Snap, YouTube, and TikTok settle suit over harm to students
Snap, YouTube, and TikTok have settled the first lawsuit of its kind, alleging that social media addiction has cost public schools massive amounts of money, according to Bloomberg. The suit, filed by the Breathitt County School District in Kentucky, claims that social media has disrupted learning and created a mental health crisis, straining budgets. The terms of the settlement have not been revealed yet, and Meta is still facing a trial in the same suit, which is viewed as a bellwether for over 1,000 similar lawsuits across the country
This follows an earlier case, settled by Snap and TikTok, in which a 19-year-old plaintiff claimed signif …
Sony tries to explain that its AI Camera Assistant doesn’t suck
After Sony drew some unwanted attention for a post demonstrating its AI Camera Assistant on the Xperia 1 XIII, it's trying to clarify how the feature works. The company says it doesn't edit photos, but makes suggestions based on lighting, depth, and subject. Point the camera at something, and it will give you four options for changing exposure, color, and background blur.
In its product video, Sony says that the AI Camera Assistant will also suggest "the most photogenic angle." Though the clip only shows it suggesting that someone zoom in, which is not the same as suggesting a camera angle.
The examples that Sony posted on X, while bette …
NPR’s Manoush Zomorodi talks about living with too much tech
Manoush Zamorodi is an accomplished reporter, podcast host, and author. Her new book, Body Electric, takes a comprehensive look at how technology is impacting our physical health. It's a collaboration between NPR and Columbia University Medical Center that picks up where her first title, Bored and Brilliant, left off. That book looked at how technology was hampering our mental health. I highly recommend it to anyone who feels like being constantly attached to a device is sapping their energy and creativity.
Both books grew out of her extensive podcasting work. After heading up WNYC's Note To Self, Zamorodi went on to host NPR's TED Radio H …
Turtle Beach made a good SteelSeries headset clone that’s $50 less
I really liked the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, so the company didn't have to say much to get me excited about its successor. The $399 Nova Pro Omni that came out on May 5th has a similar design to the 2022 model, but with some new and improved features - support for wireless hi-res audio (24-bit / 96kHz audio over 2.4GHz), better mic quality, and compatibility with all consoles in every model, to name the big ones. All the $599 Nova Elite has on the Omni is better build materials and bigger drivers.
But things got interesting when, just a few weeks before the Omni was announced, Turtle Beach showed off its Stealth Pro 2. To say th …
Here are 40 of our favorite deals from REI’s massive Anniversary Sale
REI’s annual Anniversary Sale — the retailer’s biggest of the year — has arrived, bringing with it discounts on all kinds of outdoor essentials. If you’ve got a camping trip coming up, now is a good time to stock up on the basics, whether it be a tent, sleeping pad, or stove. If your summer plans involve hiking or heading into the backcountry, there are also savings to be had on everything from Garmin watches to water filters, some of which are also on discount at retailers like Amazon.
The sale runs through May 25th, and to save you time scrolling, we’ve rounded up the best deals below. Additionally, as in previous years, REI members get 20 percent off one full-price item or one REI Outlet item with code ANNIV26, giving those who pay for a lifetime membership ($30) even more ways to save in the run-up to Memorial Day.
Smartwatches and fitness trackers
Garmin Fenix 8
The Garmin Fenix 8 is a premium multisport watch that features a speaker, mic, and on-device assistant for calls, timers, and voice commands. It also offers elite battery life, dual-frequency GPS, and robust sensors. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Amazfit Active 2
The Amazfit Active 2 delivers outsized value for the price. It looks spiffy and has a wide array of health tracking features, plus built-in GPS and AI chatbots to provide extra context to your data. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- Garmin’s Venu 4 is geared toward the average athlete, and it’s on sale at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy in both size configurations for $499.99 ($50 off), matching its best price to date. The wearable offers many of the same health and fitness tracking features as its predecessor, the Venu 3S, including abnormal heart rate alerts, detailed sleep insights, audio-guided meditation sessions, and a wheelchair mode. It introduces new wellness features, though, including the ability to track caffeine and alcohol intake, as well as Garmin Coach, so you can tailor workouts based on your fitness history, sleep quality, and recovery.
- REI, Amazon, and Best Buy are also selling the Garmin Lily 2 Active for $249.99 ($50 off), which is its lowest price to date. The stylish smartwatch is a great budget-friendly Garmin, especially for people with smaller wrists. Like the standard Lily 2, it offers basic fitness tracking, notifications, and up to five days of battery life; however, the so-called “Active” model adds a physical button, built-in GPS, and support for more sports tracking. Read our Lily 2 review.
- If you want more accurate heart rate tracking than most smartwatches offer, Polar’s H10 is on sale at REI and Amazon for $94.49 ($10 off), which is one of its better prices in recent months. Unlike wrist-based trackers, the chest strap records your heart rate directly from your chest for more precise readings during workouts. The lightweight sensor also pairs with a wide range of fitness apps, smartwatches, gym equipment, and other devices via Bluetooth, and it’s water-resistant enough for swimming.
Communication and safety gear
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Garmin’s palm-sized inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator offers off-the-grid two-way messaging, built-in navigation capabilities, and powerful mapping features, including the ability to set waypoints when paired with Garmin’s Explore app. A subscription plan is required to access the Iridium network, though, with prices starting at $7.99 a month.
Where to Buy:
- Garmin’s InReach Messenger Plus is on sale at REI, Amazon, and direct from Garmin for $299.99 ($100 off), its lowest prices to date. The subscription-based Plus model provides satellite connectivity and access to emergency services like the aforementioned InReach Mini 2, except it can also send photos and audio clips in addition to standard text messages.
- Garmin’s newer InReach Mini 3 is also available from REI, Amazon, and Garmin for $399.99 ($100 off), its best price to date. Like the Mini 2, the rugged, palm-sized satellite communicator lets you send texts, share your location, check the weather, and trigger SOS alerts when you’re off the grid, all while offering battery life that can outlast your average smartphone. Unlike its predecessor, though, it features a color touchscreen, which makes it’s much easier to scroll through menus and bang out messages.
Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus
The Mini 3 Plus is identical to the standard model in that it allows you to stay connected while off the grid; however, it also features an audible siren and the ability to send photos and voice messages, in addition to standard texts.
Where to Buy:
- The Chapter MIPS Bike Helmet is on sale starting at around $112 ($41 off) at Amazon and REI, which nearly matches its best price to date. The lightweight helmet features a hidden PopLock for securing it with a U-lock or chain. It also features a sleek visor and a Micro-USB taillight with 30 lumens of brightness, one that will automatically turn on when magnetically attached to the helmet.
- Garmin’s Varia RTL515 Radar Taillight is on sale at REI and Amazon for $149.99 ($50 off), nearly matching its lowest price to date. The headlight combines a bright LED light with a rearview radar that, when paired with a compatible device, warns you of cars approaching from behind from up to 153 yards away.
Portable Bluetooth speakers
JBL Charge 6
The Charge 6 is a robust, IP68-rated portable speaker with up to 28 hours of battery life and support for lossless audio over USB-C. Like the JBL Flip 7, it can also analyze your audio to deliver clearer, louder sound and reduce distortion at higher volumes.
Where to Buy:
- You can buy JBL’s Flip 7 speaker for $99.95 ($50 off) at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy, which matches its best price to date. The portable gadget features several upgrades over its predecessor, including a more rugged design, an enhanced tweeter, and an additional two hours of playtime. It also features JBL’s AI Sound Boost technology, which can boost the speaker’s volume without introducing distortion. An IP68 rating, meanwhile, means you can use it by the pool, while a PushLock system lets you attach interchangeable accessories like the included wrist strap.
- If you want an even smaller portable speaker, JBL’s Clip 5 is on sale for around $59 ($20 off) at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy, which is $10 shy of its all-time low. The Bluetooth speaker features an integrated carabiner that makes it easy to clip onto a backpack, bike, or beach bag, along with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. It also offers up to 12 hours of battery life, so it should easily last you the day.
Cooking equipment
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
The PocketRocket 2 is a single-burner canister stove that can boil water in as little as three and a half minutes. It’s lightweight, foldable, and compatible with most isobutane-propane fuel canisters, making it a great pick for backpackers looking to shed weight.
Where to Buy:
LifeStraw Peak Series Straw
LifeStraw’s redesigned Peak Series Straw features a durable, leakproof design that’s great for backcountry treks. It can remove unwanted viruses, bacteria, and microplastics as you drink — just like the base model — but benefits from an increased flow rate and more premium materials.
Where to Buy:
- If you’re looking for a more convenient, all-in-one solution, the LifeStraw Go Series 1L is also on sale for an all-time low of around $34 ($11 off) at REI and Amazon. The BPA-free water bottle features a built-in two-stage filtration system, including a carbon filter that’s designed to reduce odors and improve taste, making it a solid pick for everything from travel to your daily commute.
- It’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but the GoBites Bio-Uno Long spork is on sale at REI in multiple colors for a cool $5.93 (about $3 off). The Verge’s Brandon Widder has used the sturdy, BPA-free utensil in the backcountry numerous times over the years, mainly because it’s relatively lightweight and saves you from having to pack more than one tool for devouring whatever freeze-dried concoction you opted for.
JetBoil MiniMo Cooking System
JetBoil’s cooking systems aren’t for ultra-light backpackers; however, the MiniMo is incredibly straightforward to use, comes with a 1-liter pot, and heats water in as little as two minutes, making it suitable for everything from freeze-dried meals to a well-deserved cup of cocoa.
Where to Buy:
Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove
Coleman’s go-to stove provides everything you need for simple, reliable camp cooking. It’s got enough power to handle most meals, as well as a pair of burners for cooking multiple things at once. It also features a matchless push-button igniter and built-in wind guards.
Where to Buy:
- Coleman’s Cascade 3-in-1 Stove is on sale for around $204.99 ($70 off) at REI, Backcountry, and Coleman’s online storefront. It’s a better pick for campers who want to cook a little more than basic meals on a standard two-burner stove. In addition to two adjustable burners with wind guards and matchless ignition, it comes with interchangeable grill and griddle attachments, making it easier to cook things like eggs and burgers without packing extra gear.
- The BearVault BV500 Journey is on sale for around $79.89 ($20 off) from both REI and Campman. The hard-sided bear canister is designed to keep wildlife out of your food while offering 11.5 liters of storage, which is enough for about a week’s worth of meals and snacks. Despite its rugged build, it’s relatively lightweight, and the screw-top lid is designed to be secure without requiring complicated tools. As an added bonus, it also doubles as a makeshift camp stool.
Shelter, sleep, and furniture
Kelty Low Loveseat
The Kelty Low Loveseat is a sturdy, low-profile camp chair built for two. It features a steel frame, a padded seat, and extra-large cup holders for your drinks or gear. It also includes a padded roll-tote storage bag, making it easy to transport when it’s folded down.
Where to Buy:
Exped MegaMat Duo
The MegaMat Duo is a four-inch, self-inflating mattress that’s become one of our favorites thanks to its extra-wide design. It uses a combination of open-cell polyurethane foam and generous padding for comfort, which helps keep you warm when temperatures dip. It also makes for a stellar air mattress for guests.
Where to Buy:
- A small, compact chair is nice to have for lounging by the campfire, and REI’s Flexlite Camp Chair is a great option now that it’s down to $67.39 (about $22 off) in multiple colors at REI. It features an aluminum frame, a stable four-leg design, and a ripstop polyester seat with water and stain resistance. When you’re done, it can also quickly fold down into a drawstring bag, so you can throw it in your car or tent.
- You can get the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol for $44.89 ($11 off) at REI right now. It’s a relatively lightweight, compact sleeping pad with an accordion-style design that lets you attach it to your backpack. The closed-cell foam also provides comfort after a long day of hiking, while the sleeping pad’s surface helps reflect radiant heat back to your body, so you can stay warm in the fall.
Half Dome 2 Tent (with footprint)
REI’s inexpensive, three-season tent is easy to set up and offers plenty of space for two people, with built-in pockets for stowing gear and large roll-up doors. It’s certainly not the lightest offering you can buy, but at this price, it’s an easy recommendation for first-time backpackers and anyone looking for a solid tent for car camping.
Where to Buy:
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
Rumpl’s classic lightweight blanket features synthetic insulation for warmth, a weather-resistant outer shell, and a stuff sack. It also comes in an array of attractive designs and pairs with Rumpl’s Cape Clip, so you can wear it hands-free.
Where to Buy:
- REI is currently selling its Magma 30 Sleeping Bag in a variety of sizes starting at $209.39 ($139 off). The bag uses 850-fill-power, water-resistant down for warmth and weighs under 20 ounces, depending on the size, making it a great budget pick if you’re looking to get into ultralight backpacking. It also includes a hood to help retain heat, extra room around the feet, and a terrific zipper design that’s less likely to snag when you’re crawling in or out.
- REI is selling GCI’s Freestyle Rocker Chair for $47.93 ($32 off). It’s a more comfortable alternative to your average camping chair, one that rocks and can handle both hard and soft ground. It also features padded armrests, a built-in beverage holder, and a foldable design, which makes it easy to throw in the back of your car before heading out the door.
REI Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag
The Siesta prioritizes comfort with a roomy rectangular shape that gives you space to stretch out. The synthetic sleeping bag features an insulated hood — one that’s spacious enough to accommodate a real pillow — along with multiple zipper configurations so you can vent your feet or fully unzip it into a quilt-like blanket.
Where to Buy:
Headlamps and camp lighting
BioLite Site Lights
BioLite’s ultra-versatile Site Light kit comes with six weatherproof bulbs, which can illuminate up to 1,000 square feet when hung or properly staked. You don’t need to bring a charger, either, as the included carrying case doubles as a solar charger for the lights.
Where to Buy:
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Black Diamond’s 400-lumen headlamp offers adjustable brightness, a red night vision mode, and an IPX8 waterproof rating, so it can handle rainy nights. It’s also dual-fuel compatible, meaning you can use standard AAA batteries or use it in tandem with Black Diamond’s rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery for added flexibility.
Where to Buy:
- The Petzl Tikka is on sale at REI for $19.73 (about $15 off). The basic headlamp is a great option that features a max output of 350 lumens, tilt functionality, and an IPX4 rating, making it safe to use in light rain. It also features a lock function that prevents it from accidentally turning on when packed.
- The Nite Ize Radiant 314 — which is currently down to $31.73 (about $13 off) at REI — provides 314 lumens of brightness, an impact-resistant design, and an IPX4 rating for water resistance. The rechargeable lantern can also last up to 96 hours on a single charge, while the built-in power bank can provide an extra boost of power to your phone in a pinch.
- BioLite’s Luci Charge 360 is available for $44.89 ($16 off) from both REI and BioLite, which is a terrific price for the inflatable lantern. Its collapsible design makes it easy to pack, and it offers up to 360 lumens of adjustable brightness. The waterproof gadget also lasts for 50 hours on a single charge, and when it dies, it’s easy to recharge via solar power or USB-C. Plus, you can use it as a power bank, allowing you to top off your phone or other small devices when outlets aren’t nearby.
Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights: Color
Mpowerd’s solar-powered string lights are perfect for camping or a backyard shindig. The 18-foot string can display six colors and last up to 15 hours on a single charge; the case also doubles as a charger, allowing you to top off your phone in a pinch.
Where to Buy:
Black Diamond Moji Plus Lantern
The Moji Plus offers 200 lumens of warm, dimmable light and adjustable brightness, along with an IPX4 rating for water resistance. It also features a double-hook design and the same dual-fuel tech as the Spot 400 Headlamp, meaning you can use it with standard AAAs or Black Diamond’s rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery.
Where to Buy:
Miscellaneous outdoor deals
Zippo HeatBank 6 Pro Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Zippo’s rechargeable, IP57-rated hand warmer offers three heat settings and up to six hours of runtime. It can also serve as a 24-lumen flashlight or a 5,200 mAh power bank in a pinch, though, unlike most warmers, it’s only sold as a single unit.
Where to Buy:
- If you own an older iPhone with a Lightning port, you can grab InfinityLab’s InstantGo 10,000 Power Bank for just $41.93 (about $28 off) at REI. The portable battery features a 10,000mAh capacity and a built-in Lightning cable, making it a solid all-in-one option for days when you won’t be near an outlet. It also supports passthrough charging, allowing you to charge your phone and the power bank simultaneously.
Mixtape is a musical portrait of teenage life
Playing Mixtape is like playing a video game version of a high school movie. Kids banter about the meaning of life and the theme songs that would play when they walk in a room. They're worried about looking cool at a big party. They're obsessed with finding booze. But under all of those tropes is a meaningful story about nostalgia, friendship, and teenage angst - and it's all backed by a great soundtrack packed with classic hits.
Mixtape takes place over the course of a summer day. You play as Stacey Rockford, a music obsessive and recent high school graduate. Rockford is leaving her sleepy California suburb for New York City the next morn …
The app you need to clean up your computer
Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 128, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you're new here, welcome, sorry this one's so Mac-heavy, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.)
This week, I've been reading about David Attenborough and screenwriters-turned-AI-trainers and the Subway Takes guy, listening to a lot of Productivity FM's mixes while I work, finally writing my vibe-coding opus, testing the Poppy AI assistant (and giving it more of my data than I frankly should have), tracking my pathetic step counts with the new Fitbit Air, buying more of The Atlantic's summer reading list t …
These are the laptops I recommend for pretty much anyone
Need a new laptop? It’s a tough decision. If you’re like most people, a laptop is one of the most expensive tech purchases you’ll make, and it’s something you’ll use and live with nearly every day for years to come. So there’s a lot riding on this pricey expense.
I’ve tested all kinds of laptops, from cheap Windows computers and Chromebooks to bread-and-butter MacBooks and over-the-top gaming machines. These are the ones I recommend the most and why I think they might be a good fit for you.
Though the MacBook Air is still the easy recommendation for most people, that doesn’t make it the go-to answer for everyone. What if you need more power for video or photo editing, or for crunching large datasets? What if you prefer to run Windows? What if you play lots of games and want to take them with you? Or what if you want something that’s super repairable, or something that’s unusual? We’ve got some recommendations, including a Chromebook or two, a laptop with two screens, the 16-inch MacBook Pro, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop with a Snapdragon X Elite chip.
The best answer for most people
Apple MacBook Air 15 (2026, M5)
Score: 9
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
CPU: M5 (10-core) / GPU: M5 (8- or 10-core) / RAM: 16GB, 24GB, 32GB / Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB / Display: 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, 2560 x 1664 or 2880 x 1864 , 60Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches (13-inch) or 13.40 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches (15-inch) / Weight: 2.7 pounds (13-inch) or 3.3 pounds (15-inch)
Just get the latest MacBook Air. It’s been a little same-y for a few years, but it’s still the best for a reason. Every part of it is good to great. It’s incredibly thin. Its keyboard is solid. Its haptic trackpad is excellent. Its speakers are loud and full-sounding (especially on the 15-inch). It’s got a very nice-looking display. Even its webcam is best in class. All that, and it balances a great level of performance with a battery that easily lasts around 13 hours.
Both the 13- and 15-inch models are great for just about everything outside of hardcore gaming, heavy-duty content creation, or 3D modeling. An Air will serve you well for years to come. Many of us at The Verge still use work-issued M1 MacBook Airs from 2020, and they’re holding up great after five-plus years of service. An M5 Air (or M4 if you can still find a deal) could last you the better part of a decade.
Apple MacBook Air 13 (2026, M5)
Where to Buy:
Read my full review of the M5 MacBook Air.
Want to spend less? Or shopping for a student?
Apple MacBook Neo
Score: 9
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
CPU: A18 Pro (6-core) / GPU: A18 Pro (5-core) / RAM: 8GB / Storage: 256GB, 512GB / Display: 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 2408 x 1506, 60Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 11.71 x 8.12 x 0.5 inches / Weight: 2.7 pounds
Enter the MacBook Neo. Most inexpensive laptops are bulky and creaky, with bad keyboards and screens. Like the Air, the Neo nails the basics, just at a lower price. Its build quality is unbeatable for its $600 price (or $100 less for students and teachers). And while its A18 Pro processor is technically a smartphone chip, it’s faster than most Windows laptop chips in single-core performance — making it more than enough for everyday tasks. Its 8GB of RAM and relatively slow storage may feel lean for more intensive users, but the Neo performs great unless you really push it with dozens of Chrome tabs or heavier content creation apps.
Read my full review of the MacBook Neo.
The laptops to get if you prefer Windows
Microsoft Surface Laptop, 13-inch
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 / GPU: Qualcomm Adreno / RAM: 16GB / Storage: 256GB, 512GB / Display: 13-inch (1920 x 1280) 60Hz touchscreen / Dimensions: 11.25 x 8.43 x 0.61 inches / Weight: 2.7 pounds
Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 / GPU: Qualcomm Adreno / RAM: 16GB / Storage: 256GB, 512GB / Display: 12-inch (2196 x 1464) 90Hz touschscreen / Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.47 x 0.30 inches / Weight: 1.5 pounds
Microsoft’s entry-level Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch are sleek little Windows computers. One is a conventional clamshell and the other a convertible tablet, so you can take your pick from two very well-built devices with metal chassis, great screens, and good keyboards and trackpads. Their Snapdragon X processors are fast enough for everyday tasks and some creative work. But one of their biggest strengths is their extra-long battery life and lengthy standby times. Both the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro can easily tackle a standard workday on a single charge, plus a few more hours, and barely lose any charge overnight, unlike most Windows laptops. Unfortunately, Microsoft recently jacked up its Surface prices due to RAMageddon, so they’re not as competitive with the MacBook Air as they used to be. (This is a problem across the industry; other Windows computers are also getting more expensive.)
Alternatively, if you want something that feels even nicer and runs an Intel chip for wider app and game compatibility, check out the new Dell XPS 14. I’m still working on my review of it, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see how good the XPS is again after I loathed the XPS 13. I’m glad to see Dell resurrected its most notable brand, and it’s actually good — great hardware, a lovely tandem OLED screen, and nice performance from Intel Panther Lake chips. But it starts around $1,900 and climbs much higher with options.
Read our full reviews of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch.
Need a bigger Windows laptop? (Hey, my eyes aren’t what they used to be either.)
Asus Zenbook A16
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme / GPU: Adreno X2-90 / RAM: 48GB / Storage: 1TB / Display: 16-inch (2880 x 1800) 120Hz OLED touchscreen / Dimensions: 13.92 x 9.54 x 0.54 ~ 0.65 inches / Weight: 2.87 pounds
The Asus Zenbook A16 is as impressive as it is beige. It’s meant to be a MacBook Air fighter, and it’s a formidable alternative, with Qualcomm’s powerful X2 Elite Extreme chip inside. At $1,699.99, it isn’t cheap, but you get a massive 48GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and a huge 16-inch OLED display. (A similarly priced 15-inch MacBook Air comes with 32GB of RAM and just 512GB of storage.) Despite this large, lovely screen, the A16 weighs just 2.87 pounds / 1.3kg — only a smidge more than the much smaller MacBook Neo. It’s the lightest 16-inch laptop around, and it’s even got an SD card slot, which I love. I’ve experienced firsthand how it’s powerful enough for some heavy photo editing under pressure.
Read my full review of the Asus Zenbook A16.
Need a Chromebook for a kid or just simple browsing?
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
CPU: Intel Core i3-1215U / GPU: Intel UHD / RAM: 8GB / Storage: 128GB, 256GB UFS / Display: 14-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, non-touch / Dimensions: 12.9 x 8.4 x 0.74 inches / Weight: 3.17 pounds
For a fairly affordable Chromebook that’s still solid, stick with the tried and true Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 for about $400. It’s got an older 12th-gen Intel processor, 8GB of RAM, and a basic 1080p screen. But it’s one of the cheapest Chromebooks around with the “Plus” designation, meaning it’s one of The Good Ones.
Chromebooks are in a bit of a weird spot now that Googlebooks are on the horizon and we don’t know a lot about them just yet. Our former top pick, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, remains an excellent laptop — the best of the best Chromebooks. But in recent times it’s shot up from a fair $650 starting price to $800 to $1,000. Yikes. At this point, only get the Lenovo if it’s on a big sale. Otherwise, just get a MacBook Neo.
Okay, here’s what I’d actually buy myself if I could only own one computer
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 270, HX 370 / GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, RTX 5070, RTX 5070 TI, RTX 5080 / RAM: 16GB, 32GB / Storage: 1TB / Display: 14-inch OLED, 2880 x 1800, 120Hz, 500 nits / Dimensions: 12.24 x 8.66 x 0.63 inches / Weight: 3.31 pounds
The laptops I’ve outlined above are all fantastic. They’re also just a liiiiittle boring, because they don’t take into account playing lots of games, which is what first got me into PCs as a kid. That’s why my personal choice for one computer to do it all are the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16. They strike a great balance between work and play, being sleek and travel-friendly and offering good battery life during the workday. But once you sign off, their discrete Nvidia GPUs and lovely OLEDs offer a whole lot of fun for gaming.
The 2025 models of the Zephyrus G14 and G16 are still easy recommendations in 2026, especially if you can find a deal. The 2026 revision is a small update that mostly bumps the chips to Intel Panther Lake, though I’ve got my eye on the new G14 since it’s making the switch from a microSD card slot to full-size SD. Just brace yourself for how expensive it might be. Asus didn’t announce any pricing at CES, and since then all its 2026 models have landed at significantly higher prices than last gen. If you’re shopping for a deal on the 2025 models, I like the entry-level Zephyrus G14 with RTX 5060 GPU (which is thinner than the higher configs) and the G16 with RTX 5070 Ti (a good sweet spot for the larger model).
Now, here’s the MacBook I’d buy for myself if I’m just focusing on creative work
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2025, M5)
Score: 9
| Pros | Cons |
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Where to Buy:
CPU: M5 (10-core / GPU: M5 (10-core) / RAM: 16GB, 24GB, or 32GB / Storage: 512GB (discontinued), 1TB, 2TB, 4TB / Display: 14.2 Liquid Retina XDR, 3024 x 1964, adaptive refresh up to 120Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 / Weight: 3.4 pounds
The base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 is my personal sweet spot for content creation without spending tons and tons of money. The 14-inch size makes it easily portable, and it’s powerful enough to fit my needs as a part-time pro photographer. It’s also a great starting place for a college student or young professional getting into creative fields.
The pricier M5 Pro / M5 Max models set the high mark for performance across video production, 3D rendering, and pro work. If you’re a full-time creative professional or developer, the upgrades to an M5 Pro or M5 Max are worth it. If that’s you, take your pick of 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pros and get the best one you can comfortably afford. It’s sure to provide you with excellent performance for well over five years. I saw that in my M5 Max MacBook Pro review, where I retested the M1 Pro and M1 Max models and heard firsthand from professional users how well those were still holding up.
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2026, M5 Max)
Score: 8
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Where to Buy:
Read my full review of the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro and 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro.
Okay, those are the standard recommendations.
But what if you want something a little more niche?
Looking for desktop-level gaming in a laptop?
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025, RTX 5080)
Score: 8
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Where to Buy:
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX / GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 / RAM: 32GB / Storage: 2TB / Display: 16-inch Mini LED 2560 x 1600, 240Hz display / Dimensions: 13.94 x 10.55 x 0.9 to 1.21 inches / Weight: 6.17 pounds
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i are both excellent gaming laptops with Intel Arrow Lake processors and high-end Nvidia RTX graphics. I tested both with RTX 5080 Laptop GPUs, and they proved powerful enough to play the latest games on high settings in 2.5K resolution — even 4K for some slightly older or less-demanding ones.
Both laptops have lots of RGB lighting, great keyboards, and 16-inch displays with high 240Hz refresh rate. The Asus usually had a slight performance edge, but the Legion gets extra points for having an OLED display. Either of them are great options if you want a thicc-boy-style gaming laptop.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (16-inch, Intel)
Lenovo’s Legion Pro 7i is a well built gaming laptop with a lovely 2.5K OLED display and a powerful RTX 5080 GPU, enough to handle 4K gaming on an external monitor. Its only major downsides are a lack of face or fingerprint unlocking and Lenovo’s tendency to pre-load some annoying bloatware.
Score: 8
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Where to Buy:
Do you want to live that sweet dual-screen life?
Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)
Score: 8
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Where to Buy:
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, Core Ultra X9 388H / GPU: integrated Intel graphics (386H), integrated Intel Arc B309 GPU (388H),/ RAM: 32GB / Storage: 1TB / Display: Dual 14-inch (2880 x 1800) 48 – 144Hz OLED touchscreens / Dimensions: 12.21 x 8.21 x 0.77 – 0.92 inches / Weight: 3.5 / 4.7 pounds
By god, it’s the Asus Zenbook Duo’s music! You can connect a second display to any laptop, but a laptop with two screens is even better. The latest Zenbook Duo is very expensive at $2,700, but you get two 14-inch OLEDs, a great detachable keyboard and trackpad, and an Intel Panther Lake chip that’s great on both performance and battery life. The integrated Intel Arc B390 GPU can even do some respectable 1200p gaming while you have Discord or your work Slack (or both) open on the other screen. The multitasking freedom you get from these two screens (in both landscape and portrait orientations) is a big part of the fun here. Plus, you can flex on everyone else at the coffee shop.
Read my full review of the Asus Zenbook Duo.
Do you want a laptop you can repair or upgrade yourself?
Framework Laptop 13 (2025, AMD Ryzen AI 7 350)
Score: 9
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Where to Buy:
CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, AI 7 350, AI 9 HX 370 / GPU: Radeon 860M / RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 48GB, 96GB / Storage: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB / Display: 13.5 inch IPS, 2256 x 1504 60Hz or 2880 x 1920 120Hz, no touch option / Dimensions: 11.68 x 9.01 x 0.62 inches / Weight: 2.87 pounds
There is no better laptop for a tinkerer than the user-repairable, user-upgradeable Framework Laptop 13. There’s also the Framework Laptop 16 if you want something bigger with discrete graphics, but it’s not as easy of a recommendation due to its clunky, Erector Set-like build.
Framework has been cooking with its latest releases, and its upcoming Laptop 13 Pro and updates to the Laptop 16 also look promising. But the standard Framework Laptop 13 with AMD Ryzen AI 300-series chips is a great all-rounder. It performs well whether you’re running Windows or your Linux distro of choice. You pay a premium for the flexibility Framework offers, but the potential for upgrades and easy self-service make it a better long-term investment. Plus, they’re the only laptops in production that allow you to choose your own ports and hot-swap them on a whim. It’s just awesome.
Framework Laptop 16 (2025)
Score: 6
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Where to Buy:
Read my full reviews of the Framework Laptop 13 and Framework Laptop 16.
Xbox is now XBOX
Xbox just allcapsmaxxed: Meet XBOX. This isn't a joke; Microsoft appears to be actually rebranding Xbox to XBOX. Asha Sharma, Xbox CEO, ran a poll on X earlier this week, asking fans whether Microsoft should use Xbox or XBOX. The results were in favor of XBOX, and the company has now renamed its X account.
Curiously, the Threads and Bluesky accounts for Xbox haven't been renamed yet, but if Microsoft is going ahead with a rebranding then I expect those will change soon. I asked Microsoft to comment on this potential Xbox rebranding and the company simply referred me to Sharma's post.
The use of all caps for Xbox is a return to original for …
YouTube is expanding its AI deepfake detection tool to all adult users
YouTube is expanding its AI likeness detection program to all users over the age of 18 - meaning just about anyone can have the platform hunt for potential deepfakes of themselves.
The likeness detection feature uses a selfie-style scan of a person's face to monitor YouTube for lookalikes. If there is a match, YouTube alerts the user; the person then has the option to request that YouTube remove the content. YouTube has said in the past that it has found the number of removal requests to be "very small."
YouTube began testing the feature with content creators, and then expanded it to government officials, politicians, journalists, and fina …