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Showing posts with the label Tech Tips

Best USB-C Chargers and GaN Wall Chargers in 2026: What to Buy

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Last updated: October 22, 2026. Charger test results come from Tom's Hardware (published June 11, 2026), iPhone guidance from Apple Support (updated September 18, 2026), and extra picks from CNN Underscored and Android Authority, all read October 22, 2026. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are affiliate links, which means this site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Quick answer Tom's Hardware found that GaN chargers are worth the modest extra cost and that chargers under 67W held full output in its 30-minute test. Match the charger to the device: Apple lists 40W or higher for the fastest wired charging on iPhone 17 models and 30W or higher for MagSafe. All three 140W chargers Tom's Hardware tested throttled under load, while its favorite 110W model held full output. The charger in the box is fine until you lose it, buy a laptop, or want to charge several devices from one outlet. Then wattage, ports, ...

Best USB-C Chargers and GaN Wall Chargers in 2026: What to Buy

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Last updated: October 22, 2026. Charger test results come from Tom's Hardware (published June 11, 2026), iPhone guidance from Apple Support (updated September 18, 2026), and extra picks from CNN Underscored and Android Authority, all read October 22, 2026. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are affiliate links, which means this site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Quick answer Tom's Hardware found that GaN chargers are worth the modest extra cost and that chargers under 67W held full output in its 30-minute test. Match the charger to the device: Apple lists 40W or higher for the fastest wired charging on iPhone 17 models and 30W or higher for MagSafe. All three 140W chargers Tom's Hardware tested throttled under load, while its favorite 110W model held full output. The charger in the box is fine until you lose it, buy a laptop, or want to charge several devices from one outlet. Then wattage, ports, ...

Best Security Keys in 2026: FIDO2 and Passkey Keys to Protect Accounts

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Last updated: October 22, 2026. Key recommendations come from Wirecutter (updated July 22, 2026) and ZDNET, and the security ranking comes from CISA's phishing-resistant MFA fact sheet (October 2022), all read October 22, 2026. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are affiliate links, which means this site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Quick answer A FIDO2 security key is the most phishing-resistant way to sign in, according to CISA, and it can also store passkeys. Wirecutter's top pick is the Yubico Security Key C NFC, with the YubiKey 5C NFC as a pricier upgrade for advanced features. Buy two keys if you can, enroll both, and keep a second sign-in method in case one is lost. Passwords and text-message codes are the weak points in most account takeovers, and a physical security key closes many of those gaps. This guide explains why CISA ranks FIDO/WebAuthn at the top, how passkeys and hardware keys fit...

Best Wi-Fi 7 Routers in 2026: Is It Worth Upgrading Your Router?

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Last updated: October 22, 2026. Router picks and test figures come from RTINGS (updated October 9, 2026), CNET (updated May 27, 2026), WIRED (updated September 2026), the FCC and Fierce Network (October 12, 2026), all read October 22, 2026. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are affiliate links, which means this site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Quick answer Wi-Fi 7 helps most when your phones, laptops, or consoles also support it and your internet plan is fast enough to use the extra speed. RTINGS and CNET both name the TP-Link Archer BE550 as a strong mid-price pick, while mesh systems suit larger homes. A 2026 FCC rule affects new foreign-made routers, but routers you already own can keep working and receiving updates at least until January 1, 2029. Wi-Fi 7 routers have been on shelves since 2023, but the practical question for most households is whether a new one will change anything they notice. This gu...