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Luxury sedans aren't exactly known for being cheap, but there's a big difference between an expensive car and an expensive car that keeps getting more expensive as you add the features you actually want. That's where the BMW 5 Series can start to sting.

WLED lets you control multiple LED strips at a time using a single microcontroller. It’s accessible in that you can flash the firmware with a web browser, and minimal soldering is necessary. WLED can be controlled with a browser or a web app, and it even integrates natively with Home Assistant.

TL;DR: Now through Aug. 9, several states are waiving or cutting sales tax on select purchases. To get the biggest savings, skip the cheap school supplies and use the tax break on high-dollar items like laptops, power stations, and home tech.

I hate paying taxes as much as anyone, so whenever there's a (legal) way to keep a little extra cash in my wallet, I'm going to take full advantage of it.

This weekend is the biggest tax-free shopping event of the year. While state lawmakers pitch these sales tax holidays as a nice little break for families buying notebooks and backpacks, buying cheap school supplies only saves you a couple of bucks. If you want to make the tax break worth your time, you should use it on high-ticket tech items where skipping the tax saves real money.

SEE ALSO: We found the 6 best laptops for college students going back to school

Here's the breakdown of every state participating this weekend (plus a few running sales through August), along with the best ways to maximize your savings.

State-by-state breakdown Active this weekend (Aug. 7–9)

• Iowa (Aug. 7-8): Clothing and footwear under $100 per item.

• Illinois (Aug. 7-16): The state isn't eliminating the tax completely, but it is lowering the state sales tax rate from 6.25% to 1.25% on qualifying clothing (under $125) and school supplies.

• Massachusetts (Aug. 8-9): All personal retail purchases of $2,500 or less per item are tax-free.

• Missouri (Aug. 7-9): Covers clothing ($100 or less), software ($350 or less), graphing calculators ($150 or less), and computers and accessories up to $1,500 per item.

• Ohio (Aug. 7-9): Clothing ($75 or less) and school supplies ($20 or less).

• Oklahoma (Aug. 7-9): Clothing and footwear under $100.

• South Carolina (Aug. 7-9): Hands-down the best state to shop in this weekend. They waive tax on computers, printers, software, school supplies, and bed/bath products with no price caps.

• Texas (Aug. 7-9): Clothing, footwear, and backpacks under $100.

• Virginia (Aug. 7-9): Clothing ($100 or less), school supplies ($20 or less), and Energy Star items ($2,500 or less), plus portable generators up to $1,000 and gas chainsaws up to $350.

Other August sales tax holidays to keep on your radar:

• Florida (July 20 to Aug. 20): Computers and accessories up to $1,500, clothing up to $100, and school supplies up to $50.

• Maryland (Aug. 9-15): Clothing and footwear ($100 or less) and the first $40 of a backpack purchase.

• Connecticut (Aug. 16-22): Clothing and footwear under $300 per item.

• Mississippi (Aug. 28-30): Firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies with no price cap.

Yes, you can shop online

These tax breaks still apply if you shop online from your couch! As long as your shipping address is in a participating state, online retailers are legally required to honor the sales tax holiday. Just keep a close eye on the final total before you click "buy." Different states have varying rules about how shipping and handling fees are treated. If a shipping charge accidentally bumps your laptop over your state's price limit, it might suddenly become taxable.

The 3 best big-ticket deals to shop this weekend

To get the best deals, look for the categories where states set high price limits (or no limits at all).

1. Mid-range laptops under $1,500 (Florida and Missouri)

If you live in Florida or Missouri, your state caps the tax-free limit on computers at $1,500 per item.

What to look for: Current-generation laptops priced between $500 and $1,200. Stacking an existing retailer markdown with a 4% to 6% tax drop saves you anywhere from $30 to $80 on top of the sale price.

Apple MacBook Neo $688.49 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Neo.

2. High-end tech and gaming rigs with no price caps (South Carolina and Massachusetts)

South Carolina has zero price limit on computers and computer accessories, and Massachusetts covers almost any personal purchase up to $2,500.

What to look for: This is the time to buy expensive MacBooks, gaming desktops, or OLED monitors. Waiving a 6% tax on a $2,000 Apple or gaming setup keeps $120 in your pocket.

Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5) $1,399 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $100   Get Deal at Amazon

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5).

3. Portable generators and power stations (Virginia)

Virginia explicitly includes emergency supplies in its weekend holiday, so you can save on portable generators priced up to $1,000. (Something you'll definitely need on the East Coast; did you see how flooded Norfolk got earlier this week?)

What to look for: Portable battery power stations or compact gas generators priced right under that $1,000 threshold. On an $800 to $900 unit, you'll save around $45 to $50 on state tax alone, which is ideal if you're trying to prep for storm season without paying extra fees.

DJI Power 2000 $719.98 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $579.02   Get Deal at Amazon

Read Mashable's full review of the DJI Power 2000 portable power station.

We're getting an extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI in a few weeks, but until then, we have some financial data to look at.

Take-Two Interactive, the parent company behind GTA VI publisher Rockstar Games, reported its earnings for the quarter ending on June 30 this week, per Variety, which included the first five days after the game became available for pre-order. According to Take-Two, the company recorded $1.4 billion in net bookings during the quarter, an industry metric that tracks orders placed. It's not the same as pure revenue, but considering the game isn't actually out yet, it's as good a metric as we've got.

Our big Guessing Game is back! Learn how to enter for a chance to win an Apple Watch.

SEE ALSO: A 'GTA VI' extended look will air on Netflix in August

“I can say that the level of pre-orders is unprecedented and astonishing, and we’re very grateful for that,” CEO Strauss Zelnick said. “But they are so unprecedented that we just don’t know how it’ll translate into sales, which is a question I answered earlier. We genuinely don’t, and we just don’t believe in claiming victory before it occurs.”

It should be emphasized that other Take-Two games, such as NBA 2K, probably contributed to that $1.4 billion number. That's also just a snapshot for a period that ended in June, and the game has certainly brought in even more pre-orders since then, despite its high price.

So, with months left before the Nov. 19 release date, it's clear that GTA VI is on track to surpass $1 billion in preorders, if it hasn't already.

No one is surprised to hear that GTA VI is being pre-ordered in high quantities, but it is still interesting to get an actual number that, to some extent, reflects the hype. And all of that is coming before we've seen actual gameplay footage yet.

'Grand Theft Auto VI' for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X $79.99 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy See It at GameStop 'Grand Theft Auto VI' for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X $79.99 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy See It at GameStop

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $60: As of Aug. 7, the TCL A1s smart projector is on sale for just $339.99, down from $399.99. That's a savings of 15%.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL A1s Smart Projector $339.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $60   Get Deal

Portable projectors have come a long way in recent years, even rivaling big-screen 4K TVs. The prices aren't too shabby either — especially if you can find one on sale. If you prefer a flexible TV experience and want a massive screen that won't break the bank, the TCL A1s smart projector is a solid pick that's cheaper than usual this weekend.

As of Aug. 7, Amazon has the TCL A1s smart projector on sale for $339.99. That's $60 off its usual list price of $399.99.

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Compact and convenient, the all-in-one TCL A1s can display images up to 150 inches, letting you set up a private movie theater experience from just about anywhere. It features a 1080p native resolution, up to 600 ISO lumens of brightness, autofocus, keystone correction, and 8W speakers with Dolby Audio. It also has Google TV built in, making it easy to access all of your favorite streaming services.

The A1s weighs in at less than four pounds and has an adjustable carrying handle attached. So it's ideal for bringing along on camping trips, setting up casual backyard movie nights, or posting up in your living room. It's not the most advanced projector on the market, but it delivers where it matters: a portable, flexible, and immersive home theater experience. Plus, it won't cost you an arm and a leg.

The best SSD deals at a glance: Best internal SSD deal Samsung 9100 Pro SSD, 2TB $399.99 (save $280) Get Deal Best external SSD deal Lexar ES5 Magnetic SSD, 2TB $269.99 (save $130) Get Deal Cheapest SSD deal Kingston NV3 SSD, 500GB $99.99 (save $38) Get Deal

Everyone's talking about RAMageddon, A.K.A. the global memory crisis driven by the growing demand of AI. Tech prices are on the rise, and now there's an even bigger demand for SSDs.

Even with the rising prices, there are still deals to shop. As of Aug. 7, we rounded up the best SSD deals to shop right now. Both internal and external SSDs are on sale from Samsung, Lexar, Kingston, and more.

So if you're on the hunt for SSDs, these are the best deals to shop now, saving you up to $280.

Best internal SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung 9100 Pro SSD, 2TB $399.99 at Amazon
$679.99 Save $280   Get Deal

Whether you're building your own PC or just looking for an SSD upgrade, the best internal SSD deal right now is on the Samsung 9100 Pro. Designed for heavy-duty computing, whether that be for AI, gaming, or running graphics, the Samsung 9100 Pro with 2TB is there to handle it. It's power-efficient too, running faster while staying cool.

Right now, you can grab it for 41% off at Amazon. Normally $679.99, the Samsung 9100 Pro is marked down to $399.99, saving you $280. That's huge savings, especially in the midst of RAMageddon.

More internal SSD deals

• Kingston NV3 SSD, 500GB — $99.99 $137.99 (save $38)

• Kingston A400 SATA3 SSD, 960GB — $129.99 $215.99 (save $86)

• Kingston NV3 SSD, 1TB — $162 $215.99 (save $53.99)

• Samsung 990 SSD, 1TB — $229.99 $269.99 (save $40)

• Samsung 9100 Pro SSD, 1TB — $249.99 $339.99 (save $90)

• Samsung 990 SSD, 2TB — $369.99 $529.99 (save $160)

Best external SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lexar Lexar ES5 Magnetic SSD, 2TB $269.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $130   Get Deal

In need of an external SSD? Lexar has the best deal on its ES5 Magnetic portable SSD. Normally, $399.99, it's down to $269.99 at Amazon. That saves you $130, for 33% off.

The Lexar ES5 Magnetic SSD has 2TB of storage, but the real draw is its convenience. It's MagSafe compliant, so it attaches to your devices, so it's always on hand when you're on the go.

More external and portable SSD deals

• Lexar D50E SSD, 512GB — $116.99 $139.99 (save $23)

• SSK Portable SSD, 1TB — $143.99 $159.99 (save $16)

• Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD, 1TB — $224.13 $256.23 (save $32.10)

• Kingston Dual Portable SSD, 2TB — $329.99 $379.99 (save $50)

• SSK Portable SSD, 4TB — $377.99 $419.99 (save $42)

For years, I only used Google Calendar for the bare minimum—adding events, getting reminders, and moving on. It got the job done, but I would still end up forgetting errands and juggling separate apps for tasks and reminders. So I decided to figure out why Google Calendar is often referred to as a productivity powerhouse, and I immediately realized how much I’d been missing.

It's August, and Prime Video has released its schedule for new and returning shows this month. Like many action fans, I'm looking forward to the return of Reacher, which premieres next week. Alan Ritchson has done an amazing job playing Lee Child's creation, and I pray the show continues for many seasons to come.

If you rely on Google Drive to seamlessly back up your computer's photos, you'll need to find an alternative very soon. Google is warning that it will end support for automatic syncing between Drive desktop backups and Photos on August 10, 2026.

Windows has supported a huge software ecosystem for decades, but only a small number of apps have truly changed how people use their PCs. The best ones didn't simply do one job well. They solved problems Windows handled poorly, made everyday tasks easier, and became the kind of software people installed on every new computer.

August is shaping up to be a big month for fans of celestial events, with both the Perseid meteor shower and a solar eclipse set to light up the skies. While the annual Perseids will deliver one of the year's most popular meteor displays, the solar eclipse will offer a different kind of spectacle as the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun.

While parts of Europe will experience a full show in the form of a total solar eclipse, those based in North America will still have a chance to catch the celestial event as a partial eclipse. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about this latest celestial event.

When is the solar eclipse in North America?

On Aug. 12, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across parts of North America and most of Canada. While the continent won't experience the same totality as parts of Europe will, it will still be a rare opportunity to witness an exciting solar event.

According to NASA, viewing times will vary across North America, with Alaska and northern Canada seeing the eclipse in the morning, eastern Canada in the afternoon, and parts of the northern U.S. from midday into the afternoon.

It will peak in Anchorage, Alaska at 8:21 a.m. ET. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., it will peak at around 1:53 p.m. ET.

How to watch the solar eclipse

Because the Sun is never completely covered from anywhere in North America during this eclipse, it's never safe to look directly at it without proper eye protection.

Anyone planning to watch should wear certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun. If you're using binoculars, a telescope, or a camera, you'll also need an approved solar filter fitted to the front of the optics.

What causes a solar eclipse?

According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the Sun's light. During a partial solar eclipse, the Moon covers only part of the Sun, creating the appearance of a crescent-shaped Sun rather than plunging the landscape into darkness. This is what will be visible in North America.

Where can you see the partial solar eclipse in North America?

NASA says the best places to spot the eclipse in North America include parts of the northern U.S. (from Alaska to North Carolina) and most of Canada. While parts of the world will see a total solar eclipse, viewers in North America will experience a partial eclipse.

Solar Eclipse livestream

NASA is livestreaming the eclipse on YouTube, Twitch, X, Amazon Prime, Facebook, Instagram, and NASA+.

If you use the new Siri AI correctly, you might cut down how much you're on your phone. CNET’s Bridget Carey explains how to set up your iPhone to get the most out of the new Siri, and how it’s saved her sanity as a working parent.

Some Home Assistant projects serve a clear purpose and offer a tangible benefit. There are plenty of other projects that aren't strictly necessary but are still worth doing simply because they're insanely cool. If you're looking for a project that's more fun than functional, then you're in the right place.

SAVE $349: As of Aug. 7, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $2,550, down from its usual $2,899. That's a savings of 12%.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo $2,550 at Amazon
$2,899 Save $349   Get Deal

There's no denying that the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is a seriously impressive drone. It's also very expensive, making it overkill for anyone looking to just dabble in drone content. It's built for video professionals and serious content creators looking to elevate their cinematic footage. If that sounds like you, then this deal is right up your alley.

As of Aug. 7, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo — which includes the drone itself, the DJI RC 2, three batteries, a charging hub, and more — is on sale at Amazon for $2,550. That's $349 cheaper than its usual $2,899 price tag, saving you about 12%.

The Mavic 4 Pro features a 100MP Hasselblad camera paired with a 48MP medium telephoto at 70mm and a 50MP far-reach telephoto at 168mm. Across the three cameras, you can shoot 4K/120fps HDR video, or you can shoot 6K/60fps HDR video on the main camera. There's also an infinity gimbal that can freely shoot forward, down, side-to-side, or upward, allowing for more creative and magical shots.

Each battery will give you about 51 minutes of flight time, and you can swap them out for longer sessions. The Fly More Combo also comes with a fast-charging hub, so you can get back up in the air quicker.

If you're looking to elevate your vlogs, real estate videos, home movies, travel content, or other professional projects, it's hard to beat the DJI Mavic 4 Pro — especially if you can grab it while it's on sale.

Best deals on Sony headphones at a glance: Best budget pick Sony WH-CH720N $87.95 (save $92.04) Get Deal Best for workouts Sony ULT Wear $147.95 (save $102.04) Get Deal Best overall deal Sony XM6 $398 (save $61.99) Get Deal

Sony's headphone lineup is on sale at Amazon right now, with several of its best models discounted, some by more than half off. Whether you're after Sony's current flagship, a budget-friendly pair, or something with extra bass, there's a solid discount to grab across the board.

Best Sony headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal Why we like it

The WH-1000XM6 runs on a new chip, the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, that Sony says is seven times faster than the one in the older XM5 model, and it uses that speed across 12 microphones to block out background noise as it happens. Calls hold up well thanks to a six-mic system that picks out your voice and cuts background noise, even in loud places like a train platform or a busy street.

Since you might be wearing these for hours, comfort matters: the headband is wide and soft, made of synthetic leather, and the headphones fold down into a compact case for travel. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours, and if you're in a rush, a three-minute charge gets you about three hours of playback.

Not sold yet? Here's the rest of the lineup that's on sale:

• Sony MDR-ZX110 — $9.99 $12.99 (Save $3)

• Sony WH-CH520 — $38 $69.99 (Save $31.99)

• Sony MDR-ZX110NC — $48 $59.99 (Save $11.99)

• Sony XM5 — $248 $399.99 (Save $151.99)

Whichever pair you pick, your ears just got a serious upgrade for less. Grab the Sony headphones at Amazon while they're discounted.

Home internet in the new millennium was still on the road to regular internet use. Wi-Fi existed, but routers were expensive and confusing enough that most families never bothered. When Nintendo launched its online service for the DS, the company needed a way to give everyone the internet. Luckily, the company made a USB that was pretty revolutionary and cheap enough to be common.

For years, I assumed Google Maps always chose the fastest route to my destination. It wasn't until I noticed it repeatedly steering me away from quicker roads that I discovered one small setting was prioritizing fuel savings over speed. Turning it off has helped me avoid giving up small chunks of time that quietly add up over the course of a year.

SAVE $60: As of Aug. 7, the DJI Neo mini drone is back to its best-ever price. Grab it from Amazon for $139, down from $199 — a 30% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo Mini Drone $139 at Amazon
$199 Save $60   Get Deal

Drones used to mean a controller, a learning curve, and a solid chance of clipping a tree branch.

DJI's Neo skips all of that. It takes off from your palm, follows you around on its own, and shoots stabilized 4K footage without you touching a remote. Right now, the DJI Neo is back to its best-ever price of $139, down from $199. That's a 30% discount and $60 in savings on Amazon.

At just 135 grams, the Neo is lighter than most phones, which also means it skips FAA registration and Remote ID requirements. It's small enough to toss in a backpack or a jacket pocket. Takeoff is as simple as launching it from your palm and tapping a button, no flying experience needed.

Once it's in the air, the Neo tracks you automatically and shoots footage using eight built-in QuickShot modes, so you get polished, dynamic clips without doing any of the camera work. If you want more control, you can also fly it with voice commands, the DJI app, or a separate remote controller.

For video quality, it shoots in 4K and uses DJI's stabilization tech to keep footage smooth even if it's windy out or you're moving around, whether that's hiking, kayaking, or just walking through a park. It's also rated to handle moderate wind without getting knocked around.

SEE ALSO: The best drones for beginners

The propeller guards wrap around the blades, so if you're new to flying or just clumsy with remotes, you can fly it indoors or weave it around obstacles without worrying about damaging it or anything nearby.

One thing to know before buying: the DJI Fly app, which you need to set up and use the Neo, was pulled from the Google Play Store due to a compatibility issue. You'll need to download it directly from DJI's website instead.

Your future vlogs are calling. Grab the DJI Neo mini drone before this deal flies off, too.

Smartphones are so much more than just phones now. When you take the iPhone 17 Pro out on the trail, it's your camera, your GPS, and your lifeline if something goes wrong. That's a lot riding on one device, and a cheap or subpar phone case can jeopardize your device’s integrity should the worst happen. Bringing it into the back country can be even more of a gamble if your case isn't ready for an accidental drop.

One of the best things about the ESP32 and similar microcontrollers is the price. They only cost a few dollars each and can be put to good use in all manner of projects, from simple guides you follow along to complex projects you plan over weeks or months.