Apple : Best phone in the US for 2019: the top 15 smartphones we've tested

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Best phone in the US for 2019: the top 15 smartphones we've tested Posted: 05 Jul 2019 01:52 PM PDT The best phone in 2019 in the US doesn't come cheap, but that's inevitable when many of the latest flagship smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and others now start at around $1,000. Thankfully, you can find some discounted during the year, especially during deal seasons like Amazon Prime Day coming on July 15. We're still comparing phones designed in the 'black rectangle, full touchscreen' style we've gotten used to over the last several years, as foldable phones like the Huawei Mate X and 5G phones like the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G aren't quite ready for the mainstream. Until 2020, we're mostly considering at phones that push the limit of the current tried-and-true form factor. We've conducted comprehensive phone reviews of all the top phones from smartphone manufacturers big and small. For each, we've examined key factors like  design, performance, battery life, camera quality, price, and ongoing software support. Taking all this into account, we've picked the best. Why we have more than just a No. 1 pick: Even though we have a top pick, we understand that not everyone looks for the same thing from a smartphone. Some will demand the features coming in iOS 13 and ongoing support of iMessage, while others will want the customization and Google Assistant tools available in Android Q. With that taken into account, we've provided extensive rankings so you can see how all the best phones compare and what highlight features they offer. Likewise, your contract with AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile is a preference. The best phone for AT&T may not be available on-contract on Verizon, and vice-versa. We have to take that into account when recommending phones, and we favor those available on more carriers. Our pick for best phone isn't just crowning the newest iPhone and calling it a day, though our list does have a lot of familiar names: Apple, Samsung, Google and LG, all in the top 15. Newer companies in the US like Huawei and OnePlus make the list, too, though their limited availability is noted. The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus is the best phone you can get for Android right now, if you're just going by specs. Naturally, as the first flagship of 2019, its new Snapdragon 855 processor is the big standout here with even better performance than the phones that closed out 2018. Add in a few cool new (but not essential) features, Samsung's stunning-as-ever display and design as well as top specs and you have a true flagship – for a true flagship price, of course, starting at  $999 / £899 / AU$1,499 / AED 3,599. Screen: The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display is gorgeous, but that's not surprising. it's the same size as the Galaxy Note 9's screen, and far larger than the Galaxy S9 Plus' 6.2-inch display. The 'Infinity O' display ditches the notch for a punch-hole in the top right corner. Yes, it's twice as wide as the hole in the S10 and S10e, but how else will you fit in the extra selfie camera? This choice (and thin bezels) enable a stunning 93.1% screen-to-body ratio, which keeps the phone as slim as possible. Battery Life: The S10 Plus' 4,100mAh battery is Samsung's largest yet, just nudging past the Note 9's 4,000mAh and far beyond the 3,500mAh one in the Galaxy S9 Plus. While that didn't lead the new phone's battery life to outpace its predecessors, it still kept it going through the full day with 10%-30% to spare in our casual testing. This is, of course, with standard settings: bump up the resolution from Full HD+ to QHD+, brighten the display or keep it on longer, and the battery will drain faster. Camera: The S10 Plus has three cameras on the back: a 12MP regular lens, a 12MP optically zoomed telephoto lens, and a new 16MP ultra-wide lens. We found the photo quality to be a bit variable – perhaps due to the dual-aperture main lens – with good but not consistent low-light performance. It's not quite up to par with the Google Pixel 3's Night Vision mode, but it still outpaces most other phone cameras on the market. The two front-facing cameras allow depth for Portrait mode-style photos, which is worth the wider punch-hole gap in the display. Mini verdict: After some time with the standard Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10e, we can say for sure that the S10 Plus beats them out. It has the best specs, cameras and battery life of the whole set, and it's not too much more expensive than the other models. If you want a phone that will blow every other device out of the water in early 2019 – as well as its in-screen fingerprint sensor and reverse charging – this is your only real option.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus review The iPhone XS Max is Apple's new big iPhone with an expansive 6.5-inch display that can't be missed if you're looking for the best phone running iOS 12. It's fast, has a brilliant all-screen display, and gives you great photos out of its noticeably upgraded 12MP dual-lens rear camera. Screen: The 6.5-inch OLED screen is the reason to choose the iPhone XS Max over its smaller 5.8-inch iPhone XS counterpart. The phone is still about the size of an iPhone Plus, but thanks to the all-screen display (minus the notch cut out at the top), you get a lot more real-estate. It looks more color-rich vs the old iPhone LCD displays, too. Battery life: You'll get the best battery life out of the iPhone XS Max simply because it has room for a bigger battery. The 3,174mAh capacity is by no means the biggest (Samsung's Note 9 is 4,000mAh), but Apple's ownership of both software and hardware means it's smartly optimized. You'll get all-day battery life even with heavy use. Camera: This is the best iPhone camera ever made, even if the 12MP dual-lens rear camera number hasn't changed in several years. It's all about the software inside and how the A12 chipset interprets scenes with Smart HDR. It's up there with the Google Pixel 2 and Samsung Galaxy Note 9, even if Apple's photos tend to be less vivid in our tests and more true-to-life. Mini verdict: This is the iPhone for anyone who wants what's new and doesn't care what it costs. The iPhone XS Max is expensive, but it's the best upgrade if you're into big screens and Apple's ecosystem, like the App Store and iMessages.  The iPhone XS is a good choice if you have smaller hands, and the iPhone XR may be better if you have a smaller wallet. Read more: iPhone XS Max review The Google Pixel 3 came out in October, offering some internal upgrades, improved camera performance, a second front-facing camera, and a better screen than its predecessor. And, as with past Pixels, when it comes to smartphone cameras, this is a top contender.  Screen: The Pixel 3 stretches the previous model’s screen to 5.5-inches for an 18:9 aspect ratio. There are no notches taking up any of the screen space either. Colors are rich on the OLED display, and thanks to the dual front-facing speakers, it makes for a handy streaming device. Battery life: A 2,915mAh battery is nothing to get excited about in a modern smartphone. That said, with conservative us, it’s not hard to get all-day battery life. If you’re not taking a lot of photos, it may be easier to get a full day of battery, but with such a good camera, it may be tough to avoid. Camera: The Pixel 2’s cameras are its best selling point. On back, the 12.2MP sensor paired with Google’s brilliant software optimization make for stunning photos in most situations. Optical Image Stabilization certainly helps, too. Selfie lovers get a bonus with dual front-facing cameras that can snap photos with different viewing angles. Mini verdict: The Pixel 3 is powerful on the inside, and even though its design isn’t the most exciting from 2018, nor is its battery, it’s all about the camera in the end. And, with Google’s knack for photo optimization, this phone can almost sell itself with the camera alone. Read more: Google Pixel 3 review The Samsung S10e is the littlest (and least pricey) sibling of the S10 line in both size and features. While it loses out on a few of the cutting-edge features like in-screen fingerprint scanner and a telephoto lens, its remaining arsenal of flagship specs, ultrawide camera and good interface make the S10e a standout at a discount. Plus, it's small enough to use one-handed. Screen: The 5.8-inch AMOLED screen is crisp and sharp, with enough bright colors and customization options to tweak to your liking. While it's nice that the budget flagship of the S10 line has an OLED screen (unlike the iPhone XR with its LCD display), it's not as high resolution as its bigger siblings, capping out at 1080 x 2280 pixels to the S10 and S10 Plus' 1440 x 3040 pixel maximum.  Battery life: A 3,100mAh capacity isn't the biggest battery on the market, but it will see you through the day, and may last longer than you think thanks to the phone's smaller screen. You'll need to stretch it out if you plan to use Wireless PowerShare, the S10 line's new feature that lets you donate battery charge to another Qi-charging device. Don't worry, it won't drain yours to oblivion: the feature shuts down when your phone hits 30% battery. Camera: Considering the standard Galaxy S9 had a single lens, the S10e is a major upgrade with its two useful cameras. The first is the standard 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4 Dual Aperture lens found in the phone's predecessor (switching between the two in day/night shots), while the second is a 16MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens that manages 123-degree field of view. While the phone misses the 2x telephoto of the other S10 phones, its ultrawide is far more useful. Mini verdict: The S10e is a fantastic little phone, perfect for anyone who wants to use their flagship phone one-handed – or just wants all the best specs at a lower price. While it's still more expensive than midrange phones or the current value champion, the OnePlus 6T, the S10e has more features and cutting-edge specs to push it beyond the competition. Read more: Samsung Galaxy S10e review This is the best in phone value if you want an all-screen display and don't want to pay for the Samsung or Apple name. it's a bit cheaper than the Galaxy S10e, though not as affordable as last year's OnePlus 6T. It has almost everything except wireless charging, a microSD card slot and a perfect camera. Screen: This is the main draw. Thanks to a mechanical pop-up selfie camera, the OnePlus 7 Pro has the best screen we've tested. No notch and punch-hole camera in sight, and it stretches from edge to edge. Even better, its 90Hz screen refresh rate gives it more fluid movement. Samsung's screen has been dethroned. Battery life: The OnePlus 6T has fairly good, but not great battery life thanks to its 4,000mAh battery. It'll get you through a whole day, but not much more than that. The real news is its Warp Charge 30 adapter that allows this phone to go from 0% to 100% in a little over an hour. It's very fast. Camera: The camera has always been the weakest part of the OnePlus lineup, but we've experienced better phones from the OnePlus 7 Pro. It's not going to top our best camera phones list, but the triple lens (regular, ultra-wide and telephoto) did a fine job in proper light. Nightscape mode has been improved, but begs for a tripod in mixed light (any lights in dark scene tend to smear).  Mini verdict: The OnePlus 7 Pro has the wow factor missing from smartphones in 2019 thanks to what's on the screen (90Hz fluidity) and what's not (a camera notch). It looks the part of a flagship phone and acts more expensive than it really in part because of its top-shelf specs. As long as you don't want the best camera phone, this a solid option.  Read more: OnePlus 7 Pro review Image Credit: TechRadar Here in the US, Huawei phones are not as familiar to shoppers as Apple and Samsung's best phones. But, that doesn't mean they don't have as much to offer. From Hauwei's Mate line to it's P series, it is making some of the very best phones, and the P30 Pro is is a true champion from the Chinese manufacturer. Screen: The P30 Pro has a large, 6.47-inch display with only a thin chin bezel at the bottom of the screen and a teardrop notch at the top. It's a sharp OLED display, and though it doesn't have as high a resolution as some others, we'd be hard pressed to see the difference. Battery life: The Huawei P30 Pro turns up in the battery department with a 4,200mAh cell. That's easily enough for a whole day, and can pull through a day in a half comfortably or even two days with light use. There's enough power there that Huawei enabled reverse wireless charging to let the P30 Pro power other phones. Camera: While plenty about the P30 Pro is of flagship quality, the cameras are where it really stands out. Its suite of cameras make it among the very best camera phones in the world. It combines a high-resolution main camera, a camera with powerful zoom, an ultra-wide angle camera, and a time-of-flight sensor to handle depth. This makes it incredibly versatile, capable of taking better long-distance and low-light photos than most other phones. Mini verdict: If you're after a phone with great looks and a camera that's ready for just about anything, then the Huawei P30 Pro is an excellent option. It also offers a price that stays below a lot of its competition. However, availability concerns in the US hold it back a bit. Read more: Huawei P30 Pro review The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has shown some staying power, even as the Galaxy S10 line launched. It's intro price of $999 was staggering to see, but Samsung's best phones have a way of coming down in price within a few months of launch, and that helps make the Note 9 a bit of a steal. Screen: Samsung's 6.4-inch Infinity Display is slightly bigger (taller, but actually more narrow than the Note 8) and wraps around the sides for a nice curved look and feel. Samsung is anti-bezel and anti-notch. What you may not see at first is the extreme brightness of this display and the color reproduction. It's impressive when you see it in person. Battery life: The Note 9 has a 4,000mAh battery and is the key reason we like it over the S9 Plus. The capacity is 14.2% bigger than the S9 Plus and 33.3% bigger than the S9. It lasts all day with heavy use and deep into a day two with normal use. You can also charge over wireless easily, and fast charging boots in 17% battery in 15 mins. Camera: The Note 9 camera is impressive, just like the S9 Plus six month before it, and it has the added benefit of remotely capturing photos from up to 30 ft away via the Bluetooth S Pen. Samsung also added AI smarts to the camera that automatically adjusts the white balance and color based on the scene it detects. The camera does as well as the Google Pixel 2 in low-light (sometimes better, sometimes worse, but not by much in either direction), and the default camera app is robust (more so than Google's), yet remains streamlined and initiative. It does lack HDR video recording, seen on other Android phones from Sony and LG. Mini verdict: The Note 9 is bigger in all ways, including the price. It was one of the most expensive phones in the US when it launched, but that's not the case anymore. And, you're still getting a great camera and ample storage (and a microSD card slot) for your money. The battery is big, too. Samsung packs a lot into its all-day smartphone with a stylus. Read more: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 review Apple’s iPhone XR was a little bit late to launch after the iPhone XS and XS Max that launched a bit earlier. But thanks to its lower price point, it makes for a more affordable option than the XS models. For some, the powerful internals paired with the large screen and lower price will make for a compelling buy, especially thanks to the surprisingly good battery. Screen: The iPhone XR screen isn’t its strongest selling point, as it’s a notable downgrade. It’s resolution falls short of Full HD, and it’s not a battery-friendly OLED. Still, the Liquid Retina LCD display used still has good sharpness and brilliant colors.That said, the 6.1-inch display offers plenty of real estate. Battery life: Though this is the more affordable iPhone to come out in Apple’s latest batch, its battery life stands out. Thanks to the A12 Bionic and chipset and lower resolution, the battery performance is great, making it the first iPhone that could comfortably get through a whole day of use in our testing without us worrying about. Camera: While the other iPhones have dual rear cameras, the iPhone XR has just one sensor. For normal photo shooting, it does a great job though. The lack of a second camera also reduces the quality of Portrait Mode photos. But, the detractors came largely in comparison to other top cameras.  Mini verdict: The iPhone XR has all the performance of its more expensive siblings on the inside. It’s camera and screen may not be as impressive, but where it truly dazzles is in the battery life. If you want an iPhone with a battery you won’t always worry about, the iPhone XR is it. Read more: iPhone XR review The Huawei Mate 20 Pro is one of the most impressive phones from the Chinese firm to date, offering up a heady mix of design, power and performance with a few party pieces thrown in too. It builds on the excellent P20 and P20 Pro, offering up even more screen, enhanced triple rear cameras and an in-display fingerprint scanner. Screen: The Mate 20 Pro packs a huge 6.39-inch display giving you a huge amount of space for gaming and movies, and its QHD resolution and HDR10 support ensures everything looks great. There is a wide notch at the top of the display though. Battery life: You'll get great battery life from the Mate 20 Pro, and we regularly achieved a day and a half of usage from a single charge during our review time with the handset. Camera: The Mate 20 Pro comes with three cameras on the rear, nabbing the excellent 40MP wide-angle and 8MP telephoto lenses from the P20 Pro - but the third sensor is new. It's an ultra-wide 16MP snapper allowing you to cram even more of your surroundings into each shot. Mini verdict: The Mate 20 Pro is a full-featured phone for a full-featured price - it even has a few tricks you won’t see elsewhere, and more powerful specs than most of its competitors. Read more: Huawei Mate 20 Pro review  Insert heading The bigger S10 Plus is by far Samsung's best phone, but the standard S10 backs almost all the same top-end features into a more compact form factor and slightly lower price tag. And yet, the S10e loses a few of those for even lower cost, putting the standard S10 in an awkward place. This middle child is a great phone, but it's overshadowed by both its siblings, which occupy more desired niches in the smartphone market. Screen: With a 6.1-inch display you're not exactly getting a small screen with the standard S10, but Samsung has reduced bezels even more over the S9, keeping the dimensions surprisingly compact. You also get a fingerprint scanner embedded in the display, meaning there isn't one on the back for a seamless rear cover. Battery life: The battery in the S10 has grown versus the one in the S9, but with the increased screen size as well you're still looking at all-day battery life with a nightly charge. The S10 also has Samsung's new Wireless PowerShare, allowing you to wirelessly charge other devices on the rear of the handset. Camera: Like the S10 Plus, the trio of cameras on the Galaxy S10 are among the best on the market, building on the excellent setup on the S9 series by offering more features, shooting modes and overall clarity.  Mini verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S10 gets proper under-the-hood upgrades, two more lenses and fun new perks. You’ll like all of these powerful features, while your friends will like the new Wireless PowerShare perk – it helps them out more than you.  Read our in-depth Samsung Galaxy S10 review  iPhone XS is a minor, but important upgrade over last year's completely redesign iPhone. It's noticeably faster and has an improved dual-lens camera to make it a better choice, if you're willing to pay the same launch price. No the look of the 5.8-inch new iPhone hasn't changed on the outside, but if you want a more one-hand-friendly size for a cutting-edge iPhone, this is the one to buy. Screen: The 5.8-inch OLED on this iPhone is big, but not a turn off for some people who literally can't handle the 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max (which we like a bit more in our big mitts). This phone size isn't too much bigger than your old 4.7-inch iPhone 7 or iPhone 6 thanks to its reduced bezel – though you'll miss the Touch ID home button. You'll forget about that when staring into the color-rich OLED that's dreamier than the old iPhone LCD. Battery life: The iPhone XS has about the same battery life as the iPhone X, so you'll get all-day battery life with normal use. Power users may struggle a bit without one of the best power banks, and although Apple says it has 30 minutes more battery life than the iPhone X, the smaller capacity and our tests show it's shy of that claim. Camera: This is where you'll see differences in the otherwise familiar-looking iPhone XS. Its dual-lens camera offers Smart HDR and optical image stabilization (OIS). It's not as vivid as the cameras on a Google Pixel 2 or Samsung Galaxy S9, but you'll get true-to-life photos that make the 2018 iPhone's a worthy upgrade. Mini verdict: Although still expensive, the iPhone XS is our best phone for someone who wants to use iOS 12 and doesn't want to spend even more money on the bigger iPhone XS Max. You have your limits, and that may be 5.8 inches and $1,000. Read more: iPhone XS review The Google Pixel 3 XL brings higher end internals and a notched screen to the latest iteration of Google’s larger phone. It’s got the same great cameras as its smaller sibling, but more screen and more battery. Unfortunately that also means a higher price. Screen: The Pixel 3 XL has a sizable 6.3-inch OLED screen with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. There’s HDR support and a sharp 1440 x 2960 resolution. The viewing experience is good, though this screen does have a rather chunky notch that may not be to everyone’s liking. Battery life: In our testing, we found the 3,430mAh battery to be plenty. Power users can get a full day, and average users are likely to find themselves getting a day and a half. Some of that battery performance is likely coming from good battery optimization within Android Pie. Fast charging and fast wireless charging just round out the offering. Camera: The Pixel 3 XL has the cameras to beat. Google knows how to make a good camera that far exceeds what the specs sheet says. It uses a 12.2MP rear sensor, but software optimization helps it outperform other smartphone cameras in just about all cases. The dual front-facing cameras also give selfie-lovers some extra versatility. Mini verdict: The Pixel 3 XL improves on the previous generations design, fitting more screen into roughly the same size. It also manages a battery life that should satisfy most. Best of all, the camera is better than anything else you’ll find (except the Pixel 3, which is just as good). Read more: Google Pixel 3 XL review LG's smartphone prowess feels like it slipped in the past year, as the LG G8's launch was a bit of a bust. What should have been a follow-up to the LG G7 turned out feeling like a minor upgrade that didn't keep up with the progress in smartphone design we've seen in 2019. Still, it has enough to offer to land a low place on this list. Screen: The 6.1-inch OLED display is certainly a strong point of the LG G8, even if it does still have a hint of the notch. Much like Samsung, LG makes incredible displays, and they show up in its phones. The LG G8's is bright and colorful, and even boasts a higher resolution than much of its competition. Battery life: The 3,500mAh battery in the LG G8 is nothing to get excited about. It's definitely enough to get through the day, but some newer phones are showing up with significant upticks in battery capacity. Camera: LG may be using AI to improve the G8's picture taking capabilities, but it doesn't stand up to the competition here. It has a little versatility with both a standard and a wide-angle camera on the rear, but it's not enough to catch up with the Samsung, Google, or Huawei. It does have a neat, though hit-or-miss, feature in the ability to use Portrait Mode for video. Mini verdict: The LG G8 is a strong phone, powered by the Snapdragon 855 chipset. And, if it's available at a discount, it's a good buy. But, at its retail price, it's priced too close to better phones to win a top ranking.  Read more: LG G8 ThinQ review The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is aging gracefully. It's cheaper and a bit less powerful than its Galaxy S10 Plus successor. But, it's still a big phone with an expansive screen, top-of-the-line camera and all-day battery life. This is still one of the best Samsung phones you can buy in the US if you have large enough hands for its massive size. Screen: Its 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display that really sells this phone, and not because it has more pixels than before (it doesn't) than last year's S8. It’s the futuristic-looking curved edges, vibrant colors, and high contrast ratio that make the screen pop. It's hard to go back to any other size once you hold this large, beautiful light beam in your hand.  Battery life: Samsung's 3,500mAh battery is large enough to last all day and a little bit more. It's better than the normal-sized S9, though other phones out of China are maxing out at 5,000mAh these days. It's the one area this handsets seems adequate and not Plus-sized. Luckily, it support Samsung's very quick fast charging standard. Camera: Low-light scenarios are no match the the Galaxy S9 Plus dual-lens, dual-aperture. It does a fine job at amping up dark environments without adding noise that you'll see from other camera phone. It does smooth out textures in the process, but it's on par with, and at times better, than the Google Pixel 2. Mini verdict: The Galaxy S9 Plus is Samsung's answer to the iPhone X, but better in several ways. It too has stereo speakers, face unlock, AR Emoji and vertically stacked 12MP dual cameras. What's better? Its better low-light photos, 3.5mm headphone jack and larger 6.2-inch curved all-screen display – without a notch. No one else has this combination right now.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus review The iPhone X has been surpassed by the iPhone XS, but not too much has changed since the former launched in late 2017. The phone is still fast, has good cameras and looks great – and you'll be able to get it a bit cheaper than its successor from retailers and carriers (Apple discontinued it from its store). Screen: The 5.8-inch OLED is Apple flagship, alright: sharp and bright, with a better display than its budget successor, the iPhone XR. The X abandoned a home button for flat screen and Face ID for login and authentication in its quest for ultimate screen-to-body real estate, so expect edge-to-edge glory...aside from the notch. Battery life: At 2,716mAh, the X's battery is nothing to brag about. Careful use will get you a bit over a day before the phone keels over, but that's not flattering for modern phones. Camera: The iPhone X's dual 12MP shutters were the top of their day, but have since been surpassed by plenty of flagships. It's still a venerable rear camera system, especially for Portrait mode, and its 4K video shooting is nothing to scoff at. Expect good selfie performance, too. Mini verdict: The iPhone X is still a quality phone, especially since the iPhone XS added little to its predecessor. Don't expect it to outrace this year's best phones, but a year-old flagship is still only a year old. Read more: iPhone X review This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Pre-Prime Day price cuts on the Fitbit Alta, Alta HR, and Blaze smartwatch at Amazon Posted: 05 Jul 2019 01:12 PM PDT Amazon Prime Day is a fantastic time to find savings on activity trackers, and we've discovered some pre-Prime Day deals from Fitbit that you can shop right now. You can get the popular Fitbit Alta on sale at Amazon for $75.49. That's a $54 discount and the best price we've found for the fitness tracker. The lightweight Fitbit Alta is made for everyday wear, with an ultra-slim design and easy-to-read display. The fitness-focused Alta tracks activities such as steps, distance and running, and will even give you friendly reminders to stretch your legs and start moving. The water-resistant Fitbit also tracks calories burned and records your sleep to provide you with helpful insights. The Fitbit comes with a compatible app that tracks all of your activity so that you can monitor your progress on your smartphone or computer. The Alta also offers guided coaching with personalized workout videos and feedback on logged exercises. The Fitbit Alta has an impressive week-long battery life, and also provides basic smartwatch features such as call, text, and calendar notifications. If you're interested in more advanced features such as heart rate monitoring and GPS technology, Amazon also has the Fitbit Alta HR on sale for $88.90 and the Fitbit Black smartwatch on sale for $139.99. Pre-Prime Day Fitbit deals: You can find more Fitbit offers with the best cheap Fitbit sale prices and deals that are currently available. Shop more deals with our guide on Amazon Prime Day: everything you need to know for the July deals event. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Email security still a major worry for businesses Posted: 05 Jul 2019 12:54 PM PDT As email-based threats have grown in number as well as severity, new research from the security firm Barracuda has revealed that 94 percent of organizations see email as their top security vulnerability. To compile its new You've got mail, The rise of email threats report, the firm surveyed 280 decision makers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa to find that 87 percent of respondents expect email threats to increase in the coming year with 75 percent reporting a steady increase in email attacks over the last three years. Of those surveyed, almost half (47%) have been hit by a ransomware attack as a result of an employee opening a suspicious email and 31 percent fell victim to a business email compromise (BEC) attack. However, the majority (75%) of organizations have been hit by a brand impersonation attack. One trillion phishing emails sent every year Hackers target Office 365 business accounts US presidential candidates aren't using basic email security Barracuda's research found that finance departments are the most targeted by email-borne cyber attacks according to 57 percent of respondents. Though 32 percent said that customer support was their most targeted department which could signal the start of a new trend among would-be attackers. Lack of security training The report also highlighted the need for more regular and in-depth security training to help employees better detect email-based threats. Employees are often confused or unaware of the security protocols at their organizations due to lack of training and 56 percent of those surveyed stated that some of their employees do not follow security policies. Additionally, 40 percent said their employees have been using workarounds to bypass security which could put their organizations further at risk. To help reduce email traffic and email-based threats, many organizations are considering using instant messaging applications such as Slack or Yammer. However, Barracuda's researchers warn that if this becomes a trend, cybercriminals will likely begin to use these services to launch attacks, saying: “This approach comes with a warning from us: while we haven’t yet seen attacks using messaging platforms such as Slack, this may well change in the future and doesn’t necessarily mean that these platforms are immune to attacks. Any organisation going down this route should do so with care, as if we know anything about cyber attackers, it’s that they’re always trying new ways to catch their victims out.” While switching communication platforms could be a short term fix, in the end only improved security training about the threats that emails can contain will help organizations from falling victim to them. Keep your systems protected from the latest cyber threats with the best antivirus Via Computer Weekly This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Price drops could be coming to AMD Navi graphics cards already Posted: 05 Jul 2019 11:05 AM PDT AMD Navi graphics cards aren't even out yet, but thanks to pressure from the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super and RTX 2060 Super, AMD is rumored to drop prices on the Radeon RX 5700 XT and RX 5700.  Right out of the gate, when the AMD Radeon RX 5700 series graphics cards were revealed back at E3 2019, they were targeting the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 and RTX 2060.  But, now that the Super cards have effectively lowered the price of entry to the RTX family, AMD may be planning to cut prices of the RX 5700 XT and RX 5700 to $399 (about £315, AU$580) and $349 (about £275, AU$500), respectively, according to a report from VideoCardz. No matter what, you can find graphics card deals on Amazon Prime Day Check out the wonderful world of PC components Pair your new graphics card with the best processor We don't have any concrete performance information for the Navi cards, but we do know that the Nvidia RTX Super cards are noticeably more powerful than their non-super counterparts. It really does seem like Nvidia held these Super cards back to weaken the appeal of Navi, releasing two days later.  If AMD Navi graphics cards like the Radeon RX 5700 XT and RX 5700 do fail to provide a better value than the Nvidia Super cards at launch, it would only make sense for Team Red to drop prices in response. Either way, we won't really know until AMD actually puts the cards on store shelves – luckily we won't have to wait too long for that to happen.  Check out the best gaming PCs This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Microsoft Outlook is getting a much-needed facelift Posted: 05 Jul 2019 11:01 AM PDT At last year's Ignite conference Microsoft announced an opt-in experience that would allow users to try out the new Outlook on the web and now after eight months of testing, the updated version is beginning to roll out. With its new release, the software giant is aiming to make Outlook for the web faster and to deliver a more modern experience for its users both at work and at home. Microsoft has been testing a slew of new features for its email service that are designed to increase productivity such as categories and improved search. Categories will make it easier to tag, find or organize your messages and you can even add multiple categories to a message, add a category as a favorite or find your categories using search. Microsoft is making Outlook.com more intelligent Why you still need an email client in 2019 Microsoft warns users about email security scam Outlook on the web will even be getting a dark mode with the option to “turn the lights on” within individual messages in case you need to see something more clearly. A new snooze option will also allow users to postpone messages for later and they'll reappear in your inbox as unread. Calendar and tasks The Outlook calendar is also getting an overhaul and now users will be able to see an overview of their upcoming events in the month view.  Business users can now create meetings more easily as they'll be able to do so right from the calendar with one click. Clicking on the dropdown menu for 'Add online meeting' will let users choose between having a meeting on Skype or in Microsoft Teams. You will even be able to see attendees' responses to a meeting invite right from within Outlook. Finally, Microsoft has bundled in a new version of Tasks that syncs with To-Do. Also, now when you flag an email, it will be automatically added to your To-Do list. According to Microsoft, the new Outlook on the web will begin rolling out to users in late July. We've also rounded up the best email providers of 2019 Via ZDNet This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

What are the different types of web hosting? Posted: 05 Jul 2019 09:54 AM PDT Depending on your level of expertise, website hosting, which is the task of making websites and web pages available to many users, can be either very simple or daunting. In this article, we are going to explore the different types of hosting in plan English. While they all act as a storage place for your website, where they differ is the amount of storage capacity, control, technical knowledge requirement, server speed and reliability.  These are the six types of web hosting you will most often come across:  Our experts have curated the best website hosting services 1. Shared hosting Perfect for entry-level website hosting. This is where your website will be stored on the same server as multiple other websites, that could be anywhere between hundreds or thousands of others. All domains will share the same server resources, such as RAM (Random Access Memory - a type of computer memory) and CPU (Central Processing Unit – the “brains” of a computer). Costs of this type of hosting will be comparatively low. If you’re a small business, community group or stay-at-home mum wanting to run your own blog, in most cases beginners will find shared the simplest method of hosting their website. This type of service often comes with the tools you need like website builders Wordpress hosting, email clients etc. The trade-off is that you’re sharing this with other users, so surges in usage can affect your website’s user experience. 2. Virtual private server (VPS) hosting A VPS hosting service mimics a dedicated server, but is within a shared hosting environment. This one’s for website owners that need more control, but don’t want to invest in a dedicated server. They’re still not able to handle high traffic levels or spikes in usage and the site performance can still be affected by other sites on the server. However, by dividing a server into virtual servers – each website is hosted on its own  dedicated server, though they still share a physical server with other users. So, who uses VPS hosting? Users who want dedicated hosting but don’t have the technical knowledge needed. VPS offers the cost benefits of shared hosting with the control of dedicated hosting. A great choice for advanced users and those that want specific software and package installations. 3. Dedicated server hosting This option gives website owners the most control over the server that their website is  stored on. The server is exclusively rented by you and your website is the only one  stored on the server. You have full root and admin access, which means control over everything from security to operating system. All that control comes with a price. Dedicated servers - which some vendors call bare metal Servers - cost more than all of the other options and are really only worth it for those with high traffic that need high control levels and a better performing server. A high level of technical expertise is required for the installation and ongoing management of the server. 4. Cloud hosting Cloud hosting is the current buzzword of the hosting industry. It’s just a marketing term and “Cloud” can mean different things in different contexts. With hosting, it means many computers working together, running applications using combined computing resources. It’s a hosting solution that works via a network, like the internet, and enables companies to consume the computing resource like a utility e.g. gas or electricity. Using as much as they need without having to build and maintain their own computing infrastructure in-house. The resources required for maintaining your website are spread across more than one web server, reducing the chance of any downtime due to server malfunction. Cloud-based hosting is scalable, meaning your site can grow over time, using as much resource as it requires and you only pay for what you need.  5. Managed hosting Most hosting packages you are likely to find online will be managed. Hosting companies provide technical services such as hardware and software setup and configuration, maintenance, hardware replacement, technical support, patching, updating and monitoring. Unlike standard dedicated hosting, the hosting provider looks after the day-to-day management of the hardware, operating systems and standardised applications. A popular sub-category is WordPress managed hosting. For many businesses, the beauty of Wordpress is in its simplicity. Its benefits are clear, it's easy to setup and it's straightforward to manage. Choosing a hosting provider for a Wordpress site can be more of a task, however, especially for those without expert knowledge or experience of the market. Many web hosting companies now specialise solely in offering managed services for WordPress. 6. Colocation Instead of keeping servers in-house or at a private data centre, you may choose to ”‘co-locate” your equipment by renting space in a colocation centre. The centre will provide the power, bandwidth, IP address and cooling systems that your server requires. Space is rented out in racks and cabinets. Colocation gives access to higher levels of bandwidth than a normal office server room at a much lower cost. You’re left to your own devices (literally) and will be expected to take care of everything including the hardware, software and services. This is an adapted excerpt from an eBook called "The ultimate guide to web hosting", published by TechRadar Pro in association with Planet Hippo These are the best website hosting services This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best online learning platforms of 2019 Posted: 05 Jul 2019 09:31 AM PDT When it comes to training and education, online platforms are increasingly becoming the norm, whether it's packages supplied in-house or by third-party providers. The number of Learning Management Systems (LMS) isn't just increasing dramatically, but also in the quality, reach, and value of courses, with multiple opportunities for both trainers and companies looking to train staff, let alone individuals wanting to improve their range of skills. The key issue for a LMS is the ease of use for both trainer and trainee, and many platforms comes with a range of additional built-in features, such as communications for messaging and analytics for data on viewing rates and engagement. The use of AI is also increasingly becoming a feature of online learning, so that learning provision can be tailored to outcomes specific to the individual. The obvious advantage here is that students can jump forward to presentations and seminars that match their actual skill levels. While many businesses and educational establishments will need to retain some degree of direct face-to-face training, the ability to use an LMS not only offers potential efficiencies, but also cost savings, too. We've also highlighted the best Linux training providers and online courses Image Credit: Docebo Docebo is a Learning Management System (LMS) that helps you organize, track and distribute online courses for formal learning, be it for employees, clients or customers.  Instead of simply offering a one-way broadcast in its teaching solutions, Docebo encourages collaboration by allowing employees to ask questions and get answers from the relevant subject matter experts in their organization. Learners also able to share their own knowledge which can be validated through peer-review and shared across teams. To help platform administrators effectively manage their organization’s skill and competency gaps, the Docebo Perform tool lets you assign formal and informal training sessions to those who may need upskilling in certain areas. The system is customizable too, so you can give it the appropriate look and feel according to your organization’s brand.  Docebo sports a slick, easy-to-use UI and comes with a wide range of third party integrations, so implementing the platform in your organization’s training schemes should be a smooth process. You can get a quote for a Docebo price plan via the link below. You can sign up for Docebo here Image Credit: Udemy Udemy is well-recognised name in the world of online learning and now boasts over 15 million students, poring over more than 65,000 available courses.  There are two main plan options, Team and Enterprise. The Team Plan is available for 5-20 users to provide the basics, and costs $240. The Enterprise Plan comes with additional features, not least analytics to show user engagement, as well as Single Sign On (SSO) and various APIs. Both are available for a free trial or demo. Meanwhile, organizations looking to utilise the service for a sustained period of time can opt for a Udemy for Business account. This unlocks more than 2,500 business-relevant courses designed to up-skill employees in specific areas. You can also measure learning engagement to find out what materials work best for individual employees, with insights on user behaviour and learning patterns.  You can sign up for Udemy here Image Credit: Skillshare Skillshare describes itself as an online community for ‘creators’ and anyone who wants to teach can set up a class. These classes, some 21,000 of them, typically specialize in design, photography, business, technology, film and writing.  There are more than 3 million people in the Skillshare community, offering the chance to connect and share insights with people from various industries – a potentially valuable tool for freelancers and those who work in a niche industry. The platform encourages ‘doing’ rather than learning passively, with every class including a practical project with feedback on completion. Skillshare can be used by teams too, with usage reporting tools enabling you to track the progress of team members. Price plans start at $99 (£75) per user per year, but with discounts available to organizations looking to sign up large numbers of employees.  You can sign up for Skillshare here Image Credit: WizIQ WizIQ is aimed more squarely at the teachers rather than students, offering virtual classroom and LMS software to those looking to teach and train others.  With WizIQ you can create and sell interactive courses that can be delivered as live classes or as materials to be studied at the pace students wish. These can be easily converted to MOOCs (massive open online courses) to maximise student enrolment around the world and grow revenue streams.  In terms of using WizIQ within an organization, users can create branded learning portals to train employees, clients, partners and customers via online tutorials or live classes. The design features are pretty extensive and easy to use for those keen to give their training courses a polished, professional feel. Conveniently, all classes can be enjoyed on the go via the WizIQ app for both iOS and Android devices.  WizIQ used to display pricing for its different tiers, but has now made them opaque so that you have to contact their sales team for a quote. You can sign up for WizIQ here Image Credit: Adobe Not many corners of the software world are left untouched by Adobe, and sure enough the computing behemoth has its own solution for the learning management market. Adobe Captivate Prime is an LMS platform for the enterprise that aims to make training easy-to-run and enjoyable to complete. According to Adobe, courses can be rolled out in less than 90 minutes thanks to its suite of tools to get you set up. An online help center, in-product videos and 24/7 support also serve to help administrators on their way. Further smoothening the process are automation features than enable you to auto-assign learning plans, schedule reports and synchronize users. Once the learning programs are set up, tracking tools allow you to monitor the progress and certifications obtained by users, with added insights showing how individuals, departments and partners are doing with their learning objectives. Other features include a flat UI for easy control and navigation without opening multiple pages, a recurring certifications feature that ensures your organization stays up-to-date on compliance, the ability to customize the learning experience for individual users, and gamification tools like leaderboard races and achievement badges.  Prices start at $4 per user per month.  You can sign up for Adobe Captivate Prime here Best of the rest Instructure, formerly Canvas LMS, is aimed at higher education and prides itself on prioritizing usability and reliability over supplying endless features. It’s an open source platform that invites collaboration and third-party plug-ins and is fully customizable for the user’s speciric learning needs.  Create LMS is a multifaceted learning platform. It provides an LMS to track and process the training of employees, a custom courses tool to help you build your learning materials, and a library of readymade courses that number more than 20,000.  Another player on the LMS scene is Litmos. It’s easy-to-use interface and bank of pre-built courses provide a platform for employee training, customer training, channel training, and compliance.  Totara Learn is a feature-chock learning platform that claims to offer better value for money than proprietary services on the market. It enables users to create individual learning plans which reflect employees’ roles, training needs and objectives. Complete with an ecommerce tool for monetizing your courses, automation features for easy administration and reporting dashboards that offer handy organization-wide insights, Absorb LMS is a worthy candidate for a company seeking out a high-quality learning management platform.    This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The best cheap laptop deals and sales on Amazon Prime Day 2019: prices from just £159 Posted: 05 Jul 2019 09:25 AM PDT Checking through the cheap laptop deal scene here in the UK can be a bit overwhelming as there are so many options to choose from. Luckily for you, we're used to sifting through the net's laptop sales all year round. There are some fantastic finds today, proving you don't have to wait for those Amazon Prime Day deals to get a bargain as we've found some mega discounts already. So if you need to buy a new laptop sharpish, we should be able to find you something that fits with your budget nicely. We've split this guide into sections based on price to help you keep that budget in check. We'll give you a bit of info about each laptop we highlight too, so you can see some specs at a glance before you click through to the store and have to browse their lengthy descriptions for those vital stats you're after.  Not everyone needs a super powerful laptop, especially if you just want something for the basics like casual browsing, email and document editing, so don't feel like you have to spend £500 on a laptop for that - you can get something for far less if you want. Naturally, if you're a bit of a multitasker, love to have loads of tabs open and want a little extra grunt for media editing, we've found laptop deals with higher spec. Chromebooks get a mention most weeks too as they're increasingly popular nowadays as users look to ditch Windows for the stripped down speedy Chrome OS instead. For you Apple fans, you might be interested in our MacBook prices and deals page too. If you're from the States or Down Under, be sure to check out our selection of the top laptop deals in the US or Australia. Cheap laptop sales and deal highlights Here's an extensive selection of cheap gaming laptop deals We'll continue adding the best cheap laptop deals in the latest sales as we find them. Up next, you'll find the latest prices on some of the most popular laptops around along with a list of retailers who often have a great selection of laptop sales if nothing else takes your fancy here. Amazon: retail giant is often the cheapest in the UK. AO: lots of cheap laptops at this growing electronics specialist. Argos: home delivery or pick up a cheap laptop locally today. John Lewis: models come with at least two-year guarantee. ebuyer: the UK computing specialists have some great promotions. Very: Often surprises with cheap prices on electronics. Currys: the retailer that's seemingly always having a laptop sale. Laptops Direct: specialist UK store has a huge selection of laptop deals. Dell: get a great laptop deal direct from Dell. Apple: MacBooks aren't exactly cheap, but they're excellent workstations The cheapest laptop deals on these popular picks On release, the Chromebook Flip reached new heights for the Windows-free laptops as it came rocking a proper Intel Core processor along with a HD screen. Most models nowadays come with 64GB of storage instead of the 32GB which is plenty for running apps and storing regular documents and a fair few media files - you can always use a USB drive for more space. For most users, the newer PixelBook is what we'd call 'overkill', not to mention considerably more expensive, so we'd recommend this model if you just need something for work, browsing the net and so on. The Chrome OS works beautifully in this 2-in-1 laptop's tablet mode too. A sturdy choice for a study laptop for school/college/uni. The HP Pavilion 15 has plenty of power for the average student's needs while keeping the costs sensible. There are plenty of configurations available too. Some favour speedy SSDs, while other go for larger regular hard drives, so it all depends on what you're going to need more really. Faster loading or more space for storing media files and downloads. The Asus Transformer Mini series is one of the most reliable brands of 2-in-1 tablet/laptop hybrids on the market. This upgrade includes a fingerprint sensor and double the RAM at 4GB for speedier performance compared to the older models. For your money, this is one of the most impressive two-in-one transformer models out there. Available in orange/white as seen above, or in a traditional grey steel colour. Ready to stretch that budget a bit (ok, maybe a lot) further? Then be sure to check out our selection of the very best laptops money can buy as we've used our dedicated price comparison technology to find the cheapest prices for them too. You can always come back to this page if they seem a bit overpowered (and over-expensive) for what you need. Best Laptop 2019: our pick of top 15 laptops on the planet This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best computer 2019: the best PCs we've tested Posted: 05 Jul 2019 09:16 AM PDT The best computers are better now than they’ve ever been before. They’ve evolved to the point of utilizing eight-core processors and super high-end graphics cards have started to tackle real time ray tracing, among others cutting edge improvements – things that would have been impossible only a few years ago. If you’re looking to stay on the cutting edge in 2019, you’ll want one of the best computers included on this list, even if most of what you’ll do is use Facebook and surf the internet. Find the best deals on the best computers on Amazon Prime Day 2019. Fortunately, the best computers are also more affordable than ever before. These days, you can pick up a solid PC or even an all-in-one desktop for around $500 (about £390, AU$715). Better yet, many of them will last you a lifetime – because the best computers are upgradeable, it’s easy to keep them current by fitting in new and improved PC components, like fast SSDs, more RAM and maybe even the best graphics card. Still, with so many possibilities, choosing the best computer for you and your needs isn’t easy. So, we’ve gathered all the best computers out there, paying close attention to those that hit that sweet spot between price and performance. This way, you can just go through this list and pick out what you like depending on what you’ll need. Here are our top picks for the best computers 2019 has to offer. The Dell XPS Tower is stealthy. That is, it resembles that PC your parents used to have tucked underneath the desk when you were a kid. But, its no-nonsense exterior hides an exciting array of components. One of the best computers available right now, the Dell XPS Tower boasts up to an RTX 2070 graphics card, a 9th-generation Intel Core processor, and a spacious hard drive and/or SSD. This excellent special edition PC configuration is only available in the US. However, UK and Australian readers can pick up the regular Dell XPS Tower and simply beef it up, though there are some limitations such as the graphics card options topping out with the GTX 1060. Read the full review: Dell XPS Tower Special Edition The Microsoft Surface Studio rose to fame as one of the best computers for artists when it was first released, so it’s no surprise that its sequel has followed in its footsteps. In fact, packed with a Kaby Lake mobile processor and Nvidia Pascal graphics, the Surface Studio 2 has a lot more power than the original and should be able to handle anything you throw at it for the next couple of years, at the very least. Of course, it’s also inherited that gorgeous PixelSense display with Surface Pen support, allowing it to retain the privilege of being one of the best all-in-one – not to mention, the best computers on this list – for creatives. Read the full review: Surface Studio 2 See more like this: the best all-in-one PCs If you’re looking for an outstanding desktop experience, but you don’t have a ton of space on your desk, the Intel Hades Canyon NUC might just be the best computer for you. This tiny bare-bones PC has a ridiculously fast 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and discrete-class AMD Radeon graphics. Throw some RAM and storage in there, and you should be able to conquer the best PC games without breaking a sweat. It won’t stand up against a full-sized desktop, but when you’re short on space – or you’d rather have a PC that looks like a set-top box – this is one of the best computers to consider. Read the full review: Intel Hades Canyon NUC  With the Aurora R7, Alienware continues its journey back to the top of the best computers, especially for gaming. The Alienware Aurora R7 isn’t just one of the greatest gaming PCs; it’s also among the best computers money can buy. It offers blazing fast performance with its 8th-generation Intel Core processor and GTX 10-series graphics and all that power is conveniently hidden away in its appealing and sleek chassis. It’s surprisingly affordable as well, considering the power under the hood. And, did we mention that this PC is easily upgradeable, despite the unique form-factor? Read the full review: Alienware Aurora R7 See more like this: the best gaming PCs If you’re looking for a computer that will look just as good in your living room as your home office, then the Corsair One i160 is your new best friend. It has an absolutely unbelievable amount of power inside a sleek, compact design. Packed with a Coffee Lake Refresh processor and Nvidia Turing graphics – not to mention a whopping 32GB of RAM, this is an absolute monster, and will chew through any game you throw at it, even on that nice 4K TV you just bought. Just prepare yourself, as that high price tag might send you reeling. Read the full review: Corsair One i160  It’s easy to think that Apple is overpriced. However, your piggy bank might be spared if you get on the Mac mini bandwagon. The Mac mini 2018 isn’t just an adorable small form-factor PC, but it’s also packed tight with high-end desktop parts, all for a much cheaper price than any other Mac. That makes it a solid investment for anyone who already has a slew of Mac-ready peripherals or a Mac fan who doesn’t want to spring for a Mac Pro. Plus, as opposed to Apple’s recent products, you can upgrade the Mac mini… well, at least the memory up to 64GB of RAM. Read the full review: Apple Mac mini See more like this: the best Macs 2019 Don’t confuse the HP Pavilion Wave for a fabric-woven Mac Pro wannabe, because it is something else entirely. This compact Windows machine has its 6th-generation Intel Core processors coupled with optional discrete AMD graphics and uniquely integrated Bang & Olufsen speakers. Wrapped in an urbane fabric exterior, this is definitely the most fetching of the best computers to have on your desk or even a bookshelf, and it radiates crisp sound as you browse the web or watch movies. Read the first look: HP Pavilion Wave Some people have issues with desktop PCs, since they tend to be bulky. The Intel Core Compute Stick has really made that moot. Looking more like a thumb drive than an actual PC, this petite renegade can connect to any display with an HDMI input. It starts out with a lowly 1.33GHz Intel Atom processor running Linux, but you can configure it up to an Intel Core m5 processor, making this one of the best computers to literally slip in your pocket, whether you need to get some work done on the go or squeeze in some PC time while you’re away on vacation. Specifications (as reviewed) Product Dell XPS Tower Special Edition Microsoft Surface Studio 2 Intel Hades Canyon NUC Alienware Aurora R7 Corsair One i160 Apple Mac mini (Late 2018) HP Pavilion Wave Intel Compute Stick CPU Intel Core i7-8700 Intel Core i7-7820HQ Intel Core i7-8809G Intel Core i7-8700K Intel Core i9-9900K Intel Core i3-8100 Intel Core i5-7400T Intel Atom x5-Z8500 Graphics Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Intel UHD Graphics 630 AMD Radeon R9 M470 N/A RAM 16GB DDR4 32GB DDR4 16GB DDR4 32GB DDR4 32GB DDR4 8GB DDR4 16GB DDR3 2GB LPDDR3 Storage 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, 1TB HDD (7,200 rpm) 1TB PCIe SSD 118GB Intel Optane SSD 800P Series (NVMe), 512GB Intel SSD 545s Series (M.2 SATA) 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, 2TB HDD 480GB M.2 NVMe SSD, 2TB HDD 128GB PCIe SSD 1TB HDD 32GB Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article Image Credits: TechRadar While you’re at it, we’ve also found the best gaming desktop PC you can buy This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Huawei Mate 20 Pro deals price crash: incredible phone now incredibly affordable Posted: 05 Jul 2019 09:12 AM PDT It was just a few months ago that we were praising the affordability of Huawei Mate 20 Pro deals when they hit the £35 a month mark. Now, here we are after a massive price drop, left slightly in awe at offers as low as £20 each month. The Huawei Mate 20 Pro currently sits in the position as the fourth best phone in the world, a whole year after its release and we can't imagine that position moving anytime soon - well at least until the new Huawei Mate 30 Pro comes out! Considering it's packed full of high-end specs, a triple camera set-up and one of the best processor and battery combos out there, the only real qualm we could raise about the device was its price - a factor far less problematic with these deals. Of course, if you've been following the news you might be aware of another issue with this device - the Google ban. But with America in talks of dropping the ban, trade-deals being signed and Huawei having a never-ending list of back-up plans we can't really see this being too much of a problem.  You can see these excellent price dropped offers below. Or if these insanely cheap prices aren't enough to convince you, check out our guide to the best mobile phone deals for everything else on the market right now.  Read more: See the best Huawei P30 Pro deals and Huawei P30 deals These excellent Mate 20 Pro deals in full: What's so good about the Mate 20 Pro? The Mate 20 Pro may not be Huawei's newest device anymore but we're not going to lie to you, it is still one of the best phones out there. Whether it's the top of the line specs, three high powered cameras, in-screen fingerprint scanner or the reverse charging, there is a lot to love with this device. Read our review on the Huawei Mate 20 Pro There really is only one downside...the price. But this deal knocks that price way down, making this one of the cheaper phablet options currently available.  Check out all of the best Huawei mobile phone deals This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best cloud phone system and PBX of 2019 Posted: 05 Jul 2019 09:11 AM PDT Editor's note: Looking for a cloud phone system and PBX for your business? If you're looking for information to help you choose the one that's right for you, use the questionnaire below to have our partner site, BuyerZone, provide you with information from a variety of vendors for free: PBX (Private Branch Exchanges) are used by companies to route telephone calls within their own premises. Depending on the type of PBX used people in your organization can have their own extensions, place calls and even send SMS messages and faxes.  Setting up your own PBX has traditionally been time consuming and costly. These days however, there are a number of companies offering phone systems in the cloud.  In this guide, you’ll discover some of the top cloud-based companies offering this service today. All of these providers will save you the trouble and expense of installing your own hardware, although some are compatible with existing PBX systems too. As their systems are based online, many of these providers also support video and VoIP calling as well as regular telephone calls. We've also highlighted the best business computers Want your company or services to be added to this buyer’s guide? Please email your request to desire.athow@futurenet.com with the URL of the buying guide in the subject line.  Image Credit: 8x8 8x8 Inc. is a provider of cloud communications and customer engagement solutions. Services available include cloud –based voice, contact centre, video, mobile and unified communications for small, medium and enterprise businesses. The platform offers a unified communications system which is easy to use. It has many features including calling, collaboration, mobile apps and tools. 8x8 is a cloud-hosted VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system. No complicated PBX hardware is needed. Phones can be purchased directly from 8x8. If you choose to do this, the will come preconfigured and ready to use upon arrival. However, if you purchased from an outside vendor, an 8x8 representative will help you during initial setup. The entire 8x8 system is setup and managed via online portal. From where users have access to billing, call logs and support. Administrators can also create and setup extensions and call groups. 8x8 offers three price plans. In order to subscribe, users will need to contact the sales team directly. All plans include unlimited calling, mobile apps, auto attendant, online call management and business SMS. Users have complained that the cost is high compared to other providers. You can sign up for 8x8 here Image Credit: ingCentral RingCentral is a provider of cloud-based communications and collaboration solutions. It was founded in 1999. The solution includes all PBX administration functions, Android and iOS apps and unlimited calling. Upon registration, users will be assigned an ‘implementation specialist’ to help determine the number of phones you need. They also help to either transfer over or create new numbers for you. Any phones you purchase directly from RingCentral are preconfigured and ready to use upon receipt. RingCentral offer several pricing tiers for small businesses. These range from $19.99 for the ‘Essentials’ package to $49.99 for the ‘Ultimate’ package. All plans include unlimited phone calls, unlimited business SMS and mobile apps. They also offer unlimited video and audio meetings with screen sharing on both the desktop and mobile apps. However, the number of screen-sharing users is limited by the package you choose. For enterprise business, subscribers can request a demo and a quote by filling out a form on the website. Online commentators have noticed that it takes some time to get used to the interface. You can sign up for RingCentral here Image credit: Ooma Ooma Office is a cloud-based business VoIP solution aimed at providing enterprise-level features and service for small business customers. Even better is that Ooma doesn't lock you into a contract, meaning you can set up and stay with them only as long as you want, with no penalties. There are a number of features available to help ensure your business phone service sounds professional to customers, such as extensions, a multi-level virtual receptionist and call transfers, as well as conferencing features.  Additionally there is a mobile app for use on smartphones so that you and your staff can use the Ooma phone system while on the go out of the office. Ooma is compatible with a number of existing VoIP protocols, but new customers can buy a specially-built base station with range extenders. Existing businesses should be able to use their existing VoIP equipment, but additional phones and bundles are available if required. Another advantage of Ooma is that it has a single flat-rate fee for small businesses of $19.95 per user, which is a lot cheaper than many other providers, making it particularly price-competitive. You can signup to Ooma here Image Credit: Vonage Vonage is an internet telephony service which provides business and residential telecommunication services. They were founded in 2001. Vonage Business provides users with video conferencing and online collaboration. The solution offers businesses access to a web-based console. Users can view extension numbers, the number porting tool and setup guide. Subscribers have access to a variety of plug-ins as well as services. Some plug-ins are free such as integration with Clio, ConnectWise, Google G Suite and Microsoft Dynamics. Vonage claim to have an easy to use service with no need to install complicated PBX hardware as everything is cloud-based. The ‘Mobile’ package starts at $19.99 which includes unlimited calling and messages, mobile app, desktop app and Vonage Flow Team messaging. The ‘Premium’ plan starts at $29.99 per month per user and comes with extras such as CRM integrations, multi-level auto attendant, conference calling, online meetings and video conferencing.  The top tier plan available, weighs in at $39.99 per month with all the first two tiers have to offer plus on-demand call recording and Vonage Visual Voicemail. Vonage offer a 14-day free trial for all packages. Some users have claimed that calls can disconnect at times. You can sign up for Vonage Business here Image Credit: Grasshopper Grasshopper is a company that sells call forwarding and answering services to small businesses. The solution is attractive for small businesses as it needs no hardware and is easy to setup. It is a virtual phone system. All calls are answered by an automated phone assistant, which then forwards them to the relevant person or department. Users can create a unique vanity 800 number upon registration. Grasshopper integrates with Skype, LiveChat, Google Voice, Zapier and Bitium. Grasshopper has an app for both Android and iOS. Users will be able to receive calls through their business line from the app. The ‘Solo’ plan is $26 per month and includes 1 number and 3 extensions. The ‘Partner’ package is $44 monthly and includes 3 numbers and 6 extensions. The ‘Small Business’ plan is $80 per month. This includes 5 numbers with unlimited extensions. The ‘Small Business’ plan is $89 per month. This includes 5 numbers with unlimited extensions.  All plans offer business texting, inbound fax, call forwarding, custom greetings, Wi-Fi calls, desktop, mobile apps and unlimited minutes. Some users have requested an outgoing fax feature. You can sign up for Grasshopper here Image Credit: MegaPath MegaPath is a business telecommunications provider. It was founded in 1996. The solution offers businesses internet connectivity, unified communications, security services and managed networking. Through their ‘Unified Communications’ product, MegaPath offers users combined phone, video calling, chat and online collaboration. Users can host voice and video conferences, share their desktops or start group IM’s. This can all be done using your business number from any device. For more information and customized quote, subscribers need to contact the sales team directly. Users can manage all features, such as conference calls and call routing, via the online portal. Support can also be accessed here. Voicemails are transcribed and accessed through email and faxes in PDF format. Hosted Cloud PBX package starts at $19.99 (£15.56) per month. This includes an automated attendant, audio conferencing, instant messaging, desktop, tablet and mobile apps.  MegaPath offer a 15-day free trial for both PBX and Unified Communications. You can sign up for MegaPath here Other cloud phone systems and PBX options to consider We've only scratched the surface in terms of cloud-hosted phone and PBX providers with considering for your business. Here's we'll look at some additional options which are well worth a look: aircall is one of the more innovative cloud-based phone providers for business. Not only is it entirely cloud-based, making it an excellent choice for those with mobile devices, it also comes with a ton of standard features. Even better, it comes not just with analytics, but with a huge number of integrations, such as SalesForce, Zendesk, Zoho, Freshdesk, and Shopify. Jive is another company that offers a hosted cloud VoIP system which combines both voice and video, making it ideal for use on mobile devices such as cell phones. It also comes with a lot of standard features, including analytics, and of course video conferencing. Although it starts from $29.95 per user for up to 4 users, the cost-per-user decreases the more users you sign up. Dialpad is another big cloud-hosted PBX worth looking at. Dialpad runs using Google's Cloud, and as above includes both voice and video conferencing as standard. It also offers AI to work through your logs to offer actionable insights to help improve business efficiency, customer retention, and profitability. It's also cheap at $20 per user, though costs more to unlock more features. Microsoft Phone System is part of the Microsoft Teams stable, which not only offers cloud-hosting calling, conferencing, and chat, but also promises full integration with the Office 365 office software suite. However, if you don't want to move to the cloud you can use your existing PBX hardware. MiCloud Connect is the hosted PBX solution by one of the world's biggest specialist VoIP providers. Although it looks geared more to enterprise, it's also accessible to smaller business, with a range of scales available according to need. It also comes with CRM options and a host of other features to improve business operations. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The best motherboard 2019: the top Intel and AMD motherboards we've seen Posted: 05 Jul 2019 09:07 AM PDT When you’re setting out to build the best PC you can possibly afford, you’ll need to make sure to get the best motherboard possible. Motherboards may not be as sexy as the best graphics cards or processors, but that shouldn’t make a difference. Your motherboard serves as the foundation of your PC, helping your hardware reach its full potential by pushing it to its limits – utilizing and optimizing every inch of performance. You can overclock better with the best motherboards, for instance. Score the best motherboard deals on Amazon Prime Day 2019 The motherboard is one of the most crucial PC components in your new build, so don’t settle for anything but the best. If you compromise and cheap out on your motherboard, it could die on you, forcing you to rebuild your entire PC from scratch. We’ve been there, and trust us, that’s not a road you want to take. So, do yourself a favor and avoid disaster by picking up the best motherboard you can on the market. Keep in mind, however, that there are so many different options these days, choosing the most ideal motherboard for you can be tricky. That’s why we went ahead and crafted a list of the best motherboards you can buy, motherboards that we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves. Rest assured that every single mobo on this list will do everything a motherboard needs to do, not to mention last you for years. When Coffee Lake Refresh CPUs hit the streets, Intel promised that they would be the best processors for gaming, and we knew that meant kitted out motherboards were on their way. Lo and behold comes the Z390 Aorus Gaming Pro Wifi – maybe one of the best motherboards from Intel right now. It’s packed with gaming-centric features like reinforced PCIe slots and enough RGB lighting to blind you. It’s hard to find a better motherboard, especially at this price point. When you’re shopping for PC hardware, overwhelmed by all the different features, components and requirements, you might be tempted to throw your hands up and just get the best you can possibly afford. In times like these, you can bet on the Asus ROG Maximus XI Code Z390 Gaming. It’s packed with every feature that Intel’s new Coffee Lake Refresh processors support and then some, with an RGB-lit shroud covering every corner of circuitry on this motherboard, making it one of the best motherboards you don’t have to think twice about choosing. Now that Coffee Lake Refresh has been available for a while, you’ll want to maximize all the power it has to offer. However, high-end motherboards can get really expensive real fast. If you’re looking for a budget option without many compromises, the Gigabyte Z390 should be at the top of your list of best motherboards to consider. It skips many of the bells and whistles like RGB lighting and built-in Wi-Fi but it does make up for these compromises by providing excellent value. You get all the essential features that Z390 has to offer for a great price. If you want to build a budget gaming system, the Gigabyte Z390 UD is probably the best motherboard for you. If you’re looking to get an edge on the competition, but you don’t have a lot of extra space on your desk, you’re going to need a Micro-ATX motherboard – more specifically, the MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC. What you’re getting here is a Micro-ATX motherboard with all the features a full-sized ATX one offers, but at a fraction of the price. Despite its smaller size, you still get dual M.2 slots, SLI and Crossfire support, and all the fiery performance that Intel Coffee Lake Refresh has to offer. If you’re looking for a smaller motherboard, you can’t afford to pass on the MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge MC. If you need the smallest possible motherboard available without compromising on key features of your CPU, you should look into the Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming. With this motherboard, you don’t need to compromise on features or power. You don’t even need to settle for a measly 32GB of RAM. Thanks to Asus’ double capacity memory compatibility – you can have up to 64GB of memory in the most miniscule motherboard you’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, like most Z390 boards, its price tag is not for the faint of heart, so prepare yourself to shell out some serious dough if you want the smallest of the best motherboards. With the X470 Aorus Gaming 7 Wi-Fi, Gigabyte further illustrates its command of motherboard design. Rocking the new AMD X470 chipset, allowing full support of the new AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation processors, this may be the best motherboard if you’re looking to side with Team Red. What’s more, it supports Quad-GPU SLi and lightning fast RAM (up to 3,600 MHz) for peerless expandability, and thanks to its multi-zone RGB lighting, it looks good while kicking butt and taking names. For the longest time, AMD has been the reigning champion of budget builds, and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon. Marketed exclusively to gamers, the MSI X470 Gaming Plus is loaded front to back with features like two PCIe M.2 slots and quick performance tweaking buttons to make sure you’re on the top of the leaderboard at all times. And, since it’s a gamer-focused motherboard, it comes with flashy RGB lighting that you can even easily customize from your smartphone. Best of all, it’s the best value of all the best motherboards. These days, small form-factor PCs are all the rage and with one of the best motherboards like the ASRock B450M-HDV on offer, we think that it’s going to stay that way. Now, while this one doesn't do SLI and only supports up to 32GB of RAM– it is a B450 unit, after all – it is still compelling due to its affordable price. Outside of these omissions, you still get a slot for a NVMe SSD and four USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports around back. If you’re looking to build a solid budget gaming PC, the ASRock B450M-HDV is your best bet. Asus is out to prove that big things can and do come in small packages with the ROG Strix X470-I. Featuring the latest and greatest AMD chipset, everything in this tiny board is designed with excellent performance in mind. That extends down to the BIOS where you can find a stress test for overclocks before you even boot into Windows. This board also elevates beyond the constraints of the Mini-ITX form factor by including an M.2 Audio Combo riser, so that you can install your M.2 NVMe SSD without crowding out other components. The X-series processors are here, and they are spectacular. But if you want to take advantage of all they have to offer, you need an X-series motherboard. This ASRock X299 is an incredible choice with support for overclocked memory speeds up to 4400MHz(!!!) and 8 different slots for memory modules. It also supports up to 128GB of RAM. Add in an X-series processor and a good graphics card or 3, and this thing will absolutely tear apart anything you could possibly throw at it. If you’re seeking one of the best motherboards money can buy, this is it. If you want absolutely every feature you can get and budget is not an issue, the AsRock X399 Professional Gaming sTR4 may be the most ideal motherboard for you. Not only does this monster of a board support 4-way SLI configurations, but you can also pack this thing with up to 128GB of DDR4 memory. It even features a ton of flashy RGB lighting, so that people will be mesmerized by your rig. And, keep in mind that this mobo is compatible with Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation chips, so you might need to update the BIOS first. Coming to terms If you’re unfamiliar with the best motherboards out there, use this list as a primer for your next build. Motherboards are available in a broad range of different form factors, the most common of which are ATX and Micro ATX. However, there are plenty of less common form factors including mini ITX and E-ATX. Don’t worry though, most of the best PC cases will support more than one form factor.  Moreover, in our rundown of the best motherboards, we detailed the socket type that each mobo adheres to. The socket, for those not in the know, is the part on the motherboard that the CPU locks into. Typically, newer Intel processors use either LGA 1151 or 2066 while the latest AMD Ryzen architecture is designed for the AM4 chipset. Next up, these are the best gaming monitors you can buy this year This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The best VR headset 2019: which headset offers the most immersion for your buck? Posted: 05 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT Now that virtual reality (VR) has proven to be a mainstream form of entertainment - not just an overpriced tech fad for early adopters - there are lots of different ways to get your home decked out for the best VR headset. But the problem is that picking a VR headset isn’t easy, especially now that there are more and more headsets hitting the streets like the new Valve Index and HTC's Vive Cosmos, slated for a mid-to-late 2019 release. With many offering different experiences, different hardware, different requirements and a lot of fantastic deals, it confuses matters even more. The good news for those serious about getting the best VR headset is that premium headsets built specifically for PC gaming are now much more affordable thanks to permanent price drops. The bad news is that these discounts make it even trickier to choose the best VR headset that’s right for you. Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day 2019 to find great deals on the best VR headsets. In addition to price drops, more advanced VR headsets have come to the fore, like the HTC Vive Pro. On the flip side, of course, are the mobile headsets, namely the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View. Then there's a whole new category of standalone VR headsets. The Oculus Go led the charge, and in September Facebook unveiled its successor, Oculus Quest. Unlike the Go, the Quest will offer six degrees of freedom tracking, and will launch with a host of new games early next year. The VR space got even more of a shake up after CES 2019, with HTV teasing the HTC Vive Cosmos, a wired VR headset that is also expected to work with your mobile at some point too. This could be a headset that transcends the wired and wireless space and makes VR more accessible than ever. But it’s too early for the Cosmos, so let’s stick with the VR headsets you can get your hands on - and head into - right now. The best VR games to play on your headset Check below for in depth explanations of our choices for the best VR headset available now. It's important to note that permanent price cuts have brought the so-called traditional VR headsets more closely in line with one another. At the moment, the four best on the market – the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, HTC Vive Pro and PlayStation VR – are unsurprisingly the most expensive of all the mainstream VR headset offerings. Each headset has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and if you're not aware of these before you buy, it could be a very costly mistake to make. But that's exactly why we put this guide together. And, if you want less expensive fare, we’ve also included a few mobile VR headsets for your consideration as well. When originally released, the HTC Vive was miles ahead of its nearest competitor, the Oculus Rift. It supported room-scale tracking right out of the box, and came with two motion controllers that offer much more immersion. Now, however, the gap for the best VR headset has narrowed. Today the Oculus Rift matches much of Vive's functionality and includes two motion controllers of its own. But the Vive still edges out the Oculus because, for our money, the room-scale tracking is that much better. This feature allows you to walk around a space up to 4.5 x 4.5m, adding another dimension to the experience while using it; you're not just pressing up on an analog stick, you're using your legs to walk. That's if you have enough space in your real room, of course. The headset contains two 1080p screens which makes for a very crisp image. Unfortunately, it's not quite high enough of a resolution to prevent you from being able to discern individual pixels when you wear it, and the HTC Vive Pro, with its 78% increase in dots per inch, offers a sharper screen in addition to built-in audio, which the original Vive lacks. However, despite not being the latest and greatest Vive, where the original HTC shines is in its price. Though it's still more expensive than Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive Pro has a few shortcomings that won't quite justify its high price. For the regular user who doesn't have the funds to buy an HTC Vive Pro, the HTC Vive offers a still-excellent experience for less cost. Read the full review: HTC Vive Simply put, Oculus Go signals a new age for virtual reality, one that doesn't need a smartphone or PC to run excellent experiences. But forget the grandiose statements – you want to know what it's really like to use, right? Oculus Go is a standalone headset that rivals Oculus Rift in more than just its affordable price; the quality of VR on offer is nearly as good as that of a tethered VR headset.  With impressive visuals, limited screen-door effect and a cozy fit (one that's front-heavy, to be sure), you're in for tons of fun with the Oculus Go. Its content library is already extensive with over 1,000 apps, games, movies and experiences available at launch, and that should only grow since the headset is compatible with Samsung Gear VR content. The headset comes with two storage options, 32GB or 64GB, so you can take your pick of how much memory you'll need. Oculus Go isn't perfect – in addition to sitting heavy on the face, light leaks through the bottom (right where your nose is), which could prove anywhere from mildly annoying to downright distracting to you. But for those looking for a standalone, it might just be the best VR headset out there. Read the full review: Oculus Go There's no getting around the fact that in order to run either the HTC Vive, HTC Vive Pro or the Oculus Rift you need a pretty high-end gaming PC, which is not an insignificant investment for most people. That's not the case with Sony's PlayStation VR, which requires little more than a PS4 console to run. Considering the sizable difference in power between the PS4 and PC, the PlayStation VR is a surprisingly competent VR headset. Its refresh rate is responsive, and we've had no issues with the reliability of its head-tracking. Thanks to Sony's backing, the collection of PlayStation VR games is also impressive. There were dozens available at launch, and many more have followed over its first year on sale. Sony has addressed one of our biggest objections with the PlayStation VR – that its accessories are sold separately – by offering a variety of packs and bundles with devices like the PlayStation Camera included. However, PlayStation Move controllers, while included in some bundles, aren't in every one. While you have to be aware of the additional cost involved, depending on what bundle you opt for, recent price cuts have made the PlayStation VR even more affordable. It may not be the best VR headset, but the PSVR is certainly making a strong case to users. Read the full review: PlayStation VR The current VR arms race all started with one man: Oculus founder Palmer Luckey. As a teenager, Luckey gathered VR tech, fascinated with making his own headset in his garage. Numerous prototypes and a $2 billion Facebook buyout later, Oculus is still the biggest name in VR. It's seen a few decent upgrades over the years thanks to the inclusion of the Touch controllers (which we'd argue is slightly better to the Vive's), and a couple of key price drops. Yet, compared to the HTC Vive's room-scale technology, the Rift isn't quite up to the task. The reason is that while the Vive is designed to let you move around in any direction, the Rift requires you to place its two sensors in front of you. This means that the tracking is more single-sided, and you can't let yourself get turned around, otherwise the sensors will lose track of you. The experience is a bit different when you add a third sensor to the mix, but if you're comparing apples-to-apples, we still believe the Vive does room-scale a heck of a lot better. That being said, by being cheaper than the Vive, the Oculus Rift offers a very compelling mid-range virtual reality option for those with less space to spare. Read the full review: Oculus Rift The newest high-end VR headset in town comes packed with a lot of impressive specs. Take, for instance, the HTC Vive Pro resolution of 2880 x 1600, offering a 78% increase in DPI over the HTC Vive. This means ultra-crisp visual fidelity that lets you experience textures and shadows in a way previously unavailable in VR. But the HTC Vive Pro perks don't end there. There's also the addition of built-in headphones and new nose guards that are better at blocking out light than the HTC Vive. All told, the HTC Vive Pro is a clear improvement in both design and tech on the older HTC Vive. However, for all its shiny updated specs, new navy-blue color and a game library that's sure to grow, the HTC Vive Pro does have some serious flaws. The main one is obvious: it's expensive. It costs the same as the HTC Vive did at launch, and it doesn't come with any accessories in the box. That's right: you'll have to buy controllers and sensors separately. Setup can be a challenge with the Vive Pro because all of the firmware has to be as up-to-date as possible. Even then, you may run into some challenges, which might deter the average user from jumping into the Vive Pro experience. Because of its high price, challenging setup and the fact that the still-excellent HTC Vive is now much more affordable, the HTC Vive Pro is likely best suited for VR enthusiasts and arcade owners. It's still an awesome headset, if not the best VR headset, just one that's probably not for everyone. Read the full review: HTC Vive Pro Samsung Gear VR has always been a respectable smartphone-powered VR headset, but now that it has a motion controller, it might be the best VR headset option for mobile users. In addition to the new controller, the updated Gear VR is lighter and more streamlined than before, and features a USB-C connector that connects directly to a Samsung Galaxy phone. Compatible phones, as expected, include the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, as well as the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus (if you have the latest Gear VR headset). The included motion controller has hints of the HTC Vive controller design, with a touchpad and trigger button, which aren't bad things. It's with the controller that the Gear VR really comes into its own, allowing you to interact with the VR worlds in front of you in a way previously impossible without it. Of course, being powered by a smartphone, the headset's performance is entirely tied to the phone you've slotted in, though in our experience this isn't a problem considering the power within Samsung's higher-end handsets. However, if you're using an older Galaxy phone, your experience could be noticeably affected. Since Oculus launched the Oculus Go standalone headset, the question of where smartphone-powered devices like Gear VR fit in only becomes more relevant. But since the Oculus Go and Samsung Gear VR share an app and game library, you can expect support for the Gear VR to continue for quite some time. Read the full review: Samsung Gear VR If you own an Android phone (that's not necessarily a Galaxy) and want to get into VR without spending a fortune on a headset and computer set up, then consider the Google Daydream View (2017) a viable option. What makes this headset compelling is its price; it's less than $100 / £100, and a recent discount through some retailers has made it even cheaper, at least for the time being. It's also an easy headset for just about anyone to use. Not only does it just installing an app on your phone, but once you're inside the VR world, navigating to and fro is easy with the included controller. You won't get the deeply immersive worlds of a higher-end, PC-powered VR headset with the Google Daydream View, but you will get a device that's made of a nice material, works with many of the best Android phones, and, did we mention how inexpensive it is? The content on offer isn't very compelling – there's not a ton to draw you back for multiple play sessions – but it is varied and offers a little something for everyone.  This isn't the best VR headset on the market, by far, but it is an easy way to get into VR for Android phone owners. And that, really, could be all you need to know. Read the full review: Google Daydream View (2017) HTC Vive Pro vs HTC Vive: should you upgrade to the high-end headset? This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best Mac 2019: the best Macs to buy this year Posted: 05 Jul 2019 08:49 AM PDT The best Macs are only getting better and better, with the Mac Pro 2019, macOS Catalina and possibly a new Macbook coming later in 2019, not to mention Apple recently rolling out a 15-inch MacBook Pro refresh so that it’s now officially supporting Intel's latest 9th-generation Core processors (CPUs). Shopping around for the best Mac? Amazon Prime Day 2019 might have a great deal for you. Yet, you don’t have to wait for those to hit the street. If you want to get your hands on one of the best Macs now, there’s already quite a few to choose from. Just keep in mind that specs, performance and design mean way more in how they interact with the OS itself than any of them separately. That’s why it’s not really productive to compare a Mac to a Windows 10 computer. The best Macs are incredibly diverse. We don’t know what’s in the cards for future Macs, at least beyond the new Mac Pro, but we’re sure there’s still plenty of life in Apple’s computers. That means that if you don’t have to budget to purchase the latest Macs, as the older models will more than suffice, saving you some cash. In addition, the best Macs cover everything from thin and light notebooks like the 12-inch MacBook to professional workhorses like the iMac Pro. So, it can be tricky choosing the perfect Mac for you.  That’s why we decided to gather all the best Macs we’ve used – iMacs, MacBooks and more – to help you with that important decision. The only Macs that you won’t find here are the ones that we’ve either not been able to review, or just weren’t good enough. Let’s dive in to all the best Macs you can buy right now. While Apple refreshed the MacBook back in 2016, it wasn’t anything to write home about, despite being more attractive than ever before. The controversy hasn’t been forgotten entirely, but the 12-inch MacBook has found its niche as an ultraportable and lightweight laptop. It’s low on ports, but that’s hardly a surprise in a laptop this thin. It can support basically everything under the sun with its Thunderbolt 3 port, anyway. It’s not as powerful as the MacBook Pro, but if you’re looking for a MacBook that’s easy to take with you wherever you go, look no further. Read the full review: Apple MacBook (2017) Mac Mini fans, rejoice! The Mac Mini has finally been overhauled with modern hardware, ushering Apple’s tiniest Mac to the modern age and warranting it a spot in our best Macs list. This tiny thing is packed with 8th-generation desktop processors, a ton of RAM and some of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen – all while keeping the same beloved form factor. It’s a bit pricier this time around, but with the raw speed on offer, we’d have to say it’s worth it. Read the full review: Mac Mini 2018 If you’re looking for the most performance you can get in a MacBook that you can afford, you’ll want to look at the MacBook Pro 15-inch. Now with hexa-core 9th-generation processors and up to 32GB of RAM, you won’t be held back by anything you throw at it – especially now that you can get Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics. With this kind of performance, the MacBook Pro effortlessly takes a lofty spot on our best Macs list.  Read the full review: MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid-2018)  The iMac has long been one of the most affordable ways to get into the macOS ecosystem, and we’re glad that hasn’t changed. Though what has changed, we also appreciate. The new iMac is packed with 8th- and 9th-generation desktop-class processors this time around, letting this elegant all-in-one PC reach that fabled 8-core performance. If you’re looking for an all-in-one Mac, the new 27-inch iMac is one of the best Macs for you, at least if you’re not looking to spend five stacks on the iMac Pro.  Read the full review: iMac (27-inch, 2019) The biggest complaint about the older MacBook Pro was that it was still using Kaby Lake processors, even though its competition had moved ahead. Luckily, the MacBook Pro 2018 changes everything, making it more powerful than ever before. It still has the controversial Butterfly keyboard, but that’s also been improved so that its less noisy and more reliable. It’s easy to recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018 for anyone looking for the best Macs. Read the full review: MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2018)  Whether you’re a professional or a creative, you’ll require something that will be able to tackle any workload you could possibly throw at it. For you, the iMac Pro isn’t just one of the best Macs for you; it’s the only Mac to consider. Not only does it have a vivid 27-inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, but it’s also packing the most powerful hardware Apple could get its hands on. It’s extremely expensive, so it’s really only meant for folks who have deep pockets and are looking for unbridled power to get through professional workloads. If you’re one such consumer, then the iMac Pro is the best Mac for you.  Read the full review: iMac Pro  We’ve been waiting years for a new MacBook Air, and now that it’s here, we can say for sure it’s worth the wait. Thinner, lighter and with a Retina display for the first time, it’s easily the best MacBook Air we’ve ever tested. With 8th-generation processors, more RAM and faster SSDs, the MacBook Air is also has more power than ever. The only thing that would make this better is if it were fitted with full-fat U-series quad core chips, rather than the Y-series dual-core fanless processors. Still, this means that you’re going to easily get all-day battery out of this thing, which makes it one of the best Macs for travel. Read the full review: MacBook Air 2018  Michelle Rae Uy, Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article  Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops 2019 Stay safe online with our pick of the best Mac VPNs This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The best cheap tablets and deals 2019: the top budget options Posted: 05 Jul 2019 08:47 AM PDT If you're looking for the best cheap tablets around, you've come to the right place.  But our best cheap tablets may be about to get even cheaper. How? Well it's Amazon Prime Day from July 15-16, which is a two-day sales event where the online retailer slashes prices across various product categories, including tech. In previous years this has seen discounts to some of our best cheap tablets, with Amazon's own Fire tablets all but guaranteed some form of price drop, and we may see Samsung and Huawei slates also slide. So keep an eye out! Not everyone want's to pay hundreds for a slate, and these top budget tablets are great for web browsing, emails, video streaming and simple gaming. They're great to have as a family device, or purely for the kids with a variety of parental controls available (especially on Amazon's offerings), or for those who want a bigger screen for tasks that are just a little too fiddly to do on a smartphone. The best tablet in the world is the iPad Pro 11, while the best Android tablet is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, but both will set you back a lot of cash. Best budget tablets they are not.  In fact, none of Apple's current fleet of slates manage to dip below the £250 mark we've set for our best budget tablets round up, but if it is iPads you desire check out our best iPad roundup. The most affordable option is the iPad 9.7 which starts at £319. All hope is not lost though, as we've got the list of the best cheap tablets you can buy right now below - but let's make one thing clear. There aren't many to choose from. It's slim pickings for anyone looking to pick up a cheap tablet these days as the market for low-cost slates has somewhat fallen away, but the ones below offer excellent value for money. We're still waiting to see our first budget tablet launch of 2019 as well, which means there aren't any new entries in our round-up just yet - but the ones we do have below are still worth your consideration. Best tablet 2019 | Best iPad | Best Android tablets Image Credit: Lenovo In a sea of slates and smartphones, crafting a device that has enough personality to stand out and enough quality to be worth caring about is a difficult proposition. With the Tab 4 8 Plus, Lenovo has succeeded in producing something with a flavor of its own, and something that makes the mid-range Android tablet market worth attention once again. If you already have an Android device, commute regularly and want something a little nicer than an Amazon tablet, this is the obvious next step. Read the full review: Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus Image Credit: Amazon If you have an Amazon Prime membership and you want a big screen tablet for watching movies and TV, reading, and a spot of gaming, the Fire HD 10 is a great option. If you also have a limited budget, then it’s your best option. It's a great value package for a 10-inch screen tablet. It does have obvious weaknesses, like the plastic design and useless cameras, but they’re understandable in a tablet at this price. Read the full review: Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) Image Credit: Amazon The Amazon HD 8 was rebooted for 2018 with a slightly updated look, better front facing camera and a larger storage option. They are useful upgrades and ensure it remains in our best budget tablet list.  It's no tablet king, but it does what it sets out to well. Its crazy low price tag means it's perfect to hand off to the kids without the fear that they're wielding an expensive bit of kit around. It may be too small for some, and the cameras aren't up to much, but the Fire HD 8 gives you the core tablet experience for not very much outlay, making it a budget tablet worth buying. Read the full review: Amazon Fire HD 8 Image Credit: Amazon If you're in the market for a low cost tablet with up to date specs then the new Amazon Fire HD 8 and HD 10 deliver. They won't bless you with a stunning display, sultry design or slick performance - but they will give you enough grunt under the hood to play even the most demanding of games. The heavily modified Android interface (known as Fire OS) may not be to everyone's liking, but for less tech savvy users it's arguably less cluttered and easier to use. Read the full review: Amazon Fire 7 (2017) Got a bit extra to spend? Here are the best tablets in the world right now This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best laptops under $500: the best budget laptops around Posted: 05 Jul 2019 08:44 AM PDT Are you on the market for best laptop under $500? We get it; times are hard and replacing your aging laptop hardware won’t be easy on your wallet. We put together a list of the best laptops under $500, featuring great quality devices that are worth the plastic and silicon they were printed on. We’ve rounded up the most impressive ones that we’ve tested since 2018, each one worthy of the best laptop under $500 accolade. Our list includes 2-in-1 laptops, cheap Chromebooks and incredibly affordable laptops that will get the job done for minimal impact to your bottom line. Look for best laptop under $500 deals on Amazon Prime Day. Each of the products below scored at least four stars in one of our in-depth reviews, making them worthy of inclusion in a TechRadar buying guide. With that, you can buy the best laptop under $500 for you with confidence as it has been thoroughly tested and critiqued by our expert editors. An economical Surface device has been in demand since the first Surface Pro came out, and the wait is over. Microsoft's Surface Go is not only the best Windows tablet for ultra-mobility, but also among the best budget laptops around. Thin, feathery, mobile and elegant, but without the high cost, Microsoft has packed in everything they could in the best laptop under $500. If you’re a student, or just looking to spend less than a grand on a laptop, the Microsoft Surface Go is a winner for both work and play. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Go The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is plenty pricey, but the Acer Switch 3 is a fine alternative for far less cash, making it the best laptop under $500 for fans of Surface Book 2’s features. This tablet is designed around largely the same idea as the Surface Book 2, even though it's less capable because of its lower-power components. For most tasks, however, it's a plucky little computer. What this 2-in-1 laptop holds over Microsoft's 'Pro' and 'Go' models is that it comes with the keyboard included. Of course, the Acer Switch 3 comes in several configurations, with USB-C, 8GB of memory, an IPS touchscreen and an Intel Core i3 7100U processor coming with the pricier option. Read the full review: Acer Switch 3  One of the best Chromebooks is also an affordable product for anyone looking for the best laptop under $500. It's easy to see how the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 cuts the mustard – while it isn’t the strongest Chromebook out there, it's exactly what people need it to be: budget-friendly, easy to use and able to take a beating. The Dell Inspiron 11 2-in-1 is ready to handle all your web browsing and document editing, and for that it's one of the best cheap laptops, as it won’t shatter from a simple stumble. Read the full review: Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 With a shiny chassis that rivals the most recent MacBook, this gorgeous, 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. Yet, it’s got a few more aces up its sleeves, including its roominess, bright display and fast charging ability. Best of all, it’s the best laptop under $500 (you’ll find one for less than $200, in fact), so budget buyers will love the value. Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15 Got some extra cash? These are the best gaming laptops This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best wireless routers 2019: the best routers for your home network Posted: 05 Jul 2019 08:35 AM PDT Considering that nearly everything we do now is online, having the best wireless router in our homes and offices is essential. After all, we work, play, do business and even socialize online. Getting a top-notch router, then, can make a world of difference to our everyday lives.  See the best wireless routers deals on Amazon Prime Day Whether you’re just watching your favorite programs on Netflix, or you dream of topping the leaderboards in the best PC games, a poor connection wouldn’t do you any good. Before you go and upgrade your Internet service, first consider grabbing one of the best wireless routers, because the fastest Internet service in the world won’t do much good if it’s held back by a less-than-stellar wireless router. That’s why finding one of the best wireless routers for you is important. Having one of the best wireless routers is crucial in 2019, whether you’re looking for an epic gaming router or a top-of-the-line wireless mesh router with tons of coverage. Plus, we should soon start seeing routers with next-gen Wi-Fi 6 capabilities on this list as well.  But, what exactly makes those wireless routers on the market the best? Well, there are a couple things to consider. MU-MIMO, for one, is a priceless feature, since it allows every device in your home to access the Internet without bottlenecking your other devices. This is especially important given the number of connected devices we rely on in our every day. There’s also the speed rating – a rated speed of AC1900 should be more than enough for most users. Keep in mind that while there are hundreds of wireless routers on the market, finding the right one that ticks all the necessary boxes isn’t easy, which is why we’ve gathered all the best wireless routers we’ve tested recently. Whether you’re leaning towards the Google Wifi or seriously considering the TP-Link Archer C5400, you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth, not to mention the right router for your needs. The days of traditional wireless routers is practically over – the age of the wireless mesh routers is here. Google Wifi, alone, is proof that we are in this mesh revolution. You can finally say goodbye to the days when the only way to achieve wireless freedom was to install a bunch of wireless extenders. The premise of Google Wifi is simple – buy a set of points and position them in strategic areas around your home. Then, simply scan a QR code, and you’re good to go. It’s no coincidence that this wireless mesh router that tops our best wireless routers list of 2019, is  also the one that’s easiest to set up and get going. Read the full review: Google Wifi If you’re familiar with Asus, particularly its gaming products, you’ll know what to expect with the Asus RT-AC86U. This wireless router might look like the lovechild of Doritos and Mountain Dew, if they spent a night together in a router manufacturing machine. But inside that garish design is a 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 an affordable price tag, the Asus RT-AC86U is an excellent option. Read the full review: Asus RT-AC86U  When the Netgear Orbi was first released, it completely reshaped the wireless routers scene. Then, in 2019, Netgear unveiled the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23, a more affordable option for casual users who don’t have stately mansion to cover, making it a worthy contender for the best wireless routers. Sure, it has fewer antennae and ethernet ports than its predecessor, but it also offers more than enough to offer 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 fast becoming a standard, more and more people need wireless routers that also moonlight as smart home hubs. This doesn’t only do wonders for convenience, but it also helps in reducing the clutter created by having multiple routers, modems and hubs. The Samsung Connect Home isn’t the most feature-rich wireless router available 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 wireless routers – especially if your home is filled with smart devices. Read the full review: Samsung Connect Home This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Google Wifi.  Are you in the market for one of the best wireless routers of 2019, with a funky 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 an excellent choice for you. It’s not exactly the most modern-looking mesh router. However, it’s unique in that it can bridge consumer and enterprise users by featuring high-end functionality at a reasonable price point and with an easy setup. It’s odd looking, yes; but if you’re looking 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 looking to bring your office’s networking into the modern age with one of the best wireless routers of 2019, then you should seriously 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 pricey side, but if you run a business where you can’t afford anyone slowing down due to poor Wi-Fi, it’s definitely worth every cent. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi Pro The market is now saturated with wireless mesh routers, but it’s hard to complain when the level of coverage these routers offer is beyond anything we’ve seen in the past. With devices like the TP-Link Deco M9, one of the best wireless routers of 2019, we can see how they only keep getting better. By integrating IoT smart home support, on top of industry standard speeds and coverage, the TP-Link Deco M9 is, without a doubt, a fantastic choice for a smart home supporter. Fair warning, it is a little expensive. 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 breaking open the piggy bank? You’re in luck with the affordable D-Link Covr C1203. It’s among the best wireless routers for you, if you’re looking to upgrade and save at the same time. Not only does it offer similar coverage to that of the Google Wifi while being cheaper, but it also looks futuristic in a good way. It’s not quite as fast as 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 wireless routers of 2019. Read the full review: D-Link Covr-C1203  If you’re in the market 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 what you’re looking for. It’s pricier than your standard router, yet it offers users complete control over their network, while still boasting 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 priciest wireless routers on this list. Yet, thanks to its clean, modern look, it should find a dedicated audience without a problem. While aesthetic isn’t high on everyone’s priorities when choosing the best wireless router, it does help encourage users to install and showcase it in central locations, which will help boost the router’s signal. This wireless router touts excellent performance and a stylish design to match, as long as you’re prepared 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 We’ve also picked out the best best wifi extenders of 2019 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The best Android tablets of 2019: which should you buy? Posted: 05 Jul 2019 08:35 AM PDT When it comes to searching for the best Android tablet, there are fewer options compared to a few years ago where Google's operating system was popping up on slates from almost every major manufacturer. The tablet market slowed down since, and those still producing Android tablets have reduced the frequency of launches, but that means quality has improved as new devices are no longer being rushed out. While the selection of new Android tablets isn't as large as it once was, and nowhere near as large as the selection of Android phones, there are still some great ones to choose from. And if you're in the market for an Android tablet bargain you could be in luck, as Amazon is running its annual Prime Day deals period from July 15-16, and we expect to see some Android tablets reduced. In the past Samsung and Amazon Fire tablets have witnessed discounts on Prime Day, so we're hopeful we'll see more of the same in 2019. Android is one of the main rivals to Apple's tablet range which includes the iPad Pro 11 (2018), iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) and iPad (2018). Some Android tablets have 10-inch screens, others seven, some land somewhere in between and a handful even push the boundaries past 10 inches. There are also big differences in battery life, processing power, RAM and even the software each slate is running. And even once you know what specs you're after there are plenty of not so great options, so to help you avoid buying a dud we've put together this list of the best Android tablets around. They cover a range of options and we've included a rundown of the specs, the pros and the cons, so you can see at a glance what's right for you. Check out our other guides: best tablets | best cheap tablets | best iPad Best Android tablets: which should you buy? Image Credit: Samsung The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is the best Android tablet available right now. It's not exactly cheap - although its price has dropped since launch - but it comes packing a whole hosts of features to ensure you're getting plenty of bang for your buck. Unlike Apple's iPad Pro range, the Galaxy Tab S4 comes with Samsung's S Pen stylus included in the box, while under the hood you get the powerful Snapdragon 835 chipset alongside 6GB of RAM ensuring Android runs super-smoothly on screen. That's only half the story though. Pair the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 with a keyboard and mouse and it'll transfer from Android into a desktop-like experience as it attempts to replace your laptop as well as your tablet. The desktop aspect of the tablet is limited, but we fully expect it to improve with future software updates. In short, the Galaxy Tab S4 is the most versatile Android tablet around. Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 review Image Credit: TechRadar Samsung's Galaxy Tab S3 may have been replaced by the Galaxy Tab S4, but it's still a top tablet and one that's now more affordable. This tablet is the second best Android slate in the world thanks to a powerful processor and an excellent display that's prepped to show you HDR content. There's an S-Pen stylus in the box and you'll also have the option of buying a keyboard too, but that will cost you extra. Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 review Image Credit: Asus Nope, that's not an iPad you can see just above. That's the Asus ZenPad 3S 10 - and it's our third favourite Android tablet you're able to buy right now. There's decent power inside this slate as well as a super bright and beautiful display to look at on the front. The battery life and build quality aren't the best on the market, but considering the lower price point than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 and Tab S3 above, we'd recommend picking this up if you're looking for something a touch cheaper. Read our Asus ZenPad 3S 10 review Image Credit: TechRadar The Huawei MediaPad M5 8.4 is a strong Android slate and the combination of its small size and metal shell makes it a real alternative to the new iPad Mini. This has more than just good looks though, as the MediaPad M5 8.4 also has impressive stereo speakers, and coupled with its sharp 1600 x 2560 screen that ensures it lives up to its name as a media machine. It’s less good for gaming, and there’s no 3.5mm headphone port – so you probably will be relying on those internal speakers a lot, but if you want a very portable slate that’s great for movies and music then the Huawei MediaPad M5 8.4 is a top option. Read our Huawei MediaPad M5 8.4 review Image Credit: Lenovo The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro is packed full of media-focused features and sports a unique, distinctive design. There's a built in stand to take the heft off your hands, while the integrated projector means you can enjoy big screen entertainment away from your TV, though the screen is sharp enough that you won't always feel the need to use a projector anyway. All that tech does make it less portable than most tablets on this list and the UI could be better, but it's a fairly unique option. Read our Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro review There are plenty of reasons to invest in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 - especially if you're after one of the best Android tablets on the market but at a cheaper price than the Galaxy Tab S3 above. It's reading and web surfing-friendly, while the new 4:3 screen and general size and shape is better suited for most things. Videos work better on its predecessor thanks to its elongated aspect ratio - but they don't exactly look bad here. You can pick the Tab S2 up in 8-inch and 9.7-inch variants, to challenge Apple's iPad and iPad mini ranges, with the smaller option being more portable and cheaper. Almost impossibly thin, pumped full of power and with a slick version of Samsung's TouchWiz interface on board the Galaxy Tab S2 gives the iPad Pro 9.7 and Pixel C a real run for their money. Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 review Image Credit: Amazon This tablet will be particularly great if you have an Amazon Prime membership because it comes with a huge screen for watching movies and TV as well as reading ebooks. It's a cheap option that still packs such high-end specs including a 10-inch screen, but don't expect it to feature the best features on the market like some of the tablets at the top of the list. Read our Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) review Image Credit: TechRadar The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2018) is among the best of the retail giant's tablets, as while it's in many ways lower end than the similar HD 10, the smaller screen is sharper as a result, and the price is lower. It also delivers surprisingly strong gaming performance, with a decent amount of power for the money. The speakers aren’t great and the cameras are awful, but tablets aren’t for taking photos and you can always use headphones. What you do get is solid if not spectacular performance, and tight integration with Amazon’s other services through Fire OS, all at a price that’s well below most of the non-Amazon branded competition.  You should also note that if you already own the 2016 or 2017 version of this tablet, it won't be worth upgrading to the 2018 version as the differences are minimal. Read our Amazon Fire HD 8 (2018) review Image Credit: TechRadar Tablets don’t get any cheaper than this – well, functional ones don’t anyway. The incredibly low price and sturdy design make the Amazon Fire 7 (2017) a great choice to give to a kid – in fact, Amazon’s even built a (pricier) version specifically for children. But even for a grown audience the Amazon Fire far exceeds expectations, with a fairly bright 7.0-inch screen, acceptable speakers, solid battery life and even reasonable performance, with a snappy interface and the ability to run most games. Fire OS won’t suit everyone and this isn’t a tablet that impresses once you take the price out of the equation, but for what the Amazon Fire costs it would almost be rude not to buy it. Read our Amazon Fire 7 (2017) review Didn't find the right tablet? Check out our other guides on the best tablets, best cheap tablets and best iPad This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2019: the best wireless mesh routers for large homes Posted: 05 Jul 2019 08:30 AM PDT Welcome to our pick of the best wireless mesh routers of 2019. Unlike traditional wireless routers, which are typically single units that sit in one room and broadcast Wi-Fi to the rest of your house, the best wireless mesh routers comprise of a number of units that you can place in strategic locations around your home or office, ensuring that there's strong Wi-Fi signal throughout your space. Using the best wireless mesh routers and placing several nodes in key areas of your home, you’ll get a solid, unified Wi-Fi network no matter where you are. Find out the best wireless mesh routers deals on Amazon Prime Day This is different from the way Wi-Fi extenders work, which only take the Wi-Fi signal from the best wireless routers and repeat it, extending its range. The problem with this approach it requires a separate SSID for the extender, as you’re basically creating a second network. This can be annoying, as your device won't automatically switch to the different network. Also, filling your home up with different Wi-Fi networks can have a negative impact on network performance. The best mesh Wi-Fi routers are easy to set up. Simply connect the main unit to your internet connection. Then with a few button presses, pair up the other units, resulting in one large – not to mention, fast – Wi-Fi network. Bear in mind that the best wireless mesh routers can get expensive, and can require some technical know-how in order to figure out what’s best for your home. Lucky for you though, we’ve got you covered. We went ahead and picked out the best wireless mesh routers that we’ve been fortunate enough to test and review. When we say the Google Wifi isn’t just the best wireless mesh router we’ve ever used, that is not an exaggeration. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that it’s the best wireless router, hands down. Not only does it have the power to push fast Wi-Fi throughout your home – an even more impressive feat considering how small it is – but it’s also affordable and easy to set-up at the same time. Seriously, all you have to do to setup Google Wifi is download an app to your smartphone, scan some QR codes and just place the nodes where you want them to go. It couldn’t be easier – Google has mastered the router game, it’s almost unfair. Read the full review: Google Wifi  If you’ve got the cash for it, then the Netgear Orbi might be one of the best wireless mesh routers you can buy in 2019. Instead of something like the Google Wifi, which uses three identical nodes to setup your network, you’ll get one main router, plus a collection of nodes to plug into power outlets around your house. Additionally, because of the sheer number of Ethernet ports found on the Orbi, it’s an excellent option for anyone who has a lot of devices that need a hardwired connection – not to mention, the best choice for anyone who uses their network primarily for gaming. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi  If you’re looking for a way to spread Wi-Fi throughout your home, saving a few bucks in the process, you’ll want to take a look at the TP-Link Deco M5. It may not be as fast as some of the other Wi-Fi mesh routers on this list, but if you’re not necessarily worried about getting the maximum theoretical throughput – which you likely wouldn’t be able to take full advantage of anyway – it shouldn’t be much of an issue. Setup, much like the other devices here, is a breeze, even if you don’t know anything about tech. The TP-Link Deco M5 might be one of the best wireless mesh routers for anyone who isn’t very tech-savvy. Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M5 If you’re the kind of person who is devoted to Apple’s design philosophy and likes having chic gadgets set up throughout your home, without paying much attention to the price – the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD is right up your alley. You’ll find a lot to love here, especially if you live in a large home and can take advantage of the full power that this mesh Wi-Fi setup offers, as it’s capable of a huge amount of throughput. You might find that the value diminishes quite a bit when you live in a small to medium space however, since there are more cost-effective methods available. And, the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD may be expensive. Still, you’re paying for a piece of tech that has both style and substance – and that is more than enough, making this a great addition to the best wireless mesh routers list. Read the full review: Ubiquiti Amplifi HD Though it’s expensive and not as powerful as the rest of the Wi-Fi mesh routers, there’s something that can be said about the simplicity that the Linksys Velop offers. It may be more expensive than the competition, but the Velop will appeal to people who need to set up a Wi-Fi network without the headache of, well, setting it up. More tech-savvy users probably won’t be interested – why spend the money when you can do the work yourself for free? For most people, though, the Linksys Velop is among the best wireless mesh routers. It’s also fully modular, so you only have to pick up as many nodes as you actually need – one node will cover up to 2,000 square feet. Read the full review: Linksys Velop  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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