Aba1940
Like the article says, this is often a debatable issue. The router is always on, only when in use. Hackers will often attempt to target devices that are on. It is appalling that firewalls even fail at times!
GregP
Heh, Apple being described as an "underdog" is definitely something I didn't think I'd ever see! It's amazing how much things change over time. Are there any people left standing in those long lines to purchase the newest iPhone?
Aba1940
I wouldn't say things looks so bad for Apple despite iPhone sales falling in recent times. They are 'underdogs' when compared to Netflix, HBO Max or Disney Plus. Nonetheless, things could suddenly change, then everyone will start talking about... See more
GregP
The service as described in that article doesn't sound appealing in the slightest. Maybe it's just me? I wouldn't pay $5 for that service nor would I even sign up to get it for free.
Aba1940
If I had bought an Apple device and become eligible for the year-long free subscription, I would go for it. The terms of the one-year-deal, in my opinion, raise no eyebrows. Why would anyone cancel it before the year was up?
Hazard
I agree that the desire for more compact computers could have necessitated this. Why would I need an optical drive in this day and age? There are more file storage options now, plus plenty of streaming services available.
Aba1940
Who needs an optical drive in this day and age? It is no coincidence that modern laptops no longer have them. I would (separately) buy one to be able to play old multimedia or write to drives. Additionally, it allows simple driver installation... See more
Aba1940
I have not used the optical drive for ages, and I don't even recall the last time I saw it on a laptop. Who still needs one with all the options available now? It's completely unnecessary, in my opinion.
Aba1940
I have been using just one method to restart my laptop, but now I see many other alternatives. I like the command prompt option that also lets you specify after how long the PC should restart.
Aba1940
I recently read that anyone can trace back to your IP address based on a comment made online. I restrict the kind of information I share on any platform, and it is much safer to safeguard this, even in instances where it is impossible to erase... See more
Aba1940
I have a bias for Apple products, but I must also admit that Microsoft offers a good alternative in the Surface Laptop. I agree with the article about the big display bezels making it look old fashioned and yes, the absence of the Thunderbolt 3... See more
Aba1940
I agree with you, Octane, and most people will go for a device that lasts for a long time, irrespective of the cost. These laptops will appeal to different people, based on preference.
Aba1940
Would it be correct to assume that the company is releasing this after success with its first smart-display service? Either way, I am not about to trust Facebook with more personal information, and so I will give these devices a wide berth.
Aba1940
I have seen a cat see a bird in a NatGeo documentary and jump, in an attempt to catch it. I would assume that animals in general, love pictures and videos revolving around nature.
BorisM
I’m interested in studying videography. Trying to make aesthetic videos is a fun thing to do. Still working on that, hopefully will master it in the future.
Aba1940
I am interested in both photography and videography, but what I've realized that patience and tenacity are necessary traits. Once anyone has done the basics, every other thing  seems to fall into place.
JustBeFrank
Some of these are really good books. I think I will look into Side Hustle. I think Dave Ramsey is great, but some of his approaches are a bit too conservative for me. They are geared towards the traditional families who value their homes more... See more
Aba1940
I agree that some of his approaches seem conservative and may not apply to all situations, but like every other book out there, you will sometimes one or more theories that apply to a particular scenario. We attain financial freedom through... See more
Aba1940
I agree that Apple continues to dominate the smartwatch platform, and Samsung offering direct competition is in the best interest of the end-users. I wish Apple introduces size variations/options in its next update.
Aba1940
A while ago, brand names mattered a lot. With many brands now in the market, what matters is the quality of a device. There are lots of little-known brands that are selling cheaper devices.
Aba1940
I don't know how this will pan out, considering the uncertainties arising from the trade war between the US and China. I like the fact that Huawei is building the HarmonyOS around the "internet of things" strategy.
Aba1940
I just looked at this list and realized that most people walk around with these items not knowing that they could come in handy during an emergency. Thanks for the reminder!
DevonJMarsh
It is so miserably hot where I live!  I could really go for one of those personal fans or air conditioners featured in this collection for my office at work.  
Aba1940
Well, I also live in a humid area and at times I wish that it was a bit hotter. Thanks to technology, there are a lot of options now. Back then, it was really easy to single out a few good fans.
Apocalips - Edited
I'm not sure how trusted these glasses are compared to the ones made after we check our sights manually. I prefer my glasses which got the layers to block UV and blue light from the factory. The Prime Deals offers are quite amazing, though!
Aba1940
I got similar glasses after a doctor’s recommendation though I agree that they are still suitable for anyone that doesn’t really need glasses. Great deals indeed!
Aba1940 - Edited
Well, with the way AI is advancing, we are bound to witness a revolution in the robotics scene and this is just the beginning. I think that the possibilities are immense and robots will definitely become human like. I remember watching a robot... See more
Aba1940 - Edited
Well, I think it has to be about brand loyalty, affordability and extra features. An iPhone user will definitely go for an Apple Watch unless we are saying that in future, all smartwatches will be compatible with different devices.
VioletBlue
In addition to being a frequent internet user, I also transfer data around using USB sticks, so I think I have even bigger chances of getting infected. I make sure my antiviruses and other protections up to date and check my devices regularly.... See more
Aba1940
I only use the USB sticks when it is really necessary to do so since there are countless safer ways of sharing data between PCs. Like you say, the suspicious links are the ones to avoid most!
CptJaneway
I'm not sure sure where the future of folding phones stands at the moment. The fragility of the screen seems to be an almost insurmountable challenge at the moment.
Aba1940
Very true and I think that it would be better if these companies took their time to perfect this technology rather than rushing and having to fix issues that could have been avoided.
Aba1940
I like the way Smart Home technology is evolving and we could soon have a solution for almost everything. There is a chance that the cost will come down once more companies join the fray.
Aba1940 - Edited
It is true that there are a lot of scammers out here. A friend once got a job offer which he believed to be legit until he was asked to send money for his VISA application. It turned out to be a scam. I hope this technology will help reduce the... See more
Aba1940
Huawei definitely saw the backlash that befell Samsung after the screen issues witnessed with the Galaxy Fold. I think that it is wise and strategic for this company to take more time to fine-tune the final product.
Aba1940 - Edited
I remember reading somewhere that the new iPad Pro was going to have a USB-C Port which was already present in the new Macbooks. Is Apple trying to insinuate that the Lightining connector is/was not of the best quality?
Aba1940
Truly speaking, there were better ways of handling this than through an embargo. However, it is interesting to read that Google is considering an exemption from the ban when it had been reported that the company had savoured links with Huawei.... See more
DarrenJax
Yeah, Apple's products are usually fairly pricey, but I have this tablet and it's got a ton of great features.  It's super speedy and has a long battery life as well.   I never have a problem with movies stuttering on my iPad Pro like I do on my... See more
Aba1940
Indeed if the device normally sells at $799, then getting it for $150 less would be such a deal. As much as Apple products are often pricey, you get value for money at the end of the day.
Aba1940
To be sincere, I hardly play games on my phone. However, after going through the article, I have settled on 'The Gardens Between' since I have always had a bias for puzzle games. 
Aba1940
Well, as much as they would be convenient, their prices are quite high. I like the mode of operation but for that price, I would want a device that does more than just to mop and clean.
Aba1940 - Edited
I normally look at a vacation or camping expedition as a way to stay away from technology and any such gadgets but then this article really simplifies the whole subject. The bottom line is that you will still need reliable internet wherever you... See more
Flashh
I'm not a photographer, so I have no use for cameras outside of the one that comes with my smartphone. I wonder if others feel the same? Do you purchase actual cameras these days or is your phone's camera sufficient?
Aba1940
I am not yet at that point where I can call myself a great photographer but even so, I hardly take any photos using my smartphone camera. Mirrorless cameras are quickly becoming popular and there's more variety now.
Flashh
I haven't faced problems with streaming in ages, but it's nice to know there's a solution out there if I ever needed it. Faster internet never hurts!
Aba1940 - Edited
I agree with you that faster internet is the best way out but we all run into problems, irrespective of the speeds. Though I can't recall many incidences of slow streaming, the solutions offered in the article are quite practical.
Aba1940 - Edited
I would take advantage of such a partnership especially bearing in mind that Kohl’s accepts items without a box or shipping label, free of charge. The fact that Kohl's stock rose up 9 percent is further testament that this partnership is... See more
JustinCredible
Amazing list. I especially liked HyperHistory ( https://www.hyperhistory.com ) which has a visual timeline of human history displayed nicely enough. The interface feels a bit archaic, pardon the pun.
Aba1940
Wow, that's an amazing site, despite it being archaic. With so many websites being created each day, it is possible to miss out on such great sites.
Aba1940
After all that has been said about Facebook, it would be interesting to know whether or not it continues to be the social media of choice for most people. Why would a company with its standing overlook such a serious privacy and security lapse?
Aba1940 - Edited
Technology keeps evolving every other day and distance should never been an excuse for people not to create a lasting bond. I like the concept around the friendship lamp and it is definitely a device worth having.
Aba1940 - Edited
Most movie lovers prefer to watch their favorite moves at home but still don't mind going to their favorite cinema, once in a while. Though costly at the onset, replicating the cinema experience at home saves costs in the long run.
Aba1940
The reality is that smartphone manufacturers have to realize some profits from making sales. I have had my phone for close to 5 years now and I have only had to replace the battery once. I only shop online to stay updated with current trends and... See more
Aba1940
I would love to hear what Apple has to say about these rumours but either way, doesn't this company run the risk of reputation? It would be better for a potential buyer to know (from the onset) that they were purchasing a used device.
Aba1940
I think we have come across movies that try to depict how flying cars operate. All the same, we all agree that we are nowhere close to making this a reality.
Aba1940 - Edited
Well, I have remained skeptical about the blockchain technology for a while now, and that is not about to change but if correctly implemented, this would be a big win for Facebook. That the company chose to have a blockchain team of 50 people... See more
Aba1940
I have no antivirus installed on my Windows PC because the Windows Defender offers the necessary security so I don't understand why Samsung opted to for this partnership. It would be reasonable to have an antivirus program if at all it has been... See more
EmorySmith
It's nice to see that you don't have to spend a fortune to get some useful tech items.  I can never have too many smart plugs.  
Aba1940
I once bought a less popular brand and it got damaged even before a month was over. It is good to stick to the known brands and if you have to go for any other option, search for some online reviews for quality checks.
Aba1940 - Edited
I don't understand why a particular website would block access if a VPN was being used. It is the same way some websites will not allow access until a detected adblocker is disabled. Data collection looks like a huge revenue stream for most... See more
Aba1940 - Edited
Under normal circumstances, it is the power adapter that heats up when the laptop is being used and the battery is being charged. It is never easy to ensure that the laptop only gets charged when not in use.
Aba1940 - Edited
In a broader sense, the hype and discussion help to create more awareness about the reality and prospects of 5G. It will be unfortunate for companies to quickly jump in and create a fiasco. There is sufficient time to build an infrastructure... See more
Aba1940
I agree that streaming costs much less besides giving you the freedom to essentially watch programs of your choice. It has been a while since I paid for cable TV and it is possible that a lot of people are making this switch.
Sphera
We should also work on how to balance the jobs between humans and robots so nobody will get hurt once the new policy kicks in. The cuts may be inevitable, but I think it can be planned carefully so that we don't suddenly end up with thousands of... See more
Aba1940 - Edited
At the end of the day, companies will care more about how much they are able to save in the long run, rather than whether or not there will be many unemployed people. That balance would be a good thing but nothing stops them from not considering... See more
Aba1940
Everything about this accessory is perfect, except for the price that is quite high. In my view, it would have made sense to have a package that includes more than one item that we are fond of in the gym. I fancy anything that enables me to... See more
Aba1940 - Edited
Apple probably stopped selling the named iPhone models with the hope that the sales of the XR and XS would go up but it turns out that this may not have been the case. My older model still works fine but when $100 is knocked off, this becomes... See more
Aba1940 - Edited
I am still wondering what gap the foldable phone seeks to fill. If it is about eliminating the need to carry a tablet alongside a phone, then it may be a long time before everyone buys into the idea. Either way, this is a technology for the... See more
Aba1940
Apple often charts its own path and I doubt if this is a trend the company will venture into immediately. Look at how long it took for the dual-sim technology to be incorporated into some of their devices!
SystemWars
I need to get some new earbuds like these for working out.  I don't think they work as well as over-the-ear headphones at canceling out sound, but they're great for running at the gym without making your head and ears hot. 
Aba1940
I don't fancy the earbuds as I do the over-the-ear headphones but going through the list, I have seen a few that I already like. The Boss QuietControl 300 looks great but isn't that quite a price for an earbud?
Aba1940
The phrase "...the equivalent of a 12-megapixel photo taken with larger 1.6-micron pixels.." confuses me even the more. I do think that a 48-megapixel camera will become a common feature someday once the bigger smartphone companies adopt the... See more
Aba1940 - Edited
Frankly speaking, I have never considered owning a Chromebook before. Apart from running on the Chrome OS, these machines are mainly designed to be used while connected to the internet. Price alone shouldn't be the only factor when looking to... See more
CptJaneway
Echoing the comments above me, I looked into how much it would cost to purchase a Tesla a couple of years ago just out of curiosity. The BASE cost was $100k+. It's insanity.
Aba1940
That is an insane amount but it could be that the high price is as a result of EV cars not being as popular. It is upon these other little-known companies to market themselves because this could easily be the technology for the future.
Aba1940
I loved the first ever Dell Latitude laptop I ever owned because it had a double cell that would really last for long. I have no doubt that this is a device worth owning.
Harper - Edited
Apple isn't innovative enough to command such high prices anymore.  All the major phone companies seem to offer consumers the same things.  Personally, I don't particularly care whether a phone has a bezel, but I do want a headphone jack.  
Aba1940
I wouldn't call it 'not being innovative enough' because Apple seems to still be leading in terms of sales. Could it be that the other phone companies have sort of improved the quality of their technology?
paradox84
The first thing any tech support worker tells you to do is clear your cache. The first thing I do when I'm experiencing a computer issue is clear the cache. It doesn't usually solve my problem, to be honest.
Aba1940
This is very true Paradox84 and I made it a rule to always clear the cache every morning. It makes it very easy for a tech worker when this has already been done.
Aba1940
Come to think of it, 4G was launched close to a decade ago and I think there was enough time to do all that needed to be done. The need to move to 5G is mainly driven by the explosion of new technology and so most people can't wait to see the... See more
TimmyZ
Apple did survive much greater scandal because it was a scandal inside the company and the company almost collapsed. Mark Zuckerberg has the grit and determination of Steve Jobs and that is why Facebook is still standing despite all the issues... See more
Aba1940
The biggest challenge Zuckerberg ever had to deal with was in setting up the company and so I believe that his determination will keep the company afloat. Were the circumstances in which Facebook finds itself in avoidable? Well, to some extent... See more
Harper
If the lawmakers really cared, they'd enact laws to protect our privacy rights.  This whole thing just felt like a song and dance to me.
Aba1940
The move by Congress is timely but seems to be more of a reaction rather than a deliberate effort to protect and safeguard the interests of the online community. We need tougher laws in this regard.
Aba1940
I never, for once, believed those stories about phones exploding while charging. It is best to care about our safety by purchasing accessories that meet the safety threshold.
Harper
Thanks for sharing this!  I've been meaning to get a smart doorbell, but haven't had the time to research them.  I think I'll order the wireless model by iseeBell since it's compact and it will allow me to live stream what's going on while I'm... See more
Aba1940 - Edited
I also love this model  because for all its features, it comes at an affordable price and there could be good deals around the festive season. What isn't clear is the radius within which a live video stream can be viewed.
Aba1940
Any device that fits into the pocket will definitely appeal to most people. This is a good deal for that price and it could definitely go up once this device becomes available.
Aba1940
There have been suggestions that we could soon see foldable tablets and laptops in the near future. It seems like the price tag will go beyond the $1,000 mark and I hope that this phone will not be too bulky when folded.
AIisLife
I admit that I'm brand loyal to Apple, but this article is still helpful as all the giant tech companies make phones with different specs.  
Aba1940
I am also brand loyal but after going through this article, I realize that there are certain specs that we should never overlook, like the internal modem and antennas.
GamerGlitter
Elon Musk is so polarizing, more so than others who have made their money in this field.  People either love him or hate him.  I'm not sure why exactly. 
Aba1940
To be sincere, I had never heard of Elon Musk before but he seems to be behind a lot of interesting innovations. Overall, I do think that each of these tech giants has, in one way or another, contributed to the advancements in technology.
Aba1940 - Edited
Great tips in the article though I have noticed that my laptop tends to heat up more when plugged in, as opposed to when it is running on the battery. Older PCs/laptops also tend to heat up faster than their newer counterparts.
Aba1940 - Edited
Well, I wouldn't call it being 'shortchanged' probably because I am an Apple die-hard but overall there is something beyond the ordinary, that Apple offers to its customers. If you look around, almost everyone now owns an Apple product.
Aba1940
The idea that AI will get rid of a lot of tasks that require human intervention could mean that there is a possibility of mass lay-offs, but the truth is that our lives could change for the better. It is always said that nothing can ever stop in... See more
Aba1940 - Edited
It is true that the market tends to get saturated from time-to-time and the fact of the matter is that in keeping up, most of the new companies tend to manufacture devices that are not up to standard. I don't think we really need all that but... See more
DarrenJax
Yes, they're more expensive, but Macs last for ages and most compatible software programs are generally less expensive than the Windows compatible versions.  Plus,  the Genius Bar makes it super convenient to get help. 
Aba1940 - Edited
I agree with you that Macs have a much longer lifespan than their Windows counterparts and for $1,999, I am tempted to preorder the MacBook Air. Who wouldn't love stereo speakers that are 25% louder than before?
Aba1940 - Edited
I agree with you that there wouldn't be so much time saved and even though I loathe vacuum cleaning, the cost involved here is huge. Is there a chance that the prices will come down once there are a lot of these in the market?
JJK21
I love the new shortcuts because I think it will make responding to messages easier. That way we may not need to open the app at all, so we don't need to see the ads that come with the status updates. As long as the ads are not intrusive, I will... See more
Aba1940
Correct me if I am wrong but do these ads show up in the Whatsapp app? I have never come across them. What I love most is the 'Vacation' mode that will archive a chat for as long as I want. 
GamerGlitter
That is just the neatest little thing.  The bot dances better than I do.  I can see robots like these making a huge difference in the lives of elderly people who need company.  
Aba1940 - Edited
You know I keep asking myself what I would do with such a thing dancing in front of me and the thought of it just leaves me in stitches. I think technology keeps changing and what could happen in the next few years is unimaginable.
Aba1940 commented on Lost?
Aba1940
I use my phone for navigation but now I am starting to believe that a GPS device may be necessary, especially for people (like me) who are always on the move. That you can get this for as low as $150 is great!
Aba1940
Adobe Photoshop isn't the easiest program to master considering that it is used by professionals and newbies, in almost equal measure. I cannot wait to have a feel of it once it is launched sometime next year. 
Coooky
I feel that Samsung generally makes the best releases. Their premium flagships provide wonderful features worthy of the price tags. Other brands may win in some aspects, but not the whole package. That's why I'm also surprised that Pixel is more... See more
Aba1940
Makes the two of us Coooky and even though I have never owned a Samsung smartphone before, the Galaxy 9 wins outright! Samsung generally seems to get everything right, from the display, design and specifications.
Aba1940
I have a Windows laptop and Windows Defender works well for me and I quite agree that even though most of the anti-virus programs can be installed for free, the best benefits come at a fee.
Aba1940
I prefer to have all my music in the iTunes library so I already figured out that a third party app wouldn't be necessary as such. It seems tedious to have more than one device though; I'd rather have an iPad and an iPhone rather than two... See more
Lionel
Sometimes we become too much attached to wireless devices, no pun intended. We think it is way cooler to use a Bluetooth device compare to a regular device. I always go for practically rather than portability, although sometimes smaller is... See more
Aba1940 - Edited
I partly agree with you on this because most times, purchasing decisions tend be made based on what's popular out there. I have a wireless keyboard and mouse and I find these two to be really convenient whenever I need to use my laptop.... See more
Aba1940
It is true that these accessories can be quite pricey and getting them (all at once) may not be practical. I love Nikon and the first accessory I am considering, is the speedlight.
TimmyZ
I'm not ready to buy a new phone or upgrade one when the phone I bought last year is still functional. Phones have become a part of the society that its usefulness for communication has been overshadowed by its prestige given to the owner of the... See more
Aba1940
I am also not ready for an upgrade since my phone is till in a good condition. There aren't any new technological advancements with these phones (per se) except that they are made out aluminium as opposed to stainless steel. I would think that... See more