s CSTM80 keyboard, and are designed as a collaboration between Drop and designer Boba.Types. “Adorned with fiery reds and rich golds (a dragon’s favorite colors, we’d hazard a guess), this set is nothing if not ornate,” mention the folks at Drop.

Designers: Drop & Boba.Types

While most keyboards are designed to be comfortable enough to use without looking at, this one makes it hard to look away. The keycaps are just gorgeous, and make for a great collector’s edition for people celebrating the Lunar New Year… or anyone with a fascination for the great “lóng” (dragon) of Chinese mythology.

The keycaps come as a base set, but also feature novelty and accent caps for adding a little more flavor to your already Sichuan-spicy keyboard. The accents come in the form of golden keys that stand out against the otherwise red keyboard, allowing you to easily spot keys you’re more likely to use frequently. The novelty keys add gorgeous mythological imagery to your keyboard, including a special numeric row that’s adorned with the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Even special keys like the escape, shift, control, alt, etc. are jazzed up with symbolism… and while memorizing all the key types will probably be a bit of a headache, it’s absolutely worth it in the long run. Also, your friends will have a tough time figuring out how to snoop around on your computer!

The keycaps come in a special DCD profile (Drop Cylindrical Dye-Sub) developed by Drop. It’s designed to deliver a “classic feel with a unique, grit-free PBT texture for a finish as smooth—and strong—as dragons’ scales,” say the folks at Drop. The keycaps are compatible with Cherry MX switches and similar clones, and the base kit sets you back $49, while an additional $35 gets you the novelty keycap set.

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This Dual Touchscreen Monitor is the biggest productivity upgrade your Laptop can get in 2024

Everyone deserves the opportunity to multitask, but not everyone has $3500 for an Apple Vision Pro headset. The metaverse’s biggest feature-push has been its ability to let you host multiple screens in your virtual space, allowing you to work on simultaneous projects or even keep dedicated displays for work/entertainment/inspiration. However, an obvious alternative to strapping glasses to your face is to simply have multiple screens in the real world! You could opt for a bulky, non-portable monitor… or something as sleek as the FlipGo from JSAUX. Designed to look like a super-slim laptop, the FlipGo is, in fact, a dual-monitor setup that connects to your laptop or PC with a single cable. In mere seconds, it gives you three screens instead of one, with a variety of mounting/docking accessories like folio cases, stands, and VESA mounts, along with two screen sizes to choose from, depending on your needs and requirements. When you’re done, just shut the FlipGo like you would a laptop. It’s that simple… and frankly, it’s a lot better than having a massive VR block strapped to your head. And at $329, it’s a lot cheaper too.

Designer: The JSAUX Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $329 $559 (41% off). Hurry, only 50 left!

What stands out immediately with the FlipGo is its design, balancing the fine line between screen size, portability, and sheer sleekness. Available in two sizes (13.5 inches and 16 inches), it manages to provide ample screen space without feeling bulky. The 13.5-inch model weighs 1.1 kg, while the 16-inch variant is slightly heavier at 1.6 kg, underscoring its portability. But it’s not just about the size and weight; the display quality is a visual treat. With resolutions of 2256×1504 (2.2K) for the smaller model and 2560×1600 (2.5K) for the larger one, and a 100% sRGB color gamut, the FlipGo promises vibrant and crisp visuals. The 60Hz refresh rate, although standard, contributes to the smoothness of the display.

Magnetic Design

The FlipGo isn’t just versatile in its physical design; its functionality is equally adaptable. Switching between UltraView (dual-screen) and DuoViews (triple-screen) modes is effortless, which is a big plus for those who value productivity without technological complexity. The FlipGo is also accompanied by a variety of stands and mounting accessories, giving you everything from a portable folio case/stand to a much more comprehensive magnetic VESA Stand attachment that gives you full freedom to orient and use your dual-screen setup however you see fit… and even adapt between mounting styles depending on your needs. This allows the FlipGo to cater to a wide range of users – from professionals who need extra screen space for spreadsheets and presentations, to designers and coders who thrive with a broader canvas for their creative and technical work.

Connectivity is another area where the FlipGo shines. It’s equipped with an array of ports, including USB-C and Mini HDMI, catering to various devices and preferences. The inclusion of DisplayPort MST for Windows and DisplayLink for Macs, albeit requiring software installation for the latter, shows JSAUX’s commitment to versatility. The ergonomic design of the FlipGo also deserves mention, featuring multiple stand options like the Flex Folio, Snap Stand, Stand Holder, and Snap VESA Adapter, allowing users to easily magnetically snap on or off their dual-screen gadget onto a variety of stand options, allowing users to find their perfect viewing angle.

The two sizes are split across Pro and Standard tiers, offering a variety of features unique to each tier. The Pro variants offer the aforementioned UltraView mode (a single-cable dual-screen experience), along with DisplayLink support, whereas Standard tier users can skip on Pro features but even get an optional upgrade to include touchscreen input, turning your FlipGo into a portable tablet for your workstation! The visual clarity, resolution, and color reproduction remain standard across all tiers, regardless of whether you opt for Pro or Standard variants. The FlipGo starts at $329 for the 13.5-inch model, while the larger 16-inch model starts at $479. Both models come with a 12-month warranty, lifetime support, and international shipping beginning May 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $329 $559 (41% off). Hurry, only 50 left!

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Celebrating 40 Years of the Apple Macintosh: A Beacon of Human-Centric Design

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apple Macintosh, we reflect on how this technology has transformed our lives. The Macintosh changed how we interact with computers and redefined our relationship with technology. In 1984, Apple introduced the Macintosh, a computer that put the future at our fingertips. It embraced the philosophy of human-centric design long before it became a popular term in design circles.

Designer: Apple Computer, Inc.

Its graphical user interface (GUI) was a significant departure from the cumbersome command-line interfaces of the time. Using icons, windows, and a friendly desktop metaphor made technology accessible and approachable. This leap was not solely about technology but also about how humans interact with it.

On January 24, 1984, Steve Jobs famously unveiled the first Macintosh by dramatically pulling it out of a bag. The personal computer boasted a 9-inch black and white display powered by an 8MHz Motorola processor and 128KB of RAM. In classic Steve Jobs style, he then produced a 3.5-inch floppy drive and inserted it into the computer, much to the delight of Apple shareholders. Jobs had famously said, “We want to put an incredibly great computer in a book that you can carry around with you and learn how to use in 20 minutes.” At its launch, the original Macintosh cost $2,495.

Design Aesthetics: More Than a Machine

The all-in-one design of the Macintosh broke the mold. Its compact, boxy frame, complete with a built-in 9-inch screen, was an object of desire – sleek, stylish, and something you wouldn’t mind having on your desk. Looking back, it was more than a machine; where multiple layers of innovation and thoughtful design choices distinguish it from anything else of its time, it was a piece of art that complemented the user’s space.

The Macintosh computer differed from the early personal computers as it didn’t have a bulky, segmented design with separate units for the monitor, CPU, and keyboard. Instead, it had a compact, all-in-one design. This unique design of integrating the monitor and computer into a single unit was not only space-efficient but also symbolically significant. It represented a unified, holistic approach to computing, aligning with the philosophy that technology should seamlessly integrate into people’s lives without complicating them.

The friendly beige plastic casing, rounded edges, and compact size make it appear warm and approachable. The designers wanted to communicate that technology can be pleasant and welcoming rather than intimidating and alienating. Steve Jobs, known for his attention to detail regarding aesthetics, believed that good design was integral to the user experience. He famously said, “Design is not just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works.” He believed good design, not just a superficial veneer, was essential to make things look good.

Did you know that the Macintosh had some fantastic design elements? One of the most unique features was the handle on the computer’s top. Not only was it functional, but it also represented portability and personal ownership. It made you feel like the Macintosh was your personal computer, one you could take charge of and create your own. This feature reflected a shift in how we see computers, from impersonal corporate machines to personal tools for creativity and expression.

The Macintosh’s 9-inch screen may seem tiny now, but it was a big deal in the day. It’s what made the Mac look so cool and funky. The cool thing about it was that it showed graphics and text in a way that had never been seen before. It was like a window into the heart of the Macintosh, showing everyone what made it unique and innovative.

 

Bridging Human and Machine: The Mighty Mouse – A Closer Look

When Apple Macintosh introduced the mouse, it wasn’t just another peripheral device. It changed the way we interact with machines. This tiny device played a massive role in connecting the digital world with its users. It transformed the personal computer from a specialized tool to an accessible and creative medium.

The mouse, tailored for the human hand, turned physical gestures into digital actions. Its design was simple yet effective – a small, palm-sized device with a single button, embodying the principle of simplicity and ease of use. This approachability was crucial. It invited users who might have been intimidated by the complexity of computers to explore this new world. Steve Jobs, ever the proponent of intuitive design, understood this connection, emphasizing, “We made the buttons on the screen look so good you’ll want to lick them.” The mouse was an extension of this philosophy, making the digital environment tangible and inviting.

Before the Macintosh, interacting with computers mainly involved typing commands – an efficient method for experts but alienating for novices. The mouse changed that, making computing a more intuitive, point-and-click experience. This change was akin to learning a new language where actions and commands became visual and direct. The mouse demystified the computer, aligning its use more closely with natural human behavior and less with the need to learn complex command languages.

The mouse was integral to the success and functionality of the Macintosh’s GUI. It allowed users to navigate the interface easily, interact with icons, open windows, and use menus. This ease of navigation made the computer’s advanced capabilities accessible to a broader audience, fostering a more inclusive digital culture. The mouse and GUI combination was a powerful duo that set the standard for future user interfaces, influencing the design of operating systems and software for decades. Applications became more visually oriented, focusing on ease of use and accessibility. Programs like MacPaint and MacWrite showcased what was possible with this new form of interaction, allowing users to create graphics and documents in previously unimaginable ways on a personal computer.

Over the years, the mouse has evolved, gaining more buttons, adopting new technologies like laser tracking and wireless connectivity, and even transforming into touchpads and touchscreens in modern devices. However, the core principle remains: technology should adapt to human needs, not vice versa.

In celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Macintosh, the significance of the mouse in bridging humans and machines cannot be overstated. It was a bold step towards making technology more personal, intuitive, and human. The Macintosh’s mouse was a harbinger of a future where technology becomes an extension of ourselves, seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, facilitating creativity, productivity, and exploration in the digital realm.

Echoing Steve Jobs’s vision, he said, “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough — it’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our heart sing.”

The Macintosh made our hearts sing then, and forty years on, its legacy continues to inspire.

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LG MyView 32-inch 4K monitor is like having a smart TV for your desk

The lines that separate large displays at home are becoming blurrier by the day. Although TVs still have the size advantage, the computer monitors on our desks are catching up slowly but surely. And that’s not even considering how many of the functions they have are now being shared by both devices, especially when it comes to supporting a variety of input sources, both wired and wireless. In fact, smart TVs are pretty much gigantic computer monitors, if you want to hook up your desktop, laptop, or even handheld to your living room screen. LG’s latest batch of smart monitors is now turning the tables by incorporating those very same features and putting them at the service of computer users, allowing them to switch between work and play seamlessly, without even mixing those worlds together.

Designer: LG

The needs of computer users and TV owners can be very different, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have things in common as well. In addition to picture quality, both groups probably want to have a wealth of content to choose from, whether it’s for productivity or for entertainment. To some extent, smart TVs actually have the edge with a multitude of connectivity options and built-in support for streaming services. The latter is what LG’s MyView line of smart monitors is bringing to the table, quite literally, giving users a bit more freedom in what they can do on their desks.

The 2024 LG MyView lineup consists of 31.5-inch 4K monitors that, to be honest, might not make PC gamers that happy with their 5ms response time and 60Hz refresh rate. Content creators, in contrast, will be satisfied with the DCI-P3 95% color gamut support and adjustable stands that will let them work at a more comfortable level. Simply based on those specs, the LG MyView sounds pretty mediocre, but as they say, wait, there’s more!

The real highlight here is that the monitors are running webOS, which practically makes them 32-inch smart TVs. This gives them access to a variety of streaming services as well as apps such as Microsoft 365 and Google Calendar, all without even connecting to a computer. Of course, you’re most likely to already have a computer attached anyway, but this independent mode will let you enjoy watching videos without distractions from your computer’s notifications.

Admittedly, it might sound like a niche use case, one that will cost you $599.99 if you do subscribe to that kind of workflow. It could even encourage unhealthy habits, with people preferring not to get up from their desks since they can just watch their favorite flicks from there anyway. Then again, this isn’t LG’s first MyView monitor, nor is it alone in this market, so it might only be a matter of time before all computer monitors become smart computer monitors without exception.

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