
Apply promo code "TAKE8OFFSALE" to get this price, with a new model costing $99 at Walmart. A 90-day VIP Outlet warranty applies. Buy Now at eBay
- 1920x1080 (1080p) native resolution
- 165Hz refresh rate w/ AMD FreeSync
- Adaptive sync
- 1 DisplayPort and 2 HDMI inputs

At eBay, get the Open-Box Onn 24" 1080p FreeSync Gaming Monitor for $52 when you apply promo code "TAKE8OFFSALE". That's $47 less than what you'd pay for a sealed unit elsewhere and the best price we've seen for it. Shipping is free. Deal ends May 31. Buy Now at eBay

At eBay, get the Open-Box Onn 24" 1080p FreeSync Gaming Monitor for $52 after you apply promo code "TAKE8OFFSALE". That's a savings of $107. Shipping is free. Buy Now at eBay

At eBay, use promo code "VIPOUTLETMAY26" to get this open-box Onn 15.6" 1080p Portable Office Monitor for $33. That's $11 less than our mention from last month and the best deal we've seen for this portable monitor. Coupon expires June 1. Buy Now at eBay
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Model: 100147048

Walmart offers the MSI Optix 34" Ultrawide 1440p Curved 144Hz FreeSync Monitor for $174. That's $46 off and the lowest price it's been. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Walmart
- 3440x1440 (Ultrawide 1440p) native resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate w/ AMD FreeSync
- 1 DisplayPort and 2 HDMI inputs
- Model: Optix MAG342CQR

Walmart offers this curved gaming monitor from Acer at its best-ever price. It's also $21 under what other merchants charge. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Walmart
- 31.5" 2560 x 1440 (1440p) curved display
- AMD FreeSync
- DisplayPort, HDMI
- Model: EDA323QU S3bmiiphx

Amazon offers the Apple 13" M5 MacBook Air (2026) for $949. That's the best price we could find by $50. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon
- 13.6" 2560x1664 display
- Apple M5 CPU
- 16GB RAM
- Mac OS
- Model: MDHE4LL/A

That's a savings of $597. A 1-year Allstate warranty applies. Buy Now at eBay
- Apple M1 8-Core CPU
- 13.3" 2560x1600 Retina display
- 8GB RAM & 128GB SSD
- Mac OS 11.0 Big Sur

That's a total savings of $220 off. It's even a bit lower than the best we could find on a 13.6" model. Shipping is free. Buy Now at B&H Photo Video
- 15.3" 2560x1664 display
- Apple M5 CPU
- 24GB RAM
- Mac OS

At eBay, get this refurb Apple MacBook Air M4 15.3" Laptop w/ 256GB SSD for $879. It's the best deal we've seen for this model in any condition. It includes a 1-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay
- 15.3" Liquid Retina display
- 10-core Apple M4 chip
- 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD

At Amazon, get this 2026 Apple MacBook Air M5 15.3" Laptop for $1,549.99. It's the best deal we've seen for this recently-released model. It's also $149 less than what Apple charges for this model. Buy Now at Amazon

At eBay, get the refurb 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 15" Laptop for $879. It's the best deal we've seen for this model in any condition. It includes a 1-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay
- Apple M4 Chip 10-core processor
- 16GB RAM, 256GB internal storage
- Mac OS

At eBay, get the Open-Box 11th-Gen. Apple iPad A16 128GB 11" Tablet (2025) for $256 when you apply promo code "TAKE8OFFSALE". That's$43 less than what you'd pay for a sealed unit. Shipping is free. Deal ends May 31. Buy Now at eBay
- 11" liquid retina display
- A16 chip
- 12MP wide camera, 12MP Centre Stage camera
- WiFi 6
- Model: MD3Y4LL/A

Amazon offers the Apple iPad Air M3 11" 1TB WiFi Tablet (2025) in several colors (Blue pictured) for $849. That's $300 off and the lowest price it's been. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon

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
- A14 Bionic chip
- 10.9" Liquid Retina display
- Model: MPQ33LL/A

At eBay, use promo code "VIPOUTLETMAY26" to get this open-box Apple iPad A16 128GB 11" Tablet for $278.10. It's the best deal we've seen for this model since President's Day. Coupon expires June 1. Buy Now at eBay
- 11" liquid retina display
- A16 chip
- 12MP wide camera, 12MP Centre Stage camera
- WiFi 6
- Model: MD3Y4LL/A

Get this new release from Apple at its best price across all four colors. 256GB is likewise discounted. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon
- 11" Liquid Retina Display
- Apple M4 CPU
- Model: MH304LL/A

That's a huge savings of $409. A 1-year Allstate warranty applies. Buy Now at eBay
- 10.9" 2360 x 1640 LED-backlit "Liquid Retina" display
- 8GB RAM & 256GB SSD
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Apple M1 8-Core 3.2GHz processor

B&H Photo Video offers the Lenovo Legion 5i Ultra 7 15.1" Laptop w/ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 for $1,299. It's the best price we found by at least $180. Plus, you'll get a free Microsoft Bundle that includes 1-year passes to MS 365 Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and a customized Xbox wireless controller. You'll also get 007 First Light for free (terms and conditions apply). Shipping is free. Game offer ends June 10, 2026 Buy Now at B&H Photo Video
- Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX 2.4 GHz 20-Core CPU
- 15.1" 2560 x 1600 OLED 165 Hz Display
- 32GB DDR5 & 1TB M.2 SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GPU
- Windows 11 Home
- RGB Backlit Keyboard
- Model: 83F00008US

The Lenovo LOQ 17 13th-Gen i5 17.3" Laptop w/ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 is $799 at B&H Photo Video. That's a $330 savings, and you'll also get a free Microsoft Bundle for College Students, which includes 1 Year of Microsoft 365 Premium, 1 Year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a Design-Your-Own Xbox Controller. Shipping is free. Buy Now at B&H Photo Video
- 13th-Generation Intel Core i5 2.4 GHz 10-Core CPU
- 17.3" 1920 x 1080 (1080p) 165Hz Display
- 12GB DDR5 RAM & 512GB M.2 SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 8GB GPU
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: 83JH000JUS

That's better than half off and a really nice deal on a laptop of these specs. A 1-year Allstate warranty applies. Shipping is free. Buy Now at eBay
- 10th-Gen. Intel Core i5-10310U 1.7GHz Quad-core CPU
- 14" 1920x1080 (1080p) IPS display
- 16GB RAM & 512GB SSD
- CometLake-U GT2
- Windows 11 Pro

Get this price with promo code "TECHREFURB20". It's $224 off and the lowest price we've seen for it. It's backed by a 2-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay
- Intel Core Ultra 5 226V 2.1GHz Lunar Lake 8-core CPU
- 14" 1920x1200 touch laptop
- 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: NX.JDJAA.001

eBay offers a refurbished Lenovo IdeaPad Slim Ryzen AI 7 16" Touch Laptop for $507 less than the price of a new model elsewhere. It includes a 1-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay
- 16" 1920x1200 touchscreen display
- AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 8-core processor
- 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: 83HY001KUS

Use promo code "PGWEF386" to get the best price we've ever seen, and a low now by $17. Buy Now at Newegg

A Newegg Shell Shocker deal. Get the H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2025 for PC/Mac for $22.99 when you use promo code "STRF325" at checkout. It's the second-best deal we've seen for this tax software. Buy Now at Newegg

Use promo code "MMSF2565" to drop the H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2025 to the best price we've seen. It's also the best deal available today by $10. Buy Now at Newegg

Get this price with promo code "VPN20". Buy Now at StackSocial

Use promo code "MMSF2566" to get this price. It's the best deal we've seen for the H&R Block Tax Software Premium 2025. Buy Now at Newegg

Amazon offers the Razer Orochi V2 Wireless Optical Gaming Mouse for $28. That's a low by $11 and the best price we've seen for it. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon
- requires one AA or AAA battery
- 18K DPI optical sensor
- Model: RZ01-03731000-R3U1

Amazon has the best price we found on this silent mouse with an 18-month battery life. Other sellers charge at least $20. Find it at its lowest price (48% off) in Grey. Shipping is free for Prime members. Buy Now at Amazon

That's nearly half off the list price, and while that's not the best price we've ever seen for this mouse, it's the first time we've seen an Amazon credit offered up with the purchase. Factoring in that $20 credit — good for use on a future purchase — it's almost like getting the mouse for $16. Buy Now at Amazon
- 100 to 25,600 max dpi sensitivity
- 11 customizable buttons and onboard memory
- mechanical switch button tensioning
- programmable RGB lighting and Lightsync technology
- adjustable weight system
- Model: 910-005469

At AliExpress, this gaming mouse is a massive low today. It's between $33 and $50 at most other major outlets right now. Shipping is free. Buy Now at AliExpress

At eBay, get the Refurb Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 16.2" Laptop (2021) for $660. That's a low by $40 and the second-beat price we've seen. It's backed by a one-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay
- Apple M1 Pro CPU & 14-core GPU
- 16.2" Liquid Retina XDR display
- 32GB RAM & 512GB SSD
- macOS

At eBay, get the refurb Apple MacBook Pro M2 Pro 14.2" Laptop for $865. It's the best deal we've seen for this model in any condition. It includes a 1-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay
- Apple M2 Pro Chip
- 14.2" Liquid Retina XDR display
- 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD
- Mac OS
- Model: MPHE3LL/A

At eBay, get this refurb Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 14.2" Laptop for $655. It's the best deal we could find for a refurb today by $174. It includes a 1-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay
- Apple M1 Pro with 8-core CPU & 14-core GPU
- 14.2" Liquid Retina XDR display
- 16GB RAM & 512GB SSD
- macOS 12.0 (Monterey)
- Model: MKGP3LL/A32

That's the best price we've ever seen on this model. Buy Now at eBay
- Apple M1 Pro CPU & 14-core GPU
- 16.2" Liquid Retina XDR display
- 32GB RAM & 512GB SSD
- macOS 12.0.1 or higher

Walmart offers the Linksys AX2200 Dual-Band WiFi 6 Mesh Router for $20. That's a $20 low and its best price. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Walmart
- 1,500-sq. ft. of coverage
- speeds of up to 2.2Gbps
- Model: MR20MS

Amazon offers the eero 6 Mesh Gigabit WiFi Router for $59.99. That's its best-ever price. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon

This WiFi 7 routers is back at the best price its been. Buy Now at Amazon
- 9.3Gbps
- covers up to 2,500 square feet
- 2.5 Gig ethernet port
- Model: BE9300-1AZPAS

That's a huge 35% discount on this whole home mesh network system and the best price we've ever seen for it. Buy Now at Amazon
- 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz bands
- up to 7,600 square feet of coverage
- VPN client and server support
- Model: Deco BE63(3-Pack)

At Woot, get this refurb reMarkable Paper Pro Bundle for $529.99. It's the best deal we've seen for this bundle. This bundle includes a Marker Plus pen and a leather folio. It also includes a 90-day limited warranty. Deal ends June 13. Buy Now at Woot! An Amazon Company

Use promo code "VIPOUTLETMAY26" to get the open-box TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus 11" 256GB Android Tablet for $158.40. That's $18 less than our mention from a month ago and the best deal we've seen for this tablet. Coupon expires June 1. Buy Now at eBay

At eBay, get the Refurb Apple iPad Air 13" M3 128GB WiFi Tablet (2025) for $599. That's the lowest price we could find by $70 and the best we've seen for it. It's backed by a one-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay
- M3 chip
- 13" 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display
- 128GB storage
- 12MP Center Stage front camera
- 12MP Wide back camera with True Tone flash
- iPadOS
- Model: MCNH4LL/A

Amazon offers the Apple Pencil Pro for $99. That's the second-beat price we've seen it at and a savings of $30. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon
- squeeze to bring up a toolset (w/ haptic feedback)
- tilt & rotation detection
- works w/ Find My app
- Model: MX2D3AM/A

Get this price via coupon codes "SHOPGIFTSEARLY" and "20PERCENTOFFALL". That's easily the best we've seen for it and half of what you'd pay for a 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

A brand-new iMac with these exact specs (24GB RAM and 1TB SSD) currently retails for $2,099 at the Apple Store, so this is a great price. It's a refurb, but described as being in "excellent" condition and comes with a 1-year Apple warranty. It'll ship for free, too. Buy Now at eBay
- Apple M3 8-core CPU & 10-core GPU
- 23.5" 4480x2520 (4.5K) Retina display
- 24GB RAM & 1TB SSD
- macOS
- Model: A2873

Dell offers the Alienware Aurora Core Ultra 7 Gaming Desktop w/ RTX 5060 Ti for $1,600. That's $550 off list, $150 under our mention from two weeks ago, and the lowest price we've seen. (Plus, for further comparison, as recently as January, we mentioned it at $1,850.) Free shipping applies. Buy Now at Dell Technologies
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265F Series 2 2.4GHz Arrow Lake 20-core CPU
- 32GB RAM & 1TB M.2 SSD
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB GPU
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: useact1250wcto14

Amazon offers the Logitech G515 Wireless Gaming Keyboard for $70. That's the lowest price it's been listed at and half of what you'd pay elsewhere. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon

It's the best deal we've seen for this Epson printer. A 2-year Allstate warranty is included. Buy Now at eBay

Use promo code "SSF4472" to drop the Wolfbox MF50 Electric Air Duster to the second-best price we've seen. Buy Now at Newegg
- 110,000 RPM speed
- Three adjustable speeds
- Lightweight at 0.45 lb
- Charges in 3.5 hours
- Includes four nozzles
- Model: MF50

At Amaozn, get this Cable Matters 6-Foot 240W USB-C Charging Cable 2-Pack for $6.99. It's the best deal we could find by $5. Shipping is free for Prime members. Buy Now at Amazon

Amazon offers the D-Link 7-Port 2.5GB Unmanaged Gaming Switch for $31. That's $29 off and the lowest price it's been. Shipping is free. Buy Now at Amazon

Dell offers the Dell Pro 4-in-1 USB-C Travel Hub for $29.99. That's a $15 savings and tied with our mention from three weeks ago as the lowest price we've ever seent. Free shipping applies. Buy Now at Dell Technologies
- 3 USB-C ports
- 1 HDMI port
- supports 4K resolution at 60Hz

Use promo code "MMSF229" to drop the Anker PowerConf C200 2K USB Webcam to the best price we've seen. Deal ends December 31. Buy Now at Newegg
- AI-noise canceling microphones
- built-in privacy cover
- adjustable FOV
- low-light correction
- Model: A3369011

Clip the $18 coupon to save $18 compared to the typical price and $88 compared to the list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- 1000W Platinum-rated efficiency
- ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 ready
- Fully modular cables
- 92mm PWM cooling fan
- Japanese capacitors for reliability

At eBay, get this open-box Vankyo 120" 1080p LED Projector for $51.80. It's the best deal we could find by $98. Shipping is free. Buy Now at eBay

Prime members get this enormous hard drive at its best-ever price. It's $14 less than you'd pay direct from Western Digital. Buy Now at Amazon
- plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs
- USB 2.0 or 3.0 interface
- Model: WDBWLG0200HBK-NESN
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.