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Raspberry Pi-based Plex servers look like a DIY-friendly, low-power way to build a compact Plex server. They're readily available, easy to work with, and have fantastic community support. Unfortunately, the builds you see on YouTube and social media only look good because they avoid one of the Raspberry Pi's greatest weaknesses.

Luxury is often associated with premium badges, but the badge itself doesn’t always guarantee the best ownership experience. In the used market especially, some overlooked mainstream models deliver the same refinement, comfort, and road presence as traditional luxury cars, often for far less money. One German liftback proves that stepping outside the usual premium brands can be a surprisingly smart move.

Choosing the right tool for multiple jobs can be tough, especially with so many brands to choose from. Then, once you decide on a brand and start stocking up, you'll realize you forgot something important. Earlier this year, I finally bought a RIDGID 4 Gallon wet/dry shop vac, and not only is it a tool I sorely needed, but it's something everyone should own.

When it comes to the most popular streaming websites, one we can all agree on is Netflix. Sure, the Netflix prices have gone up, and sometimes, you wonder if there are better alternatives out there, but at the end of the day, the platform has a ridiculous amount of content on it that gives you plenty of options.

A couple years ago, I purchased a pair of AR glasses and wore them as a replacement for my computer monitor. I worked in them. I played games with them. I loved them, briefly and passionately, before eventually allowing them to disappear onto a shelf. Despite delivering on their promise, I grew tired of them after only a few months.

For a long time, the standard for digital writing was consistent. Whether you wrote a short memo, an academic paper, or a novel, you probably used the same word processor and typed into a blank white page, and that was usually Microsoft Word, even with hidden features. However, relying on a single app limits you, and there are better apps out there to use. Instead of forcing work into a rigid format, you should use a group of specialized tools where each program serves a specific purpose.

I've owned the same Kindle since 2011, and it's still going strong. While I much prefer reading real books, it's hard to beat the portability that a Kindle can offer; you can take an entire library on vacation, and it only takes up the same space as a slice of bread.

Every mini PC I've ever owned, be it for myself or for reviewing purposes, was mine and mine alone. It's not that I don't like to share: I just didn't see the point when everyone else already has their own hardware. If the person I live with has their own PC, what's the point in sharing a spare, third, portable computer?

When you buy a Samsung Galaxy phone, you're getting a lot more than just an Android phone. You're also getting a device packed with advanced features seamlessly integrated into One UI, Samsung's version of Android. And while there's plenty of overlap, several Samsung Galaxy exclusive features make the experience even better.

The biggest hit on the internet right now isn’t a scripted sitcom or a big-budget movie. It’s a group of friends sitting around a table, rolling dice, and creating fantastic worlds for four hours at a time. Shows like Critical Role and Dimension 20 have conquered both the internet and live audiences across the world with their imaginations and hysterical banter.

But cultural phenomenons like these aren’t forged overnight. It takes years worth of Initiative, Charisma checks and Nat 20s for these campaigns to get to where they are today. And we are going to break down why Actual Play sorcerers like Critical Role and Dimension 20 succeeded and how they hit.

There's a good chance that if you own a Raspberry Pi or two, you're probably also the owner of a 3D printer, or know how to get access to one through a local print farm or a friend.

Setting up a NAS is easy—they're usually plug-and-play. Picking out the right one for you can be harder. There are hundreds of models across at least a dozen brands, and they all have different hardware specs. I became a bit obsessed with finding the "ideal" NAS before purchasing one, only to realize that most of the time, the hardware specs don't really matter much at all.

The ESP32 is a hobbyist’s dream that comes in a broad range of configurations. It can be hard to know where to begin, but there are some simple rules you can follow to match the intended use with a classic, C3, C6, S3, or other variants.

If you're building a home media server, you've got a few solid options to pick from. Plex has long been the mainstream giant that most people start with, but over time, the app has shifted away from pure self-hosting. As a result, Jellyfin has quietly become the go-to choice for self-hosting enthusiasts who want more control and no compromises.

Microsoft 365 is a massive suite, and you could spend your afternoon clicking through endless ribbons. On the other hand, you could get your work done in half the time by knowing the most useful keyboard shortcuts. From universal commands to app-specific essentials, here's every Microsoft 365 shortcut you need to keep your hands off the mouse.

DIY ESP32 projects can be a cost-effective way to build your dream smart home, especially if you're looking for something unique that doesn't exist in retail form. Unfortunately, planning and researching a project can be time-consuming and tedious. That is where Velxio comes in.

TL;DR: This near-mint MacBook Pro (2020) delivers strong performance, a sharp Retina display, and all-day usability for just $429.97 while stock lasts.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $429.97
$1,999 Save $1,569.03   Get Deal

Not every MacBook needs to be your “handle with care” device. Sometimes, you just want something powerful, reliable, and ready to go — without worrying about every scratch or spill. And this near-mint Apple MacBook Pro fits that bill.

It’s built to handle real work. With a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a fast 512GB SSD, it’s more than capable of juggling everyday multitasking, creative projects, or even some heavier workloads like video editing or coding.

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Apps launch quickly, files move fast, and everything feels responsive.

The 13.3-inch Retina display is still one of the highlights, offering sharp resolution and vibrant color with True Tone for easier viewing throughout the day. Pair that with the Magic Keyboard, the Touch Bar’s easy-access shortcuts, and Touch ID login, and you’ve got a setup that feels both familiar and efficient.

It’s also surprisingly versatile thanks to four Thunderbolt 3 ports, giving you plenty of options for displays, accessories, and fast data transfers. And with up to 10 hours of battery life, it’s easy to take it on the go without constantly thinking about charging.

This Grade A refurbished model is in near-mint condition with the possibility of light scratching. Get MacBook Pro performance for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) while stock lasts.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Secure lifetime access to ChatPlayground AI for $74.97 (reg. $619) through May 10 and evaluate 25+ leading AI models side by side in a single workspace.

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $74.97
$619 Save $544.03   Get Deal

Switching between multiple AI tools to test the same prompt is a common yet inefficient workflow. Since each model performs differently depending on the task, comparison is valuable—but managing tabs and subscriptions isn’t. ChatPlayground AI centralizes top models into one interface, allowing you to review outputs simultaneously without the friction. Lifetime access is currently discounted to $74.97 through May 10 (reg. $619).

GPT-4o, Claude Sonnet, Gemini, DeepSeek, Llama, Perplexity, and more — all in one clean interface. It’s built for people who iterate fast, test variations, and actually care about optimizing results.

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Beyond comparisons, ChatPlayground AI includes prompt engineering tools to refine outputs, image and PDF chat for context-aware responses, saved chat history for ongoing projects, and AI image generation powered by leading models. There’s even a Chrome extension to integrate it directly into your browsing workflow.

The Unlimited Plan means unlimited messages per month, making it ideal for startups, product teams, marketers, and prompt engineers who run experiments nonstop. You also get priority support and early access to new features and future models.

If you’re already paying for multiple AI tools — or constantly switching between them — this consolidates everything into one streamlined platform.

Grab lifetime access to ChatPlayground AI Unlimited for $74.97 before May 10 and stop juggling models for good.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get eight apps for life for just $29.97 with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows deal (reg. $219.99) now through May 3.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $29.97
$219.99 Save $190.02   Get Deal

Remember back in the day when you didn’t have to pay monthly to use software? If you’d like to take a trip down memory lane, this Microsoft Office lifetime license is for you. Not only does it include some of the classic programs from decades ago, now available as apps, but you also pay once and enjoy them for life.

This Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license is yours now for just $29.97 (reg. $219.99) — less than $5 per app — now through May 3.

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If you miss actually owning your favorite work tools, you’ll appreciate this Microsoft Office deal. It helps you avoid monthly subscription fees, allowing you to download your apps outright and work offline on your PC whenever you need to. And you get each tool for less than $5 with this lifetime license.

Feel like it’s the ’90s all over again with permanent access to classics like Word for all your document needs, Excel for building spreadsheets, PowerPoint for creating presentations, and Outlook to manage your emails.

You’ll also get newer Microsoft Office favorites like Access, which helps you manage large databases, and Publisher, which makes creating professional documents easy. There’s Teams to keep you connected with coworkers, friends, and family, and OneNote rounds out the suite to help you upgrade your note-taking routine.

Don’t be deceived by this edition’s 2021 label. These apps have been redesigned and are ready to help everyone from designers to data analysts. There’s also a ribbon-based interface that gives you easy access to features, tools, and customizations.

Just note, your computer needs to be running Windows 10 or 11 to be compatible.

Lock in a lifetime of savings with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows deal, now $29.97 (reg. $219.99) through May 3.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

There are a lot of valid reasons for looking for a hookup and you certainly don't need to justify your quest for a fling to us.

If you want to protect your privacy or at least keep a low profile while you swipe through sexy singles in your area, there are a few different approaches you can take, some general guidance that works across all apps and sites, and some more targeted advice depending on the service you're using.

General tips for browsing hookup apps discreetly

The following tips work well across all hookup sites. Think of them as general guidelines for limiting your exposure:

• Sign up using an alternative email address. Not only does this spare you in the event of a data breach (and trust us: they're more common than you would think), but it also means that no one who catches a glance at your inbox will ever find out which hookup sites you frequent.

• Anonymize your photos as far as possible. You don't have to blur your face, but neither should you be taking photos of yourself that could show someone what neighborhood you live in or where you work. Additionally, ensure you leave out any identifying marks, such as unique tattoos, from any of your profile photos.  

• Don't link your social media in your profile. Too many people share their Instagram pages or TikTok handles in their profiles, but doing so dramatically increases your exposure, since every image and story you post there could inadvertently contain identifying information about you, from who your friends are to where you hang out.  

• Take advantage of gift cards or prepaid credit cards. If you opt to purchase a premium membership to a hookup app or site, the paper trail linking your bank account or credit card to the service is a definite liability. To maximize your anonymity, use a prepaid card or purchase a gift card rather than using your main credit or debit card to register your membership. 

App-specific tips to retain your anonymityFeeld

For the privacy-conscious dater, Feeld’s Incognito mode is a game-changer: you can scout the Discover feed without leaving a digital footprint, remaining invisible to anyone you haven't explicitly "liked." The app also supports private photo vaults that only unlock for confirmed connections.

Tinder

Tinder offers a few unique features that can help you lower your profile, even as you swipe away. First, consider turning off Discovery mode when you're trying to keep a low profile. This will make it impossible for new people to find your profile in search without preventing you from speaking to the people you've already matched with.

If you really want to take things up a notch and you already have a Tinder Plus, Gold or Platinum membership, you can use Passport Mode to browse singles in a nearby city, or a place you're travelling to for work or on a vacation. This is a great way to prevent your local friends and family from accidentally coming across your profile. 

You can also block phone numbers if you really don't want certain individuals coming across your profile, like your boss or sibling.

Grindr

The first line of defence on Grindr is a relatively new feature called Profile Hide that works on one user at a time. Say, for example, you come across a co-worker on the app, and don't want them to know you're also using it. Simply click on their profile and find the Hide icon. If you tap this, your profile will become invisible to them and their profile will become invisible to you, like magic.

If you want to take things up a notch, you'll need a Grindr Unlimited membership, which unlocks a really useful privacy feature called Incignito mode, which essentially allows you to use the service in total secrecy, without anyone knowing you're there until you initiate an interaction. 

AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder is like the Wild West of hookup sites, a place where seemingly anything goes, but that carefree attitude can also be a privacy nightmare. We strongly recommend you limit the amount of identifiable information you put on your profile, including being very selective about which photos you choose to share.

One good way to strike a balance between total anonymity and a modicum of privacy is to take advantage of AFF's many photo features, specifically their photo permissions options. You can make your main profile photo something reasonably discrete, such as a full-length picture of you wearing a hat or a photo shot from a distance or even a photo with your face blurred out, but then you can create a photo album of more identifiable, personal photos that you choose to share only with friends. 

That way, you become the final gatekeeper over your photos, allowing you to be selective about who you share them with.