Search results for 'Technology' - Page: 6
| PC World - 7 May (PC World)If you’re in the market for a new pair of workout headphones but don’t want to pay a premium price tag, then you’ve come to the right place. For a limited time, we’re offering the Mezzo Bone Conduction Headphones for $30 off when you use coupon code MEZZO.
These headphones sit on top of your ears and use bone conduction technology to send sound waves through vibrations directly to your inner ear. That way, you can enjoy your music or take calls while keeping your ears open to stay aware of your surroundings or hear people when they speak to you. The lightweight, ergonomic headphones are comfortable, deliver premium sound, and can last for up to six hours of playback time on a single charge.
Get a comfortable set of workout headphones for a great price. Right now, you can get the Mezzo Bone Conduction Headphones for just $39.96 (reg. $69) when you use coupon code MEZZO.
Mezzo Bone Conduction Headphones – $39.96
See Deal
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Accessories Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 7 May (PC World)“Logging in without any passwords, how’s that supposed to work?” you may be asking yourself. After all, user names and passwords are so much a part of everyday life that it’s hard to imagine whether it might not work without them.
Yes, you can log in without a password, and it’s even more convenient, faster, and more secure than before. This time it’s not just an advertising promise, a fundamental change is actually underway.
Because the status quo is downright sobering: Billions of personal accounts have been hacked worldwide. In Germany, almost one in three people have had their online accounts spied on, according to a representative survey commissioned by the consumer advice center.
Microsoft not only advises using passkeys to increase security and convenience when logging in, but also offers the option of not using passwords at all.
Microsoft not only advises using passkeys to increase security and convenience when logging in, but also offers the option of not using passwords at all.
Foundry
Microsoft not only advises using passkeys to increase security and convenience when logging in, but also offers the option of not using passwords at all.
Foundry
Foundry
There are many reasons for this, some of which are due to the carelessness of some users. After all, not everyone wants to assign a unique and secure password to all of their 100 or so accounts — despite all the well-intentioned advice. The consequences are well known.
However, the situation is not as hopeless as it seemed for a long time. You can log in to more and more internet services, from Amazon to Whatsapp, using the new “passkeys.” Not only are they easier and more convenient to manage, they are also much more secure.
You no longer have to remember anything, so you can’t forget anything, and you don’t even need new equipment. You can get started straight away with your PC or smartphone.
Further reading: I’m ditching my passwords—and you should too
PC and smartphone are all you need to log in securely
We focus on the practical use of passkeys and only explain the technology behind them to the extent that it helps you understand them and have the necessary trust. Passkeys are a further development of the established Fido 2 security standard with asymmetric encryption.
When you set up a passkey to log in to an online service, your PC or mobile phone generates a key pair. The public key is sent to the website and stored there, the private key is secret and remains in the crypto chip of your device — i.e. in the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) on a computer.
If you use a smartphone, the private key is also securely synchronized in the cloud of the operating system, i.e. Apple or Google. This is one of several advantages of the smartphone, which we will come back to in a moment.
Once a passkey has been set up, the next time you visit the website (or app), you simply tell it that you want to log in. The online service then sends your device a so-called challenge: a task that can only be solved with the help of your private key stored in your device and which you authorize using your fingerprint, face scan, or PIN.
Only the digitally signed solution to the challenge is sent back, not the private key itself.
As this process also takes the original domain into account, it provides reliable protection against phishing. Even if a website is a deceptively genuine imitation, the passkey refuses the log-in.
Services with passkey support
There is no official directory of all providers with passwordless login. Lists are provided by Passkeys.io, Passkeys Directory, and Keeper, among others. New providers with Passkey support may not be included at first. Important services are listed below.
1Password
Adobe
Amazon
Apple
Bitwarden (passwords)
Dashlane (passwords)
Ebay
GitHub (Software)
Google
Kayak (Travelling)
Keepass XC (passwords)
Keeper (Passwords)
Linkedin
Microsoft
Mozilla (Firefox)
Nintendo
Nvidia
PayPal
Shopify (E-Commerce)
Sony Playstation
Synology
Tiktok
Uber (e.g. taxi)
Whatsapp
X (Twitter)
Yahoo
Zoho (e.g. Office)
Here we go: Try out Passkeys
A Hello-enabled camera or a fingerprint sensor on the laptop or PC make logging in via Passkeys particularly convenient.
A Hello-enabled camera or a fingerprint sensor on the laptop or PC make logging in via Passkeys particularly convenient.
Foundry
A Hello-enabled camera or a fingerprint sensor on the laptop or PC make logging in via Passkeys particularly convenient.
Foundry
Foundry
If you only want to use Passkeys on your PC at home, you can store your private keys exclusively on your computer. The requirements are straightforward, a compatible browser such as Chrome, Edge, or, more recently, Firefox (from version 122) is all you need.
First create a login PIN for Windows Hello in the Windows settings under Accounts > Login options. This is hardware-bound, so unlike a password, it’s only valid for this one computer. If available, you can also set up fingerprint or face recognition for greater convenience.
For our passkey-in-a-minute promise, open the test page https://webauthn.io in your browser. In the “example_ username” field, enter a name of your choice, click on “Register,” and authenticate yourself via Windows Hello in the next step.
You may need to confirm the “This device” option, followed by the messages “Master key saved” and “Success! Now try to authenticate …” — all in less than 60 seconds.
Please take this request literally and log in without a password using the passkey you have just created. To do this, click on the “Authenticate” button and authenticate yourself again: “You’re logged in”!
As your Webauthn test account is automatically deleted after one day, you do not need to do anything else.
Further reading: How to prevent (or survive) a ransomware attack
Log in to your PC with a smartphone
Smartphones are more practical than PCs for passwordless logins for several reasons:
Firstly, it stores the passkeys in the mobile operating system’s password manager just as securely
Secondly, as we will show in a moment, it also enables the new login procedure on the PC
Thirdly, you almost always have it with you
Fourthly, the Android (from version 9) and iOS (from version 16) operating systems synchronize the passkeys automatically and in encrypted form in the cloud
If the mobile device breaks or is lost, you have a backup right away. Synchronization is not yet available for Windows. You can read more about the backup strategy for passkeys in the box at the bottom of this page.
This is how it works: To create a passkey via your smartphone, open the test page https://webauthn.io on your PC again, assign a user name, click on “Register” and then on the option “iPhone, iPad or Android device.”
Confirm with “Next” and hold the phone camera on the QR code shown on the PC monitor. Now confirm the passkey option shown on the smartphone and follow the next steps.
Android and iOS differ only slightly here. Depending on the device configuration, you may still need to enter the unlock PIN before authenticating with a fingerprint or face scan. You already know the rest.
Aim your phone’s camera at the QR code to complete the registration process for your phone.
Aim your phone’s camera at the QR code to complete the registration process for your phone.Foundry
Aim your phone’s camera at the QR code to complete the registration process for your phone.Foundry
Foundry
Logging in is even quicker and more convenient if you allow this step to be skipped on your smartphone after the QR scan. In the future, all you need to do to log in on the PC is select the linked mobile device and authorize the login using a finger or face scan. Authentication takes place via Bluetooth (from version 5.0). If your computer fails to fulfil this requirement, a USB Bluetooth dongle for around $10 will help.
You can log in to the actual online accounts later in the same way using a passkey. The challenge request runs in the background, the solution is sent back digitally signed in a matter of seconds — and you are securely logged in.
Logging in without a password in practice
You now know how passkeys work. To familiarize yourself with the concept, we recommend only switching one or two accounts to begin with. The box above lists important providers that support the method.
Most of these services currently still allow the parallel use of passkey and password. This makes logging in convenient for you, but insecure passwords still pose a risk.
Microsoft at least offers the option of removing the password completely in the personal settings under Security > Advanced security options > Passwordless account. With NAS manufacturer Synology, you even have to choose between a password and a passkey.
To create a passkey, first log in to the service of your choice in the PC browser. The setup option can usually be found in the account configuration under “Security.” The next steps differ from provider to provider, both in terms of the terminology and the setup itself. In some cases, you may also encounter unexpected things such as additional apps and other hurdles.
For example, the Google passkey was initially linked to Windows Hello and thus to the PC during testing. Only afterwards was it possible to create another passkey on a “different device” via the passkey management — i.e. on the smartphone as desired.
Further reading: 5 outdated security practices you shouldn’t use anymore
Microsoft, on the other hand, first requires its own Authenticator app on the smartphone, only then can you switch to the operating system’s password manager. These examples show how important it is to familiarize yourself with passkeys. However, if you know that it works, you can get there by trying it out or using a Google search.
Tip: Passkeys are also suitable for particularly security-relevant applications, such as payments, which should be protected by a second factor. You can quickly authorize, say, Paypal transactions with your fingerprint without having to enter a short code or do anything else first.
Conclusion
Cloud synchronization of passkeys offers the advantage over conventional hardware-based Fido 2 authentication in that you don’t have to set up passwordless login for every device.
At the same time, management with the smartphone ensures a backup of all private keys and thus the possibility of restoring them if the hardware breaks down or is lost. If you only use the passkeys on your computer at home, you can in principle also save them on your PC.
However, please do not forget to create a restore option just in case (see box below). The passkeys can be managed on the Windows PC in the Settings app under Accounts > Passkeys, or on the smartphone in the password managers from Apple or Google also under “Settings.”
Protection from being locked out
A Fido 2 stick like this is one of several backup options for passkeys. However, the most convenient option is synchronization with the smartphone in the cloud.
A Fido 2 stick like this is one of several backup options for passkeys. However, the most convenient option is synchronization with the smartphone in the cloud. Yubico
A Fido 2 stick like this is one of several backup options for passkeys. However, the most convenient option is synchronization with the smartphone in the cloud. Yubico
Yubico
If you forget a conventional online password, you can simply create a new one using the option of the same name: so convenient, but also so insecure. But what happens if the hardware with the stored private keys is defective or lost? Because only you have these keys — which is the central component of this security concept.
So take precautions to avoid locking yourself out. If you follow our advice and use your smartphone to store your passkeys instead of your PC, there is hardly any danger. This is because Apple and Google automatically synchronize the passkeys in encrypted form in the cloud. If your mobile phone is lost or defective, you can then quickly restore the keys on a replacement device.
Things are more difficult on a Windows PC: Although Microsoft also wants to implement synchronization, it has so far only been implemented in Insider pre-release versions of the operating system.
A Fido 2 stick with a crypto chip, which is available from around $30, is also suitable as a backup. However, you must also save your passkeys on the stick beforehand (!) using the “Security key” option.
Many online services also offer additional options for two-factor authentication and recovery. Please remember to set these up beforehand.
This article was translated from German to English and originally appeared on pcwelt.de.
Security Software and Services Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 7 May (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsOutstanding OLED screenVery lightGreat keyboardFHD cameraConsSlightly slower processorOnly 512GB of SSD storageNo Wi-Fi 7Our VerdictThe Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 is a lightweight, elegant all-rounder for business professionals.
When it comes to the Galaxy Book line of laptops, Samsung has established itself in high-end notebooks for professional use. The laptops look excellent, are light and slim, and offer great displays. The new Galaxy Book4 Pro with a 14-inch screen is no exception. It has an OLED touchscreen with 3K resolution, its very sturdy aluminum casing weighs just 2.64 pounds and it’s around 12 millimeters thin. It’s finished in the classic grey of a stylish business notebook (Moonstone Grey color variant), which elegantly changes to a bluish hue depending on the incidence of light.
Bottom line? The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 is a lightweight, elegant all-rounder for business professionals. Let’s dig into why.
Looking for more laptop options? Be sure to check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available today.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14: First impressions
In the fourth generation of Galaxy Books, Samsung relies on processors from the new Intel Meteor Lake platform, in the case of the test device on a Core Ultra 7 155H. This CPU generation is characterized by a significantly different architecture in which Intel assembles the processor modularly from individual chips (aka tiles). However, most notebook manufacturers, including Samsung, advertise Meteor Lake primarily as an AI processor due to the new NPU (Neural Processing Unit).
the Book4 pro`s even more polished sibling
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra
Read our review
Best Prices Today:
$2499.99 at Best Buy
There’s little evidence of AI on the Galaxy Book4 Pro, but this also applies to other Meteor Lake laptops. For example, the test device lacks the Copilot button and, apart from the Windows Studio effects, which are supposed to improve video meetings via AI through auto-framing, automatic eye contact, and background blurring, there are no apps that can use the NPU.
This is disappointing, as Samsung’s current Galaxy smartphones show how AI can be put to good use. Even apps such as Samsung Gallery, which can utilize AI functions on the smartphone, do not offer them in the Windows version.
At the beginning of the benchmarks, it wasn’t the lack of AI on the Galaxy Book4 Pro that frightened us, but the miserable performance. The laptop’s mouse clicks were very delayed, programs were slow to open, and the first set of benchmarks delivered disappointing results. The problems cannot be solved with Windows updates and the Samsung Device Care analysis tool, as they cannot find more up-to-date drivers.
Only the manual installation of a new GPU driver directly from Intel solves the performance dilemma. Apparently, the driver for the Arc GPU installed by Samsung in December is responsible for the sluggish performance. After the driver update, the notebook runs as expected.
On the left is an HDMI output and two Thunderbolt 4 ports that can be used to charge the notebook.
On the left is an HDMI output and two Thunderbolt 4 ports that can be used to charge the notebook.Thomas Rau
On the left is an HDMI output and two Thunderbolt 4 ports that can be used to charge the notebook.Thomas Rau
Thomas Rau
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14: Performance
The new internal GPU is the performance highlight of Meteor Lake. In system tests such as PCMark 10 and Crossmark, the new CPU generation stands out from its predecessors from Raptor Lake’s U, P, and H series, primarily due to its significantly improved graphics performance. The Galaxy Book4 Pro performs above average in all applications that make heavy use of the GPU such as rendering and photo and video editing. This means that compact Meteor Lake laptops such as the Samsung laptop are now much better suited for multimedia and graphics tasks.
The Arc graphics in Meteor Lake can also set itself apart from the Iris Xe Graphics of the predecessor CPUs in gaming tests. In the 3DMark, it is 70 percent faster in Night Raid and almost twice as fast in Time Spy. This does not make the Samsung notebook really suitable for gaming, especially not in its high native resolution of 2880×1800 pixels. You have to reduce the resolution to Full HD and can only use the medium quality level for graphic details. Even then, the Galaxy Boo 4 Pro remains well below 60 fps in the Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark.
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Pro: Benchmark results Speed in office programmes91 points (out of 100)Speed in multimedia programmes75 points (out of 100)3D Mark performance63 points (out of 100)Cinebench R238736Display: Brightness / brightness distribution / contrast415 / 92% / infinityAnti-glare displayNoDisplay: Colour space coverage (in percent)sRGB: 100 / Adobe-RGB: 98 / DCI-P3: 99Display: Colour fidelity (Delta-E deviation)0,61Battery life (hours:minutes): WLAN test12:42Battery capacity after 1 hour of charging81 percentOperating noise under load38 dB(A)Temperature top / bottom39 / 45° Celsius
Despite the increased performance of the internal processor GPU, users who do more than just occasional gaming or professional multimedia editing should still rely on an additional GPU. This also applies to AI applications, as the test with the AI benchmark Procyon proves. The NPU from Meteor Lake scores around 500 points in the Integer test with AI applications based on Intel’s Open-Vino programming environment–incidentally, the same as the GPU from Meteor Lake. An RTX 4070 GPU performs the same tasks four times as fast based on Nvidia Tensor with significantly higher power consumption.
In addition, Samsung limits the CPU performance due to the 14-inch form factor and only allows the Core Ultra a maximum power consumption of 60 watts and a standard consumption of 28 watts, while this processor in 16-inch notebooks is usually allowed to work with up to 80 watts and 45 watts in standard mode.
Accordingly, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is around ten to 15 percent slower in the system benchmarks than large Meteor Lake notebooks. In the Cinebench R23 CPU test, the Samsung laptop only achieves just under 9,000 points while the Core Ultra 7 155H in a 16-inch notebook achieves around 14,000 points.
Connections on the right-hand side: Micro SD slot, USB Type-A, audio.
Connections on the right-hand side: Micro SD slot, USB Type-A, audio.Thomas Rau
Connections on the right-hand side: Micro SD slot, USB Type-A, audio.Thomas Rau
Thomas Rau
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14: Battery life
The Galaxy Book 4 Pro benefits from the economical CPU setting in battery mode. At less than 5 watts, the power consumption is around one watt lower than a comparably equipped 16-inch notebook with Meteor Lake and is also significantly lower than a notebook with a Raptor Lake H CPU and an OLED screen. However, the laptop’s 13 hour battery life is still not particularly long because Samsung only installs a battery with 62 watt hours due to the low weight and slim form factor.
The biggest mobility advantage of the Samsung notebook is its low weight, which also applies to the 65 watt power supply. It weighs only 166 grams and fills the laptop battery to 81 percent after one hour of charging.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14: Fan noise, temperature
The Galaxy Book4 Pro hardly heats up even during longer load phases. The operating noise is 38 dB(A) in the load test. It reached 42 dB(A) when I switched on Windows’ High Performance setting. Many Meteor Lake notebook already deliver in the standard Balanced setting.
The palm rest doesn’t warm up much in the load test. The underside of the notebook heats up to a maximum of 45 degrees, so you can easily place it on your thighs.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14: Display
The display is always a highlight of the Galaxy Book laptops. Our review unit has an OLED touchscreen with 3K resolution (2880×1800) and 10-bit color depth, which offers a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The in-house panel is protected by Gorilla Glass DX. The screen is not completely reflection-free, as claimed by the manufacturer Corning, but is slightly less reflective than other touchscreens in direct light.
The Galaxy Book4 Pro also demonstrates the advantages of OLED technology” the contrast is extremely high, the luminance is very evenly distributed, and the color reproduction is outstanding. With Samsung covering almost all important color spaces and minimal color deviation, it’s slightly better than other OLED notebooks. The brightness is also pleasantly high at over 400 cd/sqm, only a few notebook screens are brighter, but they usually use more expensive panels with mini-LED backlight.
The Galaxy Book4 Pro is ideal for photos and films and even those who only come into contact with color in PowerPoint presentations and Excel diagrams at work will be pleased with the outstanding picture quality.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14: Ports
The Galaxy Book 4 Pro 14 only comes with 512GB of SSD storage, which isn’t much space given the price. On the other hand, the notebook offers many ports for a 14-inch laptop. There are two Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 on board, one Type-A port with USB 3.2 Gen 1, and an HDMI output. The slot for micro SD cards and audio connection via mini-jack are also welcome, as they are no longer commonplace on lightweight business laptops.
The front camera with Full HD resolution makes you look good in video calls and you can also log in securely via the camera or the finger sensor in the power button.
Unlike many Meteor Lake laptops, the Wi-Fi module in the Galaxy Book only supports Wi-Fi 6E and not Wi-Fi 7, but Wi-Fi 7 remains in its early days for now anyway.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14: Keyboard and touchpad
Despite the focus on elegant design and low weight, business notebooks should never neglect operating elements such as the keyboard and touchpad.
Samsung makes no compromises here with the Galaxy Book4 Pro. The keyboard is sturdy, all keys provide clear pressure feedback even when typing quickly and they remain relatively quiet. The number keys are smaller than the other keys, but they’re easy to reach because Samsung has placed them slightly away from the keyboard.
Sensitive users may be bothered by the clearly audible clicking noise of the touchpad. However, it provides clear and consistent feedback over the entire touchpad surface because of the stable build. Multi-finger gestures also worked just fine.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 specs and features
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro: Features ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 7 155HClock speedStandard clock: 3.0 GHz (P-Cores); 1.7 GHz (E-Cores); 700 MHz (Low-Power-E-Cores); Turbo clock up to 4.8 GHz (P-Cores); 3.8 GHz (E-Cores); 2.1 (Low-Power-E-Cores)Cores / Threads16 / 22 (6 P-Cores + 8 E-Cores + 2 Low-Power E-Cores)RAM16GB LPDDR5X (soldered)Graphics cardIntel Arc Graphics (integrated in CPU)DriveNVMe SSD Samsung PM9B1 (PCIe 4.0 x 4)Usable capacity456.26 GBFormatM.2 2280Network: LAN / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth– / WiFi-6E (Intel AX211) / 5.3Operating systemWindows 11 HomeDisplay: Diagonal / resolution / format14 inch / 2880 x 1800 / 16:10Pixel density / refresh rate243 ppi / 120 HzWeight: Notebook (with battery) / power supply unit1226 / 166 gramsBattery: Capacity62 WhConnections on the right1x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x audio, 1x memory card slot (micro SD)Connections on the left2x Type-C (Thunderbolt 4), 1x HDMI 2.1Further featuresFront camera (1080p), face recognition, finger sensor (in power button)
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro?
Absolutely, if you’re in the target audience. As we said up top: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 is a lightweight, elegant all-rounder for business professionals who need reliable performance and ample features on the go.
This article originally appeared on PC Welt and has been translated from German to English.
Laptops Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 7 May (PC World)At a GlanceExpert`s Rating
ProsTop rated antivirus protectionExpanded protection against malicious websites and remote attacksClean, straightforward interfaceConsSome PCs may experience a performance hit during heavier workloadsSeveral features are a bit rudimentaryOur VerdictAVG does a superb job of safeguarding your PC. It offers a clean, straightforward interface and additional online protections, while still providing the top-notch antivirus protection it’s known for—and does so without charging as much as the competition.
AVG is best known for its excellent free antivirus software—so why pay a premium for the AVG Internet Security suite? In a word: convenience.
With security software, the more you pay, the more comprehensive your protection becomes. That can be valuable if you find keeping up with online threats too overwhelming or time consuming. There’s something to be said for a program that can handle the major elements for you. And that’s what AVG Internet Security, the company’s entry-level version of its paid antivirus software, provides.
By moving up to a paid subscription, you get additional features that keep you safer during your off days. No antivirus program is bulletproof, of course, but this one hits the major points while not overloading you with extras you won’t use. Whether it’s right for you depends on how much you prioritize simplicity.
Note: This review is part of our best antivirus roundup. Go there for details about competing products and how we tested them.
How much does AVG Internet Security cost?
First, the basics—let’s talk about cost. If purchased directly from AVG, jumping from the free plan to the company’s Internet Security package is cheaper for the first year, and then reverts to the full price thereafter.
Single-device plan (1 PC)
$47 for the first year
$76 per year thereafter
10-device plan (Multiple devices)
$60 for the first year
$100 per year thereafter
AVG doesn’t offer family plans, but if you purchase a multi-device plan (which supports PC, Mac, Android, and iOS), you can share the device quota with family members. Even if you’re flying solo, the extra cash for multi-device coverage can be worth it—these days it’s common to own at least a computer and phone, and often a tablet as well.
AVG’s multidevice plans cost more, but you can share that limit with others.
AVG’s multidevice plans cost more, but you can share that limit with others.AVG
AVG’s multidevice plans cost more, but you can share that limit with others.AVG
AVG
Compared to the competition, AVG prioritizes more devices rather than extra features. Take for example Norton—its closest equivalent plan includes VPN access, but you can only use it across five devices. Also surprising: Avast, which actually owns AVG, charges more for almost the exact same plan.
For more savings, you can buy a license for AVG Internet Security through retailers like Amazon or Newegg, which offer multi-year plans as well as ones with fewer devices—so you can get a subscription appropriately sized for your situation, if you prefer.
What does AVG Internet Security include?
AVG Internet Security adds five more features to the free plan’s antivirus, firewall, web and email threat, and network protection. You get safeguards for the passwords saved to your browsers; webcam takeovers; unknown access to files with sensitive data; malicious redirects for websites you’re trying to visit (aka DNS hijacking); and attacks conducted through Windows’ remote desktop protocol.
This particular plan does not include access to a VPN. AVG also doesn’t have its own password manager or parental controls, so you can’t get those by changing your subscription.
Key features of AVG Internet Security
Installation and user interface
To install AVG Internet Security, either download the free version and then upgrade, or first buy the paid subscription and install afterward.
AVG’s dashboard is clean and logical, though possibly gloomy for those who like light-themed apps. The nearly black background is punctuated with bright green text to cue you in to important information. Both your PC’s status and key features are clearly highlighted in the dashboard.
AVG’s dashboard is fairly straightforward, with the exception of running other scans—though it’s not obvious, you can click on the text to open the menu.
AVG’s dashboard is fairly straightforward, with the exception of running other scans—though it’s not obvious, you can click on the text to open the menu.PCWorld
AVG’s dashboard is fairly straightforward, with the exception of running other scans—though it’s not obvious, you can click on the text to open the menu.PCWorld
PCWorld
Starting a scan from the dashboard is easy—for a quick scan, you press the Run Smart Scan button toward the bottom of the screen. You can choose a different type of scan by clicking the text that says Run other scans. Your options are deep scan, file or folder scan, boot-time scan, USB/DVD scan, and a performance scan. Using the performance scan requires a separate subscription to AVG TuneUp, or a further upgrade to an AVG Ultimate plan.
Above the scan options are the dashboard tiles. Currently, there are four tiles related to the software’s features—the fifth is now reserved for the AVG store, through which you can purchase subscriptions for other AVG software not included with Internet Security.
If you click any of the main dashboard tiles—Computer, Web & Email, Hacker Attacks, and Personal Data—you’ll see explanations for each of the software’s components. You can also broadly customize your settings, either by toggling off a feature or fiddling with the defaults. For the best protection, most people should leave everything on and then further add items for protection where applicable.
To stay protected, leave these antivirus protections on.
To stay protected, leave these antivirus protections on.PCWorld
To stay protected, leave these antivirus protections on.PCWorld
PCWorld
However, if you run into conflicts or annoyances that require a little fine-tuning, AVG does provide more granular control. To access, you’ll click on the Menu hamburger icon at the top right, then choose Settings. This dropdown menu gives access to features like the data shredder, subscription info, browser extensions, and support as well.
These detailed settings are a boon for software nerds, incidentally—particularly those of us who serve as tech support for loved ones. You can tweak a fair number of things, including privacy settings (you can opt out from data sharing right from the app), and even set a password to keep others from changing settings.
The only real issue with AVG’s app is the continued upsells for its other products. If you thought that paying for AVG would stop the flow, alas, no. It only reduces the amount.
Virus, malware, and threat protection
Real-time protection
AVG Internet Security protects your PC against real-time threats in multiple ways. On your PC, the software scans files you add or open, checks apps for unusual behavior, and controls access to select folders often targeted by ransomware. Ransomware protection is customizable, so you can add more folders to the default list. Email downloaded to your PC is screened for dangerous attachments and malicious links, too.
When you’re on the web, AVG Internet Security scans the data transmitted to your computer for malware and for any sneaky DNS redirections to fake websites. It also monitors traffic going to and from apps, and locks down the passwords saved to your browsers. You get protection from remote access attacks, too—AVG blocks remote connection attempts from unknown sources, and it restricts access to your webcam and microphone.
As a small protection against being caught unawares from data breaches, AVG Internet Security keeps tabs on your email address. If it’s spotted in a leak, you’ll get a notification in the app.
Power users can customize scan settings and get more control over how deep the screening goes.
Power users can customize scan settings and get more control over how deep the screening goes.
PCWorld
Power users can customize scan settings and get more control over how deep the screening goes.
PCWorld
PCWorld
Scheduled and manual scans
By default, a smart scan (the equivalent of a quick scan in other antivirus software) is scheduled for once a month. You can adjust this timing and depth of scan, as well as add more scans to the list. You have four kinds to choose from: Deep Scan, File or Folder Scan, Boot-time Scan, and USB/DVD Scan.
Each type of scan is customizable in settings—for example, Deep Scan normally scans for files that are vulnerable to malware, and only for common installation apps. But you can make it dig further and have it scan all files, if you like. You can also change how the program handles infected files.
Additional features
Browser extensions
If you install AVG’s browser extension, you can add an extra layer of protection while visiting websites. It’ll flag unknown sites and also add status badges to Google and Bing search results. In my experience, I found it slightly overzealous at first—it threw up a warning when I navigated directly to www.google.com—but it seemed to calm down after that.
AVG’s browser extension verifies links in search results for Bing as well as Google.
AVG’s browser extension verifies links in search results for Bing as well as Google.PCWorld
AVG’s browser extension verifies links in search results for Bing as well as Google.PCWorld
PCWorld
Data shredder
Formerly known as File Shredder, this feature lets you securely delete files, folders, or whole drives by overwriting them with other data. On the face of it, this sounds like a good feature—and it can be, if you want to clear data from a hard disk drive (HDD).
However, most modern computers have solid state drives (SSD), which save data in a different way than mechanical drives. At best, you won’t actually securely overwrite the data using this method, and at worst, you can shorten the life of your SSD. (You’ll want to use this method instead.)
Customer support
Aside from AVG’s support pages and forums, you can contact technical support through an online chat or through a phone call. The support pages are best for quick overviews and/or walkthroughs of various features, while the forums can help with troubleshooting—provided you’re willing to dig through several threads.
Updates and maintenance
Updates for both virus definitions and the app itself run automatically in the background, though you can change these to only remind you when an update is available or go full manual (which is not advised). If you want to manually trigger the update yourself, there’s also a button to check for updates. You can find this by heading to Settings > General > Update.
Performance
AVG generally gets extremely high marks for antivirus and malware protection from leading organizations that evaluate security software. In AV-Test’s zero-day attack and malware tests for January and February 2024 (the most current as of this article’s latest update), AVG Internet Security detected 100 percent of the threats. When faced with 278 zero-day attack samples (including web and email threats) and 15,362 samples of recently widespread and prevalent malware, AVG blocked them all.
AV-Comparatives / PCWorld
AV-Comparatives / PCWorld
AV-Comparatives / PCWorld
Similarly, in AV-Comparatives’ real-world protection test for February through March 2024, AVG’s antivirus engine caught 100 percent of the 246 test cases, with 5 false positives. That means if your PC encounters malicious web addresses, exploits (like drive-by downloads), or URLs that link directly to malware while on the web, AVG should do an excellent job of noticing and keeping you from harm. AVG also hit high marks in AV-Comparatives’ March 2024 malware protection test, scoring a 95.6 percent offline detection rate, 98.8 percent online detection rate, and 99.95 percent online protection rate, with ten false positives.
AVG falters a little when dealing with more sophisticated, targeted threats, like malicious scripts and fileless attacks. It caught 11 of the 15 test cases in AV-Comparatives’ November 2023 Advanced Threat Protection Test. However, antivirus software seems to be still ramping up on this front overall—AVG detected samples missed by higher performing rivals missed.
AV-Comparatives / PCWorld
AV-Comparatives / PCWorld
AV-Comparatives / PCWorld
During my hardware performance tests on a modest Acer Aspire 3 laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor, a 128GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, and Windows 11 Home, AVG had no tangible impact on most typical tasks performed on a PC, as simulated by PCMark 10—e.g., video chatting, web browsing, gaming, image and document editing in free apps like GIMP and LibreOffice. Surprisingly, it also had little effect on our Handbrake encoding test, too.
However, running the same deep scan while using Microsoft Office (as simulated by UL Procyon) did cause a dip in performance on our budget laptop—an almost 20 percent drop. That means if you’re on a cheaper PC and slinging larger data sets in Excel, you’re best served scheduling your system scans for off-hours. The hit was a more palatable 9 percent decrease when AVG was left to idle in the background, keeping real-time watch for threats.
As for features, Sensitive Data Shield (which lets you scan your system for files containing high-risk pieces of personal information) was a bit hit or miss. For example, one invoice was flagged, but not another similar document that lacked the word “invoice.”
Other protections aren’t actually accessible with the Internet Security plan—though the interface is designed to make you think it is until the very last moment. E.g.: Running a Performance Scan will display action items. But if you click on the button to resolve them all, you get a screen asking you to pay for AVG TuneUp, as shown above.
The fact that the advertisements don’t completely cease once you start paying for AVG is a bit off-putting—it makes the app feel incomplete, even though you’ve got a full package.
Conclusion
AVG Internet Security is a fantastic option for people seeking to be more hands-off with online security without paying a ton for the convenience. In fact, it’s solid enough to still earn a recommendation despite how strong the free version is on its own. (And the continued upsells, because really, they’re incredibly annoying to see in a paid product.) It offers great performance and an easy-to-understand interface along with several helpful security features.
Editor’s note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article.
Antivirus, Business, Desktop PCs, Online Services, Security Software and Services, Technology Industry Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 7 May (PC World)If you’re looking to score a fast laptop at a killer price, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re on the hunt for a blazing fast gaming rig, a lightweight 2-in-1, or an everyday Chromebook, we’ve assembled a list of the best laptop deals available right now, using our finely honed editorial judgement to only recommend truly compelling deals on worthwhile notebooks.
For more notebook options, check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available right now. We’ve got can’t-miss picks for every use case and budget, putting our thousands of hours of hands-on testing to work for you.
Best laptop deals (at a glance)
Lenovo IdeaPad 1, $229.99 ($190 off at Microcenter)
Asus Vivobook 14, $249.99 ($180 off at Best Buy)
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, $299 ($230 off at B&H)
HP Envy x360, $569.99 ($379.01 off at Adorama)
HP Dragonfly Pro, $799 ($600 off at B&H)
Dell XPS 13, $799 ($300 off at Dell)
Acer Swift Go 14, $799.99 ($200 off at Amazon)
Dell Inspiron 16, $819.99 ($540 off at Dell)
XPG Xenia, $999 ($700.99 off at Walmart)
Lenovo Flex 7, $1,039.99 ($220 off at Adorama)
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i, $1,179 ($620 off at B&H)
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1, $1,199.99 ($450 off at Best Buy)
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4, $1,229 ($650 off at Adorama)
HP Omen Laptop, $1,249.99 ($450 off at HP)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon $1,391.42 ($1,007.58 off at Lenovo)
Best laptops deals under $500
Lenovo IdeaPad 1: $249.99 ($170 off at Microcenter)
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 has an AMD Ryzen 5 5599Y processor inside of it, which is capable of handling day-to-day tasks like browsing the web and checking e-mail. The 14-inch 1080p display is perfect for everyday use and the connectivity options include one USB 2.0 Type-A, one USB 3.2 Type-C, one USB 3.2 Type-A, one HDMI, and one audio. The port selection is surprisingly diverse for such an inexpensive machine, so you don’t have to carry around an adapter. The 720p webcam isn’t great, but you can always plug into an external webcam if you want to look better on Zoom calls.
View Deal
Asus Vivobook 14: $249.99 ($180 off at Best Buy)
Asus
Asus
Asus
The Asus Vivobook is an inexpensive Windows laptop with a 1080p display. The laptop’s Intel i3-1215U CPU is a few generations behind at this point, but it’s still powerful enough to handle everyday tasks like checking e-mail and watching Netflix. It also comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. The 14-inch 1080p display has a brightness level of 250 nits, which isn’t super bright, but it’s perfectly fine for web surfing and office work. In fact, with dimmer displays, you’ll likely get better battery life out of the machine, as the display can be a major power suck. This is a great machine for anyone that’s on a tight budget.
View Deal
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3: $299 ($230 off at B&H)
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is another good option for everyday work, school, or home use because of its Intel Core i3-1315U processor and robust connectivity options. You should be able to zip right through office tasks or binge your favorite show on Netflix, and the large 15.6-inch 1080p matte display is sharp enough for those types of tasks. The port selection includes one USB-C 3.0, two USB-A 3.0, one HDMI, and one audio–effectively eliminating the need for an adapter. Similar to other laptops in this price range, it has a 720p webcam, which isn’t the best, but it’s a reasonable sacrifice in the budget laptop realm.
View Deal
Best laptops deals under $1,000
HP Envy x360: $569.99 ($379.01 off at Adorama)
HP
HP
HP
The HP Envy x360 is powerful, lightweight, and versatile. The 2-in-1 form factor means you can fold the screen back and use the laptop like a tablet, and it comes equipped with a good amount of RAM (16GB) and storage (512GB SSD). The 1080p display is quite large at 15.6-inches and it’s a touchscreen, which is perfect for habitual notetakers and doodlers. The keyboard is also full-sized and has backlighting–useful for when you’re using the laptop in low light environments.
View Deal
HP Dragonfly Pro: $799 ($600 off at B&H)
HP
HP
HP
The HP Dragonfly Pro is a lightweight laptop with a lovely 1200p touchscreen display. It weighs just 3.1 pounds, which is hardly a back breaker–great news if you’re a frequent traveler. It’s also powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7736U CPU and AMD Radeon 680M graphics, so you shouldn’t have any problem flying through office work or daily tasks. The 14-inch 1200p touchscreen display has an aspect ratio of 16:10 and a maximum brightness of 400 nits. The taller aspect ratio is nice because it makes scrolling through documents and webpages a lot easier. Connectivity options also include two USB-C and one USB-C 3.1. Overall, this is a solid laptop, especially for $600 off.
View Deal
Dell XPS 13: $799 ($300 off at Dell)
Dell
Dell
Dell
The Dell XPS 13 is a good laptop for office work, school work, everyday activities, and so on. It’s rocking an Intel Core i7-1250U CPU, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage–that’s more than enough power for watching movies, writing papers, surfing the web, and more. The 13.4-inch display has a resolution of 1920×1200, a refresh rate of 60Hz, and a maximum brightness of 500 nits. That means the display is capable of producing a vibrant, sharp-looking picture. Additional bits include an aluminum chassis, a 51 watt-hour battery, and a chic Sky colorway.
View Deal
Acer Swift Go 14: $799 ($200 off at Amazon)
Acer
Acer
Acer
The Acer Swift Go 14 is one of the most well-rounded laptops you can buy. We awarded it 4 out of 5 stars in our review, praising how well-rounded it is. It features plenty of connectivity options, a wonderful typing experience, a zippy processor, and much more. The model that’s on sale today has less storage than the one we reviewed, but other than that they’re nearly identical. According to our review, it outperforms other laptops with the same processor, so you should be able to blitz through office work, coursework, everyday tasks, and so on. The 14-inch display also has a resolution of 1920X1200 and is touch-enabled. It’s fine for casual use, but black colors look washed out.
View Deal
Dell Inspiron 16: $859.99 ($500 off at Dell)
Dell
Dell
Dell
The Dell Inspiron 16 is a great laptop for day-to-day use as well as some light gaming. In addition to the powerful Intel Core i7-1360P CPU and 1TB of SSD storage, this machine also has an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050 GPU, which should be powerful enough to run most games at 1080p resolution. The 1600p display is a roomy 16-inches with a refresh rate of 60Hz and a maximum brightness of 300 nits. Have we seen brighter screens? Sure. That said, it’s bright enough for daily use as well as some casual gaming. Other cool features include a 1080p webcam, up to 13 hours of battery life (according to Dell), and a fingerprint reader.
View Deal
XPS Xenia 15G: $999 ($700.99 off at Walmart)
XPG
XPG
XPG
If you’re looking for a powerful gaming laptop, the XPG Xenia will certainly fit the bill. You don’t see many gaming laptops with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU go on sale for under $1,000 often, so this is a true deal. Between the Intel Core i7-13700H CPU and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, you should be able to play triple-A titles on the High or Ultra graphics detail. This machine even comes with 1TB of SSD storage, which is good news if you’ve got a massive backlog of games. The 15.6-inch 1080p display should also provide smooth gameplay thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate. If you can afford it, this would be a better long-term gaming option than the $800 models listed above thanks to the RTX 4060’s much faster performance.
View Deal
Best laptops deals under $1,500
Lenovo Flex 7: $1,039.99 ($220 off at Adorama)
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
The Lenovo Flex 7 is a great laptop for those who want an affordable 2-in-1. You’re getting a lightweight design as well as a decent amount of power for just over $1,000. It has an Intel Core i7-1355U CPU, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. Zipping through spreadsheet work, everyday tasks, and so on should be no problem for this machine. In addition to the 2-in-1 form factor, in which the screen swings back 360 degrees, it also weighs just 3.53 pounds. That means you can easily slip it in a backpack or messenger back and take it with you anywhere.
View Deal
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i: $1,179 ($620 off at B&H)
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is a good option for those who play more intensive titles. We say this because of the display’s ridiculously high 240Hz refresh rate. Gameplay should be as smooth as your mother’s freshly churned butter. There’s a lot of power behind that display, too. You’re getting an Intel Core i7-13700HX CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 32GB of RAM (that’s a lot!), and 1TB of SSD storage. Other goodies include an Ethernet port, an RGB backlit keyboard, and a 1080p webcam.
View Deal
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: $1,199.99 ($450 off at Best Buy)
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 is a powerful, versatile machine with a stunning 4K display. What more could you ask for? Underneath the hood, you’ll find an Intel Core i7-1360P CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage–so it should have no issues zipping through day-to-day tasks, spreadsheet work, and so on. The 14-inch touch display, which has a resolution of 3840×2400 (4K!), is a real stunner, too. This is the kind of display that’s meant for watching movies, graphically-intensive work, and so on. It also comes with a stylus, which is great because you don’t have to pay extra for a standalone accessory.
View Deal
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4: $1,229 ($650 off at Adorama)
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 is a powerful machine with a 1200p display, an array of versatile ports, and 512GB of SSD storage. It’s also lightweight at just under three pounds, making it the perfect travel companion. Driven by an Intel Core i7-1365U CPU, it should be able to handle both day-to-day tasks as well as heavier loads. Connectivity options include one Ethernet, one HDMI 2.1, one headphone/microphone combo jack, one USB 3.2 Gen 1, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), and two Thunderbolt 4. That means you don’t have to worry about carrying an adapter around with you.
View Deal
HP Omen Laptop: $1,249.99 ($450 off at HP)
HP
HP
HP
The HP Omen is a great laptop for gamers. Not only does it have a big screen with a fast refresh rate, but it also boasts RTX 4060 graphics as well as RGB backlit keyboard with anti-ghosting technology, allowing you to press down multiple keys at once. Crack this baby open and you’ll find an Intel Core i7-13700HX CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. That means this machine is capable of chewing right through those graphically demanding titles. The 1080p display, which measures a massive 17.3-inches, has a refresh rate of 144Hz and a response time of 7ms, so images should look fluid and realistic.
View Deal
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: $1,391.42 ($1,007.58 off at Lenovo)
Lenovo
Lenovo
Lenovo
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a competent business laptop with a lot of great features. First, let’s talk hardware. This machine weighs well under three pounds and yet it manages to squeeze in an Intel Core i5-1335U, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. It has a decent amount of power, especially for such a lightweight laptop. You should be able to zip through office work, everyday activities, and more. The 14-inch 1200p display has a maximum brightness of 400 nits and a refresh rate of 60Hz, which should be clear enough for productivity tasks. Plus, you’re getting a 1080p webcam, a backlight keyboard, a fingerprint reader, and ThinkPad’s famously comfortable keyboard with the red nub in the middle.
View Deal
FAQ
1.
How much RAM will I need in my laptop?
You’ll want at least 8GB, though 16GB is preferable, especially if you play games. Don’t buy laptops with under 4GB of RAM or 128GB of SSD storage—though on a Chromebook or a budget Windows machine, this configuration is acceptable. Check out our article on how much RAM does a laptop need for more in-depth info.
2.
What’s the difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop?
The one big difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop is the operating system. Chromebooks run ChromeOS and Windows run, well, Microsoft Windows. Chromebooks make good everyday machines because they’re designed for browsing the web, checking e-mail, and so on. They use less resources and are generally more affordable than the Windows variety. They also don’t need antivirus protection. A Windows laptop is a lot more versatile in what it can do, and not just in terms of running local programs. You can really pump a Windows laptop up with a ton of RAM, storage, and so on.
3.
When should I look for a laptop deal?
You’ll likely find the best laptop deals during Prime Day (mid-July), Black Friday (November 29th), and back-to-school season (June-August). Sure, you’ll find good laptop deals throughout the year, but if you really want to save big, we’d recommend scoping out your favorite online retailers during those times.
4.
Which retailers offer the best deals?
You can find all kinds of deals across a wide range of online retailers such as Newegg, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and so on. However, we’d recommend checking out deals from laptop manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, and Dell. You’ll usually find many different configurations on sale and the discounts can be pretty darn steep.
For more options, check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available right now.
Laptops Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 7 May (PC World)It’s likely that you regularly come across or work with PDF files — they’re ubiquitous in today’s cross-platform world. Often, you can use free software to view or comment on a PDF file. But what if you need to edit a PDF? That’s where a PDF editor comes in.
The best PDF editors allows you to edit, create, alter, and convert PDF files just like you would with any other text document. Adobe Acrobat is the most famous option for most people. But while it’s excellent both in features and utility, it’s also pretty expensive.
Thankfully, in recent years a whole host of third-party PDF editors have sprung up in order to provide less expensive alternatives. (If you’re wondering why Windows doesn’t have a decent PDF editor, you’re not alone.)
Our picks cover the gamut of PDF editing needs and budgets.
Why you should trust us: At PCWorld, we’ve been testing PC hardware and software for over 40 years. Our evaluation process is always hands-on and thorough, taking into account real-world usage needs. We don’t ever recommend something we wouldn’t be comfortable using ourselves. To learn more about our criteria for PDF editors scroll to the bottom of this article.
PROMOTIONEaseUS PDF Editor – Edit, Convert, Compress & Protect PDFs
Integrate PDF maker, PDF editor, PDF converter, and PDF reader in one full pack with all the basics you need. The clean interface simplifies your PDF work to edit, convert, comment, annotate, merge, split, background, page, watermark, sign PDFs, or fill forms. Your PDF workloads are down by batch processing efficiently.Now 25% OFF Exclusive Code: PCWORLD25Free Download>
Get It Now | 25% off
Adobe Acrobat Pro – Best overall
Pros
Easily navigable tabbed interface
Comprehensive PDF editing features
Streamlined sharing feature makes it easier to fill documents and get signatures
Cons
Rich feature set can be overwhelming for new users
Adobe Acrobat Pro remains the industry standard for good reason. Its rich combination of creation, editing, reviewing, and security features are mimicked by the best alternative options, but we feel Acrobat still does it best. Its recent interface redesign makes it much easier to navigate through its robust toolset than the nested menus of yore, and its cloud subscription option puts its advanced features within reach of more individuals and small businesses. (See how it compares to the Adobe Acrobat Standard.)
Though many of its features are available in other, cheaper PDF editors, Acrobat is still the editor against which all others are judged. And, as of this year, it’s also the first PDF editor that we know of to incorporate AI into the feature mix.
Read our full
Adobe Acrobat Pro review
Foxit PDF Editor 13 – Best overall runner-up
Pros
Multi-platform
Business-ready capabilities
AI integration helps with document editing
Cons
Can be expensive depending on product license
Foxit PDF Editor 13 hits all the right notes for a premium PDF editor and can even take on the formidable Adobe Acrobat. It’s packed with features that are sure to please power users—all the requisite content editing tools; review and markup features; form fill and signing support; and robust security options for sensitive documents, such as permissions, password protection, and data redaction. It supports tons of file formats, and adding hyperlinks, images, and files to a PDF is trouble-free.
Indeed, ease-of-use is one of Foxit’s great strengths. The program uses a Microsoft Office-style ribbon interface which groups tasks in a familiar and intuitive interface, making for a seamless integration with your workflow. It also provides ChatGPT integration so you can easily get help with your documents from an AI assistant. Yes, it’s priced on the higher side for a PDF editor, but with all it has going for it, Nitro PDF Pro more than earns its keep. Plus, you can try it out for free for seven days to see if you like it before making a commitment. If you’re looking for an Acrobat replacement, you won’t find many better.
Read our full
Foxit PDF Editor review
EaseUS PDF editor – Best budget option
Pros
Full set of editing tools
Annotation options enable easy collaboration
Straightforward interface
Cons
Windows only
Needs subscription to remove usage limits
Best Prices Today:
$49.95 at EaseUS
EaseUs might not have the name recognition of some of the other editors on this list, but it’s more than capable of holding its own in the crowded PDF editor market. It provides all of the essential tools for managing PDF files without any of the elaborate or hard-to-understand features. It allows users to jump right in to their toolset and get straight to editing with only what they need.
While EaseUS’s features are great, they are also pretty standard fare among PDF editors. What makes it stand out is its affordable price—it’s a great value for those who regularly edit PDFs and don’t want to pay out the nose. EaseUS also offers a fully functional free version (with embedded watermarks on your edited documents) so users can take it for a spin to see if it meets their needs before they commit to paying any money.
Read our full
EaseUS PDF Editor review
PDF Candy – Best free option
Pros
Many advanced features
OCR capability
Very easy to use
Cons
No Mac support
Free trial only offers basic features
PDF Candy is the rare free PDF editor that offers a lot of the features you’d typically have to pay for. We’re talking scanning, multiple file-conversion options, and OCR functionality. All of this combines to make PDF Candy stand out among the multitude of lesser free PDF editors. It does have a bit of a wonky interface, but once you get the hang of it you’re off and running.
Unfortunately, while the free version has access to the expansive toolset of the paid version, you’re limited to one PDF task per hour. If you want unfettered access, you need to shell out $6 per month, or $48 per year.
Read our full
PDF Candy review
PDF Expert – Best full-featured editor for Apple devices
Pros
Syncs across Mac, iPhone, and iPad
Comprehensive editing and annotation tools
Simple, intuitive interface
Cons
Requires annual payment
Lifetime license enables use on Mac only
PDF Expert is an excellent editor that fits seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, making it our pick for Macs, iPads, and iPhone users.
While macOS does include a PDF editor in its Preview app, iOS devices don’t have a native PDF editor and PDF Expert fills that gap nicely. It has a clean and intuitive interface and offers a plethora of easy-to-use editing options such as page management, converting scanned files into editable documents, and conversion to other file formats, among other things. The pricing plan is also considerably cheaper than most of the other top picks, meaning this is a no-brainer for Apple users.
Read our full
PDF Expert (iOS) review
Apple Preview PDF editor – Best free option for Mac users
Pros
Full set of PDF markup tools
Supports form filling
PDFs can be protected with passwords, encryption, and permission controls
Cons
Limited native sharing options
Only available to Mac users
Mac users needn’t look beyond the macOS for their PDF editing needs, since there is a full set of PDF markup tools already available at their disposal in Apple Preview. It has the chops to handle most personal and business PDF editing needs, including encryption, password protection, and permissions for files.
Apple Preview’s PDF features and capabilities are impressive and should be all you need for most common editing tasks. The drawback, of course, is that only Mac users can take advantage of them.
Read our full
Apple Preview PDF editor review
pdfFiller – Best web-based editor
Pros
Intuitive web-based interface
Robust security options
Lots of business-ready capabilities
Cons
Business features won’t be needed by some users
Requires annual commitment to get best value
Best Prices Today:
$20 at pdfFiller
pdfFiller is a browser-based PDF editor that allows you do to just about everything PDF-related—editing, securing, sharing, creating, and storing PDF files—all from its intuitive and simple web interface. Its design is similar to a desktop app, with the toolbar across the top, and document thumbnails along the side, so it’s very easy to select the page you want to work on and perform the desired function, be it adding, deleting, or copying/pasting text; changing font style, size, and color; and so on. A standard set of markup tools is also available. It has a surprisingly deep set of features for both personal and business use. For instance the Premium plan offers an impressive legal document library, as well as SignNow support.
While incredibly versatile, not all of pdfFiller’s advanced features will suit everyone. Fortunately, there are three subscription tiers, which gives users a way to meet their editing needs without paying extra for unnecessary features: Basic for $8/mo; Plus for $12/mo; Premium for $15/mo with an annual commitment. Month-to-month options are also available, but at a higher cost, of course.
Read our full
pdfFiller review
A word about online PDF editors
Why spend a chunk of change on a desktop editor when free online PDF editors abound? The simple answer is because you get what you pay for. Generally, free online editors will let you add text and comments, merge and split documents, and convert files to and from PDF. With rare exception, however, they won’t let you edit existing text and many have file-size and page-volume restrictions. And a lot of them will watermark your edited document. For these reasons, web PDF editors are best reserved for simple, fast editing jobs. Call in these big dogs for anything more demanding.
What to look for in a PDF editor
PDF editors come in a variety of flavors, offering varying feature sets—from basic functionality to power-user tools. It’s important to know what features best match your workflow before you commit to a PDF editor.
Create, convert, and export PDFs
The most fundamental function of a PDF editor is to make PDFs, either from scratch, scanned hard copies, or by converting digital documents. A good PDF editor should be able to transform a variety of file types—from Microsoft Office formats to images to HTML—and do so seamlessly, preserving the original formatting. It should also include OCR technology to make the PDF text searchable and editable. Likewise, a good PDF editor must be able to export PDFs into other editable formats such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, HTML, or plain text, maintaining the original files hyperlinks, images, and other elements.
Content editing
Another bit of magic that PDF editors unlock is the ability to modify text; insert, resize, and move images; and reorganize pages in the PDF. A good one will perform these tasks as easily as in a text document or slide deck, allowing in-line editing, dragging-and dropping graphics, and adding or removing hyperlinks.
Review and annotate
A good PDF editor should also let you or anyone else using it add comments and other annotations to PDF files during review. It should have tools to mark up both text documents and graphic-heavy files like webpages. Common options include sticky notes, callout boxes, highlighting, freehand drawing tools, and stamps with messages like “approved,” “revised,” and “confidential.”
Security
All businesses deal with documents containing sensitive data. Look for a PDF editor that includes security features that allow access for authorized eyes only. Good options will usually offer several levels of security, including password protection, permissions setting, and content redaction, which “blacks out” selected text and images. Most PDF editors will also offer one or more ways to electronically sign documents.
Mobile support
While deep PDF editing is best done on a desktop, it’s nice to be able to review and annotate files when you’re out and about. While PDFs can typically be reviewed in any PDF reader or editor, regardless of which one they were created in, consider looking for an editor that has a dedicated mobile app, is optimized for mobile devices, or allows cloud access to features through a mobile browser.
One of the great things about a PDF is that it can be read and edited in any PDF program regardless of which one it was created in. So beyond the features outlined here, let your personal preferences guide you in making your decision.
FAQ
1.
What is the difference between a PDF document and a PDF form?
While there are a number of different types of PDF file formats, they all fall under the umbrella term of PDF documents. A PDF form is a type of PDF document that has editable form fields a user can fill out. Typically, parts of the document are static and can’t be changed in a PDF form, such as questions in a survey or instructions about filling out the form. In a PDF form, the content fields a user fills out are open to editing and can offer a list of possible answer options or can be written in freely.
2.
Are PDF documents and Word files different?
Yes. They are two entirely different document formats. While you can export from one file format to another, they are not the same. Word file formats are usually used for word processing, editing, and making changes to text. PDF documents on the other hand, are most often utilized for viewing, sharing, and printing. Additionally, Word files are read and write and contain some version of the “.doc” file format. Whereas PDF files are typically read-only and contain the “.pdf” file format.
3.
Can you protect PDF documents from being edited by other people?
Yes. If you have a PDF document that you don’t want anyone else to edit, you can protect the file. You can do this by opening the file in Acrobat, for instance, and clicking Tools > Protect. Then you have a few options as to whether you want to simply restrict editing with a password, or if you want to encrypt the file for further safety. Once you choose how you want to protect the PDF document, you can set a password and save.
4.
Can you merge PDFs with a free PDF editor?
As a matter of fact, many free PDF editors allow you to merge two or more PDFs into one document. Such is the case with our top free pick PDF Candy. Open up the PDF editor application or website in your browser and search for the Merge option. It will then ask you to add the files of all PDFs you wish to merge. Once the files have been added, arrange the page order and alignment before proceeding with the merge. Afterwards, all of your previously PDF files will be merged into one new PDF document.
5.
Does Google have a free PDF editor?
Yes and no. Google doesn’t provide a designated free PDF editor itself, but there are third-party Chrome extensions that you can use to help get the job done. Alternatively, you can make use of Google Drive to edit a PDF document. Simply upload the document onto your Google Drive and then select the file and right-click and select Open with > Google Docs. The file will be opened as an editable Google Docs text document. Then just make your edits and when you’re finished click File > Download >PDF Document to revert it back to a PDF file.
This method is a quick and easy way to edit a simple PDF document, but be careful as Google Docs can run into formatting issues if your original document has complex visual formatting such as tables and graphs. In this case, it is best to use a designated free or premium PDF editor.
Professional Software Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 7 May (PC World)A Thunderbolt docking station for laptops is now nearly a must-have accessory, providing I/O access for legacy mice, keyboards, external drives, and more. It’s a key ingredient for a productive office, whether at work or home. And now there’s an upcoming wrinkle: Thunderbolt 5.
Why buy a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 docking station? Because of the bandwidth and power it provides. The best USB-C hubs and dongles provide legacy ports (USB-A, microSD, and others) for connecting PC peripherals like mice, printers, external hard drives, and more. But most laptops now include a Thunderbolt port. Thunderbolt docking stations serve as a powerful desktop dock, supplying enough bandwidth via the Thunderbolt port to drive a pair of 4K displays and charge your phone.
This roundup begins with the best Thunderbolt laptop docking stations, including budget and premium options. I also include my favorite DisplayLink USB-C docks — a simpler, cheaper docking station option that you should consider. At the bottom of the article are a FAQ and buying guide to help make sense of it all, including the powerful, upcoming Thunderbolt 5.
Why you should trust me: PCWorld has been testing PC hardware since the 1980s, and I’ve been a technology journalist for 30 years. I first began testing Thunderbolt docks in early 2021, and have reviewed over 35 Thunderbolt docks to date. I use input from PCWorld’s sister sites, Macworld’s Thunderbolt dock reviews and the Thunderbolt dock reviews compiled by TechAdvisor, to help inform my recommendations. My reviews of Thunderbolt docks, DisplayLink docks, and USB-C hardware are extensive, and every month I review an average of two additional docks or hubs as contenders for recommendation.
Updated May 2, 2024: My most recent review was the premium Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Quad Docking Station (TBT4-UDZ), which still pales against the comparable Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Pro Dock as well as the Kensington Thunderbolt 4 and USB Quad Docking Station (SD5800T). I don’t separate docking stations by price point, but these three are among the most expensive.
Best Thunderbolt docking stations for laptops
Plugable TBT3-UDZ Thunderbolt Dock – Best overall Thunderbolt dock
Pros
Tons of ports — so flexible!
Space-saving vertical stand
Cons
Heavy (4.1lb)
Best Prices Today:
$199.95 at Amazon$369 at Newegg
Why I like the Plugable TBT3-UDZ
Plugable’s TBT3-UDZ has at various times been my best overall and runner-up, depending on price swings. Because of the similarities between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4, there’s no harm in buying a Thunderbolt 3 dock, as the performance is the same. But (for now, anyway), the Plugable TBT3-UDZ is just a few dollars more expensive than our runner-up pick, the Kensington SD5780T, and is far more flexible in terms of what it of what it offers. Plugable’s dock simply offers much more flexibility for a comparable price.
Put simply, the TBT3-UDZ is in a class of premium docks that don’t force you to pick a particular display cable — if you own a pair of monitors with DisplayPort cables, you can plug them right in. Oh, they’re HDMI? No problem — there are two ports for those, too. Powered ports to charge a smartphone? Sure. SD and microSD slots? Of course. And a vertical stand to save space? Sign me up.
Plugable also has a reputation for bulletproof customer service, too, which goes far in helping me recommend this dock.
Who should buy the Plugable TBT3-UDZ
Our best picks are designed for everyone, but this dock offers the most value of our top two recommendations. If you have an existing display cable to connect to a monitor or two, you have everything you need. It’s a no-fuss solution.
This dock works best on a desktop, as part of a permanent docking station. We’d also recommend the TBT3-UDZ for those who want to save a bit of desk space, as that vertical stand can be slipped next to a display to save space.
Read our full
Plugable TBT3-UDZ review
Kensington Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Dock (SD5780T) – Best overall Thunderbolt dock runner-up
Pros
Solid performance
No thermal issues
Pretty solid mix of ports, including downstream Thunderbolt 4
Price cuts have helped make it more affordable
Cons
One of the more expensive docks (MSRP) we’ve tested
Rear USB-A ports deliver less power than expected
One display port, requiring an additional dongle for two displays
Best Prices Today:
$194.99 at Best Buy$277.69 at Amazon$294.99 at Lenovo
Why I like the Kensington SD5780T
One of my testing credoes is “affordable flexibility,” and I favor a dock that will fit into your existing setup. Plugable’s TBT3-UDZ, above, is about as flexible as you can get, but the Kensington SD5780T was originally substantially cheaper. Not any more, which is why I’ve elevated the TBT3-UDZ to “best pick” status.
The Kensington SD578T, however, is a solid all-around Thunderbolt 4 dock in all respects. For those who wish to use a single 4K monitor, chances are that you’ll already own an HDMI cable. The additional Thunderbolt 4 port allows you to add an additional display, but that requires the purchase of an additional cable. Still, in my tests the dock was stable (and not all are!) with a nice port selection. The dock will charge your smartphone, albeit with a USB-A port.
I really like the Anker 568 as a second runner-up, with a marvelous collection of features for an affordable price.
Who should buy the Kensington SD5780T
The SD5780T is an ideal “starter” dock, for someone who has a laptop and a single external display and might want to add more in the future. Adding a second display will require the purchase of a USB-C (Thunderbolt) to HDMI cable, which will cost an additional $20 or so. The inclusion of the SD card slot should appeal to photographers who record photo or video on those cards.
Read our full
Kensington Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Dock (SD5780T) review
Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core – Best budget Thunderbolt dock
Pros
Compact
HDMI 2.0 + DisplayPort 1.4 port covers two displays
Cons
Unlabeled USB-A ports look identical
Bus-powered
Shortish cord
Best Prices Today:
$54.98 at Amazon
Why I like the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core
Belkin’s Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core is a smartly designed “powered” Thunderbolt 3 travel dock, and an inexpensive one as well. It’s one of the most compact Thunderbolt docks that you can buy.
At a nearly square 5.2 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches, the Thunderbolt Dock Core doesn’t take up much room, and the included 8-inch Thunderbolt 3 cord provides ample length for flexibility. Ports are adequately spaced around the flat, black plastic cube, with HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports providing a stable 4K/60Hz experience to both of my 4K displays. There’s Gigabit Ethernet and a 3.5mm audio jack. Unfortunately, the USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 Type A ports aren’t labeled, but they’re there.
Amazon almost always has this dock on a big sale, so it’s an inexpensive option for most people, too.
Who should buy the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core
If you’re a traveler and don’t exactly know where you’ll end up working, Belkin’s dock is a good failsafe. I usually stick it in my bag when I’m on the road, just in case. The only real kicker that you have to watch out for it is the lack of a powered charger. That can result in some peripherals not receiving as much power as they should.
The squarish, “star” design is quite nice for working at a small hotel desk, though.
Read our full
Belkin Connect Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core review
Ugreen Revodok Pro 13-in-1 Triple Display Docking Station – Best budget Thunderbolt dock runner-up
Pros
Excellent performance
Great value for the money
Optimized build
Completely stable
Cons
Short, built-in cord
You’ll need your own power supply/charger
Requires a relatively modern laptop
Best Prices Today:
$129.99 at Amazon
Why I like the Ugreen Revodok Pro 13-in-1 Triple Display Docking Station
The only reason that this isn’t my pick for the best budget Thunderbolt docking station is because it appears to use a generic form of compression known as HBR3 (High Bit Rate 3) with DSC (Display Stream Compression), which is built into the DisplayPort spec. That’s a particular technology that is more common within recent Intel Core (and Core Ultra) laptops, but isn’t guaranteed to appear on yours. (If you own a laptop with a Thunderbolt port, though, this should work just fine.) You’ll also have to supply your own USB-C power cable.
Otherwise, this docking station has so much to offer. The price is outstanding, of course, but Ugreen’s dock is also so flexible yet so stable. Everything’s well labeled, and the dock offers DisplayPort as well as HDMI options. And it’s really quite portable, too. Just remember that charger.
Who should buy the Ugreen Revodok Pro 13-in-1 Triple Display Docking Station
It’s interesting that both of our budget picks cater to budget shoppers as well as travelers, as both are compact and relatively lightweight. But I’d really recommend this dock for those who own laptops with 13th-gen Core hardware or above. HBR3/DSC technology really doesn’t work on older systems like 11th-gen Core hardware and older PCs. If you own an AMD Ryzen laptop, too, it may be a little iffy.
Read our full
Ugreen Revodok Pro 13-in-1 Triple Display Docking Station review
Kensington Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Quad Video Docking Station (SD5800T) – Best Thunderbolt 4 dock
Pros
Rugged, well-engineered
Can sit vertically on its stand to save space
Yes, it works: Four 4K displays are possible
A surplus of ports
Cons
MSRP is really too expensive
Mislabeled USB-A charging port doesn’t deliver
Average storage performance
Best Prices Today:
$295.23 at Amazon
Why I like the Kensington Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Quad Video Docking Station (SD5800T)
I ultimately ruled out the SD5800T as a candidate for the best overall Thunderbolt dock because the price is all over the map: $379 is way too much, but Amazon’s $229.99 price makes this a bargain for what this 16-in-1 dock delivers. Like the Plugable TBT3-UDZ above, this dock features four display ports (two DisplayPort, two HDMI) with a twist — it can connect to all four displays at 4K resolution, and not just two. (Sonnet’s Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock has its own gimmick, which I considered but ruled out: an integrated M.2 storage slot.)
The dock can support four displays by using the CDC/HBR3 data compression technique mentioned elsewhere, which modern laptops include but older laptops do not. For me, this quad-display capability is a bonus, and it will handle the expected two 4K displays just fine, and at a reasonable price. About the only thing I didn’t like was that one charging port didn’t work as expected. But it has a spare, too! — and that worked as expected. This is a solid, ultra-premium dock at a good price, which is why it earns my endorsement. A vertical stand helps save space.
Who should buy the Kensington Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Quad Video Docking Station (SD5800T)
Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are basically identical, which Kensington calls out in its name. Any laptop owner could buy this dock. Nevertheless, the flexibility may be overkill for some, and only a small fraction of buyers will want to connect four separate displays to this dock. Unless you’re worried about Thunderbolt 5 (and a enthusiast buyer of the SD5800T may be) this is an investment that should hold up for several years.
Read our full
Kensington Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Quad Video Docking Station (SD5800T) review
Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma – Best Thunderbolt 4 dock runner-up
Pros
Rock-solid stability
The only (?) dock with RGB lighting
Cons
Average to slightly poor performance
Lack of dedicated display ports
A higher price tag than what rivals charge
Best Prices Today:
$279.99 at Amazon
Why I like the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma
I was surprised by how much I like this dock. Still, I agonized over this pick. OWC’s Thunderbolt Go Dock was our prior pick, and I liked its gimmick: an integrated power brick that allows it to be taken on the road, sort of. Razer’s Chroma dock also has a gimmick: its RGB. But this dock also forces you to buy extra display cables if you want to connect two 4K displays, which normally turns me off. As one of the more modern docks, with rock-solid stability, it won me over in the end, though its storage performance was middling.
The RGB lighting is fun, and optional — it can be turned off. Overall, the Chroma is the better dock, but if you don’t want to spend the extra money, consider OWC’s dock instead. Frankly, the Kensington SD5780T top pick runner-up shares a lot of the same functionality as both the OWC and the Razer docks, so price plays a factor here.
Who should buy the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma
Gamers, obviously. But even a stodgy old reporter like me likes it, because the RGB can either be fixed to a certain color or turned off entirely. And the dock surprised me with its stability and construction. You can certainly buy this dock for its blingy aesthetic, but it works just as well as a more down-to-earth alternative, too. Razer did a very nice job balancing both aspects.
Read our full
Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma review
Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt Hub (USB4-HUB3A) – Best Thunderbolt 4 hub
Pros
Incredibly compact
USB-C to HDMI adapter included
15W/60W of charging power to phones/PCs
Cons
Limited ports
Best for Thunderbolt-attached displays
Best Prices Today:
$129.95 at Amazon$189 at Newegg
Why I like the Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt Hub (USB4-HUB3A)
How does a Thunderbolt hub differ from a Thunderbolt dock? In this case, there’s less of an emphasis on legacy ports, and more of a focus on a direct connection to a display. The Mac world tends to emphasize Thunderbolt-connected displays far more than the Windows world does, so this might be a niche product for most of you. But this thing is tiny (4.75 x 2.88 x 0.5 inches) even if, unfortunately, the associated power brick isn’t.
It will send 15W of power via the Thunderbolt/USB-C connections to charge smartphones, and 60W to the host PC.
If you don’t need a big, bulky dock with multiple connections, Plugable’s 5-in-1 Hub just does the job and without any extra fuss. If your laptop needs more power than the 60W Plugable hub provides, then I would recommend the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub Pro instead.
Who should buy the Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt Hub (USB4-HUB3A)
Thunderbolt displays are prevalent in the Mac market, but this hub can be used for an emerging market of Thunderbolt/USB-C monitors. They’ll likely become more prevalent in the future.
But connecting a cable from each port on your laptop to each display is messy. You’d still like just one. The hub works as a “splitter” of sorts for the Thunderbolt connection.
Put another way, if you own a USB-C monitor, those displays tend to also have legacy ports (USB-A, USB-C) inside them, which means that a Thunderbolt dock and its cluster of ports may be redundant. This hub is a way to save a little money for the user who has a specific setup.
Read our full
Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt Hub (USB4-HUB3A) review
Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station – Best USB4 docking station
Pros
Two ports for fast-charging smartphones
Solid value
Eighteen-month warranty
Cons
Occasional instability on a second display or connected devices
Best Prices Today:
$116.99 at Amazon
Why I like the Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station
Two power ports on the front: They’re a delightful little detail that I wish other vendors would adopt as well. As you may have read elsewhere in this roundup, USB4 and Thunderbolt4 are basically identical, so you might be wondering why we’re even separating out this category. Well, if you’re a notebook owner with an AMD Ryzen chip inside, you might be looking for dedicated dock, and this is a very good one. Quite frankly, this Anker 568 is in the running for the best overall docking station.
This 11-in-1 docking station favors DisplayPort, with two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and a single HDMI 2.0 video port. The Anker 568’s distinguishing feature, however, is the pair of 10Gbps USB-C ports on the front, each supplying 30W of power as well as a separate 100W connection to the laptop. That’s quite unusual, and the two ports should fast-charge a smartphone and possibly even a tablet.
Who should buy the Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station
If you own a notebook with a Ryzen CPU inside, and you want the confidence that this dock has been tested to ensure USB4 compatibility, this is the dock for you. You’ll also want to buy it if you charge multiple phones or use high-powered peripherals, such as a high-end SSD.
I really like this dock, and I’d recommend it to about anyone. It does lack microSD and SD card slots, though, which may rule it out for photographers.
Read our full
Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station review
Plugable USB4 Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) – Best USB4 docking station runner-up
Pros
Great price and value, even at MSRP
4K120 display capabilities open up gaming possibilities
Stable performance
Excellent charging capabilities
Cons
Significant thermal issues
Storage tests across the dock were lower than average
Best Prices Today:
$199.95 at Amazon
Why I like the Plugable USB4 Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD)
Plugable’s dock claims dual 4K120 capability, which unfortunately I wasn’t able to test at the time of the review. But the dock offered a stable connection to the connected devices, with the ability to charge smartphones as well. Anker’s 568 dock edges it out in price and slightly in display flexibility, but lacks the SD card slot that the Plugable includes.
Who should buy the Plugable USB4 Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD)?
This is a general-purpose USB4 dock, which can be adopted by anyone. But it’s best suited for laptops with a Ryzen chip inside, and for photographers that need the SD card slots that the Anker 568 doesn’t provide.
Read our full
Plugable USB4 Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) review
Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock – Best Thunderbolt dock for Apple Mac users
Pros
Thunderbolt 4
19 ports
Built-in speedy SSD enclosure
100W PD
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
Best Prices Today:
$299.99 at Amazon
Why Macworld likes the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock
This recommendation comes courtesy of our colleagues at Macworld, who have compiled their own list of best Thunderbolt docking stations for the Apple Mac market. “Boasting an impressive 19 top-rated ports, Thunderbolt 4 certified, and with a bonus internal SSD storage feature, the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt SuperDock offers remarkable value for money,” Macworld concludes.
I haven’t reviewed this dock myself, but there’s an undeniable surplus of ports, and an SSD enclosure. I suspect that this particular feature may become more common over time. And it’s reasonably priced, too.
Who should buy the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock
Think of this dock as a more full-featured version of our Thunderbolt 4 hub recommendation, above. Though this recommendation is targeted at Mac users, there’s no reason that an owner of a Windows PC couldn’t buy this dock, too. If you’re trying to save space on your desk but also want an external SSD, this hybrid dock could serve both needs.
Read our full
Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock review
Best DisplayLink USB-C docks
DisplayLink USB-C docks, which I discuss in more detail in a separate article, don’t offer enough bandwidth for high-refresh rate monitors or gaming, but they work admirably well for everyday office work, including watching movies. Anecdotally, they’ve often been more stable than a Thunderbolt dock on older hardware, as sometimes Thunderbolt docks have issues “waking up” when the host laptop wakes up from standby. You can “break” the dock by pushing more and more over the connection, like streaming while copying files.
What I’d like to see in a DisplayLink USB-C docking station is a feature set that approaches a full-fledged Thunderbolt dock, but that is priced below what you’d pay for Thunderbolt performance. The current pick does just that. Some recent reviews do not appear here — for instance, StarTech’s USB-C Triple Monitor Dock fell short.
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 – Best USB-C DisplayLink dock
Pros
Terrific price and value
Excellent stability
Great display port flexibility
Support for two 4K60 displays
Cons
Have to provide your own power supply
Can warm to somewhat alarming temperatures
Mandatory software driver
A lack of naming consistency
Best Prices Today:
$139.99 at Ugreen$199.99 at Amazon
Why I liked the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
Like some of our premium Thunderbolt docks, Ugreen provides options to use either HDMI or DisplayPort to connect a display, allowing you to use your existing display cables and save some money.
Like most DisplayLink docks, this dock was unusually stable, with no flickering between displays — one of the reasons I like DisplayLink docks. Some other Thunderbolt docks offer the same flexibility to shift between monitors, but not many. Ugreen’s dock does so affordably.
Who should buy the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
If you’re not worried about hunting down the proper software driver (because Ugreen, bless them, does not make it apparent that it needs one) than I would recommend that you buy this dock. It offers many of the features of more expensive Thunderbolt docks at an affordable price.
Read our full
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 review
Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock – Best USB-C DisplayLink dock runner-up
Pros
Top-notch performance
Support for three 4K60 displays
Solid value
20W of charging power for smartphones, 100W for laptop
Exemplary documentation
Cons
Direct display connection disconnected once
Poor, glitchy intermittent audio
Best Prices Today:
$199.99 at Amazon$239.99 at Sonnet
Why I liked the Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock
Sonnet’s Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock follows the intriguing path other DisplayLink docks have blazed: The dock’s built-in compression means you can connect to three 4K displays, without penalty. And yes, it works as advertised, though with one issue that holds it back: spotty audio that really needs to be fixed. (If you use your laptop’s headphone jack, there’s no issue.)
There was a tiny bit of instability, but performance was excellent. And with 20W of charging power for your phone and 100W for your laptop, you’ll be able to power a wider range of notebook options.
Who should buy the Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock
The price differential between the Sonnet and Ugreen docks should help answer that question: The Sonnet buyer is willing to pay a little more for what is really a well-made and well-documented dock, with clear instructions. Really, without the price differential and the audio issues, this would be the top dock in the category.
Read our full
Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock review
How I test Thunderbolt docks
A separate article goes into detail about how I test Thunderbolt docks. But here’s a short synopsis.
First, I take the dock from its packaging and evaluate its construction. I measure the Thunderbolt cord length and check the dock’s physical dimensions with a ruler.
I’ll then read the manual: Does the dock need any drivers? Are there links? What does the manual say about the dock’s capabilities in terms of power and speed?
Next, I take a USB key or two and connect them to the available USB ports to determine if they have enough space to allow several to be connected at the same time. I then examine the display ports, find the appropriate cables, and then connect the dock to the laptop. I use a series of laptops with various generations of AMD and Intel hardware, and check and see if the experience is the same on each one. If it isn’t, I make notes.
I then measure the power output of the ports, using a USB multimeter, a smartphone, and a laptop to measure how much power the dock delivers to each.
Finally, I try and check to see how well the dock performs under load. I use a specific test laptop for this purpose for repeatable results. I stream a 4K60 YouTube video using the Ethernet port on the dock (if it has one) and note any dropped frames. I usually check with a pre-recorded 4K60 video running from an SSD.
I then run PCMark 10’s SSD storage benchmark off of a test SSD, connected to the dock. I measure the score, then measure the score again while streaming a video. I then copy a large, multi-gigabyte folder of various files from my laptop across the Thunderbolt bus and measure the time it takes to do so. I repeat the test while streaming video.
Finally, I check the operation and performance of any SD card slots the dock has and listen to audio through the audio jack, to make sure it works.
FAQ
1.
How do I know if my laptop has Thunderbolt?
The short answer: Look at the laptop’s published specifications to be sure. A Thunderbolt port may look indistinguishable from a USB-C port, since they both use the same physical USB-C connection. Put another way, all Thunderbolt ports are USB-C, but not all USB-C ports are Thunderbolt-equipped.
Thunderbolt ports are supposed to have a small lightning-bolt icon to identify them. But some laptop makers use a similar lightning-bolt icon to indicate that a USB-C port can be used for charging your phone, and not for Thunderbolt. Laptop makers sometimes don’t want to clutter the clean lines of their products by adding additional logos, it seems. Fortunately, most laptops now choose to highlight their Thunderbolt capabilities, so the ports should be well-marked.
You may also see USB-C hubs marketed as “Thunderbolt compatible.” That’s true. You can plug a Thunderbolt dock into a non-Thunderbolt, generic USB-C port. But it will be limited by the available bandwidth that the port provides, so it’s somewhat deceptive in that regard.
Two laptops, both with USB-C ports, and both with lightning-bolt symbols. Which laptop offers Thunderbolt? The top one, though it can be difficult to tell. Consulting the manufacturer’s specifications is your safest bet.
Two laptops, both with USB-C ports, and both with lightning-bolt symbols. Which laptop offers Thunderbolt? The top one, though it can be difficult to tell. Consulting the manufacturer’s specifications is your safest bet.IDG
Two laptops, both with USB-C ports, and both with lightning-bolt symbols. Which laptop offers Thunderbolt? The top one, though it can be difficult to tell. Consulting the manufacturer’s specifications is your safest bet.IDG
IDG
2.
I already own a USB-C dongle. Can I use it with Thunderbolt?
A 10Gbps USB-C dongle won’t replace a 40Gbps Thunderbolt dock, as there’s circuitry within the dock that allows it to work with your laptop’s high-speed Thunderbolt port. However, there’s nothing saying that you can’t connect the dongle to an available USB-C port on the Thunderbolt dock itself to add even more ports. If your laptop has two Thunderbolt ports, you can also attach a Thunderbolt dock to one port, and the dongle to the other.
That solution will add more clutter to your desk, but it might allow you to buy a cheaper, budget dock, too. It’s up to you!
3.
How fast is Thunderbolt?
Put simply, 40Gbps.
Most USB-C ports are built on the second-generation USB 3.1 data-transfer standard, which transfers data at 10Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports, the most common standard, transfer data at up to 40Gbps. Thunderbolt 4 differs very slightly in that it supports a theoretical maximum of 32Gbps for external storage devices, but you probably won’t notice the difference.
Intel is expected to unveil an 80Gbps version of Thunderbolt this year, called Thunderbolt 5, meaning that you’ll see even Thunderbolt docks with even more capabilities when devices release in 2024.
There are some exceptions, which you can largely ignore. A new USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 spec can pair two 10Gbps channels together, creating an aggregate 20Gbps hub. (This is really only for external gaming-class SSDs.) And while the vast majority of Thunderbolt 3-equipped laptops are designed with four PCIe lanes for a total of 40Gbps, some laptops only ship with two PCIe lanes for a total of 20Gbps. (A Dell support page, for example, details its four-lane and two-lane laptops.) Essentially, a 20Gbps connection should be enough for a single 4K monitor running at 60Hz, with a bit of extra bandwidth for other data transfers among connected peripherals.)
Intel’s 10th-gen and 11th-gen Core chips launched in the early days of Thunderbolt, and company representatives say that you can depend on them for 32Gbps of data, not a full 40Gbps. Intel’s 12th-gen and 13th-gen Core chips offer the most consistent Thunderbolt experience, with 40Mbps Thunderbolt 4 speeds, including 32Gbps for data transfers to and from storage devices.
4.
What’s the difference between Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5?
The short answer: Not that much! Thunderbolt 3 and 4 are functionally equivalent, transferring data at 40Gbps.
Thunderbolt 5 is the 80Gbps version, but it will be backwards compatible with both Thunderbolt 3 and 4. You won’t see it until 2024, however. (If you own a laptop with a Thunderbolt 4 port, you’ll be able to use with a Thunderbolt 5 dock, Intel says. The only wrinkle is that a Thunderbolt 4 laptops will only pass data at its rated speed of 40Gbps.)
For the sake of completeness, we’re going to detail some of the differences below. But if you’re new to this, let us reiterate: Thunderbolt 3 and 4 are basically the same, and Thunderbolt 5 won’t be an issue until 2024. Don’t sweat the details.
Think of Thunderbolt 4 as the more restrictive version of Thunderbolt 3, with less room for any gotchas.
Essentially, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 allow up to 40Gbps maximum bandwidth, enough for two 4K/60 displays. “Up to” is the key phrase: Thunderbolt 3 is only required to support a 10Gbps connection, allowing for a single external 4K display (a 16Gbps PCIe connection, paired with USB 3.2). Most manufacturers go beyond this, however, and our recommended docks support the full 40Gbps specification (and two 4K displays) unless noted. Thunderbolt 3 also supports a slower (16Gbps) PCIe connection for connecting to external storage.
Thunderbolt 3 is also the only specification (not Thunderbolt 4) that we’ve seen connecting to external GPUs, in case you’d like to try that approach.
Thunderbolt 4 doesn’t allow for any leeway—you’re getting a full-fledged 40Gbps connection (32Gbps PCIe + USB 3.2), no questions asked. For external storage, Thunderbolt 4 supports 32Gbps of data transfer—this really only matters for video, external GPU connections, or possibly games. Thunderbolt 4 supports “wake on sleep” from an external keyboard or mouse, which allows you to tap your external keyboard or wiggle your mouse to wake up your PC, which is handy. Thunderbolt 4 allows for longer cables and more Thunderbolt ports on laptops, too.
Device maker Anker has a nice summary of all of the technical features associated with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4, if you really want to get into the fine distinctions (below). What’s USB4? We address that in the next question.
Thunderbolt dock and I/O hub designer Anker provided this summary of the differences between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4.
Thunderbolt dock and I/O hub designer Anker provided this summary of the differences between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4.Anker
Thunderbolt dock and I/O hub designer Anker provided this summary of the differences between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4.Anker
Anker
5.
My laptop says it has a USB4 port, not Thunderbolt. Can I use it with a Thunderbolt dock?
Probably. USB4 ports typically appear on laptops with AMD Ryzen processors inside. USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 are compatible and functionally equivalent. (Though Thunderbolt is an open standard, Intel declines to certify non-Intel hardware. That means that Ryzen laptops end up with USB4 ports, and Intel Core laptops include Thunderbolt.)
USB4 is essentially a subset of Thunderbolt 4, mainly designed as an an I/O specification.
As a subset of Thunderbolt 4, a USB4 device will run just fine plugged into a Thunderbolt 4 port. But dock makers tell us that a Thunderbolt 4 device may not work as expected when plugged into what is specifically a USB4 port. Instead, most hubs and docks are marketed as Thunderbolt 4, while most devices (like an external SSD) are designed around USB4. (We test Thunderbolt docks on Thunderbolt laptops.) There are USB4 docks, however, which you’ll find in our list of best picks, which we’ve also tested.
USB4 Version 2 is an upcoming standard that will propel USB4 to 80Gbps, just like Thunderbolt 5. The first products will debut (at a guess) in early 2024, but the USB-IO hasn’t given us an exact timeline or the capabilities of USB4V2 docks.
Note that Thunderbolt 3 and 4 require at least 15W to power devices plugged into the Thunderbolt port, such as a bus-powered hard drive. USB4 requires just half that.
6.
What is so important about Thunderbolt 5?
Thunderbolt 5 will debut in 2024, both in laptops as well as docks and devices. Although we saw a couple of early products at CES 2024, we don’t expect devices until the second half of the year.
The Thunderbolt 5 spec pushes I/O bandwidth from 40Gbps in Thunderbolt 4 to 80Gbps in Thunderbolt 5, and even to 120Gbps in some cases. Another good way to think of Thunderbolt 5 is in the context of what it can do. Thunderbolt 4 allows enough bandwidth for two 4K displays, running at 60Hz. Thunderbolt 5 will offer enough bandwidth to connect to three 4K displays, at 144Hz apiece. That helps make Thunderbolt 5 a gaming-class technology, rather than just for office work.
Thunderbolt 5 will also allow for 64Gbps of dedicated bandwidth for storage and external GPUs, double the 32Gbps on Thunderbolt 4.
Finally, there’s power. Thunderbolt 5 will provide up to 240W (140W required) of charging power for your laptop. Most laptops require 65W to 90W today, but gaming laptops require more. All this means is that a Thunderbolt 5 dock will potentially eliminate the need to carry a gaming laptop’s charger around. (It won’t be in all cases, but some.)
7.
What cable should I use with a Thunderbolt dock?
Virtually every Thunderbolt dock will ship with its own cable. We’d recommend that you use Thunderbolt 3 cables with Thunderbolt 3 products, and Thunderbolt 4 cables with Thunderbolt 4 products. Ditto for Thunderbolt 5, when it ships in 2024.
8.
My Thunderbolt docking station has Thunderbolt connections, but I need to connect it to my monitor. How can I connect a Thunderbolt dock to my HDMI display?
You’ll need a special USB-C to HDMI cable, rated for Thunderbolt speeds. I recommend and have purchased this Uni Thunderbolt to HDMI cable from Amazon, which is about $16. You can find cheaper options, but make sure they’re rated for either Thunderbolt or a 4K@60Hz display.
9.
What differentiates a DisplayLink USB-C docking station from a Thunderbolt dock?
A DisplayLink USB-C docking station is a new category of docking station. They’re often marketed just as a USB-C docking station, unfortunately, though the DisplayLink logo features prominently on the box. The key here is that the DisplayLink technology (now owned by Synaptics) uses data compression between your PC and the dock to approximate a Thunderbolt experience (a pair of 4K displays at 60Hz, plus additional peripherals) across the narrower, slower USB-C bus. You’ll need to install a software driver for your PC to communicate with the DisplayLink chip built into the dock.
The advantage here is twofold. First, DisplayLink allows you to “cheat” and get a Thunderbolt dock experience on an older laptop. Alternatively, even if you do own a laptop with a Thunderbolt port, you may be able to find a DisplayLink USB-C dock for a cheaper price than Thunderbolt. This is a viable solution, especially if you don’t mind not playing PC games.
Our separate story on DisplayLink docks has more.
10.
What is HBR3 with DSC?
We’re starting to see some USB-C docking stations take advantage of another technology: HBR3 (High Bit Rate 3) with DSC (Display Stream Compression). Think of it as the industry-standard, manufacturer-agnostic version of DisplayLink. It works over the USB-C port, and again provides a dual 4K60 display experience.
The problem? It’s wonky. We’ve found that support for the technology was very iffy in 11th-gen hardware, and really seems to work consistently in 12th-gen or 13th-gen Core laptops (and above, when they ship). While we can’t really recommend it right now, we’re keeping an eye on it.
11.
Can I use an external graphics card (eGPU) with Thunderbolt?
Yes, you can. Certain manufacturers (Razer is one, though there are others) have built enclosures that can house a standard desktop graphics card, connected to your laptop via a Thunderbolt cable. Although a mobile gaming laptop with an external GPU does a good job enabling mobile gaming, a desktop GPU does even better. Thunderbolt simply connects the two.
However, we would recommend using a Thunderbolt 3 dock instead, or wait until Thunderbolt 5. How can you hook up an external GPU to your laptop via Thunderbolt? Our story has more.
12.
The only eGPUs I’ve seen with Thunderbolt use Thunderbolt 3, not Thunderbolt 4. Why is that?
According to a representative for Razer, the differences between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 were too small. “When we release any product, we only do so when there can be a material advantage over the previous generation,” we were told.
Since Thunderbolt 4 was backwards compatible and functionally equivalent to Thunderbolt 3, Razer simply declined to invest in the production and testing of a Thunderbolt 4 eGPU. We presume other manufacturers followed suit.
The vast majority of Thunderbolt docks should include a Thunderbolt cable like this one, which indicates that it’s specified for Thunderbolt 3.
The vast majority of Thunderbolt docks should include a Thunderbolt cable like this one, which indicates that it’s specified for Thunderbolt 3.IDG
The vast majority of Thunderbolt docks should include a Thunderbolt cable like this one, which indicates that it’s specified for Thunderbolt 3.IDG
IDG
Buying Guide: What to look for in a Thunderbolt dock
Ports, cables, peripherals: Those are the three major considerations when buying a Thunderbolt dock.
We’re beginning to see the Thunderbolt dock market break down in a few different ways. First, there’s the budget versus full-featured docks we’ve highlighted above. But you also may see something similar to the USB hubs of old: Devices that take Thunderbolt in and then provide several USB-C (including Thunderbolt) ports out. There are a small number of displays with Thunderbolt inputs, which can be plugged directly into these hubs. Do you have an existing cheap USB-C dongle? You can certainly plug that in into a Thunderbolt dock and add even more I/O functionality.
Basically, consider what you’ll want to plug into the dock as a guide for buying one. We prefer devices with ports built in (such as HDMI, USB-A, and so on) as the USB-C device ecosystem is still in its infancy. But ask yourself some questions. Do you want a basic Thunderbolt dock, with just a pair of HDMI ports for connecting two displays? Does an SD card slot matter? How many USB Type A peripherals do you plan to attach? Do you want to use the Thunderbolt cable to charge your laptop, too?
Cables can be an unexpectedly important consideration, too. Virtually every dock ships with a Thunderbolt cable. But consider the displays you own (typically HDMI or DisplayPort) and consider whether the dock will accommodate them.
Check your laptop’s power supply. Does it plug into your laptop via USB-C? If so, a Thunderbolt dock will likely power it. You’ll need to understand how the dock supplies power, though. Check your laptop’s charger to learn how much power it supplies, and how much the dock will need to supply to replace it. If your laptop or devices aren’t receiving enough power, you may see a warning pop up.
A “bus-powered” dock won’t come with an external charger in the package, saving some cost, space, and power concerns. A dock with “power delivery” will supply its own power and charge your laptop and/or a phone via your laptop’s existing USB-C charger. (Chances are that it won’t offer the quick-charging capabilities premium smartphones offer, though.) The more power your dock supplies, the greater the ability to charge your laptop and any bus-powered devices. This is a gotcha most people don’t think about, so if you plan to connect several bus-powered hard drives or SSDs, buy a dock with a hefty power supply. (USB keys, on the other hand, require tiny amounts of power. Don’t worry about these.)
Powered Thunderbolt docks, especially those that power your laptop, can ship with some pretty sizeable power bricks.
Powered Thunderbolt docks, especially those that power your laptop, can ship with some pretty sizeable power bricks.
Mark Hachman / IDG
Powered Thunderbolt docks, especially those that power your laptop, can ship with some pretty sizeable power bricks.
Mark Hachman / IDG
Mark Hachman / IDG
There’s one more consideration: the length of the Thunderbolt cable between your laptop and the dock itself. You may have noticed or heard about USB-C ports wearing out on smartphones; a loose or wobbly connector on a Thunderbolt dock can cause a monitor to unexpectedly flicker or lose connection. Consider how much tension will be put on a cable. A Thunderbolt dock that’s dangling from a Thunderbolt port will stress the physical connector. You don’t want that!
We’re starting to see some docks with an SSD enclosure inside. It’s possible that this will become more of a viable product over time, but for now it’s still niche.
If you’re a Mac user who has stumbled across this article, welcome. But please be aware that early Apple MacBook Pros powered by Intel silicon supported up to two 4K displays. The first MacBook Pros powered by the Apple M1 chip only support a single 4K display. Many Mac users have recently left negative reviews on Thunderbolt docks on shopping sites because of this. Buy a PC!
Computer Accessories, Docks and Hubs, Laptop Accessories Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | Stuff.co.nz - 7 May (Stuff.co.nz)Inspired by technology’s ubiquity and the importance of having a yarn, the brothers behind the Taranaki four-piece reckon all members get a say when they are recording music. Read...Newslink ©2024 to Stuff.co.nz | |
| | | BBCWorld - 6 May (BBCWorld)The firm`s boss says extra lanes and technology means changes starting in October will go smoothly. Read...Newslink ©2024 to BBCWorld | |
| | | ITBrief - 6 May (ITBrief)Aspen Technology has launched its AspenTech Strategic Planning for Sustainability Pathways, an innovative model created to assist carbon capture utilisation and decision-making in sustainability strategies. Read...Newslink ©2024 to ITBrief | |
| | |
|
|
| Top Stories |
RUGBY
Golfer Xander Schauffele has won his maiden major, securing the PGA Championship by one stroke after finishing at 21-under par overall More...
|
BUSINESS
Hopes business can be kept separate from geopolitics at today's China Business Summit in Auckland More...
|
|
| Today's News |
| News Search |
|
|