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Top 5 affordable laptops of this holiday season

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The holiday season is here and we are all wondering what are the best gifts we could give our loved ones. Laptops aren’t normally the first things to come to mind, however, for really special people in our lives they can be the best choice. Of course, they aren’t exactly cheap, especially if you want to purchase a good laptop. Since it is a gift for a special person, supposedly everyone wants it to be great. Even though the truly impressive, high-end devices are insanely expensive, there are a number of more affordable laptops that can turn into the perfect Christmas gifts.

Naturally, it really depends on the recipient of the gift what the best model is for them. There are great business laptops, gaming laptops, some amazing ultrabooks that are incredibly portable, and there are really good entry-level laptops that are suitable for kids and beginner computer users. We made up a short list for you, with 5 affordable laptops you could consider giving away as a gift and that will make you become the best Santa of the year.

Acer Swift 3 

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The Acer Swift 3 is one of the best laptops, suitable for the majority of users. Just like any other Acer laptop, it has a stylish design, with elegant lines, and the well-known silver-black color combination we’ve seen in other Acer devices over the years. While the design is not new at all, it still looks great, and it certainly will be to the liking of many laptop users. The 14-inch device is perfect to carry around and it still is large enough to be comfortable to use. The laptop weighs only 0.77lbs and it is less than 1 inch thick, so it’s one of the most portable devices one can buy right now, at least in this price range. Acer’s Swift 3 is one of the best affordable laptops as it comes in three different configurations, all of which are powerful enough for average users. The device features 7th generation IntelCore i3 or i5 processors and depending on the configuration, it includes 4GB or 8GB RAM and up to 256GB SSD flash storage. The 14-inch LED display has full HD resolution and it ensures a great visual experience. Overall, it is a solid device, both inside and out and it definitely is one of the best affordable laptops on the market this season. Right now, it is available for prices starting at around $600, depending on the seller.

     Buy Acer Swift 3 on Amazon

Lenovo Ideapad 720S

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The 2018 Lenovo Ideapad 720S is another one of the best affordable laptops you can give as a gift. This model is a bit more expensive than the previously presented Acer Swift 3, but it’s still under $700 and it has a great number of features to impress with. The Lenovo Ideapad 720S is slightly smaller than the Acer Swift 3, having a 13.3-inch display, even so, it is quite heavier. Of course, it is still portable, with its 4.41 pounds, but it is definitely considerably heavier than the Acer laptop. The design of this model is simple and nice too, with the same silver-black duo.

Under the hood, the Lenovo Ideapad 720S carries an AMD Ryzen 5 2500U Processor and it includes 8GB of DDR4 memory and 512GB flash storage. The display has the same full HD resolution, so the visual experience should be quite similar to the one provided by the Acer Swift 3. Of course, the screen is a bit smaller, and this counts for many users. While the Ideapad 720S doesn’t seem to be as impressive as the Acer Swift 3, t still is a good laptop that would make a perfect gift. It is available for $689, which is more than the price of the Acer device but it still is considerably lower than the price of high-end laptops.

Check out the Lenovo Ideapad 720S on Amazon 

Asus Chromebook Flip 302CA

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While many people prefer traditional laptops, there is a large number of users that also like convertible devices. The Asus Chromebook Flip 302CA is one of these affordable laptops that users can flip around and use in different modes. The 12.5-inch Chromebook features a touchscreen, which the previous models did not offer, and it can be used in laptop mode, tablet mode, tent mode and more thanks to its 360-degree hinge. With its 2.65-pound body, the Asus Chromebook Flip 302CA is not as lightweight as the Acer Swift 3 but it isn’t as heavy as the Lenovo Ideapad 720S either. As a matter of fact, it is somewhere between the two, making it an ultra-portable device that can easily be carried in a bag.

The processor of the Asus Chromebook Flip 302CA is an IntelCore m3 one and the device includes 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. While some people consider the Asus Chromebook Flip 302CA to be more like a tablet than a laptop, we think that it is one of the best affordable laptops you can give as a gift this year. The device’s price is lower than $500 for the m3 model. There is also a variant that features an m5 processor and this is more expensive, having a $627 price tag.

Buy Asus Chromebook Flip 302CA on Amazon

Microsoft Surface Go

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The new Microsoft Surface Go is another one of the best affordable laptops you can buy right now. Just like the Chromebook Flip, it isn’t a traditional laptop, instead, it is a convertible device that can be used as a tablet or a laptop, depending on the users’ needs. The Surface Go has a solid build and the good looks of all Surface devices. The 10-inch touchscreen device might not be the largest one ever, but it is great form completing work on the go, for creating sketches, drawings, plans, and more, and it is definitely good for watching videos or for simply surfing the web when commuting or traveling.

The Microsoft Surf Go comes with an Intel Pentium Gold processor, it includes up to 8GB of RAM and up to 128GB SSD storage. The device is light-weight, and thanks to its rather small dimensions, it is really easy to carry around all day. Naturally, it runs Windows, to be more specific, it runs Windows 10 Home in S mode out of the box. Customers can choose to purchase the device only or they can go for the device and Type Cover combo in order to get the laptop experience.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Go on Amazon

Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Series Gaming Edition 7567

affordable laptops

Last but not least, we must include on our list of best affordable laptops a gaming device too. The Dell Inspiron 7000 series Gaming Edition 7567 is exactly what its name suggests: a gaming laptop that will most certainly impress everyone if you buy them this laptop as a gift. The Dell gaming laptop is not as portable as the previously presented models are, but then again, not all laptops have to be carried around with us at all times. The 15.6-inch device is the biggest one on the list but it is definitely one of the best affordable laptops one can give away this holiday season.

The Dell laptop has the specific gaming laptop design we all love, and it looks simply amazing. The device doesn’t only look great, it is also quite powerful. Dell equipped this model with 7th generation IntelCore i5 or i7 processors and Nvidia GTX 1050 graphics cards with 4GB of RAM. The laptop includes 8GB of RAM and a 1TB Hybrid Hard Drive with 8GB cache. The laptop works like a charm and it is undoubtedly one of the best affordable laptops one can buy without robbing a bank.

See more about the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Series Gaming Edition 7567 on Amazon

 

Gadgets

Amazon DJI Store in Germany hacked? DJI NEO Fly More Combo reveals it

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We wanted to check all DJI Stores across the world on Amazon and found out an interesting probable hack on there store in Germany.

See below Screenshot

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Some might even buy the Fly More package without regards to the Title –

KuyuqudGVg 6 x 12 Inch Summer Sushi Printed License Plate Frame for Car, Car Tag, Car Tag  –What?????

So when you buy it and than realize you receive a pack of Car Tags instead of DJI NEO Fly More Combo and want to ask a refund will Amazon Germany give it back to you or will the buyers remain with a minus 293 Euro in there account.

What are you thougts about this?

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Gadgets

Spotify is providing refunds for Car Thing as it confronts a lawsuit regarding the malfunctioning of the streaming device

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Spotify is receiving ongoing criticism for its choice to terminate support for Car Thing, its in-car streaming device, which was announced in May. According to the company, the device will become inoperable after December 9, 2024. Gen Z users on TikTok are sharing videos to express their dissatisfaction with Spotify’s decision and its suggested measures, such as transitioning to Android Auto or CarPlay. The users point out that they often lacked access to integrated infotainment systems in their cars, which makes them a prime target market for a specialized player like Car Thing.

The streaming service’s in-car device hadn’t been on the market long enough to become outdated. The product was introduced in February 2022 but was subsequently discontinued within the same year. However, the company assured customers who had already purchased units that it would continue to provide support and maintenance. Prior to its release, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek indicated that there was a significant consumer interest in this product. During an earnings call with investors, Ek reported that over 2 million users had registered on the Car Thing waitlist in anticipation of its launch.

While Spotify did not disclose official figures, it is probable that Car Thing did not meet expectations or did not justify further investment in the current challenging economic climate. Spotify, on the other hand, terminated approximately 1,500 employees towards the end of last year. This followed previous rounds of layoffs earlier in the year that impacted hundreds of employees.

Car Thing users, on the other hand, are not concerned with the company’s financial issues; their primary concern is the functionality of the device or, at the very least, receiving a refund for the $90 cost.

As a result, some individuals have attempted to lodge their complaints directly with Spotify by sending direct messages on the X platform using the handle @SpotifyCares or by utilizing different email addresses associated with Spotify that have been shared on Reddit. As a result, certain users have reported that Spotify provided them with multiple months of a premium subscription as compensation for their inconvenience, whereas others have stated that they inquired with customer service and were informed that no reimbursements were being offered.

According to Spotify, they have recently implemented a refund procedure for Car Thing. However, the user must present evidence of purchase in order to be eligible for the refund.

Car Thing users were officially informed about the availability of customer support through a second email sent on Friday of last week, in response to the increasing criticism and dissatisfaction caused by the discontinuation of Car Thing. Within the message, Spotify provides users with the appropriate customer support link to contact the company. The email does not guarantee any reimbursements but states that users can contact us for inquiries.

Although a refund might appease a certain segment of the user population who are dissatisfied with Car Thing, numerous individuals are earnestly imploring the company through TikTok videos and comments on Spotify’s TikTok posts to refrain from rendering their device inoperable. (Indeed, grievances regarding the Car Thing have become so prevalent on Spotify’s videos that the algorithmically generated search recommendation on certain videos is “what is the spotify car thing.”)

“Spotify, I kindly request that you refrain from subjecting me to any further distress.” “I have a strong affection for my automobile,” expressed Carla, a TikTok user known as @carlititica on the platform.

“Depressed,” expressed another user, @nikkilovestech. “They seem to encourage people to use their phone, which is a source of distraction,” she stated in the video description while demonstrating a Car Thing mounted on her dashboard. In her video, she also addressed the issue of electronic waste resulting from the discontinuation of a fully functional product.

Spotify is still facing challenges regarding the discontinuation of Car Thing, despite the introduction of a refund process that has not been widely publicized. According to Billboard, Spotify is currently dealing with a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleges that Spotify deceived customers by selling them a product that would soon become outdated, and then failing to provide refunds. The lawsuit was initiated on May 28th.

While Spotify is unable to provide a comment regarding the lawsuit, a representative did share the following statement regarding Car Thing:

The objective of our Car Thing investigation in the United States was to gain further insights into individuals’ auditory habits while driving. In July 2022, we made a public statement declaring our decision to cease any future manufacturing activities, and now we must bid farewell to the devices altogether. The deactivation of all Car Thing devices will occur on December 9, 2024, giving users until that date to continue using them. To gain further knowledge about the various methods available for listening to Spotify in your car, please refer to the For The Record section. Car Thing users can contact Customer Support for any inquiries by visiting: https://support.spotify.com/us/contact-spotify-support/

While the issues surrounding Car Thing may not impact all of Spotify’s user base, this development coincides with a period when users are already dissatisfied with being required to pay additional fees for features they consider essential to a music service, such as access to lyrics, a feature that Spotify recently made available only to paying subscribers. Furthermore, users are expressing dissatisfaction with Car Thing and are issuing ultimatums to discontinue their subscription to Spotify due to the introduction of paid access to lyrics.

Furthermore, Spotify raised its subscription fees last year, and Bloomberg has reported that another price hike is imminent in 2024.

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Mobile Devices

3 Video Games About Women’s Health

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Video games have transcended entertainment to become powerful tools for promoting health and wellness. One notable genre in this realm is fitness gaming, exemplified by titles like Hatsune Miku Fit Boxing, which motivates players to engage in physical activity to enhance their fitness levels. Building on this foundation, developers have ventured into women’s health with games designed to raise awareness and empower players to take control of their well-being. Here are 3 video games on women’s health that provide valuable health information and foster a sense of agency to uplift women around the world.

Tampon Run – Menstrual health

Created by Girls Who Code alumnae Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser in 2014, Tampon Run is an old-school 8-bit online game where the main character, Luna, lobs tampons to destroy enemies, who will confiscate the tampons if she lets them pass by. Interestingly, the concept of weaponized tampons is based on a real incident that occurred in 2013, where Texas state troopers confiscated tampons as potential projectiles, but not guns, from visitors observing a vote on abortion restrictions at the Texas State Capitol. The goal of Tampon Run is to destigmatize periods and menstrual products, which, up until recently, have not been properly studied to measure their absorbency, which underscores the need to address menstrual health so that women can get better care.

In between tossing tampons, Luna shares empowering messages about how periods are a natural part of women’s lives and should not be a source of shame or embarrassment. The game is available to play on the Tampon Run website and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for iOS users.

PCOS Vitality – PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex hormonal condition and the leading cause of female infertility that affects approximately 5 to 6 million women in the US, according to the Endocrine Society. Common features of the condition include having irregular menstrual periods, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Additionally, some studies estimate that up to 88% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. While there are weight loss programs helping women tackle PCOS, focusing on aspects like lifestyle, symptom management, diet, and other tips for how to lose weight with PCOS, the condition itself remains grossly under-researched. For some women, it may take years to confirm that they have PCOS, as there are other disorders that mimic PCOS signs and symptoms that must be excluded.

The lack of research has extended to a lack of awareness among the general population and is what clinicians from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland are trying to address with the 2023 game PCOS Vitality. Essentially a learning tool, the game takes users through a simple obstacle course. As you click toward the finish line, you are asked simple trivia questions about PCOS. The game is free to play on Focus Games’ website.

Bound by Blood – Period poverty

Period poverty refers to the lack of regular access to period products, painkillers, or underwear during a menstrual cycle. In the US, where 16.9 million menstruating women live in poverty, two-thirds cannot afford basic menstrual products. Period poverty has also been associated with mental health issues and urinary tract infections.

Available to play on the itch.io website, Bound by Blood was created by Jessica Gates in 2017 and aims to educate players about the reality of period poverty. Users take the character of Beth, a homeless woman who wakes up in her car and realizes that she’s started her period. Players then make a series of choices to try to stay as hygienic as possible in spite of lacking resources such as menstrual products and clean restrooms. There isn’t really a way to “win” the game, and it is instead a peek into the reality of life where period products are inaccessible and how this affects women’s quality of life.

Through these games, players not only gain valuable insights into various aspects of women’s health but also find themselves actively engaged in their own well-being. As developers continue to explore this emerging field, the potential for video games to serve as educational tools and catalysts for change in healthcare remains promising

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