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    5 tech splurges that are 100% worth it (and on sale, thankfully)

    You might think around $50 is a lot to spend on inner peace, but Brick is one of the few phone restriction devices that actually works. If you are over-reliant on your phone and it’s causing you to be less productive and present, the Brick could be a helpful solution. Brick is a gray square with NFC tech underneath. Before using, you download the Brick app, select the apps you’d like to restrict, and then tap the Brick, effectively blocking yourself from using those apps. To unblock your list of apps, you have to tap the Brick again. I keep the Brick far away in the kitchen, so I have to walk there to untap it. I’ve gotten into the habit of Bricking my phone before bed and before I start work. In both cases, I spend less time dilly-dallying on my phone and more time performing the task at hand — whether that’s reading a book and winding down hours before I would’ve if I spent my night scrolling, or churning out articles without distraction while on the clock. Also: I curbed my phone addiction with this unexpected deviceThe Brick has reminded me that incessant phone checking is killing my focus — and it is, frankly, unnecessary. These tech companies have convinced us that things are constantly happening around us that we must be present to observe instantaneously, that we’re always seconds away from receiving an important text or call. Bricking my phone for several hours and returning to a notification-free device has reminded me that all those incessant checks aren’t changing my life, they’re ruining it. During Black Friday sales, the Brick is $12 off, slicing the price to $47.  More

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    Upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 for free – here’s how

    zhihao/Moment via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Most PCs from the past 15 years can run Windows 11, even if they fail checks. PCs sold with Windows 10 can usually upgrade after a simple registry edit. On older or unusually configured PCs, a third-party utility […] More

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    Your Windows 11 upgrade not working? Try my 5 favorite troubleshooting tricks

    jxfzsy/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. When Windows decides that it isn’t interested in completing an upgrade, it can be maddeningly unhelpful, spitting out error codes and cryptic messages that can leave even experts scratching their heads. Also: How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to […] More

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    I never use public chargers without this $15 USB-C cable – here’s why it’s so critical

    Plugable USB-C to USB-C Data Blocker Cable <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Provides complete data blocking, offering full security from juice jacking Supports up to 240W charging Perfect for the traveler who needs to use public charging ports. –> Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. We’re so used to using USB-C for […] More

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    Best Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals 2025: I handpicked the 20 best discounts out now

    When is Black Friday? In 2025, Black Friday is set for Friday, November 28. It’s one of the best times of the year to score deep discounts on Nintendo Switch consoles, games, and accessories from major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. Many of these sales are expected to carry over until Cyber Monday, December 1. Is the Nintendo Switch really cheaper during Black Friday? Absolutely. The Nintendo Switch is almost always cheaper on Black Friday and Cyber Week. Retailers also slash prices on popular console packages, accessories, and games, with saving that can easily reach $100 or more. This sales event is usually the price time to get a Switch or Switch 2. Nintendo rarely lowers the prices on its devices and games, so it can be tough to find discounts outside of special events or promotions.How did we choose these Black Friday deals?At ZDNET, we only highlight Nintendo Switch deals worth your money — the same kind we’d consider ourselves. For this roundup, I specifically sought out Switch models, games, and accessories that were about 15% off or more. Black Friday is still several weeks away, so significant discounts are not yet available. Knowing this, I expanded my search to include lesser discounts to fill out the list. Although some price drops aren’t as deep as others, they’re still worth consideration because they offer unique value in other areas.I considered hands-on experience, real-world performance, and customer feedback. Every recommendation on this list is backed by careful research and expert insight so that you can confidently shop these early Black Friday sales.What are the best Black Friday deals?ZDNET’s experts have been searching through Black Friday sales to find the best discounts. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by retailer:And the best Black Friday deals by product category or price point:ZDNET Recommends More

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    Best Black Friday iPad deals 2025: I hand-picked the best discounts

    When is Black Friday? Black Friday is an annual shopping event that occurs the day after Thanksgiving Day in the US. This year, it falls on Friday, Nov. 28. However, you can expect deals the week leading up to the day, as well as all weekend long.Are iPad deals really cheaper on Black Friday?Apple devices go on sale periodically throughout the year, but historically, you’ll see the biggest discounts during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend–especially when it comes to the newer models like the new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini. We expect to see deals of up to 20% off on iPad models this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.How did we choose these Black Friday deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy — devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.  More