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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
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Get a refurbished MacBook Air for just $230 during Black Friday weekend

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Upgrade your tech with a grade-A Refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air (1.8GHz i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) for just $229.97 (reg. $348.99) — lightweight, reliable, and ready to work wherever you are.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air (1.8GHz i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $229.97
$999.00 Save $769.03 Get Deal

If you've been hunting for a budget-friendly computer to handle your daily tasks, you should take a closer look at this one.

This grade-A refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air (1.8GHz i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) is now available for just $229.97 (reg. $348.99) with free shipping during this Black Friday week sale.

Whether you're working, streaming, or staying connected, this lightweight, efficient laptop is an ideal companion for all your needs. At this price, it’s an easy choice for a secondary device — or a great gift for the tech lover in your life.

This sleek and functional laptop features a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, delivering solid performance for everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, or managing spreadsheets. The 128GB SSD allows you to store your files locally, and its 12-hour battery life will enable you to work or play uninterrupted all day.

The 13.3-inch Retina display delivers crisp visuals, making it a terrific option for video calls, Netflix binges, or photo editing. Built for portability, this lightweight laptop is a dream for those needing a device to grab and go. Whether it’s for travel, your side hustle, or the kids, this MacBook Air is proof you don’t need to spend big to get big performance.

Rest easy knowing this laptop comes with a grade-A refurbished rating. That means it’s in near-mint condition, with minimal to no visible wear. Thoroughly inspected and cleaned, you’ll get the performance and polish of a MacBook without the hefty price tag.

Pick up this grade-A refurbished MacBook Air for just $229.97 (reg. $348.99) with free shipping during this Black Friday week sale.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save 46% on an HD Bluetooth dash screen

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: For Black Friday week, you can get a 7-inch wireless dash display, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, for just $74.97 (reg. $139), with free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 7-inch Wireless Car Display $74.97
$139.99 Save $65.02 with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility & Phone Mirroring Get Deal

Car tech evolves fast, and not all of us can drop thousands of dollars on a new ride just to get a better dashboard. That's why we're excited about this 7-inch Wireless Car Display. It can be a total game-changer for upgrading your vehicle without breaking the bank—or breaking out the toolbox.

For just $74.97 (reg. $139) during this Black Friday week sale (plus free shipping), you can bring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone mirroring into your car on this dash screen. No coupon, no headaches, just a smoother, smarter driving experience.

This display was made to make hands-free driving happen for almost everyone. You'll be cruising down the highway, your favorite playlist blasting through the speakers, GPS guiding you seamlessly to your destination — all without fumbling with your phone.

With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, it syncs your smartphone to the HD touchscreen. Navigation, calls, and music control are now at your fingertips or voice command. Ask Google Assistant or Siri to handle the tasks while you keep your eyes on the road and your hands where they belong.

The display delivers crisp, vibrant visuals and supports HD video playback, so you can even keep passengers entertained during long road trips. The wide compatibility means it works with most car models, so whether you’re rocking a sporty coupe or a practical minivan, this device fits right in.

Setting it up is made to be ridiculously easy. Just attach it to your dashboard or windshield with the included suction mount, plug it into your car’s power source, and you’re good to go. No fancy installation or tech expertise needed.

Don't miss this Black Friday week sale that gets you this 7-inch wireless dash display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for just $74.97 (reg. $139) with free shipping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best video games of 2024

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 11:00

I had a great time playing video games in 2024 — and I hope you did too. Let's talk about it.

This past year was challenging for some, including myself, but the silver lining is that 2024 produced a bunch of excellent games to play. The RPG genre, in particular, saw a modern renaissance, with an overwhelming number of releases from studios big and small.

Of course, there were plenty of other games, ranging from big-budget productions to ones created by a single developer.

However, unlike most years, there isn't a single standout on this list that I consider to be better than all the rest. Why introduce competition when it's not needed? That's why this list is unranked. You should play all of these games if you can.

Here are the best games of 2024, in no particular order.

The best video games of 2024

Again, fair warning: There are a lot of RPGs on this list, but at least they're all really good.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

In a year that was comically bursting at the seams with RPGs to play, Metaphor: ReFantazio has a real case as the best one.

This game looks so awesome. Credit: Sega/Atlus/Steam

At the very least, it’s the most striking and unique of the big ones, thanks to a dazzling art style full of funky fantasy designs and a soundtrack overflowing with operatic rapping. 

It also has a neat hybrid real-time/turn-based combat system and a compelling calendar-based gameplay structure that keeps things moving forward at all times. Metaphor’s main story may be overly simplistic at times with its "fiction can change the world" message, but strong character work and worldbuilding in the margins help this game become one of the very best of 2024.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the only game of 2024 — and probably of all time up to this point — that made me emotional during a karaoke cutscene.

The boys! Credit: Sega/RGG Studio/Steam

Sure, it’s a great turn-based RPG with a fun, real-world setting, a party full of unemployed 40-somethings, and fully fleshed-out Animal Crossing- and Pokemon-inspired side games. But Infinite Wealth’s real strength lies in its ability to bring you in touch with the inner lives of its characters.

It opens strong, with protagonist Ichiban Kasuga going on the (heartbreaking) first date of his adult life, and continues with longtime series hero Kazuma Kiryu suffering from a terminal illness. All along the way, you’ll meet a bunch of quirky freaks with shockingly relatable problems. One of the most touching moments in the entire game involves a bunch of guys who wear diapers and act like adult babies. If any of that sounds good to you, go play Infinite Wealth with haste.

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth

If you had asked me just a few hours after finishing Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, I would have confidently called it the best game of 2024. 

Junon looks great all redone. Credit: Square Enix

However, with some time to reflect, my enthusiasm has cooled due to its admittedly bloated length and a story that shines most when it’s not focused on the new elements added to it. But for dozens of hours, Rebirth is an incredibly fun and visually stunning JRPG, featuring some of the best combat of the year, a beloved cast of characters who each get their moment to shine, and one of the most diverse and impressive soundtracks in recent memory.

I still can’t believe there’s an original song about a dog that was written just for one optional side quest.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Although it’s a big-budget, full-priced game published by industry giant Capcom, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is arguably the most "for true sickos" title on this entire list.

It's brutal, but it's worth it. Credit: Capcom

I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. This quirky open-world action RPG makes even the simple act of walking from one town to the next feel treacherous, no matter how powered-up your character might be. Sometimes, you’ll be strolling through the countryside, and a dragon and a giant ogre will start fighting you (and each other) all at once. 

Fast travel is limited by items. Entire optional quests and storylines can be easily missed. There’s an in-game disease that can eradicate entire villages while you aren’t playing — and it’s not easy to spot ahead of time. These things sound punishing and unfair, but thanks to brilliant game design and balancing, it’s all nearly flawlessly tuned to be more funny than aggravating.

Astro Bot

Astro Bot is, if nothing else, one of the best PlayStation commercials ever.

What's up, Ratchet? Credit: PlayStation

That may sound more derisive than intended, but it’s a factual analysis of Astro Bot: an incredibly tight, clever, and wonderfully designed 3D platformer that’s also a firehose of PlayStation nostalgia that doesn’t always hit right. Sometimes, you see references to Vib-Ribbon and Jumping Flash and smile, while other times, you see Detroit: Become Human and Fall Guys and feel a little weird about it because those are very recent games that don't have decades of fondness built around them. In the case of Detroit, it's not even a good game.

Astro Bot is such an incredible experience to play, watch, and listen to — especially in a genre that’s underrepresented these days — that I’m willing to overlook the fact that the nostalgia-driven elements don’t always land as intended.

Balatro

Balatro has the unique distinction of being the only game on this list that I’ve gone out of my way to avoid for most of this year because I like doing other things with my life on occasion.

It's getting its hooks in me just through this screenshot alone. Credit: LocalThunk/Steam

Everyone I know who likes Balatro comes off as a cautionary tale, especially since it became available on phones. 

The point is, as soon as you start playing this poker-based roguelike from a one-person development studio, you may not want to play anything else for a while. Be careful, folks.

UFO 50

If there’s any game from 2024 that stands above the rest in terms of ambition, it’s probably UFO 50.

There's a lot to see and do in UFO 50. Credit: Mossmouth

The result of a collaborative effort between several indie game developers, UFO 50 is a collection of 50 original games from a fictional company spanning several real eras of game design. Obtuse adventure games, classic-style RPGs, beat-'em-ups, tower defense games, and others are all represented here with endearing, era-specific accuracy. 

If you’ve ever liked a video game that came out in the '80s or '90s, UFO 50 might be your jam.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II

I have a group of friends I like to play multiplayer games with. Anything where we can team up is right up our alley. My favorites are the ones that don't require much tactical communication, so we can chat about whatever while playing. 2024 provided two nearly perfect examples of that, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II was one of them.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II comes from a fictional universe/board game I don’t care about at all, and that’s fine. It’s an incredible co-op experience for three players where you can use a chainsaw sword to mow through giant bugs. Every player is a 10-foot-tall monstrosity in power armor, and the only way for enemies to stand a chance against you is to swarm you by the dozen. It kicks ass.

Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 is also a co-op game about satirically fascist soldiers shooting bugs — but with an entirely different feel. Your character is weaker and more expendable here, and dying is often more funny than maddening. Managing supplies and finishing optional side objectives are also bigger deals in Helldivers II. But both of these games hold the same special spot in my heart as something I could play with friends while being able to have real conversations with them.

Silent Hill 2 remake

Blurb written by Mashable's Chance Townsend

Too creepy for me, personally. Credit: Konami/Steam

Silent Hill 2s remake is a harrowing masterpiece of atmosphere and storytelling that strikes the perfect balance between reverence for its roots and modern sensibilities. Bloober Team has managed to take the haunting essence of the PS2 classic and reforge it into an experience that feels both nostalgic and groundbreaking.

From the moment you step into the fog world of Silent Hill, you’re plunged into a world of psychological dread where every shadow whispers untold horrors. The game’s sound design is a revelation, using eerie silences and dissonant crescendos to keep players on edge, while Akira Yamaoka’s haunting score wraps around the narrative like a suffocating mist.

James Sunderland’s journey through his fractured psyche is conveyed with visceral combat, chilling environmental storytelling, and unforgettable character encounters. Plus, it helps that the stunning visuals breathe new life into Silent Hill’s grotesque beauty, making it a sensory feast.

Despite some minor technical hiccups, Silent Hill 2's gripping narrative, terrifying atmosphere, and polished mechanics make it a shining example of how remakes should be done. It’s an experience that lingers long after the credits roll, earning its place as one of our best games of 2024.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink

I did not think I would ever become hopelessly absorbed by a spin-off to a Japanese phone game, but 2024 was full of surprises.

These boss fights are so, so good. Credit: Cygames/Steam

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a strangely named but undeniably excellent action RPG with a huge cast of a few dozen playable characters, each with their own elemental strengths and totally unique combat mechanics. Mastering a character in Relink is like a simpler version of mastering a character in a fighting game. The only difference is that you take them into co-op battles against giant monsters instead of using them to compete with strangers.

It doesn’t hurt that Relink’s fantasy sky pirate setting regularly produces gorgeous vistas, including the best-looking clouds I’ve ever seen in a video game. The music’s great, too. You should play this game.

Honorable MentionEA Sports College Football 25 SEE ALSO: Why 'College Football '25' means so much to its long-suffering fans

EA Sports College Football 25 has problems. The simulation is weird; it doesn’t have every feature that every player wants, like in-depth offseason player development or deep-in-the-weeds roster management features. I don’t really care, though, because this game’s release was a genuine event in a way that sports game launches rarely are. 

Travis Hunter can do amazing things in the real world and the virtual world. Credit: Electronic Arts

The first official college football video game in a decade was also the first to have real player names and faces. It also has a stunning amount of lovingly and accurately rendered pregame rituals, obscure campus landmarks, and everything else that college football fans could possibly want. The part where you play football is fun, too, but as a celebration of its subject matter, CFB 25 is premium-grade stuff.

Want more of the best of 2024? Join Mashable as we look back at all the internet slang, TikTok songs, movies, memes, dating trends, hyped-up hardware, scientific discoveries, social media apps, and more that have delighted and amazed us this year.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save on the ASUS ROG 65W Charger Dock before Cyber Monday

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:59

SAVE $45: Upgrade your ROG Ally setup thanks to Best Buy's Black Friday event: The ASUS ROG 65W Charger Dock supports 4K HDMI output, fast charging, and peripheral connectivity, making it the ultimate accessory for gamers.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG 65W Charger Dock $19.99 at Best Buy
$64.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

Did you snag that awesome ASUS ROG Ally Black Friday deal? Now you'll need a solid travel charger that doubles as a dock for when you want to hook up to a TV or desktop setup, right? The ASUS ROG 65W Charger Dock is available in the Best Buy Black Friday sale for just $19.99. That's $45 off the best charging and docking solution for the ASUS ROG Ally.

Why pay $19.99 for a wall plug? This thing is packed with tech that knocks all third-party competition on its backside at this price point. The first socket has a HDMI 2.0 output, which means 4K at 60Hz or 1080p at 120Hz support. While ROG Ally isn't going to put out 4K, there's room for other tech to dock in this thing. ROG Ally plugs in via the USB-C input, and then the Charger Dock converts that signal and sends it out of the HDMI 2.0 port to your chosen screen. Imagine being on holiday and being able to chill out to some Diablo IV on your room TV with no issues?

SEE ALSO: 2024 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, and more

This thing keeps your ROG Ally charged, too. It has a USB 2.0 socket to plug in memory card adaptors, controllers, keyboards, and mice (although a USB extender would be needed for multiple USB accessories to be used simultaneously). The USB-A socket supports data transfer speeds of up to 480 MB/s, so it's fast enough for most uses without banging your head against the wall for load and copy times.

The heart of this piece of tech is the 65W USB Type-C charger, which means you can run on Turbo mode while plugged in on the go. It also supports dual charging, splitting power between 60W via USB Type-C and 5W via USB Type-A, so you can charge a second device simultaneously. Is the phone running low on battery while gaming? Problem solved.

SEE ALSO: Get both Hulu and Disney+ for $2.99 per month for Black Friday

Compact and sleek, the dock makes it easy to set up your gear. Keep your peripherals and accessories pre-connected, plug the dock into the wall, and connect your ROG Ally with a straightforward cable whenever you're reayou'regame. It's a seaIt'ss way to transition from handheld to full-screen gaming.

Another big selling point for this Black Friday deal is its low profile and small size for a charging dock. Of course, it's nice that it's a stand with more inputs for ROG Ally, but it's not physical when commuting to work or on holiday. It's the best sidekick for your ROG Ally. It is usually a lot more expensive, so it's crazy that this deal is still available.

These Black Friday Deals Are Still Live. Get Them Before They're Gone.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Cyber Monday Amazon Echo deals still live in 2024

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:36

SAVE UP TO 55%: Amazon's Black Friday sale is still live, and so are the deals on Amazon Echo devices. While single devices are up to 55% off, save even more when purchasing two Echo devices together.

Best Echo Device Deals Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best Echo Show deal Amazon Echo Show 5 $44.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best Echo alarm clock deal Amazon Echo Spot 🔥 $44.99 at Amazon (Save $35) Get Deal Best Echo Kids deal Amazon Echo Pop Kids 🔥 $22.99 at Amazon (Save $27) Get Deal

If you're looking to make your home a little smarter, now's the time to shop Amazon's Echo devices. Black Friday brought a flurry of deals that are still here as we get ready for Cyber Monday.

Echos are some of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to upgrade your smart home. They help you do everything from playing music to setting daily lighting routines. Just one month ago, we were tracking deals during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days and saw the lowest price ever on Echo Devices.

Plus, if you need to stock up on Echos, Amazon is offering extra savings on select Echo devices. When you purchase two of the same device, you'll receive $5 off your purchase. Just hit the 'Redeem' button on the product page before adding the items to your cart, and the discount will be automatically applied. This deal is available on the Amazon Echo Pop, Spot, and Show 5.

Here are the best deals on Amazon Echo Devices to shop this Black Friday.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing. Any deal marked with a 🔥has dropped to a record-low price. 

Best Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo device line-up is sprawling. You can find everything from a multitasking smart speaker to a touchscreen smart home hub. The absolute best deal on Echo devices right now is the Amazon Echo Pop. This small but mighty device has a quality speaker and built-in assistant, so you can play music just by calling out to Alexa.

Currently, it's down to $17.99 — its lowest price ever. That knocks 55% off the regular price for $22 in savings. While we expect this price to hang around through Black Friday weekend, you can rest assured you're getting it at a great deal when you buy now.

More Amazon Echo deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Cyber Monday soundbar deals still live in 2024

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:36

SAVE UP TO $500: Ahead of Black Friday, shop big markdowns on soundbars at Amazon and Best Buy. Shop the Samsung HW-Q850D/ZA Soundbar for $599.99, saving $500 for 45% off.

Best soundbar deals Best soundbar deal Samsung HW-Q850D/ZA Soundbar $599.99 (Save $500) Get Deal Best budget soundbar deal Insignia 2.0 Mini Soundbar $34.99 (Save $15) Get Deal Roku Streambar SE $79.99 (Save $20) Get Deal Best Bose Speaker Bose Smart Soundbar $399 (Save $100) Get Deal

Getting ready for the holiday season means pulling out the string lights, stocking the pantry full of cozy treats, and turning on the latest Hallmark movie marathon. A key part of that set-up is your home entertainment system. If you're looking to make some upgrades, it might pay to start shopping ahead of Black Friday.

The big post-Thanksgiving day event falls at the very end of this month, so if you're getting antsy about your holiday shopping, the good news is, the deals are already here. If you want to watch every moment of the Macy's Day Parade in perfect detail, TVs are already on sale as part of the early Black Friday rush. If you want to hear it too, that's where a soundbar comes in.

The early Black Friday deals on soundbars are abundant. Amazon and Best Buy have major discounts, up to 50% off on soundbars from Samsung, Bose, LG, Sony, and more. Here are the best deals to shop.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy is already going hard with QLED TV deals ahead of Black Friday Best soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung HW-Q850D/ZA soundbar $599.99 at Best Buy
$1,099.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want not just a soundbar, but a fully decked out home entertainment system, the Samsung HW-Q850D/ZA is the solution. Not only do you get a wireless Dolby Atmos soundbar, but this deal also includes rear speakers to get true surround sound.

Normally $1,099.99, ahead of Black Friday, you can get it for just $599.99. That takes 45% off to give you $500 in savings.

Best budget soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 2.0 Mini soundbar $34.99 at Best Buy
$49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not into spending $100, or even $50, you can still find a soundbar. The Insignia 2.0 Mini soundbar is a great candidate if you're on a budget. For just $34.99, it's a compact sound system that's 20 inches in length. It's Bluetooth-enabled, but can also connect with an AUX or USB cord. It comes with three audio modes, standard, theater, or news, to elevate your home entertainment no matter what you're watching.

During Best Buy's early Black Friday sale, you can find the Insignia 2.0 Mini soundbar for $34.99. That saves you $15 for 30% off.

Best streaming soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streambar SE $79.99 at Best Buy
$99.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Roku Streambar SE gives you one of the greatest gifts in this age of modern technology: two devices in one. This soundbar also doubles as a Roku streaming device, giving you access to all your favorite streaming services. Plus, it features a system to automatically adjust the volume so voices are clearer. Even better: it lowers the volume during commercials.

It's down to $79.99 ahead of Black Friday for $20 off and 20% savings.

Best Bose soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Smart soundbar $399.00 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Bose recently revamped its smart speaker so you can get the newest version on sale. It includes Dolby Atmos sound in addition to an A.I. Dialogue assistant to balance voices and surround sound for perfect clarity. It connects via Bluetooth, which also allows you to play cast music and videos from your phone to the TV, all through the soundbar.

Grab the Bose smart soundbar during early Black Friday sales for just $399, saving $100. That knocks 20% off its original price of $499.

More soundbar deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Bluetooth speaker deals live before Cyber Monday

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:35
Best Bluetooth speaker deals ahead of Black Friday Best overall Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $78.96 at Amazon (Save $21.03) Get Deal Best budget speaker deal JBL Go 4 $39.95 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal Best high-end Bluetooth speaker Sonos Move 2 $359.00 at Amazon (Save $90) Get Deal

The Black Friday shopping season is here, and Bluetooth speakers are at some of their best prices of the year.

Though it may not be the best time of year to take a Bluetooth speaker poolside, it's always great to think ahead and save some money. Plus, having a quality speaker is never a bad idea if you're planning on hosting any holiday parties.

SEE ALSO: All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

So far, we're seeing the most deals at Amazon, bringing deals on speakers from Ultimate Ears, JBL, Beats, and Sony. Thanks to the proximity to Black Friday, we're also seeing brands that don't typically go on sale, like Sonos, finally get some price cuts.

It's a pretty solid roundup (all of our favorite speakers are represented), but as Black Friday proper — Nov. 29 — draws nearer, we'll be updating this list with any new deals that crop up.

Best Bluetooth speaker deal ahead of Black Friday Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $78.96 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $21.03 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is the best speaker we've tested under $100: it doesn't take up much space, has 14 hours of battery life, gets as loud as a larger speaker without losing much clarity, and can be taken on the go to pretty much any situation thanks to its IP67 rating. While it drops to $79.99 throughout the year, this is still a fantastic deal for a speaker that we think is well worth it at full price, and at the time of writing, each of the four colorways is available on sale. (At $78.96, you can get it for ever-so-slightly cheaper, but this price is only available on the black colorway).

If you're in the market for a new Bluetooth speaker, one of the only reasons we'd say to pass on this one is if you already own the Wonderboom 3 (it's incredibly similar) and want to pair up with another Wonderboom speaker to use stereo mode (none of the UE speakers are backwards compatible for stereo mode).

Best high-end Bluetooth speaker deal Sonos Move 2 $359.00 at Amazon
$449.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Sonos Move 2.

Sonos speakers are expensive, and they really only go on sale during Black Friday. Even during both Prime Days this year, we didn't see price cuts on Sonos products, and especially not our favorite pick for smart homes, the Sonos Move 2. This speaker is big enough that it might be a hassle to move it around regularly, but it's not so big that you'll dread moving it if you're hosting a backyard barbecue.

The trade-off is that you get a speaker with 24-hour battery life and sound quality that shines across all genres of music. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder wrote in his review, "It's capable of producing one of those effects where you play a song you know well (in my case, 'Roxanne' by The Police), and you hear details you never knew were there, like the (accidental?) touching of the drumsticks at the end of the song's intro." Plus, it has compatibility with Alexa and Sonos Voice Control.

Best budget Bluetooth speaker deal JBL Go 4 $39.95 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The JBL Go 4 is tiny and inexpensive, but it packs a punch. This speaker sounds surprisingly clear, and can get louder than you think (though you do start to sacrifice some of that clarity at higher volumes). During our testing, we found it got anywhere from seven to up to nine-and-a-half hours of playtime, making it an excellent option for taking on the go to the beach (where it's IP67 water and dust-proof rating will keep it safe), or for taking up minimal space in your home while still providing plenty of sound. $39.95 is the lowest price we've ever seen it at, beating its Prime Day price by about $5.

More Bluetooth speaker deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Cyber Monday noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds deals

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:34
Best noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds deals ahead of Black Friday Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 297 (Save $102.99) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbus $229 (Save $50) Get Deal

Black Friday is just around the corner, but major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are already kicking off their programming. In other words: it's a pretty good time to pick up a pair of headphones on sale.

So far, we've seen the bulk of the deals at Amazon, with headphones and earbuds from Sony and Bose returning to record low prices. In addition to our top picks as of Nov. 20, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, we're also seeing markdowns on brands like Apple, Beats, Jabra, and Google.

With a few pairs already down at lows we saw during Prime Day, we're anticipating that the actual day of Black Friday (this year, it falls on Nov. 29) will bring new record lows. In the meantime, we'll keep you updated on the best noise-cancelling headphones deals live, from now through Black Friday.

Best noise-cancelling headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $298.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5.

If you want headphones that have great noise cancelling and incredible (adjustable) sound, then the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones won't let you down. Out of the noise-cancelling headphones we've tested, these are our top pick for audiophiles. It can be a little annoying that the ear cups don't fold in, but with 30 hours of battery life, you'll probably find yourself wearing them more often than not. They've hit $298 a couple times this month, but it's just a dollar away from their low price of $297. With these headphones being a 2022 release, we're hoping to see them drop even lower on Black Friday, but if you want to pick up a pair early, this deal matches both their July and October Prime Day price.

More noise-cancelling headphones dealsBest noise-cancelling earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds $229.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.

For folks who want the best possible noise cancelling they can get in their earbuds, we like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. They do come with the price tag that reflects their top notch noise cancelling — but, on sale, they cost less than the full price of AirPods Pro. After testing out these earbuds, Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino was more impressed than she expected to be, writing, "Truthfully, I can't imagine a person that wouldn't appreciate these buds. The noise cancellation is the best I've ever experienced, and the music feels like it surrounds you thanks to spatial audio. Plus, the fit is like no other."

More noise-cancelling earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmarts best Cyber Monday TV deals are there for the taking

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:33

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 8:47 p.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest deals from Walmart's Black Friday sale.

The best Black Friday TV deals at Walmart Best 55-Inch Deal Samsung 55-inch Q60DB QLED 4K TV $498 at Walmart (save $150) Get Deal Best 65-Inch Deal LG 65-inch B3 Series OLED 4K TV $998 at Walmart (save $301) Get Deal

TVs being on sale for Black Friday isn't unique to any one retailer. Sure, that's news to no one. The less-known intel is that, while there will be a handful of price-matched deals on identical models at all of the big competing stores, each store also has a certain type of TV that they seem to really hone in on when it comes to Black Friday discounts.

Walmart's wheelhouse is simply the cheapest 4K TV possible at any given size between 50 inches and 75 inches. If you see Amazon and Best Buy plateauing at a certain sale price for a certain size (for instance, maybe the cheapest they're seemingly able to go for a 50-incher is $199.99), it's pretty safe to assume that Walmart will have an option that slightly beats both of those sale prices. This highly competitive vibe is the main reason why TV deals are typically better on Black Friday than on Amazon Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

Because Walmart likes to release its most jaw-dropping TV deals as a handful of pre-meditated doorbusters, more shoppers will be waiting in the wings for the clock to strike a certain time (rather than calmly perusing several pages of TV deals) — which means TVs selling out is more likely and time is of the essence.

One way to make sure you get first dibs on any of Walmart's big Black Friday drops is by becoming a Walmart+ member. Paid Walmart+ members get early access to Walmart deals, often for several hours before the sale officially goes live to the public. Through Dec. 2, new, expired, monthly, and current Walmart+ trial members can sign up for an annual Walmart+ membership for $49 — 50% off the regular $98 a year that Walmart+ typically costs.

Along with this early access, Walmart+ members also get perks like a free Paramount+ subscription; 10 cents per gallon fuel savings at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy; Walmart Cash through Expedia; free shipping from your store; free online shipping with no order minimum; and more.

We're tracking all of Walmart's best TV deals throughout the Black Friday season below and will update the list as new ones drop — or as models sell out. On top of the ultra budget-friendly options we gushed about earlier, Walmart also has some good deals on premium models from Samsung and LG.

Note: Occasionally, a Walmart TV doorbuster will come in the form of a TV that's making its debut at a sale price rather than appearing as a clear-cut dollar discount off of an MSRP. Walmart will tag these drops as a "Special Buy" so shoppers know this is still a great price even if there's no previous list price crossed out to indicate a sale. To get an idea of what that size of TV is going for at other retailers, check out our general coverage of Black Friday TV deals which includes Amazon and Best Buy.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Black Friday TV deals at Walmart43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs70-inch TVs and upPair your new TV with one of these streaming deals:
Categories: IT General, Technology

All of the top robot vacuums Ive tested are still at record-low prices before Cyber Monday

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:29

UPDATE: Nov. 30, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with current pricing on robot vacuums still on sale during the morning after Black Friday, including ones at Amazon that are now being called Cyber Monday deals.

A quick view of the best Black Friday robot vacuum deals still live Best non self-emptying deal Shark IQ Matrix 2-in-1 RV2402 $148 at Walmart (save $231.99) Get Deal Best budget self-emptying deal iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ $299 at Amazon (save $250.99) Get Deal Best premium deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon (save $340) Get Deal

Yet another Black Friday is technically in the rearview, but we all know that the vibes will be alive and well through Cyber Monday. This chaotic shopping weekend often brings flashbacks to last year's frantic shopping — including the items that you didn't end up buying, and then wished you had all year. If a robot vacuum didn't make the cut last year, let Black Friday 2024 be the time to finally ditch your current clunky vacuum and treat yourself to a significantly shorter chore list.

Black Friday deals make high-end robot vacs super accessible

The robot vacs getting attention this Black Friday are packed with high-end features — ones you may have previously been fine to settle without just because, at full price, they're a really intimidating investment. I'm personally eyeing the number of options that bring home smart mapping and small obstacle avoidance (no more eaten phone chargers) and self-washing and drying mopping pads in the $500 to $700 range.

Considering the latter two features I just mentioned were once so newfangled that they were only available in the $1,000+ range, these sale prices are ones to hop on without hesitation. FWIW, most of the robot vacuums still on sale for Black Friday are the cheapest they've ever been. Many are even beating their previous record-low pricing that we just saw during October Prime Day — and unlike Prime Day, no membership is needed to access these deals, aside from a few random ones at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: I've tested over 20 robot vacuums and these are the best for every budget in 2024

Below, I'm tracking the best Black Friday robot vacuum deals still live through Cyber Monday and beyond. (Amazon is already officially referring to deals as Cyber Monday deals now, even if they're identical to Black Friday deals.) While nothing has really changed about the sales yesterday versus today, it's not unlikely for a few new robot vacs to go on sale as more retailers enter Cyber Monday mode — so if you've held out this long, I recommend waiting to see what deals the weekend brings.

Deals are organized into three sections: robot vacuums that don't mop, robot vacuum and mop combos, and vacuum and mop combos that also wash and dry their own mopping pads. Within each category, all robot vacuum deals are ordered by price from cheapest to most premium. (Need help deciding which robot vacuum to buy? I have some guidelines.)

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing. Any deal marked with a 🔥 has dropped to a record-low price at Amazon, or matches Amazon's lowest price.

Best Black Friday robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ $299.00 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250.99 Get Deal Why we like it

This nearly 50% off discount on the Roomba Combo j5+ is stellar at first glance, but it looks like an even sweeter deal when compared to the current deal on the cheapest self-emptying Roomba, the Roomba Vac 2. For $249.99, that bare-bones Roomba doesn't mop and can't smart map your house. For $299 — just $50 more — the Roomba Combo i5+ can mop and can smart map to clean specific rooms in your home on command. If $300 is your budget cap for a new robot vacuum, spending that extra $50 is a no-brainer.

The only downside to choosing the Combo i5+ over the more advanced Combo j5+ is that the i series Roombas don't have small obstacle avoidance technology, so they can't dodge things on the floor like charging cords or pet waste. However, if your home is already pretty tidy as it is, or you're down to deal with tidying up ahead of vacuuming, the Combo i5+ is a total steal at this price. Otherwise, the fantastic Black Friday deal on the Combo j5+ is also still live: grab it for 50% at $399.99.

More robot vacuums (that don't mop) on saleRobot vacuum and mop combos on saleRobot vacuum and mop combos with self-washing mop station on sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best TV deals from the Amazon Cyber Monday sale — these deals are live

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:28
The best Amazon TV deals at a glance: Best 55-inch TV deal Hisense 55-inch U8 Mini LED ULED 4K TV $697.99 at Amazon (save $402) Get Deal Best 65-Inch TV Deal TCL 65-Inch Class S5 4K LED Smart Fire TV $349.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV $549.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best Samsung TV Deal Samsung The Frame 50-Inch 4K QLED TV $847.99 at Amazon (save $450) Get Deal Best OLED TV Deal LG 65-inch evo C4 Series 4K OLED TV $1,496.99 at Amazon (save $1,203) Get Deal

We all know that Black Friday is the best time of year to buy a TV. Where to find those stellar TV deals is less obvious, and for many, a question that boils down to one simple question: Amazon or somewhere else?

While Amazon does have its fair share of stellar Black Friday doorbuster TV deals, we have to be honest: Best Buy and Walmart bring some serious competition in this space. Before pulling the trigger on a cheap TV at Amazon, it's worth checking the selection elsewhere. Of course, Amazon will have the lowest price on its own Fire TVs as well as Fire TVs made by TCL, Toshiba, Hisense, and Insignia. And now that Amazon's Black Friday sale is officially underway, most have dropped to all-time low pricing. In fact, some of those TVs are already low in stock, considering Amazon kicked off its Black Friday sale on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Amazon is a good place to find an affordable 4K TV with a smooth smart TV interface. That's especially true now that Amazon has debuted new versions of its Omni TVs, including its very first mini LED TV. However, you can also find some good deals on premium TVs at Amazon, especially if you've been eyeing Samsung's art TV The Frame or an award-winning LG OLED TV. As of this writing, Amazon has the best prices on these flagship TVs, though only by a few dollars.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday streaming deals so far: Peacock, Max, Paramount+, and more

For the biggest selection of QLED or OLED models, check Best Buy's Black Friday TV deals. It has a bigger selection of large-screen premium options from Samsung, Sony, and LG, and that selection isn't riddled with questionable third-party sellers like Amazon's. And if you're looking on the other end of the pricing spectrum, Walmart is offering the cheapest possible 4K TVs in 2024.

Don't want to price-check TVs across all the different retailers? That's why you've got us. In this guide, we'll curate the best Black Friday Amazon TV deals. We're confident you won't find these TVs at a cheaper price anywhere else.

Best budget Black Friday TV deal at Amazon TCL 65-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart Fire TV $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Having covered so many Black Friday events in the past, we can tell you this: TCL is the king of Black Friday doorbuster TV deals. That goes for Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. And while TCL has expanded its lineup in the mid-range and near-premium categories, it still makes budget TVs for the masses. And that's exactly what this is. We won't lie and say this is anything but a basic TV with a basic LED display. However, it's hard to argue with $349.99 for a 65-inch smart TV, and we're not going to try.

Best mid-range Black Friday TV deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV $549.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon put its new Mini LED Fire TVs on sale for the first time mere days after announcing them, but that doesn't automatically make those the best deal on a QLED TV at Amazon this Black Friday. We have to give up that prize to this huge 75-inch Hisense TV, which is already ridiculously affordable at full price. Its $549.99 sale price looks even sweeter when compared side-by-side with Amazon's cheapest in-house Omni QLED, which is on sale for $599.99. This TCL gets you 10 more inches of screen for $50 less.

If you need to replace your old, slow TV and are looking for a happy medium between the cheapest possible TV and the fanciest possible TV, then TCL's base-tier QLEDs hit the sweet spot. Even as one of the more basic QLEDs on the market, you'll immediately notice the improved brightness and color of the Q65. The difference comes from a layer of quantum dots laid over the LED backlight, which provides an overall punchier picture that's much better for gaming or watching sports.

Best premium TV deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung The Frame 50-Inch 4K QLED TV $848.99 at Amazon
$1,297.99 Save $449.00 Get Deal Why we like it

You can buy a lot of amazing TVs on Black Friday, but Samsung's The Frame has a legit claim on being the best TV in the world right now, full stop. Mashable was there when Samsung debuted the new iteration of the famous art TV in New York City. The Frame isn't just a 4K TV with a pristine QLED display; it's also an art gallery for your living room wall. When you're not streaming, The Frame's screen displays classic works of art, contemporary photography, or your own photos. It's also got an AI processor and an incredibly unique "matte display," which makes glare disappear.

More TV deals at Amazon22- to 40-inch TVs43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up85-inch TVs and up

One more thing: If you're getting rid of an old TV to make room for this Black Friday purchase, take it somewhere that recycles old electronics (like Best Buy) rather than trashing it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Are we allowed to say the Cyber Monday deals on Amazon tablets are... fire?

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:25

SAVE UP TO 50% OFF: Ahead of Black Friday, shop early deals on Amazon Fire tablets. Find the Amazon Fire HD 10 for $74.99 and 46% off. Or check out the Fire 7 Kids Tablet for just $49.99 and 50% savings.

Best Amazon Fire Tablet Deals Best Amazon Fire Tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet 74.99 (Save $65) Get Deal Best Fire Kids Tablet Deal Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet 49.99 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire 8 Deal Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet 54.99 (Save $45) Get Deal

We know it's hard to stomach, but the holiday shopping season has begin. The Thanksgiving Turkey isn't even in the oven, but the sales are here, and who are we to ignore good deals? Think of it this way: get all your online shopping done now, so you can shop in-store on Black Friday.

Holiday deals have kicked off at Best Buy, Target, and of course, Amazon. One of the better sales out of Amazon is on the retailer's Fire Tablets. Amazon's answer to Apple's iPad is significantly cheaper, even at full price. During this early Black Friday, find Amazon Fire Tablets for their lowest prices ever, up to 50% off.

Best Amazon Fire Tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet $74.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet is a lot friendlier on the wallet than an iPad. With a 10.1-inch screen, it's similar in size, but it's also a fraction of the price. In our review of the Amazon Fire HD 10, we delighted in its lightweight design and long-battery life. The biggest downside to Amazon's Fire tablets are the limited selection of apps offered, especially compared the the Google Play or Apple stores.

That being said, it's still not a bad choice for those who want a tablet for streaming or reading through the Kindle app. And ahead of Black Friday, the Fire HD 10 is down to its lowest price ever of $74.99. That's a generous 46% off for $65 in savings.

Best Amazon Fire Kids Tablet Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet $49.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Unlike Apple, Amazon makes tablets designed for kids. Not only does it come in a hefty case that can certainly withstand a temper tantrum, but it limits content so you don't have to worry about kids stumbling into inappropriate territory.

The Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet is now 50% off and down to $49.99. Plus, it comes with 6 months free of Amazon Kids+, a subscription service that offers age-friendly books, games, and videos for kiddos. Plus, just just $5 more, you can get a whole year of the service free.

More Amazon Fire deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Cyber Monday Kindle deals are already live

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:23
The best Black Friday Kindle deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 (Save $45) Get Deal Best budget Kindle deal Amazon Kindle $84.99 (Save $25) Get Deal Best Kindle Kids deal Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 (Save $35) Get Deal Best Kindle bundle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $479.97 (Save $60) Get Deal

Black Friday proper may be gone, but deals still abound (and probably will through Cyber Monday, at least) — and Black Friday Kindle deals are no exception.

Amazon has a knack for launching new devices around Prime Day, so it was no surprise when they dropped a new batch of Kindles post-October Prime Day. We've tested our way through most of the latest models, and they're improving upon already great tech for the fastest, brightest Kindles yet. Our favorite is the Kindle Paperwhite, and yes, it's on sale.

Because these items are so new, we weren't expecting to see amazing discounts, but Black Friday 2024 proved us wrong. Early on we saw Kindle bundles go on sale, but now, single devices are marked down up to 27% off.

Here are the best Kindle deals to shop on Black Friday. We'll be tracking prices throughout Cyber weekend, so if any new Kindle deals pop up, you'll find them here.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The new batch of 2024 Kindles are the fastest yet, turning pages quickly and with less delay when switching between books in your library. The Kindle Paperwhite and Signature Edition both have bright, high-contrast screens, so you can read in any environment. While I prefer the Kindle Paperwhite over the Signature Edition most of the time, right now you can't beat the SE's Black Friday price.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is 23% off, bringing it down to $154.99. That's some big savings ($45 to be exact) on a device that's usually $200. You get everything you love in the Paperwhite, lightweight and waterproof design, with the added benefits of double the storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting brightness.

More Kindle dealsBest Kindle bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $479.97 at Amazon
$539.97 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Among the new Kindles is a redesigned Scribe, which comes in classic black or a flashy metallic jade and won't be officially available until Dec. 4. The new Scribe's screen got a makeover with added white borders to give it a more notebook-like feel. If the new model is anything like the current one, I'm excited to see what it offers.

If you're an annotator, the Kindle Scribe is the e-reader for you. The matte screen feels like writing on paper, and includes a notebook section so you can take notes in addition to annotating your e-books. Personally, I like writing with the Kindle Scribe far more than I do with an iPad and Apple Pencil.

This deal gives you a little extra off ahead of the Scribe's December release. The Essentials Bundle comes with the device, premium pen, folio-style case, and power adapter — everything you need to get started. Normally $539.97, you can find the bundle for $479.97, saving you $60 for 11% off.

Not sold on the Scribe (or its price)? There are other Black Friday bundle deals to explore.

Kindle bundle deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Find the best Cyber Monday 2-in-1 laptop deals from HP, Samsung, Lenovo, and more

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:22

UPDATE: Nov. 19, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST This article has been updated with the latest 2-in-1 laptop deals ahead of Black Friday across a variety of retailers.

Early Black Friday 2-in-1 laptop deals Best 2-in-1 laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Intel 13th Generation Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,499.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best 2-in-1 Chromebook deal HP Chromebook x360 14 (Intel Processor N100, Intel UHD Graphics, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) $199 (save $230) Get Deal

The countdown to Black Friday is well underway, and so are the early deals. That's right, the holiday shopping event has basically already started (unofficially, of course), so it's time to start scouring every retailer you can to find the best discounts possible. Fortunately, we're here to do all that hard work for you.

SEE ALSO: Pick up a new keyboard at a nice discount ahead of Black Friday 2024

If you're hoping to pick up some new tech, you've come to the right place. Take a look at our favorite 2-in-1 laptop deals below. Be sure to keep visiting this page as Black Friday nears, though, because we'll be updating it as new deals go live.

If you're looking for other tech items on sale, we've also been building comprehensive deals guides for laptops in general, tablets, headphones, TVs, fitness trackers, and plenty more.

Best 2-in-1 laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Intel 13th Generation Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,499.99 at Best Buy
$2,799.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is one of the more high-end 2-in-1 laptops you can get, and we can confirm that it's not just style over substance — we enjoyed our time with it. If you're a creative type who's consistently taking on processor-hungry tasks like photo and video editing, the Surface Laptop Studio 2's powerful CPU and versatile design are going to be exactly what you need to stay productive. Pick one up ahead of Black Friday and save $300 off the original price, for just $2,499.99.

Best 2-in-1 Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Chromebook x360 14 (Intel Processor N100, Intel UHD Graphics, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) $199.00 at Walmart
$429.00 Save $230.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking stay on the more budget-friendly side of the spectrum, going the Chromebook route is probably where you'll want to start. The HP Chromebook x360 14 has decent enough specs that should help you get through simple tasks like web browsing and document editing, and it's only $199 leading up to Black Friday. That's over $200 in savings, so don't miss out.

More 2-in-1 laptop deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

A lot of Roombas are on sale for Cyber Monday, but only a few are worth your cash

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:21

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 5:46 p.m. EST This story has been updated with the current best Black Friday Roomba deals at Amazon as well as iRobot's website, including several budget-friendly mopping and smart mapping options.

A quick look at the best Black Friday Roomba deals Best standalone Roomba deal iRobot Roomba Combo j5 $299.99 (save $230) Get Deal Best self-emptying Roomba deal iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ $299 (save $250.99) Get Deal

So many robot vacuums go on sale for Black Friday that decision fatigue is imminent — unless you're specifically set on a Roomba, that is.

Roombas do tend to run slightly more expensive than competitors with the same features, so November is a wise time to buy one — Black Friday has been known to trigger new record-breaking discounts on several Roomba models. In terms of where that happens, Amazon is the best place to find a Roomba on sale despite the flop of the acquisition of iRobot by Amazon (though iRobot's own website has good options, too). Because iRobot doesn't debut new models for the year at CES in January like many other big robot vacuum brands do, you can also be confident that the Roombas on sale during Black Friday won't be phased out in a month or two.

SEE ALSO: 4 best robot vacuums and mops to buy on Black Friday, tested

So yeah, there are quite a few Roombas on sale for Black Friday — mainly at Amazon's Black Friday sale, with a few other deals scattered at iRobot's website (and a few matched deals at Target and Best Buy). But while most of those deals look good in terms of the percentage off that you're getting, many of them just aren't worthwhile when you consider the features you're securing, especially when taking into the bigger list of robot vacuum deals from other brands this Black Friday.

For instance, the base-tier Roomba Vac Essential being on sale for $149 sounds great until you realize that this Roomba doesn't have smart mapping, which means it can't clean specific rooms on command. When robot vacuums that do have smart mapping like the Shark IQ Ultra or Eufy L50 are on sale for $148 and $159, respectively this Black Friday, that particular Roomba Vac deal is far less exciting.

SEE ALSO: I've tested over 20 robot vacuums — here are the top 5 to shop on Black Friday

This doesn't mean there aren't any Roomba deals that I think are worth it this Black Friday. The i series and j series Roombas under $500 that are currently live are stellar — multiple models are nearly 50% off, with both self-emptying and mopping being optional depending on your needs. (As you get into the more expensive j series Roombas, the deals start to become less appealing. Premium robot vacuums from other brands simply do more than something like the Roomba Combo j9+ for less money.) For a deeper dive into these features, check out my guide that unpacks the differences between the main Roombas.

This story will be updated any time a new noteworthy Roomba deal drops between now and the end of Cyber Week. While you can be pretty certain that the Roombas on sale now are at their Black Friday pricing, Amazon or iRobot could very well drop completely new Roomba deals over the next few days — I'll keep you posted. Note: Any deal marked with a 🔥 has dropped to a record-low price at Amazon.

Best early Black Friday Roomba deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo i5 $299.00 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250.99 Get Deal Why we like it

This nearly 50% discount on the Roomba Combo j5+ already looks great on its face, but it's an even sweeter deal when compared to the current sale price on the cheapest self-emptying Roomba, the Roomba Vac 2. For $249.99, the ultrabasic Roomba Vac 2 doesn't mop and can't smart map your house. For $299 — just $50 more — the Roomba Combo i5+ can mop and can smart map to clean specific rooms in your home on command. If $300 is your budget cap for a new robot vacuum, spending that extra $50 is a no-brainer.

The only downside to choosing the Combo i5+ over the more advanced Combo j5+, which is also at an amazing sale price of $399 for Black Friday, is that the i series Roombas don't have the small obstacle avoidance technology that helps dodge things on the floor like charging cords or pet waste. However, if your home is already pretty tidy as it is, or you're down to deal with tidying up ahead of vacuuming, the Combo i5+ is a total steal at this price.

Other Roomba deals at AmazonOther Roomba deals at iRobot.com
Categories: IT General, Technology

There are so many good self-emptying robot vacuum deals live before Cyber Monday

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:20

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 6:15 p.m. EST This story has been updated to reflect the latest Black Friday sale pricing on self-emptying robot vacs as of Thanksgiving night, including a new Shark robot vacuum deal under $250.

A quick look at the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals ahead of Black Friday Best under $300 Shark IQ RV2303AE 248 (save $251.99) Get Deal Best Roomba deal iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ 399 (save $330.99) Get Deal Best hybrid deal with self-cleaning mopping pads Roborock Qrevo S 459.99 (save $340) Get Deal

The majority of robot vacuums you'll see on sale this Black Friday will be self-emptying ones, and there's a reason that feature is more common than not nowadays. Having a robot vacuum typically means you'll be vacuuming more often, and that means a fuller dustbin faster — but thanks to the universalization of the self-emptying dock, you won't have a hard time outsourcing dustbin duty for more than $300 or $400.

SEE ALSO: Roomba models, explained: The guide to deciding which Roomba to buy on Black Friday

This wasn't the case even a few years ago, when automatic emptying was a feature reserved for the high-end robot vacs from a select few brands that were ahead of the game. Now, there are tons of options on both ends of the spectrum, including super affordable, compact options that barely take up more room than a non self-emptying option.

If your budget is a little more flexible, you can squeeze more out of your $500 to $1,000 during Black Friday and secure not only automatic emptying, but automatic water refilling and automatic mopping pad washing and drying. All of the big brands like iRobot, Shark, Roborock, and Eufy all have at least one robot vacuum and mop combo that deals with its own dust and dirty mopping pads all in the same dock, and nearly all of them have gotten a groundbreaking discount for Black Friday 2024.

SEE ALSO: Why Eufy's X10 Pro Omni is the most surprising robot vacuum I've tested all year

And by "groundbreaking discounts," I mean new record-low prices across the board, giving you plenty of options to treat yourself to hands-off cleaning amid holiday stress. I'm tracking the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals below and will be refreshing this list as more options pop up throughout Cyber Monday. Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Black Friday self-emptying robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q Revo S $459.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $340.00 Get Deal Why we like it

I think of the Roborock Qrevo S as the diet version of my favorite self-emptying robot vacuum right now, the Roborock Qrevo Master. And unless you're one of the few open to spending $1,000 or more on a robot vacuum, you can probably deal with the Qrevo S skipping the Qrevo Master's fluff features like a livestream pet camera or extending side mop.

And anyway, the most important aspect about the Qrevo S is that it has that coveted self-washing and drying mopping pad feature baked into its self-empty dock. I also have to give Roborock credit for arming this Qrevo with the same dual spinning mopping pads as the Qrevo Master, which I feel do a more detailed mopping job than a singular pad that lays flat across the bottom of the vacuum.

If it sweetens the deal at all, just know that I had already honed in on the Roborock Qrevo S as one of the best early Black Friday robot vacuum deals when it originally went on sale for $549.99 in early November. Now, it's almost $100 cheaper than that.

More self-emptying robot vacuums (that don't mop) on saleSelf-emptying robot vacuum and mop combos on sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Kindle book deals live before Cyber Monday

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:18

SAVE UP TO 93%: As Black Friday winds down, you can still shop Kindle books for up to 93% off. Find new 2024 releases like Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe on sale for just $1.99.

Best Kindle Book Deals Best fiction deal "Margo's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe $1.99 at Amazon (Save $13) Get Deal Best non-fiction deal "You Could Make This Place Beautiful" by Maggie Smith $2.99 at Amazon (Save $17) Get Deal Best YA deal "Legendborn" by Tracy Deonn $1.99 at Amazon (Save $12) Get Deal Best cookbook deal "Mary Barry's Complete Cookbook" by Mary Berry $2.99 at Amazon (Save $37.01) Get Deal Best Kindle device deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon Get Deal

If you have an endless appetite for books (guilty), then you know reading can be an expensive hobby. That's true whether you're a fiend for hardcovers or dedicated to the e-reader life. Luckily, platforms like Libby and Kindle Unlimited can save you a pretty penny on all the latest arrivals. However, if you want to read exactly what you want and not wait around for your library holds to come through, it pays to splurge on an e-book.

Whether you need to escape your family or are headed on a holiday vacation, the best Kindle is a fully stocked Kindle. Now that Black Friday is wrapping up and we're getting ready for Cyber Monday, you can stock your library with new bestsellers starting at just $0.99. We've found fiction and non-fiction books marked down by 93% at the Kindle store.

So, to find your next read, here are the best Black Friday deals on Kindle books. (And, yes, Kindles are on sale, too.)

Do you need a Kindle to read Kindle books?

Not necessarily, though we do have to say, Kindles are totally worth it. Your Kindle purchases may not work on other e-readers, but that doesn't mean you have to have a Kindle. Using the Kindle app, you can read your e-books on tablets and smartphones, too. The Kindle app gives you flexibility so you don't need to spend a hundred dollars on an e-reader.

The Kindle app is available on iOS and Android devices so you can start reading on your existing smartphone, tablet, or laptop. And if you want a Kindle, Amazon recently marked down nearly all of the new Kindles. You can find savings of up to 23% on the top-tier Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which is down to $154.99; the new 2024 Kindle is available for just $84.99.

Best fiction deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon "Margo's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe $1.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $13.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Margo's Got Money Troubles is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. After a short-lived affair with her professor, Margo Millet finds herself 20, pregnant and alone, while navigating financial woos and upcoming motherhood. Rufi Thorpe's novel is a 2024 hit with an Apple TV+ series already in development, starring the likes of Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nick Offerman.

This acclaimed novel is just $1.99 ahead of Cyber Monday. That knocks $13 off the price for 87% savings.

More fiction dealsBest non-fiction deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon "You Could Make This Place Beautiful" by Maggie Smith $2.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Poet Maggie Smith rose to internet fame with her poem Good Bones, but her 2023 memoir tells the story of marriage and motherhood. Told through both poetry and prose, Smith explores the end of her marriage in You Could Make This Place Beautiful. Full of reflections on the expectations of gender roles and power dynamics, it's a moving, powerful read that you can find for just $2.99, bringing it down to $17 for 85% off.

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The best Cyber Monday printer and scanner deals include discounts on Canon, Epson, and more

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:17
The best early Black Friday printer and scanner deals Best printer-scanner combo deal Epson EcoTank ET-280 $179.99 (Save $50) Get Deal Best budget printer-scanner combo deal Canon PIXMA MG3620 $39.99 (Save $40) Get Deal Best laser printer deal Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw $89.99 (Save $90) Get Deal

Nothing makes your home office official like a printer. Whether you’re after a laser printer built for speed and efficiency or an inkjet printer that delivers rich graphics on demand, modern printers and scanners are better than ever — right now, early Black Friday deals from Amazon and other retailers mean they’re also more affordable.

Black Friday is one of the best times all year round to snag killer savings on printers and scanners like the Epson EcoTank ET-2800. This year major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy are taking Black Friday printer deals live a full week ahead of time, here are our favorites:

Best printer-scanner combo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Epson Epson EcoTank ET-280 $179.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you owned a printer in the early 2000s then you’re probably used to ink cartridges that are so exorbitantly priced they can feel like alchemist’s materials. The Epson EcoTank ET-280 is an absolute innovation from that era. The EcoTank uses large ink tanks that are easy to refill and affordable to run … we’re talking much more affordable. Epson even comes right out and says it, stating that EcoTank refills can be 90 percent more affordable than older ink cartridges. 

Good quality color printing with drastically cheaper ink? What’s not to like? Especially when the printer itself is 36% off at its lowest price ever. 

Best budget printer-scanner combo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Canon PIXMA MG3620 $39.99 at Best Buy
$79.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Want it all for less? The Canon PIXMA MG3620 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer fits a scanner and printer into the same affordable desk-sized box, and it’s real affordable — for Black Friday it’s priced down to just $40, saving you 50%. 

The Canon PIXMA printer handles color nicely for the price. Its scanner delivers resolutions up to 1200 x 2400 pixels. It’s also simple to use with wireless connectivity ensuring you can print from anywhere in the house.

Best laser printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw $89.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal Why we like it

When you’re looking to print volume efficiently, a laser printer might be the way to go. The Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer is a strong black-and-white laser printer that can really churn through paper. 

Designed to handle 30 pages a minute and hold up to 150, this is a great printer for pumping out long memos and document drafts. Wireless connectivity ensures it’s also simple to use. 

As of Nov. 21, get it for $89.00 and save 50%.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

These Cyber Monday tablet deals are live — check out our favorites

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:16
Best early Black Friday tablet deals at a glance: Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 (Save $129.01) Get Deal Best Samsung tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE $299.99 (Save $220) Get Deal Best Google tablet deal Google Pixel Tablet $279 (Save $120) Get Deal Best Amazon tablet deal Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet $139.99 (save $90) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 (save $45) Get Deal

If you're doing any travel this holiday season, do yourself a favor and grab a tablet. It will certainly be a better way to stay occupied than whatever in-flight entertainment you may (or may not) get stuck with. Plus, family can be a lot, so after a big holiday meal, we don't blame you if you want to hide away with a comfort film.

Tablets simplify your tech while traveling since they can double as a laptop, e-reader, and gaming device. Luckily, with Black Friday officially underway, the deals are already here. Plus, more than just iPads are up for grabs: Amazon Fire and Samsung Galaxy tablets are on sale too.

Explore the best early Black Friday deals on tablets available now:

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Best Buy
$329.00 Save $129.01 Get Deal Why we like it

An iPad under $200 is a true gift this holiday season. Apple's 9th generation model is down to $199.99 at Best Buy, less than a dollar short of its lowest price ever. While there might be newer generations available, this is the most budget-friendly model, especially now that it's $129.01 off.

The 9th generation Apple iPad comes with the A13 bionic chip, which provides plenty of processing power for streaming, gaming, or working. The 10.2-inch retina display gives plenty of space for your creative pursuits, as it's compatible with the first generation of Apple Pencil.

Now is the right time to shop, as you can find the Apple iPad 9th generation for 39% off.

More iPad dealsiPadiPad AiriPad ProBest Android tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE $299.99 at Amazon
$519.99 Save $220.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're in the market for an Android tablet, Samsung delivers with its Galaxy tablets. With a 10.9-inch screen, this is one of the largest tablets on this list. Plus, it comes with the S Pen, to let you get to work whether you're illustrating or taking notes.

Plus, you can save over $200 ahead of Black Friday on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. Find it on sale for $299.99, saving 42%.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Cyber Monday keyboard deals live in 2024

Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:15

UPDATE: Nov. 26, 2024, 10:50 a.m. EST

Best early Black Friday keyboard deals Best keyboard deal Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk Kit $149.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best gaming keyboard deal SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gaming Keyboard $128.99 (save $51) Get Deal

Black Friday is one of the best, if not the best, times to pick up some new tech at a deep discount (rivaled only by shopping events like Amazon Prime Day). Whether you need a new laptop, TV, or gaming console, you're bound to find a great deal during the holiday shopping season. That also includes keyboards.

If your laptop or daily driver keyboard is no longer cutting it for you and you're looking to add a new one to your tech lineup, now is a good time to do it, because the early Black Friday keyboard deals are actually pretty sweet. Check out our top picks — just be sure to keep checking in, because we'll be updating this page with new discounts as they pop up.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday 2024 Best keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk Kit $149.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If your laptop's keyboard isn't doing it for you anymore, the Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk Kit is the answer to your problems (we absolutely love it.) The kit comes with a laptop stand, wireless keyboard, and wireless mouse pad that'll serve as a serious upgrade to your work-from-home or coffee shop setup. Ahead of Black Friday, you can grab one of your own for $149.99, which is $30 off the original price. Don't miss this one.

Best gaming keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gaming Keyboard $128.99 at Best Buy
$179.99 Save $51.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Gaming keyboards are awesome, but they can take up a lot of real estate on your desk. The Apex Pro Mini gaming keyboard is a fantastic compromise, featuring a smaller profile without sacrificing important functions like RGB customization, macro assignments, low latency, and more. It's one of our favorite gaming keyboards, and it's on sale for $51 off in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. If you want a top-tier mini gaming keyboard, look no further.

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