All images courtesy of Art21A Visit to Amy Sheralds Studio Revels in Her Commitment to BeautyMarch 19, 2025ArtFilmGrace EbertFrom the studio to her childhood bedroom in Columbus, Georgia, to the museum, a new film from Art21 presents a broad portrait of Amy Sherald. The artist is perhaps best known for her depiction of former First Lady Michelle Obama and her signature images of Black Americans rendered in grayscale.In Singular Moments, the Art21 team peers into Sheralds process and captures the intricacies of creating a work. Reference photos taped to a wall and paint squirted onto white paper plates accompany the artist as she works on her increasingly large-scale canvases.Sherald frequently paints people she knows, beginning with their faces and eyes before moving on to the rest of their figures. As the title of the film suggests, her focus is on a single moment of beauty. I think beautiful paintings are important, she says in the film. I say figuration is like the soul food of art making. Its what takes you back home and what you eat when you need comfort, and we all need that at some point.The film comes ahead of Sheralds first solo exhibition at a New York museum, American Sublime, which will present about 50 works from 2007 to today next month at the Whitney Museum of American Art. In addition to a visit to the artists parents home, filled with grade-school pictures and teenage art projects, viewers also witness the creation of some of her more recent works, particularly those exploring what it means to be an American.Watch Singular Moments above, and be sure to read our conversation with the artist in which she discusses anxiety and finding respite in her work.Next article

LG's OLED C4 TV offers exceptional picture quality and smooth gaming performance - and it's currently available at one of its best prices yet.

ZDNETSpring has officially arrived, and Verizon is blooming with a sweet deal for new customers: If you sign up for a Verizon 5G Home Plus internet plan, you'll get a free Samsung 43-inch Crystal TV (a $330 value) or a Meta Quest 3S (a $300 value). Either option you choose, you'll make out like a bandit with at least a $300 in free product.Plus, if you choose the TV with your sign up, and prefer to upgrade the model -- you can. If you're willing to pay $100 (plus required tax), Verizon will give you a Samsung 55-inch TV that retails for $430 instead.The Verizon 5G Home Plus plan starts at $55/month for customers with Verizon mobile plans (it'll cost you $70/month without a mobile plan), and includes a 3-year price guarantee, so your rate is locked in.Verizon 5G Home InternetTheVerizon 5G Home Plus plan includes high-speed downloads, ultra HD 4K video streaming, and a router and whole-home Wi-Fi kit. Check if it's available in your area on Verizon's site. ZD recommends Verizon's 5G Home Internet plans arefixed wireless, which means your home wirelessly connects through a receiver that takes Verizon's signal and turns it into a Wi-Fi network, instead of requiring cables or invasive equipment installation. Speeds may vary depending on where you live, but 5G plans generally can hit near-gigabit download speeds.To prove to you that this deal isn't too good to be true, I considered it myself. Here's what my cart looked like as a potential new Verizon internet customer. Verizon is not my current mobile carrier, either.I even had the option to select professional setup for free, which usually costs $99. All in, I'd need to pay $80 up front to snag home internet from Verizon, free installation (limited-time offer), and either a TV ($330 value) or a Meta Quest 3S ($300 value) completely free. Screenshot by Kayla Solino/ZDNETDon't miss this deal for a free Samsung TV or Meta Quest 3S when you sign up for Verizon 5G Home Plus internet right now. Both products offer at least a $300 value, and this is one of the best Verizon internet promos I've seen in 2025. Who doesn't like getting something for free?Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.How I rated this dealWhile this deal doesn't have a percentage saved, it does offer two great options for free products with sign up. A Samsung TV ($330 value) and a Meta Quest 3S ($300 value). I'm giving this 5G home internet offer a 5/5 Editor's deal rating for its competitive offer, free product selection, upgrade options, add-on perks, and limited-time free installation. If I was in the market for 5G home internet, I'd be checking out right now. When will this deal expire? This offer for a free Samsung TV or Meta Quest 3S with your home internet plan is valid through April 30, 2025. Show more Who is this offer for? This offer is for new home internet customers who activate/install and maintain eligible 5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 1 Gig or Fios 2 Gig Verizon Home Internet (VHI) services in good standing for 65 days and redeem offer within 60 days thereafter, or by no later than Oct. 2, 2025, whichever is first. Show more What are the terms and conditions for this offer? For a limited time, you can get a free Samsung TV or Meta Quest 3S courtesy of Verizon if you sign up for a 5G Home Plus plan. Both offers are valid until April 30, 2025.The Samsung TV models included in this offer are the 43-inch Class Crystal UHD TV (U7900F) ($330 value) or for $100 more (plus tax), the 55-inch (U7900F) ($430 value). This offer is for new home internet customers who activate/install and maintain eligible 5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 1 Gig or Fios 2 Gig Verizon Home Internet (VHI) services in good standing for 65 days and redeem offer within60 days thereafter, or by no later than Oct. 2, 2025, whichever is first.Verizon reserves the right to charge back the value of the Samsung promotional device if eligible service is canceled within 180 days. One offer per eligible Verizon account, while supplies last. Samsung delivery of promotional device may take up to 8 weeks.Similarly, the Meta Quest 3S headset (128GB) ($300 value) is the other option offered in this Verizon promo. This offer is also for new home internet customers who activate/install and maintain eligible 5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 1 Gig or Fios 2 Gig Verizon Home Internet (VHI) services in good standing for 65 days and redeem offer within 60 days thereafter, or by no later than Oct. 2, 2025, whichever is first.Verizon reserves the right to charge back the value of the Meta promotional device(s) if eligible service is canceled within 180 days. One offer per eligible Verizon account, while supplies last.View full terms at Verizon. Show more How do we rate deals at ZDNET? We aim to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. ZDNET offers 33 years of experience, 30 hands-on product reviewers, and 10,000 square feet of lab space to ensure we bring you the best of tech.In 2025, we refined our approach to deals, developing a measurable system for sharing savings with readers like you. Our editor's deal rating badges are affixed to most of our deal content, making it easy to interpret our expertise to help you make the best purchase decision.At the core of this approach is a percentage-off-based system to classify savings offered on top-tech products, combined with a sliding-scale system based on our team members' expertise and several factors like frequency, brand or product recognition, and more. The result? Hand-crafted deals chosen specifically for ZDNET readers like you, fully backed by our experts. Show more Amazon Spring Sale 2025

WARREN, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 01: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a campaign rally for Republican ... [+] presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump at Macomb Community College on November 01, 2024 in Warren, Michigan. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)Getty ImagesSecretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. renewed this week a public health emergency declaration to address the national opioid crisis. The emergency declaration will be renewed for 90 days and will allow the HHS to leverage expanded authorities in devoting resources to address the opioid overdose crisis.The news comes amid a significant decline in drug overdose deaths since the summer of 2023. In fact, for the first time since 2018, drug overdose deaths began to decline in 2023, and provisional data from the CDC show further declines in 2024. Deaths linked specifically to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, have decreased by 30%, and 30,000 fewer people are dying each year from street drugs compared to peak times in June of 2023, according to NPR.The data surrounding fentanyl is reassuring since the vast majority of opioid deaths recorded in 2022 were due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Nearly 90% of opioid overdose deaths were attributed to synthetic opioids in America, according to the Federal Communications Commission.Ironically, the Trump administration could undo the significant progress made with the opioid crisis through many of the unintended consequences of Trumps agenda in cutting federal spending and increasing government efficiency. Funding for Medicaid is at risk as Congressional Republicans seek to find ways to potentially cut trillions of dollars from the largest health insurance program in America. If enacted, millions of Americans could be dropped from Medicaid, the single largest payer of opioid use disorder services.States that have expanded Medicaid eligibility have shown evidence of decreased opioid overdose deaths. Without adequate Medicaid funding, opioid overdose deaths could increase again for the first time since 2023, which would result in a real emergency for the American public.Although the opioid epidemic in America has posed a real and significant public health threat resulting in at least 645,000 deaths since the epidemic began, major progress has been made with significantly less deaths directly attributed to fentanyl.A real public health emergency that should be declared centers around the current epidemic of misinformation that has been plaguing America. The current measles outbreak in the United States has claimed more than 300 lives, and at least one death and potentially two. If not contained, public health experts fear thousands of individuals could get infected as the virus spreads.Despite the spread of measles that has been linked to declining vaccination rates in the United States, Secretary Kennedy continues to spread misinformation about vaccines and their efficacy. In a recent op-ed for Fox news, he states, Good nutrition remains a best defense against most chronic and infectious illnesses. His op-ed, which provides guidance on navigating the measles outbreak in Texas, fails to assert that vaccines, not nutrition, provide the best defense against measles.This type of misinformation will not curb or mitigate the spread of measles. The public needs to hear and understand from the Secretary of HHS that vaccines provide the best protection against the virus; and without adequate vaccination rates, the virus will continue to spread. A single dose of the MMR vaccine provides 93% protection against measles, and two doses give 97% defense.We must all ask ourselves what is the real public health emergency emerging- the opioid epidemic that has finally seen a significant decline in overdose deaths, or the threat of misinformation and its consequences that are only starting to be realized?

Returning from a vacation can feel like a crash landing. However, small, intentional shifts can make ... [+] the transition back to daily life much smoother.gettyMost of us, after a vacation, end up feeling a little blue. Youve just had an incredible time exploring new places and breaking free from routineonly to return home feeling oddly demotivated and restless.The excitement fades and you might find yourself longing for the adventure you just left behind. This is called the post-vacation slump, a psychological response to the sudden shift from novelty back to familiarity. Your brain, which thrives on new and exciting experiences, now struggles to adjust to the routine, which leaves you feeling low.Why We Experience The Post-Travel SlumpA 2023 study published in Biomedicines explains how dopamine dysregulation contributes to mood changes, compulsive behaviors and chronic stress states. Heres how researchers describe this process:Dopamine and the reward system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates reward-seeking behavior in the brain. It provides a dopamine high when we engage in pleasurable or novel activities (like traveling), reinforcing behaviors that bring excitement and stimulation.The shift from pleasure to dopamine dysregulation. While novelty and stimulation initially produce a rewarding dopamine surge, chronic exposure to pleasure-seeking behaviors (or sudden withdrawal from them) can disrupt the brains balance. Over time, excessive stimulation can lead to dysregulation of the reward system, making routine activities feel dull in comparison.The dopamine low or anti-reward state. When dopamine levels drop after an extended period of excitement or pleasure, the brain enters an anti-reward state, where normal activities no longer feel as rewarding. This can lead to anhedonia (loss of pleasure), low mood and restlessnesswhich explains why people often feel low after returning from a trip.Chronic stress and the role of dopamine. Researchers also link chronic stress to dopamine depletion, suggesting that prolonged stressful events (like the COVID-19 pandemic) have disrupted peoples reward sensitivity. This further explains why a post-travel slump can feel like an emotional crashbecause the brain has adjusted to high stimulation and struggles to regulate dopamine once that stimulation is gone.While traveling, your brain gets a constant dopamine boost from new experiences and returning home removes that stimulation, leading to a dopamine dip and a sense of emptiness.The brain takes time to recalibrate to routine activities, which can feel dull in comparison.By understanding this process, you can take intentional steps to ease the transition. Here are four ways to overcome the post-travel slump.1. Give Yourself A Transition DayJumping straight into a packed schedule can make the post-travel slump hit even harder. Instead of returning home and immediately resuming work or daily responsibilities, set aside a transition day to help your mind and body adjust.Heres how to make the most of it:Unpack and reset your space. A cluttered suitcase and scattered belongings can subconsciously add to post-travel stress. Taking time to tidy up and settle in helps create a sense of closure.Ease into responsibilities. Instead of diving into emails and meetings, start with light tasks like meal prep, organizing your calendar or setting intentions for the week.Reflect and integrate. Take a moment to go through your trip photos, journal about your experiences or share stories with loved ones. Reliving the highlights keeps the positive feelings alive.Prioritize rest and hydration. Travel, especially with time zone changes, disrupts your sleep cycle and energy levels. A day of proper rest, movement and hydration helps your body recalibrate.Research published in The Journal of Early Adolescence studied adolescents school transitions, analyzing their emotional and motivational engagement over a school year. The study highlights the importance of considering three phases of transition:Preparation for changeEncountering the new environmentAdapting to it over timeMuch like school transitions, returning from travel involves shifting from an exciting and stimulating environment back to routine life. While not as drastic as major life transitions, this shift can still create a sense of dissonancea mismatch between expectations and reality.If the return is too abrupt, the contrast between the high-energy travel experience and everyday responsibilities can feel jarring. A smoother transition, such as incorporating a buffer period to mentally adjust, can help reduce the emotional withdrawal.2. Reconnect With The Positives Of HomeAnother effective strategy to mitigate this post-travel slump is to consciously acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of being home.A 2022 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies explored the effects of expressing gratitude during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that practicing gratitude (such as writing about things youre thankful for) helps reduce stress and negative feelings.Gratitude can shift your focus to the positive aspects of life, improve coping strategies and reduce negative thinking patterns. People who express gratitude also tend to view challenges in a more manageable way and feel more in control of them.Instead of focusing on what is missing, try creating a welcome back lista simple exercise where you note what you are looking forward to at home. Highlighting small yet meaningful aspects of daily life can help shift your perspective and bring a sense of anticipation and gratitude.To further reinforce this positive outlook, engage in gratitude journaling upon your return. Take a few minutes each day to note aspects of home life that you appreciate. This practice encourages positive reframing and keeps your attention on the benefits of being home.3. Plan A Tourist Day In Your Own CityComing back home does not have to mean settling into monotony. You can start by dedicating a day to rediscovering your surroundings with fresh eyesand gradually make it a regular practice. Just like you would explore a new destination while traveling, take the opportunity to view your city from a different perspective.Start by visiting a local landmark youve never been to or havent appreciated in a whilewhether its a museum, a historic site or a scenic park. If you typically take the same route to work, switch things up and opt for a scenic drive, a walk through a different neighborhood or even public transport to experience a new side of your city.You can also engage in activities you would usually reserve for vacations, like booking a night at a hotel for a spontaneous staycation, having a sunset picnic in a park or treating yourself to a long and leisurely meal at a restaurant youve been wanting to try. If youre feeling adventurous, sign up for a local tour, an art class or a nature hikesomething that helps you break out of autopilot mode and embrace a sense of exploration.Sometimes, the best adventures are not in faraway places but right in your backyard. By cultivating a travelers mindset at home, you can keep the post-vacation blues at bay and continue finding joy in everyday experiences.4. Create A Post-Trip Reflection RitualRather than letting your vacation fade into the background of your daily routine, take intentional time to reflect on your experience. This can help extend the joy of your trip and make it feel more integrated into your life, rather than something that just came and went.Start by journaling about your favorite momentswhat made you laugh, the small but beautiful interactions you had or the things that surprised you. Write about how the trip made you feel and any shifts in perspective you experienced.If writing is not your thing, consider creating a travel scrapbook, a digital photo album or even a video montage of your favorite clips. Revisiting these memories can serve as a mood booster, reminding you of the joy you experienced.You can also turn this into a meaningful habit by reflecting on how your travels have influenced your goals, routines or mindset. Maybe you discovered a new food you want to learn how to cook, a cultural practice that inspired you or a way of living that you want to incorporate into your daily life. By actively engaging with these reflections, your trip doesnt just stay in the pastit becomes a meaningful part of who you are moving forward.Acknowledging The BluesIts completely normal to struggle with getting back into the swing of things after a trip. Rather than ignoring these feelings or forcing yourself to immediately snap back into your routine, take a moment to acknowledge them. Recognizing the blues is the first step to mindfully navigating them.While vacations may end, the sense of wonder they bring doesnt have to. Instead of seeing travel as an escape from routine, consider it a reminder of how much joy there is in discovering newness and being present. Small shiftslike seeking out new experiences or even just being more mindful of the beauty in the ordinarycan help keep that post-travel spark alive.Ultimately, the most fulfilling journeys arent just about where you go, but how you choose to engage with the world, no matter where you are.Are you living your life mindfully and noticing the positives in your everyday life? Take this quick science-backed test to find out: Mindful Attention Awareness Scale

Bottom line: The U.S. Department of Justice is ramping up its case against Google's alleged monopoly, suggesting the government could eventually force the company to sell its widely-used Chrome browser. The move is part of the DoJ's push to challenge Google's hold over the digital advertising and search engine markets. The Justice Department's latest legal action accuses Google of engaging in anticompetitive behavior by unfairly using its dominance in search and advertising to prop up its other services, most notably Chrome. The government argues that Google's browser and vast data ecosystem have given the company an outsized advantage over competitors, stifling innovation and harming consumers. By bundling Chrome with its Android operating system, Google has built an extensive network that could limit consumer choice and make it difficult for smaller firms to compete."Google's illegal conduct has created an economic goliath, one that wreaks havoc over the marketplace to ensure that no matter what occurs Google always wins," said the DoJ in its filing.It asks the DC District Court and Judge Amit P. Mehta to order Alphabet to immediately divest all assets pertaining to Chrome to a "vetted" buyer. In other words, Google would have to sell Chrome to a competitor. The government would vet prospective buyers to ensure they will not compromise National Security interests.CourtListenerThe DoJ secured a legal win last year against Google in its broader antitrust case concerning its search practices and anticompetitive deals with other companies to make its search engine the default on many devices. Now, with its sights on Chrome, the agency is seeking more drastic action. If the government succeeds in compelling Google to sell Chrome, the company may also face additional scrutiny over Android, the world's most widely used mobile operating system. // Related StoriesMany experts believe Android could follow Chrome and face a forced divestiture, as it plays a key role in Google's alleged monopolistic strategy. The proposed remedies, which the Justice Department revised earlier this month, include a provision to do just that.While Google has yet to comment on the potential sale of Chrome, the company has vehemently denied accusations of monopolistic practices and is unsurprisingly against the forceful divestiture of any of its assets."DoJ's sweeping proposals continue to go miles beyond the Court's decision and would harm America's consumers, economy, and national security," a Google spokesperson said.Google argues that its products, including Chrome, improve user experience and are offered to consumers free of charge, making it difficult to see how its services could be anticompetitive. However, the DoJ's case continues to build momentum, with government officials suggesting that the case may reach trial within the next year.The outcome of this ongoing case could reshape the landscape of the internet as we know it. If Google is required to divest Chrome and possibly Android, it could open the door for new competitors in browser and mobile operating system markets. However, the long-term effects remain uncertain, with some fearing that breaking up Google's ecosystem could lead to a fragmented, less user-friendly internet experience.

In context: Tech-savvy PC gamers typically have a solid understanding of their hardware and how it performs. However, Microsoft may soon offer additional support for more casual users still working to complete or optimize their hardware setups. A recently released Windows 11 Preview Build (26120.3576) includes a hidden FAQ section in the Settings app. Discovered by Windows Insider "phantomofearth," the new section is shown on the "About" page of the Settings app, under the System tab. Microsoft didn't reveal any info about this new FAQ page, which Insiders can manually enable using ViVeTool.The Verge notes that the FAQ page lists additional information about the Windows version, GPU's capabilities and VRAM, and the amount of system RAM. The page provides users with helpful information, like how low VRAM amounts affect high-end gaming and other "demanding" video tasks.Today's gaming PCs generally include at least 16GB of RAM to meet the bare minimum for running AAA titles. Microsoft's new FAQ tells users that 4GB to 8GB of RAM only performs well with basic computing tasks, like web browsing, document editing, and emails. More demanding applications, including video editing or gaming, may find this configuration "challenging."New Frequently Asked Questions list in Settings > System > About hidden in builds 26120.3576 and 22635.5090. Has some questions related to the Windows version and device specs. (vivetool /enable /id:55305888)[image or embed] phantomofearth (@phantomofearth.bsky.social) 18 marzo 2025 alle ore 00:52Starting with Windows Vista, Microsoft introduced the Windows System Assessment Tool (WinSAT) and the Windows Experience Index (WEI) with Vista to score and measure the performance of various hardware subsystems, including CPU, GPU, and storage. It is unclear if the FAQ page is static or if it uses similar metrics that dynamically change when users upgrade components. // Related StoriesStarting with Windows 8.1, users could only access the WEI score through external tools, while WinSAT monitors hardware performance in the background. The new FAQ page could aim to replace the old WEI scoring system. Of course, considering that developers have it hidden is a good indication of it being an experimental feature so early in development that it's not even ready for beta testing.Microsoft usually rolls out newly half-baked features to Insider beta testers seeking user feedback and bug reports. Microsoft expects to release the changes in Preview Build 26120.3576 later this year. However, Redmond has not commented on the FAQ, so don't hold your breath on that feature at least not until it shows up enabled in a future preview.

Google Messages looks set to get an upgrade which could save you from the inevitable discomfort after sending that message you immediately regret.Playing catchup with the likes of WhatsApp, Google is working on a Messages feature that will allow you to remote delete what youve sent.Recommended VideosThis should mean youll be able to remove the offending message, both from your own device as well as those youve sent it to.Please enable Javascript to view this contentThe catch? There is going to be a time limit of 15-minutes. So, that should save you from basics like typos right through to instantly regretted moments of saying too much, but not a lot beyond that.When is this saviour service being sent to devices? That is less clear. The fact this in development comes from the tinkerers over at Android Authority who not only found this, last month, but have just been playing with using it in developer mode.Currently users will be able to delete messages remotely from other devices, but only if the other user has an updated version of the app. In testing the developer model you are simply told that it will only delete on devices with the newer version of the app.This could be something that gets addressed before rollout of the feature, although since this relies on recent additions to the RCS Universal Profile that could prove challenging.Right now the AA testers say: We still cant say with much certainty when this support might be ready to go live, but based on the development progress weve observed so far, it really does feel like theres some good momentum to it.Since this has been accessible for the developers, on public versions of the app, its likely going to arriver sooner rather than later.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsThe warehouse advantageBeyond Price: Quality and customer serviceMembership valueIs Sams Club worth it?Is Costco worth it?Who should shop here?After years of a pandemic, it can feel like a tired line, but were about to face a period of uncertainty. Many of our favorite electronic items are getting more expensive due to inflation, tariffs, and market demands. Indeed, we have already seen an Acer laptop price increase announcement of 10% to help cover tariff costs. Meanwhile, were seeing expensive price leaks on next gen AMD chips. Whether your personal worldview is to cheer or jeer when it comes to incoming tariffs, the outlook is clear: You need to brace yourself for tariffs because, evidence suggests, the extra costs are going to be passed along to you, the consumer.While you can purchase TV deals and laptop deals now, to get ahead of the damage, the party wont last forever. In the long-term, shoppers are going to have to look elsewhere. Here, were taking a second look at warehouse retailers for electronics. That means were talking about Costco electronics, Sams Club electronics, and the like. These retailers, who buy in bulk, pass on those savings (at least somewhat) to the customer and have surprisingly good customer service to boot. So, are warehouse retailer electronics savings the be all, end all solution to tech tariff woes? We think so, and heres why.Recommended VideosGary Friedman/Getty / GettyThe warehouse formula is refreshingly simple: Buy in bulk at a discount, store it all in a large warehouse, sell off items to retailers and warehouse members.Typically, theres less focus on appealing displays and gorgeous stores for these warehouses. Instead, it is all about passing on the their bulk supply to individual members at a discount. Your membership (entrance usually costs a small fee) helps pay for staff, as some low cost products can have very thin margins. Thats why Sams club warehouse hours, for example, are still so good my local Sams Club is open 7 days a week, for instance.But it isnt just small dollar items with tiny margins that get the warehouse advantage, big items that can handle deep price cuts are also available. And thats why were starting to think a warehouse just might be the best place to buy electronics cheap.It isnt a perfect science, but you can look at current deals to get a sort of idea about the kinds of margins were talking about. For example, when we look at the best printer deals at the moment of this writing, we see numbers like 50% off, 46% off, 36% off, and so on. Retailers dont do this out of the goodness of their heart, of course. Instead, these large numbers can give us quick hints at what kinds of margins electronics have and, with it, a small idea of where savings might lie. It is by no means a perfect system, and if you find really good Amazon deals on something you want, by all means go for that, but as economic uncertainty rises, every little dollar will count, and these warehouse stores just might be the way to save.Its not all about money, either. Costco and Sams Club are genuinely respected as great places to shop. Costco is already infamous for the $1.50 hot dog combo at the food court, but you should also know that the Costco return policy on electronics is particularly generous at 90 days. Meanwhile Scan & Go at Sams Club allows you to skip annoying lines.These stores also have quality brands, and arent just filled with third party generics. For example, you can get or the .Justin Sullivan / Getty Images / GettySo, to reiterate and get back to our main point, heres the summary: You pay for a membership, then get access to discounts.Paying for discounts, in and of itself, can seem somewhat convoluted. However, you get a lot more than membership electronics savings with your purchase. First of all, you get discounts on all of the other items in the store, too. You can buy groceries and eggs (yes, eggs) at these stores.Then, there are special programs that make memberships even better. For example, the Sams Club Optical Center gives you 40% off pairs of glasses after your first. And this is just one bonus of many.Finally, warehouses often feature percentage rewards programs, where members get back a certain percentage back on all of their purchases up to a certain amount. Effectively, this gives you a small (but universal) deal on products with that warehouse store. For example, Costco perks include a 2% reward on Costco and Costco Travel purchases if you are a member at the Executive level..As it is with any membership from the gym to your Disney+ subscription, it is only worth it if you use it enough to get value from the costs. If you want to it will cost you $50 for the basic membership and $110 for the Plus tier membership. While the basic Club tier membership gets you in the door, gives you members-only fuel savings, and more, it is still somewhat intangible on whether or not youll get your moneys worth. The part of your brain that decides if the gym or Netflix is worth it while also have to be used here.The Plus tier membership, on the other hand, offers straight up numbers that can help you figure things out. Now, theres a long list and were not going to look at each item, butthese three perks alone can give you a big idea if the $110 fee is worth it:2% Sams Cash bonus$0 prescriptions (see below)$60 Sams Club gift card with T-MobileFor every $100 you spend at Sams Club, you save $2 with the Sams Cash bonus at this level. $5,500 in spendings is enough to cover the whole year, which is pretty easy to burn through on electronics alone. The listed $0 prescriptions benefit is somewhat misleading, as only some Sams Club prescriptions are $0 while many more are capped at $10 for generics. However, the average American spends over $300 on prescriptions each year and if youre in the nearly 50% of Americans taking two prescription drugs then this benefit could possibly save you $60 or more dollars each year alone if your medicines qualify. Likewise, the T-Mobile gift card also saves you $60. With just one of these savings of $60 you could cover the rest of the Plus tier membership with just $2,500 in spending at Sams Club (i.e. one TV and one laptop). And, of course, if you save with both, thats the whole cost.Bottom line: Sams Club is worth it if you use it. Sams Club Plus has more ways to save, and the typical electronics purchaser should see savings in a typical year.KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images / CostcoMuch like Sams Club, Costco is only going to be worth it if you plan on buying stuff from the store. If you dont use it, you may as well lose it.The base level membership for Costco is slightly more expensive than the Sams Club offerings at $65. Costcos basic memberships are actually broken up into two types as well, Business and Gold Star. The Business version even lets you purchase items at the sale for resale in your business.There theres the Executive Membership for $130 per year. This is the one that gives you the 2% back. Luckily, there is a on their signup page to help you decide if Costco is worth it for you.Bottom line:Though slightly more expensive upfront than Sams Club, Costco is worth it if you use it. Use their calculator to decide if you want the more advanced membership level.Shopping at Sams Club, Costco, or any other member warehouse store isnt for everyone. Individuals, those that dont do much shopping, and those living far from a physical location may want to think again.However, if you have a family, are a budget-conscious tech lover, and have a location nearby then you should probably check out Sams Club and Costco. Remember that even though you can shop online for tech at these stores, to get the most of the membership youll also want to buy groceries at the store, use their gas station for member discounts, and possibly even partake in some of those famous Costco food court wares which is to say that having a local store in a convenient location near you truly does sweeten the deal when it comes to getting a membership.In todays economic climate, ordinary people and tech writers like ourselves are widening the gap in places to search for electronics and electronics deals. One way were going about this is embracing warehouse electronics, such as those from Sams Club and Costco. In the near future, were going to be looking more at what these stores have on offer, from the top tech brands at Costco to regular Sams Club deals that we think youll be interested in. Looking at Sams Club, Costco, and other warehouses is going to be an ongoing project for Digital Trends this year and beyond.

The environmental group and Native American groups protested the Dakota Access project for months in 2016.