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    Are VPN-ready routers the best home Wi-Fi upgrade? My buying advice after testing one

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Privacy Hero 2, a $199 router available on FlashRouters, supports NordVPN and Surfshark alongside various VPN protocols. It comes with one year of access to Privacy Hero Wireguard VPN and, with a current promotion, one year of NordVPN. The company should improve the build quality and be more generous with […] More

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    The best laptops for graphic designers in 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

    Graphic design pushes laptops to their limits. It demands fast performance, accurate color reproduction, and the ability to handle large files without slowing down. Designers need a machine that delivers consistent, reliable power without thermal throttling or killing the battery. Thankfully, a few such laptops exist. Also: Best laptops for video editingWe’ve gone hands-on with many great laptops built to handle demanding graphic design tasks. This means powerful processors, video cards, and usability features like style, brush, and toolkit hotkeys. Of course, we can’t forget to mention high-quality, color-accurate displays. Let’s help you choose which laptop for graphic design is best for you.What is the best laptop for graphic design right now? We tested many excellent laptops to create this list, but our pick for the best laptop for graphic design is Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro More

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    This Lenovo ThinkPad ditches its traditional design for one that would make my MacBook jealous

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Lenovo’s first-edition ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition 14-inch is available now, starting at $1,239 for the lowest-tier configuration. It’s an experimental evolution of the ThinkPad line, exchanging some of the most defining features for a new sleek form factor and bold design. The entry configuration only comes with 256GB of storage, which […] More

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    This portable laptop accessory solved my biggest problem with working from home

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Moft’s Sit-stand Laptop Desk is a 5-in-1 foldable laptop stand that retails for $70. The standing option is a game-changer for those traveling for work, hot-desking, or with compact home office spaces. However, for $70, the stand would be more complete if it had a companion keyboard stand. –> We all […] More

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    Your TV’s USB port has an underutilized feature that can save movie nights

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETThese days, internet and Wi-Fi connectivity seem to be virtually ubiquitous. In the US, at least, there is a societal expectation that you can connect your devices to the web wherever you go. After all, connectivity is essential for many devices to function. But sometimes that connectivity fails — and what can you do if you want to watch TV without the internet?Here’s what you can do: use a USB flash drive.Also: Change these 5 settings on your TV for a quick and easy way to improve its picture qualityMost modern smart TVs have built-in media players that read content from USB devices. The range of benefits for using a USB drive is abundant. You can play your selected media files without streaming or connecting with multiple devices. Using a drive is cost-effective; you can store a large library of content on a USB stick and avoid monthly streaming subscriptionsn. And you have increased flexibility because you can use the USB stick to play content on pretty much any TV manufactured since 2001. More

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    I tested a smart lock with facial recognition, and it spoiled every other one for me

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways As part of its Zeno Series, Lockly released a new Visage smart lock, available for $349. The Lockly Visage comes with facial ID support, automatic unlocking when you’re near, and Apple Home Kit compatibility. The Lockly app can be more user-friendly, as it’s difficult to find certain settings, and it’s pricier […] More

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    How I make my own NFC tags to share my Wi-Fi password with guests – it’s easy!

    Writing NFC tags with a smartphone. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETOne of my favorite technologies is NFC. I’m blown away that I can write data to a little chip and then access that using a smartphone or tablet. I’ve embedded NFC tags into all sorts of things, from documents to business cards to 3D-printed objects. Also: I gave my Android phone thermal vision superpowers with this accessoryAnd it’s easy! What you needYou need two things: NFC tags: These come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from stickers More