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3 useful Linux apps to try this weekend (November 21 - 23)

How-To Geek - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 14:30

Do you want more ways to put your Linux PC to good use? Or alternative ways to do something you've already been doing? There's a lot of good, free software for Linux if you know where to look.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Which Critical Role campaign is funniest? The cast weighs in.

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 14:27

With hundreds of episodes, four main campaigns, and two animated series under their belts — not to mention spin-offs, live shows, and one shots — the cast of Critical Role have created thousands of hours' worth of TTRPG storytelling. But what are their highlights from all these hours? And do their favorite moments match up with yours?

SEE ALSO: 'The Mighty Nein' review: Critical Role hits new highs with their darkest series yet

To find out, and to celebrate the release of their new series, The Mighty Nein, the Critical Role team stopped by Mashable's Say More for a trip down memory lane. In an interview with Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards, cast members Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Matthew Mercer, Liam O'Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, and Travis Willingham assigned superlatives to their campaigns. Which campaign is the funniest? Which had the best fights? And which was the most emotionally traumatizing?

Each question spurred debate, as great fights, ridiculous jokes, and devastating character beats are all part of the Critical Role experience. For funniest campaign, for example, the cast was torn between Campaigns 2 and 3.

As the cast discusses, Campaign 2, which focused on the Mighty Nein, brought the chaos of Jester Lavorre (Bailey), along with the hilariously prickly dynamic between Nott the Brave (Riegel) and Fjord Stone (Willingham). But Campaign 3, which focused on Bells Hells, brought more hilarity in the form of Laudna (Ray), Chetney Pock O'Pea (Willingham), and Fearne Calloway (Johnson).

Willingham put it best when it came to answering the question, asking, "Where were we at our dumbest?"

For more campaign superlatives, including the cast's favorite in-campaign romance and Matthew Mercer sound effect, check out the full Say More interview on YouTube.

The Mighty Nein is now streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes every Wednesday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Seth Meyers spends 5 minutes unpacking Trumps lengthy Epstein rant on Truth Social

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 14:25

"Look at how long this is! Is there no character limit on Truth Social? I haven't seen something that long and incoherent since my mom accidentally had voice to text on while she had a conversation with our neighbor Linda."

This is Seth Meyers reacting to Trump's extremely long post on Truth Social about Jeffrey Epstein, with the president suggesting he was the driving force for the files to be released and writing that Epstein "was deeply associated with many well-known Democrat figures" (a line of argument Jon Stewart responded to earlier in the week).

"I also like when Trump starts using big words like 'respectively' — that's how you know he's spinning out," says Meyers. "If things get any worse his next post is going to say, 'Heretofore I have toiled many fortnights in quiet obscurity to secure the release of these most precious documents and make known henceforth that I was not friends with, and thus never visited, Jeff and the Island, respectively.'"

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 32GB Kindle Scribe is the same price as the 16GB model over Black Friday — upgrade for free

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 14:15

SAVE $140: The 32GB Kindle Scribe is on sale for $279.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's the same price at the 16GB Kindle Scribe and the best-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe (32GB) $279.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $140   Get Deal

Even the very best Black Friday deals require some careful consideration. Just because something is heavily discounted doesn't mean you should automatically buy.

But every now and then, an offer drops that just makes sense. In the Amazon Black Friday sale, the 32GB Kindle Scribe is on sale for $279.99. That's $140 off and it's lowest-ever price. But that's not all, because for some reason the 32GB Kindle Scribe is now the same price as the 16GB version. We don't know if this is a mistake, but why wouldn't you take the free upgrade?

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The Kindle Scribe comes with a Premium Pen for all your note-taking needs. You can access PDFs, documents, and books on the Kindle Scribe, plus its thin dimensions and lightweight build makes this device a travel-friendly option for work and play.

On Mashable's list of the best Kindles, the 2024 Kindle Scribe takes the top spot as the best model for taking notes. If you're always jotting things down as you read, the Kindle Scribe is the e-reader for you.

Score the best-ever price on the Kindle Scribe in the Amazon Black Friday sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

So many new MacBook deals are live over Black Friday, but the $749 M4 MacBook Air is still my favorite

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 13:52

SAVE $250: The MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $749 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $250 off and the lowest-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon
$999 Save $250   Get Deal

There are already a ridiculous number of live Black Friday MacBook deals, which is great news for anyone with one of these machines on their wishlist. The problem is finding the deal that actually represents the best value for money. This is where we can help, because it's complicated.

The MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $749 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $250 off and the lowest-ever price for this model.

Amazing deal, right? Correct, but this "Black Friday deal" was actually sitting at this price before Amazon's sale officially kicked off. That's sneaky from Amazon, but something we see all the time. So does this mean you should swerve this offer? Actually, no. There are a lot of great MacBook deals out there right now for you to consider, but $749 for our top pick for the best MacBooks is still an incredible price, even if it isn't strictly a "Black Friday deal."

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The M4 MacBook Air is slim, lightweight, and doesn't run loud. It's backed by the speedy M4 processor that can handle multitasking, graphic design, demanding work tasks, and much more. The battery life is strong so you can take it on the go without a worry, and the 12MP Center Stage camera, three-mic setup, and a six-speaker system with Spatial Audio ensures you look your best on video calls.

Getting all of this for under $750 still blows our minds. Save $250 on the M4 MacBook Air this Black Friday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple Mac Mini is only $479 at Amazon — save over $100 this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 13:34

SAVE $120: The 2024 Apple Mac Mini is on sale for just $479 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $120 off its list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $479 at Amazon
$599 Save $120   Get Deal

There are so many deals to consider over Black Friday, but Apple deals deserve their moment in the spotlight. There's no other brand that gets the people going like Apple, and the good news is that Black Friday has already delivered record lows on MacBooks, AirPods, iPads, and much more.

The Apple Mac mini is not down to its lowest-ever price, but it's really close. And the latest deal beats October Prime Day, so if you've been waiting for the right moment to invest in this small but mighty device, your moment has come. The 2024 Apple Mac Mini is on sale for just $479 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $120 off its list price.

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The Mac mini packs 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with the speedy M4 chip. It's also built for Apple Intelligence, plus has two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, and an HDMI and Ethernet port on the back. At just five by five inches, the Mac mini can find a place to live in just about any setup. Even yours.

Score $120 off the Apple Mac mini in the Amazon Black Friday sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ChatGPT is now an actual chat app

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 13:13

Finally, a way to prove to all your friends you're right about a topic: Invite them all into a group chat with ChatGPT, then have the AI assert dominance on your behalf.

A few days ago, OpenAI started testing group chats in ChatGPT, allowing people to collaborate on projects with the help of ChatGPT.

The beta feature was apparently a success, as the company has now expanded it to all ChatGPT users, even those on the free tier – but only if they're logged in.

Nothing seems to have changed since the initial test. It's still limited to 20 people, and you can still access the feature by tapping on the icon in the top right corner of a new or existing chat; then you get an invite link which you can share with everyone. Users will have to create a simple profile before they participate, and group chats are stored in the separate part of the sidebar.

SEE ALSO: The ChatGPT-powered teddy bear is officially on ice

If you don't see the feature yet, you probably will soon. OpenAI says the group chats are launching globally "over the coming days."

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The ever-popular 11-inch Pad is back at its lowest-ever price for Black Friday — save $70 right now

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:55

SAVE $70: As of Nov. 21, the Apple iPad 11-inch is on sale for $279 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 11-inch $279 at Amazon
$349 Save $70   Get Deal

Black Friday deals are starting to ramp up, and even though technically the main day is still a week away, Amazon has kicked things off early. And one of the best early deals we've come across is on the iPad 11-inch, currently down to its lowest-ever price.

As of Nov. 21, this iPad is down by $70, now priced at $279. This price is specific to the 128GB, WiFi only option. However, all colors are included so you can choose from silver, yellow, pink, or blue. The choice is yours.

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This iPad is a great option for just about everyone, especially for under $300. It uses the A16 chip, so it has plenty of power for gaming, creative work, and everyday multitasking, plus all-day battery life to keep you going when away from home. Display-wise, enjoy a Liquid Retina screen with True Tone, so everything you do and watch will be great quality.

The cameras are great too, with both the front and back cameras offering 12MP. The front camera benefits from the Apple feature Center Stage, so all your video calls keep you in the middle. The back camera also has a wide rear lens with flash, 4K video, and document scanning.

Pick up this iPad deal from Amazon now. For more iPad deals, check out our breakdown of everything on offer over Black Friday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Did the best Black Friday iPad deal just drop? Get the 11-inch iPad Air for its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:50

SAVE $150: As of Nov. 21, the iPad Air 11-inch is on sale for $449 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPad Air 11-inch $449 at Amazon
$599 Save $150   Get Deal

Amazon's Black Friday sale is officially live and the discounts are rolling in. Everything from portable power stations to tablets are seeing heavy discounts, and as of Nov. 21, a great deal on the iPad Air 11-inch has dropped. Right now, this model is reduced to just $449, saving you $150. It has never been cheaper than this.

This iPad Air runs on the M3 chip, meaning it’s both fast and powerful. It can cope with all kinds of creative work, gaming, and everyday multitasking, so no matter what you plan to use it for, it'll cope. It also supports Apple Intelligence for writing help and various smart features that help you squeeze everything you can out of this device.

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The 11-inch Liquid Retina display benefits from P3 color, True Tone, and low reflectivity, so everything you do and watch will be in brilliant quality with sharp colors. This model also has Touch ID, Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, and an all-day battery life, so you won't find yourself running out of juice halfway through your day. You can also use the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C Apple Pencil, and pair it with the Magic Keyboard if you want a laptop-style setup.

For cameras, the iPad Air has a 12MP front camera with Center Stage (a feature that keeps you centered during calls) and a 12MP rear camera with flash that can scan documents as well as take photos and 4K video.

Pick up this iPad deal from Amazon's Black Friday sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Oura Ring 4 has dropped to its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save $150 this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:42

SAVE $150: As of Nov. 21, the Oura Ring 4 is on sale for $349 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. This is $150 off and its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring 4 $349 at Amazon
$499 Save $150   Get Deal

Amazon's Black Friday sale has officially kicked off, with plenty of exciting discounts available for shoppers to add to their virtual carts. This includes some fantastic tech deals, with the Oura Ring 4 among them. If you've been looking to pick up this smart ring, which we're very big fans of, the sleek gold model is currently down to its lowest-ever price.

Amazon has knocked $150 off the price of this Oura Ring 4, dropping it from $499 to $349. Considering it's the lowest price its dropped to yet, now is an excellent time to grab it. If you've been looking for a way to keep a better eye on your health in the new year, this smart ring is well worth picking up.

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The Oura Ring 4 is powered by Smart Sensing which provides you with accurate data throughout the day on a variety of health metrics, including tracking sleep, activity, stress, heart health, and much more. It even has a solid battery life of up to eight days, so you don't need to worry about frequent recharges.

We consider it the best overall smart ring available, with Mashable's Samantha Mangino saying it's, "the most comfortable, accurate, and well-designed smart ring we've tested."

There's plenty more where this came from, though. Have a look through our breakdown of the best Black Friday deals from Amazon to see even more discounts that have crossed our radar in the start of this sale event.

Categories: IT General, Technology

We tracked down 20+ early Lego deals already live ahead of Black Friday: Star Wars, Botanicals, more

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:38
The best early Lego Black Friday deals: Best Amazon Lego deal Lego Star Wars: Millenium Falcon 'A New Hope' 25th Anniversary 75347 $67.97 (save $17.02) Get Deal Best Target Lego deal Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector’s Set 66809 $41.99 (save $18) Get Deal Best Lego Direct deal Lego Star Wars: Desert Skiff & Sarlacc Pit 75396 $63.99 (save $16) Get Deal Best Best Buy Lego deal Lego Disney Young Simba the Lion King Fan Disney Collection Building Set 43247 $90.99 (save $39) Get Deal Best Walmart Lego deal Lego Disney Frozen Advent Calendar 2025 $30.79 (save $14.20) Get Deal

Whether you're getting some shopping done for friends and family ahead of the holiday, or picking up a nice little gift for yourself, Black Friday is one of the best times of year to get it done. That "time of year" fully refers to the weeks before Black Friday as well, giving shoppers a cushion to get a head start on deals that tend to sell out quickly, like Lego deals. Yes, you can already find coveted sets from Lego Star Wars (including sets retiring this year), Lego Minecraft, and Lego Friends on sale.

SEE ALSO: What is camelcamelcamel? Just our secret weapon for finding the lowest prices on Amazon.

We've handpicked the very best early Black Friday Lego deals spotted at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart. This is just the beginning, though, and we'll keep this page updated with everything that drops (or sells out) throughout Cyber Monday.

Best Amazon Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Millenium Falcon 'A New Hope' 25th Anniversary 75347 $67.97 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $17.02   Get Deal Why we like it

The adorable Grogu with Hover Pram set is expectedly sold out after an incredible 50% discount. But that was hardly Amazon's only good Lego Star Wars deal. It's not nearly as massive as the $849.99 Millenium Falcon you can buy, but this sick Millennium Falcon midi scale set is still unquestionably display worthy. It's a special edition that celebrates the 25th anniversary of "A New Hope," exhibited by a special plaque that sits on the display stand.

More Amazon Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Minecraft The Crafting Table Set 21265 $71.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $18   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 $39.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.50   Get Deal Lego Star Wars: 'The Phantom Menace' Mos Espa Podrace Diorama 75380 $50.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $29.00   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Millenium Falcon 'A New Hope' 25th Anniversary 75347 $67.97 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $17.02   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat Building Sets for Adults 21349 $80 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds 76419 $135.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $34   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ House 43217 $37.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $22   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night Building Set for Adults 21333 $150 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $19.99   Get Deal Best Lego direct deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Desert Skiff & Sarlacc Pit 75396 $63.99 at Lego
$79.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The infamous Sarlacc Pit scene from Return of the Jedi has been miniaturized into one of the most beloved Star Wars Legos of the past year and a half-ish. Not only is Lego's website one of the only places you can find the Desert Skiff and Sarlacc Pit scene set on sale ahead of Black Friday, but it's one of the last times you'll find it on sale at all — it's one of the Lego Star Wars sets retiring in 2025.

The official Lego Store has multiple Lego deals that we haven't seen at other retailers, and a lot of the discounts are quite steep (up to 40% off).

More Lego direct deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Trotting Lantern $77.99 at Lego
$129.99 Save $52.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wednesday & Enid's Dorm Room $53.99 at Lego
$89.99 Save $36.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Dreamzzz Cooper's Tiger Mech & Zero's Hot Rod Car $59.99 at Lego
$99.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Dreamzzz Castle Nocturnia $139.99 at Lego
$199.99 Save $60   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City F1 Garage & Mercedes-AMG & Alpine Cars $63.99 at Lego
$79.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Travel Moments $89.99 at Lego
$149.99 Save $60.00   Get Deal Best Target Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector's Set 66809 $41.99 at Target
$59.99 Save $18   Get Deal Why we like it

This cute Target-exclusive Lego Botanicals duo is $6 cheaper than when we first saw it on sale on Nov. 18. Now, you'll get both the Lego Mini Orchid and the Lego Lucky Bamboo sets together for $41.99 (a 30% discount). They'd make a relaxing office or windowsill decoration for any plant lover.

Note: Target's early Black Friday sale has a lot of fleeting deals, so some of these Lego deals end on Friday, Nov. 21 or Saturday, Nov. 22. There's no promising that they'll be back for actual Black Friday next week, so if you see a must-have, grab it now.

More Target Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back AT-AT Driver Helmet Building Set for Adults 75429 $67.99 at Target
$84.99 Save $17   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Sonic the Hedgehog Shadow the Hedgehog Gaming Gift and Sonic Playset 77000 $63.99 at Target
$79.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Invisible Hand 25th Anniversary 75377 $34.99 at Target
$49.99 Save $15   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas The Evolution of STEM 21355 $45.99 at Target
$79.99 Save $34.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Invisible Hand 25th Anniversary 75377 $34.99 at Target
$49.99 Save $15   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Viking Village 21343 $109.89 at Target
$156.99 Save $47.10   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Invisible Hand 25th Anniversary 75377 $34.99 at Target
$49.99 Save $15   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector’s Set for Gifting and Home Decor 66809 $41.99 at Target
$59.99 Save $18   Get Deal Best Best Buy Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Young Simba the Lion King Fan Disney Collection Building Set 43247 $90.99 at Best Buy
$129.99 Save $39.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Are you shopping for a dual Disney fan and Lego fan this year? Best Buy has dropped the adorable Young Simba set to less than $100 (its official Black Friday price) — the perfect display piece that Lion King fans can take pride (rock) in. This set just scratches the surface of Best Buy's Lego sets on sale, and there's much more than Disney stuff.

More Best Buy Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Fortnite Peely Bone Collectible Kit for Adults 77072 $69.99 at Best Buy
$99.99 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wicked Elphaba and Glinda 75682 $46.74 at Best Buy
$54.99 Save $8.25   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego DREAMZzz Castle Nocturnia Building Toy 71486 $169.99 at Best Buy
$199.99 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna Model Race Car for Adults 10330 $67.99 at Best Buy
$79.99 Save $12   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie´s House Video Game Toy 77050 $54.99 at Best Buy
$74.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego DC Batman: Batman Construction Figure & the Bat-Pod Bike Action Toy 76273 $55.24 at Best Buy
$64.99 Save $9.75   Get Deal Best Walmart Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Frozen Advent Calendar 2025 $30.79 at Walmart
$44.99 Save $14.20   Get Deal Why we like it

The Lego advent calendars are a delightful pickup for the holidays. If you've been hoping to grab one this year, the Lego Disney Frozen Advent Calendar 2025 is currently on sale at Walmart for $30.79. If you're shopping for an unapologetic Frozen over Tangled truther, they'll be so excited to open a new character or snowy scene accessory for the first 24 days of December.

There are plenty more Lego sets on sale at Walmart as of Nov. 20, but Lego deals have been disappearing at Walmart, too. Don't hesitate if you find a good price on a set you like.

More Walmart Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Interactive Mario & Standard Kart 72043 $43.99 at Walmart
$54.99 Save $11   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Friends Explore Outdoors 66806 $25 at Walmart
$44.98 Save $19.98   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet 10313 $47.95 at Walmart
$59.99 Save $12.04   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Minecraft Gift Set 66805 $45 at Walmart
$60.95 Save $15.95   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Art Mona Lisa Building Set 31213 $80.90 at Walmart
$99.99 Save $19.09   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Buckbeak The Hippogriff Building Toy $47.95 at Walmart
$59.99 Save $12.04   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Shop the best Black Friday deals on self-emptying robot vacuums: Save on Roborock, Eufy, Roomba, and more

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:31
The best early Black Friday self-emptying robot vacuum deals at a glance: Best Roborock Deal Roborock Qrevo CurvX $849.99 (save $650) Get Deal Best Roomba Deal iRobot Roomba Plus 504 $379.99 (save $185.50) Get Deal Best Eufy Deal Eufy Omni C20 $349.99 (save $350) Get Deal

Black Friday might still be a week away, but that doesn't mean you need to wait around all week to start scoring some big savings.

Amazon has launched its massive sales event early, so you can start saving big on new tech. Retailers like Best Buy and Walmart have also kicked off early, so you've got plenty of products to browse at all the usual spots. And if you have laid back cleaning on this year's wishlist, you'll likely be on the hunt for some of the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals.

SEE ALSO: I found 5 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are almost as good as the real thing

As the deals start to ramp up, we've put together a list of some of the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals already live.

Best early Black Friday Roborock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock roborock Qrevo CurvX $849.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $650   Get Deal Why we like it

This is a seriously impressive robot vacuum, with a whole lot going for it. It has a powerful 22,000Pa HyperForce suction and a Zero-Tangling Design that's perfect for homes with pets. It's small size comes in handy too, coming in at only 7.98cm tall, so it reaches under sofas and cabinets, picking up hard to reach dust.

And it's not just a vacuum, this model mops your floors too. It uses 80°C hot water to remove stains and grease, and when it returns to the dock, the mop will be cleaned and ready to go again. And to gain a spot on this list, this vacuum also self-empties its dirt and debris. You only need to empty it around every 70 days.

Best early Black Friday Roomba deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Plus 504 $379.99 at Amazon
$565.49 Save $185.50   Get Deal Why we like it

The iRobot Roomba Plus 504 is an ideal choice if you want something powerful, smart, and affordable, and this Black Friday discount takes it right down to its lowest-ever price. It benefits from Dual Rubber Brushes, Edge-Sweeping Brushes, and Carpet Boost features, as well as a powerful suction that can loosen and lift tough dirt. Its self-emptying capabilities are impressive too, with the dock able to trap and contains debris as small as 0.7 microns in an enclosed bag, with no need for you to empty for up to 75 days.

Best early Black Friday Eufy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy Omni C20 $349.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $350   Get Deal Why we like it

This is another great robot vacuum currently on sale for under $400. You'll get fully automated cleaning with features like auto emptying, washing, and drying. It has a strong suction of 7,000 Pa suction, a rolling brush, and a side brush, so this model can easily take on tough dirt, dust, and even pet hair thanks to the Pro-Detangle Comb. The C20 has a 3.1 litre dust bag, so you only need to empty it around every 60 days.

More early Black Friday self-emptying robot vacuum deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Shop the best Samsung The Frame TV deals over Black Friday — record-low prices are live right now on Amazon and Best Buy

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:20
Best early Black Friday Samsung The Frame TV deals Best 55-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Samsung 55-Inch Class LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV (2024) 799.99 (save $700) Get Deal Best 65-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Samsung 65-Inch Class LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV (2024) 999.99 (save $1,000) Get Deal Best 75-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Samsung 75-Inch Class The Frame Pro LS03FW 4K Neo QLED Mini LED TV (2025) 1997.99 (save $1,000) Get Deal

Black Friday doesn't officially start until Nov. 28, but most retailers have been dropping deals throughout the month. Best Buy and Amazon are leading the charge at this early stage, and that includes some of the most popular TVs from the biggest brands.

In particular, some of Samsung's The Frame TVs have dropped to seriously low prices. If you're unfamiliar with these TVs, they double as an art display when you're not watching, so you can throw up some nice artwork or photos to display when the TV isn't being used.

SEE ALSO: 2025 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Kohl's, Target, Home Depot, and more

If you've had your eye on one of these sleek displays, we've gathered up some of the best early Black Friday deals from the likes of Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart right now. As Black Friday continues, we'll be sure to update this with even more The Frame TV deals that cross our radar.

For now, check out our top discounted picks below. And for even more discounts on TVs, check out our breakdown of the best early Black Friday TV deals.

Best early Black Friday 55-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-Inch Class LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV (2024) $799.99 at Best Buy
$1,499.99 Save $700   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not looking to splash out on a massive TV ahead of the holidays, the 55-inch Samsung The Frame is a nice size to work with. And this discount is absolutely worth taking advantage of. Best Buy has slashed $700 off this model, making for almost 50% off its list price (46.7%, to be exact).

Down to $799.99, this TV will set you up with a 4K resolution, QLED display to catch all of your favorite shows and films in crisp, colorful quality. And for when it's not being used, it can display some lovely art, such as some pieces from New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Best early Black Friday 65-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch Class LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV (2024) $999.99 at Best Buy
$1,999.99 Save $1,000   Get Deal Why we like it

For those looking to invest in a slightly larger TV for their home, Best Buy's also offering an excellent discount on its 65-inch Samsung The Frame TV. This model has dropped by a whopping $1,000 as part of the retailer's Black Friday sale, allowing you to scoop it up for $999.99 instead of $1,999.99.

Best early Black Friday 75-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-Inch Class The Frame Pro LS03FW 4K Neo QLED Mini LED TV (2025) $1,997.99 at Amazon
$2,997.99 Save $1,000.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's 75-inch The Frame Pro is a great pickup for anyone hoping to go big this year. Over at Amazon, the Samsung 75-inch The Frame Pro has dropped from $2,997.99 to $1,997.99, saving you $1,000. It's worth noting that this TV is being sold by Walts TV. We generally don't recommend shopping with third-party sellers, so buyer beware. Check reviews and make your decision carefully.

This display is a Neo QLED TV, which Mashable's Leah Stodart described in her CES 2025 coverage as, "Samsung's term of endearment for mini LED, which offer more precise lighting due to their ability to be individually controlled, and the fact that there are more of them (compared to larger LED bulbs)." It also comes with Samsung's Vision AI and Pantone Validated Artful Color. To learn more, check out our breakdown of what to know about Samsung's The Frame Pro from when it was released.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 21, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:10

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a big eater.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 21, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Found on a jacket

  • Green: Alcoholic drinks

  • Blue: Found in animated films

  • Purple: To scarf down

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Things worn on lapels

  • Green: Cocktails

  • Blue: Pixar protagonists

  • Purple: Starting with synonyms for "Eat"

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #894 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Things worn on lapels: AWARENESS RIBBON, BOUTONNIERE, LAPEL PIN, LAVALIER

  • Cocktails: COSMOPOLITAN, GREYHOUND, SCREWDRIVER, SEA BREEZE

  • Pixar protagonists: CLOWNFISH, GRUMPY OLD MAN, RACECAR, TALKING DOLL

  • Starting with synonyms for "Eat": BOLT CUTTER, CHOW MEIN, SCARF RING, WOLF EEL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 21, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for November 21, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:10

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you work a 9 to 5.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 21, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 21, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Heard at the board meeting

The words are related to work.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe work terms.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Corporate Speak.

NYT Strands word list for November 21
  • Liaise

  • Disrupt

  • Align

  • Corporate Speak

  • Ideate

  • Scale

  • Pivot

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 21, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:10

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're good with words.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 21, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 21, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A, E, I, O, U.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter V.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

VOWEL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 21, 2025

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 21, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:10

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be a good time if you're familiar with Florida sports.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Splashing about

  • Green: Scoring

  • Blue: Player-related

  • Purple: Same first word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Four primary swimming strokes

  • Green: Touchdown

  • Blue: Associated with John Elway

  • Purple: Big ____

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #424 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • Four primary swimming strokes - BACK, BREAST, FLY, FREE

  • Touchdown - 6, PAYDIRT, TD, TUDDY

  • Associated with John Elway - 7, BRONCOS, NO. 1 PICK, STANFORD

  • Big ____ - 12, DANCE, LEAGUES, TEN

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for November 21, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:04

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, Nov. 21, 2025:

AcrossPump iron
  • The answer is Lift.

Peer
  • The answer is Equal.

Like the music of Rick James and James Brown
  • The answer is Funky.

Animal that can't change its stripes, per an old adage
  • The answer is Tiger.

Pointed part of a fork
  • The answer is Tine.

DownDominant hand for Shohei Ohtani when batting, but not pitching
  • The answer is Left.

Resignation proclamation
  • The answer is I Quit.

Mushrooms, mold, mildew, etc.
  • The answer is Fungi.

"Is this seat ___?"
  • The answer is Taken.

U-shaped instrument in ancient Greece
  • The answer is Lyre.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 5 best noise-cancelling earbuds include the most comfortable buds weve ever tested

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 12:00

Every top brand has its own take on ANC earbuds, each with a unique style and a plethora of features. Since you can't possibly try all the latest earbuds, the Mashable team has taken on the task of reviewing the best ANC earbuds for you.

We've recently updated this guide with our new favorite picks, including the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. The latter have already gone on sale ahead of Black Friday, but don't worry if the others haven't just yet — our team will be tracking the best headphones and earbuds deals all the way up to and through the shopping holiday.

SEE ALSO: I found 30+ early Black Friday tech deals I'd recommend to friends and family: Save on Apple, Samsung, DJI What are the best noise-cancelling earbuds? Not all earbuds are created equal — some are far more comfortable than others. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

While there are plenty of audio brands that provide good sound quality and noise cancellation, audio leaders Bose and Sony are in a league of their own. Not only do they offer phenomenal ANC, but they also make music and podcasts sound better. On a good pair of headphones, "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter sounds even catchier, somehow.

Earbuds usually aren't as comfortable as over-the-ear headphones. I know this well, as I've found many pairs of earbuds that just plain don't fit in my ear. Others are downright uncomfortable. Once again, Bose offers the most comfortable headphones and earbuds. However, Bose and Sony aren't the only brands out there. That's why we set out to test the best the market offers and see what makes a great pair of wireless earbuds.

How do noise-cancelling earbuds work? Noise-cancelling earbuds are small enough to slip in your pocket. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

All noise-cancelling headphones, including earbuds, have some passive noise cancellation. While over-the-ear headphones naturally block out noise by wrapping around the ears, earbuds don't block sound as effectively. Instead of covering your ears, wireless earbuds deliver sound directly into the ear canal to drown out other noises. They rely more on active noise cancellation (ANC) to reduce environmental noise.

ANC is an electronic process within the headphones. Internal microphones listen to your surroundings and then invert the sound, effectively canceling it. Sometimes, with noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds, you'll hear a slight buzzing or humming in the background, and that's the ANC at work. The best ANC earbuds shouldn't have this buzzing, however.

Categories: IT General, Technology

20+ early Black Friday gaming laptop deals: Score record lows on Alienware, ASUS, MSI, and more

Mashable - Fri, 11/21/2025 - 11:42
Best early Black Friday gaming laptop deals at a glance: Best Budget Gaming Laptop Deal Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop $579.99 (save $170) Get Deal Best mid-range gaming laptop deal Acer Nitro V 16S AI Gaming Laptop $1,099.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best high-end gaming laptop deal ASUS ROG Strix G18 $2,109.99 (save $390) Get Deal

There's no better way to celebrate the holidays than getting an awesome Black Friday deal on a gaming laptop and ignoring the entire family. I'm only half joking, but Black Friday really is the best time of year to upgrade your gaming setup. And if you don't fancy having a big gaming PC dominating the corner of your front room, a gaming laptop is a perfect alternative.

Not only is it a space saver, but it can still work alongside gaming monitors, keyboards, mice, and all the other essentials you'll need if you decide you prefer a desktop setup down the line. You can even extend your laptop display for some dual screen action, because two screens is always better than one. How else will you watch YouTube whilst working?

SEE ALSO: The 17 best Advent calendars to buy in November. Take advantage of early Black Friday sales.

I've had both gaming laptops and gaming PC setups, so I know a thing or twelve about a decent setup. Here's my breakdown of the best gaming laptop deals I've found for Black Friday so far:

Best early Black Friday budget gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, Intel Core i5-13420H, 8GB DDR5 $579.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $170   Get Deal Why we like it

So you're not getting a 5000 series RTX card, but DLSS 3 is still brilliant at generating frames, and there's some great workarounds out there to run DLSS 4 on 4000 series GPUs if you surf github. 8GB DDR5 RAM is enough for 1080p gaming and so is the i5 processor. In all honesty, a gaming laptop for $579.99 isn't going to run Cyberpunk 2077 at full settings with ray tracing, but who cares at this price point. It's more than capable and you can simply upgrade the RAM down the line if you fancy.

More budget Black Friday gaming laptop dealsBest early Black Friday mid-range gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 16S AI Gaming Laptop: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, AMD Ryzen 7 260, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

It looks like an RTX 5060 is the sweet spot for mid-range gaming laptops, which is absolutley fine. You're always going to get less performance from a gaming laptop GPU compared to it's full-fat desktop alternative, but you have the power of native DLSS 4 to generate those extra frames you're looking for and best-in-class image upscaling. That simply means you can set your games to a lower resolution, then RTX 5060 pumps up the resolution artificially so you're getting more performance. The AI side of this laptop will help with that, too. The Ryzen 7 260 is built to handle the extra load and a massive 32GB DDR5 RAM is overkill. This is a cracking Black Friday deal for a gaming laptop that won't break the bank (much).

More mid-range Black Friday gaming laptop dealsBest early Black Friday high-end gaming laptop deals Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025): Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 32GB DDR5, 2TB SSD $2,109.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $390   Get Deal Why we like it

I picked this deal as the extra you'll be paying to get into RTX 5080 territory simply isn't worth it. This is a perfect 1440p gaming machine, which if we're being honest is the sweet spot for PC gaming right now. If you're looking for 4k 60 FPS+ gaming, you're going to save a fortune just buying or building a gaming PC. The 3ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate on this 2.5k screen means you can push well over 200 FPS at 1440p for most games, and RTX 5070 alongside the Ultra 9 275HX processor will get you there. With DLSS 4 tech baked in, there's no reason why you can't play the biggest and best games on max settings at 1440p with this setup, with possible headroom left over for decent ray tracing performance on some titles.

More early Black Friday high-end gaming laptop deals
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