CES 2024 - search results

We’re having a spectacular fall out here on the West coast. The leaves are turning orange and red, the heat is gone, and I’ve got a great list of new gadgets and appliances available at Best Buy this month.

Worlds collide as two major Japanese studios come together to bring you Etrian Mystery Dungeon, a mash-up of all the best parts of the Etrian Odyssey and Mystery Dungeon series’ of Japanese role-playing games. With the potential for dozens upon dozens of hours of dungeon crawling, rogue-like action, this is one collaboration worth checking out for more than just the crossover fan service it provides.

It is not at all uncommon to be reluctant to replace your gadgets. Reasons can range from budgetary concerns, comfort and familiarity with what you already know, or even sentimental value. We have a tendency to want to hold on to what we have for as long as we can. With gadgets this can most often extend to our peripherals. While people often understand the virtue or replacing a computer, for example, they will often do so while holding on to the same printer, scanner, monitor, keyboard and mouse for many years, through the lifecycle of several computers. Of course this isn’t always as easy as it sounds, and there can be some challenges in store for those wanting to continue using certain peripherals as they change to newer computers over the years. It can become difficult to see the advantages to upgrading to something new rather than holding on to what you already have as long as it’s working too. Let’s take a look at some common peripherals and some of the challenges involved with keeping the old, as well as some of the benefits of upgrading to something newer.

The beauty of the standard desktop PC is its open architecture. The idea is that people should be able to choose from interchangeable parts from a variety of manufacturers and swap them as they see fit. What this has meant for me is that not only have I been able to build myself desktop PCs myself, which is surprisingly easy to do by the way, but I have also been able to upgrade and augment my systems over the years to extend their lifespans. Desktop PCs may be the ideal situation for somebody looking to keep their tech relevant as they can focus their attention on upgrading the components they need and make little changes over the years rather than having to wait for obsolescence then investing in a net new machine.

When buying a laptop, there are some features that get all the attention: the display, for example and the CPU. Something that doesn’t always get the focus it deserves is connectivity. Ignoring this can have serious ramifications when it comes to actually using a new laptop—connectivity is not something that should be taken for granted. So when it comes time to buy your next laptop, here are the connection options you should consider.

D-Link’s DIR-862L is a new entry in the class of next generation of wireless routers and should provide a boost to your Wi-Fi network, even if all your devices aren’t yet 802.11ac capable. I tested the DIR-862L and found it delivers a solid upgrade to an older network, while D-Link’s optional mobile app-based configuration and network management made setup and fine-tuning a breeze.  

Decorating small spaces can be quite a challenge. This is especially true of bedrooms. You obviously need the basics – a bed, lighting, and storage for your clothing and ever-growing collection of shoes – but sometimes the basics aren’t quite enough. Just because you’re tight on space doesn’t mean you have to be tight on style. With close to twenty years of urban apartment living under my belt, I’ve dealt with my fair share of small spaces. Here are my top 5 tips for making the most out of a small bedroom.

Sometimes the small things do make a big difference.   The ENERGY STAR program is a perfect example. Combined with the EnerGuide label, you have an easy way to find most energy efficient appliance for your home.   Learn what the labels mean and how to read them.