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Which Microsoft Surface Is Best for You?

Microsoft operates Windows, so you'd think its Surface laptops would be the best representation of the desktop operating system, right? Well, these machines were innovative and feature-rich at the start, and the lineup has expanded from a standard laptop to a giant desktop. But Microsoft has stuck with minor spec …

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The Best Smart Speakers With Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri

There are many smart speakers on the market, and picking the best keeps getting tougher. First, you need to decide which voice assistant you prefer. There are three worth using—Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri—and each has its pros and cons. If you’re new, right now we prefer Google- …

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The Best Cheap Phones for Almost Every Budget

Wireless carriers in the US go out of their way to make expensive smartphones seem affordable. AT&T will advertise a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for just $36 a month, but don't let them fool you. Over 36 monthly installments, you're still spending more than a thousand bucks for the phone. …

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How to Pick the Right MacBook for You

in 2020, Apple’s MacBooks entered a new era. The company announced it was moving away from the Intel chips it had been using since 2006; in their place it rolled out the first Macs with the Apple-designed M1. Cut to 2024 and the company now offers the choice between 11 …

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Which Sonos Speakers Should You Buy?

Here at WIRED, we like Sonos speakers. We really do. Throughout the past decade, we’ve reviewed all of the company’s wirelessly connectable speakers, from its small shelf speakers to its TV soundbars, and we’ve recommended every one of them. But turning your home into a Sonos-powered shrine to sound isn’t …

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How to Factory-Reset Your Phone Before You Sell It

Whether you’re looking to buy a new iPhone or have your eye on one of the best Android phones, you must wipe your old phone before you can sell it or pass it on. Your old phone is likely packed with precious memories, so make sure you back up or transfer everything (especially photos) before …

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How to Back Up Your iPhone

Your iPhone is so much more than just a screen for texting. Smartphones are how we get work done, stay on top of the crazy news cycle, rock out, keep in touch with friends and family, and capture life’s most important moments. Carrying all of that information in our pockets …

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How to Get Free Kindle Books With Your Library Card

You've always wanted to read Infinite Jest, and now you finally have enough time on your hands to get through all 1,079 pages. Sure, you could grab it from a local bookseller, or order it on Amazon. But you might be able to read a digital copy for free by …

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12 Ways to Upgrade Your Wi-Fi and Make Your Internet Faster

Whether you're working from home, binge-watching Netflix, or streaming your gameplay on Twitch, there's no such thing as too much bandwidth. Even if you have gigabyte fiber mainlined into your router, everyone could use help getting faster internet around the house. It doesn't matter if you have the best possible …

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Kicked Off Mint? Try These 5 Saving and Budgeting Apps

If you relied on the Mint app for budgeting, it’s time to start looking for another option. Intuit plans to shut down the free money-management app at the end of this year. Surprises are usually pretty delightful. Presents! Parties! It’s never enjoyable to receive a surprise message that the budgeting …

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