Many users are concerned about what happens to their data when using cloud-based AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Deepseek. While some subscriptions claim to prevent the provider from using personal data entered into the chatbot, who knows if those terms really stand. You also need a stable and fast internet connection to use cloud AI. But if there’s no internet connection, what then? Well, there’s always an alternative. One solution is to run AI applications locally. However, this requires the computer or laptop to have the right amount of processing power. There’s also an increasing number of standard applications that rely on AI now. But if a laptop’s hardware is optimized for the use of AI, you can work faster and more effectively with AI applications. Further reading: ‘Vibe coding’ your own apps with AI is easy! 7 tools and tricks to get started Working with local AI applications makes sense Running AI applications locally not only reduces dependency on external platforms, but it also creates a reliable basis for data protection, data sovereignty, and reliability. Especially in small companies with sensitive customer information or in private households with personal data, the local use of AI increases trust. Local AI remains usable even if internet services are disrupted or the cloud provider has technical problems. The reaction speed improves significantly as computing processes are not slowed down by latency times. This enables the use of AI models in real-time scenarios such as image recognition, text generation or voice control without delay. What’s more, you can learn how to use AI completely free of charge. In many cases, the necessary software is available completely free of charge as an open source solution. Learn how to use AI with the tools and benefit from the use of AI-supported research in your private life too. Why the NPU makes the difference Without a specialized NPU, even modern notebooks quickly reach their limits in AI applications. Language models and image processing require enormous computing power that overwhelms conventional hardware. This results in long loading times, sluggish processes and greatly reduced battery life. This is precisely where the advantage of an integrated NPU comes into play. IDG The NPU handles the computationally intensive parts of AI processing independently and does not rely on the CPU or GPU. As a result, the system remains responsive overall, even if an AI service is running in the background or AI image processing is in progress. At the same time, the operating temperature remains low, fans remain quiet and the device runs stably, even in continuous operation. For local AI applications, the NPU is therefore not an add-on, but a basic requirement for smooth and usable performance. NPUs significantly accelerate AI locally once again As specialized AI accelerators, NPUs enable computationally intensive models to be operated efficiently on standard end devices. This reduces energy consumption compared to purely CPU- or GPU-based approaches and makes local AI interesting in the first place. An NPU is a special chip for accelerating tasks where conventional processors work inefficiently. NPU stands for “Neural Processing Unit.” Such networks are used in language models, image recognition, or AI assistants. In contrast to a CPU, which flexibly executes various programs, an NPU concentrates on calculations that are constantly performed in the field of AI. This allows it to work significantly faster and more economically. An NPU takes on precisely those tasks where a CPU reaches its limits. AI applications calculate with a large number of numbers at the same time, often in the form of matrices. These are tables of numbers with rows and columns. In AI, they help to structure and calculate large amounts of data. Texts, images or language are converted into numbers and represented as matrices. This enables an AI model to carry out computing processes efficiently. NPUs are designed to process many such matrices simultaneously. The CPU processes such arithmetic patterns one after the other, which costs time and energy. An NPU, on the other hand, was specially built to carry out many such operations in parallel. Intel For users, this means that the NPU processes AI tasks such as voice input, object recognition, or automatic text generation faster and more efficiently. Meanwhile, the CPU remains free for other tasks such as the operating system, internet browser, or office applications. This ensures a smooth user experience without delays or high power consumption. Modern devices such as notebooks with Intel Core Ultra or Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite already integrate their own NPUs. Apple has also been using similar technology in its chips for years (Apple Silicon M1 to M4). AI-supported applications run locally and react quickly without transferring data to cloud servers. The NPU ensures smooth operation for image processing, text recognition, transcription, voice input or personalized suggestions. At the same time, it reduces the utilization of the system and saves battery power. It is therefore worthwhile opting for laptops with an NPU chip, especially if you are working with AI solutions. These do not have to be special AI chatbots. More and more local applications and games are using AI, even Windows 11 itself. YouTube Open source brings AI locally to your computer: Ollama and Open Web UI Open source solutions such as Ollama allow you to run LLMs on a notebook with an NPU chip free of charge. LLM stands for “Large Language Model”. LLMs form the heart of AI applications. They enable computers to understand natural language and react to it in a meaningful way. Anyone using an AI to write texts, summarize emails, or answer questions is interacting with an LLM. The AI models help with formulating, explaining, translating, or correcting. Search engines, language assistants, and intelligent text editors also use LLMs in the background. The decisive factor here is not only the performance of the model, but also where it runs. If you operate an LLM locally, you can connect local AI applications to this local model. This means you are no longer dependent on the internet. Ollama enables the operation of numerous LLMs, including free ones. These include DeepSeek-R1, Qwen 3, LLama 3.3, and many others. You simply install Ollama on your PC or laptop with Windows, Linux, and macOS. Once installed, you can operate Ollama via the command line in Windows or the terminal in macOS and Linux. Ollama provides the framework through which you can install various LLMs on your PC or notebook. To work with Ollama in the same way as you are used to with AI applications such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot, you also need a web front end. Here you can rely on the OpenWeb UI solution, which is also free of charge. This is also available as a free, open-source tool. What other local AI tools are available? As an alternative to Ollama with Open Web UI, you can also use the more limited tool GPT4All. Another option in this area is Jan.ai, which provides access to well-known LLMs such as DeepSeek-R1, Claude 3.7, or GPT 4 from OpenAI. To do this, install Jan.ai, start the program, and select the desired LLM. Thomas Joos Please note, however, that model downloads can quickly reach 20 GB or more. Additionally, it only makes sense to use them if your computer’s hardware is optimized for AI, ideally with an existing NPU. Read...

One of the easiest ways to enhance your PC experience is to get a better monitor. It doesn’t require any upgrades for your desktop or laptop, and it shines up the primary way you interact with almost everything: the visuals. Prime Day is upon us again, and from July 8th-11th, there are plenty of deals to be found on the best and most affordable displays. (Here’s how to get Amazon Prime for free so you can get in on the deep, deep discounts.) With U.S. tariffs affecting prices, to say nothing of general consumer trends, it might not be the smorgasbord of discounts we saw in previous years. But there are still savings to be had, on OLED monitors, gaming monitors, and standard office designs — and I’ve hunted down the best monitor deals in the list below. Even though it’s Prime Day, some of the best discounts can be found elsewhere on the web, so I’ve included those in the list as well. Best Prime Day 2025 deals on OLED monitors Samsung Odyssey OLED G93SC 49-inch, 5120×1440, 240Hz OLED gaming monitor — $899.99 ($700 off at Amazon) LG UltraGear OLED 34-inch 1440p 240Hz OLED gaming monitor — $714.99 ($585 off at Amazon) ASRock 27-inch 1440p 240Hz OLED gaming monitor — $479.99 ($166 off at Newegg) Alienware 27-inch 1440p 360Hz OLED gaming monitor — $619.99 ($280 off at Dell) Alienware 34-inch ultrawide 240Hz OLED gaming monitor — $679.99 ($120 off at Amazon) Alienware 32-inch 4K 240Hz OLED gaming monitor — $849.99 ($350 off at Dell) MSI 49-inch ultrawide 144Hz OLED gaming monitor — $749.99 ($350 off at Amazon) OLED monitors are the cream of the crop for gamers, thanks to incredible color vibrance and contrast, even if they’re not the absolute fastest on the market right now. For my money, MSI has the best deal at the moment…but then I’m an ultrawide fanboy and I love that gigantic 49-inch format. If you’re looking for an OLED upgrade at the lowest price, ASRock is leading the pack with a rare 27-inch pick under the $500 mark. Best Prime Day 2025 deals on gaming monitors KTC 24-inch 1080p 165Hz gaming monitor — $93.99 ($46 off at Newegg) Asus 25-inch 1080p 180Hz gaming monitor — $109.00 ($50 off at Amazon) ASRock 27-inch 1080p 240Hz gaming monitor — $104.77 ($85 off at Newegg) LG 27-inch 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor — $180.49 ($119.50 off at Amazon) Alienware 34-inch ultrawide 1440p 180Hz gaming monitor — $309.99 ($90 off at Dell) Gigabyte 28-inch IPS 4K 144Hz gaming monitor — $329.99 ($270 off at Newegg) LG 27-inch, IPS 1440p, 240Hz gaming monitor — $284.05 ($215.94 off at Amazon) For more affordable options for gamers, ASRock once again delivers with a 27-inch, 1080p display at just a hair over a hundred bucks. But I’d say that Gigabyte is giving the best bang for your buck with its 28-inch 4K option. Not only is it using an IPS panel for greater color accuracy, it’s packing a USB-C port for flexible video. It’s a great, affordable centerpiece to a setup that works for both, well, work and gaming. Prime Day 2025 deals on office monitors Acer 27-inch 1080p IPS 120Hz monitor — $99.99 ($50 off at Best Buy) Samsung 27-inch 1080p IPS monitor — $99.99 ($50 off at Amazon) Dell 27-inch 1440p IPS monitor — $179.99 ($40 off at Amazon) LG 27-inch 4K IPS monitor — $229.99 ($150 off at Amazon) Asus 32-inch 4K IPS monitor — $209.99 ($90 off at Amazon) Samsung 34-inch 1440p ultrawide monitor — $219.99 ($110 off at Amazon) MNN 15-inch portable USB-C monitor — $59.97 ($30 off at Amazon) I can personally recommend Dell’s 27-inch, 1440p IPS monitors, because I’ve been using them for years on either side of my ultrawide center display. It’s a perfect way to expand your desk space, but unless you need some gaming-grade speed, it works great as a primary display too. For laptop users, there’s no easier way to expand your mobile capabilities than with a USB monitor (especially since they now include power and video). And there are a bunch of affordable options now, too. Other great Prime Day deals These aren’t the only Prime Day deals being tracked by the PCWorld team. If you’re looking to supercharge your home setup with the juiciest tech sales, hit the links for only the best expert-curated picks we’ve found. Best Amazon Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best Prime Day PC computer deals: Gaming & mainstream desktops Best Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best USB flash drive deals for Prime Day 2025 Best monitor deals for Prime Day 2025: OLED, home office, and more Best Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best Prime Day 2025 deals on Chromebooks Best Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks FAQ 1. What size of monitor should I buy? Monitor size depends on personal preference and location.  A 24-inch monitor is fine for a desk that is around 24 inches deep, or less. Its small size will still be sufficient because the monitor is closer to you. Most people, however, will want to go with a 27-inch monitor. The added size will make the monitor easy to see. This also opens up a wider range of 4K monitor options, as 4K is very rare on a 24-inch monitor. Larger monitors, such as a 32-inch widescreen or 34-inch ultrawide, are great for deep desks and people who want an immersive experience. Monitors this large can serve as a TV replacement in a small room.  Displays of even larger size, such as 42-inch or 48-inch HDTVs, are best for home theater setups or an unusually large office. You’ll want to sit four to six feet away from a display of this size. 2. What display input is best? (HDMI vs. DisplayPort vs. USB-C) USB-C is the best display input for most people. It works by bundling DisplayPort into USB-C, so offers all the same features as DisplayPort. Yet it retains the features of USB-C including optional support for Power Delivery to charge external devices. This is why we recommend a USB-C monitor for most people. DisplayPort is generally second-best. It supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI. This input is particularly common on desktop computers.  HDMI comes in third due to lower resolution and refresh rate support. This is improved by HDMI 2.1, but this feature remains hard to find and often adds to a monitor’s price. All three of the options above handle 1080p at 60Hz, which is the most common resolution and refresh rate available today. It’s also important to buy a monitor that has an input compatible with your PC. 3. Are all monitors compatible with Windows and MacOS? Modern monitors are compatible with all recent versions of Windows and MacOS. They’re plug-and-play, which means the monitor should display an image without the need to install driver software or mess with Windows or MacOS settings. 4. Are tariffs affecting monitor prices? Yes. Deals for monitors around this sale aren’t as good as they were during Amazon’s last big sale in October, particularly for the largest, most expensive models. That said, we have managed to avoid the complete shutdown of imported stock that seemed likely during the most tumultuous back-and-forth tariff negotiations…so that’s something. Prices are unlikely to improve later in the year, so if you find a delectable deal on a monitor you’re interested in, Prime Day may be one of your best bets of the year. Especially if you buy on day one of the event — President Trump says additional reciprocal tariffs will return on July 9, the second day of Prime Week, and could plunge prices into chaos. Read...

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is officially live, and if you’ve been eyeballing those juicy laptop deals, now’s the time to commit and jump in. But this year, Amazon’s switching things up. Prime Day is now a four day event (July 8th to July 11th), which gives you more time to snag the best discounts. Just remember, you’ll need a Prime membership to access the deals. Here’s how to get it for free. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a curated list of the best laptop deals on Prime Day. Why should you care about what I’ve got to say? Fair question. I oversee all laptop and Chromebook review coverage at PCWorld. I also maintain our best laptop deals roundup daily, along with our best laptops of 2025 roundup weekly. That means I’m hunting for the best laptop discounts online every single day, so I’m pretty well-attuned to the landscape, while my hands-on knowledge helps me unearth the true gems. Best Prime Day 2025 deals on budget laptops Lenovo IdeaPad 1, Intel Celeron processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/12GB RAM/128GB eMMC + 256GB PCIe), $284.05 ($74.95 off at Amazon) Asus VivoBook Go, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/512GB SSD, $329.99 ($100 off at Amazon) Dell Inspiron 15 3535, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/512GB SSD, $399.99 ($50 off at Amazon) Our top pick: With 8GB of RAM, a comfortable 1080p display, and a spacious 512GB of storage, the Dell Inspiron 15 3535 really hits the sweet spot at this price point (under $500). If you want a laptop that remains peppy after weeks of use, then this is the one to pick. Best Prime Day 2025 deals on mid-range laptops Samsung Galaxy Book4 (AI), Snapdragon X Plus processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $599.99 ($300 off at Amazon) Dell Inspiron 5441, Snapdragon X Plus processor/14-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $694.99 ($105 off at Amazon) Dell Inspiron 16 Plus, Intel Core i7-13620H processor/16-inch 2560×1600 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $816 ($133.99 off at Amazon) Apple 2025 MacBook Air, M4 chip/13.6-inch 2560×1664 display/16GB RAM/256GB SSD, $849 ($150 off at Amazon) Asus Vivobook 14 Flip, Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor/14-inch 1920×1200 OLED touchscreen display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $869.99 ($130 off at Amazon) Our top pick: The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus is a great pick because you’re getting a high resolution 16-inch display (2560×1600), a good amount of RAM (16GB) and storage (1TB), and a powerful Intel Core?i7-13620H processor–all for under $800. Best Prime Day 2025 deals on premium laptops Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024), Snapdragon X Elite processor/13.8-inch ?2304×1536 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $989.99 ($410 off at Amazon) Apple MacBook Air, M4 chip/13.6-inch 2560×1664 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $1,049 ($150 off at Amazon) Samsung Galaxy Book5 360, Intel Core Ultra 7 processor/16-inch 1920×1080 AMOLED display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $1,049.99 ($300 off at Amazon) Asus Vivobook S 14, AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor/14-inch 3840×2160 OLED display/24GB RAM/512GB SSD, $1,057.99 ($142 off at Amazon) Asus ZenBook 15 Pro OLED, Intel Core i7-13620H processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,099.99 ($100 off at Amazon) HP Envy, Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor/17.3-inch 1920×1080 display/64GB RAM/2TB SSD, $1,399 ($290 off at Amazon) Our top pick: Just a little over a grand for the Asus Vivobook S 14? That’s an excellent price for a laptop with the latest AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and a super crisp 14-inch 3840×2160 display. You’re also getting 24GB of RAM, which is more than most laptops get at this price point. Best Prime Day 2025 deals on gaming laptops Acer Nitro V, Intel Core i5-13420H processor/RTX 4050 graphics/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/512GB SSD, $649.99 ($150 off at Amazon) Acer Nitro 17, AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS processor/RTX 4050 graphics/17.3-inch 1920×1080 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $979.99 ($220 off at Amazon) Asus ROG Strix G16, Intel Core i9-14900HX processor/RTX 4060 graphics/16-inch 2560×1600 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,359.99 ($340 off at Amazon) Lenovo Legion 16, Intel Core i9-14900HX processor/RTX 4070 graphics/16-inch 2560×1600 display/64GB RAM/2TB SSD, $1,999 ($239.74 off at Amazon) Our top pick: The Asus ROG Strix G16 really stands out. Not only does the RTX 4060 graphics card deliver excellent gaming performance, but you’re also getting 16GB of RAM (ideal for running modern games) and 1TB of SSD storage for large installs. The 16-inch 2560×1600 display also gives you slightly more vertical space than your standard 1080p panel.  Other great Prime Day deals These aren’t the only Prime Day deals being tracked by the PCWorld team. If you’re looking to supercharge your home setup with the juiciest tech sales, hit the links for only the best expert-curated picks we’ve found. Best Amazon Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best Prime Day PC computer deals: Gaming & mainstream desktops Best Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best USB flash drive deals for Prime Day 2025 Best monitor deals for Prime Day 2025: OLED, home office, and more Best Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best Prime Day 2025 deals on Chromebooks Best Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks FAQ 1. What kind of laptop should I get? Well, it depends on your needs and lifestyle. A 2-in-1, for example, is a good fit for someone who travels often. You can swing the screen back 360 degrees and use it in tablet mode for taking notes or you can prop it up like a tent for watching movies with friends. If gaming is a top priority, then you’ll want to look into a laptop with powerful graphics hardware and a display with a high refresh rate. For those of us who need a basic laptop for general web browsing, a low-powered Windows laptop should do you just fine. 2. How can I tell whether a laptop is a good Prime Day deal? I always use CamelCamelCamel, a free tool that tracks Amazon price history. Just create an account, enter a product’s ASIN (found in its Amazon URL and starts with the letter B), and you’ll see a graph of its price history over time. It’s an easy way to spot the good stuff and to also know if you’re getting the lowest price. 3. Do laptop brands matter? Not really, as long as you stick to well-known brands. Big manufacturers like Acer and Dell make solid machines and often offer steep discounts on their websites. You might have a personal preference, though, like maybe you’ve historically stuck with HP machines. 4. How much memory do I need in a laptop? I always tell my friends and family to aim for at least 8GB of RAM. Anything less, and you’ll likely notice things starting to slow down. If you can go higher than 8GB, even better. The more RAM you have, the snappier your laptop will feel, especially for everyday tasks like web browsing or working in spreadsheets. For more demanding work, 16GB is a solid choice for productivity and gaming, while 32GB and beyond is ideal for video editing and other intensive tasks. 5. Is now a good time to buy a laptop? Will tariffs affect laptop prices? Yes! Prime Day tends to offer some of the lowest laptop prices of the year, especially on budget and mid-range models. Prices on premium and gaming laptops are all over the place, but Prime Day is one of those rare times where you’ll see good discounts across every category.  As for external factors like tariffs, there are currently no major new tariffs affecting laptops in the U.S., but this can change fast depending on trade decisions. Manufacturers hike the prices up later in the year, especially if supply chain issues pop up again, so if you’re thinking about pulling the trigger on a new laptop, now’s a good time to do it. Read...

Every year, we look forward to July because it brings Amazon’s annual Prime Day with it—and that means deep, delicious discounts for all kinds of tech. This year, the big event runs July 8-11, and we’re already seeing some killer Prime Day flash drive deals. Everyone needs a great USB flash drive, and Prime Day is an excellent time to grab one for cheap. Why listen to my recommendations? I’ve been a journalist for 19 years, with 13 of those years focused on consumer technology. I love sifting through deals and spend every day hunting down the very best sales on the very best tech. With Prime Day, I’m exercising those muscles to help you find the best USB thumb drives worth your money. These hand-curated recommendations take price, reviews, and brand reputation into consideration. Best early Prime Day deals on 64GB to 256GB flash drives Samsung Fit Plus, 128GB, USB 3.1 — $15 (35% off, was $23) SanDisk Ultra, 128GB, USB 3.0 — $11.95 (23% off, was $15.49) Samsung Type-C, 128GB, USB 3.2 — $18 (22% off, was $23) Lexar JumpDrive Dual, 128GB, USB 3.2 — $17 (23% off, was $22) PNY Turbo Attache 3, 256GB, USB 3.0 — $15 (25% off, was $20) Samsung Bar Plus, 256GB, USB 3.1 — $22 (45% off, was $40) Kingston DataTraveler Kyson, 256GB, USB 3.2 — $25.28 (15% off, was $30) PNY Elite-X Fit, 256GB, USB 3.1 — $23 (12% off, was $26) Kingston Ironkey Locker+ 50, 32GB, USB 3.2, Encrypted — $38 (10% off, was $42) The best deal of the lot is for the Samsung Bar Plus, where you can get 256GB of storage space for just $22. This is a super-fast flash drive that can reach up to 400 MB/s transfer speeds, comes with a rugged metal casing, and is even waterproof and shockproof. If you want a more affordable option, the Amazon Basics for $11 is a decent cheapie. Best early Prime Day deals on 512GB to 2TB flash drives SanDisk Ultra Flair, 512GB, USB 3.0 — $37 (21% off, was $47) Samsung Fit Plus, 512GB, USB 3.2 — $60 (25% off, was $80) PNY Pro Elite V3, 512GB, USB 3.2 — $54 (11% off, was $61) SanDisk Ultra Fit, 512GB, USB 3.2 — $39.99 (20% off, was $50) SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go, 1TB, USB 3.2, both USB-A and USB-C connections — $73.21 (33% off, was $110) SanDisk Extreme Pro, 1TB, USB 3.2 — $109.95 (24% off, was $145) Kindston Ironkey Vault Privacy 50, 512GB, USB 3.2, Encrypted — $170 (31% off, was $245) A superb pick off this list is the Ultra Dual Drive Go from SanDisk. This is a flash drive with both USB-C and USB-A connectors, thus it’s a lot more versatile. It can reach up to 400 MB/s read speeds, too! Other great Prime Day deals These aren’t the only Prime Day deals being tracked by the PCWorld team. If you’re looking to supercharge your home setup with the juiciest tech sales, hit the links for the best expert-curated picks we’ve found. Prime Day Live Blog: Real-time deal picks by the PC experts Best early Amazon Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best Prime Day PC computer deals: Gaming & mainstream desktops Best early Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best early Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best early USB flash drive deals for Prime Day 2025 Best early monitor deals for Prime Day 2025: OLED, home office, and more Best early Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best early Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best early Prime Day 2025 deals on Chromebooks Best early Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks USB flash drive deals FAQs 1. What capacity do I need in a USB flash drive? This is a question that you need to answer yourself because it really depends on what you plan to use it for. If you’re only moving work documents around, a small capacity like 64GB will be fine. If you want to use a flash drive for backing up photos, videos, games, and other big files, then you might want to go 512GB or larger. 2. What features should I prioritize when choosing a USB flash drive? First of all, our recommendation is to look at the flash drive’s transfer speeds. To ensure you get fast read/write speeds, you should get a USB 3.0 or above. USB 2.x drives are sorely outdated. Then, you have to make sure the flash drive can survive living in your pocket, getting crushed by your laptop, falling through your fingers, and so on. Aluminum casings will offer better protection in such cases. If the flash drive offers 128-bit AES encryption or better, your data will also have some extra protection in case you lose it, as the drive will be inaccessible and block out others from reading your data. 3. How did we find the best USB flash drive Prime Day deals? Finding great deals can be difficult because not all discounts are worth covering. When looking for good Prime Day deals, we compare the prices on Amazon with the regular retail price and check pricing history to see if there have been any changes lately and that the price drops are truly noteworthy. We also check product reviews to see if they’re reliable in the long run and live up to their promises. Read...

In April 2025, Microsoft announced that the Blue Screen of Death would become the Black Screen of Death. At least the abbreviation (BSOD) still fits. Microsoft said this change would be introduced in summer 2025. The new BSOD will start with a simplified user interface that’s intended to make troubleshooting easier. There will also be a new option for Windows 11 24H2 called “Quick Machine Recovery.” This is intended to help repair computers that can no longer boot up. Microsoft will presumably deliver the new, black BSOD as part of a cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 or newer. Windows 11 23H2 will not receive the new BSOD. However, there’s growing concern that the new BSOD could significantly confuse long-time Windows users. This is because at first glance it looks nearly identical to the Windows reboot screen. Not only does the new BSOD have a black background, but it also leaves out the frowning emoticon, the QR code, and the explanatory text. Instead, the new BSOD only briefly informs users that a problem has occurred and that Windows needs to be restarted. This close resemblance, combined with the BSOD’s brief display time of around two seconds, means users might mistake a serious error for a routine restart, especially if they only catch a quick glimpse. You might mistake the restart of the Windows PC for a normal reboot, especially after installing updates. The old Blue Screen of Death, with its prominent emoticon, didn’t cause this kind of confusion. Read...

Amazon’s Prime Day 2025 sales event is here and there are tons of great deals on desktop PCs. This year, Prime Day runs from July 8 to July 11, and includes solid discounts on everything from gaming PCs to all-in-ones to traditional mainstream desktop computers. You’ll need to be a Prime member to take advantage of Amazon’s steep discounts. If you aren’t a member already, check out our guide for how to get Amazon Prime for free. I’ve been tracking and writing about the best computer deals year-round for a long time now, and at PCWorld I’ve used this knowledge to curate a list of the best available computer deals across the internet specifically for this Prime Day. Other retailers have jumped in on the Prime Day action, and some of the best desktop PC deals can even be found outside of Amazon, so I’ve included those deals too. Best Prime Day deals on gaming desktop computers Skytech Shadow, Core i5-13400F/RTX 5060/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,029.99 (9% off with coupon on Amazon) Alienware Aurora, Core Ultra 7 265F/RTX 5070 Ti/32GB/1TB SSD, $1,899.99 (17% off on Dell) Alienware Aurora, Core Ultra 9 285K/RTX 5080/64GB RAM/2TB SSD, $2,699.99 (21% off on Dell) Alienware Area-51, Core Ultra 9 285K/RTX 5090/32GB RAM/2TB SSD, $4,699.99 (15% off on Dell) Skytech Azure, Ryzen 5 7600X/RTX 5070/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,749.99 (17% off on Amazon) MSI Aegis ZS2, Ryzen 7 7700/RTX 5070/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,699.99 (15% off on BestBuy) Ningmei Gaming PC, Ryzen 7 5700X/RTX 4060/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $949.59 (21% off on Walmart) My top picks: The budget-friendly Skytech Shadow is a solid deal at $100 off on Amazon with the included coupon. The Core i5-13400F CPU and RTX 5060 GPU combo will have you running good framerates at 1080p for most games and it also comes with a generous 1TB of SSD storage to locally store your game library. Dell is running fantastic deals on their Alienware line of gaming PCs, but the best is the Alienware Aurora for $400 off on its website. Rocking a Core Ultra 7 265F and RTX 5070 Ti, this is a killer value for a strong midrange build with a latest-gen GPU. Best Prime Day deals on all-in-one & mainstream computers All-in-one desktop computers combine a PC’s hardware with a modern display to make a desktop computer that has both form and function. Since everything is built together, you can save precious desktop space with an all-in-one. They make capable work computers and they can also be excellent home computers with the wide range of features appealing to the whole family. Dell 24 AiO, Core 5 120U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 1080p touch display, $849.99 (24% off on Dell) HP OmniStudio X AiO, Core Ultra 7 155H/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/27-inch 1080p touch display, $979.99 (31% off on HP) HP AiO 24, Core Ultra 5 125U/8GB RAM/512GB RAM/24-inch 1080p display, $629.99 (32% off on HP) Dell 24 AiO, Core i5-1334U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 1080p display, $699.99 (18% off on Dell) Lenovo 24 AiO, Intel N100/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/24-inch 1080p display, $594.99 (15% off on Amazon) iMac M4, M4/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 5K display, $1,541.88 (9% off on Amazon) My top picks: Dell’s reliable 24 AiO is $200 off on its website right now. The always dependable all-in-one comes loaded with the latest-gen Core 5 120U and a handy 1080p touch display. Alternatively, the new HP OmniStudio X AiO model for $460 off on HP’s website is a step up from the Dell if you prefer spending a tad more for more power. The latest all-in-one from HP still comes with a nice 1080p touch display but is powered by the beefier Core Ultra 7 155H CPU and twice the onboard SSD storage. Mini PCs Acemagician Matrix M1 – AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD, triple display support – $278.10 (30% off, was $399) Kamrui E3B – AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, triple display support – $220 (37% off, was $350) Beelink SER8 – AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, triple display support – $499 (21% off, was $629) Kamrui GK3 Plus – Intel Alder Lake N95, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, triple display support – $150 (29% off, was $210) GMKTec M2 Pro – Intel Core i7 1195G7, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, triple display support – $420 (34% off, was $640) GMKTec M3 Plus – Intel Core i9 12900HK, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, triple display support – $439.98 (25% off, was $590) Mini PCs are hot right now — the only thing hotter is these Prime Day discounts. Because of that, we’ve split out a separate roundup of the best Prime Day mini PC deals. The selection above are highlight (especially that Acemagician Matrix M1) but just the tip of the iceberg. Other great Prime Day deals These aren’t the only Prime Day deals being tracked by the PCWorld team. If you’re looking to supercharge your home setup with the juiciest tech sales, hit the links for only the best expert-curated picks we’ve found. Prime Day Live Blog: Real-time deal picks by the PC experts Best Amazon Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best USB flash drive deals for Prime Day 2025 Best monitor deals for Prime Day 2025: OLED, home office, and more Best Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best Prime Day 2025 deals on Chromebooks Best Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks FAQ 1. What type of desktop computer should I get? You’ll see a ton of options when searching for a desktop computer, but they all mainly fit into four main categories: gaming PCs, mainstream PCs (towers or mini PCs), and all-in-ones (AiO). Which you should end up buying is entirely dependent upon what your needs are and what you want to do with your computer. If you’re looking for something that will work in a home office or family room, then a mainstream PC or AiO with a solid CPU and a decent amount of RAM and storage is probably the way to go. If gaming is your main concern, a gaming desktop PC can offer a lot more bang for your buck than a laptop and you should prioritize getting the best GPU possible. 2. How much processing power will I need in a desktop computer? If you’re after CPU power, look for processors with higher numerical labels. Intel processors are available in the newer Core Ultra 3, 5, 7, or 9, and the older Core i3, i5, i7, and i9. AMD processors are available in the Ryzen 5000, 7000, 8000, and 9000 versions. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the more powerful the CPU for both manufacturers. If you don’t need a ton of power, Intel Core Ultra 5 or Core i5 processors are your best bet, as they offer good performance at a decent price. You can get along just fine with a Core Ultra 3 or Core i3 for basic office and web browsing. A Core Ultra 7 or Core i7 is more suited to gaming and more intense work than everyday tasks. Also, if gaming is your concern, you may want to consider opting for the older Core i-processors as the newer Core Ultra processors are optimized for AI performance rather than gaming. As for AMD options, the Ryzen 5000 chips rival Intel’s Core i5 as solid all-arounders. If you need more power, the Ryzen 7000 or 8000 chips are well suited for content creation like video editing. Finally, if you’re dealing with 4K video or want peak gaming performance, spring for a Ryzen 9000. 3. What GPU should I get for a desktop computer? If you don’t intend to do any gaming on your computer, then feel free to save some money by going with integrated graphics. However, if you are looking to get your game on, then we recommend at least an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 or RTX 5060 as these are the least expensive discrete graphics cards that can handle 1080p gaming on High graphics settings in most games. For 1440p gaming you’ll typically want to aim for an RTX 4070/5070, and for 4K gaming you’ll need to shell out for at least an RTX 4080/5080 or upgrade to the RTX 4090/5090 Thankfully, the latest-gen GPUs have dropped significantly in price in pre-built systems so opt for those if you have the money and want a performance boost. But if you’re on a tight budget, then opting for a rig with a previous-generation card can allow you to save some money while still providing decent graphics quality. 4. How much memory do I need in a desktop computer? As for RAM, nowadays I think it’s best to shoot for 16GB at the minimum for all systems. If you’re on a budget or just need a basic browsing machine then 8GB may suffice but you’ll likely notice a performance drop if you tend to have multiple applications or browser tabs open. Those looking to do heavy content creation such as video editing should aim for at least 32GB or go for 64GB for 4K editing. 5. What is a good amount of storage for a desktop computer? Storage size is dependent upon your personal needs, but it is generally a good idea to opt for an SSD over a standard HDD as they are much faster and don’t significantly affect the price of a desktop. Before deciding, it’s best to consider what your intended use of the computer will be. Are you just storing documents or doing web browsing? Then something like 512GB will be plenty. If you want to load up a lot of large files such as games or content creation projects, then you’ll need at least 1TB to 2TB of storage. However, just remember that even if your computer doesn’t have enough storage built-in you can always upgrade your SSD or go with an external drive to increase your available storage options. 6. Will tariffs affect desktop computer prices? Yes, it’s likely that any tariffs on foreign imported computer materials or products is going to lead to an increase in prices for the consumer. As the U.S. still heavily relies on China and other Asian countries for the production of desktops and computer hardware, a tariff on imports from these countries will mean someone has to pay more. Companies typically don’t want, or can’t afford, to eat these increased costs so they shift the burden to consumers. At this point it’s still hard to tell how much prices will increase; just because a 20 percent tariff is imposed doesn’t mean computers will become that much more expensive. Every company will adjust prices differently and products with many individual components—such as computers—will vary due to the tariff effects on each component. That being said, a recent independent Consumer Technology Association study concluded that desktops may see price increases of up to 24% or an average of $287 per computer if the latest round of tariffs hold. 7. Is now a good time to buy a desktop computer? While the prospect of tariff-induce price increases may seem daunting to consumers, I believe the timing on this Prime Day may actually make for a great time to buy a new desktop if you time it right. Currently, tariffs have been paused until July 9 with many countries scrambling to make deals exempting technology products. This means that you might have a small window to get in and snag a good deal on a desktop PC during Prime Day before any additional tariffs take effect. Read...

Mini-PCs have been experiencing a real boom in recent years. No wonder, because these small desktop computers are powerful, space-saving, and flexible. This guide shows what a mini-PC actually is, where its strengths lie, and who can benefit the most from buying one. Also, be sure to check out the PCWorld deals page where we highlight the best deals from around the web on mini-PCs, like the latest stellar deal on a GMKtec M3 Plus mini-PC, and more. In fact, mini-PCs are constantly going on sale for staggeringly low prices, so keep your eyes peeled while shopping and keep checking back with us to see the latest and greatest deals. (If you’re reading this article the day it goes live, we’re also tracking the best Amazon Prime Day mini PC deals.) What is a mini PC? A mini-PC is a fully-fledged computer in a small format. In contrast to laptops, mini-PCs do without a battery and screen, which saves weight on the one hand and makes the small housing possible on the other—many models have a volume of less than one liter. At the same time, flexibility remains high: a monitor, mouse, keyboard, or external drives can be freely selected and easily replaced if necessary. If you like it neat and tidy, mount the mini-PC behind the monitor to save space or integrate it discreetly on the desk. Despite their compact design, modern mini-PCs offer enough power for everyday tasks such as office work, surfing, streaming and even gaming. If you know your way around, you can even build your own mini PC with the right components. Mini-PCs come with some advantages over classic desktop PCs The most obvious advantage of mini-PCs compared to a classic tower PC is their compact dimensions. They take up hardly any space, can be tucked away unobtrusively on the desk or behind the monitor and are still powerful enough for many typical applications. Mini-PCs also have clear advantages when it comes to energy consumption: thanks to the use of energy-saving components, they often only require a fraction of the energy of a large desktop. This not only has a positive effect on the electricity bill, but also reduces heat waste and noise levels. Another plus point: mini-PCs often have a modular design. Although they do not offer the same scope for upgrades as large tower cases, many models allow the SSD, RAM, or WLAN module to be changed. This makes them more flexible in the long term than many laptops. Mini-PCs are also attractively priced with many solid models available for less than $400. However, the best overall package of performance, features, and efficiency is usually offered by mid-range builds which will set you back a bit more. Limitations and disadvantages of mini-PCs A mini-PC is not a laptop replacement because it always needs external peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and possibly speakers or a webcam. So if you’re looking for a device with which you can flexibly transition between the living room, office, and café, you’ll unfortunately need to look elsewhere. There are also limits to their performance. While many mini-PCs can easily cope with office tasks, media playback, or light multitasking, they reach their limits with graphics-intensive applications such as 3D games, video editing, or CAD. Although there are some models with a dedicated graphics card, these are usually significantly more expensive and often cannot keep up with classic gaming or workstation PCs in terms of performance. Last but not least, there are also thermal aspects to consider. Compact housings mean smaller fans and less air circulation—which can lead to heat problems and performance-reducing throttling under continuous load. Although many mini-PCs are surprisingly quiet, some models use an audible fan during intensive use to keep the heat in check. What are the best use-cases for mini-PCs? Mini PCs show their strengths wherever space, energy efficiency, and a tidy desk are required. In the home environment, they are usually used as office computers, streaming stations, or compact gaming alternatives for simple games. While they may lack the portable utility of a laptop and the power capabilities of a full-size desktop, they shine when you need something in-between—small enough to save precious desktop space, but powerful enough to do all but the most intensive tasks. Tip: If you want to set up a small workstation for your desk, you can operate a mini-PC with several monitors and use common office software such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace without any problems. The performance of many mini-PCs is easily sufficient for casual gaming or less computing-intensive games.GMKtek What you should look out for when buying a mini-PC Not all Mini PCs are the same. Depending on the intended use, you should pay specific attention to certain technical features, otherwise you could end up with frustration instead of flexibility: 1. Processor (CPU):The heart of the system determines its performance. An Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 is usually sufficient for office, web, and streaming. If you frequently edit photos or tackle light video editing projects, you should opt for a Core i5/Ryzen 5 or higher. Pay attention to the specified TDP (Thermal Design Power): Models with a higher wattage deliver more power, but generate more heat waste and require more active cooling. Variants with less than 35 watts are particularly quiet and efficient, but generally offer slightly less computing power. 2. Working memory (RAM):8 GB RAM is sufficient for basic applications, more is recommended for multitasking or memory-intensive programs. Ideally, the RAM in the mini-PC is replaceable or expandable—taking the time to look at the technical data or check out tests will help here. 3. Memory:An SSD ensures fast loading times and smooth processes. 256 GB is considered an entry-level size, 512 GB or more is better—especially if you want to locally store a lot of programs or media files. Some mini-PCs also offer space for a second SSD or a 2.5-inch HDD. Read...

One of the easiest ways to enhance your PC experience is to get a better monitor. It doesn’t require any upgrades for your desktop or laptop, and it shines up the primary way you interact with almost everything: the visuals. Prime Day is upon us again, but even before it lands on July 8th-11th, there are early deals to be found. (Here’s how to get Amazon Prime for free so you can get in on the extravaganza.) With U.S. tariffs affecting prices, to say nothing of general consumer trends, it might not be the smorgasborde of discounts we saw in previous years. But there are still savings to be had, on OLED monitors, gaming monitors, and standard office designs — and I’ve hunted down the best monitor deals in the list below. Even though it’s Prime Day, some of the best discounts juiciest can be found elsewhere on the web, so I’ve included those in the list as well. Best early Prime Day 2025 deals on OLED monitors ASRock 27-inch 1440p 240Hz OLED gaming monitor — $479.99 ($166 off at Newegg) Alienware 27-inch 1440p 360Hz OLED gaming monitor — $619.99 ($280 off at Dell) Sony 27-inch 1440p 480Hz OLED gaming monitor — $714.99 ($385 off at Amazon) Gigabyte 34-inch 1440p 240Hz ultrawide OLED gaming monitor — $679.99 ($390 off at Newegg) Gigabyte refurbished 49-inch 1440p ultrawide OLED gaming monitor $729.99 — ($120 off at Amazon) Alienware 32-inch 4K 240Hz OLED gaming monitor — $849.99 ($350 off at Dell) OLED monitors are the cream of the crop for gamers, thanks to incredible color vibrance and contrast, even if they’re not the absolute fastest on the market right now. But if you do need ludicrous speed, Sony is offering a 27-inch, 1440p panel with 480Hz (about double the current standard at this size) for hundreds less than the alternatives. For my money, Gigabyte has the best deal at the moment…but then I’m an ultrawide fanboy. If you’re looking for an OLED upgrade at the lowest price, ASRock is leading the pack with a rare 27-inch pick under the $500 mark. There will probably be a few more offerings like that on Prime Day, but I’d bet you won’t find a name brand for much lower. Best early Prime Day 2025 deals on gaming monitors KTC 24-inch 1080p 165Hz gaming monitor — $93.99 ($46 off at Newegg) ASRock 27-inch 1080p 240Hz gaming monitor — $104.77 ($85 off at Newegg) Alienware 34-inch ultrawide 1440p 180Hz gaming monitor — $329 ($70 off at Dell) Gigabyte 28-inch IPS 4K 144Hz gaming monitor — $399.99 ($200 off at Newegg) Samsung 32-inch 3K 240Hz gaming monitor — $499.99 ($700 off at BuyDig, use coupon code YFF23) For more affordable options for gamers, ASRock once again delivers with a 27-inch, 1080p display at just a hair over a hundred bucks. But I’d say that Gigabyte is giving the best bang for your buck with its 28-inch 4K option. Not only is it using an IPS panel for greater color accuracy, it’s packing a USB-C port for flexible video. It’s a great, affordable centerpiece to a setup that works for both, well, work and gaming. Pre-Prime Day 2025 deals on office monitors Acer 27-inch 1080p IPS 120Hz monitor — $109.99 ($40 off at Best Buy) Asus 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor — $119.00 (regular price at Amazon) Dell 27-inch 1440p IPS monitor — $179.99 ($40 off at Dell) Samsung 34-inch 1440p ultrawide monitor — $219.99 ($110 off at Amazon) MNN 15-inch portable USB-C monitor — $59.97 ($30 off at Amazon) I can personally recomend Dell’s 27-inch, 1440p IPS monitors, because I’ve been using them for years on either side of my ultrawide center display. It’s a perfect way to expand your desk space, but unless you need some gaming-grade speed, it works great as a primary display too. For laptop users, there’s no easier way to expand your mobile capabilities than with a USB monitor (especially since they now include power and video). And there are a bunch of affordable options now, too. FAQ 1. What size of monitor should I buy? Monitor size depends on personal preference and location.  A 24-inch monitor is fine for a desk that is around 24 inches deep, or less. Its small size will still be sufficient because the monitor is closer to you. Most people, however, will want to go with a 27-inch monitor. The added size will make the monitor easy to see. This also opens up a wider range of 4K monitor options, as 4K is very rare on a 24-inch monitor. Larger monitors, such as a 32-inch widescreen or 34-inch ultrawide, are great for deep desks and people who want an immersive experience. Monitors this large can serve as a TV replacement in a small room.  Displays of even larger size, such as 42-inch or 48-inch HDTVs, are best for home theater setups or an unusually large office. You’ll want to sit four to six feet away from a display of this size. 2. What display input is best? (HDMI vs. DisplayPort vs. USB-C) USB-C is the best display input for most people. It works by bundling DisplayPort into USB-C, so offers all the same features as DisplayPort. Yet it retains the features of USB-C including optional support for Power Delivery to charge external devices. This is why we recommend a USB-C monitor for most people. DisplayPort is generally second-best. It supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI. This input is particularly common on desktop computers.  HDMI comes in third due to lower resolution and refresh rate support. This is improved by HDMI 2.1, but this feature remains hard to find and often adds to a monitor’s price. All three of the options above handle 1080p at 60Hz, which is the most common resolution and refresh rate available today. It’s also important to buy a monitor that has an input compatible with your PC. 3. Are all monitors compatible with Windows and MacOS? Modern monitors are compatible with all recent versions of Windows and MacOS. They’re plug-and-play, which means the monitor should display an image without the need to install driver software or mess with Windows or MacOS settings. 4. Are tariffs affecting monitor prices? Yes. Deals for monitors around this sale aren’t as good as they were during Amazon’s last big sale in October, particularly for the largest, most expensive models. That said, we have managed to avoid the complete shutdown of imported stock that seemed likely during the most tumultuous back-and-forth tariff negotiations…so that’s something. Prices are unlikely to improve later in the year, so if you find a delectable deal on a monitor you’re interested in, Prime Day may be one of your best bets of the year. Especially if you buy on day one of the event — President Trump says additional reciprocal tariffs will return on July 9, the second day of Prime Week, and could plunge prices into chaos. Read...

If you’ve ever tried to buy a used car in America, you know about Carfax. It’s a service that gives you a breakdown of a specific vehicle’s history, including important stuff like confirmed mileage, services, and any accidents. HP wants to make something similar for used computers. It’s calling it PCFax. No points for originality. In a report from the IEEE (via Tom’s Hardware), HP lays out a plan for a system that can analyze a used computer’s hardware and spit out a history and health report based on telemetry collected by the firmware. The necessary data is saved on the SSD and unable to be altered by the user (at least in theory). The report includes crucial data like the computer’s model, hardware stats, manufacturing date, warranty info, a history of both software and hardware service, and ownership history. Of course, a lot of that info relies on human input and documentation—which is where the other shoe in this story drops. PCFax is a proprietary system relying on HP hardware and software, and at least at the moment it’s only being made available to HP’s enterprise and industrial clients. So, unlike the Carfax system that HP invoked in its description, it’s not exactly universal information. You can’t just say “show me the PCFax” if you’re buying a laptop on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. HP Still, there’s indication that HP is planning to bring this system to more than just the button-down brigade after it launches in 2026. “For enterprises and consumers purchasing second-life PCs, it provides detailed visibility into the complete service and support history of each system, including any repairs, upgrades, or performance issues encountered during its initial deployment.” It would be nice if HP opened up this system to other manufacturers with a more standardized approach. Ifs and buts, candy and nuts, etc. But cynicism aside, it’s nice to see a corporation committed to squeezing some more life out of its hardware and opening up more economical options to reduce e-waste. Read...

Apple gets a lot of flak for not adding touchscreens to their MacBook laptops, but the reason for this decision is pretty darn sound even if it annoys some people. Windows laptops with touchscreens get dirty at the drop of a hat and add weight to the notebook itself. I think Apple’s actually on the right track here. Because I know I’m probably in the minority, but touchscreen laptops suck. Why Apple’s making the right call Sometimes the best feature is the one that’s left out, and I fully stand by that statement. I believe the reason behind MacBooks ignore touchscreens comes down to ergonomics and costly redesigns. I mean, let’s be real, it gets physically uncomfortable to lift your arm and tap the screen, especially if you’ve been repeating the same motion for hours. It’s an unnatural movement. A trackpad or mouse is much more ergonomic. As for costly redesigns, well that’s a whole other thing. If Apple were to start adding touchscreen displays to their MacBooks, they’d likely be thicker and heavier because you’d now need new internal bits for the touch input. You’ve got to put more engineering time in it now, which ups both the cost and the weight. This kind of rails against MacBooks and what they’re known for, which are their sleek and portable designs. It misses the point entirely. Eugen Wegmann I don’t believe Apple’s decision is one that stems from a place of stubbornness (or a desire to avoid cannibalizing iPad sales), it’s about prioritizing making a better laptop. Honestly? I totally get it. Not every company needs to jump on the next big trend just because everyone else is doing it. Sometimes, less really is more. Touchscreen laptops might seem premium on paper, but they’re overhyped Laptop makers really love to hype up touch displays as a tech-forward, premium feature, especially on 2-in-1 models that flip around to function like a tablet. The thing is, most people don’t need a touchscreen. The only exceptions are digital artists or note-takers who use it as a canvas or digital notebook. For everyone else, you end up with a smudgy screen, a heavier laptop, and shorter battery life. Nothing sets me off faster than visible fingerprints. Whether they’re on my glasses or laptop screen, they make me want to tear my hair out–especially if I’m in the middle of something important and have to stop what I’m doing to hunt down a microfiber cloth. (Those dang things seem to vanish the second you need them.)  Like every other smudge-prone human on the planet Earth, I leave fingerprints on just about everything, and it’s a daily frustration. If my laptop screen shows any smudges while I’m watching anime with my husband (a nightly tradition in this household), some inner compulsion kicks in–I’ll pause the show just to wipe them off. The funniest part of this story is that I don’t even use the touchscreen all that much. I naturally default to either the trackpad or an external mouse. check out pcworld`s top ultraportable pick Microsoft Surface Pro 2025 Read our review Best Prices Today: $769.99 at Amazon Touchscreens drain the battery and add bulk Beyond the annoyance of fingerprints, touchscreens come with other trade-offs. First off, they’re just heavier laptops. The glass layer inside needs to be durable and thick enough to withstand all the prodding, which adds weight to the laptop. The sensor grid (the part that detects your finger) also adds heft since it’s another electronic component that gets sandwiched in there. Finally, these laptops require stronger hinges (reinforced = more material) to prevent the screen from wobbling when it’s in tent or clamshell mode.  Touchscreens do a number on the battery life, too. Even when you’re not using the touchscreen, the sensor grid goes into standby mode as it waits for touch input. This mode continues to draw power and quietly sip the battery life. Touchscreen laptops also have glossy displays, so you’ll need to crank up the brightness if you’re using it in a room with a lot of sunlight. The reflective glare from glossy displays can be a real pain in the neck. All of this really impacts the battery. Mark Hachman / IDG It’s the worst when you accidentally brush the screen. This seems to always happen when my husband and I are kicking back after a long day. Sometimes I get passionate about some weird topic and start throwing my hands around, which ends up with me whacking the display. Suddenly, I’m on some random page or YouTube video and I’m totally thrown off. While it only takes me a few seconds to remedy the situation, it still makes my eye twitch with slight frustration. Who actually needs a touchscreen? check out pcworld`s top pick for content creation Asus ProArt P16 Read our review Best Prices Today: $2,269 at Amazon I’m pretty anti-touchscreen, that’s true, but I also have to recognize the other side of this and that’s the people who benefit from them. Digital artists and educators need them for sketching, taking notes, or scrolling through presentation slides. They’re also great for accessibility users that need the extra flexibility and control they uniquely offer. This is all totally valid and if a touchscreen works for you, then who am I to tell you not to use them? You do you, stylus and all. Apple’s missing feature is its biggest win Apple’s refusal to add touchscreens to MacBooks might frustrate some folks, but I see it as a smart and thoughtful choice. The best designers are often the ones that know when to pull back, and I think that’s the case here. Keep touchscreens away from my computers. I’d rather have a lightweight laptop than a chunkier laptop covered in the natural oil from my fingertips. Read...