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Samsung’s brand-new smartwatch lineup for 2025 is here with the Galaxy Watch8. As one of the leading brands for Android smartwatches, it’s always exciting to see what Samsung brings to the table. The previous Galaxy Watch7 was well received, pairing a sleek design with a bevy of health sensors, great performance, and a decent software package. So, just what has the Korean tech giant done this year to innovate even further on the Galaxy accessory?
As always, Samsung is focused on health features with the Galaxy Watch8 (did you know the company operates one of the largest hospitals in Seoul? That’s just one of the weirdest Samsung products of all time). Since it’s 2025, there’s also an obligatory slew of features based on AI. Lastly, in what might be a very slick attempt at downplaying the nearly identical internals, the new watches have been completely redesigned.
To dispense with the mystery: if you own the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 and you’re happy with it, there’s very little to compel an upgrade to the Watch8 this time around. However, for anyone rocking the Watch6, or another watch from more than a year or two ago, it could very well be the smartwatch you’ve been looking for. As we don’t have space to cover every detail, let’s break down the major differences between these two premium smartwatches.
Hardware: The Galaxy Watch8 has a new design and slightly bigger battery
The most visible upgrade of the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 over the previous Watch7 is its design. The last generation model has a simplistic, circular design, but Samsung has updated the Watch8 to more closely resemble the rounded square shape of the Watch Ultra. The display is still circular, giving it a “circle inside a square” look that stands out more on the wrist. The only upgrade to the AMOLED display is a peak brightness of 3,000 nits compared to the Watch7’s 2,000 nits. In line with the recently released Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the frame on the Watch8 is slightly thinner.
Under the hood, things are familiar. There’s no processor upgrade, and the Watch8 keeps the Watch7’s 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. Don’t expect a performance bump. The Watch8 has an ever-so-slightly larger battery at 435 milliamp-hours for the 44 mm version or 235 for the 33 mm, which is only 10 and 25 mAh larger than the respective versions of the Watch7. Real-world battery life should remain roughly equal. Additionally, both Galaxy Watches have water resistance ratings for 5 ATM, meaning that they’re able to handle up to 164 feet of depth in normal conditions. An updated BioActive sensor can take antioxidant readings, and Samsung claims the GPS is more accurate.
One major point for anyone upgrading is that while the Watch7 supported normal watch bands of the sort you can find at any jewelry store or grab for five bucks on Amazon, the Watch8 has Samsung’s new “dynamic lugs system” that will require you to use either Samsung’s proprietary bands or third-party bands designed specifically for these models.
Software: The Galaxy Watch8 brings a few new AI features
When it comes to software, the Galaxy Watch8 is shipped with Samsung’s latest One UI 8 skin on top of Google Wear OS 6. It brings some decent upgrades, but One UI 8 will also make its way to the Watch7 in the near future. That leaves only a few upgrades that will truly be exclusive to the Watch8, and how much you should care about them depends on how hyped you are for more AI in your devices. Most notably, One UI 8 for Galaxy Watch ditches Google Assistant in favor of Gemini for voice commands. Depending on how you see things, that might be a downgrade, since Gemini still has a frustrating habit of hallucinating commands or falsely claiming it can’t follow them. However, Assistant will also be deprecated on the Watch7 with One UI 8.
When it comes to standout features, the Watch7’s Energy Score feature, which tells you each morning how rested you are and whether to take it easy, is being iterated upon. Exclusive to the Watch8 is a sleep coaching feature called Bedtime Suggestions that attempts to learn your circadian rhythm and tell you when to go to bed, as well as a tracker for your vascular load during sleep. Anecdotally, this writer has found Energy Scores on the Watch7 to be more or less accurate, so hopefully these souped-up sleep features work equally well. There’s also an AI Running Coach tool that will come up with a running plan for you based on your overall fitness, and then the robot will give you Another new addition is the aforementioned antioxidant reading feature, which has yet to be proven accurate.
Some would consider Intel a newcomer in the discrete graphics market, with only two generations of GPUs under its belt. Even as the underdog compared to veterans like Nvidia and AMD, Intel has achieved more than expected. Not only has it developed its own graphics architecture from scratch, but it has also introduced XeSS, Intel’s answer to upscaling tech like Nvidia DLSS and AMD FSR.
XeSS (Xe Super Sampling) is Intel’s AI-based upscaling technology that uses proprietary XMX cores and advanced algorithms to boost resolution, sharpness, and overall visual fidelity. In an era where gamers demand 1440p or 4K visuals without sacrificing performance, technologies like XeSS help bridge the gap on lower-end hardware. It works by rendering a game at a lower resolution, such as 1080p, and upscaling it to a higher output, resulting in smoother frame rates and a sharper image. Like any upscaling tech, it comes with quality, balanced, and performance modes.
What sets XeSS apart is its openness: While Nvidia’s DLSS only runs on RTX GPUs equipped with Tensor Cores, XeSS can fall back on standard shader cores using the DP4A instruction set when XMX cores aren’t present. That means it’s compatible not just with Intel’s Arc GPUs, but also with many AMD and Nvidia graphics cards. This broader compatibility gives XeSS a much wider reach, especially among gamers with older or budget hardware.
Comparing XeSS to DLSS and FSR isn’t straightforward, as each upscaling tech comes in multiple versions. Early iterations of AMD’s FSR (like 2.0 and 3.1) used simpler algorithm-based techniques that struggled to match the image quality of DLSS and XeSS. FSR 4.0, AMD’s latest version, is far more advanced — but it only works on Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs.
Nvidia still leads in visual quality and motion clarity, especially with DLSS 3.5 and above. However, according to Hardware Unboxed, XeSS 1.3 can outperform older versions of FSR (3.1 or earlier) in certain titles, particularly at lower resolutions like 1440p. It delivers sharper images and fewer motion artifacts in games such as “Rachet & Clank: Rift Apart.” That said, in titles like “Ghost of Tsushima,” FSR 3.1 maintains the upper hand.
While Intel’s Arc GPUs are still maturing, some titles have already implemented the latest XeSS 2.0, announced alongside Intel’s upcoming Battlemage GPU lineup. Games like “F1 2024,” “Diablo IV,” and “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows” are among the early adopters. According to Videocardz, XeSS 2 is now available in over 19 titles, bringing the total number of games supporting XeSS to more than 200.
The next-gen version brings frame generation and low-latency enhancements that could push it closer to competing with the DLSS 4 and FSR 4.0 software stacks. The biggest hurdle for Intel, however, remains market share. With so few Intel GPUs out in the wild, developers have little incentive to optimize for XeSS. But Intel’s open-source approach gives it a surprising edge; its tech can improve visuals even on older AMD and Nvidia GPUs, making it more appealing to gamers and studios alike.
Most smartphones and computers today boast extremely fast read and write speeds, thanks to a paradigm shift towards flash memory, especially in consumer PCs. NAND flash memory finds use in a variety of devices such as SD cards, SSDs, USB sticks, smartphone storage, and more. NAND flash is a type of non-volatile memory, meaning it can retain its data when the device is powered off. That’s why you can view your saved photos years after taking them. This memory is fundamentally different from the volatile kind, like the RAM on your devices, which is cleared after each use cycle.
If NAND sounds like a funny name, it is because NAND stands for “Not And,” a Boolean operation that signifies how the storage works. High-end and often expensive NAND flash modules are used in industrial applications needing blazing fast speeds and unparalleled reliability. The same tech also powers dirt-cheap USB drives that operate at much lower speeds. NAND flash prices have been a roller coaster ride since the COVID-19 pandemic. The prices have soared in recent times and are expected to rise further in the second half of 2025 due to a variety of factors. Let’s take a closer look at how NAND flash memory works and understand why these versatile workhorses are becoming pretty expensive pretty fast.
NAND flash works by employing billions of tiny semiconductor-based transistors to store, modify, and delete data. A basic transistor consists of a source, gate, and drain. The gate stops electrons from the source from flowing to the drain unless a threshold voltage is applied. NAND flashes use a floating gate inside this transistor to make memory cells suitable for storing data. The floating gate can store electrons in varying proportions, which further increases the threshold voltage depending on the electron density inside it. The floating gates on NAND flash are electrically insulated using isolation layers to keep the charge intact even when the device is powered off.
Now, consider two memory cells, one with no electrons inside the floating gate and the other with some electrons. When you start increasing the voltage, the memory cell with the empty floating gate switches on first due to a lower threshold. The other memory cell needs a greater threshold voltage to switch on. The floating gate allows differentiation between memory cells based on the electron density in the floating gate. The memory cells with empty floating gates are conventionally read as a 1, and filled gates are read as 0 in single-bit operations. Memory controllers read these cells by varying the voltage and checking the stored bits. Computers turn every photo, video, or file you interact with into binary code of 0s and 1s to store them on NAND or other storage devices.
While NAND flashes have progressively become more affordable at large, their market has seen some volatility lately due to the pandemic and recent developments in AI. The supply chain took a massive hit during the pandemic as demand fell and manufacturers faced an oversupply of NAND flashes. Flash devices, such as SSDs, were at their most affordable during 2023. However, SSD prices have been going up ever since.
AI has also fueled the surge in prices as server-grade computers powering generative AI require high-speed NAND storage. As the AI race between giants like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini intensifies, the demand for NAND flash is expected to further rise in the future. According to chipmaker Kioxia, the demand for flash storage could almost triple by 2028, largely fueled by its AI applications. Moreover, the demand for flash storage in the consumer segment is also expected to grow in tandem with the industry demand, which might lead to more expensive times for NAND flash in the latter half of 2025.
As remote work continues to gain popularity, finding items that will improve and spruce up your home office is important. That’s why many people who want to make a solid workspace at home will want to go for big-ticket items like ergonomic chairs. Of course, this could be a game changer, but minor details like the type of keyboard you use could also make a huge difference.
When buying a desktop, it might be tempting to stick to the standard flat black keyboard to complete your setup. After all, it does the fundamental function of inputting texts and commands, but that’s where the benefits of these keyboards end. If you are a remote worker who spends a lot of time using a keyboard, you definitely know the side effects that prolonged use can cause. Fatigue and pain in the fingers and wrists are common, but extended use can also result in severe conditions like repetitive strain injuries.
Luckily, if you want to mitigate or reduce these side effects, one of the things you can get for your home office is an ergonomic keyboard. An ergonomic keyboard is one of the best keyboards you can buy now on Amazon, and it’s designed with your natural body posture in mind. Whether it’s a curved or a split layout design, these keyboards are built to make the task of typing more comfortable and enjoyable. As a bonus, their design plays a crucial role in reducing finger movement, which translates to faster typing and fewer errors.
Ergonomic keyboards are ideal solutions for a writer or programmer who want to reduce strain
One of the most notable benefits of switching to an ergonomic keyboard is the notable comfort improvement you’ll see in your typing experience. Take the new Logitech Wave Keys keyboard, for instance. Unlike traditional flat keyboards built with a one-size-fits-all mentality, this ergonomic keyboard has a curved layout that naturally aligns with your hands’ movement patterns.
At a glance, this might seem like a minor detail. When you add other ergonomic keyboard features like adjustable tilt settings and cushioned palm rests, however, the difference will be huge. Not just in terms of comfort, but also when it comes to reducing the muscle tension that can lead to repetitive strain injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome. Another plus is that this will all result in reduced pain and fatigue and fewer breaks — something that every remote worker will appreciate.
Lastly, another reason for investing in an ergonomic keyboard is that they come with customizable features. For instance, the ProtoArc Backlit Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard comes with a split-keyframe design and a memory foam leather palm support that reduces discomfort during long typing sessions. It also comes with adjustable backlighting — an ideal spec for those who prefer to (or sometimes have to) work in the dark.
Explore the ultimate showdown between ASUS Vivobook and ROG laptops of 2025. Discover which series excels in performance, design, and features to help you choose the perfect ASUS laptop for your needs.
Which ASUS Is Laptop Is Best: Vivobook Vs ROG
You must be wondering, “Which ASUS laptop is best suited for high performance in 2025?” This comprehensive guide matches two titans of the ASUS family, the Vivobook series and the ROG (Republic of Gamers) series. While the year 2025 unfolds and each series continues the quest of shattering the existing boundaries of laptop technology, they, however, exist to suit varying profiles of users. Be it a creative professional after a lightweight, stylish, and powerful machine to help with their daily tasks or content creation, or a hardcore gamer after satisfying performance, advanced graphics, and amazing cooling for the latest demanding titles, this coverage will unveil each series’s strengths and weaknesses. We will analyze some key metrics: raw processing power, display quality, visual appeal, battery life, and, ultimately, value for money invested for you to base all decision making from getting one of these top-performing ASUS machines that put you now on top of the game right into your hands.
The ASUS Vivobook and ROG series, in their own distinct ways, address distinct user needs; each has its own unique selling propositions. The Vivobooks,escpecially the Vivobook 16X or Vivobook Go 15, stress their versatility, portability, and style. This makes them perfect for students, creative professionals, and generally all users who need consistent performance for multi-tasking, content creation, and general productivity but at more accessible prices. Balanced specifications, slim designs, and added features for the doing-good part not just targeted at few people are their plus points.
If Vivobooks fulfill the needs for some users’ everyday tasks, ROG (Republic of Gamers) are multitaskers gadgets for committed gaming and high-end workloads. ROG sets like Zephyrus G16 and Strix G16 are designed for hardcore gaming and other performance-hungry tasks, powered by potent dedicated graphics processors, advanced cooling systems, and high refresh rate displays; they also ensure a compelling gaming experience through sound, visual, ergonomic, and technical excellence. They are the preferred choice for serious gamers and those demanding the highest performance in graphics-rich applications.
Let your thoughts run wild and crush your games with ASUS Vivobook 16X. This beast of a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H creator/gaming laptop is built to perform. It has got a dedicated NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics card of 4GB VRAM along with 16GB of RAM, which makes it perfect for demanding applications and modern titles. The gorgeous 16.0-inch FHD+ display features an unbelievably smooth 144Hz refresh rate, bringing your graphics to life like never before with vibrant clarity and responsiveness. Whether you’re editing videos, designing graphics, or lost in the contemporary AAA games, this ASUS laptop gives you that unbridled satisfaction. The sleek Indie Black finish brings sophistication, making it your perfectly poised partner in the workplace and at play. This i5 laptop is a wise choice for students and working professionals who need superior multitasking performance.
Specifications
Brand: ASUS
Model: Vivobook 16X K3605VC‑RP412WS
Screen Size: 16.0″ FHD+ (1920×1200), 144 Hz
Processor: Intel Core i5‑13420H (8 cores, up to 4.6 GHz)
The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 (2023) is equipped for enabling smooth performance and entertainment purposes. This ultra-light thin laptop is powered by a very efficient AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor made for on-the-go usage. With its Capacious 16GB RAM and 512GB of SSD space, snappy performance and accommodating file and application storage await you. The 15.6-inch Full HD display gives a very lively and functional clean look as per the expectations of still media streaming, web browsing, and presentation work. It comes with MS Office 2021 preinstalled and thus gets you right out of the box and ready to deal with any task you wish to complete. With sleek Mixed Black finish and integrated Alexa Built-in feature, this Vivobook is a companion for students and professionals alike, as well as daily users needing a powerful yet portable device.
Specifications
Brand: ASUS
Model: Vivobook Go 15 E1504FA‑NJ542WS
Screen Size: 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080)
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U
RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Graphics Card: Integrated Radeon 610M
Operating System: Windows 11
Item Weight: 1.63 kg
Pros
Slim and lightweight design, easy to carry
Vibrant display and decent performance for everyday use
Comes with MS Office 2021 and Alexa built-in
Cons
Entry-level processor limits multitasking and performance in demanding tasks
Not suitable for gaming or creative work
ASUS Vivobook 15
Check out the ASUS Vivobook 15, a budget-friendly laptop, blending performance and functionality to elevate everyday computing. Equipped with the 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor and integrated Intel UHD graphics, this laptop guarantees a smooth run for everything you want to do. Enjoy smooth multitasking and lots of file storage with a whopping 16GB of RAM alongside fast 512GB SSDs for that perfect balance. Savor clear images either while working or streaming, with the full HD display of 15.6 inches working at 60Hz. Type away all night long and in all circumstances with the assistance of a backlit keyboard. Preloaded with a 1-year Microsoft 365 Basic and Office Home & Student 2024, you would be all set for productivity out of the box. The sleek Quiet Blue finish adds sophistication, combining the ASUS Vivobook laptop with elegance as students and professionals alike.
Specifications
Brand: ASUS
Model: Vivobook 15 X1502VA‑BQ836WS
Screen Size: 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080), 60 Hz
Processor: Intel Core i5‑13420H
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Graphics Card: Intel UHD (Integrated)
Operating System: Windows 11
Item Weight: 1.70 kg
Pros
Strong CPU performance for productivity and multitasking
Backlit keyboard and sleek design
Pre-installed Office Home 2024 and 1-year M365
Cons
No dedicated GPU, not suitable for gaming or heavy creative tasks
60 Hz refresh rate feels outdated for modern use
ROG Zephyrus G16, 16
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 thus transmutes into an all-in-one supreme gaming and creative powerhouse. One of the foremost gaming laptops boasts a stunning 16-inch 2.5K OLED ROG Nebula Display capable of 240Hz, delivering colors of marvelous brightness on a deep black background for a great immersive experience. The high refresh rate combats any tearing and ghosting of images. The Zephyrus G16 manages even the most demanding games and creative tasks, powered by the new Intel Ultra 7 155H processor with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. Enjoy staggeringly fast loading times with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM utterly speedy and the huge 1TB SSD offering plenty of storage for your entire library. This gorgeous model is Eclipse Grey in color, stylish, and power-packed alike, so this ASUS ROG laptop is a clear choice for determined gamers and creative professionals.
Specifications
Brand: ASUS ROG
Model: Zephyrus G16 GU605MV‑CO711WS
Screen Size: 16.0″ 2.5K OLED, 240 Hz
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 4060 8 GB
Operating System: Windows 11
Item Weight: 1.85 kg
Pros
Excellent performance for gaming and creative workloads
Stunning OLED display with 240 Hz refresh rate
Premium build, portable for a gaming laptop
Cons
Runs hot under load; may throttle during sustained gaming
RAM is non-upgradable (soldered) in most variants
ASUS [Smartchoice] ROG Strix G16
Dominate your true battleground in the ASUS ROG Strix G16, an excellent machine designed for gaming. The 16-inch FHD+ display with its ultra-smooth 165Hz refresh rate offers flawless frame rendering and gives you that competitive edge. The solid foundation of the chipset is rests on a killer 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13650HX processor married to crazy demands for graphics-intensive games and ease of multitasking. This GPU oozes with awesome graphics performance with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, amazing graphics, and ray tracing. 16GB of high-speed RAM with massive 1TB SSD rendering it lightning fast with more than enough storage for your entire game library. Sporting a slick Eclipse Gray finish, the ROG Strix G16 is all set to be the ultimate weapon for dedicated gamers. The ultimate gaming system comes pre-loaded with Office 21, so work and games conquer all.
Specifications
Brand: ASUS ROG
Model: Strix G16 G614JV‑N3474WS
Screen Size: 16.0″ FHD+ (1920×1200), 165 Hz
Processor: Intel Core i7‑13650HX
RAM: 16 GB DDR5
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 4060 8 GB
Operating System: Windows 11
Item Weight: 2.50 kg
Pros
Powerful CPU and GPU combo for high-end gaming
MUX switch, RGB keyboard, and cooling system optimized for performance
Good battery backup compared to typical gaming laptops
Cons
Bulky and heavy; not ideal for portability
Can get loud under stress with fan noise
Faq’s
What are the main differences between Vivobook and ROG laptops
Vivobook laptops prioritize portability, productivity, and general use with stylish designs and vibrant displays. ROG (Republic of Gamers) laptops are built for high-performance gaming, featuring powerful GPUs, advanced cooling, and high refresh rate displays.
Which ASUS laptop is better for gaming?
ASUS ROG laptops, especially the ROG Strix series like the Scar 18 or Strix G16, are better for gaming. They offer top-tier GPUs, high refresh rate displays, and superior cooling for demanding titles.
Which ASUS laptop is better for productivity and work?
ASUS Vivobook and Zenbook series are ideal for productivity and work. They offer balanced performance, excellent battery life, lightweight designs, and often stunning OLED displays for comfortable daily use.
How does battery life compare between Vivobook and ROG laptops?
Vivobook laptops generally offer significantly longer battery life due to their power-efficient components. ROG laptops, with their powerful gaming hardware, typically have shorter battery life, optimized for performance over endurance.
Apple’s ongoing vintage and obsoletesproducts listgot a recent update, and the latest update adds some unique Apple products, including the infamous “trash can” 2013 Mac Pro, considered retro 12 years after it’s introduction.
In general, products added to the list are actually more recent than the trash can desktop, but Apple sold that version of the Mac Pro for years. To be added to the vintage list a device has to be five years is produced and distributed for sale.
Apple sold the trash can Mac Pro until December of 2019 when it was replaced with the equally unique “cheesegrater” Mac Pro, a design that has largely stuck around since then.
At the time, the Mac Pro’s cylindrical design was smaller than than the previous tower Mac Pro. However, the design was flawed with a lack of space to upgrade components like GPUs and RAM.
AsMacRumors reported in 2017, even Apple had to admit that the design was a failure when it came to updating the system, even for Apple engineers.
“I think we designed ourselves into a bit of a thermal corner, if you will,” said Craig Federighi said, who was then software engineering chief.
Beyond the turbine-looking Mac Pro, a few other Apple devices are now vintage:
Additionally, a number of devices are now considered obsolete. The transition occurs when a product has been considered vintage for two years. More accurately, devices are obsolete seven years after Apple discontinued them.
Most of this list includes Apple’slong-dead AirPort routers.
AirPort Express second generation, 2TB and 3TB
AirPort Time Capsule 2TB
AirPort Time Capsule 3TB
802.11ac AirPort Extreme
Apple will support vintage products with repairs if parts are available. However, once parts supplies are gone, repairs will no longer be offered. Obsolete devices won’t be repaired by Apple Stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers.
In true Google fashion, the tech giant is not afraid to terminate hardware devices when it feels they have run their course. In 2024, at least seven products entered Google’s graveyard, including the Chromecast line of digital media players. In 2025, the Mountain View-headquartered company has once again put two well-loved devices on its chopping block — the Next Protect Smart Smoke and CoAlarm and the Nest x Yale Smart Lock.
Google announced the discontinuation of the smart home devices in March 2025, saying the move is part of a broader initiative to build “a platform that all device makers and developers can use to spur innovation in the home.” In other words, it is narrowing down its existing lineup of hardware while doubling down on its more modern ecosystem. This comes on the heels of the sudden demotion of Google Assistant to make way for Gemini on most mobile devices. Then, there’s the addition of new features on the Google Home app, designed to change the way users connect the hub app to their smart devices. Unbeknownst to many, the update leaves behind older devices that still heavily rely on the legacy Nest app, which appears to be on its last legs.
Even before the announcement, there was a foreshadowing about the fate of the two smart home devices. Discussions on Reddit revealed that the Nest Protect had been increasingly difficult to purchase for months, with the Google store limiting orders to just one unit per customer.
Devices replacing the Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock
While the discontinuation and changes may feel like the end of an era for Google’s 2010s tech, the tech giant gave assurance that it is still committed to providing consumers with a streamlined and intelligent smart home experience. The company even announced two new devices that will replace the outgoing Nest Protect Smart Smoke and Nest x Yale Smart Lock.
Through a collaboration with First Alert, Google is rolling out the First Alert Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Scheduled to launch in North America sometime in late 2025, the new alarm system will be compatible with both the Google Home app and existing Nest Protect devices. Meanwhile, Google is once again partnering with Yale for its next-generation smart lock, called the Yale Smart Lock with Matter, which is arriving in summer 2025.
The new smart lock has big shoes to fill, considering the Nest x Yale Smart Lock landed our top picks for smart lock brands in 2024. Like the outgoing device, the new smart lock offers keyless entry and remote access. But unlike its predecessor, it will work across all Matter-enabled ecosystems, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Google Home.
The new devices will come at a time when Google is still sorting out its smart home ecosystem. Their compatibility with Nest Protect will give the platform a lifeline for the time being. As such, Nest Protect devices will continue to receive software and security updates.
ANintendo Switch 2user reportedly got his brand-new console banned by Nintendo after buying used Switch 1 games and patching them on his console. According toReddituser dmanthey, they purchased four used titles off the Facebook marketplace, inserted them into the Switch 2, and had them all updated. When they turned on their handhelds the following day, they received a message saying that they were restricted from Nintendo’s online services and that they couldn’t even download the games they had already bought.
Fortunately for dmanthey, Nintendo had a quick resolution for them. Once they discovered the issue, they went to the Nintendo Support website and were immediately able to talk to a human. It was there that the company confirmed that their console was indeed banned because of the use of pirated games. Nevertheless, they were able to prove their innocence by pulling up the Facebook Marketplace listing for their games and sending the photos of their purchased cartridges. According to the Redditor, the process was painless and fast, and it was “so much easier than getting support fromMicrosoftorSony.” By showing these things, you can prove to Nintendo that you purchased the games in good faith and that you were duped. Other users warned, though, that this isn’t always a guaranteed resolution.
Nintendo is known for being protective of its intellectual property and delivers harsh penalties to anyone caught violating it. We’ve already had several reports of users gettingbanned for using Mig Flash, even on their own ROMs. And while it’s not true that getting banned turns your Switch 2 into a brick, it will still prevent you from accessing the company’s online services, which severely restricts its features and usability.
This issue highlights the problem of buying second-hand games, as an unscrupulous seller can copy the game they’re selling to anothermicroSD Express Card you can easily buyin many places, and then sell the original cartridge as a used game. Since doing this copies all game information, including the original’s unique identification number, Nintendo can detect if two copies of that specific game are loaded simultaneously anywhere in the world, telling them that it was pirated. They will then proceed and ban the specific console where the pirated game was loaded, disallowing the console from connecting to Nintendo’s online services and serving as a deterrent to other gamers who are even thinking of getting a pirated Nintendo title.
Thankfully, it seems that Nintendo is making it easier for those who have been victimized by getting banned permanently, quickly reversing the decision if they show proof that they have been duped. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether they can still play with the used game cartridges they purchased, or if these are considered pirated copies that could result in another console ban if used.
We review a lot of laptops. Only the most exceptional earn a spot on this list.
Whether you’re cranking out school projects, diving into your favorite games, or binge-watching late into the night, your laptop should keep up with you–not the other way around. But let’s be real. Picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Do you need a big screen? Dedicated graphics? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve tested all the picks below ourselves, so you’re getting real recommendations backed on hands-on experience.
We’ve cut through the clutter to bring you the top picks across every category–from sleek, no-fussChromebookstopowerhouse gaming machines.
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is a terrific laptop for most people. The vibrant OLED screen looks great, it’s fast thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, it’s light enough to toss in a backpack at 2.82 pounds, and the battery lasts all day. If you want a laptop that nails the basics and still looks sharp, this one’s tough to beat — and it’s quite darn affordable for the performance and quality on offer, too.
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED: Further considerations
The Zenbook 14 OLED isn’t perfect. It’s missing some ports (no Ethernet and not many USB-A) and the shiny OLED screen can be a pain to use outside or in bright rooms. But overall, the good stuff drastically outweighs the downsides.
The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a great (affordable!) choice if all you need are the basics. It’ll run everyday tasks like surfing the web or writing emails, and the 12 hour battery life isn’t half bad.
The appeal mostly lies in its value, though. While more expensive laptops nail the polish and the speed, the budget variety is strictly about what’s functional and that’s exactly what you’re getting here. It’s a good option for students or anyone seeking a reliable, no-frills machine under $500.
You’ll also find a surprisingly generous port selection on the Acer Aspire Go 15–USB-A on both sides, a USB-C, an HDMI, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock. That’s more than what some laptops get twice the price.
Acer Aspire Go 15: Further considerations
Like many laptops in the budget category, the Aspire Go 15’s got a few trade-offs to be aware of. The chassis is made of plastic, though that’s part of what keeps the cost down–cheaper materials. It also weighs a little over four pounds. Sure it’s not the lightest machine in the world, but this is such a minor nitpick and it’s still fine for day-to-day portability. The 1920×1080 display also isn’t very bright, but it’s sharp enough for day to day usability.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition – Best battery life
Pros
Over 24 hours of battery life (in our standard test)
Good build quality
Snappy desktop performance
2-in-1 experience with pen
Cons
On the expensive side
Lunar Lake’s low multithreaded performance is an issue for some workflows
Who should buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1?
If you want a laptop that just keeps on trucking along, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 blew us away with its crazy-long battery life. PCWorld clocked it at up to 25 hours, so you won’t be stuck hunting for outlets throughout the day.
Stamina aside, it’s also very portable at under three pounds. Add in the flexible 2-in-1 design and a seriously good keyboard, and you’ve got a laptop built to keep up with real life stuff.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1: Further considerations
There’s a lot to love here, but it’s not cheap ($2,336 as tested). And if you want a built-in SD card reader, for instance, you’ll need to pick up a dongle. But if you need a professional laptop that truly lasts, this is it.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – Best Chromebook
Pros
Zippy processor performance
Nice keyboard
A wide array of connectivity options
Chic design
Cons
Battery life isn’t competitive
The display’s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped
Who should buy the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34?
If you’re in the market for a reliable, good-looking Chromebook for everyday use, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 has it all. This machine will run daily tasks just fine thanks to its Intel i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. The 14-inch 1080p display also looks sharp, and the 1080p webcam is perfect for Zoom calls.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Further considerations
While the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 offers smooth performance and a pretty design, there are minor trade-offs to be aware of like the non-competitive battery life (13 hours) and the lack of a touchscreen. You’ll also need to be comfortable with ChromeOS. If you prefer Windows or macOS, we’d recommend looking elsewhere.
MacBook Air (M3) – Best MacBook
Pros
Excellent battery life
256GB SSD is now two NAND chips, maintaining performance
Cons
Expensive memory upgrades
Dual external display support requires closed lid
Who should buy the MacBook Air (M3)?
The MacBook Air (M3) is a great choice if you want a powerful, quiet Mac without the Pro price. Starting at $1,299, it handles everyday tasks and light creative work smoothly with the fast M3 chip. The battery lasts up to 19 hours, easily powering through a full day. Its 15-inch Liquid Retina display is sharp and colorful, though it’s not quite as bright as the MacBook Pro model’s. Plus, it’s thin and light (just over three pounds), making it super portable.
MacBook Air (M3): Further considerations
If you need powerful performance for 3D rendering or video editing, the MacBook Pro is a better option than the Air. For most folks, though, the MacBook Air (M3) offers pretty good performance, long battery life, and a chic design.
Lenovo Legion 5i – Best gaming laptop
Pros
Great GeForce RTX 4060 performance
Good build quality
Nice cooling and vent positioning
Cons
Display is a little dim
Who should buy the Lenovo Legion 5i?
Want solid gaming performance without breaking the bank? The Lenovo Legion 5i hits that sweet spot. It’s rocking an Intel Core i9 CPU and an RTX 4060 GPU, so expect high frame rates on modern games at 1080p. Plus, that 165Hz screen? Makes everything look sharp and buttery smooth.
Lenovo Legion 5i: Further considerations
There are some nice extras worth noting. The first is a 1080p webcam with a physical shutter and the second is a full-sized keyboard with a number pad. It might not seem like much on paper, but these things are important and further add to the value as a whole.
Acer Nitro V 16 – Best budget gaming laptop
Pros
Fast performance
Fast 165Hz display with good colors
Cons
Fully plastic build
Mushy keyboard
Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 16?
Anyone that wants good performance and a fast display for around $1,000 needs to check out the Acer Nitro V 16. Stuffed with an RTX 4060 GPU and an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, it comfortably runs modern titles on the higher graphics settings.
Acer Nitro V 16: Further considerations
The thing about the Nitro V 16 is that it really leans into the gamer aesthetic with its sharp lines and glowing keyboard. If you dig that style, cool. If not, this might not be the laptop for you. The battery life lasts about four hours, which is typical for a laptop in this category, but you probably can’t game untethered–at least not for very long!
Asus ProArt P16 – Best content creation laptop
Pros
Big touchpad with virtual scroll wheel
Gorgeous 4K OLED display
More connectivity than the competition
Good battery life
Cons
Chassis is light, but doesn’t look remarkable
CPU performance falls behind the best
Can get hot under load
Who should buy the Asus ProArt P16?
If it’s laser-sharp visuals and raw power you’re after, the Asus ProArt P16 delivers. The 16-inch 3840×2400 display is perfect for photo editing, watching movies, or design work. It’s also rocking an Intel Core i9 CPU and an RTX 4070 GPU, which is the kind of power you’ll need for something like video production. Battery life is strong too, lasting over nine hours, and it supports lightning fast USB 4.0 transfers.
Asus ProArt P16: Further considerations
Performance and display quality are the standout features here, of course, but understated design deserves a mention too. Some may find the all-black chassis too plain while others find it elegant. Also, under heavy workloads, the chassis can run a little warm.
Microsoft Surface Pro (2025) – Best ultraportable
Pros
Compact and well-built
Good office performance
All Copilot Plus features available
Good battery life
Cons
Narrow screen to work on
No HDR support
No charger included
Who should buy the Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)?
If you’re always bouncing between places—on the train, working from coffee shops, or just working around the house—the Surface Pro 2025 is kind of perfect. It’s super light (1.51 pounds!) and still powerful enough to handle all the usual stuff like emails and Zoom calls.
With its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus CPU, it’s great for anyone who wants something that works like a laptop but feels like a tablet. You can doodle or get work done, all without feeling like you’re lugging around a heavy brick.
Microsoft Surface Pro (2025): Further considerations
The compact screen won’t suit everyone for full-time multitasking, and there are only two USB-C ports (you’ll want a dock or hub). Also, while battery life can stretch surprisingly far, it varies widely. Expect around two hours at full brightness under heavy use or up to 19 hours with lighter tasks.
Still, if your work mostly lives in the cloud and you value portability above raw power, this is the best ultraportable Windows device you can get right now.
MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo – Best 2-in-1 laptop
Pros
Spectacular battery life
Attractive and robust design
Plenty of RAM and solid-state storage for the price
Cons
Cramped keyboard and touchpad
IPS touchscreen’s image quality doesn’t stand out
Lackluster CPU and GPU performance
Who should buy the MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo?
Anyone seeking a versatile 2-in-1 laptop with long battery life will love what the MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo brings to the table. Its nearly 21-hour battery life ensures productivity throughout the day without needing another charge up. The included MSI Pen2 stylus and bright display make it an especially strong choice for creatives and note takers.
MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo: Further considerations
The chassis is primarily plastic, which isn’t a huge deal in the short term, but durability may be affected over time. The keyboard’s also got a compact layout, which may be uncomfortable if you’ve got bigger hands, and the audio quality is average at best.
Framework Laptop 13 (2025) – Best laptop for upgrading
Pros
Repairable and upgradeable
Great keyboard
Display is easy on the eyes
Cons
High up-front cost
Battery life lags way behind
Not quite seamless design
Who should buy the Framework Laptop 13 (2025)?
Need a laptop that’s super easy to upgrade and tough enough to stick around? The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is where it’s at. You can swap out pretty much anything—RAM, storage, even the motherboard if you want. It runs on an AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor and is slim enough to toss in your bag and go wherever.
Framework Laptop 13 (2025): Further considerations
The price might sting a bit upfront, and the built-in graphics are okay for everyday stuff, but don’t expect to game on it. Battery life’s decent, but nothing groundbreaking.
How to choose the best laptop
What’s the best laptop style?
Regular ones are fine for everyday stuff. 2-in-1s are cool because the screen flips around. Chromebooks are cheap and good if you mostly do web browsing.
How much power?
Depends on what you’re doing. For basic web or email, an Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 works fine. If you’re into video editing or creative stuff, an i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9 is better. And if you’re handling heavy 4K editing or lots of apps, a Ryzen 9 is your best bet.
Discrete graphics vs. integrated graphics?
If you’re gaming or editing videos, you want a proper graphics card (like Nvidia or AMD) for better performance. But if you’re just browsing or watching stuff, the built-in integrated graphics work just fine.
How much RAM?
8GB of RAM is plenty for most stuff. If you’re gaming, 16GB is better, and 32GB will keep you covered for a while. Content creators should try to get as much RAM as they can.
What’s the right display size?
If you’re doing video editing or a bunch of media stuff, go for a bigger screen, like 15 to 17 inches. But for most people, 13 to 14 inches hits the sweet spot. Bigger screens mean heavier laptops, so 13 or 14 inches is usually the best combination of portability and value.
Battery-life expectations
If you’re gonna carry your laptop around, try to get one that lasts 10 to 12 hours on a charge. That’s usually enough for a long flight or a full day of classes. Some of the new Snapdragon laptops are even crushing that, withone going up to 25 hours thanks to their super-efficient chips. Just remember, bigger batteries usually mean heavier laptops.
Laptop pricing guide
Good laptops usually run $500 to $750, but if you’re on a budget, Chromebooks or basic business laptops under $500 work fine. Around $750 to $1,000 gets you better screens and more power. Over $1,000 means premium build and performance.
Gaming laptops cost more (expect $1,000+ for decent 1080p gaming). Better graphics and features can push prices into the thousands, but $1,200 to $2,000 usually gets you a powerful rig.
Don’t forget the ports
I like laptops with lots of ports so you don’t need adapters. Having both USB-C and USB-A is great, and an HDMI port is a bonus and super handy for hooking up to a monitor.
Not all monitors are created equal. They come in different display specifications that match every need. For casual use, you could get away with just the standard 16:9 monitors. They’re just right for when you need a screen larger than your laptop that can still easily fit in your cramped workstation. But if you often multitask, design graphics, or edit spreadsheets and feel that 16:9 is too cramped, then that’s a clear sign to upgrade your computer monitor. In that case, an ultra-wide or super-widescreen monitor might just be what you need.
At first, you might think that the ultra-wide and super-widescreen are just a minor distinction in monitor naming, but they’re actually very different from each other. What sets these two monitor types apart is the aspect ratio. An ultra-wide monitor has a 21:9 aspect ratio, usually with resolutions like 2560×1080 and 3440×1440. A super-widescreen monitor, on the other hand, offers an aspect ratio of 32:9, with common resolutions being 3840×1080 and 5120×1440.
The benefits of ultra-wide and super-widescreen monitors
Compared to standard 16:9 monitors, the typical ultra-wide monitor offers an extra 35% of screen real estate. This means you will be able to fit three windows side-by-side, as opposed to just two with a 16:9 screen. With the wider view, ultra-wide monitors are particularly handy in applications like multitasking, 3D image creation, and even medical image analysis.
Meanwhile, a super-widescreen monitor is wide enough to replace a dual-monitor setup with two 16:9 screens, helping you work comfortably without the awkward thick bezel in the middle and complicated cable management. If you don’t like using the entire screen for just one application, you can readily open two windows without needing to resize them. Each will feel like it’s on its own full HD screen, making it seem as if you’re really working on two separate monitors. Application-wise, gamers especially enjoy using a super-widescreen as it gives them a more panoramic view of the setting. But super-widescreen monitors are great anywhere you’d normally use two 16:9 screens.
Many major PC monitor brands like ASUS, Dell, and Samsung offer both ultra-wide and super-widescreen monitors, although the former is more common. You’ll typically have limited options for the super-widescreen variant.
![ASUS [Smartchoice] ROG Strix G16, 16](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41VM40o-G3L._SL500_.jpg)
Apple sold the trash can Mac Pro until December of 2019 when it was replaced with the equally unique “cheesegrater” Mac Pro, a design that has largely stuck around since then.
