Showing posts with label Laptop. Show all posts

Sunday, June 21, 2026

🚀 Best Gadgets for People Working From Home in 2026: Upgrade Your Productivity and Comfort 💻

✨ Discover the top work-from-home gadgets that can help you stay productive, comfortable, and connected in 2026.

🏠 Why the Right Gadgets Matter When Working From Home

Remote work has become the new normal for millions of professionals. Whether you're a 👨‍💻 freelancer, 👩‍💼 entrepreneur, 🎨 content creator, 📞 customer service representative, or 💼 corporate employee, having the right technology can dramatically improve your productivity, comfort, and work-life balance.

In this guide, we'll explore the 🔥 best gadgets for people working from home in 2026. These innovative devices can help you create a professional workspace, reduce distractions, improve efficiency, and make your workday more enjoyable.

🎧 1. AI-Powered Noise-Canceling Headphones

🔇 One of the biggest challenges of working from home is dealing with distractions. AI-powered noise-canceling headphones can block out household noise, barking dogs, lawnmowers, and other interruptions.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Crystal-clear video calls

✅ Enhanced focus and concentration

✅ Reduced stress and fatigue

✅ Better audio quality for meetings

💰 Recommended:
👉 Check this out

🖥️ 2. Portable Dual-Screen Monitor

A second screen is one of the easiest ways to boost productivity. Modern portable monitors connect quickly to laptops and allow users to multitask more efficiently.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Work on multiple projects simultaneously

✅ Easier spreadsheet management

✅ Improved workflow for designers and programmers

✅ Better virtual meeting management

💰 Recommended:
👉 Check this out

⬆️⬇️ 3. Smart Standing Desk

🪑 Sitting for extended periods can negatively affect health and productivity. Smart standing desks allow users to switch between sitting and standing with the push of a button.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Improved posture

✅ Increased energy levels

✅ Reduced back pain

✅ Healthier work habits

💰Recommended:
👉Check this out

💺 4. Ergonomic Office Chair

A high-quality ergonomic chair is one of the best investments for remote workers. Proper lumbar support can prevent discomfort during long workdays.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Better spinal alignment

✅ Reduced neck and back strain

✅ Improved comfort during long meetings

✅ Increased productivity

💰 Recommended:
👉 Check this out

💡 5. Smart Desk Lamp with Wireless Charging

Modern desk lamps now include wireless charging pads, USB ports, adjustable brightness settings, and eye-protection technology.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Reduced eye strain 👀

✅ Convenient smartphone charging 📱

✅ Cleaner workspace ✨

✅ Better lighting for video calls 🎥

💰 Recommended:
👉 Check this out

📹 6. AI Webcam for Professional Video Calls

🎬 Video meetings remain a major part of remote work. AI-enhanced webcams automatically improve lighting, framing, and image quality.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Professional appearance on Zoom meetings

✅ Auto-focus technology

✅ Enhanced low-light performance

✅ Better first impressions

💰 Recommended:
👉 Check this out

⌨️🖱️ 7. Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo

A clutter-free workspace helps maintain focus and organization. Wireless accessories eliminate cable mess while improving flexibility.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Cleaner desk setup

✅ Improved typing comfort

✅ Increased mobility

✅ Better productivity

💰 Recommended:
👉 Check this out

🔋 8. Portable Power Station

⚡ Unexpected power outages can disrupt important work. Portable power stations provide backup power for laptops, monitors, and networking equipment.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Business continuity

✅ Emergency preparedness

✅ Remote work flexibility

✅ Reliable backup power

💰 Recommended:
👉 Check this out

🗣️ 9. Smart Speaker with AI Assistant

🤖 Smart assistants can help schedule meetings, create reminders, answer questions, and manage daily tasks.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Hands-free productivity

✅ Calendar management

✅ Quick information access

✅ Smart home integration

💰 Recommended:
👉 Check this out

📶 10. High-Speed Wi-Fi Mesh System

🌐 Reliable internet is the foundation of successful remote work. Mesh Wi-Fi systems eliminate dead zones and provide strong coverage throughout the home.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Faster internet speeds

✅ Stable video calls

✅ Improved streaming performance

✅ Whole-home coverage

💰Recommended:
👉Check this out

🎁 Bonus Gadget: Laptop Cooling Pad

❄️ Many professionals use laptops for extended periods. A cooling pad helps prevent overheating and can extend device lifespan.

⭐ Benefits:

✅ Better laptop performance

✅ Longer hardware life

✅ Reduced overheating

✅ Improved comfort

💰 Recommended:
👉 Check this out

🛒 How to Choose the Right Work-From-Home Gadgets

Before purchasing new technology, consider:

📌 Your daily work requirements

📌 Available workspace

📌 Budget

📌 Comfort needs

📌 Internet reliability

📌 Long-term productivity goals

🎯 The best gadgets are those that solve real problems and improve your daily workflow.

🏆 Final Thoughts

Working from home in 2026 is easier and more productive than ever thanks to advancements in technology. From 🎧 AI-powered headphones and 📹 smart webcams to 💺 ergonomic chairs and ⬆️⬇️ standing desks, these gadgets can transform any home office into a highly efficient workspace.

✨ Investing in the right tools can increase productivity, reduce stress, and help you enjoy a more professional remote work experience.

💬 Which gadget would make the biggest difference in your home office?

Tell us in the comments below!

⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure

💰 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the website at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support! ❤️

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Surfshark VPN Review (2026): The Fast, Affordable VPN I’d Recommend to Most People

SurfShark VPN

Surfshark VPN Review (2026): The Fast, Affordable VPN I’d Recommend to Most People

If you’ve ever used public Wi-Fi, traveled, streamed a show that “isn’t available in your country,” or simply felt weird about how much of your browsing gets tracked… a VPN stops being a “tech thing” and starts being a daily-life thing.

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that hits the sweet spot: solid speed, strong privacy features, and a price that doesn’t hurt—especially if you want to protect all your devices without buying extra licenses.

Try Surfshark here: Surfshark VPN

What Surfshark VPN actually does (in plain English)

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. That means:

Hackers can’t easily snoop on you in cafés, airports, hotels
Your internet provider can’t see every website you visit (they still see you’re using a VPN)
You can change your virtual location (helpful for travel and region-restricted sites)

Think of it like switching from shouting your browsing activity in public to whispering it inside a locked car.

Why Surfshark is going viral lately

People aren’t buying VPNs because they’re paranoid. They’re buying them because normal internet life got messy:

✅ “Airport Wi-Fi” is basically a trust fall

One sketchy network name and suddenly you’re connected to something that’s not the airport at all.

✅ Streaming while traveling is annoying

You land somewhere, open your apps… and get hit with the classic: “This content isn’t available in your region.”

✅ Tracking is everywhere

Between apps, sites, and ad networks, your digital footprint gets collected constantly—often without you realizing.

Surfshark is popular because it solves these without making VPN use feel complicated.

Surfshark’s biggest advantage: Unlimited devices (seriously)

Most VPNs limit how many devices you can protect at once (5, 6, maybe 10). Surfshark is known for letting you use it on unlimited devices on one subscription.

That’s huge if you have:

phone + laptop + tablet
multiple family members
smart TVs / Fire TV / Android TV devices

Get it here: Surfshark VPN

Top Surfshark features that actually matter

1) Fast, stable performance

In real-world use, speed is what makes or breaks a VPN. Surfshark is built to keep things usable for:

HD streaming
video calls
browsing without lag

2) Kill Switch (the “do not leak” button)

If your VPN connection drops, a Kill Switch can help prevent your traffic from accidentally going out unprotected. This is a “set it and forget it” safety net.

3) CleanWeb (ad & tracker blocking)

Surfshark includes features designed to reduce ads, trackers, and certain malicious sites—great for smoother browsing.

4) MultiHop (extra privacy route)

If you want an extra layer, MultiHop routes traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. Most people won’t need it daily, but it’s nice to have.

5) Easy apps across platforms

Surfshark supports the popular stuff:

Windows / macOS
iPhone / Android
Chrome/Firefox extensions
Many TVs and streaming devices (depending on setup)

“Is Surfshark safe?” (the honest answer)

No VPN can magically make you invisible online. But a good VPN should do three things well:

Encrypt your traffic
Reduce tracking
Give you control over your location and exposure

Surfshark is widely used because it checks these boxes while staying simple enough for non-tech people.

If you want a VPN you’ll actually use daily (not one you install and forget), Surfshark is a strong pick.

Best use-cases where Surfshark shines

🔥 Use Surfshark if you:

use public Wi-Fi often
travel (work trips or vacations)
want one VPN for many devices
want privacy + value without “enterprise pricing”
stream and don’t want region headaches

⚠️ Consider alternatives if you:

need a VPN for highly specialized enterprise compliance
require very specific niche protocols for a corporate environment

For everyday users, Surfshark is usually more than enough.

How to set up Surfshark in 3 minutes

Click Surfshark VPN
Choose your plan
Install the app on your device
Log in and tap Connect

Optional: enable Kill Switch in settings.

That’s it.

Pricing: how to get the best deal

VPN pricing changes often with promotions. In general, you get the best value on longer plans, and Surfshark frequently runs discounts.

Check the current best offer here: Surfshark VPN

FAQs

Is Surfshark good for streaming?

Surfshark is commonly used for streaming because it offers many server locations and is designed for stable performance. Your results can vary depending on the service and location, but it’s a popular choice for travelers.

Can Surfshark be used on multiple devices?

Yes—Surfshark is known for allowing unlimited devices on one subscription, which is a major advantage for households.

Does Surfshark work on iPhone and Android?

Yes, Surfshark has apps for iOS and Android.

Will a VPN slow down my internet?

Any VPN can reduce speed slightly because encryption adds overhead. Good VPNs minimize this so most people don’t notice during normal browsing and streaming.

Final verdict: Should you get Surfshark VPN?

If you want a VPN that’s:

easy for beginners
strong on everyday privacy
budget-friendly
great for families and multi-device users

…Surfshark is one of the best “default recommendations” right now.

Try it here (affiliate): Surfshark VPN

Protect your devices + browse privately in minutes.
✅ Unlimited devices
✅ Easy apps for phone + laptop
✅ Great for travel + public Wi-Fi
👉 Get Surfshark here: Surfshark VPN

Friday, February 26, 2021

ASUS Laptop L210 Ultra Thin Laptop, 11.6” HD Display, Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage

ASUS Laptop L210 Ultra Thin Laptop, 11.6” HD Display, Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, 4GB RAM

The Asus L210MA-DB01 is a inexpensive Chromebook that offers a full Windows 10 (S Mode) experience at a similar cost you'd pay for a fundamental Chrome OS gadget. For students and understudies, this great basic level supports why Asus is one of the quickest developing PC brands across all classifications.

It's an innovative blend of highlights, beginning with a lightweight body shell to the nice 10+ hour battery, and the fair 11-inch screen. To that, add a thin profile and an astutely planned 180° lay-level pivot, something infrequently found in section level workstations, and you have an incredible fundamental PC for a student to use at home and at school, or an undergrad exploring and composing tasks.

ASUS Laptop L210 Ultra Thin Laptop, 11.6” HD Display, Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, 4GB RAM

Asus L210 plan and highlights

All the bodywork on the Asus L210 is plastic, yet the top has a thick layer that closely resembles an improvement over the Asus VivoBook L203MA, that had meager plastic that wouldn't withstand study hall pushes and pushes. Indeed, even with the thicker layer, it stays pretty versatile at just 2.31 pounds and 0.67-inches thick. The fanless CPU and eMMC stockpiling are likewise weight savers and add to the compactness of the bundle.

The 11-inch show, notwithstanding, isn't almost brilliant enough for our loving. It flaunts a HD (1366 x 768), and the matte completion is a decent decision for working outside, yet it makes for a lovely dull screen that looks vapid. This isn't a major issue in case you're word preparing or web perusing, just that it makes photographs and video look somewhat inert.

Port choice is balanced, including: USB 2.0, USB 3.2, USB Type-C, HDMI, sound jack combo and miniature SD card. Remote network comes in method of Wi-Fi 5(802.11ac), and a remembered webcam for the upper bezel. These ports will demonstrate valuable for docking every one of your peripherals.

ASUS Laptop L210 Ultra Thin Laptop, 11.6” HD Display, Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, 4GB RAM

Keyboard & Touchpad

On the Asus laptop L210 keyboard, you don’t have a number pad on the right side of the main keyboard. While this isn’t uncommon on more compact notebooks, including this Asus L210MA-DB01, Asus cleverly worked this onto the trackpad. It sounds unbelievable, but for sure you have a virtual number pad on the touchpad, that you can turn on and off via a button on the touchpad.

Having a number pad may not benefit everyone, but for those studying maths, science and business, it’s a great addition on a budget laptop. Nonetheless, the keyboard is quite basic with very light keys and very little tactile response. The Enter key alone, is colored in luminescent yellow, and it does give the otherwise plain deck some little style accent.

ASUS Laptop L210 Ultra Thin Laptop, 11.6” HD Display, Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, 4GB RAM

Asus L210MA-DB01 Performance

With Intel Celeron processors, assumptions are in every case low, however with the present Celerons coordinating yesterday's i3 CPUs in execution, we can't request more. The Celeron N4020 is a slight redesign over the base 4000 model with more reserve however, while it's sufficient to run office applications, interactive media altering and gaming will be somewhat of a stretch.

This fanless CPU is positioned among the mid-range versatile processors, is cooperated with 4GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC stockpiling and Intel UHD Graphics 600 chip. This is satisfactory enough for web perusing and office application, and the easiest rounds obviously. For spending gaming, you can consider the Asus TUF FX505GT-AB73, with a committed Nvidia GTX 1650 designs card.

Once more, the Asus L210MA will do the essentials of running a few applications at the same time gave you'll not be opening many windows simultaneously. The 64GB stockpiling is somewhat lean, yet it is twofold the 32GB stockpiling you find on most Chromebooks and contending Windows 10 journals.

ASUS Laptop L210 Ultra Thin Laptop, 11.6” HD Display, Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, 4GB RAM

Battery Life

The low force fanless CPU and low-res screen all add to noteworthy force reserve funds. On our audit unit, you have an average size battery, and in the event that you keep things light, you're getting 11 hours of battery life. That is amazing.

Main concern

For understudies and home clients, the Asus L210MA packs enough highlights and execution than most comparatively evaluated workstations. It flaunts class-driving battery life, is truly convenient, immortal plan and great network for every one of your peripherals.

Nonetheless, the screen's low goal and normal console hold it from acquiring our Editors' decision grant for spending school PCs. A couple of dollars more with get you an Acer Aspire 5 or a Lenovo IdeaPad 3, both offer better execution and have greater screens.

Notwithstanding, in case you're on a limited financial plan and carefully need a 11-inch PC, the Asus L210MA-DB01 offers all the worth you require for most school errands.

This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I only ever endorse products that I have personally used and benefited from personally. Thank you for your support.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Review: Acer Iconia W3 - Windows 8 on a tiny tablet

Acer Iconia W3 - a tiny tablet

Brandished on stage at Microsoft's Build conference last week by Steve Ballmer himself as the next great thing in Windows 8 tablet hardware, Acer's Iconia W3 is the first 8-in tablet with the ability to run the full version of the company's latest OS, rather than falling back on the ARM-based Windows RT.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Sony Vaio Duo 11 review

Sony's first attempt at a laptop-tablet convertible

Product Sony Vaio Duo 11
Website Sony Europe
Specifications Intel Core I5 or I7 CPU, up to 8GB RAM, 1920x1080 11.6in capacitive touchscreen, integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, 128GB or 256GB SSD storage, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.0 with USB charge, VGA out, HDMI out, Memory Stick Duo and SD memory card combined slot, one front-facing and one rear-facing webcam, Windows 8 Professional, 320x199x18mm, 1.3kg
Price £849

THE VAIO DUO 11 is Sony's first attempt at luring those in the market for both a laptop and a tablet to save money and buy a device that is both.

Unveiled at the IFA electronics expo in Berlin back in August, the Vaio Duo 11 runs Windows 8 and transforms from a tablet to a laptop via an HD display that slides up in what Sony calls a "Slide Surfer" style to reveal a full size QWERTY keyboard hidden underneath.

Sony Vaio Duo 11

Transformation
The Sony Vaio Duo 11's most obvious selling point is that it is a hybrid device that has two different modes: laptop and tablet. When in tablet mode, this transformation is achieved by supporting the back of the lid with one hand while pushing the front of it backwards so that it pops up via a hinge, exposing a keyboard and mouse track button underneath.

Sony Vaio Duo 11

Going from one to the other isn't the easiest transition we've experienced on a hybrid device, nor is it the smoothest. Your first try with the Duo 11 certainly won't be the last attempt before the display lifts up. Unless you're completely used to and have developed the knack for opening it correctly, it's going to take a few attempts before getting it right first time. We think Sony should have spent more time developing a less fiddly sliding mechanism that is easier to operate, such as a slide button for instance, so that you don't have to use both hands to open it up. However, this might just take some getting used to.

The mechanism used on the sliding action also doesn't feel as sturdy as we would like when moving from tablet to laptop mode, and this worries us a little.

Design and build
Aside from the weak feeling slide mechanism, the Vaio Duo 11 is nicely finished and projects a premium but minimalist style. Its all-black chassis has a high gloss shine to it, with sharp edges that make it look stylish and worth the £850 it costs.

Sony Vaio Duo 11 laptop tablet

Weighing 1.3kg, it's heavy enough to feel expensive while not feeling too heavy to carry around in a bag. Measuring 320x199x18mm, it does feel a little chunky when in tablet mode, which is a shame, and if it was just a few millimetres thinner it would feel better to use.

KeyboardThe keyboard is perhaps our least favourite aspect of the Vaio Duo 11. This is because there is no track pad. When typing we found our fingers naturally wanted to move to a track pad due to the location of the mouse buttons. The mouse button is irritating to use and doesn't provide an enjoyable experience.

Sony Vaio Duo 11 laptop tablet

Seated and using the Vaio Duo 11 at a desk, it can also feel a little restrictive, as the small keyboard doesn't offer space for your hands to do the usual swift movements on a larger sized keyboard. However, those looking to use it for long periods of time at a desk can always invest in a full size portable USB keyboard and mouse to accompany it.

Sony Vaio Duo 11 laptop tablet

Though it looks and feels well built, it's fair to say the keys are a little too far apart and also quite small, meaning you can miss certain letters occasionally while typing. We can't help but think that Sony could have made the Vaio Duo 11 keys bigger and thus closer together to improve typing accuracy.

Display
One of our favourite features of the Vaio Duo 11 is its touchscreen display. This is due to its Opticontrast panel, which means it has a special resin layer that Sony says helps to absorb any diffused light delivered from the backlight for high contrast and natural colours. The 11in display panel also reduces glare from light sources, with little light reflected when in use.

Sony Vaio Duo 11 laptop tablet

The Vaio Duo 11's screen resolution is set at 1920x1080 and though it provides brilliant viewing for movies, for general use it feels a little too high for its 11in screen. Text appears tiny so if your eyes aren't great, it's probably worth changing it to 1600x900. However, it is worth noting that the screen doesn't seem as crisp overall at this setting.

The Vaio Duo 11's built-in accelerometer, which ensures that the screen display rotates to whatever viewing angle you are holding the device, is not as responsive as in other tablet/hybrid devices we've seen, such as the Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 13. It takes a while to turn around from one position to the other and you sometimes have to go out of your way and lean it forward for it to come back to a horizontal view.

Sony Vaio Duo 11 laptop tablet

One other downside to the screen is that it attracts smudge prints a little too easily. Though this is expected with all touchscreen devices, in our tests we felt it showed them up a little more than other screens on the market, which made it look rather greasy. This isn't really an issue when the screen brightness is turned up, however.

Performance and OS
Running the Windows 8 operating system, the Vaio Duo 11 is powered by a choice of Intel Core I5 or Core I7 processors and up to 8GB of RAM. It costs £849 for the most basic Core I5, 2GB model, with prices jumping up by £320 for a Core I7 processor, and another £30 for 4GB of RAM, or £100 extra for 8GB. Windows 8 Professional is also available for an extra £40.

Our review model was an 8GB Core I7 processor model and scored a Windows Performance Index score of 5.6. The score is determined by the lowest sub-score, in this case desktop graphics performance, and not an average result of the performance of components.

sony vaio duo 11

Though the score was pulled down by the Vaio Duo 11's Integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics power, all other results scored much better, with processor calculations per second scoring 7.1 out of 9.9, disk data transfer gaining a 8.1 score and RAM operations per second earning a score of 7.9.

Unless you're using the Vaio Duo 11 for gaming on high graphic settings - which the device hasn't been built for anyway - you're not going to notice much lag, as in our tests both touchscreen and non-touchscreen operations seemed fluid, with the Vaio Duo 11 responding very quickly to commands. As an ultrabook convertible device, we found it will perform all your daily needs effortlessly. However, we tested a more powerful configuration of the Vaio Duo 11, so cheaper options might not perform as well as our test model did.

Overall, the Vaio Duo 11 handled the Windows 8 OS very well, with very little lag when swiping between pages, and programs popping up almost as soon as we selected them. However, after installing a good number of applications and storing a sufficient amount of data, we can imagine it will slow a bit.

Connectivity, storage and battery life
In terms of battery life, we thought the Vaio Duo 11 performed pretty well. When starting on full charge at 11am, it ran out of power at 5:30pm, and that was while in continual use performing general tasks. This included watching movies and web browsing without letting the screen turn off or go into sleep mode.

Sony Vaio Duo 11 laptop tablet

There's also a variety of connectivity options available on the Vaio Duo 11, which is unusual for such a portable device. There's your standard 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 alongside one USB 3.0 slot and one USB 3.0 slot with USB charge so that devices can be charged even when the device is turned off. There's also a VGA out, HDMI out, and a Memory Stick Duo and SD card combined port. There's even a dedicated Ethernet port for those who rely on a wired internet connection.

The Vaio Duo 11 comes with either a 128GB or 256GB SSD drive to store all your data. Prices reflect these accordingly, with the larger of the two storage options costing an extra £180 on top of the £849 starting price.

In Short
The Vaio Duo 11 looks better on paper than when you test it for yourself and use it in real life situations. In tablet mode it will probably be a little too bulky for most people, and the hinge doesn't feel as strong as it should when sliding it into laptop mode.

As a notebook, however, it does perform really well, and the HD screen is high quality, and very clear and enjoyable to use with Windows 8. The small keyboard is a big factor here though, but if you can live without a trackpad, you will most probably just get used to its more compact design. But for £849 for the least powerful configuration, we think it is a little too expensive for what you get.

The Good
Vibrant display, portable, well built.
The Bad
No track pad, a little chunky, not great as a tablet.
The Ugly
Weak feeling sliding mechanism makes it difficult to operate.
Bartender's Score
6/10

Monday, December 3, 2012

Best laptops available today

Potent portables

Portable Laptop

The laptop can be the most used gadget in a person’s tech repertoire. This article for example, is being written on one. There is never a dull moment with a decent laptop. But we aren’t interested in decent, we want the greatest.

This article is all about the Luke Skywalkers of the laptop world. This hardware is the latest and greatest that Cool-Technology has come across. We will be updating this list as soon as something better comes along. The rules are simply that we have to have seen them, either in a review, waiting to be reviewed or as a hands-on.

Best tablet/laptop combo

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga
Windows 8 ushered in the age of the weird laptop design. Decent touch capabilities mean that laptops like the Lenovo Yoga have come into existence. Don’t confuse its backflipping and shape-shifting with a weird gimmick though, as it is genuinely helpful.

Lenovo IdeaPad

The Yoga can be flipped over so it is just a large 13-inch tablet, or the keyboard can be used to make it stand. It can also be used just as a standard laptop would be, but with the added bonus of a touch screen. Throw in a nice selection of colors to choose from and you have a handy, if unusual, laptop package.

Best laptop when out and about

11-inch MacBook Air
The 11-inch MacBook Air weighs 1.08Kg. For a laptop that weighs about the same as a bag of sugar, this is a fully functioning machine. You get all the bells and whistles Mac OS X offers and thanks to Intel’s increasing portable and powerful processors, enough grunt to get through the working day.

MacBoom Air

The 11-inch MacBook Air went down an absolute storm at the Cool-Technology offices. This was in part due to just how sturdily put together it is, a big bonus if you are planning on lugging one around in a backpack or briefcase. Really though, Apple has been putting polish on this formula for a while now and as a portable, we find it tough to fault.

Best laptop for gaming

Alienware M17x R4
Nvidia’s mobile graphics cards are now so powerful that the right machine can rival the kind of gaming power a desktop manages. The Alienware is that machine. Specced out with a GTX 680m, you will not find any problems trying to run anything currently available maxed out.

Alienware M17xR4

The M17’s build quality is also top notch, although its size means it does stretch the definition of the term portable somewhat. We especially like the disco dance floor style keyboard, which has been illuminating our faces in many a dark and dingy gaming session for some time now.

Best laptop for photography

Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display
Apple’s 15-inch Macbook Pro with Retina Display is hugely expensive. This is a laptop that only those after something really special should consider. For a photographer though, there really can’t be any other.

15-inch MacBook Pro

The Macbook Pro’s trump card is pretty simple; it has a display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800. This translates to a pixel density of 220 ppi. For a photographer, this kind of resolution means images display much closer to their native resolution. It means you get more detail at a glance and sharper images to work with when zoomed in.

Best laptop for music

HP Envy 14 Spectre
HP’s Envy 14 ships with Beats Audio thrown in. This means you get far more audio grunt than you find on a normal laptop. Bass is also bulked out a lot more, so no tinny sounding tracks.

HP Envy 14 Spectre

The Spectre 14 doesn’t stop at just beefed up speakers though. A hardware button which acts like a shortcut to the Beats control panel will let you tweak audio like a proper EQ. Then there is a hardare volume scroll and even a dedicated mute button, all things you don’t often see on laptops now, but all great for music fans.

Best budget alternative laptop

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook
A budget laptop is a difficult choice. There are a lot of bargains to be had on websites like eBay and Gumtree, hence why we have gone for something alternative here, should you fancy doing it differently.

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook

Samsung’s Chromebook is the best of what has been a fairly difficult bunch. Chrome OS itself is now a far more complex and featured piece of kit and the laptop can now be had for less than £300 if you look hard enough.

Best laptop for movies

Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A
Asus’s Zenbook Prime is a bit of a movie watching machine. First on the checklist is that top quality Full HD 1080p IPS screen, which is going to make for the best possible movie watching experience.

Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A

On top of that though, is a set of Bang and Olufsen designed ICE Power speakers, which will mean you get enough audio grunt to go along with your movies. Asus also hasn’t scrimped on the design front, with the ZenBook Prime being one of our favourite looking laptops available right now.

Best luxury laptop

Munk Bogballe Emerald
If money is no object then there are a few laptops which spring to mind. The top of the line Retina Display MacBook Pro is definitely one of them. However for a really pricey alternative there can only be one victor.

Munk Bogballe Emerald Display MacBook Pro

The Munk Bogballe Emerald trashes the MacBook in the price department. With a starting price of €5800, the Emerald is easily one of the most expensive laptops we have come across. Why exactly? Because the whole thing is tailor made exactly to your specifications. Calf leather and oil treated mahogany are among some of the materials used to create this incredibly premium piece of kit.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

New MacBook Pro, Air prices get slash treatment at Best Buy

Best Buy didn't waste any time cutting prices on new MacBooks. The least expensive Air now starts at $949.99.

MacBook Pro with Retina display

MacBook Pro with 15.4-inch Retina display.

(Credit: Apple)

Best Buy was quick to discount the newest MacBooks, offering savings up to $140 over the weekend.
The biggest discount is on the $2,799.99 Retina Pro with 8GB of memory and a 512MB solid-state drive (Model: MC976LL/A). That is off $140 to $2,659.99.

The least expensive Retina Pro dropped to $2,089.99 (Model: MC975LL/A), shaving $110 off the regular price (see image below).

New MacBook Airs got cut too. The $999.99 Air (Model: MD223LL/A) fell to $949.99, off $50.
The latest MacBooks feature Intel's new "Ivy Bridge" third-generation i series processors with upgraded HD 4000 graphics silicon and USB 3.0 ports, among other new features.

The newest additions to the MacBook Pro family also get a 2880-by-1800 pixel density Retina display and an Nvidia GeForce GT 650M graphics chip, among other features.

Models with discounts listed as of Sunday evening PT are only available for in-store pickup. And note that Best Buy prices change frequently so these discounts could vanish at any time.