Contrary to popular belief, building a new PC is a fairly simple task. Yes, there is a lot that goes into building one, but it's not as complicated or overwhelming as it may seem. Similarly, it doesn't have to be overtly expensive either, as there are plenty of deals out there on various components. It is very easy to overspend on PC components in 2023, though. I say that because there are plenty of components out there that may seem very tempting to buy, but they don't add much value to your PC build or are completely unnecessary.

Even if you have the biggest version of one of the latest Apple Watches, the screen is still a tiny one on your wrist. Text isn’t always easy to read, especially if you’re far-sighted and aren’t wearing your glasses. When you’re dealing with lengthy incoming messages or social updates, it can also be a chore if you don’t have 20/20 vision. Thankfully, you can easily zoom in and out on the Apple Watch screen to make text more readable and the viewing experience more comfortable.

In the ever-advancing field of data storage, the role of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) on solid-state drives (SSD) is nothing short of transformative. DRAM, with its dynamic and volatile nature, is vital for enhancing the speed and efficiency of data retrieval and storage. Moreover, the presence or absence of a DRAM cache can be a crucial factor to consider when you’re on the lookout for the best SSD for your build. But just how important is it?

If you just bought a new Mac and want to resell your old MacBook Pro, then you should factory reset it. By doing so, all of your locally-stored personal data and preferences will be erased, and the laptop will restore its out-of-the-box status. The process of doing so depends on the operating system you're running, and there are some preparatory steps you must first follow. Worry not, however, as we will be detailing everything you need to know in this guide.

The LG MyView Smart Monitor. | Image: LG LG will show off a new series of 32-inch 4K computer monitor / TV hybrids called the ‘MyView’ at CES this year. The company announced they’ll come “in a variety of colors, including essence white, mild beige, cotton pink and cotton green.” They’ll be offered in three variants at two price levels — $599.99 and $499.99, and LG says it will announce availability in the US “at a later date.”The specs and design language of LG’s new smart LED displays are very similar to the Samsung M8. They both come in multiple colors and have a whiff of modern iMac design, though with more adjustable stands (both support tweaks to height, tilt, and rotation). Each can be used as a smart TV with the included remote and all of the new MyView monitors will... Continue reading…

Git is a version control system and one of the most important tools for computer programmers because it keeps track of code changes. While most programmers choose to work on a PC, there are some instances where a Mac performs better. Fortunately, Git is available on Mac devices, and it is really easy to get started.

The Verge / Image courtesy of Sunblink Apple Arcade remains one of the best deals in gaming — even after getting a price bump. Since launch, the service has steadily grown with a mix of original mobile releases and App Store classics, none of which are burdened with the ads or in-app purchases that so often plague smartphone games. 2023 was a particularly strong year for new additions, with everything from daily word games for the Wordle-obsessed to cozy adventures to relax with. If you just picked up a new Apple device, or are using the subscription service for the very first time, here are some great places to start.KnotwordsZach Gage and Jack Schlesinger have partnered on a number of great mobile puzzle games — including Good Sudoku and SpellTower, both of which are... Continue reading…

Just be careful not to let major elements from later designs slip in. | Disney It’s finally happened: after nearly a century, Mickey Mouse has slipped off Disney’s copyright leash. The first versions of the iconic cartoon character, seen in Steamboat Willie and a silent version of Plane Crazy, enter the public domain in the US on January 1st, 2024. (An early version of Minnie Mouse is also fortunately included.) There’s still a complicated mess of protections around Mickey, but today is a moment public domain advocates have awaited for decades — and there are plenty of other exciting new entries as well.Duke Law School’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain, as usual, has a roundup of prominent works whose copyright protections lapse in the US today. The list includes sound recordings from 1923 and works in... Continue reading…

In early 2023, gamers on older PCs received bad news when they learned that Valve was going to cut support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 in 2024. Valve didn't want to dawdle, giving gamers a strict January 1st deadline to upgrade their PCs. Now that the new year is here, people on older PCs will need to either upgrade or use Steam in an unsupported state.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 came out in December 2023, and it's a powerhouse of a business ultrabook, with impressive specs and a great look. While it comes with a solid charger of its own, things happen, whether they be over-curious cats or natural disasters, and you may find yourself in the market for a replacement charger. While you can spend a good chunk of change on one with all the bells and whistles, you certainly don't have to, if you want to keep it simple. Here's the word on the best options out there, whether you prioritize speed, compatibility, versatility, or portability. We promise to find the perfect charger for your Gen 12, regardless of what your cat thinks.

When was the last time you used Microsoft Edge? For some, Windows' default browser is their new app of choice for browsing the web, while others haven't seriously used Edge since its release. And while there are plenty of reasons why Microsoft Edge is the best browser, Microsoft still manages to annoy both Edge lovers and haters alike.

A sign reportedly placed at Alamo Drafthouse’s Minnesota location informing patrons that no films will be shown that day. | Photo: 3NU (Reddit) “Sorry everyone! Sony is having issues with their projectors that is preventing us from being able to project movies at some of our theaters today.” That’s what theater chain Alamo Drafthouse posted to social media sites on New Year’s Eve, adding that it was closing five theaters entirely for the rest of the day as a result. As of New Year’s Day, however, most theaters and most showtimes now appear to be available, with a few exceptions. Screenshot of @alamodrafthouse (X) It’s not clear what happened. As New Year’s Day is a holiday, we somewhat understandably haven’t yet been able to reach Alamo or Sony spokespeople, and not every theater or every screening was affected. That didn’t stop Alamo from blaming its Sony... Continue reading…