More stories

  • in

    The best GaN chargers of 2024: Expert tested

    Gone are the days of bulky wall chargers that ran hot and offered only a single USB port. Today’s market offers sleek, compact, and highly efficient chargers equipped with multiple ports that remain cool even under heavy use. There’s truly never been a better time to upgrade your charging gear.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 an extensive testing, evaluating more than 150 GaN chargers of varying sizes, power outputs, and manufacturers. This meticulous testing and analysis have 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

  • in

    The best M.2 SSDs of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

    No doubt about it, SSDs (solid-state drives) are the speed demons and rock-solid champions of reliability, leaving HDDs (hard disk drives) in the dust. However, not all SSDs are cut from the same cloth.When it comes to connecting to a PC, traditional SSDs and HDDs rely on the tried-and-true SATA (Serial AT Attachment) port. But hold on tight, because modern motherboards are bringing massive upgrades with a lightning-fast M.2 port, right there on the motherboard itself. This turbocharged connection sets the stage for 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. Buckle up, because the future is here, and it’s fast, furious, and absolutely electrifying.Also: The best network-attached storage devices you can buyWhat’s 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

  • in

    The best microSD cards of 2024: Expert tested

    MicroSD cards have become indispensable in our digital age, serving as the backbone of data capture and storage for a wide array of devices including smartphones, tablets, action cameras, dashcams, and drones. They are crucial storage media for both consumers and professionals. However, the market is also flooded with poor-quality and counterfeit storage cards, which pose significant risks to data integrity and device performance.The silver lining is that top-tier microSD cards, the ones truly worth your investment, remain surprisingly affordable. Investing in authentic, high-quality cards is not just advisable; it’s essential. These cards bring with them a high level of performance, reliability, and data integrity. Also: What do all those microSD and SD card numbers and letters mean?What is the best microSD card right now?Over the years, I’ve conducted hands-on testing of numerous microSD cards, evaluating features like capacity, price, and performance. My extensive use of dozens of microSD cards across a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, drones, and action cameras, has given me a comprehensive understanding of their performance in real-world scenarios. Based on my testing, here are my top picks for the best microSD cards, with the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC More

  • in

    The best laptops of 2024 under $1,000: Expert tested and reviewed

    Gone are the days of huge PC towers taking up desk space to achieve powerful performance. Computers with an abundance of power can now be condensed into a slim laptop with a lower price tag than some high-end models. Many of the best laptops under $1,000 are lightweight and offer lightning-fast speeds, highly detailed graphics, and up to 1TB of storage space to meet all of your creative or professional needs.Also: The best laptops under $500What is the best laptop under $1,000 right now?My pick for the best laptop under $1,000 overall is the M2 MacBook Air More