It's a conflicting time to be a tech enthusiast, or even just to need a new laptop for work. Stratospheric pricing has made it tricky to recommend anything with onboard memory or SSD storage, and terms like "budget" and "good value" all carry caveats about how they relate to the overall market. Until today. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x Gen 11 is a fantastic value, with a snappy processor, good screen options and a premium feel.

Look at those cute little guys. | Image: Record Club There isn't really a solid equivalent to Goodreads or Letterboxd for music lovers, but Record Club is aiming to change that. Yes, we have Rate Your Music, but its interface is crowded, and it feels more geared towards longer-form reviews than cataloging your listening habits and connecting with other fans. Record Club is clean and modern, with a streamlined interface that's quite similar to Letterboxd. The basic features you'd expect from such a site are all there. You can rate and review records or mark them as listened to. You can also see what your friends are listening to and see what albums are trending with other users. There's a …Read the full story at The Verge.

Smart homes can quickly transcend into a typical morning feeling frustrating. Let's say you say a voice command, and then your smart assistant responds with "Sorry, I'm having trouble connecting to the internet right now." Or your connection does work, and your smart switch still takes five full seconds to turn on a bulb which is two feet away. When your partner or guests can't turn on a lamp because the physical switch was flipped off or the app logged them out, all this does is build up even more pent-up rage. The smart home was supposed to reduce friction, but now you're acting as a full-time IT help desk for your own living room.

Massive OLED TVs and Sonos speakers might be stealing the Memorial Day spotlight, but there are also plenty of great deals that won’t set you back nearly as much. In fact, some of the best discounts we’re seeing are on gadgets that retail for $50 or less, from portable chargers and 4K streaming devices to cheap(ish) security cameras. There are even some solid deals available on outdoor gear if you plan to spend time camping, hiking, or otherwise enjoying the outdoors this summer.To help you separate the good from the bad, we’ve taken the liberty to comb through thousands of deals to find an assortment of discounted products that have earned The Verge stamp of approval, whether it be a portable Bluetooth speaker, a video game, or a water filter. If you’re not beholden to $50, be sure to check out our definitive roundup of the best Memorial Day deals, which we’ll update throughout the weekend.CMF Buds Pro 2The Buds Pro 2 offer a surprisingly robust set of features for the price, including ANC and a transparency mode that lets you tune into your surroundings. Their included charging case also features a smart dial that lets you adjust the volume, while multipoint Bluetooth support lets them connect to two devices simultaneously.Where to Buy: $69 $43 at Amazon $69 $43 at NothingAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K PlusAmazon’s latest Fire TV Stick 4K features support for Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Atmos / Vision, and HDR10 Plus. It also runs on Fire TV’s updated OS, which offers personalized recommendations, quicker access to favorite apps, and Alexa Plus support.Where to Buy: $49.99 $29.99 at Amazon $49.99 $29.99 at Best Buy $49.99 $29.99 at TargetIf you want more speed and storage than the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus offers, the 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 ($20 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is $5 shy of its all-time low. It, too, runs on the new and improved Fire TV OS and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus, and Dolby Atmos. However, it offers faster performance, double the storage (16GB), and Wi-Fi 6E support. It also comes with a more capable remote, the Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced, which adds a button for live TV channel listings. Read our review.If you want a small portable speaker, JBL’s Clip 5 is on sale for around $59 ($20 off) at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy, which is $10 shy of its all-time low. The Bluetooth speaker features an integrated carabiner that makes it easy to clip onto a backpack, bike, or beach bag, along with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. It also offers up to 12 hours of battery life per charge, so it should easily last you the day.Sony SRS-XB100Sony’s adorable SRS-XB100 speaker offers USB-C charging, a built-in strap, and great sound for the price, rendering it a terrific travel speaker or home office companion. Read our review.Where to Buy: $64.99 $43 at Amazon $64.99 $43 at Best Buy $64.99 $44.99 at TargetXbox Wireless ControllerMicrosoft’s official Xbox Wireless Controller features a dedicated button for saving clips and screenshots, as well as sharing them online. It also offers Bluetooth support and a USB-C port for charging Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery.Where to Buy: $64.99 $44.99 at Amazon $64.99 $44.99 at Walmart $64.99 $44.99 at Best BuyStar Wars OutlawsStar Wars Outlaws is an original open-world adventure set in the vast universe of the iconic film series. It stars Kay Vess, a protagonist looking to steal from criminal overlords to gain her freedom. Read our review.Where to Buy: $59.99 $35.97 at Amazon (Nintendo Switch 2) $69.99 $19.93 at Walmart (PlayStation 5) $69.99 $19.99 at Best BuyYou can buy the physical version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X at Best Buy and Target for $34.99 ($15 off). The open-world game follows a shinobi assassin and a powerful samurai caught in the midst of political unrest in feudal Japan. Its stealth mechanics are intuitive, and there’s a satisfying amount of action, too. Read our review.Anker Nano Travel Adapter (5-in-1, 20W)Anker’s jack-of-all-trades travel adapter packs enough ports to refill your devices during some downtime. It features one AC outlet, two USB-C ports (one tops out at 20W), and two USB-A ports. It’s not the fastest wall charger, but it’s a solid choice when you can find it at a discount.Where to Buy: $25.99 $19.99 at Amazon (black) $25.99 $19.99 at Amazon (white) $25.99 $19.99 at Anker (with code WS7DV2V9Q3TQ)Anker Nano Charger (45W, Smart Display, 180° Foldable)Anker’s latest single-port USB-C charger offers up to 45W of power, foldable prongs, and a front-facing “smart display” that lets you see the charge level, power flow, and other useful information at a glance.Where to Buy: $39.99 $29.99 at Amazon (with Prime) $39.99 $29.99 at Anker (with code WSPDV2LMBR0W)If you need a reliable power bank, Anker’s Zolo Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) is on sale for $39.99 ($10 off) at Amazon, which is $10 shy of its all-time low. The small battery pack can wirelessly charge iPhones at up to 7.5W, while the built-in USB-C cable delivers up to 30W fast charging for devices. It also doubles as an adjustable stand, making it handy for watching videos or keeping an eye on notifications while charging.If you own an older iPhone with a Lightning port, you can grab InfinityLab’s InstantGo 10,000 Power Bank for just $41.93 (about $28 off) at REI. The portable battery features a 10,000mAh capacity and a built-in Lightning cable, making it a solid all-in-one option for days when you won’t be near an outlet. It also supports passthrough charging, allowing you to charge your phone and the power bank simultaneously.Twelve South PowerBugPart wall wart, part magnetic wireless charger, the StandBy-ready PowerBug is about as unique as chargers come. The simple device can top off MagSafe and Qi2-compatible devices — including the latest Google Pixel models — while supplying 35W charging speeds to a second gadget via USB-C.Where to Buy: $49.99 $34.48 at Amazon (black) $49.99 $39.99 at Amazon (white)LifeStraw Peak Series StrawLifeStraw’s redesigned Peak Series Straw features a durable, leakproof design that’s great for backcountry treks. It can remove unwanted viruses, bacteria, and microplastics as you drink — just like the base model — but benefits from an increased flow rate and more premium materials.Where to Buy: $24.95 $18.69 at Amazon $24.95 $18.69 at REIIf you’re looking for a more convenient, all-in-one solution, the LifeStraw Go Series 1L is also on sale for an all-time low of around $32 ($13 off) at REI and Amazon. The BPA-free water bottle features a built-in two-stage filtration system, including a carbon filter that’s designed to reduce odors and improve taste, making it a solid pick for everything from travel to your daily commute.It’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but the GoBites Bio-Uno Long spork is on sale at REI in multiple colors for a cool $5.93 (about $3 off). The Verge’s Brandon Widder has used the sturdy, BPA-free utensil in the backcountry numerous times over the years, mainly because it’s relatively lightweight and saves you from having to pack more than one tool for devouring whatever freeze-dried concoction you opted for.Black Diamond Spot 400 HeadlampBlack Diamond’s 400-lumen headlamp offers adjustable brightness, a red night vision mode, and an IPX8 waterproof rating, so it can handle rainy nights. It’s also dual-fuel compatible, meaning you can use standard AAA batteries or use it in tandem with Black Diamond’s rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery for added flexibility.Where to Buy: $49.95 $44.89 at Amazon $49.95 $44.96 at Black Diamond $49.95 $44.89 at REIZippo HeatBank 6 Pro Rechargeable Hand WarmerZippo’s rechargeable, IP57-rated hand warmer offers three heat settings and up to six hours of runtime. It can also serve as a 24-lumen flashlight or a 5,200 mAh power bank in a pinch, though, unlike most warmers, it’s only sold as a single unit.Where to Buy: $59.95 $34.93 at REIYou can get the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol starting at $37.39 (about $13 off) at REI right now. It’s a relatively lightweight, compact sleeping pad with an accordion-style design that lets you attach it to your backpack. The closed-cell foam also provides comfort after a long day of hiking, while the sleeping pad’s surface helps reflect radiant heat back to your body, so you can stay warm in the fall.REI is selling GCI’s Freestyle Rocker Chair for $47.93 ($32 off). It’s a more comfortable alternative to your average camping chair, one that rocks and can handle both hard and soft ground. It also features padded armrests, a built-in beverage holder, and a foldable design, which makes it easy to throw in the back of your car before heading out the door.Cotopaxi Tech Bucket HatCotopaxi’s technical nylon hat — a pick from our upcoming Father’s Day gift guide — is pretty basic, but it features an adjustable cord chin strap and comes in an array of fun colors that are fit for the summer season.Where to Buy: $45 $33.69 at REI $45 $30 at CotopaxiMpowerd Luci Solar String Lights: ColorMpowerd’s solar-powered string lights are perfect for camping or a backyard shindig. The 18-foot string can display six colors and last up to 15 hours on a single charge; the case also doubles as a charger, allowing you to top off your phone in a pinch.Where to Buy: $54.95 $19.83 at REIThe Nite Ize Radiant 314 — which is currently down to $25.73 (about $19 off) at REI — provides 314 lumens of brightness, an impact-resistant design, and an IPX4 rating for water resistance. The rechargeable lantern can also last up to 96 hours on a single charge, while the built-in power bank can provide an extra boost of power to your phone in a pinch.The Petzl Tikka is on sale at REI for $19.73 (about $15 off). The basic headlamp is a great option that features a max output of 350 lumens, tilt functionality, and an IPX4 rating, making it safe to use in light rain. It also features a lock function that prevents it from accidentally turning on when packed.Black Diamond Moji Plus LanternThe Moji Plus offers 200 lumens of warm, dimmable light and adjustable brightness, along with an IPX4 rating for water resistance. It also features a double-hook design and the same dual-fuel tech as the Spot 400 Headlamp, meaning you can use it with standard AAAs or Black Diamond’s rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery.Where to Buy: $34.95 $26.19 at Amazon $34.95 $26.19 at REI $34.95 $26.21 at Black DiamondTile (2024)The latest Tile can help you keep track of your personal belongings from up to 350 feet away, which is 100 feet more than its predecessor. The handy location tracker is also platform-agnostic and can send SOS alerts, though only if you pay for Life360’s Gold subscription ($14.99 a month).Where to Buy: $24.99 $19 at Amazon $24.99 $19.99 at Life360BioLite’s Luci Charge 360 is available for $44.89 ($16 off) from Amazon, REI, and BioLite, which is a terrific price for the inflatable lantern. Its collapsible design makes it easy to pack, and it offers up to 360 lumens of adjustable brightness. The waterproof gadget also lasts for 50 hours on a single charge, and when it dies, it’s easy to recharge via solar power or USB-C. Plus, you can use it as a power bank, allowing you to top off your phone or other small devices when outlets aren’t nearby.Owala’s FreeSip Sway, a frequent recommendation in our gift guides and my personal water bottle, is on sale at Amazon and Target in several vibrant hues for $27.99 ($7 off), matching its lowest price to date. Personally, I consider the 30-ounce drinking vessel to be the best of both worlds, as it features a built-in straw and a wide-mouth spout for when you prefer a swig. It’s also tapered just enough at the bottom that it fits in your standard cupholder, which was my biggest gripe with prior models.Eve Energy Smart PlugNot only does this smart plug offer the most detailed energy monitoring of any we have ever tested but it also works with Matter-over-Thread and is an especially good choice for Apple Home users.Where to Buy: $39.95 $34.45 at Amazon $39.99 $34.99 at Best Buy $39.95 $34.45 at The Home DepotSwitchBot Bot RechargeableSwitchBot’s latest button presser sticks onto existing buttons and rocker switches, letting you control coffee makers, lights, and other gadgets from your phone. Unlike the standard model, though, it charges via USB-C and can last up to six months per charge.Where to Buy: $33.99 $29.99 at Amazon (with on-page coupon) $33.99 $27.19 at SwitchBot (with code SUMMER20)You can pick up a four-pack of Govee’s Smart A19 LED Bulbs for $32.99 ($7 off) from Govee when you use promo code LB7H6008 at checkout, which is $9 shy of its all-time low. Govee’s color-changing smart bulbs offer 800 lumens of brightness and sync to the beat of music. The Wi-Fi-enabled bulbs are also compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, so you can control them with your voice in addition to Govee’s mobile app.If you’re looking for an outdoor security cam, the battery-powered Blink Outdoor 4 is down to $43.99 ($36 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, its best price of the year. The 1080p camera improves on the prior model by adding person detection while retaining features such as motion detection, infrared night vision, and two-way audio. It also comes with Blink’s entry-level Sync Module Core, which, unlike the company’s other hubs, doesn’t offer local storage.Ring Indoor Cam (second-gen)The second-gen Ring Indoor Cam lets you keep an eye on your place in 1080p, with support for motion detection alerts, a live feed, and color night vision.Where to Buy: $49.99 $29.99 at Amazon $49.99 $29.99 at Best Buy $49.99 $29.99 at TargetTwelve South AirFly Pro 2The AirFly Pro 2 plugs into the auxiliary jack on most in-flight entertainment systems, allowing you to listen with two pairs of wireless earbuds or headphones at once.Where to Buy: $59.99 $49.99 at Amazon $59.99 $49.99 at Twelve SouthThe Twelve South AirFly SE is also available for $29.74 ($5 off) from Amazon and Twelve South. Like the AirFly Pro 2, it lets you use your own wireless headphones with in-flight entertainment systems, but it supports only one pair of headphones instead of two, and it offers slightly shorter battery life.The Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent is down to $38.49 (about $17 off) at Amazon, which is the lowest price we’ve seen this year. The device’s 20-foot protection zone is probably one of the best solutions we’ve found for keeping unwanted bugs at bay, though we wish it came with more than one 12-hour cartridge and a charging dock like the E65 (also on sale at Amazon for $39.99). Still, you do get about nine hours of use per charge once topped off via a USB cable, which is plenty for surviving most summer evenings.MSR PocketRocket 2 StoveThe PocketRocket 2 is a single-burner canister stove that can boil water in as little as three and a half minutes. It’s lightweight, foldable, and compatible with most isobutane-propane fuel canisters, making it a great pick for backpackers looking to shed weight.Where to Buy: $59.95 $44.89 at REIBorderlands 4Borderlands 4 is an amusing looter-shooter that supports solo play or up to four-player co-op. Players take on the role of one of four Vault Hunters searching for mythical vaults while trying to take on the planet’s immoral dictator. It’s full of great characters and has the mindlessly fun vibe of a dumb action movie. Read our review.Where to Buy: $69.99 $35 at Amazon (PlayStation 5) $69.99 $35 at Best Buy (PlayStation 5) $69.99 $29 at Amazon (Xbox Series X)

Ever since DLSS 4.5 became available earlier this year, I've been spending more time experimenting with this feature on my RTX 4090 than I have in years. While that's partly because upscaled footage is almost indistinguishable from the native, it's also because Nvidia has somehow managed to make DLSS more complicated than ever. What was once a simple choice between Quality, Balanced, and Performance modes now comes with two additional model presets that many gamers don't fully understand.

A few months before Windows 10 went into extended support, I knew I wanted to move to Linux. I wasn't a fan of having to jump through hoops to keep using the OS that I love, and regardless of how long I held on for, Microsoft was inevitably going to boot me off Windows 10 and funnel me into 11. And I really did not want to use Windows 11.

PC gamers waited for Grand Theft Auto V for over a year after its console launch, and they'll also be waiting for Grand Theft Auto VI for an unspecified amount of time. Even console gamers have done their fair share of waiting for this behemoth of a game to finally see the light of day, but recent remarks from the GTA 6 boss have reignited the same old outrage cycle across Reddit and social media.

Roger Linn lets his accomplishments do the talking. | Image: Roger Linn Roger Linn is a legend in the world of musical instruments. He's been at the cutting edge of music technology for decades. He created the LM-1, the first drum machine to use samples, and its successor, the LinnDrum, is one of the most iconic drum machines of all time. They were used on countless records in the 1980s, including hits by Tom Petty, Queen, and Tears for Fears. But the most notable fan was probably Prince, who used them extensively on Purple Rain and 1999.Somehow, those are not his greatest contributions to the music world. That would, undoubtedly, be the MPC. Linn partnered with Akai to create one of the most popular and impor …Read the full story at The Verge.

On the surface, PC building is about choosing 8–9 components that fit within your budget and provide the performance you have in mind. The intricacies of cores, VRAM, frequencies, timings, DRAM, and cooling are where things start to get complicated. Many enthusiasts and veteran PC builders recommend adhering to several PC-building best practices to craft the perfect build. The problem is that most of these tips don't really apply to most people who just want a decent gaming rig without major compromises. Buying decked-out motherboards, cutting-edge storage, and "future-proof" graphics cards may seem logical to enthusiasts, but they are counterproductive for the average user. Most people don't have insane budgets to buy the latest and greatest components. More importantly, overspending on PC hardware often doesn't yield the desired benefits.

LM Studio has been my default runner for as long as I've been running local LLMs, which is more than long enough now to call it part of my daily flow rather than just something I'm experimenting with anymore. The appeal of LM Studio is pretty much that it has a GUI, one-click installs, and no command-line stuff to wade through. Development is not my domain, even using the terminal isn't, so a user-friendly runner was important to me and is what got me comfortable with self-hosting AI in the first place.

Most people think getting better AI results is all about writing smarter prompts. I used to think the same thing. But after spending months working with Claude, I realized the biggest difference was not the prompts; it was the relationship. The moment I stopped treating Claude like a chatbot and started treating it more like a co-worker, the quality of responses changed dramatically. Conversations became more useful, ideas became sharper, and the entire experience felt more collaborative.

Prompting an LLM requires a different approach than typing a search query into Google, yet it's common for people to treat them the same. The process often goes something like this: type a sentence, get a response, then ask refining questions or supply follow-up context to guide AI toward the information you're after. If you're only asking for a simple answer, then simple questions usually work fine. But for tasks involving deeper context or multiple steps, you're normally two or three exchanges deep before the model begins to understand what you actually wanted.