Since most of the Apple news this week has centered around the new M3 MacBook Air and the continued confusion over Apple’s App Store in the EU, it’s no surprise that Best Buy is currently running a sale on the MacBook Air. HomePod mini and Second generation HomePod Has disappeared under the radar. However, that’s a shame considering the smart speakers cost $79.99 ($20 off) and $269.99 ($30 off), which isn’t often the case.
If you’re deciding between Apple’s latest Siri-powered smart speakers, there are a few things to consider. The latest HomePod is essentially a remake of the original 2018 model, only this time, it supports spatial audio, the new Matter standard, and temperature and humidity sensing. Meanwhile, the smaller HomePod Mini has the same features and smart home capabilities, although it understandably doesn’t prioritize sound quality as much as the full-size model, even if it does sound pretty good for its size and placement. Emits more bass than similar smart speakers of the same level.
Aside from sound quality, the biggest selling point of both speakers is their deep integration with the rest of the Apple ecosystem (and Apple Home). You can easily transfer music from your iPhone to either, and since they work with iOS, you can ask the HomePod and Mini to make calls, read messages, send you calendar invites, and even locate family members through Apple’s Find My” function.
I can work almost anywhere, but I usually sit at my desk because of the speed and convenience a multi-monitor setup brings to my workflow. Sure, I could solve this problem with a sensational, dreamy dual-screen laptop, but I can’t responsibly justify such a splurge, and when it comes to laptops, I’m a MacBook fan.Portable monitors, e.g. ASUS ZenScreen MB166C However, the job can be done cheaper, especially since it’s on sale for $98.19 on Amazon (about $41 off).
The 15.6-inch ZenScreen is a USB-C monitor with an IPS Full HD display that’s bright enough to be used in sunlight and offers good viewing angles. Thanks to DisplayPort Alt, it can accept power and transmit 60Hz video over the same cable, which is almost a must for a trouble-free deployment. I tested a few basic monitors, but none were as stylish or satisfying as Asus’ 1080p option. At 0.46 inches thick, it’s thin enough to fit in the same compartment as my laptop, at least when using a roomier bag, and it comes with a convenient protective sleeve. Plus, if you’re one of the few people who finds it useful to mount it on a tripod, there’s a quarter-inch thread on the bottom to do that.
Brandon Widder contributed to this article.
