Speck's GrabTab is a flat alternative to the PopSocket

This ultra-slim phone grip and stand stays out of the way when not being used.

Speck's GrabTab gives you a secure grip on your iPhone with a loop that you can put your finger into comfortably. It folds into a stand at the perfect angle for watching videos. The GrabTab folds flat when not in use. Unlike most phone grips, it's slim enough to allow wireless charging right through it.

Speck GrabTab

Price: $10

Bottom line: GrabTab is a phone grip and viewing stand that lays flat enough for wireless charging.

See at Amazon

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The Good

• Secure phone grip
• Viewing stand
• Slim design
• Allows wireless charging
• Over 90 patterns to choose from

The Bad

• Won't lay completely flat again after use

Alternative grip

Speck GrabTab: Features

There are several phone grip products out there, with PopSockets probably being the most recognizable and popular brand. While the GrabTab is a loop rather than a solid round object, the main difference is that the GrabTab folds flat enough that wireless charging can work right through it.

Speck's GrabTab is roughly the height and width of a credit card, and about as thick as three credit cards. A strong adhesive on the back allows it to stick to most cases. I even put one on my Speck Presidio Grip + Glitter case, which has raised ridges on the back. I thought that the ridges would interfere with the adhesive, but they didn't.

The center panel of the GrabTab slides up and locks gently into place. This creates a loop you can slide your finger into for a comfortable and secure way to hold onto your phone. It looks flimsy but the material is strong enough to use as a sturdy stand for viewing videos. Just push the loop down when not in use, and your phone will slide easily into your pocket or bag.

GrabTab is the rare phone grip that allows wireless charging right through it.

I tested the GrabTab's wireless charging compatibility on two different cases, the ultra-slim GVIEWIN and the thicker Speck Presidio case. I have two different wireless chargers and they both worked fine with the GrabTab attached to the back of both cases.

There are over 90 different GrabTab designs to choose from. Amazon carries a limited selection. Speck's website has the entire collection divided up into categories: Fine Art, Fun with Food, Cosmic, Neon Nights, Basics, Chakras, Animal Kingdom, and Camo.

Loopy fun

Speck GrabTab: What I like

Any help I can get preventing myself from dropping my iPhone is a positive in my book. I found the GrabTab comfortable to use and I like the secure grip it gives me on my phone. The loop opens with a satisfying click. Not that I watch a lot of videos on my iPhone, but it's great to have the option to do so.

I like that it's compact and folds out of the way when I'm not using it, especially since my pockets aren't very big. Best of all, this is one of the few phone grips out there that allows you to use wireless charging, even with a case that isn't super slim.

I really like the selection of colorful patterns from which to choose, so there is something for everyone. Particularly if you use a plain case, the GrabTab is a fun way to express your personality and taste.

Not perfectly flat

Speck GrabTab: What I don't like

After even one use, the sliding tab loop will never lay completely flat again, as you can see in my photo gallery below. It's really just a cosmetic issue, not a functional one. It doesn't bother me, but reviews indicate it does bother some people.

It does take up considerably more real estate on the back of your phone than a PopSocket does. If you love the look of your case and really don't want to obsure it with a credit card-sized sticker, the GrabTab may not be your thing.

Clever design

Speck GrabTab: Bottom line

4.5 out of 5

This is a product I like very much and will continue to use. The slide-to-open loop locks into place and creates both a secure grip and a viewing stand for your phone. Slide it closed and it's out of the way, so you can maintain your iPhone's slim lines. Best of all, wireless charging will still work even with GrabTab attached to your phone or case.

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How to transfer data from your old iPad to your new iPad

One of the biggest hassles of getting a new device can be transferring data over from your old one. For its iPhones and iPads, Apple's done its best to make this process as painless as possible with tools like Automatic Setup. Here's how you go about moving your data from an old iPad to a new one.

Products Used In This Guide

• The tablet for most people: Apple iPad Air (2019) ($479 at Amazon)
• Tiny, yet mighty: Apple iPad mini (2019) ($399 at Amazon)
• Excellent stylus: Apple Pencil (first-generation) ($95 at Amazon)
• Get this keyboard: Apple Smart Keyboard ($143 at Amazon)

How to use Automatic Setup with your iPad

In iOS 11 and later, you can use any current device to set up a new iPad by transferring the settings from your current device to your new device when in close physical proximity.

1. Select your language on your new iPad with your new and current devices in close proximity.

2. Tap Continue on your iPad on the popup that appears asking you to set up your new iPad with your Apple ID.

   

3. Use your current iPad to scan the image that appears on your new iPad.
4. Enter your current iPad's passcode on your new iPad.

5. Set up Touch ID on your new iPad.

   

6. Choose whether or not to restore your new iPad from your most recent compatible backup, if that option presents itself.

7. Choose to restore your new device from an iCloud or iTunes backup, set up as a new iPad, or transfer data from an Android device.

   

8. Agree to the terms and conditions.

9. Tap Continue under Express Settings to use the settings for Siri, Find My iPhone, Location, and usage analytics that were transferred over from your current iPad.

   

10. Complete the setup process for your new iPad as you normally would.

How to transfer your data to your new iPad using iTunes

Just as you can with an iPhone, you can use iTunes to back up your old iPad, then restore that backup on your new iPad.

1. Plug your old iPad into your Mac or PC.
2. Open iTunes.

3. Click on the iPad icon.

   

4. Click Back Up Now under Manually Back Up and Restore. Wait for the backup to complete.
5. Disconnect your old iPad.
6. Connect your new iPad to the same Mac or PC that you used to back up your old iPad.

7. Click the iPad icon in iTunes.

   

8. Click Restore from this backup: if it's not already clicked.

9. Choose the backup you want to use.

   

10. Click Continue. iTunes will then restore your iPad from your iTunes backup. This can take awhile.

11. Tap Continue on your new iPad.

    

Follow the instructions on your new iPad to finish setting it up.

How to transfer your data to your new iPad using iCloud

If you use iCloud to back up your iPad, you can transfer everything to your new iPad wirelessly. Before you do that, however, you'll want to trigger one last manual backup on your old iPad to make sure you get everything as up-to-date as possible on your new device.

1. Open Settings on your old iPad.
2. Tap the Apple ID banner.

3. Tap iCloud.

   

4. Tap iCloud Backup.

5. Tap Back Up Now.

   

After you back up your iPad, you'll want to get started with your new iPad and restore the older device's backup to it.

1. Press the Home button on your new iPad to start the setup process.
2. Follow the instructions for initial setup. If you're looking to transfer everything from your old iPad to your new iPad, try using the Automatic Setup process in iOS 11.
3. Tap Restore from [date of most recent backup] Backup to restore from your latest iCloud backup when you're using Automatic Setup.
4. Tap Agree.

5. Finish setting up your new iPad with settings for Siri, location, app analytics, and Apple Pay.

   

Your iPad will now restore from your iCloud backup. This could take some time

Brand new iPads

Apple's latest iPads fill in spots in the company's tablet lineup, offering excellent performance and capabilities for those that can't or don't want to spend the money on an iPad Pro.

The new mainstream

Apple iPad Air (2019)

$480 at Amazon

A powerful mid-range tablet with a great display.

The new iPad Air is a great mainstream tablet, and the iPad most people should get. Powered by Apple's A12 system-on-a-chip, the iPad Air has enough power for most tasks, and the new 10.5-inch display is a great size for those who need something bigger than the 2018 iPad, but not quite as big as the iPad Pro.

If you're in the market for a solid tablet, but don't need a lot of power, this is the one to get. The iPad Air supports both the Smart Keyboard and the first-generation Apple Pencil, accessories that are easy to connect and use with an iPad. For both basic activities like web browsing and reading email, to some advanced tasks like photo and video editing, the iPad Air is the perfect choice for most people.

Tiny power

Apple iPad mini (2019)

$399 at Amazon

The small tablet to beat.

Packing the same A12 system-on-a-chip as the iPad Air, the new iPad mini is just as powerful as its larger sibling. The small, 7.9-inch display is perfect for handwriting notes with the Apple Pencil.

For those looking for a tiny tablet, the iPad mini has often been the device to beat. Now, this latest version packs a lot of power into its tiny frame. No smart connector means no Smart Keyboard support, but you can pair a first-generation Apple Pencil for a first-class note-taking and sketching experience in the palm of your hand.

Great accessories

The Apple Pencil is compatible with the new iPad Air and iPad mini, while the Smart Keyboard works with the smart connector found on the iPad Air.

Apple Pencil (first generation)

$95 at Amazon

Usable by both the new iPad mini and iPad Air, the first-generation Apple Pencil is an excellent stylus, whether you're writing, drawing, or working with fine details on a photo edit.

Apple Smart Keyboard

$143 at Amazon

No Bluetooth or battery required, this keyboard cover uses Apple's smart connector to get data and power from the iPad Air, and it's a great accessory for anyone who plans to type a lot on their new iPad.

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NES Online comes with nearly four dozen games (and counting)!

Curious about what classic NES titles are available with the Nintendo Switch Online services? Find out here!

A subscription to Nintendo Switch Online for $20 per year comes with an NES library full of classing games that were originally played on Nintendo Entertainment System (or NES), which launched in 1985. If you are subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online, you can pay any and all of these games for free at any time from the NES Nintendo Switch Online game.

Nintendo regularly releases new titles supported in NES Nintendo Switch Online, and we're keeping track. Be sure to check back with us to see what's new and what's coming soon.

What's new with NES Nintendo Switch Online?

May 12, 2019: More classic games on the way

Three additional games will be added to the queue, including Donkey Kong Jr., VS. Excitebike, and Clu Clu Land. Each of these classics is a welcome addition to Nintendo Switch Online's ever-expanding collection.

March 13, 2019: New titles have arrived to the ever-expanding NES library for Nintendo Switch Online users

So far this year, Nintendo has gifted us with plenty of great new options in the NES library for NSO. We received Blaster Master and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link in January and February brought us Kirby's Adventure and Super Mario Bros. 2. There have also been plenty of "Special Edition" versions of the existing games, which have you start at later points in the game, or give you all the password-locked bonuses from the get-go. We haven't gotten word of the March additions to the NES library, but we're sure that we'll hear more about that soon.

November 7, 2018: New titles coming to the NES library!

Nintendo has given NES fans with Nintendo Switch Online something to look forward to. On November 14 there will be three new titles joining the NES library. Those who love the MetroidVania genre will be happy to get their mitts on the original with the release of Metroid. If you want some super fun retro platforming you can look forward to Mighty Bomb Jack and those who find joy in sidescrolling shooters will be happy to see the addition of TwinBee. I am incredibly happy to see that Nintendo is going to continue to build this library of retro classics.

NES Nintendo Switch Online originally launched with 20 titles, but that grows every month. Here are all of the games included with your Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

• Balloon Fight
• Baseball
• Donkey Kong
• Double Dragon
• Dr. Mario
• VS. Excitebike
• Excitebike
• Ghosts 'n Goblins
• Gradius
• Ice Climber
• Ice Hockey
• The Legend of Zelda
• Mario Bros.
• Pro Wrestling
• River City Ransom
• Soccer
• Super Mario Bros.
• Super Mario Bros. 3
• Tecmo Bowl
• Tennis
• Yoshi
• The Legend of Zelda Special Edition
• Super Dodge Ball
• Solomon's Key
• NES Open Tournament Golf
• TwinBee
• Mighty BombJack
• Metroid
• Gradius Special Edition
• Wario's Woods
• Ninja Gaiden
• Metroid Special Edition
• Dr. Mario Special Edition
• Adventures of Lolo
• Ninja Gaiden Special Edition
• Ghosts 'n' Goblins Special Edition
• Metroid Special Edition 2
• Blaster Master
• Blaster Master Special Edition
• Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
• Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Special Edition
• Kirby's Adventure
• Super Mario Bros. 2
• Star Tropics
• Kirby's Adventure Special Edition
• Kid Icarus
• Clu Clu Land
• Donkey Kong Jr.

There are some seriously top-tier titles in that list. As they add to the list we will update ours to reflect that.

With a deep and amazing library like Nintendo's, it is a joy to find that they are no longer content to let great titles languish as they have for so many years. There are so many young people who have never gotten an opportunity to play some of the games that made Nintendo the behemoth that it is.

Hopefully, we will see this library of awesome old games expand so rabid gamers will not have to turn to eBay or emulators in order to play the titles they want to revisit.

What games would you like to see added to the online service library?

Do you have a favorite NES game you'd like to see added to this list? What sparks your nostalgia. Add your favorite games in the comments below.

May 2019: Updated the list to include all available games.

Nintendo Switch

• Nintendo Switch Review
• Everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch
• Every Switch game you can play right now (and coming soon)
• Nintendo Switch News
• Nintendo Switch troubleshooting guide
• See on Amazon

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What type of monitor should you buy?

Best answer: Which monitor is the best monitor comes down to what you intend on using your monitor for, and more importantly, which features are the most important to you.

• Best all-around monitor: LG 27UK850-W ($650 at Amazon)
• Great budget monitor: ASUS ZenScreen ($240 at Amazon)

Consider what you want out of a monitor

Monitors come in a lot of different shapes, sizes, and feature configurations and only you know what you need, but there are a few things you should always think about before buying a monitor.

You're going to need to think about what you want out of your monitor. Whether you require certain connections, are looking for a 4K display, need a low response time, or want something portable, knowing what you want from a monitor is going to help you narrow down your options.

Plus, don't forget to consider which device you plan on using your monitor with, as some monitors may work better for certain computers.

A fantastic all-around experience

A big reason I suggest the LG 27UK850 is because it's good at everything — especially for Mac users — and it's at a good price point for the number of features it packs.

With two USB-A (3.0) ports, two HDMI ports, a display port, a headphone jack, and a USB-C port, the LG27UK850 isn't just a monitor, it also acts as a mini-connectivity hub, giving you the ability to use all sorts of different accessories. Plus, It's a 4K display meaning you can game, watch movies, or edit 4K videos with all the detail you expect from a high-resolution display.

The 5ms response time with a 60Hz refresh rate, all but the most extreme gamers are going to be satisfied playing their favorite games on the LG27UK850. The monitor is also equipped with FreeSync, which is AMD's adaptive sync technology that supports dynamic refresh rates, so if your graphics card can't quite handle 60Hz at 4K, it'll dip down below that and, thanks to FreeSync, you shouldn't see any tearing.

Lastly, the LG27UK850 is my favorite display to use with MacBooks because the USB-C port also supports power delivery up to 60W, meaning your MacBook, MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro will charge while you're using the monitor.

Cheaper options to exist

Monitors can be expensive, especially when you're looking for one that has a ton of features; however, there are some great monitors that can cost much less.

The ZenScreen is ASUS's very portable monitor, which has its own USB-C port and offers a great-looking IPS panel. This 15.6-inch screen features ASUS's Eye Care technology to prevent eye fatigue and has flicker-free backlighting and a blue light filter to help keep you productive for longer.

While it doesn't have a lot of ports or fancy features, its portable and $240 price tag makes it a great buy for anyone looking for a decent screen at a decent price.

Our pick

LG27UK-850

$650 at Amazon

Best USB-C monitor for most people — specifically Mac users.

The LG 2727UK850-W offers fantastic features at a very attractive price point. It's value, compatibility, and features make it the best 4K display for most Mac users.

Value Option

ASUS ZenScreen

$240 at Amazon

A great budget option that's also portable!

Made with portability in mind, this display has its own USB-C port, with great-looking IPS pane that you can take with you anywhere!

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How to watch movies and TV shows on Apple TV

The Apple TV is a great way to watch your favorite content, whether you want to watch a show or movie you've purchased or something from one of the many available streaming apps for Apple TV. From playing something to the TV app to contorlling playback from the Siri Remote, where how to watch movies and TV shows on your Apple TV.

Products Used In This Guide

• Latest and greatest: Apple TV 4K (From $180 at Amazon)
• Full HD: Apple TV HD ($150 at Amazon)
• Great, cheap cable: AmazonBasics High-sped HDMI cable ($7 at Amazon)
• Remote upgrade: Logitech Harmony 950 ($200 at Amazon)
• Keep it personal: Apple AirPods ($160 at Apple)

How to watch a show or movie in the TV app

The TV app brings allow of the movies and TV shows you watch into one place,

1. Open the TV app, either from the Home screen or by pressing the Home button on the Apple TV.

2. Select a show or movie from Up Next to continue watching it immediately.

   

3. Alternatively, scroll down to What to Watch or one of the other TV and movie sections.

4. Click on your chosen show or movie.

   

5. Click Play.

   

How to play a video from your library in the TV app

You'll no longer need to head to the separate Movies and TV Shows apps to watch your purchased content on the Apple TV.

1. Open the TV app.

2. Navigate to the Library section at the top of the screen.

   

3. Swipe to browse your library and select a title.

4. Click Play.

   

How to access chapter menus for movies and TV shows on Apple TV

1. Begin playing a movie or TV show.
2. Swipe down to open the Info menu.
3. Swipe down to access the chapters.

4. Swipe left or right and select a chapter.

   

Your movie or TV show will jump forward or backward to the chapter you selected.

How to fast forward or rewind a movie or TV show on Apple TV

In an effort to avoid accidental fast forwarding or rewinding of content due to brushing up against the trackpad on the Siri Remote, Apple has changed the way you move ahead or back while watching movies and TV shows on Apple TV.

To skip forward or back in 10-second increments:

1. While a movie or TV show is playing, Firmly press on the left or right side of the trackpad of the Siri Remote until you see the 10-second icon next to the playback status bar.

2. The content will skip forward or back 10 seconds.

   

To fast forward or rewind:

1. Press Pause while the movie or TV show is playing.
2. Swipe left or right to fast forward or rewind to a specific time.

3. Press Play.

   

How to identify movies with iTunes Extras on Apple TV

You'll have to do a little digging to find out which movies have iTunes Extra. It isn't easily identifiable from the browsing screen. When you find a movie with iTunes Extras, you can check out what special features it has before you decide to buy it.

1. Open the Movies app.

2. Select a title.

   

3. Scroll down past Viewers Also Watched.

4. If a movie includes iTunes Extras, the preview section will be next to the trailers with a synopsis of the additional content and a preview of what you will get when you buy.

   

I should note that if you have iTunes Movies video playback set to Standard Definition, you will not be able to see iTunes Extras. You'll have to switch back to HD to see and play the content.

How to watch iTunes Extras on Apple TV

There are dozens, if not hundreds of iTunes movies that come with extras, just like they would if you purchased them on DVD or Blu-Ray. Once you own a movie with iTunes Extras, you can watch the additional content at any time.

1. Open the Movies app or TV Shows app.

2. Navigate to the Purchased section at the top of the screen.

   

3. Swipe down and select a title.
4. Select Play.

5. The playback menu will automatically provide the option to play the movie or access the extra content.

   

I should note that if you have iTunes Movies video playback set to Standard Definition, you will not be able to see iTunes Extras. You'll have to switch back to HD to see and play the content.

Tune in with Apple TV

Apple makes two versions of its streaming box: the Apple TV HD, also known as the fourth-generation Apple TV, and the Apple TV 4K.

Top of the line

Apple TV 4K

$180 at Amazon

A full 4K HDR experience.

The Apple TV 4K is the most recent iteration of Apple's streaming box, supporting 4K resolution, as well as high-dynamic range in the form of both HDR10 and Dolby Vision. It also supports Dolby Atmos for immersive surround sound.

The Apple TV 4K is a great addition to any 4K media setup, especially if you've invested in a Dolby Atmos surround sound system. It supports 4K HDR content from third-party apps, and you get the 4K versions of movies you buy on iTunes (when available) as part of standard HD purchases.

Full HD

Apple TV HD

$180 at Amazon

All of your entertainment in one box.

The Apple TV HD supports, as you might guess, full 1080p HD content from iTunes and third-party apps. Comes with 32GB of storage for larger apps, including games, which look great on your massive TV.

Compared to the Apple TV 4K, the Apple TV HD is a fairly basic streaming box. They both play the same content, but the Apple TV HD plays it at a lower resolution. It still supports surround sound, just not Dolby Atmos. If you need a streaming box for your iTunes content, Netflix, and other apps, and you don't have a 4K setup, the Apple TV HD is a solid choice.

Additional Equipment

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AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable

$7 at Amazon

A great cheap HDMI cable that supports 4K, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.

Logitech Harmony 950

$200 at Amazon

If you want a more universal controller than the Siri Remote, this universal remote from Logitech features a touchscreen and multi-device control.

Apple AirPods

From $160 at Apple

Keep the noise of your entertainment to yourself with AirPods, which easily pair and connect with all of your Apple devices, including your Apple TV.

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