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When a laptop starts showing its age, the usual advice is to install Linux to make it faster. While that certainly helps, there’s an even better approach to stop thinking of it as your everyday computer. Instead, turn it into a Linux appliance.

SUVs have become the default recommendation for family buyers, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're the smartest choice. For many households, the extra cost, weight, and fuel consumption simply don't deliver enough real-world benefits to justify moving away from a traditional sedan.

I could bore you with yet another “everything costs more these days” rant, but for those of us who love technology, high prices are nothing new. It’s always been hard for me to justify the full retail price of a brand new smartphone or laptop—so I don’t pay it. I’ve been buying used tech for years, and it’s never let me down.

Self-hosting is both an entertaining hobby if you like computers, and a reasonable way to save a few dollars if you swap out your subscription services for something you host yourself. It does come with a bit of risk, however, if you put your self-hosted services online so they're accessible from the internet. I was curious about what kind of attacks my server was getting, so I set up a honeypot to see what happened.

When it comes to laptops, Windows on Arm seems to be taking center stage lately. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x Gen 11 is right in the middle of Windows on Arm, with the Snapdragon X2 Plus processor in tow. I was surprised at just how performant this mid-range laptop is, and actually think it's a better buy than its more expensive Snapdragon X2 Elite brothers.

Martha Stewart just launched an app that uses AI to analyze the soil quality in your lawn. And yes, every part of that sentence is true.

The app is called Hint, from a startup of the same name that counts the popular former TV host as a co-founder. It's available now on iOS and coming soon to the Google Play Store.

Hint uses AI to create personalized insights for home maintenance, perhaps one of the few areas of modern life that hasn't already been overrun by AI apps.

"My life’s work is showing people how to care for and beautify their homes," Stewart says on Hint's website. "Hint brings that philosophy to more people, making the knowledge and expertise behind thoughtful homeownership accessible to everyone."

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy users complain of battery drain and overheating after update

Hint asks users to enter their home addresses, which may be a turnoff for some customers given the potential for privacy issues. If you do feel like sharing, Hint will use your address to start analyzing things like the soil and air quality on your property, available utilities, and anything else it can dredge up using public property records.

You can also upload vital documents like mortgages and warranties to the app, if you trust Hint that much. The idea is to give users a comprehensive, personalized outlook on things like energy usage, insurance risks, and anything else that can come up in the process of owning a home.

Hint's website claims its insights come from experts such as Stewart herself. There's also an in-app AI chatbot you can talk to if you have questions about home ownership.

If you can get over the trust issue, Hint could well provide intriguing practical insights on one of the more complex and tedious areas of daily life. And that, in theory, is a good thing.

Plug-in hybrids offer a unique middle ground between conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles. They allow drivers to complete many daily trips using electric power while keeping the convenience of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.

I use Excel for pretty much everything. So when I wanted to keep track of the 2026 FIFA World Cup stadiums, my first instinct was to open a spreadsheet and start building a list. The problem was that a table full of addresses didn't give me a clear picture of where those venues actually were.

50% OFF: Celebrate National Orgasm Day on July 31 with Babeland's one-day flash sale. Save 50% on best-selling vibrators, rabbits, wands, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babeland National Orgasm Day Sale Get up to 50% off best-selling toys. Shop Now

July 31st is National Orgasm Day! (You're welcome for your positive news dopamine shot of the day.) And, to celebrate, retailers everywhere are slashing prices on best-selling toys, kits, and more. One of my fave retailers, Babeland, is offering up to 50% off its best sellers, including The One Supreme Wand (54% off right now, so it may go even lower by this weekend!) and The One Rabbit (also on sale right now).

SEE ALSO: I've tested 100+ sex toys. Here are the 15 most mind-blowing toys I've ever owned.

There isn't an official sale tab marked on the site just yet, but I've received an email confirmation from the brand that there will be a National Orgasm Day Sale landing page hitting the site soon. It's a one-day sale, so I thought I'd tell you to mark your calendars now.

If you can't wait for the sale or you prefer something a little kinkier, Babeland is currently offering up to 50% off BDSM and kink products (handcuffs, restraints, and the like) now through July 31. There are also a ton of vibrators on sale right now, including The One Le’Moan, which is a knockoff of the internet-famous Hello Nancy Lem. And, if you use the code GETHOT at checkout, it'll get you an additional 10% off select items.

SAVE $600: As of July 29, get the Hisense 75-Inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD TV for $799.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,399.99. That's a discount of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hisense 75-Inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD TV   Get Deal

If you've been planning on doing a massive TV refresh as of late, now's the time to do so. We've found an especially great deal on a living room display, one you'll absolutely love adding to your home. And the best part is, you're getting a 75-inch TV without having to spend the better part of a paycheck.

As of July 29, get the Hisense 75-Inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD TV for $799.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,399.99. That's $600 off and a discount of 43%.

SEE ALSO: What is the slimmest TV you can buy? I compared numbers to find the thinnest OLED, QLED, and RGB TVs.

This massive screen comes equipped with 4K resolution and Mini-LED tech to bring you the clearest, sharpest picture possible. It features a gorgeous picture with bright, crisp color that looks close to reality, with a native 144Hz refresh rate and motion rate of 480, powered by Dolby Vision IQ. In short, this is the TV you want in your living space when you want to show off a bit, and you can have it for a deep discount.

With support for Dolby Atmos and HDR10+, you're covered with all the additional graphical and audio tweaks you'd want to make to get this display looking its absolute best. It even has a built-in subwoofer so you don't have to supply one. And at the end of the day, it's an Amazon Fire TV, so it has Alexa+ support and you can watch all your favorite shows and movies on it without needing an additional streaming peripheral.

If you've been waiting for a great TV at an even better price, this is the time to go ahead and buy -- before all the fall TV starts pouring in.

I subscribed to YouTube Premium for one reason: an ad-free viewing experience. After all, it’s the biggest selling point of the popular video-sharing platform. It didn’t take me long to realize that I was paying every month without using half of what I’m actually getting.

If you've been couch-potatoing this summer, the new trailer for Fall 2: Deadpoint will likely have you feeling validated. Go outside? To what — climb a cliff face, only to be stranded with your best friend in mid-air?

Being in a very high place with no cell reception and only your bestie was a recipe for disaster in 2022's Fall, which had a sensationally WTF ending.

For its sequel, the concept is similar, but the cast is new. Harriet Slater and Arsema Thomas star as two climbers eager to tackle Thailand's Mount Kwan. But when their climb goes sideways, they'll have to combat vertigo-inducing heights, exposure, and maybe even hallucinations as they struggle to survive.

Having seen Fall but not its sequel (yet!), my takeaways for summer travel are: Do make plans with your bestie! Don't do it at great heights, and avoid activities that may require using your friend's corpse as a DIY phone case.

Might we suggest a movie night instead?

Fall 2: Deadpoint opens in theaters Sept. 2.

The idea that you need a luxury badge to enjoy a genuinely premium SUV is starting to feel outdated. Mainstream models have closed the gap with better cabins, more technology, and a stronger focus on everyday comfort.

SAVE $500.99: The Ecovacs Goat 01000 robot lawn mower is on sale at Amazon for $999, down from the normal price of $1,499.99. That's a 33% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Goat O1000 robot lawn mower $999 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $500.99   Get Deal

Now that we're squeaking out the last bits of summer enjoyment, it's no time to focus on chores. Household tasks can wait until the chill and dark months. Some tasks can handle waiting, but others will still need attention. That's very true of lawn maintenance since we'll all be in the backyard as much as possible. Instead of pushing the mower yourself, employ the help of a robot lawn mower.

As of July 29, the Ecovacs Goat 01000 robot lawn mower is on sale at Amazon for $999, down from the normal price of $1,499.99. That's a 33% discount that matches the record-low price at Amazon.

Just like we've come to use robot vacuums inside, a robot lawn mower can keep the yard tidy outside. The Ecovacs Goat 01000 can mow up to a quarter of an acre with wire-free mapping and intelligent obstacle avoidance.

Instead of pushing a loud mower around, let the Ecovacs take over with a quiet mowing experience. From the app, set your desired mowing schedule and kick back with a hands-off way of tackling chores. You also get to set the desired cutting height between 1.2 and 3.1 inches.

SEE ALSO: Enjoy clean windows with over $100 off the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni

When it comes to precision, the Ecovacs has the smarts to avoid over 200 common obstacles, and it can handle mowing on slopes of up to 45 degrees. The narrow mower can fit through spaces as narrow as 2.6 feet which is ideal for yards with raised garden beds or landscaping.

Since the Ecovacs Goat 01000 robot lawn mower is sitting at a record-low price and no one has time for more summer chores, make the upgrade for under $1,000. You'll be able to sit back and watch the robot do the hard work while sipping a chilled beverage.

Tragic news out of Dublin: Glen Hansard, the Oscar–winning Irish musician, has died in a motorbike crash. He was 56.

In life, Hansard was the frontman of The Frames, and made his screen debut in the Irish musical dramedy The Commitments in 1991. But his global breakthrough came in 2006, as he fronted John Carney's Once, an indie romance about a busker who falls for a fellow musician (Markéta Irglová) in Dublin. Hansard, a former busker himself, not only won praise from critics for his work in the film, but also an Academy Award alongside Irglová for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song. That song was their duet, "Falling Slowly."

The pair went on to form the Grammy–nominated folk band The Swell Season and tour, while Once went on to become a Broadway musical.

The BBC notes Hansard also was a key figure in a fundraiser for unhoused people, participating in the annual Christmas Eve charity busk in support of the Dublin Simon Community. They included condolences from the organization, reading in part, "Glen's talents will indeed be his legacy but so too will his commitment to social justice. We will be forever indebted to him for the difference he made in the lives of the people we serve."

On social media, more friends and fans are sharing their admiration for Hansard and their grief over his passing.

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To revel in more of Hansard's work, we'd recommend streaming The Commitments, Once, or Cyrano, in which Hansard steals the movie as a singing guard.

How to watch: Once is now streaming on BroadwayHD, which offers a free trial on Amazon, where it's also available for rental or purchase.

How to watch: The Commitments is now streaming free on YouTube.

How to watch: Cyrano is now streaming on Prime Video.

You can also enjoy Hansard's music on Apple Music and Spotify.

TL;DR: Just in time for back-to-school shopping, Sticki Rolls launched its new Series 3 collection and Sticki Mates bag charms at Target. Prices start at $4.99 for wearable sticker bracelets, craft sets, and three-inch refillable sticker-dispensing charms.

If you spent your childhood swapping stickers, wearing slap bracelets, or trading friendship bands in the '90s and early '00s, you can finally share that obsession with your kids. Sticki Rolls took classic sticker collecting and turned it into a wearable, shareable trend, racking up over 1.86 million YouTube subscribers and more than 1 billion views.

Now, they're expanding their lineup with two new releases: the Series 3 Collection and Sticki Mates.

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The Series 3 Collection introduces 1,200 sticker designs with new and returning characters. It also uses a five-tier rarity system (stickers range from common everyday prints to ultra-rare holographic finishes), so kids can hunt for special ones to trade with friends. The drop includes wearable sticker-dispensing bracelets, holographic Jumbo Stickies for lockers, and crafting kits like the Sticki Station and Rolluxe handbag.

SEE ALSO: Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Tech Sticker Collections now only $32 at Walmart — save $5 vs. Amazon

Sticki Mates are little, three-inch collectible figures that clip onto a bookbag or tote and double as working, refillable sticker dispensers compatible with existing Sticki Rolls. There are 10 characters to collect in the initial launch, including an ultra-rare "Golden Chillin Charlie."

SAVE $200: The 27-inch LG Ultragear OLED QHD gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $399.99, down from the list price of $599.99. That's a 33% discount and the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG 27-inch LG Ultragear OLED QHD gaming monitor $399.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $200   Get Deal

Some tech can be considered nice to have. Other gadgets tend to fall into the category of necessary to function in modern society. A crisp and clear gaming monitor isn't necessary to survive in the real world, but it might be necessary to survive the in-game world. If your current gaming monitor is causing issues, check out this deal.

As of July 29, the 27-inch LG Ultragear OLED QHD gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $399.99, marked down from the normal price of $599.99. That's a 33% discount that takes $200 off. It's also the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

With a 27-inch OLED display, a 280Hz refresh rate, and 0.03 millisecond response time, the LG Ultragear is well worth the investment for your home gaming setup. LG says this is the brand's brightest OLED gaming monitor yet which means you're in for crisp and clear contrast, reaching up to 1,500 nits.

SEE ALSO: The Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series TV is over $400 off at Amazon — buy for the best-ever price

The LG Switch app allows for customization of the monitor like adjusting the brightness, applying setting with a hotkey, and selecting between 11 split-screen layouts. Plus, the gaming monitor comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports.

Since this is a record-low price at Amazon, consider upgrading to the 27-inch LG Ultragear OLED QHD gaming monitor. It'll enhance your in-game and out-of-game experiences for under $400.

The Google Pixel 6, the first Pixel phone to ship with Google's Tensor chip, will celebrate its fifth birthday soon. That means with Android 17, the Pixel 6 has received its final major Android update, and official support is coming to an end. If you're still rocking one, it's finally time to start thinking about an upgrade.

Apple has launched Apple Upgrade, a new leasing program for iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad, available online, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple retail locations across the United States. The program replaces the old Apple iPhone Upgrade program, which is winding down for new customers, and shifts financing duties from Citizens One to Klarna.

As tech prices continue to climb and smartphone sales decline, Apple Upgrade would give customers a new way to try the latest Apple devices. The program arrives just a couple of months before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18.

Unlike the previous program, which functioned as a loan that eventually transferred ownership of the device to the customer, Apple Upgrade is structured explicitly as a lease. Customers pay a monthly fee to use a device for a fixed term, and at the end of that term, they can upgrade to something new, pay a purchase fee to keep the device, or return it and walk away. If they do nothing, the lease automatically converts to a month-to-month arrangement for up to six months, with payments that may increase during that stretch.

SEE ALSO: Klarna freezes hiring because AI can do the job instead

If you're considering leasing your next iPhone or Apple Watch, we've put together answers to some of the most common questions about how the new Apple lease program works.

What is the Apple Upgrade program?

Apple Upgrade is a Klarna-backed leasing program for U.S. shoppers that launched on July 28, and it allows customers to lease new Apple devices for a period of 12, 24, or 36 months, depending on the product. For the Apple iPhone upgrade program, leasing prices start at just $17.99 per month, but users can lower their monthly payments by trading in their current iPhone through Apple Trade In. You can learn more about the program at the Apple newsroom or sign up to enroll at Apple's website.

What devices are eligible?

The Apple Upgrade covers most new iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad devices. The eligible devices are:

• iPhone 17

• iPhone 17e

• iPhone 17 Pro

• iPhone Air

• Apple Watch Series 11

• Apple Watch Hermès Series 11

• Apple Watch Ultra Watch 3

• Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 3

• M5 MacBook Air

• M5 MacBook Pro (M5 Pro and M5 Max also included)

• M4 iPad Air

• iPad Mini (A17 Pro Chip)

A handful of older or budget models are excluded, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Apple Watch SE, MacBook Neo, Mac Mini, iPad (A16), and Studio Display. The Vision Pro is also excluded.

How long are the lease terms?

iPhone and Apple Watch leases run for either 12 or 24 months. Mac and iPad leases run 24 or 36 months. Not every term is available on every device.

How much does it cost per month?

Pricing starts at $17.99 for iPhone, $11.99 for Apple Watch, $24.99 for Mac, and $11.99 for iPad, though actual payments vary by device, storage tier, and lease length. No security deposit is required, and trading in a current device through Apple Trade In can lower the monthly rate.

Do I own the device at the end of the lease?

No, not unless you pay the device's purchase fee at the end of the term. Otherwise, you're expected to either upgrade to a new lease or return the device in acceptable condition. Returning a damaged, lost, or stolen device can trigger additional fees, and insurance isn't included in the lease itself.

Is there a credit check?

Yes, but it's a soft inquiry that doesn't affect your credit score. Final approval, including any monthly payment you're offered, depends on Klarna's assessment of your creditworthiness.

What about AppleCare?

AppleCare isn't automatically bundled with Apple Upgrade the way it was with the old iPhone Upgrade Program. Customers can add AppleCare+ or AppleCare One separately to cover accidental damage, theft, loss, and battery service.

Can I use Apple Card with this?

Yes, payments made with Apple Card earn 3 percent Daily Cash back, and Apple Card Monthly Installments remain a separate, distinct financing option outside of Apple Upgrade for customers who'd rather buy a device outright over time.

What happens to people already in the iPhone Upgrade Program?

Existing members aren't required to do anything. They can keep making their monthly payments under their existing agreement with Citizens One, and once they complete their 24-month term, the device is theirs to keep, no purchase fee required.

When they're ready for a new iPhone, they'll have the option to switch into Apple Upgrade, finance through Apple Card Monthly Installments, buy a device outright, or go through carrier financing instead.

Who's eligible to lease through Apple Upgrade?

You need to be a U.S. resident at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number or ITIN, hold an Apple Account in good standing, have a Klarna account, and have an accepted credit or debit card on file.

Leasing an iPhone requires enrolling in a postpaid plan with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon — prepaid plans don't qualify, though leased iPhones are unlocked.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Recently, 9to5Mac found code in the iOS 27 beta that suggested Apple and lenders could place phones in "Restricted Mode" if a user falls behind on payments. However, that's not part of the Apple Upgrade program. Instead, missed payments will automatically be added to the next month's bill.

MacRumors also reports that there are no late fees for missed payments, but three missed payments will result in Klarna terminating your contract.

SAVE $579: As of July 29, you can pick up the DJI Power 2000 portable power station at Amazon for just $719.98. That's a savings of 45% or $579.02.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 2000 portable power station $719.98 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $579.02   Get Deal

Portable power stations aren't just for backup power during outages. They also serve as must-have camping companions, thanks to our growing number of devices and increasingly complex power needs. If you're in the market for one of these reliable and movable power sources, one of our favorites is on sale at Amazon for over $500 off.

As of July 29, the DJI Power 2000 portable power station is just $719.98. Sure, that still seems like a lot, but compared to its current list price of $1,299, that's a steal. You'll save 45% or $579.02, to be exact.

Mashable contributor Lauren Allain tested this power station last year and raved about it, calling it "a beefy option that’s awesome for camping, backyard parties, or content creators out on projects." It earned a spot on our list of the best portable power stations, particularly as the top choice for content creators.

The DJI Power 2000 features three standard AC ports, a 30-amp plug, four USB-A ports, four USB-C ports, and two SDC ports for quick recharging of drones. We wish it has even more AC ports, given its 2,048Wh capacity, but it is what it is. It operates quietly, recharges quickly, and offers an impressive amount of power for its physical size (under 50 pounds). It's also compatible with up to 10 DJI Expansion Battery 2000s, which would increase the power to over 22,000Wh, enough for a whole-home backup. Its pretty gnarly on its own, though. Allain was able to charge both her phone and camera battery while cooking dinner in the air fryer all at the same time.

With camping season (and hurricane season) in full swing, it's as good a time as any to make the investment in a portable power source. And we highly recommend grabbing the DJI Power 2000 while it's over $500 off.