Summer is taking a heavy toll on us all. Not just because of the heat, but also because of rising tech prices across the board, driven by RAM-hungry AI and other economic factors.

Fortunately, Dell has come to cool off the frustrations of PC gamers and desk workers alike with a collection of advanced laptops, desktops, and monitors now on sale for a limited time, such as a 46% discount on the Alienware 16X Aurora Gaming laptop for $1,729.99 at Dell and a 38% discount on the Dell 14 Plus Laptop for $859.99 at Dell, to name just a couple.

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I've managed to just about avoid the Steam sale relatively unscathed, but alas this insane deal from Green Man Gaming has just had me double dipping on some of my favorite family games. Right now, you can get 7 full Lego games and additional DLC for $9.00, and they are all Steam-verified.

It's worth $9 just for the Skywalker Collection

Before you've even looked at the other games available here, it's worth noting that the Skywalker Saga alone is worth the $9 many times over. In fact, the Galactic Edition advertised here on Green Man Gaming is currently $11.99 on Steam. You get all nine movies in one collection, with over 380 characters to unlock and most importantly, Lego lightsaber battles...

RELATED: 7 of the best Game Key websites

All of the Lego games are some of the smoothest co-op experiences I've ever had with my kids and I credit Lego games for turning my youngest son into a bona fide gamer. They have kept him away from the lure of Roblox, but in reality I end up playing most of these games myself. I've just grabbed this bundle for my ROG Ally, since I already own most of them on Xbox, but they are simply perfect for handheld.

But there’s an even better reason to pick this up: Green Man Gaming is using this bundle to support Breakthrough T1D, an organization dedicated to accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes.

This hits incredibly close to home for me. I've previously worked for a diabetes charity in the UK, and have seen firsthand how terrifying it is for parents dealing with a young child who has Type 1 diabetes. It's easily diagnosable, yet it is so frequently missed in young kids because the symptoms are often written off as other conditions, sometimes with fatal consequences.

A portion of this $9 purchase goes directly toward preventing diabetes related illness and funding a cure.

If you want to grab it while supporting a vital cause, here is another reminder of exactly what you get in the bundle:

• LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Galactic Edition) (Includes 13 DLC character packs)
• LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Deluxe Edition)
• The LEGO Movie Videogame
• The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame
• LEGO The Incredibles
• The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game
• LEGO Jurassic World (Plus 3 included DLC expansion packs)

Whether you're looking for a perfect couch co-op experience with your kids or just want some solo fun on your Steam Deck or ROG Ally, you won't find a better value than this right now.

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Dell's laptops can be pricey, especially in this turbulent economy. Still, the vast majority live up to their high asking prices thanks to their sleek, portable designs, strong performance for daily productivity and creative projects, and long-lasting batteries.

The Dell Pro 16 laptop is no exception, and its steep $1,529.00 listing price has been taken down a peg to $1,229.00 at Dell for a limited time.

Why buy the Dell Pro 16 laptop?

The Dell Pro 16 laptop has received much praise from over 1,059 customers on Dell.com (average rating: 4.5), citing it's top of the line build-quality, performance, and features. And of those, 828 were perfect 5-stars from customers who bought it.

This configuration we're spotlighting is armed with an Intel Core Ultra 5 235U vPro CPU and 16GB of RAM, which enables it to boot up as quickly as a fingersnap and operate productivity apps like Microsoft Office and open multiple tabs in web browsers like Microsoft Edge with ease and no performance hiccups.

Not to mention it has a sleek design that can take a lot of punishment while being ultra-thin enough to carry in most travel bags with minimal issue for easy portability.

Other notable features include a large 16" FHD screen so you can see images and text with clear definition so you perceive them better, a built-in camera so you can host video calls at 1080p+30fps, an optional fingerprint scanner during checkout to add extra security, and a respectable battery life of roughly 9 hours before needing to recharge.

So, if you're looking for a premium-grade laptop that can topple any productivity obstacle thrown at it so you can clock out of work early, then the Dell Pro 16 could be your next best ticket out of the office.

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The ongoing memory crisis has taken a heavy toll on tech, forcing PC prices to rise regardless of how much we need them in our daily lives, whether that's communicating with family or working with remote colleagues millions of miles away (or simply watching Netflix).

But we'll always find deals on a range of Windows laptops so you can enjoy fast performance, crisp displays, and sizeable storage that regularly drop below $1,000, with this recent collection being a prime example.

This roundup includes the speedy and reliable Dell 14, now 43% off at $699.99 at Dell (list price $1,229.99), or the most budget-conscious ASUS Vivobook 14, now on sale for $519.99 at Amazon (list price $639.99).

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Many laptops in the premium category cost thousands of dollars to justify the advanced specs built in, but few feel like they've earned their premium spot like the Dell XPS 13.

With its Snapdragon X Elite CPU, 32GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, this ultra-thin portable desktop can tackle any productivity task, no matter how small or big it is, and it's currently on sale with a 29% discount for $999.99 at Dell.

Why buy the Dell XPS 13?

Even without this RAM crisis looming over our heads, prices for premium-grade laptops were already extreme, numbering in the thousands.

Yet very few of them have justifiably earned their advanced-tech-per-cost ratio, like the Dell XPS 13 laptop, which has earned near-perfect reviews from our sister sites at TechRadar, Tom's Guide, and LaptopMag for its exceptional performance and quality.

The configuration of the Dell XPS 13 we're spotlighting comes equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPU, 32GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Copilot+ PC certification. With these specs, this laptop will tear through Microsoft Office assignments, online browsing research, and AI-related tasks like a hot knife through a 4th of July steak dinner.

On top of that, it has a 2K display so you have beautiful visuals to look at while working, a sturdy and lightweight design that makes it easy to store while traveling, and a battery life of nearly 24 hours at minimum power and brightness settings.

So, if you're looking for a dependable laptop that will help keep you on top of your daily workflows for the next several years, provided you're okay with only having two USB-C ports, then the Dell XPS 13 will serve you well.

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Two of the best Microsoft 365 deals of the year just dropped, but they're only available for a limited time. Right now, Microsoft 365 Personal is discounted to $59.99 and Microsoft 365 Family has been slashed to $89.99. Both deals get you 12 months of access.

If you know you need a Microsoft 365 subscription, stop reading and just see if the deals below are still live. Woot discounts run out of stock quickly, especially when they're on a popular software suite like Microsoft 365.

Why subscribe to Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 is a massive software suite with several must-have programs. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are perhaps the best known, but a subscription also comes with 1TB of OneDrive storage per user.

Microsoft 365 subscribers also get access to extras like Microsoft Defender for security, Microsoft Editor, and premium tools in Clipchamp for video editing.

I've subscribed to Microsoft 365 since it launched, and had an Office 365 subscription before the suite was rebranded over a decade ago.

For years, Microsoft kept the price of Microsoft 365 Personal (was $69.99) and Microsoft 365 Family (was $99.99) the same. That changed when prices increased at the beginning of last year.

At the time, that price increase was met with severe pushback. But considering the state of the global economy right now, maybe we judged Microsoft too harshly.

The temporary discounts through Woot cut through all of that and slash Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family to prices that would be discounts back in 2014.

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The RAM Crisis has PC users gripped in fear as they're scrambling to buy as much storage space for their PCs as they can before their costs become too unaffordable for the average person, leaving many stores deprived of SSDs.

However, some SSDs have managed to slip through this shopping rush with their stock untouched, like the WD_Black SN8100 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD.

This internal storage unit, boasting insanely fast read speeds for work and gaming, is currently on sale at Best Buy for $269.99 for its 1TB model (listing price was $528.99), $399.99 for its 2TB model (listing price was $1,057.99), and $999.00 for its 4TB model (listing price was $2,069.99).

Why buy the WD_Black SN8100 SSD?

In an age where files for games, documents, 4K videos, and other pieces of media are taking up hundreds of gigabytes' worth of space, you're going to need a massive SSD to store them in while having high read/write speeds so transferring files won't be slower than snails.

SanDisk's WD_Black SN8100 SSD is one such storage unit, as it comes with 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB models, each one being equipped with high Read Speeds up to 14,900MB/s and Write Speeds up to 11,000MB/s.

This makes the WD_Black SN8100 SSD one of the best SSDs for gaming as these models will have plenty of space to fit your precious games in while cutting down on load times for rendering graphical assets and reducing lag so they feel smoother to play.

These read and write speeds are also good for productivity tasks, as the SSD can help your PC transfer files in mere seconds, which can be handy when you need to send work documents, videos, and other important data from one machine to another.

Just make sure your computer has a heatsink attached to its motherboard before installing the WD_Black SN8100, as it can get extremely hot when taking on heavy-duty workflows.

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Whenever I'm personally looking for a laptop to take with me to continue working while traveling abroad, I'm not interested in too many over-the-top machines with flashy designs, RGB lighting, and various features I'll probably never use.

I just need a laptop that can reliably chip away at mountains of work, research, and other productivity tasks so I can clock out of work (and get back to playing games).

The HP Omnibook X Flip 14" is one such laptop, and it's currently having one of the best laptop deals happening right now for Best Buy's 4th of July sale, as it's on sale for $649.99 (previously $999.99).

Why buy the HP Omnibook X Flip 14"?

The HP Omnibook X Flip 14" isn't the prettiest 2-in-1 laptop in the world, as it sports a rather bland design with a lattice-less keyboard layout and little personality behind.

But the HP Omnibook X Flip 14" isn't built to win beauty competitions; it's here to tackle day-long workloads. Thankfully, it more than delivers on that promise, thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 5 (Lunar Lake) 226V CPU and 16GB of RAM, which help it perform better when running multiple apps, boot up faster from sleep, and more.

This laptop also comes with a 2K touchscreen to provide crisp visuals, a 512GB SSD storage unit that can be upgraded with larger ones to store more data, an NPU of 40 TOPS to help it run local AI tasks, and compatibility with stylus pens so you can take notes or draw art more proficiently while it's in Tablet Mode.

So, if you prefer laptops that focus on substance rather than style, then the HP Omnibook X Flip 14" laptop that's now on sale for $649.99 at Best Buy may be the perfect fit for you.

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Trying to get your hands on a full desktop PC that won't force you to take out a loan during this price-hiking RAM crisis is like trying to punch through a brick wall: painful and futile.

In such grim times for tech, mini PCs can provide a much-needed reprieve with their more affordable prices that won't set you back thousands of dollars while providing fast performance for productivity, vast storage space for precious documents, and compact sizes that won't eat up your desk.

One such lineup of high-quality mini PCs is those produced by Geekom, many of which are currently on sale for Best Buy's 4th of July sale, which will last until July 5, 2026.

So, if you've been eyeing up a chance to obtain budget-friendly mini-PCs like the Geekom IT13 (now on sale for $569.99) or a pink-sized performance powerhouse like the Geekom AX8 MAX (now on sale for $629.99), now's a great time to capitalize on it before the RAMaggeddon jacks their prices for good too.

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If you've missed out on Amazon's June Prime Day sale trying to search for cheaper laptops for work, then Best Buy's 4th of July sale that's happening right now is your next best bet.

For a limited time, this event will allow you to get your hands on several vaunted laptops boasting strong performance speeds for productivity tasks, sturdy designs with responsive keyboards, and long-lasting batteries that will last you for full workdays.

With so many laptops to choose from, we've cherry-picked laptops we at Windows Central, and our colleagues at TechRadar and Tom's Guide, know are great to use but are no longer held back by steep listing prices thanks to this sale for your perusal.

Examples include the Acer Swift Go 16" AI laptop, with its Intel Core Ultra 7 355 CPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD that's now 42% off for $899.99 at Best Buy, and the entry-level Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i with Intel Core i5-1335U CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD that had its $899.99 fee cut down to a more budget-friendly $449.99 at Best Buy.

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Update (06/29/2026, 4:20am EST): The WD_Black C50 1TB Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is no longer in stock at Best Buy. ~ Alexander Cope, Staff Writer

Original article (06/29/2026):

Seagate's Storage Expansion Cards are one of the most popular plug-and-play SSDs for Xbox Series X|S for their increased install space and high read speeds. However, their high listing prices make them somewhat undesirable for the average player, especially during the ongoing memory crisis that has made tech so unaffordable.

Fortunately, Western Digital's WD_Black C50 Expansion Cards offer a cheaper means of adding storage while maintaining similar read speeds, and its 1TB model is now on sale with a 58% discount for $149.99 at Best Buy.

Why buy the WD_Black C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox?

The biggest draw for Western Digital's WD_Black C50 Storage Expansion Cards for Xbox, aside from having chunky install spaces (which include 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB models), is that they allow a player to play games directly installed on the card without having to move them into an Xbox's internal SSD, saving them from tedious game file shuffling and deletion.

Of course, being able to play games directly from the card won't mean much if they don't run well. However, with the power of Xbox Velocity Architecture, the WD_Black C50 Storage Expansion Cards can deliver fast and seamless performance rates for games installed inside them while improving load times and input detection speeds using a Superspeed NVMe Core.

Other notable features include Quick Resume Support so it can suspend a game and let you pick up exactly where you left off, and ease-of-use as you only need to plug the card into Xbox Series X|S's dedicated expansion card slot for it to work - no wires needed.

So, if you're hungry for more space for your Xbox, especially as newer games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 require over 161GB (and that's just for the base game alone without DLC add-ons), then the WD_Black C50 1TB Expansion Card will satiate it for a good while.

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Amazon Prime Day has entered its fourth and final day, and I know that some of you are probably tired of the sheer amount of deals floating around social media and your favorite websites.

I get it. There are countless deals to sift through, and the fatigue is real. However! I figured it was worth throwing together a collection of the deals that our readers here at Windows Central seemed to love the most.

• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals

At the top of the list, and no surprise in the current console pricing climate, is Seagate's 2TB Storage Expansion Card for the Xbox Series X|S. Although the original Amazon deal expired, you can still save $55 at Newegg.

In second place is Geekom's A7 Max mini PC and its $204 discount available at Best Buy. Third place is unsurprisingly inhabited by a discounted Surface Pro 11; the original deal ran out, but you can still save $300 on a new model at Walmart.

Several other popular sales, including the Xbox Series X, Surface Laptop 7, and Seagate's other capacity expansion cards, are long gone, but the following deals are confirmed to be all in stock as of noon ET on June 26.

Most popular Prime Day deals according to Windows Central readers

More details about the most popular deals at Windows Central

In case you didn't notice (I'm joking, because you definitely did), PC gaming has become a painfully expensive hobby. Amazon Prime Day is supposed to help offset that with massive discounts, but does it really count when it brings components back to near-MSRP levels? We take what we can get, I suppose.

Either way, it's difficult to recommend building your own PC from scratch right now. If you've never tried it, the anxiety of handling now-overinflated RAM will surely feel worse than ever — and that's one of the easiest parts to install. On the bright side, iBUYPOWER has some merciful discounts on pre-builts.

A pre-built gaming PC is just easier

Yeah, I might get some pushback from die-hard gaming PC builders, but I don't have any qualms with a pre-built option. I've been there — installing a CPU for the first time, losing my mind about installing thermal paste correctly (just a pea-sized amount, guys), and stressed about RAM profiles alongside other BIOS options. You don't have to do any of it.

Installing and setting up Windows 11 is the same wherever you go, and iBUYPOWER's decision to ship graphics cards (GPUs) separately isn't as intimidating as it looks. They slot in just like an old-school game cartridge and hold in place with a few screws. That's really all there is to it, and each rig comes with clear instructions anyway. I'd know, I tested a Trace X PC earlier this year. Treat yourself, PC gaming is the best.

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If you’ve been waiting for a laptop deal that actually feels like a steal, this is it. The ASUS Vivobook 16 OLED, now just $1,159 (down from $1,599), is one of those rare machines that delivers more than you expect for the price. It’s a 16‑inch notebook with flagship specs, a stunning display, and Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 processor built for serious performance.

It’s the kind of deal that makes you double‑check the listing to make sure nothing’s missing. Spoiler: nothing is. You get a full‑power H‑series chip, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a 3K OLED display in a chassis that’s only 0.55 inches thick and weighs 3.31 pounds.

Why this is a good deal

Laptop prices are heading in the wrong direction. Apple just raised MacBook prices again. Microsoft bumped Xbox console prices literally today. Analysts expect PC hardware costs to keep climbing well into 2027 as AI‑centric chips and premium materials become the new standard.

That’s what makes this Vivobook deal stand out. You’re getting a machine that’s already built for the next generation of computing, complete with Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 processor and a dedicated Copilot key (hey, some people think it's a selling point), at a price that feels normal.

The Core Ultra 7 255H is part of Intel’s new H‑series lineup, designed for high‑performance laptops that can handle creative workloads, gaming, and multitasking without breaking a sweat. Paired with Intel Arc graphics, it’s capable of light gaming, video editing, and productivity tasks that would slow down most midrange systems.

Specs that matter

ASUS didn’t cut corners here. The Vivobook 16 OLED features a 2880×1800 Lumina OLED display that delivers deep blacks, vivid color, and true HDR contrast. It’s the kind of panel that makes everything look better, from spreadsheets to streaming.

Under the hood, you get 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, which means instant responsiveness and plenty of space for creative work. The ASUS IceCool Thermal Technology with dual fans and 97 iceblades keeps the system cool even under load, while the 75Wh battery promises up to 16 hours of runtime.

Despite the power, it’s impressively portable. At 0.55 inches thin and 3.31 pounds, it’s lighter than most 16‑inch laptops and built with a reinforced steel frame that feels solid without being bulky.

ASUS also added thoughtful touches: Dolby Atmos audio by Harman Kardon, Wi‑Fi 7 certification, and an RGB ErgoSense keyboard with Windows 11’s new Dynamic Lighting support. It’s a subtle upgrade that makes the laptop feel more premium than its price suggests.

Ready for what’s next

The dedicated Copilot key is a small but telling detail. It’s a sign of where Windows laptops are heading — toward integrated features that help with writing, summarizing, and creative tasks. The Vivobook 16 OLED is ready for that future right out of the box, with Intel’s AI Boost NPU handling on‑device workloads efficiently.

That means faster photo editing, smarter background blur in video calls, and better battery life when using modern Windows features. It’s hardware that will matter as Windows 11 evolves through 2026 and beyond.

The bigger picture

The timing of this deal could not be better. With component costs rising and manufacturers shifting focus to premium laptops, midrange buyers are getting squeezed. The Vivobook 16 OLED breaks that trend by offering flagship performance at a mainstream price.

It’s proof that not every high‑end laptop has to cost two grand. ASUS managed to deliver a machine that feels premium without the markup, and deals like this will only get rarer as the market adjusts to new pricing norms.

Bottom line

If you want a laptop that looks great, runs fast, and feels ready for the next few years, this Vivobook 16 OLED deal is hard to beat. It’s thin, light, powerful, and genuinely premium.

With 32GB of RAM, a 3K OLED display, and Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 processor, this is the kind of deal that feels like it slipped through the cracks. Grab it before prices catch up.

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Forza Horizon 6 is not a serious sim. It's the best example of an arcade racer you can play right now, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth playing with a racing wheel. In fact, it becomes a whole new experience ditching the controller. Drifting is more fun; cruising is more fun. Everything is just more fun!

Racing wheels can be pricey, though, but if you're not seriously getting into sim racing and want a cheap but still good-quality wheel for Forza Horizon 6, look no further than this. Right now on Amazon Prime Day you can pick up a Thrustmaster TMX for just $89.99, and at that money, this really is a no-brainer.

Does it have all the bells and whistles on? No, not at all. But for a beginner, or a casual player, this is plenty of wheel at a price you just don't normally see outside of the used market.

It has the full 900-degree rotation and is plug-and-play with both Xbox consoles and PC. The included pedals are basic but serviceable, and you always have the option to upgrade to a better set of Thrustmaster pedals down the line.

The only thing really missing is a clutch, so you can't pair this wheel with an H-pattern shifter, but the paddles are all you really need to get going in Forza Horizon 6, anyway.

You don't need a proper wheel stand or rig, either; this entry-level wheel will be perfectly OK mounted to a regular desk.

As an additional bonus, this is also a pretty solid starter wheel for American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2, as highlighted by my colleague, Ben Wilson. Though you will need to upgrade the pedals if you want to indulge in manual shifting.

For $90 this is an incredible value package, and it won't be around for long. Prime Day ends at close of play on June 26, and this is one you don't want to miss out on.

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It's Prime Day, and that means there are some great Windows laptops on sale not only at Amazon, but also at all major competing retailers. What makes this year's laptop sales more important than others is the fact that all PCs have gone up in price recently due to component shortages.

It's almost unbelievable that I'm seeing up to 54% off laptops using DDR5 RAM, but the proof is in the roundup I've assembled below. These are some of the biggest discounts I've seen in all my 10 years of covering these types of sales.

What makes these deals even sweeter is the fact that Apple just raised the prices of all of its MacBooks this morning. If you want an incredible deal on a new Windows laptop, this is the place to check first.

🔥 Hottest Prime Day Windows laptop deals 🔥

Best Prime Day gaming laptop deals

Best Prime Day laptop accessory deals

Best Prime Day software deals

Did Apple just raise the prices of all of its MacBooks?

Apple just announced on June 25 that it's raising prices across its MacBook lineup.

The MacBook Neo, which took the laptop market by storm, has gone from $599 to $699. That's with 8GB of RAM, no keyboard backlight, and two rather wimpy ports.

MacBook Air models with 512GB of storage have gone up from $1,099 to $1,299, while the MacBook Pro with 1TB of storage has increased from $1,699 to $1,999.

Has there ever been a better time to invest in a discounted Windows laptop with loads of memory and storage?

Amazon Prime Day is here, and like always, we have some of the best deals out there highlighted for you. To add a little flair to it, I am someone who very rarely posts about deals. It’s not my jam, but when I do, you can bet it’s about something I think is a real deal!

Introducing the Turtle Beach Velocity One Racing Wheel and Pedal System. One of the best setups I’ve laid my hands on and reviewed in 2024 is now on sale for an absolutely crazy price. Not only that, but its sister system is also on sale, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race KD3.

Originally priced at $650, the VelocityOne Race Wheel & Pedal System is now just $399, an absolute steal when compared to plug-and-play systems like the Logitech G923. Then, the KD3 wheel, which starts at an even lower original price of $449, is at a crushingly low price of $237!

These deals are absolutely crazy

These are insane deals coming from my favorite new racing wheel creator, Turtle Beach. It still feels weird seeing them make something that isn’t a headset, but it's always amazing to see new entrants into the simulation space.

While I didn’t entirely recommend the VelocityOne system at the $650 price point, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that $399 would make this a ten out of ten deal. You'll get a 7.2nm base with a side control unit that delivers over a dozen different buttons and switches. Alongside a triple-pedal setup, perfect for manual/clutch racers.

Then, there's the $237 for the KD3 system, which is even more shocking. Completely undercutting the half-decade-old Logitech G923, which is also on sale, it’s $25 less than its main competitor!

With a slimmer look and a slightly reduced feedback system, the KD3 wheel and base are phenomenal for the price. With two pedals rather than three, those looking to skip the clutch and have a more realistic, but still casual racing experience will absolutely love this setup.

Whether you’re looking for a cheaper, higher-end setup or something cheaper than the old price of the Xbox Series S, look no further than the Turtle Beach Racing Wheel family. And while you’re at it, pick up Forza Horizon 6 too, you’ll thank me later!

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I found the one Prime Day deal I can recommend above all others. At $67.67, the Logitech MX Vertical is an excellent purchase.

I hate the fact that Prime Day still requires hunting for deals. You'd think an event centered around shopping would guarantee great prices, but that's not the case.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the Logitech MX Vertical discounted by 44% on Prime Day.

Are Prime Day deals worth it?

Some Prime Day deals are worth it. The shopping event is genuinely a good way to save money on some items. But that doesn't mean anything you see on sale during Prime Day is a good deal.

It's normal to see an item marked up a few weeks before Prime Day to make the Prime Day "discount" look better.

In the worst cases, an item actually becomes more expensive than usual during Prime Day. Retailers manipulate price history to make a bad price look good.

These are the types of things our team of experts looks out for when finding Prime Day deals. It's also why hand-picked Prime Day deals are better than blindly trusting a sale tag.

The Logitech MX Vertical is currently $67.67 for Prime Day. According to CamelCamelCamel, that is almost the lowest price ever for the mouse (it once hit $63.79 on Amazon). Perhaps more importantly, the price is significantly lower than what we've seen the majority of this year.

Why buy the Logitech MX Vertical

The Logitech MX Vertical is an ergonomic mouse that allows your wrist and arm to rest at a natural angle. That results in less muscle strain and reduced wrist pressure.

Because of the shape of the mouse, you don't have to move your hand as much. Tiny movements add up, and being able to keep your hand in place does a lot to reduce strain.

The Logitech MX Vertical is by far the best mouse I've used.

Over the years, its rubber grip has held up well. The mouse still lasts for ages when running on battery. It's easy to top up through USB-C when it's time to charge.

It checks all the boxes I want in a mouse.

The only downside of the Logitech MX Vertical is its retail price, but the massive discount on the mouse makes that a non-factor.

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Amazon Prime Day is taking place as we speak, and other online retails stores are jumping into on the fun with their own sales. HP's online store is one such place, and I've just found an incredible deal on a laptop I just reviewed last week. The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 with Snapdragon is $650 off right now, down to just $1,249 while stocks last!

This is the best HP laptop I've tested in a long while. In fact, I think it's probably the prettiest Windows laptop you can buy right now, complete with a best-in-class display, premium build quality, and much more. For this price, you're getting a great device.

Why is the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 a good laptop?

I've not long published my review of the HP OmniBook Ultra, and I came away very impressed, giving it 5 stars and calling it one of the best Snapdragon laptops this year. Under the hood is Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X2 Plus SoC, which features 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage. It's a powerful and efficient chip, easily capable of most day to day productivity tasks, data crunching, and even light video and photo editing.

It features a best-in-class 1080p OLED touchscreen, which features inky deep color contrast and makes images and text pop . It also has an incredible keyboard, and new haptic trackpad that feels great to use.

The device is also super premium. I think it might be the best looking and feeling Windows laptop on the market currently. It's just 2.83lbs in weight, and features a brushed metal finish around the edges that looks simply incredible. The device is also designed in such a way that makes it look incredibly thin when on a desk, which is awesome.

It features three USB-C ports, along with a 3.5mm audio jack. It also has a Windows Hello equipped webcam that shoots good 1080p photo and video. Lastly, the laptop is a power champ, lasting all day on a single charge with ease. For $1,249, you're not getting a better laptop in 2026 than this.

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The Steam Machine is getting a fair amount of heat due to its $1,049 price, but no matter how you look at it, Valve's new device is a particularly powerful mini PC.

Here's the rub. Not everyone needs that much power or wants to pay that much, which is where the Windows mini PC market comes into play.

• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals

Amazon Prime Day has knocked prices down considerably on a bunch of our favorite mini PCs, and while they won't match the Steam Machine's discrete graphics, they're still fully capable of running a wide range of games AND Windows 11, no extra effort necessary. Just plug in an HDMI cord, hook it up to your TV, and start gaming.

Prime Day wraps up today, June 26, and most of these mini PC deals are expected to expire before the weekend. I'm in fact already seeing some retailers run out of stock. Translation? If you see something you can use, you should grab it before it's gone.

How do these discounted mini PCs compare to the Steam Machine's performance?

The Steam Machine is causing a ruckus in the tech world, namely due to its price-to-performance ratio now that reviews have gone out into the wild. It's true that you can build a full-size gaming PC or buy a pre-built gaming PC for less money and with superior power, but what about a mini PC that's a closer match to the form factor?

👉I found these pre‑built gaming PCs that beat Valve’s Steam Machine on price and performance, and it’s not even close

Well, that's where the real genius of Valve's device comes into play. It is indeed capable of delivering quite a bit of gaming performance in a super compact form factor, something that most of the mini PCs on the market for a similar or lower price simply aren't capable of doing.

The Steam Machine's discrete custom AMD Radeon GPU with 8GB of VRAM is fairly close to a desktop-class AMD Radeon RX 7600 card, which the integrated graphics in most mini PCs can't touch.

Regardless, at $1,049, the Steam Machine isn't for everyone. There are plenty of PC users who just want a compact, capable PC that runs Windows 11 without breaking a sweat, while at the same time having capabilities to handle lighter games. That's where these great mini PCs excel.

The mini PCs I've highlighted in this roundup all have an integrated AMD Radeon 780M GPU or a comparable Intel Arc integrated GPU. I can't stress enough that these GPUs will not match the Steam Machine's gaming power.

However, the Radeon 780M will still do a bang-up job of gaming, and for a lot less money in a significantly smaller package, often with more RAM and storage.

Just how powerful is the integrated GPU? It will effortlessly run esports games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and DOTA 2 at 1080p, hitting somewhere between 60 and 90 FPS with medium to high settings. Games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox are in the same boat.

👉 Geekom's mini PCs enjoy massive savings during Prime Day — I handpicked the 7 top deals up to 15% off for a limited time

I'd venture to say that the Radeon 780M is an indie game superstar, and those who prefer roguelikes, platformers, deck builders, puzzle games, and simulators will have no issues.

Those hoping to play demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Baldur's Gate 3, and others will find that the Radeon 780M can get the job done at 1080p, albeit with lower frame rates and with AMD's FSR enabled. If you're going to mainly focus on AAA games, I'd recommend checking out pre-built desktop PCs with discrete graphics.

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Buying PC components in 2026 is largely a lesson in frustration. Prices are out of control, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to build new or upgrade your PC. As a fellow PC gamer and build enthusiast, I know how the struggle feels.

While I can't predict when the RAM and SSD crisis will end, I can offer some deals on PC components I found at Amazon Prime Day and Newegg's competing FantasTech sale.

Many of these deals are expected to expire at the end of the day. It is, after all, the last official day of the four-day Prime Day event. My advice? If you're interested in a deal, don't wait much longer!

• All Amazon Prime Day deals
• Laptop deals at Amazon
• Save on PC components at Amazon
• Best Buy "Tech Fest" (Ends June 28)
• Newegg "FantasTech Sale" (Ends June 28)
• Walmart "Deals & More" (Ends June 28)

🔥 Hottest Prime Day PC deals 🔥

Best Prime Day PC bundle deals

Best Prime Day RAM deals

Best Prime Day SSD deals

Best Prime Day CPU deals

Best Prime Day GPU deals

Amazon Prime Day FAQ

Amazon Prime Day is typically the best time to buy new tech during the summer, and it's especially meaningful this year as PC component prices have skyrocketed.

Excited for Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders to go live? Us too! But hold on to your wallets, before you hit that pre-order button, there’s a savvy way to shave a few dollars off the final cost.

While the game itself isn't officially discounted from its $80 price tag ($100 for the Ultimate Edition) just yet, you can effectively create your own discount by topping up your Xbox or PlayStation account using discounted gift cards from Loaded. By purchasing these cards at a lower price than their face value, you lower your total cost of GTA 6.

Thanks to Loaded, we can stack and save. Don't just buy one gift card; mix and match denominations to get you as close to $80 (or $100 if you are going for the Ultimate Edition) as possible.

• For the Standard Edition ($80): You could grab a $50 gift card and three $10 gift cards. Because of the current discounts on Loaded, you’ll pay less than $80 in total, leaving you with a little extra cash in your pocket.
• For the Ultimate Edition ($100): (My favorite strategy) is to grab four $25 gift cards for $23.49 each. This nets you the full $100 balance for only $93.96, saving you over $6 on day one.

Are you seriously telling me to go through this just to save $6?

If you aren't the type of person who is willing to jump through a few hoops to save some cash, then you’ve definitely come to the wrong place. I am more than happy to inconvenience myself for the sake of a discount, especially with how expensive gaming has become.

While the $80 price tag for Grand Theft Auto 6 wasn't as painful as we all feared, the reality is that much of the content is gated behind the $100 Ultimate Edition, effectively making it the "essential" purchase if you’re as hyped for this game as I am. In that respect, the more I can justify the price, the better. An extra $6 is an extra $6. I could buy Vampire Survivors again for that price and have a dollar to spare!

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Sim games are getting more mainstream, and I'm happy to see it. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is one of the most (surprisingly) addictive games I've played in recent memory, and Amazon Prime Day sales are making it easier for me to recommend, alongside its American Truck Simulator sibling. It's a PC-only title for now, but Xbox and PlayStation releases have been teased for a while.

So, if you wanted to drive a virtual truck around a representation of your home state or your favorite European country, what exactly do you need to get started? Well, you can play either game with a mouse and keyboard, but any kind of controller makes it a better experience. Here's what I recommend for a basic steering wheel setup, with optional extras and higher-end alternatives.

The absolute basics: A wheel and pedals

Optional: A realistic truck-style setup

Critical: Steam keys for either game on PC

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With GTA 6 pre-orders going live at midnight tonight, the pressure is on to ensure your hardware is up to the task, especially since the title is exclusive to current-gen consoles. If you haven't upgraded yet, Amazon Prime week Day is the perfect time to secure an Xbox Series X.

I'm not going to pretend that the current deal sets the gaming world alight, but it does bring us closer to an actually reasonable price for Xbox's flagship console. This is currently the only active deal for the Series X. You can pick it up for $573 at Walmart (not AMAZON), saving you $76.99 just in time for the GTA 6 launch.

The Xbox Series X 1TB will be the best place to play GTA 6

The Xbox Series X remains the gold standard for Xbox gaming, and will be the best place to experience GTA 6 (if you don't want to fork out PS5 Pro prices, that is). With a custom 8-core Zen 2 CPU and 12 teraflops of RDNA 2 GPU power, it is built to handle the heavy lifting that Rockstar’s latest beast of a game will demand.

Plus, unlike Valve’s catastrophically expensive new Steam Machine, which doesn’t even include a controller, the Series X arrives ready to play right out of the box.

This deal is mostly for those who have been waiting for the right moment to retire an aging Xbox One X or Series S. This console generation has been a rocky one, with prices being hiked upward rather than dropping as the hardware ages, so we always knew steep discounts were off the table. However, if you are looking to upgrade without heading to the second-hand market, this is the most sensible way to do it.

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Whether it's summer classes or early prep for a fresh college start in the fall, Amazon Prime Day (and all the other competing sales) is a perfect time to set your student up for success on the cheap.

• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals

I've combed through the best deals from Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and more to come up with this varied list of laptops, monitors, and accessories.

I found quite a list of thin and light PCs starting at just $479 that are perfect for students, and be sure to scroll through to the accessories that complement them!

Update June 25 @ 11:55AM ET: Added a mega $700 discount on a 4TB external SSD! — Cale Hunt

Quick links

• All Amazon Prime Day deals
• Laptop deals at Amazon
• Save on PC components at Amazon
• Best Buy "Tech Fest" (Ends June 28)
• Newegg "FantasTech Sale" (Ends June 28)
• Walmart "Deals & More" (Ends June 28)

Best thin and light laptop deals for students 💻

Best Prime Day accessory deals for students

Prime Day 2026: FAQ

Amazon's Prime Day is an annual event that sees a ton of sales on great tech, but it's certainly not the only event on the go. Competing retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Newegg, and many more often have better deals on similar products, and I'm always checking the big names for the best prices.

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Amazon Prime Day week is happening right now, which is helping make good Windows 11 PCs more affordable in this current component pricing crisis climate across the entire retail space. With new laptops skyrocketing in price, deals on last-gen products like this Dell XPS 13 with a Snapdragon X Elite for $999 shouldn't be ignored, especially as it comes with 32GB RAM.

With RAM costing so much these days, devices with more than 16GB RAM usually come at a high premium. That makes this deal even more lucrative, as 32GB RAM laptops now often cost north of $1,000, and even more so on flagship devices with premium components and build qualities like the XPS 13.

Is the Dell XPS 13 a flagship laptop?

Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage, the Dell XPS 13 is an excellent flagship Windows 11 laptop. It has a 13.4-inch OLED display which looks absolutely amazing, and it's paired with Dell's best-in-class haptic trackpad and zero lattice keyboard design which makes the device look very futuristic.

It's a device made out of premium materials that feel great in the hand, including a CNC-machined aluminum chassis. It's one of Dell's thinnest and lightest laptops, coming in at just 2.2lbs and 0.60 inches. It features all day battery life too thanks to efficient Arm SoC that powers things under the hood.

The chip itself is Qualcomm's flagship SoC from 2024, meaning it's perfectly capable for most tasks you'll want to throw at it. It can do light gaming, video and photo editing, and breeze through productivity workflows, heavy multitasking, and more thanks to that added 32GB RAM headroom,

It has two USB4 Type‑C ports supporting DisplayPort and power delivery. Wireless performance is handled by Qualcomm FastConnect 7800, bringing Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for future‑proof networking.

Overall, it's an incredible laptop with lots of power and performance under the hood. And 32GB RAM on a flagship laptop in 2026 for under $1,000 is tough to come by, so I'd snap this deal up while it's still available.

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I recently got into playing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and I get it. I really do. There's a massive dedicated community around this Microsoft franchise, and even as a beginner I see why. The sky is the limit, and yes, pun intended.

You can quite happily get along and have a great time playing on PC, Xbox or PS5 with just a controller, but I guarantee the bug will catch and catch quickly. Before long you'll want to up the ante and make the experience more realistic. I'm not saying you'll build a full cockpit, not right away at least! But you'll probably be yearning for a flight stick, yoke, maybe even some rudder pedals.

If you're looking for a game to really sink some time into, this is one of the best decisions you could make, even if you've never thought it would be for you. While Amazon Prime Day is going on, it is also a perfect time to jump in with both feet and get yourself some good hardware to get started with or upgrade an existing setup.

Flight stick FAQ

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If you have an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, you probably need more storage. Having to uninstall a game to install a new game or an update to one of your favorite titles is a hassle.

The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is a plug-and-play solution that lets you expand the storage of your console.

Right now, all sizes of the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S are on sale. The 1TB model costs $189.99 Best Buy (was $249.99), the 2TB version costs $259.99 (was $349.99) at Amazon. Best Buy's deal on the 4TB card drops the price to $549.99 (was $649.99).

Why buy the Seagate Expansion Card?

The Seagate Expansion Card is the simplest way to expand the storage of your console. There's no setup or configuration required to use the card.

Xbox Series X|S games can be massive. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 alone is 161GB, and that's without DLC. The Seagate Expansion Card delivers similar speeds to the native storage of the Xbox Series X|S, so you can store games on the card and play them without having to transfer files around.

The Seagate Expansion Card also supports Quick Resume, which is a feature that lets you pause your game and power down your console and then pick up exactly where you left off when you load the game again.

Considering how big games are and how many great games are available on the Xbox Series X|S and on the way to the consoles, an expansion card of some kind is a must have. The Seagate Expansion Card is the easiest to use, quick enough to play games off, and is a great deal during Prime Day.

Alternative discounts

Prime Day discounts and a deal at Best Buy provide the best prices on the Seagate Expansion Card, but if those deals expire, you can check out these alternatives:

1TB

• $189.99 at Walmart
• $189.99 at Amazon (was $249.99) (appears to be out of stock)

2TB

• $259.99 at Walmart (was $299.99)
• $259.99 at Best Buy (was $349.99)
• $259.99 at Newegg (was $279.99)

FAQ

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Out of all the gaming accessory manufacturers, Razer has got to be my absolute favorite. From providing comfortable gaming chairs to esports-ready controllers and headsets, Razer's products have enriched mine and many others' lives, and it's about to enrich a lot more of them.

Razer is hosting an Amazon Prime Day sale on several of its top-grade PC gaming peripherals, lifestyle furniture, controllers, and more for a limited time, and we've rounded up some of its best for you to check out.

FAQ

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With how high the gaming handheld market's prices are headed lately, I figure that any major deal on any device is worth calling out for my mobile PC gamers.

Standing in stark contrast to the $1,799 MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ that's launching this week is the Lenovo Legion Go S. Regularly priced at $711.13, it's now down to $549.99 (sold out, now $698 at Newegg, or $699 at Walmart) for a limited time during Amazon Prime Day.

This is the lowest price it's ever been, according to CamelCamelCamel, and it's a great opportunity to grab what is likely one of the last affordable gaming handhelds for a while.

• The best hand-picked Amazon Prime Day deals on Windows laptops, PC components, and Xbox gaming hardware chosen by our editors
• See all Prime Day deals at Amazon.com

Our take on the Lenovo Legion Go S

The Legion Go S is available with both Windows 11 and SteamOS operating systems, and we've reviewed both. More on that in a moment.

This model that's on sale for $549.99 (sold out, now $698 at Newegg, or $699 at Walmart) comes with Windows, allowing easy access to features like Xbox Game Pass and third-party launchers, something I sorely miss on my Steam Deck.

It has 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, 512GB of M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage, an 8-inch IPS display with 120Hz variable refresh rate and 1920x1200 resolution, and an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip with 4 CPU cores and 12 GPU cores. It is, by all means, a lot of hardware for the asking price.

In both of our reviews, we called out the device's comfortable and polished design, including Hall Effect thumbsticks and overall snappy controls.

We also called out how great the display looks, thanks to its speedy 120Hz refresh rate, 1200p resolution, brightness, and full color.

When we reviewed the Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S in early 2025, we found it hard to justify its relatively high price. That's largely been taken care of with this sale, which drops it to the lowest price I've ever seen.

Battery life also wasn't that spectacular, though Windows has received a lot of attention since our review in terms of improving the handheld experience for performance and efficiency.

And don't think that the OS is permanent. If you're wishing the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S we reviewed were on sale, guess what? You can pick up the more affordable Windows version and replace the OS whenever you want.

Considering just how expensive gaming handhelds have become in recent months — even the most affordable Steam Deck is now sitting at $789 — this is an outstanding deal for anyone who wants to try out mobile PC gaming.

It's not the newest nor the most powerful device on the market, but it's also going to leave a whole lot of budget on the table for buying games.

I have no idea how long the $549.99 price will last (yeah, it sold out, now $698 at Newegg, or $699 at Walmart), so don't wait too long. It does require a Prime membership to cash in, but you can always sign up for a free 30-day trial and cancel before you're charged.

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If you were waiting for Amazon Prime Day to jump on some Xbox deals, well, I don't know what to tell you. It's been a bit of a damp squib so far, I think the age of actual console deals in today's climate is behind us. However, Newegg has stepped in with a genuine way to save: You can currently grab a $100 Xbox Gift Card for just $83 (expired) when you use the promo code FTTF6926 at checkout.

That’s an instant $17 saving on credit you were probably going to spend anyway on games, and it's basically free money in your (Xbox) bank.

How to redeem your Xbox gift card

The code is delivered digitally via email, so there’s no waiting around for a physical card.

To redeem it:

• Visit https://redeem.microsoft.com/
• Sign in to your Microsoft account (the same one you use on Xbox)
• Enter the code from Newegg

Your balance updates instantly and is ready to use across the Xbox and Microsoft Store.

When you check out, just select your Microsoft Account balance as the payment method to make sure you’re using that discounted credit.

What can you spend the credit on?

Don't let the name fool you; this isn't locked to digital games on your console. It adds balance to your whole Microsoft account, which you can use for games & DLC, Game Pass Ultimate, accessories and anything on the Microsoft store including Surface devices and Office 365 subscriptions.

If you don't have anything in mind right now, but know you are likely to spend money in the store soon, perhaps for a bigger purchase, you can stack multiple gift cards to lower the cost later. It’s a simple way to make any upcoming Microsoft purchase a little cheaper without locking you into a single product.

Newegg usually only runs these promotions for a very limited time, and it's likely that they're just trying to compete against Amazon Prime Day for traffic. With that in mind, this deal will be short-lived. If you have any big purchases with Xbox in mind (GTA 6 perhaps?), then jump on this deal now and secure yourself some free credit on top of your spend.

FAQ

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Anyone who's looked at storage prices recently knows that they're completely out of hand. I've been waiting to add some storage to my gaming PC for about six months now, and it's getting to the point where I'll have to bite at a deal like this one on the Samsung 9100 PRO.

This high-performance M.2 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD comes in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB configurations, with blazing fast transfer speeds and the regular durability you expect from Samsung.

"Regular" (inflated) prices have been cut by up to 49%, and you can now land a 1TB drive for as low as $206.99. Best part? You don't have to be a Prime subscriber to nab the deal.

• The best hand-picked Amazon Prime Day deals on Windows laptops, PC components, and Xbox gaming hardware chosen by our editors
• See all Prime Day deals at Amazon.com

What makes the Samsung 9100 PRO SSD so good?

The 9100 PRO was Samsung's first shot at a full-fledged PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD, and to say the company nailed the execution is an understatement.

It's theoretically capable of hitting unreal 14,800MB/s read speeds and 13,400MB/s write speeds, and although those numbers may drop a bit in real-world practice, it's still an incredibly fast drive.

Our friends at TechRadar reviewed the 9100 PRO when it launched last year, and it was awarded 4.5 stars and a Recommended Award.

The TL;DR? It's an exceptional drive for professionals who frequently deal with oversized files and who don't want any hiccups in their workflow.

You do, of course, want to pair this drive with a PC that's capable of running a PCIe 5.0 drive to get the most out of it, but it will function at lower speeds in a PCIe 4.0 system. That's not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you're putting together a new PC piece by piece as sales come and go.

If I do buy one of these drives, I'll most likely go with the 2TB version at $349.99. It's the best value at 49% off, costing less per GB than the 1TB and 4TB versions.

I should also mention that these drives come with a 5-year Samsung warranty to protect your purchase.

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Valve's Steam Machine has finally made its way into the hands of testers, and the resulting reviews have been less than inspiring. Whether it's the high $1,049 starting price caused by a global RAM and storage crisis or the underwhelming performance, I know that a lot of PC gamers are now looking for a quality alternative.

These are the 5 best pre-built gaming PCs I could find during Prime Day that will leave you with some cash left over for new games. Only one is priced high enough to match the Steam Machine's introductory price, but in this case, you get 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals

The rest? Well, they cost significantly less than Valve's device. See for yourself, and happy gaming!

What's in the Steam Machine, and how does performance compare to these discounted gaming PCs?

Valve's Steam Machine runs on a custom AMD Zen 4 CPU with 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 30W TDP. Attached are integrated custom AMD RDNA 3 graphics, with 8GB of VRAM and 28 compute units.

All Steam Machine models come with 16GB of DDR5 system memory, and the introductory models start with a 512GB SSD (upgradeable to 2TB for those with deeper pockets).

Circling back to the custom graphics, testing by our friends at Tom's Hardware revealed that it fails to pull ahead of the AMD Radeon RX 7600 discrete GPU while coming out just ahead of the AMD Radeon RX 6600.

How does that performance compare to the GPUs in the pre-built gaming PCs I've rounded up here? Well, the RTX 5060 easily beats the AMD GPU in raw performance and ray tracing abilities.

If you're interested in a pre-built gaming PC with an Intel Arc GPU, the B570 is a closer match to the RX 7600 and the Steam Machine's custom graphics. However, it should better handle ray tracing, and it should also deliver a better experience if you're gaming at 1440p.

If it's the Arc B580 in the $999 ABS Cyclone Aqua you're looking at, know that it beats AMD's GPU in practically all metrics.

As for the CPU, it seems like the Intel Core i5-14400F is the chip of choice for the pre-builts I've selected here. Good news! Despite its relative age, it should absolutely crush the Steam Machine's custom AMD chip.

My advice? Skip the Steam Machine and go for a real gaming PC instead.

Valve's Steam Machine was knocked off course by no fault of its own, and you can point the finger at the global RAM and SSD shortage caused by AI.

At its starting $1,049.99 price, it's simply outclassed by affordable pre-built gaming PCs with true discrete graphics. It's a shame, because the Steam Machine is a great-looking device.

Unless you're absolutely beholden to the compact form factor and close ties to Steam's storefront, one of these gaming PCs I selected should be a much better value.

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Prime Day has arrived with possibly the quietest fanfare I've ever known since writing for Windows Central, and that's due in no small part to the current state of the tech market. Prices are being hiked left, right, and center, and gaming handhelds have been hit particularly badly by the RAM price hikes. With this in mind, I'm surprised that ASUS is still steaming ahead with this cracking deal on the Xbox ROG Ally, which is down to £379.99 on Amazon. When you compare that to the price of the Steam Deck nowadays, it's a steal for something comparable in performance and with a lot more flexibility.

For playing lower-powered indie games or clearing out your backlog, the two handhelds stand on pretty even footing. The Xbox Ally, however, lets you switch between Steam and Xbox PC natively without requiring hours of tinkering or workarounds. Crucially, it's CHEAPER by a mile.

Why buy the Xbox Ally?

We’re living through unprecedented times for gaming costs, where component shortages and rising demand for AI hardware have driven gaming tech prices to unreachable levels for the average budget gamer. Many of ASUS's competitors have handhelds priced at the same level as a high-end gaming PC (just look at the Lenovo Legion Go 2 prices). Yet with all the price hikes, the standard ASUS ROG Ally has become the single most sensible choice for anyone who just want to play some less demanding games.

To be completely open, I own the ROG Ally X, which is the "beefed-up" premium model, and as someone who mostly plays indie titles and keeps a massive backlog of AA games, I regret spending the extra cash. The standard Ally would have handled everything I threw at it perfectly. Don't make my mistake; save your money for the actual games.

RELATED: Xbox Ally vs Steam Deck which is better?

Sure, this has an entry-level price tag, but for sub-£380, you are getting an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor,and a really nice 7-inch 1080p screen with 120Hz VRR. Not only that, but while on equal terms with the Steam Deck, the Xbox Ally isn't locked down to the Steam OS, and you can jump between your game libraries. You get a dedicated Xbox button that launches a full-screen, controller-friendly gaming environment, and you can download games natively from Xbox Game Pass, the Epic Games Store, GOG, and EA Play without jumping through hoops.

That being said, there is nothing stopping you from doing a clean install of Steam OS and turning this into a much more ergonomic (and cheaper) Steam Deck. It’s arguably the most comfortable handheld I've ever used.

The Xbox Ally is an outlier right now in the gaming handheld market, and I don't expect the price to stay this low for much longer. With price increases being announced from Lenovo, Valve, and other manufacturers, it does feel like the writing is on the wall with Xbox devices, too. If you want to play your backlog on the settee or on the go without taking out a small loan, the Xbox Ally at £379.99 is the deal to beat this Prime Day.

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The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC has been my go-to controller since I first opened its box. Prior to this, I'd been using the regular Wolverine V3 Pro, which also has Xbox compatibility, but the 8K version is something else. The best performance you can get.

But its price was always a sticking point. After all, $200 is a lot of money for a controller. But in swoops Prime Day to knock that down by $50, so you can now (and should) buy one from Amazon for just $149.99.

I've played about 600 hours of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 with this controller (feel free to tell me how much of my life I've wasted in the comments), and I wouldn't use anything else.

For one, it's laid out like an Xbox controller, which I still find the most comfortable. I've tried using the Razer Raiju V3 Pro with the PS5 layout, which is also an excellent controller, but I come back to the Wolverine V3 Pro 8K every time.

It ticks all the boxes. It has TMR thumbsticks; it has delightfully clicky mouse switch buttons and rear paddles, and crucially, it doesn't lose performance when you use it wirelessly versus wired.

8,000Hz is the fastest you can buy on any controller right now out of the box without having to use third-party tools to overclock. For competitive games such as Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Battlefield 6, the faster the better. It's hard to quantify, but I can feel a difference if I go back to the regular Wolverine V3 Pro at only 1,000Hz.

To get the maximum speed, you do need a beefy CPU, and you need fast enough USB ports. It's not a big drag on the CPU, but the higher the polling rate, the more work it needs to do, so you do need to ensure you have the headroom not to affect your games.

But this is still my favorite controller, and sure, it's PC only. But now it's down to $150 I can't see any good reason not to recommend you pick one up. It's that good. Prime Day only lasts the rest of this week, so take advantage of this new lowest ever price while you can.

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Geekom's mini PCs have received some of the highest ratings here at Windows Central and at our sister sites, so I'm always happy to take the opportunity to highlight any available discounts.

Amazon Prime Day has dropped several major deals into my lap this week, with savings ranging from 15% to 33% and prices starting as low as $371. Yes, these are full PCs that only need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, for only a few hundred dollars.

Whether you're in search of a new PC for home use, a new PC to handle school work, or a new PC to connect to your living room TV for streaming, there's a suitable (and discounted) Geekom mini PC right here.

• See more Geekom Prime Day deals at Amazon US
• See more Geekom Prime Day deals at Amazon UK
• See more Geekom Prime Day deals at Best Buy
• See the best Amazon Prime Day deals as chosen by Windows Central's editors

Which discounted Geekom mini PC should I choose on Prime Day?

The answer to which discounted Geekom mini is right for you depends, of course, on your specific needs.

Those who simply need a capable mini PC to handle general tasks like email, web browsing, streaming, Word, Excel, and the like will be able to get away with spending the least money.

In this case, the Geekom A5 — discounted from $437 to $371 — makes a lot of sense thanks to its AMD Ryzen 5 7430U CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB M.2 SSD. The Geekom A5 Pro or Geekom A6, discounted from $649 to $524, also makes sense if you want a metal chassis, a faster CPU, improved cooling, and USB4 ports.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Geekom A9 Max, featuring a cutting-edge AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and 2TB of M.2 SSD storage. It's comparatively pricey even with a 15% discount, but it's the right choice for gaming and AI workloads.

My personal pick for those shopping during Prime Day is the Geekom A8, sitting near the middle of the pack to balance performance, features, and cost. It's also the mini PC I'd buy a student for use in the dorm room.

Right now, a model with an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS CPU, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD costs $585 rather than the usual $689. Its memory and storage are both upgradeable after purchase, and the Ryzen chip is rather capable thanks to its 8 cores and 4.9GHz boost clock.

Windows Central's Harish Jonnalagadda reviewed both the Geekom A7 and A8 at the same time, handing them a Best Award and 4.5 stars. He noted,

"Having used the A7 and A8 extensively, the only limitation I can think of is that they have a solitary M.2 slot. There isn't much else that is missing on either model, and they both deliver standout performance in day-to-day productivity tasks as well as demanding image and video editing workflows."

These Geekom deals are expected to run from June 23 until June 26, so don't wait too long if one catches your eye. It's also worth mentioning that deal prices seem to fluctuate depending on stock availability, so early birds might get a better price.

• See more Geekom Prime Day deals at Amazon US
• See more Geekom Prime Day deals at Amazon UK
• See more Geekom Prime Day deals at Best Buy
• See the best Amazon Prime Day deals as chosen by Windows Central's editors

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Amazon Prime Day hit the ground running with a great deal on the Surface Pro 11. A 13% discount on the 2-in-1 slashes $134.55 off the PC.

For $869.99, you get a Surface Pro 11 with a Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an OLED display.

Why buy the Surface Pro 11?

The Surface Pro 11 is an incredible 2-in-1 PC that defines the category. It features the traditional design with a kickstand and detachable keyboard that Microsoft pioneered and perfected.

This model runs on a Snapdragon X Elite, which provides all-day battery life and great performance when plugged in or running on battery power.

Usually, you'd have to pay for premium specs across the board to get an OLED display, but this Amazon Exclusive version of the Surface Pro 11 gets you a better screen at a discount.

"Overall, it’s an incredible 13-inch display," said our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino. He added, "OLED delivers those super dark blacks with excellent contrast, and HDR600 makes movies and video games much better."

This Surface Pro 11 runs on a Snapdragon X Elite processor. While Qualcomm has released newer Snapdragon X2 chips, the Snapdragon X Elite is still great in 2026.

Is this a good time to buy the Surface Pro 11?

It's been a tough year for PC shoppers. The base prices of Surface PCs went up significantly back in April, and prices back then were already higher than at launch.

It's not all Microsoft's fault. The ongoing RAM crisis and component shortage has caused price hikes by several PC makers. But the widespread nature of high pricing doesn't make it any easier to afford a PC.

The Prime Day discount stands out for two reasons. First, this is an Amazon Exclusive model due to its combination of 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Second, Amazon slashed the price of the Surface Pro 11 by over $140.

This particular configuration hits the key specs you need without making you overpay. While you can get by with 8GB of RAM on a Windows 11 PC, 16GB will provide a better experience. 256GB of storage is a bit small, but with OneDrive and other cloud storage options, it's okay.

I'd rather have 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage than 8GB of RAM and more storage.

The price of this Surface Pro 11 stands out even more when you look at other "offers." Browsing around online retailers and even checking other configurations at Amazon shows how high PC prices have crept over the years.

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SteelSeries is widely regarded by many to be one of the top manufacturers of gaming accessories. Whether it's wireless gaming headsets or responsive keyboards and mice built for esports competitions, there's little that SteelSeries can't provide for PC and console gamers.

However, most of their highest-quality products can be pretty expensive to buy at their listing prices. Fortunately, Amazon Prime Day's June 2026 sale has nerfed the prices of many SteelSeries gaming accessories to more affordable levels for a limited time, and we've rounded up some of the best deals it's offering for your perusal.

SteelSeries Headset deals

SteelSeries Keyboard and Mouse deals

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It's Amazon Prime Day week, which means computers that have recently become overpriced because of the on-going component pricing crisis are back down to reasonable levels of cost, but only for a limited time. This deal on Beelink's excellent SER9 Pro for $626 caught my attention, after reviewing it last year and calling it an all-round excellent device.

If you're in the market for a new mini PC, now is the perfect time to get one. Mini PCs are great these days, with great performance and good thermals. And you can't go wrong with Beelink!

Should you buy the Beelink SER9 Pro?

The Beelink SER9 Pro is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255, and this deal specifically is configured with 24GB RAM and 500GB storage.

Beelink also sells a seperate dock accessory called the Mate Mini that adds an additional set of ports and two more M.2 SSD slots for $99, and it's designed in a way that lets you sit the dock underneath the device, making it seem more integrated.

The PC itself is compact, premium, and very well built. It has a metal chassis which feels great to touch, and it's roughly the size of a Mac mini M4, though a touch larger at 135 x 135 x 44.7mm.

The device has plenty of ports, including a USB-C port and USB-A port on the front, along with a 3.5mm audio jack. Around the back, there are three additional USB-A ports, another USB-C port, a second 3.5mm audio jack, a 2.5Gb ethernet port, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 1.4. Needless to say, there is plenty of I/O on this mini PC.

It's a great performant mini PC that's good for productivity workflows and some creative professional workflows such as video and photo editing. It can even do some light gaming, but it's not a dedicated gaming machine.

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Amazon Prime Day has arrived to treat PC gamers with discounts on various high-quality gaming accessories that will make you never settle for regular keyboards again.

One such keyboard is the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard. It features near-flawless responsiveness, wireless connectivity that suffers no lag, customizable magnetic and keycap bindings, and more that can now be yours for less with this 40% discount that has reduced its listing price from $239.99 to $132.94 at Amazon.

Why buy the Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard?

SteelSeries has produced some fine PC gaming accessories over the years, and one of its more recent standout products, the Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard, is one shining example of the company's standard for high-quality peripherals.

It has a vast array of customization, as it will allow you to adjust its per-key actuation (0.1 – 4.0mm), create shortcut keybinds for triggering complex in-game actions more easily, and program two different actions to one key so you can activate more fluidly based on how hard you press it (like walking with a light touch or running with a hard push).

With these features combined with OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches and Rapid Trigger features that activate keys based on a player's finger travel distance, what you get is an incredibly fast keyboard whose controls can be heavily customized to play whatever genre of PC gaming you throw at it, whether it's first-person shooters like Call of Duty or MMORPGs like World of Warcraft.

Other notable selling points of this keyboard include a 60% compact form that saves up space on your work desk, ultra-fast 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity that does not suffer from lag, and some vibrant RGB lighting to brighten your room late at night while gaming.

So, if you're looking for a high-level keyboard whose responsiveness can help you keep up with the fastest-paced games out there, we highly recommend the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard.

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When you want to listen to your favorite games while traveling, sometimes using traditional headsets can be a drag. Due to their bulky designs, they can be troublesome to store; they tend to make you stand out when you don't want to, and they're uncomfortable to wear while doing intense exercises.

In this case, earbuds are a better option due to their smaller size, which makes them more discreet and portable. One such headset is the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, which is now on sale for $159.99 at Amazon, courtesy of Amazon's Prime Day sale.

Why buy the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds?

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds rank among the best Xbox headsets we've covered on this website. I know my colleague, Jez Corden, certainly believes so, as he said, "the SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds are the first Xbox and PC "gaming" earbuds that I feel truly check all the right boxes, across performance, features, and price."

They're equipped with custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers that deliver some of the best sound quality you'd never expect from an earbud, complete with a punchy bass and 360° Spatial Audio for extra immersion for the listener.

They also feature a long battery of 10 hours, a Qi charging case, 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for Xbox and other home consoles, Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile devices, 4-mic hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, over 100 game audio presets to adjust a game's sound to your tastes, and a smooth, ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to wear in your ear.

So, if you're looking for a viable gaming earbud to take with you while on holiday or riding a plane, then nothing tops the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds.

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SteelSeries is, without a doubt, one of the best go-to providers of high-quality gaming headsets, as their offerings are built to last for years with their immaculate sound quality, sturdy builds, and useful features such as active noise cancellation.

One of SteelSeries' best works, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, is one such headset, and it's now on sale on Amazon Prime Day at a 34% discount, priced at $249.99.

Why buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro?

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro earned a spot among our favorite Xbox headsets for very good reasons, and that starts with its sound quality.

With its Premium Hi-Fi Drivers, 360° Spatial Audio, and adjustable EQ, this headset can deliver extremely immersive, balanced, and broad soundscapes while isolating specific sound details that make a game's sound design heavenly to listen to.

The soundscape also provides a competitive edge with multiplayer games like Call of Duty, as it can help isolate specific sounds like enemy player movements so they don't get the drop on you.

Other welcome features of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro include active noise cancellation to shut out distracting background noise, 44 hours of battery life (22 hours with Bluetooth), connectivity with every console and device, comfortable ear cushions, and a decent-quality microphone with active noise cancellation.

It's even got a bundled digital-to-analog (DAC) converter base that can recharge the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro's hot-swappable batteries, connect it to multiple devices, and adjust its audio settings.

While the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Omni may be the new hotness, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro proves it's still got it in 2026, and we highly recommend it now for audiophiles looking to upgrade the auditory experience of their games.

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Amazon Prime Day week is here, which means now is the perfect time to buy a new Windows computer for a reasonable price given the ongoing component pricing crisis which has forced PCs to skyrocket in price over the last few months. Right now, you can grab Microsoft's incredible Surface Laptop 7 for just $834 at Amazon, a saving of $514 over its current not-on-sale price.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is technically a last-gen product now, originally launching in 2024, but that doesn't make it any less good. I called it the laptop form factor perfected when I reviewed mine in 2024, and I stand by that claim even to this day.

Why buy the Surface Laptop 7 in 2026?

Powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, with 16GB RAM and 256GB upgradable storage, the Surface Laptop 7 is perfectly equipped to handle your day to day tasks with ease. It's the perfect productivity laptop, complete with a bright and crisp touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a best-in-class keyboard and haptic trackpad, and enough ports to satisfy.

What's most impressive about the Surface Laptop 7 however is its battery life. The Snapdragon X Plus is a very energy efficient chip, which means the laptop sips on power in most workflows. You can get through a workday on a single charge with no problems, and can probably make it into the second day before needing to juice up.

It also features reliable sleep and wake, something not all Windows laptops are good at. Plus, it's a Copilot+ PC, which means it features advanced AI features like Click To Do, on-device live translations, semantic search which makes finding apps, files, and documents easier, and much more.

Although the Surface Laptop 8 is now out with the latest silicon from Qualcomm, it is significantly more expensive, starting at $1,599. I think for that price, the Laptop 8 simply isn't worth it, especially when the Laptop 7 is $834. For significantly less, you're getting pretty much the same device, without burning a hole in your wallet!

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The final part of Amazon Prime Day is here, as the annual shopping event continues. The entire thing ran from June 23 to today, June 26, 2026. We all knew that most brands wouldn't strictly follow those dates anyway, and competing retailers were eager to start discounts a little earlier, and likely stretching them even later, depending on stock availability (and price wars will continue throughout).

I've seen deals on Windows laptops, Microsoft Surface PCs, desktop pre-builds, and everything related to gaming across Xbox (including the Series X console) and cross-compatible devices for years now. My colleagues and I have always separated the real bargains from the price-inflated chaff, and we'll always highlight the genuine best savings on Windows Central.

• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals

To keep it simple for those in a rush (and frankly, who isn't), I'll hand-pick the absolute best of the best here, in an easy-to-browse list that keeps you up to date. If you've had your eyes on components to build your own computer, or you're ready to replace a long-serving Surface, keep this page bookmarked and check in before committing to any purchase.

Plus, if you don't have an Amazon Prime membership, you might even be eligible for a free 6-month "Prime for Young Adults" trial (exclusive to 18-24 year-olds and students).

Quick links

• All Amazon Prime Day deals
• Laptop deals at Amazon
• Save on PC components at Amazon
• Best Buy "Tech Fest" (Ends June 28)
• Newegg "FantasTech Sale" (Ends June 28)
• Walmart "Deals & More" (Ends June 28)

🔥 Hottest deals 🔥

💻 Windows PC deals 💻

🎮 Xbox deals 🎮

🖥️ PC gaming deals 🖥️

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Prime Day 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon Prime Day is a sales event that isn't tied to any federal holiday, and it isn't even restricted to any particular dates. Amazon decides the dates, and brands generally follow suit with discounts that coincide with the multi-day occasion. Naturally, there's no implication of exclusivity, so Amazon isn't always the cheapest place to buy. Its fiercest rivals are practically guaranteed to run suspiciously similar events at the same time, and 2026 is no exception, with Best Buy, Newegg, Walmart, and more joining in.

It feels like PC prices are climbing by the day, so it's refreshing to see a premium laptop like the XPS 13 on sale for $999.99. For that price, you get a Snapdragon X Elite and a whopping 32GB of RAM. At a time when laptop makers are resurrecting options with just 8GB of RAM for only a little bit less, the XPS 13 is quite the bargain.

Why buy the Dell XPS 13 (9345)?

Our Alexander Cope highlighted the best XPS discounts available through Dell right now, but the savings on the XPS 13 stood out. Getting any PC with 32GB of RAM for under $1,000 is rare these days, let alone an excellent laptop.

The XPS 13 easily delivers all-day battery life. It managed over 19.5 hours in a battery test done for our XPS 13 review. Of course, your results will vary depending on your workload. That test ran Microsoft Office on a loop. But even in real-world usage, our Zac Bowden took about 10 hours of constant heavy use to drain the XPS 13 from 100% to 15%.

This XPS 13 has the futuristic design many have come to know and love. That means a zero-lattice keyboard, a haptic trackpad, and extremely thin bezels. It's the pinnacle of this era of XPS computing, packing power and performance into a compact form factor unlike anything else on the market.

I don't want to bore you with a history lesson of the XPS lineup. Instead, I'll just say the new XPS 13 that came out this year is very different and aimed at a different type of customer.

The XPS 13 that's on sale for $999.99 has a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It pairs those internals with a lovely 2K, 120Hz display that can reach 500 nits of brightness.

If you want to upgrade, models with other display options are also $400 off. The 3K OLED screen is worth a hard look.

I love this version of the XPS 13. It took Dell years of refinement to get here, and the laptop maker should be proud. For my money, this XPS 13 is worth more than the new XPS 13 or any other laptop at this price.

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For the longest time, we often had to decide whether to buy a monitor that specialized in high resolution or high frame rates, as monitors couldn't strike a decent middle ground between the two without jeopardizing overall quality.

Nowadays, we have plenty that can achieve 4K and 240Hz at the same time with no issue, but at the common downside of extremely high prices to justify their tech.

Fortunately, one such monitor that we personally tested and enjoyed, the ASUS ROG Swift OLED 32", is having its extortionate listing price of $1,299 reduced by 35% to $849.99 at Amazon for a limited time.

Why buy this OLED Gaming Monitor?

So what makes the ASUS ROG Swift 32" OLED Gaming Monitor great for both gamers? Well, for starters, it's equipped with a 31.5-inch Quantum Dot-OLED display that can render images and videos at 4K resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio, 240Hz refresh rates, and 0.3ms response times.

With these specs combined with NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync, and VESA Adaptive Sync support, your favorite console or PC games will have their graphical fidelity improved to cinema-level quality and their frame rates run as smooth as butter, so they don't suffer any visual stutter or lag.

Not to mention, the 240Hz refresh rate will help ensure that your controller will not exhibit extra input delay that could get you killed during hard boss fights or nail-biting final rounds in multiplayer games, and just make them more enjoyable to control in general.

Other notable features include a heatsink and graphene film layer to keep the monitor cool while operating, a wide range of HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports with KVM support, over 300nits of brightness, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 support to give its visuals a bright and colorful presentation.

So, if you're sick of having to choose a monitor that prioritizes 4K visuals over frame rates and vice versa, then the ASUS ROG Swift 32" OLED Gaming Monitor will satisfy your needs to play games at their max performance and graphical potential.

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The real Surface Pro 12 is finally here. After a business-focused Surface unveiling that left people wanting, Microsoft has announced its latest flagship 2-in-1 powered by a Snapdragon X2 chip.

Microsoft will include a free Surface Pro keyboard with any Surface Pro 12 purchased before June 30 but that accessory needs to be physically attached to the Surface Pro to work and lacks a haptic trackpad.

Whether you want the absolute best Surface Pro 12 experience or want to upgrade another Surface Pro, the discounted Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is the way to go.

Why buy the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard?

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is versatile, supporting both wireless and attached connectivity. With it, you can use a supported Surface Pro like a laptop or detach the keyboard and place the screen separately.

If you travel a lot and find yourself cramped on an airplane tray table or a small table on a train, being able to arrange the Surface Pro and its keyboard apart from each other is a must.

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is also handy for those who dock their Surface Pro to an external monitor or a TV screen. When I had a Surface Pro as my main PC, I had an attachable keyboard for work on the go and a separate keyboard for my multi-monitor setup. You wouldn't need to do that with a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.

The haptic trackpad of the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard provides physical feedback when you navigate around Windows 11 and certain apps. It's also more consistent than other trackpad types. Haptic trackpads don't have dead zones and are more customizable than traditional trackpads.

There's no debate that the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is the best Surface Pro Keyboard. The real question is if it's worth its hefty price tag. The Surface Pro 12 starts at $1,499 ($500 more than the starting price of the Surface Pro 11 at launch). That makes any additional cost sting.

If you want the best Surface Pro 12 experience, the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is a must-have experience. Best Buy's $70 discount on the keyboard comes at a great time.

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We will need extra space to store our important files, digital art projects, and video games more than ever, as many PCs and gaming consoles' default SSDs can't keep up with their high demand for install space.

This would be easier said than done, as many storage expansion units have become so expensive these days, as many of them can cost hundreds of dollars.

Fortunately, one of the more affordable 1TB SSDs with commendable performance rates, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD, is now on sale for $189.98 at Amazon (was $274.99) as part of its early Amazon Prime Day sales.

Why buy the Samsung T7 Portable SSD?

The Samsung T7 Portable SSD comes in 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 2.1TB, and 4TB sizes. However, the one that's on sale right now for $189.98 at Amazon is the 1TB version, which is still a very good amount of install space for hundreds of productivity documents, personal files, photos, videos, and video games.

It also features 1,050MB/s transfer speeds, so you can move files between the SSD and whatever PC or console it's hooked up to quickly. Granted, it's not the best SSD in the world for running modern AAA games directly, but it's still plenty capable of running older games and light indie titles with little to no issue.

Other notable features of the Samsung T7 Portable SSD include a fingerprint scanner for extra security, an extremely lightweight design at 58g, with a thin, sleek chassis that is so portable-friendly, you could fit it into your coat or a bag pocket.

So, if you're looking for a convenient and affordable way to add space to your desktop/console or take your precious work documents/video games with you on trips, we highly recommend adding the Samsung T7 Portable SSD to your tech collection.

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Amazon Prime Day is almost here, but that doesn't mean there aren't other great deals to be had on lucrative Mini-PCs that will help you cut through work faster elsewhere.

For instance, Geekom is currently hosting a summer sale on a few of its Mini-PCs, including a $649.99 deal on the A8 Mini-PC (was $899.99), a $1,399.99 deal on the A9 Max Mini-PC (was $1,799.99), and a $699.99 deal on the A7 Max Mini-PC (was $1099.99) exclusively on its website.

On top of that, if you use these "WCGKA820", "WCA9MAX26," and "WCGKA7MAX" promo codes during checkout, you will reduce their prices further and save even more money (and desk space) on these wonderful Mini-PCs for work productivity and light gaming.

Why buy these mini-PCs?

Each of these mini-PCs offers fantastic specs for heavy-duty workloads and light gaming in their own right, but our favorites of the bunch have to be the Geekom A8 and Geekom A9 Max, as they're some of the best Mini-PCs we've ever used.

The Geekom A9 Max is a monstrously powerful Mini-PC that lives up to its premium price tag. It's got exceptional performance rates for workloads and games (it can even run Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p and 60fps), 50 TOPS NPU to aid in completing AI tasks with Copilot+, and it's packed with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and dual 2.5G Ethernet connectivity.

The Geekom A8, meanwhile, is a much cheaper but still very capable mid-range Mini-PC. It features an elegant design with an aluminum chassis, outstanding performance rates when running productivity programs like Microsoft Office, creative programs like Adobe Photoshop, and internet browsers like Microsoft Edge without any slowdown, and a plethora of USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2.5G Ethernet connectivity.

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When it comes to finding reliable laptops for productivity, you can always count on ASUS to deliver the goods. Many of their products nail the fundamentals of performance rates, vast storage spaces, detailed resolutions, and the ASUS Vivobook 14" is no exception.

With its Intel Core 5 120U (10 Cores) CPU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, there are very few business tasks this laptop can't handle, and it's currently on sale for $659.97 at Amazon, with a bonus Plusera 8-in-1 Hub bundled in.

Why buy the ASUS Vivobook 14?

As stated earlier, this configuration of the ASUS Vivobook 14 is armed with an Intel Core 5 120U (10 Cores) processor, 16GB RAM (which is getting harder to come by thanks to this RAM Crisis), and a 1TB SSD.

With the first two specs in tandem, this laptop will have no trouble multitasking professional apps like Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop or opening up dozens upon dozens of internet browser tabs without suffering performance slowdowns.

Its 1TB SSD is able to help the ASUS Vivobook 14 boot itself in mere seconds, and grant the user plenty of space to store precious data files, whether they're for personal or business use.

Other notable features of the ASUS Vivobook 14 include like a Camera Privacy Shutter to prevent thieves from accessing it, built-in Copilot+ software to assist in completing AI workflow tasks, and a 14-inch IPS LED display that can display images and play videos with crisp, detailed 1920x1080 (FHD) resolution.

So, if you're looking for a no-nonsense, reliable workhorse laptop but don't mind having a plain-looking design, then ASUS Vivobook 14 is a fine recommendation.

It's currently on sale for $659.97 at Amazon (listing was $839.99) with a bonus PLUSERA 8-in-1 Hub adaptor, which will convert one of the laptop's USB-C ports into an expanded hub so it can fit in extra devices with 4K HDMI, 100W PD, USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, SD/TF Card Reader connectivity.

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