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    I used this free tool to see what data the internet has on me – and the results were disturbing

    enot-poloskun/iStock/Getty Images Plus Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Your online footprint can reveal information about you. Viewing your footprint can be an eye-opener. theHarvester tool is a powerful – and free – way to scan that footprint. Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave […] More

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    Not enough people are talking about this Garmin competitor that wins in unique ways

    Polar Grit X2 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Polar Grit X2 is available in Night Black for $800 The rugged MIL-spec build, vibrant AMOLED display, accurate location tracking, and advanced training tools make this a great watch for outdoor adventures Smartphone syncing is a manual process, the smartphone app is somewhat stagnant, and the watch […] More

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    I’m always looking for deals on kids’ tech – here’s what I’m buying this holiday season

    As a tech reviewer, my kids have grown used to being surrounded by the latest gadgets available on the market — and they love it. Technology for children doesn’t have to be intimidating. Sure, there are plenty of kids’ tech products that will help keep your little ones busy and entertained, but there are also many that encourage them to be more active, help you keep tabs on them, and offer screen-free learning.Also: Best early Black Friday deals live nowWriting about tech has reinforced my conviction that my kids should be as familiar as possible with the latest innovations. This is not only so they’re prepared to use them in the workplace as adults, but also so they can learn the safest ways to navigate a world that relies heavily on technology as they grow. As parents, we should do the same, as we can only steer our little ones in the safest course if we know how to navigate it ourselves. I’ve gathered up the best deals on kids’ tech available through Black Friday, considering the items I’m shopping for or have already tested.Best Black Friday deals on kids’ tech More

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    The top 10 laptops our readers bought this year (no. 1 surprised us)

    Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETIt’s hard to believe, but 2025 is almost over. During this time, we reflect back on the best laptop models and innovations that defined the year. From the continued rise of AI-powered systems to the dominance of lightweight machines, it has been a standout time for mobile computing. Here at ZDNET, we test dozens of laptops in real-world environments to determine which ones are worth your hard-earned money. But for this list, we’re not highlighting our favorites.Also: Our favorite Black Friday laptop deals live nowWe’ve compiled the top 10 most popular laptops of 2025, based on aggregated details from our retail partners, as determined by our readers. The following entries are listed in order of units sold through the links clicked from ZDNET articles. (Don’t worry, your privacy is protected. ZDNET only has access to aggregate data from our specific user base. There’s no way for us to identify individuals.)Here are the ZDNET readers’ favorite laptops for 2025, based on their actual purchases. (Some of these laptops are on sale right now for Black Friday.)
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    I’ve tested every new Apple Watch in 2025 – here’s why the best model for you isn’t the Ultra

    Apple Watch Series 11 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Apple’s baseline smartwatch offers upgraded health features and additional battery life. The smartwatch’s only weakness is that it’s trumped by the value of its younger sibling, the SE 3. The Series 11 got its first discount of the season, bringing it down from $400 to $350 on […] More