Buying Guide

For some people, however, it might be helpful to think through what software you need to run and which operating systems it runs best on will help you determine the hardware you need. And let’s not forget: ChromeOS and Linux are still alternative options. So, here’s how the four available …

Other Good Laptops We’ve Tested Dell 14 Plus Photograph: Luke Larsen Dell 14 Plus for $1,100: This is the first laptop in Dell’s major rebranding effort, and this one is a follow-up to the Dell Inspiron Plus 14. The Dell 14 Plus (6/10, WIRED Review) is a solidly midrange laptop, …

The big draw of 2-in-1 laptops is that they can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. While in laptop mode, they’re generally comparable to any other clamshell laptop you’ll find. However, Windows and ChromeOS aren’t exactly the best touch-oriented operating systems out there, so you may find …

L.L. Bean’s Field Tote is all grit and no gimmicks: a thick, double-layered polyester shell, burly double-stitched seams, and handles that feel industrial. Inside, a thermoplastic lining shrugs off moisture, mud, and mystery goo with wipe-clean ease. It’s not fully leakproof, but it’s close, and that makes it perfect for …

Other Packing Cubes We Tried GoRuck Packing Cube for $25 (for 1, 10L flat): I loved the 15 x 10 x 3-inch size I tested of this rugged, 200-denier nylon cube with a mesh front. It fit almost anything I needed for any occasion, with a convenient carry handle and …

Don’t doomscroll through more depressing news—use that phone to lift your mood instead. The best mobile games will bring a little joy to your day, whether you’re killing time on the commute or chilling on the couch. These games are all addictive slices of gaming pleasure we have been gorging …

We are talking about $80 (or more) T-shirts here, so this is valid question. I think merino T-shirts are worth the investment. They offer considerable benefits over cotton and other natural fibers, as well as synthetics. Merino offers great temperature regulation, excellent moisture wicking, and they don’t smell, which means …

To quote the great painter Salvador Dalí: “The difference between false memories and true ones is the same as for jewels: It is always the false ones that look the most real, the most brilliant.” I remember nothing about the sociopolitical climate of the summer of 1997, but I remember …

Honorable Mentions Photograph: Adrienne So We try almost every pair of new workout buds that come out. Here are a few that we also like that didn’t quite earn a space above. Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 for $180: In 2024, Jabra announced that this generation of the Elite …

More Straighteners We Tried Photograph: Kat Merck Paul Mitchell Neuro Style+ for $150: The latest in Paul Mitchell’s lineup of otherwise standout hair straighteners, this ceramic iron with Paul Mitchell’s new NeutraHeat temperature-regulating technology goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and has dual voltage for travel. However, the body feels …