We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Tech

  • Your gaming monitor is your window to another world, so it might as well be the best one possible. If you’re looking for a stellar gaming monitor that takes your gaming experience to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we're taking a detailed look at some of the top PC monitors for gaming on the market. Looking over each model's high and low points, we'll arm you with the information and specs you need to make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase. Whether you’re looking for the highest resolution, the best response time, or the most immersive visuals, we’ve got you covered.
    March 29, 2023
  • When it comes to your laptop, you must ensure that you get a bag that is more than enough to carry it around safely. A laptop backpack is the most convenient way to transport your laptop, books, and other items you need for the day. In addition, it is much easier to carry than a messenger bag, has more space than a briefcase, and is more fashionable than a rolling bag. Not only that, but they also have become the most convenient way to transport laptops, tablets, and other items when traveling to the office or nearby park.You may find it difficult to choose the right backpack for your needs. There are many distinct brands and various things to consider, including appearance, functionality, comfort, and pricing. We reviewed and created a list of the top laptop backpacks of 2022 to assist you in making a hassle-free purchase.
    August 19, 2022
  • No matter what kind of laptop you have, your laptop is something you nearly always have with you. Unfortunately, these devices are pretty easy to drop and break. To keep your laptop protected and safe while you carry it around, it’s essential to get yourself a sturdy laptop case.Laptop cases can save your laptop from accidental damage by encasing it in soft foam to cushion impacts from accidental fall. Some even come with a convenient handle, making your portable laptops all the easier to carry.While a laptop case is essential to provide your laptop with the protection it requires when you are traveling, it can often be a hassle to choose the right one out of such a wide variety. To help make the choice easier for you, we have prepared a list of the top laptop cases of 2022.
    August 16, 2022
  • An e-reader is also known as an e-book device. E-readers allow you to read a variety of books without physically carrying around bulky books. An e-reader is a great space saver, and you can carry hundreds of books worth of information on one device.Purchasing a book on an e-reader is more often than not much cheaper than buying a hard copy. Using an e-reader is better for the environment because it uses no paper and therefore negates the need to cut down trees.An e-reader is a great device for any avid book reader who wants to live a more minimalist lifestyle. If you are considering purchasing an e-reader, you may feel a little spoiled for choice. To ensure you purchase the best product for your needs, we will discuss several factors and features you should consider.First, you may want to check out our list of the best e-readers below!
    December 01, 2021
Wireless routers are an essential component of any network, no matter how big or small. These days, it seems that just about everything is network-connected, and requires a Wi-Fi signal to function properly. A wireless router can make or break a network; the difference between a good wireless router and a mediocre one comes down to how much unwanted attention your network draws to itself. That said, there's a vast array of wireless routers available today, covering a wide price and performance spectrum. Feature lists are getting longer every year, and there's a never-ending stream of new technologies to keep track of. If you've gone shopping for a wireless router recently, you'll undoubtedly have experienced first-hand how confusing this market can be. Rather than simply choosing the most expensive or cheapest option on the shelf, we recommend narrowing down your picks to the best wireless routers in 2022 with higher-performing options currently available. After all, this single piece of hardware serves as the backbone of your entire network, and you need to count on it to provide years of reliable service.
August 15, 2019
Modems are one of the most important computer devices when it comes to setting up a network connected to the Internet. The best modems in 2022 connects directly to an incoming Internet signal, provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and then relays that signal to other devices. There are quite a few different types of modems out there, based on the type of Internet signal you receive and the setting for your network. Cable and DSL modems are used for high-speed internet, replacing older dial-up modems that established an Internet connection through a phone line. Satellite modems work in a similar way, communicating with a satellite relay to receive and send signals. With so many options and devices available, take a look at the modem buyer’s guide below for more information on picking the right model for your setup.
October 13, 2015
A secure digital (SD) card is a type of memory card used in a wide range of products, from digital cameras and home surveillance systems to mobile phones. These cards are small and offer non-volatile memory that remains stored even if there's no power being supplied to the card from an external device. As technology has evolved, and more and more data can be stored at a smaller size, these cards have also developed into various sizes, speeds, and memory amounts. With the right reader or small adapter devices, you can read from just about any SD card on any type of computer. This lets you store impressive amounts of images and data on a tiny card, and transfer it all to another device for viewing or other use. There are quite a few different manufacturers of SD cards, and they offer a wide range of products, so take a look at our picks for the best SD Cards in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below before making a choice.
February 02, 2016
LATEST REVIEWS
  • Smartphones have become integral to daily life. That’s why it's important to have a reliable portable phone charger for keeping your device charged on the go. With so many options on the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming. To help narrow your search, Bestcovery has compiled a list of 2023's top portable batteries for charging phones. Whether you need a quick boost or multiple daily charges, these are our picks for the best portable phone chargers to keep your phone charged without being tethered to an outlet.Price Legend:$: 0 - 100$$: 101 - 200$$$: 201 - 300+To rank 2023’s best portable phone chargers, Bestcovery reviewed several factors while creating this list. Some factors we considered included:- Battery size - Charging ports - Weight and sizeLet’s look at our top-rated portable phone chargers:
    April 06, 2023
  • You just got the latest smartphone and can't wait to unlock all the exciting features it promises, but oops— something is missing. There is no headphone jack; your favorite headphones are now about to become useless. While Bluetooth headphones are always an option, it's just an additional expense you might not want to purchase given how expensive smartphones are these days. Here is your best solution: the headphone jack adapter. We've put together the ultimate list of the best headphone jack adapters that are available to purchase now.
    March 22, 2022
  • Modern appliances require electricity to run - that much is given. But with so many appliances these days requiring power, it can be difficult to find a place to plug in all of them. And aside from this, some places in your house may not have a socket available at all, meaning that it would be impossible to install anything electrical there - that is, without an extension cord, of course.Extension cords allow you to bring power to every nook and cranny of your home. They often bring more than one socket to an area, allowing you to plug in multiple appliances to an area that was originally built with virtually no sockets. Because of this twofold convenience, millions of homes and buildings use extension cords.But extension cords are potentially fairly dangerous, especially if you cheap out on them. The cords run live electricity through them, and if they’re exposed or not plugged in properly, this can cause electric shocks, damage to your appliances, or worse. You’ll need the best extension cords to provide both convenience and safety to your home.And that’s where we come in. We’ve picked five of the best extension cords in 2021 for you to install in your home. They have varying designs and shapes, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. With that being said, here are our favorite extension cords.
    December 01, 2021
  • You've probably seen it all: reality TV, vlogs, fictional novels adapted into a TV series. Your insatiable thirst for an alternate reality remains, well, insatiable. The lockdown only made things worse. You're looking for something more than the ordinary - a better version of your reality, and you're in luck. The universe has brought you here. The stars have aligned for this purpose and this purpose only: creating the best sim gaming experience possible.
    November 12, 2021
  • If you are like many people, you might have trouble traveling with a bunch of essentials. You try to stuff keys, money, cards, and even your sunglasses in your pocket, making your pocket feel bulky and cluttered. If you’re looking for an organized alternative or something to only carry the essentials – your ID and credit cards – then a phone wallet is what you need. This is where the MagSafe wallet comes in handy. The ultimate minimalist MagSafe wallets stick to the back of your iPhone and help you carry your credit cards and cash with convenience. With a MagSafe wallet, you can simply avoid the hassle of carrying a purse or a wallet at all. That's why we have compiled a list of MagSafe wallets that will help you lose the bulk, not your valuable cards.
    November 11, 2021
  • Race fans come in all ages. It could be a 10 year old who watches NASCAR on TV or a 55 year old enjoying a race at the track. Whichever you are, there is a chance for you to bring the track home without having to wrestle an ill-handling 1,550-pound Indy or a 3,700-pound stock race car. We are talking about your own Daytona 500 or Tokyo drift, right there in your living room or basement.
    November 08, 2021
  • Cable covers for cords are widely used across the world in many different settings. The primary aim of these tools is to protect people from potential hazards created by wires and cables around the house or office. You may use cable cords to protect newly installed cables from any damage, or you can use them to cover up already damaged cables. You can also use them to keep cables tidy.With so many applications of cable covers, it is important to choose the right one for your home or workplace. This is why we bring you the best cable covers for cords in 2022 that you can use in multiple settings successfully.
    October 19, 2021
  • In 2021, you cannot be offline. Almost every activity now requires an online presence, and a slow internet connection is something everybody should avoid in today's world. You need to get all the necessary tools and resources that can help you stay online and give you a super-fast internet connection. One of these necessities is the ethernet cable. Ethernet cables are not the most popular consumer products, so choosing the right one for you might be a little difficult. Luckily, our team researched some of the best ethernet cables in 2021 just for you.Ethernet cables are a reliable way to access a high-speed internet connection. Once your router and other network devices are online and stable, your ethernet cable will make sure you never miss a minute of online action. Wi-Fi is popular today because of its flexibility, but ethernet cables are used at large organizations, and even at home, because it can be faster, more reliable, and more secure than standard Wi-Fi. Our team as curated a detailed list of the best ethernet cables so you can take advantage of these benefits. When you are done going through our list of the best ethernet cables in 2022, you will hopefully have found one perfectly suited to your needs.
    September 22, 2021
  • In recent times, there has been a rising trend of people using their laptops and other computer screens for work in an office or at home. Working for extended hours staring at a device’s screen can cumulatively become harmful to your eye health due to blue light waves. To help reduce and eliminate these light waves, blue light screen protectors will do the job. To help you make the perfect choice a lot easier, read our list below of the best blue light screen protectors in 2022, along with a buyer's guide to help you with your own research.
    July 07, 2021
  • Tablets are the middle point between mobile phones and computers. Larger than smartphones and smaller than laptops, tablets offer a blend of phone and laptop functions. In this article, we discuss 8 crucial tips to keep in mind when buying a tablet.
    April 21, 2021
  • A PC is composed of many parts that could leave an average user confused. This article explains some popular components of a typical PC.
    April 14, 2021
  • A smartwatch is a touch-screen enabled wristwatch that can be connected to a phone through Bluetooth or WiFi. There are also models that do not require a phone connection to function. Like typical wristwatches, smartwatches tell the time. However, a smartwatch does more than just tell the time; it offers more functions that are akin to a smartphone. The following are eight benefits of using a smartwatch.
    April 14, 2021
  • Whether at home or at work, staying connected to the internet is important for improving productivity. Connecting a single computer to the internet is easily done with a modem. However, keeping multiple devices connected to the internet requires more than just a modem - hence the need for a wireless router. A wireless router broadcasts the modem’s signal to different devices at different corners of a building so that they can stay connected to the internet wirelessly.
    April 08, 2021
  • A chair that will pass for a seat in a spaceship facing a high-end monitor, empty bags of chips and crackers and bottles of soda littering the ground, headphones, a mouse, and keyboard adorned with cool futuristic lighting effects – it’s the classical haven of the hardcore gamer.
    April 05, 2021
  • If you’re a passionate gamer, you will understand the importance of a good quality keyboard. To ensure a great gaming experience, the keyboard should be sturdy, have quick-firing keys, and be very quiet. The best gaming keyboards are also a good size to fit your gaming space and feature extra benefits such as RGB lighting and dedicated shortcut keys.If you're looking for top-tier, competitive-level performance, look through our list of the best gaming keyboards in 2022 available to choose from.
    February 24, 2021
  • Many casual computer users are discovering that they do not need the power, functionality, or expense of a full-fledged laptop. Meanwhile, a tablet lacks the large screen and dedicated keyboard needed to consume different types of media or to browse the internet. A Chromebook splits the difference neatly, and may well be the best choice for most consumers looking for a more affordable device.What started out as an underpowered curiosity has evolved into a category of its own. Chromebooks typically cost less than a Microsoft Surface or MacBook, but the primary drawback is that Chromebooks are limited to Chrome OS. Start-up times are a snap thanks to the light interface, but Microsoft or Mac programs won't work outside of the Chrome browser unless there are online app versions available. Another reason to recommend a Chromebook is because they are not as susceptible to viruses and malware thanks in part to continuous automatic updates to Chrome OS. If you are looking for a Chromebook, keep reading for the best Chromebooks in 2022 we recommend for every budget.
    March 06, 2020
  • Wireless chargers are becoming more prevalent and commonplace as phones and accessories continue gaining the ability to charge wirelessly. Starbucks even has them built into their tables! If your phone or accessory - such as Apple’s AirPod Pros - are Qi enabled, they are compatible with the vast majority of wireless chargers available on the market today.However, each device is capable of charging at different maximum speeds. Android phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 typically feature 15W wireless charging, while iPhones will top out at 7.5W. Although this is technically considered fast charging, connecting a device with a fast charge-capable cable will juice up devices even quicker.The biggest upside to wireless charging is pure convenience: there’s no need to plug in your device each time, which helps reduce wear and tear, not to mention the amount of wires tangled up on top of your desk. Some drawbacks include comparatively longer charging times; you'll also have to double-check each time you set the device on the charger since it won’t charge unless it's in the right position. Here are some of our favorite picks for the best wireless chargers 2022, along with an in-depth buyer's guide if you're still researching the market for yourself.
    February 18, 2020
  • When DVDs debuted, they quickly came to replace CDs for optical storage considering they provide much greater storage at the same size. As the hardware involved in writing data to DVDs became more affordable, a wide range of different DVD burners were released for use in computers. These internal drives became fairly standard, essentially replacing CD drives in computers completely in the past decade. External burners have also become increasingly common, providing the perks of easy data storage on a DVD with the portability of a separate device. However, as blu-ray discs have become more popular recently, these have become something of a niche product and will likely become even harder to find in the future. Check out our list of our favorite DVD burners, as well as the buyer’s guide below for more information to help you pick out the right one for your computer setup.
    June 12, 2019
  • Although PC racing wheels may be something of a niche item, there are a decent number of them on the market to choose from. When considering different options, look for racing wheels that offer a realistic PC driving experience while checking it’s been manufactured with quality materials to ensure long-term enjoyment. Different manufacturers offer a variety of accessories and features to enhance your gameplay. A basic racing wheel gives you a more realistic experience in a driving game, but the addition of pedals and shift sticks can take your game to the next level.We’ve chosen these as the top PC racing wheels because of their minimum 900-degree rotation angles and variety of customizable buttons, as well as durable shifting paddles for a more immersive driving experience. These wheels are also are built durably, with even the addition of metal and leather materials on some which help reduce the effects of wear and tear. While all of these PC racing wheels are designed to work with a PC, some of these models also have functionality that works with a video game console, a level of flexibility that makes them a better overall value.
    May 15, 2019
  • There are two primary types of memory card readers based on whether they’re intended to be used whether it’s internal or external. There are excellent models available in both designs, but external ones are easier to set up and use with a lot of different hardware options. In comparing them, you’ll primarily want to look for fast transfer speeds with an eye toward USB 3.0 connections. You’ll also want to find models that support as many different types of memory cards as possible. Not every reader out there offers support for every type of memory card on the market, so look at each one carefully to be sure it can read the types you need.We’ve chosen these best memory card readers in 2022 because they offer the best speed and performance thanks to support for USB 3.0, which offers great data rates while being backwards compatible with USB 2.0. All of these readers support at least SecureDigital (SD) cards, along with micro SD and CompactFlash (CF). These models also offer support for Ultra High Speed (UHS) cards that give you excellent read/write speeds with your memory cards. Additionally, these are all external models so you can easily use them with a wide range of computers without the need for installation or removing them from one computer to use with another.
    April 07, 2016
  • A USB Bluetooth adapter lets you connect any supported computer or laptop to other wireless Bluetooth devices. They’re small units that plug into a USB port and then connect wirelessly to other devices through Bluetooth technology. This type of adapter is ideal if you don’t want to add new hardware to your computer system, but need to connect to one or more devices through Bluetooth. Although there’s a wide range of manufacturers, most of these devices are fairly similar in their size and design.We’ve chosen the following USB Bluetooth adapters because they offer the fastest speeds possible at very affordable prices. You get as much wireless range with these adapters as possible since all of them offer a minimum 20-foot range. All of these devices work with multiple versions of Windows and include encryption for data and hardware security, though some of them also work with computers running a Mac OS. Keep on reading to figure out which one is right for your system!
    April 04, 2016
  • A wireless extender (also known as a range extender or repeater) is a device that helps broaden the range of a wireless signal from a modem or router. These devices allow you to connect wireless devices to a network from long ranges, including those outside the maximum range of the source modem or router. One of the main things you should look for in these devices is the integration of dual-band technology which helps diminish some of the signal loss that most extenders create. Beyond that, it often comes down to a reasonable price and overall reliable performance to ensure an uninterrupted connection. We chose the following best wireless extenders in 2022 because they offer the best signal quality and technology thanks to support for Wireless-AC standards which are the fastest Wi-Fi standards currently available. All of these models support a minimum of Wireless AC750, although some of them offer even higher data speeds. These are all dual-band models so they have amplifiers for both 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz which helps ensure optimal performance and signal clarity. You get indicator LEDs on all of these extenders as well so can tell when these devices are working properly at a quick glance. They have at least one Ethernet port for a wired network connection, and they all support 64-bit and 128-bit encryption to keep your data secure.
    April 04, 2016
  • There's a pretty wide range of video capture devices out there that cover a lot of different uses. If you want to capture video professionally, for web streaming content, or convert analog video to a digital format, then you should consider a high-end model that gives you more input options and ensures high output. But there are also quite a few models that are very affordable and can be purchased for easy video capture at a very reasonable price. Consider the type of media you want to capture and the physical input and output connections you need for your existing hardware before purchasing any device.These best video capture devices in 2022 offer the best picture quality thanks to HD video that supports up to 1080p 30 fps video quality. You get HDMI pass-through performance with all of these devices, which means they have HDMI output as well as input, so you can play or stream live in addition to recording gameplay with a single device. All of these video capture devices include great software that makes it easy to control how you stream or record video and audio, plus edit, save, and post video without the need for additional, expensive video-editing programs.
    April 01, 2016
  • A video capture card is a computer component which facilitates the capture of video and audio for playback/editing and saves it to a hard drive or SD card. These cards are frequently used to stream and record data while PC gaming, or from a console game through a computer, but they can also be used for digitizing analog video. There are also external video capture devices that can be used to input and record video and audio either from a secondary source or from the computer itself, but this list focuses on internal components.These best video capture cards in 2022 were chosen because they give you the best picture quality thanks to support for up to 1080i HD video, so you can easily control the resolution and size of your video. They support at least HDMI and DVI connections, though included adapters may be necessary for certain video types with these cards. All of these models also include pass through performance that lets you play a game or use other software in real time while also recording what you are doing without creating any delay or lag.
    April 01, 2016
  • There's a fair bit of debate among many laptop owners about whether coolers actually do anything in terms of laptop performance and longevity. However, lot of evidence supports the idea that a good cooler can reduce internal operating temperatures for a laptop, especially while running demanding software such as PC games. A good laptop cooler should provide a level surface for the laptop to keep ducts clear and move air to the bottom of the laptop to help promote heat transfer.We’ve chosen the following best laptop coolers in 2022 because they have at least one very large fan or multiple smaller fans at least 80mm in size working together. More important than just the number of fans is how much air these fans can move which is measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM, determined by the size and speed of the fan. All of these laptop coolers move at least 34CFM of air and their fans spin at a minimum of 1,000 rotations per minute (RPN) or higher.  They also offer great connectivity options with at least one USB port on each of these coolers (in addition to one needed for power) which keeps you from losing a port during use. Lastly, these picks are large enough to support at least a 15-inch laptop, making them incredibly versatile.
    April 01, 2016
  • Joysticks are game controllers designed with a single stick that (depending on the game of course) typically controls character aim or movement, with one or more buttons for additional input if required. These types of controllers were once extremely common because they can provide a great deal of control and flexibility. While other types of controllers have become popular, these are still great for many games.When considering a joystick for your PC games, you'll want to know how accurate its movements are as well as options with a good number of buttons for interacting with a wide range of games without the need for additional peripherals. If you want incredibly realistic flight simulation controls you’ll want to consider a PC flight control option, although some of these joysticks featured here may work well for simpler flying games.We’ve chosen the following best PC joysticks in 2022 because of their accurate, sensitive control sticks for responsive gameplay. They’ve also been designed to have a minimum of 12 programmable buttons and a trigger, which are essential ideal for use in combat-oriented flight and “mecha” games. Stability is also important during play so all of these picks have large, solid bases that keep them in place while you’re are playing. Lastly, these joysticks are all plug-and-play devices that don’t require any software installation to use, although optional software provided with many of them will certainly give you more options for customized setups.
    March 29, 2016
  • While many people prefer to use a mouse and keyboard when playing a wide range of PC games, there are certain titles that just lend themselves to using a gamepad instead. Most gamers swear by a mouse and keyboard for optimal precision in a first-person shooter, but for fighting games and platformers a gamepad can be easier to use and far more intuitive. Most gamepads can work with gaming consoles, but PC support is going to be the primary focus on this list.These Best PC gamepads in 2022 are easy to use and great for a wide range of PC games thanks to their inclusion of at least one thumbstick, a D-pad, and eight or more buttons. This has become a pretty standard setup that aligns with the controllers found on current-generation gaming consoles. All of these controllers feature programmable mapping options that let you set up your preferred controls, though you typically need to install software or a utility to do so. Lastly, these picks have great secondary features which give you a more immersive gameplay experience like vibration and feedback. Take a glance at these PC gamepads to up your gaming experience.
    March 28, 2016
  • Flight control devices are designed to let you control flight simulators and similar programs with as much realistic detail as possible. In addition to these controllers, you can also purchase foot pedals, dashboard switches, and other hardware to complete the simulation experience. Initially, it’s best to focus on just the best control devices offering an overall realistic look and feel. The number of buttons and similar options are important since these devices fully replace a mouse and keyboard while playing a game or enjoying a simulation. Yokes and sticks are the two primary types of flight controls available and you can find excellent examples of both designs from a variety of manufacturers.We’ve chosen the following as the best PC flight controls in 2022 because they offer realistic flight simulation and gameplay thanks to designs that authentically mimic the controls of an actual airplane. Both yokes and flight sticks are included, and these models have at least nine programmable buttons and switches to give you the most authentic experience currently possible. With a little guidance we've supplied to you in this guide, we trust that you will find the best flight control for your future flight simulations.
    March 28, 2016
  • A scanner is able to capture an image of a physical object or document to create a digital copy of it. Coming in a wide range of designs and styles, their overall purpose is to create a digital backup of a physical image or document. Some of the most common models on the market are flatbed designs. These versions have a glass bed that you lay a document onto with a light beneath it used to scan the item and create a digital copy of it. These have become increasingly powerful, with high-resolution models often used for photographs and illustrations.There are also specialized scanners used to capture images from older photographic film and slides, as well as smaller versions that can quickly scan a business card. Pen scanners provide small options for scanning individual lines of text, while portable models can be used to scan any document at any location. In any case, a scanner is likely to be a worthy investment, allowing you to turn practically any physical document into a digital file. Reduce clutter, make things easier to find, and digitally save favorite photos all with one handy device. With so many different types of scanners on the market, it can be hard to decide which is best for you, your budget, and your needs. Take a look at our list of the best scanners of 2022 to figure out which model is right for you.
    March 20, 2016
  • A powerline network adapter turns the electrical wiring in your building into a computer network. You need at least two adapters working together, so you typically want to buy a kit to start with. One connects to your modem or router to receive an internet signal, and then plugs into a wall outlet; this then turns your electrical system into a network. A second adapter plugs into another outlet and then connects to a computer, HDTV, or another device you want on the network. The data speeds indicated with these adapters are a best-case scenario, and you'll probably get lower data rates, but it still gives you an idea of relative speed.We’ve chosen the following as the best powerline network adapters since they offer the fastest speeds, with support for at least 500Mbps, though some of these can run even faster. All of these best powerline network adapters in 2022 include LEDs that indicate when the outlet has power and when a LAN signal is being received properly through the electrical system. Installing these models is very easy, requiring no software installation or upgrades, and they only need to be plugged into outlets. Plus all of these are starter kits that include the two necessary adapters for your new setup.
    March 08, 2016
  翻译: