My 13 favorite tech things I reviewed this year — Many of these devices are on sale, and they make for perfect holiday gifts 2025

I've spent a few hours testing this 11-inch drawing tablet, and it's thoroughly impressed me. It comes with 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, and a Slim Pro Pen 3 that doesn't require any batteries to operate. I love how this tablet makes it feel like I'm drawing with paper and pencil, thanks to a mixture of fantastic pressure sensitivity and the screen's matte etched glass surface. It even comes with 2 Years of one of my favorite drawing programs, Clip Studio Paint Debut, so you can get started right away.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

I've become a big mini PC fan over the last few years, and Geekom is the brand I recommend most. Several months ago, I got my hands on the IT13, and I've loved the solid performance this tiny computer provides. There are a few different configurations, but the one I reviewed provides an Intel Core i9-13900HK CPU, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD — all while being no bigger than a bagel.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

The Xbox Ally X is one of the most powerful Windows handhelds on the market, and it's ideal for AAA gaming. It serves as a worthy next-gen successor to the original ROG Ally, with even greater gaming performance. I particularly love its unique, thick grips, which prevent my hands from feeling strained during long gaming sessions. This device offers a 7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

From the moment I turned the Legion Go 2 on for testing, I was dazzled by its relatively large 8.8-inch display. Like its predecessor, it offers detachable controllers and a built-in kickstand, providing more versatility than many other handhelds offer. In addition to playing games on this device, I regularly use it to stream shows or watch YouTube. It's seriously a fantastic all-around entertainment device. It features a Z2 Extreme processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

During testing, this laptop impressed me, not only with its elegant design, but also with its long battery life (up to 18 hours), beautiful 16-inch AMOLED panel, solid performance, and included number pad. Whether I'm drawing something on it using Photoshop or working on assignments, it's more than capable of providing solid and reliable performance.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

It was honestly really hard for me to say goodbye to the ProArt PA27JCV after I'd spent dozens of hours using it to touch up photos and draw digital art. As I said in my review, this is a stunning 5k monitor with a wide color gamut that also features a built-in KVM switch and USB hub. So, in addition to displaying creative projects to their best advantage, it also provides plenty of convenience.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Every now and then, a gaming monitor stands out to me with its refined design and picture quality, and this year that honor belongs to the Alienware AW3425DW. This 34-inch monitor has a subtle blue casing rather than the typical black or grey. It seriously offers buttery smooth motion clarity since it supports NVIDIA G-Sync, up to a 240Hz refresh rate, and a speedy 0.03ms response time. Plus, I can get it in just the right position since the stand can be adjusted height-wise, slanted, swiveled, or tilted. It's a feast for the eyes.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

All-in-one PCs seem to be less common every year, but there's no denying the convenience that these computers provide. This year, the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" proved to be another fantastic AIO that comes with everything you need for your computer desk. It provides a 27-inch QHD IPS display, Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, 16GB LPDDR5, and 1TB SSD. A healthy range of ports is easily accessible on the back and you can swivel the sturdy base if you need to.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I travel a decent amount for work, and so having portable monitors is important for me, especially if I want to boost my workflow. JSAUX's FlipGo Horizon Pro gives you an adjustable docking stand, a carrying case, two 15.6-inch IPS monitors that can reach 1080p, display cables, a universal adapter, and a phone stand with a MagSafe attachment. Unlike many other laptop monitor extenders, this one allows me to orient the panels in landscape or portrait mode. I can even double-stack them in landscape mode if it better suits my needs. Click the coupon before checkout to get the best deal.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Dell's flagship desktop once again proved that it has the power to take on just about any task thrown at it. Fitted with an Intel Ultra 7 265K, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, it was able to run AAA games much more smoothly and apply edits to my creative projects faster than many other computers out there. What's more, a healthy range of ports makes connecting multiple monitors or accessories a breeze. If you want a humble-looking desktop that can do just about anything, this is the computer to get.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This wired mechanical keyboard offers linear switches with low latency and fast actuation, responding as quickly as possible during my video game sessions. I can't get enough of the satisfying sounds it makes when typing, and it's always fun to customize the RGB as I see fit. I also appreciate that it offers a full number pad and volume dial. Considering all it has to offer, it's priced very reasonably.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the premium gaming laptop that ruined all others for me. Fitted with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5080 L, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD, the Area-51 Desktop can play the latest AAA games with ease. While it would have been nicer if the 16-inch IPS display were an OLED, what really made me fall in love with it is its Cherry MX mechanical keyboard, which makes typing and playing games such a satisfying experience. Another fun thing is that it has a precision glass RGB LED touchpad that shows off color in a vibrant manner.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was fortunate enough to have access to this absolute beast of a gaming desktop for two months, and I took advantage of the time I had it to play several of the latest AAA games, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. They all ran exceptionally smoothly thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU, RTX 5080 GPU, 32GB RAM, and 2TB SSD. This desktop is a looker, with an 80-liter chassis filled with colorful RGB lighting and a glass side-panel so you can take in its powerful hardware in style. Now, this desktop does have some upgrade limitations, but it looks impressive and runs like a dream.