![NewsLinks - Powered by NZCity](/news/nimages/tit-newslinks.gif)
Internet Newslinks - Page: 7
| PC World - 10 Jul (PC World)Should I buy a Chromebook or a Windows laptop? It’s a common question: Both devices can surf the web, access apps, and so on, at home, work, or school. But there are clear differences between their respective platforms, with advantages to each.
We’ve addressed the question from several perspectives, beginning with the basics and then diving deeper. In some ways, the two categories have grown closer together over time: With much of our life spent on the web, a web-based device (a Chromebook) has become increasingly similar in purpose to a laptop. We’ll define the differences and then advise you on which device to purchase.
We’ve reworked this article as a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) guide. You’ll find links to our respective laptop and Chromebook recommendations embedded in the answers, as well as links to recent developments that impact both platforms. Here’s what you need to know when buying a laptop or Chromebook.
1.
Who should buy a Windows laptop?
If you want the most power and flexibility available, buy a modern Windows laptop. See our roundup of the best laptops for a wide range of buying recommendations, and our daily laptop deals (updated almost every day) for the latest sales on top laptops.
A laptop PC powered by Microsoft Windows offers several advantages. Windows laptops can run just about any app, your choice of any browser, and options that include native games, utilities, apps, and antivirus programs. You can tweak and configure your PC as you choose.
The convenience of Windows demands more computing horsepower and often a higher price compared to most Chromebooks. On the other hand, if you need a powerful PC for gaming or video editing, Chromebooks can’t compete—though, granted, they don’t try to.
2.
Who should buy a Chromebook?
If you want to save money, and you work (and play) frequently on the web, buy a Chromebook. See our roundup of the best Chromebooks for buying recommendations, and our best Chromebook deals for the best Chromebooks sales of the day.
A Chromebook powered by Google’s ChromeOS is a simpler, cheaper, more optimized device. Essentially, it’s useful to think of a Chromebook as a dedicated Chrome browser running on top of secure hardware. It can also be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a comparable Windows PC, even with the same processor inside! Numerous American classrooms have settled on Chromebooks for in-person and distance learning, and often make them available for loaning to students.
Essentially, Chromebooks are best for web work: browsing the web, working online on documents, and using web streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime inside a web browser. You can also download and use Android apps for gaming and entertainment, though they may not run entirely like on your phone.
You’ll still see quite inexpensive ($100 to $300) Chromebooks dominate Amazon’s list of “best-selling laptops,” but there’s even a specialized class of “gaming Chromebooks” now, too. (Those are quite new, and it’s not clear whether they’re worth buying.) Pay attention during the holidays or peak sales periods like Prime Day, when prices can drop really low—down by around $100 or more. Just make sure you’re not buying a Chromebook that’s fallen out of the support window. (We’ll talk more about that, below.)
The efficiency of Chromebooks can work against them in certain situations, though. Does your printer use a specialized app? Chances are that your Chromebook will print to your printer, but an older printer might not work all that well with a Chromebook. Ditto for a specialized mouse app. It’s sometimes hard to know what will work, and what won’t.
ChromeOS or Windows? The choice is up to you.
ChromeOS or Windows? The choice is up to you. Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
ChromeOS or Windows? The choice is up to you. Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
3.
What’s it like using a Chromebook compared to a laptop?
While it’s easy to focus on what you’re going to do with either a Chromebook or a Windows PC—web browsing! games!—it’s easy to lose sight of the little things.
One of the best features of a Chromebook that’s easily overlooked is Google’s approach to updates and security. Everything takes place behind the scenes. Windows downloads updates for antivirus and other programs in the background, but others require a reboot. If you don’t have Windows properly configured, those reboots can even occur while you’re using the PC, which can be hugely annoying. While Chromebooks occasionally need to be rebooted to apply updates, the process is quicker and less intrusive, as Google reloads the pages you were on quite quickly.
In fact, “quick” is one of the best features of a Chromebook. While they’re less full-featured than a Windows PC, booting and resuming them just generally feels more efficient than it does on Windows. Part of that is the simplicity: Google takes care of most of the mundane tasks of powering a PC, like security and driver updates. “Blue screens of death” occur on Windows; Chromebooks rarely crash—a fact Google emphasizes in commercials.
Still, some of those more mundane tasks can be irritating to Chromebook users, too: such as printing, file management, and utilities: This is where the differences between the two platforms can become abrasive, especially if you’re used to doing things in a certain way. For example, Google is trying to add diagnostics to the ChromeOS platform, but it’s still doing it its own way.
Take printing, for example. The world’s printers were designed from the ground up for Windows and Macs, and can print either over a wireless network or from a USB cable. Chromebooks, on the other hand, have struggled with direct printing or using the more advanced features of certain printers. Google Cloud Print was the company’s workaround, requiring a Wi-Fi enabled printer; however, this feature was phased out by the end of 2020.
Certain tasks also require a different way of doing things on a Chromebook versus a Windows PC. Sure, there are the ChromeOS keyboard shortcuts, where taking a screenshot or a portion of one requires knowing to press the Ctrl + “switcher” key. When you take that screenshot, you’ll see it saved inside a folder—but you won’t be able to rename that file without opening it. Windows allows you to right-click a file and perform any number of operations on it; ChromeOS does not.
Even accessing those files on ChromeOS requires clicking the “home” circle in the lower-left corner, then either swiping or clicking the exposed up arrow to access the ChromeOS apps, some of which can be stored in the taskbar dock for easy access.
The same goes for alternative input modalities. While Chromebooks allow for inking—you’ll generally need to supply your own stylus or use your finger—and can record audio, don’t expect a Chromebook to include pen input that’s translatable into text. Windows exclusively provides this. However, Chromebook pens will soon support NFC wireless charging, rather than forcing you to search out a AAAA battery or charge them with a cable.
To be fair, Windows 11 looks a lot more like a Chromebook than it did before. The Windows 11 Taskbar (for now) can only be oriented at the bottom of the screen, where apps pop up from a Start menu that looks somewhat like the ChromeOS launcher.
Our colleagues over at Computerworld include a Chromebook cheat sheet that you may find useful with more details on the ins and outs of Chromebooks.
While you can connect a webcam to both a laptop and Chromebook, certain functions, like Windows Hello, are exclusive to Windows.
While you can connect a webcam to both a laptop and Chromebook, certain functions, like Windows Hello, are exclusive to Windows.Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
While you can connect a webcam to both a laptop and Chromebook, certain functions, like Windows Hello, are exclusive to Windows.Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
4.
What’s the difference between a Windows laptop and a Chromebook, in terms of operating system and software?
Windows PCs run Microsoft Windows 10 (and now Windows 11), the dominant operating system for traditional PCs for more than 25 years. Google Chromebooks run ChromeOS, optimized for both Google Chrome and Android apps. ChromeOS can’t run Windows or Mac apps, natively.
Windows laptops can run Windows apps, naturally, as well as web apps (web pages) stored to the PC. Windows 11 PCs can now run a limited subset of Android apps, provided by Amazon. ChromeOS can run web apps and browse web pages. It can also run Google’s much more comprehensive library of Android apps, found on the Google Play Store.
Microsoft seems to be phasing out efforts to compete directly with Chromebooks through specialized versions of the Windows OS. For the last few years, Microsoft has marketed Windows 10 S and Windows 11 S (or Windows 10/11 Home in S Mode) as its operating system for schools and a direct competitor to Chromebooks. As our linked review shows, it was essentially a locked-down version of Windows 10, preventing the ability to run third-party apps. You’ll find it on less-expensive PCs like the Surface Laptop Go, as well as some third-party laptops. Windows 11 SE, which we’ll discuss further a few sections below, is the sequel to Microsoft’s ChromeOS killer. Windows 11 SE will only be available to PCs designed for education, which is the target market for Chromebooks.
Much of this is moot to most shoppers. All new Windows laptops are currently sold with Windows 11, of which the Windows 11 2022 Update is the latest version. It provides a visual refresh of Windows…that looks rather like a Chromebook, actually. You can read our Windows 11 superguide for more. Microsoft has dropped its historical timetable for new feature updates; its latest October update added new features like a tabbed version of File Explorer.
At press time, Google’s ChromeOS is at version 108. Recent tweaks to the OS bring Chromebooks closer to Windows PCs: Photos taken by an Android phone show up in a ChromeOS Phone Hub; there are proper dark themes, improved Notifications, and a more compact Launcher. The latest version ChromeOS 108 adds a recycle bin/trash can, just like Windows. Google updates ChromeOS about every four weeks.
In one of the weirder twists, Google has announced ChromeOS Flex, which can essentially turn an old PC laptop into a Chromebook.
Microsoft won’t support Windows PCs forever, but the company has typically provided free upgrades from one OS to the next. (Windows 11 broke that cycle, by enforcing certain hardware requirements.) ChromeOS, for its part, has a support lifecycle of about eight years on new Chromebooks. Once that support window expires, that’s it: Google will not provide new features or offer security patches. You’ll need to read reviews or consult your Chromebook documentation to find out when support expires, though Google’s trying to make that easier.
5.
Which can be personalized more, a Chromebook or a PC?
Typically, Windows PCs have offered an enormous variety of options to allow you to tweak things as you like, which we’ve covered in our feature on how to personalize your PC. Most of this is already built into Windows, though there are wallpaper theme packs and even a Bing Wallpaper app to allow further customization.
Chromebooks have generally not offered these capabilities, though there’s now an option to personalize your lock screen with either one of your own photos or an image preselected by Google. Music controls are available, too.
The Windows 11 Start menu looks somewhat like a Chromebook.
The Windows 11 Start menu looks somewhat like a Chromebook.Mark Hachman / IDG
The Windows 11 Start menu looks somewhat like a Chromebook.Mark Hachman / IDG
Mark Hachman / IDG
6.
Can I run Windows apps on Chromebooks?
Yes and no. Parallels Desktop for Chromebook Enterprise is a new feature that Google just introduced on Chromebooks, but not all of them. Parallels provides quick access to legacy and full-featured applications, like Microsoft Office, locally on ChromeOS—which means that they’ll even work offline. However, Parallels is a managed solution for enterprises with IT managers, meaning you won’t be able to take advantage of this with a cheap Chromebook that you’ll buy from Amazon.
Instead, only very specific enterprise Chromebooks will be able to access Parallels Desktop for Chromebook Enterprise: the HP Pro c640 Chromebook Enterprise, the HP Elite c1030 Chromebook Enterprise and the upcoming HP Chromebox Enterprise G3, all powered by Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. (It’s probable that these enterprise Chromebooks need the virtualization capabilities available in the Core i5 and Core i7 processors.)
Could this ability to run Windows apps be extended to consumer Chromebooks in the future? Possibly. But right now it’s out of reach for most users.
A better solution may be Windows 365, Microsoft’s program for running Windows via the cloud. Windows 365 is essentially the Windows equivalent of cloud gaming—Windows lives in the cloud, and is “streamed” down to the local PC. However, Microsoft designed Windows 365 for business users, so consumers won’t have access to this for now.
7.
Do laptops and Chromebooks look different?
Physically, a Chromebook looks much like a Windows-powered notebook, with a keyboard, a display, a front-facing camera for videoconferencing, and so on. But there are a few key differences: Chromebooks typically include a dedicated search keyboard key, while Windows emphasizes the Windows key. With Windows, you’ll have many hardware choices, including a typical clamshell notebook, convertibles with 360-degree hinges, 2-in-1 Windows tablets with detachable keyboards, or pure Windows tablets.
Most Chromebooks are clamshells, but we’re seeing a lot more convertibles now that Android apps are supported. Because ChromeOS and Android are now conjoined, a key reason to choose a ChromeOS tablet instead of a clamshell hinges on how often you’ll use Android apps. Android apps run acceptably in a laptop form factor, but they’re arguably more convenient when used on a tablet, and held in your hand. Remember, most 360-degree convertibles/2-in-1s flip the keyboard out of the way, essentially transforming the Chromebook into a big, bulky tablet. We prefer this approach.
Physically, Chromebooks look much like laptops, with mostly similar ports, screens, and keyboards.
Physically, Chromebooks look much like laptops, with mostly similar ports, screens, and keyboards.Acer
Physically, Chromebooks look much like laptops, with mostly similar ports, screens, and keyboards.Acer
Acer
8.
How are the specifications of a laptop and Chromebook different?
Inside, the only real differences are the processor. Windows PCs have a wide range of microprocessors powering them, usually chips from AMD and Intel, or more recently, a Qualcomm Snapdragon.
Chromebooks generally favor lower-performance Intel Atom chips (branded as Pentium or Celeron), Snapdragons, or lesser-known processors from the likes of Mediatek or Rockchip, that are suited to the lighter demands of ChromeOS. But AMD has made aggressive, recent moves to bring its powerful Ryzen chips into Chromebooks, and Intel’s Core chips (typically a Core i3) can appear in Chromebooks, too.
More recently we’ve seen pricier corporate and luxury Chromebooks include Intel Core CPUs, including the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook—but the jury’s still out on who will pay upwards of $1,000 for a Chromebook. In October 2022, Google unveiled a line of gaming Chromebooks with high-end displays and processors designed for cloud gaming. We haven’t tested these yet, however, and they’re significantly more expensive.
Though you’ll find that many Chromebooks and inexpensive laptops feature a similar HD (1366×768) or Full HD (1920×1080) display, Windows usually requires more robust memory and storage. Both a Chromebook and a laptop can run acceptably on 4GB of memory, but 8GB is preferred where Windows notebooks are concerned.
Windows notebooks, too, typically include more local storage for the Windows OS and associated apps: 128GB or 256GB is acceptable, though there’s really no upper limit. Chromebooks, meanwhile, don’t need much more than 32GB or so, assuming Google-oriented users are taking advantage of the Google Drive online storage, or stashing Android apps on an SD card. Less storage means less cost; many Chromebooks also use inexpensive eMMC flash storage to save even further. Both Chromebooks and Windows tablets allow external storage.
Laptops and Chromebooks are typically made by the same companies, so the internals typically look similar.
Laptops and Chromebooks are typically made by the same companies, so the internals typically look similar.Kingston
Laptops and Chromebooks are typically made by the same companies, so the internals typically look similar.Kingston
Kingston
9.
How are the digital assistants in Chromebooks and laptops different?
One of the few Chromebooks with Google Assistant support so far is the Google Pixelbook. Instead, Google’s built-in intelligence is primarily put to use in the ChromeOS “Launcher.” Like the Chrome browser, you type a search question into the Launcher and Google will return answers. The feature was originally rolled out on ChromeOS 90.
Microsoft’s own digital assistant, Cortana, is supported on all Windows PCs that include a mic—which is virtually all of them. But while Cortana was deeply integrated into Windows 10 when it launched, it’s now an app on Windows PCs and doesn’t play as much of a role as it used to. In fact, on Windows 11 you’ll need to add the Cortana app manually.
10.
Is a Chromebook or laptop better for office work?
Productivity apps—word processing, spreadsheets, and the like—represent the majority of the working day. Here, both Windows and Chromebook users have several choices, and both are honestly about equal. Chromebooks can run Microsoft’s Office apps as web apps or Android applications, while Windows PCs can run Google Workspace apps on the web. (Google Workspace was formerly named G Suite, and before that Google Apps.)
You might think that Office would be restricted to Windows, but that’s not true either: Office.com, also known as Office Online, runs in a web browser, and—assuming you have a subscription to Office 365 (now called Microsoft 365)—offers nearly all the functionality that the Office 365 suite does. (Microsoft Office apps are also available as Android apps, but it’s sometimes simpler to run them within the browser.) In fact, given that it’s powered by the cloud, you’ll find that Office Online sometimes gets updated with new features before they arrive on Microsoft 365. Office is typically used by most enterprises, and if your company administrator allows it, even shared corporate resources may be accessible via a Chromebook.
There’s one tweak: As of August 2021, Microsoft won’t support the Android version of Office apps on a Chromebook. That doesn’t mean you can’t run Office on a Chromebook; you’ll just need to use Office.com (aka Office Online) instead.
The Google Workspace suite also runs online, though it’s focused on the essentials, with fewer features than Office but a renewed focus on collaboration. I spent over a year exclusively working on a Chromebox (the nearly defunct desktop version of a Chromebook) and found Google’s simple interface and instantaneous autosaves superior to the Windows version of Office at the time. (Office apps like Word now autosave, too.) For our purposes, both Google Workspace and Office Online will run on either a plain Chromebook or Windows PC; however, if you need access to a local copy of Office, only a PC will suffice.
As of September 2021, Google has begun rolling out Cursive, a Progressive Web App (though they’re powered by the web, PWAs can be saved locally as apps) that is designed for detachable Chromebooks like the HP Chromebook X2 11. As the name suggests, Cursive allows you to jot notes in cursive, a bit like Microsoft OneNote. While it’s technically downloadable for the Chrome browser, many features reportedly won’t work on anything but a Chromebook. Other Chromebooks will receive the Cursive app a bit later on.
The gist is that productivity is possible on either a Chromebook or Windows PC with a minimal amount of effort, though you may want to pay for a subscription for either Office or Google’s suite of apps to get maximum benefit and storage space. You may also find Windows PCs a bit more easy to configure for printing.
From a hardware perspective, a traditional laptop form factor is more convenient than a detachable keyboard such as on the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, for example. While tablets make Android apps more convenient, the tradeoff is less productivity when in laptop mode.
If you buy a Chromebook that supports Android in tablet mode, then presto! Your Chromebook is now a large tablet.
If you buy a Chromebook that supports Android in tablet mode, then presto! Your Chromebook is now a large tablet.
Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
If you buy a Chromebook that supports Android in tablet mode, then presto! Your Chromebook is now a large tablet.
Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
11.
Can a Chromebook play games as well as a Windows PC?
With the vast history of classic PC games available to Windows machines, the PC is clearly dominant where gaming is concerned. However, there are also games that are “exclusive” to Chromebooks, thanks to 2016’s ChromeOS 53, and its ability to run Android apps and games. All Chromebooks made since 2019 (and some earlier models) have this capability. But the distinction is not quite as profound as it once was.
While you won’t be playing the latest Battlefield game on a Chromebook as a native app, Google has ported Steam over to certain Chromebooks as of March 2022, allowing you to play dozens of Steam games on a supported Chromebook, in an alpha state. This is an extremely early implementation, with just a few supported Chromebooks and the very real possibility of significant bugs. Our tutorial on how to play Steam games on a Chromebook has more.
We’re also seeing support for RGB keyboards in ChromeOS, implying that gaming Chromebooks could arrive sometime soon. Google also said in September 2022 that it’s rolling out keyboard support for touchscreen games, allowing you to play “touch” games on a Chromebook that lacks a touchscreen. This feature will debut in an alpha state in ChromeOS 105.
If your Chromebook is one of the cheaper, less powerful variety, don’t despair. Cloud gaming services can come to your rescue—and running them is the next best thing to loading and playing them on the Chromebook itself. In addition to the older Parsec cloud gaming service, you now have Nvidia GeForce Now, the Blade Shadow service (hailing from Europe), and even Xbox games. We explain how Xbox cloud gaming runs on a Chromebook. Just make sure that you either have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription in place, or own an Xbox outright.
Google believes strongly in cloud gaming, and launched a wave of cloud gaming Chromebooks to take advantage of the trend. We’re a little skeptical of whether these devices will be worth the extra money until we’ve tested them ourselves.
Windows PCs can now run Android games, too, believe it or not. As part of the “spring 2022 update” for Windows 11, Microsoft added support for a limited number of Android apps. They’re not downloadable via the Google Play Store, however. You’ll need to download them from Amazon instead. (Here’s how to install Android apps on your PC.) It’s possible you will be able to download Android apps from Google in the future, though. Google has also begun trialing Google Play games on Windows 11 PCs in Asia.
12.
Which offers more apps, Chromebooks or Windows PCs?
Games certainly fall into the category of local apps, but so do the numerous apps and utilities that can make everyday tasks a little easier. Here, it’s also a mixed bag.
This is sort of a lopsided comparison, since Microsoft doesn’t reveal the number of apps inside the Microsoft Store. Even if it did, that number wouldn’t reveal anything about the quality of apps found within it. App stores are notorious for including “knockoff” apps or crapware, and Microsoft has been particularly vulnerable. ChromeOS doesn’t include the type of crapware Windows PCs also sometimes ship with, requiring apps like CCleaner to tidy up.
One of the strengths of Windows, though, is its historical archive of bits of code, utilities, and other apps that have collected in dusty old hard-drive folders, FTP sites, and elsewhere. Batch resizing apps for images, custom calendar apps, macro managers—everyone has their favorites, and ChromeOS simply can’t compete. Windows PCs are the platform to run virtually everything: traditional Win32 apps, web apps, Linux apps, and Android apps via Windows 11 as well. The only exception are PCs running Windows 10 S or Windows 11 S, which won’t run anything but apps found in the Microsoft Store.
Chromebooks can run native “apps” for Chrome, including plugins. Plus, there are the additional Android apps that can run under ChromeOS: There were almost 3 million total in the Google Play app store as of June 2020. Not every Android app will run on a Chromebook. Chromebooks don’t include GPS chips, so location-specific apps won’t work. Ditto for those who rely on rear cameras that the Chromebook may or may not have—Pokemon Go, for instance.
Although we certainly don’t think this is for everyone, some Chromebooks can run Linux, but it will take some fiddling. Our friends over at Computerworld have an up-to-date guide on how to run Linux on a Chromebook.
Chrome apps can be found within the Chrome Web Store, where there are utilities, educational tools, and more.
Chrome apps can be found within the Chrome Web Store, where there are utilities, educational tools, and more. Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
Chrome apps can be found within the Chrome Web Store, where there are utilities, educational tools, and more. Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
Shutterstock / Lazy Bear
13.
Which lasts longer, a Chromebook or a PC?
The longevity of a PC is basically determined by how demanding Windows is, compared to the hardware powering it. The willingness of the PC maker and component makers to provide drivers also plays a role. Hardware failures will eventually occur. Every processor that Intel launches is accompanied by statements comparing the new chip to a 5-year-old PC, with performance improvements in the 30 to 40 percent range. Otherwise, a PC’s lifespan could go on for years, even decades, as long as the operating system is kept up to date.
Or we thought so, anyway. As the previous section noted, Windows 11 suddenly cut off millions of PCs from an upgrade to Windows 11, because of new hardware restrictions. Older PCs, even Surface devices made by Microsoft, are being cut off. Could Microsoft do this again in the future? We don’t know.
A Chromebook lasts as long as Google is willing to support it, and that’s much easier to determine: Google tells you. In the beginning, it was just five years after the original production date for any Chromebook (keep this in mind if you’re buying an older Chromebook, or a used one). More recently, Google’s begun extending the time it supports Chromebooks by about six months to a year, and even up to a total of eight years in some cases. Beginning with ChromeOS 80, in February 2020, it appears you can dive into the Settings menu and discover exactly when your device will lose support.
Just to be clear: A Windows PC or Chromebook that has exited its support window means that it won’t receive feature and security patches. That can leave either platform vulnerable to previously undiscovered malware or other attacks, with a variety of consequences.
Google also said recently that it’s working to separate the security aspects of ChromeOS from new features. Right now, when a Chromebook exits the support window, that’s it: no new features, no new security updates. In the future, though, Google’s support window may put a hard stop on new ChromeOS features, but may keep adding security patches for longer.
Ashley Biancuzzo
Ashley Biancuzzo
Ashley Biancuzzo
14.
Which is more secure, a Chromebook or a Windows PC?
Security isn’t a question that can be answered absolutely, but Chromebooks and Windows PCs differ fundamentally here. The relative simplicity of a Chromebook offers a far smaller “attack surface” than a Windows PC does. The complexity of Windows PCs, including the software Windows supports, provides hackers many more opportunities to attack.
Google developed Chromebooks with security as a priority, using everything from isolated, “sandboxed” processes to verified boot to help protect your system. (Our sister site, TechAdvisor, has a more detailed explanation.) For people who worry about websites that hijack your browser or download malware, a Chromebook’s defenses protect you without making you think about it much.
Keeping a Windows PC safe can be a much more complicated business. Security starts as soon as you begin setting up a new PC. Regular maintenance is required for both your antivirus software and the Windows operating system, though most happens automatically. Still, holes are constantly being discovered, such as the Meltdown/Spectre vulnerabilities, as well as the more recent Foreshadow/L1TF exploit. You have to be vigilant, or at least not too lazy, to protect your Windows PC. Fortunately, Windows’ built-in Windows Defender software is far better than it used to be, enough that Windows can basically take care of itself.
Login security works about the same on both platforms. Logging into a Chromebook requires a Google account and its password. While U2F hardware keys for logging in can be used, a typical home user probably wouldn’t. Windows PCs also prefer a Microsoft account and password (though you can log into the PC locally without one).
Authentication options include Windows Hello (either via a fingerprint reader or depth camera, or else with a short PIN), which provides a casual level of security that also lets you resume work quickly and easily. It’s a cross between ease-of-access and security that Microsoft has invested in heavily, and it’s a convenience that most Windows users appreciate. Don’t forget that Microsoft hates passwords and a Windows 11 passwordless option is available, with your phone’s authentication features doing much of the work.
Still, Chromebooks have improved here as well. ChromeOS 88, which rolled out in January 2021, supports WebAuthn, a feature that allows you to log into a website using your fingerprint or PIN. (Your Chromebook needs to have a fingerprint reader for this to work.) In this case, your phone replaces your PIN as a means of two-factor authentication.
Windows 11, though, introduces a huge wrinkle: Some PCs simply can’t be upgradable to Windows 11, because they lack the required hardware, including what’s known as a Trusted Platform Module, or TPM. But that TPM was specifically architected to provide more security to Windows platforms, too.
Amazon
Amazon
Amazon
15.
What Chromebook should I buy?
When buying a Chromebook, the main things to consider are the memory size—believe it or not, that’s more important than the processor. More RAM means more open, available tabs, and surfing the web is the most important job of the Chromebook. Screen size and resolution are the next priority: Cheap Chromebooks can have 11-inch, 768p screens. Buy a 13-inch or 14-inch Chromebook with a 1080p (1920×1080) screen if you can—your eyes will thank you for it.
Chromebooks can have a variety of low-end microprocessors to choose from, some of which you may have never heard of. PCWorld’s Alaina Yee recommends buying a Chromebook with a Pentium or Celeron processor—and that’s a good place to start if you don’t feel comfortable parsing Chromebook specifications. Anything more powerful than that, like an Intel Core chip, is just fine too.
Of the Chromebooks we’ve reviewed, we are particularly fond of the Chromebook Spin 713 and HP Chromebook X2 11. Our older picks include the Lenovo Chromebook Duet and Google’s own, luxurious, aging Pixelbook Go.
16.
What laptop should I buy?
When buying a laptop, consider buying one of PCWorld’s recommended laptops. Buying a laptop is relatively easy: simply look for an up-to-date AMD or Intel processor, and look for the lowest price.
Laptops with an Intel Core i3 or an AMD Ryzen 3 should be considered the minimum specification, with a Core i5 or Ryzen 5 preferred. Buy a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM inside and 256GB of storage. More RAM means more available tabs and a larger variety of applications; documents, video, and apps may require more storage space.
Buy a laptop with at least a 1080p screen, and a comfortable size. Remember, a larger laptop is typically heavier, too.
Gaming laptops should be avoided unless you intend to play games! Gaming laptops use a discrete GPU, and tend to be more expensive. But they’re fun! If you’re in the market for a gaming laptop, select from one of our top picks in gaming laptops.
Dominic Bayley / IDG
Dominic Bayley / IDG
Dominic Bayley / IDG
17.
Which is better, a Chromebook or laptop?
While we can’t say for certain which platform you’ll prefer, here’s a suggestion: If you think that a Chromebook could be right for you, take a Windows PC, download the Google Chrome browser, and then work exclusively within it for a day. While both platforms now offer Android apps, ChromeOS still offers a broader, more popular range from the Google Play Store.
It’s fair to say that Windows offers a more comprehensive experience, but ChromeOS is usually a significantly simpler, cheaper alternative. The buying decision usually works out to something like: “I can do almost everything in Windows with a Chromebook, but…” It’s that last little bit—printing, file management, etc.— that will guide your decision. Good luck!
ChromebookLaptopAffordableHigher price tagLong battery lifeBetter storage optionsEasy setupSnappier performance, can be used to play games or run video editing softwareAndroid and Linux compatabilityRuns more apps and browsersLess vulnerable to attacksLightweight form factors
FAQ
1.
Can I use Word on a Chromebook?
Yes, but there are a few ways to go about it. You can download Microsoft 365 app by navigating to www.office.com and sign in to your Microsoft Account or an account that has access to a Microsoft 365 subscription.
You can also install the Microsoft Word app on the Google Play Store. Once you’ve installed it, use the launcher to open the Word app and start typing away. You’ll need sign in using a Microsoft account or a Microsoft Office Subscription account.
2.
How do I know if I should get a Chromebook or a laptop?
It really boils down to the operating system at the end of the day. Do you like using Chrome OS or does it inspire intense feelings of rage? I’m something of a minimalist, so I prefer the straightforwardness of Chrome OS. But with Chromebooks, you’re stuck with Chrome OS and that’s that. If you’d rather have different browser options, then go for a Windows laptop.
3.
What are the disadvantages of buying a Chromebook?
While Chromebooks have a lot to offer the average user, there are a number of disadvantages to be aware of. It’s limited when it comes to resource-heavy tasks like multimedia editing and you can’t do much with it if you haven’t got a stable online connection. Chromebooks also don’t come with the latest and greatest CPU or ample RAM. The hardware is fine for general browsing, but not much else.
4.
What can’t a Chromebook do that a laptop can?
A Chromebook can’t run anything but Chrome OS. You get a lot more variety with Windows laptops. You can run a lot more apps, browsers, and so on.
5.
Why get a Chromebook instead of a laptop?
Chromebooks are just simple and easy to use. All you need is a Gmail account and you’re in. You don’t have to worry about updating the operating system because it does it automatically. If you can live without Windows or macOS programs and your usage is relatively light, then a Chromebook is the way to go.
6.
Can you use a Chromebook without Internet?
Yes, but you’re limited with what you can do. You can access Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Play Movies, and Google Keep. Just make sure you flip Google Docs to offline mode, which you can read more about here. The updates should happen automatically when you go back online.
7.
Why is a Chromebook better than a laptop?
Chromebooks are easier and don’t require as much maintenance as a Windows laptop.
Updated on July 8, 2024, with more buying decisions, updates, and further details.
Business, Chromebooks, Consumer Electronics, Desktop PCs, Laptops, Technology Industry Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 10 Jul (PC World)A VPN, or virtual private network, is one of the best ways to boost your privacy online. Not only does it hide your IP address and activities from prying eyes, but it also encrypts your connection for extra security. Unfortunately, a VPN has the drawback of slowing down your internet speeds and limiting some local functionality.
The solution to these problems may be a VPN feature called split tunneling. It allows you to choose which internet traffic you wish to send through a VPN and which to keep separate. This can help speed up your connection and optimize access, but it may also create unintended privacy vulnerabilities. It’s worth taking a closer look at this helpful feature to understand better how split tunneling works and whether or not you need it.
Split tunneling is just one of the great features that the top VPNs provide. Check out my list of the best VPNs to see how all the best services compare.
Further reading: 5 VPN features you need to start using today
How does split tunneling work?
When you connect through a VPN, all of your internet traffic is rerouted through a secure, encrypted VPN server. Rather than directly connecting to the internet with your home IP address, the VPN server will access the internet on your behalf instead.
Because all of your data is sent through an encrypted VPN server, it is completely anonymized and private. The drawback is that this process of rerouting your traffic usually slows down your internet speed, sometimes considerably.
Split tunneling works by simultaneously “splitting” your connection to send some traffic through the secure VPN connection and some through your open connection to the internet. So you can keep your sensitive data safely behind the secure VPN connection without slowing down your other less sensitive internet activities. I call that a win-win.
Different types of split tunneling
Best VPn for split tunneling
Private Internet Access
Read our review
Best Prices Today:
$11.95 at Private Internet Access
There are three types of split tunneling, each of which allows you to implement the feature in different ways. Note that while standout providers such as Private Internet Access offer all three types of split tunneling, some VPNs may not have the feature at all, or more likely come with only one type.
App-based split tunneling
App-based split tunneling is the most common form of split tunneling. It allows you to choose which apps on your device you wish to route through the VPN, and which remain on your regular network.
A very common way to implement this is to route your browser apps (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) through the VPN while leaving apps that require fast connection speeds such as games to continue unimpeded on your home network.
Most VPNs offer app-based split tunneling.
Most VPNs offer app-based split tunneling. Sam Singleton
Most VPNs offer app-based split tunneling. Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
URL-based split tunneling
URL-based split tunneling, rather than designating whole apps, allows you to choose specific URLs you want to run through your VPN connection and which you wish to leave separate. This type of split tunneling is most commonly found in browser-based VPNs or browser addons.
With URL-based split tunneling you can customize your connection to privately connect to sensitive websites such as banks or even spoof your location to get around geo-restricted streaming content on Netflix. All of this while keeping the rest of your browsing locally based outside of the VPN.
Inverse split tunneling
Inverse split tunneling works in the opposite way of the other two. Instead of cherry picking which apps or URLs to run through the VPN like the above types, with inverse split tunneling you instead specify which to keep outside of the VPN.
Inverse split tunneling is extremely useful if you want the majority of your apps to run through a VPN connection, but only want a single app or URL to run outside of it. This way, rather than manually selecting all of the apps to run through the VPN individually, you can just choose the app you wish to exclude instead.
Do you need split tunneling in a VPN?
The answer to whether you need split tunneling will come down to your intended use of a VPN. If you simply want total privacy across all apps and websites, then it’s not worth bothering with split tunneling. However, if you’re concerned about a VPN slowing down an app or site which doesn’t need the extra privacy or security benefits, then split tunneling is worth taking the time to set up.
Split tunneling truly shines in scenarios where optimizing the performance of your internet while maintaining security to the most crucial apps and sites is critical. For example, users who want their browsing to remain private can choose to run their browser traffic through a VPN, while their online gaming or file sharing is kept separate to avoid any ping or latency issues.
Alternatively, a remote worker might use split tunneling to securely access company resources via a VPN while simultaneously streaming music or video over their open connection in order to keep from compromising speeds.
Overall, split tunneling is a powerful and handy feature to have in a VPN. I personally use split tunneling to optimize both the privacy and speed of my connections while I’m online. It might not always be necessary, but it can make your VPN experience a whole lot better.
VPN Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 9 Jul (PC World)I honestly can’t remember exactly when I switched from Firefox to Chrome. I definitely let Google’s “new” browser stew for a year or two after it came out in 2008, as I was big into Firefox’s deep customization and extensions. But eventually the speed of Chrome, and the integration with Android and other Google tools, won me over.
For the last few years it’s been a rocky relationship. Google’s continual enshittification of its own Search and YouTube platforms has made this former Android fanboy decidedly lukewarm on the ecosystem. And that’s saying nothing of Chrome’s more and more memory-hungry footprint, or the deeply questionable shift to a new Google-friendly cookie alternative. The straw that broke the camel’s back was something innocuous, a redesign of the browser tabs that made them chunky and harder to read. Once Google broke the undo button for this UI shift in ://flags, it was time for something new.
Two potential deal-breakers
I’ve tried to break away from Chrome before, but two things have stopped me cold. One, I need compatibility with Chrome’s browser extensions, or at least something that has just as much variety. That’s less of an issue now that everything seems to use the Chromium base. You can even do it with Edge if you want.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
The other thing that I need is more subtle, but almost as essential to my everyday workflow: the ability to make dedicated, single-site browser windows. It’s my all-time favorite Chrome tool, and something I set up for pretty much any site I rely on throughout the week, including the Google Docs window I’m writing in right now and the WordPress interface I’ll use to finish up the article. Most importantly, Windows (and ChromeOS and macOS) treat these as independent applications on the taskbar. Chrome calls it “Open as window” when you create a shortcut to the desktop.
The ability to open sites as dedicated windows is super important to me…and surprisingly rare among “advanced” browsers.
The ability to open sites as dedicated windows is super important to me…and surprisingly rare among “advanced” browsers. Michael Crider/Foundry
The ability to open sites as dedicated windows is super important to me…and surprisingly rare among “advanced” browsers. Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
This proved to be a surprisingly elusive feature. Edge can do it, but I ruled it out more or less for spite, since Microsoft’s been pulling every dirty trick it can to make me use the official Windows browser. I tried Arc, Brave (which I learned has entirely unrelated issues), DuckDuckGo, Opera, and even went back to Firefox for a while. For each of them the open-in-a-dedicated-window feature is either missing or too circuitous to make it worthwhile.
I’ve tried all of these before. And I’ve tried Vivaldi before, too — this feature is what put it on the map for me after my last unsuccessful attempt at shifting browsers. Vivaldi’s speed and stability weren’t quite there yet, and I rely on dozens of browser tabs in order to do my job. So I reluctantly returned to my old flame almost exactly two years ago, and let the abusive relationship continue. This time I was determined to make a full break, no matter which browser finally won me over.
Since Vivaldi is also based on the open-source Chromium engine and can install Chrome extensions directly from the Google-maintained Chrome Web Store, my two essentials were fulfilled. It was time to give it a full test drive. And after using it almost exclusively for the last two months, on PCs and mobile, I’m ready to commit.
Everything and the kitchen sink
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Upon first glance, Vivaldi is a little overwhelming. It uses a “kitchen sink” approach that throws every conceivable tool at you: It has server-synced settings, tabs, and history. It has a customizable start page and themes. It has built-in clients for web mail, web calendars, and even RSS feeds. It’s all visible at all times with a sidebar. It’s a lot, and this kind of information overload is one of the things that put me off of Opera. (Hardly a surprise: One of the company’s founders was also a co-founder of Opera software.)
But after digging a little deeper, Vivaldi reminded me more of Firefox. Not the Firefox of today, because frankly I haven’t used it seriously in so long that I couldn’t make that judgment. No, it reminded me of Firefox almost 20 years ago, back when I’d spend hours in my college dorm room tweaking settings and digging through themes on DeviantArt when I should have been studying.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Vivaldi lets you hide the side panel, an apparently essential part of its workflow. Vivaldi lets you turn off the things you don’t use, like those mail and calendar tools. Vivaldi builds in some of the tools I’ve spent years relying upon extensions for, like mouse gestures for common actions. Vivaldi lets you tweak and trim down almost every aspect of how it interacts with the user, in ways that Chrome — despite originating as an open-source project — doesn’t even trust power users to touch anymore.
An ideal mix of power and versatility
After a month, I’m finding that there’s nothing I want to do with Vivaldi that I can’t, and nothing that it wants me to do that it insists upon. It takes a while to learn where everything is, but everything is there. It’s refreshing to be trusted as a computer user — Windows could take some notes, in fact.
You probably don’t need all of Vivaldi’s features, but a few have replaced my Chrome extensions, like mouse gestures.
You probably don’t need all of Vivaldi’s features, but a few have replaced my Chrome extensions, like mouse gestures. Michael Crider/Foundry
You probably don’t need all of Vivaldi’s features, but a few have replaced my Chrome extensions, like mouse gestures. Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Since I’m splitting with Chrome, I decided to make it a true split, and ditch it on my phone as well. While the mobile version of Vivaldi lacks a lot of its more memory-intensive tools, I’ve found that it does something I’ve been begging Chrome to do for years: let me use the search shortcuts I’m used to on the desktop on mobile. So even on my phone, I can add a “w” in the URL bar to instantly search Wikipedia, or “az” for Amazon, or even “pcw” to search through the PCWorld archive. And all of these settings sync over in the browser’s built-in tool. This kind of trust is something I’ve been missing from my browser for a long, long time.
Vivaldi isn’t perfect. It’s a little pokier than Chrome when I have dozens of tabs going (and I often do), and every once in a while I run into a weird bug where it wants a confirmation click for opening a new window. But since we’re talking about software developed by a few dozen people instead of hundreds (or possibly even thousands), a few hiccups are both expected and forgivable.
The ability to use search shortcuts in the URL bar is something I haven’t seen in other mobile browsers, including Chrome.
The ability to use search shortcuts in the URL bar is something I haven’t seen in other mobile browsers, including Chrome. Michael Crider/Foundry
The ability to use search shortcuts in the URL bar is something I haven’t seen in other mobile browsers, including Chrome. Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
I don’t think Vivaldi is for everyone. But if you’re a regular PCWorld reader, if you know how to upgrade your own RAM, if you’re not afraid of tweaking some registry files, et cetera, it might be for you. It has let me finally end my contentious relationship with Chrome (if not with Google) once and for all, and for that I’m grateful.
Personal Software Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | ITBrief - 9 Jul (ITBrief)![NZ Located](/pimages/nzsmall.gif) Arcanum AI, a New Zealand AI firm, has inked a three-year deal with Amazon Web Services, joining tech heavyweights IBM and PwC, and expanding into Australia. Read...Newslink ©2024 to ITBrief | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 9 Jul (PC World)TL;DR: Sign up for a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership and you’ll get a $40 digital Costco Shop Card*, too.
Everyone wants to save money. Doing so is a whole lot easier when you’re doing your shopping at Costco. Fortunately, you can sign up for one of the best deals you’ll find on the web right now. For a limited time, you can get a $40 digital Costco Shop Card* when you sign up for a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership.
At Costco, you can save big on all kinds of goods, from groceries and office supplies to electronics, clothing, and much more. With everyday savings unmatched by traditional retail, you can get all of your shopping done in a single place, for a great price. Plus, you can save even more on hotels, airfare, and more with Costco Travel, enjoy discounts at the pump with Costco Gas, and much more.
Take advantage of the web’s best deal on Costco membership. Right now, when you sign up for a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership for just $60, you’ll get a $40 digital Costco Shop Card to start saving immediately.
Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card – $60
See Deal
StackSocial prices subject to change.
*To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to provide a valid email address, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Limit one per household. Nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. New members will receive their Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of sign-up. Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Gas Stations, Car Washes, or Food Court Kiosks. A Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.
Mobile Apps Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 9 Jul (PC World)The best USB-C hubs are designed to expand your laptop’s capabilities, allowing you to connect legacy printers, mice, and keyboards via a dongle that connects to your laptop’s USB-C port.
That’s true of each of the USB-C hubs I recommend below, which contain a variety of ports (including USB-A ports, HDMI, and more).
I’ve organized my USB-C recommendations this way: traditional, ultraportable USB-C hubs on top, followed by my picks for the best USB-C docking stations for desktop use. The latter are a bit bulkier, but tend to offer more connections.
I’ll also introduce you to DisplayLink docks, an improved version that offers hardware-based compression to move more data over the USB-C port. More advanced features lie within the best Thunderbolt docks, which I’ve listed separately. It can all be a little confusing, so I’ve included an expanded FAQ and a buying guide below my recommendations to help you make sense of it all.
A USB-C hub connects to the USB-C port on the side of your laptop. In this example, the left port is used for charging, so you’d need to buy a USB-C hub with a charging input to use with this slot. (Of course, you could also buy a hub without charging capabilities and use it in the other USB-C port, to the right of the charging port.)
A USB-C hub connects to the USB-C port on the side of your laptop. In this example, the left port is used for charging, so you’d need to buy a USB-C hub with a charging input to use with this slot. (Of course, you could also buy a hub without charging capabilities and use it in the other USB-C port, to the right of the charging port.)
A USB-C hub connects to the USB-C port on the side of your laptop. In this example, the left port is used for charging, so you’d need to buy a USB-C hub with a charging input to use with this slot. (Of course, you could also buy a hub without charging capabilities and use it in the other USB-C port, to the right of the charging port.)
Why you should trust me: I’ve written about technology for 30 years, and have compiled this roundup of the best USB-C hubs and dongles since 2022, when I started reviewing dozens of these products. I also offer related recommendations for the best Thunderbolt docks, so I understand exactly how complex the simple USB-C port can be and what technology works best with it. Few if any publications will even write about, let alone review, DisplayLink docks, which also provide an inexpensive yet powerful alternative to a USB-C hub. I review those as well. It’s a niche that I know quite a bit about.
Updated July 8, 2024: My most recent review is the well-designed Baseus Spacemate USB-C Dock, a USB-C dock I rather liked. Unfortunately, its performance falls a bit short for me to recommend it as a best pick.
Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub – Best overall USB-C hub
Pros
Good value for the money
Excellent build quality
Supplies 85W of power
Good mix of legacy and newer ports
Cons
4K output is just 30Hz
Best Prices Today:
$49.99 at Amazon
Why I like the Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
Can a USB-C hub feel elegant? This one does. Anker’s 8-in-1 USB-C hub feels surprisingly weighty (4.5 ounces), with a premium metallic (aluminum and polycarbonate) sheen that keeps the hub cool. Overall, Anker’s hub is well designed, with adequate spacing between the two 5Gbps USB-A ports. There’s also a 5Gbps USB-C connection for data, plus a second USB-C port for power input at up to 85W rated. (The charger allows up to 100W in, but supplies 85W.) There’s both an SD card slot and a microSD card slot, too.
I had previously recommended Anker’s 7-in-1 Hub instead. Both hubs are similar, but this upgrade adds two things: an Ethernet port, and an HDMI port capable of 60Hz. The earlier pick output just 30Hz, and that capability was getting a bit outdated.
The hub offers an 18-month warranty, and it even ships with a carrying pouch. I think this hub includes the right mix of ports for the right price.
Who should buy the Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
This is our best pick, so I’d recommend it to just about anyone. Most users will be able to take advantage of the USB-A ports for legacy mice and keyboards, the HDMI port, a USB-C port, and Ethernet. These are the ports I’d expect on a device like this. If you’re looking for more display ports or more USB-C connections, however, you’ll need to buy a more premium device.
Hiearcool USB-C Hub – Best budget USB-C hub
Pros
Just the basics
Solid price
100W pass-through charging
Cons
No Ethernet
Best Prices Today:
$22.99 at Amazon
Why I like the Hiearcool USB-C Hub
Let’s face it: If you’ve ever browsed Amazon’s inventory of USB-C hubs, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. I can tell you that I factor in price heavily on some of these picks, and this is a USB-C hub that I’ve personally used. It works, it offers a myriad of ports, and it does so at a very, very good price. (This hub dates back to when I first started this page, and didn’t issue individual reviews of every product.) It even ships in multiple colors, which is handy when peering into the depths of a travel bag or briefcase.
This hub includes a pair of USB-A ports, microSD and SD card slots, and an HDMI port, and that’s all. It accepts up to a rated 100W of USB-C input charging, too.
Who should buy the Hiearcool USB-C Hub
This is a hub for basic expansion, especially if you own an older laptop. It has one HDMI port that’s only capable of 4K resolution at a fatiguing 30Hz. However, it will work just fine for an single external 1080 display or even a 1440p monitor, if you own one. The two USB-A ports are designed for a mouse and keyboard, or a printer. If you need something cheap and capable, this hub will work just fine.
Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock – Best premium USB-C hub
Pros
Multiple display possibilities
Tons of ports
Cons
Confusing documentation
Slow SD card slot
Numerous high-speed ports can get clogged by the main 10Gbps USB-C connection
Why I like the Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock
Monoprice calls this a dock, but it sits within the traditional hub form factor — and it’s priced like a hub, too. This 13-in-1 USB-C hub does it all, including connecting to two 4K displays (one at 60Hz, one at 30Hz). It does so by using support for built-in compression techniques within modern laptops to squeeze more effective throughput over the 10Gbps USB-C port. There are absolutely gobs of ports, including five USB-A ports (two at 480Mbps for mice and keyboards), the two HDMI 1.2 connections, and even a DisplayPort port.
There’s even a power input jack, so you can use your laptop’s charger and feed up to a tested 87W into the laptop. There aren’t any USB-C ports, but the assumption is that you can use your laptop for that.
Who should buy the Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock
If you own a modern laptop and want access to a ton of legacy ports for a reasonable price, this Monoprice hub/dock should be your choice. You need to own a modern laptop, though; a Microsoft Surface Book 2 with an 8th-gen Core chip inside didn’t produce any output over its USB-C port; several recent Samsung and Surface laptops with 12th-gen and 13th-gen Core chips inside worked well, though.
Read our full
Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock review
Cyber Acoustics DS-1000 Docking Station – Best full-size USB-C docking station
Pros
It works…with the right hardware
Great compact design
Solid value for the price
Cons
You’ll need a recent laptop for compatibility, and it’s not a given
Best Prices Today:
$169.99 at Amazon
Why I like the Cyber Acoustics DS-1000 Docking Station
A docking station typically offers more ports and a dedicated power supply. What I like about this Cyber Acoustics dock is that it can drive two 4K displays if you need to, at 60Hz resolution. It also can fast-charge a smartphone with its integrated USB-C dock, which a bus-powered USB hub like the ones above can’t do. It also puts out about 90W to your laptop, which is enough to power most laptops. You’ll find it has both the USB-C port as well as five USB-A ports, plenty for expansion, plus the HDMI connections and even Ethernet.
The catch is that this really only works well on 12th-gen Core laptops and above. It uses a bit of black magic called HBR3 with DSC to push compressed data through the 10Gbps USB-C connection, and in my experience anything 11th-gen and older risks it not working at all. I really like this dock, but my rating is weighted by the need for modern hardware.
Who should buy the Cyber Acoustics DS-1000 Docking Station
If you buy this docking station, you’ll want to leave it on your desk, with a monitor or two and several peripherals attached. USB-C dongles are portable by nature, and you can use one of our earlier suggestions for working on the road. This dock is also suited for someone who plans to work with two displays, rather than just one. Is it better than a Thunderbolt dock? Not really, but if you have a laptop without Thunderbolt, this can approximate the capabilities of those devices.
Just to reiterate, however: You’ll need a modern laptop, with a 12th-gen Core chip and above, for this dock to work its magic. If you have an older laptop, this isn’t the device for you.
Read our full
Cyber Acoustics DS-1000 Essential Laptop Docking Station review
Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Edition – Best full-size USB-C docking station runner-up
Pros
Detailed, informative LCD display
Excellent information and controls
Top-notch performance
Odd but competitive pricing scheme
Cons
No manual?!
Some instability
More charging power needed
Demands an up-to-date laptop for best results
Best Prices Today:
$159.99 at Dockcase
Why I like the Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Edition
Part of me loves the sheer nerdiness of the Dockcase 10-in-1 Dock, if only because I’ve never seen anything like it in terms of the information it offers.
Not only is the metal hub larger than most, with multiple external connectors that designate a premium hub, but there’s an actual display: A small LCD screen provides a detailed look at what devices are connected to each port and what their capabilities are. Put another way, the Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 feels more like an OBD2 diagnostic device for your car, or a USB multimeter.
As a dock, it’s excellent. As a tool, it can use some improvement: The interface is extremely clunky, and Dockcase really doesn’t even have a manual that explains it all. But this device is also small enough that it fulfills the requirements of a docking station without it being ungainly.
Who should buy the Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Edition
Nerds. Yep, this is one of the nerdiest products I’ve ever used, and I like and loathe how it just lets you sort of discover what it can do. But it tells you what your laptop is connecting to and how it’s working! It even reports glitches! I love that.
Are you the type of person who owns an OBD scanner to diagnose any issues with your car? If you are, this is the USB-C hub for you.
Read our full
Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Edition review
IOGEAR Travel Pro USB-C Mini Dock (GUD3C460) – Best compact/travel USB-C docking station
Pros
One of the smallest docks on the market
Minimizes desk clutter
Cons
No cable
Can block ports
Why I like the IOGEAR Travel Pro USB-C Mini Dock (GUD3C460)
At 2.8 x 0.31 x 1.22 inches, IOgear’s Travel Pro Mini Dock is an odd duck: an inexpensive, relatively tiny USB-C dock that plugs directly into your laptop, without a connecting cord. USB-C power input at up to 60Hz, USB-A, HDMI (at up to 4K60), and a headphone jack: simple and effective. It’s a minimalist solution in all aspects.
Who should buy the IOGEAR Travel Pro USB-C Mini Dock (GUD3C460)
Maybe you have neck or back issues, or just want the lightest laptop and peripherals possible. You hate clutter. This IOGEAR Mini Dock slides right into an available USB-C port and provides expansion capabilities without a whole lot of fuss. This is really the smallest USB-C dock I’ve seen, and for some people that matters.
The only thing I don’t like about it: If you own a laptop with several ports spaced closely together, the Mini Dock may block access. That may make it a handicap, so be sure and check before you buy.
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 – Best full-size USB-C DisplayLink dock
Pros
Terrific price and value
Excellent stability
Great display port flexibility
Support for two 4K60 displays
Cons
Have to provide your own power supply
Can warm to somewhat alarming temperatures
Mandatory software driver
A lack of naming consistency
Best Prices Today:
$139.99 at Ugreen$199.99 at Amazon
This is our top pick for an upgraded DisplayLink dock, which has its own pros and cons — slightly more expensive than a USB-C docking station, but more features, too.
Why I like the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
Ugreen’s 9-in-1 USB-C docking station is typical of the brand: quality design and manufacture, obtuse naming, and pricing that seems to vary from one vendor to the next. But this DisplayLink dock offers an excellent mix of port flexibility at a solid price. There is one catch: It lacks any power input at all, and you’ll need to use your laptop’s USB-C power supply (or buy one) to charge both this dock and the laptop itself.
Like most DisplayLink docks, this dock was unusually stable, with no flickering between displays — one of the reasons I like DisplayLink docks. The price nails that sweet spot, too. Just remember to bring your smartphone charger.
Who should buy the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
DisplayLink docks fit between a USB-C dongle and a Thunderbolt dock, and I always think of a DisplayLink buyer as a small business owner or home worker who is focused on productivity and lots of high-end displays. DisplayLink docks excel for office work, and struggle a bit in handling high frame rates for games.
Read our full
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 review
Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock – Best full-size USB-C DisplayLink dock runner-up
Pros
Top-notch performance
Support for three 4K60 displays
Solid value
20W of charging power for smartphones, 100W for laptop
Exemplary documentation
Two-year warranty
Cons
Direct display connection disconnected once
Poor, glitchy intermittent audio
Best Prices Today:
$199.99 at Amazon$239.99 at Sonnet
Why I like the Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock
Sonnet’s Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock’s built-in compression means you can connect to three 4K displays without penalty. And yes, it works as advertised. I also love that Sonnet spent so much time explaining the dock and its features. You don’t often see such a well-documented dock, and it’s friendly to newcomers. There’s plenty of charging power for both smartphones and laptops alike, too.
The performance of this dock was excellent, though (as noted above) it did disconnect once while using it. The only knock against it is the lousy audio — but your laptop probably already has a headphone jack. Just use that instead. This dock is also a bit more expensive than the Ugreen dock, which is why I’ve pushed it down to runner-up status.
Who should buy the Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock
I have to say that the Echo 13’s documentation really does help in recommending this dock to newcomers, as does the warranty. If you’re feeling a bit uncertain about USB-C hubs and docking stations, this dock provides reassurance. Just make sure your laptop has a headphone jack.
Read our full
Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock review
How to choose a USB-C hub
First, take stock of your peripherals
Here’s where to start: Take a look at the peripherals you own, or plan to buy. Do you have an old external hard drive that uses a traditional USB-A cable? Do you manually back up photos from an SLR via its SD card? Or is your Wi-Fi connection unreliable enough that you’d prefer ethernet? Figure out what ports you’ll need. This advice is also for Windows users; Macs have their own limitations on USB-C connections.
Keep in mind that you may want to use both a mouse and keyboard, and possibly connect a printer, too. You can disconnect a keyboard to print, but it’s kind of a pain.
This laptop has several USB-C ports, but if yours has just one, you’ll want to daisy-chain the laptop’s power cord by plugging it directly into the hub, like so.
Next, check out what ports your laptop already has
It’s also important to take stock of your laptop or tablet’s ports: Does it have one USB-C port or two? If your device only has one port, is there a separate charging connection? If your laptop or tablet has a USB-C port and uses it exclusively for charging, you’ll want to buy a USB-C hub with a dedicated charging input port. (In this case, it’s also possible that only the charging port on the hub will work, though this isn’t typical.)
Note how much input power the port allows, and confirm that will be sufficient for your laptop. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to choose between charging your laptop and accessing other devices, which makes little sense. Most laptops will pop up a warning about a “slow charger” if your laptop’s not getting enough juice.
Does your monitor have a USB-C port?
Recently, we’ve begun to see more displays include a USB-C port as well as HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. This is a positive sign (kind of) in that your monitor may be able to eliminate the need for a USB-C hub.
A laptop’s USB-C port.
A laptop’s USB-C port.Matt Smith/IDG
A laptop’s USB-C port.Matt Smith/IDG
Matt Smith/IDG
This has a couple of wrinkles. First, monitor ports have never been the most accessible, and trying to find the right port on the back of a big, clunky display isn’t fun. You may find want to invest in a cheap USB-C hub just to avoid the hassle.
Second, that monitor’s USB-C port may actually be a video input — so instead of connecting an HDMI cable between your PC and the display, you can simply run a USB-C to USB-C cable and accomplish the same thing. How do you know to do that? First, check out our roundup of the best USB-C displays, then read it carefully. We distinguish between the two to help you out.
Assess your laptop and peripheral power needs
Keep in mind that the hub’s power port is for taking power in to your laptop, and not out to a phone. But your hub may still be able to charge your phone, with some caveats. A “bus-powered” USB hub connects to your laptop and pulls power from it, which it has share with several devices—and it won’t do it that well.
Some docks will include a USB-C port whose only purpose is to accept your laptop’s USB-C charger. That port will power your laptop as well as any ports connected to it. These devices will make more power available for fast charging your phone. (Your hub probably won’t enable specialized charging like the Samsung Galaxy S20’s Super Fast Charging, however, even if you use the supplied Samsung cable. You’ll still need to connect your phone to its charger for that.)
Making sense of the USB-C technologies
A USB-C port on your laptop can either run at 5Gbps or 10Gbps, with the latter being almost ubiquitous these days. That’s plenty of bandwidth for a printer, a mouse, a keyboard, or a hard drive, even all at once. Products like displays, ethernet, and high-speed SSDs gobble up that bandwidth, however.
We find that the display technologies tend to have the most influence over what you should buy. If you simply want to connect to an external 1080p display—or two—a USB-C dongle should work fine, provided that the dongle has the available ports. It’s certainly the cheapest option. Once you start trying to connect to one or two 1440p or 4K displays, however, you may find that you’ll want to consider options like the USB-C docking stations. You can get around this, in part. Instead of plugging your ethernet cable into the USB-C dongle, you can use a separate Wi-Fi connection, for example.
Traditionally, the only other alternative was a Thunderbolt dock. Provided your laptop had a Thunderbolt port, Thunderbolt’s 40Gbps bandwidth allows for two 4K displays, running at 60Hz, plus various peripherals. (You can use a USB-C dock even if you have a Thunderbolt port, by the way.) USB4, a similar technology, is basically the same as Thunderbolt for your purposes.
Mentioned in this article
IOgear Thunderbolt 3 Travel Dock (GTD300)
Now, there are also two intermediary technologies to choose from: a DisplayLink USB-C dock, and a USB-C dock that takes advantage of something called HBR3 and DSC.
DisplayLink, owned by Synaptics, uses software compression between your laptop and the dock to approximate a Thunderbolt experience over a generic USB-C connection. It requires a software driver, but our experience is that it’s an excellent choice for office work, but not gaming. Here are the best DisplayLink docks and why to buy them.
HBR3 with Display Compression (HBR3 with DSC) is essentially an industry standard version of DisplayLink. The problem? The technology hasn’t been widely publicized, let alone supported. Our experience has been that docks that support HBR3 work well with laptops using 12th-gen Core processors on up. Laptops with a 10th-gen Core chip inside them aren’t supported, and 11th-gen Core laptops are iffy. If you own a 12th-gen Core laptop, especially a member of Intel’s premium Evo brand, you stand a good chance of success. Otherwise, don’t bother. (We haven’t tested with laptops that use an AMD Ryzen chip.)
Thunderbolt cables and ports include the little lightning-bolt icon, which differentiates them from the otherwise unmarked USB-C cables.
Finally, don’t worry about platform branding
Because USB-C is common among Macs, Windows PCs, and phones, some hubs align their branding with a particular platform. Go ahead and use that USB-C that’s billed as being “for MacBook Pro, Chromebook, and XPS” with any Windows PC—we did, and it works just fine. You won’t need any special software or drivers.
After testing our USB-C hubs, we can confirm that some no-names perform just as well as their more well-known counterparts, and for less money, too. One thing to keep in mind: Because price is so critical to our recommendations, know that some of the prices may change as manufacturers offer sales. Therefore some hubs we didn’t recommend primarily based on price could become more purchase-worthy.
How we test USB-C hubs
We test USB-C hubs/dongles slightly differently than docking stations. A separate article offers a detailed explanation on how we test USB-C hubs, but here’s a summary of the process:
We evaluate USB-C hubs based upon price, features, and functionality. Price certainly matters, as do any sales. More complex hubs usually command more money, but that’s not always the case!
When evaluating a hub or dongle, we first check how closely the ports are spaced. You’ll need a dongle that allows for both USB keys as well as more traditional cords to something like a printer. How long is the cord? It sounds a little dumb, but we do run into devices where these basics aren’t even considered.
We’re seeking the most advanced, most flexible USB-C hubs at the best price. In certain scenarios, we rule out older hardware (that which drives a 4K display at 30Hz, rather than 60Hz, for example). The pace of change in the USB-C hub market is slow, meaning that price is often the determining factor.
We do run performance checks, however. We check for stability: Does everything connect, and reliably? We use live test hardware that you’d find in your home: mice, keyboards, monitors, and so on. We run storage tests (using PCMark’s storage benchmark) against a test SSD to determine the performance. It’s rare that a USB-C device overheats, but we’ll check that too, though by feel.
We go into more detail with docking stations. We perform the above tests, but typically examine a USB-C docking station using the same methodology as a Thunderbolt dock. We connect it to multiple 4K displays and ensure that they can hit the targeted refresh rate. We then perform several storage tests: connecting an SSD to a USB-A or USB-C port and checking the performance using PCMark 10; streaming video to the display; and, while running the PCMark test, continuing to stream video. We also copy a test folder of files from the SSD to the host laptop across the USB connection.
FAQ
1.
Why buy a USB-C hub or dongle?
Remember when laptops used to contain all sorts of ports: USB-A, HDMI, SD card slots, and more? And do you remember how svelte the early Macintosh laptops looked, especially when Apple began removing all of the ports in favor of USB-C and Thunderbolt? PC makers did, and decided that was the approach that they would take, too.
Unfortunately, that left laptop owners like you with the problem of legacy hardware: printers, keyboards, SD card, micro SD cards, and so on — and with no ports to plug them into. Enter the USB-C hub, an inexpensive product that helps solve that problem. Just pay attention to what ports the USB-C hub offers, to make sure it meets your needs.
2.
I don’t understand what the difference is between a USB-C hub, a DisplayLink dock, and a Thunderbolt docking station. What do I need?
Here’s the short answer: If you want to connect your laptop to a printer, an SD card or microSD card, mouse, keyboard, or legacy 1080p monitor, stick with a basic 10Gbps USB-C hub/dongle. If you want to add a pair of additional displays (especially 4K), or high-speed SSD drives, we’d recommend you look at our list of 10Gbps DisplayLink docks or 40Gbps Thunderbolt docking stations. Generally, the larger, powered docks offer more features.
It is confusing, since they all use the “same” USB-C port. Generally, most modern laptops have a small Thunderbolt “lightning bolt” logo to help distinguish the faster port.
3.
What’s the difference between a USB-C hub, USB-C dongle, and a USB-C docking station?
A USB-C hub or dongle (we use the terms interchangeably) is a small, portable device that you can slide into a bag or backpack. A USB-C docking station tends to be heavy and bulky enough that you’ll want to keep it on your desk. It’s not true that a USB-C docking station will have more features than a USB-C hub, as some compact USB-C hubs pack in a surprising number of ports.
Docking stations tend to be bigger and bulkier, and are designed to live on your desk. If there’s anything that docking stations tend to have that dongles sometimes don’t, it’s a USB-C port designed only to accept power from your laptop’s USB-C charger. That allows you to gain additional ports as well as charging capabilities from the same dock.
4.
How much does a USB-C hub or dongle cost?
Expect to pay between $30 and $40 for a good USB-C hub. USB-C docking stations are bigger and bulkier but add even more capabilities. We’d expect you to pay over $100 for these.
5.
How much does price matter when buying a USB-C hub or dongle?
Honestly, not much. Pay attention to our reviews and those from other shoppers, but buy according to what the hub or dongle offers. You can absolutely find solid USB-C hubs and dongles for an inexpensive price.
USB-C docking stations, though, can feel a bit overpriced. In part, that’s because Thunderbolt docks were wildly expensive during the 2020 to 2021 pandemic years. USB-C docking stations are an alternative, but their prices were nudged upward, too. Fortunately, prices have come down, as the supply chain regained a semblance of normalcy.
6.
What is the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt?
Both USB-C and Thunderbolt use the same USB-C connection. The difference is that a “generic” USB-C connection typically provides 10Gbps of bandwidth, and Thunderbolt provides 40Gbps, with a road to 120Gbps with 2024’s Thunderbolt 5.
Thunderbolt ports are becoming more common, so it’s possible that your laptop won’t have any “USB-C” ports; they’ll be Thunderbolt-enabled instead. (To tell the difference, consult your laptop’s manual or look for a small “lightning bolt” logo over the port itself. That’s usually a sign that it’s a Thunderbolt port.) A USB-C dongle and a Thunderbolt dock are similar, in that they both provide a number of additional ports.
There’s a key difference, though. The rule of thumb is that a USB-C dongle provides enough bandwidth for two 1080p displays at 60Hz, or a single 4K display at 30Hz. (Staring at any 30Hz display for a length of time can tire out your eyes, so I don’t recommend it.) A Thunderbolt dock, however, allows enough bandwidth to connect two 4K displays at 60Hz, plus all the peripherals you wish to attach. If you don’t need big, high-resolution displays, don’t buy a Thunderbolt dock and purchase a USB-C hub instead.
7.
What’s a DisplayLink USB-C dock?
A DisplayLink USB-C dock is what you might call a “tweener” device: something between USB-C and Thunderbolt. DisplayLink docks embed a small chip from Synaptics in the docking station, and require use of a software driver that you’ll need to download. (USB-C and Thunderbolt are essentially plug and play.) The Synaptics chip compresses the data, and gives you the ability to connect (no joke) up to three or sometimes four 4K display all over a 10Gbps USB-C cable. It feels a bit like black magic.
They’re not foolproof; DisplayLink docks are best for office work (email, Word, Excel, and so on that don’t require a whole lot of bandwidth, because the images are largely static) and web browsing. Transfer a lot of data (or play back a lot of high-bitrate video) and you’ll see some stuttering.
We used to break out DisplayLink docks into their own page, but we now include recommendations on this list of the best USB-C hubs, as well as our list of the best Thunderbolt docks. If you shop smart, you can get the capabilities of a Thunderbolt dock, for less.
8.
Can you connect a USB-C dongle to a Thunderbolt dock? Or to another USB-C hub?
You can absolutely connect a USB-C hub to a Thunderbolt dock. You probably won’t be able to connect a USB-C dongle to another USB-C dongle/hub, but if your laptop has more than one USB-C port, you can connect a USB-C hub to each.
Thunderbolt offers the ability to “daisy-chain” devices, however, so you can connect one Thunderbolt dock to another. USB-C, however, does not.
9.
Why do USB-C hubs get so hot?
USB-C hubs can get warm or even hot while using them to transfer data or charge devices. This is because the electronic components and circuitry within hubs build up heat during use. Depending upon the hub’s material, heat can become trapped inside the hub leading it to become hot to the touch.
If you are concerned about your hub becoming too hot during use, you may consider purchasing a hub made from metallic parts, such as aluminum, so that heat can more easily dissipate as it builds up.
Even though two USB-C hubs may have wildly different brand names, you may sometimes find that they’re otherwise identical or just very similar.
Even though two USB-C hubs may have wildly different brand names, you may sometimes find that they’re otherwise identical or just very similar.
Even though two USB-C hubs may have wildly different brand names, you may sometimes find that they’re otherwise identical or just very similar.
We’ve given you a lot of detail on what makes a good USB-C hub or dongle and what to consider when buying one. In general, however, these are fairly inexpensive, flexible ways to upgrade your laptop, and I’d recommend always carrying one in your laptop bag!
Computer Accessories, Laptop Accessories Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 9 Jul (PC World)There’s an enticing version of Windows 11 making its rounds on the internet right now, offering a slimmed-down design without any of the usual bloatware (e.g., pre-installed software you didn’t ask for) bogging down and bloating up the operating system.
Dubbed “Windows 11 Government Edition” (allegedly meant for government agencies and the like), the version seems tempting at first glance. But you shouldn’t fall for it! Because there are some risks.
Is Windows 11 Government Edition real?
This version of Windows 11 was apparently caught in a tweet by user Andy Kirby, who showed screenshots of the alleged government edition.
He describes the Windows version as a “maximally deflated version with all telemetry and Microsoft apps removed and no hardware restrictions like the retail version. Just as God intended.”
Microsoft Windows 11 Government Edition. A version that is maximally debloated with all telemetry and Microsoft apps removed as well as no hardware restrictions that are present in the retail version. Just as God intended.#Microsoft #Windows11 #privacy pic.twitter.com/EAT2ADvDEq— Andy Kirby (@Andy__Kirby) June 27, 2024
For many, this would be the dream. Not only would programs like Edge browser, Windows Store, Windows Defender, and built-in advertising be removed, but hardware restrictions and built-in telemetry that collects user data would also be cut out.
The end result? A Windows 11 system that’s extremely neat and tidy. But, unfortunately, this is not an official Windows version, nor is it a version specially customized for governments.
Why the alleged “Government Edition” of Windows 11 is dangerous
Again for emphasis: the alleged “Windows 11 Government Edition” is a fake. It isn’t an official Microsoft product created for governments or authorities—it’s a privately modded version of Windows.
Windows 11 Pro
In fact, since it uses an unofficial activation service to authenticate Windows, this version is even technically illegal. The context note added to the tweet draws attention to this.
You should therefore refrain from trying out this promising Windows version, no matter how tempting it might be. Otherwise you run the risk of your data falling into the wrong hands—or, in the worst-case scenario, getting a Trojan in your system.
Note: We don’t want to imply that the author of the tweet is trying to lure inexperienced users to malicious sites with his statements. However, the term “Government Edition” is misleading at best, as it implies official involvement by Microsoft and/or governments.
Windows 11 without bloatware? It’s possible in another way
“Purifying” Windows 11 by removing bloatware from the system isn’t a bad idea in itself. It can improve overall performance, and it can make the operating system easier to use.
Fortunately, there is a way to de-bloatware Windows 11 legally: you can uninstall many of the annoying programs manually, or you can use tools like Tiny11 Builder to clear out your system for free.
See our article on how to declutter Windows 11’s bloatware for even more useful tips and information on this topic.
Windows Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 9 Jul (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsAmazing looksSuper-light weight for metal buildGreat, quiet switchesConsNo hot-swap switch socketsBluetooth only wirelessBasic software customizationOur VerdictThough the Lofree Edge can’t compete with low-profile, high-value entries from Keychron or Nuphy in terms of features, its incredible light weight and razor-sharp style might be enough to let you overlook that.
There are a lot of practical reasons to go for a mechanical keyboard, but style is undeniably one of the category’s big draws. And style is somewhat lacking when it comes to low-profile options. We have a few new entrants like Nuphy, but the majority of premium low-profile keyboards are chasing designs from Apple and Logitech. Lofree is here to break out of that crowd.
The Lofree Edge is designed as an accompaniment to a Macbook, but as a stand-alone board it makes an impression all its own. Covered in magnesium alloy and carbon fiber, it looks like something you’d find inside a car that’s hard to pronounce and even harder to afford. Fortunately the Edge isn’t as expensive as a supercar, though it’s on the pricier side of this market. It justifies that with exotic materials, excellent switches, and style for days.
This keyboard isn’t for everyone. Frankly the carbon fiber look doesn’t fit in with every setup, and the lack of high-speed wireless options means its appeal for gamers will be limited. But for a travel keyboard that’s insanely light and an instant head-turner, it has an undeniable draw that might just hit the spot for the right kind of buyer.
The Lofree Edge is a travel keyboard that’s insanely light and an instant head-turner.
Fighter jet looks, high-end features
The Edge is kind of, well, edgy. The main body is made of magnesium alloy, the same stuff that goes into the most high-end ultraportable laptops, with a grille pattern drilled out of the bottom in the style of ultralight gaming mice (and for roughly the same purpose). The top of the case is a layer of carbon fiber, also seen in the most expensive designer laptops, for further weight reduction without sacrificing strength.
This grille pattern looks great, and you can spy a super-subtle Lofree logo underneath.
This grille pattern looks great, and you can spy a super-subtle Lofree logo underneath.Michael Crider/Foundry
This grille pattern looks great, and you can spy a super-subtle Lofree logo underneath.Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
The result is a 75 percent keyboard that’s insanely thin without sacrificing mechanical switches, and which looks polished from just about every angle. The all-black keycaps are high-quality PBT, the edges of the case are alternately sharp and smooth, even the keyboard feet (the same magnesium alloy, a nice touch) are slightly curved to match. In the same way that Razer’s Blade laptops are a dark reflection of the Macbook, this thing looks like the Apple Magic Keyboard got sent to a custom car tuner.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
In addition to being thin, the Edge is light. Lofree says it’s just 486 grams, about 17 ounces, and my kitchen scale agrees. For the sake of comparison, that’s about the same weight as my fourth-generation iPad Air, and approximately 10 percent lighter than the Keychron K3 Pro, a low-profile mechanical board with the same 75 percent layout and a plastic case. Impressive. If you’re a road warrior trying to shave off every possible ounce but you still want a mechanical board, this is a big deal for you.
Completely unique switches
There are other material highlights, including interior gasket mounting and layered foam. But what interests me the most is the completely custom switches. Lofree says that they’ve worked with huge manufacturer Kailh to create a complete custom design. The POM 2.0 switches are thinner than Kailh’s previous low-profile designs while retaining 2.4mm of travel (compared to 4mm on a full-height switch — not bad). They’re linear with a relatively average 40 grams of force, and the top have a carbon fiber pattern to match the rest of the board, though I don’t know if these are genuinely topped with carbon fiber or just decorated with stickers.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
They’re good. Very good. Smooth and a bit heavy, and shockingly quiet for a low-profile board, these switches make other keyboards like Keychron’s K series or the Nuphy Air sound noisy by comparison. It’s about as quiet as you can make a mechanical keyboard without resorting to more extreme builds and materials and starting to sacrifice the feel of the keys.
While the switches are excellent, they’re missing one big feature. The Lofree Edge lacks hot-swap capability, a decision that the marketers say was made in order to get the maximum thinness possible. As someone who won’t buy a premium keyboard without this feature, I have to say, I’d have preferred another few millimeters instead. But considering how the Edge is going for maximum style at just about every point, I can see the logic behind it.
Extras in the box
Speaking of style, in the box you get six different alternate keycaps, three blanks in red, orange, and red-orange, and three with a dot-dash pattern in matching colors. They’re all 1×1, so your options for customization are limited. I would have much preferred alternates for the Windows and Alt keys, as the stylish, sharp legends on the default set are combined Mac/Windows and a bit busy on the bottom row.
You also get a very nice braided cable with a 90-degree turn on its USB-C end, which appears to be patterned in yet another carbon fiber look. (It’s not actually carbon fiber, but I appreciate the commitment to the bit.) And if you needed any more convincing that this keyboard is meant to be seen as much as used, there’s actually an included stand made out of what appears to be laser-cut interior of the carbon fiber used on the keyboard’s top.
This flat-pack stand is made from the leftover carbon fiber from the keyboard body.
This flat-pack stand is made from the leftover carbon fiber from the keyboard body. Michael Crider/Foundry
This flat-pack stand is made from the leftover carbon fiber from the keyboard body. Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
You need to assemble the flat-packed pieces, and it’s a bit pretentious to move your keyboard to a spot where it’s objectively less useful than, you know, the place where you’re typing. But as a presumably free inclusion of carbon fiber that would otherwise go to waste, hey, it’s a nice perk. And considering that the target market is exactly the kind of PC person to take perfectly lit photos of their setup to share on social media, it makes sense.
Style over substance
So we’ve got a keyboard that oozes style, packed with high-end materials, and it comes with some nice extras in the box. What’s not to love? A few things, since you asked. One, you can only connect via Bluetooth if you want wireless. If you need 1,000Hz speed or reliability, you’ll need to plug in that very pretty cable. Considering that Lofree’s competition is now including dual-mode wireless with a 2.4GHz dongle — even more mainstream companies like Logitech — this is a rather glaring omission.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Lofree also uses its own proprietary programming tool, which is pretty basic at the moment. It can handle re-assigning button layouts and macros, but that’s about it. The lighting screen shows a rainbow of color options, despite the LEDs being white-only, and the only animation options are full-on or breathing. Honestly it doesn’t bother me as someone who almost never uses keyboard backlights, but for such a stylish board, they’re really dropping the ball on the lighting. Just as well that the lights are rather dim (only shining around the edges of the switches) and the keycaps aren’t illuminated.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
The fact that the software needs to be installed (instead of accessible via a web tool like, um, VIA) and doesn’t have a Mac option isn’t great either. Don’t get me wrong, it works, and it’ll do everything the keyboard needs it to. But more intense customization, or anything approaching basic gaming competence, simply isn’t on offer.
Is the Lofree Edge worth it?
Then there’s the price. Or perhaps the lack of one. Though Lofree has a conventional web store, they released the Edge as a Kickstarter campaign first, with prices as low as $130 for early adopters, and $150 being more typical. Lofree’s campaign for the Edge puts its retail price at $250, which seems a little bombastic to me. I’d expect the actual price to be somewhere around $150 to 180 when it becomes widely available, and I’d be shocked if it’s more than $200.
We’ve confirmed with Lofree that the Edge will be sold as a retail product after the Kickstarter campaign is over, but precise dates aren’t available.
This thing is crazy thin, especially next to a standard mechanical keyboard.
This thing is crazy thin, especially next to a standard mechanical keyboard.Michael Crider/Foundry
This thing is crazy thin, especially next to a standard mechanical keyboard.Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
$150 is already pretty high for a low-profile mechanical keyboard, and the Edge’s compromises for style aren’t winning it any value points. If you’re a mechanical connoisseur and you demand features like RGB lighting, hot-swap switches, fast wireless, and more comprehensive programming, I’d still heartily recommend the Nuphy Air.
But there’s something to be said for style, and the Edge has it in incredible abundance. The incredibly light build makes this a great bag companion keyboard for a tablet or maybe a folding phone, or even your laptop if you just don’t enjoy typing on it. And with its quiet, smooth switches and eye-catching looks, it would certainly be at home next to a high-end mobile setup…or just a desktop if you’re going for a very particular vibe.
There is something to be said for style, and the Edge has it in incredible abundance.
Gamers and those who need any kind of customization should look elsewhere. But if you want a super-light, super-stylish keyboard that doesn’t skimp on the typing quality, the Lofree Edge should fit the bill…even if it is a rather high one.
Keyboards Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | - 9 Jul ()Apple’s first new product in almost eight years is about to launch in Australia, and the tech giant’s boss wants users to try doing normal things, such as browsing the internet or emailing, to find out whether it’s for them. Read...Newslink ©2024 to | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 8 Jul (PC World)At a GlanceExpert`s Rating
ProsUnlimited simultaneous device connectionsWorks well with NetflixGood catalog of extra featuresLow price on long-term plansConsExpensive monthly planLarge portion of global servers are virtualOur VerdictSurfshark continues to be a top VPN, offering better-than-average speeds, unlimited connections, good privacy promises, and a great server spread. It also offers some convenient extra security features. Monthly plan prices might be steep, but long-term plans are very affordable.
Surfshark continues the trend of other mega-VPN services as a one-stop shop for all things related to personal online privacy and security. The company offers a top-tier VPN product that continues to expand and improve with each new iteration. And since its merger with NordVPN under the parent company Cyberspace, Surfshark is now developing cutting-edge personal security features via its Nexus technology.
This all sounds great, but are all of these features really worth it in a VPN service? I took a deep dive with Surfshark to find out.
Surfshark in brief:
P2P allowed: Yes
Simultaneous device connections: Unlimited
Business location: The Netherlands
Number of servers: 3,200+
Number of country locations: 100
Cost: $15.45 per month, $41.85 for one year, or $59.13 for two years
What are Surfshark’s features and services?
Surfshark’s homescreen might not be the most exciting, but it’s easy to navigate.
Surfshark’s homescreen might not be the most exciting, but it’s easy to navigate.
Sam Singleton
Surfshark’s homescreen might not be the most exciting, but it’s easy to navigate.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
When you initially open Surfshark you notice that the interface is clean and simple. On the left rail you have options for VPN, Alternative ID, Alert, Antivirus, Search, and Settings. Then in the middle there is a list of all server locations listed alphabetically by country. The right side there is a button to connect to the chosen server. It might not be as sleek and futuristic as some VPN interfaces, but the minimalist approach makes it easy to navigate and use.
Further reading: See our roundup of the best VPN services to learn about competing products.
Surfshark prides itself on the number of servers it provides, which is well over 3,200 across 100 different country locations. There are admittedly a lot of countries that only have one server to connect to, but more popular locations such as the U.S., Canada, and Australia offer multiple server locations spread throughout.
My only real gripe with Surfshark’s server network is that a large number of them are virtual servers, which aren’t physically located in the countries they claim to be in. This can sometimes lead to privacy risks if your data is routed through a country with invasive privacy laws, or a potential for slower speeds if the virtual server is overloading the physical server it’s borrowing resources from. Surfshark does a commendable job of pointing out which servers are physical and which are virtual though.
In addition to a good server spread, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections. This is a big draw since most other VPN providers only offer a modest five or six simultaneous connections.
On the main screen above the servers you can connect to, you’re able to choose between four options: Locations, StaticIP, MultiHop, and the newly added Dedicated IP. Locations is a list of all of the available country servers you can connect. StaticIP allows you to connect to shared servers with IP addresses that never change. MultiHop allows you to further obfuscate your actual location by routing your traffic through more than one external server. Recently Surfshark also added the option, for an additional fee, to get a Dedicated IP address, which is a unique IP address that never changes and only you can use.
Surfshark has one of the best multi-hop features I’ve ever seen.
Surfshark has one of the best multi-hop features I’ve ever seen. Sam Singleton
Surfshark has one of the best multi-hop features I’ve ever seen. Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
I was thoroughly impressed with Surfshark’s multi-hop feature. While many VPN services now offer multi-hop connections, Surfshark stands out by allowing the user to not only choose a predetermined route, but also create their own multi-hop route. This is a nifty feature that gives power users and those concerned about privacy more autonomy in securing their connections.
Surfshark also provides an ad-, tracker-, and malware-blocker called CleanWeb — though it’s not turned on by default. It also offers a split-tunneling feature, which it calls Bypasser. Bypasser allows you the option to route apps and websites through the VPN or keep one or the other connected separately. This is a good option for those who wish to keep their web browsing secure via a VPN while keeping online games outside the VPN connection in order to minimize potential latency issues.
Additionally, Surfshark provides a kill-switch function that will automatically disable your internet connection should your VPN connection drop for whatever reason. There is also a feature called NoBorders, enabled by default, which is its own version of obfuscated servers. This feature allows users in countries that generally restrict VPN connections to maintain access to Surfshark.
Surfshark’s multi-hop stands out by allowing the user to not only choose a predetermined route, but also create their own multi-hop route.
Surfshark’s latest Alternative ID feature can help keep you safe from annoying spam and data sharing.
Surfshark’s latest Alternative ID feature can help keep you safe from annoying spam and data sharing.
Sam Singleton
Surfshark’s latest Alternative ID feature can help keep you safe from annoying spam and data sharing.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
Included with the Surfshark One and Surfshark One+ plans, you’ll also receive Surfshark Alert for real-time identity and data breach monitoring as well as access to its standalone antivirus. Included with all plans is Surfshark’s latest offering called Alternative ID, which allows users to create an alternative email or phone number in order to mask your real contact information from spam and data sharing services.
Suffice it to say, Surfshark provides a ton of features. I spent a good chunk of time just setting everything up before I even connected to the VPN. It may seem a bit overwhelming, but Surfshark does a good job of holding your hand through most of it and providing clear and concise explanations for newbies.
Surfshark is also working hard to bring new and innovative ideas to the VPN scene. In 2023 it rolled out Nexus Technology. Nexus is a single network made up of Surfshark VPN servers. There are huge potential security and privacy boosts from this including rotating your IP address without disconnecting your active VPN connection, further obfuscating your browsing activity. Nexus also uses a Dynamic MultiHop feature to connect you to the fastest available entry server and exit through any desired location, presumably increasing connection speeds across the board.
How much does Surfshark cost?
Surfshark’s monthly pricing is expensive, but opting for a long-term plan makes things a lot cheaper.
Surfshark’s monthly pricing is expensive, but opting for a long-term plan makes things a lot cheaper.
Surfshark
Surfshark’s monthly pricing is expensive, but opting for a long-term plan makes things a lot cheaper.
Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark comes with three different plans: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. Each plan option is available in monthly, 1-year, and 2-year terms.
Surfshark Starter provides the basic VPN along with an ad- and pop-up blocker, plus access to its Alternative ID feature. The monthly rate is a steep $15.45 per month, dropping down to a much more reasonable $41.85 for the first year, or $59.13 for the first two years. As of the time of writing, that likely places Surfshark as the most expensive monthly plan of any VPN I can recall.
A Surfshark One subscription comes with everything from the Starter pack plus identity and data breach monitoring, private search tools, and access to its antivirus software. The rate is $15.95 monthly, $47.85 for the first year, or $72.63 for the first two years.
Surfshark’s top-tier One+ plan gives you all of the above plus a personal data removal service for $17.95 per month, $76.35 for the first year, or $115.83 for the first two years.
It’s worth noting that if you opt for the one- or two-year plans on any bundle, the renewal price after the initial term will typically default to a more expensive yearly plan.
How is Surfshark’s performance?
During my testing I rated connection speeds across Surfsharks’ servers in six different countries around the world and then compared them to my baseline internet speed. Surfshark server speeds were once again solid, if not particularly outstanding. Similar to the last time I tested the service, speeds averaged just over 61 percent of the base download speed and a slightly more impressive 70 percent of the base upload speed. That isn’t the best I’ve seen, but depending on your own home internet, it should be more than enough to do most things, including streaming HD video without any issues.
For those looking to use the service to bypass location restrictions on streaming websites, my testing showed that Surfshark was overwhelmingly successful. Across every server tested and for all major streaming services, the VPN was able to bypass geo-restrictions. This included sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney Plus. This excellent result puts Surfshark among the very best VPNs for streaming Netflix right along with NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
How is Surfshark’s security and privacy?
Surfshark states that it doesn’t collect any of your online activity, including browsing history, session information, bandwidth used, connection time stamps, network traffic, or IP addresses. This no-logs policy claim was verified to be true by the company Deloitte during an independent audit of Surfshark most recently in January of 2024. This is exactly the type of reassurance users should expect from a top VPN company and it goes to show that Surfshark is serious about its customers’ privacy.
The service also keeps privacy in mind during setup. When signing up for a Surfshark subscription you only need to supply an email address and the company accepts payments via credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and various cryptocurrencies.
One thing to note, though, is that Surfshark has moved its headquarters from the British Virgin Islands to the Netherlands in recent years. This probably isn’t an issue as the Netherlands’ data retention laws are generally privacy-friendly. However, the Netherlands is still subject to Fourteen Eyes jurisdiction, which means that the government could potentially require Surfshark to share certain information about customers.
Thankfully, as the latest no-logs audit proves, this shouldn’t be a major concern as Surfshark doesn’t log or keep any user data anyway — no records means nothing to share.
All of the best protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard are available with Surfshark.
All of the best protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard are available with Surfshark.
Sam Singleton
All of the best protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard are available with Surfshark.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
In regards to security, Surfshark uses standard AES 256-bit encryption. It also offers options for several VPN protocols including OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 — depending on your operating system.
Is Surfshark worth it?
Surfshark offers unlimited device connections, good speeds, full compatibility with major streaming services, and an impressive number of extra features. The Windows app is well designed and easy enough to understand. It also has some nice extras such as ad-, tracker-, and malware-blocking as well as split-tunneling and multi-hop.
With all of these great features, Surfshark is a solid all-around VPN service. The monthly price is enough to make you choke, but if you opt for the two year contract you’ll get all of this for a bargain price. Overall, whether it’s getting around region blocks or just enjoying a more private and secure browsing experience, Surfshark remains one of my favorites.
Editor’s note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article.
VPN Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | ![](/n.gif) |
|
![](/n.gif) |
![](/pimages/bldn.gif) | Top Stories |
![](/n.gif)
RUGBY
Oh from one for New Zealand's medal hopes at the Paris Olympics... after the All Blacks Sevens crashed out in the quarter-finals More...
|
![](/n.gif)
BUSINESS
New Zealanders are finding it harder to keep up with housing costs, compared to other countries More...
|
![](/n.gif)
|
![](/n.gif)
![](/pimages/bldn.gif) | Today's News |
![](/n.gif)
![](/pimages/bldn.gif) | News Search |
|
![](/n.gif) |