Early users of Windows 11 have a lot of complaints about the taskbar: It’s rigid and artificially constrained compared to the tool in the last version of the operating system. Microsoft has heard your concerns, and is adding… a microphone mute button. Huh. The new option is designed with web conferencing in mind, giving users […] https://www.pcworld.com/article/549880/windows-11s-next-taskbar-update-isnt-the-one-youre-waiting-for.html
If you need some wrist wear to track your heart rate, steps, and other personal data, today is the day to head over to Amazon. The online retailer has a Fitbit sale going on right now as part of its early Black Friday blowout. While it looks like a bunch of devices are on sale, […] https://www.pcworld.com/article/549867/it-only-makes-sense-to-get-a-fitbit-at-these-all-time-low-prices.html
With Thunderbolt ports becoming more common in laptops, a Thunderbolt dock can be a critical accessory. Think of the Thunderbolt dock as a more powerful, high-speed alternative to a USB-C hub, adding I/O expansion to your laptop in the form of extra ports for mice, keyboards, external drives, SD cards, and, most importantly, displays. It […] https://www.pcworld.com/article/393714/best-thunderbolt-docks-for-a-laptop-pc.html
Although it’s not one of our favorite SSDs, Amazon is selling the speedy 1TB Kingston A2000 for $80, which is an all-time low. When we reviewed the A2000 SSD, we gave it a four out of five stars. It’s a real bargain even at regular price. “It’s plenty fast enough for the average user, and […] https://www.pcworld.com/article/549860/this-excellent-budget-1tb-kingston-nvme-ssd-is-even-cheaper-today-at-80.html
If you’re looking to build a powerhouse PC, one of the first things you need to do is pick your poison: AMD or Intel? Both companies are making some absolutely fantastic CPUs and adjacent platforms, so there’s really no wrong decision here. But to hell with that fence-sitting BS: It’s still a decision you have […] https://www.pcworld.com/article/549847/intel-alder-lake-vs-ryzen-5000-5-things-to-know.html
Everyone likes redemption stories, and Intel’s 12th gen Core i9-12900K is a comeback story for the ages. The once mighty and complacent champ was defeated years ago, forced through one humiliating loss after another at the hands of AMD’s resurgent Ryzen processors, until finally somehow finding a way back to fighting form and claiming victory […] https://www.pcworld.com/article/548999/12th-gen-core-i9-12900k-review-intel-is-back.html
Back when Microsoft announced Windows 11, it proclaimed the new operating system to be the most secure version of Windows yet. The company’s requirements certainly imply that Windows 11 outdoes its predecessor, given the need for a trusted platform module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot in order to achieve full compatibility—as well as a guarantee […] https://www.pcworld.com/article/547267/windows-11-doesnt-automatically-protect-you-from-all-threats-heres-how-to-stay-safe.html
A Windows tablet with a luscious OLED screen may finally be affordable thanks to Asus’s new $599 Vivobook Slate 13 OLED. The 2-in-1 tablet features a magnetic detachable keyboard that gives it a Surface Pro-like use style. Unlike the Surface and similar tablets though, the Vivobook Slate’s magnetic kickstand allows for both a traditional horizontal […] https://www.pcworld.com/article/549646/asuss-599-vivobook-slate-13-makes-oled-affordable.html
The last time I took a look at a Jackery Explorer power station, it was the Explorer 1000, which had a price that matched is capacity—$1,000. This time around, I’m looking at the Jackery Explorer 240 that not only has a shrunken capacity, but a smaller price tag as well. Both Jackery power stations feature a […] https://www.pcworld.com/article/543417/jackery-explorer-240-portable-power-station-review-a-more-affordable-option-to-keep-you-temporarily-off-the-grid.html
If there’s one thing that desktop PCs and complex home theater set-ups have taught us, it’s that you can always use more outlets. Today, you can take that axiom to the max with this deal on a 12-outlet power strip and surge protector for $19 with the checkout code ANKERA9191L. That’s $9 off the usual […] https://www.pcworld.com/article/549596/this-12-outlet-anker-power-strip-and-surge-protector-is-just-19-right-now.html