Topic
cheap
Technology I've Tested a Lot of Bad, Cheap Laptops—These 7 Are Actually Good
WIRED's latest budget laptop guide, updated August 2026, picks seven affordable models across Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS, plus three more worth considering for specific uses. The list includes the HP OmniBook 5, Apple MacBook Neo, Dell XPS 13, and MSI Cyborg A15.
Manufacturing Apple MacBook Price Hikes Signal Component Shortages Hitting Consumer Electronics Supply Chain
Apple has implemented price increases across its MacBook and iPad lineup, with the MacBook Pro rising nearly $400 (20%). The hikes follow Apple's warning that price increases were 'inevitable' and are attributed to a component shortage driven by memory manufacturers reallocating capacity to support AI data centers. The timing coincides with Amazon Prime Day, offering temporary discounts before further price adjustments are expected.
Technology Budget Majority Bowfell Halo Atmos soundbar offers powerful bass but fails at spatial audio
The Majority Bowfell Halo Atmos is a compact 5.1 soundbar system with a subwoofer and rear speakers priced at £169. It delivers powerful bass and clear dialogue, making it ideal for small spaces. However, its Dolby Atmos performance is lackluster due to virtualized height effects and limited width.