BanterWeb

To follow up my post regarding Apps for Mac, I have now published a list of accessories for the Mac that I could not function fully without. Here they are, in no particular order.

The iPod

Price: $49-$499

First and foremost, my ever present companion to the Mac, the iPod. I’ve gone through two generations of iPod starting from the first click-wheel model to the newest iPod classic 80gb. Without the iPod, the mp3 player boom would be absolutely nothing. Mp3s would be worthless and sad and cold and be played on lesser players. Not only has the iPod furthered mp3 portability, but it has made electronics fashionable. Never has an electronic gadget garnered more cosmetic attention as far as accessories, colors, coverings, and bling-age goes.

Blue Snowball Mic

$99.94

I read several dozen god-awful reviews of this microphone before I purchased it. I think the main issue people had was that they were expecting an absolutely earth-shatteringly amazing sound out of a USB microphone when it’s just not possible. This microphone is everything it aspired to be and more. I’ve recorded everything I’ve written on this microphone as rough cuts and I use it daily in video chats, podcasting, voice overs, and more. I couldn’t be happier with this microphone. You do have to download some extra firmware for it but honestly, Blue puts out amazing microphones and did not fail in the least on their lower-scale USB microphone, the Snowball.

Cables ToGo 7-port USB Hub

$27.95

I was so tired of plugging and unplugging cables from my MacBook’s 2 measly USB ports as well as the clutter the unplugged cables created. If my camera weren’t being serviced right now, I’d take a picture of it but my desk looks immaculate. The USB hub is attached to the side of my desk and is full of USB cables including my Blue Snowball microphone, my M-Audio iControl Garage Band interface, my wireless mouse, my iPod dock, my external hard drive, and when my camera is around, the camera cable. Everything is handled seamlessly with a nearly perfect response time. This is a great USB hub for SO cheap and is incredibly versatile with positioning and mounting. You cannot go wrong with this thing if you are indeed in need.

M-Audio iControl for Garage Band

$69.99

Granted, I probably could live without this thing, but it’s pretty slick none-the-less. I found it on eBay for half price so I figured why not. While I hated it at first, after you get used to using it as an editing and recording tool in Garage Band, you can’t understand why you ever went without it. Let me re-state that: it takes some getting used to. And it ain’t no cake walk either. It took me a good two weeks to be fully fluent with right-handing the wireless mouse and left-handing the iControl. A great concept with great controls. My only complaint is the lack of true slider volume control as the twist knobs do wear out.

InCase Nylon Case Plus

$59.95

Let me preface this by saying that yes, I do own the exact case that is pictured here. No, they do not make it anymore, according to InCase’s website. But I’m not here to talk about mine, I’m here to talk about the InCase Nylon Sleeve Plus. The thing is fantastic, really. It is. Extra pockets for all your junk you need to haul with you, wonderful protection, all in a stylish package. I’ll be honest, the case feels thin. It sure as hell doesn’t feel like it could save your precious bundle of computing joy from a jostle or two but mark my words, it can, and oh yes, it will. While I have stopped using my InCase sleeve and moved onto a Timbuk2 Messenger bag, I used this for over a year and would not consider anything else if I were looking for something colorful, stylish, and compact.

Timbuk2 Messenger Bag

$85.00

Let me again preface this by saying that this is not the bag that I own. Mine is of the extra-large variety and is brown, orange, and tan with a blue Timbuk2 swirl. Yes, I had it customized and had a laptop pouch sewn in. So let me say this as well, I use this bag for bike trips. I bike all the way across town, from my work to my school, frequently. This bag is massive and holds everything. Literally. I held two full changes of clothes, with shoes, plus my books for school, two water bottles, my bike kit, shower supplies, and my laptop all comfortably with a little room to spare. The bag is well built and well worth the money. Go customize yours today!

MyBook 500gb External Hard Drive

$60-125

I’ve had this external hard drive for 3 years and god damnit I love it. I love it so much I’d say it’s the most important thing I own, computing wise, aside from my MacBook. The thing holds everything I throw at it, backs up my Mac from Time Machine, and holds all of my music and movies that I just don’t want to take with me but puts it at my fingertips when I’m at home. Granted now they do have an ultra-portable version that holds the same ammount…

More Stuff I Love:

• iPod Dock: It’s great. I don’t know what else to say really. Everyone should have one.
• External Speakers w/ a Subwoofer: This is the ONLY way to listen to music at home. Pure audio bliss.
• A wireless mouse: any brand will do, as long as it’s multi-function with a scroll wheel and is wireless!

 If any more come to mind, I’ll post them online. For now that’s all!