Tech / Technology

How to watch the October Apple event — expect new MacBooks

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Wondering how to watch the October Apple event? We’ve got the scoop on when and where you can watch the “Scary Fast” live stream.
Apple October event 2023 invite with Finder icon

Wondering how to watch the October 2023 Apple event? Rumor has it that the Cupertino-based tech giant has plans to release new MacBook Pro models as well as the next-generation iMac.

Apple is hosting a livestream billed “Scary Fast,” but what’s interesting is that it’s during a non-traditional hour. However, if you’re a tech enthusiast like myself, or you simply want to watch the livestream everyone’s been gushing about on social media, check out the information below to find out how to watch it.

How to watch the October Apple event

You can watch Apple’s “Scary Fast” livestream three ways:

In my experience, Apple’s official website is typically a second or two ahead of the YouTube livestream.

What time is the October Apple event?

Apple’s “Scary Fast” livestream is on Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. PDT. And no, that is not a typo. For the first time ever, Apple is hosting a nighttime event, feeding into the Halloween vibes.

For your convenience, here are the start times for the Apple October 2023 event for other parts of the world:

  • Mountain Time: 6 p.m.

  • Central Time: 7 p.m.

  • Eastern Time: 8 p.m.

  • Rio de Janeiro: 9 p.m.

  • London: 1 a.m.

  • Berlin: 2 a.m.

  • UTC: 12 a.m.

As you can see, this is a late start for almost everyone. Some will be getting ready for bed – and others will already be in bed.

What to expect from the October Apple event

According to Bloomberg’s Gurman, the Apple October 2023 event is expected to reveal three MacBook Pro models: the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro. We also may see a new iMac.

colorful iMacs with M1 chip

iMac
Credit: Apple

For more in-depth details about what to expect, click here.

Tech / Technology

Best wireless earbuds in 2023 (UK)

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The best wireless earbuds from top brands like Apple and Sony.
Man with earbuds in

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

We all know the pain of untangling your headphones. It’s like some ludicrous puzzle that we must solve every single day. It’s the curse of owning wired headphones — so infuriating that someone once did a scientific study into why it happens.

Perhaps that’s why the top audio brands have largely ditched the classic headphone jack and moved towards almost exclusive wireless listening. Well, that and the ever-evolving technology. Unsurprisingly, wireless earbuds have risen in popularity and become a must-have bit of tech for busy and active lifestyles.

What are wireless earbuds?

Just like a pair of standard wired buds, these little guys fit snugly inside your ear’s concha (that’s the shell-shaped cavity right next to the entrance of your ear canal). But instead of sending digital audio signals through a cord, they transmit them via a wireless connection.

What is true wireless?

True wireless is a term you’ll come across a lot when researching and shopping for earbuds. Technically, earbuds fall into several categories. For instance, “wireless” earbuds connect to each other via a cord, while “true wireless” have no cord whatsoever — they are completely independent of each other and your device. True wireless headphones can use different types of wireless technology to transmit the sound into your ears. The most common form is Bluetooth.

With brands and listeners favouring true wireless, we’ve followed suit — all the earbuds in this roundup are true wireless.

Are earbuds better than headphones?

If portability and a lower price point appeals to you, you’ll probably prefer wireless earbuds over the on-ear counterpart (wireless headphones). And luckily for you, Apple is no longer the only major brand cranking them out. From Bose to Beats, almost every audio brand has got a couple of wireless earbud offerings on the market nowadays.

Headphones are generally considered the go-to option for serious audiophiles. But there are earbuds geared towards high-quality sound that can match up to over-ear headphones at the same price point. Wireless sound quality is affected by factors such as distance and obstructions between your headphones and device, and the codec software that your headphones support.

What are Bluetooth codecs?

Codecs are algorithms that encode and decode digital audio signals. Look out for earbuds with low latency (this is the time it takes for the sound to hit your ears) and support for Qaulcomm’s aptX codecs. These are the best, most up-to-date codecs — particularly for streaming video content and keeping the image and audio in sync. This is important if you’re a Netflix nerd or have a passion for Prime.

What is noise cancellation?

Noise cancellation is another important feature in tech-savvy headphones. There are two kinds of noise cancellation — passive and active noise cancelling. Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the design of the headphones, which may physically block out noise. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses a system of small microphones which pick up external sounds and create anti-noise sound waves to cancel them out.

Earbuds tend to offer some level of passive noise cancellation because of their in-ear design. But some also have specific ANC modes, such as “transparency mode” which allow select ambient sounds to seep in. A transparency mode is especially useful when listening out for announcements at the train station or talking to colleagues — all without having to stop your music every 30 seconds.

What are the best wireless earbuds?

All of these options can make for a tricky decision when it comes to finding the right pair of wireless earbuds in terms of fit, style, and intended use. That’s why we’ve done the research to bring you the best wireless earbuds featuring the latest Bluetooth technology. There should be something for everyone at every budget on this list, including popular models from top brands. All you need to do is pick a favourite pair.

These are the best wireless earbuds in 2023.

Tech / Technology

Best headphones for under £50

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The best cheap headphones from top brands like Sony and Corsair.
Back of man's head listening to headphones

A good set of headphones are an absolute necessity in this increasingly noisy world. There are few greater pleasures than sticking on a set of headphones and losing yourself in great-sounding tunes. Now helped by the endless playlist on your phone.

Not only is this a tried and tested method of relaxing, it’s also pretty effective at blocking out everything that’s going on around you.

The prospect of living in your own little sound bubble is pretty appealing, and it needn’t cost a fortune. You don’t need to be loaded to get access to the best tech. There are lots of great budget headphones available. If you need some help choosing a pair, here’s some useful information to get you started.

What are the best headphone brands?

You can pick and choose from a wide selection of devices and a lengthy list of brands. You’ve almost certainly heard of Bose, Sony, and Apple, but there are lots of lesser known brands to consider as well.

Sticking to the top brands definitely has its advantages. You’re taking less of a risk by investing in one of the bigger names, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the way to go. You can often find much better value by looking at some of the smaller brands, and you don’t need to sacrifice comfort, style, or sound quality.

What features should you consider when shopping for headphones?

You might be surprised at all the features included with modern headphones — even at a budget price point. Here are some key things to consider:

  • Bluetooth — This allows you to connect to your phone or music-playing device wirelessly. It’s fairly standard with up-to-date headphones but usually for convenience rather than sound quality. Wired headphones are still the best for audio aficionados.

  • Sound quality — Serious audiophiles might want to spend a bit more to get the richest, expertly engineered sound. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get great sound for a low price. Look out for reviews that credit the lows, mids, and highs (these describe the different frequencies of music). Also, look for headphones with drivers of 50mm and under. Drivers are bits of internal tech which convert electronic signals into sound.

  • Microphone — It’s the age of connectivity and most headphones will connect to your phone and allow you make calls via an internal mic, built into the headset or the cable.

  • Manual controls — Many headphones include buttons on the headset for manually controlling the volume, playback, or making calls. Sounds simple, right? Not entirely. Be sure the controls are easy to access and are easy to differentiate from each other.

  • Closed-back/open-back — Closed back headphones have completely sealed ear cups, which direct sound to your ears and keeps out ambient noise. Open-back headphones let air into the ear cup but can cause sound leakage that goes both ways — both in and out. Expensive headphones sometimes have open backs for clearer, natural sound. But closed-back are the go-to choice for commuting and noisy environments.

  • Noise cancelling — Much like it sounds, this is a feature that cancels out ambient and surrounding noise to create a completely immersive experience. Some headphones are built to physically keep out noise. Others include specific tech that further cancels it out. That’s called “active noice cancellation” (ANC).

Keep these features in mind when shopping around for your next set of headphones.

What are the most comfortable headphones?

This is down to personal preference and — of course — what best fits your head size and shape. Some headphones are designed with comfort in mind, with padded ear cups or adjustable headband for getting the fit just right. Others are made with practicality in mind, and may fold up for added portability.

What are the best headphones for under £50?

Listen up, because we’ve done all the hard work and tracked down some of the best very headphone options for under £50. This list includes some names you probably don’t know, some budget models from the biggest brands, and everything in between. There really is something for everyone in this list. Just select the set that best fits your listening and lifestyle habits. Sounds good, right?

These are the best headphones for under £50 in 2023.

Tech / Technology

The White House announces an executive order on AI regulation — how ChatGPT and its ilk are affected

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The White House just announced an executive order on AI regulation, which means major players like Open AI, Google, Microsoft and other prominent AI players must abide by the new legislation.
President Biden speaking at a podium

The White House just announced a thunderous executive order tackling AI regulation. These directives are the “strongest set of actions any government in the world has ever taken” to protect how AI affects American citizens, according to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed.

The Biden administration has been working on plans to regulate the untethered AI industry. The order builds on the Biden-Harris blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights as well as voluntary commitments from 15 leading tech companies to work with the government for safe and responsible AI development.

Instead of waiting for Congress to pass its own legislation, the White House is storming ahead with an executive order to mitigate AI risks while capitalizing on its potential. With the widespread use of generative AI like ChatGPT, the urgency to harness AI is real.

SEE ALSO:

OpenAI calling for AI regulation is a solid step in no direction

White House AI executive order: 10 key provisions you need to know

What does the executive order look like? And how will it affect AI companies? Here’s what you need to know.

1. Developers of powerful AI systems (e.g., OpenAI, Google and Microsoft) must share the results of their safety tests with the federal government

In other words, while a prominent AI company is training its model, it is required to share the results of red-team safety tests before they are released to the public. (A red team is a group of people that test the security and safety of a digital entity by posing as malicious actors.)

According to a senior administration official, the order focuses on future generations of AI models, not current consumer-facing tools like ChatGPT. Furthermore, companies that would be required to share safety results are those that meet the highest threshold of computing performance. “[The threshold] is not going to catch AI systems trained by graduate students or even professors. This is really catching the most powerful systems in the world,” said the official.

2. Red-team testing will be held to high standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology

Homeland Security and the Departments of Energy will also work together to determine whether AI systems pose certain risks in the realm of cybersecurity as well as our chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear infrastructure.

3. Address the safety of AI players using models for science and biology-related projects

New standards for “biosynthesis screening” are in the works to protect against “dangerous biological materials” engineered by AI.

4. AI-generated content must be watermarked

The Department of Commerce will roll out guidance for ensuring all AI-generated content — audio, imagery, video, and text — is labeled as such. This will allow Americans to determine which content is created by a non-human entity, making it easier to identify deceptive deepfakes.

5. Continue building upon the ‘AI Cyber Challenge’

For the uninitiated, the AI Cyber Challenge is a Biden administration initiative that seeks to establish a high-level cybersecurity program that strengthens the security of AI tools, ensuring that vulnerabilities are fixed.

6. Lean on Congress to pass “bipartisan data privacy legislation”

The executive order is a message to Congress to speed things up. Biden is calling on lawmakers to ensure that Americans’ privacy is protected while prominent AI players train their models. Children’s privacy will be a primary focus.

7. Dig into companies’ data policies.

The White House says that it will evaluate how agencies and third-party data brokers collect and use “commercially available” information, meaning public datasets. Some “personally identifiable” data is available to the public, but that doesn’t mean AI players have free rein to use this information.

8. Tamp down on discrimination exacerbated by AI

Guidance will be rolled out to landlords, federal contractors, and more to reduce the possibility of bias. On top of that, the government will introduce best practices to address discrimination in AI algorithms. Plus, the Biden administration will address the usage of AI in sentencing regarding the criminal justice system.

9. Attract top global talent

As of today, the ai.gov site has a portal for applicants seeking AI fellowships and job opportunities in the U.S. government. The order also seeks to update visa criteria for immigrants with AI expertise.

10. Support workers vulnerable to AI developments

The Biden administration will support workers’ collective bargaining influence by developing principles and best practices to protect workers against potential harms like surveillance, job replacement, and discrimination. The order also announced plans to produce a report on AI’s potential for disrupting labor markets.

Mashable will be down in D.C. to get more information about how the new AI executive order will affect major players like Open AI, Google, and Microsoft as well as the average American citizen. Stay tuned for our coverage on this matter.

Tech / Technology

Apple Pencil USB-C hands-on review

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We got a chance to experience the Apple Pencil USB-C hands-on, and it was quite a ride.
Apple Pencil USB-C

The new Apple Pencil USB-C is the long-awaited refresh for the stylus and follows the iPhone 15‘s footsteps in acquiring a brand-spankin’-new port.

This is the first time since 2018 that the Apple Pencil has received an update, and with this new variant out on the market, I had a lot of questions. How does it differ from the second-generation Apple Pencil? Which iPads is it compatible with? Are there any benefits to using the Apple Pencil USB-C over any other model?

Like many of you, my mind was spinning with questions, but thanks to a recent hands-on experience with Apple Pencil USB-C, I’ve got some clarity about it now.

Apple Pencil USB-C with the iPad

I tried out the Apple Pencil USB-C with the 10th-gen iPad.
Credit: Apple

Which iPads does the new Apple Pencil USB-C support?

When I tried the Apple Pencil (USB-C) for the first time, I took it for a spin with the 10th-gen iPad, so that answers your question about at least one of the models the new stylus supports. But what about the other tablets?

Apple Pencil USB-C

With the new USB-C stylus, 10th-gen iPad owners have two Apple Pencils they can choose from.
Credit: Apple

For your information, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is compatible with the following:

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd to 6th gen)

  • 11-inch iPad Pro (1st to 4th gen)

  • iPad Air (4th and 5th gen)

  • iPad (10th gen)

  • iPad mini (6th gen)

Before the Apple Pencil (USB-C)’s debut, 10th-gen iPad users could only use the first-generation Apple Pencil. Now, with the new USB-C stylus, 10th-gen iPad owners have two Apple Pencils they can choose from. Win!

Why get the USB-C Apple Pencil when you can buy the wireless-charging Apple Pencil 2?

While wandering around social media, I noticed many folks questioning why one would opt for the USB-C Apple Pencil when its predecessor, the Apple Pencil 2, offers wireless charging.

The Apple Pencil USB-C has a specific target audience: budget-conscious users who simply want to take notes, make annotations, journal, and draft up digital plans. After all, the USB-C Apple Pencil is only $79. The second-gen Apple Pencil, on the other hand, will set you back $129.

Apple Pencil USB-C

The Apple Pencil USB-C made for a smooth write.
Credit: Apple

The Apple Pencil 2 gives you the luxury of charging the stylus by attaching it to the edge of a supported iPad, which is why it’s pricier.

And unlike the Apple Pencil USB-C, the Apple Pencil 2 has pressure sensitivity, making it ideal for creators who want to make digital masterpieces, calligraphy, and pro-level artwork. The Apple Pencil USB-C, on the other hand, is ideal for users — students, for example — who don’t need a sophisticated stylus.

Still, when I used the new Apple Pencil USB-C across several iPadOS apps, from Goodnotes to Animatic, I found the Apple Pencil to be as seamless as putting pen to paper. Hell, I’d argue that’s even smoother than that — like a figure skater gliding on ice — thanks to its tilt sensitivity and low latency.

Apple Pencil USB-C

For less than $80, it’s a good, affordable option.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Plus, it’s nice that the iPad I was using had excellent palm rejection, so I could comfortably sketch and draw without my hands getting in the way.

Yes, it’s more convenient to opt for the second-gen Apple Pencil, but the loss of that luxury nets you a more affordable Apple Pencil for less than $80. On the plus side, you can still magnetically attach the Apple Pencil USB-C to your iPad, but it won’t charge wirelessly.

How does the USB-C Apple Pencil’s port work?

If you remember, the first-gen Apple Pencil charges via a lighting cable. To access the port, you need to twist open the top cap, which was super easy to lose. Now, the new Apple Pencil USB-C has a sliding cap, which I kept playing with over and over again — it’s like the new fidget spinner.

Apple Pencil USB-C

You can magnetically attach the Apple Pencil USB-C to your iPad, but it won’t charge wirelessly.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

That cap isn’t going any damn where. So if you plan on gifting this Apple Pencil to a young whippersnapper, you needn’t worry about them losing the cap and running around with a headless stylus.

The European Union (EU) mandate requiring that all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU have USB-C ports likely played a part in this update, but it’s a welcome refresh for iPad owners who don’t want to splurge nearly $200 on an Apple pen.

Final thoughts

What was even more intriguing during my hands-on experience was how well apps like Animatic, an incredible platform that made me feel like a pro animator in seconds, worked seamlessly with the Apple Pencil. I thought it was pretty cool that I could upload my animated creations to Freeform, too.

Freeform iPad app and USB-C Apple Pencil

The USB-C Apple Pencil worked seamlessly with a variety of apps.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Goodnotes is another gem of an app, which has a new “Tidy Up” feature that lets you lasso your messily handwritten notes to organize them in a neater, more organized fashion. Any of you known for having awful handwriting should be using “Tidy Up” before subjecting others to your chicken scratch.

I look forward to experimenting with the Apple Pencil USB-C thoroughly. Stay tuned for the full review!

The Apple Pencil USB-C will be available some time in early November.


Apple Pencil 2nd gen

Credit: Amazon


Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)

$89 (down from $129)

Tech / Technology

Best Apple deal: iPhone accessories bundle for $50

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Save 50% on these Apple iPhone accessories: A case, power bank, USB-C wireless charger and adapter all for $50.
Apple accessories with iPhone

TL;DR: As of October 28, get this 5-Piece Apple Compatible Accessory Bundle for $49.99 — a 61% discount.

Apple enthusiasts may have differing opinions on whether the iPhone 15 is worth the splurge, but they can all likely agree that Apple’s gadgets are getting more expensive each year. If you’re here, you’re probably looking for more affordable alternatives to Apple-branded accessories and we have just the bundle for you.

For $49.99, you can get a MagSafe-compatible case, a 20W charging head, wireless charger, a 5,000mAh power bank, and a USB-C cable — normally $129.99. There are options available for the iPhone 13 all the way through to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Keep your iPhone protected and charged

Let’s do an unboxing of everything included in this accessory bundle:

  • MagSafe-compatible case. The clear design is aesthetically pleasing and raised edges protect your screen and back cameras from drops. 

  • 20W Charging head with USB-C output. Power delivery technology could charge your phone battery up to 50% in as little as 30 minutes.

  • 15W Wireless charger with USB-C input. It works with 360º rotation and the cord can bend up to 60º.

  • 5,000mAh power bank that’s MagSafe-compatible. A LED indicator light displays remaining battery life.

  • USB-C to USB-C charging cable, compatible with iPhone 15 models and MacBooks.

No need to splurge on name-brand Apple accessories

Purchasing the name-brand version of each of these accessories would cost you hundreds. Instead, you’re getting them all here for what a clear case from Apple costs: $49.99. Completely accessorize your new iPhone 15, dress up your iPhone 13 or 14, or give the bundle as a thoughtful holiday gift this season.

Snatch this five-piece set of Apple-compatible accessories for $49.99 (reg. $129.99). Select the iPhone model between iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro Max before adding it to your cart.

Prices subject to change.


A charger plugged into MacBook

Credit: Rochas Divine Mart


5-Piece Apple Compatible Accessory Bundle

$49.99 at the Mashable Shop

Tech / Technology

Best laptop deals ahead of Black Friday: MacBooks, Dell Inspiron, Alienware, and more

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Here’s a running list of the best laptop deals from top brands like Apple, Alienware, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Razer, and more as of Oct. 28.
a close-up of a woman in striped shirt typing on a 15-inch apple macbook air at a wooden counter

UPDATE: Oct. 28, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest laptop deals, pricing, and availability.

A quick look at this week’s best laptop deals:
Best laptop deal under $300

Dell Inspiron 15 3520 (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$299.99 at Dell.com
(save $80)

the Dell Inspiron 15

Best laptop deal under $600

Dell Inspiron 16 5635 (AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

$599.99 at Dell.com
(save $400)

the Dell Inspiron 16 5635

Best laptop deal under $900

Apple MacBook Air, 13.3-inch (Apple M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$749.99 at Amazon and Best Buy
(save $249.01)

the 13-inch m1 apple macbook air

Best laptop deal under $1,200

Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (Apple M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$1,049 at Amazon and Best Buy; extra $50 off for paid My Best Buy members
(save $250)

the 15-inch apple macbook air

Best laptop deal over $1,200

Alienware x14 R2 (Intel Core i7-13620H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

$1,699.99 at Dell.com
(save $300)

the Alienware x14 R2

The only thing better than a great laptop is a great laptop that’s on sale. To help Mashable readers find their next computer, we’re compiling a running list of the best laptop deals across major retailers right here every week. From the latest Apple MacBooks to cheap Chromebooks for homework, versatile 2-in-1s for streaming and drawing, and premium gaming machines with a ton of horsepower, read on for our top picks as of Oct. 28 (categorized by price) — including a handful of early Black Friday laptop deals at Best Buy and Dell.

Best laptop deals under $300


the Dell Inspiron 15

Credit: Dell


Our pick: Dell Inspiron 15 3520

$299.99 at Dell.com (save $30)

Why we like it

This Dell Inspiron 15 features a 12th-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s a spec sheet we rarely see at this price point: Most cheap, entry-level PCs under $300 have dinky Intel Celeron N Series CPUs, 4GB of RAM, pokier eMMC flash storage, and 60Hz refresh rates. It’s down to $299.99 on Dell’s website (normally $379.99) during its Black Friday Sneak Peek sale — that’s a fantastic price for these specs.

More laptop deals under $300

Best laptop deals under $600


the Dell Inspiron 16 5635

Credit: Dell


Our pick: Dell Inspiron 16 5635

$599.99 at Dell.com (save $400)

Why we like it

Dell’s 16-inch Inspiron laptop also punches above its current price point with 16GB of RAM (up from the 8GB we typically encounter in models under $600), a whole terabyte of storage, and a peppy AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor — it’s stellar for multitasking. We spotted it on sale for just $599.99 on Dell.com, which is 40% off its suggested retail price of $999.99.

More laptop deals under $600

Best laptop deals under $900


the 13-inch m1 apple macbook air

Credit: Apple


Our pick: Apple MacBook Air, 13.-inch (Apple M1)

$749.99 at Amazon and Best Buy (save $249.01)

Why we like it

The 13-inch MacBook Air from late 2020 nabbed a Mashable Choice Award upon release for its zippy M1 chip, quiet fanless design, and 18-hour battery life. We’re still recommending it three years later as the best budget MacBook, and right now you can buy its 256GB base model for $749.99 (normally $999) via Amazon and Best Buy. That matches its record-low Prime Day price from July, which has been holding relatively steady ever since.

Read Mashable’s review of the Apple MacBook Air (2020).

More laptop deals under $900

Laptop deals under $1,200


the 15-inch apple macbook air

Credit: Apple


Our pick: Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch

$1,049 at Best Buy (save $250); extra $50 off for paid My Best Buy members

Why we like it

This year’s 15-inch version of the M2 MacBook Air upgrades it with a slightly larger (but just as pretty) Liquid Retina display and two extra speakers (six instead of four). Best of all, it still only weighs about three pounds. Best Buy and Amazon both have the 256GB model marked down to its all-time low of $1,049 (normally $1,299), though the former shaves an additional $50 off for paid My Best Buy members as part of its Black Friday Early Access sale.

Read Mashable’s review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air.

More laptop deals under $1,200

Laptop deals over $1,200


the Alienware x14 R2

Credit: Alienware


Our pick: Alienware x14 R2

$1,699.99 at Dell.com (save $300)

Why we like it

The Alienware x14 R2 earned an Editor’s Choice Award from the experts at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable’s publisher, ZiffDavis), who deemed it “a near-flawless compact gaming laptop.” This especially beefy configuration comes equipped with a 14-inch QHD+ 165Hz display, a 13th-gen Intel Core i7 H-Series processor, 32GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics; it should be able to plow through demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield. You can snag it for $1,699.99 (down 15% from its $1,999.99 MSRP) when you order it directly through Dell’s website.

More laptop deals over $1,200