Eliana Willis

ZDNETWelcome to 2025. It’s Jan. 1, and this is my first article of the year. As I have in every first article since 2022, I’ll be talking about Bitcoin. Specifically, I’ll discuss how much money I gained or lost on my vast Bitcoin holdings over the previous 12 months.To put this into perspective, let me define what I mean by “vast.” On Jan. 1, 2022, after a celebratory New Year’s Eve filled with whatever was playing on BritBox that evening, I decided to take the plunge. I decided to invest my entire PayPal account balance into Bitcoin.Also: 4 top personal finance apps for Linux that run on MacOS and Windows, tooPayPal, you see, had just announced that it would become a Bitcoin wallet provider. That meant all I had to do was give up even more personal identifying information than I normally do to PayPal, along with my PayPal balance, and I would become the proud owner of what was then slightly more than 0.001 of a Bitcoin. My start with Bitcoin During the process of setting up my Bitcoin investment on that cold and cloudy morning, I regained some degree of self-control and perspective. Rather than putting my entire PayPal balance of $64 into Bitcoin, I decided to invest a more sane $50 (plus the $1.15 in fees PayPal demands for its always-so-helpful participation in any transaction).That self-control came in clutch when, after just a week, my holdings dropped almost 14%. More

PCs have been through a number of evolutions in terms of form factor (fancy word for size), transforming from big, heavy, and quite ugly beige boxes that took up a lot of desk space to something no bigger than a hardback book that packs enough power to handle all but the most demanding of workloads.Say hello to the mini PC: A PC that’s just as comfortable tucked behind a TV, popped on a shelf, or hidden in a cupboard as it is sitting on a desk. These mini PCs pack a punch and have everything that you could want from a modern PC — and take up the least amount of space possible. Also: The best power banks: Expert testedWhat is the best mini PC right now?I’ve tested and researched the current mini PC offerings on the market, examining specs and paying close attention to user reviews, and my top pick for the best mini PC is the Intel NUC 13 Pro Arena Canyon More

Let’s talk USB-C chargers. Not the big, powerful GaN models that can power laptops and charge a multitude of devices simultaneously, but the sort of charger that someone might need for their smartphone or tablet. You know, the sort of thing that once might have been included with a new device, but is often now eliminated to increase profits.So let’s take a look at a selection of the best USB-C chargers on the market for your smaller devices. Also: The best power banks: Expert testedWhat is the best USB-C charger right now?I’ve been testing chargers ranging from small USB-Cs up to large portable power stations for years. It’s difficult to distill down a shortlist of the best USB-C chargers, but based on my previous testing, research, and user reviews, I’ve got a roundup of the best. My pick for the best USB-C charger overall is the Anker 313 45W USB-C charger More

An HDMI splitter may seem like a simple device, and possibly as has-been in 2025, but it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to share a single HDMI signal across multiple displays. Imagine connecting an HDMI cable from your media center PC to the splitter’s input and effortlessly linking HDMI cables from the splitter’s output ports to your TVs and monitors. This setup is not just for home entertainment systems; it’s also a staple in offices, conference centers, and venues that require seamless output distribution to multiple screens or TVs.Also: The best power banks: Expert testedHowever, not all HDMI splitters are created equal. Some models come with power capabilities, acting as repeaters that boost the HDMI digital signal. This feature is particularly beneficial when you need to transmit the signal over long distances, ensuring that your video and audio quality remain top-notch.So whether you’re setting up a multi-screen gaming experience, enhancing your home theater, or facilitating presentations in a professional setting, an HDMI splitter is your key to a clutter-free and efficient display setup.What is the best HDMI splitter right now?I’ve spent years testing tech products and accessories ranging from HDMI splitters to electric screwdrivers to portable power stations. Before we go for the deep dive on HDMI splitters, let me cut to the chase and tell you that for most people looking for an HDMI splitter, the Amazon Basics HDMI Splitter More

There is no doubt that SSDs (solid-state drives) are the speed demons and rock-solid champions of reliability when it comes to storage, leaving HDDs (hard disk drives) in the dust. However, not all SSDs are cut from the same cloth.Also: The best network-attached storage devices you can buyTraditional SSDs and HDDs rely on the tried-and-true SATA (Serial AT Attachment) port when connecting to a PC. But hold on tight because modern motherboards are bringing massive upgrades with a lightning-fast M.2 port on the motherboard itself. This turbocharged connection sets the stage for a mind-blowing performance that will leave tech enthusiasts weak at the knees. Say goodbye to sluggish loading times and hello to a whole new level of speed and efficiency. What is the best M.2 SSD right now?When you visit your favorite online retailer, you’ll find numerous brands offering a wide variety of M.2 storage drives. So, which one should you choose? Don’t worry: I’ve simplified the process by selecting the best M.2 SSDs for you. My top recommendation is still the Crucial P2 1TB 3D M.2 SSD More

Incase When Microsoft announced that it was discontinuing its line of peripherals last year, fans of the products were understandably upset. But there was a ray of hope when accessory brand Incase revealed it had bought the manufacturing rights from Microsoft and would take over production of the discontinued products under the Incase name.  Fast-forward a […] More

Imagine this: a dead iPhone throwing a wrench in your entire day. It’s happened to me more times than I’d like to admit, which is why I’m never without my trusty power bank — it’s all about staying one step ahead of problems. Also: The best MagSafe accessories for your iPhoneI run the iPhone witht he biggest batteyr you can get, and I still find that giving it a little mid-day top-up can mean the difference between cruising through the day or watching it fade to black before I make it get home for the evening.  What is the best iPhone power bank right now? I’ve tested hundreds of iPhone power banks, scrutinizing everything from their sleek designs and rapid charge times to their hefty recharge capacities, power outputs, port varieties, and safety features. This thorough analysis has allowed me to weed out the duds — the low-quality units, the overpriced rip-offs, and the downright failures — focusing exclusively on the cream of the crop. This lineup represents the pinnacle of performance, ensuring you get only the best from your purchase.My top pick for the best overall iPhone power bank is the Anker MagGo 6.6K Wireless Charger More

Upgrade your charging game with a sleek, compact, and highly efficient charger with multiple ports that can remain cool under heavy use and charge everything from earbuds to laptops. There’s truly never been a better time to upgrade your charging gear.But navigating the vast array of available chargers — from the most reputable brands to those you should steer clear of — can indeed be overwhelming. However, over the past year, I have undertaken extensive testing, evaluating close to 300 GaN (gallium nitride) chargers of varying sizes, power outputs, and manufacturers. This testing and analysis has culminated in a carefully curated list of the very best chargers available today.Also: This portable power station has a standout feature that makes camping safer than everWhether you’re looking for the ultimate travel charger, a powerhouse for multiple devices, or the most efficient charger for your high-demand gadgets, this list has you covered. Say goodbye to the days of slow, overheating chargers and step into the future with these top-notch options.What is the best GaN charger right now?Based on my extensive testing, my top pick for the best GaN charger overall is the Ugreen Nexode 300W GaN 5-Ports Desktop Charging Station More