Apple : Best laptops under $500: the best budget laptops around |
- Best laptops under $500: the best budget laptops around
- Best wireless chargers 2019
- Disinformation campaign from China uses VPN to trick YouTube
- Win ROG tech at PAX West 2019
- Best NAS devices of 2019: top Network Attached Storage for the home and office
- The best Ultrabooks 2019: top thin and light laptops reviewed
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| Best laptops under $500: the best budget laptops around Posted: 23 Aug 2019 01:46 PM PDT Are you shopping for the best laptop under $500? We get it. Times are tough, and updating your aging laptop hardware won’t be light on your wallet, particularly with all those premium laptops and their premium price tags. Don’t worry. We have compiled a list of the top laptops under $500, featuring high quality machines that are more than worth the plastic and silicon they were printed on. We’ve gathered up the most striking ones that we’ve tested in recent memory, each one deserving of the best laptop under $500 accolade. Our list includes 2-in-1 laptops, budget Chromebooks and incredibly affordable laptops that will get you through your day without burning a hole in your pocket. Each of the laptops we’ve listed received at least four stars in one of our in-depth reviews, making them worthy of inclusion in a TechRadar buying guide and to be considered possibly the best laptop under $500. And since each has been thoroughly tested and critiqued by our expert editors, you can rest assured you’re getting a lot of value for less cash. Here are our considerations for best laptop under $500 2019 has on offer.
The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is fairly expensive, but the Acer Switch 3 is a great alternative for far less money, making it the best laptop under $500 for fans of Surface Book 2’s features. This tablet is designed around basically the same concept as the Surface Book 2, even though it's less adept because of its lower-power internals. For most tasks, however, it's a plucky little machine. What this 2-in-1 laptop has over Microsoft's 'Pro' and 'Go' models is that the keyboard is already included. Of course, the Acer Switch 3 comes in multiple configurations, with USB-C, 8GB of memory, an IPS touchscreen and an Intel Core i3 7100U processor coming with the more expensive option. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Go
The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is fairly expensive, but the Acer Switch 3 is a great alternative for far less money, making it the best laptop under $500 for fans of Surface Book 2’s features. This tablet is designed around basically the same concept as the Surface Book 2, even though it's less adept because of its lower-power internals. For most tasks, however, it's a plucky little machine. What this 2-in-1 laptop has over Microsoft's 'Pro' and 'Go' models is that the keyboard is already included. Of course, the Acer Switch 3 comes in multiple configurations, with USB-C, 8GB of memory, an IPS touchscreen and an Intel Core i3 7100U processor coming with the more expensive option. Read the full review: Acer Switch 3
Counted among the best Chromebooks is also a thrifty machine for anyone looking for the best laptop under $500. It's easy to see how the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 exceeds expectations. While it is far from the most powerful Chromebook available, it's exactly what people need it from it: budget-friendly, easy to use and able to hold up to abuse. The Dell Inspiron 11 2-in-1 is more than able to handle all your web browsing and document editing, and consider that it could be the best laptop under $500 which won’t shatter from a simple stumble. Read the full review: Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1
With a shiny chassis as gorgeous as the most recent MacBook, this beautiful, 15-inch Chromebook makes an amazing impression with its battery life, lasting nearly 17 hours in our battery test. That's crazy for a 15-inch laptop – Chromebook or not. But that’s not the end of it. It also has a few other aces up its sleeves, including its roominess, brilliant display and fast charging capability. Best of all, it’s the best laptop under $500 (you can find one under $200, in fact), so budget-minded shoppers will love the value. Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15
The Acer Chromebook R11’s design might not turn heads, but as far as the best laptops under $500 go, it’s chassis is still a minimalist beauty with its textured finish and an overall build that feels pretty solid. It’s got a few other aces as well – the battery life that lasts up to 10 hours, the vibrant touch display, the 2-in-1 design that lets you use it in tent and tablet mode, and those bright crispy speakers. That keyboard is endearing as well. Read the full review: Acer Chromebook R11
Even if you’re used to powerful laptops that breeze through your photo and video editing demands, the Acer Chromebook Spin 15 will still impress you with its knack for multitasking without batting an eyelash. This lightweight laptop might not look like it could take on processor-hungry tasks at a time, but it does, making it great for relentless computer users who do more than their fair share of Internet browsing, mobile gaming and video streaming. Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 15
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| Posted: 23 Aug 2019 12:36 PM PDT The best wireless charger you can buy in 2019 is going to be a Qi charger. It's the de facto standard that can wirelessly charge the iPhone, Samsung phones, Pixel 3 and every major smartphone that supports wireless charging. That part is easy. Much harder is the question: What is the best wireless charger? We’ve tested a the top wireless chargers on the market to give you the pros and cons of each, along with our personal recommendations, to give you that answer. As anyone who’s bought a Qi-charging-capable phone can attest, you don’t just get a first-party charger in the box – you’ll have to venture out and buy one yourself. Aside from Samsung, none of the major phonemakers even produce their own. Our list is full of names you’ll recognize: Belkin, Anker, Mophie, and others - along with some you might not. They won’t juice up your devices as fast as wired chargers, but they’re handy when you don’t want to keep plugging your phone in and out. We’ve tested the wire-free chargers with a variety of phones, and smartwatches like the Apple Watch, and other rechargeable devices if they also charge those. We also note charging rates, in wattage, which might charge some devices faster (depending on their maximum wireless charging rating, of course). Lastly, make sure your phone can actually use wireless charging, as some older handsets - especially those with metal backs - likely don’t. Without further ado, here is our ever-growing list of the best wireless chargers we’ve seen. The Belkin 10W is a step up in design and charging power - both of which are noticeable. That charging rate refilled 16% on our iPhone XS Max in 30 minutes. The Belkin 10W has upstyled glossy plastic with matte rubber for the flat charging surface, as well as the ‘arms’ keeping your phone from sliding off the surface. It tangibly feels higher-quality, and in the solid black color, looks a bit more refined than cheaper chargers. Whether you like pads or stands is more up to personal taste, but we enjoy the usefulness of keeping your device upright to check the time and scroll through notifications. It only charges phones, though - no smartwatches or tablets.
The Anker 15W is one of the faster chargers on our list for this low of price, though only some leading Android phones will be able to notice the difference. For instance, in our 30-minute test, an iPhone XS Max only regained 10% - respectable but not tuned for Apple’s phones. Which isn't a surprise, given the latest iPhones haven't been confirmed to charge above 10W. The Anker 15W has a bit more of an industrial look than most of its peers, with a metal casing and rubber foot. It’s one of the few on our list that dispenses with plastic for refined material, which is a nicer aesthetic for your desktop. Like other pads, you’ll need to leave your device flat to keep it charging, but the faster rate should ease the sting of leaving your phone in recharge time-out. And given the Anker PowerWave 15 is very inexpensive - $35 (£35, around AU$51) on Amazon - it beats out some pricier chargers with lower rates (perhaps by shirking the 'Qi' license, as its packaging materials claim it has "Fast-Charging via Leading Technology").
Wireless charging doesn’t have to be complicated or pricey - and the Anker 10W charger stand is an inexpensive, no-frills model to start you off. Over a 30-minute test, the Anker 10W recharged an iPhone XS Max 15% - not impressive, but given the XS Max’s 3,174mAh battery, would likely charge the smaller battery iPhone 8 far faster. Android phones with high wireless charging ratings will fare better: a Samsung Galaxy Note 10 charged 28% in the same time period. The Anker 10W won’t speedily charge your phone - it’s best deskside if you repeatedly pick up and put down your phone, or bedside overnight. An affordable entry to see if wireless charging works for you. The Mophie Powerstation Hub is a unique charger in that it’s mainly not a charger - it’s a battery pack. While it’s limited by its capacity, the capability to wirelessly charge on the go makes this a versatile (if pricey) solution. The Powerstation Hub wirelessly charges up to 5W, which isn’t terribly fast - but you can do it while the battery simultaneously charges up to 3 other devices, which is cool. The other ports include one each of USB 1.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C slots. The charger plugs directly into a wall socket to recharge, though the wireless charging won’t work while it is - a regrettable feature, but perhaps safer for the device, given how the extra weight might put pressure on the power prongs. While the Powerstation isn’t as large and ungainly as higher-capacity power banks, it won't fit in your pocket either, leaving it mostly convenient for anyone packing a purse or small bag. But with versatility comes cost, and the Powerstation Hub is by far the most expensive charger on this list. With a retail price of $99 (around £81, AU$146), this isn’t affordable for most folks - and more a niche solution for those with the cash to throw around.
The Belkin Wireless Charging Dock is a rarity in the wireless charging world: it can juice up both your phone and your Apple Watch at the same time. Most chargers can't service Apple's smartwatch, and this product throws in a standard phone/device charger, too. The stand is a classy off-white, like most of Belkin's charger range. The pill-shaped base has a matte finish, and the rounded, upright phone stand on the left side has a divoted lip for your device to rest in. The circular watch nub looks much like the charger that comes with the Apple Watch, including the magnet that clips the smartwatch in place. While the Apple Watch portion charges at 5W/1A, the rate of the official Apple charger, the phone portion only recharges at 7.5W. While that's certainly a lower rate than other units on this list, it may be enough for iPhones: given Apple's reluctance to disclose its specs, it's unclear if its latest phones in the iPhone XS generation improved on the iPhone X's alleged 7.5W charge, per 9to5Mac. Which means you might want to look elsewhere for a faster charger if you own an Android phone with a higher confirmed wireless charging rate. But if you have an Apple Watch, chances are you're all-in on Apple's ecosystem anyway.
The Pixel Stand was released alongside the Google Pixel 3 and has specific features that only activate when Pixel phones are slotted into it. True, it functions like any other 10W charger, and will refill any Qi-compatible phone's battery. It's a stand-style charger, with an angled pill-shaped back, ridged foot for traction, and circular base, all covered in a white rubber material. Slide a Pixel phone into the stand, however, and you can set it to show a gallery of photos, activate Google Assistant, and link your Nest Hello video doorbell to automatically display when someone rings it. But that's a handful of features for a steep price - officially $79 (£69, AU$119) on Google's store, though discounted a bit elsewhere - for an upmarketed 10W charger. Who knows? Maybe it will have even more features unique to the upcoming Google Pixel 4.
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| Disinformation campaign from China uses VPN to trick YouTube Posted: 23 Aug 2019 10:45 AM PDT VPNs are often used to bypass China's Great Firewall but Google recently banned 210 YouTube channels after it discovered that Chinese state authorities were suspected of using them to spread misinformation about Hong Kong protesters on its platform. The search giant's announcement comes after Twitter and Facebook said they would suspend almost 1,000 accounts on their respective platforms that were linked to a state-backed disinformation campaign which originated inside China. The news also comes at a time when Google and its video platform are facing increased scrutiny from US lawmakers regarding its ability to control misinformation that spreads by going viral on its site.
Disinformation campaignDirector of Google Security's Threat Analysis Group, Shane Huntely offered further insight on the disinformation campaign the search giant discovered in a blog post, saying: “Earlier this week, as part of our ongoing efforts to combat coordinated influence operations, we disabled 210 channels on YouTube when we discovered channels in this network behaved in a coordinated manner while uploading videos related to the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. This discovery was consistent with recent observations and actions related to China announced by Facebook and Twitter. "We found use of VPNs and other methods to disguise the origin of these accounts and other activity commonly associated with coordinated influence operations.” While a VPN can be a useful tool for those trying to get around region blocks or protect their online privacy, it can also be used nefariously by those who want to disguise the origin of their posts online.
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| Posted: 23 Aug 2019 10:16 AM PDT
PAX West attendees usually come to try out the latest indie games on top-end PCs and laptops. The games and tech change with the times, but you’re still going to explore, to meet industry experts and celebs, and to get lots of free stuff. Compared to all that, Republic of Gamers’ (ROG’s) 2019 booth might be offering what PAX attendees love today—swag raffles, battle royale matches, and online personalities—but it’s also bringing something entirely new to the table. Whichever day between August 30th through September 2nd you can make it to the ROG booth, you’ll want to line up nice and early—especially if you fancy yourself a battle royale expert. It’s the best way to make sure you’re entered to win as many prizes as possible! In the morning, you can team up with a fellow PAX attendee to play Fortnite Duos on top-of-the-line ROG gaming desktops. Be on one of the first ten winning teams, and you will receive one ROG Mechanical Sculpture per player. These are limited edition mechanical eye sculptures from Metal Earth that you can build yourself, and they typically can only be found bundled with ROG laptops. So bring your best Fortnite teammate or just make a friend in line, and you could win this snazzy-looking collector’s item.
Plus, score the highest in your match, and you’ll receive an automatic entry into the daily raffle at 3pm, for a chance to win ROG peripherals and hardware. But being a fort-building fiend isn’t the only way to win prizes. The booth will have other experiences and zones, revolving around ROG gaming devices like the newly released ROG Phone II. Check out each zone and get your ROG “passport” stamped at each location, and you’ll be entered into the daily giveaway. If you don’t luck out, you can always come back another day and try again! For another option, take a selfie while competing at the esports station and post it on Instagram. Tag “rog_na”, add the hashtag “#ROGatPAX”, and you’ll have an equal chance to win that mystery ROG swag. Despite all these different options, maybe you’re not the kind of person who overly cares about PAX giveaways. If that’s the case, consider swinging by the booth in the afternoon between 1–3pm. At that time ROG will let visitors play Fortnite matches with streamers and “influencers” that ROG invited to their booth. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re cut out for the esports life, now’s your chance to test your mettle in front of PAX crowds and see if your skills and nerves stand up to pressure. Or you can just enjoy the show.
Two of ROG’s announced “Elite Ambassadors” for its PAX booth are Jon Kefaloukos and Addison Queen. Kefaloukos, a former Gears of War pro turned caster, is a pro esports announcer for Gears of War, Halo and Fortnite tourneys. Whereas Queen, an active-duty airman and a member of the Grunto Esports Fortnite team, brings more of a custom PC building perspective. Together they’ll commentate on matches and bring some tournament-style ambience to the ROG booth. Once you’re done trying your hand at being an esports pro and winning awesome prizes, don’t leave ROG’s booth before trying out the successor to its massively popular ROG Phone. The ROG Phone II is one of the only smartphones on the market truly designed for gaming, with built-in tech like its hardcore GPU, 120Hz HDR screen for minimal touch-to-response latency, a vapor chamber heat sink and built-in shoulder Air Triggers. Which may be why, once it went on sale, gamers snatched up all 10,000 in stock in just over a minute. We recommend you mimic the Techradar editors and conduct your own hands-on investigation, measuring exactly which features will improve your mobile gaming experience. You can play demos of PUBG or Fortnite to get a sense of how much better these demanding games run on a system designed specifically for them, compared to your current phone. You can’t ask for more jam-packed excitement, tech showcases and free stuff in one booth, which makes the ROG booth a can’t-miss stop for your PAX West 2019 plans! |
| Best NAS devices of 2019: top Network Attached Storage for the home and office Posted: 23 Aug 2019 10:09 AM PDT While looking for the best NAS drives may seem like a confusing process, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together this little guide to direct you to the best NAS device you can buy in 2019. Of course, we should probably dig a little into what a NAS is and what makes for the best NAS drives. A network attached storage device (or NAS) is a must for anyone working off a network instead of just one computer. These devices are in essence an external hard drive that, instead of plugging into your PC, connects to your network. Because of that, you can access the files stored on the NAS from just about any device. And the best NAS drives can even allow for you to access them remotely, so you don’t need to be in the office to get that one essential file. In addition, it doesn’t matter what OS you’re running as the best NAS devices are platform-agnostic. You’ll be able to gain access with whatever device you have available. You’ll want to keep a few things in mind when figuring out which are the best NAS drives for you. Do you need a ton of storage space? Many of the devices listed here are already packed with hard drives, making it very easy to install and use. However, you’ll want to plan for how much space you’ll want. The best NAS drive will need to be able to not only hold all your most essential files but also possibly your backups. Some of the devices require you to purchase the hard drives separately. This does allow for flexibility when choosing the size and speed most appropriate for your network. And if you’re willing to shop around for the hard drives separately, it might even save you some cash. Also, what do you need in terms of backup and redundancy from your device? Some of the best NAS drives are capable of holding more than one hard drive and can mirror the data held on each drive. If one drive fails, that’s ok. You have a backup. Additionally, the best NAS drives make it so you can back up the data to an external drive, whether as an additional measure or because you need to take the data on the road. We’ve rounded up the best NAS drives for the home and office here. And if you want more info about boosting the storage of your current NAS, you can do so by checking out our list of the best hard drives.
Image credit: WD WD has attained quite significant success with its unashamedly consumer-friendly My Cloud products, which can stream to any DLNA-compliant device and be accessed via mobile apps for iOS and Android. Advertised as a 'personal cloud,' this WD is one of the best NAS drives by any other name and starts at 2TB of storage (you can also get it in 3 or 4TB). Because it's a one-bay unit, it can't back itself up since there's only one drive. However, it can back up to an external hard drive thanks to a USB port on the back.
Image credit: Seagate Continuing with the 'personal cloud' theme, this unit from Seagate takes its lead from My Cloud, while offering far larger capacities, along with dual bays for two hard drives. This allows the Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay NAS device to mirror the files from one hard drive to a second one, securing your files in case one of those drives fails. We also appreciate the no-fuss appearance of this unit, meaning it fits easily under a router or on a shelf. Plus, it can work with cloud accounts – like Dropbox and Google Drive – and you can also use an app to share content to streamers, such as Chromecast and Roku.
Image credit: QNAP The QNAP TS-251A is an extraordinary NAS device that has more features than you can shake a stick – or the included remote control – at. It includes dual Ethernet ports, an HDMI out for connecting it to a TV and respectable hardware like the dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Celeron CPU and 4GB of RAM for hardware transcoding media files. The QTS OS also lets you effortlessly install a variety of apps, from the Plex Media Server and file sharing apps to, surprisingly, a karaoke app, as well as running Ubuntu Linux for added flexibility. Long story, short: this is an incredible NAS device, even if you do have to purchase the hard drives separately. Just factor that in to the overall cost.
Image credit: Buffalo As one of the best NAS drives out there, this 2TB dual-bay unit (also available in 4, 6, and 8TB capacities) comes courtesy of Buffalo, the company that also produces the TeraStation line of advanced NAS units. The key selling point of this model is that it can integrate directly with BitTorrent, which means that it can download files for you even when your PC is not on. You won’t need to worry as much about your downloads getting interrupted. Like many of the other devices listed, you can also stream to it via various devices, it's platform agnostic, and you can use it as an iTunes server.
Image credit: Synology Every now and then, a product comes along that challenges the conventions of their product category. The DS1817 is one such product. Most NAS devices that occupy the ‘value’ space tend to be underpowered and have little to no room for expansion. The DS1817 breaks the norms by letting users fill the included eight drive bays with whatever they desire, so that you can get as much (or as little) storage as you want. On top of this massive expandability, which helps rank it as one of the best NAS drives available, the 10GbE LAN and Quad-Core CPU also mean that you’ll never be left wanting for performance. Read the full review: Synology DiskStation DS181
Image credit: WD This two-bay unit can produce a mirrored backup of your data, duplicating your files on both drives, using RAID configuration. That's quite an advanced feature for a consumer unit. Just keep in mind that you end up paying quite a lot for that capability and WD's user-friendly presentation, including an easy-to-master, browser-based control screen. This is a 4TB unit, though 6, 8 and 16TB units are also available. For extra peace of mind, you can also back up the contents to Dropbox.
Image credit: Synology Anyone looking at purely technical spec’s will instantly fall in love with the Synology DiskStation DS1517. Thanks to its quad-core CPU and up to 8GB of RAM, this NAS can reach sequential speeds of 111.4 MB/s write and 110.3 MB/s read without any trouble. Combining that raw performance with the DS1517’s expandability, and you have a formula for a NAS device that has undeniably earned its spot among the best NAS drives on the market. Just know that the DS1517 isn’t cheap, and unless you’re a creative professional, or you’re looking for a NAS for a small business, it might be a bit too much. Read the full review: Synology DiskStation DS1517
Image credit: WD Featuring RAID capabilities found in pricier and more intricate NAS devices, as well as offering Microsoft Active Directory support, this box is designed for small business use. That’s without mentioning that it can also act as a file server, FTP server, backup server and P2P download server. In addition, WD's EX series is available in diskless variants, though this price is for the 4TB version. 8TB, 12TB and 16TB units are also available to purchase. If you don't need any of this extra stuff, then go with the My Cloud Mirror.
Image credit: Western Digital If you're looking for one of the best NAS drives to help manage your backup needs, the DL4100 might be worth a look. One of the coolest features of this device is its web dashboard, which provides users options for backing up to cloud services such as Dropbox and Box. Additionally, it has the ability to set up SMS and email alerts in case the system fails for whatever reason. As far as storage options go, the DL4100 is equipped with four drive bays and comes with your choice of four configurations. Despite some annoying issues with wireless transfers, we found that the DL4100's 1.7GHz dual-core Atom processor and 2GB of RAM (configurable up to 6GB) performs admirably. Combine this with a simple setup and cloud connected web apps, and you have an interesting backup device on your hands. Read our full review: Western Digital DL4100 review
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| The best Ultrabooks 2019: top thin and light laptops reviewed Posted: 23 Aug 2019 10:00 AM PDT There’s more to the best Ultrabooks than their productivity. They’re stylish, slender, often feathery-light status symbols that stand out for their design as much as anything else. Whether it’s having something that is the ultimate grab and go device, that will barely weigh down your backpack as you shuffle from class to class, or that will look pretty next to that dinosaur of a computer you use to drag to the café to get some work done, the best Ultrabooks may just be the perfect machine. And they’re now more powerful than ever, coming equipped with the best processors and SSDs out there. And it’s not just about their designs or how portable they are. They really are powerful little machines that can help you run through projects like no one’s business. And often that power is coupled with a pretty remarkable battery life. Whether it’s lasting through a flight or making it through a work day without recharging, a number of the best Ultrabooks will more than do the job. And this is another part of what makes them so appealing. We’ve put quite a few of the best Ultrabooks out there through our tests and reviewed the ones we've recommended on this list, hopefully giving you an idea of the best fit for you. There are offerings here from stalwarts like Dell and HP to newer entries like Razer and Huawei, so you’ll find something that will meet your needs, whether you care most about design, weight or power.
For a few years now, Huawei has been waiting in the shadows, biding its time to take on the best Ultrabooks. But now, that time in the limelight is here. Like the Huawei MateBook X Pro before it, the Huawei Matebook 13 crams a ton of powerful hardware into a beautiful shell, all while offering it at a price that’s more than reasonable. Those discrete graphics are also worthy of a mention – the Huawei Matebook 13 may be one of the tiniest laptops out there to pack an MX150 GPU. It’s not hard to see why the Huawei Matebook 13 is the best Ultrabook right now. Read the full review: Huawei MateBook 13
The Dell XPS 13 has been the top dog of the Ultrabooks for years, and while it’s been dethroned by the Huawei MateBook 13, it’s still one of the Ultrabooks to beat in 2019. This time around, Dell has moved the webcam from the bottom of the display to the top, fixing one of the biggest issues that held back the XPS 13 for years. Add the updated internals to the mix, and the Dell XPS 13 still makes the best Ultrabooks list – even in the face of tough competition. Read the full review: Dell XPS 13
Sometimes an Ultrabook appears that completely changes everything. When the 2018 model of the Huawei MateBook X Pro came on the scene, it did exactly that. This gorgeous Ultrabook brings high-end components into a stylishly designed package that puts even the MacBook Pro to shame. It truly is one of the best Ultrabooks on the market, despite its 2019 successor’s attempts to best it with an Intel Whiskey Lake processor. It’s still the 2018 model that’s captured our computing cores. Read the full review: Huawei MateBook X Pro
If a striking Ultrabook housing 2-in-1 functionality and plenty of power fulfills what you’re looking for, it’s hard to find a better laptop than the HP Spectre x360. This slim and light Ultrabook isn’t just packed with the latest Intel Whiskey Lake processors and plenty of RAM. It also may just be the most exquisite laptop you can buy today. The HP Spectre x360 won’t just see you through your workload, but will also make you smart and stylish in the process – leaving no doubt that it’s well-deserving of its lofty spot on our best Ultrabooks 2019 list. Read the full review: HP Spectre x360
The original Surface Laptop hit the market nearly two years ago, and while it was a great Ultrabook, it was held back by relatively weak internals and Windows 10 S. Thankfully, Microsoft rolled out the Surface Laptop 2 in late 2018, providing quad-core processors and the full-fat version of Windows 10. It’s through these primary improvements that the Surface Laptop 2 is able to bring the purest Windows 10 experience to a laptop – not to mention, join the ranks of the best Ultrabooks available right now – at a price that won’t make you run in the opposite direction. Read the full review: Surface Laptop 2
The Lenovo Yoga C930 has many of the makings of the best Ultrabook – from a ridiculous 14.5 hours of battery life and dual Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C ports to internal components that will easily power through those daily productivity tasks. That’s without even mentioning a 2-in-1 that offers form flexibility so you can squeeze in some light gaming and movie-watching after you’re done working. It has a few cherries on top as well, namely the integrated self-charging stylus and the fab speaker system. Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga C930
Razer has made quite a name for itself in the gaming world. Yet, with the Razer Blade Stealth, the green-themed manufacturer wants people to know that they’re more than just a company “for gamers, by gamers.” This Ultrabook will definitely change your mind with its 13.3-inch, QHD+ beauty. You can no longer opt for a 4K screen, but the performance this Ultrabook offers is more than worth the compromise – especially given how beautiful the chassis is. Read the full review: Razer Blade Stealth
Durability meets portability and performance in this slender laptop with an affordable price tag. The Lenovo Yoga 730 isn’t the close-to-perfect machine many premium buyers might be in the market for, with a few less-than-favorable flaws like heavier weight, average battery life and weak speakers. However, this laptop will easily take you through your weekly workload. Lenovo then rounds out that performance with a reliable keyboard and trackpad, sturdy hinges to switch between tablet and laptop mode, and a display with thin bezels. Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 730
There are so many compelling reasons why the HP Envy x360 (2019) should be on our best Ultrabooks list, and its trim, stylish design is the least of them. This 13-inch 2-in-1 has a premium build quality, boasts 9 hours of video playback and a performance that will power you through most of your schoolwork and projects, all without burning a hole in your pocket. Read the full review: HP Envy x360 (2019)
In many cases, a Windows Ultrabook can be just as capable as a MacBook Air. Take the Asus ZenBook UX310UA, for example. With decent 7th-generation Intel Kaby Lake processors, a remarkable 178-degree viewing-angle QHD+ display, a USB-C port and an aluminum build, it’s still one of the best Ultrabooks on the market, even after all this time. Read the full review: Asus ZenBook UX310
Michelle Rae Uy, Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article Image credit: TechRadar
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| Best monitor 2019: the top 10 monitors and displays we’ve reviewed Posted: 23 Aug 2019 09:54 AM PDT Getting the best monitor 2019 has to offer you can will make reading, browsing, and viewing that much easier. Visuals, after all, are a vital part of any user’s computing experience. It will also make your experience more pleasant and possibly more immersive. And while plenty of displays can really hurt the pocket book, quite a few of the best monitors are reasonably priced. So regardless of what you can afford, there’s something for you. And whether high resolutions, massive screens, or speed top your priorities, it’s easy to find the best monitor to fit your needs. You might want a gaming monitor to take on the best gaming PCs or maybe you want one of best USB-C monitors to compliment that USB-C only equipped ultrabook of yours. Either way, you’re in the right place. Here is our list of the best monitors of 2019, all of which we’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed. So rest easy as there’s a display in here for you, whatever your needs might be.
Now that the best PCs can handle 4K easier than ever before, the best 4K monitors are all over the place. That’s why BenQ released the PD3200U, a massive 32-inch Ultra HD display, as part of its Designer Monitor range. 3D designers particularly love this display, thanks to the factory-calibrated color accuracy and CAD/CAM mode. Marketed to creatives and professionals, BenQ has designed, seemingly by mistake, a panel that gamers will enjoy as well, making it one of the best monitors all-around – so long as they can find the space for it on their desks. Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U
Though the AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition is a gaming monitor through and through, it’s one of the best monitors if you’re wanting an ultra-wide display. With its exceptional color support, strong contrast ratio incredibly speedy 120Hz refresh rate, everything you do on your PC will look better and feel faster. It’s on the more expensive side, but this ultra-wide monitor can significantly boost productivity, making it totally worth the hefty price. As long as you have the hardware to drive it, it’s one of the best monitors money can buy. Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition
If you’ve been searching for one of the best monitors, and you’re ready to just give up and buy the most expensive monitor you can find, you’re in luck. The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ mingles so many high-end features that it almost seems like too much. It doesn’t just feature a 4K UHD display at 144Hz, but it also rocks Nvidia G-Sync and HDR. This is simply the best monitor on the market, but it will also cost an arm and a leg. If you’re playing games, doing photo and video editing work, or even just general desktop work, you can’t go wrong with this monitor, as long as you have the cash to shell out. Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ
When you’re growing tired of the same old 16:9 aspect ratio, nothing hits the spot like a cinematic 21:9 display. It’s not the best for watching Netflix or YouTube, but the Acer Predator X34 is a fantastic example of what an ultra-wide monitor can do. Boasting an eye-catching aluminum bezel and polygonal stand that looks like a bird’s foot, this massive 34-inch monitor is a marvel to behold. More significantly, armed with Nvidia’s G-Sync tech, you won’t require V-Sync stressing out your graphics card. The Acer Predator X34 does all the heavy lifting for you. This is about as immersive as a gaming monitor can get, and one of the best monitors to buy this 2019. Read the full review: Acer Predator X34
Ultrawide monitors have been around for a while: they’ve constantly made it on folks’ the best monitors list for a few years now, in fact. These wide monitors are lifesavers when it comes to productivity, and they’re only increasing in popularity. The Asus Designo Curve MX38VC, however, takes it to the next level. Not only does this monitor have a massive 3,840 x 1,600 resolution, but with USB-C compatibility and a Qi wireless charger built into the base, it’s going to be a workplace companion you won’t want to live without. It’s a tad pricey, and doesn’t feature HDR, but that’s a worthy sacrifice, especially for professionals. Read the full review: Asus Designo Curve MX38VC
We don’t usually run into technology that’s so far ahead of the curve that we’re left dumbfounded, which is why the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K has impressed us even more. Finding one of the best monitors that can reach the raw gorgeousness this one can should be next to impossible. It’s not just the resolution, either. Dell went so far as to ensure that the build quality and color reproduction are the best in the business as well. The Dell UltraSharp UP3218K is aimed at professionals, obviously, so if that sounds like it’s made for you, it’s probably the best monitor you’ll ever find. Read the full review: Dell UltraSharp UP3218K
If you’re looking for a first-rate 1440p monitor with HDR for multimedia and gaming, then the BenQ EX3203R might be the display for you. One of the best monitors this 2019, this one’s noteworthy as it offers a ton of high-end features in a product that is very reasonably priced. Sure, 32 inches might sound like a bit much for a monitor, but the 1800R curvature on this BenQ panel means that it’s easy to use, both for productivity, as well as for immersion in your games and media. Read the full review: BenQ EX203R
If you’re on a tight budget, then this might break the bank – like any Alienware product would. Still, Dell’s 25-inch gaming monitor will all but eliminate screen tearing, and whether you’re using an AMD Radeon VII or an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080, there’s a configuration for you. With G-Sync or FreeSync taking some of the heavy lifting off the GPU that would otherwise be spent on VSync, the Alienware 25’s 120Hz refresh rate might actually be viable. The 1ms response time? Well, that’s just the cherry on top. Read the full review: Alienware 25
It might seem farfetched, but the BenQ Zowie XL2540 is every bit the gaming monitor that the Asus Predator X34 is. While it may not appear like it from the outside looking in, it does its job incredibly well too, giving up dazzling lighting effects for a ridiculous 240Hz refresh rate and almost-instantaneous 1ms response time. There’s no G-Sync or FreeSync, as this monitor assumes you already have a rig that’s more than capable of eliminating screen tears without any help. Instead, this monitor keeps it simple by providing you with lots of visual presets, an “S Switch” control pod for managing those presets and a pair of adjustable light screens. Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540
If you’re searching for a gaming monitor with a super-wide 1440p resolution, incredibly fast response time of 1ms, a viewing angle of 178 degrees and a quick refresh rate, then the MSI Optix MPG341CQR is something you should consider. If not for those, then perhaps for the fact that MSI has decided to go with a VA panel, as opposed to IPS, giving it more contrast and punchier colors. A few bonuses are included, as well: snazzy “Mystic Light” RGD LEDs, USB-C connectivity, an integrated camera and a competitive price. Read the full review: MSI Optix MPG341CQR
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| The best graphics cards 2019: all the top GPUs for gaming Posted: 23 Aug 2019 09:48 AM PDT There has never been a better time to be on the market for the best graphics cards. Whether you’re updating an older PC or researching the upgradable options on that new PC you're about to buy, you’re going to be looking at options like the RTX 2080 Ti and RTX 2060, powered by Nvidia Turing architecture or AMD’s recently unveiled next generation of AMD Navi GPUs or even the new Super RTX cards. However, the best graphics cards for some people might not be the best for you. Do you want to drop the equivalent of a new PC on just the GPU, like top-of-the-line flagships, or do you want a budget card that will just get the job done, like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660? It all depends on what your priorities are. Whatever that might be, the best graphics cards will still handle the best PC games from Rage 2 to Sekiro Die Twice. And yes, finding that perfect GPU available right now can be a confusing process so let us make it a bit easier. Each of the best graphics cards we’ve listed has been thoroughly tested here at TechRadar. So take a look at our recommendations for the best graphics cards before you break open that piggy bank.
This absolute behemoth of a graphics card is still basically brand new, and it’s already topping our list of the best graphics cards, booting former reigning champion and its direct rival, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060, off the top spot. At $349, this powerful mid-range card brings 1440p gaming at Ultra or Max settings to the masses, making it affordable and accessible to everyone. At that price point, it doesn’t need to be perfect – those looking for ray tracing will have to wait. But, for what it offers and how much it costs, it’s well-deserving of its title as the best graphics card of 2019 for most people. Read the full review: AMD Radeon RX 5700
If you need the best graphics card, and you don’t want to settle, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti may be one of the best graphics cards for you. This is the most formidable graphics card you can buy without jumping for a professional graphics solution. And, now that games like Battlefield V, Metro Exodus and Shadow of the Tomb Raider actually implement the RTX features, there’s never been a better time to jump on the ray tracing bandwagon. Just prepare yourself for that sky-high price. Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
The souped up Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super isn’t just remarkable because it’s a supercharged version of the very popular RTX 2070, offering exceptional 1440p gaming. It’s also striking because it offers all that power at a very reasonable price, making it a compelling buy for most users, even for those on a budget. Plus, if you’re wondering about ray tracing, here’s the best card to jump in – you don’t have to break open that piggy bank for the RTX 2080 or RTX 2080 Ti anymore. Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super
While the GeForce RTX 2060 Super is now taking the 1440p gaming world by storm, its predecessor, the RTX 2060, is still king of 1080p gaming. This mid-range GPU will get you in the door with ray tracing maxed out at 1080p. Plus, it is more than capable of handling 1440p experiences, as well as 4K ones, if you don’t mind the less remarkable frame rate of 30 fps. And, while this card was more expensive at launch than the one it replaced, its fantastic 1080p performance should be enough to make that price tag irrelevant. Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
Image credit: TechRadar We’ve been longing for a new top-of-the-line graphics card from AMD since 2017’s Radeon Vega 64, but things have drastically changed in the graphics market since then – most notably Nvidia Turing. With the AMD Radeon VII, Team Red has attempted to reclaim a piece of the high-end graphics market, and it largely triumphed. The AMD Radeon VII holds its own in 4K gaming, but it particularly excels in content creation. Packed with 16GB of HBM2 memory, the AMD Radeon VII can keep up with much more expensive creative-focused competitors, making it one of the best graphics cards 2019 has on offer. Read the full review: AMD Radeon VII
If you’re all about the best VR games, you’re going to need the best graphics cards to do that job. And, nowadays, that honor goes to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super. VR-ready and filled with the latest Turing architecture, you won’t have to worry about a rough VR experience that will make you sick. Outside of VR, it should also be able to handle all your favorite PC games at 1440p and 4K without any issue. The best part might just be that it’s a lot cheaper than the RTX 2080, offering a much better value. Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super
Image credit: Zotac Looking to put together a microATX or a mini-ITX gaming PC? You shouldn’t need to settle for a low-end GPU. Take a look at mini graphics cards like the Zotac GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Mini instead. It’s not the latest and greatest GPU out there now, but the 1080 Ti still has a lot of juice, and it’s among the best graphics cards to power your microATX. And, when you can get that power in a card that’s only 211 x 125 x 41mm, the tiny loss in performance is absolutely worth the beautiful mini PC you’ll get.
Image credit: Gigabyte With all those fancy (read: expensive) graphics cards cornering the market, the budget-friendlier ones sometimes fly under the radar. That’s unfortunate, particularly since cards like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 deserve a spot in the limelight for delivering excellent 1080p performance at a very affordable price. With the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G, you’re also getting a healthy factory overclock and all the outputs you’ll ever need, so you can play all your favorite games with several monitors attached. We’d call that a bargain, maybe even the best we’ve ever had, and it certainly warrants a spot in our best graphics cards list. Read the full review: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G
When Nvidia first revealed its Turing lineup, it was hard to find a model that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Nonetheless, with the launch of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti – especially the PNY XLR8 Gaming OC model – next-generation performance became accessible to everyone. You won’t have access to 4K 60 fps gaming with this card, but it’s one of the best graphics cards for anyone still using a 1080p display, and it can handle most esports games well above 60fps. At that resolution, you’ll have trouble running into any title that it can’t handle. Read the full review: PNY GeForce GTX 1660 Ti XLR8 Gaming OC Michelle Rae Uy also contributed to this article. Images Credit: TechRadar
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| Best wireless routers 2019: the best routers for your home network Posted: 23 Aug 2019 09:45 AM PDT Having one of the best routers in your home is more important than you might think. It’s essential in fact. Whether you’re working, gaming or just connecting with friends, our computer lives exist almost entirely online. Having a less than stellar router can really hold you back. You don’t want to experience constant buffering with your favorite programs on Netflix, or to not be at your full potential when playing the best PC games. And while your first impulse might be to call up your internet provider, consider picking up one of the best wireless routers. After all, it doesn’t matter how fast the internet service is if the wireless router can’t keep up. You’ll want to get the best wireless router you can get your hands on. That might mean different things to different people. The best routers might look like the most cutting edge wireless mesh router pumping signal into every corner of the house or an epic gaming router providing the signal. It might mean upcoming Wi-Fi 6 capabilities that may make this list in the near future. So if you’re looking for the best router on the market right now, you should keep a couple things in mind. MU-MIMO is a must for anyone with multiple devices, and considering that most homes will have multiple people with multiple devices, that’s probably everyone on the market for the best router. Check out the speed rating of the router as well as a rated speed of AC1900 should cover all your bases. There are so many wireless routers to choose from, hundreds in fact, that getting the one that does everything you need might not be easy. Therefore, we’ve collected the best routers we’ve tested recently. You might be looking at the Good WiFi or maybe the TP-Link Archer C5400. Either way, know that you’ll be getting a quality router, possibly the best router for your home and your needs.
The days of traditional wireless routers is basically over – the age of the wireless mesh routers is here. Google Wifi, alone, is proof that we are in the midst of this mesh revolution. You can finally say goodbye to the days when the only way to attain wireless freedom was to install a bunch of wireless extenders. The idea of Google Wifi is simple – buy a set of points and position them in strategic places around your home. Then, simply scan a QR code, and you’re good to go. It’s no coincidence that this wireless mesh router tops our best routers list of 2019, as it’s also the one that’s easiest to set up and get going. Read the full review: Google Wifi
If you’re acquainted with Asus, especially its gaming products, you’ll know what to expect with the Asus RT-AC86U. This wireless router may look like the lovechild of Doritos and Mountain Dew, if they spent a night together in a router manufacturing machine. But inside that gaudy gamer-centric design is a piece of hardware that, for its price, easily beats out almost all the wireless routers on the market. You’re also not paying a premium here for a gaming device, so if you’re in the market for a high-speed connection with a reasonable price tag, the Asus RT-AC86U is an exceptional option. Read the full review: Asus RT-AC86U
When the Netgear Orbi was first unveiled, it completely reshaped the wireless routers scene. Then, in 2019, Netgear unleashed the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23, a cheaper option for casual users who don’t have a stately manor to cover, making it a worthy contender for the best wireless routers. Sure, it comes with fewer antennae and ethernet ports than its forerunner, but it also offers more than enough to provide very solid network coverage. Plus, the small form factor means that it will easily blend in, and you won’t feel the need to hide it. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23
Now that smart homes are quickly becoming standard, more and more people need wireless routers that also double as smart home hubs. This doesn’t only make things much more convenient, but it also helps reduce all the clutter created by having multiple routers, modems and hubs. The Samsung Connect Home isn’t the most feature-rich wireless router out there today, but it can definitely hold its own against the Google Wifi, while also packing in the SmartThings hub. It’s still easily one of the best routers – especially if your home is filled with smart devices. Read the full review: Samsung Connect Home
Are you in the market for one of the best routers of 2019, with a quirky aesthetic to boot? If a ‘90s-inspired sci-fi design sounds like it’s right up your alley, then the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 might be a fantastic choice for you. It’s not really the most modern-looking mesh router. Despite that, it’s unique in that it can bridge consumer and enterprise users by offering high-end functionality at a reasonable price point and with an easy setup. It’s odd looking, yes; but if you’re searching for a wireless router that can cover a largish home, you can’t go wrong with this. Read the full review: TP-Link Archer C5400 v2
If you’re wanting to bring your office’s networking into the modern age with one of the best routers of 2019, then you should sincerely consider the Netgear Orbi Pro. It’s a modular Wi-Fi mesh router that takes some design and performance cues from its business-grade counterparts. It’s on the more expensive side, but if you run a business where you can’t afford to have anyone slow down due to poor Wi-Fi, it’s definitely worth every cent. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi Pro
The market is now flooded with wireless mesh routers, but it’s hard to complain when the level of coverage these routers offer tops anything we’ve experienced in the past. With devices like the TP-Link Deco M9, one of the best routers of 2019, we can see how they only keep improving. By incorporating IoT smart home support, on top of industry standard speeds and coverage, the TP-Link Deco M9 is, undoubtedly, an excellent choice for a smart home supporter. Fair warning, it is a little pricey. However, you’re also getting all these features and excellent performance in exchange. Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M9
Hoping to jump on the mesh wireless router bandwagon without going broke? You’re in luck with the affordable D-Link Covr C1203. It’s among the best wireless routers for you, if you’re wanting to upgrade and save at the same time. Not only does it offer similar coverage to that of the Google Wifi while being less expensive, but it also looks futuristic in a good way. It’s a little slower than Google’s legendary router, but it will still be fast enough for the typical user. And, that’s why the D-Link Covr C1203 gets our vote for one of the best routers of 2019. Read the full review: D-Link Covr-C1203
If you’re looking for a wireless mesh router that gives you a lot of control over your network, then the Eero Home Wi-Fi system might just be the ticket. It’s more expensive than your standard router, yet it offers users complete control over their network, while still touting a secure connection through AI. Even better, the Eero Home Wi-Fi System comes with subscriptions to 1Password, MalwareBytes and Encrypt.me VPN, which should keep everyone connected to your network secure. Read the full review: Eero Home Wi-Fi System
The Amplifi HD is one of the most expensive wireless routers on this list. Yet, thanks to its clean, modern look, it should find a dedicated audience without a problem. While aesthetic doesn’t top everyone’s priorities when choosing the best router for them, it does help encourage users to install and showcase it in central locations, which will help boost the router’s signal. This wireless router boasts excellent performance and a stylish design to match, as long as you’re willing to spend a little more than necessary. Read the full review: Amplifi HD Joe Osborne, Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article Images Credit: TechRadar
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| DOJ disrupts massive business email scam operation Posted: 23 Aug 2019 09:41 AM PDT The US Department of Justice has indicted dozens of individuals for their involvement in a massive business email scam and money laundering operation. Over a dozen individuals were arrested during raids carried out in the Los Angeles area but a total of 80 defendants are allegedly involved in the scheme. The 145-page indictment which was recently unsealed, revealed that 80 people have been named and charged with conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud in addition to aggravated identity theft and money laundering.
While arrests were made in the US, most of the people alleged to be involved in the scheme are based in Nigeria. At this time, it is still unclear as to whether the Nigerian nationals will be extradited to the US but the two countries do have a treaty that would make extradition possible. Combating online fraudUS authorities are taking a hard stance on business email scams and other fraudulent activities online according to US Attorney Nicola Hanna who explained how this indictment is intended to send a message to fraudsters, saying: “Today, we have taken a major step to disrupt criminal networks that use [business email scam] schemes, romance scams and other frauds to fleece victims. This indictment sends a message that we will identify perpetrators — no matter where they reside — and we will cut off the flow of ill-gotten gains.” Prosecutors said that Valentine Iro and Chukwudi Christogunus Igbokwe have been accused of running the operation. The indicted individuals allegedly carried out acts of fraud against over a dozen victims which generated millions of dollars worth of stolen funds over the course of several months. The operation's leaders acted as brokers of fraudulent bank accounts according to the prosecutors who allege that they fielded requests for bank account information and then laundered the money obtained from their victims. Several of the fraudsters' bank accounts also contained over $40m in stolen funds. The case will still need to go to trial before anything is decided but the indictment is a step in the right direction when it comes to showing cybercriminals that they can be held responsible for their crimes online no matter where they reside.
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| Luigi's Mansion 3: release date, news, and features Posted: 23 Aug 2019 09:34 AM PDT It’s been six long years since Nintendo last released a game in the Luigi’s Mansion series, and with fans beginning to give up hope of another, the announcement that a sequel will hit Nintendo Switch in 2019 is very welcome news indeed. Announced with a trailer during a Nintendo Direct on September 13, 2018 the tentatively named Luigi’s Mansion 3, is set to be released on Switch this Halloween - very spooky indeed. During Nintendo Direct at E3 2019, we got a bunch of new details about what we can expect from the next game in the spooky series. Here's everything we know so far about Luigi's Mansion 3. [Update: Gamescom 2019 has truly brought the Luigi's Mansion 3 goods. Not only has 30 minutes of brand new footage of the game been released, we managed to get some hands on time with the game too. Keep scrolling to see the new footage.] Cut to the chase
Image credit: Nintendo Luigi's Mansion 3 release dateLuigi's Mansion 3 will launch for Nintendo Switch on October 31st, 2019 (AKA Halloween!). It's a very fitting release date for such a spooky title. Luigi’s Mansion 3 trailersGamescom 2019 brought us our longest look at Luigi's Mansion 3 yet. 30 whole minutes of gameplay showing both single-player and co-op in a brand new garden-themed level. Watch it for yourself below. Nintendo dropped a more in-depth gameplay trailer for Luigi's Mansion 3 during E3 2019. Check it out below: Although the first trailer doesn’t give away much, it does give us a sneak peek at the high quality graphics and gameplay. Check it out below: Luigi's Mansion 3 news and rumorsPuzzles
Gamescom 2019 Releasing this Halloween ScareScaper mode Lots of rooms in the hotel Gooigi
Image credit: Nintendo New functions Story Poltergust G-00
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| Best email hosting providers of 2019 Posted: 23 Aug 2019 09:17 AM PDT Getting hold of an email account is easy – sign up with an ISP, register with Google, buy a web hosting account – but free and standard packages won't always deliver the quality that professional users need. Email hosting plans are an easy way to get a more efficient and reliable service. Exactly what's included depends on the provider, but you might get support for larger attachments (up to 50MB), 50GB or more storage space for your inbox, online storage for easy file sharing, bundled apps like Microsoft Office online, Exchange and Active Directory support for business users – not to mention 24/7 support if anything goes wrong. Your email will work with a custom domain (address@yoursite.com), and it's typically straightforward to set up. You can use an email hosting plan to effectively replace your web host's service, or you can try one without having any hosting at all. With quality services priced under $1 per month per user, and free trials available, it's easy for anyone to check out the email hosting market. Whether you're after an individual account or would like to cover your entire business, read on for five great providers that you might want to check out first.
The best email hosting services of 2019 are :
Bluehost has an exclusive email hosting offer for TechRadar readers If you are a small business with a small headcount and don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on email accounts, then consider this. From EIG-owned Bluehost comes an exclusive business email package for TechRadar readers where you get unlimited email accounts and email storage for as little as $2.95 when paying for three years; that’s a mere $106.20 for the duration of the term. Is it truly unlimited though? Bluehost says that they do not enforce any official limitations. Furthermore, they add “while email account creation is unlimited, these rely on the file storage available on the account. Therefore customers need to be operating within the Terms of Service to ensure resources are available to fully enable email functionality. Customers operating within the Terms of Service have yet to come up against technical boundaries for email, domains, or websites”. What’s the catch then? For a start, while you get POP3 and IMAP4 plus 24/7 support, this is more of a barebone solution. You get to choose between three webmail applications (the equivalent of Outlook.com or Gmail.com); Horde, Roundcube or Squirrelmail. You can of course configure an email client like Mail for Windows 10 or Mozilla Thunderbird to read your emails offline. Creating a new email address is a doddle thanks to an easy user interface.
Rackspace remains one of the top email hosting providers in the market Texas-based cloud computing giant Rackspace has a wealth of hosted business-oriented email products for all levels of users. Even the bottom-of-the-range Basic plan is well-specified, with 25GB mailboxes, spam and virus filters, and it’s accessible via Outlook, webmail, or by mobile users. Mailboxes are priced at $2.99 each per month with a minimum of four required per order, but there are no long-term contracts, just monthly bills which you can cancel whenever you like. The next-step-up Plus account brings 30GB of cloud storage, ActiveSync support, Office-compatible apps and instant messaging for $3.99 a month, which is also better value than most. An extended Plus account adds unlimited storage space via archiving. That might be handy if you think a 25GB inbox is too small, but we're unsure if it's really worth the $6.99 price tag. More demanding users can check out Rackspace's Hosted Exchange 2016 plans. Specs include 100GB inboxes and support for 50MB attachments, and the starting price is $10.99 per mailbox per month. There are cheaper services around, but quality matters, too, and Rackspace does better than most. All plans include a 100% uptime guarantee, and top-quality 24x7x365 support via chat, ticket or phone to quickly solve any issues that might crop up.
Fasthosts is part of the formidable United Internet family which also includes 1&1 Email hosting can seem expensive, and that's largely because the big companies are forever competing to offer the largest amounts of inbox and file storage space. That's great if you need it, but not so much for light email users looking for a bargain. Fasthosts Standard Email plan is a stripped-back email hosting plan which offers the bare essentials for a very low price. Signing up gets you five Mail Lite accounts with a tiny 100MB inbox and a maximum of 10MB attachments, and two Mail Extra accounts with 4GB inboxes and support for attachments of up to 15MB. Both products give you webmail access only. That's limited, but look at the price: just $2.60 (£1.99) a month on the annual plan (at the time of writing, you can get 50% off). If your users genuinely don't need the gigabytes available elsewhere, Fasthosts more basic package could make a lot of sense. Fasthosts also offers a more capable Exchange Email product with a 50GB inbox, access via Outlook's web app, and even a free domain for the first year. It's priced at $5.8 (£4.49) per month for 5 or more users with the annual contract. You can also choose a 100GB inbox for $13 (£9.99). As before, Fasthosts is focusing on price more than power, but if you only need a basic Exchange account, there's plenty of value here.
Office 365 BE is a surprising third in our email hosting provider shortlist Microsoft Office 365 isn't just a powerful suite of productivity apps. It also throws in a very capable email package, and for less money than some providers charge for email alone, which could make the service worth a place on your shortlist. Microsoft Office 365 Business Essentials offers support for 150MB attachments, for instance, three times the size allowed with even some premium competitors. 50GB of storage per user (and a custom email domain address) means you'll be able to keep your messages for a very long time, and there's 1TB of online storage available in your OneDrive account. Access to Office Online enables working with Word, Excel, OneNote and PowerPoint documents from within your browser, and there's a whole range of business-friendly extras: calendars, online conferencing, intelligent search, workflow automation and more. If you don't have Office 365 already, the Business Essentials price of $5 a month (for annual billing) looks like good value to us. If you're solely interested in business class email, though, Microsoft's Exchange Online Plan 1 provides Exchange accounts for $4 per user per month on the annual plan.
India-based Zoho might not be a household-name but its offerings pack a lot of punch. Zoho Mail – now known as Zoho Workplace – is a hosted email service with a bundled online office suite, and a stack of other extras. A free plan gives you 25 mailboxes with up to 5GB per user, a 20MB attachment limit and webmail access. A referral scheme could get you support for a further 25 mailboxes (at the time of writing the referral program wasn't available due to remodeling). If that's too basic, the Standard plan gets you IMAP and POP support, 30MB attachments and 30GB of storage, 5GB file storage space, and support for working with multiple domains. That's more capable than some of the premium competition, and includes the same productivity tools as the free suite, yet still only costs $3 per user per month, billed annually. Zoho's Professional plan gets you 100GB of storage (per user), 40MB attachments, support for Active Directory groups, and more. It's yours for $6 per user per month (billed annually), not bad at all for the storage space and features you're getting. Also, Lite plan is available with less features, but it's only $1 per user per month, billed annually.
Liquidweb is based in the US and provides with an attractive low price for its offering. Liquid Web is probably best known for its comprehensive managed and dedicated server packages, but the company also provides an interesting email hosting service for what could be a very low price. Note that you will need to buy LW's Premium Web Hosting in order to get their email service. They do not sell it as a stand alone service. The baseline Standard plan offers POP, SMTP and IMAP access, supports 50MB attachments and gives you a decent 25GB of storage space. The ability to import contacts from Gmail, Outlook and more gets you set up quickly, spam protection is handled via top quality Cloudmark technology, and you're able to set up custom email filters and rules as required. Liquid Web charges a flat $10 a month fee for your account, but after that, each Standard plan mailbox costs only $1 more. If you need five or more mailboxes, that's going to be very good value, especially for the high level of support on offer. The Plus plan enhances the service with 30GB of cloud storage, mobile sync for contacts and calendars, and online editing of spreadsheets and documents. This also includes a one-off $10 service fee and is $3 per mailbox, potentially a very good deal if you're catering for a lot of people. A final Microsoft Exchange plan gets you 100GB mailboxes, ActiveSync compatibility and Active Directory support, and even throws in a free copy of Outlook. Its price of $10 a month isn't quite as impressive value as its low-end cousins, but Liquid Web does allow you to include Exchange and Starter or Plus accounts in the same order. You could have 10 Starter mailboxes and two Exchange for only $40 a month, for instance, and that competes well with even big-name budget providers.
10 things to look for in your next email hostingIf you want to host email accounts together with your website, then you should look at these email features before signup. Most hosting companies will offer the ability to host your own email (something like email@yourdomain. com). Your package will include a number of email accounts – usually between 1-10 for basic hosting. You’ll be given access to your own email control panel to set up your accounts. Using email requires two things: an email server and an email application, this could be an email client such as Outlook, or alternatively access to Webmail like Gmail or Yahoo. The email server is a piece of software that runs on the server and is constantly connected to the internet. It receives and processes any mail sent to it and sends out any mail you send. The email client is an app that runs on your PC, phone or tablet and enables you to send, receive and organise your emails, e.g. Microsoft Outlook. The client checks the mail server for messages and downloads them for viewing. It is a control panel for reading and writing messages. The good news is that most email clients can connect with most email servers, you can even connect multiple email servers to work with multiple email accounts. So your work and personal emails can be accessed from the same email client. The more popular email clients such as Outlook give you more features (calendars, tasks etc.) than using webmail. Webmail is a web-based email interface that can be accessed in a web browser is often faster and more convenient because it accesses the stored data more directly without the user having to download software locally. Emails can be checked from any device with access to the internet. Email protocols are a set of rules that help the client to send the information to or from the mail server. Two of the most common email protocols are POP and IMAP: 1. POP (Post office protocol) Applications like Outlook will use POP to download emails from the server to your computer and then delete them on the server. 2. IMAP (Internet message access protocol) IMAP is more advanced than POP, with IMAP, emails are stored in the mail server and can be accessed from any clients anywhere if they all use IMAP. Mail data is kept on the server as well as your computer, until you delete the mail. When comparing hosting packages, be sure to choose one with full IMAP support. Exchange Exchange is the gold standard email protocol – the most expensive option of the three, but for good reason. It’s a Microsoft protocol that gives you the power to sync tasks like IMAP does, but with the added ability to share contacts and calendars among employees. If you can afford to pay the extra cost (around $9.99 per month per mailbox), you will reap the benefits of its advanced functionality and tools which can be used even when you are on the move. You might also want to check out our other website hosting buying guides:
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| 'Lowest ever' Samsung S10 deal is free upfront and gets you 512GB storage Posted: 23 Aug 2019 08:30 AM PDT Carphone Warehouse has just released a Samsung Galaxy S10 deal that has really impressed us. To get the virtual cash registers ringing over the Bank Holiday weekend, it's dropped in an S10 tariff that ticks all the boxes. Big data, tick. Reasonable bills, tick. Free upfront, tick. Loads of storage, tick tick tick. Being a sceptical bunch, we've looked for a weak point in this S10 deal and just can't seem to find one. - Head straight to Carphone Warehouse to pick up this offer You can scroll a little further down this article for full details on the deal. But basically you get the superb 512GB Samsung Galaxy S10 handset with 30GB of data each month, unlimited calls and texts, all for £39 per month. For people without a head for sums, that's a little over £900 over the course of the next two years - aka pretty darn reasonable. Unsurprisingly, Carphone Warehouse has confirmed that this limited time offer is its "lowest ever price”. It's also worth noting that if you'd rather just buy the S10 outright without being tied down to a contract, Amazon has knocked £100 off the price as part of its End of Summer Sale. That means you can buy it for £699 this weekend.
Here's that Carphone Warehouse Samsung S10 deal:Why go for the Samsung Galaxy S10?Fitting perfectly between Samsung's affordable S10e and its mammoth S10 Plus and Note 10 devices, this phone is the perfect middle ground. You're getting a high-quality screen, in-screen fingerprint scanner and a powerful battery/processor combo. A quick glance at our best smartphone guide shows we currently rank it as the third best phone in the world. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S10 review here
Why buy from Carphone Warehouse?Everyone knows the name 'Carphone Warehouse' but what is it that makes the retailer really standout? Providing 'text to switch' features - allowing you to easily change over your number when you switch contracts - as well as phone trade-ins to save money with your old handset, Carphone is working to make your purchase as easy as possible. Combine that with Carphone's next day delivery guarantee and click and collect options from 850 stores and the high-street retailer is looking like a strong option - discover its latest prices and offers with our Carphone Warehouse deals guide.
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| Best DSLR camera 2019: 10 great cameras to suit all budgets Posted: 23 Aug 2019 08:26 AM PDT Just cutting your photographic teeth and need a DSLR to get started? Or maybe you're a pro looking for a full-frame powerhouse to rely on for all kinds of tasks? Whatever level you're at and whatever you need it for, here are the best DSLRs right now. DSLRs have long been the choice for professional users, thanks to their excellent image quality, manual control and flexibility in terms of lens options. Over the years, manufacturers started to fill their lines with options for enthusiasts and beginners too, and soon there was a fitting choice for first-time photographers through to those working in the most testing environments, and everyone in between. Today, mirrorless cameras are incredibly popular as they manage to offer the benefits described above but, usually, in an even more compact and lighter package. The reason? They lack the mirror common to DSLRs (hence the name), and most replace the optical viewfinder with high-resolution electronic alternatives too. They may use smaller and lighter lenses too, which further helps to reduce size and weight. If you want to know more about how they compare, read this: Mirrorless vs DSLR: 10 key differences. Or, if you want to know more about different camera types in general, check out our step-by-step guide: What camera should I buy? While mirrorless cameras are grabbing all the headlines at the moment, DSLRs remain relevant to many users. A DSLR is, after all, still the cheapest way to get a camera with interchangeable lenses and a viewfinder (you'll find most entry-level mirrorless cameras don't have viewfinders). At the other end of the scale, almost all professional sports, press and wildlife photographers choose full-frame DSLRs over every other camera type. Mirrorless cameras are catching up here, but a combination of excellent autofocus systems, long battery life, wide-ranging native lens options and strong accessory support give them the edge. That said, there are some cracking mirrorless cameras out there at the moment that are taking the place of DSLRs in pro photographers' kit bags, including the Fujifilm X-T3, Olympus OM-D E-M1 II, Panasonic Lumix S1 and Sony Alpha A7R III. In between entry-level and full-frame DSLRs are a whole range of models aimed at different users, different levels of experience and different budgets. Here's our pick of the best DSLR cameras you can buy right now.
Before we get onto our top 10 picks of the best DSLRs you can buy right now, let's take a look at this great value option. The D7200 is a prime example of an older mid-range DSLR that packs enough under its skin to maintain its relevance in today's market. Ideal for those capturing outdoors, the 24.2MP APS-C sensor lacks a low-pass filter to help it retain plenty of detail, while the 51-point AF system is adept at tracking moving subjects. You also get a tough, magnesium-alloy body that's protected against inclement weather, together with two card slots and a large LCD scree. Its age, and the launch of the D7500 that updated it (below), has allowed its price to drop to a tempting level too. Well worth a look if you don't need the very newest camera.
Best DSLR cameras in 2019It's hard to think of another DSLR that wows like the D850 does. It's on the pricey side for sure, but this is justified by excellent image quality, bags of features and a rugged, weather-resistant magnesium alloy body. The 45MP sensor is one of the highest in terms of resolution in any DSLR, while the 7fps burst mode is unusually high for a camera with such a sensor. Add to that a cracking AF system, wonderful handling and great 4K video, and it's versatility should be easy to appreciate. Like the sound of the D850, but want to go mirrorless? Well, while not strictly a mirrorless version of the D850, Nikon's newer Z7 mirrorless camera shares the same 45MP resolution as the D850, but features some clever tech of its own, including an all-new lens mount.
Watch our hands-on video below (Nikon D850 review):
Canon's EOS 5D series of cameras has a rich heritage – the original EOS 5D bought full-frame photography to the masses, the Mark II unleashed Full HD video capture for the first time on a DSLR, and while the Mark III became a firm favourite amongst photographers for doing everything it did so well. The EOS 5D Mark IV pretty much tweaks and improves on everything before it, with a newer 30.4MP sensor and advanced 61-point AF system along with 4K video recording. It's still a brilliant DSLR that was until recently our top pick, but the arrival of the D850 means it slips a place down to number two.
Nikon has taken its flagship D5 DSLR and most of its high-end features and distilled all of this into a smaller, but still very durable metal body. The full-frame sensor is replaced by an 20.9MP APS-C sized chip that allows the D500 to shoot at a rapid 10fps and deliver a great high ISO performance. A brilliant all-rounder with a high-performance 153-point AF system means it excels at fast action like sports and wildlife photography, but still has the chops to shoot landscapes and portraits. If the cost is a bit steep, then take a look at the D7500 below.
Fancy the D500 but don't fancy the price tag? Well, if you're prepared to make a few compromises here and there, the D7500 is probably what you should be looking at. It's packed with the same 20.9MP sensor as its more senior stablemate, and also matches it in offering 4K video recording. Nikon has also furnished it with the same 180k-pixel RGB metering sensor and the tilting screen on the back is just as large at 3.2 inches in size, although not quite as detailed, and it's all wrapped up inside a weather-sealed body. On an even tighter budget? There's also the slightly older 24.2MP D7200 (above), which may have been surpassed by the D7500, but it's still one of the best enthusiast DSLRs out there.
Watch our video review of the Nikon D7500 below
The EOS 80D might have quietly celebrated its third birthday earlier this year, but if you're on a budget and you don't mind not having the very latest wizardry, it's still worth looking at. A perfect option for those stepping up from entry-level DSLRs, its 45-point AF system is all cross-type, which means better sensitivity and finer performance all round. Its 24.2MP sensor is also tried, tested and respected, and it's imbued with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to make focus swift during videos and live view, while Wi-Fi and NFC allow you to easily hook the camera up to a smart device for remote shooting and sharing online. Shooting video? There's no 4K on board, but you do get both headphone and microphone ports, as well as a selfie- and vlogger-friendly flip out LCD. Also great to see is that top-plate LCD, not something we see on every camera at this level, but super useful for showing you what's what.
At the opposite end of the spectrum to some of the full-frame DSLRs here, the D3500 is super affordable, has one of the sharpest APS-C sensors out there, and a neat retracting kit lens. A word of warning: there are two versions of this lens, and it's worth spending the extra $20/£20 and getting it with VR, Nikon's image stabilization system. It's proof that you don't have to pay a fortune to get a great camera, and we say its value for money makes it just as impressive as much more advanced (and much more expensive) alternatives. The controls are designed to be simple for novices, and in the right hands it's a match for cameras costing far more. If you're looking to get more creative with your photography, and looking for your first DSLR, the Nikon D3500 is hard to beat.
Costing a bit more than the Nikon D3500, but offering quite a bit more in the way of features, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i (known as the EOS 800D outside the US) is a great entry-level DSLR. The sensor impresses, as does the 45-point autofocus system backed up by excellent live view AF, while the graphical interface will certainly make this camera even more appealing to new users. The absence of 4K video and the quality of the exterior materials disappoint, but this aside, if you're looking for a well-rounded and easy to use camera for your first DSLR the EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D is certainly a very good bet.
Like the look of Nikon's D850 further up the top, but don't want to shell out quite that much? Then look no further than the 24MP full-frame D750. It doesn't have that magnificent 45MP sensor, but its 24MP alternative still delivers top-quality results – especially at high ISO settings. You also get a very respectable 6.5fps continuous shooting speed, together with a handy tilting screen and a pretty attractive asking price. Wi-Fi allows you to get your shots online without any hassle too, although as an older model there's no 4K video nor a touchscreen. Still, most photographers don't need these, and if you fall into that camp you may as well save yourself some money and put it towards a nice lens to go alongside.
Still one of the best options for sports and action photographers, the EOS 7D Mark II has performance and speed as its primary focus. To that end, it combines a 20.7MP APS-C sensor with Canon's excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for smooth autofocus in live view and during video recording, together with a 10fps burst shooting mode and a 65-point AF system. It also boasts excellent ergonomics and a rugged, weather-resistant body, which makes it a fine choice for anyone who tends to shoot outside in variable conditions, whether it's for sports, wildlife, nature or landscapes. It's an older model, but it still packs plenty of a punch, particularly if moving subjects are your priority.
It may not be the smallest or most affordable way into Canon's vast EOS DSLR ecosystem, and has recently been updated by the Rebel SL3, but we'd sooner choose the Rebel SL2 – also known as the EOS 200D – over the company's more junior and older offerings. Its strong feature set includes Canon's excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which delivers swift autofocus during videos and in live view, while the LCD screen flips out and responds to touch – and it's 2019, after all, so why settle for anything less? Despite its small size, handling is great too, making it a solid choice for those with small or larger hands alike. What's not to love? Other than the understandably plasticky body and lack of 4K video, not much at all.
Also consider...It's been on the market for some time but we still have a soft spot for the D5300 – and the fact that it can still be bought brand new is testament to just how relevant it continues to be. It provides first-time DSLR users with a stronger set of specs than the average entry-level DSLR, with a 3.2in LCD that flips all the way out to face the front, together with a 39-point AF system, Full HD video recording to 60p and 5fps burst shooting. Of course, none of that would matter if the image quality wasn't up to scratch, but fortunately it is; the 24.1MP APS-C sensor has been designed without the optical low-pass filter to help as much detail to get into images as possible, and results at high ISO settings remain strong.
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| Samsung Galaxy Note 10 price cut: save up to $700 at Best Buy Posted: 23 Aug 2019 08:24 AM PDT The Galaxy Note 10 is officially available to order today and to celebrate Best Buy is offering up to $700 in savings on the Samsung smartphone. Starting today through September 2, you can save on the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10 Plus through a qualifying trade-in and activation. If you don't have a phone to trade-in, you can also save $100 with activation from Verizon, AT&T or Sprint. Plus, Best Buy is offering a free six-month trial of Spotify Premium with your purchase of the Galaxy smartphone. Shop other offers with the best Samsung Galaxy Note 10 deals and plans happening now. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| How to watch Great British Bake Off 2019 online: free stream from the UK or abroad Posted: 23 Aug 2019 08:10 AM PDT The Great British Bake Off is back for a fresh batch of contestants to prove that they deserve the title of the country's greatest baker of 2019. The presenter gang of Prue, Paul, Noel and Sandi are back to take us so close to the baking action we'll have to keep a drool-wipe handy just to stay clean. You can watch the Great British Bake Off from wherever you are using this live stream guide. The contestants have also been revealed (see but the pressure is on to follow last year's where winner Rahul Mandal was one of the most popular on the show yet. Last year saw the introduction of vegan baking week. Will that be back this year? You'll have to wait and see. We can expect Paul Hollywood's favourite, the bread baking week, to make a return and perhaps we'll also see the return of the Tudor revival and Swedish themed weeks. You can watch every bake in high definition as if you were really in the tent by using this guide how to watch Great British Bake Off online. Don't worry traveller types, that applies no matter where you are in the world.
Watch The Great British Bake Off for free in the UK:This is the third series on Channel 4 and it will be aired on TV meaning you can watch it via an aerial, for free. But if you want to watch on the go, or on catch-up, that's an option too using All 4. The All 4 app is available on most devices and will air shows live as well as at a later date. How to watch Great British Bake Off online anywhere in the world:For those outside of the UK that still want to follow all the Bake Off action, the best bet is a VPN service. This means those travelling, on holiday or just want a piece of that quintessential British cake can still watch the show live via an internet connection. Once you get the right VPN you can enjoy a secure and speedy connection, even on open Wi-Fi networks like hotels, so all the Bake Off brilliance is yours for the watching via TVPlayer.com. And even if you're not that IT savvy, don't worry. getting a VPN is really, really easy. We've listed how to do it in three easy steps below.... Who are this year's Great British Bake Off contestants?This year will feature a baker's dozen of contestants, yup, 13 rather than the usual 12. More than half are in their twenties with the eldest at 56. The full list of bakers is.
What should we expect from GBBO 2019?The Great British Bake Off 2019 has already unleashed a trailer on the world to make the very good point that it's time to stock up on baking ingredients for bake-along fun. Check it out here. Image courtesy of thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk
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| Best beginner DSLR cameras 2019: 10 cheap DSLRs perfect for new users Posted: 23 Aug 2019 08:06 AM PDT Ready to make the step up from your smartphone or point-and-shoot camera to something a bit more powerful? You've landed in the right place: these are the best beginner DSLRs you can buy right now in 2019. An entry-level, beginner DSLR is the natural progression when you feel like you've outgrown your point-and-shoot compact camera or are no longer satisfied with the snaps you get from your smartphone. With so much competition between Canon and Nikon at this end of the market, and a raft of older models and new arrivals fighting against each other, it's entirely possible that this will be the opportunity for one or both manufacturers to drop their asking prices to a new low. DSLRs for beginners deliver a big step up in image quality over a compact camera or smartphone. They may share the same number of megapixels, but the size of an entry-level DSLR's sensor is physically much larger, which allows for superior results with more detail and better low-light performance. On top of that, you get plenty of manual control over things like shutter speed and aperture, together with the option to change lenses to suit whatever it is you're shooting. Don't worry if you're still finding your feet here, as you can let the camera do all the hard work at first and slowly take more control as and when you feel more comfortable, all the while benefitting from that better standard of image quality. You may also want to consider a mirrorless camera as an alternative. If so, you'll find our video above or Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras: 10 key differences guide very useful. Or, if you're not sure what kind of camera you need at all, then read our easy-to-follow guide to camera types: What camera should I buy? Still set on a DSLR? We think the best DSLR for beginners is the Nikon D3500. It's small, light and cheap, but manages to provide a much better user experience than we normally get at this level, with a helpful Guide mode on board to show how to get the most out of the camera in an easy-to-understand way. Handling is great and the sensor produces very nice images, while features like 5fps burst shooting and full manual control give you some growing space too. Should you buy a mirrorless camera over a DSLR? Watch our guide video below to learn more: Entry-level DSLR bundlesIf you're buying your first DSLR, it makes sense to buy it as a kit, which generally includes the camera body along with an 18-55mm lens. Often referred to as a 'kit' lens, this covers a pretty broad zoom range, perfect for everything from landscapes to portraits – but that's just the start. A word of warning, though. Look closely and manufacturers will often offer two types of kit lens, one with image stabilization and one without. Normally there's not much difference in price, so make sure to go for the kit with the image-stabilized lens as it'll make it easier to sharper images at slower shutter speeds. These kinds of lenses are more than adequate to get you started, but the key advantage of DSLRs over compact cameras is that you can add to your kit with additional lenses. For example, wide-angle and telephoto zoom lenses, as well as high-quality macro options. You can also add a flashgun and other accessories, which help you to make the most of whatever types of photography you're into.
Before we take a look at the best DSLRs for those new to photography, we wanted to highlight a great mirrorless alternative. The OM-D E-M10 Mark III packs some impressive tech inside a body that's more handsome than the average DSLR, such as 4K video, 8.6fps burst shooting and a sensor-based image stabilisation system that works with all mounted lenses. As a mirrorless model, you also get a high-resolution electronic viewfinder instead of an optical one, which shows you exactly how your image will turn out as you compose it. Being picky, the 16MP sensor resolution isn't quite the flashiest, but if you want to keep things compact this would be a fine way to do just that.
Best DSLRs for beginners in 2019You don't need to spend huge sums on a DSLR to get something that handles well, takes great images and works with a huge variety of lenses. In fact, you can often save yourself a fair chunk of cash if you're happy to go for a slightly older model. Manufacturers often keep these available as newer DSLRs arrive to give users a choice between the very latest tech and a better-value option. Here, we've listed the best cheap DSLRs, from recent arrivals to older favourites.
The D3500 picks up from where the D3400 (below) left off, and it arrives with a handful of extra perks. The battery now lasts for 1,550 images between charges, which is way ahead of most other DSLRs, while the 24MP sensor delivers excellent image quality. Nikon has also revised the body and control layout, not only to make it nicer to handle but easier to use too, while the Guide Mode takes the first-time user's hand and walks them through all the key features in a way that makes everything easy to understand. We love it – and if you're just getting started, we reckon you will too.
It may have been replaced by the D3500, but don't discount the D3400. Sporting a range of features perfect for the novice user, this is still a great camera to get you started on the road to more creative photography. Sharing many of the same internal specs as the D3500, the battery life is brilliant, while the images from the 24MP sensor won't disappoint. You also benefit from Full HD video to 60p and 5fps burst shooting, together with wireless connectivity (via Bluetooth) to get your shots out into the wider world without the hassle of cables. Don't let the fact that it's not the newest model of its sort put you off – there's still lots to love here.
The EOS Rebel T7i (known as the EOS 800D outside the US) sits at the top of Canon's entry-level EOS DSLR range. Sporting a 24.2MP sensor that delivers an improved high-ISO performance over older models, the Rebel T7i's autofocus also gets a boost, now with a 45-point arrangement that's backed up by excellent live view AF system. There's also newly designed graphical interface that will certainly make this camera even more appealing to new users, although if you need 4K video then you're better off looking at the EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D (position 10) or a mirrorless model.
The D5600 is a step up from the D3000-series models, with a stronger set of specs to rival the likes of the Canon EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D (position 3). Key advantages over the D3400 and D3500 include a larger LCD screen, which not only flips out and swivels all the way around to face the front, but also responds to touch, together with a more advanced autofocus system, Wi-Fi and a healthy range of additional control on the inside. Sure, you pay a little extra for the privilege, but if you need a little more growing space it makes sense to go for the D5600 so that it stays with you for years to come.
The EOS Rebel T6i (called the EOS 750D outside the US) may have been replaced by the EOS Rebel T7i / 800D (position 3), but it's still a great option if the price of the newer model puts you off. While the sensor isn't quite as good as the one in the newer T7i – despite sharing the same resolution – it's still a sound performer, while the vari-angle touchscreen is still one of the best around. Autofocus performance could be better though, and the camera isn't quite new enough to benefit from the more up-to-date Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that makes focusing swift in live view and during videos. On that subject, there's also no 4K shooting option, but overall this is still a very capable entry-level DSLR.
The D5300 is a good example of a camera that might look a little old when you consider when it was released, but whose spec sheet makes you realise why you can still buy it brand new after all this time. The 24.2MP APS-C sensor lacks an anti-aliasing filter for better detail in images, while the LCD screen is a little bigger than the norm for such a camera, measuring 3.2 inches in size. You also get a GPS system – quite rare on any DSLR – together a comprehensive 39-point AF system and built-in Wi-Fi. If you feel the more junior D3400 or D3500 might not give you quite enough camera for your cash, this would be a good step up at a reasonable price.
Canon introduced the EOS Rebel SL1 (EOS 100D outside the US) to compete with the influx of mirrorless cameras, and it was the smallest DSLR available when it was introduced in March 2013. Now replaced by the EOS Rebel SL2 (EOS 200D), its slightly bulkier proportions make it feel more like a slightly pared-down Rebel T7i / 800D than anything unique. It's not a bad option for new users, but there are better-value alternatives available at the moment. The camera has recently been updated by the EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D, which has the added bonus of 4K video recording and better battery life, but the EOS Rebel SL2 is a better option if you're looking to save money and you're happy with Full HD video quality.
This is one of the cheapest DSLRs in Canon's current line-up, which also makes it a very cost-effective way to get access to an endless assortment of lenses, flashguns and other accessories. Its low price tag means that it understandably lacks some of the fancy tricks of its bigger brothers – flip-out LCD, 4K video and so on – but there's still a very good level of physical control on offer. And, most importantly, image quality from the 24MP sensor is sound. It's designed very much with its target audience in mind, with a Feature Guide to help you understand everything, and battery life is also better than many mirrorless models at this price point – still a key advantage of DSLRs. Wi-Fi, NFC and Full HD video recording round off the specs, making it a well-rounded first-time option.
Not everyone needs the very latest tech, and the D3300 is a perfect example of an older model that still delivers everything the novice user needs to take excellent images. The 24.2MP APS-C sensor has no optical low-pass filter over it, which helps it to capture more detail than would otherwise be the case, while Full HD video recording works to 50/60p. You can also shoot at a very respectable 5 frames per second, while the kit lens has a collapsible construction to keep it nice and compact when you're carrying it around. Having been replaced by both the D3400 and D3500, it's also dropped to a lower price point, making it one of those rare models that manages to be capable and super cheap at the same time.
The EOS Rebel SL3, also known as the Canon EOS 250D, is the latest entry-level arrival to this list. Like its name suggests, it picks up from where the Rebel SL2 (EOS 200D) left off, adding a fresh processing engine and 4K video recording on top of a collection of smaller extras. Truth be told, there isn't a huge difference between the two models, particularly if stills are your thing over videos, but as the EOS Rebel SL2 slowly leaves the market and prices for the EOS Rebel SL3 start to descend, it may be that the EOS Rebel SL3 ends up being even better value for money than it is right now.
Also consider...None of the above take your fancy? Here's another option to consider.
It may have been replaced by the EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D (above), but that does mean that the EOS Rebel T6 (known as the EOS 1300D outside the US) is now even cheaper. In many ways the specification is very similar to the newer camera, with the key difference being the Rebel T6 features a 18MP sensor, which compared to rivals, is starting to show its age against rivals with higher pixel counts. Now that it's been replaced, you might be able to track this down at an even more tempting price before it disappears for good.
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| Fluance celebrates its 20th birthday in style with stunning all-white turntable Posted: 23 Aug 2019 08:00 AM PDT Fluance is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style with the release of a limited edition turntable and bookshelf speaker set, in a sleek, all-white finish. The stark new model is a re-release of the Fluance RT81 turntable that we reviewed last year, calling it "the best starter turntable you can buy." As a beginner's product, the RT81 doesn't have the same detail or finesse of some more expensive models such as the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, but for sound quality and general usability at this price, it's unbeaten. That new all-white coloring looks set to give the RT81 that that extra level of prestige, too.
But that's not all, as the RT81 will also be bundled with the Ai60 bookshelf speakers for a complete audio package, with everything matching in color. The Ai60 speakers feature integrated 70W speakers for room-filling stereo sound. While we haven't tested the Ai60s ourselves, its woven glass drivers and silk – a common material for high-end speakers – tweeters give us reason to believe they'll be a worthy addition to the RT81. This bundle is also a startlingly good deal. The RT81 and Ai60 would cost you $250 (around £250 / AU$310) and $299 (£230 / AU$420) respectively – however, the 20th Anniversary Bundle is priced at a total $349 / £327 / AU$591 which is heavy discount for the pair of products. Anyone outside the US or Canada can contact Fluance to order (with the above prices not including shipping). The 20th Anniversary Bundle is set for release on August 22 through the Fluance website, and will be available in limited quantities.
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| Best smartphones under Rs 7,000 in India for August 2019 Posted: 23 Aug 2019 07:31 AM PDT With the increasing competition in the budget smartphone segment, choosing a smartphone is becoming more and more difficult. If you are a first-time smartphone buyer or want a pocket friendly smartphone, it can be confusing, mostly because there are several options available on the market right now. You have to consider a number of aspects like the battery capacity, display quality, software support and the overall durability of the smartphone when you decide which device to buy. Smartphone makers these days are offering more and more features in the budget segment, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. Today, we will look at some of the best smartphones under Rs 7,000 in India. However, if you have some extra money to spare, you must check out the best phones under Rs 10,000.
The Xiaomi Redmi 7A is among the best budget smartphone available in India. It comes with a 5.45-inch HD display and an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset. The phone was launched with Android 9.0 Pie out of the box with the company’s MIUI 9 skin on top. As it features a huge 4,000mAh battery, it offers a one-day battery backup, allowing you to use your device throughout the day without having to worry about the battery. The only downside is limited storage, but a dedicated microSD card slot covers it up with support for up to 256GB.
The Honor 7S has a good build quality for its price, and the big, vivid display also makes it a decent phone for those who spend their time scrolling through social media and consume video content. However, if you intend to play games on your phone, this device is not for you as its quad-core MediaTek chipset is not capable of providing a proper gaming experience.
If you are a first time Android user and want to experience stock Android device with a budget in mind, the Moto C Plus priced at Rs 7,000 is a good option for you. The device features a 5-inch HD display and is powered by a quad-core MediaTek MT6737 chipset. In terms of memory, the Moto C Plus comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage, with support for microSD cards up to 32GB. Imaging duties are handled by an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. Again, if you are looking to play games on your phone, the Moto C Plus is not worth considering.
If you are looking for a budget device that features a modern look, the Vivo Y90 is a good option. The device sports a huge 6.22-inch HD+ display with a water drop notch design. The notch houses the device’s selfie camera and there is a single rear camera at the back. The device is powered by a Helio A22 chipset coupled with up to 2GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. It is powered by a huge 4,030mAh battery that should provide you a full day of battery life.
The Realme C2 is another good option in the budget segment. After its success with the Realme C1, the Chinese smartphone maker has introduced the Realme C2. It is a well-designed device that looks costlier than it actually is. Similar to the Vivo Y90, the Realme C2 also features a water drop notch and a gradient back design. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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