Latest news with #portability
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Simple Mistake Costs Estate Big Tax Break
The portability of the lifetime estate and gift tax exemption amount between spouses was introduced in the 2010 tax law. But details of portability aren't well-known, and misunderstandings can cost an estate a lot of money. Each individual has a lifetime exemption from the estate and gift tax, which is $13.99 million in 2025 and will rise to $15 million in 2026. After that, it will be indexed for inflation. When one spouse dies and his or her estate doesn't use the entire lifetime exemption, the unused exemption amount can be passed to the surviving spouse. The surviving spouse then has an estate and gift tax exemption equal to his or her own exemption amount plus the unused amount of the deceased spouse. The surviving spouse's exemption amount is increased for inflation each year. But the unused amount from the deceased spouse isn't increased for inflation. The transfer of the unused amount is known as portability, though that term isn't used in the tax code or regulations. Because of portability, it's frequently said that a married couple has an estate and gift tax exemption amount of twice the individual exemption amount. But that's not the full story. It's often overlooked that passing the unused exemption amount to the surviving spouse isn't automatic. The regulations require the estate executor of the first spouse to die to elect to pass on the unused exemption. If the election isn't made, the unused exemption amount doesn't pass to the surviving spouse. The election is made when the executor makes a timely filing of an estate tax return for the deceased spouse. No special document or language is needed to make the election. The IRS considers the portability option to be elected if an estate tax return is filed, unless there's a statement saying that the unused exemption amount isn't being transferred to the surviving spouse. To transfer the unused exemption amount, the estate tax return must be filed even if one isn't otherwise required and the estate's value is far less than the deceased spouse's exemption amount. That's the trap estates fall into. The executor sees that the estate's value is far less than the deceased's exemption amount and doesn't file an estate tax return because one isn't required. But not filing the return means the unused exemption amount doesn't pass to the surviving spouse. Also, if an estate tax return is filed to ensure the unused exemption passes to the surviving spouse, the return must be timely, complete and accurate. Otherwise, the transfer of the exemption amount is void. An estate recently learned these lessons the hard way. The wife passed away with an estate valued at less than the exemption amount. The executor obtained an extension of the deadline for filing the estate tax return. But the executor didn't file the return until well after the new deadline. The husband died two years after the wife. His executor filed an estate tax return claiming his exemption amount plus the unused portion of the late wife's exemption. The IRS denied the use of the late wife's exemption amount, and the Tax Court agreed. The wife's estate tax return wasn't properly filed, because it was late. In addition, required information was missing, such as an itemization of the estate's assets and the fair market values of the assets on the date of her death. If there's any possibility a surviving spouse's estate might exceed that spouse's lifetime exemption amount at some point in the future, the executor of the estate of the first spouse to pass away should file an accurate, timely estate tax return to preserve any unused exemption amount for the surviving spouse. When deciding whether to exercise the portability election, keep in mind that the estate tax exemption amount is indexed to the Consumer Price Index. It's possible that the rate of return on investments will exceed the CPI. That could cause an estate that's comfortably below the estate exemption amount to exceed the amount after a decade or more of compounding. (Estate of Rowland v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo 2025-76)
Gizmodo
6 hours ago
- Gizmodo
Anker's 60,000mAh Power Bank Station Is Almost Free With 50% Off, Cheaper Than It Was on Prime Day
Having a power bank is great. Having a power station is better. But what if you can enjoy the portability of a power bank and the capacity of a power station in a single device? That's exactly what the Anker PowerCore Reserve offers, and right now, getting your hands on one doesn't have to break the bank. Amazon is currently offering this powerful machine for just $80, which is 47% off the regular price. Anyone who has ever shopped around for a reliable power station knows how these devices typically run well over $150–$200, so getting a device this capable under $100 is a big deal. See at Amazon The power station is compact (resembles a Bluetooth speaker) and comes with a handle for easy portability. You're getting a smart display that shows real-time battery stats, charging status, and output info. The top features a retractable light bar, which can be pulled up when needed and automatically turns on in low light – so it easily doubles as an emergency lantern. Even better, you can choose between two light modes depending on what you prefer. Need some extra visibility to gather your essentials during a blackout? Go for the bright mode. Don't want to send an open invitation to the bugs with a bright light? Dim mode it is. Power-wise, Anker packs it with 60,000mAh of capacity, which is enough to charge a MacBook Air nearly 3 times, juice an iPhone 14 over 10 times, or power an LED lamp for over 42 hours. Blackouts at home or emergency power situations in the great outdoors, it takes care of it all. There are two USB-C ports (60W and 27W), two USB-A ports, plus an XT60 port for extra compatibility with solar panels. For safety, the built-in SOS button activates a flashing emergency light to signal for help when needed. Another nice touch is the use of LiFePO4 batteries, which are more stable and reliable than the other models. You can expect it to hold up to 85% of its charge even after a year. Overall, this power bank + station is great for anyone looking for a reliable backup solution that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. For just $80, you're getting a device that lets you power through outages and outdoor adventures easily. The discount is available on two color options – gray and green. Just note that such discounts don't last too long. We recommend grabbing it before the price goes back up to $150. See at Amazon
Android Authority
11 hours ago
- Android Authority
The CUKTECH 15 Ultra strikes a great balance between raw power and portability
CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank strikes a perfect balance between power and portability. It has a nicely sized 20,000mAh battery, fast charging speeds at 165W of output, three ports, rapid recharging with two input sources, and a stylish design. After testing a wide variety of battery packs, I often find myself craving something more balanced. Smaller ones are very convenient to carry around, but are never powerful enough. The bigger ones get the job done, but they can be a bit too hard to carry around. The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank offers a nice proposition, offering something right in the middle. It aims to find a balance between true portability and power. Does it accomplish it? I've been testing the CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank for a couple of weeks and am ready to tell you whether it makes the cut. Let's jump right in. Stylish and sturdy Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Of course, the first thing you notice as you unbox anything is its design and build. This is especially important when dealing with a battery pack, which is an accessory you will see and show off everywhere. You'll also carry it around, which means it will undergo quite a bit of torture, so you need to make sure it will survive anything you put it through. I previously reviewed the CUKTECH 20 Power Bank, which looks cool and offers a sturdy construction comparable only to the best. It has survived months of continuous use, rolling around my trunk, and keeping my devices charged wherever I go. CUKTECH power banks blend style with substance, and the CUKTECH 15 Ultra meets that standard. I am happy to report that the CUKTECH 15 Ultra lives up to the same standard as the 20. While smaller at 5.98 x 2.25 x 1.75 in, and made of plastic, it by no means feels cheap. The construction seamlessly blends into a solid little brick with zero moving parts, no wiggling ports, and a singular button with a solid click. Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority It is a little on the heavier side at 1.3 lbs, but it doesn't feel uncomfortably heavy. Instead, it feels like the kind of heft that equates to quality. It's a balanced weight, similar to carrying a gold coin. It just feels satisfyingly heavy. And I mean, the weight makes sense when you consider this thing carries 20,000mAh of battery capacity. You won't really feel its weight if it's just in your backpack. It does fit in my pants pockets, though. And if you plan to carry it around in your pocket or in a small purse, the weight will definitely be more noticeable. Enough battery for a couple of days In my experience, the CUKTECH 15 Ultra lasted me a couple of days on the go. I went to San Diego for the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and came back home with a dying battery pack, but during that time it managed to juice up my smartphones (a Pixel 8a and an iPhone 15), smartwatch, and my wireless earbuds. I would usually charge everything at night, and recharge the phones on Sunday afternoon, during my drive back. Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Considering the 20,000mAh battery capacity, this level of usage makes sense. It's a great little battery for commuters, quick weekend campers, or mobile device backup during power outages. Of course, your mileage may vary, depending on what you power, because this thing can charge more than smartphones and mobile accessories. Super fast charging speeds Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Considering the size and price, the CUKTECH 15 Ultra bank is super powerful. It has a max output of 165W, though none of the ports can reach that mark individually. The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank has two USB-C ports and a USB-A connection. Based on my tests, the one labeled 'IN1/OUT1' can reach 140W, while the 'IN2/OUT2' one maxes out at 65W. The USB-A connection is slower at 18W. Of course, these max speeds are only achievable when charging one device at a time. Speeds get slower as you plug in more gadgets simultaneously. To put things into perspective, the 140W port is powerful enough to charge most tablets and laptops. I have also used it to charge portable speakers, my mirrorless camera, and a portable coffee maker. Chances are that if something uses a USB port, this battery pack can power it. Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority This is because it supports Power Delivery 3.1 and PPS standards, which means it can fast-charge most devices. For reference, even some high-end smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are limited to 45W, but this is among the fastest-charging mainstream phones around. The fastest-charging device I have right now is the Xiaomi 11T Pro, which can reach a whopping 120W. Recharging is blazing fast, too Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority OK, so this is likely my favorite feature on the CUKTECH 15 Ultra. Both USB-C ports can work as inputs at the same time. CUKTECH calls this 'Beast Mode Self-Charging.' It pretty much makes both ports work together to reach a maximum of 165W of input. So yeah, it can take in just as much wattage as it can output. With Beast Mode Self-Charging, the CUKTECH 15 Ultra reaches a mighty 165W input for recharging. I never saw it reach 165W, but I was able to consistently recharge it at over 150W, and when it does, it's incredibly fast to fill up. It was recharging at about 1% per 20 seconds or so during its fastest moments. Of course, it will eventually slow down to control the battery's heat, but it is still pretty impressive. So, if you often find yourself in a rush to catch a quick charge, this is the fastest recharging power bank I have tested. It's honestly kind of unbelievable. The only caveat is that you will have to carry a couple of cables. And unless you have a really capable multi-port charger, you will also need a couple of fast bricks to reach such speeds. Should you buy the CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank? Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Overall, I am really enjoying using the CUKTECH 15 Power Bank. It's enough to keep my mobile devices charged over a weekend (two days), all without reaching for an outlet. Of course, it will die much faster if you start using it with tablets or laptops; in that case, it might not even last one day. That said, I purposely didn't charge it during my short trips because I wanted to test how long it lasted. I could have plugged it in from time to time, and it charges really fast, giving you 70% in just 20 minutes when using Beast Mode. With a bit of effort regarding recharging the battery, I could have made it work for longer, or used it with my higher-power devices without much of an issue. The CUKTECH 15 Power Bank hits the sweet spot for power, design, and price. After a couple of weeks, I find myself gravitating more towards the CUKTECH 15 Power Bank, just because it is plenty powerful for my everyday use and is easier to carry. The CUKTECH 20 just lives in my car these days, just in case I need more juice, but I haven't really needed to use it so far. At $109.99, the CUKTECH 15's price is pretty fair for a power bank of this caliber, with rivals like the Anker Prime 200W ($129.99 at Amazon) going for $30 extra. Not to mention, discounts are pretty common. If you need more power, though, and don't mind carrying something larger and heavier, the CUKTECH 20 Power Bank ($119.99 at Amazon) is a nice upgrade. As for me, the CUKTECH 15 Power Bank will continue to be my daily go-to. It's just enough power and speed, and the smaller ones usually leave me wanting more. I think this one hits the sweet spot. CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank MSRP: $109.99 Recharges like a Beast. With up to 165W output, a stylish and sturdy design, and rapid Beast Mode Self-Charging, the CUKTECH 15 Ultra is a great choice for a 20,000mAh power bank. See price at Amazon Positives Great between portability and power Great between portability and power Amazingly fast to recharge Amazingly fast to recharge Quality design Quality design Reasonable price for capacity and specs Cons A bit on the heavier side A bit on the heavier side Would be nice if it had an extra port or two Follow
Entrepreneur
5 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Power and Portability Meet In This Near-Mint 13″ MacBook Pro
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you'll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. The right laptop isn't just about specs — it's about keeping your operations running smoothly wherever you are. This near-mint refurbished 13‑inch MacBook Pro from 2017 delivers reliable performance, pro‑level features, and the kind of portability that makes it easy to work from the office, client meetings, or the airport lounge. Under the hood, the 3.1GHz dual‑core Intel Core i5 processor (with Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz) and 8GB of RAM handle everything from financial modeling to presentation design without lag. The 512GB SSD offers fast load times and secure storage for critical business files, so you can access what you need instantly. The 13.3‑inch Retina display keeps spreadsheets sharp and client presentations vivid, with 2560×1600 resolution and 500 nits of brightness. The Touch Bar streamlines your workflow with quick access to app‑specific tools, while Touch ID offers secure logins and quick Apple Pay transactions when booking travel or making purchases. With four Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can connect to external displays for presentations, high‑speed storage drives for project backups, and even charge multiple devices at once. The backlit keyboard and Force Touch trackpad make typing and navigation comfortable and precise, whether you're working late at night or on the move. Weighing just over 3 pounds and encased in a durable aluminum chassis, this MacBook Pro is built for mobility without sacrificing performance. Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth connectivity keep you linked to your team and tools, no matter your location. As a grade-A refurbished unit, it arrives in near‑mint condition with minimal to no cosmetic wear, giving you premium Apple hardware at a fraction of the cost — a smart investment for any professional looking to maximize value. Equip yourself with a business‑ready MacBook Pro refurb with a Touch Bar for $324.97 (MSRP $1,499) and keep your work moving wherever opportunity takes you. StackSocial prices subject to change.
Geeky Gadgets
05-08-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
The Thinnest Phones Ever: Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone 17 Air
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the rumored iPhone 17 Air are redefining the boundaries of smartphone design with their ultra-thin profiles and lightweight builds. These devices aim to combine portability with innovative aesthetics, offering a sleek and modern appeal. However, their designs come with compromises that may impact functionality and usability. For potential buyers, the key question is whether these trade-offs align with their priorities. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. Design: Striking Looks, Practical Concerns The Galaxy S25 Edge stands out with its 5.8 mm thickness and a weight of just 163 grams. Its titanium frame and Gorilla Glass ceramic construction ensure durability, while the matte finish and flat-edge design add a touch of modern sophistication. On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Air, rumored to be even thinner at 5.5 mm, draws inspiration from the iconic flat-edge design of the iPhone 5, blending nostalgia with contemporary aesthetics. While both devices excel in portability and visual appeal, their ultra-thin profiles may introduce practical challenges. The reduced thickness can make them less comfortable to hold during extended use, and the diminished grip increases the likelihood of accidental drops. These factors raise questions about their suitability for users who prioritize ergonomic handling and durability in their daily lives. Battery Life: The Cost of Thinness The Galaxy S25 Edge is equipped with a 3,900 mAh battery, offering approximately 4 to 4.5 hours of screen-on time. It supports 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, allowing relatively quick recharges. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to house a smaller 2,800 mAh battery. While Apple's renowned software optimization may help extend battery performance, it is unlikely to satisfy the demands of power users who rely on their devices for intensive tasks. The challenge of balancing thin designs with adequate battery capacity is evident in both models. Users may find themselves needing to recharge more frequently, which could detract from the convenience these devices aim to provide. For individuals who prioritize long-lasting performance, this trade-off may be a significant drawback. Camera Performance: Style Over Versatility The Galaxy S25 Edge features a 200 MP main sensor paired with a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, capable of recording 8K video at 30 fps and 4K at 120 fps. However, it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, limiting its zoom capabilities. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to include a single 48 MP camera, relying heavily on advanced AI-driven image processing to enhance photo quality. While both devices deliver impressive results for casual photography, they fall short of the versatility offered by multi-lens setups in thicker flagship models. Photography enthusiasts may find these limitations restrictive, particularly when capturing diverse scenes that require optical zoom or specialized lenses. For users who prioritize comprehensive camera functionality, these devices may not fully meet expectations. User Experience: Balancing Form and Function The ultra-thin designs of the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 17 Air prioritize portability and aesthetics, making them visually appealing and easy to carry. However, these benefits come with notable trade-offs. Reduced battery life, limited camera versatility, and potential fragility may impact the overall user experience. Additionally, the flat-edge designs, while stylish, can feel less ergonomic during prolonged use, potentially leading to discomfort. These factors suggest that these smartphones are better suited for casual users who value sleek design and portability over high performance or durability. For individuals who rely on their devices for intensive tasks or extended use, the compromises in functionality may outweigh the benefits of their ultra-thin profiles. Target Audience: Who Will Appreciate These Devices? The Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 17 Air cater to a specific audience that prioritizes style and convenience. Their lightweight builds and minimalist aesthetics appeal to users who value portability and visual appeal over extended battery life or advanced features. These devices are ideal for individuals who primarily use their smartphones for basic tasks, such as browsing, messaging, and casual photography. However, for power users or those who require versatile photography options and long-lasting performance, these smartphones may fall short. Professionals, gamers, and photography enthusiasts may find the compromises in battery capacity, camera functionality, and durability limiting for their needs. Final Thoughts: A Niche Appeal for Style Enthusiasts The Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 17 Air represent a bold move toward ultra-thin smartphone designs, offering a unique blend of portability and aesthetics. While their sleek profiles and lightweight builds are undeniably attractive, the trade-offs in battery life, camera versatility, and ergonomic comfort make them less suitable for mainstream users. These devices are best suited for a niche audience that values style and portability above all else, providing a specialized smartphone experience for those willing to prioritize form over function. Stay informed about the latest in Ultra-thin smartphones by exploring our other resources and articles. Source & Image Credit: Matt Talks Tech Filed Under: Android News, Apple iPhone, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
