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Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals are appearing ahead of Cyber Monday itself, which is mere days away on November 29. The holiday shopping season is in full swing already, and there are so many excellent deals out there. But, wow there are a lot of them.

Just like every other year, retailers are cutting the prices on the best gaming laptops, and pretty much every popular model is going to have some kind of deal somewhere. If you're not intimately familiar with what makes a good laptop this makes it extremely stressful to shop for one. 

Luckily here at TechRadar, not only are we digging through all the Cyber Monday deals to find all the biggest savings, but we're also using our laptop expertise to provide helpful advice. That way, when you're going out to buy one - whether for yourself or a loved one - you can spend less time worrying about specs and more time celebrating the season. 

So, keep reading to find the best Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals that are already up. And be ready, because there are going to be even more when Cyber Monday officially arrives in a few days. 

Today's best gaming laptop deals

If you can't wait to get your hands on a shiny new gaming rig, there are plenty of sales that are already live ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday that may have what you want at a solid bargain. Head below for a selection of the best current offers...

Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals: quick links

• Amazon: the biggest inventory, but also flooded with third-party sellers 
• Best Buy: hundreds of dollars in savings on a wide range of builds
• Walmart: budget laptops from Lenovo, Acer and more from $650
• Dell: Alienware and G15 gaming laptops now up to 20% off
• HP: Pavilion machines from $700, Omen laptops from $950
• Newegg: rebate savings plus free gifts with select laptops

The best pre-Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals

Asus TUF A17 Gaming Laptop: $1,149 $999 at Micro Center
The Asus TUF A17 is one of the best budget gaming laptops around, and right now you can get it for even less, strapped with an RTX 3050 Ti, Ryzen 7 8-core CPU, and 16GB RAM for just $999 at Micro Center ahead of Cyber Monday.

MSI GS75 Stealth gaming laptop, Core i7, 16GB RAM, RTX 2060: $1,749 $1,349 at Amazon
Save $400: Order the MSI GS75 gaming laptop with a 17.3-inch 240Hz display, Intel Core i7, Nvidia RTX 2060,16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD for $400 off from Amazon. This is a good choice to play games at medium settings.

Gigabyte Aorus 15P YD: $2,399 $2,199 at Amazon
Save $200: If you're looking for a gaming laptop that packs a serious punch without worrying about silly things like "portability" and "battery life" the Gigabyte Aorus 15P will absolutely destroy every game you throw at it. And you can save $200 ahead of Cyber Monday.

Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED: $2,999 $2,199...or less at Newegg
Save up to $1,100: The Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED is not only incredibly powerful, with its 11th-gen processor and RTX 3080, but it's also incredibly sleek, making it an easy pick for any creative professionals too. And that OLED display will make any game absolutely pop. Ahead of Cyber Monday you can save a whopping $800 on this laptop – and if you don't mind mail-in rebates, you can shave an additional $300 off to knock it to $1,899.

Razer Blade 15 Advanced 2020: $2,599 $1,785 at Amazon
Save $815: The Razer Blade 15 is one of our favorite laptops every single year, and the 2020 version is no different. Both the CPU and GPU are one generation old at this point, but it's still more than enough to power the amazing 300Hz 1080p display. And, at just $1,785, this is a great deal on a premium gaming laptop.

Alienware m15 R4: $2,399 $2,099 at Amazon
Save $300: The Alienware m15 R4 is not only a premium gaming laptop that'll tear through any game you throw at it, but it's also just our favorite gaming laptop, period. It's both beautiful and powerful and you can save more than $300 ahead of Cyber Monday at Amazon. 

Asus TUF Dash FX516PM | £1,019 £899 at Amazon
The Asus TUF Dash FX516 isn't the most premium gaming laptop in the world, but with a fast 144Hz display, an RTX 3060 and a Core i7 processor, it's an excellent little gaming laptop, especially when  you can get it at such a big discount ahead of Cyber Monday. 

Asus ROG Strix G513 | £1,599 £1,249 at Amazon
The Asus ROG Strix G513 is one of the best gaming laptops you can get right now, packed with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 and a top-end AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX. The best part is that ahead of Cyber Monday you can get it for just £1,399.

Acer Nitro 5, AMD Ryzen 7, 16GB, 512GB SSD, RTX 3060: £1,099.99 £949.99 at Amazon
Save £150
You can get gaming for less thanks to this incredible Acer Nitro 5 laptop, packed with an RTX 3060 GPU that gives you features like DLSS and raytracing to enhance your playing experiences.

Acer Nitro 5, Intel Core i5, 8GB, 512GB SSD, RTX 3050 Ti: £899.99 £749.99 at Amazon
Save £150
If you're not looking to play the latest AAA titles, but you want a budget gaming device with the latest hardware then this Acer Nitro 5 could be exactly what you need. Plus, that RTX 3050 TI still gives you access to framerate boosting DLSS, giving you more power for your money.

Acer Nitro 5, Ryzen 5, 16GB, 512GB SSD, RTX 3060: £999.99 £849.99 at Amazon
Save £150
RTX 3060 gaming laptops are perfect for playing the latest game thanks to that boost from DLSS, and raytracing will make even the blockiest of games pop. This Acer Nitro 5 is ideal for people who want to game on a budget, but without sacrificing quality.

ASUS ROG Strix, AMD Ryzen 7, RTX 3050 Ti, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD: £941.04 £879.99 at Amazon
Save £61.05
Asus is known for making some seriously flashy gaming laptops, and this ROG Strix is no exception. With plenty of RGB lighting and the latest RTX 3050 Ti GPU, you can run your favourite games and see every frame thanks to that 144Hz display.

Acer Predator Triton, RTX 3060, Core i7, 16GB, 1TB SSD: £1,399.99 £1,199.99 at Amazon
Save £200
The Acer Predator series is one of the best-known PC gaming lines, and for good reason. You're getting an RTX 3060 GPU, the latest 11th gen Intel i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, making this not only suitable for playing the latest games, but also streaming them too.

Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals: buying tips

What kind of gaming laptop specs do I need?

When it comes to buying a gaming laptop, whether its on Cyber Monday or any other time of the year, it all comes down to what you plan to do with it, and which games you plan to play with it. 

Because while an expensive device like a Razer Blade 15 with an RTX 3080 is super attractive, it's frankly overkill for people that just want something to play Paladins with their friends. For those people, something like the Asus TUF Dash F15 is going to be the perfect fit: it's light and portable, but powerful enough to play esports titles at high, competitive frame rates. 

But if you really do want the power to plow through AAA titles like Far Cry 6 with ray tracing enabled, that's where something like the Razer Blade would come in. Especially if you want to play at a higher resolution, you're going to want something with a ton of graphics horsepower. 

When will the best Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals start in 2021?

Cyber Monday will fall on November 29th this year, but as always we expect there to be plenty of activity on the prior weekend before the big day itself. It's likely there will be a number of continuation sales from Black Friday carrying over throughout the weekend, although Cyber Monday proper should herald a fresh wave of deals and price cuts. Subsequently, it's often prudent to wait until Cyber Monday if you spot a deal to your liking over the weekend - just in case it gets further discounted. 

Where will the best Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals be?

You'll find all of the best Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals all rounded up right here on this page during the big day itself - so you needn't search around yourself if you don't want to. That said, if you do want to fly solo or bookmark a few retailer pages ahead of the event, then here's a quick roundup of the retailers we expect to offer the best gaming laptop deals over Cyber Monday...

Amazon: the biggest inventory, but also flooded with third-party sellers
Best Buy: huge selection, with compelling choices for all budgets
Walmart: super-cheap options, watch out for third-party sellers
Dell: good if you're on a budget, plus powerful Alienware laptops
HP: great budget Pavilion machines, plus high-end Omen laptops 

(Image credit: Asus)

• Don't need a gaming machine? check out our page on Cyber Monday laptop deals

Should I wait for Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals?

This is going to solely rest on how badly (or quickly) you need to get your hands on a shiny new machine. If you can wait, then we'd strongly advocate waiting until the Cyber Monday and Black Friday events as that's generally when the juiciest sales on laptops tend to crop up.

Another fantastic option is our roundup of the best cheap gaming laptop deals, a handy money-saving guide that's updated every week. At any time of the year, it'll feature our top picks for value from leading retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Dell, among others. If you're looking to save and you simply can't wait for Cyber Monday, it's definitely your best bet for a bargain.

3 best gaming laptops to watch out for on Cyber Monday

(Image credit: Razer)

Razer Blade 15

The Razer Blade always goes on sale for Black Friday

CPU: 11th-gen Intel Core H Series | Graphics: Up to GeForce RTX 3080 | RAM: Up to 16GB or 32GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD 360Hz, QHD 240Hz (G-SYNC) or 4K OLED Touch | Storage: 1TB PCIe

Still the best trackpad in a Windows laptop

Excellent performance in a beautiful design

Short battery life

(Image credit: Dell)

Alienware m17 R4 (2021)

Big. Powerful. Beautiful.

CPU: Up to 10th Generation Intel Core i9-10980HK | Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 2933MHz | Screen: 17.3" UHD 60Hz 25ms 500-nits display | Storage: Up to 4TB SSD + 512GB SSD

Blazing fast performance

Stylish chassis with plenty of ports

Battery life of less than 3 hours

We love the Alienware M17 because it combines extreme gaming performance with a beautiful 17-inch display. And while it's definitely not as thin and light as a Razer Blade, this large laptop is still pretty easy to carry around with  you wherever you go. And, Dell is usually pretty good at putting its Alienware laptops on sale for Black Friday, so now might be the time to jump in on it. 

Read the full review: Alienware M17 R4

(Image credit: Asus)

Asus ROG Zephyrus G15

Desktop-replacement performance

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H – 9 5900HS | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 – 3080 | RAM: Up to 32GB | Screen: 15.6-inch QHD (1440p), 165Hz, 3ms, 300 nits | Storage: 1TB

Outstanding performance, especially for the price

Incredible battery life

Lack of webcam might disappoint streamers 

Right now, the Asus Zephyrus G15 is ranked as our best gaming laptop - and it's not hard to see why. It's thin, light and sleek while also packing enough power, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 9 chip housed within. And, while this is a very expensive device, we usually see at least one flash sale on Black Friday for an Asus Zephyrus laptop. If that happens this year, our advice is to jump on it as soon as you can.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus G15

• Don't need a gaming laptop? Here are the rest of the Black Friday laptop deals.
• How about a desktop PC? We've collated the best Black Friday PC gaming deals

• Don't need a gaming laptop? Here are the rest of the Cyber Monday laptop deals

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Latest Tech News

NordLocker has announced the launch of its new mobile wrapper apps for Android and iOS that allow users of its encrypted cloud storage service to bring their end-to-end encrypted files with them wherever they go.

These new apps are a direct result of the company introducing its Web Access feature which allows its encryption software to be used while away from a computer.

NordLocker's mobile wrapper apps for Android and iOS are now available to download and the company is also working on native applications for the service. With its mobile wrapper apps, users can upload files from their device to their private cloud, reset their master password, create new encrypted cloud folders or lockers for their files, manage their files, export and download files from the cloud and access their Nord Account and adjust app security settings.

Head of product at NordLocker, Aiste Araminaite-Pivore explained in a press release how these new mobile wrapper apps allow users to take their encrypted files with them, saying:

“It’s a big step towards data security on the go. One of our core goals is to ensure that our users’ privacy does not depend on the device or operating system they use. This is why we’ve recently introduced Web Access, a feature to make sure your files are always secure and within reach.”

Easier sharing

In addition to its native iOS and Android apps, NordLocker is also working on a number of new features to provide its users with more convenience and improve file accessibility according to Araminaite-Pivore.

NordLocker users can already use the traditional login process and one-time codes to access their cloud lockers but now they can also use third-party logins from Google and Apple to enter their existing Nord Account which allows them to manage NordVPN, NordPass and the company's other services.

At the same time, cloud locker sharing will make it easier for NordLocker users to share their encrypted files with others. To do so, they just need to enter the receiver's email address to make their locker appear in their app and if they aren't a NordLocker user yet, they'll get an invitation. The company is also working on a feature that will allow users to share their files via a link so that others can open them without NordLocker.

It's worth noting that NordLocker's Premium plan which includes unlimited file encryption and 500GB of private cloud storage for $3.19 per month or 2TB for $7.99 per month is currently 60 percent off.

Want to safely store your files in the cloud? Check out our roundups of the best cloud storage, best encryption software and best VPN services

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If you're looking to bag a bargain VPN this Black Friday, then you're in luck. Perhaps even more so than we've seen in previous years, there's a real scramble from providers to lure you their way with what can only be described as a race to the bottom.

But that's fantastic news for you, as it means that you can grab some mind-blowing prices for a top bit of tech. And leading the way is PureVPN.

The provider started off by discounting the monthly rate of its five-year subscription to $1.33 per month. And then it gave TechRadar an exclusive discount code to take an extra 10% off.

But it just got even better! Because you can now use the code tech15 to take 15% off the offer price. That means you'll pay a barely believable $1.13 per month for your new VPN.

PureVPN | 5 years | $1.13 a month with code tech15
This VPN deal really is ridiculously cheap! You can have up to 10 devices logins on one account, it offers over 6,000 servers, claims fast speeds, and has a good reputation for unlocking geo-restricted apps and streaming services.

Without going for an inferior free VPN, no provider comes close to touching this pricing. Just take a look at our dedicated VPN deals guide if you don't believe us.

It is worth noting that - just like pretty much every other VPN company out there - PureVPN requires that you pay the whole amount upfront. So although it's advertised as being $1.33 per month, you'll have to pay for the whole five years. With the 15% discount, that means a cost of $67.96.

But if you're not happy with Pure's services, it also offers a 31-day money-back guarantee. That makes this a real risk-free Black Friday bargain.

(Image credit: Future)

What other Black Friday VPN deals are available?

As we say, pretty much every provider under the sun has released their Black Friday VPN deals now. And if you wanted to go for a service with a better reputation than Pure, then there are still some great prizes to be had.

Among the biggest names are NordVPN, which is down to $3.29 a month for two years, and Surfshark, which is now all the way down to an effective $2.21/pm for the next 27 months.

Private Internet Access can go even cheaper if you're happy to commit to three years. Having thrown in an extra three months free, the monthly cost is now set at a tiny $2.03.

And what of our #1 recommended provider, ExpressVPN? Well, frankly, it can't compete with the rest on price alone. Its monthly cost is $6.67 per month, with three months extra free on its annual plan. But you do at least get Backblaze secure cloud backup thrown in as well.

VPN deals: what you can do with a VPN

There are loooooads of VPN uses. Virtual Private Networks allow bypass geo-restricted content. So if you wanted to watch a Netflix show that is geo-restricted to a location, a VPN changes your IP address, so your device gets tricked into thinking it's in a different location. Make sure to check out our Netflix VPN guide if your primary reason for a VPN is streaming, while they're also brilliant for letting you watch sports and shows that are only available overseas.

Some people will be more concerned about the fact VPNs help you browse the internet securely. A VPN uses encryption technology that basically means your browsing and activity will be anonymous. So if you're worried about your cyber security, a VPN is definitely the way to go.

Beyond that, they help get around blocked websites and apps in countries that ban them, assist in secure online banking and shopping (especially on public Wi-Fi), and have even been known to get around broadband bandwidth throttling and bag cheaper flights on comparison sites, too.

• Want extra security? Check out our best antivirus software packages

See more of today's best Black Friday sales

• Amazon: 68% off Ring Video Doorbell bundles in the Black Friday sale
• Antivirus: the world's best antivirus software with a 70% discount
• AirPods Pro: down to a record-low price of $169.99 at Amazon
• Adidas: 50% off sportswear and shoes + free shipping
• Best Buy: up to 50% off Keurig coffee makers, 4K TVs, laptops and more
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $99.99 at Best Buy
• Christmas: lights, trees, and ornaments from $6.99 at Amazon
• Christmas pajamas: matching family sets from $14.99 at Amazon
• Clothing: up to 50% off coats, running shoes, and watches at Amazon
• Costco: up to $900 furniture, laptops, TVs, and jewelry
• Dell: up to $700 off the XPS 13, Inspiron, and Alienware
• DIY: 40% off power tools, leaf blowers, and more at Walmart
• DreamCloud: $200 off luxury mattresses + $399 free gifts
• Gifts under $30: books, toys, and cheap gift ideas at Amazon
• H&M: fashion gifts from $5.99 for men, women, and kids
• Home Depot: up to 40% off tools, grills, appliances and Christmas decor 
• HP: laptops starting at $199.99
• Instant Pot: from $84 at Amazon
• Keurig: up to 30% off single cup and carafe coffee makers at Amazon
• Lowe's: 50% off tools, appliances, and holiday decor
• Microsoft: save up to $400 on the Surface Pro 7
• Nectar: $499 off mattresses + $399 in free gifts 
• Nike: up to 40% off running shoes, hoodies, sweatpants, and more
• Nintendo Switch: latest stock updates on consoles and games
• Nordstrom: up to 40% off North Face, Adidas, UGG, Nike, and more
• Oculus Quest 2: get a $50 e-gift card at Best Buy
• Saatva: TechRadar exclusive - save $250 on luxury mattresses
• Samsung: Black Friday savings of up to $3,500 on 4K and 8K QLED TVs
• Shark vacuum: up to 15% off cordless and corded vacs at Amazon
• Target: massive deals on TVs, toys, Dyson, Keurig, and more
• Toys: discounts on LEGO, hoverboards and Barbie at Walmart
• TVs: smart Fire TVs from Amazon starting at $99.99
• Walmart: big savings on TVs, cordless vacs, and more

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When shopping for a stylus for your iPad, your first consideration should be an Apple Pencil. The company's accessory syncs up perfectly with its tablet, as expected, and we expect plenty of Cyber Monday Apple Pencil deals and Black Friday Apple Pencil deals.

In fact, we're already starting to see discounts on the stylus. You may want to wait until closer to the Cyber Monday deals to see if it drops lower, but if you're looking for a discount you'll find today's best deals below.

Apple's products typically don't get discounted as much as other gadgets, but even they aren't immune from the Black Friday 2021 deals. These deals usually last through Cyber Monday on November 29... until supply runs out, anyway.

While we don't expect these deals to discount either Apple stylus' pricetag, you should be able to save a little on a new Apple Pencil 1 or Apple Pencil 2. You may also get a Black Friday iPad deal or a Cyber Monday iPad deal, if you're looking for a new tablet.

The Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2 are different, and older iPads may not be compatible with the newer stylus (and the oldest may not support either), so it's important to check which stylus works with your tablet ahead of time before making your purchase. As a rule, older iPads support the Apple Pencil 1 while the newest iPads should work with both, but the Apple Pencil 2 has some upgrades over its predecessor – which only the best iPads can benefit from, like magnetic attaching and charging.

Of course, the original Apple Pencil 1 is cheaper than its successor, even if it lacks some advanced features, so make sure you're buying the right Apple stylus for your needs and iPad setup.

Today's best Apple Pencil deals in the US

• Apple: no discounts so far, but may happen soon
• Amazon: offered some of the biggest discounts recently
• Walmart: the best discounts we've seen so far on Apple Pencil
• Best Buy: yet to see any top deals, but may appear soon

Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

Apple Pencil 2: $129 $99 at Walmart
Save $22 on the Apple Pencil 2 with this 18% off Black Friday deal at Walmart. This gets you the second generation Apple stylus, which works with newer iPads only, but packs additional features like magnetic attachment and wireless charging.

And the same discount at Best Buy, if you prefer that retailer:

Apple Pencil 2: $129 $99 at Best Buy
Save $22 on the Apple Pencil 2 with this 18% off Black Friday deal at Best Buy. This gets you the second generation Apple stylus, which works with newer iPads only, but packs additional features like magnetic attachment and wireless charging.

Apple Pencil (1st generation)

Apple Pencil 1: $99 $79 at Walmart
Save $20 on the Apple Pencil 1 with this 20% off Black Friday deal at Walmart. This gets you the first generation Apple stylus, which works great with older iPads (and newer ones, too).    

Here's the same deal at Best Buy if you'd prefer that retailer:

Apple Pencil 1: $99 $79 at Best Buy
Save $20 on the Apple Pencil 1 with this 20% off Black Friday deal at Walmart. This gets you the first generation Apple stylus, which works great with older iPads (and newer ones, too).    

Today's best Apple Pencil deals in the UK

• Apple: no discounts yet, but may see some price reductions
• Amazon: best price cuts we've seen so far this year
• Currys: no discounts currently but may drop in price soon
• Very: no discounts yet, but may drop in price over Black Friday

Apple Pencil 2: £119 £99.99 at Amazon
Save £19 - The Apple Pencil 2 is discounted this Black Friday by almost £20, and we're not expecting to see many bigger discounts during the big sales event. Before you buy this, make sure it's compatrible with your iPad (and if it's not, the version below may be for you). 

Apple Pencil 1: £89 £69.99 at Amazon
Save £19 - The Apple Pencil is now properly discounted in the UK with a saving of £19 at Amazon right now. This is for the original Apple Pencil, so make sure it's compatible with your iPad and you'll want to grab this before Cyber Monday ends as Amazon has confirmed the deal ends on Monday 29.

Best Apple Pencil (1st gen) deals

Best Apple Pencil (2nd gen) deals

FAQs

Keep compatibility in mind when making your choice, too. The Apple Pencil 1 is compatible with these iPads:

• iPad (9th generation)
• iPad (8th generation)
• iPad mini (5th generation)
• iPad (7th generation)
• iPad (6th generation)
• iPad Air (3rd generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
• iPad Pro 10.5-inch
• iPad Pro 9.7-inch

Meanwhile, the Apple Pencil 2 is compatible with these iPads:

• iPad mini (6th generation)
• iPad Air (4th generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and later
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later

Where are the best places to find Apple Pencil Cyber Monday deals?

When the deals kick up a gear, we expect the best Cyber Monday deals to be from Amazon. Last year did see Apple offer free gift cards with select devices. We've listed the most popular retailers ahead of Cyber Monday so that you can start to keep tabs on the trends.

Top US retailers

Amazon - the best retailer for record-low prices

Apple - browse the range of Apple Pencils

Best Buy - deals on both Apple Pencil models

Walmart - competitive prices, but stock moves fast

Top UK retailers

Amazon - record-low Apple Pencil prices

Apple - browse the range of Apple Pencils

Currys - up to 5 months Apple Music, Arcade & News+ free

Very - regular discounts, regular restocks

Last year's Cyber Monday Apple Pencil deals

Last year's Cyber Monday Apple Pencil deals 

Hottest deal

Apple Pencil (1st Generation): $99 $87.94 (save $11.06)
The original Apple Pencil is a fantastic companion for your iPad, giving you precise control. This 1st Generation version doesn't have the wireless charging and gesture controls of later models, but it's an absolute bargain for Cyber Monday and a great buy.

Official Apple iPad accessories: 10%-15% off at Amazon
On Amazon, Apple is discounting loads of its iPad accessories including Lightning Cables, Apple Pencil tips and Smart Covers for loads of its different tablets.

$100 gift card with iPad Pro purchases from Apple
If you're thinking of picking up a new iPad as well as an Apple Pencil, you can now get $100 in a gift card on certain iPad Pro purchases. If you're after something a bit smaller, you can also get $50 gift card when you buy the iPad mini.

Last year's best third-party stylus deals

If the original Apple Pencil is still too expensive, 2020 saw deals on third-party styluses. We may see similar to this later this year, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to the Apple Pencil. 

Adonit Dash 3: $44.99 $35.99 at Amazon (save $9)
Adonit is widely regarded as one of the best names in third-party Apple Pencil alternatives, and this fine-tipped, pressure-sensitive stylus is a typical example of its work. It features two shortcut buttons and (unlike the first-gen Apple Pencil) isn't round, so it won't roll of your desk.

Adonit Note Stylus: $49.99 $29.99 at Amazon (save $20)
This smart metallic stylus is one of the best alternatives if an Apple Pencil is out of your price range. It can keep going for 12 hours between charges, is slim and light, and has a handy clip to keep it secure in your pocket. It might not match the real deal, but for a third-party stylus it's pretty decent.

• Check out what to expect from this year's Apple Cyber Monday deals

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Latest Tech News

71% of people plan to keep cooking at home in lieu of takeout after the pandemic. That's hardly surprising. Takeout is expensive, after all, and there's something to be said for the feeling of satisfaction that comes with a well-prepared home-cooked meal. 

That isn't to say it's all roses, however. If you want to make anything fancier than macaroni and cheese, cooking tends to be a considerable time commitment. Not only are you looking at potentially hours over a hot stove or oven, there's also the matter of cleanup. 

There's a better way, and it starts with Dreo. The new Air Fryer Pro Max is built for people who want to enjoy the fun of cooking without the drudgery. With a temperature range of 100-400°F and 360° air circulation, it reduces cooking time by up to 30%, all while keeping food crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. 

Better yet, air fryers can help reduce fat, calories, and the formation of acrylamide, a potentially carcinogenic compound found in certain calorie-rich foods like meat. 

It's not a Dreo product without a bit of modern flair, though — and Dreo's air fryer has that in spades. 

First and foremost, it sports a large viewing window so you can watch your food cook in real time. Its touch panel and LED display are both positioned on top of the unit for stylish, hassle-free operation. 

(Image credit: Dreo)

Speaking of controls, Dreo might be simple to operate, but that doesn't mean it misses out on functionality. 

To start with, you can choose between five different cooking modes (air fry, bake, roast, broil, and dehydrate) and six cooking presets (fries, poultry, steak, vegetables, bacon, and seafood). And once you're ready for more advanced use, you can customize both the temperature and time as much as you need. 

Dreo is also aware that air fryers have a reputation for being unsafe with improper use. As such, it made a point of ensuring the Air Fryer Pro Max is both ETL-listed and FDA-approved. The unit also includes a number of safety features, including: 

• Overheat protection 
• Power shutoff protection 
• Automatic pause on basket removal 

Perhaps best of all, the Air Fryer Pro max is easy to clean. Both the 6.8-quart basket and plate are dishwasher-safe, with rounded corners and non-stick coating so it's easy to remove grease and other residues. 

That means no more struggling with bulky pots and pans after cooking for the night — just wipe down the basket and plate, toss them in the dishwasher, and you're good to go. 

(Image credit: Dreo)

The Air Fryer Pro Max also comes with a free recipe book with over 100 meal ideas, along with the opportunity to sign up for regular e-recipes. 

Cooking need not be complicated or time-consuming.  It can be just as fulfilling when it's quick and easy. Dreo's Air Fryer Pro Max is proof positive of that — a sophisticated, innovative appliance designed to both spark joy and make your life better than ever through healthy, fulfilling, and satisfying meals. 

With Dreo, better is a journey. Are you ready to take the first step? 

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In the broadest sense, brainstorming is the collective consideration of ideas in order to arrive at a solution to a predefined problem. More strictly, it refers to a technique businesses can apply to come up with fresh, creative, and focused ideas. While being superficially similar to the concepts of problem-solving and mind mapping, brainstorming is most often a collective effort, and does not always have to target a specific issue.

It is a technique designed to stimulate creativity in the most spontaneous way possible, with the goal of generating a list of quality ideas and suggestions from the participants. Brainstorming usually takes place in a less formal setting, primarily to restrict inhibitions on speaking one’s mind and promote creative thinking without the fear of criticism.

In business, brainstorming is a well-established approach to creating ideas that serve as intellectual resources and commodities. Despite having the same outcomes, the applications of brainstorming vary across industries, with marketing brainstorming being different from the sessions more focused on the technical side of the business. For example, many brainstorming sessions concern coming up with ideas on how to win over a new customer base, introduce new technologies, streamline company operations, etc.

 Who should do brainstorming? 

Brainstorming was developed as a technique by Alex F. Osborne in 1939 as a response to his team’s inability to come up with useful ideas. Osborne started working on developing group sessions in which individuals would present their opinions in an informal manner under the guidance of an executive - and this general format of brainstorming still persists today.

The range of stakeholders who can benefit from brainstorming is rather broad, as the technique is easily applied as a solution to problems that require collective action. Based on this, any organization or a group of individuals gathered around a central idea, such a business, can benefit from brainstorming. Yet, its also a valuable tool for political parties, schools and other educational institutions, research facilities, medical institutions, government authorities, etc.

Common to all of these use cases is the need to face a pre-defined issue that needs to be questioned and approached from different and innovative angles. This is often described as group brainstorming, but the technique is equally applicable to individuals as well. With individual brainstorming, one person defines an issue to be tackled and records ideas that come to their mind in the course of a single or several sessions. While being less commonly used than the group-based method, individual brainstorming has been proven to be even more effective in tackling complex issues. 

 Why you should do brainstorming

The benefits of both individual and group brainstorming are numerous. Apart from the focus on quantity of ideas over quality, brainstorming sessions are usually free from criticism, meaning that participants can present their ideas without the fear of being ridiculed.

Collaborative efforts such as brainstorming promote teamwork and a common approach to general business goals. Once they become an established practice, brainstorming sessions bring team-building to a new level, becoming a long-term solution to creative blocks, staff communication problems, and the lack of business innovations.

Brainstorming is usually the fastest way to gain access to numerous ideas which are then filtered and provided with feedback for further refinement. This serves to encourage consensus-building as a general practice for dealing with business issues that require inclusive solutions and arriving at informed collective decisions.

Also, brainstorming benefits from the interaction among multiple ideas as these sessions usually do not end with a single final conclusion. Instead, participants present diverse perspectives and, more importantly, combine them to produce a novel and out-of-the-box solution. Even when this happens, no participant can claim exclusive ownership of an idea, treating it instead as a product of a collective, team-based effort.

Pros and cons of brainstorming 

While being almost universally applied today for its advantages, getting the best out of brainstorming sessions starts by being aware of its potential shortcomings as well. 

Pros

Great new ideas and perspectives can be discovered. With brainstorming, it is easy to get a wholly new perspective and uncover “elephants in the room” with regard to a particular issue. These can easily become sources of solutions, new ideas or even constructive criticism coming from people guided by the same vision but who do not always get the chance to have their voices heard.

Brainstorming helps you define problems better. Brainstorming sessions often take place in a less formal environment in which no one feels pressured to come up with the best idea, as is the case with formal meetings.

Brainstorming is an informal pinnacle of creative teamwork. Brainstorming promotes a sense of camaraderie and working towards a common goal. It also helps relax the barriers that exist as part of a hierarchical organization. Once a solution is reached, everyone can feel satisfaction from participating in a collective effort that can be made part of standard organizational practice.

Cons

Brainstorming takes time to do properly. Brainstorming is not a fast solution to a particular problem. It needs to develop organically over time, which is why it often takes place over a sequence of sessions that can last for hours or days.

Brainstorming can bring underlying interpersonal conflicts to life. Brainstorming, by its very character, often features a “stormy” or fiery exchange of ideas and it can easily get out of control without the assistance of a facilitator.

It does not work in settings with a history of poor personal communication. To get the best out of every brainstorming session, one should ideally have a team of people who are taught to express their opinions and ideas freely. People with inadequate communication skills will find it hard to speak their minds, particularly if they work in an environment in which the free flow of ideas is not sufficiently promoted.

How to produce great Brainstorming

Since brainstorming sessions prosper in the relaxed ambiance of free-flowing exchange of ideas, they usually do not involve a strict set of rules. Unless a business has established its own best practice for handling brainstorming, there are some proven approaches to extracting the best value from this technique. 

Firstly, gathering a team of professionals deemed as having the potential to offer a creative spin on an idea and organizing them in a group. The group is usually helmed by a facilitator, here in a less formal and hierarchical role compared with formal meetings. As the ideas are proposed and described in a freestyle manner, recording is usually done in an unobtrusive way so as not to disturb the exchange of ideas.

·        Provide feedback to the proposed ideas subsequently, or as part of a separate brainstorming session. A typical brainstorming session can be divided into two parts: a) presentation, collection and recording of ideas, and b) provision of feedback on the idea presented. The participants may usually be more willing to share their ideas in an informal setting in which they are not feeling as being judged. Looking for immediate feedback as ideas are exchanged can be a valid option, but some participants may be discouraged to get involved more actively if they see that their ideas get shot down repeatedly. This is why a balanced approach to brainstorming involves treating all ideas as valid to promote the atmosphere of an inclusive exchange of ideas.

·         Seemingly wild ideas should still be considered as a potential source of a creativity spark. This is similar to treating all ideas as being equally meritorious, yet with the focus on exploring more unorthodox ideas. Knowing that some great inventions have come out of supposedly “crazy” ideas means that it is usually worth keeping some of these on file, at least to spice up more conventional ideas. With brainstorming, ideas generate and complement one another, and making them come together naturally as a solution is one of the key tasks of brainstorming facilitators.

·         Facilitators need to gently direct the proceedings of a brainstorming session. While facilitators often work best when they maintain a sort of invisible presence, a brainstorming session still needs to revolve around a central idea. Due to the improvisational nature of these meetings, brainstorming can easily veer into the territory of informal conversations about irrelevant topics. Facilitators need to keep the team focused on the task at hand without being obtrusive.

Examples of Brainstorming Questions

Brainstorming sessions benefit from having a prepared set of carefully chosen questions that will elicit the most desirable responses from the participants. This is why they need to include a wide range of open-ended questions based on the following examples.

With so-called introspective questions, the participants are asked to focus on their emotional perceptions of the issue at hand.

·         How do you feel about this product?

·         Is it difficult to follow this video/text?

·         Do you find this aspect exciting or surprising?

With observational questions, one can ask the participants about what they perceive with their senses. These questions can be suitable for initiating a discussion or taking it in the desired direction.

·         What did you look at the most when you opened the page?

·         Is the music too grating in this video?

·         How can we improve the visuals for this product?

With retrospective questions, the facilitator asks for feedback on something that was done as part of previous sessions or is of relevance for the current brainstorming session.

·         What did we decide when we met last time?

·         What type of data do we need to proceed with the analysis?

·         How did we classify the features that we need?

Questions that promote unconventional thinking can also help with gaining creative energies out of the participants by declaring that no answer to these questions is wrong, no matter how wild. It also helps with avoiding routines and all too familiar communication patterns.

·         How would you feel if we started this again from scratch?

·         How about quitting this project?

·         What would our competitors do in this case?

Finally, actionable questions require the responders to propose activities based on the information they have.

·         What would be the first step to take?

·         Who should be done to kick off that activity?

·         What should be changed as a priority?

You might also want to check out our lists of the best project management software and best business plan software.

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Winter has arrived again, so it's time for hot chocolate by the fireplace. Time for snow days, quiet nights, and holiday cheer. Time to hope you can find a space heater that's actually capable of keeping you warm while you work from home. 

That's where Dreo comes in. It’s released a small form space heater that's perfect for your home office. It's powerful, compact, and stylish. But most importantly, it's safe. 

As you may know, space heaters are one of the leading causes of fires in the United States. Dreo built its new space heater with that fact in mind. The unit is absolutely brimming with design features to keep you safe — but more on that in a moment. 

Equipped with a brushless DC motor and 9 blades, the 1500W PTC ceramic heater can oscillate up to 70degrees. This allows it to heat a much larger area than a typical static space heater while also providing more even heating. And it does all this while being whisper-quiet, so you'll be able to attend your Zoom meetings in peace. 

Dreo's space heater is easy to configure, as well. It has three separate heating modes, and can also be run as a regular fan in the event that you don't need heat. The digital display makes it easy to check the status (and temperature) of the unit at a glance. 

And if you'd rather just turn the unit on and let it do its thing? Just turn on ECO mode, and the unit will adjust its working power to the ambient temperature, helping prevent wasted electricity. The space heater also has a built-in, 12-hour timer. In other words, you can have it run automatically during your workday, and switch off when you're no longer in the office. 

(Image credit: Dreo)

Dreo's unit doesn't just heat your surroundings, though. It also improves air quality, with a built-in detachable/washable dust filter that captures hair, pet dander, and dust. And all this is packed into a unit that looks downright exquisite, with a curved honeycomb grille and a sleek, compact frame. 

We've saved arguably the most important part for last. Traditionally, one of the biggest drawbacks of space heaters is safety.  You can pack all the bells and whistles in the world into a device — if it's unsafe, none of those features matter.

In that regard, Dreo has gone above and beyond. 

First, its space heater is equipped with automatic overheat protection. If at any point the unit's internal temperature exceeds 50℃ (122℉), it will automatically shut down and sound an alarm. The materials from which it's built also have the highest UL 94 flame retardancy rating possible — V0, meaning they've undergone tens of thousands of tests, all in the interest of keeping you surrounded by warmth, worry-free. 

Dreo has also gone out of its way to shield the unit's internals against heat as well. Its glass fiber printed circuit board is exceptionally durable, resistant to temperatures up to 200℃ (392℉). In other words, no more worrying about your space heater frying itself when it overheats. 

As far as power surges are concerned, Dreo has built the plug for its unit with flameproof materials and added a security bracket to prevent the prongs from bending —  in other words, no more worrying about an overheated plug or outlet.

Finally, instead of using a conventional mechanical tip-over switch, Dreo has a built-in gyroscope that's capable of 360-degree detection. The moment the unit tilts more than 45 degrees, it will immediately shut down and sound an alarm. So whether you have inquisitive pets or kids, there's less chance of them causing a fire (or injuring themselves).

(Image credit: Dreo)

If you’re after a space heater that offers safety, comfort, warmth, and style, look no further. This winter, pick up the Dreo Space Heater and embrace the best in sophisticated modern living. Take the first step on the journey towards a better life.  

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You can already get many great deals on Hisense TVs, ovens, washing machines, and fridges leading into Black Friday, while more deals will arrive on the day.

·         Click here to view Hisense’s Black Friday deals.

Hisense has highlighted a selection of its best deals that are currently available –while stocks last – which you can get at South Africa’s leading retailers.

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Hisense’s 120-inch Laser 4K TV provides the ultimate home cinema experience.

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This 65-inch Hisense LED TV uses the company’s Quantum Dot Colour technology to provide a superior viewing experience.

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You can save up to R2,000 on this TV during Black Friday.

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Hisense’s premium 75-inch 4K ULED TV is available for up to R10,000 less during Black Friday.

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This stylish free-standing cooker comes with auto-ignition, two convection fans, and a double-layer glass door.

It has six functions and also includes a storage compartment for your trays and other cooking crockery.

This cooker fits perfectly into modern kitchens and is currently available for up to R3,000 off its usual price.

Hisense 514l Side-By-Side Refrigerator – Up to R4,000 off

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Hisense’s H670SIA-WD refrigerator is the ideal choice to keep your food fresh.

This frost-free fridge boasts an A+ energy class rating, which means it uses less power than its competitors, while multi-airflow technology optimises the cooling process.

You can now get it for up to R4,000 off its usual price.

Hisense 9kg Washing Machine – Up to R2,000 off

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The Hisense 9kg washing machine is the perfect device to clean your clothes quickly, effectively, and affordably.

It boasts 15 automatic programs, including a Super Quick Wash option if you need to save time.

This Hisense washing machine also boasts an A+++ energy rating – and you can now save up to R2,000 on its regular price.

Click here to view Hisense’s Black Friday deals.

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Best credit cards for restaurants and dining - CNET

Get rewarded for every dollar spent on takeout, delivery, restaurants and bars.

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Scientists watch star ripping neighbor apart in preview of sun's future - CNET

A distant white dwarf looks to be steadily destroying a so-called "hot Jupiter" or a smaller dead star.

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