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Best VMWare Alternative for Windows and MAC in 2024

By admin January 16, 2024

Searching for the best VMWare alternative? If yes, then we can help. In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 most deserving alternatives of VMWare for both Windows and Mac. Read the entire guide for complete information.

Every Mac user in the world has at least once felt that Windows is still on the top of the OS world and rules the desktop and laptop domain as well. Many cool and useful applications run on only Windows computers and are not available for Mac users. For example, Microsoft Office has the Access Database which has never been availed to Mac users. This list also includes some magnificent audio and video tools that are possessed by the ‘privileged’ Windows. And, don’t forget about those exciting A-list games that are only available for Windows and poor Mac users can’t feel anything but agony.

So, to relieve this pain and injustice the Mac users started using VM software and especially VMWare that allowed them to use any Windows software on their Macs.

Now, the question arises: what’s a VM and how is it able to let any person use two operating systems, simultaneously. Let’s get to the answer.

What is a VM or Virtual Machine?

A VM or Virtual Machine is virtualization software that allows a person to use an operating system of a company on another company’s PC. For example, a VM installed by Mac users mimics the hardware and functionality of Windows OS on their Macs. So, you can create a VM on your PC and then install Windows, Linux, or any other OS on your VM.

It’s a wonderful solution as it helps us to get the best of two operating systems at once. The only disadvantage in using a VM is that you need a pretty fast computer with a sufficient amount of free memory and storage to run an OS through VM because your computer is running two operating systems at one time.

VMWare is one of the VM software that is available on the internet and it is pretty popular among the users as well. But, if VMWare is popular then it certainly does not mean that it’s the best VM software present on the internet, and there are no VMWare alternatives available.

There are many programs like VMWare which have all it takes to be a competent VM software.

A List of 12 Best VMWare Alternatives in 2024 (Windows and Mac)

Here, we’ve listed some of the best VMWare alternatives for Mac and Windows that you can use if somehow you can’t use VMWare. So, the list of VMWare similar software goes as:

1. Venn

The first name on this list of the top-notch VM software is Venn. Venn is a robust tool that allows you to easily access any desktop or laptop with ease, remotely. Hence, it is one of the most trusted tools for remote connections. This cross-platform tool for both Mac and Windows makes it easy for any user to use the Windows apps and features on a Mac.

This VMWare alternative for Mac offers an amazing and not-so-common feature of virtual connectivity without the need to deploy a virtual machine. The data shared and the connectivity of the tool is entirely secure and encrypted.

This VM on your Mac is highly compliant with strict industry standards including NAIC, SEC, FINRA, NYS DFS, and many others. You can start, stop, or wipe any operation or data from a system with a single click of a button.

Instead of using a public gateway for connectivity, this is one of the best VMWare alternatives for Mac that uses a private company-routed gateway for maximum privacy and protection. The seamless integration of systems with Venn makes it easy for anyone to use a remote system efficiently; whether it is macOS or Windows-based.

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Read Also : Best Google Maps Alternatives in 2024

2. Parallels

Parallels is one of the top-notch VM software available on the internet and the thing that makes Parallels a robust VMWare alternative for Mac and Windows is that it always time its updates with Apple’s own updates with Macs.

Good performance is necessary when running Windows, Linux, or any other OS in a VM on your Mac. That’s why Parallels Desktop 17 includes a new display driver which has done the work of improving the 2D graphics performance of Windows by more than 25% which will get you smoother video playing and a better 2D gaming experience( so you’ll be able to play all the Windows-only platform games that are totally fun and desirable by Mac users.)

The pricing scheme is a little complicated but still, we’ll try our best, the standard edition of Parallels Desktop comes with a perpetual license that requires a flat fee of £79.99. However, you’ll need to pay for the future upgrades that you may require.

Or, you can subscribe to the standard edition for £69.99 per year and that’s a price that includes all the future upgrades. There’s also Pro Edition and Business Edition available for developers and large organizations. But, these only come under annual subscription which costs £79.99 per year.

Even so, Parallels Desktop is considerably less costly than many other VMWare alternatives for Mac available on the internet.

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3. Virtualization Manager

Virtualization Manager is a VM management and monitoring software that helps the user to optimize the VM and resolve any performance issues. This is compatible with many VM software like- VMWare, Microsoft Hyper-V, and so on.

Virtualization Manager is capable of managing virtual machines across hybrid, cloud, and on-premises. It also offers log monitoring that results in faster troubleshooting. The application can be combined with a Hyper-V environment. It provides predictive recommendations that help the user to get the most out of their VM. Virtualization Manager is simply one of the best apps in the list of ‘apps like VMWare’.

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4. VirtualBox

VirtualBox is an open-source emulator that runs on x86 computers. It is one of the top-notch VM software available on the internet. VirtualBox has always been praiseworthy because of its ability to create and manage virtual machines with much ease. VirtualBox is compatible with Windows, Linux, BSD, and much more.

VirtualBox supports the drag & drop functionality of Windows 10. It also allows its users to run any application on their PC. VirtualBox shares compatibility with Windows, Linux, Mac, Solaris, and OpenSolaris. All these amazing features make the VirtualBox a perfect VMWare alternative open source.

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5. Boot Camp

Boot Camp is built-in software that automatically comes with your Mac. Boot camp is a top-tier VMWare alternative for Mac that allows its Mac users to switch between macOS and Windows whenever they feel like it.

This free virtual machine software helps you to update the AMD graphics driver for the Windows application in Boot Camp. As we said earlier, Boot Camp is a built-in software and you don’t have to download it externally. It allows the user to use the same keyboard for Apple and windows. Boot Camp is compatible with Windows versions- 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.

These are the things about Boot Camp that make it one of the best VMWare alternatives. If you’re not a Mac user and don’t have Boot Camp then let’s get on with some more VMWare workstation alternatives.

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6. Kernel Virtual Machine

Kernel Virtual Machine is a VM software for Linux on x86 hardware containing virtualization specifications. KVM offers a virtualization environment and a processor-specific module for running operating systems.

Kernel Virtual Machine allows us to run multiple VMs running unmodified Windows or Linux images. It also provides Hardware and Memory management support to its users. KVM also gives us the power of scheduling and resource control. In addition to that, it also has lower latency and higher prioritization.

KVM is also a great VMWare alternative and it has a good user response as well. One can consider it the best VMWare free alternative.

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7. Proxmox VE

Proxmox is another platform for quality virtualization. This free VM tool helps the user to combine Kernel’s emulator, LXC containers, and networking functionality in a single software.

Proxmox is a VMWare alternative open-source Virtual Machine that allows the user to manage clusters and it also provides disaster recovery tools with a built-in web management interface. Proxmox VE works relentlessly to provide flexibility and speed to your production environment. This software provides full-stack virtualization for Windows and Linux images.

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8. QEMU

QEMU is another user-friendly and top-rated virtual machine that helps the user to provide support for multiple OS to be run on any system.

QEMU also provides hardware virtualization. The thing that makes QEMU stand out in front of many VMs is that it can run on any system. There are no restrictions for the host OS. This system is written in C language. It can also be your perfect VMWare alternative. Let’s proceed to the next VMWare player alternative.

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9. VMWare Fusion

VMWare Fusion is a top-notch VMWare alternative for Mac and a renowned virtual machine. This is famous for its cloud computing and virtualization software. VMWare fusion allows its users to run multiple software of different operating systems at the same time.

Fusion provides integration with many development tools. With VMWare Fusion, you can connect with third-party software for data-center topologies.

This software is compatible with Windows, Linux, NetWare, Solaris, and many other OS on your Mac.

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10. Citrix Hypervisor

Another VMware alternative that provides better virtualization management across your environments is Citrix Hypervisor. The software offers the latest digital workspace by rendering applications and desktops to any machine from the cloud. Especially for Windows 10, it is a perfect virtual machine that simplifies the overall operational management, ensuring an HD (High Definition) user experience for accelerated workloads.

With this, users can get improved and advanced graphics and highly secure virtual environments. Collaboration on large files is easy and safe. In short, Citrix Hypervisor is the best way to support, speed, and secure virtual environments that automatically lead your IT flexibility.

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11. Microsoft’s Hyper-V

Whether you are a tech-savvy, software developer, or IT professional, all of you may need to run different operating systems. Hyper-V by Microsoft is software that allows you to run multiple operating systems as a virtual desktop on Windows. It particularly provides hardware virtualization that lets you create virtual switches, virtual hard drives, and other virtual devices that can be combined with virtual machines.

It allows you to run the software or program that needs an older version of Windows OS. The software can be considered as the best VMWare alternative that makes the task of creating and removing the numerous operating systems much easier. It also provides support for different versions of Linux and is compatible with cloud-based platforms.

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12. Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure

Here’s another one of the best VMWare alternatives for you. Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure is an amazing tool that you can take the help of in place of VMWare. The tool is also quite inexpensive when compared to VMWare. The tool also offers great flexibility to businesses and allows you to add or drop any aspect of the tool whenever required

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Closing Words on Best VMWare Alternative for Mac and Windows in 2024?

So, these were some of the best VMWare alternatives for Windows and Mac that you can consider. Examine each software and choose the one that performs the hardware virtualization best for you.

We hope this guide will help you in the best way possible. Please let us know through the comments box below if you have any questions, doubts, or further suggestions.

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Best Google Maps Alternatives in 2024

By admin January 16, 2024

Have you ever wondered what are the best Google Maps alternatives? Google Maps lets you switch to incognito mode, it translates for you in foreign languages, provides live traffic updates, and a lot more. Then, why would you even have second thoughts about switching to another alternative web mapping service other than Google Maps?

Google Maps can sometimes provide incomplete or inaccurate information. Additionally, accessibility can be challenging at times as it often depends on downloading and displaying larger images. This may lead to its slow or no loading if there is a poor internet connection. Sometimes, it also fails to load on browsers properly if the user is not using the latest browser version.

So, several minor constraints can pose a roadblock at times, which may influence users to look for other best maps and navigation services. Let us take an in-depth look at thirteen of them through this blog.

The 13 Best Google Maps Alternatives in 2024

Understand from the below points about the alternative options in the category of best way finding software and web mapping services with worldwide availability.

1. Bing Maps

Bing Maps, an online web mapping service by Microsoft is powered by the Bing Maps for Enterprise framework and was originally launched as MSN Virtual Earth.

Well, this online mapping service can do a lot for you apart from showing street maps in multiple viewing styles. Wondering what more is possible with Bing Maps?

Bing Maps is definitely the best alternative to Google Maps as it can become your sense of direction while walking and driving. It can provide traffic updates too. ClearFlow is an in-built impressive feature that can anticipate traffic patterns. It is also enabled with the location sharing feature and map embedding feature.

Read Also : Best Android phones in 2024

2. Here WeGo

This is another excellent free online web mapping service from Here Technologies, which runs mapping and location data services for individuals as well as enterprises.

This web mapping service captures location information and sells or licenses it to businesses like Amazon.com, BMW, Oracle, etc.

It provides a myriad of features for effortless navigation through the streets. The app lets you book cabs, and provides information about public transit including the fares and live traffic updates.

3. MapQuest

This is another best Google Maps alternative by Verizon Media and was the first commercial-scale mapping service.

MapQuest had used satellite imagery for some time but later removed it due to some limitations imposed by AOL’s terms and conditions. Currently, MapQuest utilizes TomTom‘s services for its mapping system.

Well, if you are curious to know what its striking features are, then let’s take a look at them. MapQuest offers a bit of street-level information and navigation instructions.

It also offers a free mobile app for Android and iOS, enabled with POI search, voice-guided navigation, real-time traffic updates, etc.

The USP of this service lies in the POI search feature which can guide someone directly to the entrance of the destination, rather than directing to the street address where the destination is located.

4. OpenStreetMap & OsmAnd

Steve Coast created this mapping service predominantly for the United Kingdom. The mapping data is crowdsourced and then made available under the Open Database License. Facebook, OsmAnd, MapQuest Open, and Craigslist are few of the renowned clients of OSM.

OsmAnd is the offline navigation app for Android that pulls data from the OpenStreetMap location database. It provides voice and visual navigation with the help of GPS.

The Map feature displays POIs (points of interest) and helps to find places offline. Nautical Maps and Ski map plugin are among its other notable offerings.

5. Waze

Formerly known as FreeMap Israel, Waze is a Google-owned GPS navigation software. It collects user-submitted travel times and route details and downloads location information from a mobile telephone network.

Do you know why Waze is the best map and navigation service provider? It’s because you get to know about the vehicular congestion on roads along with roadblocks and road accidents in real-time.

The community-driven GPS navigation app locates the fastest route for you and also calculates the ETA based on the live traffic data.

6. Maps.me

This is an incredible Google Maps offline alternative as it can provide navigation guidelines for driving, walking, and cycling.

What makes this app more interesting is that it can help you plan your trips with its ready-made travel guides. It is also enabled with the nearby POI information like restaurants, ATMs, public transport, etc.

You can also share your location via social media and text messages. It lets you bookmark locations and provides timely updates of traffic congestions in 36 countries.

7. Pocket Earth

This is an exclusive navigation app for iOS that pulls data from OpenStreetMap to help the user navigate smoothly around the world. The offline map feature can be easily downloaded.

Traveling is now a cakewalk with the availability of offline travel guides. This mapping service is the ultimate app for adventurous souls. Now hike up in the mountains and hills and never get lost with the GPS Track Recording & Waypoint Navigation function.

8. Navmii

With HD maps, voice-guided navigation and real-time traffic updates, this smartphone app is one more efficient Google Maps alternative.

With a user base of 24 million, this app can provide live traffic updates, POI’s and a lot more with the help of GPS alone and doesn’t have a dependency on the internet.

The app is also embedded with Google Street View. Apart from this, it provides its services in association with TripAdvisor, Foursquare and What3words.

9. CoPilot

Whether you are a professional caravan driver or driving your own car, CoPilot has got you covered on the roads with an excellent level of navigation assistance. It truly is your copilot and a perfect alternative to Google Maps.

This online web mapping service can come up with three route choices for you. Do you know what’s the best feature of your app based copilot? It can keep guiding you on the right path even when you have lost network on your phone with the aid of automotive-grade offline maps.

It also has specially crafted routes and directions for caravans and motorhomes based on the size of your vehicle.

10. TomTom

TomTom is undoubtedly the best Google Maps substitute because it offers three types of products, which are maps, connected services, and navigation systems.

It offers multiple navigation models with a flying interface. They are mostly GPS-based systems. It also provides real-time traffic updates.

11. Citymapper

This App is the best online web mapping alternative and can relieve you of your tensions. It can provide you with the most appropriate, fastest, and shortest routes. It checks with the real departure services and brings you the best directions.

12. BackCountry Navigator TOPO GPS

The best navigation app for Android, it brings you the best experience if you’re trying to find out the topographical features of a place. Bikers can have a gala time with this bike. Hiking can be more fun than it ever has been until now.

13. Polaris GPS Navigation

This is one of the truest GPS navigation apps. When you’re on a path with no roads, you literally have to create one for yourself. For nautical and off-road conditions, it can help soldiers, wayfarers, and adventurers immensely. It is an absolutely free online web mapping service.

Final Words

Web mapping refers to the process of using maps delivered by GIS (geographic information systems) in the World Wide Web by collating multiple geographic datasets from free as well as proprietary datasets.

Web mapping services are immensely indispensable in today’s world. Let these Google Maps alternatives guide you on your path whether you are a globetrotter or regular office commuter.

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Best Android phones in 2024

By admin January 16, 2024

Best Android phones in 2024, Need a new phone? Look no further than this selection of best Android phones you should buy, including the best from Google, Samsung and more!

We’re approaching the tail end of 2023, and it’s safe to say that it’s been a great year for smartphone enthusiasts and those who were in the market to buy a new phone. We have seen some incredible launches from the likes of Samsung, OnePlus, and Apple, and there are simply too many good flagships to count this year. We’ve also received some solid mid-rangers and best value picks in the form of Galaxy A54 5G, Pixel 7a, and more recently, the Galaxy S23 FE.

Similarly, the foldable space was also packed with some great launches, so there’s no shortage of reliable Android phones in 2023. If you are in the market to buy a new Android flagship and can’t figure out which one is better, then check out the collection below in which I’ve highlighted some of the best phones across different categories.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in green with transparent background showing front and back of the phone with S Pen stylus

Source: Samsung

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motorola edge+ 2023 in black, transparent background, floating in air showing angular front and back sides

Source: Motorola

Motorola Edge Plus (2023)

Fantastic alternative

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Source: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Best value pick

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Samsung A54 5G in black with transparent background, showing front and partial back panel

Source: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Best mid-range pick

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oneplus11 device in black transparent background showing only back side

Source: OnePlus

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Best Android phones in 2024

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best overall

The best flagship on the market, hands down

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the best phones on the market, packing an all-new 200MP sensor, a refined design, a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, and One UI 5.1.

Pros

• The most versatile camera system

• Excellent performance

• S Pen included

Cons

• Too big and unwieldy to use with one hand easily

• Other than the main camera and new chip, not a major upgrade over the S22 Ultra

Considering the Galaxy S21 and S22 Ultra held this spot for almost all of 2021 and 2022, Samsung didn’t need to do much for the Galaxy S23 Ultra to claim this spot immediately upon release, particularly in the U.S. market. And while Samsung retained mostly the same display, design, and internal components except for the newest Qualcomm chip, it does bring a major update: the main camera is now a 200MP sensor, capable of shooting actual 200MP photos or 12.5MP shots using 16-in-1 pixel binning.

The new camera allows the Galaxy S23 Ultra to make further improvements to low light photography, as a normal binned photo will contain almost twice as much image information as the S22 Ultra’s main camera shots. You can also shoot in full 200MP, after which you can crop in significantly and not lose as many details as other mobile camera photos. While the other cameras on the rear — a pair of 10MP zoom lenses and the 12MP ultra-wide — remain unchanged from the S22 Ultra, Samsung’s improved computational photography plus the newer ISP in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make for improved photos with better exposure and colors.

The fully integrated S-Pen, 5,000 mAh battery, along with a gorgeous 6.8-inch Super AMOLED panel with excellent peak brightness and energy efficiency all make their return, making for a polished and powerful device. Throw in Android 13 with four guaranteed years of Android updates and then another year of security updates, plus great Samsung software features like Samsung DeX, and you have a do-it-all, well-rounded flagship that offers more than what any other phone has to offer. If you want the most reliable, capable, and widely available Android phone, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is still it.

Motorola Edge Plus (2023)

Fantastic alternative

A surprisingly good alternative to phones from Google & Samsung

The 2023 flagship Edge+ brings an impressive spec sheet and an affordable price. From the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor to the 165Hz pOLED display, Motorola is offering North Americans perhaps its most complete high-end phone in years.

Pros

• Great overall performance

• Reliable software experience

• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Zoom past 5x on the cameras is a mess

• Not available at carriers

The 2023 model of the Moto Edge+ is a high-end phone that once again brings Motorola into the flagship conversation. It offers a long list of features that makes it worth it in 2023 over other options out there. The Edge+ (2023) brings a lot of improvements over its predecessor to become a great alternative to flagships from Samsung and Google.

One of the highlights of this phone is its design. The Edge+ (2023) features curves on both front and back for a quad-curved design that looks beautiful and feels premium to hold. It also sports a 6.67-inch OLED panel with support for up to 165Hz refresh rate. The phone is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip to deliver excellent performance, and it also packs a massive 5,100mAh battery for reliable battery life.

My only complaint is the availability because the Edge+ (2023) is not available on any carriers in the U.S. That’s a potential deal-breaker for those who prefer bundling their phones with qualifying plans for monthly payments instead of buying them unlocked. But if that’s not stopping you, then I can’t recommend the Moto Edge+ (2023) enough. There’s a lot to like about this particular smartphone, and you can learn more about it in our Motorola Edge+ (2023) review.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Best value pick

Reliable Samsung Galaxy experience that we know and love, for cheap

The Galaxy S23 FE comes in tons of colors and gives you the core Samsung experience for a more affordable price.

Pros

• Beautiful AMOLED display

• Premium build quality

• Samsung’s One UI 5.1 software

Samsung’s new Galaxy S23 FE stands as a great choice for those who are looking to buy a Galaxy smartphone, but don’t want to shell out a premium price for it. The Galaxy S23 FE looks and feels in hand like its flagship siblings. It even has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate, which is the same as the one you get on the regular Galaxy S23. It sports Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and the back, and it even features an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

The only difference between the Galaxy S23 FE and the regular Galaxy S23 is that the more affordable model is powered by a relatively older Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in the U.S. as opposed to the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip. It also features a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom as opposed to a 12MP sensor, and a 10MP selfie camera instead of a 12MP shooter on the Galaxy S23. The rest of the camera sensors are the same, though.

The fact that the Galaxy S23 FE offers a very similar experience to the more expensive flagship Galaxy S23 models for a starting price of $600 is great. That’s $200 less than the most affordable model in the flagship Galaxy S23 lineup, making it a great value pick. Google’s Pixel 7a is also a solid option to consider if you’re in the market to buy a relatively affordable phone. The Pixel 7a is, in fact, even cheaper, so it’s better suited for those who are on a tighter budget. I suggest you check out Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 7a comparison to learn more about the differences between the two.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Best mid-range pick

Samsung Galaxy experience for less

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a great mid-range phone. It offers a sleek design, a beautiful 120Hz display, plenty of power under the hood, and a triple camera setup on the back.

Pros

• Excellent screen at this price point

• Solid main camera

• Glass body instead of plastic

Cons

• Useless macro camera

• A bit slower than pricier phones

Samsung’s Galaxy A54 brings a 120Hz vibrant OLED display, a strong 50MP, f/1.8 main camera, and a glass body at a mid-range price. Previously, Samsung’s A series used a plastic body, so this new construction is an immediate step-up. The phone also packs a large 5,000mAh battery and keeps expandable storage, which is very rare in modern smartphones.

The A54 runs Android 13 with Samsung’s OneUI, and the software experience is pleasant. Despite the phone running on an Exynos chip — which doesn’t get the best rep — overall performance is relatively smooth. The phone isn’t going to zip around as fast as a flagship Samsung or even the OnePlus 11, but it’s not a slow phone either.

The main camera uses Samsung’s improved software processing to produce lively images, and even in low-light situations, it performs well. The ultrawide camera is just average, however, falling to the usual soft details and noise in low-light situations. However, add in official IP67 water resistance and stereo speakers, and the A54 is a very good mid-range option. It’s also cheaper than the Galaxy S23 FE, and you can check out our Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy A54 5G comparison to learn more about the differences between the two.

OnePlus 11

Best software and speed

Still the fastest and smoothest phone around

The OnePlus 11 is the company’s return to form, offering an almost-flagship experience at a lower price point than what Samsung charges.

Pros

• Fast, zippy UI

• Very good main camera

• Fast charging with included charger

Cons

• No official water resistance rating even though cheaper phones offer it

• No wireless charging

Look, I know OnePlus’ OxygenOS has lost a bit of its identity over the past year, ever since OnePlus and OPPO finally admitted to being the same company and OxygenOS began looking more and more like OPPO’s ColorOS. But here’s the thing: ColorOS is good, and this “colorfied” version of OxygenOS running in the OnePlus 11 is still one of the zippiest and smoothest software around.

Every Android flagship offers a 120Hz refresh rate these days, but OxygenOS’ (and ColorOS’) animations just zip around noticeably faster and smoother than, say, Samsung’s OneUI, which sees dropped frames from time to time. Google’s Pixel UI has pretty smooth animations, and a case can be made for that software taking this spot, but OxygenOS is just a bit more customizable, with a better always-on display and more useful shortcut gestures.

The OnePlus 11 itself is a fine phone, too, running on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, with a visually striking design that sees the camera module spill over the sides and blends into the chassis. It also has a very good Hasselblad camera system headlined by a 50MP IMX890 main camera plus a 48MP ultrawide shooter, and a 32MP 2x telephoto zoom lens. Photos captured by the OnePlus 11 are vibrant with punchy colors and excellent dynamic range.

The OnePlus 11 ships with a 100W fast charging brick (80W in the U.S.) that can top up the phone from 0-100% in under 25 minutes. Overall, the OnePlus 11 is a good-looking, polished Android phone that should satisfy your need for speed, and it’s priced a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Galaxy S23+.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Best point-and-shoot camera

Google’s AI camera magic

$799 $999 Save $200

The Pixel 8 Pro is the latest flagship from Google, and it packs the best the company has to offer in 2023. It features the newest Tensor G3 processor, like its regular Pixel 8 sibling, but it comes with a 6.7-inch OLED display, a brighter screen, a larger battery, and more storage options.

Pros

• Incredible AI camera features

• Absolutely one of the best camera systems around

• Good design and build quality

Cons

• Not a big jump over the Pixel 7 Pro

• Not the best performing flagship out there

A quick comparison between the Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 7 Pro will tell you that the new flagship doesn’t bring a lot of new things to the table. It does offer a better camera system, though, thanks to all the new generative AI features. All of these features are scary good, and they allow you to tweak the photos after the fact, meaning you tweak and make a shot better even after capturing it.

As far as the cameras are concerned, the Pixel 8 Pro sports a triple camera setup at the back which includes a 50MP main camera, a 48MP telephoto, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. It also features a 10.5MP selfie shooter with PDAF as opposed to a 10.8MP shooter on the previous-gen model. We’ve added lots of camera samples captured using the Pixel 8 Pro in review, so be sure to check it out in case you’re wondering how good the cameras are.

In terms of the internals, we’re looking at Google’s new Tensor G3 chip inside the Pixel 8 Pro as opposed to the Tensor G2. The base variant of the Pixel 8 Pro also comes with 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB. Some other noteworthy differences between the two include a slightly bigger battery, support for faster charging, and the addition of a new temperature sensor. The Pixel 8 Pro, however, costs $100 more than the Pixel 7 Pro at launch. In fact, you’re likely to find the Pixel 7 Pro at discounted prices now, so keep that in mind.

Asus ROG Phone 7

Best gaming phone

The ultimate Android gaming phone

Packed with specs and software gaming optimizations, the Asus ROG Phone 7 is one of the best when it comes to smartphones specifically made for mobile gaming.

Pros

• Gaming-specific software

• Packed to the gills with specs

• First-party gaming accessories

Cons

• Sub-par camera performance

ASUS has a solid list of gaming phones under its belt, so it’s hardly a surprise to see an ROG phone making it to our list as the best gaming phone pick. The ROG Phone 7 comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a gaming in 2023, and it’s a great pick for those who are looking to buy Android phone for gaming.

It packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SOC, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, and up to 512GB of UFS4.0 storage. Notably, it also packs a 6,000mAh battery with 65W fast charging, which delivers up to two-day battery life. The ROG Phone 7 also boasts a huge 6.78-inch 165Hz AMOLED display, which is a fluid and responsive panel for gaming.

The ROG Phone 7 is a bit on the heavier side, weighing in at 239g, but it’s partly due to Asus’ Gamecool 7, an included cooling solution that has a large vapor chamber, graphite cooling sheets, and an external fan accessory. The extra heft is essentially just a small price to pay for a phone that runs cool and won’t thermal throttle while gaming.

The ROG Phone 7 is not for everyone, but it’s a great choice for those who are looking to buy a reliable Android handset for gaming. You can also consider checking out the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, which steps things up, for an even better experience.

OnePlus Open

Best large foldable

Snatching the crown from Samsung’s best foldable phone

$1500 $1700 Save $200

The OnePlus Open is the company’s first foldable, featuring a sleek design, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform chip, advanced camera system, and more. It is available in two colorways and starts at $1,500.

Pros

• The best foldable phone displays yet

• Impressive camera hardware

• Great multitasking features

Cons

• No wireless charging

• A bit on the expensive side

The OnePlus Open is currently the best foldable phone you can buy in the U.S. market if you’re looking for a large-sized foldable device instead of a clamshell model. The OnePlus Open, just like the Galaxy Z Fold 5, is a book-style foldable that gets a lot of things right and offers a premium experience at a relatively lower price. It’s essentially just a rebranded OPPO Find N3, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a solid entry in the foldable space.

One of the highlights of the OnePlus Open is that there’s no noticeable crease on the internal folding display of this device. It also has a matte finish that makes it less reflective than the ones on the competing phones. The Open also sports an excellent set of cameras that can capture some photos and videos like the ones highlighted in our OnePlus Open review.

The OxygenOS powering the overall experience of the OnePlus Open is also great, and it brings some solid multitasking features to the table. Part of what makes a book-style foldable great are the multi-tasking features that let you take full advantage of the screen real-estate, and OnePlus has got it right for the most part.

It also looks great and has a premium build to match its price tag. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 is also a good foldable phone overall, but it falls a bit short while going against the OnePlus Open in a head-to-head comparison. I suggest you check out our OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5 comparison to learn more about the differences between these two phones.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Best small foldable

Evenly matched with the Moto Razr+

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the latest compact foldable from Samsung, offering a flexible 6.7-inch internal display, a 3.4-inch external display, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and much more.

You can score up to $600 off with trade-ins at Samsung.com.

Pros

• Compact form factor

• Bigger outer screen offers more usability

• New hinge improves the form factor

Cons

• The camera still needs work

• No DeX support

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, just like its predecessor, is a fun foldable phone that’s significantly more affordable than its bigger sibling. Unlike the Fold 5, which is a better phone for power users, the Flip 5 is a pocketable phone that’s only meant to make your smartphone experience more fun. I’d say it’s a good entry into the world of foldable, and you should consider buying one if you fancy a phone that’ll make you stand out.

Unlike other Samsung products this year, the Z Flip 5 got one big upgrade. It now sports a much bigger cover display on the outside, which lets you do more things without unfolding the phone. It’s almost the same size as the one you get on the Moto Razr+, but Samsung makes it a bit harder to use applications on it. The Flip 5 also gets the same hinge as the Fold 5, meaning it folds completely flat. Notably, it’s also powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for Galaxy, so it’s just as powerful as Samsung’s other flagship Galaxy phones this year.

I suggest you stop by our Galaxy Z Flip 5 review to learn more about it before picking one up. It’s similar to the Moto Razr+ in many ways, and I’d say they’re both evenly matched when it comes to compact foldable phones in the U.S. But the Z Flip 5 edges it out slightly in software and power.

Best Android phones: The final say

You’ll find plenty of good phones in this roundup, so I highly recommend exploring all the listings to find the right phone. But if you don’t want to spend time looking at all the options and don’t mind splurging to get the best phone, then I suggest picking the Galaxy S23 Ultra. It’s one of the most well-rounded phones you buy right now, as it gets a lot of things right for the price. Premium features like the new 200MP camera and the included S Pen make it the best in the Android space, and you can’t really go wrong with it.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best overall

The best of the best

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the best phones on the market, packing an all-new 200MP sensor, a refined design, a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, and One UI 5.1.

Phones like the OnePlus 11 and the Galaxy S23 FE also offer good value for your money, but they miss out on some features, thereby forcing you to compromise. All things considered, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains the undisputed champion, and it’s still the phone to pick if you’re looking for a reliable all-rounder.

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Arts

Best Free Avatar Creator 2024

By admin January 15, 2024

Best Free Avatar Creator 2024, This article lists some of the best free avatar creator apps for you in 2024 that offer optimal features and functions. Creating and sharing cartoon or avatar images for your character is becoming quite popular nowadays. You can use and share these avatars on different social media platforms and use them on various apps and portals. Moreover, users also upload these avatars as profile pictures on various gaming platforms.

Although professional graphics editing tools can help you create an avatar for your image, you need professional knowledge to use the tools. This is where an avatar-making website comes in. Using such websites and portals, you can easily create the desired avatar for your images as you like. Additionally, you don’t even need professional skills to create or edit the avatar. Hence, even a beginner can create and modify the avatar very easily.

So, to help you further, we will list and present to you some of the best free avatar creator websites for you. Using these, you can create an avatar for your personality and character as you want. Let’s have a look at portals to proceed.

What is the Best Free Avatar Creator Website?

To provide the perfect answer to what is the best free avatar creator, we are listing the top 11 avatar creator websites below. You should check out the description and features of all of these popular avatar maker portals and then use the one(s) you want.

1. Avatar Maker Free- One of the Most Popular Avatar Maker Websites

Let’s start this list of the best free avatar creator websites with the best one first. Avatar Maker is indeed a great portal to create avatars as you want. What’s different about the portal is that it allows you to create the avatars in four different styles. All you need to do is select the gender for your charter and proceed. Then the website will redirect you to the creation and editing tool.

Here, you can use the best avatar maker and creator. The website allows you to change the shape of your face, and customize your eyes, hair, wardrobe, and other attributes. After creating the avatar, you can share or download the same as required with ease.

Visit Avatar Maker

Best Free Avatar Creator 2024

2. Avataaars Generator

Avataaars Generator is as simple as it sounds. This is one of the best free avatar creator websites that boasts an easy-to-use interface. Additionally, the portal has a lot of other features as well. Instead of an image-based UI, the website uses a listicle one. Hence, you need to edit and provide your avatar’s characteristics by picking out the attributes from the list.

Lastly, when you complete the avatar customization, you can save it in PNG and SVG formats. Additionally, the portal also allows you to edit the coding of the avatar for better management. One of the best features of the portal is that it allows you to create a random avatar for better results.

Visit Avataaars Generator

3. Avachara

Avachara is a smart and the best free avatar creator that allows multiple portals to create an avatar. You can select from a variety of options and then select the one according to your requirements. Additionally, the avatar maker also allows you to create customizable wedding cards.

One of the best features of the avatar maker websites under Acachara is that you get to select the attributes of your character as you want. From face shape to beard style, from wardrobe to hair color, and more. You can customize the character as required very easily with a couple of clicks.

Visit Avachara

4. CARTOONIZE

CARTOONIZE is an easy way to cartoon your character. Using this best free avatar creator, you can easily create the avatar of your images. All you need to do is upload your image from the device storage and create avatars. Moreover, the website also has come with smart editing and customization tools to help you introduce the desired edits.

If you want to add objects and stickers to your image. You can also do this with the CARTOONIZE website. Being one of the best avatar-making websites, CARTOONIZE allows you to adjust the colors and other attributes of your character with ease.

Visit Cartoonize

5. Cartoonify

Cartoonify is the next website as the best free avatar creator. With the help of this portal, you can create your cartoon avatar very quickly. You can start creating the character after you select the gender of the character you want. Additionally, the portal provides a lot of customization features to you.

This is one of the free avatar creator websites that allows you to change the skin color of your character as well. Apart from this, you will find features like customizable faces, eyes, hair, backs, clothes, and more. Lastly, you can either share or download the avatar created with a single click.

Visit Cartoonify

6. BeFunky

BeFunky is another one of the best free avatar creator websites. When you use this portal to edit the images, you get a chance to create an avatar or a collage. This is a popular avatar maker with multiple editing and customization features for your image. Moreover, the procedure to use the tool is quite easy for both beginners and professionals.

With the help of this avatar creator free, you can also edit the images if required. The portal provides you with multiple options to cartoon the images. You can select any one of these for the desired results. Additionally, you can also share the outputs straight to social media platforms and more.

Visit BeFunky

7. The Character Creator

The next website on our list is The Character Creator. With the help of a character creator as the best free avatar creator, you can easily create male or female cartoons with a simple click. Using the portal, you can easily create a new avatar or get a random one. You can use the same and edit the character as required.

Additionally, this is one of the most amazing avatar creator websites that allows you to edit the skin tone of your avatar. Nextly, you can modify the attributes of your character like accessories worn, hair style, body pattern, legs, etc. This is one of few websites that provides a full-body avatar instead of the common bust size.

Visit The Character Creator

8. Superherotar

If you are into superheroes and other fictional characters. Then the Superherotar is the best free avatar creator for you. As the name suggests, the Superherotar is a portal that allows you to create characters based on superheroes. Moreover, you get to select the universe for your character, Marvel or DC.

Using this avatar-making website, you can customize the eyes, hair, height, makeup, accessories, and other attributes of your character. Additionally, apart from the superhero character, you can also use the portal to create the normal ones. The website is very easy to use and provides a lot of features for you.

Visit Superherotar

9. Portrait Illustration Maker

If you want a simple yet the best free avatar creator, then the Portrait Illustration Maker is the best option for you. Although the interface of the website is quite simple and unattractive. It can get the job done for you. Just like any other viable alternative, you can use the Portrait Illustration Maker to edit and customize your character as required.

With the help of this popular avatar maker, you can easily edit and set the eyes, hair, glasses, and other attributes and accessories of your character. The portal allows you to get the desired character up to the bust size only. Additionally, you can also download or share the output on different social media platforms.

Visit Portrait Illustration Maker

10. Charat

The last name on our list of the best free avatar creator tools is Charat. If you are into manga comics, then we think that the Charat website is the perfect fit for you. With the help of this portal, you can create your manga characters as required. The smart customization options of the website make everything quite easy for you.

Moreover, the Charat is one of the few avatar maker websites that allows you to share your creations directly. Additionally, you can also use the portal and get customized hairstyles, eye colors, hair colors, outfit styles, and more. You can also change the intensity and depth of the colors used for the character very quickly. The interface of the tool is multilingual and allows you to select from over 10 different languages.

Visit Charat

11. Bitmoji

Here’s another one of the best avatar creator tools for you. Bitmoji is like an advanced emoji creator for you. Especially if you are an active Snapchat user, then you should download this avatar creator and use it. The app allows you to use your facial and physical features and characteristics to create an avatar. You can also create an avatar using hypothetical characteristics. Also, the app offers a wide range of attributes to select from like beard styles, hair styles, and more.

Visit Bitmoji

Best Free Avatar Creator Websites With Multiple Features: Listed

So, these were some of the best free avatar creator websites for you in 2024. With the help of these websites, you can easily create the desired avatar or character you want. These websites are a secure and helpful source to bring your imagination into a reality.

You can use any of these avatar-making websites as you want. However, all of these websites have different avatars in different styles. Hence, the first thing you should do is select a portal according to the type of character provided. Moreover, not all of these offer the same features as one another. Hence, go through the description of the portals, check out the websites, and then select the one you want.

Additionally, if you face any problems while using the portal(s) or for more information. You can contact us using the comments section below. We will provide you with the required solutions as soon as possible. Additionally, if you liked any of the free avatar creator portals, do let us know. Subscribe to the Techpout blog by providing your email address below. You will get instant updates about the new additions to the blog straight to your inbox.

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Computer

Best mini gaming PC 2024

By admin January 15, 2024

Best mini gaming PC 2024, Gaming PCs don’t have to be enormous and finding a powerful compact PC is easier than ever. We’ve tested the best mini gaming PCs at all price points.

What is the best mini gaming PC? The traditional image of a gaming custom PC is some hulking behemoth of a machine, with frantically spinning fans, blazing rainbow RGB LEDs, and monstrously large graphics cards. But the best mini gaming PCs are compact machines that house full-scale components. Despite their size, mini PCs don’t skimp on performance and are ideal for smaller gaming desks or if want to take it traveling.

In this guide, we’ve chosen pre-built mini gaming PCs from the likes of Origin, Corsair, and more. Check out how to build a gaming PC if you want to choose the components and PC case yourself.

Some exceedingly small and cheap mini gaming PCs such as those offered by Minisforum take AMD mobile CPUs, with their iGPUs that punch well above their weight and let them rip with their maximum power draw – which can be capable even at 1080p.

We suggest thinking about cooling solutions and how easy it is to upgrade the machine. There’s no point in spending money on components that are going to throttle the moment they heat up. These are the best mini gaming PCs to game in confidence and small spaces. If you want full power (and have the room), check out our full best gaming PCs guide.

The best mini gaming PCs today:

1.Minisforum UM773 – best for most gamers

2.Origin PC Chronos V3 – best premium PC

3.Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon – true mini PC

4.Corsair ONE i400 – stunning design

5.Beelink SER6 – best budget option

6.Blackview MP200 – best under $450/£350

7.Asus Rog Ally – best handheld PC

1. Minisforum UM773 Lite

Best mini PC overall for light gaming.

Minisforum Venus UM773 Lite Specs:

.	.
Graphics	AMD RDNA 2 680M
CPU	AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS 8 core 3.2GHz – 4.75GHz
RAM	32GB DDR5
Storage	512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Connectivity	RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Port, USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C, USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A ×2, USB2.0 Type-A ×2, USB4 Type-C, HDMI ×2, 3.5mm Combo Jack ×1, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth,
Cooling	Liquid metal thermal compound, Airway Design 120 fan, two heat pipes
Dimensions	5.03 x 4.9 x 1.8 inches (12.78 x 12.45 x 4.57 cm)
Weight	3.65 lbs (1.66 kg) including power brick

Pros

• Small yet mighty

• Plenty of RAM

Cons

• Reported defective WiFi cards

“Integrated graphics?” we hear you cry, and we respond with a resounding yes. The $539.99 (£495.20) Minisforum UM773’s AMD 680M sits between the integrated graphics of Valve’s Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally which as we all know by now are very capable little machines.

The 680M is allowed to perform at its best because of the inclusion of very fast DDR5 which AMD’s CPUs and iGPUs work nicely with and 32 GB of it no less. Though it is not as capable as its younger sibling the 780M, it manages to be slightly more efficient due to its lower power draw so those working with constrained power budgets will be served here.

Esports titles will run well at 1080p and emulation will be no problem at all. Older titles too will, of course, return great performance so if you’re not too fussed about the latest AAA games, you’re sure to have a great time with this seriously handy little machine, especially when paired with the best gaming monitor to get the most out of this mighty box.

Whilst the Minisforum Venus UM773 doesn’t offer the same portability as the Deck or Ally, it makes up for it in connectivity with a plethora of ports making this a very practical little machine.

It is also surprisingly upgradable with two SODIMM slots, a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot, and room on the bottom for a 2.5-inch hard drive. You could also connect an eGPU via the USB4 port if you wanted some extra GPU down the line as the CPU will age more gracefully than the iGPU.

Best mini gaming PC 2024

2. Origin PC Chronos V3

Best premium mini gaming PC.

Origin Chronos V3 specs:

.	.
Graphics	Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti 12GB
CPU	AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
RAM	32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5 5600Mhz
Motherboard	ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I WiFi
PSU	850 Watt CORSAIR SFX-L Series
Storage	1TB Samsung PM9A1 M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0
Connectivity	2 x USB-C 4.0, 1 x USB-C 3.1, 5 x USB-A 3.2, 3 x USB-A 2.0, 5 x USB-A 3.2, 3.5mm headphone/mic
Cooling	2 x 120mm fan, 80mm fan, iCUE H100i ELITE CAPELLIX XT Liquid CPU Cooler
Dimensions (W x H x D)	7.87 x 17.71 x 10.6 (20cm x 45cm x 27cm)

Pros

• Powerful all-rounder

• Easily upgradeable

• PCIe Gen 5.0

Cons

• Not the smallest

• Expensive

Well-established custom PC builders Origin have updated their CHRONOS line to use parent company Corsair’s svelte 2000D case whose vertical design makes us think that it’s some supercharged Xbox Series X with its cuboid design.

At $2,806 it isn’t the cheapest, but Origin PC has been in the business a long time for good reason so you can be sure you will be getting a quality product that won’t be giving you any headaches.

With an AMD Ryzen 7 7800 X3D and Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti, you can be sure to be playing the latest AAA games for a while, especially with more games supporting DLSS 3 frame generation introduced with the RTX 4000 series.

Being owned by Corsair, you can quite often get good deals on peripherals if you need a new monitor, keyboard, mouse, and streaming goodies. Be sure to check out our best gaming headsets if you need a sonic solution for your ears.

It’s on the cusp of being a mini PC however as it is quite large still, but is certainly smaller than your average ATX case. You can go smaller with other options but given Origin’s credentials, customer service, and flexibility, we’ve included it as our best overall pick.

3. Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon

Best true mini PC with dedicated graphics.

Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon Specs:

.	.
Graphics	Intel Arc A770M 16GB
CPU	Intel i7-12700H
RAM	16GB DDR4 3200Mhz
Storage	1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Connectivity	HDMI 2.1 (4K60), DisplayPort 2.0 x 2, Thunderbolt/USB4 Type-C ports x 2, USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A ×6, 3.5mm Combo Jack ×1, 2.5Gb ethernet, Consumer infrared port, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Cooling	Two fans and heat pipes
Dimensions	9.06 x 7.09 x 2.36 inches (23 x 18 x 6 cm)
Weight	4.34 lbs (1.97 kg)

Pros

• Pint-sized gaming PC

• Slick console-like design

• Powerful dedicated graphics

Cons

• Intel Arc teething issues

• Expensive

Intel’s NUC (Next Unit of Computing) series has been around for a few years now but for the first time, they’ve updated their designs with their own Arc series of GPUs for a true-blue all-Intel system.

This is all packaged in an exceedingly handsome and small case that puts the PS5 and Xbox Series X to shame when it comes to a performance-to-size ratio as the NUC 12 Serpent Canyon is so small that we’re surprised there’s even a GPU in there. It has an air of “This is what the Xbox 720 will look like” about it which we’re quite fond of too.

The Serpent Canyon has an Intel Arc A770M with 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM so you shouldn’t run into any limitations with the recent spate of resource-heavy AAA games. The Arc cards have excellent ray-tracing performance for their price point, eclipsing AMD in this regard.

Also included is a very capable i7-12700H so CPU workloads will be breezy and will keep up with the performant A770M.

Whilst the CPU and GPU aren’t upgradable, there are plenty of drive options with 2 M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots and an M.2 PCIe slot. The RAM is also user-replaceable.

Something to consider is how the Intel Arc cards have fared since release. They are leaps and bounds better than were with DX9, 10, and 11 performance seeing massive improvements but Nvidia and AMD have better legacy support for older titles. Intel’s upscaling technology XeSS isn’t as widely supported but it is being increasingly integrated by developers.

Recent AAA titles that have VRAM issues have influenced our decision to include the Serpent Canyon as the 16GB of VRAM and good DX12 performance see the NUC punching above its weight here. This is at a high cost, but we think it’s worth it given the unique design and improved performance.

4. Corsair ONE i400

The mini gaming PC with the best design.

Corsair ONE i400 Specs:

.	.
Graphics	Nvidia RTX 3080 10 GB
CPU	Intel i7-13700KF
RAM	32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5-5600MHz
Storage	1TB NVMe SSD
PSU	750W SFX 80 PLUS Platinum
Connectivity	USB 3.1 Gen 1 x 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 x 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1, 7.1 Audio, 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Cooling	2 liquid AIO coolers
Dimensions	6.93 x 7.87 x 14.96 inches (17.6 x 20 x 38 cm)
Weight	9.6 lbs (4.35 kg)

Pros:

• Striking design

• Excellent performance

Cons:

• Expensive for RTX 3080 PC

• Difficult to upgrade

Look at that subtle RGB lighting. The tasteful thickness of it Oh my god, it even has water cooling. It’s the Corsair ONE i400 with Intel’s latest 13th gen i7-13700KF and clearly, they are still pretty proud of themselves as they have stuck with the tried and true Corsair One case, and really, who could blame them?

It’s become something of a PC design icon since the original Corsair One debuted back in 2017, and we’ve been fans of it ever since – its predecessor was in our best gaming PC list.

The ONE i400 also has faster DDR5 RAM to help raise those 1% lows whilst gaming and chewing through the embarrassing amount of tabs we have open. The RTX 3080 is still a formidable card and most of the time you should have a great experience playing games or using GPU-accelerated programs.

It is a bit disappointing to see only the RAM and CPU see a refresh. At the asking price of $2,499.99, we think an RTX 4070 Ti would be the obvious pairing as the extra VRAM would help ease any concerns about how memory-hungry new AAA games have been as of late. The Corsair ONE i400 is also a little more awkward to work in than even some smaller PCs due to its unique design, but we think the tradeoff here is worth it if you feel confident pulling it apart and back together again.

5. Beelink SER6 Gaming Mini PC

Best budget mini gaming PC.

Beelink SER6 Specs:

.	.
Graphics	AMD RDNA 2 660M
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 6600H 6 core 4.5Ghz
RAM	16GB DDR5 4800MHz dual channel
Storage	512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Connectivity	USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 3, USB 2.0, HDMI x 2, 2.5Gb ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Cooling	Two fans
Dimensions	4.96 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches (12.6 x 11.3 x 4.2 cm)
Weight	1.13 lbs ( 0.51 kg)

Pros

• Steam Deck level of performance

• Upgradable RAM and storage

Cons

• Loud and high-pitched fan noise

• Only a little cheaper than 680M systems

AMD’s integrated graphics make another showing here with the Beelink SER6. The SER6 has an AMD 660M that is slightly less powerful than the iGPU of the Steam Deck, but the SER6 has two extra CPU cores and more power available to it so you can expect your games and general computing to feel a little snappier. To keep the Ryzen 5 6600U running sweet there is 16GB of DDR5 RAM and older and lighter titles such as Minecraft and League of Legends will hum along nicely.

You also have good options for expanding your storage and RAM with user two SODIMM slots and a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot which are user-replaceable. Similarly to the Minisforum, there is space for a 2.5” drive at the bottom of the SER6 if you want to get silly with the storage and dump all your (legally owned) ROMs for a great little emulation machine. If the included 512GB isn’t enough, be sure to check out our best SSD for gaming roundup.

An unfortunate flaw here though is the dual fan design. Because the individual fans are smaller, they are much higher pitched than a larger singular fan would be so when things heat up, it can be a little loud. It’s also only a little cheaper at $429 (£539) than a 680 M-equipped mini PC so you may want to spend an extra bit of cash for the additional CPU and CU cores.

6. Blackview MP200

Best mini PC under $300/£300

Blackview MP200 specs:

.	.
Graphics	Intel Ultra-HD Graphics
CPU	Intel Core i5-11400H
RAM	16GB DDR4 3200MHz
Storage	512GB M.2
Connectivity	USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 4, HDMI 2, USB type C, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Wifi 6, 1000Mbs LAN
Dimensions	183.2 x 150 x 75.5mm
Weight	1.52lbs (690g)

Pros

• One of the cheapest mini PCs

• Good for daily tasks

Cons

• Noisy fans during medium loads

• No dedicated graphics card

The Blackview MP200 is the ideal mini PC for those who want to spend as little as possible. Its competitive pricing makes it our top cheap option, but that price does mean limitations with performance.

Inside the MP200, the Intel Ultra-HD Graphics hinder gameplay somewhat, to the extent that you’ll need to play most in the lowest settings. It’s not impossible to play the best PC games, but you may struggle with triple AAA releases.

There are enough ports to add three displays with USB 3.2 connectivity, and the storage and RAM can both be doubled if you want to add second modules and upgrade the machine further down the line. We’d recommend the Blackview MP200 if you want one of the cheapest Windows 11 PCs on the market, but if gaming is your priority then lack of graphics card and cooling will let you down.

7. Asus ROG Ally

Best portable mini gaming PC.

Asus ROG Ally specs:

.	.
Graphics	AMD 780M
CPU	AMD Z1 Extreme APU 8 core
RAM	16GB LPDDR5 6400Mhz Dual channel
Display	7 inch IPS 1080p 120Hz (VRR)
Storage	512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, microSD
Connectivity	ROG XG Mobile Interface, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
Cooling	Dual fan design
Dimensions	11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 ~ 1.28 inches (28.0 x 11.1 x 2.12 ~ 3.24 cm)
Weight	1.34 lbs (0.61 kg)

Pros

• Inexpensive

• Very powerful

• Highly portable

Cons

• Armory Crate software needs improving

• Windows 11 isn’t the best portable OS

The Asus ROG Ally may have a display and a built-in controller but it is by all accounts, a mini gaming PC that just so happens to be extremely portable. We were mightily impressed by the $699 (£699) Ally in our review.

It’s eeked out the Steam Deck for the best portable mini gaming PC because of its extra grunt in the GPU and CPU department which lets us play games on the go at 1080P.

When plugged in at home, you can opt for the maximum power envelope that would normally rinse your battery and have a very capable little computer that you can do pretty much anything on. With the XMG connector, you can plug in one of Asus’ external GPUs without losing any performance to the limitations of USB 4 as you have full access to the PCIe lanes.

You’ll need a good gaming keyboard and gaming mouse setup to make full use of the desktop environment though, editing the Excel spreadsheet might be a little difficult with the joysticks.

Any hiccups in performance will be smoothed out by the VRR screen too so unless you have some very heavy 1% and 0.1% lows, you shouldn’t notice any dips in frame rate allowing for a smooth and consistent experience.

Unfortunately, Asus’ Armory Crate overlay paired with Windows 11 doesn’t shine a candle to Valve’s SteamOS in terms of functionality, but this will no doubt improve with time and you have the added benefit of knowing that games such as Fortnite and Roblox will work out of the box.

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

A mini PC can be a good option for gaming, but it all depends on how much performance you need – and how much you’re willing to spend. The most expensive mini PCs like the Corsair i400 are equipped with high-end CPUs and dedicated GPUs, while there are some limitations to truly mini PCs.

With less space for cooling systems, this can lead to higher temperatures and loud fan noise during intensive gaming sessions – something we found to be true with the Blackview MP200. The compact form factor may also limit upgradability compared to larger desktop counterparts, as you might get fewer expansion slots. As mini PC technology has improved, high-performance mini gaming PCs can now mostly meet the demands of modern gamers.

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Featured

Best Strategy Games for PC in 2024

By admin January 15, 2024

Best Strategy Games for PC in 2024, Strategy games come in a few different shapes and sizes, but what makes the following special is their unrivaled base-building features.Strategy games often involve micromanagement of various things that the player must master, ranging from logistics planning to providing optimal resources, to building a strong base that can serve as a foundation of the player’s winning move in the game. Most strategy games, be they real-time, simulation, or turn-based, have the element of base-building in their core gameplay loop.

The base building aspect of the game will usually involve the player having to gather resources and construct buildings as a starting point. This base will evolve to adapt to the game’s situation, although it has a heavier resource usage. The evolution of the base can also unlock a new gameplay loop for the player, keeping the game consistently fresh.

Factorio

The Factory Must Expand

Factorio is one of the best examples of how a strategy game can be centered around base building, as it becomes necessary for the player to have a well-built and well-defended fortress in order to ‘win’ the game. The real-time strategy game is also focused on resource gathering, making it necessary for the player to micromanage their resources optimally while defending the base from hostile invasion from the planet’s fauna.

From the importance of the Alt key to the value of construction bots, here are some valuable pointers for players who are new to Factorio.

With the game’s blueprint system, the base-building aspect of the game becomes more intense as the player will be able to build numerous unique building structures and customize their base, making each playthrough unique.

Best Strategy Games for PC in 2024

Cult Of The Lamb

Build A Base For An Upstart Cult

Creating a cult has never been more intense than while playing Cult of the Lamb, as the player will be controlling the role of a lamb that owes its life to a demon, and as a payment, tasked with creating a cult in the demon’s name. As part of the cult creation, the player is also tasked with building a proper base for the cult to thrive, and also act as a place of worship for its followers.

Farm layout is important in Cult of the Lamb, and these tips can help players keep things running smoothly.

Followers can be tasked with gathering resources to build up the base, and a plethora of other activities, including getting sacrificed to appease the demon. The survival aspect of the game makes it necessary for the player to build a well-balanced base without sacrificing an aspect, as it can lead to an early game over.

Base Of Operation Is Necessary Against Alien Invasion

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Fighting against an alien invasion that is overwhelmingly more advanced technologically can be insurmountable, but also fun to challenge in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Aside from undertaking missions to repel alien invasions, the player is tasked with creating a proper base for the organization to build up their soldiers in many aspects, including technological advancement and logistics.

The base-building aspect of the game can become intense once the player is faced with the problem of facing multiple problems that require priority above the others. For example, having a country with a huge amount of funds pull out of the organization’s funding can negatively impact the base’s performance as upgrades become scarce.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

Balance Resources To Achieve The Perfect Foundation For An Assault

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

Although the game’s age is over two decades, the gameplay loop of both micromanagement and base building still holds fresh against most modern strategy games due to its simple design, but hard-to-master concept. At the start of every game, the player will be tasked to gather enough resources to build up a base that is capable of training units to assault the enemy’s base.

Moreover, these bases can also hold unique, powerful buildings that acts as a high-risk, high-reward structure that enables the player to unleash superweapons, such as a nuclear silo.

Evil Genius 2: World Domination

Build A Proper Staging Base To Dominate Earth

World domination is not an easy feat to do, and it usually requires a genius leader at the head of an evil organization that is willing to do anything, including building a super-secret base as the foundation of their evil plan. Players of the game will need to have a well-optimized base layout to have a chance of winning the game.

Evil Genius 2 can seem daunting for players new to the strategy genre. Here’s how to start the journey towards world domination.

Moreover, having the proper base layout is crucial, as the different rooms inside the base enable the player to take more missions to grow their organization. A less-optimized layout of the base will have repercussions, especially towards the later stages of the game, as the Forces of Justice’s interference grows more intense.

Age Of Empires 2

The Best Base Is A Foundation For Good Offense

The classic real-time-strategy game Age of Empires 2 is still widely played to this day due to its timeless gameplay loop, which includes intense micromanagement of units, resource management, and proper base-building to enable the smooth development of an army. The base-building phase of the game is crucial enough to have a set of patterns on which building to build first, and technologies to research first, to keep up with the enemy’s development.

Moreover, building a well-connected network of walls with gates is also important, as a well-defended base will mean the player has a chance to mount a comeback after a failed assault on the enemy’s base.

Starcraft

The Staple For Both Base Building And Micromanagement

Veterans of Starcraft will know how crucial it is to have the right sequence of buildings made in their base, as less optimal buildings will hinder their development and rapidly lower their chances of victory. Combined with three unique factions, each with its unique buildings, Starcraft can be categorized as one of the best games that have base building as one of the core gameplay loops.

The base-building aspect of the game ranges from creating an optimal supply chain to build an army, to identifying a satellite base that is dedicated to resource gathering.

Total War: Warhammer 3

Total War: Warhammer 3, the conclusion to Creative Assembly’s Warhammer trilogy, is also its strangest and most experimental, letting players leave the traditional Total War sandbox every 30 or so turns to journey through the Realm of Chaos, where the domains of the Chaos gods exist, culminating in huge survival battles that draw from tower defence games, with fortifications, in-battle recruitment and waves of enemies.

The campaign proved to be divisive, but for those more interested in a proper sandbox, there’s always Immortal Empires. Available as free DLC for anyone who owns all three games, this mega-campaign pits every faction and legendary lord in the entire trilogy against each other in a gargantuan map. So that’s 278 factions and 86 playable legendary lords. It’s incredible. Total War at its most, well, total war.

Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3, the best strategy game of 2020, has usurped its predecessor’s spot on the list, unsurprisingly. It’s a huge grand strategy RPG, more polished and cohesive than the venerable CK2, and quite a bit easier on the eyes, too. At first glance it might seem a bit too familiar, but an even greater focus on roleplaying and simulating the lifestyles of medieval nobles, along with a big bag of new and reconsidered features, makes it well worth jumping ship to the latest iteration.

CK3 is a ceaseless storyteller supported by countless complex systems that demand to be mucked around with and tweaked. Getting to grips with it is thankfully considerably easier this time around, thanks to a helpful nested tooltip system and plenty of guidance. And all this soapy dynastic drama just has a brilliant flow to it, carrying you along with it. You can meander through life without any great plan and still find yourself embroiled in countless intrigues, wars and trysts.

Total War: Three Kingdoms

Total War: Three Kingdoms, the latest historical entry in the series, takes a few nods from Warhammer, which you’ll find elsewhere in this list, giving us a sprawling Chinese civil war that’s fuelled by its distinct characters, both off and on the battlefield. Each is part of a complicated web of relationships that affects everything from diplomacy to performance in battle, and like their Warhammer counterparts they’re all superhuman warriors.

It feels like a leap for the series in the same way the first Rome did, bringing with it some fundemental changes to how diplomacy, trade and combat works. The fight over China also makes for a compelling campaign, blessed with a kind of dynamism that we’ve not seen in a Total War before. Since launch, it’s also benefited from some great DLC, including a new format that introduces historical bookmarks that expand on different events from the era.

Europa Universalis 4

Paradox’s long-running, flagship strategy romp is the ultimate grand strategy game, putting you in charge of a nation from the end of the Middle Ages all the way up to the 1800s. As head honcho, you determine its political strategy, meddle with its economy, command its armies and craft an empire.

Right from the get-go, Europa Universalis 4 lets you start changing history. Maybe England crushes France in the 100 Years War and builds a massive continental empire. Maybe the Iroquois defeat European colonists, build ships and invade the Old World. It’s huge, complex, and through years of expansions has just kept growing. The simulation can sometimes be tough to wrap one’s head around, but it’s worth diving in and just seeing where alt-history takes you.

4X Old World

Few 4X games try to challenge Civ, but Old World already had a leg up thanks designer Soren Johnson’s previous relationship with the series. He was the lead designer on Civ 4, and that legacy is very apparent. But Old World is more than another take on Civ. For one, it’s set exclusively in antiquity rather than charting the course of human history, but that change in scope also allows it to focus on people as well as empires.

Instead of playing an immortal ruler, you play one who really lives, getting married, having kids and eventually dying. Then you play their heir. You have courtiers, spouses, children and rivals to worry about, and with this exploration of the human side of empire-building also comes a bounty of events, plots and surprises. You might even find yourself assassinated by a family member. There’s more than a hint of Crusader Kings here.

Civilization 6

You can’t have a best strategy games list without a bit of Civ. Civilization 6 is our game of choice in the series right now, especially now that it’s seen a couple of expansions. The biggest change this time around is the district system, which unstacks cities in the way that its predecessor unstacked armies. Cities are now these sprawling things full of specialised areas that force you to really think about the future when you developing tiles.

The expansions added some more novel wrinkles that are very welcome but do stop short of revolutionising the venerable series. They introduce the concept of Golden Ages and Dark Ages, giving you bonuses and debuffs depending on your civilisation’s development across the years, as well as climate change and environmental disasters. It’s a forward-thinking, modern Civ.

Sins of a Solar Empire

Sins of a Solar Empire captures some of the scope of a 4X strategy game but makes it work within an RTS framework. This is a game about star-spanning empires that rise, stabilise and fall in the space of an afternoon: and, particularly, about the moment when the vast capital ships of those empires emerge from hyperspace above half-burning worlds. Diplomacy is an option too, of course, but also: giant spaceships. Play the Rebellion expansion to enlarge said spaceships to ridiculous proportions.

After years of waiting, a sequel is finally on the horizon, thankfully. Sins of a Solar Empire 2 can already be played in early access for those who preorder it.

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Computer

Best laptops for CAD and 3D modeling 2024

By admin January 14, 2024

Best laptops for CAD and 3D modeling 2024, Are you heading off to college? Starting a new semester soon? It’s probably about time you upgraded your laptop or computer. But glancing at some of the best laptop deals will show you there are many options out there. What should you be looking for if there’s something specific you want to do, like taking notes with a stylus, researching on the internet, or even a little gaming on the side?

What about streaming some movies or shows with friends in your dorm? Don’t worry. That’s precisely what we’re going to review in this guide. We’ll cover all of the best laptops for college for the 2024 school year.

Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020)

Best Apple MacBook

As far as Apple products go, it’s older, yes, but the 2020 Apple MacBook Air M1 is still incredibly capable. It’s also affordable, which makes it accessible to college students on a budget. It comes packed with some excellent features and hardware, too. Like the stunning 13.3-inch Retina display, 18 hours of battery life, and super easy-to-use Mac OS. In our Macbook Air M1 review, we praised it for its excellent keyboard and touchpad, phenomenal battery life, rock-solid build quality, and the M1 chip’s power and performance at the time compared to Intel’s. We still stand by those praises today.

Best laptops for CAD and 3D modeling 2024

Lenovo Yoga 6 13-inch AMD

Best 2-in-1 laptop

With the base model starting around $600, for great specs, including an AMD Ryzen 7000 Series mobile processor, the Lenovo Yoga 6 2-in-1 is perfect for students on the move. The thin and light frame adds to the portability, with the convertible and touchscreen-enabled display excellent for just about any configuration you can think up. You can use it like a notebook to take class notes, prop it up to watch media, use it as a traditional laptop, and more. Plus, the visuals are vibrant and appealing on the 13.3-inch WUXGA full-HD display, and the audio-optimized speakers are Dolby Atmos compatible.

HP Pavilion Aero 13

Best bang-for-your-buck

Unsurprisingly, our HP Pavilion Aero 13 review praised this little machine that could for its quality, performance, battery life, minimalist design, and lightweight build. It weighs just over 2 pounds and is no burden, even better when tossed into a backpack or handbag. And while it is classified as a budget laptop — excellent for students — it also packs a decent amount of power under the hood. The base model for about $550 includes an AMD Ryzen 5 Series processor with AMD Radeon graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid-state drive.

The 13.3-inch display is full HD, operating at a 1900 by 1200 resolution. There’s no touchscreen, and it’s a bummer to see no backlit keyboard in the base model, but you can certainly make do.

Dell XPS 13 (9315)

Best no-nonsense option

You’ll find that, like most laptops, the Dell XPS 13 can be customized so that you can choose your RAM, storage, and more, with varying price points. The base model starts at about $799 for 8GB of DDR5 RAM — the fastest on the market today — Intel Iris Xe graphics and a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 10-core processor. It is an excellent student option because the price is reasonable, the performance is acceptable, the battery life is terrific, and the machine is reliable overall. Plus, the 13.4-inch full HD display doesn’t hurt either.

ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2022)

Best for gaming

You should know that the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a powerful machine, but it’s also overkill if you only do schoolwork and everyday productivity tasks. However, if you want to do some gaming in your free time, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU pairs well with the Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of DDR4 system RAM. Depending on the system requirements, you can play most newer games on medium to high settings, some even higher than that.

It doesn’t have the best battery life, so you’ll need to stay near an outlet, especially if you’re playing games, but that’s a solid tradeoff for more power. It’s also a bit pricy for students on a budget, but that’s a tradeoff for the extra power.

How we chose these laptops for college

As a college student, likely on a tight budget, the compromises you’re willing to make for a great PC will always be different from those of someone with money to burn who wants the best. That doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t want the best possible for your price range, but there are factors to consider that are more important than others.

Here’s what we prioritized when choosing laptops for college students:

Price

You have a budget, and you need to stick to it. We don’t blame you. That’s why we prioritized laptops from all affordable but capable brands, especially compared to more expensive counterparts. Aside from our gaming choice, which was selected for power above all, everything else on this list should be accessible.

Battery life

From studying in a library for long hours to hanging out in a friend’s dorm, you’ll probably opt for laptops with reliable battery life. Again, aside from our gaming pick, everything else on this list has excellent battery life to offer and should get you through most of your day, even without a quick charge.

Display

Even at a budget price, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a full HD resolution display in this day and age. Every laptop we selected has at least that or better.

This article is managed and created separately from the Digital Trends Editorial team.

The 5 best laptops for CAD and and 3D modeling in 2024

Whether it’s engineering or game design, 3d modeling and CAD work has become very big in the past few years, especially with a lot of folks starting to do it at home for things like 3D printer files. Of course, not every laptop you pick up can handle doing that sort of work, so if you plan to do either, then going for a laptop that is fit for the job is important. To that end, we’ve collected our five favorite laptops across various price ranges and needs so that you can pick the perfect laptop for you.

Legion Pro 5 Gen 8

Best overall for 3D modeling

While the Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 is not necessarily the most powerful laptop on this list, it’s one of the best to balance specs with cost, so if you’re looking for a good mid-range option that ticks most of the boxes, then this is the one to go for. Under the hood, it runs an AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX Processor, which is a mid-to-high-end CPU that should handle most modeling tasks with ease. That’s especially true since it easily overshoots the recommended requirements for AutoCAD for a processor that can do more than 3GHz.

You also get plentiful RAM here with 32GBs of DDR 5 memory, which is also double the recommended 16GB for AutoCAD, although we’d actually say the ideal amount of RAM starts at 32GB, so you’re good. It’s also the newer and faster memory compared to DDR4, so it should perform better overall. As for graphical processing power, you get an RTX 4070, which is a solid mid-range gaming GPU that should handle most 3D modeling tasks relatively well and should be fine for most use cases.

In terms of screen size, we’re happy to say that it’s a very solid 16 inches, so there is lots of room to see details, and it even runs a 2560 x 1600 resolution, which is perfect without pushing the GPU too much. It can hit a peak brightness of 300nits, which isn’t that great if you’re in well-light areas, although the 165Hz refresh rate is certainly nice for a smoother experience. We should also mention that it’s a bit on the heavier side, so be sure to take that into account if you need to move around a lot.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16

Best powerful Laptop for 3D modeling

You might be thinking to yourself, “What is a gaming laptop doing on a list of 3D modeling laptops?” Well, it’s not a surprise that there is quite a big overlap when it comes to a good laptop for gaming and a good laptop for 3D modeling. For example, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has an Intel Core i9-13900H, one of the most powerful CPUs on the market, and just a grade below professional-grade CPUs like the Intel Xeon and the Ryzen Threadripper. As such, it’s more than happy to chug away at any 3D modeling tasks you send its way without too much hassle, assuming you aren’t doing anything crazy.

In a similar vein, the Zephyurs M16 runs an RTX 4090 under the hood, which is one of the best non-professional grade GPUs out there and, again, will easily handle most 3D modeling tasks you throw its way. That said, the inclusion of the RTX 4090 does mean that it drinks up electricity like it’s abundant, so the battery life is not that great, especially when you’re putting a lot of load on the GPU. It also means that it runs pretty hot, so these are two very important things to consider before buying in.

Luckily, the screen is excellent, with a 16-inch that runs a 2560 x 1440 resolution, which is always a nice addition to have. The same goes for the 240Hz max refresh rate, which you likely aren’t going to need for non-gaming needs, so setting it to 120Hz will give you a smooth experience while freeing up some processes for 3D modeling. We should also mention that you get a very impressive 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, which really puts this configuration of the Zephyrius M16 in a league of its own.

MacBook Pro 16

Best powerful MacBook Laptop for 3D modeling

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem or want a MacBook for 3D modeling, then you have to go for the absolute best that Apple has to offer, which is the M3 Max MacBook Pro 16, a bit of a mouthful but hard to beat in terms of specs. Actually, we would have probably picked the M3 Pro version to save a little, but sadly, the M3 Max version is the only one that has the 36GB of RAM that we consider to be ideal for 3D modeling. Even so, the M3 Max chip is the best that Apple has to offer, with a 14-core processor that will easily handle most tasks you throw at it.

Even better, the M3 Max also has a whopping 36 GPU cores, so it’s exceedingly well-suite for 3D modeling tasks, and some would argue that Apple has some of the best hardware for graphics rendering and work in general. That said, you should keep in mind that not all applications work on both Windows and MacOS, with MacOS sometimes missing out on a few, so be sure to check that your app is supported on MacOS before taking the plunge.

That said, if it does run on MacOS, then you’ll be happy to know that you get an SSD with 1TB of storage, so your apps will load fast, and you’ll have a lot of space for any files you need, which are likely a lot for this sort of work.

Finally, while not exceedingly important, the 16-inch screen of the MacBook Pro is just lovely, as it has a 3456 x 2234 resolution running on a Liquid Retina XDR display, the best one that Apple offers. Also, it’s a relatively portable laptop for its specs, so even though you’re paying a premium, it’s perfect for those who tend to move around a lot.

LG gram 17

Best thin and portable laptop for 3D modeling

Solid 3d modeling laptops don’t need to be big, bulky, and very expensive, and if you want something that’s very thin and portable, you can’t go wrong with the LG Gram 17. It sits at an incredibly 0.7 inches of thickness despite the fact that it runs an RTX 3050 under the hood. Now, granted, the RTX 3050 is a very entry-level GPU, but the fact that it has a GPU at all is impressive, and every little bit counts when it comes to 3D modeling. It also only weighs 3.2 pounds, which is equally impressive.

In terms of processing power, it has an Intel Core i7 Evo, so it’s more than capable of handling 3D modeling and clears the recommended specs of most apps by a good margin. That said, the RAM only meets the recommended specs with 16GB of DDR5 memory, and while we would have liked to see double that, it’s not going to grind any 3D modeling to a complete halt. As for storage, you get a 1TB SSD, so lots of space and quick loading of apps and data.

Finally, it’s worth touching on the fact that the display is very good, a 17-inch display that runs WQXGA and gives you a relatively large amount of space to do your work, and we hope you can appreciate that. Even so, one disadvantage of the larger screen is that, combined with how thin it is, it can feel a bit flimsy, which isn’t ideal for something this pricey. So, if you do end up buying this one, don’t treat it like a rugged laptop, but be sure to be somewhat gentle with it.

IdeaPad Gaming 3

Best budget laptop for 3D modeling

While budget options aren’t ideal for heavy-duty 3D modeling, they’re a good option if you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend a ton of money. Funnily enough, this is the second gaming laptop on this list, but we can’t deny that the IdeaPad Gaming 3 is also great as a budget 3D modeling laptop. For example, it has the same RTX 4050 as the LG Gram 17 but costs only half the price, so it’s excellent value if you don’t care as much about having a thin and light laptop.

Another thing that’s more value-oriented is the 15.6-inch screen, which only has a 1920 x 1080 resolution and only hits 45% NTSC, which isn’t that impressive. Also, it can only hit 250nits of brightness, which is equally unimpressive and means that it won’t deal with bright direct lighting or even bright indirect lighting. On the other hand, it can run at a 120Hz refresh rate, so it’s still going to give you a smooth overall experience when viewing it, as will the 16GB of DDR5 RAM. Again, it is not the ideal of what we’d like to see, but it is more than enough to cover the recommended specs of most apps.

As for processing power, you get the mid-to-high-end AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, which should handle most 3D modeling tasks without issue; plus, it’s generally a bit more power efficient and an excellent CPU for productivity. When it comes to battery life, you should expect around seven to ten hours, depending on what you’re using it for, with more general activity like watching a video taking up less battery.

How We Chose These Laptops for 3D modeling

Processing power

It’s probably not shocking to know that having a powerful CPU under the hood of any 3D modeling laptop is important since it’s one of the main number-crunchers of the CPU and goes a long way. That means that you should ideally aim for something like the Intel i7 or the Ryzen R7 as sort of the starting point, which is why most of our picks above are based around those processors.

In a similar vein, GPUs are also very important for 3D modeling, but this one is a bit more complicated due to the fact that there are consumer-grade GPUs and professional-grade GPUs. While professional-grade GPUs, like the Quadro family of cards, is excellent for 3D modeling, they are prohibitively expensive for most people, especially since high-end consumer GPUs have comparable specs. As such, we avoided any Quadro or professional-grade GPUs and instead focused on consumer GPUs that are cheaper and easier to find. Going with consumer GPUs also means that you have a lot more leeway in configurations and choices for laptops.

RAM

Memory is another important thing you’ll need to keep in mind, especially since a lot of more budget-friendly laptops tend to only go for 8GB. Unfortunately, the recommended specs for most CAD and 3D modeling software tend to sit at 16Gb, and even that is something we consider too low. Preferablly, we like to see something around 32GB or up, although anything above 32GB does tend to be quite expensive and will start giving you diminishing returns. So, if you’d like to go for a higher amount, just be sure that you actually are going to need it.

Screen

Ironically, the screen is the thing that will likely have the least impact on 3D modeling, mostly because it’s just a visual output more than anything else. So, while it would definitely nice to have a large 18-inch screen running 4K resolutions, 1080p is perfectly fine, as is a smaller screen. Also, smaller screens mean smaller laptops, so if you value portability, going with a smaller screen isn’t all that bad.

This article is managed and created separately from the Digital Trends Editorial team.

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Guide

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024

By admin January 14, 2024

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024, PC freezing, going slow, or running into hitches where it shouldn’t? Even if you have one of the best processors, high CPU usage could be to blame. Unfortunately, if you aren’t too computer savvy, what this means, what part of your computer causes the issue, and CPU failure symptoms are all sort of a mystery.

So, what is CPU usage? Here, we’ll investigate high CPU usage, the factors that affect CPU utilization, and more.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is CPU usage?

The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU) is arguably the most important component inside any computer. Whether you’ve got one of the best processors on the market or you’re running an entry-level machine, your processor always serves as the brain of the operation. It sends instructions to all the other pieces of hardware in your device and is responsible for executing each and every task. If you’d like to read a more in-depth explanation about the CPU itself, check out our guide to what is a CPU.

Every processor has a limited capacity at which it can execute commands and run various programs. The better the CPU, the more tasks you can simultaneously perform without a hitch. However, no matter how powerful the CPU is, every chip will eventually hit its maximum capacity and begin slowing down. This will depend on your current CPU usage: In other words, the number of things your processor is being made to do at the same time.

When you’re not running many applications, your CPU usage should be low, and in an ideal scenario, everything should run smoothly. However, if you open a CPU-intensive program (such as certain games or video editing software,) you may notice that the response times increase as your CPU usage goes up.

Fluctuations in CPU usage are normal and nothing to worry about — as long as your PC continues running smoothly. If you’re unsatisfied with the performance of your PC, the first step is to check its CPU usage.

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024

How to check CPU usage

Checking CPU usage on Windows comes down to simply opening the Task Manager. If you already know how to do that, you can skip ahead to our next steps.

The three easiest and quickest ways to run Task Manager are:

• Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+Escape to bring up the Task Manager directly.

• Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the lock screen and select Task Manager from there.

• Right-click on the taskbar or the Windows icon at the bottom-left side of your screen. Pick Task Manager from the list.

With Task Manager open, navigate to the Performance tab and select CPU from the left-hand side menu. This will produce a curve diagram that displays real-time updates about the performance of your CPU. You can also check the Open Resource Monitor option at the bottom to see more detailed information about your processor.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is a normal CPU usage?

Before you jump right in and start trying to fix the problem, it’s important to learn whether the CPU usage you’re currently experiencing is abnormal in the first place.

Remember that depending on your processor, it could be that your computer is just utilizing the resources available to it in an efficient manner under heavy workloads. High-end CPUs are able to handle all manner of multitasking, but budget processors may not be able to run multiple resource-heavy programs at once.

If you are currently not running any additional programs, your CPU usage should be anywhere between 1% and 10% just through Windows processes alone. Anything higher than that on an idle PC means that something might be wrong. However, if you’re playing a game or even have multiple browser windows open, the CPU usage will climb accordingly.

If you’re unsure whether your CPU usage is too high, here are a few indicators to look out for:

• High idle CPU usage: You’re not running any programs and your CPU usage is still above 20%.

• Higher than usual CPU usage: You’re not using any new programs, and yet your CPU usage is higher than it used to be.

• High CPU usage during tasks that aren’t resource-heavy, like word processing, or browsing social media in just a couple of tabs.

• High CPU usage combined with freezes, crashes, and slow performance.

There are some programs that commonly consume a lot of processing power. Check out our suggestions below if you’re not sure whether your software is one of them.

How to fix high CPU usage

It’s important to monitor CPU usage and act if something seems amiss. If the amount of software you’re running doesn’t warrant slower loading times or high CPU usage, check out our quick steps below to resolve this problem.

Restart your computer

Sometimes all your PC may need is just a quick restart. This will clear out temporary files, shut down any programs you didn’t know were running, and give your computer more of a fresh slate.

If a while has passed since you last restarted your computer, save all your work and reboot. After the restart, launch the programs you’ve previously had open and check if your CPU usage is now back to normal.

Check open processes

If the problem comes back after re-launching previous software, it’s time to check which program is the culprit.

Launch Task Manager (if you’re not sure how to do that, click here,) and click the Processes tab at the top. You will be presented with a list of processes that are currently running on your computer. This is a long list, and it’s important that you don’t close any programs without knowing what they do. To make the list easier to navigate, click on Name to sort by software type.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Programs found under Apps are usually safe to close if needed. Check their CPU usage. If it’s a program that typically consumes a lot of CPU power, it might be that your high CPU usage is not abnormal. In any case, you can close the program to make sure your PC is running smoothly without it. Save all your work before you proceed.

Pick the program with the highest CPU usage and click End Task in the bottom right corner. Start it back up and check whether your CPU usage has improved. Try to close all the programs you don’t currently need — if the program or background process that consumes the most CPU power is unknown to you, write down its name and give it a quick Google search. It could be a virus that you need to get rid of.

Be mindful of the following:

• Apps with a very high CPU usage that shouldn’t require too many resources

• Background processes with a high CPU usage

• Windows processes with a high CPU usage

If any of the processes on your computer are CPU-heavy and you’re not sure what they are, write down their names and make sure they’re safe.

Scan your computer for viruses and malware

Unfortunately, malware and viruses are often the culprits behind high CPU usage. You may sometimes notice them by browsing through the Task Manager, but oftentimes they will be concealed and won’t be that easy to spot.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Getting rid of malware and viruses can be tricky and highly situational, but there are a few steps you should take that can resolve your problem.

• Download one of the best antivirus programs available and scan your computer.

• In addition to an antivirus program, you can download malware and spyware-specific programs such as Malwarebytes and SpyBot S&D. Scan your PC with these programs after the antivirus scan is over.

If the software finds any harmful programs on your computer, it will likely help you get rid of them. This may lower your CPU usage.

Update your drivers

Your CPU can take quite a beating if you’re using old drivers or unoptimized software. Sometimes, fixing high CPU usage may be as easy as simply updating your drivers.

In this step, try to update all of your drivers. This includes motherboard drivers, GPU drivers, audio drivers, and more. Check out our dedicated guides on updating all of your drivers and updating your graphics card drivers if you’d like a step-by-step tutorial on how to do this.

A word of warning: Do not use third-party software for updating drivers. A lot of the commonly advertised software on the internet may be dangerous to your computer. Whether it’s out-right malware or it simply downloads all the wrong things, you don’t want to deal with that. It’s best to learn how to update your drivers yourself and rely on secure methods of doing so.

Update your software

The software you’re using may simply be an older version of an already updated program. In such cases, the CPU usage may be abnormally high and it may have been fixed in a patch that you haven’t downloaded yet.

Following the Task Manager, update your most CPU-heavy software to the latest version and see whether that will do the trick.

Update your BIOS

This is more of an advanced option, but in some cases, updating your BIOS may help fix the issue with high CPU usage. Updating your BIOS will require knowing the exact model of your motherboard.

If you’re not sure which motherboard you’re using, we’ve got you covered. Check our guide to find out all of the specifications of your PC, including the motherboard. Once you know the model of your motherboard, simply search for it in Google and add “BIOS.” Download the latest BIOS directly from the manufacturer’s website — do not trust other sources. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer in order to update your BIOS.

Check your power settings

Certain power settings in Windows may affect your CPU performance. This applies to both laptops and desktops. You may currently be using a low power setting without even knowing it, so changing it might help.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Follow the steps below to change your power plan in Windows.

• Click on the Windows logo in the bottom left-hand corner and type in: “Power Settings.”

• On the right-hand side of the Power & Sleep section, navigate to Additional Power Settings.

• Click on Show Additional Plans and then select the High Performance plan. Alternatively, if you’re already running the High Performance plan and you’re experiencing CPU problems, try out the Balanced plan instead.

Clean your PC

Keeping your PC clean is important, not just on the software side, but on the dust-free side. That’s right — our computers gather a lot of dust every single day. The more dust your PC or laptop has accumulated, the worse it will run, and that’s all thanks to the rising temperatures within the chassis.

Don’t let us catch you letting it get this bad … Wikimedia

If you haven’t given your PC a good clean for a while, it might be the time to do so. This process will usually require the use of compressed air. You can pick up a can of compressed air on Amazon and from many other stores.

Remember that before you ever attempt to clean your computer’s vents, you need to fully turn it off and unplug it. If you want to learn how to clean your PC, as well as a few more handy tips to make it run faster, check out our in-depth guide on the topic.

Run System Restore

If your high CPU usage is a recent development and everything was running smoothly just a few days ago, fixing the problem may be as easy as running System Restore on Windows. Windows 10 users can refer to our separate guide on reinstalling and restoring Windows here.

For Windows 11 users, accessing System Restore can be done in a few quick steps:

• Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen and type in Control Panel.

• Once in the Control Panel, type in Recovery in the search box.

• Pick Recovery and then Open System Restore.

• In the Restore System Files and Settings section, click Next.

You will then be prompted to select a restore point that you want to go back to. Choose one from before these issues started and follow the instructions provided by Windows. Keep in mind that you may lose any new files and programs you’ve installed since the restore point.

Unfortunately, many users cannot utilize System Restore. This is because Windows doesn’t automatically create restore points, which is why your list may be empty. If that’s the case, you may need to take more drastic measures.

Reinstall Windows

This option should be treated as a last resort. If all the other steps failed and you still cannot pinpoint the reason why your CPU usage is so high, giving your Windows a clean install may be the solution to your problems.

Before you pull the trigger, keep in mind that reinstalling Windows will delete all of your installed programs. You are allowed to keep your files, but you may also opt to do a completely clean install and let Windows delete all of them. Whether you choose to keep your files or not, it’s good to back up your data before you begin.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Reinstalling Windows 10

If you’re not sure how to reinstall Windows 10, check out our guide that will lead you through the steps required to do so.

Reinstalling Windows 11

In order to reinstall Windows 11, click on the Windows logo at the bottom-left side of the screen and type in: “Reset this PC.”

Once you’re in the correct section, select Reset PC. Windows will then prompt you to choose from several reinstall options. You can choose whether to keep your personal files, keep any changes you’ve made to Windows settings, and keep pre-installed apps that came with your Windows 11 PC.

Pick the option that suits you best and allow Windows to reinstall itself. When the reinstallation is complete, you will have to install all your drivers and trustworthy programs again. Once your system is back up and running, check your CPU usage again — you should be able to see a marked improvement.

Further troubleshooting

If you have tried every one of our recommended steps and found no improvement, the issue may be more complex than can be covered in any given guide. Fortunately, all you need is an internet connection in order to troubleshoot your computer.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are two main things to search for in times of abnormal CPU usage:

• Your exact model of CPU + “high CPU usage.” Check our guide to learn which processor you have.

• The process or program that hogs the most CPU usage in Task Manager + “high CPU usage.”

Searching for these terms will give you more specific advice from users who have gone through the same kinds of issues. Read the advice carefully and follow it as best as you can. However, never download any third-party programs: You may put your PC at much greater risk instead of fixing it.

CPU usage FAQ

Which programs cause high CPU usage?

Many kinds of programs can cause high CPU usage. If you’re running one of them, your computer may slow down. In such cases, make sure you close all other programs to give your processor the breathing space it needs in order to run these resource-heavy tasks.

Some of the most notorious CPU-heavy programs include:

• Video and photo editing software

• Encoding and decoding software

• CPU-heavy games, such as PUBG

• Browsers with many tabs open, many plug-ins, websites with a lot of videos and photos, etc.

• DVD burning programs

• Video or photo converters

• 3D modeling software

• Benchmarking programs

Is high CPU usage bad?

Every PC will go through cycles of high CPU usage — there is nothing wrong with that. However, If your CPU usage is constantly high or even at 100%, there is definitely a reason for concern.

Your CPU heats up when under heavy loads. This may cause your computer to overheat, but even in the best-case scenario, it contributes to wear and tear. Your PC may freeze when running at 100% CPU usage as soon as you add an extra application into the mix. Freezes and crashes are common, and each one may cause another problem to pop up.

In short: Yes, it’s bad, although as long as you’re expecting your CPU usage to be high, it’s fine and fully expected to happen at times.

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10 best psychological thriller movies ever

By admin January 14, 2024

10 best psychological thriller movies ever, Psychological thrillers have long been a favorite among viewers who enjoy intense explorations of the human psyche. The genre is chock-full of gripping stories that combine character studies with nail-biting suspense, alongside mind-bending twists and a deliciously dark atmosphere.

The greatest psychological thrillers ever made range from the genre-defining classic Rear Window to the modern masterpiece Get Out to the incomparable and iconic The Silence of the Lambs. These essential entries in the genre showcase the directors, writers, and actors’ mastery of their distinct chilling journeys, with their impact, innovation, and lasting influence on the world of cinema cementing them as the best of the best.

10. Black Swan (2010)

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Natalie Portman stars as Nina Sayers in Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan, a riveting movie that portrays the intense and competitive world of professional ballet. Nina has worked hard for years and is vying for the lead role in a New York City production of Swan Lake. It’s just within her reach, but newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis) suddenly threatens her position and sparks a rivalry that causes Nina to experience a descent into madness.

Black Swan captures the pressures of perfectionism in ballet, with the disturbing depiction of Nina’s psychological unraveling illustrating what obsession can do to an artist. Aronofsky brilliantly uses mirrors, doubles, and surreal imagery to create a disorienting and nightmarish visceral experience for Nina, and by extension, the audience. Of course, Portman’s award-winning performance is what elevates the entire film, as she plays the talented, yet fragile ballerina flawlessly.

10 best psychological thriller movies ever

9. Perfect Blue (1997)

Rex Entertainment

Director Satoshi Kon is known for works that blur the line between fantasy and reality, and Perfect Blue is certainly the most iconic example of this. The animated movie tells the story of Mima Kirigoe (Junko Iwao), a pop idol who decides to quit her popular group to pursue a career in acting. She doesn’t expect how intense her fans’ reactions would be, nor the elusive stalker and bizarre website that begins to haunt her every waking moment.

One of the best anime movies to come out of the ’90s, Perfect Blue was a trailblazer that would help make the widespread popularity of anime films in the West possible. It’s also remembered as a remarkably powerful and disturbing portrait of fame and obsession, with some of its shockingly violent moments underscoring how terrifyingly effective animated films can be.

8. Rear Window (1954)

Paramount Pictures

Rear Window is often cited among Alfred Hitchcock‘s greatest works. The 1954 film is centered on the voyeuristic L.B. “Jeff” Jefferies (James Stewart), who spends his time watching his neighbors across the courtyard while he’s confined in his apartment due to a broken leg. One day, his telephoto lens and binoculars capture something peculiar enough that it might be murder.

Hitchcock’s groundbreaking movie puts the audience in the dark, as Jeff’s perspective becomes the viewer’s as well. As the protagonist tries to piece together the clues, suspense and curiosity build to enthralling levels, with the latter ironically serving as a criticism of Jeff and the audiences glued to the screen. Rear Window examines not just the human tendency to look, but to wish that something terrible would happen while looking.

7. Get Out (2017)

Universal Pictures

Actor, comedian, and now director Jordan Peele wowed everyone with his widely acclaimed feature film debut Get Out. The psychological horror movie follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a Black man who meets the family of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage, (Allison Williams) for the first time. Their awkward interactions at the family estate initially seem to stem from uncertainty around the interracial relationship, but it soon turns into something much more sinister.

Now counted among the best social horror and thriller movies, Get Out combines clever commentary and satire to emphasize the insidious nature of racism. Its unsettling atmosphere perfectly complements seemingly small tensions that devolve into full-blown horrific truths about Rose’s family. While most audiences likely already know about its legendary twist, it’s still worth discovering the film for the first time today.

6. Oldboy (2003)

Show East

Oldboy is a classic of modern South Korean cinema by director Park Chan-wook. A psychological thriller and violent action film, it shows the experiences of Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), a man kidnapped and then imprisoned without any explanation for 15 years. After he’s released out of the blue, he begins a quest for revenge to find the ones responsible for his suffering, only to walk into a major conspiracy. He also meets the charming sushi chef, Mi-do (Kang Hye-jung), along the way.

A tragic character, Oh Dae-su follows a haunting arc, with its beginning marked by desperation and rage, and its end marked by utter defeat. The movie may be remembered for flawlessly choreographed action sequences like the legendary hallway scene, but it’s the twisty psychological drama that will end up staying with viewers who stick around for its deeply disturbing ending.

5. Taxi Driver (1976)

Columbia Pictures

Robert De Niro disappeared into one of his most renowned roles as Travis Bickle, a disturbed Vietnam War veteran who becomes a cabbie in 1976’s Taxi Driver. Set in a gritty and dreamlike version of New York City in the 1970s, the film follows Travis as he spends sleepless nights becoming obsessed with the moral decay around him. He soon plots to kill a presidential candidate as the first step in his grand plan to save the world.

Alienated from the rest of society due to his traumatic past, Travis’ actions in the movie feel both avoidable and totally inevitable. Audiences have an unreliable perspective as the protagonist’s increasing detachment from reality paints an unclear picture of what’s really going on. Taxi Driver is often hailed as one of director Martin Scorsese‘s best movies, as it captures the social anxieties of its time and continues to have a lasting impact on filmmaking as a whole.

4. Memento (2000)

Summit Entertainment

In director Christopher Nolan‘s Memento, a man living with anterograde amnesia struggles to track down the man responsible for the rape and murder of his wife. Unable to form new memories, Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) devises a system where he uses images, notes, and even tattoos to identify and exact revenge on the perpetrator.

Anyone who has heard of Memento will likely know that its narrative structure is extraordinary, as one part of its story unfolds in reverse order, while the other happens chronologically, mirroring Leonard’s disjointed perception of time. Leonard’s grueling task to hold on to the transient fragments in any way possible invites audiences to do the same, with the entire film turning into a kind of intriguing puzzle. It’s a complicated and engrossing way to dive into Leonard’s psyche, which hides some terrible secrets.

3. American Psycho (2000)

Lions Gate Films

Based on what was once considered an unadaptable 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho is a massively popular film that needs no introduction. Directed by Mary Harron, the movie takes place in the late 1980s in New York City, where Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is living his best life as a wealthy and successful investment banker. What his colleagues don’t know is that he leads a sinister double life as a serial killer, or does he?

A smart exploration of the greed of Wall Street and a biting satire of toxic masculinity, American Psycho pointedly criticizes society’s obsession with materialism. Although it was specifically about the excesses of the yuppie culture, renewed interest in the film today highlights how relevant it still is. Christian Bale’s tour de force performance as the chilling Bateman alone makes the movie worth revisiting.

2. Mulholland Drive (2001)

Universal Pictures

From the master of the surreal, director David Lynch, Mulholland Drive unfolds like a cryptic puzzle in a dreamy version of Los Angeles. There, a woman with amnesia from a car accident (played by Laura Elena Harring) meets an aspiring actress named Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), who helps her figure out what happened. This deceptively simple premise fades into the background as Mulholland Drive turns into a strange nonlinear journey through Hollywood.

Challenging conventional storytelling through its distinct structure and unsettling atmosphere, Lynch’s masterpiece sees the characters’ identities transform from two women trying to find the truth to something else entirely. For anyone who has never seen the surrealist neo-noir, Mulholland Drive is one worth turning off the lights for and focusing on a cinematic masterpiece that’s still debated and studied today.

1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Orion Pictures

The Silence of the Lambs is not just the best psychological thriller of all time, but one of the greatest movies ever, having long ago established its place as an influential classic. Directed by Jonathan Demme and based on Thomas Harris’ eponymous 1988 novel, the film revolves around the unusual relationship between a young FBI agent and a cannibalistic serial killer. The young agent, Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), is struggling to find any clues about an ongoing case, which leads to her interviews with Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), who was once a well-known psychiatrist before he was revealed to be a violent killer.

Featuring stellar performances from Foster and Hopkins, the film sets up the psychological game they engage in, which soon turns into an unnerving exploration of each other’s minds. The tense atmosphere builds to alarming levels as Clarice gets closer to catching her killer, while Dr. Lecter seems to be hiding a goal of his own.

The Silence of the Lambs is notable for being one of the few movies to win the “Big Five” Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Its impact on pop culture endures and cannot be understated, as Hannibal Lecter has become an iconic figure in cinema and is known as one of the greatest villains to ever grace the big screen.

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The best Mac apps for 2024

By admin January 12, 2024

The best Mac apps for 2024, One of the best parts about owning an Apple computer is the massive ecosystem of superb Mac apps it gives you access to. There are apps available to Mac users no matter what you are looking for, whether that’s productivity, photo and video editors, security suites, and more. You can get them from Apple’s own App Store or from third-party developer websites, and many of the best Mac apps are even free.

Whether you just bought your first Mac or you’re a longtime Apple customer, here’s a look at some of the best Mac apps you can get.

Alfred

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Think of Alfred as Spotlight with a dash of Siri. It’s an application launcher, but it can do a lot more than just that. With Alfred, you can quickly perform calculations, execute web searches, and find word definitions, among many other functions.

It’s a Mac app that fills the gap between Siri and your Spotlight search by allowing you to automate tasks and perform advanced functions that, frankly, Siri should be able to handle on its own. Version 4 improves the workflow creator, introduces rich text snippets, and more.

Get Alfred