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    I finally solved the toughest question about buying laptops – here’s my expert guide

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETChoosing the right laptop can feel overwhelming — even for someone like me who’s lived and breathed laptops for years. You get all these options, configurations, and feature lists that it’s impossible not to know up from down. So, to make things easier for you, I’ll be breaking down laptops and their essentials using three broad usage categories: school, work, and gaming.Also: The best laptops you can buy: Expert testedMost laptops fall into one of these buckets, and while there is some crossover regarding hardware, each type is designed with a specific purpose in mind. Below, I walk through what defines each category, highlighting key features to look out for and providing example products along the way.Keep in mind, this advice is based on my own experience and expertise. Ultimately, the best laptop is the one that fits your needs best.How to pick a laptop for school More

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    Changing these 6 settings on my iPad improved the battery life by hours

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETAs an avid iPad user, I’m all too familiar with the internal struggles that course through me when the battery is about to die. I love using either the iPad 11 or iPad Air to write and work, but I also use it to stream content, play games, and browse the internet after work. This makes me appreciate the iPad’s long battery life, yet my anxiety grows when I start getting ‘low battery’ alerts without a charger nearby.Also: How you’re charging your tablet is slowly killing it – 3 methods to avoid (and the right way)There are many things you can do to increase your iPad’s battery life that go beyond the usual advice. You can start with the usual: lowering your screen brightness and setting the auto-lock to a shorter time, which I’ll cover here. I’ll also cover other ways to extend your battery life that have, altogether, given me a few more hours of use from my iPad.1. Lower screen brightnessThis is one of the first recommendations you’ll hear from anyone offering tips on conserving your iPad’s battery life — and it truly works. Depending on your usage, lowering your screen’s brightness settings could offer you over an hour of extra use on each charge. Also: 5 Apple products you definitely shouldn’t buy this month (and 7 to get instead)Doing so also makes it easier on your eyes, reducing the eye strain involved with staring at bright screens for too long. That’s the main reason I prefer keeping my brightness low, but the perk of a longer battery life makes it even more worthwhile. Your iPad’s screen brightness can be adjusted from the Control Center by swiping down on the top right side of your screen.2. Turn off location servicesLocation services can keep your iPad working extra, especially if you have them enabled for multiple apps. It’s a good idea to turn off location services for any apps that you don’t use often, especially those that you know you won’t be using in the next day or two. While turning off your iPad’s location services won’t double your battery life, it can add a good half hour or more of use. To check and turn off your location services, follow these stepsGo to your iPad SettingsSelect Privacy & SecurityGo to Location ServicesAlso: 8 reasons why I replaced my Kindle with an iPad Mini for reading ebooksYou can check which applications have access to your iPad’s location and decide which ones to revoke. Alternatively, you can turn off all Location Services altogether, especially if you’ll be using your tablet for work, streaming, or playing.3. Turn off wireless when idle More

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    My favorite lens and screen-cleaning kit keeps my tech smudge-free, and it costs $8

    The Koala cleaning kit with a pair of glasses.  Kayla Solino/ZDNETI’ve been wearing prescription glasses since I was 18 months old, so trust me when I tell you I know a lot about keeping lenses clean and protected — I’ve had over 20 years of practice. While it may seem like you can clean your sunglasses or glasses with any old “glass cleaner,” or something as simple as soap and water, I am here to tell you that it can be a huge (and costly) mistake. Most glass cleaning products (even dish soap) can be too abrasive and harsh on specialized lenses and damage protective coatings for UV, glare, blue light, and more. Of course, clean at your own risk, but I have damaged my lens coating once before from plain soap and water, and there is no fix for it besides getting brand new lenses. Also: I tested the $15 screen-cleaning solution used in Apple stores and it worked like magicAnd just like glasses, the screens on your tech products should be handled with the utmost care. Lucky for you, I’m sharing one of my best-kept secrets that can clean lenses and screens with ease without damaging either. Meet Koala cleaner More

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    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: We tested both, and here’s the winner

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETA quick scan through ZDNET’s list of the best phones, and two names usually top the list — Samsung and Apple. That’s no exception with our most recent picks, as the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max take the top two spots. That list will likely be changing soon, though, as Apple is expected to unveil a successor that is the iPhone 17 Pro Max.Also: Should you buy the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17? How to decide which model to buyBoth the 16 Pro Max and the S25 Ultra are their brand’s most impressive phones to date, with each handset packed with premium features and high-end specs, and both being the largest of their lineups. They also feature a whole lot of AI, like it or not.If you’re already locked into a specific ecosystem, the choice here is simple. But if you’re on the fence or you’re considering switching sides, you have a decision to make. Fortunately, there’s enough of a difference between these two devices that you can make a choice. Here’s what you need to know.  Specifications Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 16 Pro MaxDisplay 6.9″ QHD AMOLED 120Hz, 2600 nits peak6.8-inch AMOLED with 120Hz, 2000 nits peakWeight 218 grams227 gramsProcessor Snapdragon 8 EliteA18 ProDimensions77.6 x 162.8 x 8.2mm  77.6 x 163 x 8.25RAM/Storage12GB with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB8GB with 256GB, 512GB, 1TBBattery5000 mAh4685 mAhCamera200MP wide / 50MP telephoto (5x) / 10MP telephoto (3x) / 50 MP ultrawide / 12MP front48MP Fusion / 48MP Ultra Wide  / 12MP telephoto (5x) / 12MP front    Price$1,299$1,199 You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if… More

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    I did not expect this Marshall speaker to rival pricier Bose and Sonos models like this

    Marshall Middleton II <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Marshall’s Middleton II Bluetooth speaker is available in Black And Brass or Cream for $330. The Middleton II debuts with meaningful upgrades from its predecessor, spectacular sound, a stylish design, and 30 hours of battery life. Despite its long list of pros, this speaker is considerably more expensive […] More

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    I found a 36-in-1 multitool that absolutely belongs in your kitchen drawer – here’s why

    Kelvin Tools 36-in-1 Multitool <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways A strange-looking multitool that looks rather Fisher-Price but is actually very good. It has everything from screwdriver bits to a hammer and tape measure! Looks bulky, but it is actually rather ergonomic in use! more buying choices I have… wait, let me just have a look around […] More