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Basic Computer Skills – 6 Tips You Need to Know!

September 30, 2019 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

two women sitting in front of computer working

Within the past century, a lot has changed as far as what technology is concerned. Within 20 years, computers have gone from slow and bulky machines into streamlined machines that have power and speed to degrees that we never thought possible at the time. 

The internet itself has evolved much since its Inception, going from a slow loading program into a fast pace device that everyone uses every day, especially on their phones and on portable laptops.

With technology, we've seen a lot of advancement within a short amount of time and as a result oh, a lot of people who were present during the time in which these devices got first created, are finding themselves left Behind due to the nature of how quickly our technology evolves. 

Thankfully, you can easily re-teach yourself how to utilize the current systems, and you'll find that while it may seem complicated, technology is geared to be user-friendly to reach the masses. In this article will be going over some of the best necessary computer skills you can learn to stay on top of technology and all of its advances.

Quick Navigation
What Does It Mean To Be Technologically Behind?
Consequences of a Lack of Knowledge
Security Concerns
Why Is it A Good Thing To Be Up To Date With Technology?
The Most Basic Computer Skills To Keep You Up To Date
Search Engines and Browser Basics
Use Your Browser History
Customize Your Searches for Specific Results
Hooking Up Your Computer
Securing Your Computer
Word Processing Programs
Keyboard Commands
Terminology
Conclusion

What Does It Mean To Be Technologically Behind?

artist in front of computer

Image Source: Pixabay

To be technologically behind means different things for different people. As far as work experience is concerned, you could have 20 years in a field but still, find yourself incapable of running specific software because you didn't get trained or you didn't have previous experience with it before.

This problem is a wrong area to find yourself in, especially since the 20 years that you've put into your field will mean little to nothing if you can't do what's needed to be done to work correctly. 

The same is true if you are a business, not being able to predict and play off of the advances in internet searches and online payment systems can destroy businesses and a short amount of time.

Consequences of a Lack of Knowledge

Being technologically behind can ruin careers, and destroy businesses quickly. Even if you are not employed what's a company that yours is a lot of technology, you're still going to find yourself in a position where having excellent technical skills can either open doorways or provide easier access to promotions.

Being technologically behind can be expensive as well. Everyone enjoys getting the newest gadgets that come out on the market. 

However, what a lot of inexperienced consumers don't realize is that a brand name product that we feel are good simply because they're recognizable could cost us more money then brands that you may not be familiar with but provide better specs as far as what they can afford.

For example, when it comes to purchasing a brand new laptop either for school or for your leisure,  you'll have to consider some of the primary uses that you'll have for your new laptop. Will it be a gaming computer? Or are you content merely searching the web and playing small games that don't use a lot of processing power?

These questions also apply to tablets, which are a popular substitute for a laptop, and often are more convenient to carry around. If you don't know how much processing power a device has, you could end up with a machine that slow and hard to operate. The same is true if you intend to on a mechanism for the sake of watching movies and storing books.

Having a good understanding of what you will need as far as the components of your new device are concerned, we'll save you a lot of money and a lot of frustration when it comes to finally picking what you want. 

Security Concerns

Security is another reason that a lot of people need to keep up-to-date with their technical knowledge. If you go to a cafe or a public Hotspot with your laptop or other wireless devices, without the proper safety features and place your information is easy pickings for any predator who happens to be on the same network as you.

That means all of your credit card information as well as Social Security numbers and any other sensitive information that you might have stored on your computer is at risk. You can find yourself facing identity theft, which is one of the most damaging events I could happen to your financial life. 

That doesn't just affect your bank account, but it also affects your credit score, which in turn affects your ability to purchase a car or a new home. 

Why Is it A Good Thing To Be Up To Date With Technology?

typing in front of computer

Image Source: Pixabay

So, if the technology is continuously changing, then why is it so important to keep up with everything new about technology if it's just going to be obsolete later on? The answer to this question is simple: you're going to need to keep up with technology simply because technology gets integrated into every aspect of our lives. 

If you're looking set a promotion or learning new skills, chances are you're going to need to have a good grasp of current technology used to function at your job correctly. 

Likewise, if you like keeping up with what your children or grandchildren are doing, then they are going to be using social media more frequently, and that's an excellent way to keep updated with what they're up to. 

There are a lot of different reasons as to why you should try to keep up with technology even though it is quickly evolving and it never stays the same for very long. Not to mention, cars are becoming smarter, and if you intend on purchasing a new vehicle shortly, you might need to know some necessary information in regards on how to operate it properly. 

While learning necessary computer skills is it necessarily going to prepare you for everything that technology has to throw at you, it's a great beginning to make to become well acquainted with what you're dealing with today. 

Beside,s people who are better acquainted with technology will be able to make informed decisions on their next purchases when it comes to Everyday household items that do require a basic understanding of technology in general. 

The Most Basic Computer Skills To Keep You Up To Date

work typing computer

Image Source: Pixabay

To be considered computer literate oh, there are a few things that you need to know. These are skills that you can take and utilize anywhere, and they make things easier once you have a good understanding of how they work. 

Search Engines and Browser Basics

The most basic and commonly used aspect of a computer is learning how to use a search engine properly. Anyone can plug in an essential phrase in Google's search engine bar, but how often do you try to search for something and the result that you get is not what you were looking for at all? 

Knowing how to do an advanced search is a skill that you will need to learn to become competent and utilizing search engines properly. To do that you need to have a basic idea of how search engines work and what to look out for as far as your results are concerned. There are many search engines you can choose to use, but the most popular ones are:

  • Google
  • Bing
  • Yahoo.com
  • Ask.com

All websites of any kind utilize something called SEO to Show up more prominently when you search for a product or a bit of information. You can use this concept to your advantage if you want a more precise listing of things that you're looking for instead of relying solely on the algorithm present within the search engine itself. 

Here are some easy ways to make the most out of using any search engine you choose.

Take Advantage of AutoComplete

Google especially has this Nifty little feature known as autocomplete, which automatically provides suggestions that specifically correlate with their search engines. This process not only a great way to guarantee your specific search results get met, but it also saves you the effort of typing. 

Use Very Specific Terms

When you go to search for anything specific, you'll want to make sure that you're using only particular terms to describe what it is you're searching. If you use generalistic words, that's when you come across the thousands of results that may contain part of what you're looking for, but don't have what you're looking for exactly. 

Using the Minus Operator

The minus sign is a perfect way to specify your search further, especially when you're utilizing standard terms that might pop up with different results. When you are searching, and the result turns up something else altogether, you re-enter your search item and then add in the minus sign in front of the term that you don't want to see show up. 

Capitalization

When you're performing a search on a search engine, you don't have to worry about using capitalization while you're showing your search. The search engine will not distinguish case sensitive words, and it won't change how your search results end up. 

Drop the Suffixes

You don't have to typically worry about using suffixes in your search bar simply because of your browser search engine works best off of base words unless you're explicitly looking up the act of something happening such as walking or running as opposed to using the base words of walk and run. 

Using Quotation Marks for Exact Searches

If you're looking for a specific phrase or perhaps lyrics from a song, it's easier if you put quotation marks around the particular line or phrase that you're looking up to get an exact result. If a sentence or web page does not contain what's in the quotation marks, it won't get displayed in your search results. 

Avoid Using Common Words

While there are exceptions to this rule, you typically want to avoid using common words such as and, the, a, and other forms of filler words that compile complete sentences. Punctuation is also not necessary when you're searching on a browser. 

The exceptions that you might come across to get your search results are more for situations where you might be looking up the title of a movie or a book. 

Use Your Browser History

Unless you never use the internet before or a search engine for that matter, using your browsing history is an excellent way of saving time, and it will get you back to the results that you got last time. To access your browsing history, you can look through the browser history settings in your web browser. 

Customize Your Searches for Specific Results

Just like with the minus sign taking out words that you don't want to end up in your search results, you can use the + operator to add things that you want the search engine to look up.

Also, you can use a tilde operator in front of a word or phrase which your browser will then include synonyms for your words.

Putting in an asterisk is giving your search engine permission to fill in the blank using it's on operations to determine what you will most likely search for But ultimately the results could be very random. 

Using numeric ranges is also a great tactic in specifying your searches, and it's especially useful when you're trying to search for a specific price range for a product or even a product version.

Hooking Up Your Computer

Knowing how to put together your computer at least enough that you can get it out of its box and plug it in is an essential skill do you have if you're going to operate a computer. A lot of the cords that you have to deal with are pretty self-explanatory as far as the shape of the core vs. the way of the hole it goes into is concerned.

However, if you need help putting one together enough that you can operate it, it might be best to ask someone to show you how to do it so that you'll know for later correctly. Familiarizing yourself with your computer both in operation and in the physical sense is the best way to become more capable of handling technology in the future. 

Securing Your Computer

If you're going to operate a computer or even a laptop in a public Wi-Fi setting, you need to have a security system in place. The internet gets filled with viruses and tracking code that will target your network and create a lot of problems for you in the future. To prevent this, you'll need a decent antivirus program as well as a spyware monitor as the basics for getting started. 

This software often includes add-ons that protect your computer when browsing to avoid sites that contain malware or other malicious code. It’s essential to keep the program up-to-date. Unfortunately, hackers are always finding new ways to breach data.

Word Processing Programs

To claim any form of computer literacy, you need to know How to use a basic word processing program. There are free versions that you can get online from the Adobe suite or WordPerfect. However, a lot of people are more familiar with Microsoft Word. 

Either way, being able to familiarize yourself with a Word document program and find yourself capable of utilizing the different features that come with it are essential to being computer literate. 

Keyboard Commands

Keyboard commands are reasonably necessary, and there a great way to save yourself a little bit of time while you're in the middle of using your computer. While there are quite literally thousands of different keyboard commands that you can use, the more basic ones are essential for considering yourself to be computer literate.

 Some of the more common keyboard commands are:

  • Ctrl+ Z for undoing your last action
  • Ctrl+Alt+Del to bring up your task manager
  • Ctrl+C is to copy
  • Ctrl+X is to cut your selection
  • Ctrl+V is to paste

There are more than that, but those are the most basics to start yourself off within familiarizing yourself with keyboard commands. Thankfully was a quick internet search, you can discover and utilize many more as you go on.

Terminology

Do you know what a graphics card is? Or what the difference between an HDD and an SSD are? Knowing the basic terminology that comes with owning a computer is essential to maintain it long term properly. 

If you end up having an issue with one of your hard drives, will you be able to compile your question? In a way that people who are familiar with computers can help you?

It's also an excellent way to save money if a bit of your hardware does end up dying. If you lose a stick of ram to age in constant use, it would be good if you knew what it got called and if you could potentially get an upgrade for it while you're replacing it. 

Conclusion

typing in computer

Image Source: Pixabay

While you don't have to know how to code a program using a command prompt or how to jump in and go through detailed diagnostic procedures for a sudden spike in processing power, it is vital to know at least these essential skills if you want to get better at using a computer.

These skills are excellent for everyday purposes, and they carry the potential to benefit you when you use these skills to keep in touch with the advances in technology that we're living with today.

Filed Under: Desktops, Technology

Turning Green! How Energy Efficient Homes Save Ordinary People Real Money

March 4, 2019 By Tim Hucks Leave a Comment

Energy efficient homes can be a dicey topic because some of us avoid discussing the environment at all costs.

Because let’s face it:

Even though most people have a vague desire to do something to help (or at least not do anything to harm), they can still feel uncomfortable talking about it.

frog macots portraying the can't hear, see, and speak

But the good news is:

We’re getting better at talking about the environment, and much of it has to do with the environment itself. We’ve realized that humans have a lot of impact on the world, and we want to make sure it’s a good impact.

And even though we know that one individual alone can’t reverse the course of earth, we still know that collective action matters.

#truth

Human Impact On The Environment

In 1992, 1700 independent scientists, including the majority of living scientific Nobel laureates, issued a dire warning about the environment. They urged humanity as a whole to curtail environmental destruction and cautioned that:

“a great change in our stewardship of the Earth and the life on it is required, if vast human misery is to be avoided.”

In 2019, we now have even more specific information about what “vast human misery” can mean.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently released a report on their findings on the environment. They concluded that the world is 1º Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels.

News flash:

That has big implications for the environment, like:

  • Risks to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, and human security
  • Risks of droughts and rainfall shortages
  • Risks to crops and livestock

Sounds pretty bad, doesn’t it?

space rocks colliding

But don’t worry — I’m not here to scare you. But before we look at solutions to a problem, we have to understand it first!

Ozone layer

By now, you’ve most likely heard about the ozone layer. But what is that and why does it matter?

Basically, we know the sun is great but dangerous.

You look like a lobster when you come back from vacation because of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Fortunately for us, Earth is a bit different than other planets.

For instance:

Unlike Mercury, which looks like Swiss cheese as a result of being constantly pounded by space rocks, Earth has an atmosphere. For example, most rocks that approach us on-target burn up (although not always!)

Another thing the atmosphere does well is protecting us from those ultraviolet rays.

And the ozone layer is the part of the atmosphere that does that the most. So it’s good to keep handy.

Greenhouse gases

Sometimes, what’s outside of earth (like ultraviolet rays) is just as important as what’s in it.

Greenhouse gases are like that.

On their face, they’re not bad — but too much of them can be. Like sugar, medicine, or ska music, dosage matters.

tokyo ska paradise orchestra

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, and that can be a good thing. Without them, Earth’s surface temperature could be as low as -18º Celsius (0 Fahrenheit)!

via GIPHY

Some examples of greenhouse gases are:

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) is put into the atmosphere from things like fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees, and wood products.
    • Another famous source of CO2 is you! Humans are an important part of the biological carbon cycle, as we breathe in oxygen produced by plants and breathe out carbon dioxide.
  • Methane (CH4) is produced by some of the same processes as CO2, but also by livestock, some agricultural practices, and landfills.
  • Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is produced through a combination of agriculture and the use of fossil fuels.
  • Fluorinated gases are synthetic gases, and particularly strong. So they’re sometimes referred to as High Global Warming Potential (GWP) gases.

So with greenhouse gases, the main concern is the overabundance of them, how long they stay in the atmosphere, and how they affect the atmosphere.

The fact is:

Despite the Industrial Revolution making us capable of providing more for a larger amount of people, bigger machines, bigger factories, more cars, and more humans are impacting the environment more strongly than humans historically have.

Cars

Because we can’t make breathing illegal, many have taken aim at cars to reduce carbon emissions.

According to Transport and Environment, transport is the single largest source of carbon emissions for Europe. It comprises 27% of the EU’s total emissions.

via GIPHY

The EPA says that in America, a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. So clearly our vehicles do more than get the kids to soccer practice!

The bad news is:

Cars are one of the biggest offenders against the environment, and they’re a necessary part of life right now. But they’re not the only source of troubling emissions.

Methane from cows

According to How Stuff Works, agriculture accounts for 14 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases. Given a huge demand for meat in America, cows remains essential to agriculture.

Get this:

Through burps and farts (yes, you read that right) cows can contribute a high amount of methane — some estimate as much pollution as a car produces in a day.

Funny Cute Cows Ruminant Close Cow

Why it’s important

We’re not done yet.

But we just went through a lot of information. And it’s important to ask why.

via GIPHY

Here’s the deal: There is absolutely no point in owning or building energy efficient homes if you don’t know why.

Here’s the truth:

Though some may see energy efficient homes as a fad or a trend, there can be real benefits to your life from owning one. And furthermore, it might take a lot of effort to change from your current lifestyle.

Do you want to do all that just to keep up with the Joneses?

Or would you like to brag about your home and educate your friends at the same time?

Yeah, we thought so.

So here are a few casualties of all this environmental damage.

Animal habitat

Talking about the environment can seem abstract. It’s a big thing, including forests, oceans, and entire ecosystems.

So let’s get specific.

A village called Belushya Guba on the Novaya Zemlya islands in northern Russia has played host to over 52 polar bears in the past couple months. The polar bears did this for two major reasons:

  • Wildly reduced levels of sea ice
  • Tons and tons of garbage

Because of the ozone layer damage, greenhouse gases, and the enormous increase in the CO2 emissions we talked about, the ice where the polar bears hunt is melting.

So that means:

They raid the town to eat because the town’s garbage is available.

polar bear at barrow airport

Source: Carl Flemming, FAA

This story can be replicated the world over. From fish to deer to goats becoming addicted to human urine, humankind’s spread across the world hasn’t always been kind to animal habitats.

Human health

But it’s not all about the animals.

As you might imagine, these gases and environmental damage can have an effect on human health as well.

According to a UN study:

  • Many infectious diseases, including water-borne ones, are highly sensitive to climate conditions.
  • Changing climate can mean that diseases like malaria and dengue live longer and spread farther.
  • Heat stress can make some work environments unreasonable, and that increase risk of cardiovascular, respiratory and renal diseases.

So even if you don’t care about animal habitats, you might care that what impacts the environment impacts human beings, too.

Your wallet

Let’s say you don’t care a bit about animal habitat, crumbling ecosystems, or diseases you’ll never get from places you’ll never go.

Most people still care about money.

To offset some of the costs of energy efficient homes, the government is willing to offer you tax credits to upgrade.

computing to save money

The Department of Energy says that you can save money by switching to energy efficient homes. Whether you’re building one out of whole cloth or making renovations to your current home, you’re almost guaranteed to keep more of your hard-earned cash.

Home Advisor puts it this way:

The beauty is that, no matter what you spend in the short-term, your costs are offset or completely recouped in the long-term in the reduction of your monthly energy bills.

Every time you look at the potential costs of energy efficient homes, you have to think of the sweet feeling of drastically reduced energy bills.

And bonus:

You can save the environment on the side.

Doubts

And still, the nagging question lingers on your mind: Is it worth it?

What? Even after all those facts and statistics? You’re still on the fence?

No!

via GIPHY

Of course, it doesn’t work that way. A bunch of charts and tables don’t just make you decide you want to upend your living room.

I get it.

But would it help if I told you we can make it easier?

By now you’ve learned that the environment is in a bit of a pickle and that humans have a lot to do with it. But the good news is that we’ve also learned humans can have a lot to do with reversing it.

Group of happy and diverse volunteers

Scores of articles are published every year about the rate of earth’s decay and our rapidly changing environment. They encourage us to recycle, bicycle, and compost.

But energy efficient homes are for people who want to do something … BIGGER.

And we can show you how!

Energy Efficient Homes

Now that we know why you should build energy efficient homes, let’s talk about how.

Let’s face it:

Being a homeowner can be complicated, and upgrading can be even more so. So it’s best to know what you’re dealing with.

History of energy

According to a report by the Alliance Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy, buildings of all types consume nearly 40% of the nation’s primary energy.

So in 1992, ENERGY STAR was created.

First, they started with rating the energy efficiency of smaller products and they later moved on to whole buildings.

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary labeling program and is run jointly by the EPA and DOE. Since 2000, ENERGY STAR benefits have more than tripled.

In 2011, Americans with the help of ENERGY STAR reduced their utility bills by an estimated $23 billion and prevented 210 million metric tons of GHG emissions, the equivalent to keeping 41 million vehicles off the roads.

You may have noticed the ENERGY STAR logo when you bought the appliances for your house.

energy star logo

When I worked in Best Buy, we often pushed customers toward ENERGY STAR-certified products. We did it because those products could save them lots of money down the line.

And listen to this:

One time, a customer tried to get us to name one delivery address and deliver the washer to another. As it turns out, she wanted a kickback that her town’s energy company offered for energy efficient appliances.

Also, that’s fraud, kids. Don’t commit fraud.

The point is that the rewards must be substantial.

Push for energy efficiency in the U.S.

Energy efficiency has become a big thing, but the big push for it came in the 1970s. California led the way with mandatory appliance efficiency standards and keeping their electricity and energy consumption per capita nearly constant since then.

It’s hard to have a direct comparison of how all 50 states are doing on energy efficiency, but we know that some of the best are:

list o f states that do energy efficiency

If you don’t see your state up there, building energy efficient homes can help push it up the ladder.

Is An Energy Efficient Home Right For Me?

I can’t tell you if energy efficient homes are right for you, but I can tell you that you’ll have a lot of help.

Here’s the thing:

Between environmental activists, government programs, the advice of other homeowners, and of course, this guide — building energy efficient homes is almost universally seen as a good thing.

house with solar panels contructed on the roof

That means you won’t be alone.

Plus, you’ll have more than enough aid to make your project a success!

So let’s talk about some of the specific features you’ll want to focus on if you want to build an energy efficient home.

Geothermal wells

A geothermal heat pump or ground source heat pump (GSHP) is a central heating and cooling system that transfers heat to or from the ground.

With the core of the Earth being an estimated 6,000º C (about 10,800º Fahrenheit), the Earth provides a lot of heat on its own. So part of making your energy efficient home is going to include using natural resources instead of man-made ones.

krafla geothermal power station

Source: Ásgeir Eggertsson

Benefits

As a geothermal installer said in Popular Mechanics, “You’re not making heat, you’re moving heat.”

One of the best things about a geothermal well is that its heat source is stable.

Do you hear that?

The Earth’s core certainly isn’t going to die in your lifetime, and that means you’ll only have to do it once.

Heating and cooling

With a geothermal well, it’s not just about the heating.

Because it uses the same technology as a refrigerator, it can remove the heat from a given environment, making your warm in the winter and cool in the spring/summer.

Savings

According to Popular Mechanics, you’ll be able to recoup your money through tax credits and savings on your monthly bill immediately.

And that’s good news:

In the long term, over a span of 10 years, the project will pay for itself entirely.

Insulation

Everyone has an intuitive understanding of insulation. You may live in a drafty old building, where the walls do nothing to keep out the cold and keep in the heat.

installing insulation

Source: Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia

Insulation is also related to your monthly energy bills, and if your energy is escaping out of your window or walls, they increase dramatically (and everyone had at least one parent who shouted at you to keep windows closed when the AC or heat was on.)

Right?

The point is that:

Even if you have a great heat/AC source like a geothermal well, it’s not going to matter a lot if your money is escaping through the walls.

Old homes

The bad news is:

With old homes, it can be very difficult to seal them too tightly, making renovation necessary. However, if you’re thinking of building energy efficient homes, you can add it as a priority.

This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to seal up an old home.

Caulking and weather-stripping can stop air leaks and still improve the energy-efficiency of an old house.

Leaky ducts

According to SFGate Home Guides, leaking ducts can lower your home’s energy efficiency by up to 20%.

That makes intuitive sense.

If you had a pipe with a leak in it, less liquid would get where it’s supposed to go, making it less efficient. It’s the same with your air ducts, so it’s important to seal them up and save yourself energy and money.

And since heat rises, one of the most important places to insulate is going to be your roof.

Savings

Not only can fixing your insulation lead to a more comfortable home, but it can also deliver big savings.

The Department of Energy provides different guides for insulation, whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one.

So, much will depend on the type of insulation you use and the type of home you’re building/renovating. Some side benefits of proper insulation include:

  • Reduced noise from outside
  • Less pollen, dust and insects (or pests) entering your home
  • Better humidity control
  • Lower chance for ice dams on the roof/eves in snowy climates

So when building energy efficient homes, a focus on insulation is absolutely critical.

Thermostats

Remember that parent yelling at you about leaving windows and doors open?

That’s nothing compared to thermostat wars.

Lives have been ruined because two or more people have different ideas about comfortable temperatures (okay, not really.) But thermostats have a lot to do with your home’s efficiency as a whole.

via GIPHY

Away from home

Here’s something easy:

Increase energy efficiency by turning your thermostat down when you’re away from the house.

In my hometown of Rochester, NY, we’re a little greedy about heat, and for good reason — it’s freezing! But even we can turn down the thermostat when no one is using it.

via GIPHY

Longer is better

It seems pretty obvious, but the longer your thermostat remains at a lower temperature, the bigger your savings are going to be.

Not only that:

If you have a programmable thermostat, you can tell it to warm your place up at times when you’ll be using it — like when you’re awake or on your way home from work.

Remember the time

Thermostats change the temperature of the house, but they can’t make your heating system turn on a dime.

So if you want to maximize your benefits:

You have to think ahead. If you’re coming home, it may not have your house warm in 20 minutes, and it won’t cool down that quickly, either.

Tech Invasion: How Tech Changed Energy Efficiency Forever

Captain Obvious says:

Technology has changed the world we live in forever.

Sometimes this can be a good thing, and sometimes not. But we know that we can’t run away from it.

So here’s the question:

How can you make technology work for energy efficient homes?

Does your tech actually make your house more efficient?

As creepy as some people find it, there is loads of tech out there for controlling your home. From controlling your lights to your doors to your disco ball (I know you have one), the tech revolution has led to truly incredible advancements in our home lives.

smart remote control

And one thing we know for sure is that everything nowadays is smart.

Smart light bulbs

Smart LED light bulbs can be better and cheaper for your home. Instead of replacing and throwing out your old ones every few months, you can get the same light for a reduced cost.

Fun fact: You can also program them into different colors using Bluetooth or Wifi.

With an existing home, this can be as simple as replacing existing bulbs.

But if you want to build energy efficient homes, you can also start with this idea in mind! Homes.com claims you can save $75 annually by making this relatively easy switch.

And that’s not all:

Another great feature of controllable bulbs is that you can dim them when more light is not necessary, saving energy and money.

You can also avoid the nasty heat that can come with some light bulbs — which is especially important in the summer or in places with scorching weather.

Smart appliances

Some of the biggest energy hogs in your home are your appliances, like your oven, dishwasher, washer, and dryer.

But there are options for these too, including:

Smart ovens

This one will certainly change your relationship with Thanksgiving. When I worked at Best Buy, this was one of the most impressive machines we told customers about.

Imagine being able to cook a time-intensive meal like a full turkey without even having to be at your house.

dinner served

You also won’t waste energy guessing the wrong temperature to cook at.

Some smart ovens can weigh your meal, understand the type of thing it is, and adjust to the correct temperature.

Nobody needs to know how to cook anymore.

You should probably connect this one to a smart outlet, though, to make sure you don’t burn the house down.

Smart dishwashers

Getting a smart dishwasher can help you control the cycles and water usage of your dishwasher, reducing your energy costs.

You can also use a fast wash to reduce water usage for things that don’t need a deep clean.

Smart outlets

This one is pretty obvious.

Your devices continue to use energy when plugged in.to your outlets. This can be great for your refrigerator (which needs to stay on) but not for your phone (which is already charged long before you wake up).

A smart outlet can help you with that.

smart outlet

By cutting off the power when you don’t need to use it, you’ll save big on your energy bills.

And that’s not the best part:

Smart outlets can also provide additional comfort, because if you think you left something dangerous on (like an iron), you could just turn it off from your smartphone at work.

Smart thermostats

We talked about thermostats before, but mostly in the context of manual ones. However, if you get a smart thermostat that’s capable of learning your routine and preferences, you’re looking at saving up to 30 percent on your energy bill.

That’s huge!

Nest thermostats, a very popular brand, can even be controlled by your smartphone and can help you save 12 percent on heating bills and 15 percent on cooling bills.

Washers and dryers

ENERGY STAR is your friend when it comes to washers and dryers. By looking for that sticker, you’ll be able to tell which washers use water more efficiently and which dryers use more energy.

According to ENERGY STAR, certified clothes washers save on energy and water cost using about 40% less water and about 25% less energy than a regular washer.

Tech to the rescue!

Although switching to energy-saving tech will not be the end of your journey, it’s a great place to start.

Best of all:

It can be very helpful for homeowners without the means to do complete home renovations. Switching out thermostats, light bulbs, and appliances is, by definition, easier than a home makeover, and it will still get you some big results.

But if you’re looking to make a real splash, let’s talk about home improvement.

Home Improvement

Any home project can seem like a massive undertaking at the start.

Whether hiring contractors or doing the work yourself, home renovation is not easy. However, there is one thing that always makes it easier: preparation.

Let’s go through some of the areas you can improve for your home’s energy efficiency.

Areas of improvement

Likely, the first step you’ll want to take before changing your home in any way is to consult a professional.

If you yourself are not a builder or contractor, they’ll tell you what you need to know. What kind of home you want to renovate/build will depend on multiple factors:

things to consider before renovating or building a home

These are just some of the factors you’ll want to think about before any major changes. As for the inside of your home, that will come with a host of new challenges.

Air sealing

ENERGY STAR estimates that you can save up to 10% on annual costs by air sealing your home. The best steps to take is to decide what you want to fix, how much effort it will take, and the return on your investment.

Here’s what’s best:

Tackle the energy projects that will give you the most bang for your buck. Because air sealing affects your home as a whole, it’s almost guaranteed to save homeowners money when they do it. And the average cost is only $300 – $600!

Lighting

Just like with thermostats, lighting can be fixed by manual changes to your habits (like turning lights off in unused rooms)

However, the Department of Energy also has suggestions for lighting your home for energy efficiency, including using halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Lightbulbs

Source: Mark Jurrens

These bulbs can be more expensive on the front end, but they save you money in the long run.

Water heating

Water heating can account for up to 18% of your home’s energy use. So it’s important to think about.

For water, changing up your habits can make a ton of difference, including:

  • Not leaving water running while brushing your teeth
  • Taking shorter showers
  • Using energy-efficient dishwashers vs. hand-washing

However, your water heating system also plays a role in your overall energy efficiency.

An option you might consider is a solar water heater, which can be used in any climate.

solar water heater

And the best part about a solar water heater is that the sun is free of charge, even though installing it won’t be.

Using a solar heater can cut your water heating costs by up to 50% and typically costs a little more than $1000.

warning sign that needs to be kept in mind

Windows

When it comes to windows, Modernize claims that double-pane beat single-pane hands down.

If you’re looking to upgrade your energy efficiency, you can’t do it without focusing on all the money that slips right, well, out of your window.

light house window with blue curtain

What’s more:

Just by making this change, you could save $125 to $465 a year. Energy efficient windows cost $270 to $800 to install, so do the math.

If you’re making the high end of that money back, you’ll have a return on your investment in no time.

And maybe you don’t stop there:

You can even get windows triple-paned to increase your payback. And like all the other forms of air sealing and insulation, this will add to your home’s comfort in all seasons.

Doors

Replacing your doors is an important part of energy efficient homes. Some changes that you can make to your habits include just one:

  • Close them.

But other than that, there are also exciting ways to make sure your door isn’t the problem child on your energy bill.

fun fact

Though you probably know that doors can lose heat by air leakage around them, you may not be aware that direct conduction through the door frame can also result in heat lost.

Here’s what to do:

When building energy efficient homes, you should pick doors that are ENERGY STAR certified, and check out state guidelines to see if you’re getting your energy efficiency right.

Tracking Your Progress

So you’ve decided to make your home more energy efficient.

Great!

Let’s harness this enthusiasm (and, of course, energy to get the job done!)

How to track energy efficiency

After you make all these changes to your home, you’re probably going to want to know how you’re doing.

The truth is:

Tracking your efficiency is the only way to know whether you’re meeting your goals, or where your problem areas are.

But there are right ways and wrong ways to do it.

Do not simply compare

You would not compare the amount of heat you used in January to the amount you used in July. Homeowners can fall into similar traps with energy efficient homes.

Flat comparisons, without understanding the factors involved, won’t give you what you’re looking for.

Energy Lens has some suggestions when it comes to tracking your efficiency:

Marketing for Startups

Do’s and Don’t’s

By now, you’ve probably realized that energy efficient homes can be complicated.

No matter which way you turn, you’re likely to get conflicting information on what you should or shouldn’t be doing.

So here are some helpful pieces of advice that will help you along.

Don’t go it alone!

Even though the advice you get might be confusing, it’s best to involve others in your energy efficient journey. Tips from other homeowners and professionals can be key, as well as reliable information from studies and industry experts.

Wash with cold water

This one is pretty simple.

Washing your clothes in cold water can save you up to $63 a year.

Use low-flow faucets

Using these can help you even further reduce your water costs.

Check and clean filters regularly

If your furnace is filthy, for example, it won’t run efficiency.

The same goes for most things in your home.

Regular maintenance, on its own, can help you increase your home’s energy efficiency.

Reduce water heater temperature

Doing this can help you save on costs, and nobody likes that friend’s house with scalding water, so it’s a win-win!

Keep your oven closed!

If you open the oven while baking, it will use more energy to bring itself back to the correct temperature. It will be ready when it’s ready, so keep it closed.

The same idea goes for your refrigerator.

Keep your refrigerator well-stocked

Surprisingly, fridges and freezers operate best when they’re full, so keeping them full of goodies can be good for your energy efficiency.

Just thing of all the yummy stuff waiting for you in there.

Don’t jack up the thermostat

If your house is cold, it won’t get any warmer by throwing the temperature up to a higher number. So, you might as well just place it at your desired temperature.

Use your appliances at night

This will reduce strain on the power grid and keep your house cooler.

And that’s not all:

It also means you won’t be competing for energy by using it at peak hours.

What You’ll Gain

The journey to energy efficiency can be daunting for any homeowner. And although we didn’t talk about it in this article, there are many homeowners that simply can’t afford to do it.

model of an energy efficient homes

Source: Ildar Sagdejev (Specious)

However, if you are one of those homeowners, and you can afford to build or renovate energy efficient homes, the results are astounding.

From the environmental impact to the energy savings, building energy efficient homes is a towering achievement that ends up being its own reward.

If you’re thinking of doing it:

You’ve already done the first thing.

You read this article!

Next, talk with your friends and neighbors — they probably have stories about the effect of energy efficiency on their own homes.

And they can help you.

When you’re more advanced, consult a professional to work out the details and figure out what type of energy efficient home is right for you.

And finally, as Nike says, just do it.

Just Do It!

Building/renovating energy efficient homes is not the easiest task, but I think that if you commit to it, you’ll learn something and find that it was truly worth it.

Are you thinking of tackling an energy efficient project at home? Or have you done little things bit by bit? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Filed Under: GadgetGestures.com, Technology Tagged With: Energy Efficient Homes, Environment, Impact, money, Saving

The HP Pavilion15z Laptop Review – More Than A Budget Laptop

January 4, 2019 By Brandi McCants Leave a Comment

The world of laptops can be a very complicated one. Especially if you are looking for a laptop with a great trade-off between performance and the size of the hole it will burn in your pocket. If you have a big pocket, you can pick whatever you want. But if your pocket is limited, like most pockets, the search for a good laptop becomes more complicated.

Well, let me tell you that I have been to the Goldilocks (not hot, not cold, just right) zone and I met your laptop. It’s the HP Pavilion 15z. I think for your sake, an HP Pavilion 15z laptop is in order.

But before we get to our HP Pavilion laptop review, let me let you in on a few secrets concerning budget laptops.

Quick Navigation
The Truth You Need to Know About Budget Laptops
The HP Pavilion 15z Laptop Review
HP Pavilion 15z - Overview of Specs
Configurable Specifications
Universal Specs
Design and Build Quality
Display
Connectivity
Performance
Memory/Storage
Battery Life
The HP Pavilion 15z Laptop Review - More than You Bargained For

The Truth You Need to Know About Budget Laptops

So, what are the secrets surrounding budget laptops? Here are 3 that you need to know so that you can purchase your next budget laptop (an HP Pavilion 15z perhaps) with great confidence.

HP Budget Laptops

Just Because They Are Cheap Doesn’t Mean They Are Poorly Made

Many times, people confuse budget laptops for poorly made laptops. Even though at times there may be some concessions made in terms of the materials used, budget laptops are still strong and robust machines.

What makes them cheap, then? Great question. One of the things that contribute to the low prices of budget laptops is technology. With technological advancements moving at the speed of light, today’s best-performing laptop quickly becomes relegated to budget laptop status in a few years’ time due to new technology ruling the market.

They Get the Job Done – Quite Well

Most budget laptops come with some technology from a previous generation or two tech-wise. But just because there is new technology available doesn’t mean the technology in budget laptops is not capable of handling your tasks – it is very capable in most instances. Budget laptops get the job done and at the fraction of the cost of high-end laptops.

You Can Depend on Them

Most budget laptops are very dependable machines that you can rely on to last for some years. Remember, they are not inferior models per se, just older models. Older models, technology-wise, and you can definitely depend on them for most of your basic tasks.

Now that you know the truth about budget laptops, let’s get on with our HP Pavilion 15z laptop review.

The HP Pavilion 15z Laptop Review

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Few laptops can live up to the title of “budget laptop” while providing you with the performance you require, but the HP Pavilion 15z does. But before I tell you what to expect from it, let me quickly run you through the specs.

HP Pavilion 15z - Overview of Specs

Just like the HP Pavilion 15t, the HP Pavilion 15z is a configurable laptop, but unlike the HP Pavilion 15t, it doesn’t come with Intel’s line of processors but is equipped with AMD’s A series of processors. Let’s take a peak.

Configurable Specifications

Screen Resolution

1366 x 768 Pixels (HD)

1920 x 1080 Pixels (Full HD)

Processor (CPU)

AMD A10-9620P “Bristol Ridge” quad-core 2.5-3.4GHz 2MB cache

AMD A12-9720P “Bristol Ridge” quad-core 2.7-3.6GHz 2MB cache

AMD A9-9420 “Stoney Ridge” dual-core 3-3.6GHz 1MB cache

Graphics (GPU)

AMD Radeon R5 Integrated Graphics

AMD Radeon R7 Integrated Graphics

System Memory (RAM)

8GB

12GB

16GB

Storage

128GB SSD

256GB SSD

1TB HDD

2TB HDD

Input

Non-backlit keyboard with numeric pad

Multi-touch trackpad with physical buttons

Touchscreen

Battery

3-Cell 31 WHr

4-cell 41 WHr

Up to 6 hours and 45 minutes of battery life with HD display; up to 5 hours and 15 minutes with full HD

Universal Specs

Screen Size

15.6-inch

Touchscreen

Optional

Speakers and Audio

Stereo speakers

Cameras

Front

Wifi

802.11AC, 802.11N

Ethernet LAN

Yes

Bluetooth

Yes (Optional)

USB

2 x USB 3.1 + 1 x USB 2.0

Video Ports

1 x HDMI

Media Card Reader

Yes (SD card reader)

DVD Optical Drive

None

Weight

4.1 pounds

Height

0.9"

Width

15"

Depth

10"

Windows Version

Windows 10 Home

This is a pretty neat machine for personal and office use, if I may say so. But let’s dig deeper into our HP Pavilion 15z laptop review just to make sure.

The HP Design

Design
and
Build Quality



For a budget laptop, the HP Pavilion 15z is built quite solidly. True, the chassis is mainly plastic, but the build quality and design are so good it doesn’t shout, “cheap.” It actually has a nice executive look about it, especially if you go with jet black as your choice of color. It comes in 6 different colors of the lid, sides, and bottom – you can choose between black, grey, silver, gold, blue, and red. But whatever color you go for, the HP Pavilion 15z looks good.

HP adopted the usual keyboard style with this offering, as it also features a keyboard with Chiclet keys and the number pad positioned on the right. The keyboard on the HP Pavilion 15z gives a good typing experience, especially since it doesn’t suffer from shallow key travel plaguing many of its competitors in the budget laptop category. For example, the keyboards on the Asus VivoBook S500CA-Ds51t. The multi-touch trackpad also comes with mechanical “click” buttons instead of being integrated into the surface. If you want a backlit keyboard, it is available as an option.

I can’t fault the HP Pavilion 15t when it comes to the build quality. After all, it is a budget laptop. And for its category, it is quite well built, to say the least. That’s why I rate it at 5/5 for design and build quality.

 HP Pavilion Display

Display

When it comes to buying a budget laptop, it’s all about making concessions. And when it comes to the screen, this is one area you need to be willing to make a compromise on. Sure, the screen is not terrible, but it’s not brilliant either, and that in both configurations.

The HP Pavilion comes with a 15.6-inch screen that comes in two main configurations - a 1366×768 pixels HD display which can be configured to be touch-capable, and a 1920 × 1080 pixels full HD screen. Neither have IPS capabilities.

The display on the HP Pavilion is bright enough for most daily tasks and watching your regular movies or streaming even though it is not one of HP’s best displays. The display gets a 4/5 from me. It’s an average screen that does what it is meant to do, but it’s nothing to write home about.

Connectivity

Connectivity of HP

When it comes to connecting you to the net and your accessories, the HP Pavilion is well-equipped to handle all your connectivity needs. It comes with 2 USB 3.1 ports, and HDMI video port, an Ethernet port, as well as an SD card reader on the right side while the left side has a USB 2.0 port, and a headphone jack on the left side.

As for wireless internet activity, it comes with 802.11n or 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless connectivity which is fast enough to get you browsing your favorite sites and streaming your favorite movies. When you decide to go with the HP Pavilion 15z, you need to take note of the fact that Bluetooth is optional. Make sure to tick that box as Bluetooth has become an invaluable part of the digital experience.

When it comes to connectivity, I’m giving the Pavilion 15z a 5/5 as it manages to seamlessly connect you to the internet and all your other accessories in a more than satisfactory way.

Performance

HP Pavilion Performace

As mentioned earlier, the Pavilion 15z comes with A8-4555M, A10-9620P, and A12-9720P quad-core AMD APUs (Accelerated Processor Unit). Unlike their Intel counterparts, they may be a bit sluggish when being used for heavier tasks like video editing and playing modern games. But apart from that, they are quite efficient processors for everyday tasks and handle them very well. Be sure to go for at least 12GB RAM for you to have better performance from your HP Pavilion 15z.

The Radeon HD 7600G GPU, on the other hand, is a different story altogether as it comes out top of the class when it comes to rendering 3D graphics, leaving its Acer and Asus counterparts struggling to catch up.

Performance-wise, the HP Pavilion doesn’t really sparkle but it definitely gets the job done. If you are looking for a daily workhorse, this is one machine that you should strongly consider as it will take care of all your word processing needs, photo editing, a bit of gaming, and video streaming without breaking much of a sweat.

For being a solid workhorse, the HP Pavilion gets a hard-earned and well-deserved 5/5.

Memory/Storage

HP Pavilion Storage

One area in which you will find that the HP Pavilion 15z shines is in the storage department - both RAM and ROM. For RAM, you have the option to choose between 8GB, 12GB, and 16GB of DDR4 SDRAM, which are all more than adequate for most processor functions.

Storage space also comes in abundance with the Pavilion 15z as you will have a choice between 1 TB SATA, 2 TB SATA, 256 GB SSD, and 512 GB SSD. Of course, for faster performance, best you opt for a solid state hard drive.

It’s a 5/5 for the HP Pavilion in this department.

Battery Life

 HP Pavilion Battery Life

Most budget laptops come with less-than-acceptable battery life, but the Pavilion 15z is not most. The 15z has a battery life of up to 6 hours and 45 minutes on configurations with the HD display, while full HD models can go up to 5 hours and 15 minutes on a charge. That is pretty impressive for any laptop, and that earns the HP Pavilion 15z an impressive 5/5.

The HP Pavilion 15z Laptop Review - More than You Bargained For

With many budget laptops, you’re never really sure of what you are getting until it starts showing its true colors – usually its weaknesses. With the HP Pavilion 15z, you get more than you bargained for. It’s a durable machine that gets the job done without causing you much of a headache. If you are on the hunt for a budget laptop, this is one that should be on top of your list.

Filed Under: Laptops, Technology

The 10 Best SSD Laptops – Modern Laptops Are Different

November 15, 2018 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

Dell XPS 13
Quick Navigation
Modern Laptops Are Different
Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3" Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...
Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9" (Renewed)
LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3" Full HD IPS Display, Intel...
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HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...
ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5" Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...
Asus ZenBook UX310
Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st Gen) D9P-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 S,...
Acer Swift 7, 13.3" Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54, 8GB LPDDR3,...
Huawei MateBook X Signature Edition 13" Laptop, Office 365 Personal...
The Best SSD Laptop – What is Right for You?

The standard hard disk drive (HDD) was the primary storage device used in computers for quite a while. The major draw is that hard disk drives have a large storage and low cost.

The solid-state drive (SSD) is just another storage alternative and is gradually replacing the hardest disk drives. You'll quickly find out by taking at look at the differences between them, the SSD is a definite winner.

But, owing to its cost per unit of memory, some users might be put off buying solid-state drives.

For many computer users, it is recommended using an SSD as the key driver for the operating system, in addition to the programs that you access most often. It’s also a good idea to buy a large HDD (external is great) for saving files, images, and audio.

An SSD has access rates of 35 to 100 microseconds, which Is nearly 100 times quicker than HDD. This faster access rate means apps can be accessed a lot more speedily, which is quite significant, particularly for programs that need a constant stream of information.

The SSD has no moving components. It uses flash memory to store info, which provides better performance and reliability than using a HDD. With no moving parts, SSD also creates no sounds.

SSD can be found in 2.5", 1.8", and 1.0" sizes, raising the space readily available at a computer, particularly on a server or desktop.

Because there are no moving parts and also because of the nature of flash memory, the SSD creates less heat, helping to maximize its lifespan and dependability. SSD isn't influenced by magnetism either.

Modern Laptops Are Different

Laptops are getting smaller, lighter, and much quicker than were before. Some aren’t thicker than 2cm and are using the best chips and solid-state drives – and many of these modern laptops are about reliability as they are about functionality.

Together with the very best Ultrabooks, you do not need to be concerned about your PC locking up in the center of a very important task, or even running out of juice when traveling.

The top ultrabooks were mainly created by Intel to give the MacBook Air a run for its money as it dominated the entire world in 2011.

Fast forward to 2018, and Apples’ Macbook Air has some serious competition - it is a marvel that Apple has not sought to implement many features. Maybe that is why the top Ultrabooks are so popular nowadays.

Most of these run Windows 10 and come from a vast array of laptop makers, the top Ultrabooks bear a range of different innovation that seems to be lacking from Apple’s newest models.

And, now that Intel is formally producing Core I9 notebook CPUs, the very best Ultrabooks stand to be even better in the not too distant future.

If you’re looking for the best SSD Ultrabook you can possibly find, we have narrowed down the choices available to just ten picks.

From manufacturers you’ve probably heard of, such as HP and Dell, to people there are a bit more out there, we've reviewed a range of laptops to suit your needs.

Below you can find out more information about their layout, functionality, battery life, and value, so you can decide for yourself what is the Ultrabook for you. In the long run, it’ll be up to you to make the final decision!

Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3" Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...

Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3' Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...
Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3" Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...
  • 13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080) Infinityedge Touch Display
  • Intel 7th Gen Kaby Lake i5 7200U Dual-Core;
  • 8GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM, 128 GB M.2 SATA SSD;
Shop now at Amazon.com

Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 to i7 
  • Pictures: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 4GB -- 16GB
  • Display: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080; non-touch) – QHD + (3200 x 1800 touchscreen)
  • Storage: 128GB to 1TB SSD

Talking Points

  • Launched IR webcam
  • Beautiful new layout
  • Steeper starting cost
  • White alternative is pricier

Weighing only 2.67 lbs, and measuring just 0.3 Inches thick, Dell’s XPS 13 is most definitely an Ultrabook in the greatest sense.

You will find however that it isn’t the least expensive best SSD laptop, particularly as the cheaper Intel Core i3 build is no longer around. On the other hand, the XPS 13 is a stunning testament to what a lightweight laptop is capable of.

It wields the most recent 8th-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 chips, naturally, but in addition, it also packs a trio of USB Type-C interfaces and the option of an Alpine White, which gives it a brilliant look.

PROS

  • Infinity Display
  • Build Quality
  • Fantastic Keyboard
  • Battery Life up-to 17hrs of usage.

CONS

  • Palm Rest
  • Ergonomics slide.
  • others opinion is the click is quite unsatisfying, 

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$$

Shop now at Amazon.com

Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9" (Renewed)

Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9' (Renewed)
Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9" (Renewed)
  • This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes...
  • New 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U processor (1.80 GHz to 4.00 GHz Cache 8 MB SmartCache) Quad-core, four-way processing...
  • 16GB system memory for intense multitasking. Reams of high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM to smoothly run your graphics-heavy PC...
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Specs

  • CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Display: 13.9-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) -- UHD (3,840 x 2,160)
  • Storage: 256GB -- 1TB SSD

Talking Points

  • Beautiful design
  • Adequate power
  • Keyboard still annoys in tablet form
  • Fans can be loud

Few Ultrabooks are solidly built as the Lenovo Yoga 920, a 2-in-1 notebook that looks wonderful and is great to use. Compared to its closest competitors, such as Microsoft's Surface Novel two, it is going to save you some cash.

For the small amount that you put down for it, you are getting a stunning, all-metal finish which can also be flipped inside out for extended use. Additionally, it houses the hottest 8th-generation Intel chips.

PROS

  • Appealing thin-and-light design
  • Blazingly fast SSD
  • Outstanding battery life
  • Eighth-generation Intel Core i7 CPU
  • Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
  • Stylus pen included

CONS

  • Not exactly inexpensive
  • Lacks graphical power
  • Watchband hinge isn't quite stiff enough
  • External monitor requires Thunderbolt 3 adapter
  • No SD card slot

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$$

Shop now at Amazon.com

LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3" Full HD IPS Display, Intel...

LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3' Full HD IPS Display, Intel...
LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3" Full HD IPS Display, Intel...
  • 13.3 inches Full HD IPS LCD Screen
  • Windows 10 Home
  • 72Wh Lithium Battery (up to 22.5 hours* - MobileMark 2014 Standard)
Shop now at Amazon.com

Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Display: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080)
  • Storage: 256GB -- 1TB NVMe M.Two SSD

Talking Points

  • Stunning layout
  • Strong hardware
  • Light on vents

As soon as you see the HP Spectre 13 for the very first time, you may be taken aback by the beauty of its design.

HP has transformed the already-beautiful Spectre and improved it even further with a great look and specifications that really put it in the running for best SSD laptop.

Among the very first Ultrabooks packaging a quad-core CPU, the 2017 Spectre 13 actually doubles the CPU functionality of most of its rivals. This does come at the price of its battery but clocking in at just under 6 hours allows you to get a good amount of work done.

PROS

  • Extremely thin
  • Great screen
  • More ports and power than the MacBook
  • Excellent performance
  • Good battery life
  • Excellent value

CONS

  • Limited number of ports
  • Core i7 performs more like a Core i5
  • No traditional USB ports
  • Small trackpad
  • Lacks a touchscreen

QUALITY

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Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i7
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 620 -- Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Display: 12.5-inch UHD (3,840 x 2,160) -- 13.3-inch QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800)
  • Storage: 256GB -- 1TB PCIe SSD

Talking Points

  • Larger, brighter screen
  • Subtler aesthetics on gunmetal Edition
  • Shorter and shorter battery life.
  • No 4K screen option in sight

Razer has got a hold of the frequent misconception that it is a manufacturer of gaming notebooks and peripherals, a reputation it has managed to overcome as it introduced the Blade Stealth back in 2016.

And if you’re not quite sure, the most recent variant of this Razer Blade Stealth will probably make you think again as you glance at the 13.3-inch, QHD+ display.

Whilst this notebook isn’t available in 4K, the functionality of this Ultrabook alone is well worth the compromise, and many crown it the best SSD laptop.

PROS

  • "Razer" thin profile
  • Vibrant 4K touch display
  • Razer finally did away with its mushy mouse buttons
  • Sleek, solid construction
  • New Intel Kaby Lake processor for class-leading performance

CONS

  • Battery life is a bit short for an ultraportable
  • Key travel is a bit shallow

QUALITY

PRICE

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HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...

HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...
HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...
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Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 8GB -- 16GB
  • Display: 13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) -- UHD (3,840 x 2,160) touch panel
  • Storage: 256GB -- 1TB SSD

Talking Points

  • Stylus included
  • Stunning speakers
  • Weak hinges
  • Annoying keyboard design

Rarely does a business think about absolutely everything when designing a Notebook, however, for what it is worth, the HP Spectre x360 comes amazingly close.

It is a two-in-one convertible notebook – it is possible you wanted a dedicated machine. However, for those creative users on the market, it comes complete with a Windows Ink-compatible stylus, not like most hybrids.

That wouldn’t mean too much if the HP Spectre x360 did not have good audio and visuals, but if you take a look for yourself, it’s easy to see that it does.

PROS

  • Rigid, classy design in allaluminum chassis
  • Decent mix of ports, including fullsize SD card slot
  • Attractive pricing given the overall value

CONS

  • Battery life better than 2016 4K version
  • Big, heavy as a tablet

QUALITY

PRICE

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ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5" Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...

ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5' Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...
ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5" Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...
  • Incredibly Powerful with Intel Core i7 2.7GHz 7500U Processor and 16GB of 2133MHz DDR3 Memory
  • ASUS Craftsmanship delivers an Ultra-Thin 0.5-inch profile with a 2-pound lightweight unibody design ; 6 Cells 40 Whrs...
  • Our Toughest ZenBook designed with Premium Aerospace-grade Aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass 4
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Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Display: 12.5-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080)
  • Storage: 512GB SSD

Talking Points

  • Crystal clear screen
  • Lightweight and very portable
  • Unusual fingerprint sensor positioning
  • Just one USB-C port

Anyone familiar with Apple's thinnest and lightest notebook would be smart to compare the Asus ZenBook 3 with its most notable competitor, the 12-inch MacBook. The similarities are evident, but take one look at the specs and you can see the obvious differences too. Adorned with the pick of a U-series Intel Core i5 or i7 chip, the ZenBook 3 is remarkably powerful considering it is less than half of an inch thick and weighs only just two pounds. The interface selection is lean, but it is definitely worth the trade-off.

PROS

  • Powerful Core i7 processor in a slim, portable package
  • Great battery life
  • Comes with a mini-dock for extra ports

CONS

  • The 12.5-inch display is locked at 1,920x1,080 resolution
  • Fingerprint sensor placement makes no sense

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

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2016 ASUS 13.3 inch ZenBook Full HD 1920 x 1080 Laptop PC, Intel Core...

2016 ASUS 13.3 inch ZenBook Full HD 1920 x 1080 Laptop PC, Intel Core...
2016 ASUS 13.3 inch ZenBook Full HD 1920 x 1080 Laptop PC, Intel Core...
  • Intel Core i7-6500U Dual-Core processor 3.5 GHz up to 3.9GHz; Integrated Intel HD 520 Graphics
  • 8GB DDR4 SDRAM RAM. 256GB SSD
  • 13.3" 1920x1080 Anti-Glare Display, HD Webcam, Multi-Format Media Card Reader
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Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i3 -- Core i7
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 4GB -- 16GB
  • Display: 13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) -- QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800)
  • Storage: 500GB -- 1TB HDD; 500GB -- 1TB SSD

Talking Points

  • Super thin 
  • Vibrant, glare-free display
  • Weak images
  • Tinny speakers

It is no secret that Apple hasn’t kept up to scratch with the MacBook Air lately, but it’s not really a problem when you have Windows Ultrabooks that are doing the job just as well - and sometimes better. Just take the UX310, follow-up to the award-winning ZenBook UX305. Possessing a 7th generation Intel Kaby Lake chip, a 178-degree rotating QHD+ display, a USB-C port a plus also an all-aluminum casing, this really is one candidate gunning for the top spot.

PROS

  • All aluminium body
  • Fast to wake up and use

CONS

  • Mediocre battery life

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

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Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st Gen) D9P-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 S,...

Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st Gen) D9P-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 S,...
Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st Gen) D9P-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 S,...
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop features a 7th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 128 GB of storage, 4 GB RAM, and up to 14.5...
  • Backed by the best of Microsoft, including Windows and Office
  • Sleek, elegant design; ultra-thin and light laptop fits easily in your bag
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Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 620 -- Iris Plus Graphics 640
  • RAM: 4GB -- 16GB
  • Display: 13.5-inch, 2,256 x 1,504 PixelSense screen
  • Storage: 128GB -- 512GB SSD

Talking Points

  • Beautiful design
  • Well constructed
  • Windows 10 S is Limited
  • No USB-C

No, this isn’t just another Surface Novel – it is, in fact, a full-on conventional laptop (albeit using a touchscreen) made by Microsoft.

Everything from the imported Alcantara cloth decorating the computer keyboard, to its stunning 13.5-inch, 3:2 PixelSense screen, there is no denying the Surface Notebook's allure at face value. However, if you decide to dig a little deeper, and you will discover a laptop that is arguably more capable than Apple's more expensive 12-inch MacBook.

PROS

  • Slim, modern design
  • Nearly instant face recognition login
  • Free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro
  • Excellent touchscreen
  • Excellent battery life

CONS

  • The long-term life of the fabric covering remains a question
  • The port selection is limited, skipping USB-C entirely
  • Speakers are loud, but lack bass
  • A standard laptop isn't great for pen and touch
  • SSD on the slow side

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

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$$$

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Acer Swift 7, 13.3" Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54, 8GB LPDDR3,...

Acer Swift 7, 13.3' Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54, 8GB LPDDR3,...
Acer Swift 7, 13.3" Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54, 8GB LPDDR3,...
  • 7th Generation Intel Core i5-7Y54 Processor 1.2GHz (Up to 3.2GHz)
  • 13.3" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen IPS CineCrystal LED-backlit Display, Corning Gorilla Glass 4
  • 8GB LPDDR3 Memory, 256GB SSD
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Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-7Y54
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 615
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Display: 13.3-inch FHD 1,920 x 1,080
  • Storage: 256GB SATA SSD

Talking Points

  • Stunning layout
  • Fantastic texture
  • Middling battery life
  • No keyboard backlight

Of course, it’s not surprising that the planet's thinnest laptop does not come without its share of interface drawbacks.

Nonetheless, it’s unfair to judge that the Acer Swift 7, as it has plenty else to make up for it. Sporting a Core i5 chip from Intel's 7th gen Y string lineup (formerly Core M), the Swift 7 is by no way a powerhouse, but it has no need to be, either, as it seems good enough as is.

The Acer Swift 7 performs regardless of its shorter battery life.

PROS

  • Luxurious look and feel
  • Two USB Type-C ports
  • Extra-wide touchpad
  • Tough aluminum body

CONS

  • Performance lags the competition
  • The 1,920x1,080-pixel screen doesn't support touch
  • Lacks an SD Card Reader

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

Best Quality

$$

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Huawei MateBook X Signature Edition 13" Laptop, Office 365 Personal...

Huawei MateBook X Signature Edition 13' Laptop, Office 365 Personal...
Huawei MateBook X Signature Edition 13" Laptop, Office 365 Personal...
  • At just 12.5mm thick and 2.31 lbs., the Mate Book X is as thin as a magazine but with the full functionality of a PC...
  • Features a 2K display (2160x1440) protected by Corning Gorilla Glass and a 4.4mm narrow bezel with 88% screen...
  • World's first 13-inch notebook to launch Dolby Atmos Sound System providing an immersive sound experience with Dolby...
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Specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -- i7
  • Pictures: Intel HD Graphics 620
  • RAM: 4GB -- 8GB
  • Display: 13-inch, 2,160 x 1,440
  • Storage: 256GB -- 512GB

Talking Points

  • Great layout
  • Great sound capabilities
  • High cost
  • Limited connectivity Choices

Embellished with all the looks and cost of a 12-inch MacBook, you’ll probably be surprised when you figure out the MateBook X is much more powerful than its obvious counterpart.

Donning full size "U" series Intel Core I chips, this Ultrabook is much more than the Chinese knock-off you may have assumed it to be.

It’s created by Huawei – one of the most significant smartphone manufacturers on earth, and by the looks of things, it’s trying to replicate this success with the Matebook too.

PROS

  • Beautiful 14-inch display in a 13-inch frame
  • Unique webcam placement
  • Respectable battery life
  • Gorgeous design

CONS

  • Camera placement needs some getting used to
  • SD card slot not included
  • Unable to sustain maximum CPU Turbo Boost for extended periods

QUALITY

PRICE

RATING

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$$$

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Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3" Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...
Dell XPS 13 9360 13.3' Full HD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Touchscreen...

Weighing only 2.67 lbs, and measuring just 0.3 Inches thick, Dell’s XPS 13 is most definitely an Ultrabook in the greatest sense.

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Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9" (Renewed)
Lenovo 80Y70062US Yoga 920 (14) 2-in-1 Notebook PC, 13.9' (Renewed)

Few Ultrabooks are solidly built as the Lenovo Yoga 920, a 2-in-1 notebook that looks wonderful and is great to use.

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LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3" Full HD IPS Display, Intel...
LG gram Thin and Light Laptop – 13.3' Full HD IPS Display, Intel...

As soon as you see the HP Spectre 13 for the very first time, you may be taken aback by the beauty of its design.

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Razer Blade Stealth will probably make you think again as you glance at the 13.3-inch, QHD+ display.

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HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...
HP Spectre x360 13-4197ms 2-in-1 13.3in QHD IPS Touch Screen Laptop -...

It is a two-in-one convertible notebook – it is possible you wanted a dedicated machine.

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ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5" Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...
ASUS ZenBook 3 UX390UA 12.5' Ultraportable Laptop Intel Core i7-7500U...

the Asus ZenBook 3 with its most notable competitor, the 12-inch MacBook.

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Asus ZenBook UX310
Asus-ZenBook-UX310

Possessing a 7th generation Intel Kaby Lake chip, a 178-degree rotating QHD+ display, a USB-C port a plus also an all-aluminum casing

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Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st Gen) D9P-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 S,...
Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st Gen) D9P-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 S,...

the computer keyboard, to its stunning 13.5-inch, 3:2 PixelSense screen, there is no denying the Surface Notebook's allure at face value

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Acer Swift 7, 13.3" Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54, 8GB LPDDR3,...
Acer Swift 7, 13.3' Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54, 8GB LPDDR3,...

DescrThe Acer Swift 7 performs regardless of its shorter battery life.iption

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Huawei MateBook X Signature Edition 13" Laptop, Office 365 Personal...
Huawei MateBook X Signature Edition 13' Laptop, Office 365 Personal...

 MateBook X is much more powerful than its obvious counterpart.

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The Best SSD Laptop – What is Right for You?

As you can see, there is a wide range of brilliant SSD notebooks for every occasion, whatever your preference. Whether it’s gaming, getting down to work or just simple functionality, you’re sure to find something that suits you to a tee when looking for the best SSD laptop.

Filed Under: Laptops, Technology Tagged With: Best SSD Laptops, The solid-state drive (SSD), The standard hard disk drive (HDD)

The 6 Best 4K Laptops – Visual Clarity, Photo And Movie Editing

November 8, 2018 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

HP Spectre x360 on white background
Quick Navigation
More Comprehensive Gaming on 4K Laptops
Visual Clarity in 4K Laptops
Photo and Movie Editing in 4K
4K Just Feels Good to Have
The Best 4K Laptop - Reviews
The Best 4K Laptops – What Do You Think?

Since 4K-resolution screens became a thing on Notebooks in 2014, their worth was up for discussion. At the time there, was not much advantage outside picture editing, with very little 4K content accessible and applications that could not scale correctly for a higher resolution.

And then there were also the more significant hardware requirements to play video or games in 4K, so that you were not just paying to get a great display, but for pricier parts too.

A lot of this is different now, as costs have been reduced, and content can be found on all manner of streaming sites; elsewhere support has also been enhanced.

Nonetheless, there are lots of skeptics out there who are not buying into having more pixels on a notebook. If you are one of these people, we have put together a list of the best 4K laptops and why you may want to move to 4K with your next purchase (and one important factor you may want to consider too).

More Comprehensive Gaming on 4K Laptops

There are far more games that support premium 4K play today than there were in 2014. Even though you'll still require a powerful laptop to play them quickly at the correct resolution, what you will get is a fantastic, immersive viewing experience.

Are you going to miss out on anything by playing full HD? More than likely no, but HD won’t create those amazingly sharp details that you get while playing on your best 4K laptop.

Visual Clarity in 4K Laptops

I've yet to encounter a present 4K notebook that didn't make regular tasks have an extra sheen to them. All those additional pixels make for flatter, smoother text and images.

Additionally, because most essential programs' ports can scale nowadays without coming out bad, you can really appreciate having the higher resolution. On more prominent notebook displays, the higher resolution also means more space for applications’ user interfaces.

Photo and Movie Editing in 4K

Authentic color support is critical for retouching and using a 4K screen for picture editing is essential for analyzing the beautiful details of high-resolution pictures.

But while a 4K resolution is a beginning point, you're going to want to start looking for the screen's pixel density: The higher it is, the greater detail you will be afforded when editing.

Back in 2014, many customers did not have access to a camera powerful enough to take advantage of 4K. Nowadays, most premium smartphones can take 4K, together with DSLR, interchangeable lenses and smaller video cameras such as Go Pros, you have a wealth of options at your disposal.

And if you are going to take any photos in 4K, then you may wish to actually view such content in that resolution.

It's also worth mentioning that if you are doing CAD or desktop engineering for example, the additional pixels on the best 4k laptop can make all the difference.

Premium Features for 4K Users

Maybe it's because you want a touchscreen, the best-looking images, the processing muscle or other qualities that will provide you with enough tech to last into the future. Or perhaps it's just the layout you are after.

Whatever the reason for going 4K, sometimes the only means to get exactly what you need is to really go all out for a ‘premium’ laptop model, which nowadays usually means a 4K screen.

Something such as Razer's Blade Pro, for example, has a fantastic layout and top-notch images, however, you can access it with a 3,840 x 2,160-pixel touchscreen – a fantastic combination indeed.

4K Just Feels Good to Have

OK, this plays to the advertising of high-res notebook displays, but a beautiful high-resolution screen can be something that simply is impressive to look at.

You don’t need to tell everyone of course, but if someone is wowed by the crispness of your display or is really enjoying the sharpness of your pictures, there is no reason to shy away from pointing out it is 4K.  

4K Battery Life Can Be A Problem

Although there is a wealth of reasons to invest in 4K, one thing we have to point out is the caveat when it comes to dealing with battery life. It is unlikely you are going to do any activities for a huge amount of time with any notebook computer anyway; however, higher-resolution panels can really set a hurt on battery runtime.

According to our tests, Dell's XPS 13 (equipped with its QHD touchscreen) only runs for about 8 hours. If you opt for just the HD version, you’ll get over 10.5 hours of battery life. It is the same for the HP Spectre x360, which we found had 8 hours with the 4K version, but up to 16 hours with a standard HD screen.

You should probably take the price into consideration too. There are many more 4K Panels available today than there were in 2014.

While that has pushed down the price somewhat, 4K laptops definitely require you to put down a little more change for them. For many people, a complete HD notebook display delivers the ideal balance between clarity, power, and cost.

The Best 4K Laptop - Reviews

HP Spectre x360 13t Touch Laptop i7-8550U Quad Core,16GB RAM,512GB...

HP Spectre x360 13t Touch Laptop i7-8550U Quad Core,16GB RAM,512GB...
HP Spectre x360 13t Touch Laptop i7-8550U Quad Core,16GB RAM,512GB...
  • 8TH GENERATION QUAD CORE CPU: Intel Core i7-8550U (1.8 GHz, up to 4 GHz, 8 MB cache, 4 cores) four-way processing 1.80...
  • UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE, Windows 10 PROFESSIONAL 64 BIT Pre-Installed by HP, : 16 GB LPDDR3-2133 SDRAM (onboard), Windows...
  • SUPERIOR SPEED and NETWORKING: Fast Data Access with 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD Intel 802.11b/g/n/ac (2x2) Wi-Fi and...
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Upgraded to 8th-gen Intel Core chips complete with pen, the HP Spectre x360 is a top of the range notebook with a long-lasting battery, And definitely in the running for the best 4K laptop.

Introductory 13-inch settings begin at around $1,130. This gets you specs such as a Core i5-8250U, a 360GB SSD and plenty more. If funding permits, you can nab yourself a real multi-tasker with a Core i7 CPU and 16 Gigabytes of RAM.

Bottom line: For the very best overall 4K notebook for Most folks on the market, go with all the HP Spectre x360.

It’s worth noting that 15-inch Spectre x360 with 4K is more expensive but includes the choice of a dedicated GPU.

In addition to powerful hardware (8th-generation Intel Core i7, 16 Gigabytes of RAM and more, the HP Spectre x360 has an impressive all-metal shell readily available in organic silver, black ash silver, or light rose gold.

The Spectre is a portable little notebook that comes complete with a digital pen, letting you use it wherever you wish to take it.

Use it like a tablet computer or stand it up in regular laptop mode. Whichever way you use it, it is light and thin at only 2.78 lbs (1.26kg).

The metallic keyboard and big touchpad work well with the design, and the battery ought to get you through a day of work.

Regarding the 13.3-inch, 4K screen, HP did a fantastic job of keeping the surrounding bezel to a minimum, while leaving enough space on top to use an IR camera compatible with Windows Hello.

Inputs include two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a USB-A 3.1, plus a 3.5-millimeter audio jack.

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Dell XPS 13 9365 13.3" 2 in 1 Laptop FHD Touchscreen 7th Gen Intel...

Dell XPS 13 9365 13.3' 2 in 1 Laptop FHD Touchscreen 7th Gen Intel...
Dell XPS 13 9365 13.3" 2 in 1 Laptop FHD Touchscreen 7th Gen Intel...
  • Consumer Alert: Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating...
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Dell’s upgraded XPS 13 9370 has gotten rid of the 1800p screen in favor of a 13.3-inch 4K screen. High-resolution configurations begin at roughly $1,600, which comes with an eighth-gen Intel Core i5 and 8 GB of DDR3 RAM, plus a 256GB SSD.

This is a pricier 4K entry point compared to the HP Spectre x360, but this laptop looks great. It is about 2.68 lbs (1.21kg) and can be between 0.3 and 0.45 inches (7.8-11.6mm) thick as a result of the the style.

Ports include a micro SD card reader, USB-C 3.1, two Thunderbolt 3 interfaces, along with a 3.5millimeter audio jack.

All in all, the Dell XPS 13 is a great 4K laptop, with a range of features sure to make any tech lover happy.

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Despite having interior a quad-core Intel Core, 16 Gigs of DDR4 RAM, & 512GB SSD, along, the 14-inch 4K Razer Blade (approximately $2,200) is just 0.70 inches thick.

The slender body features Thunderbolt 3, two USB-A 3 ports, and HDMI 2.0 interfaces, along with the computer keyboard & touchpad, which are both comfy whether you are gaming or simply getting some work done.

If you would prefer a 4K notebook that could run the best games available on the industry at this time, this is it.

If you’re looking to make sure all your gaming sessions are on point, make sure you check out the Razer Blade.

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Lenovo Yoga 920 - 13.9" FHD Touch - 8Gen i7-8550U - 8GB - 256GB SSD

Lenovo Yoga 920 - 13.9' FHD Touch - 8Gen i7-8550U - 8GB - 256GB SSD
Lenovo Yoga 920 - 13.9" FHD Touch - 8Gen i7-8550U - 8GB - 256GB SSD
  • 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U mobile processor; 8GB system memory; 256GB solid state drive (SSD); Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • 13.9" touch screen for hands-on control; 1920 x 1080 native resolution. IPS technology. LED backlight.
  • Windows 10 Home operating system; Built for Windows Ink, Lenovo's Active Pen 2 stylus included
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The Yoga 920 is among the nicest convertible notebooks, because of the all-metal body, exceptional watchband hinge, and amazing 13.9-inch 4K signature screen.

High-res configurations begin at roughly $1,400, such as the eighth-gen i5 Intel Core CPU, 8 Gigs of DDR4 RAM, as well as a 256GB SSD.

There are loads of different ways you can configure the Yoga 920, with costs going up accordingly.

You will receive about ten hours of life with the battery, regardless of its size (approximately 0.54 inches thick), and you are still getting two Thunderbolt 3 interfaces, a USB-A 3.0 jack, along with a 3.5millimeter audio jack.

Bottom line: To get an amazing convertible notebook with a 4K screen, take a look at the Lenovo Yoga 920.

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Dell Precision 5520 M5520 15.6" FHD 1080P i7-7820HQ Quad Core, (up to...

Dell Precision 5520 M5520 15.6' FHD 1080P i7-7820HQ Quad Core, (up to...
Dell Precision 5520 M5520 15.6" FHD 1080P i7-7820HQ Quad Core, (up to...
  • Intel Core 7th Generation i7-7820HQ Processor (Quad Core, up to 3.90GHz, 8MB cache,45W)
  • 15.6 Inch UltraSharp FHD(1920x1080) Wide View Anti-Glare LED-backlit Premium Panel Guarantee
  • 32GB DDR4 2400MHz RAM (2X16GB)
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This is your notebook if you need plenty of power.

Dell’s Precision 5520 is built with an Intel Core i7 chip or an Intel Xeon v6 processor and runs a clock rate up to 4.0GHz (up to some 1TB SSD).

The Precision also has 32 Gigs of DDR4 RAM. For anybody working with many applications, there is the option of a NVIDIA Quadro GPU and 4 Gigs of GDDR5 VRAM.

On top of this, the hardware has a 15.6-inch, 4K IGZO Touchscreen for an exceptional image, and Dell has been able to get rid of most of the bezel surrounding it.

That fact of the matter is if you’re looking for something with plenty of muscle to help you blow get through your workload, then the Precision 5520 is just what you need.

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2018 Dell XPS 9570 Laptop, 15.6" UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge Touch...

2018 Dell XPS 9570 Laptop, 15.6' UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge Touch...
2018 Dell XPS 9570 Laptop, 15.6" UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge Touch...
  • 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H Processor (9M Cache, up to 4.1 GHz, 6 Cores)
  • 15.6'' 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge Touch display | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti with 4GB GDDR5
  • 32GB DDR4-2666MHz, 2x16GB Memory | 1TB PCIe Solid State Drive
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The Dell XPS 15 includes a lot of ports to hook up your Apparatus, such as HDMI 1.4, two USB-A 3.0, USB-C Thunderbolt 3, along with an SD card reader.

Inside is an Intel Core i7 chip with a clock rate of up to 3.8GHz, 32GB of RAM, as well as 1TB SSD. To assist with images, there is 4GB of VRAM.

The 15.6-inch, 4K IGZO touchscreen reaches edge to edge, and a significant battery keeps you operating for approximately eight hours. The 4K configurations begin at roughly $2,000.

To get a Fantastic 4K laptop ideal for photo editing, take a look at the Dell XPS 15.

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HP Spectre x360 13t Touch Laptop i7-8550U Quad Core,16GB RAM,512GB...
HP Spectre x360 13t Touch Laptop i7-8550U Quad Core,16GB RAM,512GB...

Upgraded to 8th-gen Intel Core chips complete with pen, the HP Spectre x360 is a top of the range notebook with a long-lasting battery

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Dell XPS 13 9365 13.3" 2 in 1 Laptop FHD Touchscreen 7th Gen Intel...
Dell XPS 13 9365 13.3' 2 in 1 Laptop FHD Touchscreen 7th Gen Intel...

the Dell XPS 13 is a great 4K laptop, with a range of features sure to make any tech lover happy

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If you’re looking to make sure all your gaming sessions are on point, make sure you check out the Razer Blade.

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Lenovo Yoga 920 - 13.9" FHD Touch - 8Gen i7-8550U - 8GB - 256GB SSD
Lenovo Yoga 920 - 13.9' FHD Touch - 8Gen i7-8550U - 8GB - 256GB SSD

nicest convertible notebooks, because of the all-metal body, exceptional watchband hinge, and amazing 13.9-inch 4K signature screen.

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Dell Precision 5520 M5520 15.6" FHD 1080P i7-7820HQ Quad Core, (up to...
Dell Precision 5520 M5520 15.6' FHD 1080P i7-7820HQ Quad Core, (up to...

This is your notebook if you need plenty of power.

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2018 Dell XPS 9570 Laptop, 15.6" UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge Touch...
2018 Dell XPS 9570 Laptop, 15.6' UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge Touch... ">
2018 Dell XPS 9570 Laptop, 15.6' UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge Touch...

A lot of ports to hook up your Apparatus, such as HDMI 1.4, two USB-A 3.0, USB-C Thunderbolt 3, along with an SD card reader.

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The Best 4K Laptops – What Do You Think?

The XPS 13 9370 is a fantastic option for the best 4K laptop, but the HP Spectre x360 is better for more people because of the intuitive design.

Dell's XPS 15 is fantastic for photography, and the Precision 5520 is an excellent workstation. All of our picks have their good and bad points – it’s up to you to pick!

Filed Under: Laptops, Technology Tagged With: 4K laptops Battery Life, best 4K laptops, More Comprehensive Gaming on 4K Laptops, Premium Features for 4K Users

List Of The Best Apps For Apple Watch: What Suits Your Needs?

October 17, 2018 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

If you’ve purchased an Apple Watch recently, or just want to get more out of your investment, you’ll want to peruse this list of helpful applications for your Apple Watch.

These apps can do just about anything a tablet can do, only on a much more portable scale.

Quick Navigation
What is the Apple Watch?
The Best Apps for Apple Watch by Category
Health and Fitness Apps
The Best Apple Watch Apps

What is the Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch is one of the smartwatches we’ve been hearing about for a good long while now. The first smartwatch, which could be defined as a miniature “wearable” computer, dates back to the 70s with the first battery powered digital watch from Seiko.

What we consider a smartwatch today, however, is an entirely different animal. These watches are capable of running calculations, tracking fitness and health aspects of the wearer, keep track of calories burned while exercising, track sleep patterns of the wearer, and a whole host of other things.

Apple Watches stand apart from their competitors with a different styles, designs, and interfaces.

Apple Watches also have a much larger number of applications than many other smartwatches because of the proven success of Apple in general. These apps are more prevalent with Apple because developers are willing to take the risk on exclusive apps for Apple due to their success.

Apple watches come in a variety of colors and styles, including the $17,000 model that’s got red straps and an 18-karat gold case. Most of us will aim a bit lower for the models in the under $500 range.

The Best Apps for Apple Watch by Category

Health and Fitness Apps


WorkOutdoors


One of the best apps for Apple Watch in the fitness and health realm, the WorkOutdoors app will help you track your location and your training progress.

Workoutdoors maps

 It uses your Apple Watch’s GPS service independent of your iPhone, meaning you can leave the phone behind on your workouts. The app features things like bread-crumb tracking, customizable stat displays, and custom points of interest along your routes.

The WorkOutdoors app is one of the most customizable fitness apps available for your Apple Watch. The data all translates easily to a number of fitness apps on your phone or computer for over-arching training and fitness tracking.


Streaks


Another one of the best apps for Apple Watch, the Streaks app helps you make small changes to life.

streaks

 These small changes, like getting a few hundred more steps per day, or eating a few less calories daily, will make your life changes stick. You can use the wide range of data collection tools on the Streaks app for making these small habit alterations, a little at a time.

The Streaks App also lets you set reminders for walking the dog, taking your vitamins, or practicing a musical instrument. The app is designed to help with anything that will improve your way of life.


Gymaholic


For the gym rat, Gymaholic helps you track your gym workouts. You can manually log workouts through this app, and view tutorials on how to use the various machines at your gym.

Gymaholic

Auto Sleep


The great thing about this particular sleep tracking app is that, like its name suggests, the app works automatically. Many other apps have to be turned on and off, and who’s going to remember every night to do that?

auto sleep

 Since Auto Sleep does what it says, it’s one of the easiest sleep tracking apps to use. Even better, the Auto Sleep App is as accurate as some of the higher end apps, and can easily be adjusted for sensitivity.


Sleep++


If you’re looking for an even more bare-bones app than the Auto Sleep, you can try this free sleep tracking app for your Apple Watch.

sleep++

 You can view a chart that displays your sleep patterns and can send your data to Apple Health. It does not turn off and on automatically, though, so you’ll need to remember to start and stop the app each morning and night.


Pillow


Pillow uses heart rate, movement, and sounds to track your sleep patterns. The data is then presented in an eye-catching, easy-to-read chart. You have to manually start and stop the app based around your sleep times.

Pillow

Travel and Commuting Apps


CityMapper


The iPhone app, CityMapper, gives point-to-point directions that can help you get around town in the car, or on public transit in any of the cities supported by the app. The Apple Watch version of the app is just as good at this, which makes it far more convenient for anyone trying to make quick or stressful direction changes.

Citymapper

 Each step along the way is mapped out clearly, enabling you to get from point A to point B without all that extra stress of waiting for maps to load on your phone.

 You can easily access information about your favorite spots, and public transit info for buses, trains, and even ferries.


Find Near Me


Find near me

This awesome little app helps you find the key places you need to go. Need a Chinese restaurant? Find Near Me will get you there. Need a laundromat, zoo, or ATM? Click on the list of places under the category you’re looking at, and the app will get you there with info on distance from your location.

You can also review restaurant reviews and contact info, along with directions to the place of choice.


iTranslate


iTranslate

If you’re traveling overseas, a translation app on your wrist is about as convenient and beneficial as you can get. You can speak or scribble into the app to find the information you need. The iTranslate app also helps with proper pronunciation.


App in the Air


If you fly a lot, App in the Air is a great option for you. It tracks your information, like your gate number, gate arrival deadline, and directions to that hard to figure out gate location.

App in the air

 The app on your Apple Watch tracks the immediate information, but the app in your iPhone also keeps track of your frequent flier points, live status changes, flight history, and pretty much everything else related to your flying experiences.


Transit


If you’re like many city-dwelling Americans, this transit app is going to come in handy. The app assumes that any time you engage it, you’re in a hurry and need the information fast. The app provides instant departure information, nearby transit stop locations, and a quick and easy “take me home” button that gives you the best route via transit to return to your place of residence.

Transit

 Transit can help save you a few seconds, which can make the difference between catching that train or bus or not, and having to wait around for a while before the next one comes.

If you’ve ever been late to meeting because of that extra two seconds it took you to get through the turnstile, you understand the value of a few seconds.

Transit is primarily for Americans but does work in over 50 cities outside of the United States.