Stas Malyarevsky/Shutterstock

Since IBM launched the ThinkPad in 1992, the iconic laptop has carried a unique identity with it in the form of a small red “button” located between the G, H, and B keys on the keyboard. But this isn’t a button in the traditional sense — it’s a tiny joystick officially known as the TrackPoint. Even under the Lenovo umbrella (IBM’s personal computer division was acquired by Lenovo in 2005), the TrackPoint has remained as a way to give users a more precise and easily accessible method for moving their mouse cursor around.

According to a comment made by former Lenovo chief design officer, David Hill, the TrackPoint was intended to make it possible to type and move your cursor without needing to reset your typing position. And over the years it has persisted, despite the evolution of the laptop industry. It utilizes several pressure-related resistors which are built directly into the body of the laptop’s keyboard. Whenever pressure is applied to the TrackPoint, the resistors detect the pressure and then translate it into mouse cursor movement on your screen.

With tech and gadget prices expected to increase in 2026, having a way to make a product stand out could be key to keeping consumers invested in a company’s ecosystem. The TrackPoint’s multi-decade legacy and overall usefulness remains a reason for consumers to choose a ThinkPad over some of the best laptops out there.

Should you use the TrackPoint over a standard trackpad?

Hnjosh/Shutterstock

Opinions on whether you should use the TrackPoint or your laptop’s trackpad vary from person to person. Some fans say it is better than a standard trackpad, claiming it offers more movement without as much effort thanks to its sensitivity. Others argue that the sensitivity is one of the TrackPoint’s biggest weaknesses, while some claim that those complaining about it are using it incorrectly.

The TrackPoint centers around a typing style known as touch typing, a popular way to type using all ten of your fingers without having to look at the keyboard. Touch typing relies on a set of “home keys” which are located right around where the TrackPoint rests. The position of the little red nub was chosen specifically to make it easy to interact with the cursor using one of the fingers positioned closely to it, so that you could adjust your cursor without having to pull your hand away completely. If you use touch typing positioning, then it absolutely could be worth experimenting with the TrackPoint if you already have a ThinkPad.

If you want to try the TrackPoint yourself, then you may want to pick up a ThinkPad with it soon. Despite the red joystick’s iconic history, Lenovo did debut the ThinkPad X9 in 2025, marking the first time the reliable laptop brand’s clamshell line of ThinkPads did not include the TrackPoint. This has left many to wonder if the little red button will live on or if it might be retired going forward.

Source

Raul_mellado/Getty Images

The last time I upgraded my smartphone, “The Batman” was in theaters, “Severance” was the hot new show, and everyone was playing the recently released “Elden Ring.” I didn’t buy my iPhone 13 thinking I’d still be holding onto it in 2026, but over four years later, I have no intentions of replacing it any time soon. I’m not alone in this, either. According to a Reviews.org survey, the average American keeps their smartphone for around 29 months, up from 22 months in 2016. An Allstate survey found that just under half keep their phone for over three years — a far cry from the annual updates that were once so closely associated with these devices.

I was never one of those people who got a new phone every year, but I used to upgrade more often. After about two years, the combination of frustration with my current iPhone and interest in the latest features would convince me to get the latest model. When it comes to my current phone, though, that urge to upgrade has yet to manifest.

If it ain’t broke

The primary reason I’ve kept my iPhone 13 for so long is simple: It’s still working. In the past, my phone would essentially tell me it was time to get a new one when it started to crash frequently or refuse to hold a charge for long. I got my current phone after my last one (then around two years old) shut itself off and wouldn’t turn on for over an hour while I was away from home, a stressful experience I had no interest in repeating.

Four years on, though, nothing of the sort has happened with my iPhone 13. Its maximum battery capacity is 80% and, while it doesn’t always run smoothly, I can’t recall ever having to force restart it. With smartphones getting more and more expensive — the iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10 start at $799 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 is $899.99 and up — holding onto my current, functional phone for as long as possible feels like a no-brainer.

Apple also hasn’t given me much of a reason to upgrade, nor has Samsung or Google convinced me to switch. While the latest smartphone models offer greater power and new features, the differences between this year’s phone and last haven’t been particularly dramatic in some time. The iPhone 17 may have a better chip and higher-quality camera, but that’s not nearly as eye-catching as the iPhone 4’s front-facing camera, the iPhone 4S’ Siri, or the iPhone X’s design overhaul.

Smartphones are getting less exciting and more expensive

Enkhtulga Khandsuren/Shutterstock

Smartphone makers are touting AI features lately, but my complete disinterest in having things like image generation and writing tools in the palm of my hand isn’t unique. A 2025 CNET survey found that only 11% of smartphone owners in the U.S. upgraded for AI features, down from 18% in the previous year. The same survey found around 29% don’t find mobile AI useful or want additional AI features, an increase from 25% in 2024.

AI has become inescapable, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who sees these features as detractions rather than encouragement to upgrade. I find the environmental, security, and overall societal concerns about the technology more compelling than custom emojis or smarter Siri. There’s a part of me that wants to wait in hopes that the early hype dies down and smartphone makers start noticing that the majority of users don’t care and aren’t willing to pay for AI features.

My feelings aside, hype itself is no longer enough to sell a new phone. AI and folding smartphones (the other big buzzword in recent years) aren’t exciting to the majority of consumers, and increasing prices makes upgrading less feasible, especially in this economy.

For me, though, keeping the iPhone 13 I bought back in 2022 has gone from a subconscious choice to a conscious one. My phone has yet to signal to me that its time is running short, and since Apple supports iPhone models for around seven years, I have plenty of time until planned obsolescence makes a new phone a necessity. That doesn’t mean I’m planning to keep this phone until the bitter end, but for the time being, I see no reason to shell out hundreds of dollars for a new one.

Source

Miloscirkovic/Getty Images

Smart TVs are now the standard purchase for many users who want a new device for the home, but you need to know their disadvantages. With access to several streaming services, apps, and even integration with other devices in your home, they offer excellent convenience for many people. However, even with all these benefits, some limitations can change your experience with them.

Privacy, security, and even hidden costs can affect your use. Unlike conventional models, Smart TVs work through the internet and always collect your usage data to understand how you access content. In addition, a Smart TV without internet access simply cannot deliver most of the features it offers.

These problems do not make Smart TVs a bad purchase. They remain excellent products for most users, but knowing their limitations makes a real difference when you buy one. So, here are some disadvantages of these gadgets to consider before bringing them into your home.

Smart TVs lose most features without internet access

Gorodenkoff/Getty Images

To use most Smart TV functions, you need to stay connected to the internet. When you lose your connection, streaming services, smart home integrations, and all other network-dependent services will also go down. If your cable channels also use a provider that relies on the internet instead of a satellite receiver, you also lose access to them during that time.

Although this does not create a problem for people who live in places where the connection stays stable most of the time, some people face these outages regularly. Unstable internet speeds can also reduce streaming service quality, meaning you may have to deal with buffering or lower-resolution video during one of the best parts of the movie you are watching.

If you have a limited Internet package that caps how much data you can use each month, you also need to be careful not to use it all just by watching content. In the end, a Smart TV will only work as well as the quality of the internet you have in your home.

Lack of privacy controls allows constant data monitoring

Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock

One of the biggest concerns with owning a Smart TV is how it collects and uses your personal data. These devices constantly monitor your usage habits, such as your favorite apps, how long you use them, and what type of content you consume. This almost always happens in the background, and it often helps create personalized recommendations for you.

But the TV does not use this data only to learn what you like in practice and make suggestions based on that. Usually, they also share it with other advertisers and partners. As a result, you cannot know which information they collect, much less how those companies use it later.

In addition, unlike smartphones or computers, where privacy settings usually feel more accessible, Smart TVs offer much more limited control over this tracking. Some even offer a few ways to prevent your TV from spying, but this varies by manufacturer and the models available online.

The end of software updates shortens a Smart TV’s lifespan

Zuyeu Uladzimir/Shutterstock

When you buy a TV, you expect these devices to last for a long time. After all, they represent a major investment, and although this holds true for dumb models, it may not apply to some Smart TVs. That happens because you need to keep your software up to date to maintain most features and security, which usually makes its life cycle much shorter.

Whether due to hardware compatibility or similar reasons, many manufacturers tend to end support for updates for some older models much sooner. This creates a chance, depending on your Smart TV model, that it will stop receiving the latest software over time. That can change your experience with it completely from one day to the next.

For example, some streaming apps may stop working as expected if they no longer receive updates, as compatibility issues begin to surface. In addition, even when an app opens, it can still lose important features or even crash while you use it. Over time, you may have to use external devices, such as streaming boxes, to use them properly.

Subscriptions and soundbars add up quickly

Blossom Stock Studio/Shutterstock

Although a Smart TV already comes with several built-in features, you still need to spend extra money to enhance your experience further. For example, when you want better audio throughout the room where it sits, you need to invest in a good soundbar. Depending on how much you value that quality, the extra investment can be substantial, especially given what you already paid for the TV.

In addition, a Smart TV only opens the door to streaming services. Some companies add free channels that you can access at no cost, such as Samsung TV, but the best streaming services always require a separate payment. So, when you want to watch a movie on Netflix or HBO Max, you need a specific subscription. Given the wide variety of streaming platforms available today, subscribing to all of them can be costly.

That is why the investment you make in a Smart TV covers only part of the cost of maintaining it. Many of the features that make these models so interesting might be locked behind subscription services you need to pay for every month.

Outdated hardware slows down menu performance and apps

Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock

Another disadvantage of buying a Smart TV involves the loss of performance these products face over time. You can make a major investment to get one of these devices today, but they still depend on a processor, memory, and even storage to work correctly. So, menus that once worked normally can become slower, and even small delays can appear when you press a command on the remote.

This happens because apps keep receiving updates, and even when they seem simple, these new features can make them heavier. At the same time, the hardware stays the same. Although this does not affect flagship Smart TV models as much, entry-level models usually show these limitations sooner, since many use simpler hardware to reduce the final price.

As a result, this slowdown can make simple tasks like searching for a movie in the Netflix catalog frustrating. Switching from one tab to another or leaving one app for another can cause lag and require more patience from you. The solution usually involves using external streaming devices to keep things smooth over time without buying a new TV.

Source

Yuliia24/Shutterstock

Even as electric vehicles battle for a footing in the mainstream automotive market today, you might be surprised to learn that this struggle actually dates back nearly 200 years. That’s right — battery-powered propulsion dates back to the early days of the horseless carriage. While steam and internal combustion were first vying to replace the horse, early inventors were already making the case for the electric motor.

The first electric vehicle to be developed was created by Robert Anderson, and while it was more or less a prototype and considered crude at the time, it is the genesis of today’s electric vehicles. In the late 1800s, electric cars became more standard as car manufacturers began to understand how to design, build, and sell them to the public. In the early 1890s, William Morrison crafted the first electric car in the United States. Inspired by the horse-drawn carriages that came before it, the vehicle was more or less an electric wagon. Unlike typical cars, there was no nose at the front because there was no engine. The driver sat where a buggy driver or chauffeur would and steered the electric car from there. It was able to hold six passengers and had a top speed of 14 miles per hour. Compare that to the high-powered EVs of day that can power your home in an emergency.

The benefits and drawbacks of early electric cars

HelgaQ/Shutterstock

Moving into the 1900s, the electric car was growing in popularity, but, much like today, there was a price premium for electric compared to cars with an internal combustion engine. In fact, the typical cost of an electric car was around $2,000, which is close to $60,000 in today’s money and more than the cheapest EVs you can buy new right now. That being said, electric cars were much quieter than the horse and carriage, steam-powered, and gas-powered cars of the time period, and they didn’t emit smelly exhaust. Studebaker advertised its “noiseless, easy running” electric cars in local papers and print media.

Studebaker began making electric vehicles in 1902 and even Thomas Edison made an electric car in 1889. These electric automobiles came with a battery that needed to be charged before journeys. Early EVs had lead-acid batteries that were rechargeable, but there wasn’t much infrastructure for charging in much of America. Batteries had to be maintained which could be done by the owner, the manufacturer, home charging stations, or garages.

How far could an early electric car travel?

Stock Montage/Getty Images

Electric vehicles were a feat of engineering in their day. They replaced traditional means of transportation like the buggy and even walking. People were able to use them to get around more quickly and efficiently. They may not have been fast or able to travel long distances before being charged again, unlike the longest-range electric vehicle you can buy today, but they did provide easier transportation for owners.

Electric cars were capable of driving between 30 to 40 miles in the earliest days. That’s enough range to visit the local market and get back home before running out of juice. Compared to their steam-powered rivals at the time, owning one of those may require owners to sit outside for up to 45 minutes to start the vehicle. As time went on, EVs became even more efficient and by the mid to late 1900s, cars could travel much farther on a charge with some even setting records of 150 miles in on go. The early electric cars were made by a handful of auto manufacturers throughout the world, and at the start of the 20th century, more than one third of vehicles on the road were said to be electric.

Source

Kjekol/Getty Images

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Game controllers have come a long way since the days of two buttons and a D-pad on the Nintendo Entertainment System, but gamers never stop pushing the envelope — whether that’s more buttons, customization options, flashy RGB lighting, or a tiny little LED screen (for reasons). Even Sony themselves have come up with some really weird PlayStation controller concepts over the years. Partly that’s because the humble controller now has to do more than ever, expected to handle everything from fiercely competitive shooters to accessibility needs and gyroscopic aiming. 

Today, we’re skipping the budget end entirely and heading straight to the premium. We’ve picked out some of the most expensive controllers that are available to buy now, that work with one or more of PC or current generation consoles. While these controllers are expensive, they’re also good. We’re also steering clear of more specialist equipment like racing wheels, flight sticks (just one gaming gadget that used to be essential), and arcade fight pads — the budgets on those would dwarf everything else on this list.   

1. Steam Controller

The new Steam Controller is essentially the Steam Deck without the Deck bit — a gaming controller built from the ground up with PC gaming in mind, rather than force-fitting a console controller. Built with function over form in mind, PC gamers won’t be stuck when a Windows game throws up a random dialog box or when a mouse cursor just makes more sense.

The two haptic trackpads are the real highlight here, along with gyroscopic sensors which can assist with getting that mouse-like precision for aiming. It’s not the first time we’ve seen gyroscopic aiming in a controller, but uniquely the Steam Controller introduces Grip Sense to activate it, with haptic feedback to indicate when it’s active. 

The Steam Controller of 2026 (not be confused with the Steam Controller of 2015), was released barely a week ago at the time of writing for $99 direct from Steam, but good luck trying to get your hands on it. Expect supplies to be short and scalpers to do their thing for a while. But if you can be patient, this is a brilliant choice for PC gamers (and also compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, and of course, SteamOS).

2. ByoWave Proteus

Ever wanted to just rearrange your Xbox controller to put the trigger under your thumb and joystick by your pinky — or remove the joystick entirely? Perhaps you’re tired of pesky ergonomic grips, and want to go old-school cool? We don’t either, but with the ByoWave Proteus modular controller, you absolutely could, because this is about as reconfigurable as controllers come — including full software remap for everything. ByoWave even offers some free 3D models to help with turning your Proteus into, for instance, a flight stick.  

The ByoWave Proteus has a great reason to exist though: for gamers with a disability, it’s a godsend, allowing them to reconfigure the control scheme in a way that works for them. It’s a neat concept that we applaud, but for everyone else, it’s a fun novelty. 

Making games accessible doesn’t come cheap though, with a full kit starting at $276.50 on Amazon, though you’ll find some bargains on eBay if you hunt around. 

3. Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG

Using software to remap button controls is all very well, but what about physically pulling the buttons out and moving them somewhere else? The Victrix Pro from Turtle Beach is a highly modular, pro-level controller. 

You can rotate either the left or right segments to swap positions, or swap out the entire right joystick for a larger six button selection for fighting games, for instance. There’s a limited number of configurations, but if you want one good controller that can be used for multiple control styles, it’s a good option. For the pros, there are four back buttons, swappable sticks, and lockable triggers — but annoyingly, Hall Effect sticks and triggers are a separate $39.99 upgrade. 

Available in Xbox and PS5 versions (both are compatible with PC), the Victrix Pro BFG normally retails at $199.99, but can currently be found on Amazon for as low as $127.03. 

4. Thrustmaster ESwap X Pro

Similar to the Victrix Pro, the Thrustmaster ESwap X Pro ($159.99 on Amazon, suitable for Xbox and PC) allows some degree of physical reconfiguration — though only the joystick and d-pad modules are swappable, and not the buttons. Uniquely, Thrustmaster sells additional “NXG T-Mod” module packs too, allows users to customize the grip plates, joystick, and triggers for to their preference without tools. This can be either to swap the hardware functionality, customize the looks, or just for ease of repairability without having to replace the entire controller. Third party modules are also available. Four configurable rear buttons, on device profile swaps, and locking triggers round out the pro-level offering. 

While experts praise the build quality, crucially, the ESwap Pro X isn’t wireless, and at an additional $49.99 for module packs or $19.99 for individual parts, you’d have to be unusually excited by the idea of a glowing LED joystick.

5. Xbox Elite Series 2

Capix Denan/Shutterstock

Retailing at $149.99, the Xbox Elite Series 2 is the official pro-level Xbox controller from Microsoft, featuring adjustable tension thumbsticks and a range of interchangeable parts, as well as four rear paddles, trigger locks, and custom profiles. Battery life is also superb at a stated 40 hours of wireless use, but it lacks Hall effect or magnetic sticks. 

There’s little else to make the Elite Series 2 stand out and it’s not the most exciting of controllers in 2026; it has no extra screens, trackpads for mouse emulation, weird ergonomics, or modular buttons. It’s a bit boring and starting to show its age, if we’re honest, but it’s the premium option if you want to stick with something first-party, and a safe upgrade on the basic Xbox controller. The Elite Series 2  works with all the One series Xboxes as well as the X and S, plus PC. 

6. Nacon Revolution X

As well as keyboard mapping, gyroscopic controls, and Hall effect joysticks, the Nacon Revolution X ($199.99, Amazon) hides one unique superpower: It has a small touchscreen on the controller itself for swapping profiles and configuring button behaviour on-device, rather than requiring PC software.

Reviews also praise the powerful rumble motors for haptic immersion; it’s especially suited to racing games (if you insist on playing racing games without a wheel, I suppose). The Hall effect joysticks and triggers are a step up on the Xbox Elite Series 2, providing longer-term reliability that shouldn’t be subject to drift. Although already wider and heftier than the Xbox Elite Series 2, the Revolution Revolution X package includes a set of weights that you can insert into the grips. It’s more expensive than Microsoft’s offering, too, but the sheer level of software and hardware customization should justify the bump for those who appreciate getting everything dialled in just so.  

7. Azeron Cyborg 2

James / BGR

It’s a debate as old as time. Which is better — keyboard and mouse, or handheld controller? Controllers were designed for gaming and convenience when sat at the sofa; but it’s true that nothing beats the precision aiming of a mouse. The keyboard part though? That’s the weakest link. But why choose at all when you can just take the best bits of both? 

The Azeron Cyborg (from $230) is a hybrid peripheral for PC gaming that combines the convenience of a joystick for movement with all the buttons you could possibly need literally in reach of your fingertips. And they’re not clunky key caps either; they’re ergonomic microswitch pads that need only the smallest amount of finger travel to activate when speed is of the essence. Your other hand is kept free for that sweet precision mouse aiming.

The Azeron Cyborg might not let you rearrange buttons — instead opting to just put lots of buttons everywhere — but it is easily customized to your hand shape and size with adjustable lengths and angles where needed. You can even have your gamertag emblazoned on the side. 

8. SCUF Envision Pro v2

If there’s one thing we’ve always thought was lacking in controllers, it’s got to be more flashy LED lights. Who wants to stare at a big screen when you’ve got a disco in your lap? The LED bar on the underside of the SCUF Envision Pro can sync up to your gaming rig (or you can ignore them entirely), but is otherwise a very capable controller with all the usual features: remappable keys, back paddles, and trigger locks — with the v2 edition finally adding Hall effect sticks. Designed for PC gaming only, the highlight here are five configurable “G-key” macro buttons underneath the sticks.

Sadly, the iCUE software lets it down and is required for initial setup. The depth of macro programming is impressive however, with profiles stored on device once configured. At $179.99, the SCUF Envision Pro v2 is an excellent choice for PC first gamers, with an extensive set of customization options when bought direct at Scuf Gaming. Be wary if shopping around though: the original 2023 model without Hall effect sticks is still widely available at the same price. 

9. PlayStation DualSense Edge

Wongsakorn 2468/Shutterstock

The DualSense Edge is Sony’s official pro-grade controller option, and the biggest advantage is not the new features it brings to the table, but the solid base it starts from — with all the features that make the standard DualSense the best gaming controller yet (and Sony has a record of making impactful controllers throughout the PlayStation’s history). That includes the adaptive triggers, excellent haptic feedback, touchpad, gyroscope, and comfortable ergonomic design. On top of that, it adds the pro features you’d expect, in the form of rear paddles, remappable controls, custom profiles, and adjustable trigger lengths.

The Sony DualSense Edge, at $199 on Amazon, is one of the pricier options — and you’re limited to just two back buttons. There are no Hall effect sticks either, but the entire stick modules can be replaced if you ever start to experience drift. But if you want a premium PlayStation option, this should really be your first choice. 

10. Razer Raiju v3 Pro

Designed exclusively to cater for the serious eSports crowd on PS5 (though also compatible with PC), the Razer Raiju ($225, Amazon) actually strips out some popular DualSense features like haptics and adaptive triggers to focus on responsiveness and lag-free gaming, along with a host of remappable rear paddles and claw-grip bumpers. And, Razer is one of the top gaming controller brands as ranked by users. 

The Raiju is the PlayStation version of the popular Xbox Wolverine model, though some note it’s a slight downgrade in build quality compared to the Wolverine, and despite the familiar design, a fair bit larger than standard DualSense controllers. The Raiju features next-generation TMR (Tunnel magnetoresistance) sticks — an evolutionary step up on Hall effect — which reduces drift and power consumption which increasing the sampling resolution. While it has official PlayStation accreditation, you’ll still need a special wireless dongle to use the Raiju. Unless you’re regularly competing in tournaments, this probably isn’t the controller for you. 

Methodology

Chong Kee Siong/Getty Images

We selected controllers that specifically cost more than the included default options, but also offer additional, unique features. We haven’t included any controllers that are just more expensive because they’re gold-plated or otherwise modded versions of other controllers already on the list. We also limited our selection to a single controller from each manufacturer, and from reputable manufacturers that have solid expert reviews. The controllers should be functional on one or more current generation consoles or PC, and not just expensive by dint of being rare (we’re looking at you, Orange edition GameCube controller). We’ve excluded specialist equipment like racing wheels, flight sticks, and fighting pads, whilst including a few options that go beyond the basic controller. 

Source

Euan Cherry/Shutterstock

Throughout the 2010s, Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Entertainment were going hard on the release of the new DC Extended Universe, or DCEU, a modern collection of films, television, and other assorted media starring the many heroes and villains popularized in DC comics. In particular, these films from the so-called Snyderverse included the final appearances of Henry Cavill as Superman, with “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” The movies did well financially, grossing some $1.5 billion collectively, but Cavill has said in retrospect that they weren’t exactly perfect.

It’s no secret that the release of the DCEU films were meant to both capitalize on and compete with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which was in its second phase at the time with films like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.” In a 2017 interview with entertainment magazine The Rake, Cavill explained that while his Superman films made plenty of money at the box office, in an effort to differentiate from the MCU, they were missing a certain something that makes superhero films really resonate with audiences.

Cavill said the films made the right mistakes

Dave J Hogan/Getty Images

As Cavill explained in his interview with The Rake, the production of the DCEU films, and especially his roles as Superman, were made with the express purpose of delivering something unique and distinct from what audiences were expecting of superhero films at the time. However, he lamented that the films didn’t quite hit the same way as other superhero pictures, noting they didn’t give viewers “that sensation which superheroes should give the viewer.”

There is some truth to this; Rotten Tomatoes reviews of “Man of Steel,” for example, were rather middling from both critics and filmgoers, who appreciated the film’s action set pieces, but found the slower moments boring and inauthentic. Of course, there isn’t a single right way to make a superhero film, which is why some superhero films that should’ve been hits end up bombing.

That said, Cavill stated his belief that the “right mistakes” had been made in these films. They provided a vital test case of what worked and what didn’t in a DC superhero flick, ensuring that subsequent movies would hit a better balance between action and drama thanks to learnings from previous shortcomings. He added that the 2017 “Wonder Woman” film was an important step in the right direction, and considering how well it performed financially and critically, he may have been right. Though, considering the less-than-stellar reception of “Justice League”, the lowest-grossing movie in the DCEU at the time, maybe not.

Source

Wongsakorn 2468/Shutterstock

The latest iPhone models are expensive, unless you’re going with the iPhone 17e, which starts at a relatively affordable price of $599. However, it misses out on some key features that the rest of the lineup gets. That said, not everyone has the budget to go for the latest and greatest iPhones. Fortunately, that’s not a massive problem as the company’s older iPhones remain pretty excellent smartphones even after new ones are released, as Apple not only offers software support for five to seven years but also its A-series chips are among the most powerful on the market. By going with an older iPhone, you save a decent chunk of money but still enjoy a lot of what a new iPhone has to offer, granted you avoid buying a vintage iPhone that has reached its end of life.

This is precisely why iPhones have a good resale value, and many folks are happy even buying an older refurbished iPhone. As we head closer to the launch of the iPhone 18 series later this year, it’s a great time to look at which older iPhones are still a good purchase in 2026. One important detail to keep in mind while shopping for any old iPhone is to make sure that you’re getting a good discount compared to newer iPhones on the market. Otherwise, you may be better off paying a slight premium to get the latest models.

iPhone 16 series

Ringo Chiu/Shutterstock

The entire iPhone 16 lineup is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to buy an older iPhone. You get the A18 or the A18 Pro chip (depending on which iPhone 16 model you pick), neither of which is a slacker; both can handle anything you throw at them. The camera hardware differs between models, but you get an excellent 48MP primary shooter in each of the models, which captures great shots with plenty of detail, as mentioned in our iPhone 16 review. 

Although it was launched with iOS 18, the lineup has since been updated with iOS 26 and will likely continue to receive future updates for the next five years or so. Pretty much all of the iOS 26 enhancements and features, including Liquid Glass, are available on all iPhone 16 models. Another good thing about this lineup is that it’s easily available and is still widely sold, with Apple officially offering the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models on its website.

The iPhone 16 lineup also packs USB-C for charging, data transfer, and video output, has dual eSIM support, 128 GB of storage in the base models, IP68 dust and water resistance, and support for Apple Intelligence. While the lineup will cost you significantly more than older iPhone models, the iPhone 16 is still worth it in 2026. Just don’t opt for the iPhone 16e.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

Media Whale Stock/Shutterstock

If the iPhone 16 Pro models are out of your budget but you don’t want to pick a non-Pro iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are solid alternatives. Despite being over two and a half years old, the Pro iPhone 15 models are pretty powerful, thanks to the presence of the A17 Pro chip. The presence of this processor also ensures you have access to the majority of the Apple Intelligence features as part of iOS 26, which you get on newer iPhones. These have also only received two iOS updates till now, meaning they will very likely get at least four more major iOS updates, including the iOS 27 that’s arriving later this year.

Besides the Pro Max’s bigger display, bigger battery, and higher zoom support in the telephoto camera, the two iPhones have largely the same specifications. You get a ProMotion display with Ceramic Shield on both and a titanium frame for superior durability. You also get the Pro camera system, including a telephoto shooter, a USB-C port with 10Gbps support, and a Lidar sensor.

The iPhone 15 Pro models continue to remain on sale via select resellers; however, you may have to try a bit hard to find them brand new. Apple also offers official refurbished iPhone 15 Pros on its online store, which can also be a good option, as they come with a brand-new battery, casing, and the latest software. However, like with all older iPhones, the iPhone 15 Pros may not get all the latest features being introduced in future iPhones, and these models also lack the faster MagSafe charging of the newer Pro models.

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus

Alex Segre/Shutterstock

Like the iPhone 15 Pro models, the iPhone 15 is also worth buying in 2026 — if you’re looking to save a good chunk of money. While the raw power gap between the base and the Pro variants of the iPhone 15 series is slightly wider than in other iPhone generations, both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus are sufficiently capable of handling everyday tasks, casual gaming, and multitasking. You will, however, miss out on the Apple Intelligence features, as that’s limited to the Pro models or the new iPhone generations.

The iPhone 15 series will also remain supported for years to come. However, you may not get all the latest and greatest features, particularly as more and more AI stuff is added to iPhones. In terms of specifications and features, the iPhone 15 has an aluminum frame, a capable dual camera system, USB-C with USB 2.0 speeds, and MagSafe. The base storage is a decent 128 GB, and you get a pretty good display with 2,000 nits of peak brightness.

However, you may be hard-pressed to spot these phones brand new, but their refurbished and pre-owned versions remain good options, granted you get them in good condition and at a serious discount. If you aren’t getting them certified refurbished from Apple, make sure to check the battery health, as anything below 80% is just asking for a replacement or charging more than once every day.

iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max

Jozsef Zoltan Varga/Getty Images

The iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max are the oldest iPhones among our recommendations and were introduced back in 2022. Despite their relative age, these can be decent purchases at a good price. Both are still pretty good phones, not only in terms of the hardware, but also in their ability to handle iOS 26. They look pretty much the same as the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 series; however, you get a stainless steel frame instead of the titanium one. More importantly, the iPhone 14 Pros have the same A16 Bionic chip as the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. These iPhones should also receive around three more major iOS updates, which gives you plenty of time with them before they become obsolete.

You also get the dynamic island, which you don’t get on the regular iPhone 14 or older iPhones, an always-on display, 2,000 nits of peak brightness, and a pro camera system headlined by a 48MP primary shooter. However, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max do show their age in some areas. For example, you get the older Lightning connector instead of USB-C, with slower USB 2.0 speeds, no support for Apple Intelligence, and no support for Thread networking.

You’re most likely only going to find these refurbished or pre-owned, and the pricing will contribute significantly to their value. If you can get an iPhone 15 Pro for slightly more, we would recommend splurging.

Source

Gorodenkoff/Getty Images

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Marketing from TV brands like Samsung and LG may lead one to believe you have to drop thousands on mini-LED and OLED technology to get a good picture, but there are just as many cheap TV brands out there that punch well above their weight class. Unfortunately, one of these companies doesn’t shine as brightly as it once did, at least according to Consumer Reports. Five or six years ago, one of the most recognizable names in the budget TV space was Vizio. But back in 2024, Walmart purchased the LCD and OLED manufacturer, making it difficult to find Vizio TVs anywhere other than the ubiquitous big-box retailer. But more importantly, it seems like Vizio lost what made it lauded in the first place: great picture quality at a budget-friendly price. 

Consumer Reports put 14 Vizio TVs through rigorous lab testing, and not one model fared better than “below average” for its overall score. We stepped away from the pros to try and gain some user feedback, and the official Vizio subreddit was pretty revealing. It seems that modern Vizio TVs aren’t all that reliable, with numerous users reporting slow interfaces, app crashes, and other annoying glitches. Even Rtings, a trusted consumer tech review site, went on record to say most Vizio TVs are riddled with bugs, and that the smart TV’s operating system “leaves much to be desired.”

Vizio’s production has been declining since the start of the decade

Scott Olson/Getty Images

In the brand’s heyday, Vizio’s offerings were on par with the output of modern TV makers like Hisense and TCL. But another potential reason for Vizio’s fading image is that, since 2020, development and production have slowed to a crawl. The company only released a handful of mid-tier TVs in 2022, and just two new QLED models in 2023. The Mini LED Quantum Series was released in early 2026, and it’s one of the cheapest mini-LED sets on the market — but at this point, Vizio’s efforts may be falling into “too little, too late” territory.

It’s difficult to stay competitive when Hisense and TCL are running circles around your products — never mind some of the budget-friendly mini-LED and OLED sets you’ll be able to find from Samsung, LG, and a couple of other big-name manufacturers. These other brands have also taught us that more advanced features — including mini-LED backlighting and those ever-useful HDMI 2.1 ports — aren’t big asks anymore.

Entry-level TVs like the 65-inch Hisense U6 ($580) may cost a bit more up front than something like the $500 Vizio Quantum Series, but the former has HDMI 2.1 support, a native 144 Hz refresh rate, and uses the Fire TV operating system for streaming apps and other web-connected capabilities. So, while you might pay more for that 65-inch Hisense, objectively, it’s designed to give you a better overall TV experience — especially when it comes to motion clarity and features that make for a great gaming experience on your TV.

Source

Shirophoto/Getty Images

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Battery life matters a lot more than many people realize. Whether you’re a remote worker, a student carrying their laptop around campus, or simply someone who prefers working, streaming, or browsing from the comfort of a bed or couch instead of being tethered to a charger at all times, having a laptop that can genuinely last throughout the day makes a huge difference.

While the tech world has thankfully moved on from the early days of notebooks and MacBooks that could barely deliver three to five hours of usage on a single charge, choosing a laptop with genuinely great endurance has ironically become more confusing than ever. That’s because almost every popular laptop brand today claims to offer “all-day battery life” or even multi-day performance. However, the gap between official claims and actual usage can often be massive.

To help cut through the confusion, we combed through the current laptop market, looked at the latest launches, compared official battery-life claims, and cross-checked them against extensive real-world testing from reliable tech outlets to find the laptops with the longest-lasting batteries in 2026. Our research concluded that the HP OmniBook 5, Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition, 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro), and MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI Plus are the best of the best when it comes to battery life. More importantly, though, these are all excellent all-around laptops in their own right, offering a strong mix of performance, features, portability, and value.

HP OmniBook 5 14-inch

The HP OmniBook 5 14-inch is hands down the best battery-life laptop you can get right now. HP officially claims up to 26 hours and 30 minutes of video playback, but rigorous real-world testing by popular tech outlets suggests the laptop performs even better. For example, PCMag recorded a staggering battery life of 34 hours and 40 minutes, while CNET reported that the OmniBook 5 lasted 28 hours and 19 minutes before running out of juice. Even better, the laptop comes with fast charging, and you can go from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes.

Its excellent battery life is not the only reason the HP OmniBook 5 14 enjoys an impressive 4.5-star rating on Amazon. A lot of its appeal also comes from the incredible value it offers for the money. Priced at $799, the laptop packs 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a crisp OLED panel. Buyers on Amazon have called it “easily worth twice the money” and a “crazy good value,” which also makes it one of the best laptops for seniors. Speaking of the OLED panel, according to reviewers at TechRadar, it covers a staggering “194.5% of the sRGB color gamut and 138.4% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.”

But note that the display caps out at 300 nits of brightness. While that’s perfectly adequate for indoor use in a room or workspace, it may not be ideal for outdoor use, which is slightly disappointing considering the laptop weighs just 2.85 pounds, making it one of the lightest on this list. Another feature we like is the 1080p webcam, which comes with a physical privacy shutter for added security. There’s also an infrared sensor that allows you to log in using biometrics.

Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition

Given its 360-degree rotatable hinge and 2-in-1 laptop-plus-tablet design, you wouldn’t immediately expect the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition to be a longevity beast. But thanks to its efficient Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, this laptop can deliver up to 29 hours of video playback, according to official documentation. And those numbers have largely been confirmed by real-world testing at CNET, which recorded 25 hours and 45 minutes of battery life, and PCMag, which reported nearly 22 hours of continuous use.

The laptop is currently available for $2,399.99, and while it’s pricier than your average laptop, much of that cost comes down to the stacked list of features it offers. In addition to functioning as both a laptop and a tablet — you get a stylus in the package — it features a bright and clear OLED touchscreen, along with 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD, and a snappy 120 Hz refresh rate. Despite being just 0.63 inches thick and weighing only 2.91 pounds, the laptop still packs in a decent selection of ports.

These include one USB-A port, two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, and one USB 4 port. However, it does lack an SD card reader, which may be disappointing for content creators who frequently work with large photo and video files. One thing you likely won’t have to worry about, though, is durability. Reviewers at PCMag noted that the laptop features a robust aluminum build, with “zero bending, flexing, or twisting in the lid, keyboard deck, or base plate.” Lastly, the Yoga 9i also features a unique 360-degree rotating soundbar built into the hinge. Combined with Dolby Atmos support, it delivers consistently good audio no matter which position you’re using the laptop in.

MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) 16-inch

A list of the best battery-life laptops would be incomplete without a MacBook, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro), priced at $2,527 on Amazon, is arguably the best MacBook in this regard. Apple says the laptop can deliver up to 24 hours of nonstop video streaming or up to 17 hours of continuous web browsing from its 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery. And those claims have held up extremely well in real-world testing too. Reviewers at CNET recorded a battery life of 24 hours and 59 minutes, while Tom’s Guide saw the M5 Pro-powered MacBook deliver 21 hours and 10 minutes of usage on a single charge.

Powered by an 18-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, the 16-inch MacBook M5 Pro can easily handle everyday tasks such as juggling dozens of browser tabs, video streaming, and video calls. It’s also incredibly capable when it comes to heavy workloads like 3D rendering, video editing, data crunching, complex calculations, and even local AI image generation. Although we are still a few years away from seeing an OLED MacBook, the Liquid Retina XDR display, with its 120 Hz refresh rate and up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness for HDR content, is simply outstanding.

While this MacBook may not be as thin or lightweight as some of the Lenovo or HP laptops on this list, it does offer a great port selection, including an HDMI port, an SD card slot, and three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports. However, if battery life is your biggest priority, you could just as easily go with the 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 24 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage, which is currently available for $1,899 on Amazon — more than $600 less than its M5 Pro sibling.

MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI Plus

The MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI Plus, currently priced at $1,529.99 at Micro Center, has an official battery life of up to 30 hours, but hands-on testing by PCMag found that the laptop can actually deliver up to 42 hours and 6 minutes of nonstop usage. Even CNET’s testing clocked in at an impressive 25 hours and 18 minutes. Much of this astonishing battery life comes down to the MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI Plus being one of the first laptops to use Intel’s new 18A manufacturing process, which uses 2 nm nodes instead of Intel’s previously common 3 nm process.

This Panther Lake-series processor is also better at preserving power and managing heat, both of which contribute heavily to the laptop’s extraordinary endurance. Like the HP OmniBook 5, this too is a 2-in-1 laptop and comes bundled with a stylus. It also features 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and an OLED display, although this one caps out at a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is still more than adequate for the 14-inch screen.

Thanks to the integrated Intel Arc B390 graphics, the laptop also surprised testers with its gaming performance. CNET found that it was their “first laptop with integrated graphics … to hit 60 frames per second” when they played Shadow of the Tomb Raider. This rare combination of excellent battery life, strong business-oriented features — it’s thin, lightweight, and has a great webcam — and the ability to handle AAA gaming without a dedicated graphics card makes it an excellent value-for-money purchase.

How we selected these laptops

metamorworks/Shutterstock

To pick laptops with the best battery life, we didn’t just rely on the official claims made by laptop brands, but also looked through testing from several reliable tech outlets such as CNET, PCMag, and TechRadar to see what their real-world hands-on usage actually delivered and whether those results were on par with the official claims.

However, battery life wasn’t the only criterion we used to select and rank these laptops. We also prioritized their value for money, features, and overall functionality. After all, excellent battery life alone means very little without a good display, solid internals, and strong workload capabilities.

Additionally, we included a variety of laptop types, ranging from traditional Windows laptops to MacBooks and even 2-in-1 devices, so readers can choose one based on their specific needs. We’ve also covered laptops across various price points for the same reason. And as always with our guides, none of these products are sponsored picks.

Source

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Consumer tech is always evolving, so it’s not unusual for outdated inputs and outputs to go the way of the pet rock. In modern smart TVs and mobile devices, one connection that’s all but forgotten is Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL). This was an HDMI technology that allowed consumers to plug a phone or tablet into an MHL-compatible port on TVs, monitors, and projectors. MHL transmitted video and audio data to a display, making it one of the pioneers of screen mirroring.

Using MHL often required an MHL adapter. How it worked was you would run a USB cable into one end of the adapter (which sometimes required AC power) and an HDMI cable from the adapter to an MHL-certified input on your TV. The MHL 3.0 standard (released in 2013) added 4K support, device charging, and a few other features to MHL’s list of capabilities, but nothing could trump “wire-free.”

Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, and Miracast introduced wireless screen mirroring and content casting, a convenience that MHL simply couldn’t compete with, not to mention the fact that no additional hardware was needed to complete the handshake between Device A and Device B. The 2010s also introduced streaming devices and smart TVs, meaning many of the apps and services you may have relied on on your phone (e.g., Netflix, YouTube) were now built into your TV or streaming device.

The rise and fall of 2010s connectivity, or how wireless and USB-C killed MHL 

Once wireless mirroring and content casting hit the mainstream, the MHL standard did its best to persevere. In early 2015, consumers were treated to superMHL, an upgrade that boosted resolution and frame rate performance (delivering up to 8K/120Hz), increased charging power, and added USB-C compatibility — which the MHL Consortium would label as “MHL Alt Mode.” But there wasn’t enough support for the new standard, and it wouldn’t be long before brands like Samsung — once deeply involved in MHL’s development — would end support altogether.

Heading into the 2020s, MHL was still struggling to maintain a foothold. This was also around the time that smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, were switching over to USB-C, which paved the way for DisplayPort Alt Mode — a wired connection that delivered video, audio, and power when your device was connected to a display via USB-C. Smart TV software had also rapidly evolved to the point where casting apps from your phone were no longer necessary.

Nowadays, MHL in all its forms is a relic of the past, and your only solid chance of seeing an MHL port is on legacy TVs and other display tech. Wireless device mirroring and USB-C connectivity rule the roost, and HDMI technology has made major strides, too, especially in gaming optimizations (e.g., Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode). The reality is that the world doesn’t need MHL much anymore, but the adapter ingenuity was fun while it lasted.

Source