Amazon’s October Prime Day 2025 Chromebook deals are now officially live. In this article we’ve curated the best Chromebook deals for what Amazon also refers to as Prime Big Deal Days, but we’ve also examined deals from Best Buy, Walmart and other retailers through Oct. 7 and Oct. 8. We already test and recommend the best Chromebooks, so we know what makes a great device. Over the past few years, I’ve compiled lists of the top Chromebook deals for Prime Day, Black Friday, and more. I’m seeing some surprisingly decent deals for Prime Day on recent hardware, though it appears that the premium Chromebook Plus models are where inflation is hitting hardest. To compile PCWorld’s list of Chromebook deals for October Prime Day deals, I looked at the specifications, the price, the manufacturer, and any reviews we’ve published on a specific Chromebook.  Want more? Check out all the best early October Prime Day deals on PCWorld’s landing page here. Best early October Prime Day Chromebook deals at Amazon Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook, Intel Celeron N4500/8GB RAM/64GB eMMC, 15.6-inch 1920×1080 display, $175.00 (7% off at Amazon) Lenovo 15.6-inch Chromebook, Intel N4120/4GB RAM/128GB storage (64GB eMMC+64GB SD), 15.6-inch 1920×1080 display, $168.80 (66% off at Amazon) Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook, MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor/4GB RAM/64GB SSD, 14-inch 1920×1080 display, $178.00 (19% off at Amazon) Lenovo Chromebook 14-inch, MediaTek Kompanio 520/4GB RAM/192GB storage (64GB eMMC + 128GB SD), 14-inch 1920×1080 display, $203.15 (38% off at Amazon) Lenovo Chromebook 14-inch, MediaTek Kompanio 520/4GB RAM/320GB storage (64GB eMMC/256GB SD), 14-inch 1920×1080 display, $220.15 (26% off at Amazon) Acer Chromebook Plus 514, Intel Core i3-N305 processor/8GB RAM/128GB SSD, 14-inch 1920×1080 display, $359.99 (10% off at Amazon) Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus, Intel Core Ultra 5 processor/8GB RAM/128GB SSD, 14-inch 2560×1600 display, $599.99 (14% off at Amazon) Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go, Intel Celeron N4500/4GB RAM/64 GB storage/14-inch 1366×768 display, $189.99 (37% off at Amazon) The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook is a lousy deal (7 percent off the typical price, and a bit higher than the $150 it hit during the holiday 2024 season) but it’s simply a terrific price for a no-compromise Chromebook. The only weak spot? Slightly slower eMMC storage, but I doubt you’ll notice. This is the one to buy right now, as long as that price holds. And yes, right now Lenovo is winning the October Prime Day sales at Amazon. I’m not a huge fan of 4GB Chromebooks, but the IdeaPad 3i is one of the few alternatives until you get into the Chromebook Plus devices further down the deals list. I don’t love these deals on paper, but basically every Lenovo (save for the 3i) plus the Samsung Chrombook Go are at their lowest prices of the year. I also like Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a solid, cheap pick at $178. It’s got a 14-inch 1080p screen and it can handle everyday stuff like browsing the web or doing homework without any trouble. Not fancy, but it gets the job done without costing much with a solid keyboard. Acer’s Chromebook Plus 514 and the Asus ExpertBook gets you into the Chromebook Plus category, which offers 12 months of Google AI Pro for free. Best early October Prime Day Chromebook deals beyond Amazon Acer Chromebook Plus 516, Intel Core i3-1315U/8GB RAM/128GB SSD, 16-inch 1920×1200 display, $299.00 (38% off at Best Buy) Asus CX15 Chromebook, Intel Celeron N4500 processor/4GB RAM/128GB eMMC storage, 15.6-inch 1920×1080 display, $139.00 (37% off at Walmart) Acer Chromebook 315, Intel Celeron N4500/4GB RAM/64GB eMMC/15.6-inch 1920x1080p display, $139.00 (54% off at Best Buy) HP 15.6-inch Chromebook, Intel N200/8GB RAM/64GB eMMC, 15.6-inch 1366×768 display, $199.00 (54% off at Best Buy) Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook, MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor/4GB RAM/128GB eMMC storage, 11-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display, $249 (38% off at Best Buy) Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, MediaTek Kompanio 520/4GB RAM/64GB eMMC, 14-inch 1920x1080p display, $218.00 (45% off at Best Buy) The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 at the top of the list is the best all-around deal. That’s an excellent price for a no-compromise Chromebook, and with Google’s Ai subscription on top of it. You’ll have no regrets. The Asus CX15 Chromebook and Acer Chromebook 315 falls in the ultra-cheap category at just $139, but it still delivers a lot for the price. You’re getting a spacious 15.6-inch 1080p display plus 64GB to 128GB GB of storage, which is more than enough for day-to-day browsing and streaming. It’s the kind of Chromebook that makes sense if you want a big screen without emptying your wallet, and the deep discounts makes both an easy pick. HP’s Chromebook at Best Buy only offers a 768p resolution, which is going to look a little grainy on its 15-inch screen. There is no external display connection, either. I’d use the return policy here; the 8GB of RAM helps make this a good deal, which is why it’s here. But if it’s just too hard on your eyes, return it. Otherwise, it’s a solid deal. I’d prefer the Lenovo Duet 11 over the Slim 3 at Best Buy on specs alone, but the Duet is a detachable tablet, too. The Slim 3 might be a better choice, but it’s a bit less powerful. Other great early October 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 October Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best October Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best October Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best USB flash drive deals for October Prime Day Best monitor deals for October Prime Day: OLED, home office, and more Best October Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best October Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best October Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best October Prime Day deals on Chromebooks Best October Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks Best October Prime Day PC computer deals FAQ 1. How much should I pay for a Chromebook during October Prime Day? Expect to pay roughly $130 to $250 for most Chromebooks, depending on the configuration. The cheapest options can dip into the $130–$170 range, while more premium Plus models typically cost $250 and up. We’ve used this guidance for the past few years, and even with inflation, it still holds true. The only note we’d ask is that the Plus models have a much higher price than a few years ago. 2. What’s a good Chromebook to buy during October Prime Day sales? There are two ways of shopping during Amazon’s October Prime Day. The first is to go down our list of recommended Chromebooks until you find a price you like. Our real-time pricing services should reflect real-time discounts, but occasionally “lightning” or instant sales may slip through. The other way is to shop using our recommended deals above. Typically, I look for at least a large 1080p display unless it’s an absolute budget model. (Anything higher than 1080p is a bonus.) I also really prefer a Chromebook with at least 8GB of RAM, for keeping many tabs open and running programs. The third priority is actually the processor, and it’s a bit of a challenge to explain which is the “right” chip to buy. A recent Intel Celeron, AMD Ryzen, or Arm chip from Qualcomm or Mediatek is a good choice. 3. How does PCWorld decide what a good Chromebook deal is? Generally, Chromebooks tend to fall into three categories: ultracheap models at about $100 to $200, which can offer solid discounts but can hide gotchas like a subpar screen; the typical midrange price of between $250 and $400; and premium Chromebooks at $500 or more.  Those prices can sometimes blur together, of course. I basically compare the price with the specifications. As I said above, I’m looking for a Chromebook with 8GB of RAM and at least a 1080p screen, along with a “good” processor. (I typically make a list of processors, mental or otherwise, with the relative performance of each one and how old they are.) I then start selecting candidates for good deals. Are they one of our recommended Chromebooks? They then go to the top of the list. At this point, I start checking for how long the support window is. Chromebooks are supported for ten years after their ship date, but most of these deals use Chromebooks which have been on the market for at least a few years. No one wants a Chromebook which won’t receive upgrades next year. I also almost always recommend a “new” Chromebook, rather than one which has been refreshed or “renewed” by Amazon. 4. Will tariffs affect October Prime Day Chromebook deals? Yes and no. Remember, tariffs only take effect when the product enters the United States, so it’s very likely that a bargain Chromebook has been available on the market and even sat on a U.S. store shelf for a few years. Chromebooks are very price-dependent. 5. Are the best October Prime Day Chromebook deals only at Amazon? Amazon would like to think so! But we check other sites as well, just to make sure. You’ll find those Chromebook deals from sites other than Amazon listed above, too. 6. Does a Chromebook’s brand matter? Interestingly, Chromebooks are one of the few tech categories whose products are almost all made by big “name” brands. We might prefer a Chromebook made by one company over another, but generally Chromebooks are manufactured by companies like Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and more — all big, reputable brands. Read...

This year’s October Prime Day event starts today, October 7th, and will end at midnight Pacific, October 8th — a two-day event rather than a four-day sale like we had in July. Still, we’re already seeing some killer deals on everything tech, including flash drives. After all, everyone needs a great USB flash drive, and October 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 October 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 October Prime Day deals on 64GB to 256GB flash drives Kindston Ironkey Vault Privacy 50, 256GB, USB 3.2, Encrypted — $90 (42% off, was $155) SanDisk Ultra Luxe, 256GB, USB 3.2 — $21 (12% off, was $24) Lexar JumpDrive Dual, 128GB, USB 3.2 — $13.88 (37% off, was $22) The best deal of the lot is for the Kingston Ironkey Vault Privacy 50, where you can get 256GB of storage space for 42% off. The thing that makes this flash drive stand out is the fact that it can secure your data like no other. Plus, it comes with a rugged metal casing. Best October Prime Day deals on 512GB to 2TB flash drives PNY Pro Elite V3, 512GB, USB 3.2 — $45 (17% off, was $61) SanDisk Extreme Pro Dual, 512GB, USB 3.2 — $58 (28% off, was $80) A superb pick from this list is the Ultra Flair from SanDisk. This is a flash drive with a USB-A connector, 128-bit AES encryption, and up to 150MB/s transfer speeds for a quick job on moving files around. Other great October Prime Day deals These aren’t the only October 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. Best Amazon October Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best October Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best October Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best monitor deals for October Prime Day: OLED, home office, and more Best October Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best October Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best October Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best October Prime Day deals on Chromebooks Best October Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks Best October Prime Day PC computer deals 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 October Prime Day deals? Finding great deals can be difficult because not all discounts are worth covering. When looking for good October 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...

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for life for $45. Between the end of Windows 10 on October 14 and frequent price hikes for Microsoft 365, PC users have been asked to pay quite a lot just to use their computers. However, right now you can actually get Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for life, and it’s only $44.97 (reg. $418.99). This is a two-part bundle. The first half is a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows. That comes with Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook Teams (free version) OneNote Publisher Access Part two is Windows 11 Pro. It’s an improved operating system that is cleaner, faster, and more secure. The new interface makes multitasking easier with features like snap layouts and virtual desktops. Security upgrades like BitLocker encryption and advanced login protections help keep data safe. And Microsoft Copilot means you have a built-in AI assistant that can answer questions, generate images, or write new content. This deal ends soon. Until October 19 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for life for $44.97. No coupon needed. The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro BundleSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

BBC News goes inside the lab powering computers with `mini brains` grown from human cells. Read...

Yesterday, Microsoft released the weird 25H2 update for Windows 11, officially moving its operating system to its next major upgrade. According to Windows Latest, the rollout is taking place despite Microsoft being aware of four known bugs in this version of Windows 11. Among other things, there may be difficulties with playing video files that use DRM protection as well as sharing files via Windows SMB v1. Furthermore, the Media Creation Tool can’t be used on Arm-based computers, and there are also problems installing updates via the Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA). So even though Windows 11 25H2 is now technically available to everyone on eligible PCs, you may want to hold off on installing the 25H2 upgrade if you don’t want to experience these bugs. Read...

A new PC is rarely a spontaneous purchase: people usually try to continue using their old computer for as long as possible. And in terms of the environment and your wallet, this makes perfect sense. But at some point, the problems start to pile up: Windows updates fail to appear, programs start agonizingly slowly, or the hard drive is permanently full. When the computer is just annoying in everyday use or it can no longer keep up with the latest hardware, it’s time for something new. These five clear warning signs will tell you when it’s time to think about a replacement. Sign number 1: No more updates available Regular updates are crucial for keeping your PC safe and functional. If Windows or other important programs no longer receive updates, this is a clear warning signal. It becomes particularly critical when the operating system itself is no longer supported – as was recently the case with Windows 10, which will no longer receive security updates from October 2025. Without such updates, important security patches will soon be missing. This makes a PC vulnerable to viruses, malware, and other attacks from the internet. In addition, many new programs will eventually only run on the latest Windows versions. Old computers will then also fall by the wayside in terms of software. Tip: Check the Windows settings regularly to see whether new updates are available. If your system constantly reports that it is “up to date”, even though a newer version of Windows already exists, then it’s high time to think about a new PC. Sign number 2: Constant overheating and noisy fans You can detect temperature problems with the free HWMonitor, for example.Foundry A healthy system should remain reasonably quiet even under load. However, if your PC runs hot even when performing simple tasks and the fans become loud in continuous operation, this indicates outdated or overloaded hardware. In addition to the annoying background noise, you also run the risk of components being damaged by overheating or the PC quitting at a critical moment. In the worst case scenario, important data could be lost. Tip: First clean your PC to remove dust and check the temperature with tools such as HWMonitor. If the problems persist despite maintenance, it often makes more sense to buy a new one than to retrofit cooling components while you’re still stuck with other outdated components. Sign number 3: Hardly any storage space left If the hard drive is constantly full, working on the PC quickly becomes a test of patience. Windows then constantly warns of insufficient memory, programs can no longer be installed, and even simple updates fail. An external hard drive or cloud storage can help out in the short term. In the long run, however, it becomes tedious to constantly move data back and forth. Tip: Check Explorer to see how much free memory is left on your system hard drive (usually under “C:”). If this is permanently full or almost full and the hardware cannot be upgraded sensibly, a new PC is the better solution. Sign number 4: Everything is only running at a snail’s pace Does your computer take minutes to boot up, programs start slowly, and even simple tasks such as opening a browser tab feel sluggish? Then the hardware is simply too old or overloaded. An new SSD or more RAM can help in the short term. But if the system is getting on in years then that means most of the other components should be replaced as well. Tip: Pay attention to how long your PC needs for everyday tasks. If waiting times accumulate and new software constantly jerks or crashes, it’s time to think about an upgrade. Not only will programs run quickly and smoothly, a responsive system will also be much more fun to use. Sign number 5: Upgrade components isn’t possible or no longer makes sense Another clear sign that a PC upgrade is due is if the computer can no longer be upgraded in a meaningful way. Old motherboards often don’t support the latest processors or RAM standards, and there is simply no room for a new graphics card in small ready-made systems. Anyone trying to upgrade here is often investing a lot of money in an old platform without any major improvement in performance. Tip: Before upgrading your hardware, check whether your system supports modern standards (e.g. DDR5 RAM, PCIe 4.0 or 5.0). If this is not the case, in many situations it’s worth switching to a completely new device. Conclusion: When a new PC really makes sense Missing updates, full hard drives, sluggish performance, overheating, or lack of upgradeability: these are clear signs that your PC has had its day. However, a new system is not only worthwhile in the event of problems. Suitable hardware is also important to improve productivity or to enjoy multimedia and gaming with modern standards—and promises you’ll have more fun in daily use, too. If you’re on the hunt for a new computer be sure to check out our roundup of the best computer deals to help you snag a great price on your next gaming rig, home office all-in-one, mini-PC, and more. Read...

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days 2025 lands October 7-8, but why wait? These early laptop deals let you get a jump on the savings before the main event. (Check out all Prime Day deals here.) 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 early laptop deals in the leadup to October 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 early October Prime Day deals on budget laptops HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020 processor/14-inch 1366×768 display/4GB RAM/64GB storage, $170 ($59.99 off at Amazon) Acer Aspire 15, Intel Core 3 N355 processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/128GB flash storage, $299.99 ($50 off at Amazon) Acer Aspire 3, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/128GB SSD, $326.33 ($23.66 off at Amazon) Our top pick: The Acer Aspire 3 is the best deal, even though the discount isn’t massive. You’re getting a 15.6-inch 1080p display, 8GB of RAM, and a zippy AMD Ryzen 3 processor, which is a noticeable step up (performance-wise) from both the the HP 14 and the Acer Aspire 15. Best early October Prime Day deals on mid-range laptops Dell Inspiron 5441, Snapdragon X Plus processor/14-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $614 ($185.99 off at Amazon) HP OmniBook X Flip, AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 processor/16-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $799.99 ($200 off at Amazon) Apple 2025 MacBook Air, M4 chip/13.6-inch 2560×1664 display/16GB RAM/256GB SSD, $899 ($100 off at Amazon) Our top pick: The Dell Inspiron 5441 is a sweet spot pick. For under $650, you’re getting a fast Snapdragon processor, 16GB of RAM, and a roomy 512GB SSD—plenty of firepower for work, streaming, and multitasking without spending a ton. Best early October Prime Day deals on premium laptops Apple MacBook Air, M4 chip/13.6-inch 2560×1664 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $1,072.19 ($126.81 off at Amazon) Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024), Snapdragon X Plus processor/13.8-inch 2304×1536 display/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $1,079 ($120.99 off at Amazon) Dell 14 Plus, Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor/14-inch 2560×1600 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,155.03 ($244.96 off at Amazon) Our top pick: The Dell 14 Plus is a top pick if you want a premium laptop that actually keeps up with everything. It’s got 32GB of RAM, a speedy Core Ultra 9 processor, and a crisp 2560×1600 display all for just over $1,150, making this one of the smarter buys in the premium category. Best early October Prime Day deals on gaming laptops Lenovo LOQ 15, AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS processor/RTX 4060 graphics/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,139 ($60 off at Amazon) Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025), Intel Core i7-14650HX processor/RTX 5060 graphics/16-inch 1920×1200 display/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,399.99 ($100 off at Amazon) Lenovo Legion 5i, Intel Core i7-14700HX processor/RTX 5060 graphics/15.1-inch 2560×1600 display/32GB RAM/2TB SSD, $1,555.19 ($443.81 off at Amazon) Our top pick: If you’re hunting for serious gaming power without breaking $1,500, the Lenovo LOQ 15 is a total steal. Inside you’ll find 32GB of RAM, a Ryzen 7 CPU, and RTX 4060 graphics, which is perfect for gaming or heavy multitasking. Other great early October 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 early Amazon October Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best early October Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best early October Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best early USB flash drive deals for October Prime Day Best early monitor deals for October Prime Day: OLED, home office, and more Best early October Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best early October Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best early October Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best early October Prime Day deals on Chromebooks Best early October Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks Best early October Prime Day PC computer deals 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 October Prime Day deal? I always use CamelCamelCamel, a free tool that tracks Amazon price history, to spot early discounts and plan for Prime Day events. 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! Early October Prime Day often offers some of the lowest laptop prices of the year even before the main event begins. Prices on premium and gaming laptops may fluctuate once the main sales launch. 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 international 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...

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. The year’s second Prime Day event is closing in on us, kicking off on October 7th and lasting for 48 hours until midnight Pacific on October 8th. Already, 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 the main focus is on Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, some of the best discounts can be found elsewhere on the web, so I’ve included those in the list as well. Best early October Prime Day deals on OLED monitors Samsung Odyssey OLED G93SC 49-inch, 5120×1440, 240Hz OLED gaming monitor — $879.99 ($720 off at Amazon) LG UltraGear OLED 34-inch 1440p 240Hz OLED gaming monitor — $917 ($383 off at Amazon) ASRock 27-inch 1440p 240Hz OLED gaming monitor — $549.99 ($96.99 off at Newegg) Alienware 26.7-inch 1440p 360Hz OLED gaming monitor — $571.00 ($329 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, Samsung 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 $550 mark. Best early October Prime Day deals on gaming monitors KTC 24-inch 1080p 165Hz gaming monitor — $93.99 ($46 off at Newegg) ASRock 27-inch 1080p 240Hz gaming monitor — $114.99 ($75 off at Newegg) LG 27-inch 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor — $259.99 ($40 off at Amazon) LG 27-inch, IPS 1440p, 240Hz gaming monitor — $347.99 ($152 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. Early October Prime Day deals on office monitors Acer 27-inch 1080p IPS 120Hz monitor — $109.99 ($40 off at Best Buy) Dell 27-inch 1440p IPS monitor — $179.99 ($40 off at Amazon) Samsung 34-inch 1440p ultrawide monitor — $219.99 ($110 off at Amazon) MNN 15-inch portable USB-C monitor — $61.99 ($27.99 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 early October Prime Day deals These aren’t the only October 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 early Amazon October Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best early October Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best early October Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best early USB flash drive deals for October Prime Day Best early October Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best early October Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best early October Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best early October Prime Day deals on Chromebooks Best early October Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks Best early October Prime Day PC computer deals 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, October 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 November 10, and could plunge prices into chaos. Read...

Amazon’s October Prime Big Deal Days 2025 sales event is right around the corner and there are already tons of great deals on desktop PCs available. This year’s event runs October 7-8 and will include 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 October Prime Day. Other retailers have jumped in on the action, and some of the best desktop PC deals can even be found outside of Amazon, so I’ve included those deals too. Best early October Prime Day deals on gaming desktop computers LXZ Gaming PC, Ryzen 7 8700F/RX 7650 GRE/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $899.99 (10% off on Amazon) Alienware Aurora, Core Ultra 7 265F/RTX 5070/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,549.99 (24% off on Dell) Skytech Azure, Ryzen 7 5700/RTX 5060/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $999.99 (12% off on Amazon) Omen 45L, Core Ultra 7 265K/RTX 5080/32GB RAM/2TB SSD, $2,299.00 (15% off on Amazon) Alienware Aurora, Core Ultra 9 285K/RTX 5080/32GB RAM/2TB SSD, $2,699.99 (16% off on Dell) Acer Nitro 60, Ryzen 9 7900/RTX 5070/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $1,499.99 (25% off on BestBuy) Omen 35L, Ryzen 5 8500G/RTX 5060/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $1,064.99 (21% off on HP) My top picks: The LXZ Gaming PC for $100 off on Amazon is the budget deal of the week so far. With a Ryzen 7 8700F CPU and RX 7650 GRE GPU it’ll deliver solid frame rates at 1080p for most games and the inclusion of 1TB of onboard storage means you’ll have plenty of space to load it up with your game library. Another killer deal right now is the Alienware Aurora for $500 off on Dell. Not only does it come with the latest gen Core Ultra 7 265F CPU, but also sports an RTX 5070. For this price it’s hard to go wrong and those in the market for a strong midrange gaming PC should look no further. Best early October Prime Day deals on mini-PCs GMKtec M7, Ryzen 7 6850H/32GB RAM/512GB SSD, $369.99 (24% off on Amazon) Apple Mac Mini 2024, M4/16GB RAM/256GB SSD, $499.00 (17% off on Amazon) AceMagician K1 Mini PC, Ryzen 7 5700U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $279.00 (30% off on Amazon) AceMagic Vista Mini N1, Alder Lake-N N97/16GB RAM/512GB SSD, $174.99 (33% off on Amazon) Beelink EQR5, Ryzen 5 5650U/32GB RAM/1TB SSD, $279.00 (28% off on Amazon) Beelink SER5 MAX, Ryzen 7 6800H/32GB RAM/500GB SSD, $308.99 (23% off on Amazon) My top picks: Amazon is offering the GMKtec M7 mini-PC for $120 off. This mini-PC not only rocks a Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H CPU and a whopping 32GB of RAM, but comes with excellent connectivity features to boot. It’s a great mini-PC and at this discount the value can’t be beat. If you’re more of a Mac fan, then this rare deal on the latest M4 Mac Mini for $100 off on Amazon is for you. The latest 2024 Mac Mini is a seriously good option for those looking to get great mini-PC performance for the price. The M4 chip has outstanding processing power and this model also comes with a good amount of RAM and onboard storage. Note: If you’re looking for even more great deals on mini-PCs be sure to check out our full roundup spotlighting the very best Prime Day mini-PC deals. Best early October 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. Lenovo 24 AiO, Intel N100/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/24-inch 1080p display, $559.98 (30% off on Amazon) HP OmniStudio X AiO, Core Ultra 5 125H/16GB RAM/256GB SSD/32-inch 4K display, $1,329.99 (13% off on HP) Dell 27 AiO, Core 5 120U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/27-inch 1080p display, $779.99 (16% off on Dell) iMac M4, M4/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/24-inch 5K display, $1,523.86 (10% off on Amazon) My top picks: Amazon is offering a great deal of $240 off on the Lenovo 24 AiO. This budget-friendly all-in-one has way more RAM and onboard storage than most other models at this price. It’s a killer value for a trustworthy and dependable Lenovo PC. Alternatively, the HP OmniStudio X AiO for $200 off on HP’s website is a worthy splurge. Rocking a stunning 4K display and good performance features, this flagship all-in-one from HP will upgrade any desk space—you just might want to invest in some external storage as this only comes with 256GB. Other great October 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 more killer tech sales, hit the links below for the more of the best expert-curated picks we’ve found. Best early Amazon October Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best early October Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best early October Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best early USB flash drive deals for October Prime Day Best early monitor deals for October Prime Day: OLED, home office, and more Best early October Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best early October Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best early October Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best early October Prime Day deals on Chromebooks Best early October 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 main 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 (or the equivalent Radeon RX 9060) 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 (or Radeon RX 9070/XT), 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. Is now a good time to buy a desktop computer? While the prospect of tariff-induced price increases may seem daunting to consumers, right now is actually a pretty good time to buy a new PC. Component prices have generally stabilized in the face of tariffs—with the exception of high-end GPU models—and CPU prices overall generally remain affordable. If you’re waiting for upcoming releases, you shouldn’t hold your breath. Don’t get caught in the cycle of waiting for the next new thing as something new is always around the corner. Waiting for a new product launch is only beneficial if it’s imminent and there are no good deals available right now. Fortunately, events such as Ocotber Prime Day offer buyers an excellent time to buy the latest components and PC builds at a discount. Read...

Another Prime Day is just around the corner, and while the main event runs October 7-8, you can already find some early Chromebook deals ahead of time. Amazon’s Chromebook sales are starting to roll out, giving shoppers a chance to lock in discounts before the official start. Check out all the best early October Prime Day deals on PCWorld’s landing page here. We already test and recommend the best Chromebooks, so we know what makes a great device. Over the past few years, I’ve compiled lists of the top Chromebook deals for Prime Day, Black Friday, and more. While the very best Chromebooks don’t always see big discounts for Prime Day, there are still solid deals to be found, and figuring out which ones are worth it is where PCWorld, and I, come in. To compile PCWorld’s list of Chromebook deals for early October Prime Day deals, I looked at the specifications, the price, the manufacturer, and any reviews we’ve published on a specific Chromebook.  Best early October Prime Day Chromebook deals at Amazon Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook, MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor/14-inch 1920×1080 display/4GB RAM/64GB storage, $178.98 ($41.01 off at Amazon) HP Chromebook, Intel N200 processor/15.6-inch 1366×768 display/8GB RAM/128GB storage, $296.99 ($33 off at Amazon) Acer Chromebook Plus 514, Intel Core i3-N305 processor/14-inch 1920×1080 display/8GB RAM/128GB storage, $369.99 ($30 off at Amazon) Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus, Intel Core Ultra 5 processor/14-inch 2560×1600 display/8GB RAM/128GB storage, $599.99 ($100 off at Amazon) The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a solid, cheap pick at $178.98. It’s got a 14-inch 1080p screen and it can handle everyday stuff like browsing the web or doing homework without any trouble. Not fancy, but it gets the job done without costing much. Best early October Prime Day Chromebook deals beyond Amazon Asus CX15 Chromebook, Intel Celeron N4500 processor/15.6-inch 1920×1080 display/4GB RAM/128GB eMMC storage, $139 ($80.99 off at Walmart) Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook, MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor/14-inch 1920×1080 display/4GB RAM/64GB eMMC storage plus a 256GB Micro SD card, $255.55 ($44.44 off at Walmart) Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook, MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor/11-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/4GB RAM/128GB eMMC storage, $349 ($50 off at Best Buy) Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook, Intel Core i3-1315U processor/14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen display/8GB RAM/128GB storage, $419 ($180 off at Best Buy) The Asus CX15 Chromebook falls in the ultra-cheap category at just $139, but it still delivers a lot for the price. You’re getting a spacious 15.6-inch 1080p display plus 128GB of storage, which is more than enough for day-to-day browsing and streaming. It’s the kind of Chromebook that makes sense if you want a big screen without emptying your wallet, and the deep discount makes it an easy pick. Other great early October 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 early Amazon October Prime Day tech deals: Great sales chosen by experts Best early October Prime Day laptop deals: Gaming notebooks, 2-in-1s, and more Best early October Prime Day deals on SSDs and storage Best early USB flash drive deals for October Prime Day Best early monitor deals for October Prime Day: OLED, home office, and more Best early October Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs Best early October Prime Day mini PC deals: Big savings on tiny computers Best early October Prime Day deals on battery chargers and power banks Best early October Prime Day deals on Chromebooks Best early October Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks Best early October Prime Day PC computer deals FAQ 1. How much should I pay for a Chromebook during October Prime Day? Expect to pay roughly $130 to $250 for most Chromebooks, depending on the configuration. The cheapest options can dip into the $130–$170 range, while more premium models typically cost $250 and up. We’ve used this guidance for the past few years, and even with inflation, it still holds true. 2. What’s a good Chromebook to buy during October Prime Day sales? There are two ways of shopping during Amazon’s October Prime Day. The first is to go down our list of recommended Chromebooks until you find a price you like. Our real-time pricing services should reflect real-time discounts, but occasionally “lightning” or instant sales may slip through. The other way is to shop using our recommended deals above. Typically, I look for at least a large 1080p display unless it’s an absolute budget model. (Anything higher than 1080p is a bonus.) I also really prefer a Chromebook with at least 8GB of RAM, for keeping many tabs open and running programs. The third priority is actually the processor, and it’s a bit of a challenge to explain which is the “right” chip to buy. A recent Intel Celeron, AMD Ryzen, or Arm chip from Qualcomm or Mediatek is a good choice. 3. How does PCWorld decide what a good Chromebook deal is? Generally, Chromebooks tend to fall into three categories: ultracheap models at about $100 to $200, which can offer solid discounts but can hide gotchas like a subpar screen; the typical midrange price of between $250 and $400; and premium Chromebooks at $500 or more.  Those prices can sometimes blur together, of course. I basically compare the price with the specifications. As I said above, I’m looking for a Chromebook with 8GB of RAM and at least a 1080p screen, along with a “good” processor. (I typically make a list of processors, mental or otherwise, with the relative performance of each one and how old they are.) I then start selecting candidates for good deals. Are they one of our recommended Chromebooks? They then go to the top of the list. At this point, I start checking for how long the support window is. Chromebooks are supported for ten years after their ship date, but most of these deals use Chromebooks which have been on the market for at least a few years. No one wants a Chromebook which won’t receive upgrades next year. I also almost always recommend a “new” Chromebook, rather than one which has been refreshed or “renewed” by Amazon. 4. Will tariffs affect October Prime Day Chromebook deals? Yes and no. Remember, tariffs only take effect when the product enters the United States, so it’s very likely that a bargain Chromebook has been available on the market and even sat on a U.S. store shelf for a few years. Chromebooks are very price-dependent. 5. Are the best October Prime Day Chromebook deals only at Amazon? Amazon would like to think so! But we check other sites as well, just to make sure. You’ll find those Chromebook deals from sites other than Amazon listed above, too. 6. Does a Chromebook’s brand matter? Interestingly, Chromebooks are one of the few tech categories whose products are almost all made by big “name” brands. We might prefer a Chromebook made by one company over another, but generally Chromebooks are manufactured by companies like Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and more — all big, reputable brands. Read...