Summary I’ve owned my share of desktop computers but, like a lot of people, I drifted away from them over the years. Laptops just made the most sense every time I needed a new computer. The new Mac Mini, though, is finally bringing me back to the desktop. A Long-Awaited Refresh I nearly took the plunge earlier this year with the previous Mac Mini model (which is stillworth considering), but this latest refresh seemed like the rare non-incremental update that was worth waiting for....

For a limited time, Audio-Technica is offering its iconic ATH-M50x and ATH-M50xBT2 headphones in an Ice Blue colorway. It’s a cool departure from Audio-Technica’s usual color scheme, and notably, this color was selected by Audio-Technica’s biggest fans. The ATH-M50 series originally launched in 2007. Today, it’s one of the most recognizable headphone models of all time, and it’s available in several different forms (including the wireless ATH-M50xBT2). And while Audio-Technica tends to be a bit conservative with its designs and color choices, it broke the mold in 2020 by asking customersto vote ona limited-edition ATH-M50x colorway....

Summary Hot-swappable mechanical keyboards that let you change out the switches without soldering are not just for keyboard enthusiasts. They have some notable benefits, to the point that I wouldn’t buy a new keyboard that isn’t hot-swappable. Here are just a few of the benefits. Hot-Swappable Keyboards Are Fun and Let You Experiment Choosing amechanical keyboard switchis already hard enough on its own, but the fact that you have to shell out somewhere around $60 to $200 makes it an even more daunting task....

Quick Links Summary You’ll come across many similar-looking fan headers when trying to find your way around the motherboard to connect to the CPU cooler. And while the printed labels can help you navigate the motherboard, they aren’t exactly descriptive. For example, what does CPU_FAN and CPU_OPT even mean? Use CPU_FAN for Your CPU Cooler The CPU_FAN (also CPUFAN, CPU_FAN1, etc.) header on your motherboard is afour-pin fan headerthat your computer uses to power and control the CPU cooler....

Quick Links Summary Tech has been evolving at a breakneck pace for decades now. It seems like new CPU generations come out every year, so it’s hard to keep up with the latest releases. However, do CPU generations even matter, or is that just marketing jargon? What Are CPU Generations? We can think of CPU generations as iterations of CPUs that belong to the same series. CPUs of the same generation usually share the samemicroarchitecture,process node, manufacturing process, basic features,chipset compatibility, and a few other important factors....

Summary Owning an EV has several benefits, from saving money at the gas pump to skipping frequent oil changes, but just becauseelectric cars require less maintenancedoesn’t mean you can forget about it entirely. EVs are far from maintenance-free, and you’ll want to stay on top of several aspects to ensure the best performance, range, driving experience, and longevity. According to theDepartment of Energy, not only is it easier to own an EV, but you’ll save nearly 40% in maintenance....

Quick Links Samsung just dropped its baseline flagship for 2025: the Galaxy S25. With a slimmer profile, capable chipset, and a triple-camera setup, the smartphone gives direct competition to the base iPhone 16. Let’s find out how the two flagships compare. Price and Availability The baseline Galaxy S25, with 128GB of storage, costs $799.99. Pre-orders for the smartphone begin today on the company’s official website and other retail partners like Amazon and Best Buy....

Summary If you have a wallet bulging with paper receipts, tickets and more, or a filing cabinet that still has utility bills dating back 10 years, this could be the perfect cue to adopt a paperless life. Doing this offers a number of benefits, and making the switch has never been easier. The Practical and Psychological Benefits of a Paperless Life The benefits of a paperless existence span both the practical and the psychological....

Summary As the world moved from feature phones to smartphones over the last few decades, a tiny detail called an IMEI number has remained a constant. But why is it significant, and what does its existence mean for you? Let’s find out. What Is an IMEI Number? The IMEI or International Mobile Equipment Identity number is a unique identifier assigned to cellular or mobile devices worldwide. It plays a vital role in a mobile device’s functionality and security....

TheHisense 75U75QGis one of the best televisions in its price range due to its brilliant colors, incredible maximum brightness, and numerous dimming zones. As an added perk, the sound system is pretty great, too. Hisense 75U75QG The Hisense U75QG 4K Google TV is a miniLED display with a vibrant image with incredible contrast thanks to a high peak brightness combined with thousands of local dimming zones.It also features a very capable 2....

Quick Links Drive Encryption is a wonderful feature. You can be confident that your data is safe, even if your device is lost or stolen. But if you lose your encryption key, you’ll never be able to access your data. Here’s how you can back up your encryption key somewhere safe. What Is Encryption? Encryptionis a means of obfuscating data such that it is unreadable without the proper key to “unlock” it....

Quick Links Over time, system files, temporary data, and other digital clutter can build up on your Mac, eating away at your storage and potentially slowing things down. Cleaning up these files requires a careful touch if you want to avoid problems. Here’s how. Why Cleaning Matters Macs have long been characterized by their stability, but a cluttered hard drive can lead to performance hiccups, wasted space, and general loss of workflow zen....

Quick Links You’ve probably come across tons of new music just by browsing Instagram. But how do you easily save those songs you like to your main music streaming service? Well, as long as yourInstagram app is updated, it is possible to add songs you discover on Instagram straight to your Spotify library. How to Save Instagram Songs Directly to Spotify Scroll through Instagram like you normally would—whether you’re watching stories, reels, or just casually browsing your feed....