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CNET
6 days ago
- CNET
The Apple Watch Series 10 Is Hands-Down My Favorite Smartwatch, and It's 24% Off Right Now
I've tested dozens of smartwatches over the years, and whenever I'm done with a review, I like to go bare-wristed for a few days to give myself a break. But after wrapping up my review of the Apple Watch Series 10, I noticed something totally unexpected: For the first time ever, I didn't want to take the device off. I've always been on the lookout for a hybrid watch that strikes the right balance between a traditional wristwatch and a smartwatch. Plenty of wearables over the years have promised just that, like the Withings Scanwatch range. The Series 10, which tops our list of the best smartwatches for 2025 and is a CNET Editors' Choice Award winner, strikes the ideal balance for me because it doesn't compromise on connectivity, fitness tracking features or the overall look. That's because of the LTPO 3 technology that lets the screen refresh at 1Hz and gives the Series 10 a ticking second hand on a few watch faces, even when the display isn't actively being used. It makes Apple's device feel like a regular watch when I'm not actively using it, which is different from any other smartwatch I've tested. I like being able to change up the look by switching between the Reflections watch face, with its sweeping "analog" second hand, and Activity Digital, with its digital seconds counter. I wish there were more watch faces that supported this ticking second hand. There is Flux, but I've found myself siding with Redditors who think it's kind of goofy. (If you've found a color combination that makes it feel less comical, let me know!) The ticking second hand isn't just an aesthetic choice, or for the times when I'm anxiously checking to make sure I'm not too early for my next meeting. It's also practical for folks in different professions, like health care workers who need to have a second hand even after the display times out. More than the ticking second hand, it's the display itself I was skeptical that the Series 10's wide-angle OLED display would make that much difference to the viewing experience. Apple says it's up to 40% brighter than earlier watch displays when you're looking at it off-axis. So of course I had to compare it to every other Apple Watch in my review cabinet, including the Series 9. When using my eyes alone I'm not able to quantify how much brighter it appears as a percentage, there's no question the Series 10 is easier to see and looks brighter than other Apple Watch models with the same watch face. The Series 10 doesn't have the same battery life or rugged construction, but I miss its display when I have to switch to the $799 Apple Watch Ultra 2. Apple Watch Series 10 specs Case sizes: 42mm, 46mm 42mm, 46mm Battery life: Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours Screen: LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina display LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina display Refresh rate: 1Hz 1Hz Brightness: Up to 2,000 nits Up to 2,000 nits Water resistance: Up to 50m Why I never want to take it off It's not just the display that's made it hard for me to remove the Series 10 from my wrist. There's almost every health and fitness tracking feature I could want, from a range of cycling tools to sleep apnea notifications, which is part of the reason this watch tops our list of the best smartwatches for 2025. Then there's WatchOS 11, which brings helpful safety tools like Check In to my wrist, so I no longer have to manually send the "I'm home!" message to friends and family. If only it worked with recipients who don't use iMessage: I truly hope Apple will add compatibility for RCS messaging for this indispensable safety tool, just like FaceTime works on Android through a web link. I now understand what people mean when they say they feel naked when they leave their house without their phones. Except for me, it's a watch. The Apple Watch Series 10 with cellular connectivity is normally listed at $499, but you can get one for as much as $119 off right now, so it's a great time to snatch one up for yourself or to give as a gift. Prices vary quite a big depending on case size, finish and band type, so be sure to click around to see all your options, and double-check the price of your selected configuration before finalizing your purchase. If you're looking for more gift ideas, don't miss our favorite tech gifts under $100.
CNET
6 days ago
- CNET
I Use This Affordable 2-in-1 Laptop for Both Work and Play, and It's One of the Best Laptop Deals I've Found
I've been testing tablets and laptops here at CNET for years, which means I've tried pretty much every size, shape and style of device you can imagine. I'm always on the lookout for a model that meets all of my daily needs in one package, including when I'm traveling or commuting. My search was essentially over when I found the incredibly inexpensive Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook, a CNET Editors' Choice Award winner. I've found that I turn to this two-in-one laptop for my personal, everyday use more than any other device I own. I especially appreciate the versatility of the Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook. It has an 11-inch touchscreen paired with a detachable keyboard cover, a rear cover with a kickstand and, if you want, you can pair it with an active pen for drawing or writing on the screen. Better yet, at less than $400, it's one of the best laptop deals around. It's currently just $325 on Amazon. It's $379 at Lenovo, but if you're a first-time buyer, you can get a $100 discount with an email subscription, bringing the price down to $279. Why I like this tablet There are two main reasons this device works better for me than most standard laptops. First is its compact, lightweight size. Second is that it's multifunctional. Since I regularly commute to work by train, both of these factors make the Duet Chromebook especially convenient. On occasions when I do need a bigger screen or a wider keyboard for faster typing, I'll usually switch to my standard laptop. But the Duet 11, which functions both as a laptop and tablet, is the machine that fits my daily life the best and most often. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. On the surface, you might think it's no different than an iPad or any number of Android tablets. But the big differences are the operating system, ChromeOS, and its price. If you've never used ChromeOS, it's sort of a mix between a traditional desktop OS, such as Windows or MacOS, and a mobile OS that your phone uses, such as Android. The combination makes it easier for me to get work done with a keyboard and trackpad or mouse, but it also uses apps from the Google Play Store, so it has a mobile device feel too. The only hiccup might be if your work or school relies on software available only for MacOS or Windows. That's never been an issue for me, as there's typically a web or mobile app I can use in its place. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 specs Price $399 Display size/resolution 11-inch 1,920x1,200-pixel, LCD touchscreen CPU 2.6GHz MediaTek Kompanio 838 Memory 8GB LPDDR4X Graphics Integrated graphics Storage 128GB eMMC Networking Intel Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 Ports USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (x2), 3.5mm combo audio jack Operating system ChromeOS The Duet 11 helps me stay busy during my train commute The Duet's size is really nice for my train commute, letting me easily edit docs or respond to emails on my way to work. It has a fantastic front-facing 5-megapixel camera, too, so I can use it for a Zoom chat when necessary, and the camera has a physical privacy shutter to block it out the rest of the time. I especially like its zippy performance. It wakes as soon as I drop the keyboard open, and I can quickly tether to my Pixel phone for an instant internet connection. Battery life is strong at up to 11 hours in my use of it. Using the Duet on your lap can be a little bit of a balancing act, but it's doable. Its compact size makes it ideal for cramped coffee shop tables and other places where a full-size laptop might be awkward. It weighs only about 2 pounds with all of its accessories. Read more: Why a Chromebook Is Probably All You Need Like a lot of people, I unwind on my commute home with some entertainment, and the Duet shines for that. Pop off the magnetically attached keyboard and ChromeOS switches to a more touch-friendly experience. The tablet supports cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now, which means that with a strong web connection, you can play all kinds of games. I love to play mobile games on it from the Play Store too. The Duet 11 also works as an e-reader In addition to being ideal for commuting and cramped spaces, the Duet is also a good e-reader. I use it for reading manga with the Viz and Shonen Jump apps, and I regularly dip into my library's collection of ebooks and magazines via the Libby app. The device is also good for streaming video and music, though I prefer Bluetooth headphones over the tablet's little speakers. While I mainly use it for travel and on my commute, the Duet is equally great around the house. I wouldn't recommend the Duet as your only laptop unless you simply don't need to do more than basic home office work and can connect to a larger display, keyboard and mouse. The 11-inch touchscreen, while great-looking, is a little too small for all-day, everyday use. But as a secondary device to a larger, more powerful desktop or laptop, it's just about perfect. If you're interested in checking out more ChromeOS devices, here are CNET's top picks for the best Chromebooks on the market. And if you're curious about what other models you can grab on the cheap right now, don't miss our roundups of the best Chromebook deals and the best laptop deals.
CNET
6 days ago
- CNET
I Rely on This Affordable 2-in-1 Laptop for All My Daily Needs, and It's One of the Best Laptop Deals I've Found
I've been testing tablets and laptops here at CNET for years, which means I've tried pretty much every size, shape and style of device you can imagine. I'm always on the lookout for a model that meets all of my daily needs in one package, including when I'm traveling or commuting. My search was essentially over when I found the incredibly inexpensive Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook, a CNET Editors' Choice Award winner. I've found that I turn to this two-in-one laptop for my personal, everyday use more than any other device I own. I especially appreciate the versatility of the Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook. It has an 11-inch touchscreen paired with a detachable keyboard cover, a rear cover with a kickstand and, if you want, you can pair it with an active pen for drawing or writing on the screen. Better yet, at less than $400, it's one of the best laptop deals around. It's currently just $325 on Amazon . It's $379 at Lenovo, but if you're a first-time buyer, you can get a $100 discount with an email subscription, bringing the price down to $279. Why I like this tablet There are two main reasons this device works better for me than most standard laptops. First is its compact, lightweight size. Second is that it's multifunctional. Since I regularly commute to work by train, both of these factors make the Duet Chromebook especially convenient. On occasions when I do need a bigger screen or a wider keyboard for faster typing, I'll usually switch to my standard laptop. But the Duet 11, which functions both as a laptop and tablet, is the machine that fits my daily life the best and most often. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. On the surface, you might think it's no different than an iPad or any number of Android tablets. But the big differences are the operating system, ChromeOS, and its price. If you've never used ChromeOS, it's sort of a mix between a traditional desktop OS, such as Windows or MacOS, and a mobile OS that your phone uses, such as Android. The combination makes it easier for me to get work done with a keyboard and trackpad or mouse, but it also uses apps from the Google Play Store, so it has a mobile device feel too. The only hiccup might be if your work or school relies on software available only for MacOS or Windows. That's never been an issue for me, as there's typically a web or mobile app I can use in its place. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 specs Price $399 Display size/resolution 11-inch 1,920x1,200-pixel, LCD touchscreen CPU 2.6GHz MediaTek Kompanio 838 Memory 8GB LPDDR4X Graphics Integrated graphics Storage 128GB eMMC Networking Intel Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 Ports USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (x2), 3.5mm combo audio jack Operating system ChromeOS The Duet 11 helps me stay busy during my train commute The Duet's size is really nice for my train commute, letting me easily edit docs or respond to emails on my way to work. It has a fantastic front-facing 5-megapixel camera, too, so I can use it for a Zoom chat when necessary, and the camera has a physical privacy shutter to block it out the rest of the time. I especially like its zippy performance. It wakes as soon as I drop the keyboard open, and I can quickly tether to my Pixel phone for an instant internet connection. Battery life is strong at up to 11 hours in my use of it. Using the Duet on your lap can be a little bit of a balancing act, but it's doable. Its compact size makes it ideal for cramped coffee shop tables and other places where a full-size laptop might be awkward. It weighs only about 2 pounds with all of its accessories. Read more: Why a Chromebook Is Probably All You Need Like a lot of people, I unwind on my commute home with some entertainment, and the Duet shines for that. Pop off the magnetically attached keyboard and ChromeOS switches to a more touch-friendly experience. The tablet supports cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now, which means that with a strong web connection, you can play all kinds of games. I love to play mobile games on it from the Play Store too. The Duet 11 also works as an e-reader In addition to being ideal for commuting and cramped spaces, the Duet is also a good e-reader. I use it for reading manga with the Viz and Shonen Jump apps, and I regularly dip into my library's collection of ebooks and magazines via the Libby app. The device is also good for streaming video and music, though I prefer Bluetooth headphones over the tablet's little speakers. While I mainly use it for travel and on my commute, the Duet is equally great around the house. I wouldn't recommend the Duet as your only laptop unless you simply don't need to do more than basic home office work and can connect to a larger display, keyboard and mouse. The 11-inch touchscreen, while great-looking, is a little too small for all-day, everyday use. But as a secondary device to a larger, more powerful desktop or laptop, it's just about perfect. If you're interested in checking out more ChromeOS devices, here are CNET's top picks for the best Chromebooks on the market. And if you're curious about what other models you can grab on the cheap right now, don't miss our roundups of the best Chromebook deals and the best laptop deals.
CNET
09-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Prime Day Deal: My Favorite Bluetooth Speaker Is Over 35% Off During the Big Sale
With many of us worried about tariffs raising prices on electronics, Amazon Prime Day seems like the perfect time to scoop them up. That includes the Anker Soundcore Boom 2, which is now available in the black model on sale for $90, or 36% off, at Amazon for Prime members. I awarded the Soundcore Boom 2 a CNET Editors' Choice among the list of best Bluetooth speakers because it's well-priced and delivers impressive sound, making it an excellent value. There are plenty of Bluetooth speakers to choose from but the Soundcore Boom 2 stands out for its compact, waterproof design and great value for the money. Compared with its competitors, this mini boom box speaker is already a good deal at its list price of $140. But for under $100, this is an excellent Prime Day deal. However, we suggest acting fast, as Amazon deals like this one tend to go quickly. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. I liked the original Soundcore Motion Boom, which made our list of the best Bluetooth speakers and was one of the better mini boom box Bluetooth speaker values in the past few years. It's also on sale for $70 for Prime Day. The 3.66-pound Boom 2 is priced a little higher but sounds substantially better, with more than double the power rating of the original, so it not only plays louder but kicks out more bass and offers better clarity at higher volumes (it's equipped with two tweeters and one subwoofer). It also has a couple of built-in LED lights to help create that party vibe. Looking for more? Don't miss the other Anker deals you can snag during Prime Day today. Anker Soundcore Boom 2 speaker specs Here are the details about this mini boom box Bluetooth speaker. Drivers: 50-watt, 4-inch racetrack subwoofer and dual 15-watt tweeters 50-watt, 4-inch racetrack subwoofer and dual 15-watt tweeters Dimensions: 11.65 x 7.28 x 3.98 inches 11.65 x 7.28 x 3.98 inches Weight: 3.66 pounds 3.66 pounds Battery life: Up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels Up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels Bluetooth version: 5.3 (100-foot or 30-meter wireless range) 5.3 (100-foot or 30-meter wireless range) Water-resistance rating: IPX7 (fully waterproof and floatable) IPX7 (fully waterproof and floatable) Additional features : Built-in light show, customizable EQ, PartyCast 2.0 (link additional Anker speakers) : Built-in light show, customizable EQ, PartyCast 2.0 (link additional Anker speakers) Universal remote: Included Roku remote controls most TVs Why I like this Anker speaker The speaker's design isn't sleek or eye-catching but it's attractive enough and just the right size -- neither too big nor too small -- and you can choose among three colors, although only the black model is available for the Prime Day deal. It also seems pretty durable, although it doesn't have a dust-resistance rating. The Boom 2 is fully waterproof (IPX7-rated) and floats should it fall into a body of water. Additionally, there's a USB-out port to charge your devices. Battery life is also good. The speaker's rated for up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volume levels (it charges via USB-C, which is good) and you can tweak the sound and customize the lighting with the Soundcore app for iOS and Android. Battery life does dip if you engage the bass boost or activate the LED lighting. Read more: Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Review Another Anker speaker to consider If you're looking for even more powerful sound, Anker makes the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus. A bigger speaker, it puts out more sound with similar features to the Boom 2. However, it costs around $250 (on sale for $175), and I don't think it sounds twice as good as the Boom 2 (more like 25% to 30% better). Still, it's also a good value. Read more: Best Tech Gifts Under $100 Want to check out the competition? We've tested and reviewed the best Bluetooth speakers this year, with Bose, Beats and Soundcore all featured on our list. And just in case you're on the hunt for more discounts, our dedicated shopping team at CNET has compiled the best Prime Day deals. Why this deal matters The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 is already a great deal as one of our top choices for a compact Bluetooth speaker. Summer is the perfect time to pick one up for all your get-togethers, and the Soundcore Boom 2's waterproof design makes it ideal for the beach or pool. With electronics prices likely to rise with the looming tariffs, the Prime Day deal maybe your best chance to score this speaker for under $100.
CNET
09-07-2025
- CNET
My Favorite Dyson Vacuum Is a CNET Editors' Award Winner, and It's $150 Off for Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day deal: The Dyson V15 is on sale now for $180 off during Amazon's Prime Day sale. That brings it down to $570, which is the lowest price we've seen this year on a product our testers rated the best Dyson cordless vacuum and the best for finding dust. It's also the winner of a CNET Editors' Choice Award. I've got a full-time job, two messy toddlers, a shedding dog and a husband who occasionally tracks in dirt. I think you can see where I'm going with this. Like all busy parents, I find keeping a clean house to be rather challenging. Enter the Dyson V15 cordless vacuum cleaner, a purchase that's been practically life changing. I've tried out a lot of different vacuums at different price ranges, and this model outperforms every single one. The Dyson V15 was awarded a CNET Editors' Choice Award, is on CNET's best cordless vacuums list, and out-suctioned all its stick vacuum competitors in our laboratory testing. That's a whole lot of power and performance, which is what I love about it. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. This is two days' worth of dog hair, which my Dyson can suction up on its highest suction setting from a 500-square-foot section of carpet. Katie Collins/CNET Why I love my Dyson V15 vacuum My Dyson V15 works great for quick clean-ups or deep cleans. Because it's cordless, I appreciate not having to constantly plug and then unplug it when cleaning the upstairs and downstairs in my home. It doesn't take up storage space because the charging docking station is mounted in our garage. It's no surprise to me that the Dyson V15 outperformed most of its competitors during CNET's lab testing. It is now rated as having the best suction performance for a cordless vacuum. My Dyson also cleans my car well My kids' and pets' messes aren't contained to my house so I love how the Dyson easily converts to handheld mode, which comes in handy for suctioning up loose toddler snacks from car seats and car floors. The crevice attachment can reach those in-between spaces in my car and couch cushions. The Dyson V15 converts into a handheld for easy car cleanup. Dyson Washable HEPA filter is a plus I love the washable HEPA cloth filter too. No more running out of replacement filters. Simply wash it and let it dry. I also bought a backup replacement filter to use so I don't have to wait for the original filter to dry before using my beloved Dyson on another mess. I love how easy it is to clean my Dyson HEPA filter. I have two replacement filters on deck in case one is still wet from washing it. Dyson High-performing vacuum with one flaw My one complaint is its battery life when using it on its best suction setting: boost mode. Dyson's boost mode works well picking up my dog's pet hair, but it drains the battery quickly. To clean two stories in boost mode, it needs to recharge to finish the job, and that can take a few hours. Dyson has three power modes for different tasks. The overall battery run time varies based on power mode. I find Boost mode to work best on pet hair but will drain the battery quickly. Dyson/CNET In the middle setting -- auto mode -- I can clean the upstairs and downstairs of my 2,000-square-foot home on a single charge, and it works well on hard floors and pretty well on carpet. Auto mode is fine for in-between cleanings, but boost mode works best for a deep carpet clean. To find some other top-rated vacuums, check out our editors' list of the best vacuums you can buy. We also think this vacuum would make a great gift for a new graduate moving into their first place. For other gifting inspiration, check out our picks for the best gifts for grads.
