While reporting the fiscal results for its third quarter, computer memory and data storage manufacturer Micron revealed that it believes DRAM and NAND shortages will continue through next year.
At the same time in a separate press release, the company announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Texas Instruments to sell of one of its manufacturing plants in Lehi, Utah where it previously made 3D Xpoint chips through a partnership with Intel.
The sale of the plant is valued at $1.5bn by Micron and in total, the company will receive $900m in cash from Texas Instruments and approximately $600m in value from select tools and other assets.
Shortages vs demand
Back in March of this year, Micron warned of an industry-wide “severe undersupply” for DRAM chips and so far demand for these chips has risen by 20 percent this year. When it came to NAND chips, the company warned demand was rising in the “low-to-mid-30% rage” though there was still some excess supply.
During a recent presentation, Micron updated its previous position stating that “industry bit demand growth” is expected be slightly higher than 20 percent as there is still unmet demand for DRAM. However, the company expects the current DRAM shortages to continue into next year and this is true for NAND chips as well which are also growing at the same rate.
Despite these shortages, Micron was still able to bring in $7.42bn in revenue during the third quarter of this year. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra provided further insight on the company's Q3 fiscal results in a press release, saying:
“Micron set multiple market and product revenue records in our third quarter and achieved the largest sequential earnings improvement in our history. Our industry-leading 1α DRAM and 176-layer NAND now represent a meaningful portion of our production, and Micron is in the best position ever to capitalize on the long-term demand trends across the data center, intelligent edge and user devices.”
Windows 11 updates will now give you an estimated installation time before you initiate the install, letting users know beforehand whether their PCs will be out of commission for an extended length of time.
As reported by gHacks, the new Windows 11 update feature gives you an estimated time for an update to be applied in both the Windows Update tool as well as when choosing to manually shutdown or restart Windows 11.
(Image credit: gHacks)
The ETA does not appear to be consistent though, as our friends over at Windows Central did not see an ETA when they had a Windows 11 update to install. We don't currently have an update that we need to install, but we will update this story once we can confirm the feature for ourselves.
Windows 11 update time estimates will definitely improve PC security
Microsoft has done a good job with ensuring that Windows 10 security patches and updates are regularly and quickly applied, which improves security and system stability for many users – though it isn't always a painless process.
There's no getting around the fact that sometimes these updates are an inconvenience if they end up taking much longer than the user expected – sometimes as long as an hour for major updates – and if you don't have a fast internet connection, these updates can take a long time to download.
This can lead to users putting off important updates that might only take a couple of minutes because they might overestimate how long their work or other activities might be disrupted. Critically, vital security updates are usually smaller, very precise fixes that don't take long to either download or apply and are essential to keeping Windows PCs secure.
These are exactly the kind of updates that you don't want to put off while also being the least disruptive and quickest to apply, but which are sometimes put off out of the mistaken belief that they will be too much of an inconvenience right now. By letting users know that these updates will only take a few minutes, more users are going to apply them more promptly, which will definitely help keep their PCs secure from zero-day exploits and other emerging security threats.
The 4th of July mattress sale event is fully underway with fantastic sales from all your favorite brands like Nectar, Purple, Tempur-Pedic, and more. We've combed through all the offers to bring you the best 4th of July mattress sales that are happening right now.
Mattresses are one of the most popular categories discounted during 4th of July sales, thanks to brands rolling over their Memorial Day promotions which match their best-ever Black Friday offers. Retailers offer sitewide sales on their best-selling mattresses and throw in free accessories with your purchase. Luckily for you, most companies launched their official 4th of July mattress sales weeks ago, and we've included the best of the bunch just below.
Some highlighted offers include a $400 discount on Nectar's Memory Foam mattress plus $399 in free sleep accessories, 20% off sitewide at Tuft & Needle, and a 30% discount from Tempur-Pedic on its best-selling Tempur-Cloud mattress.
Below you'll find more of the best 4th of July mattress sales, followed by the stand-out deals. Make sure to bookmark this page, as we'll be updating it with all the best offers leading up to the holiday weekend event.
Nectar Memory Foam mattress:from $798$499 + $399 of free gifts at Nectar
Editor's choice - The Nectar Memory Foam is a popular medium-firm mattress, with a new cooling cover that aims to stop you overheating at night. Our sister site Tom's Guide recommends it as the best mattress you can buy, and we found it extremely comfortable and supportive when we slept on it. This discount isn't new for July the 4th, but it is phenomenal value, with $400 off, plus $399-worth of free sleep accessories. Throw in the 365-night risk-free trial and forever warranty, and this deal is tough to beat.
Saatva Classic mattress:from $849 at Saatva - get $200 off when you spend $975 Best luxury mattress - When it comes to premium mattresses, top brand Saatva is a market leader. The award-winning Saatva Classic is the company's most affordable luxury mattress, made from eco-friendly foams and a cushioning Euro pillow top, with a durable dual steel coil support system underneath. It aced Tom's Guide's tests, and comes in three different firmness levels and two heights - plus you get white glove delivery as standard too. With $200 off when you spend over $975, it's now extremely competitively priced.
Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress:from$999$649 + free pillows and sheet set
Best budget cooling mattress - Save 35% off the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Hybrid mattress, plus you'll receive two free premium pillows and a sheet set - a total saving of up to $799. The 12-inch Chill Hybrid is a medium-firm memory foam mattress with advanced cooling properties thanks to the cooling cover that absorbs and dissipates heat. A Twin starts at $649.99, and you'll enjoy free shipping that conveniently ships in a box to your doorstep.
Lucid Memory Foam mattress:from $279.99$234.47 at Amazon Best budget mattress - The Lucid Memory Foam Mattress is one of Amazon's top-rated mattresses and an "Amazon's Choice" recommended buy. It's a 12-inch option with a medium-firm feel. There are different discounts on different sizes: the smallest twin size at $234.47 is currently almost the lowest we've seen it ($222); the queen discount, meanwhile, is just ok. We often see this discount. Still, it makes a reasonably priced mattress a little more reasonable.
Tempur-Essential Mattress: from $1,659now $1,161 Save up to $995 - Tempur-Pedic's 4th of July sale has an impressive 30% discount on the Tempur-Essential Mattress. The Essentials Mattress is a special edition medium-soft mattress with three layers of high-performance foam which provides adaptive pressure relief and personalized comfort, while a breathable cover wicks moisture away.
Tuft & Needle Original Mattress:from $450$405 at T&N Save up to $150 - Save up to 20% off sitewide at Tuft & Needle's official 4th of July sales event. That means the company's popular budget foam Original mattress is now on sale for just $405 (was $450) for a twin, while a queen now costs $625.50, down from $695 - a fantastic price for a quality mattress.
The DreamCloud:from $799$699 + $399 of free gifts at DreamCloud Best value hybrid mattress - DreamCloud's 4th of July sale has a $200 discount on the luxury hybrid DreamCloud (it's medium-firm), and includes a free mattress protector (worth $99), a sheet set (worth $150), and a cooling pillow (worth $75) added to your order for free. It also comes with a year-long risk-free trial.
Purple Mattress:from $599$574 at Purple Save up to $300 - Purple has just launched its 4th of July sale and the retailer is offering up to $100 on the flagship Purple mattress — and you can bump the discount up to $300 by adding a sleep bundle (pillows, sheets, and a mattress protector) to your order. The mattress uses an innovative, responsive gel grid and dual layers of foam to deliver support and flex and has a 10-year warranty.
Serta iComfort Mattress:from $999$799 at Serta Save up to $1000 - Score some of the biggest discounts we've seen all year at the Serta 4th of July mattress sale event. You'll find all iComfort mattresses up to $400 off with prices starting at $799 for a twin ($200 off) and the queen iComfort on sale for $949 ($150 off). Plus, Serta is offering a Visa Prepaid Card of up to $150 when you purchase the company's affordable Perfect Sleeper mattress.
Casper Original Mattress: from $595$506 at Casper
Save up to $194 - Casper just launched its 4th of July sale which gets you 15% off all mattresses including the best-selling Casper Original. Built to suit all types of sleepers, the Casper Original features three layers and an eco-friendly, removable cover that's machine washable. After the discount, you can get the Casper Original Mattress (twin) for $506 (was $595) or the Casper Original Mattress (queen) for $931 (was $1,095).
Leesa Original Mattress:from $799$699 + 2 free pillows at Leesa
Save up to $259 - The Leesa 4th of July sale is happening right now, and the retailer is offering $200 off the Leesa Original mattress, plus you'll receive two free pillows with your order. The Leesa Original has a breathable top layer with pressure-relieving memory foam underneath and comes with a 100-night trial. A twin-size is on sale for just $699 (was $799), and the queen is now down to $949 from $1099.
Avocado Latex Mattress:from $1,499$1,399 at Avocado Save $100 - Go natural with Avocado's 4th of July sale, which includes a $100 discount on its green and vegan hybrid mattresses when you use code SLEEPFREE at checkout. Rated 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, Avocado's latex mattress is 100% organic certified, non-toxic, and biodegradable, too, and is best for black and stomach sleepers.
Allswell Luxe Mattress:from $445$356 at Allswell Save up to $169 - Allswell is celebrating the 4th of July with 15% off mattresses when you apply code JULY4TH at checkout - a fantastic deal from an already affordable mattress brand. The company's Luxe Hybrid is a mid-range hybrid mattress that features individually wrapped coils that help minimize motion transfer.
If you're interested in more bargains you can see our roundup of the best 4th of July sales from retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Home Depot, and more.
from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3vaoFVk
The best wireless adaptors remain incredibly useful even in 2021, as they can allow pretty much any device to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
While most modern devices have Wi-Fi built in, there are many that don't such as PCs and set top boxes. Even though an increasing number of PCs now have Wi-Fi connectivity built into their motherboards, you may find that the connection isn't great, and an external USB wireless adaptor can help improve your wireless connection.
The best wireless adaptors make it easy to add Wi-Fi functionality, either via a USB dongle, or by slotting into the PCI slot of a PC's motherboard.
As for the best laptops, while they will have Wi-Fi connectivity, you may still want to invest in a wireless adaptor. For example, it's an affordable way to add newer Wi-Fi technology, such as Wi-Fi 6, without any costly upgrades - all you need to do is plug in an adapter. Using a USB extension cable can also help you fine tune the wireless reception for even better performance.
So, read on for our pick of the best USB and PCI wireless adaptors. You should also consider one of the best USB-C docks if you have multiple devices.
(Image credit: Netgear)
1. Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi USB Adapter
The best wireless adaptor money can buy
Standard: AC1900 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 4.7 x 1.8 x 0.9 in (120 x 45 x 22 mm) | Weight: 2.3oz (66.5g)
Fantastic connectivity
Includes a desktop cradle
Rather large
Pricey
Netgear is a trusted brand when it comes to networking kit, and its Nighthawk range has an enviable reputation for offering brilliant performance, so it's little surprise to find the AC1900 Wi-Fi sitting at the top of our best wireless adaptors list.
It adds blazing-fast WI-Fi to any device you plug it into, and the magnetic desktop cradle means it's an ideal adaptor for desktop PCs as well. It plugs into a free USB port, so it's easy to install, though its large size means you may worry about it sticking out of your laptop and accidentally getting snapped off.
(Image credit: Asus)
2. Asus PCE-AC88
The best PCI wireless network adaptor
Standard: AC3100 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 103.3 x 68.9 x 21mm | Weight: 125g
Brilliant performance
Remote antenna
Can be tricky to install
Extension cable is a bit short
If you've got a PC and want to add a Wi-Fi adaptor to your motherboard, then the Asus PCE-AC88 is the best PCI wireless adaptor money can buy right now. Its powerful antennae can pick up wireless signals with ease, and you can use the included extension cable to better position the antennae for even better reception.
The attractive design of this PCI card includes a custom heatsink to keep it running cool when in use, as well. This does make it a little bit more tricky to install than other adaptors, and the extension cable could do with being a bit longer, but overall this is a fantastic PCI wireless adaptor.
(Image credit: Trendnet)
3. Trendnet TEW-809UB
A fantastic wireless adaptor for USB
Standard: AC1900 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 85 x 75 x 20mm | Weight: 48g
Fast speeds
Great range
Design won't be for everyone
Bulky
Don't be put off by the spider-like design of the Trendnet TEW-809UB - this is one of the most powerful wireless adaptors money can buy right now. Sure, it's big and bulky, but it comes with four large antennae that can be positioned to maximise the range this adaptor can achieve.
Add support for Beamforming, and you've got a formidable USB wireless adaptor that can allow your device to access your Wi-FI network from previously unreachable locations.
(Image credit: TP-Link)
4. TP-Link Archer TX3000E
The best Wi-Fi 6 wireless adaptor
Standard: Wi-Fi 6 IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 95.2 x 120.8 x 21.5 mm | Weight: 481g
Supports Wi-Fi 6
Includes mount
No macOS driver
If you have a new Wi-Fi 6 router, then you'll want to make sure your device is able to make use of the improved speeds and coverage the new technology offers, which is why the TP-Link Archer TX3000E is on this page. This is one of the few wireless routers that offers Wi-Fi 6 support, and plugging it into your PC's PCI slot will allow it to benefit from next-generation wireless speeds.
Again, it comes with external antennae for improving reception, and it's small enough to be easily installed in desktop PCs - even ones with very compact cases.
(Image credit: Asus)
5. Asus USB-AC68
A great compact USB adaptor
Standard: AC1900 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 115 x 30 x 17 mm | Weight: 44g
Easy install
Positionable antennae
Not the best 2.4GHz performance
This handy USB wireless adaptor supports USB 3.0, and features Asus AiRadar Beamforming, and MU-MIMO via its easily-positioned antennae. While it's not the fastest wireless adaptor on this list, it is affordable and easily portable, meaning that it's a great choice for someone who does a lot of travelling.
For added value, the Asus USB-AC68 also includes a desktop cradle for use in the home or office, making it a good choice for a desktop PC as well.
(Image credit: Linksys)
6. Linksys WUSB6300
Small and compact
Standard: AC1200 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 41 x 18 x 12 mm | Weight: 5.9g
Very small
Decent features
Not the best 2.4GHz performance
The Linksys WUSB6300 is a micro wireless adaptor, and it's easily the smallest one on this list. That makes it brilliantly portable, and ideal for people who like to travel. However, just because it's small, it doesn't mean it lacks features.
It supports AC1200 speeds and is dual-band. There's also MU-MIMO and Beamforming tech packed into its small body. Best of all, the asking price is almost as small as the device itself, making this a great budget choice that doesn't compromise on performance.
The 4th of July TV sales event is officially underway with fantastic deals you can snag right now from retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. We've sorted through all the offers to bring you the very best 4th of July TV sales in one handy guide.
The 4th of July sales event is a great opportunity to snag an already cheap TV at a record-low price, thanks to summer clearance sales on last year's sets. Our 4th of July TV sales guide includes everything from a budget 32-inch HD TV to a massive 70-inch 4K set, from brands like Sony and Samsung, and at a range of prices – so whatever your viewing needs, you’ll find your perfect TV.
We've listed the best 4th of July TV sales from your favorite retailers below, followed by the top deals, which are categorized by size to help narrow down your decision. We've also hand-picked our standout 4th of July TV deal, and today's bargain is this 70-inch 4K TV that's on sale for just $528.
We'll be updating this page with all the latest offers leading up to the holiday event, and if you're looking for other Independence Day offers, you can see our 4th of July sales guide, which includes bargains on appliances, mattresses, laptops, and more.
Onn. 70-inch Class 4K UHD Roku Smart TV:$528 at Walmart Walmart's 4th of July TV sales event has this budget 70-inch set from Onn. on sale for just $528. That's an incredible price for a big-screen 4K TV that includes the Roku OS, allowing you to seamlessly stream your favorite movies and TV shows from apps like Netflix, Hulu, and more.
The best 4th of July TV sales
4th of July TV sales: 32-49 inches
Insignia 32-inch Smart HD Fire TV:$199.99$149.99 at Best Buy
Save $50 - Best Buy has this Insignia 32-inch HD TV on sale for just $149.99, plus you'll get a free 3rd generation Echo Dot with your purchase for a total savings of $89.99 - a fantastic 4th of July TV deal. The smart TV comes with the Fire OS and works with Amazon Alexa for hands-free control.
TCL 32-inch HD LED Roku Smart TV:$249.99$199.99 at Walmart
Save $50 - If you're working with a small space, Walmart has this TCL 32-inch HD TV on sale for just $199.99. That's the best price we've seen for the HD TV, which includes the Roku experience for seamless streaming from apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and more.
Toshiba 43-inch 4K UHD Smart Fire TV:$369.99$319.99 at Best Buy
Save $50 - If you're looking for a small set with 4K resolution, Best Buy has this Toshiba 43-inch TV on sale for $319.99. Considering you're getting 4K Ultra HD resolution, the Fire TV experience, and a free Echo Dot with your purchase, that's a great value.
Samsung The Frame 43-inch 4K TV:$999.99$897.99 at Amazon
Save $102: The premium 2021 Samsung Frame 4K TV has a rare $100 discount at Amazon. While we saw a $200 discount during Prime Day, that was the first time the luxury display had been discounted, so you're still getting an excellent deal with today's sale.
4th of July TV sales: 50-59 inches
Insignia 55-inch 4K UHD Smart Fire TV:$429.99$399.99 at Amazon
Save $30 - You don't need to spend big to bag yourself a fully-featured 4K smart TV - here's a great option from Amazon. This Insignia has Fire TV built right in, so you don't have to buy extra Sticks or dongles to enjoy all your favorite streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video. It's also fully HDR compatible and will work great with any other Amazon Alexa-supported device.
TCL 55-inch 6-Series 4K UHD QLED Roku TV:$699.99$648 at Walmart
Save $51 - If you're looking for a mid-size TV with a premium viewing experience, then this TCL 6-Series is a great option, and it's currently on sale for $648 at Walmart's 4th of July TV sale. While this isn't the lowest price we've seen, it's still a decent discount for the 55-inch QLED TV, which delivers a stunning picture with brilliant colors and deep contrasts and comes with the Roku experience and a handy voice remote.
Sony 55-inch X80J Series 4K UHD Smart TV:$949,99$749.99 at Best Buy
Save $200 - Best Buy has this Sony 55-inch 4K TV on sale for a record-low price of $749.99. The smart TV delivers a cinema-like picture experience thanks to Sony’s powerful X1 4K HDR processor and works with the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for smart home compatibility and hands-free control.
LG C1 OLED (55-inch):$1,799$1,496 at Amazon Save $300 - The LG C1 OLED is the latest 2021 C-Series OLED TV from LG. It's in the top three TVs of the entire year, only beaten out by an 8K TV that's quadruple the price and LG's more expensive G1 OLED. That said, if you're after the best price-to-performance ratio, the C1 OLED comes with our highest recommendation – especially now that it's on sale for a record-low price.
4th of July TV sales: 60-75 inches
Onn. 70-inch Class 4K UHD Roku Smart TV:$528 at Walmart Walmart's 4th of July TV sales event has this budget 70-inch set from Onn. on sale for just $528. That's an incredible price for a big-screen 4K TV that includes the Roku OS, allowing you to seamlessly stream your favorite movies and TV shows from apps like Netflix, Hulu, and more.
Hisense 65-inch H65 SeriesSmart HD TV:$599.99$529.99 at Best Buy
Save $70 - This Hisense might be on the cheaper end of things, but that doesn't mean it's not packed to the brim with great features, and with a $70 discount, you're also getting a fantastic price. With Google Assistant and a voice remote, you're off to a great start, and you're also getting Motion Rate 120 and DTS Sound Studio.
Samsung 70-inch 6 Series 4K UHD Smart TV:$749.99$699.99 at Best Buy
Save $50 - One of our favorite 4th of July TV deals, you can get this brilliant Samsung 70-inch 4K TV on sale for $699.99 at Best Buy. The 70-inch set delivers a stunning picture with brilliant colors and sharp contrast thanks to the powerful 4K crystal processor.
You can see more offers with our guide to the best cheap TV deals and sales that are happening right now.
Microsoft caused outrage when it announced the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11. But as it turns out, the new operating system runs on Raspberry Pi.
Officially, Microsoft’s only operating system for the Pi is Windows 10 IoT Core, which isn’t a full-fledged desktop operating system, designed instead to power low-cost appliances.
But that hasn’t stopped intrepid tinkerers from getting the full Windows desktop experience on the RPi.
Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi
Tom’s Hardware has a detailed tutorial on getting Windows 11 (or indeed even Windows 10) to boot on the Pi.
In broad strokes, the process involves fetching an image of the Arm64-bit version of Windows 11 and writing it to a microSD card or SSD drive with the help of the Windows on Raspberry Pi (WoR) utility.
Even more surprisingly, Tom’s Hardware and others report that Windows 11 performs adequately well across all the usual desktop tasks, including browsing the web with Edge.
While we don’t expect Microsoft to officially support the full fledged Windows 11 release on RPi, the experiments should bring a smile to the face of people with hardware that doesn’t meet the official minimum requirements for Windows 11.
If you still can’t get Windows 11 on your desktop, take comfort knowing that you can always run it on the cheap little RPi.
The best UPS (uninterruptible power supply) devices on this page are important purchases for any business - or home user - who needs electronic devices such as PCs and servers that have constant power connections 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If there's a power cut, even a very brief one, then the results can be catastrophic, as servers could become unreachable, and data could even be corrupted if a computer shuts down suddenly.
That's where the best UPS come in, as if there's a power cut, they will seamlessly switch to battery power, and your devices will remain on and running until the main power is restored, or you can safely shut down the device.
These days many of us are working from home, so buying the best UPS your budget can stretch to is even more important. You may find that you're plugging in a lot more power-hungry devices into your home power supply, and this could lead to power cuts or power surges. Your home likely won't have the power backup solutions that your office does, so buying a UPS for your home could be a very wise investment.
The UPS devices we include in this guide cover a wide range of use cases, from small UPS devices for homes that can keep a router and PC running, to large and powerful UPS devices for enterprise uses. Because of this, we have listed these best UPS devices in no particular order.
Best UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) at a glance:
If you're after a cheaper, and more simple, UPS device, then the APC Back-UPS ES - BE700G is a great choice. We wouldn't recommend it for large businesses with lots of mission-critical computers and servers, but it offers plenty of power for homes and small businesses to keep their devices going when the power fails. If you're looking for something more feature-rich, however, you may want to consider a different UPS.
2. CyberPower CP1500EPFCLCD
The best UPS for small and medium sized businesses
The CyberPower CP1500EPFCLCD is an excellent UPS for home and small business use. It comes with a decent amount of ports, as well as USB, for plugging in your devices. RJ11/RJ45 ports keep your phone, fax and modem lines protected from power surges, and it comes with a number of energy-saving features to prevent it from wasting energy when in use. It also comes with a clear LCD display that gives you information about the UPS.
If you have a large office with several devices, then the Eaton Eaton 9SX 5000i RT3U is an excellent device. Not only does this rack-mounted UPS keep your important devices running when there's an issue with your power, but it also provides some excellent power efficiency features that can cut energy usage (and associated bills) with up to 95% efficiency in online double conversion mode and 98% in high-efficiency mode. You can buy optional extended battery modules for increased run time, and the LCD user interface makes it easy to manage. Definitely a UPS to consider if you have the budget.
If you have a busy office with a number of essential devices that will need an uninterrupted power supply, then the Vertiv Liebert PSI 1500VA is definitely worth considering. Its three batteries will keep power-hungry devices running when the power goes down, and it can be installed into a server rack, making it convenient as well. It comes in a number of configurations, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs, but if you're looking for a UPS for home use, then the APC BE600M1 Back-UPS 600VA above is a better choice.
5. APC BE600M1 Back-UPS 600VA
A great UPS for home use
Input voltage: 120V | Output capacity: 330 (watts) | Outlets: 7 (plus one USB port) | Battery runtime: 10 mins (half load), 3.2 mins (full load) | Recharge time: 10 hours
Plenty of power for home devices
Small form factor
Not a huge amount of ports
Not powerful enough for big businesses
This is another great UPS from APC, and with the BE600M1, the company has created a UPS device that is ideal for home use. That's thanks to its small and unobtrusive design, and if offers enough power for smaller devices, such as home NAS drives, routers and games consoles. With careful management, you can keep the power flowing to a router or monitor for enough time to overcome most power cuts. For office use, with lots of power-sapping devices that need to be powered at once, then you'll want to look elsewhere on this best UPS list, but for home users on a budget, this is a great choice.
Keeping your Twitter account secure is about to get a whole lot easier as the social network has announced that users now have the option to use a security key as their only form of two-factor authentication (2FA).
While any form of 2FA can help further secure your online accounts, physical security keys are the most effective way to do so. This is because security keys offer built-in protections to ensure that even if they are used on a phishing site, the information stored on them can't be used to access your accounts.
At the same time, security keys also transfer the burden of protecting against phishing attempts from a human to a hardware device. They can even differentiate between legitimate sites and malicious ones while blocking phishing attempts that SMS verification codes would be unable to.
Committed to security
Twitter has been a vocal proponent of using some form of 2FA to secure one's online accounts for some time now. For instance, back in 2018 the social network added the option to use security keys as one of several 2FA options though this initial support only worked on the company's website and not its mobile app while requiring accounts to also have another form of 2FA enabled.
The following year Twitter upgraded its security key support to use the latest WebAuthn standard and enabled the ability to use 2FA without requiring a phone number. This was an important upgrade as it allowed users to protect their accounts from SIM-swapping attacks.
July 15 is just first of the several dates to circle on your calendar. Here are other child tax credit payment dates to know, along with payment amounts, eligibility rules and more.
The best audio PCs boast more than sheer power to run Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software. As essential tools for music producers and musicians, these computers can be rather demanding when it comes to specs. So it’s true that every audio PCs has to have enough power to run DAW software like Image-Line FL Studio, PreSonus Studio One and Cubase without a hitch - no matter how many tracks you're working on.
Still, the best audio PCs and laptops need to have more than just cutting edge components. They should also be able to allow you to plug in multiple musical instruments, have a large enough hard drive to store your projects and uncompressed audio files, and have top-notch onboard audio quality – not to mention the ability to plug into external speakers and monitors.
If you're looking for the best audio PCs, then you've come to the right place. We've listed the top machines that are ideal for music production, taking everything above into consideration. It’s quite a demanding checklist so many of these PCs are expensive. Just know that they are well worth the money. Plus, included is our built-in price comparison tool, which scours the internet to bring you the best prices for these devices.
(Image credit: Apple)
1. iMac 24-inch (M1, 2021)
The best audio PC overall
CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU | Graphics: Integrated 7-core – 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory | Screen: 24-inch 4.5K Retina display | Storage: up to 2TB
Excellent screen
Striking new design
Fantastic webcam
Lack of ports remains
Mac mini may offer better value for some
The new iMacs are not just an improvement over their 21.5-inch predecessor externally, touting a fresh new face that comes in several different colors. They also come with fresh new specs, rocking Apple’s new M1 chip that makes it much more powerful than the previous Intel iMacs. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that the new iMac (24-inch, 2021) is the best and most efficient all-in-one PC we’ve ever tested, making it the best audio PC right now. It’s not the most affordable, but you’ll be happy to know that you are getting great value here, as you’re getting the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse included – in matching colors, we might add.
CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU | Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory | Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 LED-backlit Retina display | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56 cm
Huge battery life
Great performance
Can run iOS apps
Still lacks ports
The MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) may not have gotten a massive design overhaul, but what it lacks in that department, it makes up for in performance and battery life. Thanks to Apple’s groundbreaking M1 chip, the new MacBook Pro 13-inch delivers excellent performance and exceptional battery life. Its performance is so impressive, in fact, that it can easily handle 4K - and even 8K - videos – let alone music production. If you’re looking for a powerful yet portable PC for making music, this is the best audio PC money can buy.
CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU | Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB – 64GB unified memory | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6 cm
Same lovely design
Very good performance
New M1 hardware has potential
Can't use eGPUs
One of Apple’s biggest surprises of the year is the update to its smallest Mac. The brand-new Mac mini now touts Apple’s M1 chip, while keeping things the same in its much-loved design. It’s more powerful than ever – with performance powerful enough for music production and even 8K video editing, thanks to this new chip. That’s while still keeping its title as the cheapest Mac ever – terrific news for budget-minded musicians and music producers.
CPU: : : : 10th-gen Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Up to Quadro RTX 5000 | RAM: up to 64GB
Extremely powerful
Premium design
Stunning display
Very expensive
Not that you need one of the most powerful laptops in existence for making music, but if you do want it, the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition will no doubt take your breath away thanks to its sheer power and stunning display. This is a mobile workstation that can compete with even the most powerful desktop PCs and is worthy of the most complex tasks like 3D animation and video editing, let alone music production. The steep price is just as breathtaking, however, so only invest if you really want that much firepower and can afford it.
The Surface Studio 2 is a great alternative to Apple's iMacs, and if you'd rather use Windows 10 over macOS, then this all-in-one from Microsoft is an excellent choice. Sleek, stylish and capable of handling DAW software with ease, along with a bright and vibrant built-in display, this is an excellent audio PC that would look great in anyone's studio.
It's not quite as powerful as the latest iMac, however, so if you want pure power, go for Apple's all-in-one. Still, this is an excellent performer, that's ideal for creatives.
The formidable Acer ConceptD 7 is capable of handling complex and demanding tasks such as audio production. Clearly designed specifically with creative professionals in mind, it boasts that sheer power you’ll only find in workstations and gaming laptops.
Beyond that excellent performance it delivers, it also offers decent port selection, a minimalist solid white design and that stunning Pantone-validated 4K IPS display. Obviously, it’s still pretty pricey, but no professional’s tool comes cheap. If you’re looking for a Windows-powered MacBook alternative for audio production, this is a fantastic choice.
Lenovo’s latest all-in-one offering isn’t as powerful as Apple’s premium AIO, the iMac Pro, or even the recently updated iMac, which now offers a 9th-generation Intel Core configuration. After all, the 8th-generation chips and Radeon RX 560 graphics are aging at this point.
However, it is still plenty powerful to meet the needs of creative professionals out there who are not entirely impressed by Apple’s pricey machines. On top of that, the Lenovo Yoga A940 has a few aces up its sleeves, including 100% Adobe RGB support and Dolby Vision, a set of Dolby Atmos speakers, a port offering that’s more generous than Apple’s all-in-one, and a stylus included in the box.
CPU: 8 to 18-core Intel Xeon W | Graphics: Radeon Pro Vega 56 - Radeon Pro Vega 64 | RAM: 32GB – 256GB DDR4 ECC | Screen: 27-inch 5K (5,120 x 2,880) Retina display (P3 wide color) | Storage: 1TB – 4TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 65 x 20.3 x 51.6cm
Most powerful Mac you can buy
Gorgeous, color-accurate display
Very expensive
Professionals and creatives need something that can handle any workload they can possibly throw at it. If you’re one such user, the iMac Pro isn’t just one of the best Macs for you; it’s the only Mac to consider.
Not only does it have a vibrant 27-inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, but it also boasts some of the most powerful hardware Apple could get its hands on. It’s extremely expensive though, so it’s really only meant for folks who have deep pockets and need that unbridled power to get through their daily workloads.
