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PC World Latest News
Oct 11, 2025

Score 15 months of Microsoft 365 — now at a special $75 price

If you're looking for a complete productivity suite that offers seamless updates, cloud storage, and advanced security, Microsoft 365 Personal has you covered.

For $74.97 (on sale through October 19), you'll get 15 months of Microsoft 365 with full access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Defender, OneDrive, Outlook, Editor, Clipchamp, and OneNote — all with the latest features at your disposal.

This plan is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to install apps on up to five devices at once, whether you're using Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android. So, you can easily switch between your phone, tablet, and computer without missing a beat.

Plus, with 

PC World Latest News
Oct 11, 2025

This Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook deal is only $74.99 free shipping

If your current laptop is your "main character," this Lenovo Chromebook is the trusty sidekick. For just $74.99 (MSRP $475.99) with free shipping, this refurbished Lenovo 11.6? 2-in-1 Chromebook 300e 2nd Gen (2018) makes for a perfect backup device, travel companion, or light daily driver.

It's built to multitask. The touchscreen folds into four modes—laptop, tablet, tent, and stand—so you can type, swipe, binge, or present, depending on your needs. With 4GB RAM, 32GB of storage, and Chrome OS, it handles everyday tasks like st

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Watch: We tested Battlefield 6's micro stutter and smooth performance

Will's test PC is running an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, so it's just about the best hardware you can reasonably expect in the current PC gaming landscape. What we're looking for isn't necessarily high frame rates but smoothness. So what we don't want to see is big spikes in the frame rendering time, which normally oscillate between 5 and 12 milliseconds. And most of the standard campaign gameplay doesn't really have any of it, though some of the showpiece scripted sections (such as the beach landing) can hit it hard with effects like smoke.

Some Battlefield veterans might be a lot more concerned with multiplayer performance, where W

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Best laptops for engineering students: Top 5 picks for power and portability

It should run CAD and simulations easily, but still be light enough to toss in your bag between classes. A keyboard that's comfortable to type on for hours on end, a screen that doesn't strain your eyes after an hour, and a battery that actually lasts—these are non-negotiable. And don't even get me started on hunting for an outlet when your laptop's gasping for life… ugh. No thanks.

These picks have been tested to cover those bases, with something for every budget.

Why you should trust PCWorld for laptop reviews and buying advice: It's in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We're also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED - Best overall

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

ADT Smart Home Security System review: Smart home security

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Price When ReviewedPrice depends on configuration. Packages start at $199. As tested:

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Microsoft's Windows XP Crocs are now officially a thing

Originally, Microsoft had made the Limited Edition Crocs available in October, timed with the company's 50th anniversary celebration. The "shoes" were originally made available as part of a Microsoft-sponsored sweepstakes. However, the footwear has now become a viral hit of sorts.

"Based on the incredible response and positive engagement across social media, we're thrilled to share that the Microsoft Limited Edition Crocs Bundle officially drops globally beginning today," the company said in an updated blog post.

The Crocs ship in a Windows XP-inspired theme. It's based upon the "Bliss" background, inspired by a photograph from Charles O'Rear taken just a few miles from my home. (Like Windows, the Sonoma, Calif. vista looks nothing like the original photograph.) They also include custom Jibbitz charms taken from Microsoft iconography, such as the mouse cursor. There's even a Bliss-themed drawstring backpack, perfect for carrying them to your next gala or shindig.

Where can you buy such wonders? At Microsoft's official merch site, where sizes are available from a women's 4/men's 2 all the way up to a women's 19/men's 17.

While I have actually purchased several Microsoft's

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Best PCIe 4.0 SSDs: Top picks from experts

We've tested nearly three dozen PCIe 4.0 SSDs and our list includes the best of the bunch for various needs. Whether you want to upgrade, or add more storage to your PCIe 4.0 computer, there's an SSD for you. Read on to learn more, including what to look for in PCIe 4.0 SSD.

Why you should trust PCWorld for PCIe 4.0 SSD reviews and buying advice: We're not called PCWorld for nothing. Our reviewers have been testing PC hardware for decades. Our storage evaluations are exhaustive, testing the limits of every product — from performance benchmarks to the practicalities of regular use. As PC users ourselves, we know what makes a killer product stand out. Only the best SSDs have made our list of picks.

WD Black SN7100 SSD - Best PCIe 4.0 SSD

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

A new default text editor is coming soon to Windows 11

This past summer, we saw the launch of Windows Edit, a new version of MS-DOS Editor which runs in the command line and offers support for Unicode. The 300 KB file limit has been removed, which means you can now handle gigabyte-sized files with Edit if desired.

The latest news is that Edit will soon be the default text editor in the Windows 11 Command Prompt, as noted by Windows Latest. If you want to try Edit now, you can download the program via GitHub.

Edit is open source software and written in the Rust programming language. You don't have to be running Windows to use the text editor; it works just as well on macOS and Linux.



PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Windows' Copilot AI can now read your Gmail and Google Calendar

According to the Windows Insider Blog, the latest version of the Copilot app on Windows can now connect to Google personal services to scan their contents. A Google account connected can let Copilot search through and analyze (at least) Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and Contacts. You can also use this third-party connection to let it access other Microsoft accounts beyond your primary one, so it can get into OneDrive and Outlook on another account too.

The main idea here is natural language search and analysis. For example, you can ask, "What's the email address for Sarah," assuming you only know one Sarah and that Copilot understands the context. But if you're inclined to do that and you need information that's in your Google account and not your Microsoft account… why wouldn't you just use Gemini, which is Google's flavor of the same thing? It's available right in the browser, no extra legwork required.

Possibly more useful (and less alarming) is a new document creation tool. The Windows Copilot app can now adapt a conversation into a Word document, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint slide deck, or PDF, and export it. Both features are available via the Insider channel on the Microsoft Store, though they might not be turned on right away for all users.



PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

How to use Instagram anonymously without an account

Using Instagram without an account Instagram only works in a web browser without registration. On the official iPhone or Android app, you'll be forced to sign up right away. If you try using a mobile browser, you won't get very far because Instagram will redirect you to the app.

The following functions are available in the web browser without an Instagram account:

Access public profiles: You can directly access Instagram pages of celebrities, companies, or influencers as long as they're not set to private. To do this, enter https://www.instagram.com/[profile name] in the address bar. View posts and comments: Open a post by right clicking "Open in new tab." Initially, a login window will appear, but you can close it by clicking on the small X at the top. The prompt will then disappear, allowing you to read the post and comments as normal. Retrieve stories (with a diversion): Instagram blocks Stories if you don't have an account, but you can view them anonymously through third-party websites or specialized viewers. Not possible without an account:

Upload

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

You can 3D print a VR headset for $150

CNCDan on YouTube (spotted by PCGamer) loves to dabble in hobby-style form factors like FPV drone piloting and racing simulators, both of which have a lot of overlap with headset and head-mounted displays. As it turns out, there are tons of semi-generic parts for this stuff on Aliexpress, including the crucial dual, high-resolution displays (one for each eye) that almost all VR headset designs use. Lenses, possibly adapted from the old Google Cardboard design, were easy to find.

The last complex element was the head tracking, which is complicated, but a problem that's already solved. CNCDan popped in an existing open source system called Relativty [sic] VR that uses an Arduino board and an IMU (inertial measurement unit) sensor. A super-basic PCB with a bit of soldering keeps those two parts connected.



PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

New malware waits until you watch porn, then secretly films via webcam

But now there's a real threat. A new malware called Stealerium apparently knows when you're viewing pornographic material in your browser and automatically takes snapshots of what you're viewing and webcam photos of you in that moment. The malware then sends those recordings to cybercriminals who use them for blackmail.

Security researchers at Proofpoint have analyzed the malware and warn of a new escalation level in these so-called "sextortion attacks."

How Stealerium gets onto your PC The Stealerium malware is spread via phishing emails that look deceptively genuine. The attackers disguise their emails as messages from reputable organizations (e.g., banks, streaming services, charities) and encourage recipients to open attachments or click on links.

These phishing emails take the usual scare tactics, generating a sense of urgency with subject lines "Payment Due," "Court Summons," and "Donation Invoice." When you open said emails, the hope is you're so alarmed that you've let down your guard, making it more likely that you'll download attachments and/or click malicious links and buttons.

What makes Stealerium even more worrying is that its source code has been freely available

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Lenovo LOQ 15 review: A speedy budget laptop with one big flaw

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Price When Reviewed$809.99

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PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Anker's ultra-slim 8-in-1 USB power strip is a no-brainer for just $20

This charging station features four three-prong AC outlets oriented in opposite directions so your bulky plugs don't get in the way of each other. And you know how all your USB power adapters take up so much room on your power strip? This solves that problem with built-in USB ports along the bottom edge—two USB-C, two USB-A—so those AC outlets can be reserved for importance stuff (like monitors).

As far as power, the main USB-C maxes out at 20W, the secondary USB-C at 15W, and the USB-A ports at 12W. When multiple ports are used at the same time, they typically max out around 15W shared (except for the USB-As, which max out at 12W shared). While that's far from "super fast" charging speeds, it's still plenty speedy for a budget-friendly charging station that's meant to be used while you're at home for a while.

I also love this charging station's flat profile—measuring 4.72 x 3.15 inches and only 0.71 inches thick—and the AC outlets recess when you aren't using them, so the whole thing takes up less space than your typical power strip and feels quite sleek. The power cord is 5 feet long so you can position it almost anywhere, and the end plug is flat and angled so you can easily reach it behind furniture hassle-free.

You can't go wrong with this, especially at this price. Get this 8-in-1 Anker

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

SSD acting weird? Do these 5 things ASAP before it dies

Sometimes you can notice the signs of a failing SSD. For instance, the once-quick transfer speed slows to crawl, there are frequent program or system crashes, or file system access errors or SMART errors occur. If you notice these things, especially in combination, there's a good chance your SSD is on its way out. In that case, it's time to prepare for the worst and do the following:

Back up critical files It goes without saying that the first thing you'll want to do if you think your SSD is on the blink is to back up your critical data. Backups should be done regularly anyway, but even if you're doing that, you'll still want to make a new backup of your critical files at this point to have them ready to go should your SSD suddenly die.

See our roundups of the best Windows backup software and

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

These ‘Nightmare Before Christmas' Echo Dot speakers are 28% off today

These are full-blown 5th-gen Echo Dot smart speakers with limited-edition themed covers, meaning you can take them off once the holiday season is over and use these Echo Dots like normal. This isn't the first time we're seeing the Jack Skellington cover, but it is the first time we're seeing Sally! And she's looking just gorgeous.

Echo Dots have improved a lot over the years, and these are the latest model so you're getting crisp vocals, impressive bass, and overall great audio performance. Alexa integration makes it easy to play music, search the web, control other smart home devices, and more. (Learn more about why we recommend smart speakers as a first step for beginners!)

If you don't have a smart speaker yet, this is a great opportunity. Don't miss your chance to order the Jack Skellington Echo Dot or Sally Echo Dot bundles for just $64.98 each—or both for $129.96.



PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Are free VPNs safe to use online?

What is a VPN? A Virtual Private Network is software that creates an encrypted ‘tunnel' through which your data flows when using the internet. This makes it very hard for hackers to track your activities online or steal your data.


PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Whoa! Save 20% on this super-fast USB-C charger AND get a free cable

Today, you can score this Baseus Enercore 100W charger block for 20% off on Amazon, bringing its price down from $59.99 to a more affordable $47.99. But that's not all! With this special promotion, you can also get a fast 100W USB-C charging cable included for free. (That's a $15 value!) On the promo page, add both products to your cart and you'll see the discounts applied at checkout.

The Baseus Enercore is a wall plug adapter that delivers up to 100W of power, meaning it's super fast at charging devices like phones, tablets, and earbuds, and it's fast enough to work with most laptops as well. The charger block itself has a built-in retractable USB-C cable, which you can pull out and connect on demand, then push back in when you're done. It's really convenient, especially with its 2.6-foot length.

On top of the retractable USB-C cable, this charger block also has two other ports—one USB-C, one USB-A—that you can use to charge other devices. That's up to three devices at once. (Note that the total 100W of charging power gets split up when multiple ports are being used. When used on their own, the retractable cable and the USB-C port both reach up to 100W max while the USB-A tops out at 22.5W.)

I also mentioned a free USB-C cable with your purchase, right? This Baseus promo tosses in a 3.3-foot 100W cable with a rig

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

This obscure Microsoft Excel tool imports PDF data without mangling it

This week, I've learned how to successfully copy data from a PDF table into a spreadsheet. It sounds easy and straightforward, but it's not. The few times I've attempted this in the past were a disaster.

It turns out that I tried to do what most people do — that is, I tried to copy and paste directly from the PDF itself. But that just results in the text being copied over with formatting all askew. No, a better way to do it is to use Excel's built-in data copying feature. Not only is it simple and easy to do, but the data will be copied over with perfect formatting as well.

What to do: Open the PDF document and make a note of where the table with the data is located and the number designation for the table. For this exercise, I'm using a PDF of a review guide for a laptop I reviewed. Now open Microsoft Excel. Also open a new Excel document by selecting File New Blank Workbook. In the top menu of Excel select Data Get Data From File From PDF. Browse your files and select the PDF with the table in it. Now select Import. Choose the table from the list that appears and click Load. The table you want will now load into the Excel document with perfect formatting.

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Have DIY PCs peaked? Why Intel's Panther Lake reveal gave me existential dread


I never thought I'd think on laptops with envy. But here I am, writing these words.

It comes on the heels of Intel's deep reveal of Panther Lake, which is what Adam, Will, and Mark were learning about last week. (Such is the super sekret life of tech journalists.)

Mark's quick rundown of the facts is extensive, as overviews go—there's just that many details to cover. I highly recommend reading his deep dive as well, but among the highlights: Three chip families represented by one 8-core and two 16-core processors, with a claim of 50 percent better multithreaded performance over previous generations. The top-tier 16-core CPUs pack juggernaut-level integrated graphics, including dedicated support for ray-tracing. Said integrated graphics take the form of Xe3 GPU cores touted as 50 percent faster on average compared to last gen. Multiframe generation support (yep, "fake frames"). 

Intel is also cramming in upgrades to the "image processing unit" in its integrated laptop processors to boost clarity and color fidelity of video during we

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Today's best laptop deals: Save big on work, school, home use, and gaming

Want to see even more? Take a peek at PCWorld's list of the top laptops you can get right now.

Why you should trust us: It's in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We're also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.

Best budget laptop deals under $500

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Now $350 off, this RTX 5070 gaming laptop with 32GB RAM is a steal

What's under the hood here? A brand-new 2025-era AMD Ryzen 9 270 processor, a hefty 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM, and a speedy 1TB Gen 4 SSD that all come together to zip through any task you need to handle. It'll boot up in a flash, won't struggle with Windows 11, move enormous files in minutes, and run games as smoothly as butter. (It has two memory slots and can be expanded up to 64GB of RAM, by the way.)

And don't forget that just-released Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card that future-proofs this laptop for several years at least. It unlocks Nvidia's latest gaming features, including DLSS 4, and you'll love how it plays on the 16-inch IPS screen with 1920×1200 resolution and 165Hz refresh rate and Nvidia G-Sync support.

It offers more connections than most modern laptops, too, with dual USB-A on the right side plus USB4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack on the left side. Use it for up to 10 hours on a single battery charge, and other nice bits include a 1080p webcam, backlit keyboard, and a CPU that qualifies it as a Copilot PC for AI features.

Best Buy has this listed as a "Techtober Deal" that ends on (or around) October 12th, so don't miss it.

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

Windows 10 support ends in days. Here's how to switch to Windows 11

But now the clock is ticking for the system. In October 2025, the very last regular update of the system will come. After that, Microsoft will only make security updates available to customers who pay extra for the Extended Security Update (ESU) program or use Microsoft Backup or 1000 Microsoft Reward Points to gain ESU access.

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Seamless Windows 11 Upgrade with EaseUS



Upgrading to Windows 11? Simplify the transition with EaseUS Todo PCTrans. This powerful tool migrates your apps, files, and settings seamlessly from Windows 10 to Windows 11, backing up everything while eliminating tedious manual transfers. The slick interface ensures a smooth upgrade, saving time and avoiding data loss - ideal for users seeking a hassle-free move before Windows 10 support ends.


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PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

The Windows 11 survival guide for Windows 10 refugees

Because when you look beyond the glassy surface with its rounded corners and the Start menu in its strict position, the differences are not that insanely big actually. It's not like switching to Mac or Linux, not by a long shot.

In many cases, these are fairly small changes that you can quickly get used to. In many cases, it's even possible to restore or mimic old behavior, and new additions you don't need can often be turned off or hidden.

We recommend: Windows 11 Pro

PC World Latest News
Oct 10, 2025

A single $20 payment gets you forever access to 1,000 e-courses

College courses and online boot camps can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands, per class. If you've ever wanted to learn new skills without draining your wallet, there's finally a better option. EDU Unlimited by StackSkills gives you lifetime access to 1,000 e-courses in virtually any subject for just $19.97 during this sale (MSRP $600).

From coding and marketing to creative hobbies like photography or design, StackSkills lets you build your dream skill set at your own pace, without the pressure.

This one-time payment opens the door to endless topics, so you can explore, jump around, and binge-learn as much as you want. Courses are self-paced and available whenever you need them, perfect for diving into career-boosting skills, side hustles, or just picking up something new to impress your friends.

Get l

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

TerraMaster F2-425 review: A powerful NAS box for streaming & backups

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Windows 10 dies next week. Here's how to keep your older PC alive

get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Best laptops for college students: 7 picks for every budget

That's where we come in. We break things down without all the technical word vomit so you can quickly find the best machine for your lifestyle. From featherlight models that disappear in your bag to laptops with marathon battery life, we've got you covered.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED - Best overall

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Broadcasters bungled free antenna TV. Now they want a bailout?

Also known as NextGen TV, the new broadcast standard promised to revolutionize free over-the-air TV with features like 4K HDR video, time-shifting, on-demand viewing, and interactive programming. For cord-cutters who get free local channels with an antenna, this was a genuinely exciting technology when it began rolling out way back in 2019.

Six years later, that excitement has evaporated thanks to restrictive digital rights management (DRM) and high adoption costs. While the broadcast TV industry has failed to make ATSC 3.0 stick, they've succeeded in getting tech enthusiasts, consumer advocates, and even some individual broadcasters to fear and despise it.

Now, broadcasters are hoping for a bailout from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which announced this week that it will consider their wishes to wind down the existing ATSC 1.0 standard and mandate ATSC 3.0 adoption. If that happens, most antenna users will need a new TV or tuner box by 2030 at the latest. Having failed in the marketplace, broadcasters now want the government to help foist ATSC 3.0 upon people instead.

Sadly, it didn't have to be this way.

What's happening with ATSC 3.0? NextGen TV broadcasts are available in more than 90 U.S. markets, covering 70 percent of the population, but accessing these broadcasts requires an ATSC 3.0 tuner, and most TVs don't have one.


PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

CCleaner 7 arrives with a new design and smarter PC cleaning features

A modern design with dark mode CCleaner's user interface has been completely redesigned and now looks much tidier and more responsive. Users can now choose between a light, dark, or automatic theme depending on their personal preferences and/or Windows settings.

According to Piriform, CCleaner 7 improves compatibility with newer PCs. The tool now fully supports Arm64 devices, which should ensure noticeably better performance on newer Windows systems.

A better approach to uninstalling apps CCleaner's uninstaller feature now uses a new engine that removes apps more reliably than the built-in Windows uninstaller. Multiple apps can be uninstalled in one go without repeatedly clicking on confirmations. Orphaned files and remnants are also deleted automatically.

An interesting bonus is that CCleaner 7 now let

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Best smart locks: 5 great options for any budget

They invariably have logging systems, so you can keep track of who's coming and going-and when. That's incredibly useful whether you have a teenager who tends to break curfew or merely want to give temporary access to houseguests, service providers, or Airbnb guests. Smart locks are an incredible upgrade over the old way of doing things, and these are our top picks in several categories.

Level Lock Pro - Best smart lock overall

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Microsoft tests agentic Copilot AI in Edge that can act on your behalf

The latest test version of Copilot in Edge includes a "Browser Actions" toggle, which gives Copilot access to your Edge profile—that includes logins, saved passwords, browsing history, and cookies. This allows the AI assistant to effectively act as you on your behalf to launch pages, click on links, and fill out forms without annoying login prompts.

Another new feature is called "Journeys," which allows Copilot to analyze the last seven days of your browsing history to create summaries and "cards" on the new tab page. Microsoft emphasizes that all your data is kept local and isn't used for AI training or advertising purposes. However, the feature does require a Microsoft account.

Microsoft also emphasizes that Copilot can't control Windows outside the Edge browser or bypass passwords and two-factor authentication. You must authorize access and manually send tabs to Copilot. It isn't yet clear when this deeper integration will be released in full.



PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Prime Day is over, but these 10 juicy tech deals are still under $50

Charge it faster: $39.99

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Microsoft warns these 2 features can slow down your Windows PC

In addition to well-known tips—such as staying on top of system updates, keeping storage space free, and regularly scanning for malware—Microsoft highlights OneDrive and visual effects as performance killers. We show you how to get around these issues.

Pause OneDrive synchronization

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Intel talks gaming on new Panther Lake integrated 12-core GPUs

The 12-core version of the Panther Lake iGPU is obviously the one to watch, jumping core count over Lunar Lake by 50 percent and giving a huge graphics boost to thin-and-light laptops (and possibly even PC gaming handhelds, currently dominated by AMD's Ryzen Z series). In addition to the usual power boost that newer chips get, the Xe3 series is getting new intelligent bias control powers for more game-specific resource management, x3 and x4 frame generation for all games that support XeSS 2, and a handful of other optimizations.

Tom's a great guest—whom you might recognize from The Full Nerd podcast—but unfortunately he couldn't get specific on that new In

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

This stunning 4K IPS monitor by LG is still just $179 after Prime Day

The 27-inch screen is about the perfect size for any home office that only has a modestly sized desk, and it's still big enough to enjoy the crisp 3840×2160 resolution in 16:9 aspect ratio. The IPS panel delivers beautiful, color-accurate images that'll serve you well whether you're churning through spreadsheets or streaming Netflix, and it's made all the better with HDR10 that brings those colors fully to life.

Other great bits about the LG UltraFine 27US500-W display include its "virtually borderless" bezels (excellent for multi-monitor setups), the on-screen controls that let you split the display or adjust settings via mouse clicks, and connectivity via double HDMI and a DisplayPort. The included stand isn't that great—it can only tilt a bit—but it does have a VESA 100×100 mount so you can put it on a monitor arm instead.

It's rare that you'll be able to grab a stunning 4K monitor from a top-tier brand at a price like this, so if you're looking to upgrade your display setup on the cheap, take advantage of this. Get the LG UltraFine 27US500-W for $179 before this deal expires! Or read our roundup of the best monitors for a home office to explore more options.

A 27-inch 4K IPS monitor from LG for just $179? Yes, please!

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Yes, ‘USB condoms' are real, and they protect your gadgets from danger

If you go on vacation or a business trip, chances are you're going to need a data cable for your phone anyway, and an extra can't hurt. But a power-only cable is a handy way of securing your phone no matter what out-of-the-way, dodgy hotel or airport you end up in.

Some people call these "USB condoms," usually referring to a dongle that you can buy that blocks data from being transferred over the USB connection. In this case, "data" equals malware. Is a foreign government or hacker group building in standalone devices to push malware to your phone? Do credit-card skimmers exist? Okay then. If a malicious cable can be used to conceal malware, the wall port sure can.

I recently returned from a pair of trips to Arizona and Hawaii, and had planned to invest in a data-only USB-C cable anyway. As it turned out, Plugable alerted me about its entrance into the market, and asked if I'd like to try one out. The company offers a few cables of different lengths, and I think that Plugable's $15.95 6-foot-cable works best, if only because it accommodates awkwardly placed outlets in airports, airplanes, and hotels. (There are also cheaper, shorter options.)



PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Nvidia RTX 5090s keep melting power connections despite colored plugs

On Reddit, several users are once again reporting scorched power connections, even though they used the yellow-colored 12V 2×6 connectors from MSI. These are actually supposed to be colored to help ensure that the plug is fully inserted.

In January, Nvidia assured everyone that its new 50-series cards wouldn't melt power plugs. In February, one Reddit user's RTX 5090 power connector had melted, prompting YouTube Roman "der8auer" Hartung to investigate and discover clear traces of overheating on two 12VHPWR pins under a microscope. His investigation revealed temperatures of up to 150 degrees Celsius, despite correct installation.

Two more recent cases have emerged According to recent Reddit threads, MSI security plugs are affected. One user reports that the power connector on his second RTX 5090 within

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Logitech's smart home graveyard claims another victim

POP Smart Button owners began sharing the end-of-line emails from Logitech late last month, which noted that the buttons would cease working on October 15, giving them only slightly more than two weeks' notice. 

"For close to a decade, we have maintained the POP ecosystem, but as technology evolves, we have made the decision to end support for the device," Logitech's email reads. "As of October 15, your POP button(s) and the connected hub will no longer be supported and will lose all functionality." 

Logitech added that it would give POP button owners a promo code giving them a 15-percent discount on Logitech and Ultimate Ears products (Logitech owns the Ultimate Ears audio brand). 

Annoyed POP button owners on Reddit didn't hold back about the prospect of their devices being turned into paperweights. 

"This is why, ‘local first'" wrote one user, while another complained, "12 buttons and 3 hubs in my home are going to become beautiful useless [pieces] of tech. Why?" 



PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

This fast 1TB portable SSD (now $75) is the size of a credit card

One of the biggest perks of the Crucial X9 Pro is that you can transfer data to it and from it super quickly, with read and write speeds up to 1,050 MB/s. Copying large files and folders is a breeze with this thing, and you'll never have to sit there twiddling your thumbs again—even when moving 4K videos and massive photo collections.

The 1TB capacity is plenty for all but the most hardcore data hoarders, and I love that the Crucial X9 Pro has a compact form (for portability) and USB-C port (for wide compatibility with various devices). Use it directly with your phone or camera to record 4K or even 8K videos without losing any frames, or plug it into your PC or gaming console for storing your huge games and running them with great performance.

Going back to portability, this drive is super small (2.55 x 1.97 inches) and lightweight (only 1.34 ounces). You can slip this into your pocket and forget about it, and you won't have to worry because it has IP55 water and dust resistance plus drop resistance from up to 7.5 feet.

We reviewed the Crucial X9 Pro and loved it so much we gave it a 4.5-star rating. Our only real concern at the time? Its retail price. But now that it's $74.99, it's basically a no-brainer—so get this fast portable SSD on sale while you ca

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Oct 09, 2025

Save 43% on Bose's cozy noise-canceling headphones with this deal

These headphones are extremely popular, and this is the best price we've ever seen for them. Active noise cancellation means these headphones send out special sound waves that negate the sound around you, making them especially good for loud environments (offices, cafes, trains, airplanes, etc.). Want to block out the world? These will do the job. They're fully wireless via Bluetooth and they sound great.

As the name implies, comfort is a priority here. The over-ear cushions are plush and the headphones have a lightweight build, so they remain comfortable even after wearing them for an entire day. The battery life on these is also mind-blowing—up to 24 hours on a single charge. That's utterly impressive, not to mention you can get an extra 2.5 hours of playback with a quick 15-minute charge.

This is the original Bose QuietComfort, so an older model (hence the steep discount). If you want something newer, check out the Bose QuietComfort Ultra featuring spatial audio and more advanced active noise cancelation. The Deep Plum variant is on sale for $299.99 (was $429) right now with a nice 30% discount.

Otherwise, you can't go wrong with the original Bose QuietComfort. Slip away into your own noice-canceled world with these comfy wireless headphones.

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Oct 09, 2025

Intel's new Panther Lake CPU: 11 essential facts you should know

Intel spent several days explaining the fine details of Panther Lake to journalists at a recent press event, including its new compute cores, graphics cores, NPU AI, and wireless. If you're interested, PCWorld has a deep dive into all of the technologies. But if you just want the basics, stay here. Here's what you need to know about Intel's "Panther Lake" chip, in brief.

1) Expect Panther Lake in 2026 Intel executives talked about some of the details of Panther Lake themselves. But the details that matter to laptop buyers (speed, price, and which laptops will have them) will have to wait for CES 2026 in Las Vegas this coming January. The actual laptops will ship soon after, perhaps even in January itself.

2) Three chip families, three CPUs Each Panther Lake chip consists of three possible types of compute cores: a "Cougar Cove" performance core, a "Darkmont" efficiency core, and a Darkmont low-power efficiency core. Performance cores handle tasks like games; efficiency cores process less challenging duties like email and Microsoft Teams.



PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Panther Lake unveiled: A deep dive into Intel's next-gen laptop CPU

Intel has officially revealed its new Panther Lake architecture, and it gives enthusiasts a lot to chew on: a return to the performance (P-cores), efficiency (E-cores), and low-power efficiency (LP E-cores) cores of Intel's first Core Ultra chip, Meteor Lake. Intel has returned with a fifth-generation NPU capable of 50 TOPS and an image processing unit (IPU) that actually uses AI for some functions.

Intel's "Xe3" GPU is worth some discussion all by itself, with its awkward branding and powerful multi-frame generation that will potentially elevate frame rates three or four times what they were before. Can Panther Lake address mainstream laptops, handheld PCs, and this new breed of "AI workstations" AMD's Strix Halo is aiming for? Well, with three separate processors, maybe. Intel's confidence in its 18A manufacturing process may be a bit overblown, however, as several portions of Panther Lake are still being manufactured overseas, including the 12Xe version of the new, disaggregated (separate) GPU tile.

In terms of performance, we know some further details. Intel says that Panther Lake's single-threaded performance should be 10 percent higher than Lunar Lake at the same power. Compared to both Lunar Lake and Meteor Lake, Intel's Panther Lake offers more than 50 percent better multithreaded performance, Intel says. Intel is also claiming that the total Panther Lake system-o

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Oct 09, 2025

This Editors' Choice Razer mouse is 57% off today. That's just $30!

That's an incredible price for a mouse with a maximum DPI of 26,000, offering extreme responsiveness and speed that'll give you an edge over your competition no matter what game you're playing. Other nice features include 11 programmable buttons, ergonomic grip, HyperScroll Tilt Wheel, and Chroma RGB lighting. It's wired-only though, which might be a deal-breaker for wireless gear fans.

We reviewed the Razer Basilisk V3 a while back and it utterly won us over, earning a 4.5-star rating and our Editors' Choice award. We appreciated its "faultless performance" and gorgeous RGB lighting, as well as the HyperScroll Tilt Wheel that makes it easy to zip through content. The numerous programmable buttons are also great for both gaming customizations and productivity macros.

If you want a newer, wireless version of this mouse, the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is on sale for $37.99 (or 46% off from $69.99). Otherwise, act fast and snag the Razer Basilisk V3 for $29.99 while you can!

No other budget-tier gaming mouse can match this for the price

PC World Latest News
Oct 09, 2025

Optimize your SSD's speed with this obscure Windows setting

Why optimize your SSD to a schedule? SSDs aren't the same as HDDs — not only is the data not stored on spinning disks, but SSDs are also much faster — therefore the defragmentation that's used to optimize a hard disk drive is irrelevant for an SSD. But when files are deleted from an SSD a TRIM function is necessary to mark those blocks for future storage. That's how Windows' Defragment and Optimize utility is useful. Windows runs scheduled drive optimizations by default on a weekly schedule, but you can decide to change this to daily if you wish.

When Windows optimizes an SSD it retrims the blocks, telling the drive which areas are rewritable again. The function is important to the SSD because an SSD with untrimmed blocks can get sluggish.

How to optimize your SSD to a schedule Type Dfrag into the Windows Search bar and select Defragment and Optimize Drives. Here you will get a list of your SSD drives and their status including whether they need to be optimized. You can choose to optimize them right away by selecting Optimize or click on the Change Settings button to see the optimization schedule. Now select how often you want Windows to optimize the drives - either daily, weekly, or monthly

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Oct 09, 2025

6 common VPN myths everyone falls for—and why they're wrong

1. VPNs are only for illegal activity This is a very popular myth that I often come across. While it's true that VPNs can be used for illegal activities like hacking and torrenting, that's not what they were intended for. Protecting your privacy is the main intention and a VPN can do that by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic.

With a VPN in place you can go ahead and do the things you need to do online without your ISP, the sites you visit, and the government keeping tabs on your activities. That's crucial in countries where digital censorship is rife and personal freedoms are limited. But even in countries that have a high level of personal freedom, VPNs provide a safer way to enjoy those freedoms with more anonymity.



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Oct 09, 2025

Get zero-subscription PDF editing with OCR and redaction tools for $39.99

Acrobat isn't your only path to editing PDFs, and it's not the most affordable. For a low-cost, no-subscription alternative, check out PDF Agile. Regularly $119, it's on sale for $39.99 for a lifetime license.

PDF Agile is simple and easy to use. It can edit text, images, or scanned files directly, and convert between PDF and Microsoft Office formats without losing your fonts or formatting.

If you work with a lot of documents, there are tools to merge files, split them up, reorder pages, crop layouts, and even reduce file size without sacrificing quality. OCR is also included, so you can extract text from images or scanned documents with just a few clicks.

The app includes a full set of annotation tools like highlighting, freehand drawing, and comment bubbles, along with features to redact sensitive

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Best October Prime Day deals on battery chargers & power banks: Last chance!

You'll need to be a Prime member to take advantage of Amazon's steep discounts. If you aren't a member already, check out our guide for how to get Amazon Prime for free.

As a tech editor, I've been following and writing about the latest tech deals professionally for years, and have developed a keen eye for finding the best sales from all over the internet. My picks take into account a combination of online reviews from tech sites like PCWorld (when available), user feedback, and pricing history. Read on for all of the best deals on chargers and power banks, and be sure to check out our Amazon October Prime Day Tech Deals 2025 hub for more great sales across all the tech categories.

Best October Prime Day 2025 deals on chargers & power banks An

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

I bought this airy $1K OLED laptop and love it. Today it's just $580

The Zenbook A14 is no powerhouse, In fact its Snapdragon X Plus processor is definitely on the pokey side compared to the latest from AMD and Intel, especially if you want to play games. But it's designed to last almost forever on battery — 20 hours or so — and do it while weighing under one kilogram (2.16 pounds). Other highlights include a roomy and vibrant 1920×1200 OLED screen, a decent selection of ports (two USB-C, one USB-A, full-sized HDMI), and an IR webcam for Windows Hello face unlock. My favorite feature is the stone-like "Ceraluminum" finish of the body, giving it a unique sandy color and a slightly grippy feel.

Qualcomm's first-gen Snapdragon laptops still struggle with gaming, and with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, this slinky little laptop isn't going to handle massive, processor-intensive workloads. But it's served me very well over the last few months, offering up a great browser machine with solid typing that won't weigh me down in a laptop bag. For a more thorough breakdown check out the full PCWorld review, but keep in mind that's a model with more RAM and a slightly faster processor.

Best Buy is

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Prime Day just made staying safe online 70% cheaper

One big standout: Norton Deluxe 360, our current top pick for antivirus, is an all-in-one security suite that includes a basic password manager and VPN service as part of the subscription. On Amazon right now, you can grab a 1-year, 5-device Norton Deluxe 360 subscription for $20—or 70 percent off the list price. (Need more devices? A 1-year Norton Premium 360 plan, which supports 10 devices, is on sale for $30.)

Get 1 year of Norton Deluxe 360 for an ultra-low $20View Deal on Amazon Alternatively, if you want only top-notch independent antivirus, you can pick up a 2-year, 10-device AVG Ultimate subscription for $30.

Get 2 years of AVG Ultimate for just $30

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Best gaming monitors 2025: 9 displays that will do your games justice

The following are the best gaming monitors we've tested throughout this year and last. If you want to learn more about what we look for in a good gaming monitor and how we test them, scroll further down the page.

Why you should trust PCWorld for monitors reviews and buying advice: We're PCWorld, after all. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review dozens of monitors every year. All of our recommendations have been personally tested and vetted by our expert reviewers, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards.

MSI MPG 272URX - Best gaming monitor

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

This absurdly cheap $34 monitor arm is the deal I wish I had years ago

This model supports monitors that are 13 to 32 inches in size and up to 19.8 pounds in weight, compatible with both VESA 75×75 and 100×100 mount brackets. All of that makes this all-time low price absurd. (For comparison, I paid three times as much for my first monitor arm, and I got a non-gas monitor arm for $10 more just a couple of years ago.)

Because it's a gas spring monitor arm, all adjustments to its positioning will be effortless and very smooth. You can rotate it both clockwise and counterclockwise (for switching between portrait and landscape modes), tilt between 85 degrees to -50 degrees, and swivel it 90 degrees to each side. For setup, you get the option of a C-clamp or grommet mount. 

Spending just $33.99 on this Huanuo monitor arm for better ergonomics and more desk space is an easy win, and it's far cheaper than physical therapy appointments or upgrading to a bigger desk. If you're rocking a multi-monitor setup, one of our favorite dual-monitor arms—also from Huanuo—is on sale for just $99.99 right now.

Get this budget-friendly gas spring monitor arm for just $33.99

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Oct 08, 2025

I'm sticking with Windows 10 even after it dies next week. Here's how

disagree? get win11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro

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Oct 08, 2025

I switched to an over-the-air TV antenna. I regret nothing

Sure, I love The Crown, Mindhunter, and Hacks, but true streaming gems tend to be few and far between. (Yes, I know, I need to stream Severance. I'll get to it!)  

All too often, the latest prestige shows with those marquee stars and the terrific, glossy trailers turn out to be bloated bores, and they've all started to feel the same. Life is too short.

Worst of all, I was throwing away $20 or more every month on streaming services I wasn't really enjoying—and don't even get me started about the price hikes. Couldn't I put that cash to better use? 

Time for a change That's when the idea of switching to an over-the-air antenna began percolating. For the cost of roughly two months of Netflix, I could purchase and install a (small) backyard TV antenna that would beam dozens of free over-the-air channels to my television, for free. 

And some of the free TV shows being broadcast right now are pretty enticing. Topping the list in our household was Abbott Elementary, a fast and funny sitcom that boasts snappy writing, characters you care about, and a svelte 22-minute running time, meaning no self-indulgent filler. Why pay for Abbott on Hulu when I could get it over-the-air for free? 



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Oct 08, 2025

Amazon's long-shelf-life AAA batteries are dirt cheap with this Prime Day deal

These batteries offer 1.5V power and have a shelf life of 10 years, making them ideal for gaming controllers, flashlights, digital cameras, toys and gadgets, remotes, and all the other little things that take AAA. With an improved design, new zinc composition, and corrosion protection, they're also leak-proof. These batteries have a stunning 4.7 rating across nearly 630,000 reviews—that's downright insane.

The best part? They come in a pack of 100 and only cost $22.89 right now, which is a 24% discount from its original $29.99. That's just under 23 cents per AAA battery, and with a bundle this large, you'll be set pretty much for the next decade (unless you really burn through them).

Note that these are not rechargeable. These are disposable alkaline AAA batteries meant to be used up and discarded. They come in certified frustration-free packaging and a tight seal that ensures longevity.

Everyone could use 100 long-shelf-life AAA batteriesGet this 100-pack for $22.89 on Amazon Stock up now and be prepared ahead of time! Get this 100-pack of Amazon Basi

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Oct 08, 2025

Best laptops 2025: Premium, budget, gaming, 2-in-1, and more

That's where we come in.

We've actually tried out every laptop on this list ourselves, so they're real recommendations based on hands-on experience.

Why you should trust us: It's in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We're also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.

We've cut through the clutter to bring you the top picks across every category-from budget Chromebooks to powerhouse gaming machines.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Aura Edition) - Best laptop overall

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

At least one Starlink satellite burns up every day, and it's getting worse

According to astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, one to two Starlink satellites are re-entering Earth's atmosphere and burning up every single day.

McDowell says this number could increase to five per day in the coming years if other networks, such as Amazon Kuiper or planned Chinese systems, join the fray. What does that mean for Earth?

Almost 10,000 Starlink satellites in orbit Since the program first started in 2019, SpaceX has launched almost 10,000 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). According to McDowell's count, around 8,500 of them are currently active, while the rest are considered out of service or have already burned up.

As the satellites orbit Earth at an altitude of around 340 miles (550 kilometers), they slowly lose altitude over time due to the low air resistance and eventually re-enter the atmosphere. When they do, they burn up completely—but sometimes fragments reach the ground.

According to McDowell, the satellites need to be replaced every five years on average. With the p

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

My favorite no-cable portable phone charger is on sale for $19 today

Right now, this ultra-portable Anker Nano power bank is only $19.19 on Amazon with this crazy October Prime Day deal. That's a hefty 36% off its original $29.99 price and one of the best deals of this event.

I gotta tell you, this is one of my favorite power banks ever. It has a super-compact design that makes it so easy to carry around and bust out whenever I need it, and the 5,000mAh capacity is enough to recharge my phone to full from zero. I've been using it for well over a year, taking it with me everywhere I go, from concerts to day trips. I love the foldable USB-C connector as I don't need a separate cable, and I can conveniently keep using my phone even while it's plugged in.

As an added bonus, there's another USB-C port on the side that you can use to simultaneously charge a second device if you want to. (That's the same port you use to recharge the power bank itself, by the way.) Both the built-in connector and this side port can deliver 22.5W each when used on their own, so it's perfect for fast-charging phones. It's also compatible with both Androids and iPhones! Love that.

Take this tiny power bank with you everywhere you goGet this pocket portable phone c

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Oct 08, 2025

No, Google isn't done with smart displays, or at least not yet

The answer, as it turns out, is no, with Google's Home and Nest boss assuring us that we haven't seen the last of the Nest Hub. Beyond that, however, the details remain somewhat vague. 

During last week's briefings, Anish Kattukaran, the director of product management for Google Home and Nest, promised us that smart displays are still on Google's radar. 

"I think smart displays are going to be an awesome form factor for Gemini," Kattukaran said, noting that the existing (and six-year-old) Nest Hub Max will "get an upgrade immediately" for Gemini, including the new conversational Gemini Live mode. The newer second-generation Nest Hub is also slated to get the Gemini update. 

"We don't have something to share right now about smart displays, but what I will say is we're still deeply committed to that category and we will have more to share next year." 

Expanding on his comments for The Vergecast, Kattukaran said he remains "excited" about smart displays. 

"It does present itself as an incredible form factor to interact with something like Gemini," noted Kattukaran: 


PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Apple mocks Windows blue screens in hostile 8-minute ad video

Apple's new "Macs don't panic" ad video is over eight minutes long and mocks Windows being used at a trade show, where an initially successful event ends in the glow of a blue screen fiasco.

Apple describes the video:


Okay, only marketing people could come up with copy

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

An RTX Alienware laptop with great battery life? Yep - and it's 25% off

Performance wise, it handles moderate games just fine (according to our review). Older games fly on it and even demanding titles like Metro Exodus are playable at the higher graphics settings. Battery life is surprisingly good for a gaming laptop-PCWorld clocked it at just over 10 hours. 

It also has a backlit keyboard, which is perfect if you're into late night gaming (makes it easier to see the keys), a 16-inch 2560×1600 display, 32GB of RAM, and RTX 5060 graphics. The build quality is sturdy, too. It's got an anodized aluminum lid and the hinge is easy to open with a single hand.

The processor is a bit older and the screen could be a bit brighter, but for just over a thousand bucks, it's a great deal. By the way, Prime Day ends at midnight tonight, so make sure you check out all of PCWorld's Prime Day deals here.

Get the Alienware 16 Aurora for $1,049.99Buy now at Amazon

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Oct 08, 2025

Samsung's 990 EVO SSD is lightning-fast—and shockingly cheap for Prime Day

Back when we reviewed the Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD, it earned a solid 4-star rating for its performance and warranty. One of the main reasons why it lost out on that fifth star? Its retail price. It was hard to justify for $109.99. But with this 43% discount, it's now a no-brainer.

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus offers superb everyday performance, with read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s. That translates to instant system bootup times, file transfers and backups, and app launches. And this SSD is compatible with both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2, future-proofing your PC for years to come. The 1TB capacity is more than enough for everyone except the most hardcore power users.

If 1TB doesn't feel like enough, you can instead opt for the 2TB model that's on sale for $129.99 (was $176.99). The 4TB model was also on sale, but it has since run out as of this writing.

Samsung's lightning-fast 1TB SSD is going to sell out fastGet it now at its lowest price ever: $59.99 Don't wait too long because th

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Samsung's lightning-fast M.2 2280 SSD is shockingly cheap for Prime Day

Back when we reviewed the Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD, it earned a solid 4-star rating for its performance and warranty. One of the main reasons why it lost out on that fifth star? Its retail price. It was hard to justify for $109.99. But with this 43% discount, it's now a no-brainer.

The 990 EVO Plus offers superb everyday performance, with read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s. That translates to instant system bootup times, file transfers and backups, and app launches. And this SSD is compatible with both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2, future-proofing your PC for years to come. The 1TB capacity is more than enough for everyone except the most hardcore power users.

If 1TB doesn't feel like enough, you can instead opt for the 2TB model that's on sale for $129.99 (was $176.99). The 4TB model was also on sale, but it has since run out as of this writing.

Samsung's lightning-fast 1TB SSD is going to sell out fastGet it now at its lowest price ever: $59.99 Don't wait too long because this Octob

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

How to access your classic Outlook emails in the latest version

You can do this in the settings of the new Outlook via "Accounts - Add subscriptions". Secondly, classic Outlook must still be installed on your PC. And please note: The PST function is currently only available in the new Outlook for x86 computers, but not on PCs with ARM architecture.

By the way: If you are using Windows 11 Home, you will miss out on the many advantages of the Pro version. The Windows 11 upgrade is available in the PCWorld Software Store for only $79.99 which is 60 percent off the retail price.

If you do not have a Microsoft 365 subscription, the only way out is to click the "Test the new Outlook" button in the classic version. The new version then takes over the emails and settings of the previous version and also reads its PST files.



PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

The best budget Chromebook just got even cheaper - but only until midnight

There are a few reasons why we love it. One, it's got a massive 15.6-inch 1080p anti-glare display, so those late night Netflix binges shouldn't fry your eyes. It's also the perfect daily machine for browsing, schoolwork, or streaming thanks to 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and an Intel Celeron N4500 processor. By the way, you don't have to be really tech-savvy in order to use a Chromebook. ChromeOS, the operating system Chromebooks run, is easy to use-just about anyone can pick it up.

And until midnight tonight, this fantastic low-cost Chromebook is going for ridiculously cheap. If you've been on the fence about getting a Chromebook that actually feels like a proper laptop instead of a glorified tablet, this is the one to go with-so don't sleep on this deal! This Chromebook definitely punches way above its price point.

Check out all of PCWorld's Prime Day deals here to see the rest of the steals.

Get the Asus Chromebook CX15 for just $228.99

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Google shows off a weird keyboard concept with rotary finger dial

The new keyboard design, inspired by vintage landline phones, replaces traditional keys with rotary finger discs. Instead of pressing keys for input, you instead insert your finger into a hole and turn the dial until it reaches its stop, after which the movement is registered as a key press. It's satisfying to use, but it's hardly fast.

Under the hood, sensors are used to convert the dial movements into USB signals, a modern-day equivalent of the classic pulse signaling in phones. Google Japan has also developed a stand that switches off the webcam during video calls when the computer mouse is placed on top—a nod to how we used to "hang up" landline phones.

The Gboard Dial Version won't be sold commercially, but the design is open source and available via GitHub for anyone who wants to try building one for themself. There are designs for 3D printing, circuit boards, and a list of needed components.



PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

14TB for $170?! This WD external drive has more storage than you'll ever need

WD's plug-and-play drive delivers not only an absurd amount of reliable storage at 14TB, but it's also simple and quick to set up and use. Whether you're saving large video files, loading up on games during Steam's Autumn sales event, or backing up your system, 14TB is enough space to store all of it and more.

Plus, it won't take up much room on your desktop as it's only about the size of a standard book. It comes with both USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports and there's no software to install, just plug it into your computer and you have instant access to reliable storage.

This deal is only available during Amazon's Prime Big Deals Day, aka October Prime Day, which runs from Tuesday October 7 through Wednesday October 8. So grab this great deal on the WD External Drive while supplies last—it's only available for one more day!

Get the WD 14TB External Drive for $169.99 on Amazon

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Treat yourself to the AI hand warmers you never knew you needed this Prime Day

Now, I know what you're probably thinking: 1. Why do I need rechargeable hand warmers? and 2. Why the heck does AI need to be involved?

The answer to the first question is simple: you've just never known that you needed rechargeable hand warmers. I live in a cold climate and the winters here can be pretty brutal. On top of that I sit at my desk most of the day so my hands in particular get really cold. A few years ago I bought some rechargeable hand warmers in a desperate bid to cure my benumbed appendages and I'll never look back. 

Not only did they cure my cold hands, they probably helped save me from worse effects down the line like carpal tunnel. Now, I simply can't live without them in the wintertime. I use them at my desk of course, but I also take them out on dog walks, or anytime it feels a bit nippy. 

As for the second point, I agree that AI probably isn't necessary in most things. But these hand warmers are an exception. Unlike other rechargeable hand warmers that only come with low, medium, and high heat settings, these have an AI temperature sensor that analyzes and adjusts the temperature to ensure optimal comfort and safe heating.

Also, that same AI tech means better battery efficiency too. These bad boys will net between 8.5 and 20 hours of warmth between charges which is way more

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

You can save $300 on this Asus RTX 5060 laptop if you're quick

Frankly, you don't need an ultra-beefy machine with an RTX 5090, 5080, or even 5070 as long as you aren't a frame rate purist. With Nvidia's DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation and AI upscaling, you can enjoy gorgeous visuals at high frame rates with "just" an RTX 5060—and that means you get to keep hundreds of dollars in your pocket. Seriously, for just $1,199.99, this RTX 5060 laptop is a darn good deal.

This laptop has a lovely 16-inch screen with a crisp 1920×1200 resolution, 165Hz of refresh, and 3ms response time. Under the hood, you're looking at an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor, 16GB of fast DDR5 memory, and a speedy 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. That's more than enough to handle Windows 11 and all your favorite PC games—the ones already out and the ones to come over the next few years—plus all your work apps, Chrome tabs, media streaming, creative tasks, and more.

And don't worry about connectivity. On the right side, you get two fast USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports. On the left side, another fast USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, plus full-sized HDMI 2.1 and double Thunderbolt 4, along with 2.5G Ethernet and a 3.5mm audio jack. Other niceties include a Windows Hello webcam, an RGB backlit keyboard (no numpad), and a chunky 90-watt-hour battery that'll last you many hours on a charge.

This RTX 5060 laptop strikes the right balance between power and price

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Apple's AirTags 4-pack is 34% off for Prime Day. That's a rare deal!

AirTags are tiny enough that you can put them on your keychain, clip them to your dog's collar, or hide them in your luggage before flying. They're compact, easy to use, and the battery lasts for about two years before needing a replacement. When you're within range, you can make the AirTag "ping" out loud using the Find My app, revealing where it is. And even when it's out of range, the AirTag's location will be "sensed" by other nearby Apple devices via the Find My network, allowing you to track it down in case it gets lost or stolen.

I get the allure of AirTags, but the only thing I don't like about them is that they're pretty pricey at retail. That's why this October Prime Day deal is so awesome. If you hurry, you can snag this 4-pack of AirTags with a rare 34% discount! And while you're at it, check out all the other cool tech deals we've found for October Prime Day.

This is the cheapest we've ever seen for Apple's AirTagsGet this AirTags 4-pack for just $64.99 If AirTags are too expensive fo

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Nice! Samsung's sleek 256GB USB-C flash drive is only $22 for Prime Day

A great USB flash drive should tick all these boxes: ample storage, fast transfer speeds, and wide compatibility with all (or most) of your devices. With USB-C being the standard connection type these days, it's about time we all upgraded from USB-A flash drives to USB-C varieties—and if you're going to do that, you might as well make it this one.

Samsung's USB-C flash drive offers 256GB of storage space, which is a fantastic value for the price. The USB-C connector ensures that it works with modern laptops, phones, tablets, and even other devices like gaming consoles. And with up to 400 MB/s transfer speeds, it's darn fast. You can move photos, documents, and save files in a snap.

The cherry on top? It's robust and portable thanks to its ultra-compact design and protective casing plus cap. Rest assured that your data is safe as this flash drive is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and guarded against magnets, X-rays, and extreme temperatures. Drop it, bump it, toss it—it'll survive and your data with it.

Take advantage of October Prime Day deals and snag this 256GB Samsung USB-C flash drive for just $21.99! Need more space? The 512GB version is on sale for $44.99 (down from $63.99). Don't wait too long because October Prime Day ends tonight! Also, make sure to check out the

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

8 red flags of a phishing scam: I insta-delete any email with these tip-offs

The best way to spot phishing emails is to know what to look for. Here's a list of some of the big phishing red flags which should send you running when you spot them.

Asking for anything For a scam to be worth doing, the scammers need to make money. For that, they need to get you to send them something of value. That can be in the form of cash, cryptocurrency, or Amazon gift cards, or something they can sell on later, like your passwords or digital identity.

Although friends and family may occasionally ask you for something, they probably aren't going to do it over Facebook messenger, Email, or a Whatsapp message out of the blue. If you think it might be real, contact that person directly using another method and discuss it with them.

Don't immediately respond with what they want. Take a pause and think it through first.

Urgency

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Dump your laptop for this Ryzen 7 mini PC, now on sale for $319

Mini PCs are surging in popularity amongst home users because they offer the best of both worlds between laptops and desktop PCs, all for a great price. Whether you're working, creating, procrastinating, or multitasking, the Beelink SER5 Max has the chops to get you through the day without breaking a sweat. Under the hood, you'll find an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor, 32GB of RAM, and a speedy 500GB SSD with Windows 11 Pro. Just plug it into a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Boom! It's the perfect daily driver as long as you don't need portability.

It's particularly great for productivity because it supports up to three 4K@60Hz displays via its HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C video ports. Imagine how much more you could get done without constantly swapping between apps, able to scan everything you need just by glancing from screen to screen. Not to mention the four fast USB-A ports, LAN port, 3.5mm audio jack, plus Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

This Beelink SER5 Max is one of the best mini PC deals during October Prime Day, so grab it while you can. Again, it's only $319 right now! And while you're at it, check out some of the other

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

I tuned the text in Windows 11 to be so much clearer. Here's how

That's why I tune the text now to avoid that happening. Tuning text in Windows is very easy and can be done with a simple tool called CTTUNE (ClearType Text Tuner) already built into your Windows computer. CTTUNE works with a technology called ClearType which is a software method that improves the clarity of text on displays.

ClearType works by using subpixel rendering which smooths the edges of fonts and makes them appear sharper and less pixilated.

What to do: In Windows Search type CTTUNE and press Enter. The tool will start running. First, it'll give you the option to turn on ClearType. If this option is off, turn it on now by clicking in the relevant box. Click Next. At the next window CTTUNE will check that your display is at its native resolution. In the next couple of windows, you'll be shown different blocks of text. Select the text blocks that appear the clearest to you and click Next until the wizard has finished.

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

This cable-free Anker power bank is my favorite and it's only $19

This is a super compact power bank with a 5,000mAh capacity that's enough to give your phone a full recharge anywhere you may be. This is a power bank that I've been using for well over a year, taking with me anywhere I go, from concerts to day trips.

The built-in foldable USB-C connector is extremely useful because you don't have to carry an extra cable with you. Just pop up the USB-C and plug it into your phone, and you're good to go.

Of course, if you want to use a cable, nothing's keeping you from doing it because there's a USB-C port on the side that can be used for both charging the power bank and for recharging your gadgets. Both the plug and the port can deliver 22.5W of power, making this charger perfect for both iPhones and Android devices.

Go ahead and order your Anker Nano Power Bank for just $19.19 while this October Prime Day deal is still around. Check out the best tech deals we found this Prime Day, too, because there are tons of deals available.

Take this tiny power bank anywhere you goBuy now at Amazon

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Nvidia and Intel could win the AI PC war with this secret weapon

But this fusion isn't just about, say, improving Intel's Arc integrated graphics. It's actually a step towards AI PC dominance. Nvidia GPUs have long been the best hardware for local AI workloads, but they're limited by VRAM. With Intel's help, Nvidia could finally solve that bottleneck—by developing the same power that Apple has been wielding.

I'm talking about unified memory Picture a modern desktop PC that's fitted with an Intel CPU and Nvidia GPU. The Intel CPU relies on the RAM on the motherboard while the Nvidia GPU relies on the VRAM built into itself. To communicate, they need to move data between RAM and VRAM—and that's slow.

For PC gaming, this isn't a major problem. For example, an

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

How to organize your browser with Firefox Tab Groups

For example, you could create a "Media" tab group with the web addresses of several online magazines and then open them all in one go with two clicks.

Open the websites you want to add to a tab group, press the Ctrl key and click on the tabs one after the other to select them. Now right-click on one of the tabs and select "Add tabs to new group."

This will open the small "Create tab group" window in which you can give the group a name and assign it a color. Confirm the selection with "Done."


PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Apple's AirTags 4-pack drops to $65 for Prime Day — lowest price ever

AirTags are tiny enough that you can put them on your keychain, add them to your dog's collar, or hide them in your luggage before a trip. They're compact, easy to use, and the battery lasts for about two years before needing a replacement.

When within range, you can make the AirTag ping using the Find My app. Even when out of range, the AirTag's location will be "sensed" by other nearby iPhones through the Find My network.

If AirTags are still too expensive for you, Ugreen has a four-pack of FineTrack smart finders that are compatible with Apple's Find My network available for $28 right now, a 24% discount from their MSRP.

Despite the price gap, we get the allure of Apple's original AirTags, so hurry up because Prime Day is ending tonight, and it's quite likely the record discount will vanish with it. So go ahead and order a four-pack of AirTags for $65 while you still can and check out the many other tech deals we found this October Prime Day.

Snag a four-pack of AirTags for $16 a pieceBuy now at Amazon

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Stop paying for Office 365: The newest Microsoft Office is yours forever

When you pay for Microsoft 365, you're essentially renting apps you'll never stop using. But with Office 2024 Home, the latest edition of Microsoft's flagship productivity suite, you can pay once and keep the software for good. It's currently on sale for $129.97 (down from $149.99), giving you a permanent license to the newest tools.

What you'll get in Office 2024 Home This license includes the core desktop apps updated with 2024's newest features:

Word with AI-powered writing assistance like Smart Compose Excel with dynamic arrays and faster filtering PowerPoint with built-in tools for recording presentations with video, audio, and captions These are the full apps installed directly on your PC or Mac, optimized for speed, reliability, and offline access.

Why upgrade now

PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Microsoft Visio drops to $10 — but, not for long…

We have all struggled to map out a new process in PowerPoint or wasted hours piecing together visuals manually. Visio is the solution. This Microsoft tool is built specifically for creating professional-grade diagrams, with minimal effort.


PC World Latest News
Oct 08, 2025

Best PC computer deals for October Prime Day: Last chance!

I've been tracking and writing about the best computer deals year-round for a long time now, and at PCWorld I've used this knowledge to curate a list of the best available computer deals across the internet specifically for this October Prime Day. Other retailers have jumped in on the action, and some of the best desktop PC deals can even be found outside of Amazon, so I've included those deals too.

Best October Prime Day deals on gaming desktop computers Skytech Storm, Ryzen 7 5700/RTX 5060 Ti/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $999.99 (12% off on Amazon)

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

This luxurious SteelSeries high-end gaming headset is 24% off until midnight

It's a big deal because the Nova 5X is a fully fledged set of cans with great sounding neodymium magnetic drivers. The headset supports both a 2.4GHz wireless connection and Bluetooth signal and is compatible with Xbox, PC, PS, Switch and mobile devices.

It allows quick switch toggling between modes. With just a tap of a button you can go from gaming to taking a call or listening to media. You never have to miss a call thanks to the helpful notification beeps that keep you aware of incoming calls while you're gaming.

All the controls are on the ears. You've got power, mute, volume adjustment, and there's a chat mixer too so that you can mix your chat with music.

The Nova 5X's battery life is one of the best we've seen - you get up to 60 hours, which means you can charge at the start of the week and forget about having to do it again until the end of the week.

Comfort is a big consideration

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

Mini PC curious? These 2 deals make Prime Day ideal for taking the plunge

Right now, you can pick up your first mini PC for just under $170 for a massive discount of 29 percent on the normal retail price.

What will you be getting? The Bosgame E2 Mini PC boasts a Ryzen 5 3550H processor quick enough for all your apps and programs. It comes equipped with 16GB of DDR4 memory and 512GB storage - enough to store your critical files and allow you to multitask without worries. That storage capacity can be expanded up to 4TB if needed too, so there's plenty of room to upgrade.

Or for the gamers among us you could get the GMKtec Nucbox M7 mini PC which has been reduced by 25 percent and is now only $366. The M7 sports a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H processor with a maximum clock speed of up to 4.7GHz.

It also comes with AMD's integrated Radeon 680M graphics card, sporting up to 12 cores - enough to t

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

This SteelSeries gaming headset is a whopping 20 percent off on Prime Day

It's a big deal because the Nova 5X is a fully fledged set of cans with great sounding neodymium magnetic drivers. The headset supports both a 2.4GHz wireless connection and Bluetooth signal and is compatible with Xbox, PC, PS, Switch and mobile devices.

It allows quick switch toggling between modes. With just a tap of a button you can go from gaming to taking a call or listening to media. You never have to miss a call thanks to the helpful notification beeps that keep you aware of incoming calls while you're gaming.

All the controls are on the ears. You've got power, mute, volume adjustment, and there's a chat mixer too so that you can mix your chat with music.

The Nova 5X's battery life is one of the best we've seen - you get up to 60 hours, which means you can charge at the start of the week and forget about having to do it again until the end of the week.

Comfort is a big consideration

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

Amazon Prime Day is the ideal time to buy your first mini-PC

Right now, you can pick up your first mini-PC for just under $170 for a massive discount of 29 percent on the normal retail price.

What will you be getting? The Bosgame E2 Mini PC boasts a Ryzen 5 3550H processor quick enough for all your apps and programs. It comes equipped with 16GB of DDR4 memory and 512GB storage - enough to store your critical files. That storage capacity can be expanded up to 4TB if needed too - so there's plenty of room to upgrade.

Or for the gamers among us you could get the GMKtec Nucbox M7 mini-PC which has been reduced by 25 percent and is now only $366. The M7 sports a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H processor with a maximum clock speed of up to 4.7GHz.

It also comes with AMD's integrated Radeon 680M graphics card, sporting up to 12 cores - enough to thrash all your favorite games. The M7 also

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

Corsair EX300U SSD review: 10Gbps USB performance with a MagSafe magnet

Price When Reviewed

This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined

Best Pricing Today

Price When Reviewed1TB: $100 I 2TB: $180 I 4TB: $340

Best Prices Today: Corsair EX300U Retailer Price Corsair

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

This mini PC has a powerful Core i9, 32GB RAM, and a huge 45% discount

When I say that this mini PC is ready for pretty much anything you need it to do for work and leisure, I mean it. It runs on a powerful Intel Core i9-11900H processor along with 32GB of RAM, which is plenty for smoothly handling Windows 11 plus any apps plus however many Chrome tabs you like to keep open at once. The chip is a few generations old, but was Intel's most powerful at the time, and still has plenty of pep. The 1TB SSD offers tons of storage for apps, movies, music, and photos, and you can even upgrade the RAM and SSD yourself down the road up to 64GB (RAM) and 4TB (SSD).

It comes pre-loaded with Windows 11 Pro, which is a nice cherry on top of this stellar specs combo at this price. But what makes it so good for a home office is that it supports up to three 4K@60Hz monitors thanks to its HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C video connections. You also get six fast USB-A ports (two front, four back), 2.5G Ethernet, and 3.5mm audio.

You simply can't get a better PC than this for under $500, so what are you waiting for? Level up your home office with the Acemagic M1 for just $440 while this hefty price drop is still available! Amazon's October Prime Day ends at midnight Pacific time on Wednesday.



PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

Reddit's favorite budget desk chair is a gigantic 56% off right now

(The free shipping really makes this deal, by the way. I've purchased one of these in the past for a family member and can confirm it's not the easiest to lug from a store.)

This $300 MSRP chair pops up regularly in Reddit posts and comments, with users generally positive about their experiences. But it's not popular among anonymous Redditors—PCWorld staffers have owned the Hyken for years, too, as have family and friends we've made the recommendation to. So far, no complaints!

Why the Hyken love? It offers good ventilation via the mesh back and seat, high adjustability via its swivel-tilt, tension knobs, and movable lumbar support, and decent weight support (up to 276 pounds). The only drawback is the requirement to assemble before use, but it usually goes pretty quickly with another person on hand. (Assuming you don't fall prey to the Ikea effect.)

If you prefer a wider seat, Staples has also slashed the price of its Dexley Ergonomic Mesh Swivel Task Chair to an even cheaper price than the Hyken—it's currently $128 and also includes free ship

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

This gloriously excessive power strip has 22 outlets, 6 USB ports, and no chill for $21

Poking around Amazon, I discovered the SUPERDANNY (we don't normally capitalize names unless they're acronyms but SUPERDANNY) power strip. Most power strips tap out around 12 outlets and a couple USB ports, but they're NORMALDANNY. SUPERDANNY's power strip scoffs at social norms by packing a whopping 22 three-prong AC outlets and 6 USB ports (two USB-C, four USB-A) inside its sleek-yet-bulky frame. You could run the Large Hadron Collider off this thing!

It's not just a power strip, either. SUPERDANNY provides electrical surge protection for up to 2,100 joules, 15 amp overload protection, protection against overheating, short circuits, you name it. Like Moby Dick, this beast is built to last—and protect your precious gadgets all the while. Four mounting holes and a drill template can help you tuck the strip somewhere nice and discreet if staring at a mass of wires isn't your thing.

Best of all? The SUPERDANNY power strip is an absolute bargain during October Prime Day, costing a mere $21.59 until the sale ends at midnight Pacific on October 8th. That's under a buck per outlet! Embrace glorious excess and don't miss out on this bargain.



PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

Plugable's Thunderbolt 4 dock is the best Prime Day deal in docking stations

For the last five years, I've reviewed many Thunderbolt docks and DisplayLink docking stations for PCWorld, putting them through a battery of tests. Each year, I'm responsible for poring through prices on Black Friday, Prime Day, and other sales events to find the best value picks. Put simply, Plugable's TBT4-UDX1 wins on affordability and flexibility, now priced at $175.96 (that's 20% off) on Amazon.

We're still in a weird transitional period between Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5, but the latest Thunderbolt 5 specification simply isn't widely supported by laptops yet. That rules out the latest, most expensive TB5 gear. And for me, a Thunderbolt dock is already priced high enough (hello, tariffs) without needing customers like you to buy extra cables for it.

A number of manufacturers have adopted Plugable's strategy of placing a boatload of display ports into their docks. A dock maker can design in an HDMI or DisplayLink port to connect to your monitor—if they don't, that generally means they're using Thunderbolt outputs instead. If you're an EV owner, you already understand the value of having the right adapter, and the need to buy one if it isn't supplied. In this case, a Thunderbolt dock without the right display output forces you to make that purchase.

Plugable's TBT4-UDX1 ships with just one HDMI display output and two other Thunderbolt 4 port connections. But Plugable also inc

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

This tiny USB drive is actually an uber-powerful SSD - and it's 25% off

This deal comes during Amazon's Prime Big Deals Day, aka October Prime Day, which runs from today, Tuesday October 7 through tomorrow, Tuesday October 8, ending at 11:59pm.

We awarded the SK Hynix Tube T31 a 4.5-star rating for its zippy performance, which particularly impressed us given its compact size. Though larger than your typical flash drive, you can still fit this into a pocket—which you can't comfortably say about most other external SSDs.

As a USB 3.2 Gen2 external SSD, it's rated for transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, and it delivers on its specs. In our independent benchmarks, we found it's capable of hitting those fast speeds, allowing us to move around files in just moments.

Don't need a portable SSD quite so tiny? You can check out our round-up of the best SSD and storage deals during Prime Day—the Crucial X9 Pro and Samsung T9 also earned 4.5-star ratings from us. (The Samsung T9 on sale is the non-rugged version, but should perform similarly.) But whether one of these other portable SSD or this

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

I'm a monitor freak. Samsung's S-tier 49-inch OLED for $700 off could cure my obsession

Samsung's jaw-dropping 49-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G93SC is on sale for $899.99 right now. Sure, that's still a fat stack of cash, but it's also a whopping $700 discount off its $1,600 retail price, and for a monitor this loaded, it's a downright bargain.

Firstly, it's ginormous. The 49-inch ultrawide screen sports a pixel-packed 5120×1440 resolution—that's like two standard 1440p displays in one frame. That's great for work and play alike! Forza Horizon and Elite Dangerous will stretch out to almost VR-like dimensions on this beast.

And they'll look damned luscious doing so, too. I've tested OLED displays in the past, and their vivid colors and deep, deep blacks deliver gaming and media experiences that must be seen to be believed. Seriously, OLED will take your breath away and is a much better upgrade than switching to a 4K monitor. This Samsung Odyssey cranks it to 11 with its DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, literally ensuring inky blacks reminiscent of deep space.

But (cue soundbite) that's not all! While the Samsung Odyssey G9 can't quite match the 360Hz speeds of my tiny 24-inch esports display, its 240Hz refresh rate will hold up fantastically in

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

Best external SSDs for gaming: 5 great portable performance drives

But choosing an external SSD means sorting through a dizzying array of options, and making a poor choice can leave you feeling hard done by. Lucky for you, we've done the testing and can offer some sure-fire recommendations that are guaranteed to help, and not hinder, your gaming setup.

Scroll below our recommendations to learn more about our evaluation process and what to look for when buying an external SSD for gaming.

Why you should trust PCWorld for external drive reviews and buying advice: We're PCWorld, that's why. We've been putting computer hardware through its paces for decades. Our external drive evaluations are thorough and rigorous, testing the limits of every product — from performance benchmarks to the practicalities of daily use. As consumers ourselves, we know what makes a product exceptional. For more about our testing process, scroll to the bottom of this article.

Lexar SL600 Blaze - Best 20Gbps external SSD for gaming

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

This Blink 3-cam kit protects your home inside and out for 66% off

Amazon is serving up a kit that includes two Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras, a Blink Mini 2 indoor cam, and a Sync Module XR that extends the reach of the outdoor cameras while also providing local storage of video events, all for just $74.99, or a whopping 66 percent off the usual $219.98 bundle price. 

We're big fans of the battery-powered Blink Outdoor 4, a weatherized and compact outdoor cam that boasts 1080p video resolution, a 150-degree field of view, motion alerts, two-way audio, infrared night vision, support for Alexa, and up to two years of battery life (four AA batteries—two for each camera—are included). In our review, we called it "solid budget-priced outdoor security camera" with "amazing battery life" and "excellent privacy protection." 

Making the Blink Outdoor 4 even better is the included Sync Module XR, which boosts the range of up to two Blink Outdoor 4 cameras to 250 feet—or, for even greater distances, up to 400 feet in XR mode (which dials down video quality to extend the camera's wireless range).  

If that wasn't enough, the Sync Module XR comes with a slot for MicroSD storage, meaning you can store captured video events locally rather than in the cloud. (Keep in mind you'll need to supply your own MicroSD card.) 

Rounding out the package is the wired Blink Mini 2, a pint-sized indoor camera with 1080p video resolution, motion detection, and two-way audio, perfect for keeping eyes on an indoor space. 

While the Sync Module XR serve

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

The best Prime Day Chromebook deal has the lousiest discount. Don't be fooled!

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook is on sale for $169.99 at Amazon, just 10 percent off. Yes, our list of the best Chromebook deals for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days does include some cheaper prices, especially at a couple of retailers other than Amazon. But in general, Amazon holds its own, delivering some of the best fall bargains on Chromebooks.

If you've been following our Chromebook deals coverage for the past few years, you'll know our criteria are straightforward: first, memory counts. More memory means more available tabs and apps, and a lot of deals cut corners by offering just 4GB of memory. The IdeaPad 3i offers a full 8GB, and that matters. Second, I like at least a 1080p screen. The 3i offers one, and at a nice spacious 15.6-screen size, too. I care less about the processor, but the 3i's Celeron N4500 is a dual-core chip from 2021 — about average.

Lenovo's ThinkPads and IdeaPads typically offer solid, comfortable keyboards, and the 15.6-inch display sneaks in a bonus: It's wide enough for a dedicated number pad. That's not a necessity, but it certainly makes any data entry a lot easier.

Lenovo also boasts 10 hours of battery life, too. That's dependent on how you use it, of course, but it's a solid baseline nevertheless.

I care less about some other aspects of a Chromebook, such as the ports. Still, the IdeaPad delivers, with a pair of USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and even a dedicated HDMI port in case you want to con

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

Eufy PoE Turret Security Camera E41 review: 4K, local AI, no fees

Price When Reviewed

This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined

Best Pricing Today

Price When Reviewed$129.99 (as tested with $399.99 2TB Eufy Network Video Recorder S4: $529.98)

Best Prices Today: Eufy PoE Turret Security Camera E41

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

Need a cheap laptop that doesn't suck? This Dell is $400 for Prime Day

Right now, during October Prime Day, it's selling for $399.99, which is a smooth $50 off its already-budget-friendly price. That's pretty good for the kind of hardware it's housing.

It's got a Ryzen 5 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. This means it'll handle all the normal tasks just fine, like web browsing and school work. The Radeon graphics can even do some light gaming or media editing. Just don't expect to play the hottest triple-A titles with the graphics turned all the way up—it's not a gaming rig, folks. For most people, it's got plenty of oomph for everyday use.

Honestly? If you just want a decent laptop that won't make your bank account weep, this one's worth grabbing. I'd say jump on it sooner than later because Prime Day deals don't usually stick around, and this sales event ends tomorrow. Meanwhile, make sure to check out all the other awesome deals we found for October Prime Day.

Get the Dell Inspiron 15 3535 for $399.99 while you can

PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

Audacity 4 is getting a major facelift and numerous improvements

Martin Keary, product manager at Muse Group, tells The Verge that the team has worked to reduce so-called "Audacity says no" situations—instances where the program previously refused to perform certain actions without a clear explanation.

Improvements include smoother handling of audio clips, fewer limiting modes, meters for individual tracks, and simpler tools for trimming and time stretching. Audacity 4 will also have a more customizable and easy-to-read interface. The controversial Sync Lock feature is being replaced by a clearer way to keep multiple audio tracks synchronized.

Watch the detailed walkthrough of Audacity 4 in the video below:



PC World Latest News
Oct 07, 2025

Best 4K monitors: HDR, gaming, budget, and best overall

That's all well and good, but which 4K monitor you choose will most likely be based on a variety of factors beyond just pixel count. That's where this article comes in. After thorough testing, we've determined that these are the best 4K monitors covering a variety of budgets, use cases, and feature sets.

Why you should trust PCWorld for monitor reviews and buying advice: PCWorld prides itself on PC hardware experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since the 1980s, and we now review dozens of monitors every year. All of our recommendations have been personally tested and vetted by our expert reviewers, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards.

Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE - Best 4K monitor

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