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| PC World - 28 Sep (PC World)TL;DR: For $35.99 (reg. $119), get lifetime access to VideoProc on your Windows PC and streamline your video editing with ease.
Editing videos doesn’t have to be a hassle — especially when you’ve got VideoProc in your toolbox. Whether you’re editing travel vlogs, creating content for YouTube, or just cutting together some family footage, VideoProc makes it simple to handle all your video needs.
With a one-time payment of $35.99, you’ll get lifetime access to features like trimming, converting, and compressing on up to five devices, all without the learning curve of other bulky editing programs.
For PC users who work with large video files or need to convert formats quickly, VideoProc is a game-changer. It helps you shrink videos without losing quality, making sharing easy. Plus, you can process 4K and HD videos effortlessly, which is a huge time-saver if you’re juggling multiple projects or devices.
Designed with casual video creators in mind, this software offers all the essential tools without unnecessary complexity. Keep your videos looking sharp and ready to share with the easiest editing suite you’ll ever use.
Ready to ditch complicated editing software?
Get lifetime access to a VideoProc Converter AI Family License (5 devices) for just $35.99 (reg. $119).
VideoProc Converter AI: Lifetime Family License (For Windows) – $35.99
See Deal
StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | BBCWorld - 28 Sep (BBCWorld)The passing of actress Dame Maggie Smith features prominently on Saturday`s front pages. Read...Newslink ©2024 to BBCWorld | |
| | | PC World - 28 Sep (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
Pros
Excellent free version
Unblocks streaming services
10 simultaneous device connections
Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
Cons
No independent audit
Smaller server network
Feature set not as robust as some competitors
Our Verdict
PrivadoVPN is a good all-around VPN service. Boasting solid speeds, a privacy-friendly location, and good streaming compatibility, you can’t really go wrong. The lack of an independent audit and small server network are its only drawbacks. If nothing else, try the free version which is one of the best on the market.
Price When Reviewed
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Swiss-based PrivadoVPN is a relative newcomer to the VPN scene. It has gained renown thanks to its generous free version, but the company is hoping its premium version will appeal to an even wider audience.
With a privacy-friendly location, strong app support, and ever-growing feature set, it hits all of the right notes on paper. So how does this modern VPN stack up in reality? I put it to the test to find out.
PrivadoVPN VPN in brief:
P2P allowed: Yes
Simultaneous device connections: 10
Business location: Switzerland
Number of servers: 300+
Number of country locations: 49
Cost: $10.99 per month, $35.88 for one year, or $47.76 for two years
What are PrivadoVPN’s features and services?
PrivadoVPN’s Windows app is simple and easy to navigate.
PrivadoVPN’s Windows app is simple and easy to navigate.
Sam Singleton
PrivadoVPN’s Windows app is simple and easy to navigate.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
When you first open up PrivadoVPN’s Windows app you encounter a really sleek and modern interface. I remember reading forums where early versions of the app were panned due to issues about its awkward navigation and small text. That’s not the case now. The company seems to have listened and completely overhauled the user interface a year or so ago. Now the app is intuitive and easy to get around. I personally think that it’s one of the better VPN interfaces of any major service on the market.
The home screen has a simple connect button with your chosen server below. Information about your location and current IP address are also displayed here. It’s all colored in a pleasant purple with a stylish keylock design.
Future reading: See our roundup of the best VPN services to learn about competing products.
Along the bottom you have quick-access buttons for a kill switch, VPN protocol, split tunneling, and its ad- and tracker-blocking feature called “Control Tower” — which is oddly also given a second quick-access button on the sidebar.
The VPN comes with both an overall kill switch as well as an app-based kill switch in case you prefer to only block access to specific programs should the connection cut-out unexpectedly.
Protocol support is solid too, with options for WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 across all servers.
PrivadoVPN offers a powerful and configurable split tunneling feature called “SmartRoute”.
PrivadoVPN offers a powerful and configurable split tunneling feature called “SmartRoute”.
Sam Singleton
PrivadoVPN offers a powerful and configurable split tunneling feature called “SmartRoute”.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
The split-tunneling feature called “SmartRoute,” offers both opt-in and opt-out support options so you can either choose which apps or websites you wish to exclude from the VPN, or if you instead prefer, to keep everything separate from the VPN except the chosen apps.
A premium subscription to PrivadoVPN comes with an ad- and tracker-blocker plus parental controls.
A premium subscription to PrivadoVPN comes with an ad- and tracker-blocker plus parental controls.
Sam Singleton
A premium subscription to PrivadoVPN comes with an ad- and tracker-blocker plus parental controls.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
The “Control Tower” ad- and tracker-blocking feature is pretty straightforward with nothing that any of the competitors aren’t already doing. You obviously have the option to block ads and trackers, but you can also turn on parental controls for adult content and even social media sites here as well. The premium service also comes with the option for an antivirus if you’re willing to pay an extra $2 per month.
Clicking the settings wheel on the sidebar opens up a separate window with more options. Here you have access to all of the above features as well as things such as auto connect, interface, account, and support settings. Additionally, you have a “Locations” tab to control how the VPN will determine the best location recommendations — either via physical distance to your home IP address, or through ping tests with its server network.
The feature set that comes with PrivadoVPN is, honestly, quite decent. Split-tunneling and strong kill-switch functionality are more than enough for most people. It does lack some features that the very best VPNs provide though. Noticeably, PrivadoVPN does not have multi-hop servers nor does it have customizable DNS settings.
PrivadoVPN does offer 24/7 support to troubleshoot problems with live chat and email available. The self-help section on its website is pretty good, and from what I’ve been told Privado has extensively updated it recently to better support customers.
The service does provide support for a good range of platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV stick, Android TV, and some home routers.
How much does PrivadoVPN VPN cost?
PrivadoVPN offers month-to-month, 1-year, and 2-year subscription plans. If you opt for the monthly plan, you’ll need to cough up $10.99 per month. That is on the high-end for VPNs and considering that top competitors offer similar feature sets and more robust server networks means that there might be better value to be found elsewhere.
When it comes to the service’s long-term plans, the value appears much better. The 1-year plan will set you back $35.88 or $2.99 per month. The 2-year plan is even more affordable at $47.76 or $1.99 per month. Both long-term plans throw in an additional three free months when you sign-up.
PrivadoVPN also offers an excellent free plan. With the free plan you’ll have access to 13 global servers and unlimited speeds up to 10GB per month. It allows the same 10 simultaneous device-connection limit and access on all of the same platforms. Plus, even the free servers are able to unblock streaming content — just be aware that if you stream on the free plan, you’ll run up against the 10GB per month speed cap pretty quickly.
How is PrivadoVPN’s performance?
In my testing I measured connection speeds multiple times across PrivadoVPN’s servers in six different countries all around the world and then compared them to my baseline internet speed. PrivadoVPN’s speeds were quite good. Across all locations tested, the average download speeds were 68 percent of the base and the average upload speeds were an even better 79 percent of the base.
That is enough to put PrivadoVPN into the running to make my list of fastest VPNs. The speeds are right up there with the speediest services I’ve ever tested such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
For what it’s worth, despite PrivadoVPN touting its super-fast WireGuard speeds, I actually didn’t notice much of a difference in my tests between WireGuard and OpenVPN connections. That being said, WireGuard is usually considered to be the faster of the two and your experience may be different than mine.
The service is more than fast enough to stream, torrent, or game while connected without any issues. Speaking of streaming, PrivadoVPN also scored high marks in unblocking all major streaming services. While connected to its servers I was able to access sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney Plus without any issues. That makes PrivadoVPN a good choice if you’re looking to use a VPN to get around region-locked streaming content.
PrivadoVPN’s speeds are right up there with the speediest services I’ve ever tested.
You can set up a SOCKS5 proxy server for torrenting under your PrivadoVPN account page.
You can set up a SOCKS5 proxy server for torrenting under your PrivadoVPN account page.
Sam Singleton
You can set up a SOCKS5 proxy server for torrenting under your PrivadoVPN account page.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
It’s also a decent choice for torrenting due to the aforementioned download speeds and the fact that it offers SOCKS5 proxy to premium users across all servers which may increase your speeds even further.
How is PrivadoVPN’s security and privacy?
PrivadoVPN offers IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN protocols.
PrivadoVPN offers IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN protocols.
Sam Singleton
PrivadoVPN offers IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN protocols.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
PrivadoVPN uses the industry standard AES-256 encryption and offers access to the WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.
The service is based in Switzerland, a country that has some of the strongest data privacy laws in the world. Also, Switzerland is not a member of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes data sharing alliances. This means that the government and companies located in the country are under no obligation to share user data with governmental authorities in other countries.
PrivadoVPN does claim to be a no-logs VPN in its privacy policy. However, the company has never undergone a third-party independent audit, so you’ll just have to take it at its word. In addition, PrivadoVPN operates off of traditional servers rather than diskless RAM-only servers, which is a bit disappointing. RAM-only servers are more privacy-friendly as any data stored on them is wiped during each server restart.
That being said, the company states that it does not log any sensitive or personally identifiable data such as browsing history or IP addresses. It does, however, collect some data including connected-device information to maintain its 10-device limit, individual bandwidth usage to enforce its 10GB speed limit on its free service, and anonymous crash reports.
While using PrivadoVPN I tested both its kill switch and DNS leak protection. The kill switch worked flawlessly both with the Windows and Android app, blocking my internet access as soon as my connection was severed. DNS leak tests were also successful, showing that my home IP address was never accidentally exposed while connected.
I feel that PrivadoVPN is a trustworthy and private VPN, but I’d like to see it undergo an independent audit and I hope that it makes the switch to diskless RAM-only servers in the future.
Is PrivadoVPN worth it?
PrivadoVPN may be the new kid on the block, but it comes packing a serious punch. With good average speeds, a solid feature set, and excellent streaming service compatibility it has just about everything the average user could want from a VPN. Where it really shines though is the free version, which comes with nearly everything from the premium version without too many of the other drawbacks that other free VPNs hit you with.
Admittedly, its server network is still pretty small and the lack of an independent audit is an issue. But I find it reassuring to know that the company is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and I would imagine the server network will continue to grow in the future. Overall, it’s a good VPN service, but I’d recommend first trying out the free version to see if it’s right for you before committing to any paid plan.
Editor’s note: 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. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 28 Sep (PC World)While Windows 11 provides a decent enough out of the box experience—atrocious new task bar aside—it handles so much better after tweaking just a handful of settings to make it feel more like the Windows of yesteryear.
Get windows 11 pro for cheap
Windows 11 Pro
No, I’m not talking about making Windows 11 look like Windows 10 through an extensive overhaul (though if you’re a Windows veteran that’s worth doing) or tinkering with the newfangled AI options on Copilot+ PCs. I’m talking about fast, simple changes that improve the feel of the operating system, turn off annoying ads, reduce the data you send to Microsoft, and more. Better yet, you can do them all in under five minutes—something I did mere weeks ago when I needed to pick up a Windows 11 laptop for some travel.
Here are five Windows 11 settings worth changing immediately, with an added bonus at the end.
1. Move the Start button to the left corner
What can I say, I’m a traditionalist. I understand Microsoft’s desire to revamp Windows 10’s interface to more closely mirror the style of Macs and Chromebooks—legions of kids get schooled on those, after all—but Windows 11’s shifting taskbar icons drive me batty. I want mousing over to the Start menu to be muscle memory in a set location, not yet another task I have to look at and mentally process.
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Fortunately, Microsoft makes it easy to move the Start menu back to the left-hand corner. Simply open the Start menu and head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. You’ll see a field labeled Taskbar alignment with a drop-down menu. Change the drop-dox menu from Center to Left.
Boom! Onto the next.
2. Turn off annoying notifications
Next, it’s time to turn off those annoying pop-up notifications. Windows 11 itself spawns some, but the worst offenders are third-party apps, especially if your laptop or desktop came preloaded with bloatware. Making the distractions stop is simple.
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Head to Start > System > Notifications. You can turn notifications off universally if you desire. I prefer to work through the list manually, leaving notifications on for critical tools like Slack, Discord, and my antivirus software. (If my AV scanner wants to shout about something, I want to hear it!) Either way, this menu cures many headaches.
3. Turn off Microsoft ads
That segues neatly into the next tip. Keep scrolling down beyond the bottom of the list of apps that can send you notifications. There, you’ll see a couple of additional boxes that relate to Windows 11 itself providing “tips and suggestions” on how to use your PC. If you know your way around well enough, deselect the Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device and Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows boxes. I personally prefer to leave the Show me the Windows welcome experience… option checked so I’m notified of new features when a big update drops.
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
We’re not done yet, though. If you don’t like seeing Microsoft promotions (like Office and Xbox ads) pop up in your Settings app, head to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > General. Disabling “Show me suggested content in the Settings app” does the trick, though you may want to turn off all these options.
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Finally, head to Settings > Personalization > Device Usage. The options here tell Microsoft how you use your computer so Windows 11 can provide tailored recommendations for apps, websites, Office 365 trials, and more. Turn them all off if you’re not interested in your $100+ copy of Windows 11 upselling you on more Microsoft services.
There are other places Microsoft promotions lurk such as the beautiful “Windows Spotlight” lock screens provided by Bing Images, but tweaking this handful of settings eradicates the most irritating ones.
4. Change your default browser
Microsoft Edge is pretty darned good, actually, but if you’re a diehard Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Brave user, switching your default browser is easy.
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
After downloading and installing the browser of your choice, it should ask if you want to make it the default. Do so, duh. But if you missed your chance during setup, navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps, find the name of your browser in the list, and click on it. A “Make your default browser” banner with a Set default button at the top of the page does the trick.
Further reading: Browser speed showdown: Chrome vs. Edge vs. Firefox and more
5. Declutter the taskbar
Sure, Windows 11’s nerfed taskbar is getting better over time, but it still sucks and Microsoft stuffs it to the brim with icons and features you probably have no interest in. Make it easier on the eyes and reclaim some space by heading to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and deselecting any of the taskbar items you’ll never use. Adios, Widgets and Teams Chat.
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
While we’re on the topic, spending $5 on Stardock’s Start11 or StartIsBack is well worth it. The programs offer granular options that expand the look and functionality of the taskbar and Start menu alike, making it a lot easier to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10. They’re beyond the scope of this article but deserve a shout-out.
Bonus: Dark mode, baby!
Finally, an optional personal preference. Some folks like staring at black text on white screens all day. Others, like me, prefer not to sear their retinas. So, the very first thing I always do with a new Windows install is activate dark mode, a preference that carries over into several apps once you’ve set it.
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Brad Chacos/IDG
Simply head to Settings > Personalization > Colors and look for a field called Choose your mode. Change the drop-down menu from Light to Dark. Your eyes will thank you.
That’s about it for this rundown of quick Windows 11 settings to change immediately. This rabbit hole goes as deep as you want it, though. Check out our guides to 5 helpful tips and tricks that make Windows easier to use, 10 obscure Windows features that will blow your mind, and 7 frustrating Windows 11 annoyances (and how to fix them) to make your PC your own!
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Windows 11 Pro Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 28 Sep (PC World)Powerful gaming laptops are notoriously expensive, which is why I’m stoked about this deal. Right now, the HP Omen 16 is on sale for $1,000 at Best Buy, a hefty $400 discount off its MSRP.
How powerful is it, you ask? Well, under the hood, you’ll find a shockingly fast Intel Core i9-13900HX processor alongside 16GB of DDR5 RAM. That translates into smooth multitasking of numerous apps and the ability to handle performance-intensive tasks with ease.
But you’ll also find an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card on board, which can power your games at high settings with high frame rates — and your games will look fantastic on the laptop’s 16.1-inch display with its 1080p resolution and 165Hz refresh rate.
The HP Omen also features a 1TB SSD, so you’re going to have plenty of space for photos, videos, and games. Given how much storage it has, it’ll be a long time before you need to worry about space.
And as for connectivity, this laptop has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing you to extend the laptop to its fullest potential with a Thunderbolt docking station or simply connecting two 4K displays directly. It also has two USB-A ports and an HDMI 2.1 port (for a possible third display).
Snag this HP Omen gaming laptop for $1,000 at Best Buy while you still can and treat yourself twice with the cash you’re saving!
Save $400 on this HP Omen gaming laptopBuy now at Best Buy Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 27 Sep (PC World)In times of ever-increasing subscription fees and license costs for software, many people are looking for cost-effective alternatives. Fortunately, there are a variety of powerful free tools that can compete with the expensive market leaders in many areas. Here are the best free alternatives you can turn to.
Image editing and graphic design
Adobe Photoshop is considered the ultimate in image editing software, but at $19.99 per month it’s not exactly cheap. Here are three good freeware alternatives for design and image editing purposes:
GIMP: GIMP is one of the most popular alternatives to Photoshop and offers a similar range of image editing tools such as layers and masks, selection tools, cloning, filters, and image adjustments. Although GIMP’s user interface is less intuitive and lacks some advanced features (such as Smart Objects and CMYK support), it is still a comparable solution to Photoshop and is completely free. See also: GIMP basics: Best tips and tricks for beginners.
Paint.NET: Although this Windows tool is nowhere near as comprehensive and professional as Photoshop, it is the quickest way to achieve your goals when it comes to simple image editing. Paint.NET supports layers, selection tools and image adjustments, an unlimited undo function and a number of other practical functions for editing graphics.
Canva (free version): The free version of Canva offers a lot of potential for professional social media graphics and presentations. Thanks to the intuitive interface, creating graphics is child’s play even for non-professionals, but editing images is reduced to the basics of all basics. For more functions, templates and elements, you need the paid Pro version ($10 per month). Canva is web-based and therefore platform-independent.
GIMP is one of the best alternatives to Adobe Photoshop.
GIMP is one of the best alternatives to Adobe Photoshop.
GIMP
GIMP is one of the best alternatives to Adobe Photoshop.
GIMP
GIMP
Another firm favorite in the field of graphic design is CorelDRAW, which offers a comprehensive suite of tools that will make many a designer’s heart beat faster. However, the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2024 costs $549 for a single license or $22.42 per month for an annual subscription — a considerable investment. It is also possible to use Inkscape, for example, completely free of charge.
Inkscape is a strong open-source alternative to CorelDRAW, especially when it comes to vector graphics. It offers extensive tools for creating and editing vector designs and is excellent for projects such as illustrations, technical drawings and diagrams. Although it can’t quite compete with CorelDRAW in some areas (for example, it doesn’t offer native support for multi-page documents and has fewer plug-ins), Inkscape’s versatility and ability to achieve impressive results without high costs is impressive.
Inkscape is a favorite freeware for designers.
Inkscape is a favorite freeware for designers.Kristian Kask
Inkscape is a favorite freeware for designers.Kristian Kask
Kristian Kask
Video editing software
Adobe Premiere Pro is an industry standard for professional video editing, but it too costs $22.99 per month. Two good free alternatives are:
Kdenlive: Kdenlive is a comprehensive open-source video editing software that offers many features found in more expensive programs. With multi-track timelines, effects, transitions and even keyframe animations, Kdenlive offers an impressive range of functions that is more than sufficient for many projects. It is an excellent choice for Linux users in particular, but is also available for Windows and macOS.
Shotcut: Shotcut also offers a wide range of video editing tools and supports a variety of video formats. The software is cross-platform and — despite its lack of user-friendliness — is a solid and powerful solution that you can test risk-free.
Kdenlive offers professional video editing features — completely for free.
Kdenlive offers professional video editing features — completely for free.
Kdenlive
Kdenlive offers professional video editing features — completely for free.
Kdenlive
Kdenlive
Livestreaming software
Many people rely on paid tools such as Vimeo or Streamyard for live streaming. If you want to save the subscription costs, it is better to use the open source tool OBS Studio.
This tool offers a wide range of functions for professional live streaming, including scene transitions, source management, and support for various platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live. OBS Studio is available across all platforms and, despite being free of charge, offers powerful options for customizing your livestreams and broadcasting them in high quality.
Professional streaming doesn’t have to cost anything –OBS Studio proves it.
Professional streaming doesn’t have to cost anything –OBS Studio proves it.OBS Studio
Professional streaming doesn’t have to cost anything –OBS Studio proves it.OBS Studio
OBS Studio
Office software
Microsoft 365 is the most widely used Office package in the world and offers a wide range of applications that are indispensable for everyday office work — such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. However, with an individual license costing $69.99 for an annual subscription, the Office suite quickly adds up.
A great offline alternative is LibreOffice. It may look a little old-fashioned, but it combines all the essential Office applications and also offers some additional features for editing PDFs.
A bit old-school, but still powerful: the Word alternative LibreOffice.
A bit old-school, but still powerful: the Word alternative LibreOffice.
PC-Welt
A bit old-school, but still powerful: the Word alternative LibreOffice.
PC-Welt
PC-Welt
For those who prefer to work online, there are also powerful free alternatives. Microsoft itself offers a slimmed-down online version of Word, Excel and PowerPoint that can be used free of charge as long as you are logged in with a Microsoft account. While these versions are not quite as feature-rich as the full versions, they offer enough tools for most everyday tasks.
Another excellent option is the Google Suite (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides). These online tools are free, available across all platforms, and enable seamless collaboration in real time. All you need is a free Google account.
There are also free alternatives for editing PDFs that can prove useful. ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor (the free version), PDFgear, and PDF24 Creator offer a solid basic set of features that are sufficient for many everyday tasks. With these tools you can edit PDFs, comment on them, fill in forms, and even convert documents — without paying a cent.
Antivirus software
Instead of paid antivirus software such as Norton or Avast Premium, there are also a few free alternatives that offer solid protection. One of these alternatives is Windows Defender. The tool is integrated into Windows and offers basic protection against viruses, malware, and other threats. It is particularly user-friendly and uses few system resources.
Another free option is Avast Free Antivirus, which offers protection against malware, viruses, and phishing and is available for Windows, macOS, and Android.
Chris Hoffman/IDG
Chris Hoffman/IDG
Chris Hoffman/IDG
Important note: While free antivirus software offers good protection, it can’t always keep up with the latest threats. If you want to be on the safe side, it’s better to opt for a paid solution. When it comes to security, the savings factor should not take center stage.
Further reading: The best antivirus software for Windows PCs Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 27 Sep (PC World)Laptops have come a long way in the last decade. There was once a time when $500 laptops would bite the dust in record time, forcing you to upgrade frequently or suffer with an underperforming hunk of junk.
These days, you can shop for laptops with a $500 budget and get away with something that’s far from the bottom of the barrel in terms of specs, even more so if you’re willing to shop around and score a deal.
Related: The best laptops under $500
Sure, you still have to be smart and thrifty to make sure you’re getting a worthy machine. But if you know what your priorities are — and if you know which specs are non-negotiable for your needs — then you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by what you can get for half a grand.
How good are $500 Chromebooks?
Let’s start with something easy: if all you’re going to do is browse the web with Chrome, write emails in Gmail, and watch videos via YouTube, then you have plenty of affordable options, particularly among Chromebooks. Chromebooks tend to perform better with lower-end (i.e., cheaper) hardware compared to budget Windows laptops.
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook PlusIDG / Ashley Biancuzzo
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook PlusIDG / Ashley Biancuzzo
IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo
For example, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus was $499 when we reviewed it and we gave it a spectacular rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and our Editors’ Choice award. It has a 2-in-1 form factor and lots of great features, including a 14-inch touchscreen display, a 13th-gen Intel Core i3-1315U (admittedly on the low end), 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. It’s surprisingly good — and if you wait around for a deal, you can snag it for as low as $399. (Avoid paying full price on a laptop if you’re shopping on a tight budget.)
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Acer Chromebook 516 GEMatthew Smith / IDG
Acer Chromebook 516 GEMatthew Smith / IDG
Matthew Smith / IDG
And don’t sniff at some of the gaming Chromebooks available on the market today. One of our favorites, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, has seen some cuts lately. It was already a steal at $649, but you can now grab it for just a hair over $500 on Amazon. It’s no slouch, either! You get an Intel Core i5-1240P processor, a 2560×1600 display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, support for Wi-Fi 6 (a solid perk for fast streaming). Solid for gamers.
Related: Are Chromebooks good for gaming? No… but actually yes
What about $500 Windows laptops?
Maybe a Chromebook is off the table for you, whether it’s because you need to use Windows-only software, you want to play lots of PC games without relying on cloud streaming, or you just don’t like Google and don’t want to support their products.
Fortunately, you do have options — but the Windows side of the budget laptop market is a little different. You can find good laptops under $500 if you’re patient for deals and willing to give up certain specs.
The Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024) is a simple machine that can serve you well for light web browsing and video streaming — and it’s only $299, a long way below the $500 threshold. It’s a solid pick for tight budgets.
Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024)
Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024)IDG / Mark Knapp
Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024)IDG / Mark Knapp
IDG / Mark Knapp
That said, you’re much better off if you sit tight and hold off for a discount or seek other ways to save big on like-new laptops. For example, if you’re willing to shop Open Box offerings, you can score the Asus Zenbook 14X OLED for a third of its retail price, like this one that’s well below $500 at Best Buy. Similarly, you can score an Asus Vivobook Go with an OLED display and 16GB of RAM for just $404 at Newegg.
Want a powerful laptop but don’t want “used” or “refurbished” or “opened” tech? You’ll have to wait around for a good deal, then. But the good news is, a solid deal can take a laptop that was way out of your budget to well within striking distance of it.
The Samsung Galaxy Book4, for instance, normally costs $899. It comes with a recent Intel Core 7 150U processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and an admittedly basic display, all packed into a metal chassis. It might feel a bit underwhelming at $899, but it was on sale for $549 at Best Buy just last month.
And you can also score big savings just by looking in the right places. This Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 configuration on eBay is cut down from $749 to $519, providing potent internals for the price.
Acer Vivobook 16X OLED
Acer Vivobook 16X OLEDDominic Bayley / IDG
Acer Vivobook 16X OLEDDominic Bayley / IDG
Dominic Bayley / IDG
For something on the larger side, the Asus Vivobook 16X OLED packs a large 16-inch OLED display with 3.2K resolution, plenty of ports, an Intel Core i5-1235U processor with 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. I wouldn’t expect it to be a performance monster, but those specs are more than enough for everyday tasks and usage.
Budget laptops aren’t terrible anymore
All of this is just scratching the surface of what you can get in the $500 range with modern laptops. That much cash can get you a more-than-decent workhorse that won’t disappoint with subpar performance.
Truth be told, you rarely have to wait more than a month to spot a really good deal that takes an $800 or even $1,000 laptop down into the $500 range. As of this writing, three HP Pavilion laptops have such discounts available, and they aren’t underpowered with anemic specs.
It’s worth paying close attention to HP Envy, HP Pavilion, Acer Swift, Asus Vivobook, and Asus Zenbook laptops. These often see considerable price cuts, especially as newer models start to trickle in and replace prior models that aren’t anywhere close to outdated yet.
Further reading: Today’s best laptop deals, updated daily Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | BBCWorld - 27 Sep (BBCWorld)Celebrities are among Daniel Halksworth`s customers and his work features in a Super Bowl advert. Read...Newslink ©2024 to BBCWorld | |
| | | PC World - 27 Sep (PC World)If you’re looking to save some dough on a computer display, it’s a great time to hunt for monitor deals thanks to Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event, and even competing sales events from other retailers. The actual event doesn’t start until October 8, but I’ve scoured the web for the best deals on the best screens right now.
PCWorld constantly reviews the latest monitor models with the newest tech. We also hunt for the best values if you don’t need all the bells and whistles. You can trust us to not just find the biggest discounts, but the discounts on the monitors that are actually worth buying in the first place.
Read on for the best monitor deals at the best prices I could find, and check out our Prime Big Deal Days 2024 deals hub for great sales in other tech categories.Last updated on September 26, 2024.
Prime Big Deal Days 2024 deals on OLED monitors
Corsair 27-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor, $699.99 ($300 off at Amazon)
Gigabyte 49-inch OLED Ultrawide gaming monitor, $899.99 ($200 off at Amazon)
LG 45-inch OLED ultrawide gaming monitor, $1003.10 ($697 off at Amazon)
LG 34-inch OLED ultrawide gaming monitor, $702.48 ($597 off) at Amazon
LG 27-inch QHD OLED gaming monitor, $599.99 ($200 off at LG.com)
OLED monitors are the cream of the crop for gamers, and at the moment you can’t get any bigger than Gigabyte’s 49-inch super-duper-mega-ultrawide. But for a good balance between size and utility, I think I’d prefer the 45-inch LG model, if only because its 21:9 aspect ratio and lower resolution is much easier for gaming PCs to handle. The 34-inch version is a good compromise, especially if you want to keep the same pixel density as 27-inch QHD monitors.
If you want to upgrade to OLED for as little cash as possible, LG is offering a 27-inch QHD model that’s great for gamers for just $600. That’s probably as low as you’re going to see at the moment — wait for the actual Prime Deal Days to hit to try for something lower.
Prime Big Deal Days 2024 deals on gaming monitors
Alienware 28-inch QHD 180Hz gaming monitor, $249.99 ($150 off at Amazon)
MSI 24-inch IPS 1080p 180Hz gaming monitor, $97.99 ($12 off at Amazon)
Acer Nitro 27-inch IPS QHD 180Hz gaming monitor, $199.99 ($90 off at Amazon)
Acer Predator 27-inch IPS 4K 160Hz gaming monitor, $399.99 ($50 off at Amazon)
LG 27-inch IPS 4K 144Hz gaming monitor, $719.99 ($680 off at LG.com, use checkout code HECA14701)
Standard gaming monitor deals are less dramatic than OLED and conventional office monitors at the moment, but there are still some pretty good finds if you’re looking for speed. The Acer Predator model is great if you want 4K resolution, high refresh, and you don’t have room for a huge display, but MSI’s 24-inch IPS has a fast panel at an unbeatable price. It’s excellent for the student who wants to game on a laptop and needs a little more space for schoolwork.
Prime Big Deal Days 2024 deals on office monitors
Acer 27-inch IPS FHD monitor, $99.99 ($60 off at Best Buy)
Dell 27-inch 4K IPS USB-C monitor, $289.99 ($80 off at Amazon)
Acer 23.8-inch IPS FHD monitor, $69.99 ($60 off at eBay)
LG 34-inch ultrawide IPS monitor, $199.99 ($50 off at Walmart)
Dell 27-inch 1080p VA monitor, $99.99 ($20 off at Dell.com)
MNN 15.6-inch USB-C portable monitor, $64.99 ($25 off at Amazon)
Dell is a go-to for low-cost, high-quality monitors, and during this sale they have a variety of options. A 4K USB-C monitor is great for an office setting, especially if you’re using a laptop. Acer is offering multiple smaller monitors, good for expanding a multi-mon setup, and the LG 34-inch ultrawide makes an excellent primary office display. For boosting productivity on the go, that portable monitor is a fantastic deal.
More great Prime Day 2024 deals
PCWorld covers a wide range of tech deals every Prime Day, so make sure to check out some other best deal roundups that may be of interest, and see our top picks for the best monitors of 2024 for more PCWorld insights.
Best Amazon tech deals across PCWorld’s top categories
PC computer deals: Best of Prime Day 2024
Laptop deals: Best of Prime Day 2024
SSD and storage deals: Best of Prime Day 2024
USB flash drive deals: Best of Prime Day 2024
Thunderbolt dock and USB-C hub deals: Best of Prime Day 2024
Office chairs and standing desks: Best of Prime Day 2024
Battery charger deals: Best of Prime Day 2024
Chromebook deals: Best of Prime Day 2024
FAQ
1.
What size of monitor should I buy?
Monitor size depends on personal preference and location.
A 24-inch monitor is fine for a desk that is around 24 inches deep, or less. Its small size will still be sufficient because the monitor is closer to you.
Most people, however, will want to go with a 27-inch monitor. The added size will make the monitor easy to see. This also opens up a wider range of 4K monitor options, as 4K is very rare on a 24-inch monitor.
Larger monitors, such as a 32-inch widescreen or 34-inch ultrawide, are great for deep desks and people who want an immersive experience. Monitors this large can serve as a TV replacement in a small room.
Displays of even larger size, such as 42-inch or 48-inch HDTVs, are best for home theater setups or an unusually large office. You’ll want to sit four to six feet away from a display of this size.
2.
What display input is best? (HDMI vs. DisplayPort vs. USB-C)
USB-C is the best display input for most people. It works by bundling DisplayPort into USB-C, so offers all the same features as DisplayPort. Yet it retains the features of USB-C including optional support for Power Delivery to charge external devices. This is why we recommend a USB-C monitor for most people.
DisplayPort is generally second-best. It supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI. This input is particularly common on desktop computers.
HDMI comes in third due to lower resolution and refresh rate support. This is improved by HDMI 2.1, but this feature remains hard to find and often adds to a monitor’s price.
All three of the options above handle 1080p at 60Hz, which is the most common resolution and refresh rate available today. It’s also important to buy a monitor that has an input compatible with your PC.
3.
Are all monitors compatible with Windows and MacOS?
Modern monitors are compatible with all recent versions of Windows and MacOS. They’re plug-and-play, which means the monitor should display an image without the need to install driver software or mess with Windows or MacOS settings. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | ITBrief - 27 Sep (ITBrief)Pure Storage unveiled cutting-edge products and features during the Accelerate roadshow, aiming to simplify data management and boost efficiency. Melbourne is the next stop. Read...Newslink ©2024 to ITBrief | |
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