How-To Geek
5 reasons you should buy smaller portable battery banks
When the time comes to buy a portable external battery, you have to choose between the largest one you can afford or going for a smaller one. I'm here to argue that smaller is better.
The 2026 Outback abandoned what made it special, and it's costing Subaru
The Outback has long stood apart from the sea of mainstream crossovers by offering something buyers could no longer find anywhere else: a rugged wagon that blended SUV practicality with a more car-like driving experience. For decades, that formula helped it become one of Subaru’s most recognizable and successful models. However, the redesigned 2026 version takes the nameplate in a very different direction, and not everyone is happy about it.
Camera phones are making a comeback, but the US is being left behind
Phone hardware has been stagnating over the last few years. Unlike the 2010s, during which we saw gigantic steps forward with each phone generation, the 2020s are all about software, at least when it comes to Western phone brands, including Samsung.
If you didn't buy your phone this year, it likely won't get Gemini Intelligence
Google has set steep requirements for Android 17's marquee Gemini Intelligence feature. They rule out most existing phones, to the point where some of the company's own Pixel 9 devices might not support the agentic AI.
Your ISP logs every website you visit through DNS—these are the only 2 alternatives I trust
Your DNS server may log every website you visit, and if you've never configured a privacy-respecting one, you're likely exposing your activity online. It's not a technical issue but a legal one. I'll go over which services I trust and why.
9 essential command pipelines that simplify everyday Linux
The pipeline feature is one of the driving forces behind the Linux philosophy, a single character that changes everything about how you work. By connecting the output of one command to the input of another, you can chain small programs together, creating a tool that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
This Infiniti sports sedan feels like an old-school BMW for less
For years, BMW’s sport sedans have been the benchmark if you wanted a car that could comfortably handle both your daily commute and a back-road blast without breaking a sweat. The M3 and M340i, in particular, built their reputations on delivering serious performance without completely sacrificing refinement.
3 outrageously funny Prime Video shows to watch this weekend (May 15 - May 17)
In a world that often thrives on being far too serious, outrageously funny TV shows deliver much-needed relief because they’re proudly unapologetic and completely unforgettable. They don’t just aim for a giggle — they go all-in with laugh-out-loud chaos, socially unacceptable characters, razor-sharp writing, and wildly entertaining moments.
Keyboard phones went extinct, but these companies just brought them back
The first smartphones had physical keyboards, and after over a decade of continuous slab phones, some of us still long to have our buttons back. Fortunately, the time for physical keyboards has returned, and these four brands are making it happen.
Why OnePlus is disappearing from Best Buy—and what it means for US customers
OnePlus appears to be scaling back its U.S. presence after withdrawing from other countries. Best Buy stores across the country have been pulling OnePlus phones from display shelves, limiting customers to online orders and some in-store pickups.
4 myths about rooftop solar that keep holding homeowners back
Rooftop solar is one of the best things to happen to my home, but I still encounter trepidation when I speak about solar with others. There is a repetitiveness to the concerns, so let's just address them head-on.
5 Bluetooth ESP32 projects for this weekend (May 15 - 17)
Most ESP32 microcontrollers are blessed with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which means they can be used in a vast number of wireless projects. These could be some of the most useful DIY projects that you ever build.
I manage my garden using Excel—and I'm never going back to individual apps
Gardening is all about timing, spacing, and staying organized—and Excel handles all three better than you might expect. This summer, I'm using it to map beds, track planting schedules, monitor conditions, and record harvests. Here's how.
I tested every mesh Wi-Fi system until I realized the real problem was my setup
If you're constantly dealing with the frustration of weak Wi-Fi and spotty coverage at home, it's only a matter of time before you start eyeing those advanced and pricey mesh systems. To be fair, they absolutely have a place in large homes where a single router struggles to reach every corner.
Your PC is uploading Windows updates to strangers. Here's how to stop it
I don't think Microsoft is doing anything evil here. Windows isn't uploading my personal files, and this isn't some sketchy background process pretending to be useful. It's a real Windows feature called Delivery Optimization, and the idea is simple enough: your PC can help distribute Windows updates and Microsoft Store app updates to other PCs so everyone gets them faster.
5 powerful Docker containers you can set up in under 1 hour
Subscription services are pretty convenient, but they're usually not free. Even when they don't cost money, you almost always pay with your privacy.
2 beginner Linux distros that don't force you to use the terminal
Are you switching over from Windows to Linux? Do you try to avoid the Linux terminal? Linux doesn't have to be scary, and these days there are plenty of easy options for you. I have two beginner-friendly distros that won't try to make you use the terminal.
4 sizzling Paramount+ shows to watch this weekend (May 15-17)
Today's a big day on Paramount+, the premiere of Taylor Sheridan's wildly anticipated new Yellowstone sequel series, Dutton Ranch, has arrived on the streaming service, and I've got the details for you below.
4 3D printer upgrades you can build with a $5 ESP32 board
Not everyone has the latest and greatest 3D printer with all the bells and whistles. Especially if you're focusing on bare-bones workhorse machines where raw capability mattered more to your budget than luxury.
Here’s why everyone is mad at Bambu Lab (again)
Bambu Lab is the biggest name in 3D printing right now. Not content with making the hobby accessible to a more casual audience, the company frequently flirts with controversy and finds itself in the news for all the wrong reasons.


