Technology

Buying used enterprise storage is one of those things that makes perfect sense when you look at the price and becomes more complicated once you actually put the hardware into a machine. Enterprise HDDs that originally cost a small fortune can appear on the used market for surprisingly little money. For a homelab, where storage capacity is always useful and budgets are rarely unlimited, it is difficult to ignore those prices.

Social media users on Threads have discovered a fun new way to celebrate Apple event week: the web game "Design the next iPhone."

The game was made by Neal Agarwal for his website Neal.fun, where you can play the game for free. Agarwal's site hosts other short and sweet mini-games like "Draw logos from memory" and "Asteroid launcher."

"Design the next iPhone" is exactly what it sounds like: You can create the iPhone of your dreams, selecting all of the ports, cameras, and buttons you desire. You can even add fun little attachments, from googly eyes to steering wheels. So, if you've ever wanted an iPhone with a built-in joystick or rotary dial, this is your chance.

Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Neal.fun Credit: Neal.fun

I'll admit — design has never been my strong suit. So, while I wasn't trying to create an absolute nightmare of a phone, that's exactly what I ended up with. Something tells me Apple isn't going to be interested in a phone with an antenna and two little feet. (Fun fact: My first cell phone did, in fact, have an antenna, kids.)

My only complaint about the game? I couldn't make a proper flip phone, which is something Apple is rumored to be working on for the future.

Top iPhone preorder deals

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan

• AT&T: Get up to $1,200 off the new iPhones with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan

• Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

For longer than I care to remember, I've written Excel formulas, dragged them down hundreds of rows, copied calculations across columns, and built running totals one cell at a time. This works, but I always find I'm doing too much work, especially when some of those jobs can be handled by a single formula sitting in a single cell.

Unless you own a Google Pixel phone with the built-in Now Playing feature, you have to use Shazam to recognize songs playing around you, right? Well, actually, no. Many Android phones have access to Google's built-in Song Search feature, which is almost as good as Now Playing and Shazam.

I've been an Arch user for five years, and it's been a love-hate relationship. I love having access to the AUR (Arch User Repository) and the hundreds of thousands of packages it brings with it, along with access to bleeding-edge updates as soon as they drop. But at the same time, I hate it when a buggy update just wrecks my system, not to mention the current malware mess with the AUR and all the headaches that come with it.

I don’t currently have any visible clocks on display in my house. I’m never without my watch or phone, and I decided that if I were to sacrifice some space for a dedicated timepiece, it would need to be something special, different, or interesting.

Occasionally rebooting your router and modem is pretty normal, and some routers even have a reboot schedule function that can take care of this for you. Though problematic network equipment should be replaced, adding a smart plug to your setup can save you effort and even automate the entire process.

So, you're wanting to get started with Ubiquiti's UniFi networking gear, huh? I love my UniFi setup, but I definitely made some mistakes. Here are the four biggest mistakes I see people make all the time in the UniFi community, and how you can avoid them.

Some weeks, the easiest way to find something good on Netflix is to skip over the newest releases and instead look into its library. The platform's diverse catalog has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to movies that have swept award shows during their respective runs.

Any time I recommend software to a friend, there is always an inevitable question: How much does it cost? The quality isn't necessarily the discerning factor—no one wants to pay for something if it isn't necessary. That makes free, open-source tools very easy to recommend to most people without a moment's hesitation.

In early September, Apple held a big event to announce a ton of new stuff, but one product stood out more than any other: The iPhone Duo.

Apple's first foldable device has two displays, a wealth of multitasking features, and a trendy form factor that's sure to be a conversation-starter. But it also begs the question: Why get an iPad when you could get one of these, or vice versa? Has Apple made a "phablet" that makes the iPad redundant?

Let's take a look at what makes these devices different, and explore why you might want one or the other.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between them iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Price

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999. It absolutely must be noted, first and foremost, that this is more expensive than the starting price for any iPad model. Even the most premium one, the iPad Pro, starts at $1,199, and all but its most high-end variants come in below the starting price of the iPhone Duo. That's to say nothing of the fact that you can get a standard iPad for as little as $449, an iPad Mini for $599, or an iPad Air for $699.

So, if you want an Apple touchscreen device with a bigger display than the average iPhone, the iPhone Duo is not the most cost-effective way to accomplish that. Not by a long shot.

The only exception, if you were planning to buy a new iPhone and a new iPad Pro, opting for the Duo alone could save some money. But that's a very specific use case

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Specs and design Even an iPad Air is way, way bigger than an iPhone Duo. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Since there are several different kinds of iPads, it would take way too long to list out all of their specs compared to the iPhone Duo. However, display size is probably the most important factor here, so these are the different display sizes for each device:

• iPhone Duo: 5.4-inch cover display, 7.6-inch inner display

• iPad: 11-inch display

• iPad Mini: 8.3-inch display

• iPad Air: 11-inch or 13-inch display

• iPad Pro: 11-inch or 13-inch display

If display size is what you're after, the iPhone Duo will provide the smallest one of this group by a good margin. It's probably great for reading books, sketching art, or watching movies by the standards of a phone, but any iPad will be better for those things on a pure screen real-estate level.

Storage is going to be another primary concern. The regular iPad and iPad Mini both top out at 512GB, while the Air tops out at 1TB and the Pro at 2TB. You can also get an iPhone Duo with up to 2TB of storage, but that costs a staggering $3,199. By comparison, the 2TB iPad Pro is $2,299, a full $900 cheaper. Again, the iPad provides a stronger value here if storage is the main thing you care about.

It should also be pointed out that at 254g, the iPhone Duo is significantly lighter than any iPad model. It would be weird if it weren't, considering it's a phone and not a tablet. I would also hope it goes without saying that not a single iPad model has a screen that can bend, so if that's really appealing to you, this is a no-brainer.

Oh, one more thing: The iPhone Duo has two 48MP camera lenses on the back for something resembling real photography. Meanwhile, every modern iPad has but a lone 12MP lens. Technically, you can take pictures with an iPad, but that doesn't mean you should. If you care about photography, get an iPhone Duo.

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Software features Split-screen multi-tasking is available on both devices. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

In announcing the iPhone Duo, Apple emphasized that the user experience took a lot of cues from iPadOS. But this fact still needs to be shouted from the rooftops: These two devices do not use the same operating system.

The iPhone Duo runs on iOS 27, and the iPad on iPadOS. They are similar because every Apple OS is similar, but they are not the same. There are two separate App Stores, and apps are designed specifically to work in one environment or the other. Some apps will have wildly different interfaces or features depending on the device you're using, and in some cases, apps just will not be supported at all, at least not natively.

Apple has outfitted iOS 27 with multitasking features specifically for the Duo, meaning you can have two apps open at once, side by side on the inner display. That's great and convenient, especially since you can drag and drop elements from one app to another. Unfortunately for the iPhone Duo, this is old hat for iPads; they've had split-screen multitasking for a while, and you can have more than two apps open at a time on an iPad.

That said, the iPhone Duo has some tricks the iPad doesn't, thanks to its form factor. For example, you can photograph someone using the inner display while the outer display shows the subject of the photo that you're seeing. That works with FaceTime calls, too.

As far as I know, there is basic parity between the two devices with AI features. Siri AI should work on both, and apps like Image Playground exist on the iPad, too. One final point here is obvious: if you want something to use as a telephone, get an iPhone Duo. By default, iPads can't even connect to cellular networks unless you pay extra for a model that can. You wouldn't want to use a big tablet as a phone, anyway.

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Apple Pencil and accessory support An iPhone Duo can't do this. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

There are pros and cons to both devices when it comes to accessory support. Most importantly, you can use an Apple Pencil on the iPhone Duo's displays, which was a nice surprise during the announcement. Beyond that, though, things get a little more tricky.

For instance, iPads don't support MagSafe accessories or wireless charging of any kind right now. They might in the future, but they don't in the present. The iPhone Duo does support those things, but unlike the iPad, it doesn't support external, attachable keyboards. It's much easier to use an iPad like a laptop than an iPhone Duo.

At the end of the day, one of them is a tablet, and the other is a phone. I think they can co-exist.

Preorder the new Apple products Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  Pre-order Here at T-Mobile Pre-order Here at AT&T Wireless Pre-order Here at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  Pre-order Here at T-Mobile Pre-order Here at Walmart Pre-order Here at Apple.com Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple AirPods 5 earbuds $129 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Apple.com Pre-order Here at Walmart

“Can it run DOOM?” It’s the question people love to half-jokingly ask about every gadget with a screen. Android, of course, can run DOOM — but what about Android Auto? That’s an entirely different beast.

Microsoft's PowerToys suite of Windows utilities, which you can download from GitHub or install through the Microsoft Store, has earned a reputation as a tool designed for — and used exclusively by — Windows power users. But the reality is more nuanced.

SAVE $9.99: The 2026 Lego City Advent Calendar is on sale at Amazon for $25, down from the normal price of $34.99. That's a 29% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego 2026 Lego City Advent Calendar $25 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $9.99   Get Deal

December and Black Friday are still several months away, but the year's hottest Advent calendars are already on sale. If you want the best selection, it's time to get shopping. Each year, Lego puts out a handful of fantastic Advent calendars, and if you're in the mood for a classic winter scene, check out this deal.

As of Sept. 11, the 2026 Lego City Advent Calendar is on sale at Amazon for $25, marked down from the normal price of $34.99. That's a 29% discount that saves shoppers $9.99 well before the season begins.

With 252 delightfully cheery pieces, the Lego City Advent Calendar is always a seasonal joy. This year's version has Santa himself, a handful of elves, a Christmas tree, and a snowman holding an irresistible cup of cocoa.

Each daily surprise comes with simple step-by-step instructions, and the entire collection can sit in the included fold-out Santa's workshop area.

SEE ALSO: Lego's huge 4,154-piece Tropical Aquarium set drops to its lowest price yet at Amazon — save over $50

As we get closer to December, it's likely this model will begin to come in and out of stock. Since it's in stock and inexplicably on sale, we suggest jumping on this deal as soon as possible. This feels like a hidden deal that could vanish at any moment.

SAVE $250: As of Sept. 11, you can grab an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) or Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB) on sale at Amazon for $1,049.99 (reg. $1,299.99) and $1,649.99 (reg. $1,899.99), respectively. That's $250 in savings on either phone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB, Unlocked) $1,049.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $250   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB, Unlocked) $1,649.99 at Amazon
$1,899.99 Save $250   Get Deal

Not everyone is an iPhone person. While the tech world is fully consumed by news of the iPhone Duo, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max releases, Android folks can quietly snag a new Samsung Galaxy phone for less.

Amazon has an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra base model with 256GB of storage for just $1,049.99 instead of $1,299.99. That's $250 in savings. And if you'd prefer a foldable phone like the iPhone Duo, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with 256GB is also on sale for only $1,649.99 at Amazon — a savings of $250 as well.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung's premium flagship device, which goes to head to head with Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro Max. "If there's ever been a phone to make you ditch Apple, this is it," Mashable's tech editor Timothy Beck Werth cheered in his review. It features a world-class camera array, a brilliant 6.9-inch AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, a speedy Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, battery that lasts all day with heavy use, an included stylus, and a Privacy Display. It's expensive, but ultimately worth the investment for the right person. Plus, a nearly 20% discount certainly helps.

The Z Fold 8 is a worthy Duo alternative for Android users. Plus, it's worth mentioning that Samsung has been in the foldable game for years. The Z Fold 8 is our favorite Android foldable to date, and our tech editor says it's "undeniably fun to use and show off." It's incredibly thin and light, features a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 that can support heavy multitasking, and is a dream machine for editing photos, reading, gaming, and streaming. Its biggest flaw is the dual 50MP wide and 50MP ultrawide cameras, which are "fine, but not elite." A $250 price drop might be enough to make up for that, though.

TL;DR: Minecraft Dungeons II releases on Sept. 29, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. Pre-ordering either the $29.99 Standard Edition or the $49.99 Deluxe Edition before Sept. 28 unlocks the Twisted Cape, Twisted Chicken pet, and two hero skins.

Opens in a new window Credit: Minecraft Minecraft Dungeons II — Standard Edition $29.99 at Minecraft
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Minecraft Minecraft Dungeons II — Deluxe Edition $49.99 at Minecraft
  Pre-order Here

Put down the diamond pickaxe and unsheathe your sword — Minecraft Dungeons II drops on Sept. 29, and digital pre-orders are officially open.

The sequel expands on the original in a ton of exciting ways. Mojang Studios and Double Eleven are sending players on a brand-new quest across the Overworld and beyond to stop a mysterious evil threatening two different worlds. You can tackle the campaign entirely solo or grab up to three buddies for local couch co-op or online cross-play.

Along the way, you'll clash with hordes of aggressive mobs, craft legendary builds using upgraded armor and weapons, and master deep combat mechanics designed to test your party.

If you are planning to jump into the action on day one, choosing the right version comes down to how much extra loot you want in your inventory.

Standard Edition: $29.99

The Standard Edition is the simple choice for gamers who just want the core campaign without any extra filler. At $29.99, it gets you full access to the base game on launch day alongside the Minecraft Launcher setup. Even with the base version, anyone who pre-orders before Sept. 28 scores a batch of launch-window cosmetics to customize their character.

Preorder bonuses for both editions include:

• Twisted Cape

• Twisted Chicken Pet

• Two additional hero skins

SEE ALSO: Crumbl Cookies just announced a Minecraft menu, complete with exclusive mystery spoons Deluxe Edition: $49.99

If you know you are going to sink dozens of hours into grinding gear, the Deluxe Edition packs a massive punch for $49.99. For the extra twenty bucks, you get access to two future DLC expansion packs as soon as they drop down the line. On top of post-launch story content, it grants instant access to the Minecraft Launcher, the ethereal Soul Cape cosmetic, an aquatic Blub Pet companion, and four Deluxe hero skins.

Whichever version fits your budget, lock in your order before Sept. 28 so you don't miss out on that mutated chicken pet on day one.

Smart bulbs are one of the most common entries into the world of smart home devices, but they're not without their problems. If your internet goes down, you may find that you lose features or simply can't control your bulbs at all. There are several ways to stop this from happening.

TL;DR: Igloo just launched a brand-new Winnie the Pooh-themed collection. Prices start at $27.99.

Igloo's Winnie the Pooh collection at a glance: Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot 15 Oz Coffee Mug $27.99 Shop Now Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot 32 Oz Travel Mug $39.99 Shop Now Disney Winnie the Pooh Plush Tote Cooler Bag $39.99 Shop Now Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot Cooler Bag $39.99 Shop Now Disney Winnie the Pooh & Pals Little Playmate 7 Qt Cooler $49.99 Shop Now

Igloo (the cooler company) just launched a brand-new Winnie the Pooh-themed collection, and I am living for it. I'm also super happy to see a brand choose a different character than Snoopy for fall — I love Snoopy, but the Peanuts gang just seems to get an unfair amount of publicity during the Ber months. Anyway, I digress.

The limited-edition collection includes five pieces, and prices start at $27.99:

• Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot 15-ounce Coffee Mug ($27.99): The most affordable item in the collection is a 15-ounce travel coffee mug. It has a tinted yellow, leakproof flip 'n' sip lid with a small mouth-opening cover that clips into place. Its double-walled, vacuum-insulated design keeps your drinks cold or hot, depending on what you put in it. You could honestly put soup in this too...don't @ me.

• Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot 32-ounce Travel Mug ($39.99): My favorite piece in the collection is the 32-ounce travel mug. One is on its way to my apartment right now. It's built like the coffee mug, but it comes with a leak-resistant silicone straw with a little honey bee topper.

• Disney Winnie the Pooh Plush Tote Cooler Bag ($39.99): This tote bag doubles as a cooler. It would make a super cute lunch box for a preschooler or kindergarten student. (Hell, I'd carry this around in my truck for snacks.) It's insulated, so it'll keep your goodies hot or cold.

• Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot Cooler Bag ($39.99): The Hunny Pot Cooler is probably my second favorite item in the lineup. You could literally use this as a kitschy purse if you wanted to. According to the product description, it can hold up to nine cans. (Do with that what you will.)

• Disney Winnie the Pooh & Pals Little Playmate 7-quart Cooler ($49.99): If you prefer a more traditional-looking, hard cooler, the seven-quart Winnie the Pooh & Pals Little Playmate Cooler is $49.99. It also holds up to nine cans.

You can't buy these items on the Igloo Amazon storefront just yet, so you'll have to shop direct until it's updated (if it is — remember, this is a limited-edition collection!).

Shop Igloo deals on Amazon

• Igloo Classic Playmate Cooler — $16.99 $22.99 (save $6)

• Igloo Marine Cooler — $34.98 $46.99 (save $12.01)

• Igloo Tag Along Too Cooler — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Igloo Coolers Retro Collection — $49.99 $65.99 (save $16)

The best iPhone 18 preorder deals at a glance: Preorder at T-Mobile Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in or by switching Get Deal Preorder at AT&T Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in Get Deal Preorder at Visible Get $480 of monthly service credits with purchase Get Deal Preorder at Total Wireless Take $600 off iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max Get Deal Preorder at Apple Get up to $885 in credit with trade-in Get Deal

In case you missed Apple's Sept. 9 event, there are a few new iPhones in town. And the big carriers are already competing to offer the best iPhone preorder deals and lock in new customers.

The annual iPhone launch is basically the first indicator of fall. This year, the foldable iPhone Duo has captured most of the hype, but the tried-and-true iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max flagship models also deliver some exciting new updates. While the Duo won't be available to preorder until October, the 18 Pro and Pro Max hit shelves on Friday, Sept. 18. Better yet, preorders open Sept. 12, so you can secure your new phone ASAP.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come in four new colors: deep black, silver, burgundy, and glacier blue. The 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the Pro Max starts at $1,299 for the 256GB models (storage options go up to 2TB). That's a $100 price increase over last year, and new phones are getting very expensive. Fortunately for our wallets, carriers like T-Mobile are offering up to $1,200 off, and you can also take advantage of the Apple Upgrade program if you don't mind leasing your iPhone.

Save up to $1,200 with iPhone 18 preorder deals

If you're ready to preorder your new device but your wallet isn't quite keeping up with your enthusiasm, we've found a few ways to save some money. To take advantage of most carriers' offers, you'll need to switch providers, trade in an older iPhone, or choose a specific phone plan. Smaller carriers like Visible and Total Wireless are also offering up to half off the new iPhone if you sign up for certain plans.

Here are the best preorder deals for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max:

• Apple: Trade in an iPhone 13 or later model and get between $175 and $885 in credit towards the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. You can also score up to $1,200 in trade-in credit through specific carriers.

• AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free or up to $1,200 off iPhone 18 Pro Max with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later and activation on AT&T Premium 2.0 plan or higher. You can also get up to $800 in credit to pay off your current device just by switching to AT&T.

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan. You can also score up to $930 in trade-in credit when you switch a line to T-Mobile's Experience More or Go5G Plus plans.

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan.

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan or up to $1,020 off when you upgrade with an eligible trade-in on existing myPlan.

• Visible: Buy the iPhone 18 Pro with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly service credits. New and existing members are eligible.

• Walmart: The big box retailer doesn't have any preorder deals just yet, but you can finance the new iPhone and pay as little as $78/month if you qualify through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.

• Xfinity: Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max for free with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan.

What about Amazon iPhone preorder deals?

As of this writing, Amazon's iPhone 18 Pro listings aren't live, and Amazon typically isn't the best place to shop for Apple smartphones. However, we'll update this page if any iPhone 18 Pro Amazon deals do go live in the days ahead. You can preorder the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watches at Amazon.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds $129 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Apple.com Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at AT&T Wireless See It at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at Walmart See It at Apple.com

TL;DR: Right now, you can get Samsung's newest mid-range phone for $799.99, plus a $200 Amazon gift card to spend on whatever else you want.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (256 GB) $799.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $200   Get Deal

While the internet's busy arguing over Apple's new $2,000 foldable phone, Samsung is handing out $200 in digital cash to Android users.

Right now, you can get the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (256 GB) for $799.99, plus a $200 Amazon gift card to spend on whatever else you want. All you have to do is add it to your cart, check out, and you should receive the phone and a physical Amazon gift card on your selected shipping date (though the listing mentions the gift card may ship separately, depending on your location).

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone Duo is here, and Samsung is already throwing shade

If you want to spend a little less (and you don't need a ton of storage), you can get the 128 GB version for $699.99. This one comes with an Amazon gift card, too.

The Samsung S26 FE was basically made for anyone who wants to take influencer-level videos without spending a fortune on video equipment. It has an Exynos 2500 chip, a 4,900 mAh battery, a bright 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 50MP camera packed with Galaxy AI features. That includes a feature called "My FanCam" that automatically keeps your subject centered in video.