| Grab Samsung’s fantastic T7 portable SSD for 50% off |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 21:15:14 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
Whether you need to store documents and photos for safe keeping or transfer them between devices, a large portable SSD is always good to have on hand—and the Samsung T7 is a solid pick.
Right now, the 1TB version of the Samsung T7 is down to just $80, which is half its original MSRP. That’s a fantastic deal!
There are many cool things about the Samsung T7 SSD, starting with how compact it is. It’s small enough to fit into any pocket, even the tiny ones on women’s jeans. It’s also shock resistant and protected against falls up to 6 feet, so accidental drops are no concern.
The Samsung T7 isn’t just portable but also built for speed, delivering read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, respectively. You’ll spend less time moving files around, which is always a good thing because time saved is more time for you.
And don’t worry about compatibility. The Samsung T7 works seamlessly with both PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. It even works with cameras, so that you can directly record 4K videos at 60 FPS to the drive.
If you need a portable SSD, the tiny but sturdy Samsung T7 is a steal for just $80 right now on Amazon.
The 1TB Samsung T7 portable SSD is 50% offBuy now on Amazon
|
| ChatGPT has its own AI search engine now |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:06:04 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
In order to train their models, AI generative text tools like ChatGPT scour the internet for text…which is also something that search engines like Google do. So, why not combine them and just give you everything? That seems to be the thinking behind SearchGPT, a new search engine from ChatGPT maker OpenAI.
The product was announced as a prototype on OpenAI’s website, inviting users to join a wait list to access the tool. According to the company, it’s designed to “combine the strength of our AI models with information from the web to give you fast and timely answers with clear and relevant resources.” The prototype tool is “temporary,” at least for the moment, but at least some of its features and functionality will be integrated into the wider ChatGPT product and its accompanying apps and APIs.
It makes sense. ChatGPT’s language model is a huge and unwieldy collection of data, so users can only access updated versions of it periodically — the current ChatGPT-4 model is trained on data that stopped updating in April of 2023. So adding in indexed search data that’s far more recent could give more accurate and timely information to queries and other tools reliant on ChatGPT’s various features. For an immediately relevant example, ChatGPT-4 can’t accurately tell you who the current nominees for the 2024 US presidential election are, but a search engine can get them right away.
OpenAI has been criticized for training its models on copyrighted pages and data without permission, and it’s showing awareness of that criticism in SearchGPT’s announcement. “We’ve partnered with publishers to build this experience and continue to seek their feedback,” says the page, and the search engine will include “a way for publishers to manage how they appear” in it. Animated examples on the promo page show links to the source of generated answers.
|
| Watch this modder convert Windows 10 to Windows 7 in 17 minutes |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 16:25:56 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
Right now, Windows 10 and Windows 11 are duking it out as the main Windows operating system of choice for users. Yet while some of their modern features are great, it’s no secret that many users still long for the days of older Windows versions.
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Windows 11 Pro
Price When Reviewed:
199.99
Best Prices Today:
$59 at PCWorld Store – Win 11 Pro Upgrade Only |
$79.99 at PCWorld Software Store
And Windows 7 remains one of the most popular and most fondly remembered versions of the operating system to this day.
Wish you could go back to Windows 7? A user named Come on Windows made a comprehensive YouTube video tutorial that shows how you can convert Windows 10 to Windows 7 in about half an hour.
How Windows 10 becomes Windows 7
The transformation from Windows 10 to a version that’s strikingly similar to Windows 7 looks quite easy in the video. That’s because the user is obviously familiar with Windows and modding.
On the one hand, he uses special apps like AME Wizard and Revert8Plus to tweak some bits; on the other hand, he dives into the Windows Registry and deletes certain files. The end result is that he successfully makes Windows 10 look and feel like Windows 7.
And the resulting Windows 7 modification appears to be fully functional. However, we can’t just from the video alone whether all software on your system will run smoothly afterwards.
Should you try this yourself?
The modder’s experiment shows that it’s entirely possible to conjure up an older version of Windows from a modern one with relative ease, without installing a different operating system.
However, we don’t advise trying this yourself unless you’re willing to accept the very real risk of bricking your computer. There’s a non-zero chance that your computer could experience limited functionality and/or be unable to be reset back to Windows 10 proper.
That said, if you want to give this a shot, you could do it safely on a virtual PC, for example by using VMware Workstation Pro (which is now free).
Learn more: How to set up virtual PCs with VMware Workstation Pro
|
| Windows gets Linux’s sudo superpower: Here’s how to turn it on |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
The sudo command stands for “superuser do” and is one of the most important commands to know in Unix and Linux-based operating systems. (See the most important Linux commands for beginners.)
Sudo allows you to execute programs with the security rights of another user—usually the superuser or administrator/root—without having to acquire administrative rights for the entire system.
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Windows 11 Pro
Price When Reviewed:
199.99
Best Prices Today:
$59 at PCWorld Store – Win 11 Pro Upgrade Only |
$79.99 at PCWorld Software Store
This is particularly useful for administrative tasks that require elevated privileges without you needing to constantly log on and off as an administrator or root user.
Now, this nifty command is also being introduced in Windows.
Thomas Joos
Thomas Joos
Thomas Joos
The use of sudo increases overall system security in two ways: first, by reducing the need for you to log in with a full administrator account with unchecked privileges, and second, by creating detailed logs of all the commands used with sudo.
Typical examples of sudo usage involve the installation of software packages and the adjustment of security authorizations. Thanks to its fine-grained control and logging, sudo ensures that administrative tasks are carried out securely and traceably.
Sudo complements RunAs
Microsoft has recognized the advantages of sudo and is now bringing the command to Windows 11 systems with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update. It’s not yet clear whether Windows Server 2022/2025 will also receive sudo, but it’s unlikely.
Dubbed Sudo for Windows, the source code is available on Github.
If you’re on an administrator account, you already have administrative rights anyway so sudo is of little use. Plus, in Windows, there’s already the RunAs command, which lets you start a command in the command line using another user account.
However, RunAs is cumbersome and not as effective as sudo.
Thomas Joos
Thomas Joos
Thomas Joos
The RunAs command is used in the format runas /user program, where the password of the specified user must be entered. For example, runas /user cmd starts the Command Prompt with administrator rights.
RunAs allows you (User A) to start a program in the user context of User B. In other words, User A can launch an application as if they were User B, and the respective application then runs completely in the context of User B, NOT in the context of User A with elevated rights.
In comparison, the sudo command offers similar functionality but with some differences in application and administration. For now, it isn’t possible with sudo to start a program as if you were someone else; sudo allows you to execute commands as superuser/administrator/root. (However, Microsoft is planning to add this functionality.)
While RunAs allows temporary elevation of permissions for a specific program or script, sudo provides more comprehensive and flexible control over permissions and logging. The sudo command also supports the delegation of specific commands without full administrator rights, allowing finer control of system administration.
Ultimately, sudo offers more options than RunAs. However, Microsoft has so far implemented very few of the functions available in the original sudo command in Windows, so Sudo for Windows currently has little in common with sudo in Linux.
Enabling sudo in Windows 11 version 24H2
Sudo isn’t enabled by default on all systems, which may or may not change in the future. While Sudo for Windows is pre-installed starting with Windows version 24H2, you’ll have to enable it yourself.
When you enter the sudo command on the command line, in the terminal, or in PowerShell, Windows 11 version 24H2 says that the command must first be activated:
Thomas Joos
Thomas Joos
Thomas Joos
In the Windows 11 settings, the corresponding option can be found under System > For developers at Enable Sudo. Before final activation, you must confirm via the User Account Control message.
Thomas Joos
Thomas Joos
Thomas Joos
You can also activate Sudo for Windows using the sudo command itself, where various options are available to you:
In a new window (forceNewWindow)
In the same window (normal)
Disable input (disableInput)
Deactivate sudo (disable)
Enable sudo (enable)
When starting sudo, you can already specify the configuration in which you want to use the tool, for example with:
sudo config --enable forceNewWindow (note the two dashes)
The option forceNewWindow is useful as it allows you to quickly recognize when a command with sudo runs with elevated rights.
You must run the activation once with administrator rights in Windows and confirm the User Account Control.
Thomas Joos
Thomas Joos
Thomas Joos
After activation, you can start programs with Sudo, for example with:
sudo netstat -ab
This command will open in a new window (if you used the forceNewWindow option during activation).
|
| This $20 page turner will change the way you use your Kindle |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:28:33 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
Ever heard of “reading yoga”? You know, figuring out the best way to position yourself while holding your e-reader so you don’t end up with a crick in your neck? A big problem, especially as you get older.
But no longer a problem when you have a remote page turner! Just prop your Kindle on a stand and use the page turner to read without touching. And right now, this Datafy page turner is only $20 on Amazon instead of its usual $60—a total bargain worth jumping on.
The Datafy remote page turner is a quick and easy solution, allowing you to read in bed with both arms under the sheets. Whether you have limited mobility or just want to stay cozy under a blanket, this tiny device will drastically improve your reading experience.
All you have to do is clip the page turner onto your Kindle, then tap the remote button whenever you want to flip to the next digital page.
Don’t have a stand? Consider getting this $19 tablet holder that clamps almost anywhere, allowing you to position your Kindle wherever is most comfortable for you. (That’s the Prime price; if you don’t have Prime, it’s $23. Sign up for a 30-day free trial to score this deal, too!)
Don’t have a Kindle? Both the remote page turner and the clamping tablet holder are compatible with other touchscreen devices, including e-readers, tablets, and smartphones.
You won’t have to worry about swapping batteries with this page turner because it’s rechargeable via USB-C cable in 1.5 hours, and a single charge will last you about three months.
Get yourself this remote page turner for just $20 to read in absolute comfort. You’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.
This remote page turner is only $20 right nowBuy now on Amazon
|
| Windows 11 strikes again with irritating pop-up that can’t be disabled |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:01:56 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
Windows 11’s ads are out of control. Microsoft is always finding new ways to disrupt and annoy users—and this time, it comes in the form of an unavoidable pop-up notification.
Even while most people are still upset by constant Windows 11 update notifications, Windows 11 has recently started displaying more and more information about cloud backups.
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Windows 11 Pro
Price When Reviewed:
199.99
Best Prices Today:
$59 at PCWorld Store – Win 11 Pro Upgrade Only |
$79.99 at PCWorld Software Store
Specifically, Windows users are being notified that their systems aren’t backed up with the built-in Windows backup solution. A corresponding message appears with the advice that it’s best to make backups so that all data is stored “in case something happens to the PC.”
It almost reads like an indirect threat, but Microsoft is actually just pointing out the option to store file backups on its own OneDrive cloud service. And it’s also advertising more storage space.
Microsoft’s bad week: July Windows 10 update causes blue screen reboot loops – here’s the fix and July’s Windows 11 update is sending PCs into BitLocker recovery
More cloud storage comes at a price
The free version of OneDrive gives you 5GB of storage space for your backups. However, this space isn’t much—it’s quickly used up if you back up all your files as Microsoft would apparently like.
For $2 per month, you can expand that to 100GB of storage space, which is far more reasonable for backups. And if you have a lot of data? You can get 1TB of space for $7 per month. (All plans have discounted pricing if you pay annually rather than monthly.)
It’s obvious that Microsoft is pushing users to OneDrive by the fact that this cloud backup notification about supposedly necessary backups can’t be disabled. The only way to make it go away is to use it.
Sure, you can click the notification and dismiss it for a time… but it will show up again soon enough. This isn’t the first time Microsoft has annoyed users with ads and reminders, and it won’t be the last.
Related: Get rid of Windows headaches with these tools
Windows Backup isn’t bad, but…
Generally speaking, it’s not a bad idea to back up your most important data with Windows Backup. However, you don’t have to use Microsoft’s OneDrive for your Windows system.
There are also plenty of free backup software options that can back up your files offline without needing cloud storage. Check out our favorite picks for Windows backup software to learn more.
great backup software with built-in malware protection
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office
Read our review
Price When Reviewed:
$49.99
Best Prices Today:
$29.99 at PCWorld Software Store
Editor’s note: This article originally published on July 22 but was updated to include links to recent broken Windows Updates and additional backup options.
|
| Best dash cams 2024: Your second set of eyes on the road |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
While you drive, there’s a lot happening, so a second pair of eyes can help you stay safe. A dash cam provides this extra vigilance and helps give you peace of mind while out on the road. The best dash cams monitor in high-res video what’s happening while you’re behind the wheel, with timestamps and GPS coordinates. They can even record while your car is parked, helping you keep tabs on your car while you’re away.
When choosing the best dash cam for your needs you should first consider if you want a front, front/interior, or front/rear model. Additionally, you’ll want to decide on how wide a viewing angle you’ll need. Then there are special features to take into account, such as voice control or parking assist. Since there are a number of reasons to use a dash cam, we understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of the best dash cams of all types with various features and prices below.
For even more information on what to look for when buying a dash cam, scroll to our buyer’s guide under our best picks. And after you’ve bought a dash cam, save yourself some time and frustration by reading our guide on how to install a dash cam.
PROMOTION70mai A810 | Ultra HD 4K Dual Camera
Extreme Clarity at each side. Extreme Security by your side. 70mai Ultra HD 4K A810 boosts day and night vision to the next level with Sony’s best in class STARVIS 2 IMX 678 image sensor and 70mai’s self-developed HDR algorithm
get deals on amazonget deals on 70mai
Updated July 24, 2024 to include our recent review of the Thinkware Arc, which has exceptional daytime captures from both its front and rear cameras, and a nice-quality touch display for easy operation. Unfortunately, it’s not the best for nighttime use. For strong day and night captures, see our review of the 70mai A510.
Nextbase 222X – Best budget front/rear dash cam
Pros
Good front/rear-view day video
Decent front/rear-view night captures
48-hour, battery-supported parking mode and after-incident capture
Cons
Modest video quality compared to pricier Nextbase models
Modular port, but no add-on modules
No GPS
Price When Reviewed:
$99.99
Best Prices Today:
$99.99 at Nextbase$99.99 at Walmart
If you really want to save money, this Walmart-exclusive Nextbase 222X front-and-rear camera duo offers great value. The 1080p/720p video is a compromise, but video quality is still good, it has a nice magnetic mount, a clear 2.5-inch screen, and a battery-supported parking mode.
Read our full
Nextbase 222X Dash Cam review
70mai 4K A810 – Best midrange front/rear dash cam
Pros
Excellent front captures
GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity
Phone app
Cons
So-so rear capture processing
Non-standard rear camera cable
Price When Reviewed:
$179
Best Prices Today:
$152.99 at 70mai$179.99 at Amazon
The market today is now saturated with 4K-front/1080p-rear camera setups, but the 70mai 4K A810 stands out from the rest. It’s absolutely loaded with great features such as onboard GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for phone connectivity. The 3-inch IPS display provides a colorful and crisp image and it can be powered either via USB Type-A or Type-C cables. It also gives you advanced features like lane-departure and forward-collision warnings.
All of that plus the A810 captures crystal-clear 4K images with the front camera and 1080p with the rear camera. Most other competitors don’t offer nearly the same features or image quality for the price either. For these reasons, the 70mai 4K A810 is an absolute midrange bargain among dual-channel dash cams.
Read our full
70mai 4K A810 dash cam review
Cobra SC 400D – Best premium front/rear dash cam
Pros
Excellent video captures, day and night, front and back
3-inch touchscreen display
Voice control
Alexa support (if you care)
2160p (4K UHD) if you want it
Cons
Very expensive
Rear camera isn’t removable
Price When Reviewed:
$399.95
Best Prices Today:
$329.95 at Amazon$329.99 at Best Buy$399.95 at Cobra
Our review of the Cobra SC 400D left us smitten. It’s pricey, yes, but it delivers the goods with stunning images—4K for the front, 1080p in the rear—day or night. In addition to that it has all the trappings of a premium product: a sturdy magnetic mount with integrated GPS, a crisp 3-inch touchscreen display, and Alexa support for finding businesses and the like when you are on the road. It can also be expanded with an optional 120-degree FOV cam for the interior.
Read our full
Cobra SC 400D review
Nextbase 622GW – Best premium front/rear runner-up
Pros
Stellar day and night captures
Modular add-on 1080p cameras provide interior and rear coverage
Alexa voice control and automatic emergency notifications
Cons
Expensive
Price When Reviewed:
$399.99
Best Prices Today:
$349.99 at Best Buy$399.99 at Nextbase$499.98 at Amazon
Prior to our review of the Cobra SC 400D above, the 622GW front/rear system was our hands-down favorite. And, really, it shares virtually all the same attributes as its rival—nice design and build quality, excellent day and night captures, drive mapping, a wonderful 3-inch display, emergency response to accidents, Alexa support, and the ability to add a third camera for interior views. Like the 400D, it carries a premium price tag. But in the end, you can’t go wrong with either model.
Read our full
Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam review
Viofo A229 Plus – Best 3-channel dash cam
Pros
Front, interior, and rear cameras
Discrete interior camera for versatile placement
Colorful, detailed captures
Rear captures are as good as the front captures
Phone connectivity
Cons
Lots of wires to hide
Price When Reviewed:
$279.99
Best Prices Today:
$269.99 at Amazon
A dash cam is all about monitoring and recording your surroundings, and for that it’s hard to beat a 3-channel system. Combining front view, interior view, and rear view, a 3-channel dash cam makes sure nothing is missed. The Viofo A229 Plus is our pick for best 3-channel system due to strong 1440p front and rear captures, 1080p interior captures, and a whole host of great additional features.
Not only do the front and rear view cameras offer solid resolutions, but the interior cam is discreet and all are easy to install. The Viofo A229 Plus also comes with an onboard mic for recording audio or receiving voice commands — an extremely convenient feature while driving. The A229 comes with GPS tagging, motion detection, and a parking mode as well. Needless to say, it’s chock-full of amenities and features. A 3-channel dash cam might not be for everyone, but if you need one, the Viofo A229 should be at the top of your list.
Read our full
Viofo A229 Plus 3-channel dash cam review
Vantrue N5 – Best for 360 degree view
Pros
4-channel, nearly surround coverage
Good captures
Embedded and watermarked GPS
Voice control and phone connectivity
Cons
Pricey
Uses lots of storage
Price When Reviewed:
$399.99
Best Prices Today:
$399.99 at Vantrue
The Vantrue N5 offers the most complete coverage of any dash cam system we’ve ever seen. It comes with 4-channels including a front, rear, and dual cabin cameras (one in the front facing aft and another in the rear facing forwards). All of these cameras allow you to see not only what is happening outside your vehicle, but also within it, and they even catch some blind spots that front/rearview cameras might miss.
The N5 offers much more than just thorough coverage. It comes with watermarked GPS on board and excellent capture quality—the front cameras is capable of 1440p with superb night captures as well. You can also control the system via voice control and it offers great connectivity features as well. Overall, there is no other dash cam on the market that does a better job of capturing events in and around your car.
Read our full
Vantrue N5 dash cam review
Miofive 4K – Best front-only dash cam
Pros
Compact, fully integrated design
Very affordable for 4K with GPS
Friendly voice notifications
64GB of internal storage
Good day and night captures
Cons
Internal storage isn't replaceable
macOS won't read the internal storage
Price When Reviewed:
149.99
Best Prices Today:
$129.99 at Amazon
Prior to our review of the Miofive 4K, we would have tapped the Car and Driver Eye2 Pro as the best front-only dash cam with 4K, a fine product in its own right. But the Miofive costs $100 less, and offers integrated GPS as well as great video captures, 64GB of internal storage, a compact design, friendly voice notifications, and a super straightforward setup. So not only is this our favorite front dash cam with 4K, it’s our favorite front cam overall.
Read our full
$150 review
Garmin Dash Cam 57 – Best front-only runner-up
Pros
Colorful, detailed captures day and night
Small enough to hide behind your mirror
Super-convenient magnetic mounting
Phone and cloud connectivity
Cons
No rear camera option
Price When Reviewed:
$229.99
Best Prices Today:
$195 at Amazon$229.99 at B&H$229.99 at Best Buy
This small but mighty front dash cam has it all: great 1440p video with a 140-degree field of view, integrated GPS and driving assistance, good phone connectivity, an easy and convenient magnetic mounting system, and the backing of Garmin’s good name.
Read our full
Garmin Dash Cam 57 review
Viofo VS1 Mini 2K – Best tiny dash cam
Pros
Super-small, handsome profile
Very good day and night 1440p captures
Voice commands/alerts and phone connectivity
Integrated GPS
Cons
No room for a display
Price When Reviewed:
$139.99
Best Prices Today:
$139.99 at Viofo
If you’re in the market for an unobtrusive, front-only cam that’s capable of capturing good-quality (1440p) day and night images, then the Viofo VS1 Mini 2K should be on your radar.
It only sweetens the deal that the VS1 Mini 2K also offers a GPS, along with voice commands and a phone-app interface, since the small size leaves no room for an on-unit display.
The camera’s body is tastefully styled, measure a mere 1.3 inches wide by 1.18 inches thick by approximately 2.85 inches tall, with a front lens that sits flush with the body. The unit easily slides in and out of a mount that affixes to your car with semi-permanent adhesive.
Support for voice commands let you operate the camera without distraction.
All in all, the VS1 Mini 2K has a clear edge over our previous favorite small dash-cam wonder, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2.
Cobra SC 201 – Best budget front/interior dash cam
Pros
Excellent video, especially at night
Front and interior cameras for ride-givers
GPS with automatic setup
Included 16GB SD card
Cons
No captures without 12-volt
Buggy software at the time of testing
App does not support smartphones running Android 7 or older
Price When Reviewed:
$179.95
Best Prices Today:
$176.07 at Amazon$179.95 at Cobra$179.99 at Best Buy
Dash cams are all about capturing the action, and few do it better than the front/interior Cobra SC 201. The exterior night video, especially, is unsurpassed in its ability to show details in dark surroundings and it offers a laundry list of features including GPS and cloud uploads. The company even includes a 16GB SD card. It’s well worth the money for what you get—just don’t try to use the cloud functionality with an older phone OS.
Read our full
Cobra SC 201 Smart Dash Cam review
Garmin Dash Cam Tandem – Best front/interior dash cam
Pros
Very easy to install and use
Compact profile
Excellent magnetic mount
360-degree front/interior view (minus obstructions)
Cons
Expensive
Average captures
Price When Reviewed:
$289.99
Best Prices Today:
$275.99 at Amazon$299.99 at GarminNot Available at Adorama
Garmin’s front/interior camera is easy to install, features a compact body that helps it avoid detection, and has an excellent magnetic mount—all useful features that make up for the average 1440p/720p video capture quality. The Tandem doesn’t have a display; it nicely uses Bluetooth (as opposed to Wi-Fi) to connect to your phone, where Garmin’s easy-to-use app lets you configure settings—although the defaults are spot-on.
Read our full
Garmin Dash Cam Tandem review
What to look for in a dash cam
We’ll step you through what to think about when you’re shopping for a dash cam, from video capabilities, recording options, power connections, and more.
Video capabilities
Dual-channel support: This is what you’ll need if you want to run both front and rear, or interior (cabin-view) cameras. Interior cameras are generally situated on the dash cam, but rear cameras are separate and require additional cabling.
A decently wide field of view: You’ll see cameras with as little as 90-degrees field of view, but you’ll catch more of what’s around you if you go for 120 to 140 degrees. Some cameras offer 160- to 180-degree lenses. Note that the wider the field of view, the more fish-eye distortion there is, and more processing is involved to compensate.
Day and night video recording (night quality is a big variant)
Infrared lighting is important if you want to assure good captures of nocturnal events inside the cabin of your vehicle.
HDR (high dynamic range) isn’t necessary, but it does make for more detailed video because of better contrast. It also generally indicates richer color.
WDR (wide dynamic range) is much like above, except it usually refers to only color and not contrast.
Do you need 4K UHD? It’s easy to fall victim to the specsmanship of a higher-res image. In our tests, the gain in detail from 4K video (2160p) can vary, but the storage investment is consistently heavy: four times the storage of 1080p, or around 1GB for every three minutes of video. For most purposes,1080p is the more frugal everyday choice. Don’t avoid 4K UHD—which is a feature in our best overall picks—but read the reviews first so you know whether the cost is justified.
Recording options
Continuous loop recording to minimize storage requirements. Video is recorded, then immediately overwritten at a specified interval unless saved. Video is saved (protected from overwriting) automatically when an incident is detected. Most dash cams will overwrite older recordings when they run out of space.
Cloud storage is available with a few dash cams. Uploading to the cloud in real time is a nice hedge against damage and theft—assuming the thief isn’t smart enough to kill the dash cam immediately. It’s handy for those managing fleets of vehicles, too, as incident videos are safely stashed online.
Self-powered recording when power fails, so that you can be sure to capture all of an incident. This requires a battery or large super-capacitor (see below in “Power connections”). The camera should have a setting that allows you to specify how long the camera runs off 12-volt before shutting down.
Incident recording triggered by impact (G) sensors, or when in parking mode (see below), by motion detection.
MicroSD card storage. Pricier dash cams bundle a storage card. Some come with larger cards, and some budget models come without. There are often bundles available with the card. Some cameras opt for hard-wired internal storage, like the Miofive 4K.
Power connections
Something most people don’t consider before they buy is that dash cams connect to a power source in your car via a physical cable. That cable can sometimes be tucked out of the way, but more likely than not you’ll have loose cable hanging somewhere. You can sometimes fix this with a longer or shorter cable (or a professional installation). Keep that in mind as you consider your power options:
Auxiliary 12-volt power (adequate): Most vendors have stuck with powering their dash cams via the auxiliary 12-volt power socket (also known as the cigarette lighter) and USB cables. It can lead to an unsightly cable run, and the power disappears when you turn off the car, but it’s universal and easy.
Hard-wired 12-volt power (better): Most vendors offer kits that connect the dash cam directly to a constant 12-volt source in your wiring harness behind the dash. This provides always-on power, but it isn’t particularly easy to install.
OBD-II 12-volt power (better): Outliers like the Owl and PureCam use the OBD-II connector for constant 12-volt power. OBD-II-to-USB power cables are now available separately (as an alternative to hardwiring kits that draw constant 12-volt power from the wiring harness). I recommend one with a USB Type-A port, which will accommodate any dash cam. Most of those with captive cables I’ve seen are mini-USB. The only downside is a long cable run, as the OBD-II port is usually next to the driver’s left knee, under the dash.
Rearview 12-volt power (better): Another option that features a super-short cable run is powering your dash cam using your auto-dimming rearview mirror. You can find adapters for this at Dongar Technologies. If your car qualifies, this is by far your best option.
Battery (or super-capacitor) power: Many dash cams come with super-capacitors, which allow the dash cam to operate for a brief period after losing regular power—such as during a collision. They don’t record for very long though, and sometimes not at all. A battery gives you a better chance of recording an entire incident, even when 12-volt power is lost. If run time is sufficient, it also allows you to record for a while with the car turned off.
Other handy features
Phone connectivity is not essential, but can make offloading video and configuring the dash cam easier. We’ve noticed just recently (12/15/2020) that phone apps are starting to require later versions of Android. If you’re rocking anything older than 8, keep that in mind.
GPS: This feature could be the tipping point if you use your captured video to resolve a dispute. Watermarking the video is common, but when embedded into the video, GPS info is also immensely useful for mapping your travels. GPS will also automatically set the time in better cameras.
Parking monitoring: This can mean two things. Running the dash cam continuously in low frame-rate mode to save card space and battery, or running in standby mode and awakening when motion or g-forces are detected. We’ve reviewed cameras that have a battery large enough to monitor the car with the 12-volt turned off for several days, but most cameras require a constant 12-volt source.
How we test dash cams
Few people are as well situated geographically as I am to test dash cams. Within two blocks there are major four- and six-lane thoroughfares, numerous bike lanes, joggers, dog walkers, oblivious ear-budded pedestrians, and a major bus nexus serving both public and private coaches. The opportunities for near-accidents are endless.
For every dash cam, I mount it in my car, judging the ease and convenience of doing so. Tip: Many dash cams rely on adhesive for mounting to your windshield. Hot conditions can make it next to impossible to remove the film that protects the adhesive. Remove the film in a cool environment, or place it in the fridge for a minute or two before installing it.
I put each dash cam through several days’ and nights’ worth of driving, recording video and judging the image quality. All the dash cams I’ve reviewed in the last couple of years take good daytime video. However, night video is often plagued by murky shadows and headlight flare. That said, quality is improving rapidly with the introduction of new sensors. Take a close look at the night shots in each review.
I try all the features: Buttons, display controls, apps. Aside from rear-view support and GPS, the most salient differences between the products are the interface controls and extra features, such as the lane departure and collision warnings that you get with some models. I try them…and I turn them off. In practice, they usually tell me I’m changing lanes, in heavy traffic, or have just been cut off. I know that. Additionally, the collision warnings generally come too late to do anything but distract you at exactly the wrong time.
Note that the one thing I can’t relate to you is the longevity of any dash cam, as my testing occurs over a relatively short amount of time. Please check user reviews on various sites and pay attention to the warranty.
FAQ
1.
Do I really need a dash cam?
The use of dash cams in consumer vehicles is a relatively recent trend, and people have been driving just fine without them for a long time. However, while it might not be necessary, there are legitimate benefits to using a dash cam in your car.
Many people who purchase and install dash cams use them as a type of insurance policy for their actions and those of others on the road. Dash cams can protect you from other drivers in a number of ways. They can help you prove your innocence in the event of an accident. They may also act as a deterrent against aggressive drivers. And some dash cams come with features that have motion-sensor parking modes that can record any possible hit-and-runs or thefts while you are away from your car.
In the end, it’s ultimately up to you as to whether you believe the possible benefits of buying and using a dash cam are worth the investment.
2.
Is it legal to use a dash cam?
Yes, in all U.S. states, dash cams are legal. However, it’s best to check with your particular state’s traffic laws to determine what type of dash cam you should use. For example, not all states allow a dash cam to be mounted to a windshield—it’s best to do a little research before you buy.
3.
Will a dash cam drain my car battery?
Probably not. And by that, we mean almost certainly not. A standard dash cam with front and rear coverage, motion detection, and Wi-Fi all operating while your car is parked will only consume about 0.25 to 0.45 amps per hour. A typical small or midsize car battery is rated at 45 amp hours. This means that while your car is turned off it will take a few days for your car battery to get low from powering your dash cam.
Another feature that’s becoming more common in dash cams is a low-voltage cutoff as a safeguard against dead batteries. This feature automatically shuts-down your dash cam if it senses that the power drops below a certain threshold. So you can rest assured knowing that your dash cam won’t kill your car battery.
4.
How much storage should I have for my dash cam?
Dash cams use removable SD or microSD cards to store recorded data. Unlike your phone or mobile device, which stops you from adding more pictures or videos when the memory is full, a dash cam instead just uses an overwrite function to record over old data. Therefore, you shouldn’t have to worry about your dash cam shutting off because the memory card is full.
That being said, if you want to ensure that you aren’t overwriting valuable old data, you’ll want to get an adequate-sized memory card, and consider the resolution at which the camera captures the video. 4K recordings take up a lot more space than 1080p recordings.
We believe that the sweet spot for a memory card is somewhere around 128GB. Even if you are recording in 4K, this will allow you to record continuously for around five hours, or around 20 hours if you record at 1080p. Thankfully though, memory cards are relatively cheap and you won’t need to break the bank if you opt for even more storage capacity.
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| Add two extra screens to your laptop while on the go, just $220 |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:39:33 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
If you have a multi-monitor setup at home or the office, you probably miss it when you’re working on the go via laptop. But there’s a solution! This portable dual-monitor extender by Cevaton is now available for just $220 on Amazon, down from its usual $300.
With this nifty accessory, you get a portable triple-screen setup that adds an extra screen to the left and right of your main laptop screen, affording the same multi-screen experience you’d have at home or the office.
Both extra screens are 14-inch 1080p IPS displays with 300 nit brightness and a high contrast ratio, so the visuals are great. These extra screens can expand, mirror, or duplicate your main laptop screen, with the expansion option being the most useful (of course) because you get more space for laying out apps, tabs, and files.
These add-on monitors are compatible with laptops from 13.3 inches to 17 inches, and they work with pretty much any operating system.
Note: If you plan on hooking these up to a MacBook, be aware that they won’t work with most MacBooks featuring M1, M2, or M3 chips due to their one-exterior-monitor limit. However, you can use these monitors just fine with MacBook Pro and Max devices without that limit.
Setup is easy as can be since you only need to plug them in to get started. They come with two USB-C ports and an HDMI port for connectivity to your laptop.
And when you’re done, the portable screens completely fold down flat so you can easily get them packed away in your bag beside your laptop. They come with a foldable stand (for extra stability while working) and they’re easy to adjust to your optimal viewing angle.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic way to boost your laptop productivity with two extra screens for just $220 wherever you go.
This dual-screen portable laptop monitor is only $220Buy now on Amazon
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| Best laptops for college students 2024: Top picks and expert advice |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
Gone are the days of backpacks overloaded with binders and the chronic hand-cramps from trying to write as fast as possible. Nowadays, a good laptop elevates your productivity and allows you to keep all your important lesson materials in one place. Whether you’re new to campus or heading into your final year, having a laptop that’s capable, sturdy, and portable — with good battery life, natch — will help keep you on top of your studies, or gaming (no judgement).
Why you should trust us: It’s in our name: PCWorld. We’ve been reviewing laptops for over 40 years, with exacting standards applied to all facets of the user experience, from performance benchmarks to features to the rigors of daily use. Our experts know their stuff and have curated a comprehensive list of the best laptops for college students, with their particular needs in mind.
After you finish looking over our recommendations, be sure to hit our daily updated roundup of the best laptop deals to try and score a great laptop on sale. Or check out our roundup of the best laptops for even more recommendations.
Updated July 25, 2024: We updated our list of recent laptop reviews to include the Asus Vivobook S 15 ($1,299.99), which comes with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite XE 78 100 processor. While it offers good performance and long battery life, the ho-hum design leaves little to be desired. Make sure you check out the rest of the recent laptop reviews near the bottom of the page!
Best laptops for college students
Dell Inspiron Plus 14 – Best overall for students
Pros
Fantastic performance
Exceptional battery life
Great typing experience
Cons
CPU throttles under heavy loads
No user upgrades
Price When Reviewed:
$999
Best Prices Today:
$999.99 at Dell
Why we like the Dell Inspiron Plus 14
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is one of the most well-rounded laptops available right now. You’re getting reliable performance, phenomenal battery life, and a superb-looking display. It only costs $999.99 too, which is several hundred dollars cheaper than our former top pick. With a PCMark 10 score of 7,061, it beat both the similarly spec’d Acer Swift Go 14 and the more expensive Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. (PCMark 10 gauges how well a laptop handles day-to-day tasks.) It also lasted a whopping 17 hours on a single charge, which is perfect for students looking for a long-lasting machine. You don’t have to go hunting for an outlet between classes, that’s for sure.
Performance and battery life are no doubt impressive, but the 14-inch 1400p display is also worth noting. According to our review, “the display is exceedingly well suited to office work and static imagery.” We measured a peak brightness level of 418 nits, which is plenty bright for writing papers and browsing the web. Plus, thanks to the anti-glare coating on the display, you can use this laptop in more natural lightning environments.
Who should buy the Dell Inspiron Plus 14
Students looking for a well-rounded and long-lasting laptop. The design is a bit boring, sure, but its hardware capabilities and long battery life make up for the staid aesthetics. You can’t really get much better than this–especially for $999.99.
Read our full
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus review
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED – Best laptop for students runner-up
Pros
Robust build quality
Attractive OLED touchscreen
Good CPU and integrated GPU performance
Amazing battery life
Cons
Blah design
Keyboard isn't memorable
Mediocre connectivity
Price When Reviewed:
$849.99
Best Prices Today:
$849.99 at Walmart$999.99 at Asus$1199 at Amazon
Why we like the Asus Zenbook
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED really dazzled us with its peppy processor performance, outstanding battery life, and sublime OLED touchscreen display. Movies and games “look realistic and vibrant” on the 14-inch 1200p display and the 75 watt-hour battery ran for a whopping 16 hours on a single charge. This result really blows away competitors like the Lenovo Slim 7 14 Gen 9 and the HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14. As for how it fares in the performance department, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is plenty fast during day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, chatting over video, and so on, delivering benchmark scores just a bit below our top pick.
Who should buy the Asus Zenbook
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is a fantastic choice for students because it offers outstanding battery life, speedy overall performance, and a lovely OLED display. It’s also cheaper than our current top pick. That said, it’s a runner-up for a reason. The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, which is still the reigning champ, is the more well-rounded option of the two. It has twice the storage, a higher resolution screen, and a better keyboard. However, if you’re looking to save a hundred bucks or so, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is still a great option.
Read our full
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED review
Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best budget laptop for students
Pros
Affordable
Decent battery life
Good display visibility
Cons
Big and bulky
Cheap build
Limited performance
Price When Reviewed:
$299
Best Prices Today:
$299 at Acer
Why we like the Acer Aspire Go 15
The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a great choice for students on a tight budget. The power efficient Intel Core i3-N305 is capable of handling day-to-day tasks such as watching Netflix, surfing the web, writing papers, and more. This laptop also managed 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is more than a full school day. Connectivity options aren’t too shabby, either. You’re getting one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, one HDMI, one 3.5mm combo audio, one Kensington lock slot, and one DC barrel jack.
Who should buy the Acer Aspire Go 15
Anyone that needs an affordable laptop with decent performance. The 53.9 watt-hour battery will last you most of the day and the CPU has enough power for daily tasks. The 15.6-inch 1080p display also boasts good visibility and the keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience. It doesn’t have all the fancy features you’d see on a high-end machine, but some folks don’t need all that extra noise. If you’re on an ultra-strict budget, then the Acer Aspire Go 15 is absolutely worth picking up.
Read our full
Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024) review
Lenovo Flex 5i – Best Chromebook for students
Pros
Great build quality
Vibrant touchscreen display
Fast performance
Nice typing experience
Cons
Stylus not included
Average battery life for a Chromebook
Heavier than expected
Price When Reviewed:
$499
Best Prices Today:
$329 at Best Buy
Why we like the Lenovo Flex
The Lenovo Flex 5i is a great Chromebook because of its convertible design, fast performance, superb typing experience, and touchscreen display. The chassis has a luxurious aluminum finish on it, which makes it feel three or four times as expensive. The 360-degree hinge that connects the display to the rest of the laptops feels strong and like it won’t wear out anytime soon. The keyboard is also a dream to type on and easy to adjust to, and the 1200p display produces sharp, colorful visuals. Sure, it’s heavier than we expected right out of the box and the stylus isn’t included, but those are small trade-offs in the grand scheme of things. Overall, this is a really well-rounded machine.
Who should buy the Lenovo Flex
We feel as though the Lenovo Flex 5i is a good option for those who prefer using Google’s ecosystem and can handle mostly working online. The beautiful touchscreen display and the convertible design really gives it the edge over other Chromebooks and even some Windows laptops, as you usually see those features in machines that cost much more. While the nine hour battery life is a little below average for a Chromebook, it’ll still last you a full school day and then some. At the end of the day, the Lenovo Flex 5i’s list of compromises is quite small.
Alternative option: If you’re dealing with an unforgiving budget (been there), the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 ($249.99) is worth picking up. It’s about $100 cheaper than our current pick and it comes with loads of connectivity options as well as an spacious keyboard and a sophisticated design. It’s not a 2-in-1 laptop like Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, but I wouldn’t consider that a deal-breaker, especially if you prefer traditional clamshells.
Read our full
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus review
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 – Best battery life
Pros
Attractive, slim, and light
Class-leading battery life
Excellent wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi 7
Good performance in real-world situations
Cons
Vague keyboard falls short of competitors
IPS touchscreen's image quality can't compare to OLED
Gaming performance doesn't hold up
Price When Reviewed:
Starting at $999.99, as-tested $1999.99
Best Prices Today:
$999.99 at B&H$999.99 at Best Buy$999.99 at MicrosoftNot Available at Amazon
Why we like the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is one of the first laptops to release with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor and boy, is it power efficient! We logged 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is absolutely bananas. In addition to the top-tier battery life, you’re also getting phenomenal wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi 7 as well as reliable casual use performance during. Our review unit cost $1,999.99, which is pretty high for most folks, but you can get the base configuration for $999.99. The base configuration comes with a Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and 126GB of SSD storage, so it’s totally capable of handling day-to-day tasks.
Who should buy the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Anyone that needs a long-lasting laptop! In addition to the insane battery life, the laptop itself weighs just under three pounds, which means you can take it with you from class-to-class. The 13.8-inch touchscreen also comes with a sharp 2304×1536 resolution and a fast 120Hz refresh rate. It’s not OLED, but it’s still a good display. The bezels are also a lot smaller than the previous model’s, so you’re getting more screen this time around. Overall, this is a truly impressive offering from Microsoft.
Alternative option: If you’re looking for a bigger OLED screen, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge ($1,749.99) is definitely worth considering. It boasts 21 hours of battery life on a single charge (one hour longer than our current pick) and a 16-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2880×1800 and a refresh rate of 120Hz. That said, it’s heavier than our current pick at 3.42 pounds and the 14-inch base model costs more at $1,349.
Read our full
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8″) review
MacBook Air (M3) – Best MacBook for students
Pros
Excellent battery life
Great combination of price, features, and performance
256GB SSD is now two NAND chips, maintaining performance
Cons
Expensive memory upgrades
Dual external display support requires closed lid
Price When Reviewed:
$1,299 (base)
Best Prices Today:
$1,189 at Amazon$1199 at B&H$1299 at Adorama
Why we like the MacBook Air
From the outstanding battery life to the spacious Liquid Retina display, the MacBook Air (M3) received high marks across the board. It comes with an 8-core CPU (M3) and a 10-core GPU as well as two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 66.5 watt-hour battery. Performance is similar to the MacBook Pro (M3), which means it can blitz through school work and casual use tasks. The only difference between the two is that the MacBook Air doesn’t have fans, resulting in quieter operation. This laptop also managed a whopping 19 hours on a single charge, which is great news for those with jam-packed schedules and have zero time to plug into the nearest outlet.
Who should buy the MacBook Air
Anyone who prefers MacOS over other operating systems! The battery life is incredible and the laptop itself weighs just a little over three pounds, which means you can easily take it anywhere with you. The $1,299 price tag is also reasonable for the performance and features. However, the 8GB of RAM is light compared to Windows-based alternatives.
Read our full
Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 2024) review
Acer TravelMate P6 – Best ultraportable for students
Pros
Long battery life
Light and portable
A good price for a business laptop
Cons
Keyboard is a tad mushy
No NPU for future Windows AI features
Consumer laptops deliver similar specs at a lower price
Best Prices Today:
$1158.99 at CDW$1168.63 at Amazon$1199.99 at Acer
Why we like the Acer TravelMate
The Acer TravelMate P6 is so lightweight that it might just float up into the stratosphere. It weighs just 2.65 pounds and is made of magnesium-alloy, which is a very light yet durable material. This is the kind of laptop you can easily toss in a bag and take with you from class to class. The 65 watt-hour battery also lasted nearly 13 hours on a single charge — more than a full school day! In the performance department, thanks to the Intel Core i5-1335U CPU, it’s equipped to handle coursework and day-to-day tasks. In fact, it managed a respectable Cinebench R20 score of 3,065, which isn’t far behind the more powerful HP Pavilion Plus.
Who should buy the Acer TravelMate
The Acer TravelMate P6 is a good option if you’re looking for a powerful, lightweight laptop. In addition to the slimmed-down form factor, it also features a 1080p webcam with a physical privacy shutter and a 14-inch 1200p display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The taller aspect ratio gives you more room to scroll through webpages and the 1080p webcam will make you look your best during remote sessions. Plus, the backlit keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience. What more could you ask for?
Alternative option: If you’re able to stretch your budget, you should consider picking up the Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight ($2,663 at Dell). It weighs less than current pick at just 2.33 pounds and it has more RAM (32GB), a more efficient processor (Intel Core Ultra 7 165U), and a higher resolution display (2560×1600). That said, it’s more expensive than the Acer TravelMate P6 and may not be the best option for the budget-conscious.
Read our full
Acer TravelMate P6 review
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition – Best gaming laptop for students
Pros
Impressive battery life
Gorgeous 16:10 display
Rugged chassis
Cons
Keys feel a bit soft
720p webcam is disappointing
Price When Reviewed:
$1,099.99
Best Prices Today:
$949.99 at Best Buy$955 at Amazon
Why we like the Asus TUF Gaming
The Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition is something of a rare gem in the sand dune. This specific model exhibits strong graphics performance as well as long battery life, which is unusual for a gaming laptop. Most gaming laptops last only a couple of hours on a single charge. Well, the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition and its 11 and a half hours of battery life is out here changing the script. That’s more than a full school day.
Also, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS CPU and the AMD Radeon RX 7600S GPU, it also managed 123 frames-per-second in the Rise of the Tomb Raider benchmark. That’s pretty darn good, especially for a sub-$1,000 gaming laptop.
Who should buy the Asus TUF Gaming
The Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition is a great option for those who like to game after class. The pricing is reasonable and you’re getting reliable graphics performance as well as a spacious keyboard and decent battery life. It’s also a good purpose machine, so you can use it for coursework and day-to-day productivity. If you’re a gamer who wants Nvidia features like DLSS or advanced ray tracing, however, this all-AMD system won’t cut it — opt for the alternative below instead.
Alternative option: The Lenovo LOQ 15 ($849) stands as another solid budget gaming laptop option. It’s more than capable of 1080p gaming, with an RTX 4060 GPU and access to Nvidia features like DLSS, while the design is very sci-fi inspired. That said, it didn’t nab the top pick because of the poor battery life (not unusual for a gaming laptop) and limited port selection.
Read our full
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition review
Recent laptop reviews
Asus Vivobook S 15: The Asus Vivobook S 15 is a competent entry into the Copilot Plus PC arena, but one that struggles to stand out from the alternatives.
Acer Swift Edge 16: Acer’s Swift Edge 16’s low weight and good performance makes it a solid travel companion, though a small battery holds it back.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge is an excellent Snapdragon X Elite-powered PC with a beautiful display, long battery life, and great build quality. But you’re paying extra for high-end Snapdragon X Elite hardware on the 16-inch model, and it doesn’t deliver the big performance bump you might expect.
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1: The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4 offers solid performance and a great value for anyone who needs a laptop to get work done.
MSI Raider 18 HX: The MSI Raider 18 HX boasts a humongous screen as well as all the ports you could imagine, but the windy roar of the fans combined with the high price tag may deter some folks.
How we tested
The PCWorld team puts each and every Windows laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Chromebooks, on the other hand, go through a series of web-based tests. It wouldn’t be fair or possible to run the same kinds of tests on a Chromebook, as they’re Chrome OS-based machines.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each test and the reasons why we run them. For a much deeper look at our review methodology, check out how PCWorld tests laptops.
Windows laptops
PCMark 10: PCMark 10 is how we determine how well the laptop handles lighter tasks like web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, and so on.
HandBrake: HandBrake is more intensive than PCMark 10. It basically measures how long a laptop’s CPU takes to encode a beefy 30GB file.
Cinebench: Cinebench is a brief stress test of the CPU cores. It does this by rendering a 2D scene over a short period of time.
3DMark: 3DMark checks if 3D performance remains consistent over time by running graphic-intensive clips.
Video rundown test: To gauge battery life, we loop a 4K video using Windows 10’s Movies & TV app until the laptop dies.
Chromebooks
CrXPRT 2: The CrXPRT 2 benchmark tests a Chromebook’s battery life.
Speedometer 2.0: This test determines a Chromebook’s web browser performance. It simulates this by adding, completing, and removing a to-do list.
Basemark Web 3.0: This benchmark gauges how well a Chromebook can handle web-based applications.
Kraken 1.1: Kraken 1.1 is a JavaScript performance benchmark.
Jetstream 2: Jetstream 2 is a combination of WebAssembly and JavaScript benchmarks. This is a way to gauge how well a Chromebook runs advanced workloads.
What to look for in a laptop for college
The first thing to consider is budget. How much are you willing to spend on a laptop? If you’re working with an inflexible budget, Chromebooks are a good option. They’re affordable and designed to handle everyday tasks like writing papers, working on spreadsheets, and so on. Chromebook prices can range anywhere from $200 up to $1,000. If you want to spend a bit more, laptops with convertible touchscreens (otherwise known as 2-in-1s) offer a great deal of functionality. You can flip the screen around and use it like a tablet or prop it up like an easel for watching movies.
Things like navigating your e-mail or watching Netflix will require more RAM. We recommend springing for 8GB of RAM or more. 4GB of RAM is fine and good for web browsing and basic office work, but 8GB is better for having more tabs open and whatnot. Plus, applications like Google Chrome and Spotify tend to eat up a lot of memory. Most people can get by with 4GB in a pinch if you’re on a tight budget, but you won’t be able to multitask as much.
The final thing is a decent keyboard. In college, you’re going to be spending a lot of time typing. Depending on your personal preference, you may want either a full or short travel keyboard. Mechanical keyboards, for example, normally have longer travel. This helps prevent accidental keystrokes. The keys also give a lot of tactile feedback, as they bounce back after they’re pressed down.
FAQ
1.
Which laptop size is best?
This is mostly personal preference. Students who bring their laptops to class or intend to travel a lot should consider a smaller, more portable size. Anything in the neighborhood of 13- to 14-inches is recommended. However, if you want to use your laptop for gaming, then you should consider something in the 15- to 17-inch range. It’s also important to keep in mind the weight of the laptop before buying it. Ultra thin laptops can weigh a featherlight two pounds while hefty gaming rigs top the scales at three or four times that—not exactly something you want to carry in a backpack everyday.
2.
How long should a laptop last on a single charge?
If you’ve got a jam-packed schedule, you’ll probably be running from class to class with very little downtime in between. That’s why we recommend a laptop with a long-lasting battery. We recommend something that’ll last 7 to 10-plus hours on a single charge, unless you want a notebook that can play games on the side—gaming laptops are notorious for their shorter endurance, even during everyday tasks. That 7 to 10 hours is a good figure if you plan on taking your laptop with you everywhere.
3.
What about processing power?
Most students will be able to get by with an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor. You don’t need anything mega powerful for everyday tasks and school work. However, if you’re using more graphically demanding programs on the regular, then you may want to spring for an Intel Core i7 or i9. It all really depends on your workload.
For more specifics regarding the hardware you want inside your laptop, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to buy a budget laptop without getting screwed, as well as our broader cheatsheet on what to look for in a laptop CPU and GPU.
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| Samsung’s 49-inch OLED ultrawide monitor hits an all-time low price |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:03:56 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
A year ago you’d be lucky to find any OLED gaming monitor under a thousand bucks. But we saw tons on sale during Amazon’s Prime Day, and just a week later there’s a new low price for one of its most popular models. The Samsung Odyssey G93SC, one of the biggest OLED monitors on the market, is just $901.71 on Amazon today. That’s not cheap by any stretch, but considering that the gigantic, luxurious ultrawide normally retails for $1,600, this is a remarkable discount.
This super-duper-mega-ultrawide has a resolution of 5120×1440, essentially two QHD screens smooshed together on one curved panel. With a 240Hz refresh rate and .03ms response time it’s made for gamers first and foremost, but with HDR10+ support and an amazing picture thanks to OLED’s “perfect” contrast, it’s great for movies or other media, too. With the same software running Samsung’s smart TVs and an included remote, you don’t even need a PC to load up some streaming apps.
If you are connecting to it you can do so via HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C, though it doesn’t have enough downstream power to charge up a laptop. Two extra ports can handle accessories and you can mount it using a standard VESA arm, though you’ll want one that can handle it’s rated for its chunky 20.3-pound weight.
Amazon says this is a “limited time deal,” so if you weren’t sold on any of the Prime Day discounts, now’s the time to pull the trigger. Competitors aren’t matching this price — everyone else (including Samsung’s own store) seem to have it at around $1,100.
Get a 49-inch OLED gaming monitor for just $902Get it on Amazon
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| Maingear unveils a hot new Thunderbolt 5 gaming laptop that sizzles |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
Maingear just tore back the curtains on a new gaming laptop called the ML-17. Not only is this one decked out with ridiculously powerful hardware, it also comes with much-awaited Thunderbolt 5 support. It’s so hot, I’m surprised it doesn’t breathe fire.
If you’re part of gaming PC circles, you’ve likely heard of Maingear, the company that’s known for designing and building high-performance custom PCs.
Well, Maingear’s latest laptop offering—though powerful and will no doubt deliver blazing fast performance—doesn’t actually stray far from the previous ML-16 laptop‘s blueprint in terms of aesthetics. The one discernible difference? The ML-17’s screen is a little bigger.
More like this: The best gaming laptops of 2024
Details on the Maingear ML-17
Maingear
Maingear
Maingear
The Maingear ML-17 has all the bells and whistles you could want. Maingear loaded this beast up with an Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile GPU, up to 64GB of RAM, and up to three 4TB (that’s 12TB total) of SSD storage.
Although PCWorld hasn’t given this machine a test run yet, I can confidently say that, given the specs, it will likely chew through anything we throw at it, whether that’s an intensive battle royale game or editing a sappy wedding video.
And did I mention the screen is humongous? It measures 17.3 inches, which I find to be comically large myself, but serious gamers may prefer this bigger screen as it allows you to see more of the game you’re playing in crisper detail.
With the ML-17, you can expect sharp images thanks to its 2560×1440 resolution, and its 240Hz refresh rate should ensure smooth gameplay. The display also supports Nvidia’s G-Sync technology, which helps reduce the likelihood of screen tearing in games.
Other cool features include a full-sized keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, a massive 99 watt-hour battery, a pair of stereo speakers, a durable metal chassis, and dual Thunderbolt 5 ports.
Thunderbolt 5, which is set to replace Thunderbolt 4, boasts faster connectivity speeds and supports displays with refresh rates as high as 540Hz. It’s useful if you have a cutting-edge external monitor.
The ML-17 is a high-performance machine that fits neatly within the scope of Maingear’s brand. That said, while the inclusion of dual Thunderbolt 5 ports is pretty darn rad, I’ve seen this kind of top-tier configuration many times before—it very much falls in the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” camp.
The ML-17 is available right now with a lofty starting price of $3,899.
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| How to test if your VPN is working |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
Keeping your online activities and data private is a top priority nowadays. VPNs, or virtual private networks, are one of the best ways to do this. Not only do they encrypt your internet connection, but they reroute all of your traffic through a private tunnel to keep it safe from prying eyes. Even the best VPNs can have problems though.
Maybe you’re not sure if your VPN is working properly. Or maybe you just want to test out the service for yourself to better understand how it safeguards your privacy. Here I’ll show you an easy method to check if your VPN is working and to feel confident it’s operating correctly.
Check your VPN status
An icon such as this from ExpressVPN indicates your connection status.
An icon such as this from ExpressVPN indicates your connection status. Sam Singleton
An icon such as this from ExpressVPN indicates your connection status. Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
The first thing you should do to ensure your VPN is working is to verify whether or not it’s connected — simple, I know, but necessary. Every VPN that I’ve ever encountered has an icon displayed somewhere on the VPN application indicating your connection status.
This icon or symbol most often comes in the form of a red or green power button or on/off switch. When the VPN is connected it should display green or the status will show “On.” Alternatively, when the VPN is disconnected it will likely change to red or display the status “Off.” Check your VPN client or application for these status indications.
Further reading: The best VPN services
Compare IP addresses
The next simplest way to check if your VPN is working is to compare your home IP address to the VPN IP address. When connected to a VPN, your IP address should change based on the VPN server you connect to.
Here is how to check your IP address:
Make sure your VPN is disconnected.
Go to a website such as whatismyipaddress.com and note your original home IP address provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Open up and connect to a VPN server.
While connected, reopen or reload the same IP checking website. If your IP address is different, then the VPN is working correctly. If not, then there is some issue with your VPN.
Check for leaks
One of the most crucial steps when testing to see if your VPN is working properly is to make sure that none of your data is accidentally leaking outside of the encrypted VPN tunnel. The best way to do this is to run both DNS and WebRTC leak tests.
I personally run these tests on every new VPN that I use both for personal and review purposes because it’s that important. You don’t want to pay for a service to keep your data private and then find out it’s actually being exposed without you knowing.
DNS leak test
In this leak test I connected to a VPN server in Los Angeles. All queries correctly show LA meaning my VPN has no DNS leaks.
In this leak test I connected to a VPN server in Los Angeles. All queries correctly show LA meaning my VPN has no DNS leaks.
Sam Singleton
In this leak test I connected to a VPN server in Los Angeles. All queries correctly show LA meaning my VPN has no DNS leaks.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
DNS, or Domain Name System, can be thought of as the phonebook of the internet. It translates web addresses into their corresponding IP addresses. While your VPN may be hiding the IP address, it could be leaking the DNS instead, accidentally exposing your traffic to the owner of the DNS server — likely to be your internet service provider.
A DNS leak test can be done in order to make sure that your VPN is properly routing DNS requests to a private DNS instead. Here’s how to do it:
Note your home IP address from the step above.
Connect to a VPN server.
Go to a DNS leak test website like dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net.
Start the test (either Standard or Extended will do).
Check the IP address. If it matches the location of your VPN server and not your home IP address then there are no leaks. If it still matches your home IP address then you should consider switching VPN providers.
WebRTC leak test
While connected to a VPN, the WebRTC leak test successfully shows that my IP address is not being leaked by my browser.
While connected to a VPN, the WebRTC leak test successfully shows that my IP address is not being leaked by my browser.
Sam Singleton
While connected to a VPN, the WebRTC leak test successfully shows that my IP address is not being leaked by my browser.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
WebRTC, or Web Real-Time Communication, is a browser technology that allows for video and audio communications without the need for extra software. When two devices communicate over the internet, they need to know each other’s IP addresses, which means another party can identify your IP address through WebRTC.
A good VPN should be able to prevent your home IP address from leaking through WebRTC and only display the VPN IP address to the other party. Here’s how to check for WebRTC leaks:
Note your home IP address from the step above.
Connect to a VPN server.
Go to a WebRTC leak test website like expressvpn.com/webrtc-leak-test.
It will automatically run the test and display your IP address.
If the IP address matches the location of your VPN server then there are no leaks. If it instead matches your home IP address then a leak is occurring and you should consider switching VPN providers.
Run a speed test
Here you can see speed tests both for my baseline internet and while connected to a VPN—note the drop in performance while connected.
Here you can see speed tests both for my baseline internet and while connected to a VPN—note the drop in performance while connected.
Sam Singleton
Here you can see speed tests both for my baseline internet and while connected to a VPN—note the drop in performance while connected.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
VPNs, by nature of their encryption and routing systems, will likely decrease your internet speed. By first encrypting your traffic and then rerouting it through its own server(s), not only will the physical distance your data needs to travel increase, but the VPN’s server loads can also have a hindering effect. Sometimes this speed difference is unnoticeable and other times it can be so bad that it makes even simple web browsing unbearable — think old dial-up modem days.
Testing your VPN’s speed is less about if your VPN is working — if you can connect then your VPN is probably working — and more about optimizing the connection. I’ve written a whole article about how to test your VPN speed, but I’ll summarize it below:
Disconnect from your VPN.
Go to a speed test website such as speedtest.net or fast.com. Click the start button on the speed test and note the results for your home internet. The larger the number in Mbps, the faster your internet.
Now connect to your preferred VPN server.
While connected, rerun the speed test and note the new speed. Now you can compare how fast your home internet is in contrast to your VPN connection.
If your VPN speeds are significantly slower, you can try different VPN servers. Many things can affect both your home internet as well as a single VPN server connection at any given time (server load, distance, time of day, etc.). It’s best to test your speeds across a few days and with different servers to find the most accurate result. If your VPN’s speeds are consistently slow, you may consider switching to a faster VPN like any of the great services in my roundup of fastest VPNs.
Change your streaming location
VPNs are a great way to access location restricted streaming content. I personally am a huge fan of Studio Ghibli movies, so I often use my VPN to access Netflix in the U.K. in order to view the library of Miyazaki content.
Streaming services can be another way for you to test if your VPN is working correctly. Simply connect to a VPN server in the country you wish to view content and then load the streaming service. If you get a message that says you’re using a proxy or VPN, this means that the site has identified that you’re using a VPN and has blocked the connection. Try connecting to a different server in the same country (if available) and reload the streaming site. If you get the same message, you may want to consider switching to a VPN that’s compatible with your streaming service such as those in my roundup of best VPNs for Netflix.
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| Today’s best laptop deals: Save big on work, school, home use, and gaming |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 12:28:54 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
If you’re looking to score a fast laptop at a killer price, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re on the hunt for a blazing fast gaming rig, an affordable laptop under $500, or an everyday Chromebook, we’ve assembled a list of the best laptop deals available right now, using our finely honed editorial judgement (and thousands of hours of testing experience) to only recommend truly compelling deals on worthwhile notebooks.
We’ve separated the recommendations below by best laptop deals under $500, best home use laptop deals, best gaming laptop deals, and best premium laptop deals, to make it easier to find a notebook that fits your budget and needs. For more options, check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available right now.
Best laptop deals (at a glance)
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, $329.99 ($200 off at B&H)
Lenovo Flex 3, $328.99 ($150.01 off at Best Buy)
Dell Inspiron 15, $429.99 ($120 off at Dell)
HP Envy x360, $569.99 ($379.01 off at Adorama)
HP Victus, $599 ($380 off at Walmart)
HP Dragonfly Pro One, $719.99 ($679.01 off at Adorama)
Dell G15, $999.99 ($150 off at Best Buy)
Lenovo Flex 7, $1,039.99 ($220 off at Adorama)
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro, $1,149.99 ($300 off at Amazon)
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, $2,099 ($750 off at B&H)
Dell XPS 14, $2,199.99 ($300 off at Dell)
Best laptop deals under $500
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3: $329.99 ($200 off at B&H)
If you fancy yourself a casual user (aka someone that likes to browse the web or social media), the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is the laptop for you. It comes equipped with an Intel Core i3-1315U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage–that’s plenty of oomph for everyday tasks. The 15.6-inch 1920×1080 IPS display is nice, too. It should be clear enough for daily activities like spreadsheet work or watching a YouTube video. It also has a decent port selection with one USB-C and two USB-A. Not bad for a sub-$300 laptop!
View Deal
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo Flex 3: $328.99 ($150.01 off at Best Buy)
Sometimes all you need is an affordable laptop for surfing the web and composing e-mail exchanges. If you’re in the market for such a laptop, the Lenovo Flex 3 is definitely worth considering. It’s powered by a Pentium Silver N6000 processor, which is suitable for general browsing and streaming Netflix, but not much else. It’s not the fastest processor we’ve ever seen here at PCWorld, but you’ve also got to temper your expectations, as this laptop is specifically designed with basic tasks in mind. However, according to Best Buy reviews, the 1080p touchscreen display is pretty darn crisp, making this machine an excellent value.
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Dell
Dell
Dell
Dell Inspiron 15: $429.99 ($120 off at Dell)
Powerful laptops with the latest cutting-edge hardware is great and all, but sometimes you just need a reliable machine to get the job done. The Dell Inspiron 15 is a fantastic choice for work or school and it’s on sale for just $429.99 right now. This laptop is rocking an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. The 15.6-inch 1080p display also boasts an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, so visuals should appear smooth. It also weighs just 3.65 pounds, making it a suitable travel companion. Get it now before the deal expires!
View Deal
Best for home use
HP
HP
HP
HP Envy x360: $569.99 ($379.01 off at Adorama)
The HP Envy x360 is powerful, lightweight, and versatile. The 2-in-1 form factor means you can fold the screen back and use the laptop like a tablet, and it comes equipped with a good amount of RAM (16GB) and storage (512GB SSD). The 1080p display is quite large at 15.6-inches and is touch-enabled, which is perfect for habitual notetakers and doodlers. The keyboard is also full-sized and has backlighting–this is great for when you’re using the laptop in low light environments.
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Best gaming laptop deals
HP
HP
HP
HP Victus: $599 ($380 off at Walmart)
The HP Victus contains powerful hardware for the price. It’s outfitted with an Nvidia GeFOrce RTX 4050 graphics card and an AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, so it should have no problem running most modern games. The 15.6-inch 1080p display also has a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium technology built-in, so gameplay should be fluid. The 8GB of RAM is pretty light for a gaming laptop, but you can always upgrade later on if need be. If you’re looking for more details regarding this laptop, be sure to check out PCWorld’s comprehensive write-up.
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Dell
Dell
Dell
Dell G15: $999.99 ($150 off at Best Buy)
The Dell G15 is a fantastic entry-level gaming laptop with RTX 4050 graphics and 1TB of SSD storage. It should run most games with zero lagging and the 15.6-inch 1080p display should produce smooth visuals thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. This machine also has a good port selection including one HDMI 2.1, three USB-A 3.2, and one USB-C 3.2. While this laptop has a lot to offer the casual gamer, it does tip the scales at over six pounds, which isn’t all that surprising or even a deal-breaker for some. Gaming laptops are usually heavy due to the hardware and complex cooling system inside.
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Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i: $2,099 ($750 off at B&H)
If your budget knows no bounds and you’re looking for the ultimate gaming experience, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i will surely deliver. Not only is it packing RTX 4080 graphics, but it also has 32GB of RAM and an Intel Core i9-13900HX processor. In other words, given the hardware inside, performance should be blazing fast. The 16-inch display also has a resolution of 2560×1600 and a refresh rate of 240Hz, so images should appear sharp and gameplay smooth. The connectivity options are quite good as well. You’re getting two USB-C, four USB-A, and one HDMI.
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Best premium laptop deals
HP
HP
HP
HP Dragonfly Pro One: $719.99 ($679.01 off at Adorama)
The HP Dragonfly Pro One is a good laptop if you’re a serial multitasker. This baby is packing an AMD Ryzen 7 7736U CPU as well as 16GB of memory and 512GB of SSD storage, so it should be capable of handling a bunch of open tabs and more demanding applications. The 14-inch touch display has a resolution of 1920×1200 and a maximum brightness of 400 nits, which means the picture should be sharp and vibrant. The Ceramic White colorway is also just plain gorgeous and a welcome departure from the grey rectangles we’ve grown accustomed to seeing.
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Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo Flex 7: $1,039.99 ($220 off at Adorama)
The Lenovo Flex 7 is a great laptop for those who want an affordable 2-in-1. You’re getting a lightweight design as well as a decent amount of power for just over $1,000. It has an Intel Core i7-1355U CPU, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. Zipping through spreadsheet work, light use tasks, and so on should be no problem for this machine. In addition to the 2-in-1 form factor, in which the screen swings back 360 degrees, it also weighs just 3.53 pounds. That means you can easily slip it in a backpack or messenger back and take it with you anywhere.
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Samsung
Samsung
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro: $1,149.99 ($300 off at Amazon)
The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is a great laptop, full stop. Whether you’re working in a spreadsheet or browsing the web, performance is fast and reliable. The 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED display is simply gorgeous and is capable of producing deep blacks and vibrant colors. It’s a touchscreen as well, which is perfect if you like to doodle or take copious notes. It also weighs just 2.71 pounds, which is ridiculously lightweight. You can easily throw this laptop into a bag and be on your merry way without concern.
In PCWorld’s review of the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro, we awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars and an Editors’ Choice award. We loved the sturdy aluminum casing as well as the OLED screen, in which we said the “color reproduction is outstanding.” Talk about high praise!
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Dell
Dell
Dell
Dell XPS 14: $2,199.99 ($300 off at Dell)
If you’re in the market for an ultra-luxurious laptop with a stunning OLED display, the Dell XPS 14 is a fantastic option. Inside you’ll find an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. Given the specs, this laptop should deliver snappy performance. The 14.5-inch 3200×2000 OLED display should also produce rich colors and inky blacks. It’s a great screen for entertainment or graphic design. Other features include a backlit keyboard with a fingerprint reader, a 69.5 watt-hour battery, and a 1080p webcam.
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FAQ
1.
How much RAM will I need in my laptop?
You’ll want at least 8GB, though 16GB is preferable, especially if you play games. Don’t buy laptops with under 4GB of RAM or 128GB of SSD storage—though on a Chromebook or a budget Windows machine, this configuration is acceptable. Check out our article on how much RAM does a laptop need for more in-depth info.
2.
What’s the difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop?
The one big difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop is the operating system. Chromebooks run ChromeOS and Windows run, well, Microsoft Windows. Chromebooks make good everyday machines because they’re designed for browsing the web, checking e-mail, and so on. They use less resources and are generally more affordable than the Windows variety. They also don’t need antivirus protection. A Windows laptop is a lot more versatile in what it can do, and not just in terms of running local programs. You can really pump a Windows laptop up with a ton of RAM, storage, and so on.
3.
When should I look for a laptop deal?
You’ll likely find the best laptop deals during Prime Day (mid-July), Black Friday (November 29th), and back-to-school season (June-August). Sure, you’ll find good laptop deals throughout the year, but if you really want to save big, we’d recommend scoping out your favorite online retailers during those times.
4.
Which retailers offer the best deals?
You can find all kinds of deals across a wide range of online retailers such as Newegg, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and so on. However, we’d recommend checking out deals from laptop manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, and Dell. You’ll usually find many different configurations on sale and the discounts can be pretty darn steep.
For more options, check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available right now.
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| What makes a laptop eco-friendly? 5 key factors to consider |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:30:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
No matter how much you reduce, reuse, and recycle, the simple fact is that sometimes you just need a new laptop. Whether it’s for new features, greater performance, or your old one suddenly died, a new laptop can be an exciting upgrade—and it doesn’t have to be eco-unfriendly.
In fact, there are many great laptops out there that span the spectrum of environmental impact, some better than others. Sure, the bamboo laptop didn’t exactly catch on, but you don’t have to go that far to be green.
From power consumption to build materials to repairability, here are some of the most important factors to consider if you’re looking to buy a laptop that’s eco-conscious.
Factor #1: Build and packaging materials
One of the more obvious ways a laptop is made more eco-friendly is the use of recycled materials in its construction.
Some companies use post-consumer recycled plastics, others use recycled ocean-bound plastics, and yet others use post-industrial recycled materials like carbon fiber from the aerospace industry. You’ll find these in the typically plastic elements of a laptop, such as the keycaps, adapters, peripherals, and in some cases the chassis covers.
There are also low-carbon materials used in some laptop manufacturing. Low-carbon aluminum production reduces carbon emissions by using renewable energy to power the smelting process. Biodegradable materials, like castor beans, are also being used instead of traditional plastics in some designs.
Packaging is important, too, with a gargantuan quantity of cardboard used in the shipping and delivery of new laptops. Using recycled cardboard or cardboard alternatives can make a big difference. Closed-loop material manufacturing ensures that manufacturers reuse or recycle as much of their e-waste as possible.
A more human-friendly aspect to the choice of build materials is how and where those materials are sourced. Many precious metals used in the construction of modern electronics are sourced from war-torn countries, which is why eco-friendly laptop manufacturers are part of organizations like the Responsible Business Alliance, which help ensure their supply chains are regulated for environmental and human rights protections.
Factor #2: Energy efficiency
Dell and other manufacturers use labels such as Energy Star, 80 Plus, and EPEAT to highlight laptop efficiency.
Dell and other manufacturers use labels such as Energy Star, 80 Plus, and EPEAT to highlight laptop efficiency.Dell
Dell and other manufacturers use labels such as Energy Star, 80 Plus, and EPEAT to highlight laptop efficiency.Dell
Dell
Energy efficiency is an important component in how eco-friendly any device is, but it’s especially true for laptops, which are one of the more powerful portable devices we use regularly.
High-powered gaming laptops with top-tier GPUs often blow through their (large) batteries very quickly, drawing tens or even a hundred-plus watts during intense gaming sessions.
By contrast, compact and efficient Chromebooks and other high-efficiency ultrabooks sip power throughout the day, with their much-more-modest batteries lasting for upwards of 20 hours sometimes.
Although leaner, lower-power laptops are typically more energy-efficient, you can still find impressive efficiency in powerful laptops. Apple’s M-series MacBooks show incredible efficiency and super-long battery life without compromising on power and performance.
For more general advice on eco-friendly laptop buying, look for models that have an Energy Star rating. That means they’ve been independently certified to use between 25 to 40 percent less power than conventional laptops thanks to efficient components and power management.
You can use the Energy Star search tool to find particularly efficient laptops and other electronics, if you want direct recommendations. Similarly, EPEAT certifications give grades to laptops based on how eco-friendly they are, and you can use the EPEAT Registry search tool to find all electronics that have an EPEAT rating.
Look for manufacturers who have strong environmental policies, too. For example, Lenovo has taken significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint. If that’s important to you, make sure to research how each laptop brand handles its environmental impact before buying.
Factor #3: Repairability
Framework laptops are designed to be as modular and repairable as possible.
Framework laptops are designed to be as modular and repairable as possible.Framework
Framework laptops are designed to be as modular and repairable as possible.Framework
Framework
One of the most exciting eco-friendly trends in recent years has been the push for greater repairability and upgradeability in electronics, whether it’s RAM, storage, or even batteries.
And then you have laptop manufacturers that take it a step further, like Framework laptops that have incredibly modular designs that even allow you to replace the CPU and GPU.
Some components aren’t so easily replaceable, including displays and CPU/GPU coolers, but certain laptop manufacturers are doing what they can to make repairs and replacements easier.
This kind of user-centric upgradeability and repairability is at the heart of many modern laptop designs, and it’s often done by holding the system together using screws and removable fasteners. Eco-unfriendly laptops tend to use resin and glue instead, which make laptops harder to take apart and near impossible to put back together.
iFixit is a great resource that tears down and grades electronics—including but not limited to laptops—by their repairability and how easy it would be for someone to fix or upgrade different parts.
Repairability is an important eco-friendly factor because simple repairs can extend laptop lifespans by multiple years. Otherwise, a broken keyboard or battery could render an entire laptop useless even though the rest of it is perfectly fine.
Factor #4: How you use it
You probably can’t turn a high-powered laptop into an ultra-lean efficient machine, but you can be more efficient with how you use it.
From utilizing more efficient power plans to turning down the screen brightness to closing down applications and browser tabs you aren’t using, there are many behavioral changes you can adopt to improve your laptop’s efficiency, lifespan, and power consumption.
If you’re a gamer, you can try playing at a lower resolution or turning down graphical detail settings to reduce how hard your laptop has to work. Upscaling algorithms like Nvidia’s DLSS, AMD’s FSR, and Intel’s XeSS can all boost frame rates without additional power draw.
More on this: DLSS vs. FSR vs. XeSS: Upscaling, explained
Frame generation is another AI-powered feature that goes a step further, boosting FPS by creating additional frames in between frames. (Sadly, as of this writing, the list of compatible games is relatively short.)
You can also try to avoid using your laptop when it’s particularly hot or cold, as that can degrade components—especially the battery—more quickly and lead to reduced lifespan.
Factor #5: The afterlife
The final stage in any laptop’s life is when it gets sent to silicon heaven. While traditionally we end up dumping old laptops in landfills or handing them off to unsuspecting relatives who don’t know better, you have more eco-friendly options these days.
Donating your laptop to an organization like Computers With Causes or Computer Aid is a great way to pass along an unwanted device that still has some life left in it.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to upgrade, you should look into trade-in schemes by Dell, Apple, Samsung, and other laptop manufacturers, which can get you money off your next purchase.
If your laptop is truly dead and would be of no use to anyone, make sure you don’t trash it. Not only is it illegal in many states, but there’s a lot of useful metal and other components that can be recycled.
Some laptop manufacturers have their own recycling programs, so check those out if you don’t mind the shipping process. Alternatively, stores like Best Buy have in-house recycling for laptops and other electronics. They’ll ensure that your laptop is stripped for parts, with useful metals and materials extracted before the rest is trashed.
Whichever disposal method you use for your laptop, make sure you completely wipe it first. Securely zero-fill erase the SSD (or drill a hole if it’s an HDD) to make doubly sure that your personal data and information can’t be reclaimed or recovered.
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| 18 tweaks that give Windows 11 a personalized feel |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:30:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
More and more users are switching from previous versions to Windows 11. While upgrading is optional, if you buy a new computer, Windows 11 is increasingly becoming a given.
As with previous versions, there are plenty of ways to customize the system to your preferences. Here are the tips to help you.
APPEARANCE
New colors
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
If you don’t like the look of Windows 11, you can easily change the colors and shades:
HOW? Open the Settings and select Personalization > Colors. Several options are available here:
Select mode. Switch between Light, Dark, or Custom. The latter allows you to make different choices for Windows and individual apps.
Transparency effects. Let the windows have a certain transparency.
Accent colour. Choose the color scheme for Windows. Manual allows you to choose a color yourself while Automatic leaves the choice to the system.
Give your computer a theme
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
To make the look more consistent, you can choose a Theme, which is a combination of colors and backgrounds.
HOW? Open Settings > Personalization > Themes. You can select a number of default options under Current theme and if you want something else, go to Get more themes from the Microsoft Store.
BATTERY
Check your battery
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
If you’re wondering why your battery life is poor, Windows 11 has a built-in battery meter.
HOW? Open Settings > System, Power & battery. You can see the battery level hour by hour at the top and with View detailed information you can change the time period and check which apps are consuming battery. Here you can also tap on Energy recommendations to get tips on what you can do. Tap on Apply to the ones that suit you or tap Apply all.
Switch off your screen
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
To save energy, you can set your computer to automatically switch to power saving mode.
HOW? Open the Power & battery as above and select Screen and sleep. Decide after how long the screen should be switched off and in what way.
Choose the right power mode
get windows 11 pro for cheap
Windows 11 Pro
Price When Reviewed:
199.99
Best Prices Today:
$59 at PCWorld Store – Win 11 Pro Upgrade Only |
$79.99 at PCWorld Software Store
The more performance you use, the shorter the battery life. You choose the balance yourself.
HOW? Open the Power & battery as above and go to Power mode. With the slider on the right, select Best power efficiency, Best performance, or the intermediate mode Balanced.
Use the battery saver function
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
Windows 11 has a smart battery saving feature that limits demanding activities.
HOW? Open the Power & battery as above and press the down arrow at Battery saver feature. You can activate the function immediately — or when the battery is below a certain percentage. You can also dim the screen brightness when the battery saver is on. There is also a quick shortcut under Quick settings, the menu next to the clock. It is called Battery saving function.
STORAGE
Clear unnecessary files
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
Many laptops have a small hard drive and Windows 11 can help you save space.
HOW? Open Settings > System > Storage. At the top, you’ll see what’s taking up the most space, and clicking on a category will give you more details. In some cases, it will help you clear many files in one go.
Use Storage Sense
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
One helpful feature is called Storage Sense. It deletes files that Microsoft deems safe to remove.
HOW? Open the Storage (as above) and scroll down to Storage Sense. Here you can switch the function on or off with the slider. By pressing the arrow on the right, you decide how the tool should work. You can select Automatic user content cleanup or start the function manually with Run Storage Sense.
Get help to clean up
If you’re not sure how to clean your computer, you can get tips from Windows.
HOW? Open the Storage (as above) and go to Cleanup recommendations. Here you can see what you can delete without risk.
APPARATUS
Remove the autostart
Many programs want to start automatically with Windows, which can slow down your computer. Make sure to remove the autostart for programs that don’t need it.
HOW? Go to the Settings > Apps > Startup. Here you can see how much influence an application has on the start time and you can switch the autostart on or off with the slider on the right.
Archive apps
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
To save space and data, you can let Windows 11 archive apps that you rarely use. They will remain on your computer but will be paused and therefore take up minimal storage and bandwidth.
HOW? Tap on Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings. Switch the function on or off Archived apps.
SOUND
Better volume control
The volume control in Windows has become more advanced in recent updates.
HOW? Click on the volume control icon at the bottom left to adjust the volume. Use the settings icon on the right to switch between audio devices (e.g. speakers/headphones) and adjust them individually. You can also access the menu with Windows+Ctrl+V.
Improve the sound
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
If you’re not happy with the sound, Windows 11 can make it better.
HOW? Open the Settings > System > Sound. Tap your speaker under Output and go to Audio enhancement. Switch the feature on — or switch it off if you are not satisfied.
Write with your voice
If you don’t want to type with your keyboard, you can now actually use your voice.
HOW? Open a text writing program and press Windows+H. Now a window will open and pressing the microphone will activate the voice input mode. Another press ends it. The cogwheel opens a settings menu where you can choose, among other things, whether to insert full stops and commas automatically.
SYSTEM
Protecting your computer’s memory
The Memory Integrity feature provides extra security for your computer, but can lead to reduced performance. You choose whether to use it.
HOW? Open the Settings > Privacy & security > Windows security and select Device security. Under Information about Core Isolation you can see if this is something you can enable or not. Note that it is not possible on all computers.
Trimming Windows for gaming
When playing games, you don’t want to be interrupted by system updates and restarts, and Windows 11’s gaming mode can prevent this.
HOW? Open Settings > Gaming > Game mode. Use the slider to switch the game mode on or off.
Check for errors
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
When your computer is acting up, you can use the Troubleshooter. It’s a wizard that analyzes your computer, asks questions — and finds solutions.
HOW? Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooter. A list of possible problems is displayed and to start a troubleshooter, press Run.
Perform a reset
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
If all else fails, you can restore your computer to how it was when it was new — but before you do, it’s important to make sure you have backups of everything important.
HOW? Open the Settings and tap on System > Recovery. Here you can first try Fixing problems without resetting your computer and Fixing problems using Windows Update. If none of this works, you can select Reset this PC to launch a wizard that lets you choose which type of restore to perform.
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| Get MS Visual Studio Pro 2022 and a learn-to-code bundle for $56 |
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 08:00:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
TL;DR: Get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 and The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle for just $55.97.
Step into the future of software development with the Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle. Priced at a very reasonable $55.97, this bundle is your gateway to mastering coding and software development, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer looking to enhance your skills.
Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 is a fully featured development environment. It gives you access to powerful coding, debugging, and testing tools that can help streamline the development process. It allows you to work seamlessly with teams, share code, and easily track changes.
The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle has 15 courses covering the latest programming languages and frameworks. Learn from industry professionals and get hands-on experience with real-world projects on Python, C++, ChatGPT, JavaScript, Salesforce, and more.
With 4.8/5 stars online, this bundle combines Visual Studio’s industry-leading capabilities with a premium educational package, offering you the tools and knowledge to excel in software development.
For a limited time, you can get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 and The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle for just $55.97.
Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle – $55.97
Get It Here!
StackSocial prices subject to change.
|
| Best PC computer deals: Top picks from desktops to all-in-ones |
Wed, 24 Jul 2024 22:10:59 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
Whether you’re looking for a productivity desktop, a gaming PC powerhouse, or a stylish all-in-one Windows machine, we’ve got you covered. The team at PCWorld sort through all of the daily computer sales and put together a curated list of the best deals available. But not all deals are really deals, so we only choose those offered by reputable companies and that include great hardware to ensure you get the best value for your money.
We’ve also included some helpful answers to common questions about buying a computer at the bottom of this article. If you’re considering a laptop instead, be sure to check out our best laptop deals, updated daily.
Note: Tech deals come and go quickly, so it’s possible some of these computer discounts will have expired before this article’s next update.
Best gaming desktop computer deals
MSI Aegis Z, Ryzen 7/RTX 4070 Super/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,334.99 (14% off on Amazon)
Skytech Gaming Nebula, Core i5/RTX 4060/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $849.99 (11% off on Amazon)
PowerSpec G518, Ryzen 7/RTX 4060/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $999.99 (20% off on MicroCenter)
Alienware Aurora R16, Core i7/RTX 4070 Super/32GB RAM/2TB SSD, $1,799.99 (19% off on Dell)
Legion Tower 7i, Core i9/RTX 4080 Super/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $2,519.99 (20% off on Lenovo)
Acer Predator Orion, Core i7/RTX 4070/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,199.99 (29% off on Newegg)
ABS Eurus Aqua, Core i9/RTX 4090/32GB RAM/2TB SSD, $2,999.99 (25% off on Newegg)
My top picks:
Amazon is currently running a great deal on the MSI Aegis Z for $214 off on its website. It comes loaded with a Ryzen 7 7700 CPU and a strong RTX 4070 Super GPU. It’s a strong mid-range build all for a price that looks more like budget rig range.
If you’re looking for something that’s even more budget friendly, look no further than the Skytech Gaming Nebula for $110 off on Amazon. Complete with a Core i5-13400F CPU and RTX 4060 GPU you’ll get solid gaming performance for a very affordable price.
Best mainstream desktop computer deals
IdeaCentre Mini, Core i5/8GB RAM/512GB SSD, $599.99 (7% off on Lenovo)
HP Slim Desktop, Core i5/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $529.99 (24% off on HP)
Inspiron Desktop, Core i7/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $799.99 (20% off on Dell)
Apple Mac Mini 2023, M2/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $1,149.00 (12% off on Amazon)
My top picks:
Those looking for a mini-PC are in luck as the excellent IdeaCentre Mini is $160 off on Lenovo. The IdeaCentre is one of the best small form-factor PCs on the market and this particular model impresses thanks to its Intel Core i5-13500H processor and 512GB of SSD storage. At a price that is cheaper than a mainstream desktop with the same specs and with a much smaller footprint, you can’t go wrong.
If you’re more of a Mac fan, then there is a rare deal on an M2 Mac Mini for $100 off on Amazon. The M2 is still a solid CPU and considering, if rumors are true, the M4 Mac Mini isn’t set to be released until later this year, it’s the perfect time to buy the older version at a discount — you’ll still get a great mini desktop without the exorbitant price of a new-gen Apple product.
Best all-in-one computer deals
All-in-one desktop computers combine a PC’s hardware with a modern display to make a desktop computer that has both form and function. Since everything is built together, you can save precious desktop space with an all-in-one. They make capable work computers and they can also be excellent home computers with the wide range of features appealing to the whole family.
Inspiron 24 AiO, Core 5-150U, 8GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 1080p display, $649.99 (13% off on Dell)
HP Envy Move, Core i3/8GB RAM/256GB SSD/24-inch 1440p touch display, $679.99 (24% off on HP)
Asus Zen AiO 24, Ryzen 7/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 1080p touch display, $793.12 (31% off on Amazon)
iMac M3 2023, M3/8GB RAM/256GB SSD/24-inch 5K display, $1,149.00 (12% off on Amazon)
My top picks:
Dell is running a solid deal on its Inspiron 24 AiO for $100 off on its website. It features the new Core 5-150U processor and 512GB of SSD storage—more than enough performance for most day-to-day tasks. Good performance features and a functional touchscreen make this a great option for anyone looking for a powerful AiO.
Alternatively, you could go mobile with a deal on the new HP Envy Move AiO for $220 off on HP. This portable all-in-one from HP conveniently packs up with a handle in case you want to take it on the go. Plus, it comes with a beautiful 23.8-inch 1440p touch display.
Computer deals FAQ
1.
What are good websites to find computer deals?
There are a ton of sites that sell computers, and scouring through all of them would take you a lot of time—that’s why we do it for you here and highlight the best deals we find. However, to save you some time and frustration, you need to be smart about where you look at any given time of the year.
If you’re looking for a new computer during the holidays or around popular sale periods such as Black Friday or back-to-school, then you are likely to find great deals directly through first party vendor websites. These include the retail storefronts of popular computer manufacturers such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo.
However, if you are looking in between sales periods, it’s generally a good idea to search through large third-party retailers such as Amazon, Adorama, Walmart, BestBuy, and Newegg. Oftentimes these websites will offer limited Deals of the Day type sales in hopes of getting rid of excess stock. On the upside, you can score still-decent PCs at a steep discount.
2.
When’s the best time to shop for a PC computer?
Typically you’ll want to time your PC computer shopping around a prominent sales period. The biggest sales periods are Black Friday/Cyber Monday in late November and Amazon Prime Day in early-to-mid July. The best sales often occur leading up to and during these two events and they are great times to snag a new PC computer for cheap. Other holiday shopping periods such as the New Year sales in January, President’s Day sales in April, and the back-to-school sales event in August are also good times to find discounts on computers.
3.
What type of desktop should I get?
You’ll see a ton of options when searching for a desktop computer, but they all mainly fit into four main categories: productivity tower PCs, gaming PCs, mini PCS, and all-in-ones (AiO). Which you should end up buying is entirely dependent upon what your needs are and what you want to do with your computer. If you are looking for something that will work in a home office or family room, then a productivity PC or AiO with a solid CPU and lots of RAM and storage is probably the way to go. If gaming is your main concern, a gaming PC can offer a lot more bang for your buck than a laptop and you should focus on getting the best GPU possible. Or if you just want something that can fit anywhere and provide basic computing then a mini PC is a good bet.
4.
What CPU and GPU should I get?
When looking at your new computer’s CPU, get at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, both of which will provide plenty of processing power for everyday computing tasks. If you don’t intend to do any PC gaming, then feel free to save some money by going with integrated graphics. However, if you are looking to get your game on, we recommend at least an Nvidia GeForce 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT, as these are the least expensive discrete graphics cards that can handle ray tracing well. If you aren’t interested in those cutting-edge lighting effects, however, the RTX 3050 and Radeon RX 6600 also provide good 1080p gaming performance at even lower prices.
5.
How much memory and storage does my PC need?
As for RAM, we think its best to shoot for 16GB at the minimum for productivity and gaming, but for family computers and internet browsing, 8GB should suffice.
Storage size is dependent upon your personal needs, but it is generally a good idea to opt for an SSD over an standard HDD as they are much faster and don’t significantly affect the price of a desktop. Before deciding, it’s best to consider what your intended use of the computer will be. Are you just doing work or web browsing? Then something like 512GB will be plenty. If you want to load up a lot of large files such as games or content creation projects, then you’ll need at least 1 or 2TB or storage. However, just remember that even if your computer doesn’t have enough storage built-in you can always upgrade your SSD or go with an external drive to increase your available storage options.
6.
Is it a good idea to buy a refurbished computer?
Refurbished computers are used machines that have been repaired, upgraded, and cleaned for the purpose of reselling. They’re usually open-box returns, overstock, or models with minor cosmetic damage (scratches, scuffs, etc). Refurbished computers can be a bargain hunter’s dream as they’re likely still in good (or great) condition and you can save a lot of money. That being said, refurbished computers can have their downsides as well. In addition to cosmetic blemishes, some of the internal components might be a little older or outdated and they might not be in peak condition due to previous usage.
If you do consider buying a refurbished computer I recommend looking at eBay as they offer a one-year warranty. You can also check out manufacturer’s retail storefronts like Dell’s Outlet Store and Apple’s Refurbished Store—just be sure to look at the terms of warranty offered before purchasing.
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| AMD delays Ryzen 9000 launch until August to ensure CPU quality |
Wed, 24 Jul 2024 20:05:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
There’s a lot of enthusiasm surrounding AMD’s next-gen desktop CPUs, which were announced for a release at the end of this month. I’m sorry to report that you’ll need to curb it, at least for a couple of weeks. AMD has amended the launch date for the Ryzen 9000 series to August 8th for Ryzen 5/7 chips and August 15th for Ryzen 9. Apologies for the technical industry jargon, but: phooey.
An AMD representative told PCWorld that the delay is due to a quality issue with the first wave of chips. The company wanted to be abundantly cautious, and considering the high-profile issues Intel has had with its most powerful chips as of late, it seems like a little caution is warranted. AMD assures us that every chip that makes it to retailers at launch will be screened.
Here is AMD’s full statement from Jack Huynh, SVP and GM of Computing and Graphics:
“We appreciate the excitement around Ryzen 9000 series processors. During final checks, we found the initial production units that were shipped to our channel partners did not meet our full quality expectations. Out of an abundance of caution and to maintain the highest quality experiences for every Ryzen user, we are working with our channel partners to replace the initial production units with fresh units. As a result, there will be a short delay in retail availability. The Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X processors will now go on sale on August 8th and the Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9900X processors will go on-sale on August 15th. We pride ourselves in providing a high-quality experience for every Ryzen user, and we look forward to our fans having a great experience with the new Ryzen 9000 series.”
We’re still waiting on the pricing for the launch series of chips — the 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X, 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X, 8-core Ryzen 7 9700X, and 6-core Ryzen 5 9600X. Note that the last-gen Ryzen 9 7950X started with a retail price of $700, though there have been plenty of opportunities to get it at a significant discount. X3D variants, with the popular game-boosting V-Cache feature, will undoubtedly follow later this year or in early 2025.
Early testing leaks claim that the flagship Ryzen 9 9950X can beat Intel’s latest and greatest Core i9-14900K by 30+ percent in at least some benchmarks, with impressive cooling at identical power levels. Naturally performance enthusiasts are champing at the bit to try them out, especially since they should work fine in existing motherboards with the AM5 socket.
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| Fastest VPN 2024: We identify the speediest performers |
Wed, 24 Jul 2024 18:30:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
When looking for a top-notch VPN, the two most important things to look for are privacy and speed. While privacy is crucial to a good VPN, speed should not be overlooked. Faster speeds mean quicker file downloads and website load times, a better streaming quality, and just a better all-around experience.
I’ve tested numerous VPNs and run their servers through countless speed tests to determine the fastest services based on network averages. I highlight not only the fastest download speeds, but also the fastest upload speeds, and more. Read below to see PCWorld’s curated list of the fastest VPNs available now.
Why you should trust me: Here at PCWorld we’ve been testing computer hardware, software, and services since the 1980s. I’m continually testing all of the major VPNs on the market and many lesser-known services in order to curate a list of the very best VPNs across a variety of categories. For a more in-depth guide, you can check out the article on how we test VPN services at PCWorld. Below you’ll find my favorite lightning-fast VPNs and, below those, helpful advice about what to look for when choosing a fast VPN on your own.
If you’re looking for even more VPN options, check out my comprehensive roundup of the best VPNs in all categories.
Updated July 23, 2024: Check out my latest review of HMA VPN. With decent speeds and an extremely easy-to-use interface, this old-school VPN favorite proves that it’s still worth a look.
NordVPN – Fastest VPN
Pros
Loaded with tons of VPN configuration options
Outstanding speeds
Multiple independent no-logs audits
Included antivirus and password manager
Cons
Expensive
Price When Reviewed:
$3.49 per month
Best Prices Today:
$3.49 at NordVPN
Why I like NordVPN
Nord regularly appears at the top of many VPN rankings, and it’s no surprise to see it here. In my tests, NordVPN retained a blazing fast 72 percent of the base download speed easily taking the checkered flag in a VPN race. It’s also inside the top 10 for upload speeds, maintaining an impressive 80 percent of the base. Of all the VPNs here, NordVPN also has to be the most feature-packed. It supports multi-hop connections, TOR over VPN, ad- and tracker-blocking at the server level, and a variety of other options.
Who should buy NordVPN
With all of the great features included with NordVPN, it can appeal to a wide audience. Thankfully, you won’t need to sacrifice any speed for those features either. Other competitors might win out on a good day, but NordVPN has the most (and best) consistent speeds. If speed is what you’re seeking, NordVPN has it — in droves.
Read our full
NordVPN review
ExpressVPN – Second-fastest VPN
Pros
Consistently good speeds
Easy-to-use desktop program
Broad device support
Cons
Logs data transfer amounts
More expensive than many competitors
Price When Reviewed:
$6.67 per month
Best Prices Today:
$6.67 at ExpressVPN
Why I like ExpressVPN
My current favorite as the best VPN overall is a good choice for speeds. It ranks third overall in my download speed tests, retaining more than 53 percent of the base speed in testing. For uploads, it ranks in the top 20, though the differences in speeds there are much slimmer than in downloads. ExpressVPN is one of the more costly VPNs out there at $100 per year. For that money, however, you get solid speeds, a promise to work with Netflix, split tunneling, and a wide range of device support. The app is also pretty easy to use and there are a wide range of country locations to choose from.
Who should buy ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a truly great VPN for everyone. It gives you everything you could want from a top-tier service including privacy, security, and speed. It might not be as fast as my top pick on this list, but it’s still plenty fast enough for most online activities.
Read our full
ExpressVPN review
CyberGhost VPN – Fastest upload speeds
Pros
Easy-to-use interface
Independently verified no-log policy
Seriously impressive server spread
Cons
Lacks some common features such as multi-hop and double VPN
Server speeds are hit-or-miss, especially in Asia
Price When Reviewed:
$12.99
Best Prices Today:
$12.99 at CyberGhost
Why I like CyberGhost VPN
The winner for best upload speeds is CyberGhost VPN. While I found that the service had rather average download speeds, I was absolutely blown away by its upload speeds. CyberGhost retained an unbelievable 95 percent of the base upload speed across all of my tests — the VPN’s servers might as well have been in my backyard with those numbers.
CyberGhost VPN also has extra features that may interest some, such as streaming optimized servers and a dizzying 9,000 plus servers to choose from all over the world.
Other honorable mentions for upload speeds include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. Any of those VPNs will do the job nicely if upload speeds are a bigger concern than downloads. These services also promise features similar to CyberGhost VPN such as Netflix compatibility, multi-hop VPNs, and more.
Who should buy CyberGhost VPN
If you want something that offers a huge server network, and has top-rated upload speeds, then CyberGhost is a good option. Particularly if you work from home and need to connect to a remote work server or you’re looking to upload data securely over a VPN connection, CyberGhost VPN should be at the top of your list.
Read our full
CyberGhost review
Mullvad – The most private speed demon
Pros
Good speeds
Inexpensive monthly plan
Unrivaled anonymity
Open-source
Cons
Struggles with unblocking streaming services
Smaller server network
Lacks some extra features that other VPNs offer
Price When Reviewed:
$5.37 per month
Best Prices Today:
$5.37 at Mullvad
Why I like Mullvad
If you don’t want to compromise on privacy and anonymity, while still getting solid speeds, then Mullvad is the best choice. This super-simple VPN supports connections via 41 different countries, and it costs just 5 euros per month (around $5.40 at this writing). Mullvad should be considered the “Swiss bank account” version of a VPN, as it actively resists obtaining any of your personal information and provides premium service. Instead of signing up for an account with the standard email and password, Mullvad assigns you a random account number and that’s it. No birth date or anniversary passwords to give you away. One number and that’s it.
In my tests, Mullvad performed well in download and upload speeds, maintaining around 48 percent of the baseline with each. That puts it firmly in the top half of all VPNs I’ve ever tested and it’s plenty fast enough to do just about everything you’d want to do. There may be a few faster VPNs on the market, though they won’t provide the same amount of anonymity as you’ll get with Mullvad and sometimes it’s worth sacrificing a little speed for a whole lot of privacy.
Who should buy Mullvad
Mullvad is ultimately designed for the privacy-conscious user. That being said, it does offer good speeds, so even if privacy is your main concern, you need not sacrifice speed in order to enjoy your anonymity.
Read our full
Mullvad review
Windscribe Pro – Fastest free VPN
Pros
Good free plan
Fast speeds
Unlimited device connections
Cons
Streaming unblocking is inconsistent
No independent audit
Price When Reviewed:
$9.00 per month
Best Prices Today:
$9 at Windscribe
Why I like Windscribe Pro
Windscribe Pro is one of my favorite free VPNs, period. But in terms of speed, there’s no contest. In my testing, Windscribe achieved a thoroughly impressive 64 percent of the base download speeds and 70 percent upload speeds. That’s good enough to warrant a place on the fastest VPNs list regardless, but considering that the service comes with a free plan with no speed restrictions means it’s a no-brainer if your looking for a fast VPN at no cost.
The free version does come with a maximum 10GB per month data restriction, so you’ll need to be cognizant of your bandwidth usage, and the server network is smaller. But otherwise you pretty much get the full feature-set of the premium subscription. And did I mention those speeds?
Who should use Windscribe Pro
Windscribe Pro’s free plan is a great option for anyone who needs a speedy VPN but doesn’t want to pay a premium price. Plus, it’s not only the fastest, but it’s also one of the best free VPNs in general.
Read our full
Windscribe Pro review
Hotspot Shield – Honorable mention
Pros
Very fast
Large country selection and plenty of servers
Cons
Domain visits are recorded, though not tied to you
Expensive
Price When Reviewed:
$12.99 per month
Best Prices Today:
$12.99 at Aura
Why I like HotSpot Shield
To long-time readers of our VPN reviews this will come as no surprise. The previous undisputed fastest VPN, HotSpot Shield, may have had its title usurped but that doesn’t mean it has slowed down. HSS still maintained an impressive 64 percent of base download speeds and 70 percent of base upload speeds in my latest review testing. That is still a standout score. HSS has its issues, as I haven’t been a fan of the company’s privacy policy, though it’s slowly getting better. Of course, it may simply be that to provide the speeds that it does HSS requires the analytics it collects. I can’t really say.
Who should buy HotSpot Shield
Simply put, if you’re interested in pure speed with your VPN and nothing else matters, then HotSpot Shield is the one you want. You’ll get some other nice features, but speed is the name of the game here and HSS still delivers.
Read our full
Hotspot Shield review
What to look for in a fast VPN
The first thing to consider in a fast VPN is, of course, speed. This may be tricky to do since you aren’t likely to be able to test connection speeds without paying to use the service. That’s where online reviews come in. Look for reviews, like ours, that give you a relative average of connection speeds rather than direct Mbps speed comparisons.
Next, you should look at a VPN’s server network including the number of servers and locations. It’s difficult to judge any VPN by just one feature, but a semi-reliable way to tell if a VPN is even worth your time is to look at the server spread. Anything with 1,000 or more servers and 30 or more country locations will do.
You’ll also want to read up on a VPN’s privacy protections. Does it have a no-logs policy? Has it undergone any independent audits of its servers? Where is the VPN company located? All of these will give you an idea of whether or not a VPN is transparent with its data collection policies and if it’s subject to government data sharing requirements.
Other factors you’ll want to take into consideration are the overall ease-of-use, user experience, and any additional features. Some of these features, such as split-tunneling and kill switches, can be extremely useful for certain purposes and might sway your subscription decision one way or the other.
Finally, as with all subscription services, you’ll want to review the price of a VPN service. Do you want a monthly or yearly subscription? Some top VPNs might be pricey month-to-month, but actually become quite affordable with long-term plans.
How I tested
My method for testing VPN speeds is rather straightforward. I average the connections between different global locations for any given VPN and then compare them to a baseline internet speed to get a good picture of the overall connection speeds.
I continue this process over multiple days of testing and then average the daily speeds together to get an overall average. I test a total of three days at different times of the day to account for any variation. That overall average is then expressed as a percentage of the base speed. That way the test results provide a sense of how much speed a VPN retains versus hard numbers, which can vary based on internet service providers, routers, and other equipment, time of day, and so on.
FAQ
1.
What does a VPN do?
A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic and disguises your identity while browsing the internet. A VPN will anonymize your online traffic and keep your ISP or other third parties from snooping on your internet browsing.
Additionally, VPNs allow you to connect to servers all across the world. So if you’re looking to access location-restricted content, such as streaming services, you can connect to the appropriate country’s server and gain access that way.
2.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN hides your IP address by redirecting it through a remote server hosted by the VPN company. To anyone looking in, the VPN server then becomes the source of your data instead of yourself. These remote servers can be in your own country or located in different countries around the world. All of your network traffic from your computer to the VPN is sent over a secure and encrypted connection.
When connected to a VPN while browsing the internet, the VPN acts as a middleman between your computer and a website. Your computer sends a request to the VPN which then passes it on to a website. The website then sends its response back to the VPN which forwards it through the secure connection to your computer. All of the traffic rerouted through the VPN shows as coming through their server rather than your own computer. This keeps your ISP and other third parties from snooping on your internet activity.
3.
Can you use a VPN to watch Netflix?
Yes! If you’re located in a country where particular Netflix content isn’t accessible, you can use a VPN server located in a different region to access that content. While certain streaming services try to prevent VPN connections, you can usually find a server that isn’t blocked.
Good VPN companies offer thousands of servers in which to connect to from all over the world. If your intended use for a VPN is to watch a streaming service such as Netflix, connection speeds and unblocked server availability will be the most important factors to look out for. (See our roundup of the best VPNs for our recommendation for Netflix streaming, as well as a host of other use cases.)
4.
Will a VPN affect my internet speeds?
In the past, VPNs were notorious for slowing down internet speeds. But nowadays it’s the exception rather than the norm.
When you connect to a VPN, it reroutes your traffic through its own servers. Depending on where these servers are located, the extra distance can lead to a higher ping. While one of the great features of VPNs is to encrypt your data, this can lead to slower download and upload speeds because it takes time to encrypt and decrypt your data—affecting everything from page load times to video buffering speeds. Thankfully, advances in encryption technology and server optimization by modern VPN providers have significantly lessened these impacts.
5.
Do VPNs protect against malware and computer viruses?
Unfortunately, no, a VPN will not protect you from malware or viruses. If you use a VPN and accidentally click on a malicious link or download a file containing a virus, there isn’t anything a VPN can do to help. In conjunction with a VPN, it is highly recommended that you use an antivirus program. Alternatively, you can find a VPN provider that offers additional threat protection features to help keep you safe.
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| Best laptops 2024: Premium, budget, gaming, 2-in-1s, and more |
Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000
Source: PCWorld |
Picking up a brand new laptop can be a stressful experience. How much storage will I need? Which hardware is the best for my budget? The sight of the alphabet soup model numbers are enough to set your heart racing. If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for a lightning fast gaming laptop, a Chromebook, or a lightweight 2-in-1 for office work, we’ve tested hundreds of laptops to identify the best option no matter what you need.
Why you should trust us: It’s in our name. PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We’re also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
Looking for sweet discounts? Check out our regularly updated roundup of the best laptop deals available right now.
Updated July 24, 2024: We updated our list of recent laptop reviews to include the Asus Vivobook S 15 ($1,299.99), which comes with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite XE 78 100 processor. Despite the uninspiring design, it delivers good performance and long battery life.
The best laptops we’ve tested
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (2024) – Best overall
Pros
Strong performance
Exceptional battery life
Wonderful typing experience
Cons
CPU throttles under heavy loads
No user upgrades
Price When Reviewed:
$999
Best Prices Today:
$999.99 at Dell
Why we like the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is one of the most well-rounded laptops money can buy. It offers strong performance, exceptional battery life, and a vibrant display. The best part is that it costs about $1,000, which is a reasonable price point considering the price to performance ratio. In fact, it performed exceptionally in PCMark 10’s benchmark, according to our review. With a PCMark 10 score of 7,061, it beat out the Acer Swift Go 14, which has similar specs to the Dell, and the more expensive Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. The Inspiron 14 Plus also lasted an impressive 17 hours on a single charge, which is definitely more than a full workday or school day. You don’t have to worry about finding a wall outlet to charge up.
Who should buy the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus
Anyone looking for a really good, well-rounded laptop. In addition to the impressive performance and battery life, it also has a lovely 14-inch 1400p display. According to our review, “the display is exceedingly well suited to office work and static imagery.” It has a peak brightness level of a stunning 418 nits as well as an anti-glare coating, which means you can use this laptop in different lighting environments. It may not have the prettiest design we’ve ever seen, but its hardware capabilities and astoundingly long battery life make up for the blah aesthetics.
Alternative option: If you’re willing to spend a little more, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i ($1,699.99) is another great option to consider. It has a more powerful processor (Intel Core Ultra 9 185H), more RAM (32GB), and a higher resolution display (3200×2000). The keyboard is absolutely killer, too. It’s a fantastic high-end laptop.
Read our full
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus review
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED – Best overall runner-up
Pros
Robust build quality
Attractive OLED touchscreen
Good CPU and integrated GPU performance
Outstanding battery life
Cons
Blah design
Keyboard isn't memorable
Mediocre connectivity options
Price When Reviewed:
$849.99
Best Prices Today:
$849.99 at Walmart$999.99 at Asus$1199 at Amazon
Why we like the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED wowed us with its zippy CPU performance, phenomenal battery life, and attractive OLED touchscreen display. According to our review, “movies and games look realistic and vibrant” on the 1200p OLED touchscreen, although it can be difficult to use in bright environments due to the reflective surface. It also lasted 16 hours on a single charge, which is absolutely wild! That result really trumps otherwise excellent competitors like the Lenovo Slim 7 14 Gen 9 and the HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14. As for performance, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED absolutely crushed the PCMark 10 benchmark with an impressive score of 6,772. That means it’s very fast and responsive during real-world tasks like web browsing, video conferencing, and so on.
Who should buy the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED
Anyone looking for a powerful, affordable laptop with an OLED display! It’s so much more than its OLED screen, though. The build quality is quite good and day-to-day performance is zippy. Plus, you won’t have to go looking for an outlet often thanks to the long battery life. Connectivity options are a bit limited, but that’s not unusual for a laptop in this price range. Overall, it’s a great Windows machine that hits all the right marks.
Read our full
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED review
Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best budget laptop
Pros
Affordable
Decent battery life
Good display visibility
Cons
Big and bulky
Cheap build
Limited performance
Price When Reviewed:
$299
Best Prices Today:
$299 at Acer
Why we like the Acer Aspire Go 15
The Acer Aspire Go 15 offers decent performance and battery life for the price ($299). The Intel Core i3-N305 CPU is power efficient and more than capable of handling daily tasks like general browsing, checking e-mail, and so on. It also ran for almost 12 hours on a single charge, which is nothing to sneeze at. The port selection is quite good as well. You’re getting USB-A ports on either side, a 3.5mm headphone jack and Kensington lock slot on the right, and one USB-C port and one HDMI port on the left.
Who should buy the Acer Aspire Go 15
Anyone looking for an inexpensive laptop with reliable day-to-day performance and good battery life. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you’d see on more high-end machines, but it’s both serviceable and affordable, making it a clear value. The CPU is power efficient and the battery should last you throughout the day. Plus, the 15.6-inch 1080p display is easy to see “despite its low brightness,” according to our review. It’s a solid machine, especially for those on a tight budget.
Read our full
Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024) review
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 – Best battery life
Pros
Attractive, slim, and light
Class-leading battery life
Excellent wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi 7
Good performance in real-world situations
Cons
Vague keyboard falls short of competitors
IPS touchscreen's image quality can't compare to OLED
Gaming performance doesn't hold up
Price When Reviewed:
Starting at $999.99, as-tested $1999.99
Best Prices Today:
$999.99 at B&H$999.99 at Best Buy$999.99 at MicrosoftNot Available at Amazon
Why we like the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite is finally here and ready to party. And boy, can it party. While we love its lightweight form factor and phenomenal wireless connectivity, you just can’t beat the 20-hour battery life. Given that the Surface Laptop 7 is packing a mere 54 watt-hour battery, that result is even more impressive. According to our review, we believe it’s a “significant threat to alternatives with AMD and Intel hardware.” You better watch your back, competitors.
Who should buy the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Anyone that needs a long-lasting laptop. It’s a great option for frequent travelers or those who just don’t want to worry about battery life. Although Qualcomm’s chip isn’t ideal for gaming, it’s fantastic for battery life and it performs very well in day to day tasks – a big departure from previous laptops with older Qualcomm chips inside. Those struggled mightily with software compatibility; the vast majority of programs just work, and well, on the Surface Laptop 7.
Alternative option: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge ($1,749.99) is a great alternative option to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7. It lasted 21 hours on a single charge and it has a bigger OLED screen (16 inches, in fact!). That said, it’s heavier than our current pick at 3.42 pounds and it comes with less RAM. The 14-inch configuration is also more expensive at $1,349 as opposed to the Surface Laptop 7’s $999.99 base model.
Read our full
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8″) review
Dell Inspiron Plus 16 – Best midrange laptop
Pros
Excellent performance
Good cooling avoids thermal throttling
Long battery life
Cons
Only one USB-C port, which is also used for charging
No facial recognition (only fingerprint)
Won't get Copilot+ PC features
Price When Reviewed:
$1,499
Best Prices Today:
$1199.99 at Dell$1499.99 at Amazon
Why we like this Dell Inspiron Plus 16
The Dell Inspiron Plus 16 brings a lot to the table: strong performance, long battery life, and top-notch build quality. Loaded with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, this machine turned in a fantastic PCMark 10 score of 7,101, so it should have no problem chewing right through general web browsing as well as office work, while the powerful discrete GPU aids with creative tasks. The real star of the show is the battery life, though. We managed to get 17 hours out of the enormous 90 watt-hour battery on a single charge. It’s a phenomenal result for a 16-inch laptop.
Who should buy the Dell Inspiron Plus 16
Anyone that needs more power than what your typical, day-to-day laptop offers. It’s powerful enough for more demanding applications and you can keep going and going thanks to the 17 hour battery life. If you’re looking to save a bit of money, the 2023 version of the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus ($1,249.99) is still a good option. While it gets a touch toasty under heavier loads, performance is reliable and it can pull double duty running games, if that’s your bag.
Read our full
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus review
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus – Best Chromebook
Pros
Snappy day-to-day performance
Versatile 2-in-1 design
Good typing experience
Cons
Stylus not included
Heavier than expected
Price When Reviewed:
$499
Best Prices Today:
$329 at Best Buy
Why we like the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
From the convertible design to the beautiful touchscreen, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus has a lot to offer, especially for under $500. The 2-in-1 design allows you to swing the screen around and use the laptop like a tablet, upping the versatility factor. You can also expect snappy day-to-day performance as well as lightning fast boot-up times.
Who should buy the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
If you’re looking to pick up a premium Chromebook for work or personal use, then the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a fine choice. While the $499 price tag is very much in the high end when it comes to Chromebooks, we feel the overall fit, finish, and firepower make it worth the extra cash.
Alternative option: If you’re looking for a cheaper Chromebook with a bigger screen, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE ($699.99) is a great option. The display measures 16 inches and it has a 2560×1600 resolution as well as a 120Hz refresh rate. According to our review, the “120Hz display is excellent and gives the laptop an edge if you’d plan to play games on a cloud gaming service that supports high refresh rates like Nvidia’s GeForce Now.” The only downside is that it’s a bit expensive for a Chromebook.
Read our full
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus review
MacBook Air (M3) – Best MacBook
Pros
Excellent battery life
Great combination of price, features, and performance
256GB SSD is now two NAND chips, maintaining performance
Cons
Expensive memory upgrades
Dual external display support requires closed lid
Price When Reviewed:
$1699
Best Prices Today:
$1,499 at Amazon$1499 at B&H$1699 at Adorama
Why we like the MacBook Air (M3)
The MacBook Air (M3) has a lot to offer for the $1,299 price. In fact, it received high marks across the board thanks to the 8-core CPU (M3) and the 10-core GPU. It’s capable of chewing through office work as well as casual use tasks. While performance is comparable to the MacBook Pro (M3), there is one difference: the fans or lack thereof. The MacBook Air doesn’t have any fans, which results in quieter operation before heavy-duty tasks will likely put more pressure on the chip. That said, battery life is the real star of the show here. The MacBook Air (M3) breathed its last breath at the 19 hour mark, which is perfect for those with busy schedules.
Who should buy the MacBook Air (M3)
Anyone who prefers MacOS over competing operating systems. Battery life is outstanding and the laptop itself is both slim and light, weighing in at just over three pounds. The 15-inch Liquid Retina (LED) screen might be considered a step-down from the MacBook Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED) display, but that doesn’t mean it’s a poor screen. It still looks fantastic for day-to-day use. The $1,299 price tag is also reasonable for the performance and features you’re getting.
Read our full MacBook Air (M3) review
Alienware m16 R2 – Best gaming laptop
Pros
Solid gaming performance
Rugged build quality
Good battery life
Cons
Display is dimmer than we like
Price When Reviewed:
$1,849.99
Best Prices Today:
$1849.99 at Dell
Why we like the Alienware m16 R2
The Alienware m16 R2 delivers strong graphics performance and good battery life. This specific model comes loaded with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, which is nothing to sneeze at. It lasted a respectable 11 hours and fifteen minutes on a single charge and it averaged 144 frames-per-second when running the Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark. According to our review, it’s only “four frames-per-second slower than the Razer Blade 16,” which has an RTX 4090 GPU and a price tag of over $3,000.
Who should buy the Alienware m16 R2
Anyone looking for a great gaming laptop. You’re getting strong graphics performance as well as long battery life, which is unusual for a gaming laptop, as most tend to die around the six hour mark. The 16-inch IPS display also has a resolution of 2560×1600 and a refresh rate of 240Hz, so gameplay should be nice and smooth. The picture quality is good, but it’s not an OLED panel. While it may not be the brightest or most color rich display we’ve ever seen, it’s perfectly fine for gaming. Besides, you can always plug into an external monitor if need be.
Alternative option: If you’re looking for a more lightweight option, you should definitely check out the $1,599 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. It weighs just 3.31 pounds, which means you can easily take it anywhere with you. That said, it didn’t make the cut because of ho-hum battery life. Plus, the Alienware m16 R2’s RTX 4070 GPU is more powerful than the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14’s RTX 4060 GPU. Alternatively, if you’re looking for even more firepower, the ROG Zephyrus G16 is a killer OLED-equipped laptop with RTX 4070, 4080, and 4090 options available.
Read our full
Alienware m16 R2 review
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition – Best budget gaming laptop
Pros
Impressive all-day battery life
Gorgeous 16:10 display
Rugged chassis
Cons
Keys feel a bit soft
720p webcam leaves little to be desired
Price When Reviewed:
$1,099.99
Best Prices Today:
$949.99 at Best Buy$955 at Amazon
Why we like the Asus TUF Gaming A16
The Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition is something of a unicorn and I mean that in the best way possible. This specific machine exhibits strong graphics performance as well as long battery life. Long battery life? A gaming laptop? How preposterous. Well, not anymore! The Asus TUF managed an incredible 11 and a half hours on a single charge. Also, thanks to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, the laptop achieved 123 frames-per-second in the Rise of the Tomb Raider benchmark. That’s impressive, especially for a sub-$1,000 gaming machine.
Who should buy the Asus TUF Gaming A16
The Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition is a good option for those on a tight budget. For under a grand, you’re getting reliable graphics performance, a spacious keyboard, and long battery life. It also works as a good general purpose machine. With a Cinebench R20 score of 589, it should have “no trouble running lightweight apps and programs,” according to our review.
Alternative option: The $1,000 Lenovo LOQ 15 stands as another solid budget option. It’s more than capable of 1080p gaming and the design is very sci-fi inspired. It didn’t nab the top pick because of the poor battery life (not unusual for a gaming laptop) and limited ports, but if you’re looking for more raw GPU horsepower, its RTX 4060 is a step above the RTX 4050 included in the Asus TUF.
Read our full
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition review
Acer Chromebook 516 GE – Best gaming Chromebook
Pros
Rigid build
Fantastic CPU performance
Plenty of wired and wireless connectivity
High resolution 1600p display
Cons
Disappointing speakers and microphone
Display falls behind in contrast, color vibrancy
Mediocre keyboard and touchpad
Price When Reviewed:
$649.99
Best Prices Today:
$649 at Best Buy
Why we like the Acer Chromebook 516 GE
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE wins a lot of brownie points because it’s a reliable performer thanks to the Intel Core i5-1240P CPU and the 16-inch 1600p display’s fast 120Hz refresh rate. Compared to some Windows laptops, it’s reasonably priced as well. Not only does it fly through everyday tasks with ease, but it’s also a great machine for cloud gaming. As long as you’ve got a stable Internet connection and currently belong to a streaming service (Nvidia GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, etc), you’ll blitz right through most triple-A games. In fact, according to our review, “gameplay felt perfectly smooth” and “Nvidia’s GeForce Now diagnostics panel flagged no problems.”
Who should buy the Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Anyone that wants to give cloud gaming a whirl or just a dependable machine for day-to-day use–the Acer Chromebook 516 GE can pull double duty in that regard. In addition to the smooth cloud gaming performance, it also features a wide array of connectivity options: two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, one HDMI, one Ethernet (wired connectivity is especially useful for cloud gaming), and one 3.5mm combo audio. Other goodies include a 1080p webcam, a 65 watt-hour battery, and a rugged design.
Read our full
Acer Chromebook 516 GE review
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra – Best content creation laptop
Pros
Phenomenal battery life
Solid GPU performance
Gorgeous OLED screen
Good audio
Cons
Not a great keyboard
Chargers keep getting bigger
Price When Reviewed:
$2999.99
Best Prices Today:
$2399.99 at Best Buy$2399.99 at Samsung
Why we like the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra is the perfect laptop for content creation. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU will give you the extra boost you’ll need for intensive video or photo editing tasks and the 16-inch 1800p OLED touch display is sharp enough to get those little details just right. Plus, it comes with 1TB of SSD storage (you’ll need a good amount of space for your images and videos) and a microSD for easy offloading of photos. Battery life is top-notch, too. It lasted a total of 18 hours on a single charge, which is downright impressive. That said, if you’re editing a lot of photos with the brightness turned all the way up, you may see a shorter result.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra is a great laptop for content creators because of the powerful hardware (discrete graphics are a must!) and stunning OLED screen. It also has a diverse array of ports such as Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1, microSD, and headphone/mic. Although its OLED screen is high-resolution, it’s not 4K, so consider the similarly spec’d Dell XPS 17 below if editing 4K video is crucial to your workflow. Other cool features include a 1080p webcam, a fingerprint reader, and a lovely Moonstone Gray color scheme.
Alternative option: The Dell XPS 17 9730, with its powerful internal components and massive 17-inch 4K display, is still a good option for content creators. While we like the thin chassis and long battery life, it doesn’t have an OLED screen, which offers better color accuracy.
Read our full
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra review
Acer TravelMate P6 – Best ultraportable
Pros
Long battery life
Light and portable
A good price for a business laptop
Cons
Keyboard is a tad mushy
No NPU for future Windows AI features
Consumer laptops deliver similar specs for a lower price
Best Prices Today:
$1158.99 at CDW$1168.63 at Amazon$1199.99 at Acer
Why we like the Acer TravelMate P6
The Acer TravelMate P6 is featherlight at just 2.65 pounds. The chassis is made of magnesium-alloy, which is a very light yet durable material. According to our review, “the ports are reinforced with additional metal brackets to hold up wear and tear.” In other words, this machine is built to last. It also has fantastic battery life, which is what you want in an ultraportable laptop. The 65 watt-hour battery lasted nearly 13 hours on a single charge–more than a full workday! This laptop offers reliable performance, too. The Acer TravelMate P6 turned in a respectable Cinebench R20 score of 3,065, which isn’t far behind the more powerful HP Pavilion Plus.
Who should buy the Acer TravelMate P6
Anyone looking for an affordable, lightweight ultraportable. In addition to the lightweight form factor, it also comes with a 1080p webcam with a physical privacy shutter and a 14-inch 1200p display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The taller screen makes it easier to scroll through documents or webpages, and the 1080p webcam will make you look good on videoconferencing calls. The keyboard provides a nice typing experience, too. It even boasts white backlighting, which is perfect for typing in low light environments.
Alternative option: If you’re interested in picking up a more high-end ultraportable, you should consider picking up the HP Dragonfly G4. It weighs same as the Acer TravelMate P6, but has much better battery life–it managed 17.5 hours on a single charge! The only downside is that it costs just over $3,000 thanks to its more potent components and support for mobile LTE connections. The Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight is another great option, as it weighs 2.33 pounds, lighter than our top pick. But, similar to the HP Dragonfly G4, it’s just too expensive, costing north of $2,000.
Read our full
Acer TravelMate P6 review
Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED – Best 2-in-1
Pros
Long battery life
Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports
Fast performance
Cons
Function keys are small
The display is a little dim
Price When Reviewed:
1199.99
Best Prices Today:
$999.99 at Asus$1,198.04 at Amazon$1199.99 at Best Buy
Why we like the Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED
When it comes to 2-in-1 laptops, the Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED just gets it right at the start. It has a gorgeous OLED display, a zippy Intel Core i7-1360P CPU, and a versatile convertible design. You can flip the screen around 360 degrees and use it like a tablet or prop the device up like a tent if you so wish. Colors on the 1800p OLED display are also “remarkably bright and saturated,” according to our review. The battery died at the 12 hour mark, dominating laptops with similar hardware like the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i and the Acer Aspire Vero 14.
Who should buy the Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED
The Asus Zenbook 14 Flip is a good option for business professionals because of its convertible, lightweight design and stunning OLED display. You can take this machine with you anywhere and you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet to charge up. How can you go wrong with that?
Alternative option: The Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 ($849.99) is another good option to consider if you want to save some cash. The 1600p 16-inch display is bigger than the Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED’s and is a “pleasant screen for work and entertainment,” according to our review. Battery life is comparable to our current pick (about 13 hours) and it’s currently on sale for $849.99 at Best Buy as of this writing, which is a pretty good deal for the hardware and features.
Read our full
Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED review
Recent laptop reviews
Asus Vivobook S 15: The Asus Vivobook S 15 is a competent entry into the Copilot Plus PC arena, but one that struggles to stand out from the alternatives.
Acer Swift Edge 16: Acer’s Swift Edge 16’s low weight and good performance makes it a solid travel companion, though a small battery holds it back.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge is an excellent Snapdragon X Elite-powered PC with a beautiful display, long battery life, and great build quality. But you’re paying extra for high-end Snapdragon X Elite hardware on the 16-inch model, and it doesn’t deliver the big performance bump you might expect.
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1: The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4 offers solid performance and a great value for anyone who needs a laptop to get work done.
MSI Raider 18 HX: The MSI Raider 18 HX boasts a humongous screen as well as all the ports you could imagine, but the windy roar of the fans combined with the high price tag may deter some folks.
How we test laptops
The PCWorld team puts each and every Windows laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Chromebooks, on the other hand, go through a series of web-based tests. It wouldn’t be fair or possible to run the same kinds of tests on a Chromebook, as they’re Chrome OS-based machines.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each test and the reasons why we run them. For a much deeper look at our review methodology, check out how PCWorld tests laptops.
Windows laptops
PCMark 10: PCMark 10 is how we determine how well the laptop handles lighter tasks like web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, and so on.
HandBrake: HandBrake is more intensive than PCMark 10. It basically measures how long a laptop’s CPU takes to encode a beefy 30GB file.
Cinebench: Cinebench is a brief stress test of the CPU cores. It does this by rendering a 2D scene over a short period of time.
3DMark: 3DMark checks if 3D performance remains consistent over time by running graphic-intensive clips.
Video rundown test: To gauge battery life, we loop a 4K video using Windows 10’s Movies & TV app until the laptop dies.
Chromebooks
CrXPRT 2: The CrXPRT 2 benchmark tests a Chromebook’s battery life.
Speedometer 2.0: This test determines a Chromebook’s web browser performance. It simulates this by adding, completing, and removing a to-do list.
Basemark Web 3.0: This benchmark gauges how well a Chromebook can handle web-based applications.
Kraken 1.1: Kraken 1.1 is a JavaScript performance benchmark.
Jetstream 2: Jetstream 2 is a combination of WebAssembly and JavaScript benchmarks. This is a way to gauge how well a Chromebook runs advanced workloads.
FAQ
1.
What form factor is best for a laptop?
The first question you should ask yourself is what kind of laptop you’re looking for. There’s traditional clamshells, 2-in-1’s, Chromebooks, and much more. The displays on convertible laptops (aka 2-in-1’s), for example, can swing around 360 degrees. This allows you to use the laptop like a tablet. They can also be propped up like a tent for viewing movies or participating in video calls. Chromebooks, on the other hand, exclusively run Google’s web-focused Chrome OS and are generally used for everyday tasks. All you need is a Gmail account and boom, you’re in. There are pros and cons to each of them. Chromebooks are affordable and generally have good battery life whereas convertibles are normally lightweight and portable.
2.
How much processing power do I need in a laptop?
If it’s CPU power you’re looking for, look for processors with higher numerical names. A Core i7 is more suited to gaming and more intense work than everyday tasks. Intel processors are available in Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9. The higher the number, the more powerful the CPU. If you don’t need a ton of power, Intel Core i5 processors are your best bet, as they offer good performance at a decent price. Basic office and web work gets along just fine on a Core i3. As for AMD options, the Ryzen 3 is good for basic productivity and web browsing, while Ryzen 5 chips rival Intel’s Core i5 as solid all-arounders. If you need more power, the Ryzen 7 chip is well suited for content creation like video editing. Finally, if you’re dealing with 4K video, spring for a Ryzen 9.
3.
Discrete graphics vs. integrated graphics?
You’ll want a discrete graphics card for hardcore gaming or editing videos. It’s separate from the processor, so you can expect higher performance out of it. Integrated graphics, on the other hand, are attached to the CPU and uses less power as a result. This is perfectly fine for everyday tasks, especially if you’re not doing anything that’s graphics-intensive.
4.
How much memory do I need in a laptop?
8GB of RAM is zippy enough for general use. If you’ve got a gaming laptop, 16GB of RAM is the way to go, with 32GB being a future-proof configuration. Content creators will want as much as possible.
5.
Do I need a big display on a laptop?
If you’re a video editor or someone who does a lot of multimedia work, you’ll want a display that’s anywhere from 15- to 17-inches. The sweet spot is really anywhere from 13- to 14-inches, though. The bigger the display, the heavier your laptop is going to be. A 13- or 14-inch display is the best in terms of portability and value.
6.
How long should my laptop last on a single charge?
If you plan on taking your laptop anywhere with you, aim for something that can last 10 to 12 hours on a single charge. That’s more than a full work day, so it should theoretically get you through long flights or a day of classes. Obviously, more is always better. Just know that the bigger the battery, the heavier the laptop. Read our round-up of the best laptop chargers.
7.
How much does a good laptop cost?
Many good laptops cost around $500 to $750, but the price really depends on your budget. If you’re strapped for cash (been there, trust me), go for a Chromebook or an entry-level business laptop. You can find solid options for under $500. Spending $750 to $1,000 can get you better displays, additional performance, more storage, and nicer designs. If you splurge for a laptop that costs over $1,000, you’re usually paying up for premium build quality, great extras, and top-shelf performance.
Gaming laptops are different. You can sometimes find gaming laptops with entry-level discrete graphics on sale for around $850, but you’ll usually need to spend at least $1,000 for a system with decent 1080p gaming chops. You can pay more — often much more — for better graphics firepower and nicer displays, but the costs can rise rapidly depending on your hardware of choice. Some fully loaded gaming laptops can go for multiple thousands of dollars but you’re getting the equivalent of a desktop replacement in return. Spending $1,200 to $2,000 usually gets you a very good gaming laptop.
8.
Are connectivity options important on a laptop?
A wide array of ports is always a plus in my book, as it eliminates the need for an adapter. I’d recommend a laptop that has both USB-C and USB-A. An HDMI port is good, too. This is especially useful for when you want to hook up to an external monitor.
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