5 essential products for MacBook users working on the go

MacBooks are Apple’s most portable computers, and these 5 essential products can help you work more reliably when you’re on the go.

Apple sells a wide range of excellent Macs that cater to different budgets and needs. Powered by Apple silicon and macOS Sonoma, these machines help users maximize their productivity through the advanced features and apps they offer. MacBooks, such as the MacBook Pro (2023), happen to be popular among those who work from different places. After all, these notebooks pack long battery lives and offer slim, portable designs. Though, to make the most out of your MacBook when you’re working on the go, you must rely on some essentials to simplify your workflow.

1 Portable stand

A portable stand with an adjustable angle is an invaluable product that I always use with my MacBook, whether I’m working from home or at a cafe. It will rise and tilt your MacBook slightly and elevate your keyboard, allowing you to type more comfortably without needing to depend on a separate keyboard. It also helps you maintain your posture and keep your spine straight since you don’t need to bend your neck when glancing at the keyboard. The aluminum one I use comes with multiple angle options, allowing me to adjust the tilt as needed. It also has a folding mechanism, which makes it easier to store and carry in a smaller bag.

2 Carrying bag

And speaking of smaller bags, you need one to carry your MacBook around comfortably. There are a few things you should consider, though, when looking for an option. First, it has to be compact and light, so you can easily travel around and commute without it becoming an annoying obstacle. You also may want to get a water-resistant bag in case of rain or other distracting weather. Lastly, make sure the bag you’re getting has enough pockets to fit all of your essential accessories, such as cables, adapters, and, obviously, your iPad.

Tomtoc Laptop Shoulder Bag

This bag does a great job keeping your MacBook safe with extra cushioning and reinforced corners, and it has extra storage pouches, so you can store all your accessories. Plus, you can carry it around with the shoulder strap.

3 Headphones

It goes without saying that you may need some headphones or earbuds with active noise cancelation (ANC) if you’re traveling or commuting often. After all, public spaces tend to be noisy, and a good pair can block out any disturbance. That’s not to mention that many of us attend online meetings and listen to music while working, so this essential accessory could provide you with the means to create your own bubble. Personally, I rely on the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max, but there are plenty of solid options from other brands.

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  Apple AirPods Pro 2

  $199 $249 Save $50

  The AirPods Pro 2 pack in plenty of features, including active noise cancelation (ANC), Dolby Atmos content, and wireless charging, despite their compact build.

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  Apple AirPods Max

  Just like the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max come with ANC and Dolby Atmos support. However, the Max variant offers more audio immersion, thanks to its larger size and over-ear cups.

4 Wireless mouse

While I don’t personally rely on one, a wireless mouse is a great accessory regardless of where you use your MacBook. After all, a good setup is one without clutter, and a wireless mouse ensures that you have a more comfortable point-and-click device without having to deal with cables and adapters. And they tend to be compact enough to fit in your carrying bag.

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  Apple Magic Mouse

  $68 $79 Save $11

  If you want to stay on brand and have everything Apple, the Magic Mouse is your go-to. This is a sleek-looking mouse that pairs nicely with the clean design of the MacBook.

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  Logitech Pebble M350

  $23 $30 Save $7

  The Logitech Pebble M350 offers a slim design, multiple connectivity options, and a wide range of colors. It’s ideal for those who work on the go.

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  Macally Bluetooth Mouse

  $20 $30 Save $10

  This rechargeable wireless mouse doesn’t produce any noise when clicking its buttons, ensuring those sitting around you aren’t disturbed. It connects to your MacBook over Bluetooth.

5 iPad

Now, you must be wondering why there’s an iPad is on this list. As you may know, you can use your iPad as a second Mac display, thanks to the Sidecar feature. So whenever I’m working outdoors, I bring my iPad with me because a single screen isn’t usually enough for my work needs. While its display is relatively small compared to that of a dedicated monitor, it’s still better than nothing.

However, I also use my iPad at home for other iPadOS-specific tasks. If you don’t need an iPad, then you could save some money and buy a dedicated portable monitor instead.

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  Apple iPad Mini (2021)

  $469 $499 Save $30

  The iPad Mini 6 is the 2021 compact iPad from Apple. It is powered by the A15 Bionic chip and supports the Apple Pencil 2.

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  Apple iPad 10

  $399 $449 Save $50

  The iPad 10 introduces a complete chassis overhaul and offers four bold colors. It packs the A14 Bionic chip and supports the Apple Pencil 1.

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  Apple iPad Air (2022)

  The 2022 5th-generation iPad Air is powered by the Apple M1 processor, it supports 5G for the first time, and it comes in an array of beautiful colors.

Other MacBook accessories to explore

While we’ve listed above five of the most popular and useful MacBook accessories for those working on the go, there are still plenty of other options that target specific users. For example, you may want to invest in a compact USB-C hub for your MacBook to connect your peripheral devices, such as external storage or cameras. Though, for those with basic needs, a bag, stand, mouse, and a pair of headphones should be enough. An iPad would also be a welcome addition to those who need a multifunctional tablet that can act as a wireless second monitor.

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  MacBook Air (M2)

  The 2022 MacBook Air offers the M2 chip, and a redesigned chassis with MagSafe 3 support. It is powerful and can handle pretty much any kind of work, and it comes in either 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch sizes.

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  Apple MacBook Pro (2023)

  $1799 $1999 Save $200

  The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023) models adopt the same exterior chassis first introduced in 2021. They offer boosted M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, HDMI 2.1 compatibility, a notched display, and more.