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  1. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="0.92">
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  3. <title>PCWorld</title>
  4. <link>https://www.pcworld.com</link>
  5. <description>
  6. PCWorld helps you navigate the PC ecosystem to find the products you want and the advice you need to get the job done.</description>
  7. <lastBuildDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:56:05 +0000</lastBuildDate>
  8. <docs>http://backend.userland.com/rss092</docs>
  9. <copyright>Copyright (c) 2025 FoundryCo, Inc.</copyright>
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  12. <item>
  13. <title>It’s official: Windows 11 26H1 isn’t for you</title>
  14. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Windows-11-logo-Bloom-skewed.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  15. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:56:05 +0000</pubDate>
  17. <description><![CDATA[
  18. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  19. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  20.  
  21.  
  22.  
  23. <p>On Friday, Microsoft released the first build of Windows 11 26H1—and as suspected, <em>you</em> won’t need to worry about it.</p>
  24.  
  25.  
  26.  
  27. <p>Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28000 to the Canary Channel, the most experimental of the four Windows Insider channels. “With this build today, Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel will see the versioning updated under <strong>Settings > System > About</strong> (and <strong>winver</strong>) to Windows 11, version 26H1,” the company said in a <a href="https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/11/07/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-28000-canary-channel/">blog post</a>.</p>
  28.  
  29.  
  30.  
  31. <p>In the announcement, Microsoft was fairly clear that Windows 11 26H1 won’t be something that consumers will have to worry about.</p>
  32.  
  33.  
  34.  
  35. <p>“26H1 is not a feature update for version 25H2 and only includes platform changes to support specific silicon,” the blog post noted. “There is no action required from customers.”</p>
  36.  
  37.  
  38.  
  39. <p>“[Windows 11] 25H2 remains the primary place for new features,” the post added. “Windows 11 continues to have an annual feature update cadence, with releases in the second half of the calendar year.”</p>
  40.  
  41.  
  42.  
  43. <p>Microsoft’s statement is in line with what tipster Phantomofearth <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2956393/your-pc-might-not-run-windows-11s-26h1-update.html">revealed little more than a week ago</a>: that the Windows 11 26H1 release was specifically aimed at new silicon. The leaker claimed that the new silicon in question was the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2917016/next-gen-snapdragon-x2-elite-brings-more-cores-and-juggernaut-ai-to-pcs.html">Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite</a>, which should ship in early 2026. Microsoft basically used the earlier <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2112907/qualcomm-snapdragon-x-elite-chips-promise-major-pc-performance.html">Snapdragon X Elite</a> as a test bed, rolling out new features on that platform first, then adding support for other Copilot+ processors like Intel’s Core Ultra 200 chips and the AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors. </p>
  44.  
  45.  
  46.  
  47. <p>Although Microsoft could adjust course and launch a new feature or two on the Windows 11 26H1 channel, it looks like enthusiasts who want to try out and test new Windows features should remain on Windows 11 25H2 for now. You can double-check which version your PC is on by using the “winget” command within Windows.</p>
  48.  
  49.  
  50.  
  51. <p>Again, the Canary Channel is purely experimental. “The builds we release to the Canary Channel represent the latest platform changes early in the development cycle and should not be seen as matched to any specific release of Windows,” Microsoft noted. “Features and experiences included in these builds may never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. Features may change over time, be removed, or replaced and never get released beyond Windows Insiders. Some of these features and experiences could show up in future Windows releases when they’re ready.”</p>
  52.  
  53. </body></div>
  54. ]]></description>
  55. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965923/its-official-windows-11-26h1-isnt-for-you.html</link>
  56. <category>Windows</category>
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  58. <item>
  59. <title>Best Chromebooks 2025: Top picks for work, school, and more</title>
  60. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/asus-chromebook-516-ge-2.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  61. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
  63. <description><![CDATA[
  64. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  65. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  66.  
  67.  
  68.  
  69. <p>Looking for a good laptop that won’t totally obliterate your budget? A <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1976934/why-you-should-choose-a-chromebook-over-a-laptop.html">Chromebook</a> might be just the thing. They’re usually way cheaper than Windows machines, with some starting around $300. They start up fast, they’re super easy to use, and they handle updates on their own.</p>
  70.  
  71.  
  72.  
  73. <p>And yeah, with services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now, you can even stream big games on certain models. The main thing is grabbing one that nails the basics–runs smooth, feels sturdy, and doesn’t tap out halfway through the day. We’ve tested these picks hands-on, so if it’s on this list, it’s earned its spot.</p>
  74.  
  75.  
  76.  
  77. <p>If you decide that you’d prefer a Windows laptop, check out PCWorld’s roundup of the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/436674/best-pc-laptops.html">best laptops</a> available today.</p>
  78.  
  79.  
  80.  
  81. <div class="wp-block-product-chart product-chart">
  82. <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  83. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  84. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  85. <h2 data-p_name="Asus Chromebook Plus CX34" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="asus-chromebook-plus-cx34-best-overall-chromebook">
  86. Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – Best overall Chromebook </h2>
  87. </div>
  88. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  89. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  90. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  91. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0da34e0"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 - Best overall Chromebook" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/hero.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  92. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  93. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
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  95. </button></figure> </div>
  96. </div>
  98. <div class="product-chart-body">
  99. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  101. <div class="product-chart-column">
  102. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  103. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  104. <li>Zippy processor performance</li>
  105.  
  106.  
  107.  
  108. <li>Nice keyboard</li>
  109.  
  110.  
  111.  
  112. <li>Wide array of connectivity options</li>
  113.  
  114.  
  115.  
  116. <li>Chic design</li>
  117. </ul> </div>
  118. <div class="product-chart-column">
  119. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  120. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  121. <li>Battery life isn’t competitive</li>
  122.  
  123.  
  124.  
  125. <li>Display’s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped</li>
  126. </ul> </div>
  127. </div>
  128. </div>
  129. </div>
  130. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  131. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  132. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  133.  
  134. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  135. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  136. $499 </span>
  137. </div>
  138. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  139. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  140. Best Prices Today: </span>
  141. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  143. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  145. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  146.  
  147. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  148. <div>
  149. <span>Retailer</span>
  150. </div>
  151. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  152. <span>Price</span>
  153. </div>
  154. </div>
  155.  
  156. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  157. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  158. <span>Asus</span>
  159. </div>
  160. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  161. <span>
  162. $399.99 </span>
  163. </div>
  164. <div>
  165. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://shop.asus.com/us/90nx06j1-m006l0-asus-chromebook-plus-cx34-cx3402.html" data-vars-product-name="Asus Chromebook Plus CX34" data-vars-product-id="2643719" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,sku,Asus,Best Buy,Newegg" data-vars-po="amazon,sku" data-product="2643719" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://shop.asus.com/us/90nx06j1-m006l0-asus-chromebook-plus-cx34-cx3402.html" data-vars-product-price="$399.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Asus" aria-label="View deal at Asus for $399.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  166. </div>
  167. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  168. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  169. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-prime-logo.svg" alt="Amazon Prime" loading="lazy" />
  170. </div>
  171. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  172. <span>
  173. $499.99 </span>
  174. </div>
  175. <div>
  176. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDCG4CLM?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vars-product-name="Asus Chromebook Plus CX34" data-vars-product-id="2643719" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,sku,Asus,Best Buy,Newegg" data-vars-po="amazon,sku" data-product="2643719" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDCG4CLM?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vendor-api="prime" data-vars-product-price="$499.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Amazon Prime" aria-label="View deal at Amazon Prime for $499.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  177. </div>
  178. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  179. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  180. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/newegg-logo.svg" alt="Newegg" loading="lazy" />
  181. </div>
  182. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  183. <span>
  184. $529.99 </span>
  185. </div>
  186. <div>
  187. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.newegg.com/asus-14-0/p/2S3-0006-002E0" data-vars-product-name="Asus Chromebook Plus CX34" data-vars-product-id="2643719" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,sku,Asus,Best Buy,Newegg" data-vars-po="amazon,sku" data-product="2643719" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.newegg.com/asus-14-0/p/2S3-0006-002E0" data-vars-product-price="$529.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Newegg" aria-label="View deal at Newegg for $529.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  188. </div>
  189. <div class="price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor">
  190. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  191. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="Amazon" loading="lazy" />
  192. </div>
  193. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  194. <span>
  195. $559.99 </span>
  196. </div>
  197. <div>
  198. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDCG4CLM?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vars-product-name="Asus Chromebook Plus CX34" data-vars-product-id="2643719" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,sku,Asus,Best Buy,Newegg" data-vars-po="amazon,sku" data-product="2643719" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDCG4CLM?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vendor-api="amazon" data-vars-product-price="$559.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Amazon" aria-label="View deal at Amazon for $559.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  199. </div>
  200. <div class="price-comparison__hidden-records-wrapper" data-amp-bind-class="'price-comparison__hidden-records-wrapper ' + ( hiddenrecord0 ? 'price-comparison__hidden-records-wrapper--is-open' : '' )">
  201. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  202. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  203. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/best-buy-logo.png" alt="Best Buy" loading="lazy" />
  204. </div>
  205. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  206. <span>
  207. $599 </span>
  208. </div>
  209. <div>
  210. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/asus-cx34-14-fhd-chromebook-plus-laptop-with-google-ai-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-128gb-ssd-rock-grey/JJGGLQVRLY/sku/6609087" data-vars-product-name="Asus Chromebook Plus CX34" data-vars-product-id="2643719" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,sku,Asus,Best Buy,Newegg" data-vars-po="amazon,sku" data-product="2643719" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/asus-cx34-14-fhd-chromebook-plus-laptop-with-google-ai-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-128gb-ssd-rock-grey/JJGGLQVRLY/sku/6609087" data-vars-product-price="$599" data-vars-product-vendor="Best Buy" aria-label="View deal at Best Buy for $599">View Deal</a> </div>
  211. </div>
  212. <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon">
  213. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  214. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" />
  215. </div>
  216. <div class="price-comparison__price"></div>
  217. <div>
  218. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Asus+Chromebook+Plus+CX34">Check</a> </div>
  219. </div>
  221. </div>
  222. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  223. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  224. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  225. <button class="price-comparison__view-more-button" data-amp-bind-text="hiddenrecord0 ?
  226. 'View fewer prices' :
  227. 'View more prices'">
  228. View more prices </button>
  229. </div>
  230. </div>
  231.  
  232. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  233. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  234. <div>
  235. <span>Product</span>
  236. </div>
  237. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  238. <span>Price</span>
  239. </div>
  240. </div>
  241. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  242. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  243. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  244. </div>
  245. </div>
  246. </div>
  247. </div>
  248. </div>
  249. </div>
  250. <div class="product-content">
  252. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-asus-chromebook-plus-px34">Who should buy the Asus Chromebook Plus PX34?</h3>
  253.  
  254. <p>If you want a Chromebook that can do it all, the Asus Chromebook Plus PX34 is it. The Intel Core i5 keeps everything running smooth–streaming, school work, or juggling a bunch of tabs. And the ports? You’ve got USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack, which means you can kiss the dongle life goodbye.</p>
  255.  
  256. <h3 class="" id="asus-chromebook-plus-px34-further-considerations">Asus Chromebook Plus PX34: Further considerations</h3>
  257.  
  258. <p>It’s not all sunshine, though. The 16:9 screen can feel cramped if you’re used to roomier displays, and while 13 hours of battery life sounds nice on paper, others last longer. Not a deal breaker, but if screen space or all-day power is at the top of your list, you might want to look elsewhere.</p>
  259. </div>
  260. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  261. Read our full
  262. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2642467/asus-chromebook-plus-cx34-review-3.html" target="_blank" score="4.5">
  263. Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 review </a>
  264. </p>
  265. </div>
  266. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-1" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF1"}'>
  267. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  268. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  269. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  270. <h2 data-p_name="Asus Chromebook CX15" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="asus-chromebook-cx15-best-budget-chromebook">
  271. Asus Chromebook CX15 – Best budget Chromebook </h2>
  272. </div>
  273. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  274. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  275. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  276. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0dc3f1b"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus Chromebook CX15 - Best budget Chromebook" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/asus-chromebook-cx15-cx1505cka-2.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  277. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  278. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  279. </svg>
  280. </button></figure> </div>
  281. </div>
  283. <div class="product-chart-body">
  284. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  286. <div class="product-chart-column">
  287. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  288. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  289. <li>Good design with enjoyable keyboard</li>
  290.  
  291.  
  292.  
  293. <li>Sharp 15.6-inch 1080p display</li>
  294.  
  295.  
  296.  
  297. <li>Decent speakers</li>
  298.  
  299.  
  300.  
  301. <li>Extremely inexpensive</li>
  302. </ul> </div>
  303. <div class="product-chart-column">
  304. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  305. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  306. <li>Small touchpad</li>
  307.  
  308.  
  309.  
  310. <li>Slow dual-core processor</li>
  311.  
  312.  
  313.  
  314. <li>4GB RAM often holds it back</li>
  315.  
  316.  
  317.  
  318. <li>Short battery life for a Chromebook</li>
  319. </ul> </div>
  320. </div>
  321. </div>
  322. </div>
  323. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  324. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  325. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  326.  
  327. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  328. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  329. $159 </span>
  330. </div>
  331. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  332. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  333. Best Prices Today: </span>
  334. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  336. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  338. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  339.  
  340. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  341. <div>
  342. <span>Retailer</span>
  343. </div>
  344. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  345. <span>Price</span>
  346. </div>
  347. </div>
  348.  
  349. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  350. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  351. <span>eBay</span>
  352. </div>
  353. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  354. <span>
  355. $159 </span>
  356. </div>
  357. <div>
  358. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/136063572631" data-vars-product-name="Asus Chromebook CX15" data-vars-product-id="2848776" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Walmart,Amazon,eBay" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2848776" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.ebay.com/itm/136063572631" data-vars-product-price="$159" data-vars-product-vendor="eBay" aria-label="View deal at eBay for $159">View Deal</a> </div>
  359. </div>
  360. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  361. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  362. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/walmart-logo.svg" alt="Walmart" loading="lazy" />
  363. </div>
  364. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  365. <span>
  366. $159 </span>
  367. </div>
  368. <div>
  369. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/ASUS-Chromebook-CX1-15-6-FHD-Intel-Celeron-N4500-128GB-eMMC-4GB-RAM-ChromeOS-Fabric-Blue/13737005799" data-vars-product-name="Asus Chromebook CX15" data-vars-product-id="2848776" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Walmart,Amazon,eBay" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2848776" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.walmart.com/ip/ASUS-Chromebook-CX1-15-6-FHD-Intel-Celeron-N4500-128GB-eMMC-4GB-RAM-ChromeOS-Fabric-Blue/13737005799" data-vars-product-price="$159" data-vars-product-vendor="Walmart" aria-label="View deal at Walmart for $159">View Deal</a> </div>
  370. </div>
  371. <div class="price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor">
  372. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  373. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="Amazon" loading="lazy" />
  374. </div>
  375. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  376. <span>
  377. $249 </span>
  378. </div>
  379. <div>
  380. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F113YD2M?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vars-product-name="Asus Chromebook CX15" data-vars-product-id="2848776" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Walmart,Amazon,eBay" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2848776" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F113YD2M?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vendor-api="amazon" data-vars-product-price="$249" data-vars-product-vendor="Amazon" aria-label="View deal at Amazon for $249">View Deal</a> </div>
  381. </div>
  383. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  384. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  385. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  386. </div>
  387. </div>
  388.  
  389. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  390. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  391. <div>
  392. <span>Product</span>
  393. </div>
  394. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  395. <span>Price</span>
  396. </div>
  397. </div>
  398. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  399. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  400. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  401. </div>
  402. </div>
  403. </div>
  404. </div>
  405. </div>
  406. </div>
  407. <div class="product-content">
  409. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-asus-chromebook-cx15">Who should buy the Asus Chromebook CX15?</h3>
  410.  
  411. <p>Need a reliable laptop for under $200? The CX15 is totally worth a look because it’s great for anyone who mostly browses the web and watches YouTube videos. The spacious 15.6-inch 1080p display and roomy keyboard also make it feel more premium than you’d expect at this price point. For daily tasks, it really gets the job done–you can’t say that about too many machines in this range. </p>
  412.  
  413. <h3 class="" id="asus-chromebook-cx15-further-considerations">Asus Chromebook CX15: Further considerations</h3>
  414.  
  415. <p>You’re not going to get blazing fast performance here and that’s entirely OK. The Intel Celeron N4500 processor offers enough pep to get you through lighter workloads, but you may see some lag with heavier multitasking. Battery life is pretty darn good at around 10 hours, though we’ve seen other Chromebooks that last longer. </p>
  416.  
  417. <p>Still, for what you pay, the CX15 is a surprising little machine.</p>
  418. </div>
  419. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  420. Read our full
  421. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2848732/asus-chromebook-cx15-review.html" target="_blank" score="3.5">
  422. Asus Chromebook CX15 review </a>
  423. </p>
  424. </div>
  425. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-2" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF2"}'>
  426. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  427. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  428. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  429. <h2 data-p_name="Lenovo Chromebook Duet (2024)" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="lenovo-chromebook-duet-best-chromebook-for-students">
  430. Lenovo Chromebook Duet – Best Chromebook for students </h2>
  431. </div>
  432. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  433. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  434. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  435. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0de537a"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Lenovo Chromebook Duet - Best Chromebook for students" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/duet-header.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  436. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  437. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  438. </svg>
  439. </button></figure> </div>
  440. </div>
  442. <div class="product-chart-body">
  443. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  445. <div class="product-chart-column">
  446. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  447. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  448. <li>Great value</li>
  449.  
  450.  
  451.  
  452. <li>Flexible form factor</li>
  453.  
  454.  
  455.  
  456. <li>Surprisingly good keyboard</li>
  457.  
  458.  
  459.  
  460. <li>Amazing battery life</li>
  461. </ul> </div>
  462. <div class="product-chart-column">
  463. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  464. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  465. <li>Needs more RAM</li>
  466.  
  467.  
  468.  
  469. <li>Android apps don’t run well </li>
  470.  
  471.  
  472.  
  473. <li>Vertical kickstand reduces horizontal options</li>
  474. </ul> </div>
  475. </div>
  476. </div>
  477. </div>
  478. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  479. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  480. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  481.  
  482. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  483. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  484. $399.99 </span>
  485. </div>
  486. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  487. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  488. Best Prices Today: </span>
  489. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  491. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  493. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  494.  
  495. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  496. <div>
  497. <span>Retailer</span>
  498. </div>
  499. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  500. <span>Price</span>
  501. </div>
  502. </div>
  503.  
  504. <div class="price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor">
  505. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  506. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="Amazon" loading="lazy" />
  507. </div>
  508. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  509. <span>
  510. $246.95 </span>
  511. </div>
  512. <div>
  513. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJH9WBLW?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vars-product-name="Lenovo Chromebook Duet (2024)" data-vars-product-id="2516018" data-vars-category="Chromebooks" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11281" data-vars-manufacturer="Lenovo" data-vars-vendor="amazon,upc,Lenovo online store,Amazon" data-vars-po="amazon,upc" data-product="2516018" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJH9WBLW?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vendor-api="amazon" data-vars-product-price="$246.95" data-vars-product-vendor="Amazon" aria-label="View deal at Amazon for $246.95">View Deal</a> </div>
  514. </div>
  515. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  516. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  517. <span>Lenovo online store</span>
  518. </div>
  519. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  520. <span>
  521. $359 </span>
  522. </div>
  523. <div>
  524. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo-edu-chromebooks/lenovo-chromebook-duet-gen-9-11-inch-mediatek/len101l0047" data-vars-product-name="Lenovo Chromebook Duet (2024)" data-vars-product-id="2516018" data-vars-category="Chromebooks" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11281" data-vars-manufacturer="Lenovo" data-vars-vendor="amazon,upc,Lenovo online store,Amazon" data-vars-po="amazon,upc" data-product="2516018" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo-edu-chromebooks/lenovo-chromebook-duet-gen-9-11-inch-mediatek/len101l0047" data-vars-product-price="$359" data-vars-product-vendor="Lenovo online store" aria-label="View deal at Lenovo online store for $359">View Deal</a> </div>
  525. </div>
  527. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  528. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  529. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  530. </div>
  531. </div>
  532.  
  533. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  534. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  535. <div>
  536. <span>Product</span>
  537. </div>
  538. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  539. <span>Price</span>
  540. </div>
  541. </div>
  542. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  543. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  544. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  545. </div>
  546. </div>
  547. </div>
  548. </div>
  549. </div>
  550. </div>
  551. <div class="product-content">
  553. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-lenovo-chromebook-duet">Who should buy the Lenovo Chromebook Duet?</h3>
  554.  
  555. <p>Students, commuters, or anyone who wants something light, cheap, and lasts all day, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is the one to pick. The Duet weighs just over two pounds <em>with</em> the keyboard and kickstand, so it slides into a bag like it’s nothing. </p>
  556.  
  557. <p>Battery life? You’re easily getting 12–13 hours, which means no hunting for outlets between classes or meetings. The 2-in-1 setup is nice, too. Type when you need to, flip it around, and chill with Netflix or YouTube when you don’t.</p>
  558.  
  559. <h3 class="" id="lenovo-chromebook-duet-further-considerations">Lenovo Chromebook Duet: Further considerations</h3>
  560.  
  561. <p>This isn’t a machine for power users. It’s not built for ten open tabs and a Zoom call. But for notes, docs, emails, and streaming? It’s smooth. The keyboard’s better than you’d expect, flat but comfy, and the screen, while only 10.1 inches, keeps distractions at bay.</p>
  562. </div>
  563. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  564. Read our full
  565. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2514710/lenovo-chromebook-duet-review-2.html" target="_blank" score="4">
  566. Lenovo Chromebook Duet (2024) review </a>
  567. </p>
  568. </div>
  569. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-3" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF3"}'>
  570. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  571. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  572. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  573. <h2 data-p_name="Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="acer-chromebook-plus-spin-514-best-high-end-chromebook">
  574. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 – Best high-end Chromebook </h2>
  575. </div>
  576. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  577. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  578. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  579. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0e119b0"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 - Best high-end Chromebook" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Untitled-design-65.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  580. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  581. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  582. </svg>
  583. </button></figure> </div>
  584. </div>
  586. <div class="product-chart-body">
  587. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  589. <div class="product-chart-column">
  590. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  591. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  592. <li>Good multitasking performance</li>
  593.  
  594.  
  595.  
  596. <li>Beautiful display</li>
  597.  
  598.  
  599.  
  600. <li>Punchy speakers</li>
  601. </ul> </div>
  602. <div class="product-chart-column">
  603. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  604. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  605. <li>Keyboard took some getting used to</li>
  606.  
  607.  
  608.  
  609. <li>AI stuff still feels unnecessary</li>
  610. </ul> </div>
  611. </div>
  612. </div>
  613. </div>
  614. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  615. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  616. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  617.  
  618. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  619. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  620. $699.99 </span>
  621. </div>
  622. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  623. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  624. Best Prices Today: </span>
  625. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  627. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  629. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  630.  
  631. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  632. <div>
  633. <span>Retailer</span>
  634. </div>
  635. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  636. <span>Price</span>
  637. </div>
  638. </div>
  639.  
  640. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  641. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  642. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/best-buy-logo.png" alt="Best Buy" loading="lazy" />
  643. </div>
  644. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  645. <span>
  646. $699 </span>
  647. </div>
  648. <div>
  649. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/acer-chromebook-plus-spin-514-14-wuxga-touch-laptop-with-google-ai-mediatek-kompanio-ultra-12gb-ram-ufs-256gb-wi-fi-7-platinum-silver/JJ8V8HG3JS" data-vars-product-name="Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514" data-vars-product-id="2895225" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="9925" data-vars-manufacturer="Acer" data-vars-vendor="Acer,Best Buy" data-product="2895225" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/acer-chromebook-plus-spin-514-14-wuxga-touch-laptop-with-google-ai-mediatek-kompanio-ultra-12gb-ram-ufs-256gb-wi-fi-7-platinum-silver/JJ8V8HG3JS" data-vars-product-price="$699" data-vars-product-vendor="Best Buy" aria-label="View deal at Best Buy for $699">View Deal</a> </div>
  650. </div>
  651. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  652. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  653. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/acer-logo.svg" alt="Acer" loading="lazy" />
  654. </div>
  655. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  656. <span>
  657. $799.99 </span>
  658. </div>
  659. <div>
  660. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://store.acer.com/en-us/acer-chromebook-plus-spin-514-cp514-5hn-k4ze" data-vars-product-name="Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514" data-vars-product-id="2895225" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="9925" data-vars-manufacturer="Acer" data-vars-vendor="Acer,Best Buy" data-product="2895225" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://store.acer.com/en-us/acer-chromebook-plus-spin-514-cp514-5hn-k4ze" data-vars-product-price="$799.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Acer" aria-label="View deal at Acer for $799.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  661. </div>
  662. <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon">
  663. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  664. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" />
  665. </div>
  666. <div class="price-comparison__price"></div>
  667. <div>
  668. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Acer+Chromebook+Plus+Spin+514">Check</a> </div>
  669. </div>
  671. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  672. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  673. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  674. </div>
  675. </div>
  676.  
  677. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  678. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  679. <div>
  680. <span>Product</span>
  681. </div>
  682. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  683. <span>Price</span>
  684. </div>
  685. </div>
  686. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  687. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  688. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  689. </div>
  690. </div>
  691. </div>
  692. </div>
  693. </div>
  694. </div>
  695. <div class="product-content">
  697. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-acer-chromebook-plus-spin-514">Who should buy the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514?</h3>
  698.  
  699. <p>If you want a Chromebook that actually feels like a step-up from the entry-level fare and don’t mind flipping it into tablet or tent mode sometimes, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is a good one. The 14-inch 1200p screen is smooth at 120Hz, and at about three pounds, it’s light enough to carry around without feeling like a brick.</p>
  700.  
  701. <p>Inside it’s packing the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 chip, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage. It handles a bunch of tabs, schoolwork, YouTube, whatever. Wi-Fi 7 also means it won’t choke on downloads, the webcam is decent enough for the occasional Zoom call, and battery life is around 15 hours.</p>
  702.  
  703. <h3 class="" id="acer-chromebook-plus-spin-514-further-considerations">Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Further considerations</h3>
  704.  
  705. <p>The keyboard’s a bit weird at first (it sits a bit higher than most people are used to). That’s about it—otherwise, it’s fast, flexible, and just feels way nicer than most midrange Chromebooks.</p>
  706. </div>
  707. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  708. Read our full
  709. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2895219/acer-chromebook-plus-spin-514-review-2.html" target="_blank" score="4.5">
  710. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 review </a>
  711. </p>
  712. </div>
  713. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-4" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF4"}'>
  714. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  715. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  716. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  717. <h2 data-p_name="Acer Chromebook 516 GE" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="acer-chromebook-516-ge-best-chromebook-for-cloud-gaming">
  718. Acer Chromebook 516 GE – Best Chromebook for cloud gaming </h2>
  719. </div>
  720. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  721. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  722. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  723. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0e1a71b"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Acer Chromebook 516 GE - Best Chromebook for cloud gaming" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/asus-chromebook-516-ge-2-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  724. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  725. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  726. </svg>
  727. </button></figure> </div>
  728. </div>
  730. <div class="product-chart-body">
  731. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  733. <div class="product-chart-column">
  734. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  735. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  736. <li>Attractive design</li>
  737.  
  738.  
  739.  
  740. <li>Excellent CPU performance</li>
  741.  
  742.  
  743.  
  744. <li>Loads of wired and wireless connectivity</li>
  745.  
  746.  
  747.  
  748. <li>High-resolution 1600p display</li>
  749. </ul> </div>
  750. <div class="product-chart-column">
  751. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  752. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  753. <li>Mediocre keyboard and touchpad</li>
  754.  
  755.  
  756.  
  757. <li>Disappointing speakers and microphone</li>
  758.  
  759.  
  760.  
  761. <li>Display lacks contrast and color vibrancy</li>
  762. </ul> </div>
  763. </div>
  764. </div>
  765. </div>
  766. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  767. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  768. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  769.  
  770. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  771. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  772. $649.99 </span>
  773. </div>
  774. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  775. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  776. Best Prices Today: </span>
  777. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  779. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  781. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  782.  
  783. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  784. <div>
  785. <span>Retailer</span>
  786. </div>
  787. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  788. <span>Price</span>
  789. </div>
  790. </div>
  791.  
  792. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  793. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  794. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/best-buy-logo.png" alt="Best Buy" loading="lazy" />
  795. </div>
  796. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  797. <span>
  798. $649 </span>
  799. </div>
  800. <div>
  801. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-chromebook-plus-516-ge-cloud-gaming-laptop-with-google-ai-16-2560x1600-120hz-intel-core-5-120u-8gb-ram-256gb-ssd-obsidian-black/6576961.p?skuId=6576961&extStoreId=873&utm_source=feed&ref=212&loc=17931407033&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17931407951&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIgmLMitdtzbTe6J5LszNC-ix&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5vG74rfdjQMVUQetBh3P9TmPEAQYASABEgIUOfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" data-vars-product-name="Acer Chromebook 516 GE" data-vars-product-id="2290663" data-vars-category="Laptops" data-vars-manufacturer-id="9925" data-vars-manufacturer="Acer" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Best Buy" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2290663" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-chromebook-plus-516-ge-cloud-gaming-laptop-with-google-ai-16-2560x1600-120hz-intel-core-5-120u-8gb-ram-256gb-ssd-obsidian-black/6576961.p?skuId=6576961&extStoreId=873&utm_source=feed&ref=212&loc=17931407033&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17931407951&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIgmLMitdtzbTe6J5LszNC-ix&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5vG74rfdjQMVUQetBh3P9TmPEAQYASABEgIUOfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" data-vars-product-price="$649" data-vars-product-vendor="Best Buy" aria-label="View deal at Best Buy for $649">View Deal</a> </div>
  802. </div>
  803. <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon">
  804. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  805. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" />
  806. </div>
  807. <div class="price-comparison__price"></div>
  808. <div>
  809. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Acer+Chromebook+516+GE">Check</a> </div>
  810. </div>
  812. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  813. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  814. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  815. </div>
  816. </div>
  817.  
  818. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  819. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  820. <div>
  821. <span>Product</span>
  822. </div>
  823. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  824. <span>Price</span>
  825. </div>
  826. </div>
  827. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  828. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  829. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  830. </div>
  831. </div>
  832. </div>
  833. </div>
  834. </div>
  835. </div>
  836. <div class="product-content">
  838. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-acer-chromebook-516-ge">Who should buy the Acer Chromebook 516 GE?</h3>
  839.  
  840. <p>If you’re all-in on cloud gaming and want a Chromebook that can actually keep up, the 516 GE is built for you. It’s packing an Intel Core i5, a super smooth 120Hz screen, and it flies with GeForce Now and Amazon Luna. We played on it and the gameplay was crisp and lag-free. That Ethernet port? An excellent move for stable, low-latency sessions.</p>
  841.  
  842. <h3 class="" id="acer-chromebook-516-ge-further-considerations">Acer Chromebook 516 GE: Further considerations</h3>
  843.  
  844. <p>No local game installs here; this thing lives in the cloud. If your internet sucks, it’s not going to be fun. But if your connection is solid, you’re golden. You’re also getting a sharp 1080p webcam, solid battery (around 65 watt-hours), and a slick design. Price-wise, it’s not cheap at around $650, but if you want a Chromebook built for gaming and not just Google Docs, it earns its keep.</p>
  845. </div>
  846. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  847. Read our full
  848. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2290468/acer-chromebook-516-ge-review.html" target="_blank" score="4">
  849. Acer Chromebook 516 GE review </a>
  850. </p>
  851. </div>
  852. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-5" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF5"}'>
  853. </div> </div>
  854.  
  856.  
  857.  
  858. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="other-notable-chromebooks-weve-tested">Other notable Chromebooks we’ve tested</h2>
  859.  
  860.  
  861.  
  862. <p>These Chromebooks didn’t crack our top picks list, but they’re still worth a look.</p>
  863.  
  864.  
  865.  
  866. <p>The <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2606587/acer-chromebook-spin-312-review.html">Acer Chromebook Spin 315</a> is comfy to type on and handles the basics just fine, though the big bezels and limited charging options hold it back. Then there’s the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2491948/samsung-galaxy-chromebook-plus-review.html">Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus</a>, which is super sleek and light at just 2.58 pounds and under half an inch thick.</p>
  867.  
  868.  
  869.  
  870. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box">
  871. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-we-test-chromebooks">How we test Chromebooks</h2>
  872.  
  873.  
  874.  
  875. <p>The PCWorld team puts each and every laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Due to the cloud-based nature of Chromebooks, they go through a series of web-based tests. It wouldn’t be fair or possible to run the same kinds of tests on a Chromebook as we use on laptops because they exclusively run a completely different operating system.</p>
  876.  
  877.  
  878.  
  879. <p>For a more thorough explanation of our testing procedures, check out <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2236466/how-we-test-laptops-pcworld.html">how PCWorld tests laptops</a>.</p>
  880.  
  881.  
  882.  
  883. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="why-you-should-trust-pcworld-for-laptop-reviews-and-buying-advice">Why you should trust PCWorld for laptop reviews and buying advice</h2>
  884.  
  885.  
  886.  
  887. <p>It’s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We’re also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.</p>
  888.  
  889.  
  890.  
  891. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="who-curated-this-article">Who curated this article?</h2>
  892.  
  893.  
  894.  
  895. <p>Hi, I’m <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/author/abiancuzzo">Ashley Biancuzzo</a>, and I oversee all laptop and Chromebook coverage at PCWorld. While you’ll see me review Chromebooks on occasion, I’m also really into the broader world of consumer tech. I spend a lot of time writing and thinking about where laptops are headed–from AI and sustainable designs to long-term trends. When I’m not deep in the world of tech, you’ll probably find me gaming, getting lost in a good book, or chilling with my rescue greyhound, Allen.</p>
  896. </div>
  897.  
  898.  
  899.  
  900. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-choose-the-best-chromebook">How to choose the best Chromebook</h2>
  901.  
  902.  
  903.  
  904. <p>If you want something like a Windows or MacBook but cheaper, check out a Chromebook. Just keep in mind they’ve got some limits. They’re good for simple, everyday stuff but they don’t have a lot of RAM or storage, so they’re not equipped to handle more resource-intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. </p>
  905.  
  906.  
  907.  
  908. <p>We’ve got a <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/402141/chromebooks-versus-windows-laptops-which-should-you-buy.html">guide that compares Chromebooks and Windows laptops</a> if you want to figure out what’s best for you.</p>
  909.  
  910.  
  911.  
  912. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="key-chromebook-features-to-consider">Key Chromebook features to consider</h2>
  913.  
  914.  
  915.  
  916. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="operating-system">Operating system</h3>
  917.  
  918.  
  919.  
  920. <p>Chromebooks only run Chrome OS, which is pretty easy to use. You can’t put Windows or macOS on them — you’re stuck with Google’s setup.</p>
  921.  
  922.  
  923.  
  924. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="processor">Processor </h3>
  925.  
  926.  
  927.  
  928. <p>Shoot for a mid-range Chromebook if you can. They cost anywhere in the $400 to $600 range and many of them come equipped with Intel Pentium, Intel Core i3, or AMD Ryzen 3 processors. These Chromebooks run the browser smoother. They’re the best deal for the price. The fancier ones sometimes come with Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 chips, which are way more powerful.</p>
  929.  
  930.  
  931.  
  932. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="ram">RAM</h3>
  933.  
  934.  
  935.  
  936. <p>Lots of Chromebooks come with just 4GB of RAM, which isn’t much. Since they’re all about the web, you need enough RAM to keep your tabs from lagging. If you can drop a bit more cash, you can grab a mid-range Chromebook with 8GB, which runs way smoother.</p>
  937.  
  938.  
  939.  
  940. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-block faq-block"><h2 class="faq-block-title" id="faq"> FAQ </h2><hr class="block-horizotal-divider">
  941. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">1.</span>
  942. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-chromebook">What is the best Chromebook?</h3>
  943.  
  944.  
  945.  
  946. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip">
  947. <p>PCWorld thinks the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2642467/asus-chromebook-plus-cx34-review-3.html">Asus Chromebook Plus CX34</a> is the best all-around Chromebook. It’s got a solid Intel Core i5 processor, lots of ports, and handles everyday stuff really well. Basically, it’s a great pick if you want a reliable Chromebook without breaking the bank.</p>
  948. </div>
  949. </div></div>
  950.  
  951.  
  952.  
  953. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">2.</span>
  954. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-cheap-chromebook">What is the best cheap Chromebook?</h3>
  955.  
  956.  
  957.  
  958. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip">
  959. <p>PCWorld calls the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2007550/lenovo-ideapad-slim-3-chromebook-review.html">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook</a> the best cheap pick. It’s lightweight and has solid battery life, so it’s good if you’re on a budget. Just remember, 4GB RAM means it’s not great for running lots of stuff at once.</p>
  960. </div>
  961. </div></div>
  962.  
  963.  
  964.  
  965. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">3.</span>
  966. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-chromebook-for-gaming">What is the best Chromebook for gaming?</h3>
  967.  
  968.  
  969.  
  970. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip">
  971. <p>The <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2348679/acer-chromebook-plus-516-ge-review.html">Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE</a> is the best Chromebook for gaming. It’s got a big 16-inch 120Hz screen, handles cloud gaming pretty well, and has an Ethernet port for steady internet, which you need for stuff like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming.</p>
  972. </div>
  973. </div></div>
  974.  
  975.  
  976.  
  977. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">4.</span>
  978. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="whats-the-difference-between-a-chromebook-and-a-laptop">What’s the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?</h3>
  979.  
  980.  
  981.  
  982. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip">
  983. <p>A Chromebook’s just a laptop that runs Google’s Chrome OS instead of Windows or Mac. It’s mostly for web stuff like Google Drive and YouTube. Regular laptops are more powerful and can handle pretty much anything.</p>
  984. </div>
  985. </div></div>
  986.  
  987.  
  988.  
  989. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">5.</span>
  990. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-a-chromebook">What is a Chromebook?</h3>
  991.  
  992.  
  993.  
  994. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip">
  995. <p>A Chromebook is a laptop that runs Google’s Chrome OS. </p>
  996. </div>
  997. </div></div>
  998. </div>
  999.  
  1000.  
  1001.  
  1002. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box">
  1003. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="related-content">Related content</h2>
  1004.  
  1005.  
  1006.  
  1007. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1008. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2500763/i-switched-from-windows-pcs-to-chromebooks-and-havent-looked-back.html">I switched from Windows PCs to Chromebooks and haven’t looked back</a></li>
  1009.  
  1010.  
  1011.  
  1012. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1976934/why-you-should-choose-a-chromebook-over-a-laptop.html">9 reasons why you should buy a Chromebook over a laptop</a></li>
  1013.  
  1014.  
  1015.  
  1016. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2586664/a-beginners-guide-to-using-a-chromebook.html">A beginner’s guide to using a Chromebook</a></li>
  1017.  
  1018.  
  1019.  
  1020. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2428266/are-chromebooks-good-for-gaming.html">Are Chromebooks good for gaming? No… but actually also yes</a></li>
  1021.  
  1022.  
  1023.  
  1024. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2431804/can-chromebooks-get-viruses-its-complicated.html">Can Chromebooks get viruses? It’s complicated</a></li>
  1025.  
  1026.  
  1027.  
  1028. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2823358/lenovos-new-chromebook-has-exclusive-ai-powers.html">Lenovo’s new Chromebook has exclusive AI powers</a></li>
  1029.  
  1030.  
  1031.  
  1032. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2766598/im-a-chromebook-power-user-i-swear-by-these-9-productivity-tips.html">I’m a Chromebook power user. I swear by these 9 productivity tips</a></li>
  1033.  
  1034.  
  1035.  
  1036. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2592524/7-chromebook-features-that-make-google-laptops-ultra-secure.html">7 Chromebook features that make Google laptops ultra-secure</a></li>
  1037. </ul>
  1038. </div>
  1039.  
  1040. </body></div>
  1041. ]]></description>
  1042. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/608636/best-chromebooks.html</link>
  1043. <category>Laptops</category>
  1044. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">608636</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">608636</post-id> </item>
  1045. <item>
  1046. <title>Microsoft is removing one of the best features of Phone Link</title>
  1047. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Photos-in-Windows-Phone-Link.png" length="0" type="image/png" />
  1048. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:46:34 +0000</pubDate>
  1050. <description><![CDATA[
  1051. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  1052. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  1053.  
  1054.  
  1055.  
  1056. <p>One of Microsoft’s unexpected success stories on the PC is Phone Link, the way in which you can monitor and use your Android phone while working on your PC. So it’s a shame that Microsoft is fracturing the app when it probably doesn’t need to.</p>
  1057.  
  1058.  
  1059.  
  1060. <p>Microsoft is removing the Photos portion of Phone Link and handing it back to File Explorer. Is this a big deal? Yes and no.</p>
  1061.  
  1062.  
  1063.  
  1064. <p>Windows Central and Windows Latest noticed the change Friday morning, but it has appeared on my Phone Link app, too: A notification that Phone Link is going away, and that you can now access your phone’s photos via the standard File Explorer application.</p>
  1065.  
  1066.  
  1067.  
  1068. <p><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/628261/microsoft-is-updating-your-phone-and-calling-it-phone-link.html">Phone Link</a>, once called the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/398215/how-to-use-windows-your-phone-app-to-connect-your-phone-to-your-pc.html">Your Phone app </a>on a Windows PC, is now a cohesive experience within Windows for both Android phones and <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2592330/windows-is-finally-tying-iphones-closer-with-new-ui-file-sharing.html">Apple iPhones (well, kind of</a>.) A recent <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2774531/windows-11-new-start-menu-adds-a-nifty-phone-companion-panel.html">change to the Windows Start menu places a “phone companion” menu</a> on the page, which is basically a subset and a shortcut to Phone Link. Phone Link puts all of your SMS messages, phone calls, photos, and Android apps on a single page, and can even navigate through the phone screen itself. Yes, mobile messaging has quietly migrated to iMessage and various Android apps like WhatsApp, but it’s still a unified vision of what’s taking place on your phone.</p>
  1069.  
  1070.  
  1071.  
  1072. <p>And that’s handy, both for you and for Microsoft. I’ve used Phone Link’s Photos feature when my phone hasn’t quite synced with OneDrive and the Windows Photos app, when I need a photo from my phone to illustrate a story. I’ll still use Photos and even OneDrive to hunt down photos from years ago, but the fact that I can see the key features of my phone right on the display that I’m working on is quite handy. And let’s face it: File Explorer is a bit clunky in the best of times.</p>
  1073.  
  1074.  
  1075.  
  1076. <p>The one feature that I don’t see in Phone Link that I see elsewhere on the PC is support for video, which is becoming more of a feature in our daily lives as people record short snippets of what they see around them. For that, I suppose it’s worth visiting File Explorer or the Windows Photos app, which remains my choice for archived photos and video.</p>
  1077.  
  1078.  
  1079.  
  1080. <p>It does, however, feel (again) like Microsoft is making changes that no one asked for. Isn’t there a better way?</p>
  1081.  
  1082.  
  1083.  
  1084. <p></p>
  1085.  
  1086. </body></div>
  1087. ]]></description>
  1088. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965868/microsoft-is-removing-one-of-the-best-features-of-phone-link.html</link>
  1089. <category>Windows</category>
  1090. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965868</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965868</post-id> </item>
  1091. <item>
  1092. <title>Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera review: Big coverage, less than $50</title>
  1093. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Arlo-Essentials-Indoor-3.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  1094. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1096. <description><![CDATA[
  1097. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  1098. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  1099.  
  1100.  
  1101. <div id="review-body" class="review"><h4 class="review-title" id="at-a-glance">At a glance</h4><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="experts-rating">Expert's Rating</h3><div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4;" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4 out of 5." role="img"></div>
  1102. <div><div class="review-columns">
  1103. <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  1104. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1105. <li>Affordably priced</li>
  1106.  
  1107.  
  1108.  
  1109. <li>360-degree pan and 180-degree tilt will cover an entire room</li>
  1110.  
  1111.  
  1112.  
  1113. <li>Smooth and reliable motion tracking</li>
  1114. </ul>
  1115. </div>
  1116.  
  1117.  
  1118.  
  1119. <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  1120. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1121. <li>Requires continuous power (no battery option)</li>
  1122.  
  1123.  
  1124.  
  1125. <li>Smart features locked behind an Arlo Secure subscription</li>
  1126. </ul>
  1127. </div>
  1128.  
  1129.  
  1130.  
  1131. <h3 class="review-subTitle review-subTitle--borderTop " id="our-verdict">Our Verdict </h3>
  1132. <p>A strong budget buy for pet and child monitoring, the Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera offers wide coverage and solid performance at a price that makes this 2K model an easy pick.</p>
  1133.  
  1134.  
  1135.  
  1136.  
  1137.  
  1138. <p>Price When Reviewed</p>
  1139. <p>This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined</p>
  1140.  
  1141.  
  1142.  
  1143.  
  1144. <p>Best Pricing Today</p>
  1145.  
  1146.  
  1147.  
  1148. </div></div>
  1149. </div><h3 class="review-price" id="price-when-reviewed">Price When Reviewed</h3><p>$49.99</p>
  1150. <h3 class="review-best-price" id="best-prices-today-arlo-essential-pan-tilt-indoor-model-vmc3073-100nas">
  1151. Best Prices Today: Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor (model VMC3073-100NAS) </h3>
  1152. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  1154. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  1155.  
  1156. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  1157. <div>
  1158. <span>Retailer</span>
  1159. </div>
  1160. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1161. <span>Price</span>
  1162. </div>
  1163. </div>
  1164.  
  1165. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1166. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1167. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/walmart-logo.svg" alt="Walmart" loading="lazy" />
  1168. </div>
  1169. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1170. <span>
  1171. $39.99 </span>
  1172. </div>
  1173. <div>
  1174. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arlo-Essential-Indoor-Pan-Tilt-Zoom-Camera-3rd-Gen-Wired-Security-Camera-1-Cam-White-VMC3073-100NAS/17862866763" data-vars-product-name="Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor (model VMC3073-100NAS)" data-vars-product-id="2947691" data-vars-category="Security Cameras" data-vars-manufacturer-id="16659" data-vars-manufacturer="Arlo" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Arlo" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2947691" data-vars-link-position-id="001" data-vars-link-position="Price Comparison Top" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arlo-Essential-Indoor-Pan-Tilt-Zoom-Camera-3rd-Gen-Wired-Security-Camera-1-Cam-White-VMC3073-100NAS/17862866763" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$39.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Walmart" aria-label="View deal at Walmart for $39.99" target="_blank">View Deal</a> </div>
  1175. </div>
  1176. <div class="price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor">
  1177. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1178. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="Amazon" loading="lazy" />
  1179. </div>
  1180. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1181. <span>
  1182. $49.99 </span>
  1183. </div>
  1184. <div>
  1185. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLLM4GBC?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vars-product-name="Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor (model VMC3073-100NAS)" data-vars-product-id="2947691" data-vars-category="Security Cameras" data-vars-manufacturer-id="16659" data-vars-manufacturer="Arlo" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Arlo" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2947691" data-vars-link-position-id="001" data-vars-link-position="Price Comparison Top" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLLM4GBC?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vendor-api="amazon" data-vars-product-price="$49.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Amazon" aria-label="View deal at Amazon for $49.99" target="_blank">View Deal</a> </div>
  1186. </div>
  1187. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1188. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1189. <span>Arlo</span>
  1190. </div>
  1191. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1192. <span>
  1193. $49.99 </span>
  1194. </div>
  1195. <div>
  1196. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://us.arlo.com/products/arlo-essential-pan-tilt-indoor?variant=51299239330111" data-vars-product-name="Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor (model VMC3073-100NAS)" data-vars-product-id="2947691" data-vars-category="Security Cameras" data-vars-manufacturer-id="16659" data-vars-manufacturer="Arlo" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Arlo" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2947691" data-vars-link-position-id="001" data-vars-link-position="Price Comparison Top" data-vars-outbound-link="https://us.arlo.com/products/arlo-essential-pan-tilt-indoor?variant=51299239330111" data-vars-product-price="$49.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Arlo" aria-label="View deal at Arlo for $49.99" target="_blank">View Deal</a> </div>
  1197. </div>
  1198. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1199. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1200. <img decoding="async" src="https://squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/15666_84cc59b4cadf55bab88fdce4fc4e0cf9.png" alt="Home Depot" loading="lazy" />
  1201. </div>
  1202. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1203. <span>
  1204. $49.99 </span>
  1205. </div>
  1206. <div>
  1207. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Arlo-Essential-Plug-in-Indoor-Pan-and-Tilt-Security-Camera-2K-3rd-Gen-with-Dual-Band-Wi-Fi-Automatic-Motion-Tracking-White-VMC3073-100NAS/338505412" data-vars-product-name="Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor (model VMC3073-100NAS)" data-vars-product-id="2947691" data-vars-category="Security Cameras" data-vars-manufacturer-id="16659" data-vars-manufacturer="Arlo" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Arlo" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2947691" data-vars-link-position-id="001" data-vars-link-position="Price Comparison Top" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Arlo-Essential-Plug-in-Indoor-Pan-and-Tilt-Security-Camera-2K-3rd-Gen-with-Dual-Band-Wi-Fi-Automatic-Motion-Tracking-White-VMC3073-100NAS/338505412" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$49.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Home Depot" aria-label="View deal at Home Depot for $49.99" target="_blank">View Deal</a> </div>
  1208. </div>
  1210. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  1211. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  1212. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  1213. </div>
  1214. </div>
  1215.  
  1216. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  1217. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  1218. <div>
  1219. <span>Product</span>
  1220. </div>
  1221. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1222. <span>Price</span>
  1223. </div>
  1224. </div>
  1225. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  1226. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  1227. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  1228. </div>
  1229. </div>
  1230. </div>
  1231. <div class="review-software-price">
  1232. <div class="software-product-chart-main">
  1233. <div class="software-product-chart-pricing">
  1234. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details">
  1235. <div class="software-product-chart-pricing">
  1236. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--links-wrapper">
  1237. <span class="not-amp">
  1238. <div class="software-product-chart-buttons "><div class="item-pricing-details"></div></div> </span>
  1239. </span>
  1240. </div>
  1241. </div>
  1242. </div>
  1243. </div>
  1244. </div>
  1246.  
  1247.  
  1248. <p>The Arlo Essential line of home security cameras is meant to make the company’s tech more accessible, with budget-friendly cameras that are simple to install but still deliver the features most people actually use. The lineup already covers indoor, outdoor, and battery-powered models, and now there are pan-and-tilt options.</p>
  1249.  
  1250.  
  1251.  
  1252. <p>The Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera is the newest member of that family, slotting in as an affordable way to get full-room coverage without stepping up to Arlo’s pricier Pro or Ultra gear. Note that this is an indoor-only camera; we <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2931465/arlo-essential-pan-tilt-security-camera-review.html">reviewed the indoor/outdoor Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Camera</a> on October 17. (<em>Editor’s note: Yes, the very subtle difference in product names confuses us, too, which is why we also include the full product SKU above.</em>)</p>
  1253.  
  1254.  
  1255.  
  1256. <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="design-and-features">Design and features</h2>
  1257.  
  1258.  
  1259.  
  1260. <p>The Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera has a small, unassuming design that won’t stick out on a bookshelf or side table. The motorized head can sweep a full 360 degrees or tilt 180 to cover floor to ceiling. You can also save shortcut positions, so instead of swiping around the room every time, a tap takes you straight to points of interest; say a crib or the front door. Motion tracking is built in, so once it spots a person or pet, the camera will follow them until they leave the frame.</p>
  1261.  
  1262.  
  1263.  
  1264. <p>The camera comes in two flavors: a budget HD version ($34.99) and the sharper 2K model ($49.99) reviewed here. The difference shouldn’t be dramatic at close range, but 2K’s extra pixels give you clearer edges and preserve more detail when you zoom in on a clip. That can mean recognizing a face more easily, catching the logo on a delivery driver’s shirt, or spotting what your pet has in its mouth. If pulling extra detail from the image matters to you, the 2K model is worth the modest $15 jump.</p>
  1265.  
  1266.  
  1267. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0e53cd8"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Arlo-Essentials-Indoor-2.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera " class="wp-image-2928685" width="1200" height="800" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  1268. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  1269. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  1270. </svg>
  1271. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>Arlo’s  camera pans 360 degrees and tilts 180 degrees with motion tracking to follow subjects as they move.</p></figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Michael Ansaldo/Foundry</p></div>
  1272.  
  1273.  
  1274.  
  1275. <p>Arlo rounds out the package with the kind of features you’d expect in a modern security cam. Dual-band Wi-Fi helps maintain a steady connection, a one-tap privacy mode disables both video and audio when you want downtime, and standard security perks like night vision, two-way audio, and an integrated siren are all built in.</p>
  1276.  
  1277.  
  1278.  
  1279. <p>To unlock the camera’s smarter features, you’ll need an <a href="https://us.arlo.com/pages/arlo-secure">Arlo Secure subscription</a>. The Plus plan costs $7.99/month when billed annually for a single camera or $17.99/month for unlimited cameras. If you pay month to month instead of annually, the rates are $9.99 and $19.99. Upgrading to Premium (about $24.99/month, billed annually) gives you 24/7 professional monitoring, emergency response, and cellular/battery backup so your <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2190286/arlo-home-security-system-review.html">Arlo Home Security System</a> can stay online even if Wi-Fi fails (that service tier is probably not worthwhile if you only have Arlo cameras). </p>
  1280.  
  1281.  
  1282.  
  1283. <p>With a paid plan, you also get AI alerts that detect people, vehicles, animals, or packages, animated preview notifications, and event captions<strong>,</strong> along with and more precise filtering to cut down on false alarms. Arlo offers a 30 day free trial with purchase of the camera.</p>
  1284.  
  1285.  
  1286.  
  1287. <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="setup-and-performance">Setup and performance</h2>
  1288.  
  1289.  
  1290.  
  1291. <p>Getting the Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera up and running is about as painless as it gets. Plug it in, open the Arlo Secure app, add the device, and follow the prompts. The app walks you through connecting to Wi-Fi and pairing the camera in just a few minutes.</p>
  1292.  
  1293.  
  1294.  
  1295. <p>The home screen shows a live preview of your camera feed, and tapping it gives you quick access to pan and tilt controls. They are responsive and the camera tracks smoothly, though it tends to glide past your stopping point. Because of that I found it easier to use custom positions for spots I wanted want to check often, like my front and patio doors. These are easy to set by nudging the camera with a joystick-style control in the app and saving the position for later.</p>
  1296.  
  1297.  
  1298.  
  1299. <p>In everyday use, the camera works well for its price. Video streams smoothly and provides enough detail to make out faces across a room. The night vision feature adequately captures video in dimly lit hallways or bedrooms, though you won’t get the same clarity as with Arlo’s pricier models.</p>
  1300.  
  1301.  
  1302. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0e548e9"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Arlo-Essentials-Indoor-app.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera" class="wp-image-2928686" width="1200" height="866" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  1303. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  1304. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  1305. </svg>
  1306. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>The Arlo Secure app makes it easy to view the live feed, arm and disarm the camera, and set custom positions for the pan-and-tilt feature.</p>
  1307. </figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Michael Ansaldo/Foundry</p></div>
  1308.  
  1309.  
  1310.  
  1311. <p>Motion-detection tracking worked well in my testing and notifications were timely and accurate. Each one includes an AI-generated event caption describing the captured activity: instead of a vague “motion detected,” I’d get alerts like “Person detected at Home” or “Animal detected in room.” These were handy for triaging alerts quickly, but the captions are pretty basic. </p>
  1312.  
  1313.  
  1314.  
  1315. <p>As an Arlo Secure subscriber, you can also enable <em>Person Recognition</em>, which identifies familiar faces and lets you know when specific people are seen. The feature isn’t turned on by default—you’ll find it in a separate settings menu marked with a “person” icon on the top left-hand side of the app—and you train it by adding photos from your phone’s camera roll or tagging people as they appear in clips. If you’re getting too many notifications, the app lets you define activity zones, so the camera only reacts to motion in the areas you care about. This helps cut down on unnecessary alerts.</p>
  1316.  
  1317.  
  1318.  
  1319. <p>Detected events are easy to find in the Feed tab, which collects recordings in a simple timeline. From there, you can tap into a clip, scrub through motion events, or check animated previews–provided you’re on an Arlo Secure plan.</p>
  1320.  
  1321.  
  1322.  
  1323. <p>Arlo also bakes in security modes. You can set the system to Arm Away, Arm Home, or Standby, depending on whether you want full coverage, selective coverage, or nothing armed at all. Automations let you take it further, allowing you to schedule the camera to arm when you leave the house, for example. Everything is straightforward and doesn’t require digging through menus.</p>
  1324.  
  1325.  
  1326.  
  1327. <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="should-you-buy-the-arlo-essential-pan-tilt-indoor-camera">Should you buy the Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera?</h2>
  1328.  
  1329.  
  1330.  
  1331. <p>At less than 50 bucks, the Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera feels like an easy buy for anyone who wants to keep tabs on kids, pets, or general activity indoors. The 2K model is the better deal for the modest price bump, but either version should deliver solid performance for the money. </p>
  1332.  
  1333.  
  1334.  
  1335. <p>If you don’t mind plugging it in and can live with Arlo’s subscription model, it’s one of the best budget-friendly indoor cameras you can pick up right now.</p>
  1336.  
  1337.  
  1338.  
  1339. <p><em>This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/600008/best-home-security-camera.html">best home security cameras</a>.</em></p>
  1340.  
  1341. </body></div>
  1342. ]]></description>
  1343. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2928680/arlo-essential-pan-tilt-indoor-camera-review.html</link>
  1344. <category>Security Cameras</category>
  1345. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2928680</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2928680</post-id> </item>
  1346. <item>
  1347. <title>Watch: NZXT’s Kraken AIO CPU cooler nails performance for price</title>
  1348. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/image_629efb.png" length="0" type="image/png" />
  1349. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:46:24 +0000</pubDate>
  1351. <description><![CDATA[
  1352. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  1353. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  1354.  
  1355.  
  1356.  
  1357. <p>All-in-one coolers are all the rage these days because they bring liquid cooling tech to the masses without having to deal with, well, liquid. Take the NZXT Kraken 240mm, for example. It packs in a bunch of features in an easy-to-use size, complete with a bit of extra pizzazz with a 1.5-inch LCD screen on the head unit. Will Smith tested it out for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLLbXjRLD3k">the latest PCWorld video on YouTube</a>.</p>
  1358.  
  1359.  
  1360.  
  1361. <p>Will says that he loves the approachable price ($140 retail) and size of this Kraken variant, even if the small screen isn’t the flashiest on the market. It’s also probably not a go-to if you’re looking for that ultra-clean look for the interior of your PC, as it has a proprietary control cable dangling off the head. It’s not a deal-breaker in terms of aesthetics, but some won’t appreciate it. With a smaller radiator and less intense fans, this probably isn’t enough to cool the most ridiculous overclocked CPUs either—if you can afford a Threadripper, look elsewhere.</p>
  1362.  
  1363.  
  1364.  
  1365. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  1366. <iframe title="NZXT Kraken AIO Likes & Dislikes" width="500" height="281" src="" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen data-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BLLbXjRLD3k?feature=oembed"></iframe>
  1367. </div></figure>
  1368.  
  1369.  
  1370.  
  1371. <p>That said, it’s great for someone looking for a starter liquid cooling setup or anyone who wants something easy to set up and go. Once you’ve installed the fans and gotten power to both them and the integrated pump, you’re ready to rock, with an impressive default “silent” profile on the NZXT Cam software. It’s probably not for someone who wants the most interoperability or customization, but it’s a good pick for for regular users. The same design <a href="https://nzxt.com/products/kraken-240-rgb?_pos=6&_fid=6597f24ca&_ss=c?variant=40575817515080">comes with an RGB variant</a> in black or white.</p>
  1372.  
  1373.  
  1374.  
  1375. <p>For more of the latest PC hardware, be sure to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/pcworld">subscribe to PCWorld on YouTube</a> and join us every week for our podcast <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thefullnerdnetwork">The Full Nerd</a>.</p>
  1376.  
  1377. </body></div>
  1378. ]]></description>
  1379. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965806/watch-nzxts-kraken-aio-cpu-cooler-nails-performance-for-price.html</link>
  1380. <category>Computer Components</category>
  1381. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965806</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965806</post-id> </item>
  1382. <item>
  1383. <title>Get Lenovo’s decked-out Ryzen ThinkPad laptop for $400 off right now</title>
  1384. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lenovo-ThinkPad-E16-G2-business-laptop-deal-1.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  1385. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:14:39 +0000</pubDate>
  1387. <description><![CDATA[
  1388. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  1389. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  1390.  
  1391.  
  1392.  
  1393. <p>Whether you’re self-employed or just gung-ho about work, it’s high time you prioritized your professional life and got a proper professional laptop. And if you can get a great laptop that’s also on sale, even better, right? <strong>Well, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F143FZLT/">this Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2 is down to $900 on Amazon</a> with a solid 31% discount off its $1,299 MSRP.</strong> That’s a massive savings of $400 for a killer business machine. Nice!</p>
  1394.  
  1395.  
  1396. <span class="cta_btn_heading cta_btn_heading_center-aligned"></span><div class="cta wp-block wp-block-button cta__btn_center-aligned"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F143FZLT/?tag=pcworld02-20&asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-1-2965691-7-0-0-0-0">View this Amazon deal</a></div>
  1397.  
  1398.  
  1399. <p>You won’t be wasting any money on this laptop because the guts are pretty friggin’ great. It’s running on a Ryzen 7 7735HS processor with 8 cores, plus a considerable 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM. That’s a chunky config that’s capable of powering through work tasks, juggling multiple apps and tabs, and even playing some games and editing video thanks to the integrated Radeon 680M graphics. The 1TB SSD with Windows 11 Pro grants access to all the advanced OS features you need.</p>
  1400.  
  1401.  
  1402.  
  1403. <p>And you’ll love using this laptop thanks to its comfortable 16-inch IPS display at 1920×1200 resolution, providing ample screen real estate for spreadsheets, side-by-side apps, and streaming video. It supports Windows Hello via the 1080p IR webcam and the fingerprint reader, the Kensington lock is there for extra anti-theft security, and the backlit keyboard is nice for working in the dark. Connectivity is fine with double USB-C, double USB-A, HDMI, LAN, and 3.5mm audio.</p>
  1404.  
  1405.  
  1406.  
  1407. <p>The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2 is an absolute steal at this price, so take advantage of this discount before it’s gone!</p>
  1408.  
  1409.  
  1410. <span class="cta_btn_heading cta_btn_heading_center-aligned">Save $400 on this decked-out high-performance business laptop</span><div class="cta wp-block wp-block-button cta__btn_center-aligned"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F143FZLT/?tag=pcworld02-20&asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-1-2965691-7-0-0-0-0">Buy now on Amazon</a></div>
  1411. </body></div>
  1412. ]]></description>
  1413. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965691/get-lenovo-decked-out-ryzen-7-thinkpad-laptop-for-400-off-right-now.html</link>
  1414. <category>Laptops</category>
  1415. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965691</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965691</post-id> </item>
  1416. <item>
  1417. <title>Best gaming monitors 2025: 9 displays that will do your games justice</title>
  1418. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/dell-3223q-1.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  1419. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1421. <description><![CDATA[
  1422. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  1423. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  1424.  
  1425.  
  1426.  
  1427. <p>Any monitor can be used for PC gaming, but a display built for productivity will likely leave you underwhelmed. Limited contrast, blurry motion, and slow refresh rates still hold basic productivity monitors back in games. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of excellent gaming monitors available at a wide range of price points—and the best of them embrace cutting-edge technology unavailable in any other PC display. </p>
  1428.  
  1429.  
  1430.  
  1431. <p>The following are the best gaming monitors we’ve tested throughout this year and last. If you want to learn more about what we look for in a good gaming monitor and how we test them, scroll further down the page.</p>
  1432.  
  1433.  
  1434.  
  1435. <p><strong>Why you should trust PCWorld for monitors reviews and buying advice:</strong> We’re PCWorld, after all. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review dozens of monitors every year. All of our recommendations have been personally tested and vetted by our expert reviewers, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards.</p>
  1436.  
  1437.  
  1438.  
  1439. <div class="wp-block-product-chart product-chart">
  1440. <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  1441. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  1442. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  1443. <h2 data-p_name="MSI MPG 272URX" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="msi-mpg-272urx-best-gaming-monitor">
  1444. MSI MPG 272URX – Best gaming monitor </h2>
  1445. </div>
  1446. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  1447. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  1448. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  1449. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0e970aa"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="MSI MPG 272URX - Best gaming monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/msi-mpg-272urx-3.jpeg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  1450. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  1451. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  1452. </svg>
  1453. </button></figure> </div>
  1454. </div>
  1456. <div class="product-chart-body">
  1457. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  1459. <div class="product-chart-column">
  1460. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  1461. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  1462. <li>26.5-inch 4K OLED panel looks sharp</li>
  1463.  
  1464.  
  1465.  
  1466. <li>Great contrast and color performance</li>
  1467.  
  1468.  
  1469.  
  1470. <li>Strong motion clarity</li>
  1471.  
  1472.  
  1473.  
  1474. <li>Respectable HDR performance</li>
  1475.  
  1476.  
  1477.  
  1478. <li>Lots of connectivity including USB-C</li>
  1479. </ul> </div>
  1480. <div class="product-chart-column">
  1481. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  1482. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  1483. <li>Design is a bit bland</li>
  1484.  
  1485.  
  1486.  
  1487. <li>Gamma, color temperature slightly off-target</li>
  1488.  
  1489.  
  1490.  
  1491. <li>4K OLED panel carries a premium price</li>
  1492. </ul> </div>
  1493. </div>
  1494. </div>
  1495. </div>
  1496. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  1497. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  1498. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  1499.  
  1500. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  1501. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  1502. $1,099.99 </span>
  1503. </div>
  1504. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  1505. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  1506. Best Prices Today: </span>
  1507. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  1509. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  1511. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  1512.  
  1513. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  1514. <div>
  1515. <span>Retailer</span>
  1516. </div>
  1517. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1518. <span>Price</span>
  1519. </div>
  1520. </div>
  1521.  
  1522. <div class="price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor">
  1523. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1524. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="Amazon" loading="lazy" />
  1525. </div>
  1526. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1527. <span>
  1528. $999 </span>
  1529. </div>
  1530. <div>
  1531. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWYC5S8X?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vars-product-name="MSI MPG 272URX" data-vars-product-id="2595398" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="10595" data-vars-manufacturer="MSI" data-vars-vendor="amazon,MSI" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2595398" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWYC5S8X?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vendor-api="amazon" data-vars-product-price="$999" data-vars-product-vendor="Amazon" aria-label="View deal at Amazon for $999">View Deal</a> </div>
  1532. </div>
  1533. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1534. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1535. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/walmart-logo.svg" alt="Walmart" loading="lazy" />
  1536. </div>
  1537. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1538. <span>
  1539. $999 </span>
  1540. </div>
  1541. <div>
  1542. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/MSI-27-240-Hz-QD-OLED-UHD-Gaming-Monitor-3840-x-2160-4K-MPG-272URX-QD-OLED/15162259334" data-vars-product-name="MSI MPG 272URX" data-vars-product-id="2595398" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="10595" data-vars-manufacturer="MSI" data-vars-vendor="amazon,MSI" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2595398" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.walmart.com/ip/MSI-27-240-Hz-QD-OLED-UHD-Gaming-Monitor-3840-x-2160-4K-MPG-272URX-QD-OLED/15162259334" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$999" data-vars-product-vendor="Walmart" aria-label="View deal at Walmart for $999">View Deal</a> </div>
  1543. </div>
  1544. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1545. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1546. <img decoding="async" src="https://squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/bandh1.png" alt="B&H" loading="lazy" />
  1547. </div>
  1548. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1549. <span>
  1550. $999.99 </span>
  1551. </div>
  1552. <div>
  1553. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1917381-REG/msi_mpg_272urx_qd_oled_27_qd_oled_240hz_gaming.html" data-vars-product-name="MSI MPG 272URX" data-vars-product-id="2595398" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="10595" data-vars-manufacturer="MSI" data-vars-vendor="amazon,MSI" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2595398" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1917381-REG/msi_mpg_272urx_qd_oled_27_qd_oled_240hz_gaming.html" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$999.99" data-vars-product-vendor="B&H" aria-label="View deal at B&H for $999.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  1554. </div>
  1555. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1556. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1557. <span>MSI</span>
  1558. </div>
  1559. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1560. <span>
  1561. $1099.99 </span>
  1562. </div>
  1563. <div>
  1564. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://us-store.msi.com/MPG-272URX-QD-OLED?srsltid=AfmBOorNK0g4PjoswaDH1dvuSRj_PyYpAcjI5bFuEEWhb82m6Y_WqHPR" data-vars-product-name="MSI MPG 272URX" data-vars-product-id="2595398" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="10595" data-vars-manufacturer="MSI" data-vars-vendor="amazon,MSI" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2595398" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://us-store.msi.com/MPG-272URX-QD-OLED?srsltid=AfmBOorNK0g4PjoswaDH1dvuSRj_PyYpAcjI5bFuEEWhb82m6Y_WqHPR" data-vars-product-price="$1099.99" data-vars-product-vendor="MSI" aria-label="View deal at MSI for $1099.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  1565. </div>
  1567. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  1568. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  1569. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  1570. </div>
  1571. </div>
  1572.  
  1573. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  1574. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  1575. <div>
  1576. <span>Product</span>
  1577. </div>
  1578. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1579. <span>Price</span>
  1580. </div>
  1581. </div>
  1582. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  1583. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  1584. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  1585. </div>
  1586. </div>
  1587. </div>
  1588. </div>
  1589. </div>
  1590. </div>
  1591. <div class="product-content">
  1593. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-msi-mpg-272urx-qd-oled">Who should buy the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED?</h3>
  1594.  
  1595. <p>If you’re looking for a high-performance gaming monitor, the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED should be at the top of your list.</p>
  1596.  
  1597. <p>This 26.5-inch display delivers stunning 4K resolution with an ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate in a cutting-edge OLED panel, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want both visual clarity and fluid motion. With its 240Hz refresh rate, the MSI is built for fast-paced gaming yet maintains the deep contrast and vibrant colors OLED monitors are known for. It also supports Adaptive Sync for smooth frame pacing.</p>
  1598.  
  1599. <h3 class="" id="msi-mpg-272urx-qd-oled-further-considerations">MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED: Further considerations</h3>
  1600.  
  1601. <p>But wait, there’s more! The QD-OLED panel offers excellent contrast and color accuracy, which makes it a solid pick for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys watching HDR movies. Connectivity is another plus, with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1a, and USB-C inputs, as well as 98 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging laptops or tablets. While the design is a bit plain, the stand is sturdy and fully adjustable.</p>
  1602.  
  1603. <p>Priced at $1,099.99, the MSI MPG 272URX is more expensive than 1440p OLED alternatives, which can be found for under $800. But if 4K clarity and a fluid 240Hz refresh rate are what you’re after, this monitor is worth the investment.</p>
  1604. </div>
  1605. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  1606. Read our full
  1607. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2595386/msi-mpg-272urx-review.html" target="_blank" score="4.5">
  1608. MSI MPG 272URX review </a>
  1609. </p>
  1610. </div>
  1611. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-6" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF6"}'>
  1612. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  1613. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  1614. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  1615. <h2 data-p_name="Pixio PX248 Wave" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="pixio-px248-wave-best-budget-gaming-monitor">
  1616. Pixio PX248 Wave – Best budget gaming monitor </h2>
  1617. </div>
  1618. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  1619. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  1620. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  1621. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0ea1aa7"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Pixio PX248 Wave - Best budget gaming monitor " src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pixio-px248-wave-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  1622. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  1623. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  1624. </svg>
  1625. </button></figure> </div>
  1626. </div>
  1628. <div class="product-chart-body">
  1629. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  1631. <div class="product-chart-column">
  1632. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  1633. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  1634. <li>Attractive design, especially in unique colorways</li>
  1635.  
  1636.  
  1637.  
  1638. <li>Built-in speakers are surprisingly decent</li>
  1639.  
  1640.  
  1641.  
  1642. <li>Solid color accuracy and respectable gamut</li>
  1643.  
  1644.  
  1645.  
  1646. <li>Good motion clarity</li>
  1647. </ul> </div>
  1648. <div class="product-chart-column">
  1649. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  1650. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  1651. <li>Built-in stand only adjusts for tilt</li>
  1652.  
  1653.  
  1654.  
  1655. <li>Just two video inputs</li>
  1656.  
  1657.  
  1658.  
  1659. <li>Awkward menu controls</li>
  1660.  
  1661.  
  1662.  
  1663. <li>Color temperature skews cool</li>
  1664. </ul> </div>
  1665. </div>
  1666. </div>
  1667. </div>
  1668. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  1669. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  1670. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  1671.  
  1672. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  1673. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  1674. $149.99 </span>
  1675. </div>
  1676. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  1677. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  1678. Best Prices Today: </span>
  1679. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  1681. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  1683. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  1684.  
  1685. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  1686. <div>
  1687. <span>Retailer</span>
  1688. </div>
  1689. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1690. <span>Price</span>
  1691. </div>
  1692. </div>
  1693.  
  1694. <div class="price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor">
  1695. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1696. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="Amazon" loading="lazy" />
  1697. </div>
  1698. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1699. <span>
  1700. $119.99 </span>
  1701. </div>
  1702. <div>
  1703. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW3RT2Q7?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vars-product-name="Pixio PX248 Wave" data-vars-product-id="2318526" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="25024" data-vars-manufacturer="Pixio" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Pixio" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2318526" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW3RT2Q7?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vendor-api="amazon" data-vars-product-price="$119.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Amazon" aria-label="View deal at Amazon for $119.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  1704. </div>
  1705. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1706. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1707. <span>Pixio</span>
  1708. </div>
  1709. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1710. <span>
  1711. $149.99 </span>
  1712. </div>
  1713. <div>
  1714. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://pixiogaming.com/products/px248-wave" data-vars-product-name="Pixio PX248 Wave" data-vars-product-id="2318526" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="25024" data-vars-manufacturer="Pixio" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Pixio" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2318526" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://pixiogaming.com/products/px248-wave" data-vars-product-price="$149.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Pixio" aria-label="View deal at Pixio for $149.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  1715. </div>
  1716. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1717. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1718. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/walmart-logo.svg" alt="Walmart" loading="lazy" />
  1719. </div>
  1720. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1721. <span>
  1722. $159.99 </span>
  1723. </div>
  1724. <div>
  1725. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pixio-PX248-Wave-24-Fast-IPS-FHD-1920-x-1080-200Hz-Refresh-Rate-1ms-GTG-Response-Time-Adaptive-Sync-Gaming-Monitor/5506114651" data-vars-product-name="Pixio PX248 Wave" data-vars-product-id="2318526" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="25024" data-vars-manufacturer="Pixio" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Pixio" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2318526" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pixio-PX248-Wave-24-Fast-IPS-FHD-1920-x-1080-200Hz-Refresh-Rate-1ms-GTG-Response-Time-Adaptive-Sync-Gaming-Monitor/5506114651" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$159.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Walmart" aria-label="View deal at Walmart for $159.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  1726. </div>
  1728. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  1729. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  1730. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  1731. </div>
  1732. </div>
  1733.  
  1734. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  1735. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  1736. <div>
  1737. <span>Product</span>
  1738. </div>
  1739. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1740. <span>Price</span>
  1741. </div>
  1742. </div>
  1743. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  1744. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  1745. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  1746. </div>
  1747. </div>
  1748. </div>
  1749. </div>
  1750. </div>
  1751. </div>
  1752. <div class="product-content">
  1754. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-pixio-px248-wave">Who should buy the Pixio PX248 Wave?</h3>
  1755.  
  1756. <p>The Pixio PX248 Wave is a great budget monitor for gamers who want more than a no-frills display. The PX248 Wave stands apart from the budget pack with a colorful, stylish design, and solid motion performance, all available at an enticing price of $159.99.</p>
  1757.  
  1758. <p>Pixio offers the PX248 Wave in four colorways: black, white, blue, and pink. The latter two are rather special, as only a handful of monitors — like the more expensive <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/785960/samsung-smart-monitor-m8-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/785960/samsung-smart-monitor-m8-review.html">Samsung M8 Smart Monitor</a> — offer similarly alluring colors. The stand matches the monitor’s colorway, and Pixio even offers an optional color-coordinated monitor arm for those who want to go all-in on a particular desktop vibe.</p>
  1759.  
  1760. <p>The monitor’s 24-inch Fast IPS display boasts a 200Hz refresh rate that delivers fluid motion. Image quality is reasonable, too, as the PX248 Wave delivers respectable color accuracy and coverage, making it suitable for both gaming and casual content creation. It has built-in speakers, too.</p>
  1761.  
  1762. <h3 class="" id="pixio-px248-wave-further-considerations">Pixio PX248 Wave: Further considerations</h3>
  1763.  
  1764. <p>Despite its visual appeal, the PX248 Wave sticks to the basics with connectivity, which includes HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. USB connectivity isn’t available. The included stand is also basic, as it only adjusts for tilt, and the menu controls could be more user-friendly.</p>
  1765.  
  1766. <p>Most competitors at this price point have a similar display panel wrapped in a more generic black, gray, or charcoal case. Pixio’s PX248 Wave manages to match them in image quality and beat them on looks, yet it stays on a budget.</p>
  1767. </div>
  1768. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  1769. Read our full
  1770. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2318513/pixio-px248-wave-review.html" target="_blank" score="3.5">
  1771. Pixio PX248 Wave review </a>
  1772. </p>
  1773. </div>
  1774. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-7" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF7"}'>
  1775. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  1776. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  1777. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  1778. <h2 data-p_name="LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="lg-ultragear-45gx950a-b-best-curved-gaming-monitor">
  1779. LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B – Best curved gaming monitor </h2>
  1780. </div>
  1781. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  1782. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  1783. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  1784. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0eacd5d"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B - Best curved gaming monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/lg-ultragear-45gx950a-b-2.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  1785. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  1786. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  1787. </svg>
  1788. </button></figure> </div>
  1789. </div>
  1791. <div class="product-chart-body">
  1792. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  1794. <div class="product-chart-column">
  1795. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  1796. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  1797. <li>Class-leading 5K2K resolution</li>
  1798.  
  1799.  
  1800.  
  1801. <li>Strong SDR image quality</li>
  1802.  
  1803.  
  1804.  
  1805. <li>Solid HDR brightness</li>
  1806.  
  1807.  
  1808.  
  1809. <li>Incredibly immersive 45-inch ultrawide panel</li>
  1810. </ul> </div>
  1811. <div class="product-chart-column">
  1812. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  1813. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  1814. <li>Design isn’t bad, but not up to the price tag</li>
  1815.  
  1816.  
  1817.  
  1818. <li>Limited USB connectivity</li>
  1819.  
  1820.  
  1821.  
  1822. <li>Curved display will be too extreme for some</li>
  1823. </ul> </div>
  1824. </div>
  1825. </div>
  1826. </div>
  1827. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  1828. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  1829. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  1830.  
  1831. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  1832. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  1833. $1,999.99 </span>
  1834. </div>
  1835. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  1836. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  1837. Best Prices Today: </span>
  1838. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  1840. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  1842. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  1843.  
  1844. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  1845. <div>
  1846. <span>Retailer</span>
  1847. </div>
  1848. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1849. <span>Price</span>
  1850. </div>
  1851. </div>
  1852.  
  1853. <div class="price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor">
  1854. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1855. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="Amazon" loading="lazy" />
  1856. </div>
  1857. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1858. <span>
  1859. $1,776.99 </span>
  1860. </div>
  1861. <div>
  1862. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYG9DKX8?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vars-product-name="LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B" data-vars-product-id="2660669" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="19673" data-vars-manufacturer="LG Electronics" data-vars-vendor="amazon,LG" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2660669" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYG9DKX8?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vendor-api="amazon" data-vars-product-price="$1,776.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Amazon" aria-label="View deal at Amazon for $1,776.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  1863. </div>
  1864. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1865. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1866. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/walmart-logo.svg" alt="Walmart" loading="lazy" />
  1867. </div>
  1868. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1869. <span>
  1870. $1996.99 </span>
  1871. </div>
  1872. <div>
  1873. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/LG-45-330-Hz-OLED-WUHD-Gaming-Monitor-FreeSync-Premium-Pro-AMD-Adaptive-Sync-98-5-DCI-P3-45GX950A-B/15950413317" data-vars-product-name="LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B" data-vars-product-id="2660669" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="19673" data-vars-manufacturer="LG Electronics" data-vars-vendor="amazon,LG" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2660669" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.walmart.com/ip/LG-45-330-Hz-OLED-WUHD-Gaming-Monitor-FreeSync-Premium-Pro-AMD-Adaptive-Sync-98-5-DCI-P3-45GX950A-B/15950413317" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$1996.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Walmart" aria-label="View deal at Walmart for $1996.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  1874. </div>
  1875. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1876. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1877. <img decoding="async" src="https://squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/bandh1.png" alt="B&H" loading="lazy" />
  1878. </div>
  1879. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1880. <span>
  1881. $1999.99 </span>
  1882. </div>
  1883. <div>
  1884. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1894511-REG/lg_45gx950a_b_aus_45_ultragear_oled_5k2k.html" data-vars-product-name="LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B" data-vars-product-id="2660669" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="19673" data-vars-manufacturer="LG Electronics" data-vars-vendor="amazon,LG" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2660669" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1894511-REG/lg_45gx950a_b_aus_45_ultragear_oled_5k2k.html" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$1999.99" data-vars-product-vendor="B&H" aria-label="View deal at B&H for $1999.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  1885. </div>
  1886. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1887. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1888. <span>LG</span>
  1889. </div>
  1890. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1891. <span>
  1892. $1999.99 </span>
  1893. </div>
  1894. <div>
  1895. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-45gx950a-b-gaming-monitor" data-vars-product-name="LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B" data-vars-product-id="2660669" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="19673" data-vars-manufacturer="LG Electronics" data-vars-vendor="amazon,LG" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2660669" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-45gx950a-b-gaming-monitor" data-vars-product-price="$1999.99" data-vars-product-vendor="LG" aria-label="View deal at LG for $1999.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  1896. </div>
  1897. <div class="price-comparison__hidden-records-wrapper" data-amp-bind-class="'price-comparison__hidden-records-wrapper ' + ( hiddenrecord0 ? 'price-comparison__hidden-records-wrapper--is-open' : '' )">
  1898. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  1899. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  1900. <img decoding="async" src="https://squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/28005_7698fbaf1dadff976d27cb93a2ed614b.png" alt="LG Electronics" loading="lazy" />
  1901. </div>
  1902. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1903. <span>
  1904. $1999.99 </span>
  1905. </div>
  1906. <div>
  1907. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-45gx950a-b-gaming-monitor" data-vars-product-name="LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B" data-vars-product-id="2660669" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="19673" data-vars-manufacturer="LG Electronics" data-vars-vendor="amazon,LG" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2660669" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-45gx950a-b-gaming-monitor" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$1999.99" data-vars-product-vendor="LG Electronics" aria-label="View deal at LG Electronics for $1999.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  1908. </div>
  1910. </div>
  1911. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  1912. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  1913. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  1914. <button class="price-comparison__view-more-button" data-amp-bind-text="hiddenrecord0 ?
  1915. 'View fewer prices' :
  1916. 'View more prices'">
  1917. View more prices </button>
  1918. </div>
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  1920.  
  1921. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  1922. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  1923. <div>
  1924. <span>Product</span>
  1925. </div>
  1926. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  1927. <span>Price</span>
  1928. </div>
  1929. </div>
  1930. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  1931. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  1932. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  1933. </div>
  1934. </div>
  1935. </div>
  1936. </div>
  1937. </div>
  1938. </div>
  1939. <div class="product-content">
  1941. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-lg-ultragear-45gx950a-b">Who should buy the LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B?</h3>
  1942.  
  1943. <p>The LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B is the best big-screen curved gaming monitor for anyone who wants a premium immersive gaming experience.</p>
  1944.  
  1945. <p>The monitor’s class-leading 45-inch 5K2K (5120×2160) OLED panel helps to set the monitor apart, providing a resolution previously unseen in this size class. It’s a significant upgrade over lower-resolution predecessors, like the Corsair Xeneon Flex. The higher resolution pairs well with OLED’s excellent contrast and color performance. HDR performance is solid, with brightness comparable to other leading OLED monitors.</p>
  1946.  
  1947. <p>Motion clarity is good, as well. The monitor is a “dual mode” display, meaning it can achieve 5120×2160 at a refresh rate up to 165Hz, or 2560×1080 up to 330Hz. It also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gameplay.</p>
  1948.  
  1949. <h3 class="" id="lg-ultragear-45gx950a-b-further-considerations">LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B: Further considerations</h3>
  1950.  
  1951. <p>The 45GX950A-B is expensive, and its aggressive 800R curve can feel “off” for productivity. The monitor also has limited USB connectivity. USB-C input is supported, but it only has two downstream USB-A ports.</p>
  1952.  
  1953. <p>But if your priority is unparalleled immersion backed by incredible sharpness and excellent HDR on a truly massive display, the LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B is a winner.</p>
  1954. </div>
  1955. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  1956. Read our full
  1957. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2660593/lg-ultragear-45gx950a-b-review.html" target="_blank" score="4">
  1958. LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B review </a>
  1959. </p>
  1960. </div>
  1961. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-8" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF8"}'>
  1962. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  1963. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  1964. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  1965. <h2 data-p_name="Gigabyte GS34WQC" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="gigabyte-gs34wqc-best-budget-curved-gaming-monitor">
  1966. Gigabyte GS34WQC – Best budget curved gaming monitor </h2>
  1967. </div>
  1968. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  1969. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  1970. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  1971. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0eb5f7b"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Gigabyte GS34WQC - Best budget curved gaming monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gigabyte-gs34wqc-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  1972. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  1973. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  1974. </svg>
  1975. </button></figure> </div>
  1976. </div>
  1978. <div class="product-chart-body">
  1979. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  1981. <div class="product-chart-column">
  1982. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  1983. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  1984. <li>Plenty of connectivity and menu options</li>
  1985.  
  1986.  
  1987.  
  1988. <li>Good contrast ratio</li>
  1989.  
  1990.  
  1991.  
  1992. <li>Solid color performance</li>
  1993.  
  1994.  
  1995.  
  1996. <li>Up to 144Hz refresh rate with good motion clarity</li>
  1997. </ul> </div>
  1998. <div class="product-chart-column">
  1999. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  2000. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  2001. <li>Stand setup uses screws instead of clip mechanism</li>
  2002.  
  2003.  
  2004.  
  2005. <li>Modest maximum brightness</li>
  2006.  
  2007.  
  2008.  
  2009. <li>HDR is supported but lackluster</li>
  2010. </ul> </div>
  2011. </div>
  2012. </div>
  2013. </div>
  2014. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  2015. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  2016. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  2017.  
  2018. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  2019. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  2020. $329.99 </span>
  2021. </div>
  2022. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  2023. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  2024. Best Prices Today: </span>
  2025. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  2027. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  2029. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  2030.  
  2031. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  2032. <div>
  2033. <span>Retailer</span>
  2034. </div>
  2035. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2036. <span>Price</span>
  2037. </div>
  2038. </div>
  2039.  
  2040. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2041. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2042. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/walmart-logo.svg" alt="Walmart" loading="lazy" />
  2043. </div>
  2044. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2045. <span>
  2046. $249.99 </span>
  2047. </div>
  2048. <div>
  2049. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/GIGABYTE-GS34WQC-34-Curved-WQHD-Gaming-Monitor/15826420076" data-vars-product-name="Gigabyte GS34WQC" data-vars-product-id="2123330" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="9975" data-vars-manufacturer="Gigabyte" data-vars-vendor="sku,amazon,Newegg" data-vars-po="sku,amazon" data-product="2123330" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.walmart.com/ip/GIGABYTE-GS34WQC-34-Curved-WQHD-Gaming-Monitor/15826420076" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$249.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Walmart" aria-label="View deal at Walmart for $249.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  2050. </div>
  2051. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2052. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2053. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/newegg-logo.svg" alt="Newegg" loading="lazy" />
  2054. </div>
  2055. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2056. <span>
  2057. $299.99 </span>
  2058. </div>
  2059. <div>
  2060. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-gs34wqc-34-wqhd-120hz-oc-135hz-va-black/p/N82E16824012067" data-vars-product-name="Gigabyte GS34WQC" data-vars-product-id="2123330" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="9975" data-vars-manufacturer="Gigabyte" data-vars-vendor="sku,amazon,Newegg" data-vars-po="sku,amazon" data-product="2123330" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-gs34wqc-34-wqhd-120hz-oc-135hz-va-black/p/N82E16824012067" data-vars-product-price="$299.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Newegg" aria-label="View deal at Newegg for $299.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  2061. </div>
  2062. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2063. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2064. <img decoding="async" src="https://squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/bandh1.png" alt="B&H" loading="lazy" />
  2065. </div>
  2066. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2067. <span>
  2068. $329.99 </span>
  2069. </div>
  2070. <div>
  2071. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1836746-REG/gigabyte_gs34wqc_us_34_va_wqhd_curved.html" data-vars-product-name="Gigabyte GS34WQC" data-vars-product-id="2123330" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="9975" data-vars-manufacturer="Gigabyte" data-vars-vendor="sku,amazon,Newegg" data-vars-po="sku,amazon" data-product="2123330" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1836746-REG/gigabyte_gs34wqc_us_34_va_wqhd_curved.html" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$329.99" data-vars-product-vendor="B&H" aria-label="View deal at B&H for $329.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  2072. </div>
  2073. <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon">
  2074. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2075. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" />
  2076. </div>
  2077. <div class="price-comparison__price"></div>
  2078. <div>
  2079. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gigabyte+GS34WQC">Check</a> </div>
  2080. </div>
  2082. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  2083. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  2084. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  2085. </div>
  2086. </div>
  2087.  
  2088. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  2089. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  2090. <div>
  2091. <span>Product</span>
  2092. </div>
  2093. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2094. <span>Price</span>
  2095. </div>
  2096. </div>
  2097. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  2098. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  2099. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  2100. </div>
  2101. </div>
  2102. </div>
  2103. </div>
  2104. </div>
  2105. </div>
  2106. <div class="product-content">
  2108. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-gigabyte-gs34wqc">Who should buy the Gigabyte GS34WQC?</h3>
  2109.  
  2110. <p>If you’re looking for the immersive experience of a curved, ultrawide monitor at a cost that won’t leave you hurting, this is it. The Gigabyte GS34WQC checks those boxes and then some. It has a sharp 34-inch display with a resolution of 3440×1440. That’s paired with good motion clarity driven by a 120Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 135Hz) and support for AMD FreeSync, ensuring smooth and consistent gameplay. Camera movements are detailed, and fast-paced action is easily tracked.</p>
  2111.  
  2112. <p>Beyond its motion clarity, the GS34WQC delivers great image quality that’s comparable to monitors twice its price. It has a Vertical Alignment (VA) panel instead of the more common In-Plane Switching (IPS). This provides improved contrast with deeper black levels and more convincing shadow detail in dark scenes. These qualities make it especially suitable for games with a dark, gritty presentation.</p>
  2113.  
  2114. <h3 class="" id="gigabyte-gs34wqc-further-considerations">Gigabyte GS34WQC: Further considerations</h3>
  2115.  
  2116. <p>The monitor’s design is plain, but functional. It has an ergonomic stand that provides height and tilt adjustment, but its assembly requires manual attachment of four screws, unlike competitors with tool-free clip-in stands. The GS34WQC compensates with an intuitive menu system that has extensive customization options, allowing gamers to tailor the visuals to their preferences.</p>
  2117.  
  2118. <p>Value, however, is where the GS34WQC really beats the competition. It’s not the least expensive budget ultrawide monitor, but it delivers better image quality and motion clarity than many competitors while keeping the price in check. Indeed, the GS34WQC is so good it makes $400-to-$500-dollar ultrawide gaming monitors more difficult to recommend. </p>
  2119. </div>
  2120. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  2121. Read our full
  2122. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2123304/gigabyte-gs34wqc-review.html" target="_blank" score="4.5">
  2123. Gigabyte GS34WQC review </a>
  2124. </p>
  2125. </div>
  2126. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-9" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF9"}'>
  2127. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  2128. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  2129. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  2130. <h2 data-p_name="Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="asus-rog-strix-xg27aqdmg-best-hdr-gaming-monitor">
  2131. Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG – Best HDR gaming monitor </h2>
  2132. </div>
  2133. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  2134. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  2135. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  2136. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0ec5e58"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG - Best HDR gaming monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/asus-rog-strix-xg27aqdmg-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  2137. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  2138. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  2139. </svg>
  2140. </button></figure> </div>
  2141. </div>
  2143. <div class="product-chart-body">
  2144. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  2146. <div class="product-chart-column">
  2147. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  2148. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  2149. <li>Compact ergonomic stand</li>
  2150.  
  2151.  
  2152.  
  2153. <li>Superb contrast with deep, inky black levels</li>
  2154.  
  2155.  
  2156.  
  2157. <li>Excellent HDR performance</li>
  2158.  
  2159.  
  2160.  
  2161. <li>Inexpensive for an OLED monitor</li>
  2162. </ul> </div>
  2163. <div class="product-chart-column">
  2164. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  2165. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  2166. <li>HDMI ports don’t support 240Hz refresh rate</li>
  2167.  
  2168.  
  2169.  
  2170. <li>No USB-C</li>
  2171.  
  2172.  
  2173.  
  2174. <li>SDR performance is great, but slightly lags QD-OLED peers</li>
  2175. </ul> </div>
  2176. </div>
  2177. </div>
  2178. </div>
  2179. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  2180. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  2181. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  2182.  
  2183. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  2184. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  2185. $749 </span>
  2186. </div>
  2187. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  2188. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  2189. Best Prices Today: </span>
  2190. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  2192. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  2194. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  2195.  
  2196. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  2197. <div>
  2198. <span>Retailer</span>
  2199. </div>
  2200. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2201. <span>Price</span>
  2202. </div>
  2203. </div>
  2204.  
  2205. <div class="price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor">
  2206. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2207. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="Amazon" loading="lazy" />
  2208. </div>
  2209. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2210. <span>
  2211. $689 </span>
  2212. </div>
  2213. <div>
  2214. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZWM44QP?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vars-product-name="Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG" data-vars-product-id="2351519" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Newegg" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2351519" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZWM44QP?tag=pcworld02-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-vendor-api="amazon" data-vars-product-price="$689" data-vars-product-vendor="Amazon" aria-label="View deal at Amazon for $689">View Deal</a> </div>
  2215. </div>
  2216. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2217. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2218. <img decoding="async" src="https://squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/bandh1.png" alt="B&H" loading="lazy" />
  2219. </div>
  2220. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2221. <span>
  2222. $689 </span>
  2223. </div>
  2224. <div>
  2225. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1833145-REG/asus_xg27aqdmg_27_glossy_qhd_oled.html" data-vars-product-name="Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG" data-vars-product-id="2351519" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Newegg" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2351519" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1833145-REG/asus_xg27aqdmg_27_glossy_qhd_oled.html" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$689" data-vars-product-vendor="B&H" aria-label="View deal at B&H for $689">View Deal</a> </div>
  2226. </div>
  2227. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2228. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2229. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/walmart-logo.svg" alt="Walmart" loading="lazy" />
  2230. </div>
  2231. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2232. <span>
  2233. $699 </span>
  2234. </div>
  2235. <div>
  2236. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Asus-OLED-XG27AQDMG-gaming-monitor-27-inch1440p-glossy-WOLED-panel-240-Hz-0-03-ms-custom-heatsink-Anti-flicker-G-SYNC-compatible-99-DCI-P3-OLED-Anti/6154808044" data-vars-product-name="Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG" data-vars-product-id="2351519" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Newegg" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2351519" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Asus-OLED-XG27AQDMG-gaming-monitor-27-inch1440p-glossy-WOLED-panel-240-Hz-0-03-ms-custom-heatsink-Anti-flicker-G-SYNC-compatible-99-DCI-P3-OLED-Anti/6154808044" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$699" data-vars-product-vendor="Walmart" aria-label="View deal at Walmart for $699">View Deal</a> </div>
  2237. </div>
  2238. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2239. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2240. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/newegg-logo.svg" alt="Newegg" loading="lazy" />
  2241. </div>
  2242. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2243. <span>
  2244. $749.99 </span>
  2245. </div>
  2246. <div>
  2247. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16824281313" data-vars-product-name="Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG" data-vars-product-id="2351519" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="amazon,Newegg" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="2351519" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16824281313" data-vars-product-price="$749.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Newegg" aria-label="View deal at Newegg for $749.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  2248. </div>
  2250. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  2251. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  2252. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  2253. </div>
  2254. </div>
  2255.  
  2256. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  2257. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  2258. <div>
  2259. <span>Product</span>
  2260. </div>
  2261. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2262. <span>Price</span>
  2263. </div>
  2264. </div>
  2265. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  2266. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  2267. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  2268. </div>
  2269. </div>
  2270. </div>
  2271. </div>
  2272. </div>
  2273. </div>
  2274. <div class="product-content">
  2276. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-asus-rog-strix-xg27aqdmg">Who should buy the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG?</h3>
  2277.  
  2278. <p>If you’re searching for the best gaming monitor for HDR, look no further than the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. It has an LG WOLED panel that delivers stunning HDR without breaking the bank.</p>
  2279.  
  2280. <p>The XG27AQDMG’s third-generation LG WOLED panel provides exceptional HDR brightness that outperforms QD-OLED competitors and closes the gap with Mini-LED monitors. It can hit a maximum sustained brightness of 724 nits in a 10 percent window, which is enough to deliver punchy HDR highlights and detail across luminant areas of a game or movie. This pairs well with OLED’s deep, inky blacks and wide color gamut, which covers 96 percent DCI-P3 coverage. Put simply: It looks exceptionally immersive and realistic.</p>
  2281.  
  2282. <p>Gamers will appreciate the high refresh rate of up to 240Hz, which is paired with Adaptive Sync technologies like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync for fluid, tear-free gaming. The refresh rate is lower than some QD-OLED competitors, which achieve up to 360Hz. On the other hand, though, the XG27AQDMG provides motion clarity far better than Mini-LED gaming monitors, such as the Red Magic 4K Gaming Monitor.</p>
  2283.  
  2284. <h3 class="" id="asus-rog-strix-xg27aqdmg-further-considerations">Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG: Further considerations</h3>
  2285.  
  2286. <p>While the XG27AQDMG has strong color performance, it isn’t quite as good as QD-OLED alternatives with SDR. Sharpness is merely okay, too, and small fonts can look pixelated at times. </p>
  2287.  
  2288. <p>Pricing, however, is an upside. Sold at an MSRP of $749.99, and immediately available for just $699.99 at release, the XG27AQDMG undercuts the competition on price. Gamers who mostly stick to SDR may want to pay $50 to $100 more for a QD-OLED alternative, but the XG27AQDMG has the edge in HDR.</p>
  2289. </div>
  2290. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  2291. Read our full
  2292. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2351497/asus-rog-strix-xg27aqdmg-review.html" target="_blank" score="4">
  2293. Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG review </a>
  2294. </p>
  2295. </div>
  2296. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-10" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF10"}'>
  2297. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  2298. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  2299. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  2300. <h2 data-p_name="LG Ultragear 27GN950" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="lg-ultragear-27gn950-best-144hz-gaming-monitor">
  2301. LG Ultragear 27GN950 – Best 144Hz gaming monitor </h2>
  2302. </div>
  2303. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  2304. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  2305. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  2306. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0ece328"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="LG Ultragear 27GN950 - Best 144Hz gaming monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/LG-Ultragear-27GN950.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  2307. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  2308. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  2309. </svg>
  2310. </button></figure> </div>
  2311. </div>
  2313. <div class="product-chart-body">
  2314. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  2316. <div class="product-chart-column">
  2317. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  2318. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  2319. <li>Excellent gaming performance</li>
  2320.  
  2321.  
  2322.  
  2323. <li>Incredible image quality</li>
  2324.  
  2325.  
  2326.  
  2327. <li>Ergonomic adjustment options</li>
  2328.  
  2329.  
  2330.  
  2331. <li>Special gaming configurations</li>
  2332. </ul> </div>
  2333. <div class="product-chart-column">
  2334. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  2335. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  2336. <li>High power consumption</li>
  2337. </ul> </div>
  2338. </div>
  2339. </div>
  2340. </div>
  2341. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  2342. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  2343. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  2344.  
  2345. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  2346. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  2347. $799 </span>
  2348. </div>
  2349. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  2350. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  2351. Best Prices Today: </span>
  2352. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  2354. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  2356. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  2357.  
  2358. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  2359. <div>
  2360. <span>Retailer</span>
  2361. </div>
  2362. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2363. <span>Price</span>
  2364. </div>
  2365. </div>
  2366.  
  2367. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2368. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2369. <span>LG</span>
  2370. </div>
  2371. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2372. <span>
  2373. $799.99 </span>
  2374. </div>
  2375. <div>
  2376. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27gn950-b-gaming-monitor" data-vars-product-name="LG Ultragear 27GN950" data-vars-product-id="803593" data-vars-category="Monitors,Technology Industry" data-vars-manufacturer-id="10875" data-vars-manufacturer="LG" data-vars-vendor="amazon,LG" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="803593" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27gn950-b-gaming-monitor" data-vars-product-price="$799.99" data-vars-product-vendor="LG" aria-label="View deal at LG for $799.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  2377. </div>
  2378. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2379. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2380. <img decoding="async" src="https://squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/28005_7698fbaf1dadff976d27cb93a2ed614b.png" alt="LG Electronics" loading="lazy" />
  2381. </div>
  2382. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2383. <span>
  2384. $799.99 </span>
  2385. </div>
  2386. <div>
  2387. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27gn950-b-gaming-monitor" data-vars-product-name="LG Ultragear 27GN950" data-vars-product-id="803593" data-vars-category="Monitors,Technology Industry" data-vars-manufacturer-id="10875" data-vars-manufacturer="LG" data-vars-vendor="amazon,LG" data-vars-po="amazon" data-product="803593" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27gn950-b-gaming-monitor" data-vendor-api="squirrel" data-vars-product-price="$799.99" data-vars-product-vendor="LG Electronics" aria-label="View deal at LG Electronics for $799.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  2388. </div>
  2389. <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon">
  2390. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2391. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" />
  2392. </div>
  2393. <div class="price-comparison__price"></div>
  2394. <div>
  2395. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=LG+Ultragear+27GN950">Check</a> </div>
  2396. </div>
  2398. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  2399. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  2400. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  2401. </div>
  2402. </div>
  2403.  
  2404. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  2405. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  2406. <div>
  2407. <span>Product</span>
  2408. </div>
  2409. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2410. <span>Price</span>
  2411. </div>
  2412. </div>
  2413. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  2414. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  2415. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  2416. </div>
  2417. </div>
  2418. </div>
  2419. </div>
  2420. </div>
  2421. </div>
  2422. <div class="product-content">
  2424. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-lg-ultragear-27gn950">Who should buy the LG Ultragear 27GN950?</h3>
  2425.  
  2426. <p>If you’re not a professional gamer or you just don’t require the obscenely fast 240Hz, then you can find a whole host of great options at 144Hz instead. Our pick for the best of the bunch is the LG Ultragear 27GN950.</p>
  2427.  
  2428. <p>Not only is it still super fast, but it also has 4K resolution, all of the ports your heart desires, and impressively high color fidelity. It is a great option for those who will use it for multimedia other than just gaming and don’t mind sacrificing a little speed to gain a lot of pixel density.</p>
  2429.  
  2430. <h3 class="" id="lg-ultragear-27gn950-further-considerations">LG Ultragear 27GN950: Further considerations</h3>
  2431.  
  2432. <p>Admittedly, it’s a bit pricey for a 27-inch monitor and you will need a high-end GPU to take advantage of its full potential, but if you can afford it, then this just might end up being the pièce de résistance in your display setup.</p>
  2433. </div>
  2434. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  2435. Read our full
  2436. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/803588/lg-ultragear-27gn950-review.html" target="_blank" score="4">
  2437. LG Ultragear 27GN950 review </a>
  2438. </p>
  2439. </div>
  2440. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-11" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF11"}'>
  2441. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  2442. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  2443. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  2444. <h2 data-p_name="Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDPG" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="asus-rog-strix-xg27aqdpg-best-high-refresh-gaming-monitor">
  2445. Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDPG – Best high-refresh gaming monitor </h2>
  2446. </div>
  2447. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  2448. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  2449. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  2450. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0edb023"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDPG - Best high-refresh gaming monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/asus-rog-strix-xg27aqdpg-1.jpeg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  2451. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  2452. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  2453. </svg>
  2454. </button></figure> </div>
  2455. </div>
  2457. <div class="product-chart-body">
  2458. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  2460. <div class="product-chart-column">
  2461. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  2462. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  2463. <li>Crystal-clear motion clarity</li>
  2464.  
  2465.  
  2466.  
  2467. <li>Attractive and functional design</li>
  2468.  
  2469.  
  2470.  
  2471. <li>Excellent image quality</li>
  2472.  
  2473.  
  2474.  
  2475. <li>Solid HDR performance</li>
  2476.  
  2477.  
  2478.  
  2479. <li>Broad Adaptive Sync support</li>
  2480. </ul> </div>
  2481. <div class="product-chart-column">
  2482. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  2483. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  2484. <li>Only 1440p resolution</li>
  2485.  
  2486.  
  2487.  
  2488. <li>No USB-C</li>
  2489. </ul> </div>
  2490. </div>
  2491. </div>
  2492. </div>
  2493. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  2494. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  2495. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  2496.  
  2497. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  2498. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  2499. 899.99 </span>
  2500. </div>
  2501. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  2502. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  2503. Best Prices Today: </span>
  2504. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  2506. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  2508. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  2509.  
  2510. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  2511. <div>
  2512. <span>Retailer</span>
  2513. </div>
  2514. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2515. <span>Price</span>
  2516. </div>
  2517. </div>
  2518.  
  2519. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2520. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2521. <span>Asus</span>
  2522. </div>
  2523. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2524. <span>
  2525. $899 </span>
  2526. </div>
  2527. <div>
  2528. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://rog.asus.com/us/monitors/27-to-31-5-inches/rog-strix-oled-xg27aqdpg/" data-vars-product-name="Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDPG" data-vars-product-id="2941216" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="Best Buy,Asus" data-product="2941216" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://rog.asus.com/us/monitors/27-to-31-5-inches/rog-strix-oled-xg27aqdpg/" data-vars-product-price="$899" data-vars-product-vendor="Asus" aria-label="View deal at Asus for $899">View Deal</a> </div>
  2529. </div>
  2530. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2531. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2532. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/best-buy-logo.png" alt="Best Buy" loading="lazy" />
  2533. </div>
  2534. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2535. <span>
  2536. $899.99 </span>
  2537. </div>
  2538. <div>
  2539. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/asus-rog-strix-27-2k-oled-500hz-0-03ms-gaming-monitor-with-g-sync-freesync-and-hdr-hdmi-displayport-black/JJGHGPJCX6/sku/6638580?extStoreId=452&utm_source=feed&ref=212&loc=18224596448&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18218938005&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIg5C5hI9JPuxeycCerwFvYwa&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3aLHBhDTARIsAIRij59bH-iDVAei_yCVfPOMPtUsnt-i86d-iA1xyoKvOx3mw2etRU94QEcaAj_SEALw_wcB" data-vars-product-name="Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDPG" data-vars-product-id="2941216" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="Best Buy,Asus" data-product="2941216" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/asus-rog-strix-27-2k-oled-500hz-0-03ms-gaming-monitor-with-g-sync-freesync-and-hdr-hdmi-displayport-black/JJGHGPJCX6/sku/6638580?extStoreId=452&utm_source=feed&ref=212&loc=18224596448&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18218938005&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIg5C5hI9JPuxeycCerwFvYwa&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3aLHBhDTARIsAIRij59bH-iDVAei_yCVfPOMPtUsnt-i86d-iA1xyoKvOx3mw2etRU94QEcaAj_SEALw_wcB" data-vars-product-price="$899.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Best Buy" aria-label="View deal at Best Buy for $899.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  2540. </div>
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  2543. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" />
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  2545. <div class="price-comparison__price"></div>
  2546. <div>
  2547. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Asus+ROG+Strix+XG27AQDPG">Check</a> </div>
  2548. </div>
  2550. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  2551. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  2552. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  2553. </div>
  2554. </div>
  2555.  
  2556. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  2557. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  2558. <div>
  2559. <span>Product</span>
  2560. </div>
  2561. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2562. <span>Price</span>
  2563. </div>
  2564. </div>
  2565. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  2566. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  2567. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  2568. </div>
  2569. </div>
  2570. </div>
  2571. </div>
  2572. </div>
  2573. </div>
  2574. <div class="product-content">
  2576. <h3 class="" id="who-should-buy-the-asus-rog-strix-xg27aqdpg">Who should buy the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDPG?</h3>
  2577.  
  2578. <p>The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDPG is ideal for gamers who prioritize motion clarity above all else. If you play fast-paced games like DOTA 2, Counter-Strike 2, or Valorant, and have a powerful GPU that can push high frame rates, then the monitor’s 500Hz refresh rate will deliver crystal-clear motion that makes a night-and-day difference over even a 240Hz display.</p>
  2579.  
  2580. <p>Surprisingly, the monitor is also good for gamers who can’t always hit 500 FPS. That’s thanks to Asus’ Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) feature, which enhances clarity at 120Hz and 240Hz. It also has accurate color, which means games will look vivid and realistic.</p>
  2581.  
  2582. <p>As an added bonus, the monitor stand includes a threaded mount for attaching a camera, light, or other accessory.</p>
  2583.  
  2584. <h2 class="" id="asus-rog-strix-xg27aqdpg-further-considerations">Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDPG: Further considerations</h2>
  2585.  
  2586. <p>Before buying, consider that this is a 1440p monitor, not 4K. While 2560×1440 resolution is less demanding on your GPU, text and images aren’t as sharp as a 4K display.</p>
  2587.  
  2588. <p>The XG27AQDPG also has a glossy display finish that can show glare. Samsung’s 500Hz Odyssey G6 OLED is a good alternative if you want a matte finish. However, the Samsung lacks ELMB and a threaded mount for accessories, so you’ll have to pick what you prefer.</p>
  2589. </div>
  2590. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  2591. Read our full
  2592. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2941203/asus-rog-strix-xg27aqdpg-review.html" target="_blank" score="4.5">
  2593. Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDPG review </a>
  2594. </p>
  2595. </div>
  2596. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-12" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF12"}'>
  2597. </div> <div class="product-chart-separator"></div>
  2598. <div class="wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item ">
  2599. <div class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper">
  2600. <h2 data-p_name="Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title toc" id="asus-rog-strix-oled-xg32ucwg-best-dual-mode-gaming-monitor">
  2601. Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG – Best dual-mode gaming monitor </h2>
  2602. </div>
  2603. <div class="large-pro-cons-product-chart-section">
  2604. <div class="product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large">
  2605. <div class="product-chart-item__image-wrapper">
  2606. <figure class="wp-lightbox-container" data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0ee55fe"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG - Best dual-mode gaming monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/asus-rog-strix-xg32ucg-3.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  2607. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  2608. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  2609. </svg>
  2610. </button></figure> </div>
  2611. </div>
  2613. <div class="product-chart-body">
  2614. <div class="product-chart-columns">
  2616. <div class="product-chart-column">
  2617. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  2618. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  2619. <li>Attractive design with compact stand</li>
  2620.  
  2621.  
  2622.  
  2623. <li>Good range of video, USB-C, USB-A connectivity</li>
  2624.  
  2625.  
  2626.  
  2627. <li>High SDR and HDR brightness</li>
  2628.  
  2629.  
  2630.  
  2631. <li>Outstanding motion clarity at 1080p/330Hz</li>
  2632. </ul> </div>
  2633. <div class="product-chart-column">
  2634. <h3 class="product-chart-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  2635. <ul class="product-pros-cons-list">
  2636. <li>USB-C only supports 15 watts of power delivery</li>
  2637.  
  2638.  
  2639.  
  2640. <li>Extremely glossy display finish</li>
  2641.  
  2642.  
  2643.  
  2644. <li>Only 165Hz refresh rate at 4K</li>
  2645. </ul> </div>
  2646. </div>
  2647. </div>
  2648. </div>
  2649. <div class="product-chart-item__information ">
  2650. <div class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-wrapper">
  2651. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-label">
  2652.  
  2653. Price When Reviewed: </span>
  2654. <span class="product-chart-item__information--rrp-value">
  2655. $1,099.99 </span>
  2656. </div>
  2657. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details ">
  2658. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label">
  2659. Best Prices Today: </span>
  2660. <div class="cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types">
  2662. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  2664. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  2665.  
  2666. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  2667. <div>
  2668. <span>Retailer</span>
  2669. </div>
  2670. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2671. <span>Price</span>
  2672. </div>
  2673. </div>
  2674.  
  2675. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2676. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2677. <span>Asus</span>
  2678. </div>
  2679. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2680. <span>
  2681. $1099.99 </span>
  2682. </div>
  2683. <div>
  2684. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/RfYICyp4m4hyK0zxHMhMtxYZKQ?domain=rog.asus.com/" data-vars-product-name="Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG" data-vars-product-id="2876165" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="Newegg,Asus" data-product="2876165" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/RfYICyp4m4hyK0zxHMhMtxYZKQ?domain=rog.asus.com/" data-vars-product-price="$1099.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Asus" aria-label="View deal at Asus for $1099.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  2685. </div>
  2686. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  2687. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  2688. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/newegg-logo.svg" alt="Newegg" loading="lazy" />
  2689. </div>
  2690. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2691. <span>
  2692. $1099.99 </span>
  2693. </div>
  2694. <div>
  2695. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/IB3UCxo0l0UQD94YC8fqtyFvVJ?domain=newegg.com" data-vars-product-name="Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG" data-vars-product-id="2876165" data-vars-category="Monitors" data-vars-manufacturer-id="11291" data-vars-manufacturer="Asus" data-vars-vendor="Newegg,Asus" data-product="2876165" data-vars-link-position-id="000" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/IB3UCxo0l0UQD94YC8fqtyFvVJ?domain=newegg.com" data-vars-product-price="$1099.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Newegg" aria-label="View deal at Newegg for $1099.99">View Deal</a> </div>
  2696. </div>
  2697. <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon">
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  2699. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" />
  2700. </div>
  2701. <div class="price-comparison__price"></div>
  2702. <div>
  2703. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Asus+ROG+Strix+OLED+XG32UCWG">Check</a> </div>
  2704. </div>
  2706. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  2707. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  2708. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  2709. </div>
  2710. </div>
  2711.  
  2712. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  2713. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  2714. <div>
  2715. <span>Product</span>
  2716. </div>
  2717. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  2718. <span>Price</span>
  2719. </div>
  2720. </div>
  2721. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  2722. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  2723. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  2724. </div>
  2725. </div>
  2726. </div>
  2727. </div>
  2728. </div>
  2729. </div>
  2730. <div class="product-content">
  2732. <h2 class="" id="why-should-you-buy-the-asus-rog-strix-oled-xg32ucwg">Why should you buy the Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG?</h2>
  2733.  
  2734. <p>The Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG stands out with its rare dual-mode display mode, which lets you choose between the sharpness of 4K at 165Hz or ultra-fast 1080p at 330Hz. That flexibility makes it appealing for gamers who sometimes need extreme responsiveness and motion clarity in esports titles, but also want to play games with leading-edge graphics at 4K.</p>
  2735.  
  2736. <p>The 165Hz mode is aided by Asus’ Extreme Low Motion Blur feature, which uses backlight strobing to reduce perceived blur. The 330Hz mode, meanwhile, delivers top-notch motion clarity at the expensive of reduced resolution.</p>
  2737.  
  2738. <p>Image quality is good, too. The monitor’s brightness is strong for OLED, delivering punchy SDR and HDR visuals, and its TrueBlack Glossy finish boosts perceived contrast for incredibly deep, inky blacks.</p>
  2739.  
  2740. <p>Add in a compact stand, solid connectivity with USB-C and multiple USB-A ports, as well as a competitive launch price of $899, and this monitor is an easy recommendation.</p>
  2741.  
  2742. <h2 class="" id="asus-rog-strix-oled-xg32ucwg-further-considerations">Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG: Further Considerations</h2>
  2743.  
  2744. <p>The monitor’s TrueBlack Glossy finish is divisive. It looks vivid and contrast-rich in dark rooms but acts like a mirror in brighter rooms. Color performance, while strong, trails the top competitors in gamut coverage, and the 4K refresh rate caps at 165Hz, whereas some rivals offer 4K at 240Hz.</p>
  2745.  
  2746. <p></p>
  2747. </div>
  2748. <p class="product-chart-review-link">
  2749. Read our full
  2750. <a class="product-chart-item__review-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2876158/asus-rog-strix-oled-xg32ucwg-review.html" target="_blank" score="4">
  2751. Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG review </a>
  2752. </p>
  2753. </div>
  2754. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-13" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF13"}'>
  2755. </div> </div>
  2756.  
  2758.  
  2759.  
  2760. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="other-notable-gaming-monitors-weve-reviewed">Other notable gaming monitors we’ve reviewed</h2>
  2761.  
  2762.  
  2763.  
  2764. <p>The <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2640120/alienware-aw2725q-monitor-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2640120/alienware-aw2725q-monitor-review.html">Alienware AW2725Q</a> is an excellent 27-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitor, and less expensive than the competition; the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2644318/benq-pd3226g-monitor-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2644318/benq-pd3226g-monitor-review.html">BenQ PD3226G</a> is a monitor for creative professionals, but it’s not bad in PC games, either; the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2621265/asus-rog-swift-oled-pg27ucdm-review.html">Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM</a> 27-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor delivers gorgeous image quality and a long list of features, though it certainly isn’t cheap; the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2615229/msi-mpg-321urxw-qd-oled-review.html">MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED</a> is an excellent 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor — but with the added perk of USB connectivity; the  <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2558718/hp-omen-transcend-32-review.html">HP Omen Transcend 32</a> offers great USB-C connectivity and top-tier SDR image quality that make this 4K OLED monitor worth its high price; at less than $200, the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2550782/lenovo-legion-r27fc-30-review.html">Lenovo Legion R27fc-30</a> is a good budget gaming monitor with a focus on motion clarity; the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2547156/acer-predator-x32-x3-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2547156/acer-predator-x32-x3-review.html">Acer Predator X32 X3</a> is a great 4K OLED monitor that separates itself from the competition on two key points: connectivity and price; the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2525938/asus-proart-display-5k-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2525938/asus-proart-display-5k-review.html">Asus ProArt Display 5K</a> is not the best high-resolution display on the market, but it delivers a gorgeous 5K image and long list of features at a reasonable price; the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2496292/gigabyte-g34wqcp-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2496292/gigabyte-g34wqcp-review.html">Gigabyte G34WQCP</a> is a $350 ultrawide that earns high marks in SDR brightness, contrast, and color performance.</p>
  2765.  
  2766.  
  2767.  
  2768. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box">
  2769. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-we-test-gaming-monitors">How we test gaming monitors</h2>
  2770.  
  2771.  
  2772.  
  2773. <p>We test all monitors with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra calibration tool. This tool can report objective measurements for brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, color temperature, gamma, and other metrics. </p>
  2774.  
  2775.  
  2776.  
  2777. <p>Our results are recorded and compared to the results for past monitors. Though we rely on our eyes for initial impressions, comparing objective results lets us evaluate monitors against hundreds of older models from past reviews and testing. </p>
  2778.  
  2779.  
  2780.  
  2781. <p>We examine motion clarity by quickly moving the camera across the map in <em>Civilization VI</em>, playing a round of <em>Rocket League</em>, and panning the camera across the landscape in <em>Final Fantasy XIV</em>—among other games. Finally, we use the popular <a href="https://www.testufo.com">UFO Test </a>for an apples-to-apples comparison between displays.</p>
  2782.  
  2783.  
  2784.  
  2785. <p>In addition to gaming prowess, we consider a monitor’s on-screen menu, ergonomic stand (or lack thereof), and overall build quality—all important qualities irrespective of use case.</p>
  2786.  
  2787.  
  2788.  
  2789. <p>For more details, see our article on on <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2285790/how-we-test-monitors-at-pcworld.html">how we test monitors at PCWorld</a>.</p>
  2790.  
  2791.  
  2792.  
  2793. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="who-curated-this-article">Who curated this article?</h2>
  2794.  
  2795.  
  2796.  
  2797. <p><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/author/mattsmith">Matthew S. Smith</a> is a freelance technology journalist with 15 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics, including the universe of computer monitors. In addition to PCWorld, his work can be found on Wired, Digital Trends, Reviewed, Lifewire, and other technology publications.</p>
  2798. </div>
  2799.  
  2800.  
  2801.  
  2802. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-choose-the-best-gaming-monitor">How to choose the best gaming monitor</h2>
  2803.  
  2804.  
  2805.  
  2806. <p>Gamers have unique needs that exceed an average user. Here’s what PC gamers should look for in a gaming monitor.</p>
  2807.  
  2808.  
  2809.  
  2810. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="resolution">Resolution </h3>
  2811.  
  2812.  
  2813.  
  2814. <p>Most widescreen gaming monitors have a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p), 2560×1440 (1440p), or 4K (3840×2160). A higher resolution improves sharpness and clarity, which helps games look more detailed and lifelike. Increasing resolution also increases demand on your video card, however. Gamers with less powerful hardware may want to avoid 4K. </p>
  2815.  
  2816.  
  2817.  
  2818. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="refresh-rate">Refresh rate</h3>
  2819.  
  2820.  
  2821.  
  2822. <p>A higher refresh leads to smoother motion by increasing the number of frames that can appear each second. It also reduces input lag, as each frame appears more quickly. A 144Hz refresh rate is a big improvement over the standard 60Hz, and 240Hz is better still. The improvement becomes more difficult to notice after 240Hz, but 360Hz monitors exist for those who want the lowest input lag possible.</p>
  2823.  
  2824.  
  2825.  
  2826. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">DisplayPort and HDMI 2.<strong>1</strong></h3>
  2827.  
  2828.  
  2829.  
  2830. <p>DisplayPort is the best connection for PC gaming. Even DisplayPort 1.4, which is rather old, can support 4K at 144Hz. HDMI 2.1 can handle 4K at 120Hz and is an acceptable connection for PC gaming, though most gamers will use it for a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S game console.</p>
  2831.  
  2832.  
  2833.  
  2834. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-block faq-block"><h2 class="faq-block-title" id="faq"> FAQ </h2><hr class="block-horizotal-divider">
  2835. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">1.</span>
  2836. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-gaming-monitor">What is the best gaming monitor?</h3>
  2837.  
  2838.  
  2839.  
  2840. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip">
  2841. <p>The best gaming monitor overall is the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2436015/msi-mpg-341cqpx-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2436015/msi-mpg-341cqpx-review.html">MSI MPG 341CQPX</a>. The 34-inch panel joins a field of QD-OLED ultrawides, but stands out from the pack with better HDR, a 240Hz refresh rate, and USB-C port with 98 watts of Power Delivery.  </p>
  2842. </div>
  2843. </div></div>
  2844.  
  2845.  
  2846.  
  2847. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">2.</span>
  2848. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-the-best-cheap-gaming-monitor">What is the best cheap gaming monitor?</h3>
  2849.  
  2850.  
  2851.  
  2852. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip">
  2853. <p>At less than $300, the <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1965138/dell-g2724d-review.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1965138/dell-g2724d-review.html">Dell G2724D</a> offers incredible value for gamers. The 1440p/165Hz monitor has all the essentials: good image quality, strong motion clarity, and broad Adaptive Sync support. </p>
  2854. </div>
  2855. </div></div>
  2856.  
  2857.  
  2858.  
  2859. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">3.</span>
  2860. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-resolution-is-best-for-a-gaming-monitor">What resolution is best for a gaming monitor?</h3>
  2861.  
  2862.  
  2863.  
  2864. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip">
  2865. <p>Many competitive gamers prefer 1080p resolution because it allows for high frame rates and low input lag even on modest hardware. This also makes it ideal for budget shoppers. 1080p is not as crisp as higher resolutions but, if it allows for higher frame rates, can look good in motion.</p>
  2866.  
  2867.  
  2868.  
  2869. <p>1440p remains a great mid-range option. It looks much sharper than 1080p but doesn’t drastically increase load on your video card. A variety of 1440p monitors now support a refresh rate up to 240Hz. </p>
  2870.  
  2871.  
  2872.  
  2873. <p>4K is the last word in sharpness and clarity. Playing a modern game on a 4K monitor takes the experience to a new level. It’s very demanding on your video card, however, so you’ll need top-tier hardware for a smooth experience. </p>
  2874.  
  2875.  
  2876.  
  2877. <p>Ultrawide monitors differ in resolution because they have a wider screen. Most ultrawide monitors have a resolution of 3440×1440, which delivers sharpness similar to a 1440p ultrawide. Some larger monitors have more exotic resolutions: the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 Neo, for example, has 5120×1440 resolution.</p>
  2878. </div>
  2879. </div></div>
  2880.  
  2881.  
  2882.  
  2883. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">4.</span>
  2884. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="should-i-use-amd-freesync-or-nvidia-g-sync">Should I use AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync?</h3>
  2885.  
  2886.  
  2887.  
  2888. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip">
  2889. <p>AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync can synchronize the refresh rate of a compatible monitor with the output of an AMD or Nvidia video card. This ensures smooth motion and eliminates screen tearing, a distracting visual artifact.</p>
  2890.  
  2891.  
  2892.  
  2893. <p>You might be surprised to learn that most AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync monitors rely on the VESA Adaptive Sync standard. This is why many gaming monitors now support both. The difference in performance is minimal.</p>
  2894.  
  2895.  
  2896.  
  2897. <p>Our <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/423202/g-sync-vs-freesync-amd-nvidia-monitor.html">G-Sync vs. FreeSync comparison goes in-depth</a> on their similarities and differences.</p>
  2898. </div>
  2899. </div></div>
  2900.  
  2901.  
  2902.  
  2903. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block"><div class="faq-save-content"><span class="faq-rank">5.</span>
  2904. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="should-i-buy-an-ultrawide-gaming-monitor">Should I buy an ultrawide gaming monitor?</h3>
  2905.  
  2906.  
  2907.  
  2908. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip">
  2909. <p><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/394848/are-ultrawide-monitors-worth-it.html">The short answer? Yes</a>. </p>
  2910.  
  2911.  
  2912.  
  2913. <p>Our top choice, the Alienware AW3423DW, is an ultrawide gaming monitor. An ultrawide aspect ratio is more immersive in racing, simulation, and role-playing games. It also offers a large, more impressive perspective in many strategy games. </p>
  2914.  
  2915.  
  2916.  
  2917. <p>Not all games support an ultrawide aspect ratio, however. It’s wise to check that your favorite games support ultrawide monitors before making a purchase. Consoles rarely support ultrawide aspect ratios, so console gamers should stick with a widescreen display.</p>
  2918. </div>
  2919. </div></div>
  2920. </div>
  2921.  
  2922.  
  2923.  
  2924. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box">
  2925. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="related-content">Related content</h2>
  2926.  
  2927.  
  2928.  
  2929. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2930. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/monitors/reviews" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/monitors/reviews">PCWorld monitor reviews</a></li>
  2931.  
  2932.  
  2933.  
  2934. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/811315/best-monitors-2.html">Best monitors</a></li>
  2935.  
  2936.  
  2937.  
  2938. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/813361/best-4k-monitors.html">Best 4K monitors</a></li>
  2939.  
  2940.  
  2941.  
  2942. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1389780/best-home-office-monitors.html">Best home office monitors</a></li>
  2943.  
  2944.  
  2945.  
  2946. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1470449/best-ultrawide-monitors.html">Best ultrawide monitors</a></li>
  2947.  
  2948.  
  2949.  
  2950. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1377172/best-usb-c-monitors.html">Best USB-C monitors</a></li>
  2951.  
  2952.  
  2953.  
  2954. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/1787210/best-portable-monitors.html">Best portable monitors</a></li>
  2955.  
  2956.  
  2957.  
  2958. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2000722/best-monitor-arms.html">Best monitor arms</a></li>
  2959.  
  2960.  
  2961.  
  2962. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2442725/i-switched-to-an-ultrawide-monitor-its-a-bigger-change-than-i-expected.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">I switched to an ultrawide monitor. It’s a bigger change than I expected</a></li>
  2963.  
  2964.  
  2965.  
  2966. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/394798/4k-vs-hdr-monitor-how-to-choose.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4K vs. HDR monitors: How to choose</a></li>
  2967.  
  2968.  
  2969.  
  2970. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2604363/your-gaming-monitor-specs-could-be-deceiving-you.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Your gaming monitor specs could be deceiving you</a></li>
  2971. </ul>
  2972. </div>
  2973.  
  2974. </body></div>
  2975. ]]></description>
  2976. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/813301/best-gaming-monitors.html</link>
  2977. <category>Monitors</category>
  2978. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">813301</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">813301</post-id> </item>
  2979. <item>
  2980. <title>This HP OLED laptop with 24 hours of battery life is on sale for just $550</title>
  2981. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/HP-Omnibook-5-14-1-1.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  2982. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:55:10 +0000</pubDate>
  2984. <description><![CDATA[
  2985. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  2986. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  2987.  
  2988.  
  2989.  
  2990. <p>The new crop of laptops based on Qualcomm’s Arm processors aren’t exactly powerhouses, but they’re some of the most efficient laptops we’ve ever tested. In fact, the HP OmniBook 5 is <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2382780/we-tested-the-battery-life-on-hundreds-of-laptops-these-5-refused-to-die.html">our current battery champion</a>, lasting over 24 hours in a standardized 4K video test. <strong>Today, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F4GTHHCZ/">Amazon is selling it for $549.99</a>, an absolute bargain.</strong></p>
  2991.  
  2992.  
  2993. <span class="cta_btn_heading cta_btn_heading_center-aligned"></span><div class="cta wp-block wp-block-button cta__btn_center-aligned"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F4GTHHCZ/?tag=pcworld02-20&asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-1-2965694-7-0-0-0-0">View this Amazon deal</a></div>
  2994.  
  2995.  
  2996. <p>Highlights include a 14-inch OLED screen, an IR camera for Windows Hello face unlock, and an impressive 2.98-pound weight (that’s 1.35 kilograms if you live in a civilized country). Note that the version Amazon is selling has the same beefy battery and efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor, but less RAM and storage (16GB and 512GB, respectively) and doesn’t come with a touchscreen. To learn more about the quirks of this laptop, <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2889387/hp-omnibook-5-14-review.html">check out Matt Smith’s review for PCWorld</a>.</p>
  2997.  
  2998.  
  2999.  
  3000. <p>Those specs are still good enough to handle just about everything a standard user can throw at it, making it an excellent pick for a student or an office worker who has to travel frequently. The exception is gaming. While most 2D games should be fine, and though compatibility for Windows on Arm is getting better, there just isn’t enough graphical <em>oomph</em> in this thing to handle the newest triple-A 3D titles.</p>
  3001.  
  3002.  
  3003.  
  3004. <p>Note that 24+ hours in a video torture test isn’t the same as 24+ hours of use when you’re sitting in front of the laptop and browsing with dozens of tabs open. Battery life with real-world use will be less, possibly by as much as half… but the benchmark test shows that the Snapdragon-based OmniBook lasts longer than any other machine we’ve tested for any size, weight, or hardware power. If you need a machine that’ll get you from London to Sydney with a busted airliner power socket, this is it.</p>
  3005.  
  3006.  
  3007.  
  3008. <p>This is a new, not refurbished, laptop. And there’s no time limit on the discount, so I suspect it’ll stick around for a while. That said, Black Friday is just two weeks away for deal-hunters in the US. If this laptop isn’t to your liking, maybe take a gander at PCWorld’s roundup of <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/436674/best-pc-laptops.html">the best laptops on the market</a> and stay tuned for our upcoming sale coverage.</p>
  3009.  
  3010.  
  3011. <span class="cta_btn_heading cta_btn_heading_center-aligned">Get an HP laptop with incredible battery life for $550</span><div class="cta wp-block wp-block-button cta__btn_center-aligned"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F4GTHHCZ/?tag=pcworld02-20&asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-1-2965694-7-0-0-0-0">Buy now on Amazon</a></div>
  3012. </body></div>
  3013. ]]></description>
  3014. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965694/this-hp-oled-laptop-with-24-hours-of-battery-life-is-on-sale-for-just-550.html</link>
  3015. <category>Laptops</category>
  3016. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965694</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965694</post-id> </item>
  3017. <item>
  3018. <title>Rockstar postpones GTA 6 release date again by several months</title>
  3019. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GTAVI-1.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  3020. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:43:07 +0000</pubDate>
  3022. <description><![CDATA[
  3023. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  3024. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  3025.  
  3026.  
  3027.  
  3028. <p>It’s been a wild ride for fans awaiting <em>Grand Theft Auto VI</em>. The game was initially slated for a 2025 release, then <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2770751/fears-confirmed-rockstar-reveals-grand-theft-auto-vi-release-date.html">official announced with a May 2026 release date</a>. But there have been rumors that <em>Grand Theft Auto VI</em> could get postponed again, and now those rumors are reality.</p>
  3029.  
  3030.  
  3031.  
  3032. <p>Yesterday, Rockstar Games <a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/ak3ak31a49a221/grand-theft-auto-vi-is-now-set-to-launch-november-19-2026">announced in a blog post</a> that <em>Grand Theft Auto VI</em>‘s launch has been pushed back to November 19th, 2026:</p>
  3033.  
  3034.  
  3035.  
  3036. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
  3037. <p>Hi everyone,</p>
  3038.  
  3039.  
  3040.  
  3041. <p><em>Grand Theft Auto VI</em> will now release on Thursday, November 19, 2026.</p>
  3042.  
  3043.  
  3044.  
  3045. <p>We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.</p>
  3046.  
  3047.  
  3048.  
  3049. <p>We want to thank you again for your patience and support. While the wait is a little longer, we are incredibly excited for players to experience the sprawling state of Leonida and a return to modern day Vice City.</p>
  3050.  
  3051.  
  3052.  
  3053. <p>Sincerely,<br>Rockstar Games</p>
  3054. </blockquote>
  3055.  
  3056.  
  3057.  
  3058. <p>Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick also <a href="https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/grand-theft-auto-vi-delayed-again">said in an interview</a>:</p>
  3059.  
  3060.  
  3061.  
  3062. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
  3063. <p>When we set a date, we really do believe in it. We said when we set the last date, if a game requires more polish to be the best possible version of itself, then we will give that game more time. And that’s exactly what happened. We feel really good about this release date. It’s in the same fiscal year, it happens to be a great release window, and naturally we’re really supportive of Rockstar’s approach.</p>
  3064. </blockquote>
  3065.  
  3066.  
  3067.  
  3068. <p>When the game finally does arrive, <em>Grand Theft Auto VI</em> will initially only run on the Xbox Series X/S and Sony Playstation 5 consoles. However, a later release on the PC is as good as certain. Meanwhile, the entire industry is <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2857960/microsoft-backs-down-on-80-triple-a-games.html">wary of a rumored $100 retail price for it</a>.</p>
  3069.  
  3070. </body></div>
  3071. ]]></description>
  3072. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965627/rockstar-postpones-gta-6-release-date-again-by-several-months.html</link>
  3073. <category>Gaming</category>
  3074. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965627</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965627</post-id> </item>
  3075. <item>
  3076. <title>This Intel mini PC at $189 is the smartest buy you’ll make this week</title>
  3077. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Acemagician-Vista-V1-mini-PC-deal.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  3078. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:29:02 +0000</pubDate>
  3080. <description><![CDATA[
  3081. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  3082. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  3083.  
  3084.  
  3085.  
  3086. <p>Let’s be honest here: if you’re mainly just browsing the web, responding to emails, and watching YouTube and Netflix, then you don’t need a rocket PC. And if you never take your work on the go, then you don’t even need a laptop. Why waste hundreds of bucks when you can do just fine with a properly equipped mini PC? <strong>The Acemagician Vista V1 is ideal on a tight budget as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTJF9LTJ/">it’s now just $189 on Amazon</a>.</strong> That’s with Prime, which you can get with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/amazonprime/">this free 30-day trial offer</a>.</p>
  3087.  
  3088.  
  3089. <span class="cta_btn_heading cta_btn_heading_center-aligned"></span><div class="cta wp-block wp-block-button cta__btn_center-aligned"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTJF9LTJ/?tag=pcworld02-20&asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-1-2965630-7-0-0-0-0">View this Amazon deal</a></div>
  3090.  
  3091.  
  3092. <p>This sleek and tiny PC is no gaming rig, but it packs enough power to get you through a day of work tasks and leisure browsing. The Vista V1 runs on a 12th-gen Intel N95 processor that deftly strikes a balance between low-power efficiency and workload performance for moderate multitasking. It’s punched up further with 16GB of RAM and a decent 512GB SSD, giving it enough oomph to handle Windows 11 without breaking a sweat. Demanding software will make it crawl, though.</p>
  3093.  
  3094.  
  3095.  
  3096. <p>At under $200, this is a fantastic machine for value, especially with <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2828488/ddr4-ram-prices-are-skyrocketing-as-supply-dwindles-and-scarcity-hits.html">DDR4 memory prices on the rise</a>. And on top of all that’s already mentioned, it can support double 4K@60Hz displays via HDMI and DisplayPort, providing ample screen real estate for your apps and tabs. It’s further fitted with double USB-A 3.2, double USB-A 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and 3.5mm audio. And it’s mountable to the back of any VESA-compatible monitor, keeping it clear of your desk and minimizing clutter.</p>
  3097.  
  3098.  
  3099. <span class="cta_btn_heading cta_btn_heading_center-aligned">This budget Intel mini PC is surprisingly good for home offices</span><div class="cta wp-block wp-block-button cta__btn_center-aligned"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTJF9LTJ/?tag=pcworld02-20&asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-1-2965630-7-0-0-0-0">Buy now on Amazon</a></div>
  3100. </body></div>
  3101. ]]></description>
  3102. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965630/this-intel-mini-pc-at-189-is-the-smartest-buy-youll-make-this-week.html</link>
  3103. <category>Desktop PCs</category>
  3104. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965630</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965630</post-id> </item>
  3105. <item>
  3106. <title>This GPU is so big, it comes with a sag detector to protect your mobo</title>
  3107. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/image_b0bf8c.png" length="0" type="image/png" />
  3108. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:06:46 +0000</pubDate>
  3110. <description><![CDATA[
  3111. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  3112. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  3113.  
  3114.  
  3115.  
  3116. <p>Graphics cards are getting bigger and bigger, ballooning out with massive casings and coolers to augment the ever-more-powerful chips inside. The oversized Asus ROG Matrix RTX 5090 Anniversary Edition might be the biggest consumer model out there, and it’s so big it practically demands an elaborate mount setup. The latest update to Asus software even includes a “Level Sense” sag detector.</p>
  3117.  
  3118.  
  3119.  
  3120. <p>According to the <a href="https://rog.asus.com/graphics-cards/graphics-cards/rog-matrix/rog-matrix-rtx5090-p32g-30th/helpdesk_download/">patch notes for the branded GPU Tweak software program</a>, Level Sense has now been extended to the ROG Matrix Platinum 5090 30th Anniversary Edition, a bombastic, oversized card that we covered before. <a href="https://videocardz.com/newz/asus-reveals-level-sense-technology-to-keep-rog-matrix-geforce-rtx-5090-from-sagging">As VideoCardz notes</a>, this isn’t the first Asus GPU to include the feature—it actually debuted earlier in 2025 for the similarly expensive Astral series of cards. But there it had an “Equipment Installation Check” name that was less eye-catching.</p>
  3121.  
  3122.  
  3123. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0f41944"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/image_aad4bf.png" alt="Asus level sense promotional image" class="wp-image-2965687" width="1024" height="558" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3124. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3125. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3126. </svg>
  3127. </button></figure><p class="imageCredit">Asus</p></div>
  3128.  
  3129.  
  3130.  
  3131. <p>Apparently the Astral cards, and presumably the newer Matrix version, are using an internal chip from Bosh Sensortech that detects the angle at which the card is hanging perpendicular. We’re not talking a bubble level here—it’s sensitive enough to detect changes as small as 1/10th of a degree, and alert you if you’re off. The goal, of course, is to get your card installed at 90 degrees relative to the motherboard and case.</p>
  3132.  
  3133.  
  3134.  
  3135. <p>Both the ROG Astral series and the new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haHP5foz8KU">Matrix Anniversary Edition</a> cards come with GPU support brackets in the box, a move that’s becoming increasingly common. You also get a “BTF Adapter” for the fanciest of Asus motherboards, a keycap for your mechanical keyboard, a magnet (imagine a free <em>magnet</em> in a computer component box 30 years ago!), a set of playing cards, a ruler, and a thank you card. For a graphics card that’s almost certain to cost north of $3,000 USD, I suppose a thank you from Asus is definitely in order.</p>
  3136.  
  3137. </body></div>
  3138. ]]></description>
  3139. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965634/this-gpu-is-so-big-it-comes-with-a-sag-detector-to-protect-your-mobo.html</link>
  3140. <category>Graphics Cards</category>
  3141. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965634</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965634</post-id> </item>
  3142. <item>
  3143. <title>Infostealers are making this old security practice new again</title>
  3144. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/shutterstock_2010249140.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  3145. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3147. <description><![CDATA[
  3148. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  3149. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  3150.  
  3151.  
  3152.  
  3153. <p>I’m a semi-old, to riff on today’s online parlance. Things have changed a lot since I was young, especially with computers. A lot of advice just isn’t as applicable in quite the same way as it was 20 years ago.</p>
  3154.  
  3155.  
  3156.  
  3157. <p>And yet what’s old is new again. Because compromised software is becoming a regular problem once more.</p>
  3158.  
  3159.  
  3160.  
  3161. <p>Infostealers are a kind of malware that capture sensitive information right under your nose. They masquerade as legitimate software, but as you go about your business, the app or browser extension will record your passwords, personal details, and other information needed to take over your accounts.</p>
  3162.  
  3163.  
  3164.  
  3165. <p>Unlike with many website leaks and breaches, this data always comes to the attacker unencrypted, so they can start using it immediately.</p>
  3166.  
  3167.  
  3168.  
  3169. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-do-infostealers-end-up-on-a-pc">How do infostealers end up on a PC?</h2>
  3170.  
  3171.  
  3172. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0f527d5"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Chrome-Web-Store.png?w=1200" alt="Chrome Web Store" class="wp-image-2959330" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3173. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3174. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3175. </svg>
  3176. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In addition to cracked software, browser extensions and even legitimate apps can end up infected with malicious code.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Google</p></div>
  3177.  
  3178.  
  3179.  
  3180. <p>Back in the stone age, avoiding infostealing malware was as simple as only buying and downloading official software. That advice still applies today—cracked or pirated apps are one way an infostealer can make its way onto your PC.</p>
  3181.  
  3182.  
  3183.  
  3184. <p>But these days infostealer malware can also land on your computer through seemingly innocent free software. Think browser extensions that give weather updates or help you select a color palette.</p>
  3185.  
  3186.  
  3187.  
  3188. <p>It can also appear through formerly legitimate software. Developers can get hacked—or worse, they actually sell their software to a bad actor. An attacker can then add malware to the code and push an update to unsuspecting users. In 2025, we’ve seen this happen not just through browser extensions, but <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2918399/more-malware-on-steam-as-game-update-hides-crypto-trojan.html">also games on Steam</a>. (And more than once.)</p>
  3189.  
  3190.  
  3191.  
  3192. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-avoid-infostealers">How to avoid infostealers</h2>
  3193.  
  3194.  
  3195.  
  3196. <p>The simple advice is to just watch what you download. In practice, that’s more complicated these days because attackers can place an infostealer on your PC in multiple ways. I take a two-pronged approach. </p>
  3197.  
  3198.  
  3199. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0f5356c"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image_1ded82.png?w=1200" alt="Photopea image editor: editing a Toy Story meme" class="wp-image-2648506" width="1200" height="909" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3200. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3201. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3202. </svg>
  3203. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>Online applications like Photopea don’t require any downloads, making them a great alternative for installing software to your PC.</p></figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Photopea</p></div>
  3204.  
  3205.  
  3206.  
  3207. <p>First: Be smart about what you download.</p>
  3208.  
  3209.  
  3210.  
  3211. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3212. <li>Who is the developer?</li>
  3213.  
  3214.  
  3215.  
  3216. <li>How many times has it been downloaded?</li>
  3217.  
  3218.  
  3219.  
  3220. <li>Who is recommending it?</li>
  3221.  
  3222.  
  3223.  
  3224. <li>How many reviews does it have?</li>
  3225.  
  3226.  
  3227.  
  3228. <li>Is it mentioned by reputable online journalists and experts?</li>
  3229.  
  3230.  
  3231.  
  3232. <li>How often do you see it mentioned in forums and on Reddit during conversations?</li>
  3233. </ul>
  3234.  
  3235.  
  3236.  
  3237. <p>When reading feedback from other people, trust individuals who back up their opinions with the experiences they’ve had from using the software. Look for a big cross-section of reviewers from all different sources, too.</p>
  3238.  
  3239.  
  3240.  
  3241. <p>One nice thing about 2025 is that you don’t have to install software to get your usual tasks done. For example, alternatives like <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2896134/8-free-adobe-photoshop-alternatives-that-actually-work.html">Photopea</a> and Canva can make Photoshop unnecessary. If you need specific software, look for discounts. Students in particular qualify for many freebies, like six months of Adobe Express Premium and <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2425558/how-to-get-microsoft-office-365-for-dirt-cheap-as-a-student.html">a year of Microsoft 365</a>.</p>
  3242.  
  3243.  
  3244.  
  3245. <p>Second: Wipe unused apps and software from your PC. Do this regularly. A legitimate app can’t compromise your system if it’s no longer installed. For games that I may want to play again or are a pain to download, I save the files to an external hard drive before wiping it from my system. (As applicable, I also back up save files.)</p>
  3246.  
  3247.  
  3248.  
  3249. <p>These steps won’t guarantee your PC won’t ever become infected with infostealers (or other malware). But it reduces the risk. Antivirus software does a great job at catching nasty software, but it’s not failsafe.</p>
  3250.  
  3251. </body></div>
  3252. ]]></description>
  3253. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2959328/infostealers-are-making-this-old-security-practice-new-again.html</link>
  3254. <category>Security Software and Services, Windows</category>
  3255. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2959328</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2959328</post-id> </item>
  3256. <item>
  3257. <title>Warning! Don’t open these WhatsApp images, else you’ll get hacked</title>
  3258. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Whatsapp4.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  3259. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:21:44 +0000</pubDate>
  3261. <description><![CDATA[
  3262. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  3263. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  3264.  
  3265.  
  3266.  
  3267. <p>A scam is currently circulating on WhatsApp that could be very dangerous for you. Users are receiving seemingly harmless messages—usually from unknown numbers without unique names—and those messages contain nothing more than a photo along with a question along the lines of “Is that you?” or “Do you know this person?”</p>
  3268.  
  3269.  
  3270.  
  3271. <p>It’s a clear attempt to get you to download and open the attached image. With WhatsApp, you first have to authorize the download of images, and that’s exactly what the scammers are after.</p>
  3272.  
  3273.  
  3274.  
  3275. <p>In fact, the file isn’t a picture of you or someone you know, but rather it’s been manipulated to deliver malware and open up ways for your smartphone, tablet, or PC to be hacked. Afterwards, the scammers can gain access to your private data and even use it to blackmail you.</p>
  3276.  
  3277.  
  3278.  
  3279. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-listicle-chart-block wp-block-product-chart product-chart">
  3280. <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item">
  3281. <h2 class="wp-block-heading  " id="how-the-image-download-scam-works">How the image download scam works</h2>
  3282.  
  3283.  
  3284.  
  3285. <p>The scammers are exploiting a vulnerability in WhatsApp that makes it possible to inject manipulated images or videos without being recognized as such by the app. They can gain access to the parsing process via the file preview that’s generated when an image is downloaded, and this process breaks files down into smaller packages that are needed for the processing of messages.</p>
  3286.  
  3287.  
  3288.  
  3289. <p>If code snippets containing malware are injected during this process, scammers can use that malware to gain access to target devices. You don’t see any of this happening because these processes run in the background while you’re opening the image.</p>
  3290.  
  3291.  
  3292.  
  3293. <p>What does this mean for you? Not only can your WhatsApp account be stolen, but your data on the device can also be intercepted and taken. You have to be careful of who you trust on WhatsApp.</p>
  3294. </div></div>
  3295. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-14" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF14"}'>
  3296. </div>
  3297.  
  3298.  
  3299. <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item">
  3300. <h2 class="wp-block-heading  " id="how-to-not-be-a-victim-to-this-scam">How to not be a victim to this scam</h2>
  3301.  
  3302.  
  3303.  
  3304. <p>Whenever you get unsolicited messages, always pay special attention to who’s sending the message and why. Unknown numbers often conceal scammers who message people at random and hope that someone will be careless enough to fall for their tricks. It’s best to block them.</p>
  3305.  
  3306.  
  3307.  
  3308. <p>Also, never open images or other files if you aren’t 100% sure of what they contain, if you don’t 100% trust the one sending them to you, and if it seems like they <em>really</em> want you to open them for some reason.</p>
  3309.  
  3310.  
  3311.  
  3312. <p>To play it extra safe, you should disable the automatic downloading of media, which you can do by navigating to <strong>Settings > Storage and data</strong>. Under <strong>Auto-download media</strong>, deselect all file types by unchecking the boxes (even if your Wi-Fi connection is active).</p>
  3313.  
  3314.  
  3315.  
  3316. <p>Last but not least, make sure you always install the latest WhatsApp updates. This fixes known security vulnerabilities, reducing the chance that a scammer can exploit flaws to trick you. It’s currently not know when WhatsApp will update to fix this particular vulnerability.</p>
  3317.  
  3318.  
  3319.  
  3320. <p><strong>Further reading:</strong> <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2954729/whatsapp-is-banning-ai-chatbots-like-chatgpt-soon-heres-why.html">WhatsApp is banning AI chatbots like ChatGPT soon</a></p>
  3321. </div></div>
  3322. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-15" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF15"}'>
  3323. </div></div>
  3324.  
  3325. </body></div>
  3326. ]]></description>
  3327. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965623/warning-dont-open-these-whatsapp-images-else-youll-get-hacked.html</link>
  3328. <category>Online Services, Security Software and Services</category>
  3329. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965623</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965623</post-id> </item>
  3330. <item>
  3331. <title>Incogni review: The set-it-and-forget-it online privacy solution</title>
  3332. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Incogni_logo_black_better_quality-1.png" length="0" type="image/png" />
  3333. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3335. <description><![CDATA[
  3336. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  3337. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  3338.  
  3339.  
  3340. <div id="review-body" class="review"><img decoding="async" class="review-logo" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/PC-ED-CHOICE.png" alt="Editors' Choice" loading="lazy" /><h4 class="review-title" id="at-a-glance">At a glance</h4><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="experts-rating">Expert's Rating</h3><div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4.5;" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4.5 out of 5." role="img"></div>
  3341. <div><div class="review-columns">
  3342. <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  3343. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3344. <li>Highly automated and effective data removal</li>
  3345.  
  3346.  
  3347.  
  3348. <li>Extremely easy to use</li>
  3349.  
  3350.  
  3351.  
  3352. <li>Transparent removal tracking and progress</li>
  3353.  
  3354.  
  3355.  
  3356. <li>Strong privacy standards</li>
  3357. </ul>
  3358. </div>
  3359.  
  3360.  
  3361.  
  3362. <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  3363. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3364. <li>Verification of data removals is limited</li>
  3365.  
  3366.  
  3367.  
  3368. <li>Ultimate plans are expensive</li>
  3369. </ul>
  3370. </div>
  3371.  
  3372.  
  3373.  
  3374. <h3 class="review-subTitle review-subTitle--borderTop " id="our-verdict">Our Verdict </h3>
  3375. <p>Incogni’s automated data removal service expertly leverages privacy laws to compel data brokers to delete your personal information across hundreds of sites. The service is easy to use, secure, and effective at large-scale data deletion, though users must extend some level of faith in its confirmation process and pay a premium for the full feature set.</p>
  3376.  
  3377.  
  3378.  
  3379.  
  3380.  
  3381. <p>Price When Reviewed</p>
  3382. <p>This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined</p>
  3383.  
  3384.  
  3385.  
  3386.  
  3387. <p>Best Pricing Today</p>
  3388.  
  3389.  
  3390.  
  3391. </div></div>
  3392. </div>
  3393. <h3 class="review-best-price" id="best-prices-today-incogni">
  3394. Best Prices Today: Incogni </h3>
  3395. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  3397. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  3398.  
  3399. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  3400. <div>
  3401. <span>Retailer</span>
  3402. </div>
  3403. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  3404. <span>Price</span>
  3405. </div>
  3406. </div>
  3407.  
  3408. <div class="price-comparison__record  ">
  3409. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  3410. <span>Incogni</span>
  3411. </div>
  3412. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  3413. <span>
  3414. $7.99 </span>
  3415. </div>
  3416. <div>
  3417. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://incogni.com/pricing" data-vars-product-name="Incogni" data-vars-product-id="2958255" data-vars-category="Security Software and Services" data-vars-manufacturer-id="26202" data-vars-manufacturer="Incogni" data-vars-vendor="Incogni" data-product="2958255" data-vars-link-position-id="001" data-vars-link-position="Price Comparison Top" data-vars-outbound-link="https://incogni.com/pricing" data-vars-product-price="$7.99" data-vars-product-vendor="Incogni" aria-label="View deal at Incogni for $7.99" target="_blank">View Deal</a> </div>
  3418. </div>
  3420. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  3421. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  3422. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  3423. </div>
  3424. </div>
  3425.  
  3426. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  3427. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  3428. <div>
  3429. <span>Product</span>
  3430. </div>
  3431. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  3432. <span>Price</span>
  3433. </div>
  3434. </div>
  3435. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  3436. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  3437. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  3438. </div>
  3439. </div>
  3440. </div>
  3441. <div class="review-software-price">
  3442. <div class="software-product-chart-main">
  3443. <div class="software-product-chart-pricing">
  3444. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details">
  3445. <div class="software-product-chart-pricing">
  3446. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--links-wrapper">
  3447. <span class="not-amp">
  3448. <div class="software-product-chart-buttons free_trial-2"><div class="item-pricing-details"><div class="item__pricing-details--button"><span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label-software">1 month</span><a class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--link software-product " href="https://incogni.com/pricing" target='"_blank"' data-vars-product-name="Incogni" data-vars-product-id="2958255" data-vars-category="Security Software and Services" data-vars-manufacturer-id="26202" data-vars-manufacturer="Incogni" data-vars-vendor="Incogni" data-product="2958255" data-vars-link-position-id="003" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://incogni.com/pricing" data-vars-product-price="$15.98/month">$15.98/month</a></div><div class="item__pricing-details--button"><span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--label-software">12 months</span><a class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--link software-product " href="https://incogni.com/pricing" target='"_blank"' data-vars-product-name="Incogni" data-vars-product-id="2958255" data-vars-category="Security Software and Services" data-vars-manufacturer-id="26202" data-vars-manufacturer="Incogni" data-vars-vendor="Incogni" data-product="2958255" data-vars-link-position-id="003" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://incogni.com/pricing" data-vars-product-price="$95 ($7.99.mo)">$95 ($7.99.mo)</a></div></div></div><u><div class="software-main-price-wrapper button-count-free_trial-2"><a class="is-main-price" href="https://incogni.com/pricing" target="_blank" data-vars-product-name="Incogni" data-vars-product-id="2958255" data-vars-category="Security Software and Services" data-vars-manufacturer-id="26202" data-vars-manufacturer="Incogni" data-vars-vendor="Incogni" data-product="2958255" data-vars-link-position-id="003" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://incogni.com/pricing">See all plans & pricing at Incogni</a></div></u> </span>
  3449. </span>
  3450. </div>
  3451. </div>
  3452. </div>
  3453. </div>
  3454. </div>
  3456.  
  3457.  
  3458. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="incogni-in-brief">Incogni in brief:</h2>
  3459.  
  3460.  
  3461.  
  3462. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3463. <li>Data removal sites: 420+, plus an additional 2,000+ custom removals</li>
  3464.  
  3465.  
  3466.  
  3467. <li>Data removed information: Yes, for every site</li>
  3468.  
  3469.  
  3470.  
  3471. <li>Identity monitoring: No</li>
  3472.  
  3473.  
  3474.  
  3475. <li>Free version available: No</li>
  3476.  
  3477.  
  3478.  
  3479. <li>Cost: $15.98 per month, or $95 for one year</li>
  3480. </ul>
  3481.  
  3482.  
  3483.  
  3484. <p>Most people are unaware of just how much of their data is out on the web available for anyone to buy and sell. Most of this is done by data-aggregator and data-broker websites which hoover up as much info as possible about as many people as possible. They then match this data to each individual to create personal profiles that are then packaged and sold online.</p>
  3485.  
  3486.  
  3487.  
  3488. <p>There are so many of these data-broker sites now that it’s nearly impossible to remove your data from each on your own. As a result, a number of personal data-removal services have cropped up to help customers with this process. Incogni, from the famous VPN Surfshark, is probably the most famous and popular data-removal service—at the time of this writing it has processed over 245 million removal requests</p>
  3489.  
  3490.  
  3491.  
  3492. <p>It makes the entire process of removing your data from these sites easy and effective. All requests are automated and the service even continually sends new requests to make sure your data never reappears in the future.</p>
  3493.  
  3494.  
  3495.  
  3496. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-are-incognis-features-and-services">What are Incogni’s features and services?</h2>
  3497.  
  3498.  
  3499.  
  3500. <p>Incogni is a personal data-removal service that delivers in an easy and automated format. Using its database of more than 420 data-broker websites, it sends removal requests on your behalf and requests that your data be added to suppression lists so it doesn’t reappear, and follows up every 60 to 90 days for as long as you’re subscribed.</p>
  3501.  
  3502.  
  3503.  
  3504. <p>The service takes advantage of privacy laws in both the U.S. and EU to force data brokers into compliance. It leverages these legal frameworks in a really clever way too—the removal of your personal data is not only a request, but actually a compulsory legal requirement.</p>
  3505.  
  3506.  
  3507.  
  3508. <p>All of the removal requests and their progress can be found under the Dashboard in your Incogni account on its website. Each request is shown as “In progress” or “Completed” based on whether the data broker has processed and confirmed the removal.</p>
  3509.  
  3510.  
  3511. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0f7f18f"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/removal-completed-summary.png?w=1200" alt="Incogni" class="wp-image-2958244" width="1200" height="918" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3512. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3513. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3514. </svg>
  3515. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>Incogni shows detailed information relating to each removal request including when it was processed and completed, plus what data was removed.</p>
  3516. </figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Sam Singleton</p></div>
  3517.  
  3518.  
  3519.  
  3520. <p>You can click on the drop-down next to each request to see more detailed information including the data removed and a summary of the data-broker site itself. Each request comes with a unique ID and shows the last time it was updated and the average resolution time for the request as well. Incogni will follow-up with additional removal requests periodically to ensure your data doesn’t reappear on that site in the future.</p>
  3521.  
  3522.  
  3523.  
  3524. <p>If you opt for the Ultimate or Family Ultimate plans, you’ll also gain access to Incogni’s Custom Removals feature. With this tool you can manually add your own data broker or public search sites not covered by the service’s automatic removals. When I reached out to Incogni about this tool, a representative assured me that each individual Custom Removal request is personally handled by an Incogni agent. As far as I know, there is no other service on the market that gives its customers the same individualized attention. That alone should be applauded.</p>
  3525.  
  3526.  
  3527. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0f7f878"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Custom-removals.png?w=1200" alt="Incogni" class="wp-image-2958246" width="1200" height="678" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3528. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3529. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3530. </svg>
  3531. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>Incogni’s Custom removals are easy to set up and each request receives individualized attention.</p>
  3532. </figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Incogni</p></div>
  3533.  
  3534.  
  3535.  
  3536. <p>Custom removals can also cover sites outside of data brokers and traditional public search sites. This includes business and company information sites, legal resources, limited court record sites, and more. Not everything can be removed, but Incogni will give it a try if it can.</p>
  3537.  
  3538.  
  3539.  
  3540. <p>As you are allowing Incogni to handle a lot of highly personal data, you want to make sure your data is in safe hands. According to its <a href="https://incogni.com/legal/privacy-policy">privacy policy</a>, Incogni only shares your personal data to process a removal request with each data broker. </p>
  3541.  
  3542.  
  3543.  
  3544. <p>It does not sell, nor ever has sold, the personal data of customers. It complies with all personal rights according to U.S. and EU data protection laws. Customer data is only retained for a maximum of 12 months after you cancel the service.</p>
  3545.  
  3546.  
  3547.  
  3548. <p>Finally, Incogni underwent a third-party security audit by Deloitte in August 2025 and the firm gave it a successful third-party assurance rating. These all lead me to believe that Incogni is doing its part to maintain the integrity of the vast user data it’s privy to.</p>
  3549.  
  3550.  
  3551.  
  3552. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-much-does-incogni-cost">How much does Incogni cost?</h2>
  3553.  
  3554.  
  3555.  
  3556. <p>Incogni offers four subscription tiers: Standard, Unlimited, Family, and Family Unlimited. Each tier is offered in either a monthly plan or annual plan. </p>
  3557.  
  3558.  
  3559.  
  3560. <p>The Standard and Family plans are nearly identical, as are the Unlimited and Family Unlimited. Opting for the “family” versions of each provides the same service for up to five members on a single plan.</p>
  3561.  
  3562.  
  3563.  
  3564. <p>The Standard plan is offered for $15.98 per month or $95 annually (at $7.99 per month), which is a 50 percent discount. With the Standard plan you get access to automated removal requests for over 420 data broker sites, up to three different emails, phone numbers, and addresses per person, plus recurring removals as long as your subscription lasts.</p>
  3565.  
  3566.  
  3567.  
  3568. <p>The Ultimate plan is $29.98 per month or $179 annually (at $14.99 per month). If you opt for the Ultimate plan, you’ll get everything from the Standard plan plus unlimited custom removal requests for over 2,000 additional sites, plus live phone support.</p>
  3569.  
  3570.  
  3571.  
  3572. <p>While the monthly price does seem expensive, the annual plans are much more affordable. Additionally, while data brokers have between 30 and 45 days to respond to a removal request, Incogni will continue to finish up any outstanding removals even if your subscription runs out. </p>
  3573.  
  3574.  
  3575.  
  3576. <p>Incogni also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, which is even more incentive to give it a try if you’re curious. You can see all of the pricing details and how to sign up <a href="https://incogni.com/pricing">on Incogni’s website here</a>. </p>
  3577.  
  3578.  
  3579.  
  3580. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="incogni-getting-started">Incogni: Getting started</h2>
  3581.  
  3582.  
  3583. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0f80072"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Profile-information.png?w=1200" alt="Incogni" class="wp-image-2958247" width="1200" height="604" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3584. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3585. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3586. </svg>
  3587. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>You can add up to three emails, addresses, and phone numbers to your Incogni profile.</p>
  3588. </figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Incogni</p></div>
  3589.  
  3590.  
  3591.  
  3592. <p>Getting started with Incogni is pretty straightforward. After sign-up you can create your account and begin entering your personal data. This includes emails, addresses, phone numbers, and names or aliases you may be associated with, plus your birth date. </p>
  3593.  
  3594.  
  3595.  
  3596. <p>The service allows each user to enter up to three emails, phone numbers, and home addresses—each email needs to be verified though. I would recommend that everyone take advantage of this and fill up these extra data points, even if you haven’t used these old addresses or numbers in a long time. Old data has a funny way of following you around years or even decades later.</p>
  3597.  
  3598.  
  3599.  
  3600. <p>After you enter in this information, Incogni will ask you to grant it the power to make requests on your behalf and away you go.</p>
  3601.  
  3602.  
  3603.  
  3604. <p>Incogni will take over at this point and begin automatically sending out removal requests to known data-broker sites. You can see each request and its progress on the dashboard. The number of requests will balloon quickly. Just on my first day alone Incogni had sent out 585 requests, and each time I reloaded the page more and more were marked as completed.</p>
  3605.  
  3606.  
  3607. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0f805c5"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Removal-confirmation-email.png?w=1200" alt="Incogni" class="wp-image-2958248" width="1200" height="200" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3608. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3609. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3610. </svg>
  3611. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>I received a few emails such as this directly from data brokers confirming my data was removed.</p></figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Sam Singleton</p></div>
  3612.  
  3613.  
  3614.  
  3615. <p>Once the requests begin, you may receive some emails from data brokers themselves verifying that they have removed your data from their sites. For me personally, I only received two or three over the course of a few weeks. The vast majority of these verification emails are sent directly to Incogni so you won’t be spammed.</p>
  3616.  
  3617.  
  3618.  
  3619. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-are-incognis-results-over-time">How are Incogni’s results over time?</h2>
  3620.  
  3621.  
  3622.  
  3623. <p>From day one Incogni was showing results. This honestly surprised me as data brokers have a month or more to respond to data removal requests. Additionally, Incogni itself shows the “Average resolution time” for each data broker under the Requests tab and most of them have averages in the two to three week range. Still, after just 24 hours I already had multiple pages of completed removals. Flash forward to a month later and I now have 743 requests sent, 662 removals completed, and 81 still in progress. </p>
  3624.  
  3625.  
  3626. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0f80b1a"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Dashboard-graph.png?w=1200" alt="Incogni" class="wp-image-2958251" width="1200" height="836" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3627. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3628. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3629. </svg>
  3630. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>The Incogni Dashboard shows a graph displaying requests, time saved, and suppression list entries.</p>
  3631. </figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Sam Singleton</p></div>
  3632.  
  3633.  
  3634.  
  3635. <p>A neat little addition that Incogni includes on the dashboard is the amount of “Time saved” which is based on an estimate of how long it would take to submit each request manually. In just this short amount of time it claims to have saved me over 496 hours—which amounts to an insane amount of overtime I’d have had to put in just to do this myself.</p>
  3636.  
  3637.  
  3638.  
  3639. <p>Another useful thing that Incogni does is request not only that your data be removed, but also a request to suppress your data. This means that a data broker has agreed to never re-collect any of your personal information in the future. </p>
  3640.  
  3641.  
  3642.  
  3643. <p>As of the time of writing, I have 102 suppression list entries, meaning that I’ll never have to worry about those sites collecting my data again. This is, at least, in theory. While I can dig into the requests page and see which brokers are suppressing my data, I would need to individually reach out to each to confirm this. Something that I, and most other people don’t have the time to do. It should be noted that while Incogni does not verify that your data has been removed on private data broker sites, it does verify removals on public search sites.</p>
  3644.  
  3645.  
  3646.  
  3647. <p>In fact, this is the inherent problem with Incogni’s service: As most removal confirmations are sent to Incogni, you have to trust that the data it claims it removed has actually been removed. Of course, Incogni isn’t the only personal data-removal service that has this problem—it’s inherent to the entire industry. </p>
  3648.  
  3649.  
  3650.  
  3651. <p>To Incogni’s credit, they do this on purpose so that you aren’t spammed with hundreds, or even thousands, of removal confirmation emails. Out of curiosity, I visited a few public search sites at random from the list of those confirmed to be removed by Incogni just to check if my data was truly wiped. </p>
  3652.  
  3653.  
  3654.  
  3655. <p>All except one, Spokeo, had indeed removed any trace of me from their website. Spokeo still had a profile on me, but due to it being behind a paywall I wasn’t able to verify what data it had. This isn’t exactly an issue with Incogni’s service, rather these public search sites that don’t agree to suppression often re-add profiles over time. </p>
  3656.  
  3657.  
  3658.  
  3659. <p>Incogni tries to keep these recurrences to a minimum by periodically resubmitting new removal requests. And indeed, a new pending request by Incogni was already underway for Spokeo when I checked.</p>
  3660.  
  3661.  
  3662. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0f810ee"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Select-profiles.png" alt="Incogni" class="wp-image-2958253" width="1024" height="704" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3663. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3664. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3665. </svg>
  3666. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><p>Incogni occassionally asks you to verify records it found that may be associated with you in order to further enhance its services.</p>
  3667. </figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Sam Singleton</p></div>
  3668.  
  3669.  
  3670.  
  3671. <p>At the top of the Incogni Dashboard, I occasionally found a red banner indicating that Incogni found additional records that might belong to me. When I clicked on the banner, it took me to a “Verify your record” screen where I was asked to double-check some possible aliases that Incogni had identified as potential matches. </p>
  3672.  
  3673.  
  3674.  
  3675. <p>Most of these were only tangentially related to me—same first name, similar ages, etc. Some of them were obviously not me with completely different info that left me baffled as to why they would be potential matches. </p>
  3676.  
  3677.  
  3678.  
  3679. <p>When I questioned Incogni about this they said that the record verification tool is constantly learning and improving upon itself. As it’s still relatively new, it may produce results that seem puzzling. They assured me that over time—and with enough user input—the tool would become much more precise. So for now, users have an incentive to sort through the head-scratchers in order to improve the algorithm and receive more accurate results in the future.</p>
  3680.  
  3681.  
  3682.  
  3683. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-data-does-incogni-remove">What data does Incogni remove?</h2>
  3684.  
  3685.  
  3686.  
  3687. <p>Incogni checks for personal data on both public search sites as well as private data brokers. As mentioned previously, this list currently totals over 420 sites. </p>
  3688.  
  3689.  
  3690.  
  3691. <p>The type of information that Incogni sends removal requests for include any current or former names, physical addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers associated with you. The more information you provide to Incogni, the more effective it is at removing all of your data. This is why it’s always a good idea to fill in all available physical address, email, and phone number slots allowed on your profile in Incogni. </p>
  3692.  
  3693.  
  3694.  
  3695. <p>For public search sites, Incogni checks for your information first, then sends a removal request. Once the removal has been confirmed, Incogni verifies the removal and provides you with all of the information removed.</p>
  3696.  
  3697.  
  3698.  
  3699. <p>As for private data brokers, the process is a little trickier. These companies have the ability to stock up a lot more data on an individual user and generally keep their practices (and clients) hidden. Consequently, it’s next to impossible for Incogni to verify your data with these sites. Instead, it takes a shotgun approach by sending out mass removal requests to all the private data brokers it tracks, requesting that your data be removed. It doesn’t check that your data has been removed; it just marks the status as “Completed” when the broker confirms the removal.</p>
  3700.  
  3701.  
  3702.  
  3703. <p>While this might seem unreliable, most of these data brokers are located in the U.S. or EU where there are massive fines for mishandling removal requests thanks to laws such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act). Therefore, it’s safe to assume that these removal confirmation responses that Incogni receives are true.</p>
  3704.  
  3705.  
  3706.  
  3707. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="is-incogni-worth-it">Is Incogni worth it?</h2>
  3708.  
  3709.  
  3710.  
  3711. <p>Yes, Incogni is absolutely worth using for anyone who values their privacy. Keeping personal info off the internet is an important step in combating identity theft, scammers, harassment, and more. Incogni automates the entire process making it dead simple to use—it’s as easy as just setting and forgetting.</p>
  3712.  
  3713.  
  3714.  
  3715. <p>It can be hard to justify another monthly (or yearly) subscription in today’s world, but the payoff in privacy with Incogni can be huge. I do wish that there was a way to see removal confirmations from each site rather than just trusting Incogni that it received them on your behalf. Still, that’s a minor gripe and if you put in the legwork you can probably verify this yourself.</p>
  3716.  
  3717.  
  3718.  
  3719. <p>Overall, the service works quickly and efficiently to remove and suppress data brokers from collecting and selling your personal information. When it comes to data-removal services, Incogni is the one to beat.</p>
  3720.  
  3721.  
  3722.  
  3723. <p><em><strong>Editor’s note</strong>: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article.</em></p>
  3724.  
  3725. </body></div>
  3726. ]]></description>
  3727. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2958237/incogni-review.html</link>
  3728. <category>Security Software and Services</category>
  3729. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2958237</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2958237</post-id> </item>
  3730. <item>
  3731. <title>Amazon’s killer 43-inch 4K Fire TV is down to $200 ahead of Black Friday</title>
  3732. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Amazon-Fire-TV-4K-deal.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  3733. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:57:02 +0000</pubDate>
  3735. <description><![CDATA[
  3736. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  3737. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  3738.  
  3739.  
  3740.  
  3741. <p>I love Black Friday, but there’s no reason to wait out the rest of the month if you spot a killer deal ahead of time—and yes, there are plenty of amazing discounts going on already. <strong>For example, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SWD2SCK/">this 43-inch 4K TV is only $199.99 right now</a>, down from $369.99 with a 46% discount.</strong> That’s a stellar price for a modestly large TV that can deliver 4K visuals. With features like HDR10 and Dolby Digital Plus, this display promises clear images, bright colors, and an overall vibrant picture.</p>
  3742.  
  3743.  
  3744. <span class="cta_btn_heading cta_btn_heading_center-aligned"></span><div class="cta wp-block wp-block-button cta__btn_center-aligned"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SWD2SCK/?tag=pcworld02-20&asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-1-2965479-7-0-0-0-0">View this Amazon deal</a></div>
  3745.  
  3746.  
  3747. <p>Amazon’s Fire TV 4-Series runs on Fire TV OS, the company’s own operating system that’s tailor-made for streaming content. You get easy access to your favorite platforms—including Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix—and you can watch live TV, stream music, play video games, and more. Included is a 6-month MGM+ subscription (valued at about $50), granting access to thousands of Hollywood movies and original series.</p>
  3748.  
  3749.  
  3750.  
  3751. <p>With four HDMI ports (one supporting eARC/ARC), USB-A, Ethernet, 3.5mm audio, and an IR emitter, this TV is decked out with all the connections you need for external devices like gaming consoles. Another nice inclusion is the Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote, where you can just press a button and ask Alexa to find and play content for you. Use the same button to issue voice commands for all your other Alexa-compatible devices around the house.</p>
  3752.  
  3753.  
  3754.  
  3755. <p>Lastly, it has a 300×300 VESA mount if you intend to hang it on your wall, but you’ll need to buy a separate mounting bracket for that. If you do, make sure it’s able to handle this TV’s full weight of 15.5 pounds.</p>
  3756.  
  3757.  
  3758. <span class="cta_btn_heading cta_btn_heading_center-aligned">Save 46% on this excellent 43-inch 4K Fire TV with extra goodies</span><div class="cta wp-block wp-block-button cta__btn_center-aligned"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SWD2SCK/?tag=pcworld02-20&asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-1-2965479-7-0-0-0-0">Buy now on Amazon</a></div>
  3759. </body></div>
  3760. ]]></description>
  3761. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965479/amazon-killer-43-inch-4k-fire-tv-is-down-to-200-ahead-of-black-friday.html</link>
  3762. <category>Smart TVs</category>
  3763. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965479</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965479</post-id> </item>
  3764. <item>
  3765. <title>Grab two super-fast USB-C charging cables for less than $8 (39% off)</title>
  3766. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ugreen-100w-USB-C-Cable-2-pack-deal.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  3767. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:15:20 +0000</pubDate>
  3769. <description><![CDATA[
  3770. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  3771. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  3772.  
  3773.  
  3774.  
  3775. <p>Like so many of us, you probably have a bunch of cables hogged up in your tech junk drawer. But how many of those cables support fast-charging? If they’re mostly the free cables that came with your various devices, they’re probably slow as dirt—and that means you’re missing out on truly fast charging times and data transfers. <strong>If that’s you, jump on Amazon’s deal while you can: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09N94MZG9/">this 2-pack of fast USB-C cables for $7.89</a> (was $12.99).</strong> That’s a hot discount for a techie essential!</p>
  3776.  
  3777.  
  3778. <span class="cta_btn_heading cta_btn_heading_center-aligned"></span><div class="cta wp-block wp-block-button cta__btn_center-aligned"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09N94MZG9/?tag=pcworld02-20&asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-1-2965314-7-0-0-0-0">View this Amazon deal</a></div>
  3779.  
  3780.  
  3781. <p>These charging cables are perfect for anyone who wants to recharge their gadgets without wasting any time. That’s you, right? Supporting a max charging speed of 100W, you’ll be able to juice up your phone in under an hour or so (as long as you have a suitably fast power adapter, sold separately). It’s also great for tablets, laptops, and anything else that charges via USB-C. Yes, even MacBook Pros!</p>
  3782.  
  3783.  
  3784.  
  3785. <p>Apart from their uber speed, these cables are great because they’re covered in braided nylon. That makes ’em sturdy and able to survive countless bends and all the weird positions they end up in when they’re hastily shoved into pockets, backpacks, and compartments. These cables can also be used for data, by the way, with transfer speeds up to 60 MB/s. That’s fast enough to move a 1GB file in under a minute.</p>
  3786.  
  3787.  
  3788.  
  3789. <p>At 3.3 feet in length, they’re just long enough to be convenient for charging stuff on your desk or charging your phone while you’re tethered to the wall, but not so long that they get easily tangled and clutter up your space. If you <em>do</em> want longer, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09N8Q9SRL/">10-foot 2-pack option</a> is on sale for $18.39 (was $22.99). Personally, not my style.</p>
  3790.  
  3791.  
  3792.  
  3793. <p>This sale price matches the lowest it’s ever been, and I don’t expect it to fall any further for Black Friday. Don’t miss this chance to level up your day-to-day charging on the cheap!</p>
  3794.  
  3795.  
  3796. <span class="cta_btn_heading cta_btn_heading_center-aligned">Two fast USB-C charging cables for just $8? That's a friggin' bargain</span><div class="cta wp-block wp-block-button cta__btn_center-aligned"><a class="cta__btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09N94MZG9/?tag=pcworld02-20&asc_refurl=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-vars-link-position="CTA Button" data-domain-name="amazon" data-subtag="2-1-2965314-7-0-0-0-0">Buy now on Amazon</a></div>
  3797. </body></div>
  3798. ]]></description>
  3799. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2965314/grab-two-super-fast-usb-c-charging-cables-for-less-than-8-39-percent-off.html</link>
  3800. <category>Accessories</category>
  3801. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965314</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2965314</post-id> </item>
  3802. <item>
  3803. <title>5 reasons why your internet is running slow</title>
  3804. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/pexels-pixabay-159304-1.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  3805. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3807. <description><![CDATA[
  3808. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  3809. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  3810.  
  3811.  
  3812.  
  3813. <p>When your internet is running slow it can be beyond frustrating. Grappling with downloading or uploading files when your internet is chugging along can be tedious. Figuring out why your connection has gone slow is a must-do if you’re to overcome the problem. But where to start? Here are five common reasons your internet could be running slow that you can use as a guide.</p>
  3814.  
  3815.  
  3816.  
  3817. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-listicle-chart-block wp-block-product-chart product-chart">
  3818. <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item">
  3819. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="1-network-congestion">1. Network congestion </h3>
  3820.  
  3821.  
  3822.  
  3823. <p>Network congestion is like a traffic jam on your data highway. It occurs when there is more data trying to travel across a network than the available bandwidth can handle. The overload leads to annoying performance issues, such as increased latency. A common cause can be when too many devices are connected to your network at the one time. </p>
  3824.  
  3825.  
  3826.  
  3827. <p>There’s not much you can do about it except maximize your internet plan with your service provider or find a service provider whose network doesn’t suffer as bad congestion. You might also decide to use your internet at times other than peak times.</p>
  3828. </div></div>
  3829. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-16" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF16"}'>
  3830. </div>
  3831.  
  3832.  
  3833. <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item">
  3834. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="2-background-applications-consuming-bandwidth">2. Background applications consuming bandwidth</h3>
  3835.  
  3836.  
  3837.  
  3838. <p>If you’re running programs or downloading large files in the background while surfing the web, you might be consuming your available bandwidth as those programs or downloads clock up megabytes. You might not even be aware of the apps and programs running and the effects they’re having on your internet speed. </p>
  3839.  
  3840.  
  3841.  
  3842. <p>To prevent that happening you should regularly check to see what background processes are running and close unused apps and programs to free up bandwidth for other important tasks.</p>
  3843. </div></div>
  3844. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-17" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF17"}'>
  3845. </div>
  3846.  
  3847.  
  3848. <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item">
  3849. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="3-ip-throttling">3. IP throttling</h3>
  3850.  
  3851.  
  3852.  
  3853. <p>Some internet service providers deliberately slow down internet connections. This can be done for a variety of reasons. For example, for users that have reached certain data limits, to ease congestion or to prioritize other traffic. Throttling can affect your overall internet experience making activities like streaming, downloading, browsing, or gaming slower than usual.</p>
  3854.  
  3855.  
  3856.  
  3857. <p>In some cases, a VPN can help prevent IP throttling by changing your IP address, or the home address that your internet service provider sees as belonging to your connection. PCWorld reviews VPNs, so be sure to check out <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/406870/best-vpn-services-2.html">our list of the best VPNs</a>.</p>
  3858.  
  3859.  
  3860.  
  3861. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0fb5dfb"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/pexels-jakubzerdzicki-29711663.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="Router" class="wp-image-2958288" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3862. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3863. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3864. </svg>
  3865. </button></figure><p class="imageCredit">Pexels: Jakob Zerdzicki</p></div>
  3866. </div></div>
  3867. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-18" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF18"}'>
  3868. </div>
  3869.  
  3870.  
  3871. <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item">
  3872. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="4-malicious-software-or-viruses">4. Malicious software or viruses</h3>
  3873.  
  3874.  
  3875.  
  3876. <p>Viruses and other malware can affect your internet speed in a number of ways. They can run in the background of your PC, consuming your computer’s CPU and memory resources. Alternatively, they can chew up bandwidth by downloading or uploading files without your knowledge. </p>
  3877.  
  3878.  
  3879.  
  3880. <p>In some cases, viruses can even infect your router causing it to malfunction or slow down. Viruses can also conduct malicious activities like Distributed Denial of Service (DDos attacks) which can further degrade your internet performance.</p>
  3881.  
  3882.  
  3883.  
  3884. <p>Make sure you are using a reliable antivirus program, such as <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/407277/best-antivirus-for-windows-pc.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcworld.com/article/407277/best-antivirus-for-windows-pc.html">one of those that PCWorld recommeneds</a>.</p>
  3885. </div></div>
  3886. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-19" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF19"}'>
  3887. </div>
  3888.  
  3889.  
  3890. <div class="wp-block-listicle-chart"><div class="listicle-chart-separator"></div><div class="wp-block-listicle-chart-item listicle-chart-item">
  3891. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="5-outdated-or-broken-router">5. Outdated or broken router</h3>
  3892.  
  3893.  
  3894.  
  3895. <p>When all is said and done, if your internet is slow and there is no apparent reason, you could have a router suffering from technical difficulties. Alternatively, your router might just be old and not support the latest technological standards, or the firmware could be out of date. If you can’t just update the firmware, you’re going to need a new router to facilitate faster speeds and get you back surfing the web in double time.</p>
  3896.  
  3897.  
  3898.  
  3899. <h2 class="wp-block-heading  " id="related-content">Related content</h2>
  3900.  
  3901.  
  3902.  
  3903. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3904. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2364323/warning-signs-your-computer-hacked.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7 warning signs your computer was hacked — and what to do</a></li>
  3905.  
  3906.  
  3907.  
  3908. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2501811/solve-your-wi-fi-problems-with-these-smart-router-settings.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solve your Wi-Fi problems with these smart router settings</a></li>
  3909.  
  3910.  
  3911.  
  3912. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2286759/how-to-speed-up-your-laptop-without-spending-a-dime.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to speed up your laptop without spending a dime</a></li>
  3913. </ul>
  3914. </div></div>
  3915. <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-20" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF20"}'>
  3916. </div></div>
  3917.  
  3918. </body></div>
  3919. ]]></description>
  3920. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2958276/5-reasons-why-your-internet-is-running-slow.html</link>
  3921. <category>Online Services</category>
  3922. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2958276</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2958276</post-id> </item>
  3923. <item>
  3924. <title>Make Windows feel like home: How to personalize the Start menu</title>
  3925. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/edited-lead.png" length="0" type="image/png" />
  3926. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3928. <description><![CDATA[
  3929. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  3930. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  3931.  
  3932.  
  3933.  
  3934. <p>It may be a surprise to some to learn that the Windows Start menu isn’t just a static thing. In fact, you can customize it how you like. You can pin apps and folders into it, change its color, and even arrange the pinned apps into folders themselves. Here we explain how to do each of these things.</p>
  3935.  
  3936.  
  3937.  
  3938. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="pin-your-most-used-folders-or-apps">Pin your most used folders or apps</h3>
  3939.  
  3940.  
  3941.  
  3942. <p>Pinning your most used apps or folders to the Start menu is a good way to make your desktop clutter free and reserve it for only the most essential files. To pin something to the Start menu, right click on it and select <em>Pin to Start</em>.</p>
  3943.  
  3944.  
  3945. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0fc85f6"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-15-103057.png" alt="Windows start" class="wp-image-2941354" width="460" height="451" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3946. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3947. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3948. </svg>
  3949. </button></figure><p class="imageCredit">Dominic Bayley / Foundry</p></div>
  3950.  
  3951.  
  3952.  
  3953. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="organize-your-pinned-apps-into-folders">Organize your pinned apps into folders</h3>
  3954.  
  3955.  
  3956.  
  3957. <p>Once you’ve pinned your apps and folders into the Start menu, you can start to organize them into folders. To do that just left click on the app or folder you want to group and drag it onto another app or folder. You can also give your folder a name.</p>
  3958.  
  3959.  
  3960. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0fc8e60"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-15-103156.png" alt="Windows Start " class="wp-image-2941358" width="667" height="559" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3961. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3962. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3963. </svg>
  3964. </button></figure><p class="imageCredit">Dominic Bayley / Foundry</p></div>
  3965.  
  3966.  
  3967.  
  3968. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="change-the-start-menu-and-taskbar-color">Change the Start menu (and Taskbar) color</h3>
  3969.  
  3970.  
  3971.  
  3972. <p>You can change the Start menu to any custom color you want, but that will, by default, change the Taskbar to the same color. To do this, open <em>Settings</em> > <em>Personalization</em> > <em>Colors</em>. Select dark mode then select an accent color. Under the color palate, enable “<em>Show Accent Color on Start and Taskbar</em>.”</p>
  3973.  
  3974.  
  3975. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0fc95b6"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-15-103405.png?w=1200" alt="Windows Start " class="wp-image-2941357" width="1200" height="793" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  3976. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  3977. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  3978. </svg>
  3979. </button></figure><p class="imageCredit">Dominic Bayley / Foundry</p></div>
  3980.  
  3981.  
  3982.  
  3983. <p>Hunting for even more tips? Check out our <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2649373/the-windows-11-survival-guide-for-windows-10-refugees.html">Windows 11 guide for Windows 10 refugees</a> to go much, much deeper.</p>
  3984.  
  3985.  
  3986.  
  3987. <p>That’s a wrap for this Try This. If you want more tips and tricks, be sure to subscribe to our <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/newsletters/signup">PCWorld Try This newsletter</a>.</p>
  3988.  
  3989.  
  3990.  
  3991. <p></p>
  3992.  
  3993. </body></div>
  3994. ]]></description>
  3995. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2941352/make-windows-feel-like-home-how-to-personalize-the-start-menu.html</link>
  3996. <category>Windows</category>
  3997. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2941352</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2941352</post-id> </item>
  3998. <item>
  3999. <title>PC hardware as service? That’s gonna be a hard no from me, dawg</title>
  4000. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/amd-radeon-rx-6800-xt-1.png" length="0" type="image/png" />
  4001. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  4003. <description><![CDATA[
  4004. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  4005. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  4006.  
  4007.  
  4008.  
  4009. <p><em>Welcome to The Full Nerd newsletter—your weekly dose of hardware talk from the enthusiasts at PCWorld. Missed the controversial topics on</em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thefullnerdpodcast"><em> </em><em>our YouTube show</em></a><em> or hot news from across the web? You’re in the right place.</em></p>
  4010.  
  4011.  
  4012.  
  4013. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
  4014. <p>Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox?<a href="https://www.pcworld.com/newsletters/signup"> Sign up on our website</a>! </p>
  4015. </blockquote>
  4016.  
  4017.  
  4018.  
  4019. <p>I like owning things. The recent AMD driver kerfuffle has me wondering what that really means these days.</p>
  4020.  
  4021.  
  4022.  
  4023. <p>I’m old enough to remember when buying a physical item meant you had it for life. It would run as advertised until it could no longer—perhaps a part would break, a motor would burn out. Even then, things were mechanical enough that you could open them up and tinker, in an effort to fix them.</p>
  4024.  
  4025.  
  4026.  
  4027. <p>Now with so much software required to make hardware perform intended function, that line has become blurry. We depend on companies to keep products functional. We are expected to trust that a company will support a product for a reasonable amount of time.</p>
  4028.  
  4029.  
  4030.  
  4031. <p>AMD’s confused messaging around driver support for RDNA 1 and RDNA 2 graphics cards shook that trust. At first, it seemed that GPUs just three years old were <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2958799/radeon-6000-gpus-were-brand-new-3-years-ago-amds-already-dropping-support.html">already getting the axe</a>—Team Red would no longer provide updated drivers for new game optimizations. Then, after this stance was seemingly confirmed by AMD statements to the press (causing more furor), <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2959622/amd-older-rx5000-rx6000-cards-will-have-an-optimized-driver-path.html">AMD finally issued a clarification</a> via a blog post. The drivers would branch, but baseline support for first- and second-generation RDNA wouldn’t end yet.</p>
  4032.  
  4033.  
  4034.  
  4035. <p>The Full Nerd crew and I discuss the whole episode in more depth in the show, including the nuances of the situation. The reputation of AMD Radeon’s division obviously plays a role in all this, as does the current environment of GPU prices and availability. But even with the resolution of this PR hiccup, the fundamental issue remains.</p>
  4036.  
  4037.  
  4038. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0fda6ae"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/asus-chromebook-cx15-cx1505cka-2.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="Asus Chromebook CX15 head on shot" class="wp-image-2848738" width="1200" height="800" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  4039. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  4040. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  4041. </svg>
  4042. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chromebook lifespans have improved, but that’s only for newer models. Own an older one and it’s likely EOL now. That sucks.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">IDG / Matthew Smith</p></div>
  4043.  
  4044.  
  4045.  
  4046. <p>Companies can now kill their products at any time—even when you have them in your hands. Once software support gets dropped, it’s over. I have a drawer full of phones that Google and Apple no longer provide security patches for. Older Chromebooks got a similarly raw deal.</p>
  4047.  
  4048.  
  4049.  
  4050. <p>You can argue that you can still technically <em>use</em> these products, and sure, that’s true. But in today’s environment, a lack of security patches is asking for a headache. No driver support for new games means you won’t get to play them. Etc.</p>
  4051.  
  4052.  
  4053.  
  4054. <p>I’m grateful that people donate their time to alternative software, like LineageOS and Linux, to help keep perfectly usable hardware still chugging along. (I’m about to try this to breathe new life into a beloved, now-unsupported Chromebook.) But that doesn’t change the fact that we’re at the mercy of companies’ willingness to maintain a product or even whole product line. And I hate that.</p>
  4055.  
  4056.  
  4057.  
  4058. <p>I’m willing to sign up for software-as-service. I think of it as renting tools. But my hardware? I bought it for its known properties. I bought it for its specific features. I bought it so it would keep doing what I needed it for. If it stops working because the software is gone, what did I actually own, then?</p>
  4059.  
  4060.  
  4061.  
  4062. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="in-this-episode-of-the-full-nerd">In this episode of The Full Nerd </h2>
  4063.  
  4064.  
  4065.  
  4066. <p>In<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWZmva6KC08"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZNTP4dBkWk">this episode of The Full Nerd</a>, Adam Patrick Murray, Brad Chacos, Alaina Yee, and Will Smith hash out their feelings about the weekend’s RDNA 1 and 2 driver support debacle and how many Windows PC games run Linux now. On the AMD front, Brad pulls out what he thinks AMD meant to say, but can’t. Meanwhile, I get fussy about chart interpretations and headlines. Not hatin’ on Linux, just the implied takeaway in the coverage.</p>
  4067.  
  4068.  
  4069.  
  4070. <p>Oh, and I get to show everyone my latest fashion acquisition. Is it fashionable? No. Am I pleased that I had a good reason to own AMD-branded socks? Kind of yes. (Very yes.)<br><br>(Full disclosure: The socks were a gift from one Adam Patrick Murray. I have a whole collection of various tech-branded ones from him, possibly because I’ve talked about buying socks during Black Friday so often over the years.)</p>
  4071.  
  4072.  
  4073. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0fdafb2"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TFN25_372_TFNep372_v1.02_03_19_11.Still003.png?w=1200" alt="TFN25 372 TFNep372 v1 02 03 19 11 Still003" class="wp-image-2964811" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  4074. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  4075. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  4076. </svg>
  4077. </button></figure><p class="imageCredit">Willis Lai / Foundry</p></div>
  4078.  
  4079.  
  4080.  
  4081. <p>Missed our live show? Subscribe now to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thefullnerdpodcast?sub_confirmation=1"> The Full Nerd Network YouTube channel</a>, and activate notifications. We also answer viewer questions in real-time!</p>
  4082.  
  4083.  
  4084.  
  4085. <p>Don’t miss out on our NEW shows too—you can catch episodes of<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrxDcI1ikPg&list=PLiZwoK8DQiwwpRSLIqYZ4yVuCEIPCr2NL"> Dual Boot Diaries</a> and<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBq9KM1JOoc&list=PLiZwoK8DQiwzY5VcbnM_TFuNr-GcWd6uw"> The Full Nerd: Extra Edition</a> now!</p>
  4086.  
  4087.  
  4088.  
  4089. <p>And if you need more hardware talk during the rest of the week, come join our<a href="https://discord.com/invite/kGhYQxc"> Discord community</a>—it’s full of cool, laid-back nerds. </p>
  4090.  
  4091.  
  4092.  
  4093. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="this-weeks-stirring-nerd-news">This week’s stirring nerd news</h2>
  4094.  
  4095.  
  4096. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0fdb65a"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pcw03_DDR5.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="DDR5 RAM" class="wp-image-2232809" width="1200" height="800" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  4097. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  4098. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  4099. </svg>
  4100. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Might have to start handling memory with this much care, given how expensive it is to replace any that goes bad or dies.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">IDG</p></div>
  4101.  
  4102.  
  4103.  
  4104. <p>Thanks to the AMD Radeon hullabaloo, everything else feels relatively quiet—despite being noteworthy. AMD CPUs helped the company hit new records, for starters. And I got pretty invested in not one, but two different robot vacuum stories.</p>
  4105.  
  4106.  
  4107.  
  4108. <p>Also, I realized I’ve failed to adequately sound the alarm when giving buying advice in the last week or so. Some component prices already hurt, and it got bad so fast. (Hopefully you don’t need more memory any time soon.)</p>
  4109.  
  4110.  
  4111.  
  4112. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4113. <li><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2962359/amd-sees-its-record-cpu-sales-continuing.html">Proving a point</a>: In stark contrast to the Radeon side of things, AMD’s Ryzen CPUs remain steady, propelling Team Red to loftier and loftier heights—desktop CPU share has climbed almost 10 percentage points since 2024, according to CEO Dr. Lisa Su.</li>
  4114. </ul>
  4115.  
  4116.  
  4117.  
  4118. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4119. <li><a href="https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/big-tech/manufacturer-issues-remote-kill-command-to-nuke-smart-vacuum-after-engineer-blocks-it-from-collecting-data-user-revives-it-with-custom-hardware-and-python-scripts-to-run-offline">This is some bull$*(%</a>: Not the engineering to bring the robot vacuum back online, but the manufacturer’s decision to remotely brick the device. (Also, this is why we use guest networks for IoT devices.)</li>
  4120. </ul>
  4121.  
  4122.  
  4123.  
  4124. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4125. <li><a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/lone-developer-shrinks-window-7-down-to-69-mb-claims-virtually-nothing-can-run-but-that-it-does-boot/">Filed under “Asked if they could, not if they should”</a>: Look, I’m just as guilty of doing things just to see if it’s possible. I still snort-laughed about squeezing an operating system so small, it becomes unusable.</li>
  4126. </ul>
  4127.  
  4128.  
  4129.  
  4130. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4131. <li><a href="https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/10/polyurethane-is-the-latest-polymer-broken-down-by-designer-enzymes/">Science + efficiency = I click</a>: Humans creating better ways to deal (and reuse) the materials they create? Sounds good to me.</li>
  4132. </ul>
  4133.  
  4134.  
  4135.  
  4136. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4137. <li><a href="https://www.tomshardware.com/networking/this-week-in-1969-the-internet-was-born-and-immediately-glitched-only-two-of-the-five-letters-in-the-first-computer-to-computer-message-were-received">How far the Internet’s come</a>: From data dropouts that cause typos to memes that load in bare seconds. (Can’t say we’ve used the improvements for best impact, but that’s a thought for another day.)</li>
  4138. </ul>
  4139.  
  4140.  
  4141. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d0fdbf57"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/planet-volumes-awYEQyYdHVE-unsplash.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="Venus (planet)" class="wp-image-2964817" width="1200" height="686" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  4142. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  4143. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  4144. </svg>
  4145. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Venus’s mysteries will remain so to us for a while longer.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Planet Volumes / Unsplash</p></div>
  4146.  
  4147.  
  4148.  
  4149. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4150. <li><a href="https://www.extremetech.com/aerospace/last-venus-spacecraft-goes-dark-leaving-no-active-human-made-presence">Enjoy your privacy, fair Venus</a>: The loss of the last remaining satellite is sad for us. I’m telling myself a planet named for the goddess of love probably needs a break from prying eyes for a bit, though.</li>
  4151. </ul>
  4152.  
  4153.  
  4154.  
  4155. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4156. <li><a href="https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/stressed-out-llm-powered-robot-vacuum-cleaner-goes-into-meltdown-during-simple-butter-delivery-experiment-im-afraid-i-cant-do-that-dave">I really want to know about the 5% of humans who failed</a>: Were they distracted during Butter Bench? Was their native language different than how the benchmark was administered? Did they just not care? And yes, I did feel kind of bad about this robo vacuum’s internal meltdown. We’ve all been there, buddy.</li>
  4157. </ul>
  4158.  
  4159.  
  4160.  
  4161. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4162. <li><a href="https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/google-maps-tests-monochrome-power-saving-mode-for-low-battery-navigation">I needed this 15 years ago</a>: A black & white mode for Google Maps to eke out that much more battery life from a dying phone? Better late than never, I guess. (Though it’s not officially real yet.)</li>
  4163. </ul>
  4164.  
  4165.  
  4166.  
  4167. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4168. <li><a href="https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ram/bewildered-enthusiasts-decry-memory-price-increases-of-100-percent-or-more-the-ai-ram-squeeze-is-finally-starting-to-hit-pc-builders-where-it-hurts">Ouch, that hurt faster than expected</a>: Memory prices have shot up abruptly—and it’s not just DDR4 affected. If you need more RAM right now, gird yourself for as much as 100 percent (or more) price increases. I don’t think Black Friday will save us from this.</li>
  4169. </ul>
  4170.  
  4171.  
  4172.  
  4173. <p>I have a secret—I’m apparently one of the lone people who likes the “fall back” to Standard Time in the U.S. The early dark evenings make stew and soups feel perfect. (Definitely come share your favorite recipes with me in The Full Nerd Discord’s <a href="https://discord.gg/jznPJa3RuT">#food-chat</a> channel.)</p>
  4174.  
  4175.  
  4176.  
  4177. <p>Catch you all next week!</p>
  4178.  
  4179.  
  4180.  
  4181. <p>~Alaina</p>
  4182.  
  4183.  
  4184.  
  4185. <p><em>This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of</em><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2564783/gordon-mah-ung-remembered.html"><em> </em><em>Gordon Mah Ung</em></a><em>, founder and host of The Full Nerd, and executive editor of hardware at PCWorld.</em></p>
  4186.  
  4187. </body></div>
  4188. ]]></description>
  4189. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2964808/pc-hardware-as-service-thats-gonna-be-a-hard-no-from-me-dawg.html</link>
  4190. <category>Chromebooks, Computer Components, Smartphones</category>
  4191. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2964808</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2964808</post-id> </item>
  4192. <item>
  4193. <title>Asus ROG Xbox Ally X review: A compact powerhouse for Xbox and PC games</title>
  4194. <enclosure url="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PXL_20251025_091416562-1.jpg?quality=50&#038;strip=all" length="0" type="image/jpeg" />
  4195. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
  4197. <description><![CDATA[
  4198. <div id="link_wrapped_content">
  4199. <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section>
  4200.  
  4201.  
  4202. <div id="review-body" class="review"><img decoding="async" class="review-logo" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/PC-ED-CHOICE.png" alt="Editors' Choice" loading="lazy" /><h4 class="review-title" id="at-a-glance">At a glance</h4><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="experts-rating">Expert's Rating</h3><div class="starRating" style="--rating: 4;" aria-label="Rating of this product is 4 out of 5." role="img"></div>
  4203. <div><div class="review-columns">
  4204. <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="pros">Pros</h3>
  4205. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4206. <li>The simplicity of an Xbox</li>
  4207.  
  4208.  
  4209.  
  4210. <li>All the possibilities of a Windows PC</li>
  4211.  
  4212.  
  4213.  
  4214. <li>Well-built and comfortable</li>
  4215.  
  4216.  
  4217.  
  4218. <li>Acceptable performance</li>
  4219. </ul>
  4220. </div>
  4221.  
  4222.  
  4223.  
  4224. <div class="review-column"><h3 class="review-subTitle" id="cons">Cons</h3>
  4225. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4226. <li>Just a slight upgrade in performance</li>
  4227.  
  4228.  
  4229.  
  4230. <li>No case or other accessories</li>
  4231. </ul>
  4232. </div>
  4233.  
  4234.  
  4235.  
  4236. <h3 class="review-subTitle review-subTitle--borderTop " id="our-verdict">Our Verdict </h3>
  4237. <p>It’s not the purely handheld Xbox that many had hoped for, but something better. The simplicity of an Xbox, without losing the flexibility of a Windows PC. The AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme isn’t what I was hoping for, but it does the job. A more comfortable, easier to use, and more affordable handheld choice than the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus.</p>
  4238.  
  4239.  
  4240.  
  4241.  
  4242.  
  4243. <p>Price When Reviewed</p>
  4244. <p>This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined</p>
  4245.  
  4246.  
  4247.  
  4248.  
  4249. <p>Best Pricing Today</p>
  4250.  
  4251.  
  4252.  
  4253. </div></div>
  4254. </div><h3 class="review-price" id="price-when-reviewed">Price When Reviewed</h3><p>$999.99</p>
  4255. <h3 class="review-best-price" id="best-prices-today-asus-rog-xbox-ally-x">
  4256. Best Prices Today: Asus ROG Xbox Ally X </h3>
  4257. <div class="wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison ">
  4259. <div id="New" class="new_products_tab tabcontent">
  4260.  
  4261. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  4262. <div>
  4263. <span>Retailer</span>
  4264. </div>
  4265. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  4266. <span>Price</span>
  4267. </div>
  4268. </div>
  4269.  
  4270. <div class="price-comparison__record check_on_amazon">
  4271. <div class="price-comparison__image">
  4272. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg" alt="amazon" loading="lazy" />
  4273. </div>
  4274. <div class="price-comparison__price"></div>
  4275. <div>
  4276. <a class="price-comparison__view-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Asus+ROG+Xbox+Ally+X">Check</a> </div>
  4277. </div>
  4279. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  4280. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  4281. Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide </span>
  4282. </div>
  4283. </div>
  4284.  
  4285. <div id="Refurbished" class="refurbished_products_tab tabcontent">
  4286. <div class="refurbished-padding price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--header">
  4287. <div>
  4288. <span>Product</span>
  4289. </div>
  4290. <div class="price-comparison__price">
  4291. <span>Price</span>
  4292. </div>
  4293. </div>
  4294. <div class="price-comparison__record price-comparison__record--footer">
  4295. <span class="price-comparison__footer-text">
  4296. Price comparison from Backmarket </span>
  4297. </div>
  4298. </div>
  4299. </div>
  4300. <div class="review-software-price">
  4301. <div class="software-product-chart-main">
  4302. <div class="software-product-chart-pricing">
  4303. <div class="product-chart-item__pricing-details">
  4304. <div class="software-product-chart-pricing">
  4305. <span class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--links-wrapper">
  4306. <span class="not-amp">
  4307. <div class="software-product-chart-buttons "><div class="item-pricing-details"></div></div> </span>
  4308. </span>
  4309. </div>
  4310. </div>
  4311. </div>
  4312. </div>
  4313. </div>
  4315.  
  4316.  
  4317. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="asus-rog-xbox-ally-x-specs">Asus Rog Xbox Ally X specs:</h3>
  4318.  
  4319.  
  4320.  
  4321. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4322. <li><strong>Processor</strong>: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 3 x Zen 5 up to 5 GHz, 5 x Zen 5c up to 3.3 GHz</li>
  4323.  
  4324.  
  4325.  
  4326. <li><strong>NPU</strong>: AMD XDNA NPU, 50 TOPS</li>
  4327.  
  4328.  
  4329.  
  4330. <li><strong>Graphics</strong>: AMD RDNA 3.5, 16 CU</li>
  4331.  
  4332.  
  4333.  
  4334. <li><strong>Memory</strong>: 24 GB lpddr5x</li>
  4335.  
  4336.  
  4337.  
  4338. <li><strong>Storage</strong>: 1 TB SSD, micro-SD slot</li>
  4339.  
  4340.  
  4341.  
  4342. <li><strong>Display</strong>: 7-inch glossy IPS, 1920 x 1080p, 120 Hz, 500 cd/m2</li>
  4343.  
  4344.  
  4345.  
  4346. <li><strong>Connections</strong>: USB-C 4 with DP 2.1 and PD 3.0, USB-C 3 gen 3 with DP 2.1, headset</li>
  4347.  
  4348.  
  4349.  
  4350. <li><strong>Wireless</strong>: Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.4</li>
  4351.  
  4352.  
  4353.  
  4354. <li><strong>Operating system</strong>: Windows 11 Home</li>
  4355.  
  4356.  
  4357.  
  4358. <li><strong>Battery</strong>: 80 Wh, 2 hrs (high load, high brightness, 120 Hz) to 19 hrs 40 mins (low load, low brightness, 60 Hz)</li>
  4359.  
  4360.  
  4361.  
  4362. <li><strong>Size</strong>: 11.45 x 4.78 x 1.99 inches</li>
  4363.  
  4364.  
  4365.  
  4366. <li><strong>Weight</strong>: 1.58lbs</li>
  4367. </ul>
  4368.  
  4369.  
  4370.  
  4371. <p>The two new handheld gaming computers from Asus, the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, have been the focus of a lot of controversy. Most of it has to do with the name. They are called Xbox, and are promoted by Microsoft as an Xbox. But they cost much more than the desktop consoles do. “It’s too expensive!” xbox fans shout, complaining about Microsoft, which shrugs it off by saying that Asus sets the prices.</p>
  4372.  
  4373.  
  4374.  
  4375. <p>As a PC-based gamer, I look at the fuss and don’t get it. Is this expensive? The top-of-the-range ROG Xbox Ally X that I tested here is not expensive compared to other handheld gaming PCs. It’s almost double the price of its predecessor, but there are clearly more expensive alternatives, and the new model has more memory, double the storage, and of course a new, faster processor.</p>
  4376.  
  4377.  
  4378.  
  4379. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  4380. <iframe title="Xbox Ally X: This Isn't The Windows We Need For Handhelds" width="500" height="281" src="" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen data-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4etK4Uns7oI?feature=oembed"></iframe>
  4381. </div></figure>
  4382.  
  4383.  
  4384.  
  4385. <p>It has the Xbox name, Xbox-style gamepad, a separate Xbox button, and an Xbox interface. But it’s a regular, compact Windows 11 PC just like all the other handheld gaming PCs from Asus, Lenovo, and MSI—and costs accordingly.</p>
  4386.  
  4387.  
  4388. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d10206b3"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PXL_20251025_091512562.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="ROG Xbox Ally X baksida" class="wp-image-2952932" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  4389. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  4390. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  4391. </svg>
  4392. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Well-placed and well-built buttons.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Mattias Inghe</p></div>
  4393.  
  4394.  
  4395.  
  4396. <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="more-than-just-xbox">More than just Xbox</h2>
  4397.  
  4398.  
  4399.  
  4400. <p>In the Xbox app, running in a new “Full Screen Experience” mode, you can buy Xbox games or sign up for Gamepass. It’s not the Xbox dashboard you get on the TV with a console, but the Windows app interface, adapted for mouse control. Regardless, it works well to navigate with the device’s D-pad, trackballs, and buttons. Or with the screen’s pointer. Even though Microsoft has recently raised prices for Gamepass, it’s still a good deal for an active gamer.</p>
  4401.  
  4402.  
  4403.  
  4404. <p>However, you can jump out of the Xbox box, head over to Windows desktop, and do whatever you want on the computer. Plug in a mouse, keyboard and external monitor and surf the web, stream movies, run Office, talk to Copilot, edit photos, or cut video. Nothing stops it.</p>
  4405.  
  4406.  
  4407.  
  4408. <p>The big stores are even nicely integrated with the Xbox interface. I tried installing some Steam games and they show up (after a reboot) in the Xbox app under “My Games”. That makes this the only “Xbox” that can run Playstation games that are otherwise console-exclusive to Sony—a potential selling point on its own.</p>
  4409.  
  4410.  
  4411. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d1020ce6"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PXL_20251025_092040579.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="ROG Xbox Ally X prestanda" class="wp-image-2952933" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  4412. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  4413. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  4414. </svg>
  4415. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">3DMark, installed from Steam, on an Xbox? Yes, it can.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Mattias Inghe</p></div>
  4416.  
  4417.  
  4418.  
  4419. <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="well-thought-out-well-built-and-comfortable">Well thought out, well built and comfortable</h2>
  4420.  
  4421.  
  4422.  
  4423. <p>Asus and Microsoft have done a great job of kicking you right into the Xbox interface from startup, and after I’m signed up with my Microsoft account, I never really have to leave that interface. There’s a quick panel with performance, light, sound, and screen settings that comes up as an overlay.</p>
  4424.  
  4425.  
  4426.  
  4427. <p>You can also manage the microphone, Xbox friends list, screenshots, and Gaming Copilot, a beta-stage AI service that will provide strategy tips and recommend new games.</p>
  4428.  
  4429.  
  4430.  
  4431. <p>The device is built with high quality materials and provides just the right control. Two extra buttons on the back are unusually small, but well placed. The screen, a seven-inch IPS, is sharp, attractive and produces good colors. There’s good contrast, short response times and up to 120Hz frame rate with VRR. Clean and distinct sound from the built-in stereo speakers isn’t bad either. But it could be more powerful.</p>
  4432.  
  4433.  
  4434.  
  4435. <p>I liked the 8-inch MSI Claw 8 AI Plus I tested this spring, but it has a few more pixels to push on its 1200p screen, which affects performance slightly. And it’s a heavier and clunkier machine, so as a whole I prefer the ROG Xbox Ally X which is lighter and more compact—and more affordable to boot.</p>
  4436.  
  4437.  
  4438. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d102146e"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PXL_20251025_090316633.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="ROG Xbox Ally X Control" class="wp-image-2952931" width="1200" height="650" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  4439. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  4440. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  4441. </svg>
  4442. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Most games run smoothly as long as I don’t enable ray tracing. </figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Mattias Inghe</p></div>
  4443.  
  4444.  
  4445.  
  4446. <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="fast-enough-but-no-more">Fast enough, but no more</h2>
  4447.  
  4448.  
  4449.  
  4450. <p>So, what about the most important thing, the performance? Is this the handheld gaming machine to beat? Well, AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme gives a slight boost in CPU and graphics performance compared to Ryzen Z1 Extreme, and in some measurements it beats Intel’s Arc solution sitting in MSI Claw 8 AI Plus. But is it enough?</p>
  4451.  
  4452.  
  4453.  
  4454. <p>When I tested the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus, I complained that a desired performance boost was missing compared to Ryzen Z1 Extreme machines. MSI disagreed and said they had better performance, but the difference is likely due to the games I was testing and not optimizing them with the correct settings. The boost didn’t feel as obvious as two years of development should though.</p>
  4455.  
  4456.  
  4457.  
  4458. <p>I feel the same here. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme performs better in synthetic performance measurements with Geekbench and 3DMark. That makes it a smoother docked desktop PC, but it doesn’t immediately convert to better frame rates in games.</p>
  4459.  
  4460.  
  4461.  
  4462. <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="but-certainly-not-bad">But certainly not bad</h2>
  4463.  
  4464.  
  4465.  
  4466. <p>Not that it’s slow. I test a wide range of games from both Steam and Xbox Gamepass, and can fly around throwing copters in Control, hike Night City in Cyberpunk 2077, and ride around the prairie in Red Dead Redemption 2 with acceptable frame rates and stability of 30 fps or more.</p>
  4467.  
  4468.  
  4469.  
  4470. <p>Nothing for a hardcore PC gamer, but at a stable console level—at least without ray tracing. Less demanding games like Celeste, Hades, and Silksong run with even better results. With Wi-Fi 6e you get a fast connection with little lag, and can stream games via Gamepass Ultimate. Or why not even Geforce Now? As I said, it’s a completely open PC.</p>
  4471.  
  4472.  
  4473. <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"imageId":"690e8d1022175"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PXL_20251025_085909749.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="ROG Xbox Ally X gränssnitt" class="wp-image-2952930" width="1200" height="729" loading="lazy" /><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="state.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="state.imageButtonTop">
  4474. <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12">
  4475. <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path>
  4476. </svg>
  4477. </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Not quite the familiar Xbox interface, unless you’re running Xbox on Windows – then you’ll recognize it.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Mattias Inghe</p></div>
  4478.  
  4479.  
  4480.  
  4481. <p>You can also connect Asus’ external graphics card XG Mobile via usb-4 port if you play with the device docked. Then you can get full Xbox Series X-level performance, and play on a 4K TV with high framerates. But that all costs quite a bit extra.</p>
  4482.  
  4483.  
  4484.  
  4485. <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="minimal-hassle">Minimal hassle</h2>
  4486.  
  4487.  
  4488.  
  4489. <p>The CPU cores are more energy-efficient than the previous generation, reducing cooling requirements and extending battery life. Total TDP with the graphics circuit lands between 13 and 25 watts on battery or up to 30 watts with a power adapter. You can seamlessly choose between Turbo, Performance, and Quiet modes, with different energy consumption. You can also quickly and smoothly switch between 720p and 1080p resolution to maximize frame rates in games.</p>
  4490.  
  4491.  
  4492.  
  4493. <p>It’s one thing that Asus and Microsoft have achieved for Xbox fans: Xbox games are so well customized that the need for settings is minimal. I don’t know if that’s specific to the ROG Xbox Ally X or general to Xbox games on Windows, but it provides a smoother “buy and run” feel than I’m used to. Select the performance mode and resolution in the context menu, and most things are taken care of automatically.</p>
  4494.  
  4495.  
  4496.  
  4497. <p>The battery lasts between 90 minutes and 5-6 hours depending on the games I play. Especially for less demanding games, it’s clearly more power efficient than previous models. If you want to do something simpler, like streaming a film or surfing, it can last all day without any problems. Obviously, it’s the graphics circuit that saps the most energy.</p>
  4498.  
  4499.  
  4500.  
  4501. <div class="wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box">
  4502. <h2 class="wp-block-heading toc" id="performance-benchmarks">Performance benchmarks:</h2>
  4503.  
  4504.  
  4505.  
  4506. <p><strong>Cinebench 2024, multi-core CPU</strong>: 745 points<br><strong>Cinebench 2024, single core CPU</strong>: 113 points<br><strong>Geekbench 6, multi-core CPU</strong>: 12,885 points<br><strong>Geekbench 6, single core CPU</strong>: 2,796 points<br><strong>Geekbench 6, gpu</strong>: 48,463 points<br><strong>3DMark Fire Strike (DirectX 11)</strong>: 9,183 points<br><strong>3DMark Time Spy (DirectX 12)</strong> 4,406 points<br><strong>3DMark Steel Nomad (Vulkan</strong>): 777 points<br><strong>3DMark Port Royal (Ray Tracing)</strong>: 1,978 points<br><strong>Disk, read</strong>: 3,233.75 MB/s<br><strong>Disk, write</strong>: 2,960.25 MB/s</p>
  4507. </div>
  4508.  
  4509. </body></div>
  4510. ]]></description>
  4511. <link>https://www.pcworld.com/article/2957450/asus-rog-xbox-ally-x-review.html</link>
  4512. <category>Gaming, Gaming Laptops</category>
  4513. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2957450</post-id><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2957450</post-id> </item>
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