Personal Computers

Microsoft has been rolling out Windows 11 24H2 for some time now, which has caused numerous problems — some so serious, in fact, that Microsoft has started blocking the update for affected systems.

A few days ago, on October 24, the company released the optional KB5044384 patch for Windows 11, which was intended to fix many of the problems. But as Windows Latest reports, this rescue update is itself causing further problems as it crashes and can’t even be installed.

Different errors can occur while trying to install this update — including error codes 0x800f0922, 0x800736b3, 0xc015001a, 0x800f0991, and 0x80242008 — depending on where the update process fails. Some say it crashes right before completion around 90 or 95 percent, while others experience an error when restarting after the update.

It’s not just one time, either. Further attempts to install KB5044384 also continue to fail afterwards. One user writes:

“This downloaded and extracted fine, then restarted the PC. The update got to 30% and restarted. On the reboot the update continued until 40%, when it hung for about 8 minutes, then gave an error message (with no reference) and rolled back.”

This time the problem does not seem to be caused by specific hardware. Previously, Asus PCs and Western Digital SSDs were increasingly known to cause blue screens and crashes.

Related: How to revert Windows 11 24H2 if it’s causing issues

And even if you manage to successfully install update KB5044384, you might run into an issue with Task Manager. According to Windows Latest, Task Manager can no longer display running processes in Windows 11.

Microsoft is aware of these problems and working on a solution.

It currently isn’t possible to install update KB5044384 through Windows Update per usual, but manual installation seems possible. If you need this optional update to fix issues with your PC, you can download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

However, if you aren’t suffering from any of the bugs introduced with Windows 11 24H2, you can just skip KB5044384 and wait for Patch Tuesday in early November. Most, if not all, of these problems should be resolved in that big patch coming up.

Microsoft is redesigning its Teams chat interface — in a way that mimics the organization of, say, PCWorld’s home page.

Microsoft said Monday that it will begin testing a new Teams interface in November, optionally collapsing various channels, teams, and chat options into a single feed. Customers with access to the Teams public preview will be able to try out this new interface next month, Microsoft said today.

On the surface, the new chat interface appears similar to how PCWorld organizes our latest articles. What we call a “crawl” of articles progresses down the PCWorld home page, mixing in news, tips, how-tos, reviews, and more. If you want to see reviews and only reviews, you can visit our reviews page. Otherwise, everything is combined inside a single column of information.

The new Teams interface takes this approach, but also builds upon it further. While the new chat interface combines channels, teams, and private chats, you can opt into this new approach, or keep things the way they are. You can also treat particular categories as filters, so that you’ll only see channel messages or “@” mentions in the main interface. You can also keep chats and channels in separate interfaces, too.

Microsoft

The new approach also seems to treat these Teams channels and chats as something similar to tabs, as there’s an additional twist that seems particularly useful: You can group whatever chats and channels — as well as meetings, Teams bots, or AI agents — into custom groupings. That allows you to create your own workflows yourself, without bouncing around and searching for relevant information. Microsoft could have used AI to do this, and it might in the future. But it’s also an admission that you know your own workflow better than it does.

Microsoft said that it’s leaving its favorites section unchanged, bringing together all your pinned chats and channels from the previous experience.

Microsoft

Finally, Microsoft also said that it plans to begin testing an additional feature, threaded conversations, this quarter, and will expand testing in mid-2025. Threaded conversations are planned to debut in Teams by the middle of 2025.

Users tend to complain when Microsoft changes various UI elements, because it forces users to learn new habits. In this case, this new interface sounds like it offers the flexibility for easier adjustment.

It’s hard to find a gaming laptop if you’re on a budget, but we’ve seen Lenovo’s more affordable LOQ series — and specifically this 15-inch model — come to the rescue several times.

Today, Best Buy is offering this version with a Ryzen CPU and an RTX 4060 graphics card for $750. That’s $250 off the retail price.

With an 8-core Ryzen 7 7435HS processor, a generous 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and 512GB of SSD space, the Lenovo LOQ 15 is ready to tackle pretty much anything a regular user (or college student) could throw at it.

But it’s also packing an RTX 4060 graphics card with 8GB of video memory. That’s more than enough juice to get through most competitive games and max out the 1080p display with 144Hz of refresh. It can handle more visually intense single-player games, too, though you might have to dial down some of the visual extras.

That said, what the LOQ 15 lacks in longevity, it makes up in flexibility. For ports, you get USB-C with video-out and 140 watts of charging, plus four USB-A ports across the side and back, and full-sized HDMI and Ethernet. That makes this an excellent alternative to a desktop, especially if you crack it open to upgrade the RAM and storage. Unlike many smaller laptop designs, the LOQ 15 has both RAM slots and two M.2 slots exposed to the user, so you can make easy upgrades with a screwdriver.

Best Buy is offering this deal on its website, and there should be at least some stock in local stores if you want a quick pickup. It’s also available from Best Buy’s official eBay account.

Need a new monitor for your PC? We’ve combed through scores of options to find the best monitors on the market right now. Our picks are the result of hundreds of hours spent testing the latest models from Acer, Asus, BenQ, Dell, LG, Samsung, and other major brands. 

While we feel that our favorite monitor overall is an awesome choice for most people, we also have alternative options for budget shoppers, gamers, and those seeking the best HDR performance. After all, not everyone needs the same features from a monitor. (If you’re looking specifically for a 4K monitor or gaming monitor, go check out our separate roundups highlighting your best options for those particular needs, as well.) You can find out more about how we evaluate monitors and what specs matter most below our list of recommendations.

Scroll below our recommendations to see other monitors we’ve reviewed recently, and to learn more about our monitor review process.

Pros

• Attractive and functional design
• Class-leading Thunderbolt and USB connectivity
• IPS Black improves contrast
• 120Hz refresh rate

Cons

• Most competitors offer 4K resolution
• No HDR support
• Adaptive sync has some caveats

Dell’s Ultrasharp U2724DE is arguably the most versatile monitor ever sold. It’s great for home office productivity, good for gaming, and can handle more serious content creation workflows, like photo and video editing. 

The U2724DE has an IPS Black panel that roughly doubles the monitor’s contrast ratio (compared to other IPS monitors). It can’t beat a more expensive OLED or Mini-LED panel, but it’s still alluring. It also lacks the burn-in worries of OLED which, although unlikely to occur in mixed use, might become an issue if you spend all day working in Excel and plan to keep your monitor for as long as possible.

Dell pairs the IPS Black panel with an enhanced 120Hz refresh rate. Upping the refresh rate greatly improves motion clarity and makes the U2724DE a viable display for gamers. That’s a big deal. It means you can buy one monitor for both work and play. 

The U2724DE goes all-in on connectivity. Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort-in and -out, and HDMI are present. It even has a 2.5G Ethernet port. These features are ideal if you plan to connect a laptop over USB-C, as the U2724DE will greatly expand the laptop’s connectivity. 

Resolution is the only notable downside. The U2724DE is a 1440p monitor, while many competitors in its price bracket offer 4K. This is the trade-off made to hit monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate. Those who prefer 4K should consider the Dell Ultrasharp U2723QE, which also has an IPS Black panel and extensive connectivity. Shoppers on the budget, meanwhile, can consider the U2724D. It’s nearly identical to the U2724DE but reduces the available ports to hit a lower price.

Pros

• Attractive design, especially in unique colorways
• Built-in speakers are surprisingly decent
• Solid color accuracy and respectable gamut
• Good motion clarity

Cons

• • Built-in stand only adjusts for tiltJust two video inputsAwkward menu controlsColor temperature skews cool

The Pixio PX248 Wave stands out as an excellent budget monitor for a wide range of shoppers. At $150, this 24-inch 1080p display delivers on both value and image quality. It’s also available in several colors to fit your personal desk setup.

The monitor’s 200Hz refresh rate and good motion clarity benefit both gamers and general users who appreciate smooth visuals. If you just need a monitor for office productivity, however, its solid color accuracy and reasonable contrast will prove more than up to the task. Though far from the most dazzling display, the Pixio PX248 Wave’s overall image quality is great for the price.

Available in unique colors like pink and blue, as well as black and white, the PX248 Wave will fit in any home office or gaming den. It also has practical extras like decent built-in speakers and Adaptive Sync support for smooth, tear-free gameplay. It has some limitations, like a basic stand, but Pixio sells an optional color-coordinating monitor arm. It’s a good purchase if you want to improve the monitor’s ergonomics.

It’s certainly possible to buy a monitor for less than the Pixio PX248 Wave, but its strong feature set and low price can make that tough to justify. Dipping to more basic displays, which are often just $20 or $30 less, will leave you with a much less functional monitor and noticeably inferior image quality. That’s why the PX248 Wave is our go-to budget pick.

Pros

• Uniquely affordable USB-C monitor
• 4K resolution with HDR option
• High brightness and good color accuracy
• Integrated speakers

Cons

• Low contrast ratio saps SDR vibrance
• Mediocre color gamut

The Dell S2722QC is the best budget 4K monitor you can buy right now. Initially priced at $380, the monitor can now be found for as low as $250. It stands among other budget offering by combining 4K resolution and USB-C connectivity typically reserved for more expensive models.

Dell’s 27-inch IPS display is suitable for most lighting conditions, with crisp visuals and a respectable brightness of 296 nits. In addition to its sharp 4K image, the monitor delivers color performance that can easily handle everyday productivity, streaming, and light gaming. A USB-C port with 65 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet, as well as two USB-A ports for connecting wiring peripherals make it very versatile. The monitor even ships with a sturdy yet compact ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot.

Naturally, the Dell S2722QC makes some compromises to keep the price low. The IPS panel’s contrast ratio is low, which can make the image look flat and dull when playing games or watching a movie. Think of it as more of a home office monitor than the centerpiece of a gaming setup. After all, quality 4K gaming monitors are usually more expensive. 

All in all, the Dell S2722QC’s combination of 4K resolution, USB-C connectivity, and affordability makes it a solid choice if you want a tack-sharp home office monitor at a low price.

Pros

• Handsome design with functional stand
• Attractive SDR image quality
• Good motion clarity at 165Hz
• Supports all Adaptive Sync standards

Cons

• No USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out
• Lackluster HDR

Dell’s G2724D hits the sweet spot for gamers on a budget who also care deeply about quality.

The 27-inch IPS LCD panel features 1440p resolution and a refresh rate of 165Hz. The color gamut spans 100 percent of sRGB, 86 percent of DCI-P3, and 82 percent of Adobe RGB, ensuring a bright and vibrant image that’s not only excellent in games but serviceable for most content creation. But its standout feature is the Adaptive Sync support, with official support for VESA Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync. 

Despite its affordable price, the monitor doesn’t skimp on design, with a handsome matte black and gray chassis and sporty rear vents that provide an aggressive yet unobtrusive look. It also comes with a functional monitor stand that offers a range of ergonomic adjustments and a compact base that doesn’t take up unnecessary desktop space. 

The monitor doesn’t offer USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out. Also, the HDR performance is a bit lackluster, so those who require HDR gaming may want to look at other options. 

But it’s hard to beat the G2724D’s performance at $200 or below and, more importantly, it offers everything an average PC gamer is going to need for smooth and responsive gaming. All told, it offers excellent value, and could have a place on your desk for five to 10 years.

If you want to save even more money, check out the Pixio PX248 Wave. It’s a step down from the G2724D, but still surprisingly solid at less than $150 — nice design, decent built-in speakers, up to 200Hz refresh rate, adaptive sync, and good performance.

Pros

• USB-C power with 98 watts of Power Delivery
• Great color performance
• Higher HDR peak brightness than some peers
• 240Hz refresh rate and outstanding motion clarity

Cons

• Stand is too large
• Works with FreeSync and G-Sync, but lacks certification
• SDR brightness is mediocre

If you’re in the market for the best gaming monitor, look no further than the MSI MPG 341CQPX.

This 34-inch ultrawide with a Samsung QD-OLED panel stands out in a crowded field with features that put it ahead of its competition. Its 240Hz refresh rate and remarkable motion clarity make it an excellent choice for gamers seeking smooth, responsive gameplay. The MSI MPG 341CQPX also delivers good HDR performance with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. VESA Adaptive Sync is supported and provides compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync.

MSI pairs the monitor’s beautiful OLED panel with practical features. It has a USB-C port offering up to 98 watts of Power Delivery, which is ideal for those who want to connect and charge a laptop or tablet with a single cable.

While the MSI MPG 341CQPX is excellent, it has a few downsides. The stand is bulky and takes up more space than needed. The monitor also lacks RGB-LED lights, which might disappoint gamers looking for added flair. However, these are minor inconveniences.

Pricing is another advantage. The MPG 341CQPX typically retails for about $850. Though hardly inexpensive, the monitor’s price is fair for its performance, and it’s not much higher than older QD-OLED monitors with a lower refresh rate and lackluster USB-C connectivity. It’s easily worth the price.

Pros

• Excellent contrast ratio 
• Top-notch color gamut and accuracy
• Great motion clarity 
• Respectable HDR performance
• Extremely competitive price

Cons

• Stand is a bit too large
• No USB-C
• Maximum HDR brightness is lackluster

Alienware’s AW3423DWF is an outstanding PC gaming monitor. 

This monitor has a QD-OLED panel, which is like that used in top-tier OLED televisions. OLED provides a nearly infinite contrast ratio, excellent color performance, and respectable brightness. The result is a punchy, vibrant image with an unparalleled sense of dimensionality. The monitor’s ultrawide aspect ratio only heightens the sense of immersion.

Motion clarity is superb. The monitor has a refresh up to 165Hz and supports both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA Adaptive Sync. The OLED panel technology it uses has lower pixel response times than competitors, too, so there’s minimal added blur and ghosting in motion. Motion is as crisp as you’ll find below 240Hz. 

The Alienware AW3423DWF is an alternative to the AW3423DW, a slightly older and nearly identical monitor. The AW3423DW has a higher fresh rate of 175Hz and supports Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate. It’s also $100 to $200 more expensive. Though we recommend the AW3423DWF for most people, the AW3423DW is better for owners of high-end Nvidia graphics cards.

The AW3423DWF is expensive at $899.99, but its performance justifies the price. Competing 34-inch and 38-inch ultrawides without QD-OLED technology are often just as expensive but have less impressive image quality.

For another top-notch gaming option, see our recommendation below.

Pros

• A new high mark for motion clarity
• Excellent image quality
• Easy-to-use menu with many options
• Broad official Adaptive Sync support

Cons

• Stand is too large
• No USB-C

The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP sets a new benchmark for motion clarity. This 27-inch WOLED monitor boasts 2560×1440 resolution and an extraordinary 480Hz refresh rate: it’s the first monitor to offer this combination of resolution and refresh rate.

Image quality is another strength. The WOLED panel provides excellent contrast, as typical of OLED display panels. It also offers a wide color gamut, covering 96 percent of DCI-P3, and demonstrates good color accuracy out of the box. The PG27AQDP shines in HDR content, with impressive peak brightness levels that outperform many competitors.

The PG27AQDP is equipped with numerous gamer-centric features. It lists official support for multiple adaptive sync technologies, including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. The monitor also includes Asus’ Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology, further enhancing motion clarity at lower refresh rates, such as 120Hz and 240Hz.

While the PG27AQDP excels in many areas, it’s not without its drawbacks. The monitor lacks USB-C connectivity, which may disappoint users looking to simplify their setup or dock laptops. The stand, while fully adjustable, is large and may not suit all desk setups.

Still, there’s no denying the display’s motion clarity. The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP stands out as an exceptional choice for gamers who want the best motion performance.

Pros

• Excellent color gamut and accuracy
• Sharp, vivid picture
• Strong HDR performance
• Good connectivity

Cons

• Design looks nice, but feels inexpensive
• Thin user manual
• Confusing on-screen menu 

You likely haven’t heard of Innocn—but if you want a great HDR monitor on a slim budget, the Innocn 27M2V should be on your short list.

The Innocn 27M2V is a 4K Mini-LED monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 160Hz. It hits an impressive maximum measured HDR brightness of 877 nits, which is enough to deliver a gut-punch of detailed luminance in vibrant HDR scenes. The 27M2V outperforms OLED and LED edge-lit monitors.

And it’s no one-trick pony. The 27M2V has accurate and vivid color, immersive contrast, and crystal-clear sharpness. It can’t defeat OLED monitors like the Alienware AW3423DW in SDR content, but it’s closer than you’d think.

The 27M2V provides strong connectivity, too. It includes a USB-C port with 90 watts of Power Delivery for charging external devices. That’s flanked by one DisplayPort and two HDMI 2.0 ports, for a total of four video inputs. 

What’s the catch? The monitor’s design, although reasonably attractive, feels inexpensive when handled. The on-screen menus are confusing, a problem worsened by the lack of a quality user manual. And customer support can only be reached by email. 

Fortunately, these issues are reduced by excellent pricing. The Innocn 27M2V has a retail MSRP of $799.99 on Amazon, but frequently goes on sale for as little as $679.99. It’s fantastic value at either price.

Pros

• Versatile, useful stands
• Good connectivity, cables included
• Numerous image quality customization options
• Top-tier image quality even at default settings

Cons

• Speakers are included, but weak
• Pricey for a portable monitor
• No HDR

The Viewsonic VP16-OLED is an impressive portable OLED monitor that combines class-leading image quality with a unique and useful stand.

As its name suggests, the VP16-OLED has a 15.6-inch OLED panel with 1080p resolution. It delivers outstanding image quality, scoring top marks in color accuracy, gamut, and contrast. The VP16-OLED’s performance is superior to many full-sized OLED monitors—and completely smashes portable competitors. This makes the VP16-OLED ideal for photographers, videographers, and other content creators. 

The monitor has a versatile stand. It can be used as a kickstand, as is true of most portable monitors, or expand to hold the monitor upright. The stand includes two USB-C ports, either of which can be used to provide power and video input to the monitor. It also offers a micro-HDMI port for use with devices that lack USB-C. Viewsonic bundles the monitor with several cable types and a USB-C power brick, so you don’t have to buy additional adapter cables or accessories. 

There’s just one problem: It’s expensive. The Viewsonic VP16-OLED retails at $399.99, more than double the price of a basic 1080p portable monitor. That’s tough to justify if you just need a second monitor to display Slack and Twitter, but it’s a worthwhile upgrade if you care about image quality.

Pros

• The best SDR image quality yet
• Good HDR performance
• Long list of image quality features
• Exceptionally sturdy
• Numerous inputs, plus USB hub

Cons

• HDR brightness could be better 
• Glare can be an issue in bright rooms
• Only 60Hz, no adaptive sync

Do you need a monitor with exceptional color accuracy, contrast, and sharpness? The Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC delivers. It’s an impressive monitor that, in several respects, is the best we’ve ever reviewed.

The monitor’s key trait is its high-quality OLED display panel. It has excellent contrast, color accuracy, and a wide color gamut, all of which add up to a realistic and dramatic image. The monitor also has 4K resolution and a conventional RGB subpixel layout, which avoids the color fringing issues that are found in QD-OLED monitors like the Alienware AW3423DW. 

Image quality is superb out of the box, but experienced owners can go a step further. The PA32DC has numerous image quality options in its on-screen menu system and includes a built-in calibration utility for ultra-accurate results. Professionals can use these options to achieve the exact results their work requires. 

It’s a wonderfully robust monitor with chunky bezels, big menu buttons, and a sturdy chassis that includes a built-in handle. Asus supplies both a VESA stand for desktop use and flip-out legs for quick setup at a mobile studio or job site. The monitor has extensive connectivity including five video inputs.

The only downside? It’s expensive with a retail price of $3,000. Even that, however, is not so bad: Similar OLED and Mini-LED monitors, like the Apple Pro Display XDR and LG UltraFine 32EP950, are often even more expensive.

Pros

• 28-inch panel with 3840×2560 resolution
• Attractive and functional design
• Good range of connectivity
• Useful extra features

Cons

• Only a 60Hz refresh rate
• HDR is supported, but sub-par
• Expensive for its size

The BenQ RD280U stands out as the best monitor for coders thanks to its unusual 3:2 aspect ratio, which is much taller than a conventional widescreen. The extra height is great for viewing more lines of code simultaneously and reduces the need for constant scrolling back or forth. 

Beyond its unique aspect ratio, the RD280U’s image quality is ideal for long coding sessions. The monitor’s IPS panel delivers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, ensuring code remains clear and legible from any position. The 28-inch display panel has a crisp 3840×2560 resolution, which helps to render small fonts. It also has a matte finish that reduces glare, making it ideal for various lighting conditions.

The monitor also has a MoonHalo ambient light and an automatic night mode, both designed to reduce eye strain during extended use — a crucial consideration for programmers who often work long hours. Connectivity is another strong suit of the RD280U, with a versatile array of ports including USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of USB Power Delivery. Programmers can easily connect and charge a laptop.

Priced at $599.99, the BenQ RD280U is relatively expensive for a monitor of its size, but its long list of unique features makes it an easy recommendation for coders. The added cost is justified by the fact no competitor offers the same features at any price.

Pros

• Sturdy professional design
• 16:10 aspect ratio, 1600p resolution
• Excellent color performance
• Wide range of connectivity

Cons

• $480 for 24-inch monitor
• Low contrast ratio
• Disappointing motion clarity, no adaptive sync

The BenQ SW242Q sets itself apart in a crowded market with its 16:10 aspect ratio and 2560×1600 resolution. Its aspect ratio, which is closer to square than the more typical 16:9, provides additional vertical space for creatives, and its resolution beats most competitive 24-inch monitors.

Designed for professionals, the SW242Q is encased in a sturdy, charcoal black frame and supported by a robust stand that offers adjustments for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The stand’s deep and wide base is flat and covered in a luxurious material. Connectivity options include HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C with 90 watts of USB Power Delivery, and an SD card reader.

Where the SW242Q truly excels is its color performance. It boasts an impressive color gamut that covers most of the DCI-P3 and AdobeRGB spaces, which is essential for accurate photo and image editing. The monitor’s color accuracy is bolstered by its low color error and “fine-coated” panel, which is designed to emulate the look and texture of a printed material.

The BenQ SW242Q is not without compromise. It has a low measured contrast ratio of 980:1, which reduces the depth and richness of movie and games. Its 60Hz refresh rate and lack of Adaptive Sync underscore its focus on static content over motion clarity. And with a price tag at $480, the monitor’s cost may be hard to justify for some.

Creative professionals seeking top-notch color accuracy and a 16:10 aspect ratio, however, are likely willing to pay a high price for the monitor’s strengths. It’s the best, most feature-rich 16:10 monitor available right now.

• Asus ProArt PA278CFRV: This is a great monitor for creators on a budget. The 27-inch, 2560×1440 IPS display offers the color performance and connectivity options that one needs for productivity, but at a very friendly $380.
• Gigabyte M27QA ICE: If gaming is your cup of tea, this monitor obliges. The 27-inch, 2560×1440 IPS display has up to a 180Hz refresh rate, support for AMD FreeSync, and an attractive white colorway that will complement a cozy gaming den.
• Samsung OLED G8: This monitor makes a good fit for small spaces, where its dual purpose as computer display and TV can really earn its keep. It’s got an attractive design and its Smart TV features — such as built-in apps and a remote control –are certainly handy. It also has up to a 240Hz refresh rate and support for Adaptive Sync, making it suitable for gaming.

There are literally hundreds—and perhaps thousands—of monitors to choose from. Choosing one from the crowd can be difficult, but knowing the key traits of a monitor will help you make your decision. 

Most monitors are available in 4K (3,840×2,160), 1440p (2,560×1,440) and 1080p (1,920×1,080) resolution. A higher resolution provides a sharper, more attractive image and is generally preferable. There’s nothing wrong with 1080p, however. It remains the baseline and is by far the most popular resolution sold today. 

Look for a monitor with a connection supported by your computer. HDMI and DisplayPort are the most common. USB-C is rising in popularity because it can charge connected devices, such as a laptop.

Most monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but a higher refresh rate (such as 144Hz) will make motion look smooth and crisp. This is most appealing to PC gamers, as improved motion performance is most noticeable when panning the camera in a 3D game. 

This technology also improves motion performance. It does so by keeping a monitor’s refresh rate in sync with the video input from your computer. Our guide to FreeSync and G-Sync provides more detail.

Many 4K monitors support HDR, but often the HDR performance is lackluster. The HDR will function, and may look superior to SDR, but it won’t approach the quality implied by the spec. To ensure a quality HDR experience, look for a minimum of VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification (or VESA DisplayHDR True Black). See our article on everything you need to know about HDR on your PC to learn more.

Want to know more before you make a decision? Our monitor buying guide explains the nerdy details of monitor specifications. 

Our monitor guides are based on testing by freelance and staff contributors with decades of combined experience. 

While we rely on our eyes for an initial impression, we thoroughly test each monitor with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool. This specialized hardware can objectively measure a monitor’s brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, luminance and color uniformity, gamma, and many other aspects of image quality. 

Using this tool helps us detect strengths and weaknesses that don’t stand out at a glance and guarantees that a change in lighting conditions or monitor location won’t skew our impression.

For more details, see our article on on how we test monitors at PCWorld.

Monitor size depends on personal preference and location. 

A 24-inch monitor is fine for a desk that is around 24 inches deep, or less. Its small size will still be sufficient because the monitor is closer to you.

Most people, however, will want to go with a 27-inch monitor. The added size will make the monitor easy to see. This also opens up a wider range of 4K monitor options, as 4K is very rare on a 24-inch monitor.

Larger monitors, such as a 32-inch widescreen or 34-inch ultrawide, are great for deep desks and people who want an immersive experience. Monitors this large can serve as a TV replacement in a small room. 

Displays of even larger size, such as 42-inch or 48-inch HDTVs, are best for home theater setups or an unusually large office. You’ll want to sit four to six feet away from a display of this size.

USB-C is the best display input for most people. It works by bundling DisplayPort into USB-C, so offers all the same features as DisplayPort. Yet it retains the features of USB-C including optional support for Power Delivery to charge external devices. This is why we recommend a USB-C monitor for most people.

DisplayPort is generally second-best. It supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI. This input is particularly common on desktop computers. 

HDMI comes in third due to lower resolution and refresh rate support. This is improved by HDMI 2.1, but this feature remains hard to find and often adds to a monitor’s price.

All three of the options above handle 1080p at 60Hz, which is the most common resolution and refresh rate available today. It’s also important to buy a monitor that has an input compatible with your PC.

Modern monitors are compatible with all recent versions of Windows and MacOS. They’re plug-and-play, which means the monitor should display an image without the need to install driver software or mess with Windows or MacOS settings.

A bug that borks your PC on a new Windows update is a familiar headache for many of us. It’s gotten less frequent in the last few years thanks to Microsoft being a little more proactive, as Windows will now scan your hardware and installed software for potential incompatibilities before it updates, then halt said update if it sees a problem.

But with the growing number of issues affecting the Windows 11 24H2 update, we’re seeing a surprising expansion in the breadth of these upgrade blocks. BleepingComputer has an excellent rundown of exactly what hardware and software might keep your system from the update.

Incompatibilities include some obvious things, like a few Asus laptops that are known to get blue screen crashes after the update, or integrated webcams and fingerprint sensors that might stop working.

But there are some more innocuous mentions, including:

• Gameloft’s Asphalt 8: Airborne, a free-to-play racing game ported from smartphones and featured on the official Windows store.
• The Safe Exam Browser, an anti-cheating program required for many university students and industrial training systems.
• Easy Anti-Cheat, a popular software tool for online multiplayer games. Updates for your game and/or Intel drivers might fix this.
• Some wallpaper customization tools, which might break after the install. What a weird thing to hold up an allegedly vital update!
• Intel Smart Sound Technology, which can be fixed with a driver update through Windows Update. Why not just bake that in?

The full list is worth a look if you’re eager to get on the latest build of Windows 11 and you’ve encountered issues. And Microsoft is certainly working on getting at least some of these problems addressed without any necessary action from users.

But these weird and seemingly random conflicts illustrate that Microsoft’s task of keeping Windows users safe on the latest software isn’t getting any easier. It feels inevitable that we’ll be seeing more of these as Windows, the drivers it requires, and the software we run on it become more and more complex, all built on top of an aging and somewhat creaky operating system.

Google has big plans for AI, and that’s no secret. But specifically what it plans to do with AI in the near future — and how it hopes consumers will interact with it — is a little more hazy.

According to a new report, the next major revision of the Gemini model has some grand ambitions, including the ability to completely control the Chrome browser. That’s according to The Information, citing unconfirmed leaks from deep within Google.

The system is allegedly codenamed “Project Jarvis,” a clear allusion to Tony Stark’s fictional and semi-sentient artificial intelligence from the Iron Man movies. This upgraded version of Gemini can apparently control Google’s Chrome browser with screenshots and virtualized mouse clicks, similar to what Anthropic recently unveiled with its Claude AI system.

According to the leaked info, the end goal is a system that’s sophisticated and reliable enough to be used to order products from online stores or even arrange and pay for plane tickets. That would be a serious step up from the somewhat basic attempts at automation currently seen from Google and its competitors. But Google’s deep hooks in the browser and search space would certainly make it possible, if not easy.

Google is expected to unveil an early preview of this capability in December, though that’s allegedly subject to change. A small initial beta test to work out the kinks — and boy, there would be some concerning kinks in any system expected to autonomously spend regular users’ money — would then follow.

We can’t independently confirm The Information’s, um, information. But it tracks with Google’s more consumer-focused take on AI, as opposed to Microsoft’s clear intention to woo businesses. Google is trying to bake AI features into Chromebooks and Pixel phones, making a case for integrating it into everyday tasks.

So far, its attempts have been met with a lot of hesitancy, particularly when it comes to Google’s primary Search tool. But Gemini’s integration with ChromeOS makes a better case for leaning on these intense, remote-heavy processes, at least in some cases. If Google can get automation into Chrome in a more comfortable, and crucially, reliable fashion, it might just convince people that this is something worth the asking price.

Many users have been experiencing all kinds of problems after installing Windows 11’s big annual 2024 update. Issues include broken internet connections and buggy Windows features, and it’s gotten bad enough that Microsoft has blocked the update for some users.

If you’re one of the many people who are struggling with a frustrating Windows 11 24H2 experience, here’s a tip: you can uninstall the update and reset your Windows 11 system. Here’s how.

Warning: Even though data normally isn’t lost during this process, there’s always a slight risk of things going wrong. We recommend backing up your important data — the stuff you seriously don’t want to lose — to an external drive before reverting Windows 11. This isn’t mandatory, but it does ensure that at least your data will remain on the off chance that you run into problems.

To reset Windows 11, open Settings (using the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut), Then navigate to System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and select Recovery. Here you will find various options for repairing Windows or returning to a previous version:

Thomas Joos

Scroll down to the bottom of the window, look under Recovery options and click on Go back to uninstall the latest Windows 11 update and revert to the previous version you had. You won’t lose any installed apps with this option, except for ones you installed after updating to 24H2.

If the button is grayed out, the necessary data is no longer available on your PC, in which case you can try clicking on Reset PC instead. This may solve the problem, but you will probably lose some installed apps.

Thomas Joos

After initiating the reversion process, Windows prepares the process. At the “Feedback” stage, click Next to commence.

Thomas Joos

At the “Check for updates” stage, click No thanks. At the “What you should know” stage, click Next. At the “Keep your old password” stage, click Next. You get the gist. Keep going.

Thomas Joos

Lastly, click on Revert to a previous build. Windows 11 will then start the process proper and, after a short time, the previous Windows 11 version you had before installing 24H2 will be active again.

Thomas Joos

After restarting your PC, log in to Windows 11 per usual. Everything should now work again. Once Microsoft fixes the errors in Window 11 24H2, you can try updating again then.

Further reading: My favorite changes in Windows 11 24H2

If you’ve been eagerly waiting to know more about the highly anticipated, gaming-focused variant of the Ryzen 9000 CPU series, then the recent 9800X3D leaks are likely good news for you.

AMD already confirmed that it was going to announce Ryzen 9000X3D chip variants on November 7, but there won’t be much mystery left when that date finally rolls around. One model in particular was spotted pretty much everywhere this weekend: the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

The 9800X3D is probably the most anticipated chip in the upcoming series, as the last-gen 7800X3D is one of the most popular CPUs around for its mix of punchy performance and (relatively) affordable price.

According to specs posted by VideoCardz.com, taken from various retailer listings that seem to have been posted early, the 9800X3D uses an 8-core, 16-thread design with a base clock of 4.7GHz boosted up to 5.2GHz at a maximum. That’s in line with last gen with some notable bumps, and it’s faster than the 9700X and sucks down more juice at 120 watts of TDP. The L3 cache, which includes the “special sauce” 3D v-cache that can give a big boost to gaming performance, appears to be the same 32 + 64MB setup as the 7800X3D.

Notably, listings are showing that the 9800X3D has a free multiplier feature. That means that overclocking will probably be unlocked on the system level, something that was lacking in previous X3D variants. In fact, some early overclocking tests have already leaked — with apparently stable speeds reaching up to 5.6GHz. These tests show improvements over the 7800X3D by 8 to 23 percent, though Intel’s Core Ultra 9 series is still beating it out in raw numbers with more primary cores.

Even so, as an easy upgrade to current AM5 systems (compatible with existing motherboards!) that can apparently be overclocked out of the box, there’s reason to be excited for these new X3D chips. But while the leaks are convincing, you might want to curb your enthusiasm and consider all of this unconfirmed until next week.

• Eight bays/slots for HDDs and SSDs
• Supports SATA and NVMe
• Runs two HDDs in RAID
• Affordable for the ilk

• 10Gbps caps NVMe performance at 1GBps
• No RAID for the last two HDD bays

The D8 Hybrid is a versatile USB storage enclosure that lets you use up to four 3.5/2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs, as well as up to four NVMe SSDs. It’s only 10Gbps, which is easily fast enough for HDDs and SATA SSDs, but limiting for the NVMe SSDs.

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With four full-sized 3.5/2.5-inch SATA bays, and four 2280 M.2 slots to accept NVMe SSDs, the D8 Hybrid is an incredibly versatile external storage enclosure capable of housing up to 162TB of storage (30TB HDDs/8TB SSDs). It’s also a good performer within the limits of 10Gbps USB.

I already enumerated the available storage bays/slots for you above, but you can also use 2.5-inch SATA SSDs or 2.5-inch HDDs in the 3.5-inch drive bays. SATA SSDs will deliver faster performance individually or combined in RAID 0, but 2.5-inch HDDs lag far behind their larger cousins in both capacity and speed.

The D8 Hybrid is a largely black plastic box measuring 8.75-inches deep, by 6.75-inches tall, by 7-inches wide (approximate measurements), encasing a metal frame. The four 3.5-inch drive trays are easy open, but don’t lock. Two screws on the back of the enclosure secure the removable side panel that hides the four M.2 NVMe slots.

A minor issue with the M.2 slots is shown above: I was able to screw down an NVMe SSD while it wasn’t completely inserted into the M.2 socket, and then it didn’t appear when the box powered on. Make sure you don’t see any SSD metal edge contacts when you install them.

While the D8 Hybrid supports RAID, it applies to only the first two 3.5-inch drive bays. Drives in the six other bay/slots appear as single LUNs (logical units)/drives. Consider the D8 a two-drive RAID box with two extra bays and four M.2 slots. We’re not pooh-poohing the arrangement. It can be very handy under the right circumstances — that being lots of miscellaneous SATA and NVMe storage laying about.

The back of the D8 Hyrbid is home to the RAID select rotary switch (single, JBOD/concatenated, striped RAID 0, and mirrored RAID 1), a RAID reset pinhole button, a large fan opening, a power jack, and the on/off button.

As discussed, USB 3.2 10Gbps is the transport interface, and TerraMaster includes a high-quality Type-C to Type-C cable with the unit. The AC adapter is a 7.5 amp/12-volt type with a detachable wall cord.

The D8 Hybrid was $300 at the time of this writing, or little less than $40 a bay. That’s certainly less than what you’d pay for a 10Gbps dual 3.5-inch RAID enclosure plus six other enclosures.

And there is value in consolidating all those drives into one box and onto one connection. Especially given the often parsimonious port allotment on today’s thin and light laptops! In other words, if the D8 Hybrid fits your needs, it’s a pretty good deal.

The speed that the D8 Hybrid delivers will depend highly upon what type of storage you install. But whatever it is, it will max out at around 1GBps due to the 10Gbps bus. I’m a tad surprised that TerraMaster didn’t go for USB 3.2×2 or USB 4. I’ve been chagrined at other NVMe-enabled products making similar choices recently — the scuttlebutt is that chips for USB 4 are still in short supply.

Just to be clear as to the relevant conundrum: NVMe is capable of 3GBps plus when used over Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB 4, and 2GBps over 20Gbps USB 3.2×2.

Bus choice aside, the D8 Hybrid performed up to 10Gbps snuff, which is pretty darn fast in the real world. I saw just over 1GBps out of SSDs in the NVMe slots, 570MBps out of SATA SSDs in the 3.5-inch bays, 290MBps from a single 3.5-inch, 24GB WD DC HC580 hard drive, and 580MBps from two of the latter in RAID 0. That is very good on all accounts for USB 10Gbps.

While the D8 Hybrid only offers RAID for the first two bays, you can use Windows (or macOS) software RAID to create more complex arrays…

Note that instead of highlighting the drive being reviewed in red, this time it’s gray, with the Seagate Game Drive SSD — another 10Gbps product that is a good match for the D8 Hybrid’s NVMe slots — in red to highlight the 10Gbps cap. Why? I didn’t like the other shades of red I came up with. Sue me.

The D8 Hybrid actually beat the Seagate Game SSD drive with NVMe. But the Sabrent Rocket 4 I used may be a faster SSD than the one inside the Seagate. Regardless, you know you’re not sacrificing performance for the D8 Hybrid’s versatility. Given the 10Gbps constraint, at any rate.

You can basically disregard the HDD numbers in the CrystalDiskMark 8 4K tests. Hard drives simply don’t access data with anywhere near the alacrity of an SSD of any type.

Remember that shorter bars are better in the graph below charting 48GB transfer performance, where the D8 Hybrid did quite well in all phases — for the type of media involved, of course.

The D8 Hybrid was right on target with the various media types for the 450GB long file write.

Other than wishing it was 20Gbps or 40Gbps technology, I have zero complaints about the D8 Hybrid’s performance. And you can get a lot done with 1GBps transfers.

While the D8 Hybrid only offers RAID for the first two bays, you can use Windows (or macOS) software RAID to create more complex arrays or utilize more of the D8 Hybrid’s eight drives in that fashion. I’d only recommend it for redundancy (mirroring, RAID 5) as the 10Gbps USB bus is going to cap performance at 1GBps no matter how you combine the SSDs.

If you’re looking to run a pair of hard drives in RAID 0, plus a couple of other HDDs/SATA SSDs, as well as some NVMe SSDs externally, then the TerraMaster D8 Hybrid is a versatile way to combine them all into one physical box. Performance is certainly good enough for most tasks, albeit limiting for NVMe.

Put another way, if price, capacity, versatility, and HDD/SSD SATA support are paramount, the D8 Hybrid is a great product — an excellent way to employ miscellaneous drives you may have lying about. But if you’re looking for top-tier performance from your NVMe SSDs, look to something utilizing a faster bus.

Know what your PC gaming setup needs? After equipping a powerful RTX graphics card, you’re going to need a super-speedy monitor that can show those uber-high frame rates at intended.

And wouldn’t you know it, this 24.5-inch Asus ROG Strix gaming monitor that ticks all the boxes is on sale for $229 on Amazon! That’s $70 (or 23 percent) off its original $299 price.

So, what makes this monitor stand out? It’s clearly not the size because this isn’t anywhere close to a gigantic screen that takes over your desk. It’s also not a 4K monitor, putting out a 1080p resolution instead.

But the selling point here is its 310Hz refresh rate. That’s bonkers fast, blowing past other monitors in this price range that only offer 120Hz, 144Hz, or 180Hz. The super-fast refresh rate ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, no matter what type of games you play.

Thanks to the Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync feature, this monitor also has no ghosting or tearing, so you’ll have a great visual experience. It uses Fast IPS technology, mixing in the best of what an IPS panel display has to offer (especially color accuracy and great viewing angles) with an enhanced response time of 1ms for flawless gaming.

Snag this Asus monitor for $229 on Amazon while you still can because this deal won’t last forever!

Getting a 1TB portable SSD can solve a lot of problems, especially if you rely too much on cloud storage for your documents, photos, and videos. It’s good to have offline storage for backups and transfers.

Well, one of our favorite and most iconic portable SSDs is now on sale for the best price we’ve ever seen for it: the SK Hynix Beetle X31 is down to just $65 on Amazon, a superb 31 percent off its $94 MSRP.

Not only is the Beetle X31 at its best price, but it’s one of our favorite portable SSDs in recent years. In our review of the SK Hynix Beetle X31, we gave it a near-perfect 4.5 rating and appreciated that it was one of the best 10Gbps performers we’ve tested. We also really love the design, although we do wish it came in different colors besides gold.

This tiny portable SSD fits in the palm of your hand and is made of durable aluminum that protects your data from bumps and falls:

“The Beetle X31 is about the size of a scarab beetle at around 1.8-inches wide, 2.9-inches long, and 0.57-inches thick. It weighs less than two ounces and the metal shell seems very rugged. There are non-skid pads on the bottom, and a Type-C port and activity light on one end.”

You never see 10Gbps portable SSDs with 1TB capacity at this price, so this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on. Hurry and grab this SK Hynix Beetle X31 for $65 on Amazon while you can!

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.

• Acer Aspire 3, $279.99 ($42 off at Amazon)
• Lenovo Ideapad 1, $319.99 ($260 off at Best Buy)
• Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook, $328.99 ($150.01 off at Best Buy)
• Samsung Galaxy Book4, $549.99 ($350 off at Best Buy)
• Asus Vivobook 16X, $574.99 ($150 off at Adorama)
• HP Dragonfly Pro One, $669 ($730 off at Adorama)
• Gigabyte Aorus 15, $949 ($150 off at Amazon)
• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro, $1,089.99 ($360 off at Amazon)
• MSI Katana 17, $1,260.06 ($138.94 off at Amazon)

Acer

Acer Aspire 3: $279.99 ($42 off at Amazon)

The Acer Aspire 3 is a great laptop for everyday tasks, office work, and Zoom calls. You’re getting an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. The 1920×1080 display also measures 15.6 inches, which is pretty spacious. The thin, light design makes it super travel-friendly as well.

Lenovo

Lenovo Ideapad 1: $319.99 ($260 off at Best Buy)

The Lenovo Ideapad 1 offers a 1080p touch-enabled display plus a zippy Ryzen 5 7520U processor. That’s a pretty good combination for the price. Again, as with the other picks in this section, the Lenovo Ideapad 1 is designed with day-to-day tasks in mind, so it should have no problem with surfing the web and watching YouTube. This machine also comes with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, and AMD Radeon graphics.

Lenovo

Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook: $328.99 ($150.01 off at Best Buy)

Sometimes all you need is an affordable laptop for browsing social media and composing e-mail exchanges. If you’re in the market for such a laptop, the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is definitely worth considering. It’s powered by a Pentium Silver N6000 processor, which is suitable for web browsing and streaming Disney+, 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.

That said, because it’s a Chromebook, you’re stuck using Google’s ecosystem (aka ChromeOS). If you’re looking for a Windows alternative, check out the laptop below.

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Book4: $549.99 ($350 off at Best Buy)

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 is a speedy machine with plenty of RAM and storage, making it a great choice for office or school work. Inside you’ll find an Intel Core 7 Series 1 150U processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage–that’s more than enough power for doom scrolling as well as spreadsheet work. The 1080p display measures a roomy 15.6 inches with a refresh rate of 60Hz. That’s a good size for streaming your favorite show. The laptop itself also weighs just 3.42 pounds, which is fairly lightweight.

Asus

Asus Vivobook 16X: $574.99 ($150 off at Adorama)

The Asus Vivobook 16X is a nice laptop for day-to-day use, office work, school work, and so on. It comes with an Intel Core 5 processor 120U, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage–so it shouldn’t have any problem with everyday activities like browsing your social media feed, chatting with friends on Discord, and whatnot. The 16-inch 1920×1200 display has a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is taller than your typical 16:9 fare. This makes scrolling through documents and web pages much easier. Other features include a backlit chiclet keyboard, a 720p webcam, and a 42 watt-hour battery.

HP

HP Dragonfly Pro One: $669 ($730 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.

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.

Gigabyte

Gigabyte Aorus 15: $949 ($150 off at Amazon)

The Gigabyte Aorus 15 deserves a call-out because of its wickedly fast 360Hz refresh rate display. That’s an incredibly high number, so this display should churn out silky-smooth visuals, which is important during more intensive matches.

It also comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU and an Intel Core i5-12500H CPU, meaning it has enough juice to run most games on the Medium or High graphics settings, but you may want to dial those settings back on more modern titles. The display, measuring a roomy 15.6-inches, is pretty spacious with a resolution of 1920×1080. It’s not the highest resolution we’ve ever seen, but it’s perfectly fine for most games.

MSI

MSI Katana 17: $1,260.06 ($138.94 off at Amazon)

The MSI Katana 17 is a great option for those who like to game on a big screen. The 1080p display measures a massive 17.3 inches, which is absolutely humongous! It’s the kind of screen I’d love to play Sid Meier’s Civilization VI on because I like being able to see every miniscule detail.

You’re also getting an Intel Core i7 CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. That’s a good amount of power right there! This machine should have no issues running graphically intensive games.

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro: $1,089.99 ($360 off at Amazon)

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro features a lightweight build, a stunning OLED display, and a good keyboard. In our review, we called it an “elegant all-rounder for business professionals” and awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars and an Editors’ Choice badge.

Although we liked the laptop’s low weight and 1080p webcam, the 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED display is the real standout. It has a refresh rate of up to 120Hz as well as high contrast and amazing color reproduction. Not only is this display perfect for office work and day-to-day activities, but it’s also great for watching movies on.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Robot vacuums have become indispensable in our homes. From pet hair to daily dust, these devices keep floors clean with minimal hands-on help. But like any tool, a robot vacuum needs regular upkeep to keep running at peak performance—and to avoid early retirement.

Fortunately, the steps to extending your vacuum’s lifespan are simple, and many are directly recommended by manufacturers. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your robo-cleaner.

The brushes, rollers, and wheels are where dust and debris accumulate most, making them critical maintenance points. Built-up dirt and hair can reduce suction and potentially damage the motor. Most manufacturers suggest cleaning these components every week if you have pets or bi-weekly for homes without furry companions.

With these simple maintenance habits, you can keep your robotic helper running at peak performance for years to come.

The brushes and rollers will likely see the most action and giving them a thorough clean will prevent tangles that can stop them from spinning properly. Just pull them out, untangle any hair, and wipe them down. The wheels can also accumulate gunk over time, so it’s worth giving them a once-over with a cloth to make sure they keep rolling smoothly.

Related: Your Roomba is filthy. Here’s how to get it completely clean

Ben Patterson/Foundry

And don’t forget about the sensors. They may seem like a small part of the system, but if they’re smudged with dust, your robot vacuum may start missing spots or bumping into furniture more often. A gentle wipe with a soft, dry cloth is all they need.

Batteries don’t last forever, but with proper usage, you can significantly extend their lifespan. Most robot vacuums today use lithium-ion batteries, which benefit from partial discharges rather than being run all the way down to 0%. Manufacturers like iRobot and Narwal recommend avoiding frequent deep discharges, as it can shorten the battery’s life.

Over time, even the best maintained battery will lose its capacity, but you can recognize when it’s time to replace yours. If your vacuum’s runtime is half of what it was out of the box, that’s a clear sign the battery is wearing out. Fortunately, many manufacturers make battery replacement easy, so you don’t necessarily have to retire the entire vacuum when the battery gives out.

One of the simplest, yet most important, tasks in robot vacuum care is keeping the dustbin empty. A full dustbin not only reduces suction but can also force the motor to work harder, leading to premature wear.

Most robot vacuums come with sensors that alert you when the bin is full, but it’s a good habit to empty it after every cleaning session, or as often as the manufacturer suggests.

Periodically check the dust bag in your robot vacuum’s base station. Overfilled bags can prevent your robot from emptying properly.

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Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

If your vacuum has a self-emptying feature, don’t assume it’s maintenance-free. The base station that collects debris from the vacuum needs occasional attention.

While manufacturers promise a month or more of dust collection before you need to replace the dust bag in these docking stations, replacement frequency depends largely on your cleaning habits and environment. It’s best to check the bin or bag inside the station periodically and replace it as needed, rather than relying on the manufacturer’s specs.

Keeping the area around the base station clean will also ensure that your vacuum docks and empties itself without issue.

Related: Our top picks for robot vacuums and mops in 2024

Just like your smartphone or computer, your robot vacuum benefits from regular software updates. Manufacturers frequently roll out firmware improvements that fix bugs, enhance navigation, and optimize battery life.

While most vacuums update automatically through their apps, it’s worth checking periodically to ensure yours is running the latest version.

Optimizing your home’s layout sets the stage for effective cleaning. Clear the vacuum’s path of small objects, toys, and loose cords that could cause tangles or jams.

Also, don’t forget to take advantage of your vacuum’s virtual walls or no-go zones—set these up in the app to protect delicate areas and prevent the vacuum from getting stuck under furniture. These digital boundaries, combined with a clutter-free space, help your vacuum clean more efficiently while reducing wear and tear on its components.

iRobot

While cleaning your robot vacuum’s components will help keep it in good working order, some parts have a natural lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. Filters, brushes, and rollers wear down over time, which can lead to reduced cleaning performance if they’re not swapped out regularly.

Most manufacturers provide specific timelines for when to replace these parts, but if you notice that your vacuum isn’t picking up as much dirt as it used to or is making more noise than usual, it’s probably time for a replacement.

Stick to using parts from the manufacturer or compatible third-party parts that meet the same specifications. This helps maintain optimal performance and avoids any warranty issues. Replacing parts is generally straightforward, and it can go a long way toward keeping your vacuum working efficiently for years.

Related: 8 robot vacuums hacks: Try these essential tips ASAP

When your vacuum isn’t cleaning, it’s either charging or sitting idle on its docking station. Keep the area around the docking station clean and ensure your vacuum has a clear path to return home after cleaning. This ensures efficient charging and prevents unnecessary wear from failed docking attempts.

If you’re not using your robot vacuum for an extended period—whether it’s due to a vacation or a cleaning hiatus—store it in a cool, dry location. Batteries can degrade faster in extreme temperatures, so keeping the vacuum away from heat sources or moisture can help preserve its lifespan. Manufacturers recommend storing the vacuum with a partially charged battery, around 50%, to prevent damage to the battery over time.

Ben Patterson/Foundry

Despite your best efforts, things can go wrong. Fortunately, many basic repairs—such as replacing a brush or fixing a stuck wheel—can be done at home. Manufacturers usually offer detailed instructions for these repairs, and it’s worth consulting the user manual or online guides for help.

However, for more complex issues like malfunctioning sensors or electrical problems, professional repairs might be necessary. Many manufacturers provide repair services or can recommend certified technicians, ensuring that your vacuum is in good hands.

Knowing when to repair versus when to replace your vacuum is crucial. If repairs become frequent and costly, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new model.

A robot vacuum is an investment in your home’s cleanliness and your free time. With these simple maintenance habits, you can protect that investment and keep your robotic helper running at peak performance for years to come.

Let’s address the big thing first: The Corsair One i500 compact gaming desktop costs $3,599. That will stop a lot of you in your tracks. Like a luxury automobile, however, there are touches throughout that signal why you’d want to spend the extra money on this lovely little PC.

I favor a very brutalist approach to PC hardware: I don’t really care what it looks like as long as it performs well and cost-effectively. But my personal aesthetic has always been very organic, and the i500’s genuine wood-paneled case plays into that perfectly.

On paper, the Corsair One i500 is an aggressive little machine. Inside is a Core i9-14900K processor and an Nvidia RTX 4080 Super, which is nearly the best of what you can buy today. All of that fits inside a compact little 22-liter chassis that’s perfectly suited toward a bookshelf: cool, quiet, compact, and understated, all characteristics normally associated with a cut above.

You can certainly buy your own case and components, and assemble them; it will certainly save you money. With the One, Corsair makes a strong argument that paying (a lot) extra can bring both aesthetic and practical benefits that aren’t immediately obvious.

My evaluation of the Corsair One i500 is a hybrid of formal review and a hands-on. We already have our hands full reviewing the dozens of laptops that come into our labs, and we normally write for the portion of our audience who buys and assembles their own PCs. Pre-built PCs like this one still offer peace of mind for someone without the time or technical aptitude to put their PC together, and it’s worth checking in to see what this segment of the market can achieve. Because we don’t cover pre-built PCs on a regular basis, though, you won’t find as many comparisons with competing products as in our laptop reviews.

I still couldn’t resist testing it, though. Wouldn’t you?

For starters, the warm aesthetics of the enclosure and the practicality of the case design are a winning combination. Add in a rather delightful interior, with backside cable routing and water-cooling, to what the Corsair One i500 offers on specs. There’s room for expansion, too. Yes, it all totals up to $3,599, but I don’t think that’s an extraordinary amount when balanced against what this desktop offers.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Corsair sent me the cheaper of two configurations, which retails for $3,599. A more expensive $4,699 option includes a Core i9-14900K, Nvidia RTX 4090, and a larger 64GB loadout of DDR5 RAM. Both desktops ship with a two-year warranty.

• Processor: Intel Core i9-14900K
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super
• Memory:  32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000
• Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD
• Ports: 2 USB-A (5Gbps), 1 USB-C (10Gbps), 4 USB-A (480Mbps) 3 USB-C 10Gbps, USB-C (20Gps, 2×2), 7.1 audio jack, headphone jack
• Wired connection: 2.5Gbps Ethernet
• Wireless: WiFi 6e; Bluetooth 5.3
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home
• Dimensions (inches): 15.5in. x 7.4in. x 11.8in.
• Weight: 21.2 lb
• Colors: Metal Dark, Wood Bright, Wood Dark
• Also in the box: power cord, Wi-Fi antennas
• Price: $3,599.99

The Corsair One i500 is available in three colorways: a dark metal, or either bright- or dark-wood options. Unlike the 1980s minivan I grew up with, the wood is wood, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council with a unique wood grain. (I believe my “dark” wood was walnut.) To date, wooden accents have been typically reserved to niche cases, like the Fractal Design North, though they’ve become more popular as a stylistic backlash to RGB.

Don’t get me wrong, the Corsair One i500 has its share of RGB, in the form of LED strips that run down each of the front corners. The RGB is controlled by touch-sensitive strips above and below the front-mounted power button, which can adjust the lighting. More fine-grained controls are built into the Corsair One Dashboard app, however, which offers a surprisingly basic UI.

That’s indicative of one of the things that sets the Corsair One i500 apart. Some people prefer overt controls, and there’s a certain segment of the tech audience that revels in the ability to control every little thing with a dedicated knob or button. The i500 disagrees, and it works.

The case is enticingly compact: just 15.5 inches by 7.4 inches wide, and 11.8 inches deep, for a total volume of 22 liters. I prefer placing my desktop near my feet, largely because of a lack of desk space. But the Corsair One i500 is a PC you’ll want to show off, especially if your aesthetic leans toward the natural. I have a walnut antique roll-top desk that I bought decades ago because I’ve always liked old wood, but it’s just a bit too small to showcase the Corsair One i500 properly, which is a shame.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Mark Hachman / IDG

Inside the shipping container that Corsair sent me was also the power cord and Wi-Fi antennas, which screw in. I would encourage Corsair to invest in a longer power cord; the included cord is about 4 feet, and it was a just a bit too short for my desk setup.

I do like RGB, and what the i500 offers is understated, illuminating the corners with adjustable lighting. But you’ll have to decide whether it looks good against the wood. I don’t think so, but those who buy the metal option will probably feel differently.

There’s one feature that the Corsair One i500 offers that I love, and plays into my love of the practical alongside the i500’s aesthetic: one-touch rear lighting. If you’re like me, your PC is seated near or at your desk, in a somewhat dim room. (People prefer Windows’ dark mode for a reason!) That’s just fine for the 1,439 minutes that make up almost all of a day. But when you need to plug in a USB key, or a printer, or a keyboard cable, fishing around in the gloom for a minute or two to align a cable correctly gets old quick.

The i500 solves that problem. Tap the rear of the chassis, and a small LED illuminates the entire I/O panel. That’s amazing! No longer do you have to squint to make sure an HDMI cable is aligned properly. Don’t scoff; how many times do you use the illuminated vanity mirror on your car? Probably almost never — but you’ll certainly hear about it from a friend or partner if they can’t check themselves out as you whiz through the night to a social event.

I was delighted by the i500’s one-touch rear lighting. It’s indicative of the care and attention Corsair paid to the details.

Mark Hachman / IDG

The rear I/O includes four USB-A ports (5Gbps), another three running at 10Gbps, and a dedicated 20Gbps USB-C port, too. There’s also an audio jack. Though there’s an HDMI port connected to the integrated GPU via the Intel B760M chipset on the motherboard, there are three DisplayPort ports and an HDMI port directly attached to the graphics card.

One complaint I have is that there isn’t anything comparable for the front port, lighting-wise. Since there’s a pair of USB-A ports (and a USB-C port, plus a headphone jack) tucked under the front lip of the i500, it would be helpful to ensure those USB ports lined up correctly. I accidentally yanked my power strip off my shelf when I pulled the i500 forward to correctly align the USB-A port…which there are probably a bit too many of, too. One or two more USB-C ports would be convenient for modern setups.

The i500’s side panels serve as filters, and magnetically snap on to the sides of the chassis. Removing them is simple. I didn’t like the tiny black screws that affix the underlying metal grille, though; keep a magnetic screwdriver handy, and work on a light-colored surface. (Why not thumbscrews, Corsair?)

Opening the left-hand side of the case reveals the internals, with another grill whose screws need to be loosened. When you’ve done that, you can open the grill “door” and access the insides. The slideshow below will walk you through the process of opening the case and revealing the internals, as the other side of the motherboard.

About the only thing running through the interior of the system are the two watercooling hoses, which can be gently moved aside if you need to change out a component.

Otherwise, Corsair buries all the cabling behind the motherboard (behind the right side) and very neatly organizes the wires. There’s a lot of care that went into this design.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Both GPU options include a 240mm GPU radiator plus two dedicated AF120 120 mm fans to cool it. The CPU also has its own 120mm cooler, too, along with a similar 120mm AF120 fan. Corsair mounts another 120mm fan on the bottom of the left side, to pull cool air underneath the graphics card, which essentially subdivides the case. Another 120mm fan pulls air from the top.

I didn’t try upgrading the chassis, but Corsair says that there’s an available x4 PCI Express expansion slot (with an effective length of 7 inches or less). Note that it’s a lot easier to swap out the M.2 slot and add memory, since access is granted via the upper “door”. (Two of the four memory slots were populated on my cheaper version of the Corsair One i500, with 32GB of memory.) Corsair makes a second M.2 slot available for upgrades, as well as a 2.5-inch SSD bay. Replacing the graphics card — which Corsair also allows for — requires more disassembly.

The one thing I really didn’t like about Corsair’s configuration was its approach to software. The Corsair One Dashboard app is good for adjusting the RGB (both colors and patterns, which include the typical strobing options, color shifts, and a starlight mode which makes parts of the RGB twinkle) but that’s about it. The app leaves room for fan monitoring, for example, but the sensors apparently weren’t connected. The Corsair One Diagnostics app leans more toward stability testing. Further tweaking options are left to the BIOS/UEFI, which isn’t that unusual and had the fine-grained tweaking options I expected.

BIOS updates require the user to download a firmware update, put it on a USB stick, and then apply it That seems rather primitive compared to the competition. I would have liked at-hand overclocking options, or the ability to scale up and down between silent running and maximum performance. Those options simply don’t seem to be there.

Corsair doesn’t explicitly say that air will be pulled in from the physical bottom of the chassis, but it appears that it definitely could. I tested the Corsair One i500 on my floor, but on a hard surface that didn’t block airflow. Under normal operation, I couldn’t hear the i500 at all; it’s only under load that I heard the fans crank up. The noise was moderate though not overwhelming, and without coil whine. A quiet PC is one you can game and work on.

While this isn’t a formal review, I couldn’t help but run a few benchmarks to test gaming performance. If you aren’t familiar with the nuances differentiating a 4080 Super from a “vanilla” 4080, the Super has a few more CUDA cores (10,240 vs 9,728) and runs at a slightly higher clock speed (2,295MHz vs 2,205 MHz). There’s a slight performance improvement, of course, of a few percent.

I recently tested the Acer Predator Orion 3000, a $1,699 desktop with an older Core i7-13700F chip and a GeForce RTX 4070 chip inside. I’d expect the 4080 Super to somewhat outperform the Acer’s 4070 GPU, though the 13th- and 14th-gen Core chips aren’t that far apart in terms of performance.

I also added a couple of gaming notebooks from our database, including the $3,700 Gigabyte Aorus 17X (Core i9-14900HX/RTX 4090) and the Dell Alienware x16 R2, a $3,199 gaming notebook with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and an RTX 4080 inside.

Mark Hachman / IDG

This is a gaming desktop, but you might use it during the day for “work,” right? We ran the PCMark 10 benchmark for comparative performance. With a score of over 10,000, this desktop made short work of the benchmark, which includes CAD elements to push the GPU a bit. Again, the fact that the i500 ran this benchmark largely silently is a good sign.

We’re in the middle of re-evaluating how we assess gaming performance, but we have two games that we’ve stuck with: Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Metro: Exodus. We’ve tended to prioritize 1080p performance on both, though gaming is slowly climbing into the 1440p range, and the 4080 Super inside the Corsair One will be able to play at that resolution (as well as 4K) without breaking a sweat.

Mark Hachman / IDG

If you do stick with 1080p gaming as your priority, this desktop will easily include the older Tomb Raider game, though it struggles a bit with the Metro release.

It’s worth noting that with Metro (we use the “Extreme settings), the “99th-percentile” score dropped down to 77 frames per second, which is playable, though a little less than some would prefer.

Mark Hachman / IDG

To this we added two more games: Cyberpunk: 2077 and Assassins Creed: Valhalla.

Cyberpunk: 2077, in addition to (eventually) becoming a deep, rich gaming experience, also provides a wealth of benchmarking options to examine the performance of a laptop or desktop. We’ve used our legacy settings for this test, which have been tested on just a couple of desktops and laptops. Here, I’m making a direct comparison between the Corsair desktop and the Asus Predator Orion 3000.

Mark Hachman / IDG

We’re considering tweaking these settings, turning on basic ray tracing and enabling frame generation. With these options enabled (at High settings), Cyberpunk is easily playable at over 300 fps. At 1080p and High settings, AC:V is perfectly playable, too, at 226 fps. Chances are that you’ll want to dial up the graphics settings a bit to show the game off a bit more without hurting performance.

Again, if you can’t get past the $3,599 price point, I can understand. I grew up in a minivan, though my parents now own a luxury sedan. Both have cup holders, four wheels and an engine, but there are little bits of polish and thought that help you understand while you might opt for the pricier option.

There’s a lot that Corsair offers here that goes beyond just the specs. I really do love the design, which feels unique. There’s a reason why Fractal cases receive attention, as they feel emotionally warmer and more organic than a traditional case. Corsair’s upgradability is somewhat nominal, but it is there. You’d almost hope that Corsair would create a version of the i500 with AMD’s AM4 or AM5 socket, to truly allow this PC to sit on someone’s shelf for years.

True, the RGB feels out of sync with the aesthetic and the software is average at best. Still, there aren’t too many other knocks against it. And though my colleagues tell me that yes, a rear-mounted LED has been done before, I’m not going to nitpick. Corsair engineers made some smart, thoughtful decisions in creating the Corsair One i500, creating a well-rounded, cohesive compact PC with just very few quibbles to make.

The majority of U.S. homes have an internet connection, and it’s probably not a stretch to guess that the proportion that also has Wi-Fi is close to 100 percent. Anyone who lives in a populated area and opened the Wi-Fi settings on their mobile phone will have seen how there are many networks competing for space in the ether.

Modern routers, especially mesh routers, have thankfully made problems with poor Wi-Fi coverage fairly rare, but there are still many good reasons to review your network. It’s not just about security, but also about getting the most out of your internet connection, minimizing lag in online games and protecting your and your family’s privacy.

Many internet service providers lend a Wi-Fi router to customers, while others offer it as an optional extra for a small fee. Of course, it’s easy to make do with it, and it can be cheaper if it’s included. But it might be a better idea to get a router yourself instead. For one thing, it means you can keep your router and don’t have to redo all the settings if you switch operators.

Carrier routers are rarely the most powerful, so you can get faster wireless internet with your own. This is especially true if you have many devices and/or a large house or a home with solid walls that weaken the signal. With mesh systems, you can get as many access points as you need to provide a strong signal throughout your home.

Security can also be higher, as over the years there have been relatively frequent security flaws in operators’ routers, which are not always fixed quickly. With so many customers using the same router model, such routers become more tempting prey for hackers.

Finally, you can get features that aren’t in your operator’s router but that you could benefit from, like vpn connectivity for the whole network or selected devices, separate networks for smart home gadgets, connection of peripherals like nas devices and printers, and much more.

Before you start looking at the different manufacturers’ router models, you have an important question to consider. Do you want a traditional router plus any Wi-Fi boosters, or should you opt for a modern mesh system? A question that has no obvious answer.

In a mesh system, two or more Wi-Fi routers or access points are combined into a larger, theoretically more robust network. The device you plug into the wall with Ethernet (or into a modem of some kind) becomes the master device and mediates the connection between all devices on the network and the internet.

The routers involved communicate with each other and optimize the network so that all connected phones and other gadgets have the fastest and most stable connection possible.

Advantages

• Easier to get good coverage throughout your home
• Fewer settings to make

Disadvantages

• Fewer settings that can be made
• More expensive
• Usually lower maximum speed

Asus

A centrally located router covers as much of the home as possible — powerful models with large antennas can easily cover a medium-sized house and even reach out into the garden if it has a clear view. If you need more coverage, you need to get an extender.

Advantages

• Less expensive
• Can offer significantly more customization options
• Powerful models have higher maximum speeds

Disadvantages

• Can be difficult to reach all nooks and crannies
• Slightly more complicated settings

To make the choice a little more complicated, some manufacturers have software in their regular routers that makes it possible to build mesh systems with them. Asus, for example, has something called AI Mesh. It takes a little more effort to get up and running than, for example, Google’s Nest Wifi, but offers the same benefit of better coverage and can be cheaper.

Further reading: Supercharged home Wi-Fi with mesh networking: What you need to know

Foundry

Once you’ve decided on a mesh or regular router, you’ll be faced with a veritable jungle of different models. Even if you stick to the biggest brands, such as Asus, Netgear, TP-link, and Linksys, there are hundreds of models to choose from.

Here are the key aspects to look at:

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e share the same basic technology, but 6e opens up the use of channels in the 6GHz band, where there is typically less interference. Signals in that frequency band are more efficiently blocked by walls, which can also help improve the signal for your own devices that are in the same room.

Wi-Fi 7 is the new version of Wi-Fi that has just been released. It brings higher speeds, both in theory and practice, and shorter response times. It’s not yet built into many computers, phones, and other gadgets, but it’s the technology of the future.

Routers are often marketed as “dual band” or “triple band.” This refers to the number of radios they have, and therefore the maximum capacity of all connected devices combined. For mesh routers, one of the bands is usually used for communication between the routers involved.

Older models may be cheap, but they carry the risk that the manufacturer will stop releasing security updates before you want to retire the router. The software in a router needs to be kept constantly updated, making it somewhat safer to choose one of the big, tried-and-tested manufacturers.

Another aspect of the software is how much customization the router offers and what extra features it has. For example, if you want to be able to connect a TV or media player via VPN to view content from other countries, you may benefit from a router with a built-in VPN function.

No matter which router or mesh router you get — or if you settle for the one from your operator — there are a handful of settings you should change right away. The way you connect to the router’s admin interface varies slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Instructions can be found in the user manual or an accompanying quick guide.

Foundry

Before you do anything else, I highly recommend enabling https connectivity to your router settings. This will prevent others on the local network from intercepting the router’s password by collecting all network traffic.

Change the password to the router settings. On some routers you are forced to do this when you first connect, on others it is optional but something you should definitely do. If possible, I also recommend changing your username. If you have to set a new password before you can enable https, you can change the password again after you have done so for extra peace of mind.

Foundry

Once you’ve secured your router’s settings, it’s time to secure the wireless network. The router usually has a semi-random network name (SSID) that I recommend changing. Choose something fun that you can easily recognize, but be aware that others can mimic and choose the same name. A good Wi-Fi password is long but easy to type in — for example, four randomly chosen words. No one is happy about having to type p&g_Kx%qU6s%qq$ewc-= by hand, but “wire underpaid rich banner” is no problem.

When choosing the Wi-Fi solution, you also get to choose the security model. Best today is WPA3, or just WPA2 if not available. WPA3 is more secure, but so far too many devices do not support it.

Further reading: 5 ways to check Wi-Fi signal strength on Windows PCs

If you don’t know better, I suggest you choose “auto” on most of the settings in the router, at least until you have learned more or have tested the network and want to see if you can optimize it a bit. This applies to channel selection and channel width, for example.

If you get internet via fiber, the router will probably fix the connection automatically, but some operators require a login using the PPOE protocol. You should then have received the name and password from the operator, and can check the instructions from your router’s manufacturer.

Look for settings for these technologies and switch them off. WPS is inherently insecure and UPNP and NAT-PNP open up your network in a way that can lead to intrusions unless both you and your gadgets do the right thing.

Foundry

If your router has a feature to install firmware updates automatically, you should enable it. Sure, there’s a minimal risk of the manufacturer releasing a bad update that crashes the router, but in return, you won’t have to log into the router periodically to avoid missing important security fixes.

Wi-Fi is handy and nowadays really fast, but the vast majority of routers still have a number of connectors for wired networking with Ethernet. High-end models today don’t settle for Gigabit Ethernet, but sometimes have 2.5 Gigabit or even faster.

And the fact is that wired is usually faster than wireless. This is true even with newer Wi-Fi standards that theoretically have higher speeds. For example, Wi-Fi 6/6e has a theoretical ceiling of 9.6Gbit/s, but no real networks are that fast. Moreover, the figure applies to all connected devices combined, and traffic in both directions must be taken into account, whereas Ethernet is so-called full duplex with the same speed in each direction.

More realistic is to get 0.5Gbit/s on a connected device with Wi-Fi 6, at some distance and with multiple devices connected. With Wi-Fi 6e or 7, the network can use the 6GHz band, where there is usually much less interference. This leads to higher speeds in practice, but even with the fastest routers it is difficult to reach more than 1,500Mbps.

In addition to consistently high speeds, cable provides lower latency and almost no risk of occasional slowness, which can still happen with wireless. Connecting devices that have an Ethernet connector — and to which you can run a cable without creating a tangle of wires in your home — gives them a stable connection, but that’s not all. Your wirelessly connected devices will also benefit, as they will have less competition for radio waves.

For example, if your router happens to be close to your TV, you can connect your TV, any media players, games consoles, and other wired devices on the same shelf. If you use smart home gadgets, it’s also a good idea to connect hubs like Ikea’s Dirigera by cable. If you don’t have enough ports, you can get a switch.

Wireless networks are delicate affairs whose range and speed are hugely affected by small changes, both to the settings and the positioning of the router. Radio waves are weakened by walls, and the more solid the wall, the worse the signal on the other side.

If you have a traditional router, you’ll get the best signal if you place it as close to the center of your home as possible, and preferably not next to a wall. But don’t run a lot of Ethernet cable without testing first. Of course, if it works well anywhere near the socket, you can leave the router there.

The default setting on most routers is to combine the two frequency bands into a common network with the same SSID, allowing the router and connected devices to choose which band based on signal strength. Some smart home devices only support 2.4GHz.

Further reading: The paranoid’s guide to securing your smart home

Therefore, if you have problems with some gadgets not wanting to connect or disconnecting from time to time, try splitting the network into two separate ones, one for 2.4GHz and one for 5GHz.

Foundry

If you don’t want to give away your Wi-Fi password left and right, you can take advantage of a feature found in many routers, namely the ability to add a separate guest network. The guest network has its own name and password, and on many routers it is set so that devices on the guest network cannot communicate with other devices on the local network, either on the guest network or the regular one. This means that your visitors can access the internet, but not, for example, your smart home gadgets or printers.

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.

• NXS Gaming PC Falcon, Ryzen 5 5600X/RTX 4060 Ti/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $877.00 (27% off on Amazon)
• Alienware Aurora R16, Core i7-14700F/RTX 4070 Super/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,599.99 (16% off on Dell)
• Alienware Aurora R16, Core i9-14900KF/RTX 4090/32GB RAM/2TB SSD, $3,099.99 (16% off on Dell)
• Thermaltake LCGS Quartz i460 R4, Core i5-13400F/RTX 4060/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $849.99 (6% off on Amazon)
• ViprTech Overlord, Ryzen 5 5600X/RTX 4070/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,199.99 (14% off on Walmart)
• iBuyPower Y40, Ryzen 7 7700/RTX 4070/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,439.00 (10% off on Walmart)
• Acer Predator Orion, Core i7-13700F/RTX 4070/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,299.99 (23% off on Newegg)

My top picks:

NXS Gaming is a relative newcomer to the gaming computer market, but its pre-built rigs have great reviews and come with powerful components at affordable prices. The PC Falcon model for $322 off on Amazon is no exception. This is the absolute cheapest I’ve found a pre-built system with an RTX 4060 Ti, meaning you’ll get a great budget gaming system for an outstanding price.

Dell also has a pair of excellent deals on its Alienware Aurora R16 gaming desktop model. The first is a beefy midrange build for $300 off and the second is a higher-end build for $600 off. Both deals are offer very affordable prices for these models. If I had the cash though, the higher-end build with a Core i9-14900KF CPU and RTX 4090 GPU would be hard to pass up.

• IdeaCentre Mini, Core i5-13500H/8GB RAM/512GB SSD, $599.99 (7% off on Lenovo)
• HP Slim Desktop, Core i5-14400/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $529.99 (24% off on HP)
• Inspiron Desktop, Core i7-14700/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $849.99 (15% off on Dell)
• Apple Mac Mini 2023, M2/8GB RAM/256GB SSD, $499.99 (12% off on Amazon with coupon)

My top picks:

Lenovo machines are known for their design and reliability and the IdeaCentre line of desktops is no exception. Right now, Lenovo is offering the IdeaCentre Mini for $500 off on its website. With an impressively small footprint and great productivity features this mini-PC is a must-have if desktop space is in short supply.

If you’re more of a Mac fan, then there is a rare deal on an M2 Mac Mini for $100 off with a coupon on Amazon. The M2 is still a solid CPU and considering that 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 capable mini desktop without the exorbitant price of a new-gen Apple product.

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.

• Dell Inspiron 24 AiO, Core 7-150U/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/24-inch 1080p touch display, $979.99 (11% off on Dell)
• HP Envy AiO 34, Core i7-12700/RTX 3050/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/34-inch ultrawide 4K display, $1,649.99 (23% off on HP)
• Asus Zen AiO 24, Ryzen 7 5825U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 1080p touch display, $802.37 (30% off on Amazon)
• iMac M3 2023, M3/8GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 5K display, $1,594.00 (6% off on Amazon with coupon)

My top picks:

Touchscreen fans look no further than the Inspiron 24 AiO deal for $120 on Dell. Strong performance features plus a handy 24-inch 1080p touch display make this a standout all-in-one deal.

Alternatively, the big beautiful HP Envy AiO 34 is going for $500 off on the HP website. The flagship HP all-in-one packs a gorgeous 34-inch ultrawide 4K display and its powered by a robust Core i7-12700. Plus, you’ll get an RTX 3050 GPU included, just in case you want to do some light gaming as well.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TL;DR: For $39.99, the 1minAI Pro Plan delivers lifetime access to versatile AI tools, with free monthly credits included.

Are you tired of juggling multiple AI tools to handle your creative tasks? With the 1minAI Pro Plan, you get permanent access to a powerful suite of AI functionalities designed to streamline your workflow and boost your creativity — all for a one-time fee of $39.99.

1minAI harnesses advanced AI models to assist with various tasks, from writing articles and editing images to manipulating PDFs and editing audio/video. This all-in-one solution simplifies your creative process, allowing you to generate content quickly and efficiently. While the AI excels at producing ideas and drafts, human oversight remains important for polishing and finalizing your work.

Unlike many AI platforms that charge monthly, 1minAI offers a lifetime subscription, meaning you pay once and enjoy the benefits for years to come. Plus, the Pro Plan includes free monthly credits, giving you ample opportunities to explore its extensive features without worry.

With tools designed to help you conquer writer’s block and produce high-quality content, this innovative platform has everything you need to bring your ideas to life.

For a limited time, score this lifetime subscription to the 1minAI Pro Plan for $39.99.

1minAI: Lifetime Subscription – $39.99

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TL;DR: Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for $19.97 through October 27 and enjoy advanced multitasking, improved security, and gaming enhancements.

If you’re still rocking an older version of Windows or just can’t upgrade through Windows Update, here’s your chance to jump into the future, on sale for $19.97 ending October 27.

Windows 11 Pro doesn’t just give your PC a new look — it supercharges your productivity, gaming, and security, while adding some next-level AI with Copilot. Microsoft even calls it “The ultimate AI study buddy.” Whether you’re crushing it in the office or trying to ace that exam, this OS has your back.

Windows 11 Pro combines a sleek interface with AI-powered tools like Copilot to boost productivity and streamline multitasking. It offers enhanced security features like biometric login and TPM 2.0, while professional tools like Hyper-V and BitLocker support business needs. Gamers also benefit from improved performance with DirectX 12 Ultimate for sharper graphics.

October 27 is the last day to take advantage of this low price on a Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for $19.97.

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – $19.97

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Earlier this month, Microsoft finally released the latest version of Microsoft Office that isn’t tied to Microsoft 365, meaning you can now buy access to the latest versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with a one-time payment instead of shelling out cash on a subscription.

With Office 2024, Microsoft promises improved performance, updated user interfaces, and more tools for analyzing data and embedding images in Excel, as well as support for new features over Office 2021. See all the new features in Office 2024 on this support page.

Microsoft Office Home 2024 is the base version that’s meant for private users and students. It costs $149.99 and can be installed on a single Windows PC or Mac computer.

Microsoft describes the difference between a Microsoft 365 subscription (which is the one that Microsoft prefers you use) and the locked-in-time Office 2024 suite as follows:

Microsoft 365 is a subscription that comes with premium apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, and Access (Publisher and Access available on PC only). The apps can be installed on multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, iPads, iPhones, Android tablets, and Android phones. Microsoft 365 also comes with services like 1 TB of OneDrive storage, 60 Skype minutes per month, and Microsoft chat and phone support. With a subscription, you get the latest versions of the apps and automatically receive updates when they happen.

Office 2024 is a one-time purchase that comes with classic apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for PC or Mac, and does not include any of the services that come with a Microsoft 365 subscription. One-time purchases don’t have an upgrade option, which means if you plan to upgrade to the next major release, you’ll have to buy it at full price.

Office Home 2024 is also available directly from Microsoft for $149.99, so the price is identical whether you get it on Amazon or not.

Office 2024 is also available in a version that includes Outlook, which is called Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024. This one costs $249.99, can be installed on a single Windows PC or Mac computer, and is meant for small businesses and other commercial uses.

Whereas Office Home 2024 only includes Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, Office Home & Business 2024 includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook. As before, the main difference between this and Microsoft 365 is that you’ll only get security updates, no feature updates.

Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 (with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, OneNote, and Access) has been available since September.

The LTSC version of Office 2024 is also a one-time payment option, but this one is expressly meant for commercial use by larger companies. It is not intended for private users.

If you’re looking for an affordable laptop that’s zippy enough day-to-day tasks and office work, you’ve come to the right place. If you don’t mind working in Google’s ecosystem, you may want to consider picking up a Chromebook. They offer reliable performance and they’re super easy to use. You can also play the latest triple-A games on them with cloud gaming. But type “Chromebook” into Amazon and you’ll be inundated with countless choices. If you’re not sure where to look, don’t sweat it, we’ve assembled a carefully curated list below.

If you still prefer Windows laptops, you’ll definitely want to check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available today.

Why you should trust us: PCWorld has been going strong since 1983, back in the days when print magazines were more common. Now that we’ve made the leap to digital, we’ve been reviewing more than 70 laptops every year. Every laptop that passes through our doors goes through an arduous testing process, in which we evaluate everything from processor performance to display quality. We’re committed to reviewing laptops in every price range too.

Update October 24, 2024: We added the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus ($699.99) as an alternative option underneath the Best High-End Chromebook pick. Not only is the AMOLED display a real beauty, but it’s also one of the thinnest Chromebooks out there right now. We’ve also updated our list of recent laptop reviews, so be sure to check those out near the bottom of the page!

Pros

• Good build quality
• Fantastic typing experience
• Vibrant touchscreen display

Cons

• Average battery life for a Chromebook
• Stylus not included

The Lenovo Flex 5i is the best overall choice because of its 2-in-1 design, the peppy performance, exquisite typing experience, and so much more. The understated aluminum finished exterior helps make it feel like something three or four times as expensive. As for the convertible design, the 360-degree hinge feels incredibly sturdy, which is essential in a 2-in-1 laptop. Plus, the keyboard is a real joy to type on and the 1200p touch display produces crisp and vibrant visuals. The best part is that you’re getting all of these wonderful features for well under $500.

We feel as though the Lenovo Flex 5i is a good Chromebook for most people. The touchscreen and 2-in-1 design really gives it the edge, as you usually see these features in machines that cost much more. While the nine hour battery life is considered just average for a Chromebook, it’s still a great all-day result. It’s just not the whopping 19 hours we got out of the Asus Chromebook CM34 Flip. That said, the Lenovo Flex 5i’s list of compromises is quite small.

Pros

• Lightweight design
• Great battery life
• Attractive color scheme
• 1080p display

Cons

• Only 4GB of RAM
• 720p webcam is disappointing

For under $300, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook offers decent performance, fantastic battery life, and a lightweight form factor. Inside, you’ll find an MediaTek Kompanio 520 CPU, an ARM Mali-G52 2EE MC2 GPU, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. On paper, those specs may not look all that impressive. However, when it comes to real-world use, day-to-day performance is perfectly reliable. The 47 watt-hour battery also lasted 16 hours on a single charge and it weighs just under three pounds, making it a solid travel companion. Not bad for under $300, huh?

Anyone looking for a cheap, serviceable Chromebook. It’s not the most innovative Chromebook we’ve ever seen, but it doesn’t have to be. It has plenty of power for light use and the battery will keep you going long after your workday or school day ends. The inclusion of a 1080p touch display is a nice touch as well, especially given the low price of the machine. The 720p webcam is disappointing and you’re only getting 4GB of RAM, but if you’re willing to taper your expectations a bit, then this is a machine that’s well worth considering.

Alternative option: If you’re willing to spend a little extra on a Chromebook with better performance, we’d recommend checking out the $399 Acer Chromebook Plus 515. Bootup times are lightning fast and browser-based tasks feel appropriately snappy. The typing experience is also lovely and the battery can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. The only trade-offs are the boring aesthetics and the thick bezels on the display.

Pros

• Great keyboard
• Solid battery life and performance
• Beautiful display

Cons

• Tinny speakers
• Pen sold separately
• No fingerprint reader
• More expensive than the average Chromebook

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 offers a convertible form factor, zippy day-to-day performance, and a keyboard with plenty of travel. The 14-inch IPS touch-enabled display also has a 1920×1200 resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and 340 nits of brightness. It’s a great screen for media streaming, but it’s on the dimmer side and the glossy surface makes it difficult to use on a sunny day. That said, the multi-touch touchscreen works well.

Anyone looking for a more premium Chromebook! The 2-in-1 form factor allows you to rotate the screen 360 degrees and use it like a tablet, which is great for those who like to take notes or doodle. Plus, many Android apps are optimized for tablet use, so using this Chromebook in tablet mode should be easy. The price tag ($699) may deter some folks, but if your budget knows no bounds, then the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a fantastic choice.

Alternative option: The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus ($699.99) is another good option to consider. The AMOLED display is absolutely gorgeous and it’s one of the thinnest Chromebooks out there right now, which is perfect if portability is at the top of your priority list.

Pros

• Attractive design
• Excellent CPU performance
• Loads of wired and wireless connectivity
• High resolution 1600p display

Cons

• Mediocre keyboard and touchpad
• Disappointing speakers and microphone
• Display falls behind in contrast, color vibrancy

The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a good machine for gaming and day-to-day tasks. The Intel Core i5-1240P CPU is powerful enough for office work and everyday activities, and the display’s 120Hz refresh rate will produce smooth visuals. You can’t run games locally on this laptop, but you can use a cloud gaming service like Nvidia GeForce Now or Amazon Luna. According to our review, “gameplay felt perfectly smooth” and “Nvidia’s GeForce Now diagnostics panel flagged no problems.” Just make sure you’ve got a stable Internet connection! Fortunately, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE has an Ethernet port, which is about as stable as you can get.

Anyone that wants to game on a dependable Chromebook! The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a joy to game on and it’s zippy enough for productivity and day-to-day. Additional features include a 1080p webcam, a 65 watt-hour battery, and an attractive design. With an MSRP of $650, it’s a little expensive for a Chromebook, but it punches above the usual Chrome OS machine and is tailor made to deliver a high-quality cloud gaming experience.

Alternative option: If you’re looking for a Windows alternative that can run local games, you should check out the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition laptop. It’s currently our best budget gaming pick and for good reason! Our reviewer blitzed through the Rise of the Tomb Raider benchmark at 123 frames-per-second thanks to the Nvidia GeForce RTX RTX 4050 GPU. This laptop also managed an impressive 11 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is unheard of in gaming laptops.

Pros

• Upgradeable
• Hot-swappable ports
• 1080p webcam
• Reliable performance

Cons

• Expensive
• No touchscreen display

The Framework Laptop Chromebook is one of the more unusual entries on this roundup because it’s a modular laptop, which means you can replace or upgrade any part of it. Our reviewer, who wasn’t confident in her disassembling abilities, was able to crack open the laptop in a few simple steps. The hardware inside is marked with QR codes, which you can scan with your phone and be directed to the right spot on Framework’s website. The 1080p display is also a big draw and the hot-swappable ports allows you to mix and match where the ports slot in the laptop.

Anyone who likes to get in there and tinker or extend the life of their laptop. The Framework Laptop Chromebook is designed with the ultimate customization and upgradability in mind. I will say, it’s definitely targeted to a specific niche of people, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Performance is strong due to the Intel Core i5 processor. In fact, our benchmarks show that it handles everyday tasks like surfing the web and watching streams like a real pro. The only caveat is that it’s expensive for a Chromebook. The Acer Chromebook Vero 514, for example, is just as fast as the Framework Laptop Chromebook and is hundreds of dollars cheaper.

• Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus offers strong processing performance as well as a paper-thin design. However, battery life could be better and it’s missing a few premium features I expected to see given the price of this laptop.
• HP Victus 15: The 2024 HP Victus 15 is a great budget gaming machine, but it’s not ideal for much else.
• Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Aura Edition is a solid do-it-all laptop. It offers well-rounded performance, long battery life, and attractive design.
• Asus ProArt PZ13: The Asus ProArt PZ13 lacks performance next to its laptop competitors, but as a 2-in-1 tablet it shines. A quality design, a great display, lengthy battery life, and incredibly competitive value set it apart from other 2-in-1. If you’re set on a tablet, this one is well worth Considering.
• Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1: The Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 offers reliable performance as well as speakers that scream loud, but the dull display and middling battery life leave little to be desired, making it not a leader compared to other laptops in the same class.
• Lenovo Legion 9i: The Lenovo Legion 9i is everything a high-end gaming laptop should be, pairing high-end hardware with liquid cooling and a bright and beautiful display for HDR gaming. But it has a price tag to match.
• HP OmniBook Ultra 14: The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 shines thanks to AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series processors, which delivers long battery life in real-world use with excellent performance. But “AI laptops” aren’t as futuristic as the marketing might lead you to expect.

The PCWorld team puts each and every 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. Due to the cloud-based nature of Chromebooks, they 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 we use on laptops because they exclusively run a completely different operating system.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each test and the reasons why we run them.

• 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 that measures browser speed.
• 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.

For a more thorough explanation of our testing procedures, check out how PCWorld tests laptops.

If you’re looking for a Windows or MacBook alternative, you may want to consider a Chromebook. Equipped with low-power processors, they typically have good battery life and are usually silent in operation. They make great productivity machines, as they’re specifically designed for lightweight tasks like browsing the web, watching Netflix, and so on. Plus, they’re largely virus free. That said, most Chromebooks have minimal RAM and storage. If you’re a hardcore gamer or a video editor, you’re going to want something with a lot more power than a Chromebook is capable of providing.

Our guide to Chromebooks vs. Windows laptops can help you determine which operating system is best for your needs. For more options, you’ll want to check out our best laptops roundup.

• Operating system: Although every operating system has its pros and cons, I’d argue that Chrome OS is one of the most user-friendly ones out there. That said, with Chromebooks, you don’t have the option of picking another operating system, as they exclusively run Chrome OS. You’re stuck with it, bud.
• Processor: Shoot for a mid-range Chromebook if you can. They cost anywhere in the $400 to $600 range and many of them come equipped with Intel Pentium processors. These Chromebooks have better browser performance and are capable of running more intense gaming apps. It’s the best bang for your buck. Upper-end Chromebooks sometimes use Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors, which pack more of a punch.
• RAM: Many Chromebooks have 4GB of RAM, which isn’t a lot. Chromebooks are web-based machines, so you need a fair amount of RAM to keep those tabs open and running smoothly. If you can spend a couple of hundred extra, you’ll be able to find a mid-range Chromebook with 8GB of RAM.
• Storage: I recommend at least 64GB of storage. Since you’ll mostly be storing things in the cloud, you don’t a ton of local storage.
• Durability: Chromebooks are popular in the education market because they’re pretty darn robust. I’m not saying you should smack one around with a baseball bat or anything, but they’re durable enough to handle the daily abuses of life.

When people talk about regular laptops they usually mean a PC or Mac. A Chromebook is still a laptop, but it differentiates itself from either of those two by using a unique operating system called Chrome OS, which was created by Google. Think of it like this: All Chromebooks are laptops, but not all laptops are Chromebooks.

Unlike other operating systems such as Windows or macOS, Chrome OS is optimized to run Google apps such as Google Drive, Google Docs, YouTube, and other Google services. Because most Google apps are online, Chromebooks generally require an internet connection to use most of their important features.

Finally, Chromebooks have historically been designed with portability, ease of use, and affordability in mind rather than top performance. They typically forego the faster, high-end hardware that PCs or Macs can use for a more minimalist, lightweight approach to computing.

No, you can’t game a Chromebook because they can’t run local EXEs aside from Android apps. That said, you can play modern games on a Chromebook that supports cloud gaming, like the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Gaming. You have to have an Ultimate membership with Nvidia’s GeForce Now to the play the games, though. The Ultimate tier costs $19.99 a month or $99.99 for six months. It’s a pretty seamless experience, and Nvidia also offers an unlimited free tier so you can stream games with restrictions on session times.

More and more, the line between what is a laptop and what is a tablet blurs as companies integrate the features of both into their latest devices. But there are still a few key distinctions between the two. Laptops generally are larger, come with more storage, and have better performance and productivity features. Tablets on the other hand are smaller and more portable, have longer battery life, and are usually a bit more affordable.

When choosing between a budget laptop and a tablet you should first ask yourself what the primary use of the device will be. Do you need something for productivity with lots of storage? Then a laptop—even a budget model—will probably be the way to go. Or do you need something that is small, travels well, and has a long battery life? Then you might consider a tablet.

Chromebooks are designed for day-to-day tasks, which is fine if all you’re doing is browsing the web and checking e-mail. They can’t handle resource-heavy design work, video editing, and so on. You’ll also need a strong Internet connection because if you’re not online, there are only so many things you can do with a Chromebook. Chromebooks cannot install local programs like Windows PCs can. You also can’t install Microsoft Office and that might be a huge deal-breaker for some folks, especially those who rely on those programs for work.

Chromebooks are good laptops for those who require the basics. If all you need is a reliable Internet connection to get your work done and nothing else (like no resource-hungry programs), then you’re golden. Personally, I use my own Chromebook for writing and editing as well as checking out social media and watching YouTube. You can even game on them with a cloud gaming service like GeForce Now, if that’s how you like to spend your evenings (no judgements here).