Don’t buy a laptop for under $500 — unless it’s one of these

Looking for the best laptops under $500 can be a tricky process. There are a lot of these units on the market, and even a basic search on Amazon can produce a ton of results with a near-infinite number of configurations. Is this device worth the money? Am I purchasing out-of-date hardware? Will it end up moving slower than the smartphone in my pocket? Luckily for you, we did the investigative work.

Unfortunately, finding a laptop based on the most recent components priced under $500 is highly unlikely. You’re even lucky to discover a good deal based on previous-generation technology. For instance, Intel just unleashed its eighth-generation family of CPUs for laptops, but most of what you’ll find for under $500 are products based on older chips dating back to Intel’s third-generation lineup.

That said, buying a laptop with a processor launched at the end of 2015 isn’t exactly horrible (for now), and you’ll find a few scattered below sporting these sixth-generation chips. The clue to their age is in the CPU’s model number, such as the Core i3-7100U. The “7” indicates that it’s a seventh-generation chip, whereas the new Core i5-8250U is an eighth-generation model.

For our roundup, we split the laptop gold mine into two sections: Windows 10 and Chrome OS. There’s a huge fan base for each, and you’ll find models under $500 served up by popular manufacturers Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. First, let’s start with the best laptops under $500 packing Windows 10!

Acer Aspire E 15 (around $480)

With this model, Acer is using Intel’s seventh-generation Core i3-7100U processor, but there’s also a version made available relying on the sixth-generation Core i5-6200U chip. The latter Core i5 CPU actually provides slightly better performance, but it’s a two-year-old chip whereas the Core i3 processor arrived last year. The performance difference between the two isn’t drastic, so you may want to weigh performance versus age when choosing this laptop.

Outside the processor aspect, this Core i3-based model consists of a 15.6-inch screen with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 8GB of system memory (DDR4), and 1TB of storage via a 5,200RPM hard drive. The graphics are handled by Intel’s integrated HD Graphics 620 component, and can be exported through the built-in HDMI port. Other connectivity aspects include Wireless AC and Bluetooth 4.1, wired gigabit Ethernet networking, and four USB ports.

The laptop weighs 5.27 pounds, and measures 15 x 10 x 1.1 inches. It also includes an 8x SuperMulti optical drive.

Asus VivoBook F510UA ($499)

This Windows 10-based VivoBook from Asus relies on Intel’s latest eighth-generation Core i5-8250U processor. It’s a quad-core chip with a base speed of 1.60GHz, and a boost speed of 3.40GHz. It includes Intel’s integrated UHD Graphics 620 component supporting 4K visuals, but that’s only supported through the laptop’s HDMI output. The built-in 15.6-inch screen can only handle a maximum resolution of 1,920 x 1,080.

As for other hardware goodies, this laptop includes 8GB of system memory (DDR4), 1TB of storage on a 5,400RPM hard drive, and an SD card reader for additional storage. Networking is only handled by Wireless AC connectivity, and the remaining connectivity options are provided through three USB ports. This laptop even ships with a fingerprint scanner for password-free access to Windows 10.

The VivoBook weighs 3.7 pounds, and measures 14.2 x 9.6 x 0.8 inches.

Dell Inspiron 15 (around $450)

Dell’s Inspiron-branded notebook is based on Intel’s seventh-generation Core i3-7100U dual-core processor clocked at 2.4GHz. The graphics are handled by the chip’s integrated HD Graphics 620 component capable of 4K visuals, but the 15.6-inch touch-enabled screen only supports a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Anything higher will need to be outsourced through the built-in HDMI port.

Based on the specs, the laptop includes 8GB of system memory (DDR4), and a 1TB 5,400RPM hard drive. There’s no wired Ethernet connectivity, but the laptop supports Wireless AC networking (433Mbps), and Bluetooth 4.1. Other features consist of an SD card reader, three USB ports, and a cool “orchid” purple exterior. The speakers are fine-tuned with MaxxAudio by Waves.

Dell’s laptop weighs 5.1 pounds, and measures 10.2 x 15.3 x 0.9 inches.

HP Pavilion 17 (around $475)

This Pavilion-branded laptop sports a 17.3-inch screen with a 1,600 x 900 resolution. It’s powered by Intel’s seventh-generation Core i5-7200U processor, and the chip’s integrated HD Graphics 620 component. It’s capable of 4K visuals only through a supported external display connected to the laptop’s HDMI port.

Other ingredients thrown into the Pavilion mix include a mere 4GB of system memory (DDR4), 1TB of storage on a 5,200RPM hard drive, and a SuperMuti DVD/CD burner. There are three USB ports to handle your external devices, and an Ethernet port for wired networking. There’s no mention of wireless connectivity on the product page, but HP’s Pavilion 17 laptops typically include Wireless AC (867Mbps) and Bluetooth 4.2.

This laptop weighs 7.2 pounds and measures 17.3 x 1.0 x 10.1 inches.

Lenovo IdeaPad 320 (around $475)

Here’s another 17.3-inch laptop for under $500, only it’s by Lenovo. This IdeaPad-branded model is based on Intel’s seventh-generation Core i3-7100U processor, and the chip’s integrated HD Graphics 620 component. The screen supports a maximum resolution of 1,600 x 900, which isn’t surprising given the targeted price point. There’s no touch-based input, but for the price, you get the added benefit of a fingerprint reader for password-free entry into Windows 10.

Other ingredients baked into this laptop include a weird 6GB system memory configuration, indicating that it may include two memory slots packed with 2GB and 4GB sticks. For storage, you get a slow 5,200RPM hard drive with a 1TB capacity that’s complemented by an SD card reader. Other features include three USB ports, an Ethernet port, HDMI output, Wireless AC networking (867Mbps), and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity.

Lenovo’s IdeaPad is the heaviest of the group, weighing 7.1 pounds and measuring 16.5 x 11.5 x 1.0 inches.

Next, on to Chromebooks!

Acer Chromebook 15 (under $500)

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

For starters, Acer has a newer version of its 15.6-inch Chromebook listed on its site for $400, but you can find this one for a wide range of prices on the internet. The older 2015 model we’re listing here is based on a fifth-generation Core i5-5200U dual-core processor backed by an integrated HD Graphics 5500 component capable of 4K visuals. But the Chromebook’s built-in screen only supports a maximum resolution of 1,920 x 1,080.

Acer’s Chromebook includes 4GB of system memory, and a built-in SSD providing 32GB of storage. Other goodies include Wireless AC (867Mbps) and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, two USB ports, HDMI output, and a microSD card reader for storing your files, music, and videos. Note that this Chromebook provides upward-facing speakers in the keyboard area, so the audio isn’t muffled, distorted, or pushed away from your ears.

This Chromebook weighs a mere 4.8 pounds, and measures 15.1 x 9.7 x 1.0 inches.

Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA ($430)

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

This Chromebook from Asus has a smaller screen at 12.5-inches, and a smaller price tag in the process. This screen supports touch input and a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, backed by Intel’s Core m3-6Y30 processor with a meager base speed of 900MHz and a boost speed of 2.2GHz. While that doesn’t sound very “speedy” for any laptop, there’s a version based on Intel’s Core m5-6Y54 with faster base and boost speeds for $220 more.

With this Chromebook, you’re buying into the “flip” design, meaning the 12.5-inch screen sits on a 360-degree hinge to enable four form factors: Laptop, Stand, Tent, and Tablet. The screen has full touch support, and a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Other ingredients consist of 4GB of system memory, a whopping 64GB of storage (another cost factor), Wireless AC connectivity, and a handful of ports. The battery promises an average uptime of 10 hours.

The Chromebook Flip weighs 2.6 pounds, and measures 8.3 x 12 x 0.5 inches.

HP 13 G1 Chromebook ($499)

HP’s Chromebook is based on Intel’s sixth-generation Pentium 4405Y processor speeding along at 1.5GHz. It powers a 13.3-inch screen with a crazy resolution of 3,200 x 1,800, taking full advantage of the Pentium chip’s HD Graphics 515 integrated graphics. This is unusually high for a Chromebook, and a great deal for what you’re paying. There’s no dedicated video output, so you’ll need to use a USB adapter to pipe those visuals to an external display.

The screen and processor are backed by 4GB of system memory (DDR3), and 32GB of storage. Other components include Wireless AC networking (867Mbps), Bluetooth 4.2, three USB ports, an HP TrueVision HD camera, and a battery promising around 8.25 of average up-time. It even includes a TPM 1.2 embedded security chip for the workplace.

HP’s Chromebook weighs 2.7 pounds, and measures 8.6 x 12.6 x 1.0 inches.

Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook (around $400)

This Chromebook manufactured by Lenovo features a 13.3-inch screen with a lackluster 1,366 x 768 resolution. The selling point appears to be the device’s battery promising up to 13 hours on a single charge. It relies on a sixth-generation Intel Core i3-6100U processor along with an integrated HD Graphics 520 component capable of outputting an 4K resolution.

As for the other items on the Chromebook menu, the device includes 4GB of system memory (LPDDR3), 16GB of storage, and wireless connectivity via Wireless AC and Bluetooth 4.0. It provides four USB ports and an SD card slot, but you won’t find wired Ethernet-based networking or video output. It’s MIL-STD 810G certified, meaning it can withstand the harsh handling of kids and soldiers alike.

Lenovo’s Chromebook weighs 3.1 pounds, and measures 8.8 x 12.7 x 0.8 inches.

Samsung Chromebook Plus ($449)

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Finally, this Chromebook is based on a special processor optimized for Chrome OS, and is the only unit in the batch not based on an Intel chip. The processor is Rockchip’s RK3399, which consists of two “big” cores for the heavy lifting, and four “little” cores for general stuff like file editing and web browsing. This processor falls under Google’s “OP1” umbrella, which is short for “optimized first generation” for processors optimized for Chrome OS.

Outside the special chip, Samsung’s Chromebook sports a 12.3-inch touch-enabled screen with a hefty 2,400 x 1,600 resolution. It includes a 360-degree hinge enabling you to configure the Chromebook in four positions: Laptop, Tent, Stand, and Tablet. Other features include 4GB of system memory (DDR3L), 32GB of storage, an SD card reader, and several USB ports. Networking is provided via Wireless AC connectivity.

The Chromebook Plus weighs 2.4 pounds, and measures 11 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches. It also ships with a pen for on-screen note taking, illustrations, and more.

Editors’ Recommendations

• HP’s newest ProBook 400 G5 upgrades to Intel 8th Gen notebook CPUs
• Is Google’s Pixelbook a worthy competitor to the Surface Pro?
• It’s real! Lenovo unveils 25th Anniversary ThinkPad with retro keyboard, styling
• AMD CEO shows off first laptop packing a Ryzen-branded chip at Best Buy
• The best cheap laptop you can buy

Be ready to roll on Black Friday with Yahoo Mail’s handy coupon list

Yahoo is adding a few new features to Yahoo Mail that should help make two areas of life — traveling and Black Friday shopping — a little easier. The new features are called Coupons, Smart Travel View, and Flight Change Alerts, and they all appear to be pretty darn helpful.

Let’s start with Coupons, which is launching just in time for Black Friday shopping. The feature is basically aimed at being the digital version of “coupon clipping.” Instead of actually cutting out coupons from flyers you get in the actual mail, Yahoo will automatically gather all the Black Friday deals you get in your inbox into one list that you can scroll through. From that list, you can filter even further by “clipping” coupons that look particularly interesting, and even set alerts for when those coupons expire. To be clear, the feature will be available after Black Friday — so it will also help when Christmas rolls around.

Of course, the feature is only available in Yahoo Mail, but if you use Yahoo as your main inbox and have connected other accounts, like Gmail, you can clip coupons from those accounts, too. The feature is available on the web and within the mobile app.

Yahoo is also launching a few new features that should make things easier for travelers. Yahoo Mail will now pull relevant information from your flights and display it all in the “Travel Smart View.” You’ll get all the pertinent information, including airport, time, gate, and so on. You’ll also get check-in alerts, and 24 hours before the flight, you’ll receive a notification that will bring you directly to the airline’s check-in website. On the day of your flight, Yahoo will track things like gate changes, delays, and so on — and will update you with that information as it becomes available

The new features seem like very nice additions, but what’s extra helpful is that they’re not limited to either the app or the website — they’re available on both. That means users can expect largely the same experience across both platforms, which is something that not all mail providers can boast.

Editors’ Recommendations

• For deals or just the latest designs, these are the best shopping apps out there
• Buried under emails? The best email clients can help you dig out
• Save data, save money: How to reduce your data usage on Android or iOS
• The 100 best iPhone apps (October 2017)
• These 30 essential iPhone 6 tricks and tips will help you master it

Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes Apple apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers put paid apps on sale for free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest iOS app deals available from the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

Lola Travel

Lola is the new app from Kayak co-founder Paul English focused on business travel. Lola makes personalized recommendations and offers 24/7 travel agent support.

Available on:

iOS

Alti

Alti is a beautiful, feature-rich, minimalist altimeter and compass application for your iPhone. It sports a clean design, and includes an altitude indicator, a magnetic and true north compass, and coordinates for DMS and degrees.

Available on:

iOS

Runtopia

This app offers all-round GPS tracking and data analysis for your running performance. It also features a real-time audio coach that gives real-time running feedback and guides your running form to help you prevent running injury.

Available on:

iOS

ACT Companion

Acceptance and commitment therapy is a scientifically supported mindfulness-based behaviour therapy with over 100 published peer-reviewed studies demonstrating its effectiveness for a wide range of clinical issues (such as anxiety and depression).

Available on:

iOS

Grocery List

Abandon the paper list and all other complicated applications that end up hindering rather than helping. Remember To Buy was designed to be a more practical grocery list and make your life easier.

Available on:

iOS

Learn Spanish

Learn Spanish in no time! MosaLingua’s effective and addictive teaching method will help you memorize loads of vocabulary, key phrases, and conjugations in record time.

Available on:

iOS

Editors’ Recommendations

• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

How the Pixel 2 XL, Note 8, and iPhone 8 Plus stack up to each other

A comparison of three of 2017’s best.

Each and every year there are certain handsets that stick out above the rest. There were quite a few devices this year that managed to do just that, and three of them are the Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy Note 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. All three of these offer some of the best experiences you can find on a smartphone in 2017, and one of our forum users decided to see how each one compared to one another.

As you’d expect, this got quite a lot of people talking and chiming in with their own thoughts on the comparison. Here’s what some of you had to say.

alodar101
11-14-2017 12:40 PM

“

I currently have in my lineup, iPhone 8+, Note8, and the pixel 2xl. Each of them had their time to be top dog. This weekend I tried the iPhone 8+ again. It failed to dislodge the pixel as top dog… Not even close. I just turned the Note8 back on…. We’ll see what happens….

Reply

Orion78
11-14-2017 12:46 PM

“

I absolutely love my Pixel 2 XL. That phone will be a keeper for me. With that being said, I’m looking to get the Note 8 as well. Waiting for Black Friday.

Reply

Ken in CA
11-14-2017 01:02 PM

“

I have both the N8 and 2XL. I really like my 2XL except for a minor blue tooth issue with my podcasts / music as it won’t display artwork or artist on my 2017 Prius Prime. Also in my workspace, I get reception with my N8 (1 bar) and zero reception with my 2XL.

I’m interested to see how your evaluation pans out.

Reply

AustinTech
11-15-2017 01:12 PM

“

I tried the 2 XL, s8+, and iPhone 8 plus. I couldn’t stand the blue shift and crap colors on the 2 XL so it went back. iOS 11 isn’t working very well on the iPhone 8 plus, lots of odd bugs and the battery life isn’t so great. My s8+ has some occasional stutters and dropped frames, but everything works well and the battery life is great. So I’m sticking with the s8+ for now. I really wish the u11…

Reply

There’s still plenty more that can be said here, so we’d like to know – How do you think these three phones stack up to one another?

Join the conversation in the forums!

Google Assistant now supports apps for Canadian users

Apps for the Assistant are available in both English and French.

There are many different levels and layers to the Google Assistant, and while it’s great for checking the weather, adding events to your calendar, and staying up to date on the latest world news, applications made using Actions on Google Assistant help to drastically expand the functionality of the AI. Recently, Google announced that these apps are finally coming to users in Canada.

With these apps now available, you can begin to use Assistant on your phone or Google Home for a variety of new things. You can find apps by accessing Assistant on your phone, and if you find one that you’d like to use, simply say the voice command to connect to it. Unlike apps on your phone or tablet, there’s no need to download ones for Assistant.

By using apps for the Assistant, you’ll be able to use your voice to shop for holiday gifts on Best Buy Canada, break an early morning sweat with Fitbit Coach, learn how to make a prime cocktail with Tender, etc.

Canadians can start using apps for Google Assistant in French and English now.

Google Assistant gains a load of new features and supports more languages

The EcoFlow Tech River: Portable power wherever you need it

The EcoFlow Tech River will change the way you look at portable power.

Keeping all your tech charged can be a neverending struggle, which is why portable charging accessories come in all shapes and sizes. A battery pack that’s compact enough to throw in your backpack is a great personal accessory, but sometimes you need something a little more substantial.

The EcoFlow Tech River is a stylish looking mobile power station that houses an impressive 412Wh battery (equivalent to 114,000mAh) with 11 output sources that should basically let you charge any electronic device you own. What’s more, it’s got a DC/AC inverter that gives you two outlets for plugging in other electronics or smaller appliances like lamps or fans. There’s even an optional solar panel to keep the River charged while camping.

I’ve spent a good amount of time using the EcoFlow Tech River as a mobile source of power around the home as well as testing it out in the “real world”. I’m impressed by its versatility, build quality, and ease of use, but it’ll also set you back about as much as that smartphone you’ll likely be using the River to charge.

What sets the EcoFlow Tech River apart from the rest?

Beefy power stations like this are nothing new. In fact, EcoFlow Tech kind of has an uphill battle to win over consumers as an upstart company in a competitive space, with the Anker Powerhouse and Goal Zero Yeti offering similar off-the-grid power solutions at a lower price.

But the EcoFlow Tech River does a lot of things better than the competition and it starts with the design. Whereas most portable power stations look utilitarian — like a car battery with some outlets on the front — the EcoFlow Tech River stands out with a design that flows from front to back. The majority of ports are located on the front, below the LCD display that’s bright enough to read in direct sunlight. The AC outlets and 12V port are located on the back along with the recharging port. It weighs in at just over 11 lbs. but doesn’t feel cumbersome to lug around thanks to the curved, built-in carrying handle.

No matter which phone or cables you have on you, you should be able to find an orientation that’ll charge your phone.

Beyond the look and feel of the EcoFlow Tech River, you’re simply not going to find a more adaptable power station when it comes to charging smartphones. Among the six USB ports on the front, you get two standard 5V/2A ports, two Quick Charge compatible ports, and two USB-C ports. No matter which phone or cables you have on you, you should be able to find an orientation that’ll charge your phone. Got five friends who all want to charge their phones at the same time? The River can handle that with ease — I was able to fully charge five devices simultaneously. There are also two 12V DC outputs up front which I didn’t test but presumably would be used for connecting other devices, and EcoFlow Tech included a handful of adapters for powering different devices.

With its output maxed out at 500W, you won’t be able to use the River to power anything that uses a heating coil, like an electric kettle, hairdryer, or heat dish. Nor can it be used to jumpstart a car or anything like that. However, it’s still significantly more powerful than it’s top competitors and in turn will allow you to power more of your devices simultaneously if you please. It also has a “smart” system that automatically adjusts power output to each specific device’s wattage, regulates temperature so devices don’t shut down, and connects individually to each output port to avoid a surge affecting your connected devices.

When it comes time to charge the EcoFlow Tech River itself you’ve got options. You can use the included wall charger get a full charge in about six hours, use the included car charger and top up in roughly nine hours if you’re on a road trip, or opt to buy the solar panel add-on and charge wherever you are in 10 to 15 hours — weather permitting, of course.

Real-world testing

With a portable power station as versatile as this at my disposal, I knew there was no better way to test it than to take it out into the wilderness on a short camping trip and do my best to drain the River — especially after watching some of the promotional media for the River.

So that’s what I did. I booked an unserviced campsite and invited some friends out with the goal of using the EcoFlow Tech River to power all the fun. Beyond using the EcoFlow Tech River to ensure that everyone kept their phones charged, we used it wherever possible — the 12V port was used with an electric air mattress pump for its designed purpose, but also later in the night when rain was threatening to douse our campfire, it came through as a surprisingly effective makeshift bellows for keeping the fire stoked. We also used one of the AC outlets to power a string of LED Christmas lights that provided much needed ambient lighting throughout the night that put barely a dent in the River’s battery except for the power drawn for the AC inverter.

For all the fun you can have with this power station, it may also serve as a crucial piece of tech for your and your family in an emergency situation.

Easily my favorite test for the EcoFlow Tech River was plugging in and rocking out on an electric guitar in the middle of a forest. I think I fell in love with the EcoFlow Tech River the moment I struck that first chord and heard the echo carrying over the treetops. It was cool to watch the power usage spike on the display the louder and faster I played. Eventually, out of respect for our camping neighbors, we retired the electric in favor of an acoustic guitar, but EcoFlow Tech claims we could have jammed out for up to 20 hours and that’s music to my ears.

Now it was all fun and games for my time testing the EcoFlow Tech River, but the whole while I was having fun I also tried to keep in mind how practical this device would be as part of an emergency preparation kit. EcoFlow Tech says that the River will keep a positive charge stored for up to a full year, which means it will be ready in cases where the power goes out, or it’s something you could throw into the trunk of your car long road trip. For all the fun you can have with this power station, it may also serve as a crucial piece of tech for your and your family in an emergency situation. That can be a huge selling featured if you live in a part of the world that occasionally gets slammed by tropical storms or other natural disasters.

Is it worth buying?

The EcoFlow Tech River looks slick and is incredibly useful for both practical and impractical purposes, but how much is this thing going to cost? If you were fortunate enough to back EcoFlow Tech during their Kickstarter campaign, you could have snagged a unit for under $500. At that price, it would be an easy recommendation to make

The crowdfunding window has passed, however, leaving the rest of us to pay the full retail price of $650 for the EcoFlow Tech River — and that’s before considering the optional 50W or 21W solar chargers, or the IP63 certified carrying case that’s water resistant, dustproof, and shockproof. It’s a steep price to pay, but in return, you get a very intelligently designed power station with more ports than you’ll know what to do with.

Whether you’re looking to boost your next camping trip with portable power or want it for your emergency preparation kit, the EcoFlow Tech River will serve you well.

See at Amazon

PSA: Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL are back in stock on the Google Store

Most models of Google’s flagships are back in stock with fast shipping dates.

Last year, trying to buy a Pixel or Pixel XL was something of a nightmare. Even months after the phones’ release, it wasn’t uncommon to see an “out of stock” message on the Google Store when trying to place an order for Android’s latest and greatest. Certain models of the Pixel 2/2XL have still proven to be difficult to get this year as well, but Google recently refreshed stock so you can finally get your hands on the coveted Panda version of the 2 XL.

We aren’t sure how long stock will last this time around before you’re prompted to join a waitlist, but at least at the time of publication, this is what the current stock for the Pixel 2 and 2 XL looks like:

Pixel 2 (Unlocked)

• Just Black, 64GB – Ships immediately
• Just Black, 128GB – Ships immediately
• Clearly White, 64GB – Ships by November 27
• Clearly White, 128GB – Ships by November 20

Pixel 2 (Verizon)

• Just Black, 64GB – Ships immediately
• Just Black, 128GB – Ships immediately
• Clearly White, 128GB – Ships immediately

Pixel 2 XL (Unlocked)

• Just Black, 64GB – Ships immediately
• Just Black, 128GB – Ships immediately
• Black & White, 64GB – Ships in 3 – 4 weeks
• Black & White, 128GB – Ships in 3 – 4 weeks

Pixel 2 XL (Verizon)

• Just Black, 128GB – Ships by November 27
• Black & White, 64GB – Ships in 2 – 3 weeks

Your best chance of getting a Panda Pixel 2 XL ASAP is with a Verizon unit, but remember that the only thing that differentiates this model is the fact that there’s a Verizon SIM included. In other words, you’ll be able to use it on any other carrier of your choosing.

Also, the striking Kinda Blue option is still nowhere to be seen. It might not be as bright or vibrant as last year’s Really Blue, but it sure is proving to be just as difficult to get.

See at Google Store

There’s never been a better day to buy rechargeable batteries

It’s never been more affordable to switch to rechargeable batteries!

Today appears to be the day to buy rechargeable batteries at Amazon. What started as a single discount on a 12-pack of Eneloop AA batteries (which are now sold out) has resulted in a variety of other discounts surfacing.

These deals have been selling out quickly, but the ones that we have found to still be available include:

AA Batteries

• Eneloop Pro AA 4-pack – $12.99 (Normally $24.99)
• Eneloop Pro AA 4-pack with charger – $15.99 (Normally $26.99)
• Eneloop Pro AA 8-pack – $24.99 (Normally $32.99)
• AmazonBasics AA 16-pack – $22.99 (Normally $24.99)

AAA Batteries

• AmazonBasics AAA 4-pack – $4.99 (Normally $7.99)
• Eneloop AAA 4-pack – $4.99 (Normally $14.99)
• Eneloop AAA 8-pack – $13.99 (Normally $17.99)
• Eneloop AAA 12-pack – $13.99 (Normally $26.99)

AA & AAA Packs

• Eneloop Kit with 8 AA, 4 AAA, and Battery Charger – $19.99 (Normally $39.99)
• Eneloop Kit with 8 AA, 2 AAA, 2 C, 2 D and charger – $19.99 (Normally $39.99)

Pair the batteries with this awesome charger and say goodbye to the days of constantly buying and throwing away AA and AAA batteries.

T-Mobile offering BOGO deals on Galaxy S8, LG V30, Note 8, and more

New and existing customers can get buy one phone and get another free – as long as you add a new line of service.

If there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that there are some seriously great tech deals to be found this time of year. With Black Friday quickly creeping up on us, it seems like more and more deals are being announced every day in preparation for the holiday shopping event.

T-Mobile recently unveiled its own slew of deals, and if you’re looking to score two phones for the price of one, the Un-Carrier has something for you. Starting on Friday, November 17, you’ll be able to buy a variety of flagship phones and get another one of equal or lesser value for free.

You’ll get that free phone via a rebate that’s paid through a Mastercard prepaid gift card, and the promotion is available for the following phones:

• Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+
• Samsung Galaxy S8 Active
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8
• LG V30/V30+
• LG V20
• LG G6
• iPhone 7/7 Plus
• iPhone 8/8 Plus

Both new and existing customers will be able to take advantage of this deal, but like a lot of T-Mobile’s BOGO offerings, you’ll need to add a new line of service and buy the phones on an Equipment Installment Plan in order to participate.

To go along with your shiny new phones, T-Mobile is also discounting a few of its Magenta accessories, including:

• Twilight Magenta Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM for $179.99 ($70 off)
• Twilight Magenta Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 for $99.99 ($80 off)
• Speckled Magenta Mophie Powerstation Mini for $18 ($11.99 off)

See at T-Mobile

Vudu for NVIDIA Shield Android TV picks up HDR and Google Assistant

Google Assistant available for all, but HDR is exclusive to the Shield TV.

The NVIDIA Shield TV remains as the best way to experience Android TV and all of the 4K and HDR content it has to offer, and Vudu recently announced an update to its app that reinforces this point even more.

With the latest update to the Vudu app on Android TV, you can now stream HDR content to watch your movies and TV shows with brighter colors and higher contrast for an overall better picture. HDR content is currently limited to the Shield TV, and you’ll need to ensure that you also have a television that supports HDR10.

No matter what streaming box or smart TV you have, Vudu has also added support for the Google Assistant. You’ll be able to say “Play [movie/TV show title] on Vudu” from your home screen to start watching right away, and once you’re in the app and streaming your favorite show, you can use your voice to pause/play what you’re watching, rewind, skip to the next episode, etc.

New NVIDIA Shield Android TV: Everything you need to know