Orchid Pavilion for Casa Wabi | Jaime Navarro, Courtesy of CCALocated between the sea and the mountains on the outskirts of Puerto Escondido, the Orchid Pavilion is a conservation space for orchids. Designed by Centro de Colaboracin Arquitectnica (CCA) under the guidance of Bernardo Quinzaos, the structure reflects the interplay of Oaxacan craftsmanship, Japanese philosophy, and sustainable design principles, aligning with Casa Wabis mission of fostering connections between art, community, and the environment.Orchid Pavilion Technical InformationArchitects1-4: Centro de Colaboracin Arquitectnica (CCA)Location: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, MxicoCompletion Year: 2024Photographs: Rafael Gamo, Jaime NavarroWabi-Sabiwhich finds beauty and harmony in simplicity, imperfection, and unconventionalityresonates with the regions vernacular, locally sourced materials, and the exceptional craftsmanship of its artisans. CCA ArchitectsOrchid Pavilion PhotographsAerial View | Jaime Navarro, Courtesy of CCAEntrance Detail | Jaime Navarro, Courtesy of CCAWood Structure | Jaime Navarro, Courtesy of CCAExterior | Rafael Gamo, Courtesy of CCA Rafael Gamo, Courtesy of CCA Rafael Gamo, Courtesy of CCA Rafael Gamo, Courtesy of CCA Rafael Gamo, Courtesy of CCADesign Philosophy: Merging Wabi-Sabi and IkigaiThe Orchid Pavilion is part of a series of architectural interventions by Casa Wabi, known for commissioning innovative designs that celebrate art and community. Following notable contributions from figures like lvaro Siza and Kengo Kuma, the Pavilion extends this legacy by creating a space that serves as a functional orchid sanctuary and a meditative retreat.The Pavilions design draws deeply from the Japanese philosophies of Wabi-Sabi and Ikigai. Wabi-Sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection, simplicity, and the natural cycles of life, resonates strongly with the vernacular traditions of the Oaxacan coast. This philosophy guided the choice of materials, including locally sourced wood, custom-crafted concrete, ceramic components, and the structures understated yet evocative aesthetic.Equally influential was the concept of Ikigaithe Japanese idea of deriving happiness through purposeful living. For the Orchid Pavilion, Ikigai finds expression in its dual role: fostering the delicate growth of orchids while offering visitors a space for contemplation and reconnection. Every aspect of the Pavilions designfrom its tactile materiality to the sensory journey it createsaims to inspire mindfulness and purposefulness in its visitors.Functional Excellence: Sustainability and Technical InnovationBeyond its philosophical underpinnings, the Orchid Pavilion excels in its technical and functional execution. The primary challenge was to create an environment that mimics the natural conditions orchids need to thrive: humidity, shade, and ventilation. This was achieved through an ingenious system of gravity-fed humidifiers. Pyramid-shaped water basins release fine droplets that collect in concrete trays below, ensuring consistent moisture without the need for manual irrigation. The design integrates passive ventilation, allowing breezes to circulate freely, further enhancing the environment for orchid growth.Sustainability was a cornerstone of the project. Locally sourced materialswood and high-temperature fired concrete ceramicsreduced the environmental footprint and celebrated Oaxacan artisanal traditions. These choices demonstrate how architectural innovation can coexist with ecological responsibility and cultural preservation.A Space for Reflection and ConnectionThe Orchid Pavilion transcends its utilitarian purpose of becoming a sanctuary for introspection and harmony. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the sound of dripping water, the gentle touch of humid air, and the sight of orchids thriving in their delicate habitat. This multisensory experience fosters a profound connection to nature and encourages a meditative state of mind.The Pavilions design thoughtfully bridges the human and the natural. The shared water systemnurturing both orchids and visitorsserves as a metaphor for the interdependence of life. The simplicity of the structure, coupled with its sensory richness, creates a space that reorients visitors to the humble essence of existence.Orchid Pavilion Image GalleryAbout Bernardo QuinzaosBernardo Quinzaos is the founder of Centro de Colaboracin Arquitectnica (CCA), an award-winning architecture studio established in 2008 in Mexico City. As the CEO and Creative Director of CCA, Quinzaos is known for his innovative approach to public, cultural, and residential projects, characterized by geometric precision, sustainability, and a profound sensitivity to context. His work reflects a humanistic ethos, blending cutting-edge structural systems with a respect for local materials and traditions. Notes & Additional CreditsClient: Fundacin Casa WabiLead Architect: Bernardo QuinzaosDesign Team: Santiago Vlez, Begoa Manzano, Andrs Surez, Miguel Izaguirre, Florencio de Diego, Carlos Cruz Ay, Javier Castillo, Carlos Molina, Cristian Nieves, Abigail Zavaleta, Fernanda VenturaModel Photography: Vanessa Nieves, Arturo Arrieta, CCA Centro de Colaboracin Arquitectnica

Tech AI-powered robot sinks seemingly impossible basketball hoops Basketball-playing robot demonstrates skills that leave even the best NBA players in awe Published December 27, 2024 8:00am EST close AI-powered robot sinks impossible basketball hoops, proving it's got game Humanoid robot CUE6 can shoot some hoops. While you were busy watching your favorite NBA stars sink three-pointers, a robot was quietly perfecting its game-winning shot in Nagakute, Japan.That's right, a humanoid robot named CUE6 just stepped onto the court and made jaws drop faster than a Steph Curry buzzer-beater.CUE6, Toyota's basketball-playing robot, claimed a Guinness World Record for the longest shot by a humanoid robot, proving that AI can play basketball with the best of them. Toyota's basketball-playing robot (Guinness World Record)The journey of CUEThe story of CUE began in 2017 as a passion project for a small group of Toyota engineers. Inspired by the challenge of replicating human-like precision in physical tasks, the team embarked on a journey to build a basketball-playing robot. Early prototypes were rudimentary, cobbled together from LEGO components. Yet, each iteration brought new advancements, transforming CUE from a simple mechanical shooter into a sophisticated humanoid robot.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREBy 2019, CUEs third generation broke its first Guinness World Record, achieving 2,020 consecutive basketball free throws. This milestone showcased the robots ability to adapt and learn, using artificial intelligence to analyze and refine its shooting mechanics. Later versions introduced groundbreaking features, such as autonomous movement, ball handling, and even dribblinga skill that required the robot to adjust to the subtle variations of each bounce. Early prototypes using LEGO components (Toyota)Setting the latest recordCUE6s latest achievement was no small feat. The robots AI had to account for multiple variables: the balls weight, the trajectory, and even the atmospheric conditions of the court. Despite missing its first attempt, CUE6 recalibrated and succeeded on its second shot, showcasing its capacity for real-time learning and adaptation.The project leader, Tomohiro Nomi, expressed pride in the accomplishment, emphasizing that the robots AI was designed to develop its own optimal throwing style. "We wanted to surprise the world and demonstrate the power of craftsmanship and technology," he said. Toyota's basketball-playing robot (Guinness World Record)Beyond the basketball courtCUEs journey isnt just about sinking hoops. It represents a broader exploration into how robots can mimic human behaviors and adapt to dynamic environments. While a basketball-playing robot might seem like a novelty, the underlying technology has far-reaching implications. From industrial automation to healthcare, the principles of adaptive AI and robotics developed through projects like CUE could revolutionize countless fields.Toyotas ultimate goal is ambitious: to create a humanoid robot that can dunk like Michael Jordan. While that day might be years away, the progress made by the CUE project serves as an inspiring example of whats possible when human ingenuity and cutting-edge technology converge. Toyota engineers perfecting humanoid robot (Toyota)Kurt's key takeawaysThe journey from a LEGO prototype to a world-record-holding humanoid robot is nothing short of amazing. CUE6's story is a great reminder of what can be achieved with a bit of innovation and a lot of perseverance. Whether it's on the basketball court or in other arenas, CUE6s record-breaking shot stands as a testament to the power of dreaming big and pushing boundaries.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think having robots like CUE6 shoot hoops is a cool tech advancement, or are we taking things too far? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Misusing artificial intelligence (AI) can have some very clear and expensive consequences. Movie studio Lionsgate recently joined a long list of organisations discovering that quotations and citations from generative AI (GenAI) systems need to be verified like any other source; Microsoft is being sued by a German journalist afterBing Copilot suggested he had committed crimes he had instead reported on; and a US telecoms service is paying a $1m fine for simply transmitting automated calls featuring a fake AI voice mimicking President Biden.Enterprise enthusiasm for adopting GenAI remains high, meaning organisations are busy putting various governance, risk and compliance protections in place around their usage in different jurisdictions. While the main reason for restrictions on AI usage is frequently data privacy and security concerns, regulation and copyright concerns are also high on the list.Part of the problem for chief information officers (CIOs), however, is knowing exactly which regulations apply to AI, from the legal basis of using personal data to train AI models, to questions of transparency and discrimination when using AI systems. Many organisations focus on upcoming legislation specifically designed to set rules for those developing and deploying AI systems, alongside a mix of regulations and voluntary guidelines for AI that can be individually useful, but make up what United Nations secretary-general Antnio Guterres rather politely called a patchwork of potentially inconsistent rules.But the impact of new laws hasnt yet been felt, and changes in government in the UK and US make it harder to predict what future legislation will dictate, especially for UK businesses caught between the US and the European Union (EU).Meanwhile, existing regulations that dont explicitly mention AI already apply and are being applied. This summer, the Brazilian data processing authority temporarily forced Meta to stop using publicly available information collected from its users to train AI models on the basis of legitimate interests allowed under Brazilian legislation similar to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The company had to notify users in advance and provide easy ways to opt out.To safely navigate this web of regulations and laws both upcoming and existing that cover different stages of the development and deployment of AI, enterprises must therefore urgently get to grips with the direction of travel and appetite for enforcement in the countries they operate in.Although there is likely to be an AI Bill in the UK, neither of the two private members bills making their way through the House of Lords are a reliable guide to what future legislation might look like.The government seems unlikely to take exactly the same pro-innovation approach to AI regulation as the previous one, especially as its signed up to the Council of Europes Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights (which covers the use of AI by governments and other public bodies).Currently a research organisation, its possible the UK AI Safety Institute may get a new role as an additional regulator, alongside the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), Ofcom, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).The government report on Assuring a responsible future for AI envisions a commercial ecosystem of AI assurance tools to guide businesses using AI to mitigate risks and harms. It promises an AI Assurance Platform with a toolkit based on standards such as ISO/IEC 42001 (covering AI management systems), the EU AI Act and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework. Indeed, existing GRC tools such as Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager are already introducing reporting templates that cover these regulations.As for AI providers, the minister for the future digital economy and online safety, Baroness Jones, told the World Trade Organizations AI conference the government will soon bring forward highly targeted binding regulation on the handful of companies developing the most powerful AI systems.Similarly, Ofcom recently issued an open letter to online service providers reminding them that the Online Safety Act (which imposes additional duties on search engines and messaging services starting in December 2024 with more beginning next year) also applies to GenAI models and chatbots. Thats aimed at the big AI platforms, but businesses using services to create chatbots, for example, for customer service, will want to test them thoroughly and make sure content safety guardrails are turned on.The ICO has already requested fairly detailed disclosures from large platforms such as LinkedIn, Google, Meta, Microsoft and OpenAI about the data used to train their GenAI systems. Again, thats covered by the Data Protection Act 2018, the UK implementation of GDPR. Substantially right now, GDPR is regulating AI, Lilian Edwards, director at Pangloss Consulting and professor of technology law at Newcastle University, told Computer Weekly.While the upcomingData (Use and Access) Bill doesnt include the sweeping reforms to data protection rights proposed by the previous government, it also doesnt provide any extra clarity about the impact of UK GDPR on AI, beyond the existing guidance from the ICO, which makes it clear that senior management needs to understand and address the complex data protection implications of the technology.The definition of personal data is now very, very wide: data that relates to a person who can be made identifiable, warned Edwards. Any AI company is almost certainly, if not intentionally, processing personal data.More generally, she cautioned chief information officers not to dismiss legislation that doesnt name AI specifically, noting that all of the compliance and risk management processes already in place apply to AI. There are plenty of laws affecting companies that have been around for donkeys years that people arent as excited about: all the normal laws that apply to businesses. Discrimination and equality: are you in some way breaking the laws that are enforced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission? Are you breaking consumer rights by putting terms and conditions into your contracts?Edwards further warned that AI systems delivering hallucinations can breach health and safety laws (like Amazon selling AI-generated books that misidentify poisonous mushrooms).Diya Wynn, responsible AI lead at Amazon Web Services, said: We all have been very familiar and accustomed to having an understanding of sensitivity of data, whether its confidential, PII or PHI. That awareness of data and protecting data still is foundational, whether youre using AI or not, and that should underpin internal policies. If you would not share PII or confidential or sensitive information normally, then you absolutely don't want to do that in in in AI systems that you're building or leveraging as well.Despite (or perhaps because of) being home to the major AI suppliers, the US has no comprehensive, AI-specific federal laws. Both the result of the election and the highly fragmented legal and regulatory setup (with multiple authorities at both state and federal level) make it unclear what, if any, legislation will emerge.The executive order on AI issued by President Biden called for frameworks, best practices and future legislation to ensure AI tools dont break existing laws about discrimination, worker rights or how critical infrastructure and financial institutions handle risk.Although ostensibly broad, it actually applied more narrowly to government services and organisations that supply the US government, including assigning responsibilities for developing guardrails to NIST, which runs the US AI Safety Institute.As Paula Goldman, Salesforce chief ethical and humane use officer and a member of the national AI advisory committee that advises the US president, noted: In a policy context, there are real, legitimate conversations about some of these bigger questions, like national security risk or bad actors. In a business setting, it is a different conversation.That conversation is about data controls and a higher level of attention to good governance, hygiene and documentation that can be discussed at a board level.The executive order did specifically mention GenAI models trained on very large systems, but there are no existing systems with the specified level of resources.Many individual states have passed laws covering AI, some implementing the principles in the executive order, others regulating decisions in critical or sensitive areas made using GenAI without significant human involvement (again, GDPR already includes similar principles). California did introduce a sweeping range of legislation covering areas such as deepfakes and AI-generated digital replicas, of particular interest to Hollywood.The Republican campaign talked about replacing the executive order with AI built on free speech principles and the somewhat mysterious human flourishing. Its unclear what that would look like in practice especially given the conflicting interests of various donors and advisors and organisations doing business in the US will need to deal with this patchwork of regulation for some time to come.On the other hand, the EU is the first jurisdiction to pass AI-specific legislation, with the EU AI Act being both the most comprehensive regulation of AI and the one that suppliers are actively preparing for. We are specifically building into our products, in as much as we can, compliance with the EU AI Act, Marco Casalaina, vice-president of product at Azure AI Platform, told Computer Weekly.Thats something Goldman expects businesses to welcome. We have definitely heard a desire from companies to make sure that these regimes are interoperable, so theres an overarching set of standards that can apply globally, she said. Honestly, its a lot to keep track of.The Council of Europes AI Convention follows similar principles, and if this leads to global legislation aligning with it in the same way that GDPR influenced legislation worldwide, that will simplify compliance for many organisations.Thats by no means certain (there are already AI laws in place in Australia, Brazil and China), but any business operating in the EU, or with EU customers, will certainly need to comply with it. And unlike the mostly voluntary compliance approach of the executive order, the act comes with the usual penalties in this case, of up to 3% of global turnover.The first thing to remember is that the new legislation applies in addition to a wide range of existing laws covering intellectual property, data protection and privacy, financial services, security, consumer protection, and antitrust.It fits into this giant pack of EU laws, so it only covers really quite a small amount, said Edwards.The act doesnt regulate search, social media, or even recommender systems, which are meant to be dealt with by legislation enforcing the Digital Services Act.Read more about artificial intelligence regulationLord introduces bill to regulate public sector AI and automation: A private members bill seeking to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated technologies throughout the public sector has been brought to Parliament.Lord Holmes: UK cannot 'wait and see' to regulate AI: Legislation is needed to seize the benefits of artificial intelligence while minimising its risks, says Lord Holmes - but the governments wait and see approach to regulation will fail on both fronts.UK and others sign first binding treaty on AI and human rights: The UK, US and EU have all signed a treaty from the Council of Europe that aims to mitigate the threat AI poses to human rights, democracy and the rule of law, but commentators say it lacks enforcement mechanisms and creates loopholes.Rather than focusing on specific technologies, the EU AI Act is about demonstrating that AI products and services available in the EU comply with product safety requirements, which include data security and user privacy, in much the same way that the CE mark acts as a passport for selling physical products in the EU market.The act covers both traditional and generative AI; the latter provisions are clearly a work in progress mainly intended to apply to AI providers, who have to register in an EU database. As in the US executive order, general purpose models with systemic risks (like disinformation or discrimination) are categorised by the capacity of the system they were trained on, but at the level of the training systems already in use by providers such as Microsoft and OpenAI, rather than future systems yet to be built.The most oversight (or outright bans) applies to specific higher-risk uses, which are predominantly in the public sector, but also include critical infrastructure and employment.If you are building a chatbot for vetting candidates for hiring, Edwards warned, that would fall into the high-risk category. AI systems with limited risk (which includes chatbots) require transparency (including informing users about the AI system): those with minimal or no risk, such as spam filters, arent regulated by the act.These high-risk AI systems require conformity assessments she described as a long list of very sensible machine learning training requirements: transparency, risk mitigation, looking at your training and testing data set, and cyber security. Its got to be trained well, its got to be labelled well, its got to be representative, its got to be not full of errors.AI providers have to disclose at least a summary of their training set as well as the risks involved in using these AI systems, so you can see what risks have been mitigated and which ones have been flagged as not entirely mitigated, said Edwards.The original intent of the act was to regulate traditional AI systems (not models) with a specific, intended use (like training, education or judicial sentencing) and making sure they stay fit for that purpose with tracking of updates and modifications. That makes less sense for GenAI, which is rarely designed for a single purpose, but the principle remains. Organisations deploying GenAI systems have fewer responsibilities than AI providers under the act, but if they make substantial enough modifications for these to count as a new system (including putting their name or trademark on it), they will also need a conformity assessment if they fall into a high-risk category.Its not yet clear whether fine-tuning, RAG or even changing from one large language modelto another would count as a substantial modification, as the code of practice for general purpose GenAI systems is still being written.Until that guidance clarifies the position for businesses deploying GenAI (and also the situation for open weight models), its not certain how far this will apply to everyday individuals or businesses, Edwards told Computer Weekly.The act comes into force gradually over the next few years, with some provisions not in force until the end of 2030. Even if the EU takes the same approach as with GDPR (of enforcing the regulations very publicly on some larger suppliers to send a message), that may take some time although multinational businesses may already be thinking about whether they use the same AI tools in all jurisdictions.But one thing all organisations using AI covered by the act will need to do very quickly, is make sure staff have enough training in responsible AI and regulatory compliance to have AI literacy by the February 2025 deadline.Its not just for your lawyers, Edwards warns: anyone dealing with the operation and use of AI systems needs to understand the deployment of those systems, and the opportunities and risks involved.That kind of awareness is important for getting the most out of AI anyway, and getting ahead of the game rather than waiting for regulation to dictate safety measures makes good business sense.As Forrester vice-president Brandon Purcell put it: Most savvy legal and compliance teams know that if theres a problem with an experience that involves your brand, youre going to be culpable in some way, maybe not in litigation, but certainly in the court of public opinion.

Is the enormous Echo Show 21 Amazon's best smart display or its biggest missed opportunity? Here's what I think.

Undoubtedly, 2024 has been a groundbreaking year for the laptop industry. Between advances in processor technology, the development of new materials, and AI powering it all, the market has shifted. That's great news for consumers because it means thinner, lighter machines with record-breaking battery life and more customizability.We've gone hands-on with dozens of laptops this year, breaking down the pros and cons of all the best laptops so you don't have to. The best machine for you depends on what you want to use it for, and to that end, we've narrowed down six machines that rank at the top of some of the most common use cases. We're confident what you're looking for aligns with at least one of these categories.What is the best laptop right now?Our pick for the overall best laptop in 2024 is the M4 MacBook Pro. It's hard to beat the laptop's long-lasting battery, generation-defining AI features, top-tier performance, and vibrant display. This laptop checks off all the boxes and looks as good as it performs. As great as it may be, the M4 MacBook Pro isn't for everyone. There are other options available that are worth highlighting. Sort by All Value Performance Design/Build Battery life Display The best laptops of 2024 Show less View now at Best Buy Taking the top spot as the best laptop of 2024 is Apple's M4 MacBook Pro. This may surprise some people, as we're sure a few were expecting the M4 Pro or M4 Max version, but there is a good reason why we went with the base model. It perfectly balances the lines between power and affordability.The M4 is the latest chipset in Apple's silicon line. It consists of a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Kerry Wan, the Senior Reviews Editor at ZDNET, said the base configuration can arguably meet the needs "for 90% of users" and says "most people will be delighted by the... overall computing experience". Whether it's for photo editing, video work, or some light gaming, the M4 handles everything smoothly, even performing the old M1 Pro chip.Review:MacBook Pro (M4)Artificial intelligence also plays a big role in the M4 ecosystem. It enables the new ChatGPT-powered Siri to exist on the smartphone, allowing the AI assistant to handle complex queries. Writing Tools is another notable feature that can craft messages across various tones. And Image Playground creates AI-generated artwork -- perfect for professionals juggling multiple jobs.Of course, if money is not an issue, you can purchase the MacBook Pro housing the M4 Pro or M4 Max chipset. These two provide an even better user experience, although be prepared to pay a lot more.MacBook Pro M4 features: Display size:14-inch|Display type:Liquid Retina XDR |Resolution:3024 x 1964 pixels |RAM:Up to 24GB|Storage:Up to 1TB|CPU:10-core M4|Battery life:Up to a purported 24 hours Pros Powerful performance Stunning display AI features Cons Very expensive Taking the top spot as the best laptop of 2024 is Apple's M4 MacBook Pro. This may surprise some people, as we're sure a few were expecting the M4 Pro or M4 Max version, but there is a good reason why we went with the base model. It perfectly balances the lines between power and affordability.The M4 is the latest chipset in Apple's silicon line. It consists of a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Kerry Wan, the Senior Reviews Editor at ZDNET, said the base configuration can arguably meet the needs "for 90% of users" and says "most people will be delighted by the... overall computing experience". Whether it's for photo editing, video work, or some light gaming, the M4 handles everything smoothly, even performing the old M1 Pro chip.Review:MacBook Pro (M4)Artificial intelligence also plays a big role in the M4 ecosystem. It enables the new ChatGPT-powered Siri to exist on the smartphone, allowing the AI assistant to handle complex queries. Writing Tools is another notable feature that can craft messages across various tones. And Image Playground creates AI-generated artwork -- perfect for professionals juggling multiple jobs.Of course, if money is not an issue, you can purchase the MacBook Pro housing the M4 Pro or M4 Max chipset. These two provide an even better user experience, although be prepared to pay a lot more.MacBook Pro M4 features: Display size:14-inch|Display type:Liquid Retina XDR |Resolution:3024 x 1964 pixels |RAM:Up to 24GB|Storage:Up to 1TB|CPU:10-core M4|Battery life:Up to a purported 24 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less With so many fantastic Windows laptops out there, it was hard to pick just one, but we had to give it to the XPS 16. It is such a good computer. We feel confident that it's good enough to become your primary device. Dell's machine has a stunning 4K resolution display surrounded by thin bezels. Having a thin frame is a slight touch, but it makes the screen seem significantly more prominent than it is.Review:Dell XPS 16 (2024)Under the hood, you're looking at an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series graphics card. Our review unit came with an RTX 4070 GPU. Combine these specs with its 32GB of RAM (64GB max), and you're looking at a laptop that can easily handle all demanding workloads, from gaming to video editing.The XPS 16 also has a stylish design. The zero lattice keyboard and the function key touch panel give it a distinct look seen nowhere else. On the sides of the keys are the device's room-filling speakers. We want to warn you that the XPS 16 is rather heavy and doesn't have a wide array of ports, so you may need a docking station. Be sure to check out ZDNET's list of the best laptop docking stations for recommendations.Dell XPS 16 features: Display size:16.3 inches |Display type:OLED |Resolution:4K |CPU:Intel Core Ultra 7 155H|RAM:Up to 64GB |Storage:Up to 4TB SSD |Battery life:12 hours Pros Top tier hardware Room-filling speakers 4K display Cons Expensive Divisive keyboard design Limited ports With so many fantastic Windows laptops out there, it was hard to pick just one, but we had to give it to the XPS 16. It is such a good computer. We feel confident that it's good enough to become your primary device. Dell's machine has a stunning 4K resolution display surrounded by thin bezels. Having a thin frame is a slight touch, but it makes the screen seem significantly more prominent than it is.Review:Dell XPS 16 (2024)Under the hood, you're looking at an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series graphics card. Our review unit came with an RTX 4070 GPU. Combine these specs with its 32GB of RAM (64GB max), and you're looking at a laptop that can easily handle all demanding workloads, from gaming to video editing.The XPS 16 also has a stylish design. The zero lattice keyboard and the function key touch panel give it a distinct look seen nowhere else. On the sides of the keys are the device's room-filling speakers. We want to warn you that the XPS 16 is rather heavy and doesn't have a wide array of ports, so you may need a docking station. Be sure to check out ZDNET's list of the best laptop docking stations for recommendations.Dell XPS 16 features: Display size:16.3 inches |Display type:OLED |Resolution:4K |CPU:Intel Core Ultra 7 155H|RAM:Up to 64GB |Storage:Up to 4TB SSD |Battery life:12 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Dell's Alienware m18 R2 is a top-tier gaming laptop that runs upwards of $3,000, but it's well worth the cost. This is a beastly, high-powered laptop that is designed for one thing: immersive gaming. As the refresh of last year's m18 r1 model, the R2 is a powerful, top-of-the-line gamer's paradise stacked with a 14th-generation HX Intel 24-core 5.8 GHz max boost processor, high-end graphics capabilities, a sophisticated cooling system, and more ports than you'll know what to do with.Review:Dell Alienware m18 R2 Despite its colossal size, the m18 R2 is very comfortable to use. The touchpad is minimalistic and responsive, and the luxe Cherry MX mechanical keyboard feels exactly as satisfying as you'd expect. Each key gets the proper tactile "click" that feels the same no matter where on the key you press.Dell's Alienware m18 R2is among thebest gaming laptops. This powerful machine has a distinct identity and can handle virtually any game you want, with vibrant graphics and blazing-fast processing speeds. Plus, it can get dressed for the office at the press of a button because doing so turns off the RGB lighting.Alienware m18 R2 tech specs: Display size: 18 inches | Display type: QHD | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | CPU: 14th Gen Intel Core i9 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, 16GB | RAM: 16GB-64GB | Storage: 1TB-8TB SSD | Battery life: 10 hours Value 10 Performance 10 Design/Build 8 Battery life 10 Display 8 Pros Powerful suite of hardware Massive display Tons of storage Future-proofed to handle upcoming titles Cons Expensive Loud, powerful fans Heavy and bulky Best while plugged in Alienware m18 R2 Best gaming laptop 4.6 / 5 Score Dell's Alienware m18 R2 is a top-tier gaming laptop that runs upwards of $3,000, but it's well worth the cost. This is a beastly, high-powered laptop that is designed for one thing: immersive gaming. As the refresh of last year's m18 r1 model, the R2 is a powerful, top-of-the-line gamer's paradise stacked with a 14th-generation HX Intel 24-core 5.8 GHz max boost processor, high-end graphics capabilities, a sophisticated cooling system, and more ports than you'll know what to do with.Review:Dell Alienware m18 R2 Despite its colossal size, the m18 R2 is very comfortable to use. The touchpad is minimalistic and responsive, and the luxe Cherry MX mechanical keyboard feels exactly as satisfying as you'd expect. Each key gets the proper tactile "click" that feels the same no matter where on the key you press.Dell's Alienware m18 R2is among thebest gaming laptops. This powerful machine has a distinct identity and can handle virtually any game you want, with vibrant graphics and blazing-fast processing speeds. Plus, it can get dressed for the office at the press of a button because doing so turns off the RGB lighting.Alienware m18 R2 tech specs: Display size: 18 inches | Display type: QHD | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | CPU: 14th Gen Intel Core i9 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, 16GB | RAM: 16GB-64GB | Storage: 1TB-8TB SSD | Battery life: 10 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon We're calling the Acer Aspire Go 15 the best laptop under $500, but it's actually well under that price. For just $300, this is a capable laptop at a price you can't argue with. Not everyone needs a powerful laptop decked out in high-end hardware, especially if you're looking for a secondary computer. And for a portable notebook that is built to cover the basics, it doesn't get much more affordable than this.The Acer Aspire Go 15 is offered at such a low cost because it has just 8GB of RAM and 125GB SSD. This means it's not a device you want to dump all your photos and videos on. Instead, you can use it as a capable machine for work or staying connected while traveling.Review:Acer Aspire Go 15The 15-inch screen gives enough room for working with spreadsheets and productivity software, where the full keyboard features a number pad on the right side. Add in a webcam, a good selection of ports, and a Kensington lock slot, and this laptop has your bases covered.Acer Aspire Go tech specs: Display size:15 inches |Display type:LCD|Resolution:1080p|CPU:Intel Core i3-N305|RAM:8GB |Storage:125GB SSD |Battery life:Up to 11 hours Value 10 Performance 6 Design/Build 6 Battery life 8 Display 7 Pros Lots of bang for your buck Good enough for everyday use Full keyboard Cons A little bulky Limited by its lower-end RAM Acer Aspire Go 15 Best laptop under $500 3.7 / 5 Score We're calling the Acer Aspire Go 15 the best laptop under $500, but it's actually well under that price. For just $300, this is a capable laptop at a price you can't argue with. Not everyone needs a powerful laptop decked out in high-end hardware, especially if you're looking for a secondary computer. And for a portable notebook that is built to cover the basics, it doesn't get much more affordable than this.The Acer Aspire Go 15 is offered at such a low cost because it has just 8GB of RAM and 125GB SSD. This means it's not a device you want to dump all your photos and videos on. Instead, you can use it as a capable machine for work or staying connected while traveling.Review:Acer Aspire Go 15The 15-inch screen gives enough room for working with spreadsheets and productivity software, where the full keyboard features a number pad on the right side. Add in a webcam, a good selection of ports, and a Kensington lock slot, and this laptop has your bases covered.Acer Aspire Go tech specs: Display size:15 inches |Display type:LCD|Resolution:1080p|CPU:Intel Core i3-N305|RAM:8GB |Storage:125GB SSD |Battery life:Up to 11 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon LG's Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 stands out among a sea of similar laptops by being one of the most lightweight options out there. It weighs just 3.04 pounds and sits at about 0.51 inches thick when closed. Its thin nano-magnesium alloy body makes the device sturdy while also looking pretty cool with its sleek matte black finish. The crisp, tactical keyboard and response trackpad complement its minimalist aesthetic.Review:LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1At the heart of the Gram Pro 16 is an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, up to 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. This hardware configuration allows the laptop to handle multitasking and heavy browsing with ease easily. Above the keyboard is a stunning 16-inch IKED display with a 120Hz refresh rate as well as a maximum brightness of 400 nits. It delivers vivid visuals with full RGB P3 color gamut coverage which makes the model ideal for content creators. In fact, the Gram Pro 16 excels at both photo and video editing. However, as a result of the hardware, the LG Gram Pro 16 can run rather warm.Other notable features include an eight-hour battery life and a tent mode for media consumption.LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 features: Display size:16 inches |Display type:OLED |Resolution:2880 x 1800 VRR OLED Touchscreen |RAM:Up to 32GB |Storage:Up to 2TB SSD |CPU:Intel Core Ultra 7 155H| GPU: Intel Arc |Battery life:8 hours of video playback | Weight: 3.04 lbs Pros Extremely lightweight Solid performance Sleek and thin Gorgeous display Cons Can run warm Not the best speakers Pricey LG's Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 stands out among a sea of similar laptops by being one of the most lightweight options out there. It weighs just 3.04 pounds and sits at about 0.51 inches thick when closed. Its thin nano-magnesium alloy body makes the device sturdy while also looking pretty cool with its sleek matte black finish. The crisp, tactical keyboard and response trackpad complement its minimalist aesthetic.Review:LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1At the heart of the Gram Pro 16 is an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, up to 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. This hardware configuration allows the laptop to handle multitasking and heavy browsing with ease easily. Above the keyboard is a stunning 16-inch IKED display with a 120Hz refresh rate as well as a maximum brightness of 400 nits. It delivers vivid visuals with full RGB P3 color gamut coverage which makes the model ideal for content creators. In fact, the Gram Pro 16 excels at both photo and video editing. However, as a result of the hardware, the LG Gram Pro 16 can run rather warm.Other notable features include an eight-hour battery life and a tent mode for media consumption.LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 features: Display size:16 inches |Display type:OLED |Resolution:2880 x 1800 VRR OLED Touchscreen |RAM:Up to 32GB |Storage:Up to 2TB SSD |CPU:Intel Core Ultra 7 155H| GPU: Intel Arc |Battery life:8 hours of video playback | Weight: 3.04 lbs Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Best Buy When I first heard of this laptop, I didn't pay much attention to it. But the second I went hands-on, I realized I had massively underestimated the Asus Vivobook Pro 15. This is a fantastic laptop with a brilliant OLED display, solid hardware, and a suite of features made with creators in mind, all for a very competitive price.In fact, the price point is one of the main draws here, as it's not hard to find laptops targeted at creators for double the price, but the Vivobook Pro 15 offers quite a lot of bang for your buck. Armed with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU and Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, it's well-suited for multitasking and easily running graphics-intensive programs.The OLED screen is supported by an array of image-enhancing software, the most notable of which is the Pantone validation, which allows the display to accurately represent colors with the utmost accuracy to true life, a rather rare feature on laptops.The trackpad also has an ingenious feature called the DialPad, which acts as a quick menu for toolkits found in creative software. Through its control app, you can connect it to Photoshop and then tie it to different brushes, tools, layer navigation, or other commonly used features with convenient one-click gestures.Asus Vivobook Pro 15 (2024) features: Display size:15 inches |Display type:OLED |Resolution:1920 x 1080 |CPU:Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |RAM:16GB |Storage:1TB SSD |Battery life:6 hours Value 8 Performance 8 Design/Build 8 Battery life 7 Display 10 Pros Brilliant OLED display DialPad offers one-click toolkit access Full-sized keyboard Solid suite of hardware Cons Battery life is variable Can run warm Asus Vivobook Pro 15 (2024) Best laptop for content creators 4.1 / 5 Score When I first heard of this laptop, I didn't pay much attention to it. But the second I went hands-on, I realized I had massively underestimated the Asus Vivobook Pro 15. This is a fantastic laptop with a brilliant OLED display, solid hardware, and a suite of features made with creators in mind, all for a very competitive price.In fact, the price point is one of the main draws here, as it's not hard to find laptops targeted at creators for double the price, but the Vivobook Pro 15 offers quite a lot of bang for your buck. Armed with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU and Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, it's well-suited for multitasking and easily running graphics-intensive programs.The OLED screen is supported by an array of image-enhancing software, the most notable of which is the Pantone validation, which allows the display to accurately represent colors with the utmost accuracy to true life, a rather rare feature on laptops.The trackpad also has an ingenious feature called the DialPad, which acts as a quick menu for toolkits found in creative software. Through its control app, you can connect it to Photoshop and then tie it to different brushes, tools, layer navigation, or other commonly used features with convenient one-click gestures.Asus Vivobook Pro 15 (2024) features: Display size:15 inches |Display type:OLED |Resolution:1920 x 1080 |CPU:Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |RAM:16GB |Storage:1TB SSD |Battery life:6 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Lenovo's sixth-generation ThinkPad T14s is an excellent choice for professionals seeking a fast laptop that can easily tackle intensive productivity tasks. It performs well thanks to the recently released AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360 processor. Alongside it is the integrated AMD Radeon 880M graphics card as well as 32GB of RAM. Hardware like this delivers exceptional multitasking capabilities.Benchmark results present in our review highlight its power, scoring over 9,300 points in PCMark 10's Essential Productivity tests. This indicates apps open quickly on the ThinkPad T14s. Cinebench results show image rendering is remarkably fast, further demonstrating the efficiency of the Ryzen AI processor. If that wasn't enough, the inclusion of a neural processing unit (or NPU) boosts the computer even further as the component offloads workloads from the processor.Beyond its hardware, the T14s Gen 6 sports a lightweight design, typical of other models in its line, and a solid 12-hour battery life. What's really neat is the battery also charges quickly, reaching 70% in about an hour.Other notable features include a 5MP webcam for clear video calls in 1440p, Thunderbolt 4 ports for quick file transferring, and support for Dolby Atmos, enabling immersive sound.Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6features: Display size:14 inches |Display type:WUXGA|Resolution:1920 x 1200|CPU:AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360 |RAM:32GB |Storage:up to 1TB SSD |Battery life:12 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Chromebooks have been blowing up this year, with a handful of newer models in Google's Chromebook Plus line, bringing beefier hardware and cool new features to consumers as a third option. Once relegated to tablets and devices with very limited use, Chromebooks can now act as full-fledged main drivers, bringing their own set of features to the table spearheaded by AI.One of the latest Chromebooks released this year is Samsung's Galaxy Chromebook Plus, an ultra-thin and light device with a brilliant OLED display and a handful of AI-powered features. The new Quick Insert key on the Galaxy Chromebook brings a mobile control panel to help with multitasking, while the Help Me Read feature scans and summarizes websites, articles, and text files. Even better, these functions are built into the device at the OS level.Review:Samsung Galaxy Chromebook PlusThe Galaxy Chromebook Plus looks great with its bright, vivid display. It is well-rounded enough for various use cases -- even cloud gaming -- which only a few years ago was not something you'd think about doing on a Chromebook. The best part about all of this is that the device is affordable, at $699, which is a competitive price for a portable workstation, gaming machine, or main driver.Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus features: Display size:15.6 inches |Display type:AMOLED |Resolution:1920 x 1080 |CPU: Intel Core 3 |RAM:8GB |Storage:256GB eUFS |Battery life:12 hours Value 9 Performance 8 Design/Build 7 Battery life 9 Display 8 Pros Thin and lightweight Brilliant display All the latest AI ChromeOS features Affordable Cons Learning curve with ChromeOS Cloud storage only Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus Best Chromebook laptop 4.1 / 5 Score Chromebooks have been blowing up this year, with a handful of newer models in Google's Chromebook Plus line, bringing beefier hardware and cool new features to consumers as a third option. Once relegated to tablets and devices with very limited use, Chromebooks can now act as full-fledged main drivers, bringing their own set of features to the table spearheaded by AI.One of the latest Chromebooks released this year is Samsung's Galaxy Chromebook Plus, an ultra-thin and light device with a brilliant OLED display and a handful of AI-powered features. The new Quick Insert key on the Galaxy Chromebook brings a mobile control panel to help with multitasking, while the Help Me Read feature scans and summarizes websites, articles, and text files. Even better, these functions are built into the device at the OS level.Review:Samsung Galaxy Chromebook PlusThe Galaxy Chromebook Plus looks great with its bright, vivid display. It is well-rounded enough for various use cases -- even cloud gaming -- which only a few years ago was not something you'd think about doing on a Chromebook. The best part about all of this is that the device is affordable, at $699, which is a competitive price for a portable workstation, gaming machine, or main driver.Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus features: Display size:15.6 inches |Display type:AMOLED |Resolution:1920 x 1080 |CPU: Intel Core 3 |RAM:8GB |Storage:256GB eUFS |Battery life:12 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best laptop? ZDNET's top pick for the best laptop is Apple's MacBook M3 Max, which features a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, great performance, and promises 22 hours of battery life. This chart breaks down how the laptop stacks up with the top features on other devices, from price to CPU/GPU, screen size, and display resolution.Best laptopStarting priceProcessor/GPURAM/StorageMacBook Pro (M4)$1,499M4Up to 24GB, up to 1TBDell XPS 16$1,499Intel Core Ultra 7, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070Up to 64GB, up to 4TBAlienware m18 R2$2,39914th Gen Intel Core i7-14700HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070Up to 32GB, up to 2TB SSDAcer Aspire Go 15$259Intel Core i3-N305, Intel UHD8GB, 128GBLG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1$1,799Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Intel ArcUp to 32GB, up to 2TBAsus Vivobook Pro 15$849Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 305016GB, 1TBLenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6$1,393AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 Processor, AMD Radeon 880MUp to 32GB, up to 1TBSamsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus$699Intel Core 38GB, 256GB Show more Which is the right laptop for you? The main question when buying a laptop is: "What do you want to do with it?" Once you've established that, you can focus your research on finding the right machine for you.For example, if you're on the move a lot, you'll want a good combination of flexibility, sturdiness, connectivity, security, and a long battery life. However, you should opt for a laptop with powerful hardware if you're a largely deskbound graphic designer or content creator. Devices with top-tier processors and graphics cards tend to be heavier than most.Here's a well-researched (and tested) list of our favorite laptops for a wide array of use cases.Buy this best laptop...If you need...MacBook Pro (M4)A powerful, well-rounded laptop for the office and home. The MacBook Pro with the M4 chip brings performance for nearly everything from simple spreadsheets and video calls to video editing.Dell XPS 16A Windows-based laptop with seriously powerful hardware and lots of different options for customizing it to your needs.Alienware m18 R2A top-of-the-line gaming laptop that comes stacked with powerful hardware.Acer Aspire Go 15A seriously inexpensive laptop that has all the basics for everyday use.LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1An extremely lightweight laptop with a brilliant OLED screen.Asus Vivobook Pro 15A laptop designed specifically for content creators with a brilliant OLED display and solid hardware that doesn't break the bank.Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6An ultraportable laptop for work. It houses the latest AI-powered AMD processor and a fast charging battery.Samsung Galaxy Chromebook PlusAn affordable, lightweight Chromebook with a gorgeous display Show more How we test laptops We use a combination of methods to test laptops here at ZDNET. First, we acquire data from benchmarking software to analyze a system's metrics under the hood and compare those to advertised numbers. Then, we spend an extended amount of time with the laptop (usually a week or two) using it the same way a normal consumer would, to assess its portability, form factor, and how well the batteryactuallyholds up. For an extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensivelaptop testing methodology.Benchmarking:First, we run a series of tests to put the computer's hardware through the wringer in order to see what it's capable of.Cinebenchis one of the most commonly used hardware testing suites, which tests the laptop's rendering performance on single and multiple CPU cores.PCMark 10is another powerful program that covers a wide variety of tasks performed in the workplace, and there are many others that we use in tandem to gather as much data as we can. Some components we run tests on include:Processor:The "brain" of the laptop and one of the most important factors that determines performance. The four biggest manufacturers that make most of the CPUs found in laptops today are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple (in Apple machines only). This is tested in benchmarking software.The display:The size of the display (measured diagonally from corner to corner) is also what dictates the laptop's overall size, and plays a big role in the laptop's cost. Brightness is measured in "nits," and color spectrums are tested in benchmarking software.The graphics processor (GPU):Whether it's integrated into the CPU or a dedicated graphics card, how well the machine handles graphics is a key factor when it comes to demanding tasks like video editing, rendering, and of course, gaming. We test the GPU with a combination of benchmarking software, gaming, and media playback.Physical form factor:Finally, the laptop's overall appearance and physical form factor encompasses its weight, thickness, how the keyboard and trackpad feel, and whether it has a display that can be folded back to form a tablet. We carry the laptop around for at least a week and note how well it commutes.Battery testing:We test a unit's battery in a few ways. A handful of benchmarking programs have their own battery testing components, but we also will just let the laptop run for as long as it can under a medium load. We ensure screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off, set the display's brightness and audio at 50%, load up a livestream on YouTube in Chrome, and wait 'til the end.The human element:As we mentioned earlier, metrics and system data is important, but numbers alone don't give you the full picture. This is where we weave in our personal experience with the device and tap into the practical use cases that consumers actually care about.Ultimately, our goal is to break down the capabilities of each and every laptop we test into digestible terms that real people find useful. There is a lot of noise and confusion when it comes to navigating the laptop and computer consumer market, so we hope to bring an intuitive element to the whole process by leveraging our team's decades of experience. Show more What are some factors to consider when choosing the best laptops? Multiple factors influence the choice of laptops for this list. We look for machines with great designs, performance, and effective storage and RAM. We also considered the different purposes for which you may need or use your laptop and the overall value (including the price point) that the laptop promises.Design:Whether your laptop is your ultimate workstation or source of entertainment, its design, display, and portability determine how you interact with the unit.Performance:For many, laptops are essential for workflow and communication. The best laptops promise efficient speed and performance, powered by the greatest and latest chipsets (like the Apple M3 Max).Storage and RAM:It's likely you'll use a laptop to store key documents or memories, and the best models have plenty of room for you to do so.Purpose:We strive to answer the question, "What laptop should I get if ___" as we know you have different workflow and entertainment needs and preferences, from graphic design to gaming.Value:The best laptop can be a pricey investment, so we considered qualities that assure you'll get your money's worth. Show more FAQs on laptops Why should you buy a laptop, and not a desktop or a tablet? While the desktop form factor, especially in the form of all-in-one (AIO) devices, still exists, laptops come in various sizes and cover many use cases. They range from thin, light, and ultraportable to bulky, powerful, and deskbound. Because of how good laptops are nowadays, most people opt for sticking with a laptop to serve as their main computer. If a small laptop screen is an issue, an external monitor can be connected. Show more Which operating system should you choose: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, or Linux? While every computing platform has its loyal supporters, most people end up using a particular operating system because of key applications running on it, employer preferences, or budgetary constraints. Windows, which ranges from budget to premium, and Apple's MacOS, which is exclusive to premium devices, cover a broad spectrum. ChromeOS is mostly limited to mid-range devices.Also:The best lightweight laptops you can buy: Expert testedAll Windows devices listed here meet the requirements for Windows 11. If you purchase a device with Windows 10 installed, you will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 if you choose to do so. Note that after October 14, 2025, Windows 10 support will end, and there will be no further security patches or feature updates. Show more What brand of laptop is best? In general, the leading PC vendors have the most extensive range of offerings and the best-documented track records for product development and customer relations. Therefore, if you do not have a specialized use case or budgetary constraints, you will typically consider vendors such as Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, or Asus. These vendors currently lead the PC market in terms of shipments, along with several other well-known brands. Show more What are the best laptops for gaming? The good news is that you don't need to have the biggest, best, newest components to get a decentgaming laptop. To play most triple-A and indie titles, we recommend a rig with at least 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, a 120Hz refresh rate for the display, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card.And if you want to try your hand at content creation, something like the Corsair Voyager a1600 is a sure bet. You might also want to consider equipping with accessories. An Elgato Steam Deck integration, for example, can offer streamlined workflows when editing videos, livestreaming, and even setting up video calls with channel moderators or collaborators. Show more What are the best laptops for students? It really depends on the student, but there are some common factors to consider when shopping for a laptop for school. You'll want something small and lightweight for easier commutes to and from school, as well as in between classes.You'll also want something with at least an 8-hour battery life to get through a typical school day without needing to plug in (which is excellent for younger kids who may be forgetful and leave their charging cable at home). Also look for a laptop with at least 4GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and cloud-storage backup to create duplicate copies of important files and classwork. You'll also want to avoid laptops with dedicated graphics cards aimed toward gaming to help cut down misuse and procrastination Show more What are the best laptops for business? Whether you're looking for a single laptop for yourself or a fleet for your business, the best laptops for work not only offer great performance but also multiple connectivity options and durable builds.You'll want to look for a model that has at least 8GB of RAM, a 512GB storage drive, a quad-core CPU, and a display that is large enough to work on without being too bulky to travel with. You'll also want a model with, at least, 8 hours of battery life to get through a typical shift without needing to plug in. Show more What are the best laptops for video editing? We strongly recommend getting aMacBook Pro (M3 Max)and purchasingFinal Cut Pro, an editing software exclusive to the Mac ecosystem. There's also the option of buying the 16-inch MacBook Pro from early 2023. It sports an M2 Max chip and offers great performance for content creators. The machine can handle 4TB of footage with ease.Therefore, Apple MacBook Pros are a popular choice as are any laptops with powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and high-resolution displays such as the Dell XPS 13 and 15. Show more Other laptops we've testedZDNET writer Taylor Clemons also contributed to this list. ZDNETs Laptop Guide Laptop Roundups Laptops Reviewed & Compared Laptops Explained ZDNET Recommends

Extension cords and power strips are often safe for home and office electronics. But for some appliances, they can be a dangerously bad idea.

A young woman experiences stomach discomfort.gettyOutbreaks of highly contagious norovirus are up in the U.S. Also known as the "winter vomiting bug" or "stomach flu," the seasonal illness is at its highest recorded level this time of year for more than a decade.Officials reported 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks over the first week of December. This is the highest level seen at this time of year since at least 2012, and one of the highest case loads reported at any time of year over the last 12 years.As this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data only currently covers 15 states, it doesn't give a comprehensive picture of norovirus across the country. Increasing numbers of cases may be influenced by more states joining the program over the years.Nonetheless, it reflects peaks and trends in the spread of the virus, which usually circulates more widely between November and April every year. The U.S. reports around 2,500 outbreaks a year, typically peaking in February.This year, it appears its hitting harder, earlier, possibly as more people get together "for the first time in several years," experts told Fortune magazine.MORE FOR YOURise In Seasonal IllnessesMany countries are seeing an uptick in several seasonal viruses as people mingle more over the holidays than they did during the pandemic. Diseases like flu and respiratory illness RSV are all on the up and, although it doesn't represent the same threat it once did, COVID-19 is circulating widely. Relatively high levels of whooping cough, which can be deadly for infants, are also of concern to public health experts.Countries like the U.K. have issued numerous public statements to encourage members of the public to get vaccinated against illnesses and practice everyday hygiene measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.Officials in the country's public health system says they're battling a "quad-demic" of flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus, with 95% of England's hospital beds full by early December.What Is Norovirus?Norovirus is the most common cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S. Although it's often referred to as "stomach flu," it's not related to influenza.The virus spreads via tiny particles of infected fecal matter that enter the mouth. This means you can catch it by eating or drinking something contaminated with the virus and by touching your mouth after you've touched a contaminated surface like a doorknob. If you're looking after someone with the disease, it can be easy to catch it yourself.Norovirus often causes vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain, but may also result in fever, headaches and body aches. It can be very unpleasant, but most people will recover within about three days of developing symptoms.It's important to drink water if you catch norovirus, as both vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. If you suspect someone with norovirus has severe dehydration, seek medical help.How Can I Protect Myself Against Norovirus?You can protect against norovirus with vigilant hand-washing. Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing a baby's diaper, shaking someone's hand or caring for someone with the disease.Don't share food or drinks with a person infected with the disease, and make sure to wash any potentially contaminated sheets and clothes in hot water.Washing fruit and vegetables and cooking seafood thoroughly will help prevent the virus spreading through food.If you catch norovirus, you can protect others by staying at home for two days after your symptoms stop. You can pass on the disease for two weeks after your symptoms resolve, so make sure to keep washing your hands regularly.Is There A Vaccine For Norovirus?Unfortunately, there's currently no vaccine against norovirus. But researchers at Moderna are recently started trials of a candidate shot that may one day offer protection.Vaccines are the best way to prevent against several other seasonal illnesses, as well as other diseases like whooping cough and measles that are on the rise in the U.S.Flu vaccines are available every year during fall. They are recommended annually for almost everyone over the age of 6 months, and are especially important for people at risk of severe disease, which hospitalizes betwen 140,000 and 710,000 Americans and tragically kills an estimated 12,000 to 51,000 every year.RSV vaccines are available for older people and pregnant people, who can confer protection on to their vulnerable infants.COVID-19 vaccines are recommended annually for anyone aged 6 months or older. They are particularly important for older adults, people at risk of severe disease, and people who have never had a vaccine.Full details of each vaccine are available on the CDC website.

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AndorDisney PlusI do not usually do full-on follow-ups to articles, but my last one, Disneys $645 Million Andor Budget Shows How Its Lost Control Of Star Wars, was so badly misread (or not read at all) and misrepresented my position and point, I feel the need to step in and go over this again, perhaps more clearly.The main argument here is somewhere along the lines of This is stupid, Andor is the best thing Disney Star Wars has ever done, why do you care if Disney spends money? along with a string of insults about me being beholden to corporations or something along those lines.That is correct, I have no personal stake in what Disney spends money on and I am glad that Andor exists. The idea that I think Disney should have never made Andor is ridiculous and not an argument I made.But at the same time, yes, it does matter when a company like Disney overspends on projects like this, and keeps overspending, because that can result in less of the things you like if these costs are not managed in relation to potential viewership. And I wrote this article because this has now happened with a number of Disney Star Wars shows in particular. Though you can see examples of this elsewhere, of course.To start with Andor, it is almost impossible that Andor would have gotten a second season with its initial budget well over $200 million if it did not secure its two-season deal ahead of time. If that hadnt happened, it would have almost certainly been a case of a beloved show being cancelled too soon.MORE FOR YOUAndorDisney PlusWhy? Because unlike some other big-budgeted productions, at the time, Andor was the lowest-viewed Star Wars series Disney had done. Of course that was not because it was bad, but because it started at baseline with no known Star Wars characters except a co-star of Rogue One. This may have been a what could have been situation, given that we are getting the second season, but its easy to see how this may not have happened at all, and a massive budget would have been among the chief things to blame.We can move on to The Acolyte, a series that no, is clearly not as good as Andor, but it was a very important project for Disney given that it was a major attempt to expand their Star Wars universe past the Skywalker era, heading into the High Republic which they have devoted an incredible amount of other media to. It failed miserably in that regard. It had lower viewership than Andor, and cost again, over $200 million. And unlike Andor, it seemed pretty clear a series like this did not need to spend money like that, where the most compelling parts of that series was a single lightsaber fight or some people talking in a cave. The Acolyte did have its fans and was important for Disney, but that huge budget made it impossible to continue, ending the show on a series of cliffhangers.Skeleton CrewDisneyNow this is again happening as we speak. The latest show facing this same fate is Skeleton Crew, probably the actual best Star Wars Disney Plus series besides Andor. It initially sounded like it could be a grounded, cheaper production and while it was cheaper, cheaper than insanely expensive is still expensive, and the series cost $136 million. It is, again, likely going to be the least-watched Star Wars series Disney has made, if early data is correct. A series that seems like it could have and would deserve a season 2 may not get one because again, the budget is not matching the potential viewership. Id argue none of these shows could have produced results to justify those huge budgets in terms of viewership. And yes, all of this adds up to what I would call Disney losing control of Star Wars, in more ways than one.For fans, luckily, for series like Andor we got something extremely high quality out of all this, but its clear we are going to miss out on other projects, be they more seasons of good shows or cancelled ideas we never even know about, if Disney does not figure out how to stop pairing huge budgets with projects that are never going to get the viewership to match. I am not looking out for Disneys balance sheets, I am looking out for the could-have-been projects that suffer as a result of these sky-high figures.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Forward-looking: One of the advantages PlayStation 5 consoles have over the Xbox Series machines is their fantastic DualSense Wireless controllers, which feature advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. However, a newly discovered patent suggests Microsoft could be working on a controller that might be just as good, or even better, than Sony's offering. The new patent, titled "Tuning haptic feedback of a device," was discovered by Tech4Gamers. It describes haptic motors within a controller's housing that move rather than being rigidly attached in place within the grips, which is the current design in the Xbox Series controllers.The haptic controllers described in the patent utilize advanced actuators, such as linear or voice coil motors, which move within their housing to generate precise tactile feedback. These actuators are mounted on mechanisms that allow them to vibrate or shift along specific axes. By controlling the direction and amplitude of these movements, the controller creates a wide range of sensations, such as impacts, textures, or environmental effects, enhancing user immersion.The movement of the haptic motors is carefully calibrated to simulate realistic forces and vibrations. For example, small, rapid shifts might replicate the sensation of walking on gravel, while larger, slower movements could simulate the recoil of a weapon.The controller also features adaptive triggers that alter resistance dynamically, enabling realistic sensations like drawing a bowstring or the click of a gun trigger. Sensors detect user inputs and adjust feedback in real-time, while software integration allows developers to program specific haptic responses for different scenarios. The system is designed for power efficiency, providing extensive feedback without significantly impacting battery life, thereby enhancing the overall gaming experience.The patent suggests that the haptic motors could be smaller than those used in current controllers without lessening the force of their haptic response. That means they could be cheaper to manufacture. // Related StoriesThe system described in Microsoft's patent certainly sounds like something that could challenge Sony's DualSense controllers. Unfortunately, it's important to remember that companies file patents all the time, most of which never become real products. Only time will tell whether Microsoft decides to develop this into a functional controller.