XDA - Computing

DDR4 vs DDR5 RAM: What's different and which one should you buy?

Karthik Iyer — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 02:24:19 GMT

Now that Intel and AMD's latest CPUs both support DDR5, a new era in memory has begun. However, that doesn't mean DDR4 is all in the past. Intel's 12th- and 13th-generation CPUs support DDR4, as do AMD's more affordable Ryzen 5000 CPUs, which are a popular choice for anyone on a budget that's looking for good value.

How to stream HDR video on Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 02:20:31 GMT

Windows 11 comes with many great new features, but one that's been a part of Windows for a while is support for high dynamic range (HDR) video. This kind of video quality is more immersive than standard-range videos. Your screen will get much brighter and the content you're watching will come alive when HDR video is playing. However, to enjoy HDR on Windows, you'll need a display that supports it first, and will have to tweak a few settings. Keep in mind, that you will also need a supported app that uses HDR and the video has to be full-screen.

Best AM5 motherboards in 2023

Matthew Connatser — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 23:00:27 GMT

AMD's best Ryzen 7000 CPUs have been out for over half a year, and so have 600 series motherboards that use AMD's brand new AM5 socket, which introduced support for great DDR5 RAM, PCIe 5.0, and USB4. All of these features are going to be important for enabling the best GPUs, awesome SSDs, and other cutting-edge peripherals you might want to plug into a motherboard.

Best keyboard deals in 2023

Rich Edmonds — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 21:01:28 GMT

The keyboard is one of two primary forms of inputting commands to even the best desktop PC. It's used for typing up words, commands, and even playing games. With the advancement of mechanical switches and other premium features, the price of keyboards has soared. It's still possible to buy one without spending too much money, but if you do seek a premium keyboard and want to save in the process, we'll be updating a shortlist of only the best keyboard deals right here.

Best Microsoft Surface deals in 2023

Cale Hunt — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:15:28 GMT

Microsoft's Surface laptops, tablets, and PCs are some of the most premium and versatile devices on the market There are 2-in-1 Surface Pro and Surface Go models for those who enjoy splitting time between a tablet and notebook. There are Surface Laptop and Laptop Go models for those who want a high-quality notebook. And there's the Surface Laptop Studio for those who need a pull-forward design and the horsepower for specialized work.

How to remove McAfee from Windows 11

Ayush Pande — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:00:28 GMT

McAfee was one of the most popular antivirus products back in the day. However, things are vastly different in the PC landscape today as McAfee is seen as more of an optional software rather than an essential app.

Copilot and a new File Explorer are now rolling out to Windows 11 Insiders in Release Preview

Arif Bacchus — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:45:35 GMT

Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 build 22621.2361 to the Windows Insiders with PCs enrolled in the Release Preview channel running Windows 11 version 22H2. This new build for this channel is one of the most significant ones yet, as it's delivering Copilot, a new File Explorer, and some of the new Windows 11 23H2 features Microsoft talked about during its September 21 special event in New York.

8 of XDA's favorite products from August 2023

Karthik Iyer — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:01:27 GMT

We at XDA go through a lot of products that show up on our test bench to figure out if they're worth buying or at least considering over their counterparts. Some of these devices are flashier and more important than others, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them. Most, if not all, of these products will eventually make their way to our buying guides and recommendation lists, but I've highlighted some of my favorite products (in no particular order) from the ones we reviewed in August to help you stay on top of all the new and important releases.

Download the Windows 11 wallpapers for your PC

João Carrasqueira — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:01:47 GMT

Windows 11 is a beautiful operating system, more so than any of its predecessors. Of course, the design of UI elements like the taskbar, Start menu, and included apps all help with that, but the new desktop backgrounds also contribute to this beautiful experience. And if you don't have Windows 11 on your own PC, you can still get some of that beauty by downloading the wallpapers for yourself.

A faster Steam Deck is at least a couple of years away

Usama Jawad — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:06:57 GMT

It's fair to say that Valve's Steam Deck has been a success since its launch in 2021. The handheld PC is optimized for lots of popular games, with several thousand titles being Steam Deck-verified. The form factor has become popular to the point that there is competition from various companies looking to cash in on the Steam Deck's popularity, with the benefits for consumers being more innovation in the space as each new entrant tries to capture some of the market share. Although you would expect Valve to capitalize on this consumer interest and release a more powerful version of the Steam Deck soon, it appears that the firm has no such plans.

5 reasons I love benchmarking

Matthew Connatser — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:00:27 GMT

For most people, benchmarking is what you do to make sure your PC is performing normally and is giving you the kind of performance you need, most often in games where you may find yourself tweaking graphics settings to get the right balance. While I'm sure many, or maybe even most people, find this kind of stuff boring, I absolutely love benchmarking. Ever since I built my first PC about a decade ago, I have loved seeing what my components are capable of, and here's why.

This epic Prime Day earbuds deal requires an invite, and here’s how you can request one

Rahul Naskar — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:32:31 GMT

Premium wireless earbuds come with a premium price point, but if you get a mouth-watering discount, you could get them at the price of mid-range earbuds. This is exactly what is going to happen with the Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds—they are premium earbuds but won't be exorbitantly priced come Prime Big Deal Days.

Dell UltraSharp U2723QE monitor review: An easy 4K recommendation for professionals

Cale Hunt — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:00:27 GMT

Dell's UltraSharp lineup offers some of the best monitors you can buy today. The UltraSharp U2723QE, for example, launched in the first half of 2022, was one of the world's first monitors featuring IPS Black technology, boosting color and contrast beyond standard IPS fare.

Steam Deck starter guide: Everything you need to know to start gaming

Arif Bacchus — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:00:27 GMT

The Steam Deck is a straightforward device. It's a handheld gaming PC that relies on Steam and Linux, making it basically the Nintendo Switch for PC gaming. But while you can just immediately get to gaming on your shiny new Deck, there are some things you might want to do before, during, and after you buy it to get the most out of it.

Android 14 will turn your phone into a webcam for your PC

Rahul Naskar — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:04:18 GMT

Google has released the Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1 update for Pixel devices with plenty of fixes and a bunch of new features. But for PC users, the standout feature in this update is the ability to use their phones as webcams for their computers. Pixel devices, except for Pixel Fold, running Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1 can now use their phone's camera as a webcam for their desktops or laptops.

Best DDR5 RAM memory kits in 2023

Karthik Iyer — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:27 GMT

The launch of Intel's 12th-generation Alder Lake chips marked the arrival of DDR5 RAM kits on the market, which is the next evolution of system memory. DDR5 is faster than DDR4, and at least for now, that comes at a premium. But with AMD Ryzen 7000 as well as Intel 13th-generation chips out in the world and benefiting from it, it's worth the higher price tag. We're now entering the era of DDR5 for those wanting to extract the most from their systems, so these are the best DDR5 RAM kits you need to know about.

HP Spectre Fold vs Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2: Battle of the foldable PCs

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 23:01:28 GMT

While the market for foldable PCs is quite niche and isn't as big as the best laptops, they are still quite special. It's why when compared to the best HP laptops, the new HP Spectre Fold is unique since it can be used in three different ways thanks to the massive foldable 17-inch OLED screen. But before that, there was the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2, which stands out from the best tablets on its own due to that foldable form factor.

How to check CPU temperature in Windows 11

Tanveer Singh — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 22:01:28 GMT

Checking your CPU temperature can be an occasional or frequent activity, depending on what you put your precious processor through. If you primarily use your PC for work and some casual gaming, you might never think about how hot your CPU is running. However, if you're into AAA gaming, editing, or overclocking your CPU, checking your CPU temperature becomes extremely important. Modern processors tend to run quite hot, especially if you're running one of the top desktop CPUs or using the best laptops on the market.

Corsair's AIO CPU cooler gets deep discount, dropping down to its lowest price ever

Timi Cantisano — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:07:39 GMT

This is one of the best all-in-one CPU coolers on the market, offering a sleek look, plenty of cooling, and a customizable LCD display that can add a flair of personality to your PC. Plus it's from a brand you can really trust, with Corsair producing some of the best PC and gaming accessories and has been in business for nearly 30 years.

Best wireless gaming mouse in 2023

Rich Edmonds — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:00:28 GMT

Tired of being tethered to your gaming PC? You'll want a wireless gaming mouse! These handy pointers utilize Bluetooth or 2.4GHz dongles for wireless connections that do away with USB cabling. With one of our wireless gaming mouse recommendations, you can finally cut the cord and enjoy a cable-free gaming experience.

Hands-on with Surface Laptop Studio 2: Big refinements that matter

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:10:28 GMT

Microsoft held its annual Surface event in New York City today, and while there was a heavy focus was on Artifical Intelligence and Windows 11 features like Copilot, the company still had hardware to show that stunned me. No, it's not Surface Laptop Go 3. It's the Surface Laptop Studio 2 that grabbed my attention.

Surface Go 4: Price, release date, and everything we know

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:00:28 GMT

After two years of waiting, Microsoft has finally refreshed the Surface Go family with the Surface Go 4, except it's not exactly what we were expecting. While this new model is still one of Microsoft's best Surface products, the company is only making a business version, meaning most consumers won't be able to find it in stores. Still, if you're interested in this budget-oriented Windows tablet, we've got you covered.

How to scan documents on a Mac with Continuity Camera

Brady Snyder — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:00:28 GMT

You might know Continuity Camera as the feature that allows you to use your iPhone's rear cameras as your Mac's webcam, and you can use it with these great iPhone mounts. However, before that iteration of Continuity Camera, Apple made it possible to scan documents to your Mac with your iPhone's camera. Though it might not be as flashy as Continuity Camera for webcams, you can still do it, and it's a surprisingly useful feature.

The new Outlook for Windows app is now generally available for all consumers

Usama Jawad — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:31:33 GMT

After several leaks, Microsoft began rolling out an updated Outlook for Windows app for Office Insiders enrolled in the Beta Channel back in May 2022. The redesigned app eventually became available for more consumers by September 2022 as it received multiple updates to improve inking support and introduce integration with Gmail accounts. Following well over a year of testing with Office Insiders, Microsoft is now making the new Outlook for Windows app generally available for all consumers.

Surface Laptop Go 3: Price, release date, and everything else

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:25:29 GMT

Microsoft has just announced the Surface Laptop Go 3, the latest refresh of its budget-oriented laptop, which actually isn't as budget-friendly anymore. This new version comes with significantly upgraded specs, and that means the starting price is also much higher. If you want to know everything there is to know about the Surface Laptop Go 3, we're here to help.

5 most disappointing Nvidia RTX laptop GPUs of all time

Tanveer Singh — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:00:28 GMT

A graphics card is the heart of any gaming computer, so it rightly receives a lot of attention from consumers and media alike. Nvidia has been the most dominant player in the graphics card market for years now, whether you look at desktop cards or the mobile versions used in laptops. While the company has quite a few spots in the worst graphics cards on the desktop side, its laptop GPUs have also had their fair share of flops, especially after the debut of the laptop RTX GPUs. Today, we look at five of the most disappointing laptop GPUs from Nvidia's RTX lineup.

Surface Laptop Studio 2: Price, availability, and everything you need to know

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:50:28 GMT

It's been a long time coming, but after two years since the original Surface Laptop Studio launched, we finally have a successor in the form of the aptly-named Surface Laptop Studio 2. This model has been rumored for months, and it's finally real. It comes with much better performance and more ports, making Microsoft's best laptop even better.

Store more for less with almost $20 off this popular 1TB NVMe Gen4 SSD

Timi Cantisano — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:18:43 GMT

There are a lot of great SSDs out there, but if you're looking to get the best performance in the most compact size, you're definitely going to want to stick with M.2 SSDs. M.2 SSDs are considered the best option when it comes to storage solutions, offering great durability and speed.

Microsoft Edge 118 Beta rolls out with AI-powered 'Find on Page' feature

Kishalaya Kundu — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:33:18 GMT

Microsoft is rolling out Edge 118 in the beta channel with a number of new features, including an AI-powered 'smart find' option that the company claims would make it easier for users to search for a word or phrase on a webpage. It is one of the many AI features coming to the fledgling browser, including the AI-powered writing assistance tool that promises to make it easier to rewrite text. The latest version also changes the way the browser notifies users about available updates and introduces a new SmartScreen policy that offers admins more control over their downloads.

Microsoft testing DALL-E 3 art generator in Bing Chat

Rahul Naskar — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:22:53 GMT

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the DALL-E 3 art generator tool will be available for ChatGPT Plus subscribers in the coming weeks. However, thanks to Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI, Bing Chat users can already use the image creator tool without paying a subscription fee.

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 has more ports and more power for creators

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:16:42 GMT

Microsoft has officially unveiled the Surface Laptop Studio 2, its latest flagship laptop for creators, nearly two years after launching the original Laptop Studio alongside Windows 11. Along with it, the company also revealed the Surface Go 4 and the Surface Laptop Go 3, bringing improved performance to the company's budget-oriented devices.

Handheld gaming needs better hardware to push the industry forward

Matthew Connatser — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:01:28 GMT

When the Steam Deck came out late last year, it was great in spite of its relatively older hardware, most of which was a generation or two out of date. On paper, you can improve the handheld gaming PC market by quite a bit just by updating the hardware, but that hasn't panned out. Many newer handhelds use the latest hardware, and we're still not making generational progress.

Best laptops in 2023

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:30:26 GMT

Buying a new laptop can be an exhilarating feeling. Knowing that you're about to get something brand-new, faster, and just right for the things you want to do is very exciting, and the moment you get to play with it can have you feeling like a child in the best of ways. Of course, laptops can be incredibly important work tools, too.

Windows 11 23H2 coming September 26 with Copilot and more

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:23:35 GMT

During its special event in New York, Microsoft has announced that Copilot, its new AI assistant, will make its debut in Windows 11 on September 26th, alongside many other features included in Windows 11 version 23H2. Copilot is also now its own thing, an underlying AI component that lives across all kinds of Microsoft products, including Windows, Edge, and Microsoft 365.

Best pens for HP Spectre Fold in 2023

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:30:27 GMT

One of the things that makes the HP Spectre Fold a great Windows tablet is the fact that it supports pen input. You can use a pen on the large 17-inch OLED screen and draw, take notes, and so much more. The HP Spectre Fold actually includes an HP MPP 2.0 Tilt pen that you can prop to the side of the device to recharge. But if you're fearing that you might lose it, or need something as an alternate, there are plenty of other options available, all of which use the Microsoft Pen Protocol. We have collected eight of our favorites for you right here.

Microsoft is reportedly ditching the Surface Duo and Surface Studio lineup

Usama Jawad — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:05:26 GMT

A few days ago, we learned that Microsoft's leader of the Windows and Devices division, Panos Panay, is leaving the company after nearly two decades of employment. The former executive was promoted to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) just over two years ago, making his exit seem rather abrupt, especially when the Surface event is taking place later today. Although the Redmond tech firm has emphasized that it is still committed to its Windows and Surface products, new reports now claim that this is not exactly the case.

Asus ROG Ally review: Windows makes this difficult to recommend

Adam Conway — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:00:28 GMT

Portable gaming handhelds are really starting to take off following the advent of the Steam Deck, and one of the most hyped introductions so far has been the Asus ROG Ally. It has a few differences from the Steam Deck that make it an exciting prospect for those who want a more powerful alternative, with a Ryzen Z1 processor, a 120Hz IPS 1080p display, and native Windows support.

Best Mini-ITX motherboards in 2023

Rich Edmonds — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 11:01:26 GMT

Planning to build a compact PC? There's a good chance the small form factor PC cases you're considering will support motherboards up to a maximum size. Mini-ITX are the smallest form factor motherboards and we've compiled a list of the best Mini-ITX motherboards for AMD and Intel processors.

Apple Silicon: Everything you need to know about Apple's own chips

Mahmoud Itani — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:31:26 GMT

On top of making high-end consumer hardware including powerful iPhones, excellent iPads, and more, Apple also produces a series of system on a chip (SoC). These SoCs are designed to be used in Apple's own consumer hardware products, and it mainly uses ARM architecture. In addition to the new Mac computers, a variety of different Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, Apple Watches, and more, use Apple Silicon.

AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti: Which is better for your budget?

Rich Edmonds — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:01:26 GMT

The AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT launched as a direct competitor to take on the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti and AMD was largely successful in its endeavor. The RX 7700 XT is more powerful, yet more expensive, and is capable of some smooth 1440p gameplay. Should you be on the market for the best graphics card for your budget, we'd recommend the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT. However, should you value ray tracing and DLSS support, there's only one choice — Nvidia's GeForce RTX 4060 Ti.

A chatbot can now help you write code in GitHub Copilot

Usama Jawad — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 08:21:34 GMT

Chatbots and AI-powered copilots are all the rage these days with pretty much all big tech companies investing heavily in this area. Amazon recently placed a lot of emphasis on Alexa's AI capabilities integrated into its latest smart home products, Microsoft is marketing its Copilot initiative across its entire Microsoft 365 suite and Windows, and Google is aiming to continue its dominance in the online search space through improvements to Bard. Now, Microsoft-owned GitHub has announced that it is making it even easier to code through its GitHub Copilot program.

Outlook for the web will soon let you dictate emails

Rahul Naskar — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:30:29 GMT

Microsoft Outlook is going through major changes with the software giant attempting to unify Windows, Web, and Mac codebases for its email clients. Besides behind-the-scene changes, Microsoft is also looking to bridge the feature gap across different Outlook clients. The company's latest effort in that direction is adding the dictation feature to Outlook for the web.

Best cases for Surface Laptop Studio in 2023

Mahmoud Itani — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 23:00:29 GMT

The Surface Laptop Studio is the perfect Surface for versatility. While it's one of the best Surface PCs, it's also quite unique when you look at it against the best laptops. For instance, you can change the angle of the touch screen to match your gaze, turn it into tablet mode, or even transform it into a Studio device that illustrators and designers, in particular, are going to love.

How to disable Hyper-V in Windows 11

Ayush Pande — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 22:00:26 GMT

Hyper-V ranks among the top three hypervisors besides VMWare and VirtualBox, and its spot is well earned. In addition to its easy-to-use interface, Hyper-V comes bundled with almost all versions of Windows 11, making it quite accessible as you don’t have to jump through multiple hoops when setting up virtual machines on your system.

Best cases for Lenovo Legion Go in 2023

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:00:27 GMT

The Lenovo Legion Go looks to be yet another solid Steam Deck alternative. Even when compared to something like the Asus ROG Ally, it has more features like detachable controllers. Though you can't purchase one yet, if you have a Lenovo Legion Go on your wishlist, it's never too early to consider buying accessories for it.

Discover 14 new languages and save $429 on this ultimate learning bundle

Timi Cantisano — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:30:25 GMT

Have you ever wanted to learn a new language and couldn't find the time? Well, this learning bundle from Babble is going to be just for you, providing access to 14 different languages and over 10,000 hours of content. Furthermore, this is for a lifetime subscription, which means you can take your time learning and not have to rush through courses or materials.

Here are all the new Fire TV, Echo, and other products announced during today's Amazon devices event

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:01:46 GMT

Amazon hosted its fall devices and Services event today in Virginia, and it took the wraps off a series of new products. That means coming later this year are tons of new Fire TV products, new Echo devices, and even new smart home products like Ring cameras. The event was invite-only, but the company has since shared details on X (formerly known as Twitter), and a dedicated microsite, so if you're preparing your wallet for new smart devices, we have a look at every single product that was announced.

How to upgrade the storage on the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i (2023)

Hassam Nasir — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:01:29 GMT

The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i emerges as a formidable contender in the realm of laptops for content creators. This powerhouse is equipped with 13th-generation Intel Core processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series GPUs, delivering exceptional performance that content creators crave. However, as content creators immerse themselves in high-resolution videos, intricate graphic designs, and expansive multimedia projects, the demand for storage capacity skyrockets. This is when upgrading the SSD in your Lenovo Slim Pro 9i becomes crucial.

This deal knocks $600 off HP's 2-in-1 Spectre, dropping it down to its lowest price

Timi Cantisano — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:19:23 GMT

HP makes some of the best Windows laptops out right now, so if you're looking to pick up something new, you can bet you're going to get a pretty solid experience when going with their products. With that said, we've found a phenomenal deal on this HP Spectre 2-in-1 laptop that comes with a powerful Intel processor, an impressive compact design and is now priced well below retail.

What to expect from this week's Microsoft Surface event

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:00:29 GMT

For the first time since 2019, Microsoft is holding an in-person "special event" in New York City. It's set to kick off on Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. ET and is widely believed to feature a lot of great new Surface devices. Despite the early-week news that former Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay is leaving Microsoft, you should expect other executives, like Yusuf Mehdi, to shell out details about new laptops and Windows tablets from Microsoft coming this fall, like the Surface Laptop Studio 2, Surface Go 4, and Surface Laptop Go, along with updates on AI features like Bing Chat. There might even be surprises in store.

4 things I want to see from this week's Surface event

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:01:27 GMT

We're just a few days away from Microsoft introducing new Surface devices at this week's event, taking place on Sept. 21. While we already have some idea of what will be shown off, it's as good a time as any to share some of the things I'd be most excited to see at the event. Here are a few highlights based on previous rumors and reports.

Pre-order the massive 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 and get a $500 credit

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:46:01 GMT

The moment has finally arrived if you're a gamer looking to boost your setup with a fancy but unique new gaming monitor. Samsung has announced that pre-orders for the new 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor are now open. Revealed back in January, this monitor is quite a special one as it's the world's first Dual UHD Gaming Monitor.

This ultra-light and powerful LG laptop gets massive price drop that knocks $800 off

Timi Cantisano — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:24:59 GMT

This is the laptop you want if you're looking for something that has a large screen and is also lightweight. The LG gram 17 was a surprise hit when it was released, with our own Senior Editor João Carrasqueira calling the laptop "bafflingly light" with "great performance."

Internal memo spills some of the AI-centric details on Thursday's special Microsoft Surface event

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:15:15 GMT

Microsoft's special September 21 event in New York City is now just a day away, but an internal memo sent out to employees at the company has spilled some of the beans on what you might expect. It is shaping up to be an event that will focus heavily on the power of AI in many Microsoft products, including Surface, Microsoft 365, and Windows.

Save up to 40% on fantastic Eero mesh products with these great deals

Timi Cantisano — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:10:33 GMT

There are a lot of great wireless router options available, but if you're looking to cover a lot of space, eliminate dead zones, and get excellent speeds — a good mesh router system can't be beat. Now there are a lot of excellent mesh systems available, but if you're looking for some of the best, you're going to want to go with an Eero.

How to repair Windows 11

Ayush Pande — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:00:28 GMT

Windows 11 may have been released almost two years ago, but that doesn’t mean it's free from bugs. Corruption of Windows system files is more common than you may realize and is the leading cause of stability issues like slowdowns, freezes, and crashes.

MacBook Air M2 gets deep discount that drops price under $900

Timi Cantisano — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:40:36 GMT

There are a lot of great Apple Mac products out there right, but perhaps one of its best laptops has to be the MacBook Air M2 thanks to its compact size, light weight, and powerful processor. If you're looking for one of the best all-rounders in the market today, this is going to be it.

Lenovo Legion 9i (2023) vs Alienware x16 (2023): Which high-end gaming laptop is better for you?

Tanveer Singh — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:00:21 GMT

The Alienware series has produced some of the best gaming laptops over the years, offering powerful machines across different form factors. The Alienware x16 is no different, offering levels of performance that defy its sleek and light build. It even looks quite futuristic without going overboard on the gaming aesthetic. But, if you're torn between the Alienware x16 and the new Lenovo Legion 9i, this comparison might help you decide between the two laptops. Let's unpack whether the Legion 9i's insane specs and some never-before-seen innovations make it a better pick over the Alienware x16.

HP Spectre Fold: Price, release date, and everything you need to know

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:30:29 GMT

You might have already heard of foldable phones, but what about foldable laptops? While there are already Windows 11-powered, foldable devices like the ThinkPad X1 Fold and the Asus ZenBook 17 Fold OLED, a newcomer to this emerging form factor is the HP Spectre Fold. This 17-inch foldable Windows 11 tablet features an OLED screen with a built-in kickstand. It's essentially a 3-in-1 PC since you can use it as a tablet, a laptop, and even a desktop, thanks to the huge 17-inch screen. So, if you have it on your wishlist, here's everything you need to know.

Best MacBook Air M2 deals in 2023

Mahmoud Itani — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:00:29 GMT

The new 15-inch MacBook Air, along with the macOS Sonoma update are welcome additions to the Mac lineup. The Mac packs the latest M2 chip and a bigger 15-inch screen. Not much has changed on the 15-inch model other than the screen size, but you should now be able to multitask more than you could on a MacBook Air with a 13-inch screen.

How to use your Steam Deck as a PC controller

Matthew Connatser — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 22:00:51 GMT

The Steam Deck is a great console, and part of its greatness is its awesome controller. Inspired by the original Steam Controller, it has two haptic touch pads, four back buttons, gyro support, all in addition to the typical buttons you get on a controller. The quality of the Deck's controls is great, and it's a shame it's limited to just the Deck itself.

Best RTX 4090 GPUs in 2023

Rich Edmonds — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:01:52 GMT

Nvidia's GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card is incredibly powerful, even when inside the best RTX 4090 laptops. It's the best graphics card and more capable than any other GPU available on the market, but more than a clear mile. It's also incredibly expensive. All that performance will come at a premium and Nvidia will gladly charge you for it. Still, we've rounded up all the best aftermarket RTX 4090s right here for you to choose from.

Linux for beginners

Matthew Connatser — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:00:48 GMT

In the mainstream, we often think of Linux as the techy alternative to Windows, and it kind of is, but don't think it's just for programmers and engineers. Today, if you can use Windows to any decent level, it's totally possible to get into Linux with only a little extra learning. If you're not familiar with Linux and want to get acquainted, here's everything you need to know.

Best routers for Spectrum in 2023

Samuel Contreras — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 19:31:44 GMT

Many of us rely on cable companies like Spectrum for our internet needs, and typically, there’s plenty of speed to go around. Spectrum offers internet download speeds up to 1Gbps on cable or fiber, but many people will be perfectly happy with a slower and cheaper package. Unfortunately, if you want Wi-Fi, you’ll need to rent a router from Spectrum or buy you own. Luckily, there are a lot of routers to choose from whether your need coverage in a large house, or just want reliable gigabit speeds on Wi-Fi.

4 reasons why a 32:9 monitor is perfect for a desktop setup

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:00:37 GMT

I've mentioned this a couple of times in reviews, but my desktop setup is kind of a mess. Getting work done efficiently requires a lot of screen space, but having three separate monitors is not an approach I love. It's become especially hard since I reviewed the LG UltraWide 49WQ95C, a 49-inch monitor with a super ultrawide 32:9 aspect ratio. Suffice it to say, having to return that review unit was a big bummer.

Upgrade your laptop for less with 33% off this 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD

Timi Cantisano — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:42:30 GMT

This is the SSD you want to get if you're looking to upgrade your PC, laptop, or PlayStation 5 on the cheap. This 2TB Gen4 drive offers plenty of storage space and also provides great read and write speeds. Furthermore, the drive is now on sale, priced well below its retail price of $130. For a limited time, you can grab this 2TB drive for 33% off, bringing the price down to just $80.

How to make your PC quieter

Ayush Pande — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:00:37 GMT

Let’s say you’ve built your enthusiast-grade battlestation of a PC with the most premium components. All’s well with the new system, except it sounds like a jet engine every time you run an application that’s even remotely taxing on your hardware.

Prime member exclusive discount knocks 28% off this versatile 6-in-1 USB-C hub

Timi Cantisano — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:45:42 GMT

This is the USB-C hub that you want to get if you're looking to grab something compact, affordable and feature packed. Ugreen offers a wide variety of products, but it's USB-C hubs are a great option if you're looking for a device that's not going to break the bank.

Intel reveals details on Meteor Lake, how future CPUs will be made, and its process strategy for the future

Matthew Connatser — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:36:30 GMT

At this year's Intel Innovation event, Intel released some key (though not completely unexpected) details about its next-generation Meteor Lake chips, which are coming to next-generation laptops in 2024. While Intel isn't bringing these to the desktop, this is one of the most exciting generations of Intel hardware in recent years. In fact, Meteor Lake is the pipe cleaner that will make the way for Intel's CPUs across several segments, from laptops to desktop to the datacenter to AI.

Cherry launches two new wireless keyboards for mobile and office working

Kishalaya Kundu — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:17:30 GMT

Mechanical keyboard maker Cherry has expanded its entry-level portfolio with the launch of new affordable wireless keyboards, the KW 7100 MINI BT and the KW 3000. As evident from its name, the former is a mini keyboard aimed at mobile working, while the latter is a full-size keyboard meant for workplaces and home offices. Both are available for purchase from today on Amazon.

Google Bard gets smarter with Extensions support

Rahul Naskar — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:19:20 GMT

To take the competition head-on and challenge rival platforms like ChatGPT, Google has announced a couple of new features for Bard. The Mountain View tech giant has announced Bard Extensions and the ability to double-check responses in Bard to give users more customized responses.

Best controllers for Lenovo Legion 9i in 2023

Asad Khan — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:30:27 GMT

If you’re into beastly gaming laptops, the Lenovo Legion 9i is one of the best out there. It features the 24-core Intel Core i9 13980HX, Nvidia's latest RTX 4080 or 4090 GPUs, and up to 2TB of blazing-fast NVMe storage. Pair that with a 16-inch mini-LED display, and you get one of the best laptops for content creation and gaming.

Slash 48% off Logitech's G915 TKL gaming keyboard, dropping to its lowest price ever

Timi Cantisano — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:41:59 GMT

Logitech has long been making accessories for PCs, and so, as you can imagine, it has gotten quite good at it, dropping gems here and there that often become some of the best products released for the genre. While the competition for mechanical keyboards is quite tough, the brand has managed to take top honors for its gaming keyboards, delivering some excellent products throughout the years.

How to use Stage Manager on macOS

Mahmoud Itani — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:01:28 GMT

Stage Manager is a handy tool that is available on new Macs running macOS Sonoma or Ventura. This multitasking feature enables you to group apps of your choice together and quickly switch among these different groups through a dedicated interface. So those who rely on multiple apps when studying or working will appreciate how they can turn a number of windows into a single entity. To enable and use the Stage Manager feature on a compatible Mac, follow the detailed steps we've listed below.

Best PC accessory Prime Day deals: What you need to know

Joe Rice-Jones — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:30:27 GMT

The summer is over, and the first Amazon Prime Day of 2023 is a distant memory. That won't be the last big shopping extravaganza from the retailer, with a second event planned ahead of Black Friday shopping. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days is set to arrive this year on Oct. 10-11 and promises great deals on electronics like laptops, GPUs or CPUs, wireless earbuds, monitors, or SSD storage.

Major WSL update brings automatic VHD shrinking, mirrored networking, and more

Usama Jawad — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:45:18 GMT

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a handy utility present in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that allows developers to run GNU/Linux environments directly inside the operating system without requiring virtual machines (VMs) or dual-boot configurations. The implementation became generally available via the Microsoft Store about a year ago, making it easier for interested users to install it quickly. Now, Microsoft has rolled out a new pre-release version of WSL with a lot of interesting, experimental features.

Best replacement chargers for the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022)

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 02:11:27 GMT

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 for 2022 is a premium Windows tablet that represents a big change of direction for the lineup which used to be comprised of convertible laptops. This brand-new design also comes with some changes to the internals, including 9W Intel processors and a slightly smaller battery. In recent years, some devices have stopped including a charger in the box, but thankfully, that's not the case with the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1. In the box, you get a 45W charger, and you shouldn't have a reason to buy a new one.

Microsoft releases Python Editor for Excel

Usama Jawad — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 01:46:28 GMT

Less than a month ago, Microsoft finally announced support for Python in Excel, allowing customers to use the powerful programming language in tandem with conventional Excel formulas to analyze and manipulate data. The move was greeted with a lot of enthusiasm and to capitalize on this excitement, Microsoft has released a Python editor for its Office application.

Best Prime Day monitor deals: Great discounts on ultrawide, gaming, portable, and more

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:08:30 GMT

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is coming up again in October, just a few months after a hot summer Prime Day extravaganza. The date isn't known yet, but this is actually the second time Amazon is having a retail sales event in the year, and the third time Amazon is hosting one in October. Last year's was simply "Prime Early Access Sale." Now, October is still a month away, but there are still some great deals floating around. Amazon and other retailers like Best Buy are still cutting prices on monitors to levels close to what you'd see at the end of the year during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Amazon Prime Day: What we know about the Prime Big Deal Days event

Brady Snyder — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:00:27 GMT

Amazon typically holds annual sales events for people who subscribe to its Amazon Prime membership, and there's one that is coming up shortly that will feature thousands of great deals. At first, Amazon held a single Prime Day event that usually took place in the summer months. Now, there's also a second sales event that gives buyers a preview of sales that will come during Black Friday and Cyber Monday events. While we don't know a lot of details about Amazon's planned sale, there are some things you need to know before shopping. We've rounded up all the details here, and you can stop by as the event gets closer for more information and early-access deals.

How to download and install Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:00:27 GMT

Windows 11 has been out for nearly two years, and for many of us, it's already old news, but it's still a great operating system. The initial release of Windows 11 brought a brand-new design language, a new Start menu, and other changes, and newer updates have come out to add even more. With releases like version 22H2 and the upcoming version 23H2, Windows 11 keeps getting better. But even though it's getting more popular, many of us are still installing Windows 11 for the first time.

Best chargers for Asus ROG Ally in 2023

Joe Rice-Jones — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 19:30:29 GMT

The Asus ROG Ally is a powerful portable gaming console running Windows 11. With how much performance it boasts, you’ll want to play it constantly, but the battery life means you’ll be plugging it in constantly. To keep your console topped up, we’ve compiled a list of the best chargers for the ROG Ally. Some of these will serve as a backup to the charger it is bundled with, while others add additional ports or even an external GPU for more graphical power.

Save $100 on Samsung’s flagship 990 Pro 1TB NVMe SSD for your PC or PS5

Timi Cantisano — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:23:51 GMT

This is the SSD you want to get if you're looking for one that has impressive speeds, and comes in at a price that's absolutely phenomenal. Samsung's 990 Pro series has offered the best NVMe SSDs on the market since their release. Not only are the pushing the limits when it comes to read and write speeds, you're also getting impressive durability and reliability thanks to excellent construction and warranty. While the drive typically retails for quite a bit, we're now seeing another sale on the SSD that brings the price down quite a bit.

How to download and install Steam games on a Mac

Mahmoud Itani — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:02:07 GMT

Apple's latest Mac computers are excellent devices for students. That's because they support an extensive library of productivity apps, in addition to a wide variety of games. As such, users get to rely on these machines for studies, work, and play. If you happen to be interested in running Steam games on macOS Sonoma or an earlier version, then you can download and install any compatible title by following the steps below.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 rumored to be 1.7x faster than the RTX 4090

Kishalaya Kundu — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:35:51 GMT

The RTX 4090 is already the fastest graphics card in the world, making it a great option not only for gamers, but also creators, AI applications, and professionals. However, Nvidia is now working on its next-gen GPU lineup, and a new leak has now seemingly revealed a few details about the RTX 5090, which is expected to be the top dog in the RTX 50 series.

Paint on Windows 11 moves closer to Photoshop with layer support

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:21:30 GMT

The Windows 11 Paint app is moving closer to replacing Photoshop for your photo editing needs. Microsoft is apparently testing a new layers feature in the Paint app, letting you use the app as an actual canvas for all your creation needs. The feature is currently rolling out to Dev and Canary Channel Windows Insiders.

How to install Pip on Windows

Karthik Iyer — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:08:26 GMT

Pip is one of the most important tools to have at your disposal when you're getting started with a Python project. It allows you to install and manage millions of Python packages and libraries to help you set up the right software environment for a project, be it a simple automation task or a complex artificial intelligence or machine learning project. But how do you install Pip on Windows to ensure you have no issues working on Python projects? Thankfully, installing Pip on Windows is a fairly simple task, and you can do it following a few simple steps. There's also a chance that you may already have Pip installed on your system, so read on to learn more about it.

This sweet deal knocks 84% off Microsoft Office Professional for Windows and Mac

Timi Cantisano — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:49:52 GMT

Microsoft 365 is the best productivity software out on the market, and while there are plenty of alternatives, you just can't be the tools offered in the company's Office suite. While 365 is great, there is a catch, and it's that you need to a subscription to access all the great tools, which means you'll keep paying for it, but will never own it. With that said, if you're tired of paying for a subscription to 365, there is a solution.

Windows and Surface leader Panos Panay is leaving Microsoft after almost 20 years

João Carrasqueira — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:16:55 GMT

Microsoft has announced that Panos Panay, leader of the Windows and Devices division at the company, is leaving, after spending nearly 20 years at Microsoft. He will be succeeded by Pavan Davuluri and others who will be taking on different responsibilities. Panos was responsible for developing and growing the Surface brand prior to also taking the reins of Windows itself.

Best Chromebook chargers in 2023

Michael Archambault — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:09:22 GMT

Even the best Chromebooks won’t go far on a dead battery. You need a reliable charger that you can use to top up, whether you’re at home, sitting at a café, or on the road. Depending on your use case, you may prefer a more compact model that can charge multiple devices at once or even one designed to stay parked at your desk, allowing for ease of access. I've done research highlighting the best Chromebook chargers in 2023 to make the decision easier.

Why every thin and light laptop should have 5G in 2023

Brady Snyder — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:00:28 GMT

5G connectivity has become commonplace in 2023, with even budget devices offering support for the wireless standard in some cases. Before that, a slew of mobile electronics supported some type of cellular connectivity. It started with mobile phones, of course, but then stretched to tablets and even smartwatches. But there's a natural next step to the emergence of cellular connectivity across mobile electronics, and it's taking longer than expected.

How to optimize Windows 11 for gaming

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:00:26 GMT

Windows 11 is a great operating system for productivity, thanks to features like Snap Layouts, Android apps, and WSL. The best laptops and desktop computers out there let you do all kinds of work with Windows 11. But if it's gaming that you're planning on doing, then we have some suggestions for how you can make your PC even better. You can turn on Windows 11's dedicated Game Mode to optimize performance for digital gaming, tweak Windows 11's security measures to free up your CPU and RAM for gaming, and so much more.

Best Prime Day docking station deals

Rich Edmonds — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:30:26 GMT

Amazon's first Prime Day of 2023 was a success for many who managed to bag some savings on products they needed. We saw countless discounts applied to a wide variety of electronics, including PC hardware and accessories. Whether you're using an older laptop to build a work-from-home office or just invested in a new portable PC and need some additional ports, a docking station is an excellent accessory.

Lenovo Legion 9i vs Legion Pro 7i: Which Legion laptop is the best for gaming?

Ayush Pande — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:00:27 GMT

If you’re looking for a powerful laptop to play your favorite games, you might want to consider the new battlestations Lenovo released under the Legion brand this year. The Lenovo Legion 9i is already on its way to becoming the best gaming laptop of 2023 thanks to its revolutionary liquid cooling system. The Gen 8 Legion Pro 7i isn't far behind either as it adds new hardware from Intel and Nvidia to an already popular series of laptops.

Best RTX 4060 Ti GPUs in 2023

Rich Edmonds — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:00:25 GMT

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is here and it didn't quite have the landing the company expected. The price to performance and generation gains have been underwhelming, to say the least. It's still a capable GPU, however, especially if you connect it to a 1080p gaming monitor. This guide will showcase some of the best Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti GPUs.

Best workstation laptops in 2023

Cale Hunt — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:01:25 GMT

The best workstation laptops are designed to deliver a computing experience approaching desktop levels while remaining mobile enough to work practically anywhere. Creators, designers, developers, engineers, scientists, and many other professionals use these laptops for heavy tasks in specialized software; they're built to accommodate the need for high-end processor (CPU) and graphics card (GPU) performance, as well as color-accurate and high-resolution displays. Many even come with Independent Software Vendor (ISV) certifications, proving that the laptops can optimally run the most popular and demanding industry apps. Let's take a look at the best workstation laptops out there today to help you get the right hardware for the job.

Android games in Chromebook to get Game Dashboard, and here is how it’ll work

Rahul Naskar — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:08:28 GMT

Google has long been trying to enhance the Android gaming experience on Chromebooks by introducing features like keyboard controls for touch-first Android games, and more. Now, in another significant step in that direction, the Mountain View tech giant is working on bringing Android’s Game Dashboard feature to Chromebook devices to allow users access to useful tools while playing games.

Best cases for HP Dragonfly G4 in 2023

Arif Bacchus — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 23:00:27 GMT

A laptop like the HP Dragonfly G4 deserves some excellent protection. You won't want your excellent business laptop to get damaged when you take it with you on the go. That's why we suggest a great case to provide basic protection against bumps and scratches that might happen when you slip your laptop into a bag or protect it in the event of drops or even water splashes.

How to hide the taskbar in Windows 11

Brady Snyder — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 22:00:25 GMT

Microsoft gave its famous operating system a facelift when it redesigned Windows 11, so you might find the feel to be both familiar and different. One area where Microsoft made a few changes was the taskbar, where the design and positioning of items are slightly different from what you'd find on Windows 10.

How to watch New York Jets vs Dallas Cowboys live from anywhere

Joe Rice-Jones — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:35:25 GMT

It's Week 2 of the regular NFL season, and it's going to be a barnstormer in this match up. Only three games this week are between teams that won in Week 1, and this is the only game where both teams won their first outing.