Buyer's Guides Archives - Make Tech Easier

5 of the Best Outdoor TVs of 2023

Ryan Lynch — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 00:25:00 +0000

We generally think of TVs as situated inside the home, with the family huddled around its warming glow. However, with summer upon us, many folks are heading outdoors and soaking up the vitamin D. Thankfully, we don’t have to choose between the latest binge-able series and fresh air. Outdoor TVs are exactly what their name would suggest: TVs made specifically for the outdoors.

Also helpful: many people use projectors in their backyard. Learn how to use a projector as a TV for the same purpose.

1. Best Overall: Samsung the Terrace

Price: $3,599 and up

As the name would suggest, Samsung’s the Terrace is made to be watched out on the terrace. Thankfully, Samsung opted for a phenomenal QLED screen. Thanks to its impressive brightness capabilities, the screen looks great, even in direct sunlight.

At this point, you may be worried that the picture on the Terrace would be too washed out with its... Read more

6 Laptops with Built-in Mechanical Keyboards

Ryan Lynch — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 05:25:00 +0000

Laptops made explicitly for gamers have been around for a while. They boast impressive specs, cramming the latest technology into a portable package. However, gaming laptops have been missing one feature: mechanical keyboards. Thankfully, with the advent of low-profile switches, manufacturers have begun including the tactile keys gamers love inside their already impressive laptops.

This list includes six impressive laptops with built-in mechanical keyboards. All of the laptops listed are available in multiple configurations. The final price can vary depending on the preferences you select, but we chose the main configuration options and pricing for this post.

Also helpful: if you don’t necessarily need a computer with a built-in mechanical keyboard, you may find a better option among this list of the best laptops.

1. Best for Tactile Typing: GIGABYTE AORUS 17G

Price: $2,670.80

Gigabyte was the first manufacturer to feature a mechanical keyboard in a laptop. The AORUS 17G features OMRON switches with a travel distance of only 2.5mm and a 1.6mm actuation point. In addition, the OMRON switches boast a lifespan... Read more

Top 6 Charging Stations for Multiple Devices

Charlie Fripp — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Charging one or two devices daily shouldn’t be a problem, but many households have more than that. It’s not unreasonable for the average U.S. home to have between 10 and 20 connected devices. Stacking mobile phones, smartwatches, e-readers, and earbuds on a bedside table to charge overnight creates a lot of clutter and is a potential fire hazard. The neater, safer, and smarter way is to organize all your gadgets in one of these top charging stations for multiple devices.

Also helpful: recharge on the road with these high-capacity power banks with a battery over 20,000mAh.

1. Best 3-in-1: Anker Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

Price: $31.26

If you need to charge three devices simultaneously, the Anker Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is a great choice. You can use it to charge any smartphone, earbuds, smartwatch, or even mix and match Android and Apple devices. It can also fold flat to take up less space when not in use or while traveling.

Best Budget Android Phones of 2023

Ryan Lynch — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:25:00 +0000

Android phones vary wildly in both performance and price. This makes the barrier to entry more accessible for those on a limited budget. That said, with so many manufacturers cranking out numerous models, the Android market is saturated with sub-par handsets. However, this doesn’t mean you need to compromise on your mobile experience when you’re trying to stretch your dollar. You just need to invest in one of these top Android phones made for people on a budget.

Also Helpful: Looking for a small Android phone instead? We’ve got a list of great Android phones that fit into your palm.

1. Best Budget Option Overall: Samsung A14 5G

Price: $200

Budget phones frequently cut corners with screen quality and use a 720p display that lacks the sharpness of pricier phones. The Samsung A14 bucks this trend with a 6.6-inch, 2400 x 1080 screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate. Although its 500-nit brightness is about half as bright as higher-end models, the resolution and refresh rate still makes it one of the best options in this price... Read more

The 5 Best 4K Gaming TVs in 2023

Tanveer Singh — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 21:25:00 +0000

With the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, it’s safe to say that we’ve entered into a new era of 4K gaming. The PS4 and Xbox One X were great at playing 1080p games, with 4K playback reserved for a few select, less-demanding titles. But the new generation of consoles comes with vastly improved hardware and software that allow you to play your favorite games in their high-resolution 4K splendor.

However, to enjoy games at such high resolutions, you’ll need a good 4K TV that has been optimized for gaming. The best 4K gaming TVs offer cutting-edge input lag, response time, variable refresh rate, HDR, and great viewing angles, among others. The following are the best 4K gaming TVs on the market today.

Also helpful: your gaming TV can double as an entertainment provider with these top Blu-ray players.

1. Best Overall: Samsung S95B OLED

Price: $1,699

It may not surprise you that our best gaming TV pick is a high-end OLED, considering the remarkable advantages the tech brings to gaming. The Read more

7 of the Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers in 2023

Megan Glosson — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Bluetooth speakers have become incredibly popular and valuable in recent years. However, not all of these devices are made to withstand the elements, especially water. In these situations, you need a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Whether you’re lounging poolside, sunbathing at the beach, or showering, you’ll probably want to listen to your favorite music or keep up with podcasts. These seven waterproof Bluetooth speakers will even work near water.

Tip: if you notice issues with your audio when connecting to one of these speakers, try disabling absolute Bluetooth volume.

1. Best Overall: JBL Flip 6

Price: $129.99

JBL is known for quality audio equipment, and the JBL Flip 6 is no exception. This speaker has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it the perfect Bluetooth speaker for the pool or the park. However, this waterproof Bluetooth speaker truly stands out because of its design and sound delivery.

The... Read more

Which SSD is the Best in 2023?

Tanveer Singh — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Which solid-state drive (SSD) is the best used to be a much simpler decision. Now you must consider things like endurance, PCIe generations, DRAM or DRAM-less, SATA or NVMe. The goal of this list is to help you decide which is the best SSD for you.

Good to know: this guide can help you choose the right NVMe or SATA SSD for your system, depending on your use case and budget.

1. Best Gaming SSD: Western Digital BLACK SN850X

Price: $84.99 for 1TB

There might be faster overall SSDs, but Western Digital’s WD_BLACK SN850X wins out if you’re looking for the best solid-state drive for gaming workloads. The SN850X is an upgrade to the SN850, bringing lower operating temperatures and slightly higher speeds to an already impressive drive. Western Digital has genuinely focused on optimizing this SSD for gaming with predictive caching and top-notch thermal management. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it offers virtually the same performance as competing high-end drives at a much lower price.

Best External Optical Drives (CD, DVD, BluRay)

Ryan Lynch — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Finding a PC with a built-in optical disc drive is getting harder. However, that doesn’t mean the drives aren’t still helpful. Without a disc drive, you’re up the physical media river without a paddle. Fortunately, there are still many on the market. Investing in external optical disc drives is necessary to play, rip or burn CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.

Good to know: are you curious to know why you need an optical drive still? We recently outlined why physical media is still important in the age of streaming.

1. Best Blu-ray Drive: ASUS BW-16D1X-U

Price: $139

The ASUS BW-16D1X-U is a USB 3.0 external optical drive capable of reading and writing Blu-ray discs. It is compatible with various discs, including Blu-ray, DVD, CD, and even archival M-discs. Furthermore, it supports BDXL discs, which allow 128 GB of data to be written on a single disc. Despite impressive specs, the design of the BW-16D1X-U is questionable. We realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, this drive looks like it was pulled from a lousy... Read more

Best Camera Phones You Can Buy Right Now

Tanveer Singh — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:25:00 +0000

Everyone wants their smartphone to take great photos. Camera quality, however, can vary from model to model. Many times it depends more on the camera software than technical specifications, making it especially challenging to identify which camera will let you capture the best quality photos. To help you make that decision, we put together this list of the best camera phones you can purchase right now.

Good to know: feeling nostalgic about flip phones? Check out these modern options you can get.

1. Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Price: starting at $1,199

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comfortably holds the “best smartphone camera” crown. Although other flagships from Apple and Google may come out marginally better in various scenarios, the S23 Ultra’s camera setup is so versatile and specced out, that it produces flawless results in nearly every situation.

Image source: Unsplash

Samsung upgraded the main sensor to 200MP from the previous 108MP sensor on... Read more

Using a Projector As a TV: Everything You Need to Know

Sydney Butler — Wed, 31 May 2023 00:25:00 +0000

Many people look for innovative ways to enhance their home entertainment setups as technology evolves. One such trend is using a projector as a television.

While projectors have been around for some time, recent image quality and affordability advancements make them an enticing alternative to traditional TV sets. Should you throw out your TV for a projector? Let’s look at what’s involved in using a projector as a television replacement.

Good to know: Projectors offer many connectivity options, including wirelessly connecting your Android phone to your projector.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Projector for TV Replacement

When selecting the perfect projector to replace a TV, you must carefully evaluate various features and performance considerations. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a projector specifically for this purpose:

1. Brightness

A projector’s brightness, measured in lumens, ensures clear and vibrant images in different lighting conditions. Aim for at least 2,000 lumens for rooms with controlled lighting and 3,000 lumens or more for spaces with some ambient light when... Read more

Top 10 Options If You Want a Hidden Airtag Wallet

Charlie Fripp — Tue, 30 May 2023 00:25:00 +0000

Most people tend to put a wallet in their back pocket. It may be convenient, but it also makes it easier for pickpockets to steal. The best solution would be to move your wallet to the front or leave it in your handbag, but that’s not always practical.

But if it gets stolen, you’ll have a tough time tracking it down – unless you have an Apple AirTag inside. While the small Bluetooth tracking gadgets aren’t included in the wallets (you’ll have to buy one separately), you can easily slot it into a specially-designed wallet that ensures you’ll always know where your wallet is.

Tip: learn how Google Find My Devices and Apple Find My work.

1. ElevationLab TagVault

Price: $9.95

A significant problem with AirTags is their size. It may seem small compared to other gadgets, but slipping it into a confined space can create an unsightly (and uncomfortable) bump. The TagVault Wallet Holder addresses this by making the flexible plastic holder as thin as possible.

7 of the Best PC Cases For Desktop PC Builders

Tanveer Singh — Fri, 26 May 2023 05:25:00 +0000

Buying the right PC case matters. If you’ve been building your gaming PC and are at the very last step of browsing the best PC cases, there is more to consider than just something to hold all your hardware together. At the very minimum, you want to get the right size to accommodate all your components.

The challenge is to find something worthwhile from the thousands of options available, with the perfect blend of design, quality, and affordability. Whether you want a full tower, mid-tower, or mini-ITX case, our roundup of the best PC cases can help you get your rig up and running without the added stress.

Also helpful: our PC building considerations guide can help you think through every aspect of building the perfect gaming desktop.

1. Best Premium Mid-Tower: NZXT H710i

Price: $269.99

The NZXT H710i was released in 2019 as an update to NZXT’s H710. It offers a clean build with many modern features to create a capable chassis that’d make a good home for your desktop gaming PC or workstation. However,... Read more

Your Guide to the Best RGB Keyboards in 2023

Natalie dela Vega — Sat, 20 May 2023 21:25:00 +0000

RGB keyboards have become both cheaper and more powerful in recent years. It’s led to much competition in budget price ranges for RGB keyboards. This list walks you through the best RGB keyboard options on the market in 2023.

Good to know: you can sync your RGB keyboard to other components of your PC build with RGB sync software.

1. Best Overall: SteelSeries Apex Pro

Price: $199.99

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is one of the best RGB 104-key keyboards with all the keys you need for productivity and gaming. The full-size keyboard ships with a magnetic wrist rest, which makes it ideal for long sessions of keyboard activity. If you’re specific with your typing preferences, you can adjust the actuation point of the SteelSeries Apex Pro’s OmniPoint switches.

Pros

Built with an OLED smart display
Full-size format
Available in 9 language layouts
Includes magnetic wrist... Read more

7 of the Best Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboards

Ryan Lynch — Sat, 13 May 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Since many people spend hours hunched over their computers every day, peripherals with more ergonomic designs have increased in popularity. Ergonomic keyboards can help reduce muscle strain and fatigue, which prevents users from experiencing pain throughout the workday. Although most mechanical keyboards on the market are conventional, ergonomic mechanical keyboards exist if you know where to find them. If you spend hours typing or using your computer keyboard in any way, consider one of these recommended keyboards.

Good to know: looking for a wireless mechanical keyboard instead? We have a list for that, too!

1. Kinesis KB600 Advantage 2

Price: $339

The funky design of the Kinesis Advantage 2 maximizes user comfort and reduces strain. The split keyboard design positions the arms at shoulder width, which helps keep your wrists straight and alleviates strain. In addition, the keys are located inside bowl-like key wells that sit on a 20-degree incline. This helps to reduce finger extension, relax your hand muscles, and relieve the stress on your forearms by positioning your hands more naturally.

MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air: 8 Key Differences in 2023

Daniel Bott — Sun, 07 May 2023 19:25:00 +0000

Purchasing a laptop is a significant investment in 2023, especially if you’re committed to going with an Apple MacBook. You’re parting ways with a large amount of money that will ideally serve your individual needs for many years to come. Therefore, you must choose the best MacBook for you.

When joining the Apple ecosystem, you can choose between the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. We’ve compiled an in-depth comparison between the most recent models to ensure you make the right decision. By comparing the two devices head to head, you can determine which MacBook is right for you.

Also helpful: an Apple iPad can serve as a laptop alternative for many users. If you’re considering an iPad, check out this comparison of iPad vs. iPad Air.

Design

When considering a laptop’s design, we usually consider the color, screen size, and weight. These design aspects can influence buyers’ decisions, especially if they care about aesthetics and portability.

The MacBook Pro is available in two iconic colors: Space Grey and Silver. Both classic colors are also available for... Read more

The Best Options If You Need a Wireless Phone Charger

Charlie Fripp — Sat, 06 May 2023 21:25:00 +0000

It’s easy to go into a mind panic when your mobile phone’s low battery warning is flashing, and you either can’t find your cable, or it seems faulty when you plug in your phone. There is a much easier way to ensure your Android or iOS is fully powered up: a wireless phone charger.

A wireless phone charger is an ingenious invention. It uses coiled wires in a plastic housing to produce a magnetic field that generates electricity. To use these devices, set your phone down on the pad and let science take over. Check out these top wireless phone chargers if you’d like to avoid wires and keep your iPhone or Android device charged all day.

Tip: before buying a new charger, learn the wireless charger criteria to watch for.

1. Best Overall Charger: Anker PowerWave II Pad

Price: $30

The Anker PowerWave II is the perfect wireless charger if you have an Android and an iOS device. It has anti-slip silicone rings on the top and bottom, to ensure your device is... Read more

Top 8 Security Cameras Without a Subscription

Crystal Crowder — Wed, 03 May 2023 00:25:00 +0000

Do you hate spending hundreds on great security cameras only to find out you must pay monthly fees to use them? While that’s a common theme among cameras, there are many security cameras without subscriptions to help you save money.

Good to know: security cameras can work as part of your smart home network. Learn how to set up an entire smart home for under $1000.

Outdoor Security Cameras Without a Subscription

When selecting an outdoor security camera, you have many options to consider. We’ve outlined the features, pros, and cons of these top subscription-free outdoor security cameras for you.

1. Reolink Argus 3 Pro

Price: $119.99

The Reolink Argus 3 Pro features a battery that lasts up to four months, but with the optional solar panel, you’ll never have to take it down to charge it. This camera includes everything from vehicle alerts to color night vision – all without a subscription. Although you only get one week of cloud storage for free, you can store your video footage locally... Read more

Top 6 Options If You’re Looking for a Portable Projector

Charlie Fripp — Tue, 02 May 2023 00:25:00 +0000

You may be considering throwing a backyard gathering with friends and family. Listening to music while grilling is great, but you can also have epic movie nights. Instead of lugging a costly television outside, the best solution is a portable projector.

As the name implies, a portable projector is different in design than traditional projectors you’d typically find affixed to a ceiling that are designed to be used in one location. These six portable projectors are the best in key situations.

Tip: learn how to connect your Android phone to a projector wirelessly.

1. Best For Dim Environments: Anker Nebula Capsule

Anker has several Nebula projectors in its stable, but the Anker Nebula Capsule is one of the easiest to use and has plenty of connectivity options. It uses Anker’s IntelliBright algorithms to show a 480p-resolution video. It’s certainly not the highest resolution, but it gets the job done if quality isn’t that much of a concern.

Best Value-for-Money Gaming PC Build Guide

Tanveer Singh — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Building a gaming PC can be a gratifying experience. You get to set your own budget, select the best hardware parts and customize it for the best performance. This tutorial guides you on how to build a top gaming PC for the most value for money.

If you need some additional food for thought, we also recommend you read our guide filled with gaming PC building considerations.

How to Prioritize Parts for a Value-for-Money Gaming PC

It’s easy to overspend when building a gaming PC. Many games requirement tend to fool you into thinking that you need more CPU cores and GPU horsepower than you really need. This is why carefully assessing how much power you need from your gaming PC is essential when building a value-for-money system. The objective should be to strike a balance between getting the best performance and selecting the absolute cheapest parts.

For instance, many budget builds feature a 4-core CPU paired with an entry-level GPU, or simply an APU onboard graphics, touted to deliver powerful gaming performance. This is not something we recommend if... Read more

Stylish Bluetooth Speakers That Don’t Ruin Your Home’s Aesthetic

Ryan Lynch — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Bluetooth speakers are everywhere – and for good reason. They eliminate wires and are compatible with virtually every device. While some audiophiles may bemoan the “compression” via Bluetooth, convenience reigns supreme. Yet, not every Bluetooth speaker looks great, and you may be looking for a speaker that fits your home décor. If you are tech-savvy but also care about the overall aesthetic of your home, this list of Bluetooth speakers will help you find the perfect match for your current décor.

Good to know: Bluetooth technology isn’t just for audio. Learn other uses of Bluetooth that may help you.

1. IKEA ENEBY

Price: $80

Can a Swedish furniture giant make a decent speaker? The answer, resoundingly, is yes. The ENEBY Bluetooth Speaker is a discrete, minimalist speaker that delivers clear acoustics and punchy bass. The ENEBY comes in black or white to fit your home’s color scheme and features a removable fabric cover. The controls are basic, in keeping with the minimalist design. A single knob turns the unit on and controls volume, bass, and treble. In addition, two ENEBY... Read more