NETWORKING

Maria Diaz/ZDNET Extension cords are generally a safe solution for running power to electronics that are too far from the nearest wall outlet. But the operative word here is “electronics,” which is not as all-encompassing as some people might think. Also: Bye bye, Wi-Fi: How to add a wired network to your home without running Ethernet Appliances (like refrigerators and toaster ovens) are obviously electronic devices, but they’re in a different class from most electronics…

Adam Breeden/ZDNET Say you picked up a shiny new TV this holiday season. You unbox it like a kid at Christmas and prepare yourself to binge-watch Squid Game 2. You think to yourself, “This is 2024. TV technology is sizzling, and it’s going to look amazing no matter what.” So you plug it in and don’t take one look at the default settings. Big mistake. I’ve been guilty of it. And I’m okay with that…

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET A power bank boasting a massive capacity of 9 million milliamp hours (mAh) that fits in the palm of your hand, all for just a little over $10, sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, you know what they say. A reader brought this listing to my attention, questioning the validity of such bold claims. Although I harbored significant doubts, I decided to investigate further. All in the name of science,…

Joel Simon/Getty Images Windows 10’s end of life is coming in 2025 and that means you have to hope your machine can run Windows 11, buy a new computer, or try something different — like Linux. Linux shouldn’t be considered a last-choice alternative, either, because it’s every bit equal to Windows or MacOS. It’s reliable, secure, user-friendly, and free. What more do you want? Also: Why I no longer recommend this Windows-like Linux distro I…

Matthew Miller/ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways The Garmin eTrex Solar is available now for $250. The eTrex SE without solar is available for $150. Potential for unlimited battery life, extensive GNSS support, rugged build, and affordable. Small monochrome display, no turn-by-turn directions of TopoActive maps. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I gained a deep affection for the great outdoors. The forest is my happy place. I have a good sense of direction, too — even…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Redmagic 10 Pro is available on Amazon starting at $749. Gaming absolutely shines on the Redmagic 10 Pro, which has plenty of power and a gorgeous display. However, this phone has a bit of bloatware installed, and the camera app must be replaced. Mobile gaming is a huge industry. According to Stastita, the global mobile video market revenue is 98.7 billion dollars, and there are over 2 billion users. That’s some…

Maria Diaz/ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 battery generator is available now for $3,199. The Delta Pro 3 provides 4 kW of power output with a 4 kWh capacity and can be used with other units for up to 12 kW output. It also has wheels for easy transport — an important feature for heavy portable batteries. The DP3 is very heavy, a factor buyers should consider if they plan to load…

When choosing a new smartphone, battery life is a crucial factor to consider — it’s often a deal-maker or breaker for me. While the latest smartphones boast snappy performance and versatile cameras, only a select few truly excel in battery life. Typically, larger phones provide the best battery backup, thanks to their bigger batteries. You can’t beat physics with software tricks — at least not yet. Most of the smartphones on this list feature displays…

Matthew Miller/ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways The Shokz OpenFit Air earbuds are available in black, white, and pink for $99 on Amazon. They’re a comfortable pair of open-ear buds with fantastic audio quality at a modest price. The six hour battery life is a bit lower than the previous OpenFit earbuds model. When I go running, I typically prefer using bone conduction headsets. They tend to stay in place better, while also keeping your ears clear…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Treblab HD77 Bluetooth speaker is available on Amazon for $69. It has a big sound from a small package and is durable enough to take a beating. The sound is very mid-range and lacks much in the way of bass. more buying choices I can be a bit of an audio snob. I like what I like, and there’s no getting around it. I’ve spent enough time working on incredibly expensive…