ComputersNews

Plastic laptops aren’t bad, actually

December 23, 2025
I’ve reviewed a lot of laptops for PCWorld, and I’ve held laptops made of so many materials in my hands: Metal, plastic, carbon fiber, and even ceramic. People often think of plastic as a cheap, creaky material. But modern plastic laptops usually feel good in my hands. In many cases, a plastic laptop chassis is even better than a metal one! When many people think “plastic laptop,” they…
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ComputersNews

Acemagic M1 review: A mini PC with big-time power

December 17, 2025
The manufacturer Acemagic is known for providing compact, powerful mini PCs that combine desktop performance and ease of use with an attractive price-performance ratio. On Amazon, Acemagic offers several models in the entry-level to mid-range segment, often with good ratings for price, features, and simple plug-and-play installation. Let’s see if the M1 can prove itself to be a good value in our…
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ComputersNews

HP OmniBook 5 16 review: An odd duck of a laptop

December 17, 2025
The HP OmniBook 5 16 is an odd duck. It is listed on HP’s website at $1,199.99 and, at that price, doesn’t feel remotely competitive. However, this laptop is also available at far lower prices from major retailers and, when that’s taken into account, it feels like a…
ComputersNews

The day my power strip almost killed my PC

December 16, 2025
Welp, it finally happened. I was deep in the throes of a complex edit when I heard a crackling noise. It was faint at first… then it got louder. It wasn’t long before an unpleasant burning smell filled my office. The power strip underneath my desk was in the process of jumping ship and, in a panic, I shut down my PC and yanked out all the plugs. My power strip didn’t have surge…
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ComputersNews

Framework raises laptop RAM prices 50% as brutal memory crunch grinds on

December 15, 2025
Framework is a unique company, offering modular laptops designed for easy repairs and near-infinite upgrades. But it’s also a small company, much more susceptible to market changes brought on by things like capricious tariffs. Though it’s tried to insulate itself from skyrocketing RAM prices brought on by “AI” datacenter demand, something had to give. And that “something” is laptop…
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