Put iPad to work

I saw someone bragging on X about their OpenClaw Mac mini making a mint in passive income while they slept, or something like that.

That part didn’t interest me that much. What caught my eye is that they’re running the Mac mini headless, using an iPad for an occasional screen.

More impressive, the Mac mini wasn’t even in the user’s house: It was in a completely different state!

It just goes to show how handy and versatile the iPad can be.

Today’s top post showcases the best Mac-and-iPad setups we’ve seen.

What’s interesting is all the different ways the iPad can be put to use.

It’s handy as an external screen, a dedicated notifications hub, a graphics tablet or a full Mac replacement. Here are the top 10 uses for an iPad paired with a Mac.

Also in today’s newsletter:

This looks like a big deal: Perplexity AI is opening up its agentic Mac software to more subscribers, not just the top-tier crowd. When I get a second, I’m definitely going to check this out. I can’t wait for it to delete all my files and send my credit card info to some shady Eastern European characters!
I’m really, really curious how cameras in AirPods will work. The images will be used to feed an AI model, not capture media, but how much will they see, exactly? Details are scarce, but the idea sounds fascinating.
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: This 9-in-1 universal travel adapter delivers 205W. Plus, it’s GaN, so it’s small. Still, it packs six USB-C ports, one USB-A, one AC outlet and type A/C/G/I plugs for more than 200 countries. You could power a small city with it! 19% off for a limited time.
Years ago, I saved a bunch on a pricey new MacBook Pro by buying it in my wife’s name and getting Apple’s fab education discount. It was legit — honest! It’s a bummer that Apple’s generous and somewhat loosey-goosey discount is now being tightened.
Apparently, a great way to enhance your home theater experience is to get TV backlighting — and this new system brings dynamic lighting effects to sports matches. I wonder how it works with the Tour de France?
We had fun breaking down the big Siri settlement on this week’s Cult of Mac podcast. Here’s how to get your $25 from Tim Apple.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Try these brilliant ways to use an iPad in a Mac setup

As iPadOS grows more capable, users find smarter roles for their tablets. These great workstations show the best uses of iPad in Mac setups.

New Perplexity AI app opens Personal Computer to all Mac users

The "all-new native Mac experience" opens up to the masses.

AirPods Ultra could become Apple's first AI wearables

The earbuds reportedly will add cameras for enhanced awareness in a new era of AI-friendly wearables.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

AirPods Max 2 hit new record low

The best deal yet on Apple’s AirPods Max 2 lets you save on the premium headphones, which bring big upgrades over the originals.

Apple cracks down on unverified student discounts in US

You can no longer purchase Apple products with an educational discount unless you verify your eligibility.

Fly with these highly affordable new power banks in your carry-on bag

The new Pisen power banks, great for iPhones and other devices, are certified for airline travel. And they don't cost much.

^{A message from}^{the Cult of Mac Deals team}

Get a lifetime of ad-free 4K downloads from Netflix, YouTube and more for just $95.99

Save videos you care about so you can watch them whenever you want with Keeprix streaming downloader.

New Philips Hue Sports Live software syncs smart lights to the action

In time for the World Cup, new Philips Hue Sports Live software can sync smart lights to action onscreen, no hardware setup required.

Today in Apple history: 1997's 'MacBook Air' weighed 4.4 pounds

On May 8, 1997, Apple released the PowerBook 2400c laptop, a 4.4-pound "subnotebook" that presaged the rise of speedy, lightweight notebooks.

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Cult of Mac’s buyback program

We pay top dollar for used Apple gear

Sell your old iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more through Cult of Mac. Free shipping, fast payment!

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Apple’s Starlink Update Sparks Huge Earning Opportunity

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Mode’s EarnPhone hit 490M+ users even before global satellite coverage. With SpaceX eliminating "dead zones", Mode's earning technology can now reach billions more, putting them a step closer to potential IPO.

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Tweets of the day

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Wallpaper of the day

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One more thing ...

❝

We went through that stage in Apple where we went out and thought, “Oh, we’re gonna be a big company, let’s hire professional management.” We went out and hired a bunch of professional management. It didn’t work at all…. They knew how to manage, but they didn’t know how to do anything. If you’re a great person, why do you want to work for somebody you can’t learn anything from? And you know what’s interesting? You know who the best managers are? They are the great individual contributors who never, ever want to be a manager but decide they have to be … because no one else is going to … do as good a job.

— Steve Jobs, 1984.

Today’s poll

What's the best nontraditional use of iPad?

Results from yesterday’s poll:

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