How do you merge disk partitions in Windows 11/10/8/7? Can you merge two disk partitions without losing data? EaseUS Software provides two options (EaseUS Partition Master and Disk Management) to help merge both adjacent and non-adjacent partitions, and below we offer step-by-step guides to ensure a smooth process without data loss. How to merge disk partitions Merging disk partitions is useful to optimize disk space, especially when managing multiple partitions on a single disk. However, Windows Disk Management can only merge adjacent partitions, and it requires deleting a partition during the process, which will cause data loss. Besides, you may encounter an “extend volume grayed out” error if the unallocated partition is non-adjacent to the target partition. Fortunately, EaseUS Partition Master is an ideal solution for merging disk partitions without losing data. Check the table below to learn more about the difference between the two disk management tools. Comparison1?? EaseUS Partition Master2?? Disk ManagementPremiseNoOnly works when the unallocated space is on the right side of the target partitionData LossNoYes, delete a partitionFunctionsMerge adjacent partitionsMerge non-adjacent partitionsOnly merge adjacent partitions Method 1. Merge partitions without losing data EaseUS Partition Master Professional comes with a “merge partitions” feature and can merge both adjacent partitions and non-adjacent partitions. Without deleting any partition, you can merge two partitions into one. Compatibility: Works perfectly on Windows 11/10/8/7 Data Loss: Merge partitions without losing data (no need to delete a partition) Key Features: Merge adjacent partitions; merge non-adjacent or separate partitions Interface: Well organized and clear Operational Difficulty: Easy. Merge partitions without typing any command lines Storage Devices Supported: Merge partitions on an external hard drive, SD card, USB, SSD, and HDD Here are two methods for merging partitions on a disk: Guide 1. Merge adjacent partitions When the two partitions are adjacent, EaseUS Partition Master can merge them without deleting any partition. Here’s how to achieve this: Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master, navigate to the “Partition Manager” section, right-click on the partition you want to keep and select “Merge” from the context menu. Step 2. Select the adjacent partition you want to merge into the target partition and click “OK”. Step 3. Click the “Execute Task” button and then click “Apply”. This will merge the space and files to the partition you want to keep. Guide 2. Merge non-adjacent/separate partitions EaseUS Partition Master can merge non-adjacent partitions that are separated by a recovery partition or other partitions. Here’s how to achieve this: Step 1. Open EaseUS Partition Master and go to the “Partition Manager” section. Step 2. Right-click the partition you want to keep and select “Merge”. Step 3. Choose the non-adjacent partition you want to merge into the target partition and click “OK”. EaseUS Step 4. Click the “Execute Task” button and then click “Apply”. Wait for it to finish. This will combine two separate partitions without deleting any data. Method 2. Merge disk partitions via Disk Management [with data loss] Disk Management doesn’t directly support merging two partitions. It can combine partitions only if there is unallocated space on the right side of the target partition. Hence, you need to delete a partition to create an unallocated partition first. ??Data Loss Warning: Back up data before you begin – deleting a partition will remove all data from it. Here’s how to merge two partitions using Disk Management: Step 1. Open Disk Management and locate the two partitions you want to merge. (Identify which partition you want to keep and which partition you want to delete. For example, if you want to merge C and D, you need to verify whether to keep C or D.) Step 2. Right-click the partition you want to delete and select Delete Volume. Confirm your action by clicking Yes. (This will delete all data on that partition, so ensure you have backed up any important files.) Step 3. Reload the disk information, right-click on the partition you want to merge, and select “Extend Volume”. Then, type the amount of unallocated space (in MB) you want to merge into the target partition. Step 4. Click “Next” and then “Finish” to merge the two partitions into one. Conclusion This post covers two ways to merge disk partitions in Windows 11/10/8/7. EaseUS Partition Master stands out for its ability to merge both adjacent and non-adjacent partitions without losing any data or deleting existing partitions. On the other hand, Disk Management can’t merge partitions directly without unallocated space on the right side of the partition you want to extend. Hence, for beginners, EaseUS Partition Master is the safer and more user-friendly option. Read...

The OPPO Find X8 Pro is a smartphone with a blend of innovative design, powerful performance and state-of-the-art features. As one of OPPO`s flagship models, the Find X8 Pro deliver an exceptional user experience. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Integrated display shows you who’s on the other side of the door Robust build quality, with mostly solid operation Scads of features No subscriptions needed (unless 16GB of local storage is insufficient) Cons Enormous and very heavy Palm vein reader can be a quirky Long feature list contributes to a high price tag Our Verdict The feature-laden FamiLock Max S3—the first smart lock we’ve seen with an integrated video screen on its interior escutcheon—works well, but its onboard camera won’t make sense in some home environments. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today As if on steroids, smart locks have been advancing in amazing and surprising ways over the last year, with each few months bringing a new “first” to the market. Eufy’s FamiLock S3 Max offers yet another smart lock innovation that would have been unthinkable just weeks ago: It’s the first model we’ve seen that has a built-in, 4-inch video screen on its interior escutcheon, relaying video from a camera mounted on the exterior escutcheon, no secondary device required. It’s a neat idea but right off the bat, it’s clearly not a lock that’s going to make sense for everyone. Like many homeowners, I have a massive window set into the center of my front door, so having a small video screen that displays what is happening on the other side of that door isn’t going to do me much good. However, those with fully opaque doors—especially apartment dwellers –might find this a much more compelling proposition than a peephole. Specifications The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max has a lot going on, and as a result it consumes a huge amount of space. Both interior and exterior escutcheons are enormous, with the exterior measuring 7 x 2.5 inches in size (HxW) and the interior 8 x 3 inches. Both elements are more than 1 inch thick. The full weight of the device is a significant 2 pounds, 11 ounces, although you’ll probably be aware of that only during installation. It carries a weatherization rating of IP65, so according to our IP code decoder, it’s entirely protected from particulate matter, like dust, and that it can withstand blasts of water from a tightened nozzle (but not a pressure washer). Eufy also obtained an ANSI Grade 1 certification, which our ANSI/BHMA guide tells us is the highest rating for physical security. No other smart lock packs as many features as the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max: Video doorbell, palm reader, numeric keypad, rechargeable battery, and ANSI Grade 1 certification. The list of features on the lock goes far beyond its video capabilities, but that’s where we’ll start. The four-inch display relays video from the front-mounted camera, which captures square-shaped video at a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1600 pixels, with a 180-degree (diagonal) viewing angle. Standard infrared video is built in. Video is stored locally by default on 16GB of non-upgradeable storage. A cloud backup service is available, but it’s certainly not required unless you’re concerned about someone stealing the lock itself. The plan runs $3/month or $30/year for one device or $10/month or $100/year for up to 10 devices. Both plans store a copy of all videos online for 30 days. (These prices however are going up on April 1, 2025.) The unit also functions as a doorbell, courtesy of a large button that becomes ringed in blue light when motion is detected. There’s no interior chime included with the lock, but you can configure an Amazon Echo device to serve as a chime if you install the appropriate skill. This worked well in my testing. The massive Eufy FamiLock S3 Max needs two cables to enable all its features.Christopher Null/Foundry As far as access goes, the unit has two primary avenues of operation. First, a numeric touch-sensitive keypad supports a maximum of 100 PINs. Second, the unit includes a now trendy palm vein reader, allowing for touchless authentication by simply holding your hand a few inches away from a reader mounted on the top of the exterior escutcheon. The lock can store 50 different palm scans (up to two per user). Lastly, in addition to app-based access, the unit includes a physical keyhole that can be accessed by popping out the doorbell button, although note I found it to be a little difficult to get back into place securely. The unit is uniquely powered by a rechargeable 15,000mAh battery and four AAA batteries that serve as backups in case the primary cell dies. These are wedged into the interior escutcheon atop the primary cell, which is part of the reason why the interior escutcheon is so large. Eufy says the primary cell should last at least six months, with one additional month of operation provided by the AAA cells in reserve. There is no emergency power port on the exterior escutcheon, so don’t ignore the notifications of the primary battery’s state—at least not for long. With all of that prologue, we can finally delve into how well all of this works. The short answer, all around, is quite good. Setup and installation The wide array of settings in the Eufy app reveals the long list of features this smart lock has to offer.Christopher Null/Foundry Physical installation isn’t difficult, but it does take a few small extra steps due to the needs of the video system. As is common, the exterior escutcheon is bolted to an interior frame with two screws, which in turn attaches to the interior escutcheon with an additional four screws. Two electronics cables are needed to connect the two pieces together, although these are easy to properly route and get seated properly. There’s an additional piece on top of the interior escutcheon that houses the video screen, this snaps on without the need for additional hardware, covering up the battery packs. All of this goes together quickly and cleanly, despite the few extra pieces in the mix. Setup in the revamped Eufy app (no longer called Eufy Security) involves little more than scanning a QR code on the interior escutcheon. Oddly, this is labeled as a Matter code (more on Matter support later), but it also functions directly with the Eufy app. In my testing, the app connected quickly to the lock and I had it onboarded and connected to my 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (5GHz networks are not supported) in less than a minute. Incorporating a palm reader, a video doorbell, a numeric keypad, and a rechargeable battery requires a large form factor.Christopher Null/Foundry The Eufy app is a sprawling system that isn’t particularly difficult to navigate, but it does require a significant amount of time to master because it has so many moving parts. The app is now a do-it-all system with separate tabs for “lights,” “security,” “clean,” and “care,” and it handles everything from smart locks to robotic mowers to smart scales and breast pumps. You’ll find the FamiLock in the security section, where a widget with the most recent thumbnail from the lock’s camera can be seen, along with quick access to the lock/unlock icon. Tapping the thumbnail takes you to a larger, live view of the camera, along with quick access to on-demand recording, screenshot, up to 3 “quick responses” that you record with your own voice, and two-way talk. You’ll also get to this screen automatically if someone rings the doorbell and you tap the notification. Recordings are managed through the Events tab at the bottom of the screen, and they’re presented as a chronological view of all activity—door lock/unlock actions, motion detections, and doorbell rings—with all videos accompanied by a thumbnail. You can set the camera to record on all motion or only when humans are detected (and you can dial the detection range from 3 to 20 feet). The onboard AI does a good job of determining if a human is in the video or not. An activity zone, loitering detection mode, and “leaving detection mode” that notifies you if someone departs are all also available. Performance Video quality is fine but nothing earth-shaking. The ultra-wide-angle view makes for quite a distorted view, and unless your visitor is less than a few feet away from the door, I found it was virtually impossible to make out their face. Night vision is solid, in part because of multiple lights on the front of the device that illuminate when motion is detected.Clips loaded quickly throughout my testing and could be easily downloaded without trouble. User management is tied to individuals, and you can configure each person to have 24/7 access, scheduled access (expiring at a set time or based on time/day of week), or one-time access, using a PIN that you set. Only after a PIN is added are you invited to add up to two palm vein scans for the user, though these are optional. I had no trouble using either PINs or palms to gain entry to the lock, although the lock sometimes struggled with palm scans if my hand was presented at an angle instead of vertically. The camera in the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max suffers from a bit of barrel distortion.Christopher Null/Foundry Additional features I haven’t yet covered include auto-locking (5 seconds to 3 minutes, schedulable) and configurable wrong-try protection that locks down the device for up to 5 minutes after 3 to 10 wrong attempts. A variety of power-management modes are available as well that let you determine when and for how long to record video. (“Optimal surveillance” will record for up to 60 seconds when motion is detected, while “Balance surveillance” will max out at 20. “Optimal battery life” won’t record on motion detection at all.) Should you buy the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max? As noted previously the device supports Matter and can be onboarded directly to a Matter hub by scanning the same QR code on the interior escutcheon. I was able to add the lock to iOS Home by scanning the code, but soon found there’s very little point to doing this, as there’s no support for most of the advanced features of the lock through Matter—including palm vein scanning and any of the video features. If you’re just looking for a Matter lock that lets you assign PINs, there are many more affordable and simpler options around. Further reading: This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart locks. Lastly, at $400, there’s no way around the fact that the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max is extremely expensive—more than the combined cost of a separate video doorbell and quality smart lock. That said, does work very well considering its complexity; as such, it might make sense for those who prefer a single device and who can make good use of the integrated video screen. If you do have a window in your door—or sidelights next to it—you might want to consider the Eufy FamiLock S3, instead. It has the same features except for the integrated camera and display, and it costs $50 less: $349.99. Read...

If your devices aren’t charging fast enough, it might be due to the wall plug (also known as a power adapter) you’re using. Getting ultra-fast charge times could be as simple as upgrading yours to this 100W Anker Prime wall plug that’s now on sale for $55 on Amazon. This Anker Prime GaN charger features three ports: two USB-C and a USB-A. The USB-C ports can hit 100W when used solo, while the USB-A maxes out at 22.5W alone. (With multiple ports in use, the 100W total output gets split up. For example, with all three plugged in, it can deliver 46W + 30W + 22.5W, respectively.) You can connect your laptop, phone, and earbuds to keep them all charged in a jiffy. And with this wall charger using GaN technology, it’s way smaller than your usual power adapter and generates less heat. That makes it great for travel in conjunction with its foldable prongs, protecting it from breakage and preventing it from scratching your other valuables. You can tuck this away in any bag and not worry about it at all. Get your own Anker Prime 100W wall charger for $55 on Amazon while you can! It’s a fantastic price for an ultra-fast 3-device power adapter. And don’t forget about Amazon’s Spring Sale coming up! There are already lots of great early deals worth jumping on. Save 37% on Anker`s tiny yet powerful wall chargerBuy now at Amazon Read...

I’ve decided to test a radical change to my living room streaming setup. For years, I’ve used an Apple TV 4K for streaming, and while it’s been a great device overall, I’ve always wanted to try swapping it for a home theater PC. In my early cord-cutting years (circa 2010), I used a cheap Intel Atom-powered Lenovo nettop (now obsolete) to access Hulu’s website (still free at the time) and avoid its subscription fees on connected TV devices. Plugging a cheap desktop PC into your TV today could yield similar advantages. This experiment could fail for a variety of reasons, and I’ve already hit some snags in my initial setup. But if it works, it could offer a lot more control over the streaming experience along with some potential cost savings over time. The case for a home theater PC (in 2025) I’m going into this HTPC experiment with a bunch of use cases in mind: Ad-skipping powers: With a desktop web browser, I can use MultiSkipper to fast-forward through commercials on Hulu, Peacock, Tubi, and other ad-supported streaming services, and I can use uBlock Origin to avoid ads on YouTube. This could save a lot of money as ad-free streaming subscriptions get more expensive. The MultiSkipper browser extension.Jared Newman / Foundry Password sharing: Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing doesn’t apply to website or mobile app use, presumably because it’d be tricky to block out-of-home use on portable devices. Watching on a PC could make account-splitting easier, especially as more services follow Netflix’s lead. Unrestricted multiview: Picture-in-picture is a mess on streaming platforms, with inconsistent support across apps and devices. That’s not an issue on PCs, where you can just open up more browser windows or use the handy picture-in-picture Chrome extension. This could really come in handy during March Madness. Watching two videos at a time is no problem on desktop web browsers.Jared Newman / Foundry Unlocked playback speeds: Some videos just don’t need to be watched at regular speed, but with the exception of YouTube, most video services don’t let you speed up playback on smart TVs and streaming devices. By contrast, Netflix’s web version has built-in speed controls, while the Video Speed Controller extension works across a broad range of sites. Streaming guides galore: While most streaming platforms offer guide features for tracking shows and finding new things to watch, they don’t work with every streaming service and they tend to be loaded with ads and upsells. On a PC, you can take your pick of streaming guide sites such as Reelgood, JustWatch, Trakt, and Plex Discover. More entertainment options: With an HTPC setup, I’m looking forward to using some apps that aren’t available on an Apple TV, such as Nvidia GeForce Now and Plexamp. The hardware The Beelink Mini S12 Pro’s HDMI outputs connect direclty to the TV.Jared Newman / Foundry I didn’t want to spend a lot on this endeavor, nor did I want a noisy desktop PC that takes up a lot of space. That led me to Beelink’s Mini S12 Pro, whose $169 street price is only a little higher than the nicest streaming players, and its footprint isn’t much larger either. While its Intel N100 processor is lightweight, it supports 4K HDR video, comes with Windows 11, and includes a fairly generous 16GB of RAM and 500GB of storage. Similar products abound from other mini PC vendors, but I’ve had a positive experience using a slightly pricier Beelink SER5 Ryzen-based PC as my everyday computer and decided to stick with a brand that I know. One caveat: The Mini S12 Pro doesn’t support HDCP 2.2, which Netflix requires for 4K HDR video. The SER5 doesn’t have that limitation, but I stuck with the cheaper model for reasons I’ll explain below. The trade-offs While I’ve barely started using this new setup, I’ve already encountered a few issues. The biggest problem is inconsistent 4K HDR video support on streaming sites. Netflix technically supports 4K HDR in Microsoft’s Edge browser, but even on Beelink’s higher-end SER5, it refused to budge beyond 1080p. Amazon Prime and Max don’t support 4K or HDR on PCs at all. That said, I only upgraded to Netflix’s Premium tier with 4K HDR (which costs $25 per month, instead of $18) for testing purposes. Max charges extra for 4K HDR as well, and vast swaths of other streamers’ catalogs are limited to 1080p anyway. Surround sound can also be an issue on streaming sites, but my living room setup is stereo-only anyway. The other obvious issue is usability. Keeping a mouse and keyboard in the living room is out of the question, and while I’m looking into air mouses with small built-in keyboards, like this one, navigating a desktop interface will be less ideal than clicking around on a real remote. This will take some finagling, and the rest of my family will likely need to switch over to the Apple TV or the Google TV software built into our television. Using an air mouse may be as close to the remote control experience as it gets. Wechip In other words, this won’t be an ideal solution for everyone, and it might not even work out in the Newman household. If this whole TV experiment fails, I’ll likely repurpose the little Beelink PC as a cheap way to play with some Linux distributions; if it succeeds, it could be much a more liberating way to access streaming content. I plan to report back soon with new tips and findings either way. Sign up for Jared’s Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter for more streaming TV advice. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros High-quality feel and stable Construction Modular T-channel system for flexible customization Quiet and efficient electric height adjustment Large work surface with integrated cable tray Simple assembly thanks to pre-sorted components Cons High price Expensive accessories Cable eyelets poorly made and difficult to mount Our Verdict The Corsair Platform:4 is a well thought-out, versatile, and customizable desk system that appeals to both gamers and productive users. The workmanship is high quality, the design is clearly structured, and the modularity offers many expansion options. The table top and the stable aluminum frame system ensure long-lasting usability. The Elevate version with quiet and efficient electric height adjustment (reviewed here) makes for a long-term and flexible solution. However, it does come at a price. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Corsair Platform:4 Elevate Retailer Price $899.99 View Deal Corsair $899.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket With the Corsair Platform:4, Corsair is launching a modular desk system that’s interesting for both gamers and home office users thanks to its flexibility, high-quality workmanship, and well thought-out ergonomics. The standard version of the Platform:4, which sits at a fixed height, costs $699.99. We tested the Elevate version with electric height adjustment. The desk promises a high degree of adaptability that goes beyond the basic requirements of a conventional work or gaming desk. Corsair Platform:4 design and workmanship The Corsair Platform:4 has a robust table top made of black laminate. If you prefer a natural look, the tabletop is also available in a light wood surface for the fixed-height model, or a dark wood for the Elevate, each at a $100 premium. With dimensions of 47 inches wide and 30 inches deep, it is quite compact, but still offers sufficient work space for monitors, peripherals, and other accessories. The surface is pleasant to the touch and resistant to scratches and stains. Thanks to the solid workmanship, the desk shows hardly any signs of wear even after intensive use. Friedrich Stiemer The highlight of the design is the aluminium T-channel system, which makes it easy to attach and adjust accessories such as monitor arms or lighting. This system allows the use of numerous extensions, including customized ones, which can be retrofitted as required. In terms of stability, the Corsair Platform:4 was completely convincing in the test — even under dynamic load, the table was always stable. Friedrich Stiemer Assembly and scope of delivery Corsair delivers the Platform:4 in a single large and heavy box, which requires two people for transport. In addition to the parts for the table, the package also includes a flexible monitor arm with a gas pressure spring and VESA mount. There are also connection adapters for Elgato accessories, numerous plastic and Velcro cable ties, cable guides, cable eyelets, and a small bag with spare parts such as additional screws and T-nuts. A particularly positive feature was that the assembly materials were sorted for each assembly step and packed in labelled bags. These bags contained precise information on the number and labelling of the respective parts, which made assembly much easier. Corsair even supplies tools! Friedrich Stiemer The assembly itself was quite straightforward and for the most part even self-explanatory. The threads, drill holes, and materials were flawless throughout, which further emphasized the impression of high-quality workmanship. The general feel of the table should also be emphasized positively, as the surfaces appear pleasant and stable. On closer inspection, we only noticed very small imperfections in the edges — but nothing of any significance. Precise information on the number and labelling of the respective parts, made desk assembly much easier. Corsair even supplies tools! Friedrich Stiemer Nevertheless, you should allow around two hours for assembly. It is helpful to have enough space available for the boxes and packing materials so that you are not hindered during the assembly process. A second person should also assist with turning over the assembled table to avoid damage and injury. Friedrich Stiemer There were no more problems worth mentioning when setting up the Elevate version. The cable remote control could be fitted without any problems as the screws were the right length and there were enough of them. In other media reports on the Corsair Platform:6, there was talk of difficulties when screwing on the remote control due to the screws being too short. These problems seem to have been solved with the Platform:4. The other assembly steps went smoothly. A tip for assembly: The cable eyelets supplied make it easier to lay the cables neatly along the underside of the table, even if there is no special cut-out for cable routing. With a little skill, all cables can still be stowed away safely. The only point of criticism: The eyelets are not only difficult to press into the holes, but are also poorly finished as there are numerous burrs on them. Friedrich Stiemer Functionality The most outstanding feature of the Corsair Platform:4 is its modularity. The T-channel system enables a wide range of customizations. We fitted a table extension in the test, which extended the width of the table by a further 11.8 inches. This addition was easy to install thanks to the T-Channel system on the sides and proved to be very stable. Corsair specifies the load capacity of the extension at 50 pounds, which is sufficient even for larger gaming PCs. However, the gaming desk is dominated by the T-channel system on the tabletop, which is primarily used for mounting monitor and microphone arms. Friedrich Stiemer Another positive feature is the optional perforated panel that can be mounted on the sides. Corsair supplies several hooks and brackets for this purpose, which can be used to securely hang headsets or rucksacks, for example. Users can therefore customize the desk to suit their individual needs. Friedrich Stiemer Electric height adjustment The Elevate version of the table that we tested has electric height adjustment with two presets. The motors work quietly and smoothly, with a lifting speed of 1 inch per second. Particularly practical: The height adjustment can also be used unnoticed during video conferences, as the noise level remains below 50 decibels. This ensures undisturbed use, even in noise-sensitive environments. Friedrich Stiemer Another highlight is the integrated cable tray, which is large enough to neatly store a multiple socket and cable bundles. Thanks to numerous attachment points for cable ties, even large quantities of cables remain tidy. There is also a coverable storage compartment with USB-A and USB-C charging ports for smaller devices. This is particularly helpful when using multiple devices, as chargers no longer need to be placed separately on the table. Friedrich Stiemer Monitor arm with gas pressure spring A central element of the whole package is the monitor arm supplied. This arm is equipped with a gas pressure spring that enables infinitely variable height and tilt adjustment. Thanks to the VESA mount, the arm is compatible with monitors with a load capacity of up to 27.5 pounds. We mounted the monitor arm on the main T-rail on the top plate. No T-nuts or screws were required here. Instead, the clamp of the arm had to be opened by loosening a screw and loosening the set screw. This adjusting screw also allows the arm to be moved flexibly sideways on the rail, which is particularly practical for optimum positioning of the monitor. Once mounted, the arm offers a high degree of stability, even with repeated adjustments. Friedrich Stiemer The integrated cable channels and clips along the arm are practical, ensuring neat cable routing and preventing cables from hanging down. This keeps the workplace tidy and functional. Friedrich Stiemer Practical use In everyday use, the Corsair Platform:4 impressed us with its high level of ergonomics and adaptability. The tabletop offered enough space for a multi-monitor setup and additional peripherals. The ability to adjust the desk to the optimum ergonomic sitting or standing height proved to be a real advantage for longer working or gaming sessions. Users with changing working positions benefit from the flexible height adjustment. Friedrich Stiemer The high load capacity of up to 264.5 pounds offers enough leeway for extensive setups. Even with intensive use, the table showed no instability. Even large-format monitors or heavy audio setups could be positioned securely. The cable management proved to be useful for keeping the desk tidy and avoiding tripping hazards caused by hanging cables. Friedrich Stiemer Another advantage is the versatile customizability of the workstation. Users who often switch between different activities, such as creative work and gaming, can quickly change their individual configuration. The modular system also enables long-term expansion without having to replace the entire desk. Friedrich Stiemer Read...

Your PC will die, someday. Or it will slow down, generate error messages, or — worse still — get hacked. While you could always call a professional, why not solve the problem yourself? And you can, just by learning some basic Windows tasks yourself. You’ve learned how to take care of yourself in the real world. Your PC is no different. You’ll need to maintain it, protect it, and keep it fed with data at all times. Nothing in this checklist is particularly complicated or even hard. But it’s basic knowledge that you should already know. And if you don’t, we’re here to help! Manage Windows Update Windows Update governs all of the changes Microsoft brings to your PC. Some of these are critical updates to Windows itself, needed to solve some unexpected vulnerability or bug. Others are new features that Microsoft wants to add to your PC. Finally, Microsoft periodically adds new virus signatures and other improvements to the Windows Defender anti-malware system, allowing you to surf the web without fear. Windows Update.PixieMe / Shutterstock Most of the time, Microsoft’s Windows Updates take place in the background, without your intervention, as a convenience. But it’s important to know where to look (inside the Windows Settings menu, then in the Windows Update submenu) to understand what Windows Update can and can’t do. Would you like to try out the latest updates as soon as they’re available? Conversely, would you like to pause updates for a certain period, like during an end-of-quarter reporting period or exams? Or even roll them back? Would you like Windows Update to manage other Microsoft products, too? Windows Update is one of the least intensive tasks within Windows. But it’s also critical to the safety of your PC. Dig deep into Windows Settings For that matter, there’s more to the Windows Settings menu than just Windows Update. It’s here that you’ll find all of the features and functionality within Windows, organized into separate categories. Do you want to increase the size of the text because you forgot your glasses? See Settings > Accessibility. Want to pair a new set of earbuds? You’ll find that in Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Windows 11 Sound settings for a specific microphone.PCWorld The number of Windows Settings options may seem overwhelming. On the left-hand side of the Settings menu, however, is a small search box that can help find what you’re looking for. Unfortunately, the search box is looking for specific query topics. (Some alternatives are programmed in: In Windows, your monitor is called a “display” but the search box will recognize both terms.) It’s perfectly fine to complain about how Microsoft or Windows does certain things. But you owe it to yourself to at least see if you can solve the problem yourself. The Windows Settings can help. Stay safe online and within Windows Simply protecting yourself from bad guys is a combination of anonymity, smarts, luck, and common sense. Windows Defender is a solid though not totally foolproof way of protecting yourself online from downloadable malware, and thankfully Microsoft’s app pretty much manages itself. Chris Hoffman/IDG But protecting your digital keys — passwords — via a password manager or some other method is an absolute must in this day and age. The best VPNs hide and encrypt your digital identity, so you can slip surreptitiously past criminals and companies who have no rights to watch you as you surf online. Windows has tools like Windows Sandbox to provide even more protection. Finally, you need to bank on your experience and common sense not to click on every provocative link and email that you see, minimizing your online risk. best vpn overall ExpressVPN Read our review We’re not here to dictate that you must use a VPN or password manager. But there are risks to surfing online, and you should know what Windows provides, what it doesn’t, and what additional options are available to secure your PC — even if you don’t use them. How to back up and restore data Of late, Microsoft Windows has begun pushing hard for you to back up your PC into its OneDrive cloud. For some of you, this is a huge annoyance, as Microsoft has begun flipping on automatic backup by default: on your Desktop, Photos, Documents, and Video folders. That backup process can rob you of available bandwidth and impact the broadband data cap your ISP imposes. Foundry But knowing how OneDrive and backup works, and even restoring that data on a new PC, may save you enormous time and effort as Microsoft simply performs those tasks in the background. Likewise, understanding what apps and data might not be backed up should be something that you take time to learn about, too. Apps typically are not backed up; neither is their associated data. But many games are. To its credit, Microsoft has quietly simplified the process. Autosaving a Microsoft Office (Microsoft 365) document is almost automatic, and you can basically log on to any new PC and automatically provision it to authenticate you to Microsoft 365 and keep working. But it’s still worth knowing what works and what doesn’t. How to install and uninstall software and services These days, “installing” software doesn’t even require you to insert a disk or a DVD-ROM. You simply click an “installer” and the whole process proceeds from there. Windows generally allows installed updates to be uninstalled manually in the event of problems. However, this does not apply to all updates. Microsoft There’s nothing wrong with that. But understanding the nuances of software and services is a must. If everything on phones is an app, much of the PC’s “software” is a subscription. Understanding the difference between the “perpetual” version of Microsoft Office versus the Microsoft 365 subscription that enables it could save you literally hundreds of dollars. Likewise, there’s a difference between installing the “same” game via the Windows Xbox app and Steam; the latter offers timely updates, and the former sometimes doesn’t. You also need to know what apps are automatically backed up to the cloud (Microsoft apps, basically) and what isn’t (everything else). Finally, knowing how to search for and uninstall an app will get rid of space-clogging programs you don’t use, and save storage space that you can put to something else. How to reset your PC Resetting your PC is sort of the culmination of some of these tasks. If your PC is inexplicably slowing down, that may be due to any number of things, including just the accumulation of all the digital flotsam and jetsam from years of work. If all of your files have been backed up to the cloud or a backup drive, resetting a PC basically allows you to start over with a fresh install of Windows. All the clutter? Gone. Jared Newman / Foundry Resetting your PC isn’t something that needs doing every month. And doing so is pretty easy: It’s yet another Windows Settings option (System > Recovery). The process doesn’t take especially long, perhaps 20 minutes or so, depending upon your system. But knowing when to reset, what you’ll need to back up, and the benefits of doing so is knowledge you need. Access your PC’s BIOS/UEFI I doubt that you’ll have to access the BIOS of your PC more than once or twice. It’s the nitty-gritty interface between the operating system and the internals of your PC, a pre-boot environment that allows you to make some basic changes. I myself only used it recently to tweak some UMA frame-buffer settings to boost some performance in an AMD Ryzen system, but normally I leave it alone. Knowing how to tweak your BIOS is a slightly more advanced function, but you should at least know that it’s there, how to access it, and what it’s used for. BIOS on an Asus PC.Mark Hachman / Foundry Understanding browsers and plugins A large portion of our digital lives is lived on the web. On your phone, most providers encourage you to download an app. (Too many, in my opinion.) On Windows, a lot of what you need can be found on the web. But the web often needs some taming. You should know where to go to find browser plugins and/or add-ons: the Chrome Web Store, for example, or Microsoft’s own Edge extensions. Did you know that since much of the web is built upon the open-source Chromium engine, some plugins will work on multiple browsers? Or for that matter, Firefox has its own browser ecosystem of plugins? Many people consider a basic ad blocker a necessity. (Learn how to whitelist, and then whitelist PCWorld.com, while you’re at it.) Extensions for Google Chrome can be flipped on or off, or removed altogether.Marshall Gunnell/IDG Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are certainly fine tools to browse the web. But you should at least have a nodding familiarity with other browser options, what they look like, and what they can do for you. Imagine if every car in the world was free, but you only used a Chevrolet. Wouldn’t you feel just a bit like you missed out? Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Great battery life Durable build Snappy day-to-day performance Skinny display bezels Cons Weak speakers Webcam leaves a little to be desired Uninspired design Our Verdict The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 checks off a lot boxes, sure, but at full retail price it’s expensive. Personally, I’d wait for a sale. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today When it comes to 2-in-1 laptops, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 gets it right where it counts. The transition from clamshell mode to tent mode is totally effortless. The battery life is also terrific and day-to-day performance is smooth and lag free. Sure, the design could be sexier and the speakers could be punchier, but I don’t have many earth-shattering complaints here. It certainly delivers in the right areas, but is it perfect? The answer is a bit complicated. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best Chromebooks for comparison. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Specs The Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is Acer’s mid-range convertible Chromebook, but our review unit falls more in the entry-level category given the specs. You’ll find an Intel Core 3 100U 6 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of flash storage inside the machine I’m reviewing here. This configuration will cost you $549.99 retail, which is pretty pricey for a Chromebook, but it does go on sale often. Below you’ll find the exact specifications of my exact review unit: Model number: CP514-4HN-30UC CPU: Intel Core 3 100U processor (6 core, 1.20GHz) Memory: 8GB LPDDR5X RAM Graphics: Intel Graphics Display: 14-inch 1920×1200 IPS display Storage: 128GB universal flash storage Webcam: 1080p at 60 FPS Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI Dimensions: 12.59 x 9.05 x 0.82 inches Weight: 3.45 pounds Battery: 53 watt hours MSRP: $549.99 You can also configure Chromebook Plus Spin 514 with up to 16GB of RAM, up to 256GB of SSD storage, and up to Intel Core 7 150Uprocessors. However, the price shoots up significantly with these upgrades.  The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is a well-made convertible laptop–that much I cannot deny. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: AI features The “Plus” models come with a slew of AI features, most of which I found to be unnecessary. I did use the Live Translate feature, though. This feature enables real-time translation of whatever’s playing on the screen, which I find useful because I struggle with auditory processing. The generative AI wallpapers and video backgrounds are fun to play around with, but it’s not very useful to me in my day-to-day life. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Design, build quality IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo The design is fine, but it’s nothing remarkable–it’s just a gray rectangular shell with slightly rounded edges at the lid. In fact, it looks almost identical to the Acer Chromebook Spin 312. The only difference is that it doesn’t have the colorful Chromebook logo in the right-hand corner. Without this splash of color, the design is more understated. It won’t be turning any heads, that’s for sure, but some folks may prefer that.  Thankfully, the build quality is more impressive than the Spin’s blah aesthetics. When I first pulled the laptop out of its recycled packaging, I couldn’t help but notice how solid it felt in my hands. This thing feels like a tank and is kind of built like one, too. I noticed no flex in the keyboard deck and only a slight bend to the display when I gently twisted it. The bottom of the chassis, the palm rest, and the surrounding display are made of plastic. The top cover, however, is made of aluminum, giving it that premium touch. Still, for a mostly plastic machine, it held up great during daily use.  IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo Acer gets the 2-in-1 form factor right. The transition from clamshell mode to tent or tablet mode was seamless and the 360 degree hinge connecting the display to the keyboard was firm and secure. The weight distribution (when the laptop was in tablet mode) felt even and I was able to comfortably use it in both portrait and landscape orientations. Switching to tablet mode will automatically activate the tablet version of the operating system. My only complaint is that the laptop feels a bit thick when used as a tablet. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Keyboard, touchpad IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo The keyboard is pretty comfortable to type on for long periods of time. I spent several afternoons using it to write this review and chat with coworkers on Slack or friends on Discord. I quickly adjusted to the keyboard’s layout, too–-similar to my experience with the Acer Chromebook Spin 312. The keys have a pleasant bounciness to them and they produce a nice clicking sound when depressed, which I love listening to as my fingers dance across the board.  The touchpad is a good size (not too big, not too small) and it sits in the center of the keyboard deck, giving my hands a comfortable place to rest. The surface of the touchpad feels like glass, but it’s actually made out of ocean-bound plastics. There were a few misfires here and there, but nothing major that I can recall.   Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Display, webcam, speakers IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo The 14-inch 1920×1200 IPS display is my favorite thing about this laptop. Not only does it produce a sharp-looking picture, but the bezels are also skinny (more screen!) and the taller 16:10 aspect ratio makes it easier to scroll through longer documents and web pages. I wouldn’t say it’s the brightest screen I’ve ever seen (Acer claims 340 nits), but it’s fine for day-to-day tasks and binge-watching your favorite Netflix shows. The touch capabilities on this display are very responsive as well–I didn’t notice much lag when swiping or tapping.  The one negative thing I have to say about the display is that there’s glare in direct sunlight, which is why I wouldn’t recommend using this laptop outdoors. It does have Antimicrobial Gorilla Glass as well as USI Active Stylus support, so at least there’s that. The webcam is fine for the occasional Zoom call, but not much else–the picture it produces is a bit fuzzy-looking. As for the microphone, my voice sounded more hollow than I liked but you could still make out what I was saying. I live in a quiet neighborhood, though. If you live in a noisy city or if you’re working in a busy café, the background sound may drown out your speaking voice. The one silver lining here is the physical privacy shutter, which you can slide over the webcam when it’s not in use.  I don’t love the upwards firing speakers, as they’re just not punchy enough for my taste. I like to listen to music while I cook dinner and, unfortunately, I had to keep bumping up the volume because I couldn’t hear Enya’s ethereal vocals or the sharp synthesizers of her music very well (I’m in an Enya phase, leave me alone). It’s nothing a pair of headphones or external speakers couldn’t fix, but I wish the speakers were better. Upwards firing speakers are generally better than the downwards firing kind, so I was a bit disappointed.  Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Connectivity IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 has enough ports to keep most folks happy. There are two USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 and one audio jack on the left side. The right side features one USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1, one 1.4 HDMI, and one Kensington lock. No complaints here–it’s a great mix of ports for an entry-level laptop.  Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Performance Performance-wise, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is comparable to the more expensive Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus ($699), as it has the same Intel Core 3 100U processor. The Intel Core 3 100U offers good single-threaded performance, so it’s designed to handle everyday computer tasks like basic text editing, video playback, and web browsing. CrXPRT 2: 169 Speedometer 2.0: 333 Basemark Web 3.0: 1213 Kraken: 404.7ms Jetstream 2: 295.228 In use, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 performs fine. I was able to jump from tab to tab with ease and the bootup times were pretty fast. Again, my daily work tasks mostly involve editing and writing, which aren’t very demanding to begin with. The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 should breeze through lighter workloads, though you may need to temper your expectations or look elsewhere if your workload is more resource intensive. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Battery life The 53 watt-hour battery isn’t particularly big, but it chugged along well into the night and that alone surprised me. In our battery test, which continuously loops videos and various tasks, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 lasted for a little over 15 hours on a single charge–a phenomenal result! That’s better than the more expensive Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus ($699), which died at the 13 hour mark. However, that’s with the brightness turned down. At full brightness, you can expect about six or seven hours out of this machine. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Conclusion The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is a well-made convertible laptop–that much I cannot deny. The laptop folds easily (as it should!) and it’s fairly comfortable to use in either landscape or portrait orientations. It’s also a long-lasting laptop (as long as the brightness is turned down) and the display bezels are barely there, so you’re getting a lot of screen. That said, at full price ($549.99), it’s expensive, especially for an entry-level configuration with just 8GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage.  Personally? I’d wait for a drop in price. It’s a good laptop, but it’s an even better one when it’s less money. Fortunately, this laptop tends to go on sale often–recently, I’ve seen it go on sale for $449 at Amazon. The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 has a lot to offer feature-wise, but I’d expect slightly better specs at full retail price. Read...

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Battered by a botched update to its flagship app last year that left its users howling for blood, Sonos badly needed a win for 2025—a new product that would finally turn the page.  The solution? A $400 streaming video player, if the rumors were true.  Pretty much every observer, myself included, thought that was a disastrous idea for Sonos, a company that made its name with high-quality networked speakers. But the company, stunned by the backlash to a revamped app that was—at least initially—riddled with bugs and missing key features, appeared to have lost its way.  Well, cooler heads seem to have prevailed, with The Verge reporting that Sonos has cancelled plans for the long-in-development streaming player, code-named Pinewood.  Sonos isn’t saying anything on the record, but according to The Verge, Sonos execs announced during a company all-hands that it had nixed its Pinewood plans.  The move, which comes two months after Sonos’s longtime CEO stepped down, likely means Sonos won’t have any splashy new product launches for the rest of 2025, or at least none that would involve new product categories for the brand.  But Sonos’ decision also means it won’t wander into well-trod territory with a too-expensive product, something it arguably did with the indifferently received Sonos Ace headphones, which the company launched shortly after its app fiasco.  Pinewood, if the leaks are true, was to be yet another boxy black streaming box, complete with an integrated HDMI switch that would have allowed users to connect game consoles, Blu-ray players, and other video sources.  The streaming box would also have worked with your existing Sonos speakers, allowing you to set up a wireless home theater without the need for a soundbar.  While the streaming player and its built-in HDMI switch would have helped to alleviate the lip-sync issues that occasional bedevil home theater aficionados, it also raised eyebrows with its rumored price range: anywhere between $200 and $400, making it much pricier than the already premium-priced Apple TV 4K and Nvidia Sheild players.  Contributing to the concern was word that Sonos collaborated on Pinewood with The Trade Desk, a digital ad firm, leading to worries that the streaming player’s interface might serve advertisements or track its users’ viewing habits.  It seemed an odd move for Sonos to plunge into a unfamiliar and saturated category with an overpriced device, rather than doubling down on one that it pioneered and soon dominated: mid-priced multi-room audio.  An about face like this is never fun, but it’s a better idea than marching toward a cliff. Now maybe Sonos can get back to the basics, and—with time—win back the trust of its customers. Read...