
Shop open-box deals on over 40 configurations from HP, Apple, Lenovo, and more. Shiping is free, but select options may be available for pickup only. Buy Now at Best Buy

There's a lot on offer here, including Apple Macbook, Dell Latitude, Lenovo, HP, and a lot more. We've picked out this Refurb Dell Latitude 5420 11th-Gen. i7 14" Laptop for $344.99 (by far the best we've seen, $100 low today.) Shop Now at eBay

That's $230 under our November mention and the best price we've ever seen. Buy Now at Dell Technologies
- Intel Core 7 150U 1.8GHz / 1.2GHz 10-Core CPU
- 14" 1920x1200 IPS display
- 16GB RAM; 1TB SSD
- Windows 11 Pro

Use coupon code "STPAT40" to get this discount on any laptop, desktop, server, monitor, or other item across the whole site, excluding Hot Deals. It's the second-best sitewide discount we've seen this year so far. Plus, the code also gets free shipping on all orders, but to see it, you may need to enter your location info in-cart before applying the coupon. All items get a 100-day Dell warranty. Shop Now at Dell Refurbished Store

That's $30 under our February mention and the lowest price we've seen. Buy Now at Dell Technologies
- 12th Generation Intel Core Evo i5-1235U 3.3GHz Alder Lake 10-core CPU
- 15.6" 1920x1080 display
- 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: nn3520gsbbs

This is the best price we've ever seen for this laptop. You'd pay $90 more for it at Amazon. Buy Now at eBay
- 13th Generation Intel Core i7-1355U 3.7GHz Raptor Lake 10-Core CPU
- 16" 1920x1200 display
- 16GB RAM & 1TB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: 90NB10N3-M01730

That's half off, $20 under our January mention, and back at last Black Friday's cost, the lowest price we've ever seen. Buy Now at Dell Technologies
- 2560x1440 (1440p) native resolution
- 180Hz refresh rate w/ AMD FreeSync (Nvidia G-Sync compatible)
- 2 USB ports
- 2 DisplayPort & 2 HDMI inputs
- Model: AW2724DM
- UPC: 884116449157

That's the lowest price it's ever been. Buy Now at Amazon
- 1080p resolution
- 2 USB-C ports
- standard tripod socket
- Model: MB16AHV

Get up to $250 off just under 30 models. We've pictured the Alienware 27" 1440p IPS FreeSync LED Monitor for $180 ($70 off and the lowest price we've seen). Buy Now at Dell Technologies

It's $80 off, $15 under our January mention, and the lowest price we've ever seen. It's also the lowest price it's ever been on Amazon. Buy Now at Amazon
- wide-viewing angles
- 1920 x 1080 display
- 4ms response time
- HDMI, DisplayPort, and a built-in USB hub
- eye care technology
- Model: LS24C432GANXZA

It's $600 off, $100 under Amazon, a price low by $100, and the second-lowest price we've ever seen (it was less way back in last July). Buy Now at Samsung
- 4K resolution
- Quantum HDR2000
- AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- 165Hz and 1ms refresh and response
- Model: LS32BG752NNXGO

That's $1,100 off list, $280 under Samsung direct, $5 under our February mention, and the best price we've ever seen. Buy Now at Amazon
- 3840x2160
- HDR 10+
- two USB ports
- three HDMI and one DisplayPort
- Model: LS55CG970NNXGO

Trade-in an eligible device to get up to $350 in trade-in credits — that drops prices for the 11" model of the new iPad Air (2025) as low as $249, and the 13" version deals as low as $449. Plus, My Best Buy Total member save an extra $50 on either model. (This is a paid membership program, which costs $180 annually. It does come with other perks.) The tablets are due to release on March 12. Buy Now at Best Buy

That's $20 under our mention from two days ago and the lowest price we've seen. Buy Now at Amazon

With Apple's Education Store deals, you can take $50 off preorders of their newly-announced iPad Air (2025). That means the 11" model starts from $549, and the 13" from $749. This M3 chip-equipped tablet is due to launch on March 12. Buy Now at Apple

It's $10 under the price that Amazon charges and the best price we've seen for this model.
This deal was good enough to make our roundup of the top five best deals of the day. Follow that link to see our latest selection. Buy Now at Walmart
- Apple A14 6-core processor
- iPadOS 16.0
- Model: MPQ13LL/A

The new iPad Air (2025) has been announced, and Walmart have the best outright deals (no trade-in required) so far. The 11" model prices start from $559, and the 13" from $749. (That's savings of at least $40.) It's set to release on March 12. Buy Now at Walmart

It's the best price we've seen for this model. Buy Now at eBay
- Apple A14 6-core processor
- iPadOS 16.0
- Model: MPQ13LL/A

That's the lowest price Amazon has offered this year, and the best deal we could find now by $50. Buy Now at Amazon
- Apple M4 chip with Apple Intelligence
- 16GB RAM; 256GB SSD
- MacOS
- Model: MU9D3LL/A

That's $605 off (50% off), on clearance, and the lowest price we could find. Buy Now at Lenovo
- 13th-Generation Intel Core i5-13420H 3.4GHz Raptor Lake quad-core CPU
- 23.8" 1920x1080 (1080p) IPS display
- 8GB RAM & 256GB M.2 SSD
- Windows 11 Pro
- Model: 12SB001RUS

Save on a selection of 23 items. We've pictured the Alienware 27" 1440p HDR IPS 180Hz FreeSync LED Monitor for $200, which is $180 off and tied with our Black Friday price as the lowest we've seen. Buy Now at Dell Technologies

Save on a selection of more than 50 new and refurbished builds. Plus, many have extra discounts via coupons posted on the product pages, or student discounts, or extras such as PC games and gaming memberships.
We've pictured the new ABS Cyclone Aqua 14th-Gen. i5 Gaming Desktop w/ RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD for $1,200 ($400 off), bundled with a Free UBISOFT+ Classics 6-Month Subscription & Free Assassin's Creed Shadows game. Shop Now at Newegg

That's the best price ever. Buy Now at Amazon
- Intel Core i7-14700 Processor
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
- WiFi 6 connectivity
- Windows 11 Pro included
- Model: i3030-7738BLU-PUS

If you, along with almost everyone else, missed out on an RTX 5080 at launch, you can still get one as part of this gaming PC, which is $250 off. Buy Now at Newegg
- 7th-Generation AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7GHz 8-core CPU
- 32GB RAM & 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 16GB GPU
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: ST-CHRONOS3-1597-W-AL

Use code "UPGRADE" to get this deal. That's $189 off, $8 under our November mention, and an all-time price low. It's available at the same price for either Pro or Home versions. Buy Now at StackSocial
- StackSocial:"Receive your redemption code—and instructions to redeem the code for the product—via email immediately after purchase."

Have you always wanted to make your own game? Well, now's your chance! Snag this RPG Maker title for free currently, rather than the $7 or so that you'd have to pay from the Humble Store to snag it today. Shop Now at Steam

Shop several editions of the 2024 TurboTax software discounted between 40% and 44% off. Purchase now and you'll be ready on January 27 when tax filing begins. Shop Now at Amazon

Get you taxes done early and easy with the H&R Block tax software that fits your needs. The deluxe federal plus state is just $29.99. Plus, when you order on Amazon you may be eligible for a 2% bonus on your return in the form of an Amazon gift card. Shop Now at Amazon

Snag bundles starting from at least a buck and open to however much you're willing and able to share. Bundles available include:
- Machine Learning Engineer Masterclass Book Bundle from packt
- Invisible Sun RPG Mega Book Bundle
- The Complete Learn to Code Software Bundle
- Make Your Own Games: Unreal Engine 5 Software Bundle from GameDev.tv
- Hellboy Universe Comic Megabundle
- Travel & Learn Software Bundle from Lonely Planet & uTalk
- Pro Level Photography with Anthropics Software Bundle
- Mastering Every Database Book Bundle from packt
- and the Sports Trailblazers: Legends Who Changed the Game Book Bundle
Proceeds will go to Direct Relief, World Central Kitchen, Save the Children, International Medical Corps, & Book Industry Charitable Foundation. Buy Now at Humble Bundle

Shop this selection of Microsoft software keys with deals starting at $20. Shop Now at Woot! An Amazon Company

It's Amazon's best-ever price for this build. You'd pay $100 more for it at Best Buy. Buy Now at Amazon
- Apple M3 8-Core CPU w/ 10-Core GPU
- 13.6" Liquid Retina Display
- 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD
- Model: MC8Q4LL/A

That's $50 under our mention of three weeks ago and the best price we've seen for it. Buy Now at Best Buy
- Apple M2 3.49GHz 8-core CPU 13.6"
- 2560x1664 IPS Liquid Retina display w/ True Tone
- 16GB RAM & 256GB SSD
- MacOS
- Model: MC7X4LL/A

It's at the best price we've seen, beating what other stores charge by $250. Buy Now at Amazon
- Apple M2 3.49GHz 8-core CPU 13.6"
- 2560x1664 IPS Liquid Retina display w/ True Tone
- 16GB RAM & 256GB SSD
- MacOS
- Model: MC7X4LL/A

It's at the best-ever price. Buy Now at Amazon
- read/write speeds up to 180/130 MB/S
- Model: MB-MD128SA/LC1

At 30% off, it's the best price we could find. Buy Now at Woot! An Amazon Company
- Apple M1 Pro up to 10-core CPU
- 16" Liquid Retina XDR display
- 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD
- macOS

It's the best price we've seen for this model in any condition. Buy Now at eBay
- Apple M3 12-core CPU
- 16.2" 3456x2234 Liquid Retina XDR display
- 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Mac OS
- Model: MRW13LL/A

It's at the best price we've seen, beating our mention from last November. Buy Now at Amazon
- Apple M4 10-Core CPU w/ 10-Core GPU
- 14.2" 3024x1964 Liquid Retina display
- 16GB RAM & 1TB SSD
- macOS with Apple Intelligence
- Model: MW2V3LL/A

It's the best price we've seen for this model, outside of refurbished units. Buy Now at Woot! An Amazon Company

That's a $200 savings, and the best price Amazon's offered, matching their Black Friday discount. Buy Now at Amazon
- Apple M4 10-Core CPU with 10-Core GPU
- 16GB Unified Memory; 512GB SSD
- 14.2" 3024x1964 Liquid Retina display
- macOS with Apple Intelligence
- Model: MW2U3LL/A

That's the best price we've seen for this model.
If you aren't using a VPN, you should be, and quality services like NordVPN can go a long way towards protecting your online presence. Wondering "does NordVPN have a free trial in 2025?" Check out the blog where you'll find answers to this as well as other questions like "how much is NordVPN per month in 2025?" Buy Now at Amazon

It's the best price we've seen. Buy Now at Amazon
- 2 x 2.5G Ethernet Ports
- 2 x 10G Ethernet Ports
- 44.64 Mpps Forwarding Rate
- 60 Gb/s Switching Capacity
- Model: TEG-S762

Save up to $320 with no trade required, depending on the storage option you choose. Alternatively, save up to $800 (at least $120 of that is guaranteed) when you trade in your current device for this tablet, putting starting prices at $260 depending on the value of the trade.
Shop Now at Samsung

That's the lowest price ever. Buy Now at Amazon
- Samsung Exynos 1380 CPU
- 10.9" 1440x2304 S-pen touchscreen
- 6G RAM & 128GB storage
- 8MP main camera & 12MP selfie camera
- Android 13
- Model: SM-X510NZAAXAR

Use code "PREZ20" to score the best price we've seen - and at least $171 less than you'd pay for a new one. This is a certified refurbished item backed by a 2-year warranty from Allstate. Buy Now at eBay
- 12th generation Intel Core i7-1255U 1.7GHz / 1.2GHz 10-Core CPU
- 13" 2880x1920 touchscreen
- 16GB RAM & 256GB storage
- 10MP rear camera
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: QIL-00018

Prime members will get an extra $10 off the 32GB and 64GB versions of the Fire HD 10 tablet at checkout. The prices have dropped by another $5 since Sunday, so they're the best price we've ever seen for these 2021 releases. A 90-day Woot warranty applies. Buy Now at Woot! An Amazon Company

Prime members will get an extra $10 off the 32GB and 64GB versions of the Fire HD 10 tablet. It's the best price we've seen for either of these 2021 releases. A 90-day Woot warranty applies. Buy Now at Woot! An Amazon Company

It's at Amazon's all-time lowest price. This double-headed cable lets you charge two devices from a single USB-C output. Buy Now at Amazon

Use coupon code "3OFFAMAZONBASICS" to bag the extras here. There's no minimum purchase required on this coupon, so there are some great deals to be had including on the pictured Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-A 2.0 Fast Charger Cable which drop from $3.49 to just 49 cents after code. Shop Now at Woot! An Amazon Company

That's the $100 off and the best deal we've seen. Buy Now at Amazon
- Apple M4 Chip (10-core CPU and 10-core GPU)
- 24GB unified memory
- 512GB SSD
- 3x Thunderbolt ports, 2xUSB-C ports, HDMI, ethernet
- Model: MCYT4LL/A

It's the best price we've seen for this model in any condition. It includes a 1-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay
- M2 8-core CPU
- 8GB RAM & 256GB SSD
- MacOS Ventura
- Model: MMFJ3LL/A

Save $8 on this keyboard and mouse combo — it's a third off, and the best price we've seen. Buy Now at Dell Technologies

That's the lowest price we could find by $11, and by far the lowest price it's ever been at Amazon. Buy Now at Amazon
- Bluetooth or USB-A nano dongle
- 12-week rechargeable battery life
- HP Track-On Glass sensor
- 7 customizable buttons
- Connect to Multiple Devices Simultaneously

That's the best price we could find by $3, and within $2 of it's all-time lowest. Buy Now at Amazon
- optimized for MacOS; compatible with iPadOS
- app-specific customizations
- USB-C recharging
- Model: 910-006570

Most merchants charge the full list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- rechargeable
- 4000 DPI
- Model: 910-005447

This #1 best seller in photo printers is at its best-ever price. Buy Now at Amazon
- includes 90 sheets
- Model: CAR-PD460Y

Use coupon code "SHRED" to get this price — it's a $2 drop since we saw it just yesterday. It's also $12 less than you'd pay at Amazon. Buy Now at StackSocial

It's at the best-ever price in Black or Rose. Buy Now at Amazon
- compatible with Mac and PC
- in-line controls
- adjustable headband
- Model: 981-000014

Get up to $284 off over 400 items. We've pictured the Humanscale Pro-Click Ergonomic Mouse for $69 (low by $11). Shop Now at Lenovo

It's the best price we've seen for this 5-pack and a low now by $5. Buy Now at Amazon
- USB 3.0
- shockproof
- Model: P-FD64GX5TBOP-MP

Clip the coupon to drop this model to the lowest-ever price it's been at Amazon. Buy Now at Amazon
- Apple M3 8-Core CPU w/ 10-Core GPU
- 13.6" Liquid Retina Display
- 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Model: MC8J4LL/A

It's a great chance to grab so much storage you can forget about capacity for years, with prices reaching as low as $20 per terabyte in these clearance deals. Buy Now at Adorama
- 7,200 rpm
- Optimized for NAS with AgileArray
- Always On, Always Accessible

That's a low by $20 and the best price it's been, tying with last year's Prime Day offer.
Sign up with a highly-rated VPN service like NordVPN to surf with total peace of mind. Curious about if you can get a free NordVPN trial? Head over to the blog where we've got all the info you need, plus what to know about NordVPN pricing. Buy Now at Amazon
- Works with Alexa
- Covers up to up to 1,500 square feet
- Model: J010111

Use code "KINGOF50OFFDISC" to get this price. That's back at easily the best price we've ever seen and half of what you'd pay for a retail-sealed unit elsewhere. Buy Now at eBay
- attaches magnetically to the side edge of an iPad
- connects w/ a range of iPads (see "Specifications" for model compatibility)
- supports Apple Pencil hover when used with iPad Pro 12.9" (6th gen) and iPad Pro 11" (4th gen)
- Model: MUWA3AM/A

That's $2 under our November mention, $11 off, and the lowest price we've ever seen. Buy Now at Amazon

That's $15 off and tied with our February mention as the lowest price we've seen. It's also back the lowest price it's ever been on Amazon. Buy Now at Amazon
- Full HD 1080p resolution
- Auto-light balance
- Built-in microphone
- Privacy shutter
- USB-A compatibility
- Model: 960-001589
Computers: The Basics
Shopping for computers doesn’t have to drain your savings — if you know how to find the best prices. Our team of experts review the sales and publish the best computer deals so you don’t have to work half as hard.
How to Save on Streaming Services
Computers: The Basics
Shopping for computers doesn’t have to drain your savings — if you know how to find the best prices. Our team of experts review the sales and publish the best computer deals so you don’t have to work half as hard.
Basic Computer Terminology
You don’t have to be a tech wiz to buy your next computer. Make note of these common terms to help you when you’re shopping computer sales!
- Operating System (OS): This is the system that controls how your computer performs basic functions. The most common operating systems you’ll see right now are Windows 10 and Mac OS X. They perform comparably, so picking one relies on personal preference.
- Random-access memory (RAM): The short-term memory of your computer. Your RAM controls how quickly and efficiently your computer is able to switch between tasks. The higher the RAM, generally, the better the performance.
- Processor (CPU): The powerhouse or “brain” of the computer, your processor handles your computer’s basic instructions, such as using your mouse and keyboard, or running applications. The two most popular CPU manufacturers are AMD and Intel. You can read about which processor is right for you in this article from Digital Trends.
- Storage: There are two types of physical computer storage, hard drives (HD) and solid state drives (SSD). SSD storage is more common these days because they are more stable and faster. While it’s ideal to aim for greater storage space, a bigger drive will cost more money. Determine your storage needs based on how you plan to use your computer. Abt recommends starting with at least 500 GB of storage space.
Additionally, some providers, like Verizon, offer streaming perks with select plans, giving you months of access to services like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at no extra cost. Annual payment options can also help you save, as they often come with a discount equivalent to getting one or two months free. For those on a budget, ad-supported plans provide the same great content at a fraction of the cost. Visit our Disney+ Subscription Cost page to explore pricing and options.
What Deals Are Available on Disney+ Bundles?
Disney+ bundle deals provide significant savings when combining services. For example, the Verizon Disney Bundle offered six months of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for free with select Unlimited plans. Bundles like the Disney+ Premium annual plan ($159.99) save you the cost of two months compared to monthly payments. Bundle options like the ad-supported Duo Basic plan (Disney+ and Hulu) start at $10.99 per month, while ad-free Duo Premium is $19.99. Learn more on the Disney+ Bundle Deals page.
You can also explore seasonal and promotional deals during events like Black Friday to maximize your savings. Check out the Best Disney+ Deals page for current offers.
How Much Is a Disney+ Subscription?
Disney+ subscriptions currently start at $8 per month for the ad-supported Basic plan, while the Premium ad-free plan is priced at $13.99 per month or $139.99 annually. Prices will increase beginning October 17, 2024, with the Premium plan rising to $15.99 per month or $159.99 annually. Explore all pricing options on the Disney+ Subscription Costs page.
Best Disney+ Deals
Disney+ offers value-packed streaming bundles, such as the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle starting at $17 per month with ads or $30 per month ad-free. Disney+ also supports paid sharing, allowing you to add one extra member for $6.99 per month with Basic or $9.99 per month with Premium. Prices are increasing on October 17, 2024, so finding deals like these is more important than ever. For more information, visit our Best Disney+ Deals page.
Best Disney+ Deals
Disney+ offers value-packed streaming bundles, such as the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle starting at $17 per month with ads or $30 per month ad-free. Disney+ also supports paid sharing, allowing you to add one extra member for $6.99 per month with Basic or $9.99 per month with Premium. Prices are increasing on October 17, 2024, so finding deals like these is more important than ever. For more information, visit our Best Disney+ Deals page.
Annual Disney+ Subscription Costs
Disney+ Premium annual plans cost $139.99 but will rise to $159.99 on October 17, 2024. Opting for the annual plan saves you the equivalent of two months compared to monthly billing. Note that annual payments are only available for standalone Disney+ Premium plans and not for bundles. Customize your subscription to include ad-supported or ad-free options with Hulu, ESPN+, or Max. See all pricing details on the Disney+ Subscription Cost page.
Basic Computer Terminology
You don’t have to be a tech wiz to buy your next computer. Make note of these common terms to help you when you’re shopping computer sales!
- Operating System (OS): This is the system that controls how your computer performs basic functions. The most common operating systems you’ll see right now are Windows 10 and Mac OS X. They perform comparably, so picking one relies on personal preference.
- Random-access memory (RAM): The short-term memory of your computer. Your RAM controls how quickly and efficiently your computer is able to switch between tasks. The higher the RAM, generally, the better the performance.
- Processor (CPU) : The powerhouse or “brain” of the computer, your processor handles your computer’s basic instructions, such as using your mouse and keyboard, or running applications. The two most popular CPU manufacturers are AMD and Intel. You can read about which processor is right for you in this article from Digital Trends.
- Storage: There are two types of physical computer storage, hard drives (HD) and solid state drives (SSD). SSD storage is more common these days because they are more stable and faster. While it’s ideal to aim for greater storage space, a bigger drive will cost more money. Determine your storage needs based on how you plan to use your computer. Abt recommends starting with at least 500 GB of storage space.
Basic Software for Your PC
When you start using your new computer, you’ll want to install some basic software to get going. Most pre-built computers come with a suite of software pre-installed with the OS.
Productivity Tools
Whether you opt for a package like Microsoft Office or iWork, opt for freeware like Open Office, or choose an online software pack like G Suite, it’s always a good idea to install a productivity software to help you with tasks like making spreadsheets, word processing, and viewing PDFs.
Internet Browser
Microsoft Edge and Safari are the standard browsers that come with a new computer, but many shoppers rely on browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Cloud Storage
Not only does cloud storage give you more space than the limited physical storage on your PC, but it also gives you access to your files anywhere. Many companies like Google or Dropbox offer a limited amount of free cloud storage.
Antivirus Software
Antivirus tools do more than simply keep viruses at bay; they also protect against malware, phishing, adware, spyware, and more. Windows 10 comes with Microsoft Security Essentials as a default, and security options are built into Mac OS X (as opposed to a standalone program). That said, antivirus suites like Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender may offer you more protection.
Media Player
Many laptops and desktops no longer include a physical media drive. If you plan on watching any videos locally (not streamed online), it’s useful to have a media player. Typically, this software is built in, but check out this list for some info on the best media players for Windows 10 and this one for Mac.
Music Player
Not to be confused with a media player, a good music application is worth installing on your computer. Spotify, iTunes, and Pandora are some common favorites that give you access to a practically limitless selection. The desktop versions make it easier to browse and build playlists.
Computer Deal Subcategories
DealNews offers the best deals on computers and computing accessories. You can browse our deals in different categories including, but not limited to:
Whether you’re looking for a new work laptop, or want to find a quality gaming system, check out our selection of the best laptop deals here.
Did you know you should replace your computer every 4 to 5 years to keep up with the latest performance and security updates? Check out the best computer deals for your next desktop here.
Did you know that DealNews first launched as a deal website for Apple Macintosh products? While we’ve grown significantly since then, we still know how to find the best Apple computer deals!
Maybe you’re in the market for a larger streaming device for your kids, or maybe you’d like a device to serve as your e-reader (with a few extra perks). Whatever you’re searching for, check out the best tablet and iPad deals here.
- Peripherals
Routers , monitors , input devices , and more! These devices make using your computer more comfortable and practical. Be sure you search our site to save big!
When shopping computer sales, check out DealNews before going anywhere else, so you know you’ll always find the best deals!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I purchase a laptop or desktop?
It’s important to review your needs before buying a laptop or desktop computer.
- What’s your budget? Because they’re bigger and more modular, desktop computers tend to outperform laptops. A desktop’s customizability means your budget can go a lot further. However, laptops have other advantages over desktops.
- Do you need portability? High-end laptops are generally more expensive, but a laptop will always win the portability debate.
- How much power do you need? Desktops have more room to work with, so you can add more RAM, more storage, a bigger graphics card, and other performance improvements. But if you don’t need all that, then a mid-tier laptop may be the cheaper choice.
- Are you a gamer? Laptops that are built for gaming are among the most expensive on the market. That said, if you’re not comfortable selecting individual pieces to build a gaming desktop, you may be willing to pay a premium to get that performance.
- Don’t forget the repairs. If you’re handy, you can often repair or replace parts in a desktop computer with the help of online guides. Most laptops require specialized tools and skills to repair, so desktop fixes tend to be cheaper.
Overall, desktop computers have a lot of advantages, but the lack of portability can be a deal breaker. No matter what you decide, be sure to check out specs and buying guides from the DealNews Blog and other reputable sources like CNET or PCMag. Then shop DealNews for the best computer deals!
How do I get my external hard drive to show up?
Once you’ve ensured that your external drive is plugged in and powered on, check out these steps from PCMag:
- Try a different USB port.
- Try a different PC.
- Update your drivers.
- Format the drive.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for “virtual private network.” A VPN protects your internet usage by routing your internet connection through a private server. Using a VPN keeps your online browsing more private and also grants you access to websites and content that may not be available in your country.
For more information about VPNs, visit our NordVPN Free Trial Guide and our NordVPN Subscription Cost Page.
How can I boost my WiFi signal?
When your internet connection seems impossibly slow, the cause isn’t your provider, but your WiFi signal strength. Check out these options to boost your WiFi signal:
- Update your router firmware. Each router is different, but you can typically use the steps found here to run updates.
- Place your router in the most optimal space. You want to place your wireless router away from walls or obstructions. If possible, put it in the most central place in your home.
- Pick a different frequency. If you have a dual-band router, try using the 5GHz band. This band offers higher speeds and may get an additional boost if fewer devices are connected to it.
- Change the channel. While most routers will automatically choose the channel with the least congestion, some cheaper routers may require you to manually update it.
- Upgrade your router. How old is your current router? If it's a previous-generation 802.11b model, upgrading could improve your wireless signal. If you already have a newer 802.11n or Wi-Fi 6 router, you're in good shape.
- Replace the antenna. You may boost your signal by adding or replacing an external antenna. PCMag recommends purchasing one marked “high-gain” and opting for a directional antenna rather than an omnidirectional one.
- Add a wireless range extender. If you only want to boost coverage in one or two rooms, a WiFi extender can help you eliminate dead spots. Check out this guide from the DealNews Blog.
Switch to a mesh WiFi system. Wireless mesh networking is becoming more popular because it can provide more complete coverage throughout the home. Mesh systems replace your router and work seamlessly to eliminate coverage gaps.
A Georgia girl with three years of experience in IP Law and grounded in understanding marketing and consumer motives. When she's not working with the fabulous staff of DealNews, you can find her whining at rowing practice and browsing the Hot Deals on the site.