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  • Echelon kills smart home gym equipment offline capabilities with update

    Echelon kills smart home gym equipment offline capabilities with update

    July 25, 2025
    Hardware

    A firmware update has killed key functionality for Echelon smart home gym equipment that isn’t connected to the Internet.

    As explained in a Tuesday blog post by Roberto Viola, who develops the “QZ (qdomyos-zwift)” app that connects Echelon machines to third-party fitness platforms, like Peloton, Strava, and Apple HealthKit, the firmware update forces Echelon machines to connect to Echelon’s servers in order to work properly. A user online reported that as a result of updating his machine, it is no longer syncing with apps like QZ, and he is unable to view his machine’s exercise metrics in the Echelon app without an Internet connection.

    Affected Echelon machines reportedly only have full functionality, including the ability to share real-time metrics, if a user has the Echelon app active and if the machine is able to reach Echelon’s servers. Viola wrote:

    Read full article

    Comments


    Source: Ars Technica.

  • OpenAI’s most capable AI model, GPT-5, may be coming in August

    OpenAI’s most capable AI model, GPT-5, may be coming in August

    July 25, 2025
    Hardware

    On Thursday, The Verge reported that OpenAI is preparing to launch GPT-5 as early as August, according to sources familiar with the company’s plans. The report comes five months after CEO Sam Altman first laid out a roadmap for the next-generation AI model that would unify the company’s various AI capabilities. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed in a post on X last week that the company plans to release GPT-5 “soon.”

    According to The Verge’s Tom Warren, Microsoft engineers began preparing server capacity for GPT-5 as early as late May, but testing and development challenges pushed the timeline back. During an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast this week, Altman demonstrated the model’s capabilities by having it answer a question he couldn’t. “I put it in the model, this is GPT-5, and it answered it perfectly,” Altman said, saying it gave him a “weird feeling” to see the AI model answer a question that he couldn’t.

    GPT-5 has been a highly anticipated release since the launch of GPT-4 in March 2023. In fact, we first wrote about rumors of GPT-5’s launch in March 2024, but it appears that GPT-5 did not materialize last year because the company saved the “GPT-5” name for a future release.

    Read full article

    Comments


    Source: Ars Technica.

  • Google gets its swag back

    Google gets its swag back

    July 25, 2025
    Hardware

    This week, I take a look at the surprisingly strong state of Google, Meta gets a new chief AI researcher, and more. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out this week’s Decoder episode about deepfakes and where they are headed.

    Also, do you use an AI coding tool like Cursor or GitHub Copilot? I’d love to know what works and what doesn’t…


    “I think we are doing very well through this moment”

    After spending time with Google executives during the company’s I/O conference in May, it was clear that they were feeling confident. Now, I’m beginning to see why.

    ChatGPT is not making Google Search obsolete. If anything, AI is making Google st …

    Read the full story at The Verge.


    Source: The Verge.

  • Among Andalusian Vineyards, a Vivid Carpet Creates a Space for Gathering

    Among Andalusian Vineyards, a Vivid Carpet Creates a Space for Gathering

    July 25, 2025
    Design

    Among Andalusian Vineyards, a Vivid Carpet Creates a Space for Gathering

    Nestled among the vineyards of Andalusia, a bold intervention creates a space for gathering in the small village of Montemayor. “Pasera” is the latest addition to Javier de Riba’s ongoing Floors series, a project focused on reclaiming small plots of land as communal sites.

    “Pasera” refers to the fields where grapes shrivel up into raisins, producing the exceptionally sweet Pedro Ximénez-style dessert sherry typical throughout the region. Mimicking a patterned carpet, de Riba’s mural is a vibrant motif of burgundy and soft yellow, a nod to the fruits that surround it.

    a detail of a red and yellow patterned rug with a person walking on it

    The local community held a breakfast to inaugurate the new work, which the artist notes is an important part of instilling pride and ownership over the space. “As the feeling of home is a feeling that is created, and it fades if not taken care of, now it depends on its use and care to ensure that this meeting place remains alive,” he adds.

    De Riba offers prints and picnic blankets featuring his unique motifs in his shop. Find much more on his website and Instagram.

    a detail of a red and yellow patterned rug
    an aerial view of people gathering on a red and yellow mural
    an artist working on a red and yellow patterned rug in a vineyard
    an aerial view of an artist working on a red and yellow patterned rug in a vineyard

    Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Among Andalusian Vineyards, a Vivid Carpet Creates a Space for Gathering appeared first on Colossal.


    Source: Colossal.

  • Comcast’s fix for streaming service overload is in your cable box

    Comcast’s fix for streaming service overload is in your cable box

    July 25, 2025
    Hardware
    An image of StreamStore

    Streaming has become a tangled web of subscriptions, and now Comcast says it can help by putting all your services into one hub. Comcast is launching a new hub on its set-top boxes, called the StreamStore, where you can buy and manage subscriptions for more than 450 streaming apps and channels.

    The StreamStore lives within Xfinity’s Xumo Stream Box and on X1 devices. It’s also available on the web, and features a collection of more than 200,000 movies and TV shows to rent or purchase. Xfinity will let you add or drop channels through the store, while tacking on new subscriptions to your monthly internet or TV bill, further positioning the company as a sort of streaming broker. 

    Other cable / telecom companies like Verizon have tried to step in as a digital subscription service middleman, though Comcast is taking things a step further by putting this hub on your TV. But is streaming really messy enough that you need Comcast to manage it?

    Some services included in the StreamStore include Netflix, Peacock, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, Hulu, Apple TV Plus, HBO Max, and over 100 “niche” streaming subscriptions, according to LightReading. Xfinity already offers its own StreamSaver bundle, which includes a subscription to Apple TV Plus, Netflix with ads, and Peacock’s ad-supported plan for $15 per month.

    The bundle is, of course, available through the StreamStore, and Xfinity says it plans on bringing new streaming bundles, apps, and “enhanced subscription management and activation capabilities” to the hub in the future.

    (Disclosure: Comcast is an investor in Vox Media, The Verge’s parent company.)


    Source: The Verge.

  • Tea app suffers breach, exposing thousands of user images

    July 25, 2025
    Hardware

    Tea, an app that claims to help women “make sure your date is safe, not a catfish and not in a relationship,” is experiencing a security breach. 404 Media reports that a database posted on 4chan allowed anyone to access users’ data. (It’s since been removed.) The dataset included thousands of images, including driver’s licenses.

    4chan users claimed the data came from an exposed database hosted on Firebase, Google’s app development platform. 404 Media verified that the exposed storage bucket URL matches one found in Tea’s Android app.

    The company confirmed the breach. In a statement to 404 Media, Tea said it “identified unauthorized access to one of our systems and immediately launched a full investigation to assess the scope and impact.” The company stated that the exposed information included data from over two years ago. It included 72,000 images, including selfies, photo IDs and pictures from app posts and DMs.

    “This data was originally stored in compliance with law enforcement requirements related to cyber-bullying prevention,” Tea said. “We have engaged third-party cybersecurity experts and are working around the clock to secure our systems. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that current or additional user data was affected. Protecting our users’ privacy and data is our highest priority. We are taking every necessary step to ensure the security of our platform and prevent further exposure.”

    Screenshot from the Tea app, showing a reverse phone number lookup. It includes the person's name, relationship status, age, address, and social profiles.
    Google Play Store

    The app allows users to post photos of “red-flag” men. “Already swiping for dates on Tinder, Bumble, Match or Hinge?” the app’s Play Store pitch reads. “Tea is a must-have app, helping women avoid red flags before the first date with dating advice and showing them who’s really behind the profile of the person they’re dating.”

     Its Play Store listing highlights a reverse phone number lookup. It has sections for men’s real names, ages, addresses, social profiles and relationship statuses. Other features include a reverse image search and background checks to help women “get the tea on your date.” Users can poll others about whether they should date new matches.

    The app requires new users to submit a verification selfie and a photo of their government-issued ID. Tea told 404 Media that it uses this to verify that new signups are indeed women.

    The timing of the breach coincided with the app’s surge in popularity. According to Business Insider, Tea hit the top of Apple’s App Store this week. The app first launched in 2023.

    This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/tea-app-suffers-breach-exposing-thousands-of-user-images-190731414.html?src=rss


    Source: Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics.

  • Hacker plants three strains of malware in a Steam Early Access game called Chemia — security company found crypto-jacking infostealers and a backdoor to install yet more malware in the future

    Hacker plants three strains of malware in a Steam Early Access game called Chemia — security company found crypto-jacking infostealers and a backdoor to install yet more malware in the future

    July 25, 2025
    Hardware

    Sometimes getting more than what you asked for is nice. Finding cash in a jacket you haven’t worn in a while, getting an extra chicken nugget at the drive-thru, discovering a hidden track on an album — those are all pleasant surprises. This one isn’t: A cyber threat intelligence firm called Prodaft revealed that “Chemia,” a game previously available via Steam’s Early Access program, shipped with three strains of malware.

    “Chemia” was described on its Steam page as “a gripping survival crafting game set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic natural disaster,” which requires players to “gather resources, craft vital equipment, and navigate this hazardous world if [they] hope to survive.” The game wasn’t publicly available—Steam users had to request access to the playtest—which makes the fact that it contained malware seem even sleazier.

    Prodaft said that “Chemia” shipped with the Fickle Stealer, Vidar Stealer, and HijackLoader malware. The first two are infostealers that look to compromise a victim’s cryptocurrency wallets as well as user data from web browsers, password managers, and other apps; the last can be used to deploy other malware in the future.

    Did you play Chemia on Steam? 🎮 Then you should be worried.LARVA-208’s modification of the game to distribute Fickle Stealer, HijackLoader and Vidar demonstrates a concerning trend.➡️Check the IOCs now: https://t.co/heavBpufeD #threatintel #cybersecurity #malware #IOC pic.twitter.com/epfckhIohCJuly 23, 2025

    “Chemia” was still available on Steam the morning of July 25, two days after Prodaft shared its findings, but it was removed sometime during the process of writing this post. The developer was listed as Aether Forge Studios, but I couldn’t find any websites, social media profiles, or other online references bearing that name with specific references to “Chemia.”

    This incident should serve as a helpful reminder not to assume that software is safe simply because it’s distributed through a trusted platform like Steam—especially if it’s being offered by an unknown developer that otherwise doesn’t seem to exist. (Especially if the same name is being used by other groups that don’t have clear ties to the game.)

    Prodaft shared indicators of compromise (IOCs) related to the versions of Fickle Stealer, Vidar Stealer, and HijackLoader that were embedded in “Chemia” on GitHub. The company included these IOCs as part of a broader collection of materials related to the activity of a group called EncryptHub that has been carrying out “highly sophisticated spear-phishing attacks” since at least June 26, 2024.

    Follow Tom’s Hardware on Google News to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.

    Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom’s Hardware Newsletter

    Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.


    Source: Latest from Tom’s Hardware.

  • Join Our Next Livestream: Inside Katie Drummond’s Viral Interview With Bryan Johnson

    Join Our Next Livestream: Inside Katie Drummond’s Viral Interview With Bryan Johnson

    July 25, 2025
    Technology
    • In your inbox: Five new newsletters by deeply sourced experts

    • Interview: Bryan Johnson is going to die

    • Big Story: The enshittification of American power

    • This is DOGE 2.0

    • Special Edition: Are we healthy yet?


    Source: Wired.

  • Tested! The best gaming laptops under $1,000 in 2025

    Tested! The best gaming laptops under $1,000 in 2025

    July 25, 2025
    Hardware

    Hunting for a solid gaming laptop that won’t totally destroy your wallet? We got our hands on a bunch of models under $1,000 and a few of them seriously over-delivered. Whether you’re after buttery smooth gameplay, a laptop that won’t weigh you down, or just enough ports to hook up your whole setup, there’s something here for just about every kind of gamer.

    Acer Nitro V 16 - Best overall

    Pros

    • Good performance
    • Competitive price
    • Dedicated button for quick performance mode switching
    • Fast 165Hz display with good colors

    Cons

    • Fully plastic build
    • Mushy keyboard
    • Weak battery life

    Best Prices Today:

    Retailer
    Price

    Check

    Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

    Product
    Price

    Price comparison from Backmarket

    Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 16?

    If you want a gaming laptop under $1,000 that actually performs well, the Acer Nitro V 16 is a top pick. It gets the important stuff right like respectable performance thanks to its eight-core Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and RTX 4060 GPU. The best part is that it won’t drain your wallet!

    Games like Fortnite or Apex look pretty darn good on the 16-inch 1920×1200 IPS display, too. The picture is sharp and buttery-smooth thanks to the 165Hz refresh rate.

    Acer Nitro V 16: Further considerations

    The Nitro V 16 is pretty close to a full package. The screen’s great and the graphics are respectable. But like most gaming laptops, you’ll want to keep it plugged in for serious gaming. The battery’s decent, but don’t count on all-day play without the charger nearby.

    Read our full Acer Nitro V 16 review

    MSI Thin GF63 (2023) – Most portable

    MSI Thin GF63 (2023) - Most portable

    Pros

    • Good 1080p gaming
    • Attractive backlighting
    • Rugged build

    Cons

    • Not the most color-accurate screen

    Best Prices Today:

    Retailer
    Price

    $940
    View Deal

    Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

    Product
    Price

    Price comparison from Backmarket

    Who should buy the MSI Thin GF63?

    If you want a gaming laptop that won’t kill your back or your wallet, the MSI Thin GF63 could be your new go-to. It’s just over 4 pounds—which is kind of crazy for a 15.6-inch screen. Inside, it’s packing an Intel Core i5 and an RTX 4050, so it can run most games at 1080p no problem. And with a 144Hz refresh rate, everything feels nice and smooth, whether you’re playing a shooter game or just scrolling through memes.

    MSI Thin GF63: Further considerations

    The GF63 is light and packs a decent punch, but it’s not perfect. The battery life? Let’s just say you’ll want to keep that charger close if you’re gaming or doing anything heavy. And the build quality is on the budget end—there’s a bit of flex in the body and the keyboard’s nothing to write home about. Still, for the price, it’s a pretty sound deal.

    Read our full MSI Thin GF63 (2023) review

    Acer Nitro V 15 – Best connectivity

    Acer Nitro V 15 - Best connectivity

    Pros

    • Good build quality
    • Loads of connectivity options
    • Good gaming performance

    Cons

    • Mediocre display
    • Small amount of RAM

    Best Prices Today:

    Retailer
    Price

    Check

    Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

    Product
    Price

    Price comparison from Backmarket

    Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 15?

    If you absolutely love your accessories (no shade here — I love using my gaming headset), then you’ll definitely want to check out the Acer Nitro V 15. You’ll find three USB-A ports, a USB-C, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and even a 3.5mm audio jack. This is great if you prefer using an external mouse, keyboard, monitor, and so on. It’s got powerful hardware underneath the hood, too.

    Inside it has an Intel Core i5-13420H processor and an RTX 4050 graphics card, which is an awesome combination for fluid 1080p gaming. It’s not going to run the next big game in 4K on ultra, but you can expect respectable frame rates on medium or high.

    Acer Nitro V 15: Further considerations

    The standout here is the connectivity, there’s no doubt about that. However, the base model comes with just 8GB of RAM, so multitasking might start looking a little sluggish if you’ve got too many tabs open. The 15.6-inch IPS 1920×1080 gets the job done, sure, but it’s not an OLED panel that produces richer-looking colors and deep contrast.

    Read our full Acer Nitro V 15 review

    Other products tested

    If you’re on a budget under $1,000, these gaming laptops didn’t make the top pick list, but are still pretty awesome. The Dell G15 and Lenovo LOQ 15 both deliver reliable performance for casual gaming without emptying your wallet. They might not have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, but they get the job done and keep things smooth enough to enjoy your favorite games without fuss.

    How we test gaming laptops

    The PCWorld team puts each and every Windows laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Chromebooks, on the other hand, go through a series of web-based tests.

    For a much deeper look at our review methodology, check out how PCWorld tests laptops.

    Why should you trust PCWorld for laptop reviews and buying advice

    It’s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We’re also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.

    Who curated this article?

    Hi, I’m Ashley Biancuzzo, and I oversee all laptop and Chromebook coverage at PCWorld. While you’ll see me review Chromebooks on occasion, I’m also really into the broader world of consumer tech. I spend a lot of time writing and thinking about where laptops are headed–from AI and sustainable designs to long-term trends. When I’m not deep in the world of tech, you’ll probably find me gaming, getting lost in a good book, or chilling with my rescue greyhound, Allen.

    How to choose the best gaming laptop under $1,000

    The first question you should ask yourself is this: What type of games are you into? Do you like relaxing games like Stardew Valley? Or are you pushing pixels in Cyberpunk 2077? Maybe you also need something that can handle school or work. The good news is you can get a great machine for under $1,000; you just have to be smart about where your money goes.

    GPU (graphics card)

    The GPU’s like the gaming laptop’s heart—it powers all the graphics. You usually can’t upgrade it, so make sure you pick one strong enough for your games.

    • RTX 4050 – Good for 1080p gaming on Medium to High settings.
    • RTX 4060 – Even better. Smooth gameplay on High or Ultra settings.
    • RTX 3060 – Older, but still handles 1080p like a champ.
    • RTX 3070 / 3070 Ti – Rare under $1,000, but a steal if you can snag one.
    • RTX 3050 / 3050 Ti – A step up from entry-level, but starting to show their age.
    • GTX 1650 – Very basic. Okay for older or lighter games, but not great for anything demanding.

    CPU (processor)

    If the GPU is the beating heart, then the CPU is most definitely the brain, as it’s responsible for the decision making. The CPU also isn’t typically upgradeable, so it’s worth getting one that’ll hold up over time. When comparing options, go for the chip with newer architecture or higher boost clock speeds, as it’ll usually offer better long-term performance.

    • Spring for at least an Intel 13th- or 14th-gen Core i5/i7 or an AMD Ryzen 7000 series chip.
    • Newer Ryzen models with RDNA 3 integrated graphics (like the 7840HS or 8845HS) are great if you’re skipping a dedicated GPU.
    • More cores and threads help with multitasking, streaming, and heavier games.

    AMD’s latest Ryzen AI chips (part of the Strix Point and Hawk Point families) bring a few extra perks:

    • Offers strong multi-core performance, ideal for more demanding workloads.
    • NPUs (Neural Processing Units) are designed to exclusively handle AI-related tasks like background effects. The offloading of those tasks from the CPU and GPU helps to improve overall performance.

    RAM

    • 8GB is the minimum, but 16GB is ideal and usually worth the upgrade.
    • RAM is often upgradable later, but not always, so check before you buy.

    Storage

    • Aim for at least 512GB SSD.
    • SSD also load games faster and many laptops let you add more storage later.

    Display

    • Most budget gaming laptops come with 1080p screens, usually 60Hz or 144Hz.
    • 144Hz is preferred for smoother gameplay.
    • If the built-in screen is dim or lacks color punch, an external monitor is always an option.

    Battery life

    • Gaming laptops aren’t known for marathon battery life.
    • Expect four to six hours tops.
    • They’re heavier too due to all that cooling hardware.

    FAQ


    1.

    What is the best gaming laptop under $1,000?

    If you’re after the best gaming laptop under $1,000, the Acer Nitro V 16 is a good choice, offering smooth performance, a sharp 16-inch 165Hz screen, and an RTX 4060 GPU that handles modern games without breaking the bank.

    2.

    What’s the difference between a gaming laptop and a regular laptop?

    A gaming laptop is basically a regular laptop on steroids. It’s built with stronger graphics, faster processors, and better cooling to handle intense games, while a regular laptop is more for everyday stuff like browsing and work. So, gaming laptops can run games smoothly, but regular ones usually can’t keep up.

    3.

    When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

    The best time to grab a gaming laptop is during big sales like Black Friday or back-to-school deals when prices drop and you can score some sweet discounts.

    4.

    Can Chromebooks handle gaming?

    Chromebooks can handle web games and Android apps just fine, but AAA titles? Uh, not really. At least not locally. However, cloud gaming lets you play those AAA titles on a Chromebook via a streaming service. You’ve got to sign up for a streaming service like GeForce Now to play those types of games, though.

    5.

    Can you play games on integrated graphics?

    You totally can! Intel Iris Xe and AMD RDNA 3 can handle newer games at 1080p on low settings pretty smoothly.

    6.

    What’s the best laptop size for gaming?

    If you’re always on-the-go, spring for a lighter 13- or 14-inch. If you plan on keeping your laptop most of the time, 15- or 17-inch laptops give you more power and a larger screen—just a bit heavier. Easy!

    Related content

    • PCWorld laptop reviews
    • The gaming laptop I’m drooling for has no GPU (and it’s not a laptop)
    • 5 unusual PC gaming accessories you need to know about
    • Optimize your gaming laptop with these must-have programs
    • Sick of your gaming laptop’s awful battery life? Here’s how to extend it
    • How to lower your ping and latency in competitive online games
    • How to prevent Windows Defender from ruining your gaming performance
    • 7 settings every PC gamer should tweak immediately


    Source: PCWorld.

  • Tested! The best gaming laptops under $1,000 in 2025

    Tested! The best gaming laptops under $1,000 in 2025

    July 25, 2025
    Hardware

    Hunting for a solid gaming laptop that won’t totally destroy your wallet? We got our hands on a bunch of models under $1,000 and a few of them seriously over-delivered. Whether you’re after buttery smooth gameplay, a laptop that won’t weigh you down, or just enough ports to hook up your whole setup, there’s something here for just about every kind of gamer.

    Acer Nitro V 16 - Best overall

    Pros

    • Good performance
    • Competitive price
    • Dedicated button for quick performance mode switching
    • Fast 165Hz display with good colors

    Cons

    • Fully plastic build
    • Mushy keyboard
    • Weak battery life

    Best Prices Today:

    Retailer
    Price

    Check

    Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

    Product
    Price

    Price comparison from Backmarket

    Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 16?

    If you want a gaming laptop under $1,000 that actually performs well, the Acer Nitro V 16 is a top pick. It gets the important stuff right like respectable performance thanks to its eight-core Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and RTX 4060 GPU. The best part is that it won’t drain your wallet!

    Games like Fortnite or Apex look pretty darn good on the 16-inch 1920×1200 IPS display, too. The picture is sharp and buttery-smooth thanks to the 165Hz refresh rate.

    Acer Nitro V 16: Further considerations

    The Nitro V 16 is pretty close to a full package. The screen’s great and the graphics are respectable. But like most gaming laptops, you’ll want to keep it plugged in for serious gaming. The battery’s decent, but don’t count on all-day play without the charger nearby.

    Read our full Acer Nitro V 16 review

    MSI Thin GF63 (2023) – Most portable

    MSI Thin GF63 (2023) - Most portable

    Pros

    • Good 1080p gaming
    • Attractive backlighting
    • Rugged build

    Cons

    • Not the most color-accurate screen

    Best Prices Today:

    Retailer
    Price

    $940
    View Deal

    Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

    Product
    Price

    Price comparison from Backmarket

    Who should buy the MSI Thin GF63?

    If you want a gaming laptop that won’t kill your back or your wallet, the MSI Thin GF63 could be your new go-to. It’s just over 4 pounds—which is kind of crazy for a 15.6-inch screen. Inside, it’s packing an Intel Core i5 and an RTX 4050, so it can run most games at 1080p no problem. And with a 144Hz refresh rate, everything feels nice and smooth, whether you’re playing a shooter game or just scrolling through memes.

    MSI Thin GF63: Further considerations

    The GF63 is light and packs a decent punch, but it’s not perfect. The battery life? Let’s just say you’ll want to keep that charger close if you’re gaming or doing anything heavy. And the build quality is on the budget end—there’s a bit of flex in the body and the keyboard’s nothing to write home about. Still, for the price, it’s a pretty sound deal.

    Read our full MSI Thin GF63 (2023) review

    Acer Nitro V 15 – Best connectivity

    Acer Nitro V 15 - Best connectivity

    Pros

    • Good build quality
    • Loads of connectivity options
    • Good gaming performance

    Cons

    • Mediocre display
    • Small amount of RAM

    Best Prices Today:

    Retailer
    Price

    Check

    Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

    Product
    Price

    Price comparison from Backmarket

    Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 15?

    If you absolutely love your accessories (no shade here — I love using my gaming headset), then you’ll definitely want to check out the Acer Nitro V 15. You’ll find three USB-A ports, a USB-C, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and even a 3.5mm audio jack. This is great if you prefer using an external mouse, keyboard, monitor, and so on. It’s got powerful hardware underneath the hood, too.

    Inside it has an Intel Core i5-13420H processor and an RTX 4050 graphics card, which is an awesome combination for fluid 1080p gaming. It’s not going to run the next big game in 4K on ultra, but you can expect respectable frame rates on medium or high.

    Acer Nitro V 15: Further considerations

    The standout here is the connectivity, there’s no doubt about that. However, the base model comes with just 8GB of RAM, so multitasking might start looking a little sluggish if you’ve got too many tabs open. The 15.6-inch IPS 1920×1080 gets the job done, sure, but it’s not an OLED panel that produces richer-looking colors and deep contrast.

    Read our full Acer Nitro V 15 review

    Other products tested

    If you’re on a budget under $1,000, these gaming laptops didn’t make the top pick list, but are still pretty awesome. The Dell G15 and Lenovo LOQ 15 both deliver reliable performance for casual gaming without emptying your wallet. They might not have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, but they get the job done and keep things smooth enough to enjoy your favorite games without fuss.

    How we test gaming laptops

    The PCWorld team puts each and every Windows laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Chromebooks, on the other hand, go through a series of web-based tests.

    For a much deeper look at our review methodology, check out how PCWorld tests laptops.

    Why should you trust PCWorld for laptop reviews and buying advice

    It’s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We’re also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.

    Who curated this article?

    Hi, I’m Ashley Biancuzzo, and I oversee all laptop and Chromebook coverage at PCWorld. While you’ll see me review Chromebooks on occasion, I’m also really into the broader world of consumer tech. I spend a lot of time writing and thinking about where laptops are headed–from AI and sustainable designs to long-term trends. When I’m not deep in the world of tech, you’ll probably find me gaming, getting lost in a good book, or chilling with my rescue greyhound, Allen.

    How to choose the best gaming laptop under $1,000

    The first question you should ask yourself is this: What type of games are you into? Do you like relaxing games like Stardew Valley? Or are you pushing pixels in Cyberpunk 2077? Maybe you also need something that can handle school or work. The good news is you can get a great machine for under $1,000; you just have to be smart about where your money goes.

    GPU (graphics card)

    The GPU’s like the gaming laptop’s heart—it powers all the graphics. You usually can’t upgrade it, so make sure you pick one strong enough for your games.

    • RTX 4050 – Good for 1080p gaming on Medium to High settings.
    • RTX 4060 – Even better. Smooth gameplay on High or Ultra settings.
    • RTX 3060 – Older, but still handles 1080p like a champ.
    • RTX 3070 / 3070 Ti – Rare under $1,000, but a steal if you can snag one.
    • RTX 3050 / 3050 Ti – A step up from entry-level, but starting to show their age.
    • GTX 1650 – Very basic. Okay for older or lighter games, but not great for anything demanding.

    CPU (processor)

    If the GPU is the beating heart, then the CPU is most definitely the brain, as it’s responsible for the decision making. The CPU also isn’t typically upgradeable, so it’s worth getting one that’ll hold up over time. When comparing options, go for the chip with newer architecture or higher boost clock speeds, as it’ll usually offer better long-term performance.

    • Spring for at least an Intel 13th- or 14th-gen Core i5/i7 or an AMD Ryzen 7000 series chip.
    • Newer Ryzen models with RDNA 3 integrated graphics (like the 7840HS or 8845HS) are great if you’re skipping a dedicated GPU.
    • More cores and threads help with multitasking, streaming, and heavier games.

    AMD’s latest Ryzen AI chips (part of the Strix Point and Hawk Point families) bring a few extra perks:

    • Offers strong multi-core performance, ideal for more demanding workloads.
    • NPUs (Neural Processing Units) are designed to exclusively handle AI-related tasks like background effects. The offloading of those tasks from the CPU and GPU helps to improve overall performance.

    RAM

    • 8GB is the minimum, but 16GB is ideal and usually worth the upgrade.
    • RAM is often upgradable later, but not always, so check before you buy.

    Storage

    • Aim for at least 512GB SSD.
    • SSD also load games faster and many laptops let you add more storage later.

    Display

    • Most budget gaming laptops come with 1080p screens, usually 60Hz or 144Hz.
    • 144Hz is preferred for smoother gameplay.
    • If the built-in screen is dim or lacks color punch, an external monitor is always an option.

    Battery life

    • Gaming laptops aren’t known for marathon battery life.
    • Expect four to six hours tops.
    • They’re heavier too due to all that cooling hardware.

    FAQ


    1.

    What is the best gaming laptop under $1,000?

    If you’re after the best gaming laptop under $1,000, the Acer Nitro V 16 is a good choice, offering smooth performance, a sharp 16-inch 165Hz screen, and an RTX 4060 GPU that handles modern games without breaking the bank.

    2.

    What’s the difference between a gaming laptop and a regular laptop?

    A gaming laptop is basically a regular laptop on steroids. It’s built with stronger graphics, faster processors, and better cooling to handle intense games, while a regular laptop is more for everyday stuff like browsing and work. So, gaming laptops can run games smoothly, but regular ones usually can’t keep up.

    3.

    When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

    The best time to grab a gaming laptop is during big sales like Black Friday or back-to-school deals when prices drop and you can score some sweet discounts.

    4.

    Can Chromebooks handle gaming?

    Chromebooks can handle web games and Android apps just fine, but AAA titles? Uh, not really. At least not locally. However, cloud gaming lets you play those AAA titles on a Chromebook via a streaming service. You’ve got to sign up for a streaming service like GeForce Now to play those types of games, though.

    5.

    Can you play games on integrated graphics?

    You totally can! Intel Iris Xe and AMD RDNA 3 can handle newer games at 1080p on low settings pretty smoothly.

    6.

    What’s the best laptop size for gaming?

    If you’re always on-the-go, spring for a lighter 13- or 14-inch. If you plan on keeping your laptop most of the time, 15- or 17-inch laptops give you more power and a larger screen—just a bit heavier. Easy!

    Related content

    • PCWorld laptop reviews
    • The gaming laptop I’m drooling for has no GPU (and it’s not a laptop)
    • 5 unusual PC gaming accessories you need to know about
    • Optimize your gaming laptop with these must-have programs
    • Sick of your gaming laptop’s awful battery life? Here’s how to extend it
    • How to lower your ping and latency in competitive online games
    • How to prevent Windows Defender from ruining your gaming performance
    • 7 settings every PC gamer should tweak immediately


    Source: PCWorld.

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