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    This HP laptop may be the closest thing to a MacBook Pro for Windows users – and I don’t mind it

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways HP’s 14-inch EliteBook X G1a features AMD’s latest Ryzen AI Pro chip, starting at $2,184. It’s a powerful enterprise laptop with lots of I/O, a sleek form factor, and comfortable keyboard. It’s expensive, and can run warm under a heavy workload. more buying choices HP reorganized its laptop lineup last year, […] More

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    The best push mowers of 2025: Expert picks from Cub Cadet, Makita, and more

    We’re well into Spring, which means it’s time to start prepping your lawn for Summer gatherings with friends and family. Just like riding mowers, the right push mower can make all the difference in how you care for your lawn, with both gas and battery-powered options, self-propelled models, and multiple configurations for mulching and bagging. Brands like Toro, Cub Cadet, and DeWalt have options for yards as small as a quarter of an acre all the way up to one full acre.Also: The best lawn mowers of 2025 What is the best push mower right now? I chose the DeWalt 2x20V More

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    This pocket-friendly AI voice recorder has changed the way I work and travel

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Mobvoi TicNote is available now for $159.99, but monthly and annual subscription plans apply to most features. The TicNote’s AI features are impressive, the hardware is small and light, and recordings are accurate, even from across the room. The Pro subscription model appears overwhelming, but TicNote users get 300 credits […] More

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    Is your Roku TV spying on you? Probably, but here’s how to put an end to it

    Maria Diaz/ZDNETWhenever I hear about consumer data tracking, my half-century-old brain dredges up that Hall and Oates hit called “Private Eyes” with the refrain “they’re watching you.” I don’t mean to incite Big Brother paranoia; I know I’m not being spied on everywhere I go, especially not in the seclusion of my home. But while using streaming devices, you can almost guarantee that your entertainment and advertisement preferences are being tracked.Also: Your Roku TV is getting several updates for free – including a big one for Roku CityThe culprit is better known as Big Data — arguably less invasive and sinister, but still annoying to some people — and there are ways to mitigate that on your streaming devices if you’re one of them.While some data collection is necessary for basic functionality, many streaming devices collect more than required; so much so that you essentially lose control of your privacy, fall into filter bubbles (viewing algorithms that are more narrow), and receive more targeted ads than expected. Below are some general strategies for regaining control over your privacy while using streaming services.  More

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    Why I recommend Hisense’s Frame TV competitor, especially at this price

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Hisense Canvas TV is a lifestyle set that delivers practical image quality and a trendy aesthetic. The matte-treated display, fairly punchy colors, and free collection of artwork are easy to appreciate. The QLED panel falls short in contrast and HDR brightness, and it’s on the bulkier side. more buying choices […] More