Should You Buy a Used MacBook to Save Money?

Summary While MacBooks offer great reliability and performance, their high price can often be a deterrent for people on a budget. Fortunately, used and refurbished Macs exist as alternatives. That said, this is not a purchase decision you should take lightly. Advantages of Buying a Used MacBook Purchasing a used Mac is a viable option for many. Here are a few reasons why they’re a sensible choice: 1. Cost Savings Purchasing a used Mac, whether it’s aMacBook Pro or MacBook Aircan offer you significant cost savings versus buying new....

June 1, 2025 · 5 min · 951 words · Jennifer Foley

The Best Bookshelf Speakers of 2024

Read update Whether you want to fill your home with music or improve your home theater setup, high-quality bookshelf speakers are a must. Not sure which bookshelf speakers are right for you? These are the best. UPDATE: 02-08-2025 We’ve reviewed our recommendations and updated our picks for the best overall and best budget bookshelf speakers. Klipsch The Fives What to Look For in Bookshelf Speakers in 2024 Whether you’re buying bookshelf speakers for music or as the core of yourhome theater system, there are quite a few variables to consider....

June 1, 2025 · 11 min · 2144 words · Joel Stewart

The Best Gaming Monitors of 2025

Trying to find your next gaming monitor can turn into a proper odyssey because the market is teeming with exciting options in every segment. Instead of sifting through the hundreds of options (especially during Prime Day), why not look at our recommendations instead? Update 08-07-2025:We’ve reviewed our recommendations, and these are still the best gaming monitors you can buy. MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 What To Consider When Shopping for a Gaming Monitor The resolution is the most important thing to consider when shopping for a new gaming monitor....

June 1, 2025 · 14 min · 2772 words · Mrs. Nicole Lane PhD

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 Almost Fixed Its Biggest Problem

I have to admit I’m not sold on flip phones. The original Galaxy Z Flip is what first got me excited about foldables, but I didn’t like using it in real life. Since then, I’ve tried several other flip phones from Samsung and Motorola. I’m still not sure if I’m sold, but theSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 7is trying hard to convince me. It’s been a couple of yearssince I’ve visited the Galaxy Z Flip family, but it’s taken that long for Samsung to get on Motorola’s level with the Cover Screen....

June 1, 2025 · 11 min · 2148 words · Sheena Hughes

The OrangePi RV2 Is Like a RISC-V Raspberry Pi

Summary OrangePi has released a new single-board computer powered by a RISC-V processor. It takes some inspiration from Raspberry Pi boards, but uses the more experimental RISC-V architecture instead of ARM. RISC-Vis an open-standard Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), intended to work as an alternative to x86 (used in most desktop and laptop processors), ARM (used in most phones and tablets), and other existing CPU architectures. Thedifficult legacy architecture of x86and thecomplex licensing of ARMhas caused some companies to more seriously consider RISC-V as the computing platform of the future....

June 1, 2025 · 3 min · 497 words · Daniel Mills

The Windows “Blue Screen of Death” Is Becoming the “Black Screen of Death”

Summary Many features have come and gone over the long history of Windows, but one has been present from the beginning: the infamous “Blue Screen of Death” (BSoD). However, it’s looking like Microsoft will drop the iconic blue color in an upcoming build of Windows 11–among other changes. Microsoft announced the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3653 for the beta channel, and with it comes a number of changes to the Blue Screen of Death–officially known as a “Stop Error....

June 1, 2025 · 3 min · 433 words · Elizabeth Scott

These Incredible Dramas on Netflix Changed TV Forever

TV has no shortage of great dramas for you to check out. But what if you’re in the mood for nothing less than the very best? And what if you could find most of them all in one place? I’m talking about the kinds of series that transformed the entertainment landscape altogether. Ready to binge-watch your way through television history? Keep reading to discover my favoriteNetflixdramas that changed TV forever!...

June 1, 2025 · 8 min · 1547 words · Carrie Price

This Dumb Power Strip Is Smart Enough to Save You Money

Quick Links Smart plugs and power strips are great if you need flexibility, routines, and other features. But what if you just want auto-magic power saving, no programming or smart app required? You need one of these power strips. The Secret Sauce Is Power Sensing The simplest way to usea power stripto save money is to place it somewhere you can reach it with your foot and then just give the switch a nudge when you’re not using all the gear attached to it....

June 1, 2025 · 4 min · 661 words · Christopher Jones

Top Tech Deals: Roku 50-Inch TV, Magnetic Charger, Anker Power Station, and More!

It’s almost Memorial Day, and that means summer is just around the corner. The long holiday weekend also brings solid discounts on some of our favorite tech, like affordable 4K TVs, portable chargers, earbuds, electric scooters, and more. This week, you’re able to score a 50-inch 4K TV for under $250, get a year of Peacock for $25, or outfit your home with security cameras on a budget. Here are the best deals of the week....

June 1, 2025 · 3 min · 555 words · Christopher Salinas

Touch Buttons Are Terrible, Companies Need to Stop Putting Them on Everything

Summary Capacitive touch buttons trade usability for reliability, but I’m not convinced that’s a price worth paying considering the myriad of problems they introduce. The Problem With Capacitive Touch Buttons Two things around the house routinely make me reach for the swear jar: cables and touch buttons. Cables are an unavoidable fact of life, the bane ofanyone who appreciates a nice clean setup. But touch buttons are a deliberate choice....

June 1, 2025 · 5 min · 1044 words · Gerald Fischer

Tune Out the Noise: How I Work Distraction-Free on My Mac

Quick Links Working without getting distracted by random text messages or a song you are listening to can seem impossible. Here are some Mac features that can help you cut through the noise and work without distractions. Schedule a Focus Mode Setting up Focusis a no-brainer for anyone who wants to keep distractions to the minimum. Focus lets you streamline notifications and block distractions like phone calls and messages throughout the workday....

June 1, 2025 · 6 min · 1240 words · Tanya Navarro

Up Your Game With OBSBOT Tiny 2 AI-Powered 4K Webcams This Black Friday

If you’re a YouTuber, pro gamer, remote worker, or teacher, you know that keeping online audiences engaged is vital. Consider the award-winning OBSBOTTiny 2andTiny 2 Litewebcams. With exceptional 4K video quality, dual built-in mics for crystal clear audio, AI-powered features like intelligent tracking and zoom, gesture and voice control, and versatile shooting modes for every situation, these revolutionary webcams are perfect for a professional impact. And with Black Friday deals of up to 23% off, this is the best time to empower your passion and profession with an OBSBOTTiny 2orTiny 2 Litewebcam....

June 1, 2025 · 7 min · 1398 words · Destiny Dalton

What Are 2.5D Video Games?

Summary There’s a very clear distinction between 2D and 3D games, but 2.5D games represent the vague middle-ground between them. Although the exact meaning of “2.5D” varies between games, there are a few defining characteristics that set 2.5D games apart from other titles. 2.5D Games Combine 2D and 3D Despite what the name implies, 2.5D doesnotinvolve any half-dimensions (or “fractals”, if you want to sound smart). Instead, 2.5D—in the context of video games—refers to any combination of 2D and 3D elements that make up a game’s presentation....

June 1, 2025 · 8 min · 1603 words · Donna Herrera