Technology
How to pre-order Apples updated MacBook Pros with the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips
Apple is launching updated MacBook Pros with new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips and double the starting storage, the company announced Tuesday. They'll start shipping on Wednesday, March 11, and preorders are open now. FYI: All configurations include a free $100 gift card at Best Buy as part of its Apple Shopping Event, live through Sunday, March 8.
The new MacBook Pros will be available in 14- and 16-inch sizes. The M5 Pro variants will start at $2,199 and $2,699, respectively, with discounts of up to $200 for education shoppers who buy direct. They come with 1TB of base storage. Apple recommends them "for users running complex workflows, like coders optimizing algorithms and photographers processing massive image libraries," according to a company press release.
SEE ALSO: Apple announces new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, raises MacBook starting pricesThe 14-inch M5 Max model starts at $3,599 (or $3,299 for students), while the 16-inch size starts at $3,899 (or $3,599 for students). Both models have 2TB of base storage. They're aimed at "those pushing the absolute limits, such as engineers running rigorous simulations," Apple said.
Credit: AppleWhile the starting prices of both new MacBook Pro variants are higher than their predecessors', the latter's base models had half the storage. When configured identically, with the same amount of storage and RAM, their prices haven't changed:
14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,199
16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,699
14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max/M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,599
16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max/M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,899
In keeping with this pattern, Apple has also announced that it's updating the starting configuration of its entry-level MacBook Pro, the 14-inch model with the regular M5 chip (an October 2025 release). It now has 1TB of base storage and a starting price of $1,699. It used to start at $1,599 with 512GB of storage, with a 1TB bump costing $200 extra, so that's actually a better deal than before.
The updated MacBook Pros aren't the only new Apple gadgets available for preorder this week. Shoppers can also reserve the new M5 MacBook Airs, a new budget iPhone 17e, an M4 iPad Air, new Studio Displays, and the all-new budget MacBook Neo ahead of their collective March 11 launch.
M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro specs: What else is new Credit: AppleBoth updated variants of the MacBook Pro feature Apple's N1 chip, which adds support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6, some newer wireless connectivity standards. Other than that, they're basically identical to their predecessors. Here's a rundown of the M5 Pro models' spec sheets:
Sizes: 14- and 16-inch models
Starting prices: $2,199 and $2,699, respectively
Processor: M5 Pro with up to an 18-core CPU and up to a 20-core GPU
Display: Liquid Retina XDR display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits of SDR brightness (1,600 nits peak for HDR content); optional nano-texture finish
Memory: 24GB to 64GB RAM
Storage: 1TB to 4TB
Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6
Battery life: Up to 24 hours of video streaming
Webcam: 12MP Center Stage camera
Ports: Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 charging port, and a headphone jack
Colors: Space black and silver
And here's a breakdown of the M5 Max variants' components:
Sizes: 14- and 16-inch models
Starting prices: $3,599 and $3,899, respectively
Processor: M5 Max with an 18-core CPU and 32-core GPU
Display: Liquid Retina XDR display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits of SDR brightness (1,600 nits peak for HDR content); optional nano-texture finish
Memory: 36GB to 128GB RAM
Storage: 2TB to 8TB
Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6
Battery life: Up to 22 hours of video streaming
Webcam: 12MP Center Stage camera
Ports: Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 charging port, and a headphone jack
Colors: Space black and silver
Are Hercules power tools at Harbor Freight worth buying?
Walk into any hardware store like Home Depot, Lowe's, or Harbor Freight, and you'll see all sorts of power tools displayed in a rainbow of colors. It's hard to know what to buy or where to start. Ryobi is extremely popular at Home Depot, but when you're at Harbor Freight looking for a deal, the obvious choice is Hercules power tools.
How to preorder the iPhone 17e, Apples new budget phone
Apple kicked off its "big week" by announcing the latest budget iPhone, its first with MagSafe, alongside an updated iPad Air. The new iPhone 17e is set for release on Wednesday, March 11, and preorders opened March 4. Shoppers can reserve it through the Apple Store, Best Buy, and major phone carriers.
The iPhone 17e is priced at $599 with 256GB of storage to start. That's double the base storage of last year's iPhone 16e, which cost the same. It's $200 cheaper than the regular iPhone 17.
Trading in an older phone will earn you $35 to $685 in credit at the Apple Store and up to $600 in credit at Best Buy, covering the cost of your new iPhone 17e. If you go through T-Mobile or Verizon instead, you can get the iPhone 17e for free (via monthly bill credits) by signing up for a new line and paying on an installment plan. T-Mobile's offer also requires a trade-in, but Verizon's does not.
AT&T customers can get the iPhone 17e for $5.99/month for 36 months with any unlimited data plan and no trade-in.
iPhone 17e specsApple says the iPhone 17e runs on its A19 chip, the same processor as the iPhone 17. It packs its new C1X cellular modem, which is supposedly up to twice as fast as the iPhone 16e's C1 modem. It also features support for MagSafe wireless charging — a first for Apple's budget smartphone line.
The iPhone 17e is the smallest, cheapest, and pinkest member of the iPhone 17 family. Credit: AppleThe iPhone 17e sports the same 6.1-inch OLED display as its predecessor, but an improved Ceramic Shield 2 front cover like its iPhone 17 series siblings. Additionally, it has a new 48MP Fusion rear camera system and a new soft pink finish. It's slightly heavier than the iPhone 16e to accommodate these upgrades (5.96 ounces versus 5.88 ounces).
SEE ALSO: Apple announces new iPhone 17e, a $599 budget smartphone with MagSafeHere's a quick overview of its full spec sheet:
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
Ceramic Shield 2 front cover
A19 chip
Up to 26 hours of video playback
12MP TrueDepth front camera
48MP Fusion rear camera system (48MP Fusion Main camera)
Emergency SOS and Crash Detection
MagSafe wireless charging
256GB or 512GB of storage
Rated IP68
Apple Intelligence
Mashable's Stan Schroeder thought the iPhone 16e was "pretty great when compared to other members of the iPhone 16 family," but dinged it for lacking MagSafe and being pricier than the old iPhone SE. (That was Apple's prior budget iPhone offering.) In the iPhone 17e, Apple has made several upgrades that bump its value on top of resolving the MagSafe issue. Stand by for our full review, but on paper, it looks incredibly promising.
Forget the Prius—this luxury hybrid beats it in 5 ways
For years, the Toyota Prius has been the default choice for drivers who want maximum fuel efficiency from a hybrid. Its reputation for reliability and low running costs helped define the modern hybrid market. But today’s hybrid technology has evolved far beyond what the Prius originally pioneered, and some newer models now offer far more than just impressive fuel economy.
Why 27 lines of Python is all you need for an inspiring Linux Mint desktop
Desklets are my favorite Linux Mint customization feature because they make adding desktop widgets super easy, which you'll appreciate if you want a Windows-like widget experience after switching to Mint.
My wife didn’t want a TV in the bedroom, but this piece of tech solved the problem for me
I wanted a TV in the bedroom. My wife didn’t. So I was tasked with finding a way for us to still be able to watch movies and TV shows in bed, but without a TV on the wall. Little did I know that the solution was a small, Coke-can-sized piece of tech that we could fit under the nightstand when not in use.
How I test Raspberry Pi Pico projects without any Pi hardware
A Raspberry Pi Pico is very different from the rest of the Raspberry Pi family, and can be very daunting if you've never used one before. Luckily, there is a free website that lets you try things out before you dive in.
3 ways the Windows Task Manager is lying to you
If you're the person friends and family call when their computer starts acting weird, you've probably opened Task Manager more times than you can count. It's the first place most of us go when a PC feels slow, an app stops responding, or the fans suddenly spin up for no obvious reason. For decades, it has been Windows’ built-in diagnostic dashboard, presenting CPU, memory, disk, and GPU activity in neat graphs that look authoritative enough to settle debates about what’s slowing your PC down.
Why you should max out your phone storage right now
If you've been holding off on an Android upgrade because your current phone is still chugging along, or you're waiting for the next big phone launch, you might want to reconsider. All signs point to 2026 flagships costing more while delivering the same or less than last year's phones.
Ryan Gosling wreaks havoc in SNL promo
If there's one man who knows how to rock a pair of shades and a bad attitude, it's Ryan Gosling.
In the SNL promo above the Project Hail Mary star grabs a jacket emblazoned with the number five from the prop cupboard before wreaking havoc around the SNL office, smoking in the corridor, drinking champagne, and riding on a toy horse.
The problem? He think he's allowed to act how he wants because he's made it to the five-time SNL host club, but he's actually only on his fourth time (this is Ryan Gosling we're talking about, mind you, so it kind of feels like he can still get away with it).
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Forget INDIRECT: The modern way to create cascading drop-down lists in Excel
Cascading drop-down lists—where choosing a category like "Fruit" narrows the next list to "Apple" or "Pear"—are a staple of high-level data entry in Excel. The old INDIRECT method works, but it's clunky and hard to maintain. Instead, use dynamic arrays to build lists that handle the modern workflow more smoothly.
Beats Studio Pro headphones are under $200 right now at Amazon — save $150
SAVE OVER $150: As of March 5, the Beats Studio Pro are on sale for $199.95 at Amazon. That's $150.04 off the list price of $349.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $199.95 at Amazon$349.99 Save $150.04 Get Deal
The Beats Studio Pro headphones are our favorite Beats headphones. If they've been on your radar but you've been waiting for them to get a good price cut before picking them up, now is the time to make a move. Select models have dropped to $199.95 at Amazon.
This sale price is a 43% discount from the Beats Studio Pro's original list price of $349.99, allowing you to save $150.04. As of March 5, here are the colors available at this price from Amazon: black, deep brown, navy, and sandstone. Pick up your favorite and save some cash in the process.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The Beats Studio Pro earned our top spot as the best overall Beats headphones. In our roundup dedicated to the best Beats headphones, writer Alex Bracetti explained that this is because, "Beats’ flagship headphones come with custom 40mm drivers and a built-in DAC that enables lossless audio when connected with a USB-C cable. While music sounds lively and vibrant out of the box, lossless audio enhances fidelity, so you can hear more details in your favorite songs." On top of that, "ANC on the Studio Pro is up there with the AirPods Max."
Our Beats Studio Pro review had high praise for them, with Mashable's Alex Perry saying, "It's hard to find a pair of over-ear headphones with a better all-around experience than Beats Studio Pro." Plus, they offer up to 40 hours of battery life.
If new headphones have been on your wishlist this year, don't miss out on this excellent Beats Studio Pro deal at Amazon.
How to use collaborative Loop components in Microsoft Teams chats
The modern digital workplace is moving away from separate apps and files toward a single, shared workspace. Microsoft Loop components fix the major problem of switching back and forth between tools and losing information, especially in Team Chats, but Loop commands are how you summon them.
How to watch India vs. England in the 2026 T20 World Cup online for free
TL;DR: Live stream India vs. England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The stage is set for the 2026 T20 World Cup final. India face off against England for the last place in that showpiece event. We're expecting an incredibly tense and exciting contest between two talented sides.
India strolled through the initial group stage but lost out to South Africa in the Super 8. England were beaten by West Indies in the group stage but topped their Super 8 group that included New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It's difficult to predict the winner from this semi-final matchup. India perhaps have the edge, and playing in front of a passionate home support at the Wankhede Stadium can only help. The winner will face New Zealand in the final.
If you want to watch India vs. England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is India vs. England?India vs. England in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on March 5. This game takes place at the Wankhede Stadium.
How to watch India vs. England for freeIndia vs. England in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.
This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.
Live stream India vs. England in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access
Visit ICC.TV
Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
AI companies only have a conscience when it's convenient
AI safety has been all over the news recently. The US Department of War asked Anthropic to allow use of its AI for "any lawful use," and the AI company ultimately refused. While this is seen by many as a positive step, it still seems the case that AI companies only really have a conscience when it suits them.
Stephen Colbert gives a brutal breakdown of McDonald CEOs infamous burger launch
What should have been a simple product launch video went a bit wrong for McDonald's recently, with CEO Chris Kempczinski receiving a fair bit of attention for the tentative bite he took of a new burger on the menu.
In the Late Show clip above, Stephen Colbert breaks down the launch video bit by bit — starting with Kempczinski referring to the burger as a "product".
"OK, weird to refer to food as 'product'. Kids, you eat your product! If you don't I swear to God I will send you to bed with no content!" says Colbert, before pausing to acknowledge the impressive job done by food influencers: "I just want to take this moment to apologise to influencers. It turns out what you do is incredibly difficult."
Finally, Colbert plays a clip of the bite itself, and Kempczinski's "that is so good" comment.
"Really? Because it looks like you took the smallest possible bite in the history of human chewing," says Colbert. "That's the bite you take when your three-year-old say, 'Try the cookie I made, daddy!'"
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Seth Meyers calls out Trump and Republicans clashing over the word war
The use of the word "war" to describe the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, and Iran's retaliation, has President Donald Trump and his administration at odds with Republican supporters over messaging.
During Late Night on Wednesday, Seth Meyers used his deep dive segment "A Closer Look" to lay out what Trump and former-defense-now-war secretary Pete Hegseth have called it, and what Republicans are calling it, whether it's a "war" or "major combat operation" or otherwise.
"There are two reasons they're all talking in Orwellian circles like this," said Meyers. "One, if they acknowledge it's a war, they also have to admit that it's illegal, since only Congress can declare war. And two, they don't want to admit that Trump lied. He said he would keep us out of exactly these type of open ended wars, and specifically 'forever wars.'"
"What we're seeing play out is the absurdity of life inside the Trump cult," Meyers concluded. "One minute, they all have to pretend Trump is a working class savior who will end foreign wars. The next they have to pretend the war he started isn't a war, even though he's the one calling it a war."
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Score AirPods Max headphones for $429.99 at Amazon — save over $100
SAVE OVER $100: As of March 5, the AirPods Max have dropped to $429.99 at Amazon. That's $119.01 off their list price of $549.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $429.99 at Amazon$549 Save $119.01 Get Deal
A variety of brand-new Apple products have recently been announced, but if you don't mind scooping up older devices from the brand, there have been some very nice discounts popping up. This includes a couple of deals on the AirPods Max headphones. Over at Amazon, select colors have dropped to just $429.99.
Considering they usually come with a price tag of $549, this deal saves you $119.01 on the AirPods Max. It's also a little over $30 away from their lowest-ever price of $399, which is certainly worth making a move on.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The AirPods Max boast high-quality audio that'll make any music or audiobooks you listen to sound incredible. Our review from Brenda Stolyar back when they were initially released said, "Both music and podcasts sound a lot fuller and richer than they do with the earbuds."
They also boast Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, so you can choose how much of the outside world around you that you want to hear while you listen. Stolyar noted in the review that, "Noise cancellation worked super well for me, too. It did a good job of drowning out the very loud radiator in my room and the traffic outside my window."
All in all, Stolyar found that, "The AirPods Max have excellent audio quality, easy-to-use controls, and good battery life, but their size isn't a good fit for everyone." If you're still hoping to grab them, act fast to save at Amazon.
Our favorite iPad for professionals is $100 off right now at Amazon — score the 256GB model for $1,199
SAVE $100: As of March 5, the iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) is on sale for $1,199 at Amazon. This deal saves you $100 off its list price of $1,299.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) $1,199 at Amazon$1,299 Save $100 Get Deal
While new iPad models are on the way, quite a few older models have received nice discounts. The powerful iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) is among them, with its price knocked down to $1,199 right now at Amazon.
Overall, this is a $100 drop from this iPad Pro's original list price of $1,299. It's also just $50 away from its lowest-ever price of $1,149. It's a model we think is worth every cent.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you're a creative or designer, we chose the iPad Pro M5 as the top pick for professionals. In our roundup of the best iPads, Mashable's Samantha Mangino notes that this is because it's, "Loaded with Apple's fastest processing power thanks to the M5 processor, giving it way more power than the average user really needs." On top of that, it also boasts a sharp 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR Display with extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone so you can catch every color and detail on its screen.
Our review of this iPad Pro from Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth also highlighted that it's, "Truly a Pro device for power users. Everyday use is wasted on this tablet, which is a shame because the incredibly thin and lightweight design is truly irresistible, as is the OLED display. It's the kind of gadget that makes you feel like you're living in the future." And as for storage, this model sets you up with 256GB.
If you're looking for premium power in a tablet, this is a great chance to save on the iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) at Amazon.
How to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The NBA bounces into action with several games this evening, including the Los Angeles Lakers at the Denver Nuggets.
This Western Conference clash could be a preview of an upcoming playoffs fixture, with both the Lakers and Nuggets currently in line for a spot in the first round. The playoffs are now just over a month away — a win here could be crucial for either team.
If you want to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Lakers vs. Nuggets?Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on March 5. This game takes place at the Ball Arena in Denver, CO.
How to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets for freeLos Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S. and UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S. or UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.


