Balancing schoolwork with gaming usually means finding a laptop that can do a little bit of everything. The best gaming laptops aren’t just built for high frame rates. They also need to handle long days of writing papers, running productivity apps and streaming lectures without slowing down. A good machine should feel reliable during class and powerful enough to jump into your favorite games once homework is out of the way.
There’s a wide range of options depending on how much performance you need. Some students prefer a slim, lightweight model that’s easy to carry to school, while others want a new gaming laptop with enough GPU power to handle AAA titles. If you’re watching your budget, there are plenty of solid choices that qualify as a budget gaming laptop without cutting too many corners.
It’s also worth looking at features that help with everyday use. A bright display makes long study sessions easier on the eyes, and a comfortable keyboard is essential if you type a lot. USB-C ports, decent battery life and a responsive trackpad can make a big difference during the school day. We’ve rounded up the best laptops that strike the right mix of performance, portability and value for both gaming and schoolwork.
As we’ve mentioned, gaming laptops are especially helpful if you're doing any demanding work. Their big promise is powerful graphics performance, which isn't just limited to PC gaming. Video editing and 3D rendering programs can also tap into their GPUs to handle laborious tasks. While you can find decent GPUs on some productivity machines, like Dell's XPS 15, you can sometimes find better deals on gaming laptops. My general advice for any new workhorse: Pay attention to the specs; get at least 16GB of RAM and the largest solid state drive you can find (ideally 1TB or more). Those components are both typically hard to upgrade down the line, so it’s worth investing what you can up front to get the most out of your PC gaming experience long term. Also, don’t forget the basics like a webcam, which will likely be necessary for the schoolwork portion of your activities.
The one big downside to choosing a gaming notebook is portability. For the most part, we'd recommend 15-inch models to get the best balance of size and price. Those typically weigh in around 4.5 pounds, which is significantly more than a three-pound ultraportable. Today's gaming notebooks are still far lighter than older models, though, so at least you won't be lugging around a 10-pound brick. If you’re looking for something lighter, there are plenty of 14-inch options these days. And if you're not into LED lights and other gamer-centric bling, keep an eye out for more understated models that still feature essentials like a webcam (or make sure you know how to turn those lights off).
Not necessarily — it really depends on how you define "last longer." In terms of raw performance, gaming laptops tend to pack more powerful components than standard laptops, which means they can stay relevant for longer when it comes to handling demanding software or modern games. That makes them a solid choice if you need a system that won’t feel outdated in a couple of years, especially for students or creators who also game in their downtime.
But there’s a trade-off. All that power generates heat, and gaming laptops often run hotter and put more strain on internal components than typical ultraportables. If they’re not properly cooled or regularly maintained (think dust buildup and thermal paste), that wear and tear can shorten their lifespan. They’re also usually bulkier and have shorter battery life, which can impact long-term usability depending on your daily needs.
Gaming laptops can last longer performance-wise, but only if you take good care of them. If your needs are light — browsing, writing papers and streaming — a standard laptop may actually last longer simply because it’s under less stress day-to-day.
The GPU plays a big role in how your laptop handles visuals — and it’s especially important if you’re using your computer for both gaming and school.
For gaming, the GPU is essential. It’s responsible for rendering graphics, textures, lighting and all the visual effects that make your favorite titles look smooth and realistic. A more powerful GPU means better frame rates, higher resolutions and the ability to play modern games without lag or stuttering.
For schoolwork, the GPU matters too — but its importance depends on what you're doing. If your school tasks mostly involve writing papers, browsing the web or using productivity tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Office, you don’t need a high-end GPU. But if you’re working with graphic design, video editing, 3D modeling or anything else that’s visually demanding, a good GPU can speed things up significantly and improve your workflow.
Georgie Peru contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-laptops-for-gaming-and-school-132207352.html?src=rss
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PC gamers have almost too many options when it comes to titles to play, which is a great problem to have. With decades of games to choose from (and the first port of call for most indie titles, too), the options are endless. You also get the perks of (nearly always flawless) backward compatibility and console-beating graphical performance — if you've got the coin for it when you’re building your perfect kit or picking up a high-powered gaming laptop.
The whole idea of what a gaming PC is and where you can play it is shifting, too, with the rise of handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck. We've tried to be broad with our recommendations here on purpose; here are the best PC games you can play right now.
Check out our entire Best Games series including the best Nintendo Switch games, the best PS5 games, the best Xbox games, the best PC games and the best free games you can play today.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-best-pc-games-150000910.html?src=rss
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We spend a lot of time staring at our screens, so it’s worth finding one that actually feels good to use. The right monitor can make your desk setup feel faster, brighter and easier on the eyes, whether you’re deep into spreadsheets, watching a show or chasing higher frame rates in your favorite game.
What the best monitor means, though, depends on what you do. Gamers might want smooth, fast refresh rates. Creators usually prioritize color accuracy. Office workers and students just need something clear, comfortable and reliable. Thankfully, monitors in 2025 cover all of those needs, with options that range from compact 24-inch displays to massive ultrawides built for serious multitasking.
We’ve tested a variety of monitors across price ranges and use cases to find the ones that stand out for everyday use. No matter your budget, setup or screen-size preference, these are the monitors that make your PC, and your time in front of it, a little better.
The cheapest monitors are still TN (twisted nematic), which are strictly for gamers or office use. VA (vertical alignment) monitors are also relatively cheap, while offering good brightness and a high contrast ratio. However, content creators will find that LCD, IPS displays (in-plane switching) deliver better color accuracy, pixel density, picture quality and wide viewing angles — making them a strong option for general computer monitor use.
If maximum brightness is important, a quantum dot LCD display is the way to go — those are typically found in larger displays. OLED panels are now available and offer the best blacks and color reproduction, but they lack the brightness of LED or quantum dot displays. Plus, they’re expensive. The latest type of OLED monitor, called QD-OLED from Samsung, is now common among gaming monitors. The most notable advantage is that it can get a lot brighter, with recent models hitting up to 1,000 nits+ of peak brightness.
MiniLEDs are now widely used in high-end displays. They’re similar to quantum dot tech, but as the name suggests, it uses smaller LED diodes that are just 0.2mm in diameter. As such, manufacturers can pack in up to three times more LEDs with more local dimming zones, delivering deeper blacks and better contrast. MiniLED displays also tend to offer excellent backlight control, making them a great choice for HDR content and video editing.
Where 24-inch displays used to be more or less standard (and can still be useful for basic computing), 27-, 32-, 34- and even 42-inch displays have become popular for entertainment, content creation and even gaming these days.
Nearly every monitor used to be 16:9, but it’s now possible to find 16:10 and other more exotic display shapes. On the gaming and entertainment side, we’re also seeing curved monitors and widescreen ultrawide monitors with aspect ratios like 21:9. If you do decide to buy an ultrawide display, however, keep in mind that a 30-inch 21:9 model is the same height as a 24-inch monitor, so you might end up with a smaller display than you expected.
A 4K monitor is nearly a must for content creators, and some folks are even going for 5K or all the way up to 8K. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need a pretty powerful computer with a decent graphics card to drive all those sharp pixels. And 4K higher resolution should be paired with a screen size of 27 inches and up, or you won’t notice much difference between 1440p. At the same time, I wouldn’t get a model larger than 27 inches unless it’s 4K, as you’ll start to see pixelation if you’re working up close to the display. That’s when a lower resolution monitor shows its limits.
One new monitor category to consider is portable monitors designed to be carried and used with laptops. Those typically come in 1080p resolutions and sizes from 13-15 inches. They usually have a lightweight kickstand-type support that folds up to keep things compact and maximize portability and functionality.
HDR adds vibrancy to entertainment and gaming – but be careful before jumping in. Some monitors that claim HDR on their marketing materials don’t even conform to a base standard. To be sure that a display at least meets minimum HDR specs, you’ll want to choose one with a DisplayHDR rating with each tier representing maximum brightness in nits.
However, the lowest DisplayHDR 400 and 500 tiers may disappoint you with a lack of brightness, washed out blacks and mediocre color reproduction. If you can afford it, the best monitor to choose is a model with DisplayHDR 600, 1000 or True Black 400, True Black 500 and True Black 600.
Where televisions typically offer HDR10 and Dolby Vision or HDR10+, most PC monitors only support the HDR10 standard, other than a few (very expensive) models. That doesn’t matter much for content creation or gaming, but HDR streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other services won’t look quite as punchy. In addition, the best gaming monitors are usually the ones supporting HDR600 (and up), rather than content creation monitors – with a few exceptions.
High refresh rate is a key feature, particularly on gaming monitors. A bare minimum nowadays is 60Hz, and 80Hz and higher refresh rates are much easier on the eyes. However, most 4K displays top out at 60Hz with some rare exceptions and the HDMI 2.0 spec only supports 4K at 60Hz, so you’d need at least DisplayPort 1.4 (4K at 120Hz) or HDMI 2.1. The latter is now available on a number of monitors, particularly gaming displays. However, it’s only supported by the latest NVIDIA RTX 3000- and 4000-series, AMD RX 6000-series GPUs. Support for G-Sync and AMD FreeSync is also something to look for if you want to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering during fast-paced gameplay — especially when paired with a high refresh rate.
There are essentially three types of modern display inputs: Thunderbolt, DisplayPort and HDMI. Most monitors built for PCs come with the latter two, while a select few (typically built for Macs) will use Thunderbolt. To add to the confusion, USB-C ports may be Thunderbolt 3, and by extension, DisplayPort compatible, so you may need a USB-C to Thunderbolt or DisplayPort cable adapter depending on your display.
Serious content creators should consider a more costly 10-bit monitor that can display billions of colors. If budget is an issue, you can go for an 8-bit panel that can fake billions of colors via dithering (often spec’d as “8-bit + FRC”). For entertainment or business purposes, a regular 8-bit monitor that can display millions of colors will be fine.
The other aspect of color is the gamut. That expresses the range of colors that can be reproduced and not just the number of colors. Most good monitors these days can cover the sRGB and Rec.709 gamuts (designed for photos and video respectively). For more demanding work, though, you’ll want one that can reproduce more demanding modern gamuts like AdobeRGB, DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 gamuts, which encompass a wider range of colors. The latter two are often used for film projection and HDR, respectively.
OLED is better than mini-LED in many areas but not all. Here are the advantages of OLED panels:
OLED monitors don't have any "blooming" or halos around bright parts of the image.
OLEDs have blacks with zero brightness, which is not achievable on mini-LED. That means they also have higher contrast ratios.
OLEDs consume less energy.
OLEDs have faster response times for gaming.
And here are the advantages of mini-LED monitors:
They are brighter (often much brighter), so it can be better for HDR content.
They don't suffer from burn-in like OLED can.
This depends on the individual. For normal use, 27-32 inches is the sweet spot. If you're one who likes many windows open at a time (like a stock broker), then you might want to go up to 37 or even 42 inches.
If you need as much speed as possible, a curved monitor lets you rapidly look around the screen without changing focus or moving your head as much compared to a flat screen. It also provides more immersion. The drawback is that curved displays tend to be wider so they take up more desk space. They're also generally more expensive.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-monitor-130006843.html?src=rss
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© Engadget
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you’re buying for someone who lives for smoke and fire. This year’s BarbecueBible Holiday Gift Guide brings together gear, tools, cookbooks, and flavor boosters we trust and use ourselves. From budget-friendly stocking stuffers to big-ticket gifts that make a real impact, every item earns its spot. And with Black Friday kicking off the season, there’s no better time to grab something great for the griller on your list.
Give the Gift of Great Grilling!
Oscarware’s Porcelain-Coated and Disposable Grill Toppers are a must-have for every outdoor cook on your list. Whether they’re searing veggies, grilling seafood, or whipping up breakfast at the campsite, these toppers make it easier, cleaner, and more delicious.
Proudly made in the USA by a women-owned business, Oscarware’s grill toppers are built for performance and convenience. The porcelain-coated models offer long-lasting durability, while the disposable versions are perfect for grilling on-the-go.
From backyard BBQs to tailgate feasts, it’s the practical, thoughtful gift that keeps the flavor coming all year long.
Grill smarter, not harder with the all-in-one GrillFighter Chainmail Brush; the perfect Gift for your Favorite Grillmaster!
Featuring four powerful methods: welded, square-edged chainmail backed by a non-absorbing silicone sponge for contour cleaning, steam cleaning with the included Grill Cauldron, a serrated scraper plow for lifting off tough grime and the Grill Pincer for clearing gunk from the bottom of the grill bars. Extremely durable, nothing to replace. Cleans up in the dishwasher. The Combo also includes the realistic Apron of Armor for mess-free BBQing.
Give the gift of effortless perfection this holiday season. The INKBIRD INT-14-BW lets grill lovers and home cooks master the feast with four separate true wireless probes to monitor multiple dishes at once. With dual WiFi and Bluetooth connection, as well as app control, you can track the turkey, ham, and even a side dish all from your phone – no more running in and out of the kitchen. It features ultra-precise sensors, various preset menus, dishwasher-safe probes, and a 25-hour battery – making holiday cooking a certainty, not a challenge.
Snag up to $100 off with code 14BWT for a limited time.
No coal in your stocking this year. But smoking wood chunks and chips are a definite must for your favorite griller. Try Steven’s cherrywood chunks with chicken; applewood with ribs, and mesquite for adding extra flavor to steaks.
LiquidZERO makes zero-sugar cocktail mixes that taste like the real thing—no bitterness, no artificial aftertaste. Created by writer and chef Michael Hiller and refined by master sommeliers, each shaker jar comes with dried fruit garnish and enough mix for eight cocktails. Great for parties, tailgates, and grill-side gatherings, it’s an easy way to serve pro-quality drinks (or mocktails) in under 30 seconds.
The Ultimate Piece of Art for Barbecue Lovers!
The American Barbecue Map is the first ever visual representation of the entirety of American barbecue culture. The Map took two years and 375 hours of painting to complete and is available as a high quality 24×36” print. It features 184 of the top American BBQ restaurants, a signature dish of each region, an illustrated timeline of barbecue history, 25 individual barbecue kings and queens, and the top BBQ sides and desserts. Try to look at it without getting hungry! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Southern Foodways Alliance.
New this year from Steven Raichlen: an essential guide to griddles, including delicious recipes and the dos and don’ts of grilling. Named one of Amazon’s Best Cookbooks of the Year.
Prized for their accessibility and versatility—and because they’re so much fun to use—griddles (also known as planchas and flat-tops) are soaring in popularity. Project Griddle features the trademark Raichlen approach, with plenty of practical cooking techniques and nearly 80 hunger-inducing recipes. It traces the history and geography of griddling, from the teppan of Japan to the plancha of Spain to champa grilling in South America. A gear chapter showcases the various types of stand-up and portable flattops and planchas, plus the requisite accessories, how to season and maintain a griddle, how to oil and cook on it, with chefs’ shortcuts, and some pitfalls to watch out for.
And then there are the recipes—each one as outrageously delicious and foolproof as the last, for classics like the crispiest smash burgers and tapas bar shrimp to an entire suite of heretofore un-grillable foods—egg-and-bacon breakfast feasts, potato latkes, crepes, French toast, and smoky fried rice. It’s Project Smoke for griddles—and don’t think of buying one without its guidance.
The best way to spread holiday cheer is..? You guessed it, sharp knives! The Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener is easy to use and provides professional results at home. Family parties this holiday no longer has to be a drag because of dull knives! In a matter of minutes, you will be able to transform your knives from not usable, to your favorite knife. This Swedish made knife sharpener with its adjustable angle guide, fine-grained diamond wheel and composite honing wheel makes it easy to get a razor-sharp edge.
The Essential Holiday Gift: The HORL3
For the dedicated home cook, a truly sharp knife isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential. Experience the HORL3: Engineered in the Black Forest, Germany, this Rolling Knife Sharpener blends exquisite design with functional authority. Its unique system uses a magnetic guide to lock in the desired angle (15° or 20°), ensuring consistent, gentle sharpening with a durable diamond and refining ceramic disc. This holiday season, consider a gift that promises lifelong quality and effortless performance.
The HORL3 in Oak and Walnut—now $179
The Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Grillers and Foodies!
Kinzie Foods 5-Pack BBQ Mini Gift Set includes Sweet, Fiery, Pickle, Ghost, and Espresso — five unique, clean-ingredient sauces with memorable flavor. Each bottle is made to amplify smoke, heat, and char without covering them up. With roots in Texas and a home in South Dakota, Kinzie Foods was founded by Walter Kinzie, a live event producer who traded backstage passes for adventurous and unforgettable bites. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer for grillers, foodies, or anyone who refuses to settle for bland.
SPRITZ KING HOLIDAY SALE!
Need a gift for the guy who has everything and loves to cook outdoors? Treat him this holiday season with a bottle of Spritz King! Spritz King is an innovative culinary basting spray designed to create a deep char and better exterior bark on meats cooked on BBQ’s and smoker grills! Specially formulated with all natural ingredients and the perfect ratios of sugars and acidity, Spritz King seals in moisture, enhances flavor and builds a wonderfully crips exterior. Save up to 20% at Spritz King from November 28th thru December 31st. Get your Spritz on today!
Drip EZ’s signature Prep Tubs are a kitchen and grilling gamechanger. First use it as a vessel to marinate your favorite meats, then collapse it down to reveal the built in cutting board, and finally, use it to stash leftovers with the included locking lid. This all-in-one kitchen solution is the key to organized meal prep. The Prep Tubs are also great for organizing fresh produce and serving up sides with ease. When not in use, they collapse completely flat for convenient storage in your cabinets.
Top Chefs and Pitmasters Say It’s Simply The Best Beef In America!
Snake River Farms is the best beef you’re ever going to eat. Period. From steakhouse classics like ribeye and filet mignon to rare butcher’s cuts, each bite delivers rich flavor and unrivaled tenderness. Snake River Farms briskets are the secret weapon for most professional pitmasters. But even humble burgers and hot dogs become gourmet experiences with Snake River Farms’ American Wagyu. SRF wagyu is so exceptionally marbled that every cut grades well above USDA Prime. Discover why top chefs and pitmasters call it simply the best beef in America.
A Unique, Flavor-Enhancing Gift: Wagyu Beef Tallow
South Chicago Packing Wagyu Beef Tallow is the perfect gift for the Foodie, Grill Master, or Home Chef on your list this year! This 100% pure, traditional cooking fat elevates every dish, whether you’re grilling, frying, roasting, or sautéing. Wagyu Beef Tallow adds deep, rich flavor and helps you achieve that perfect, mouthwatering sear. Available in a convenient spray, 11.5oz glass jar, or 42oz tub, Wagyu Beef Tallow is the perfect gift for anyone looking to level up their cooking.
ProTemp 2 Plus: Wireless Meat Thermometer Redefined
The thinnest probe on the market slips into tight spots, leaving an unnoticeable hole in your perfect steak or protein. It lasts 40 hours on a charge—and, as a game-changer, we pioneered integrating a full temp controller into a wireless thermometer. Set alarms and control remotely via Bluetooth/WiFi with unlimited range. Hits 1000°F for searing without melting. Built weatherproof for rain or shine. Users rave: “Accuracy and range blew others away—truly wireless freedom.” It’s not just a probe; it’s your pit boss in your pocket.
Hope a few of these ideas help you cross some names off your list—and maybe upgrade your own setup along the way. From all of us at BarbecueBible.com, here’s to a flavorful holiday season.
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