Category Archives: Desktops

Desktops, PC Gaming

How To Choose The Best Raspberry Pi Model For Your Retro Gaming Project

Choosing the right Raspberry Pi model for your gaming project depends on your specific needs and preferences. One important consideration is the presence of an HDMI port, which allows you to connect your Raspberry Pi to a display. If you require an HDMI port, you should avoid getting a Raspberry Pi Pico as it does not have one. Additionally, you will need sufficient USB ports for connecting controllers. A minimum of two USB ports is recommended. Furthermore, the chosen model should support an SD or microSD card where you can store your emulator and games.

In general, both the Raspberry Pi 3B+ and Pi 4 are suitable for gaming purposes. There are some differences between the two models, and they cater to different needs. For example, the Pi 4 offers significant improvements and comes with more RAM options, making it capable of running more complex games such as those from the Nintendo 64. After selecting your Raspberry Pi model, you can refer to this guide on turning it into a gaming console of your own: how to build your own retro gaming console with a Raspberry Pi.

Desktops, Laptops

Key Points to Consider When Buying a New Computer at Costco

If you are not aware, Costco is a reliable retailer for purchasing PCs, provided you have a membership. They offer prebuilt PCs with features like liquid cooling and RGB lighting, just like other brands. Additionally, Costco provides promotions such as free game copies with your purchase, as exemplified by “Alan Wake 2”. Their laptops come with enticing offers, including a free year of Microsoft Office 365 Personal subscription, which is ideal for work and leisure activities.

One of the main advantages of shopping at Costco is the warranty they offer. When you buy a new PC, it automatically comes with a two-year warranty, providing peace of mind for significant purchases. This warranty also extends to other products like televisions, phones, projectors, appliances, and even Apple products bought from Costco. Moreover, you can benefit from free technical support and troubleshooting advice whenever you need it. In case you are dissatisfied with your purchase, Costco has a 90-day return policy.

If you are in the market for a gaming PC, you can expect to spend over $1,000 for a high-end rig at Costco. However, they also offer more affordable options for casual or work use, with laptops costing a few hundred dollars. Regardless of your choice, the warranty and return policy remain the same. The only drawback is that you need a membership to access these deals if you don’t already have one.

Desktops, Laptops, News

How to Install the Windows 11 23H2 Update

Installing the Windows 11 23H2 Update is a simple process. Just follow these steps:

  1. Click on the “Settings” option in your Windows 11 computer.
  2. Next, click on “Windows Update.”
  3. Then, click on the “Check for updates” button.
  4. Your computer will now check for any available updates.
  5. If your system is eligible for the Windows 11 23H2 Update, you will see an option to download and install it.
  6. Once the update is downloaded, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.

Microsoft has also created a video that provides a detailed guide on how to install the 23H2 Update. You can watch it below:

If you don’t see the option to update even after clicking on “Check for updates,” it could mean that the update is not available for your system. Microsoft may have withheld the update due to compatibility issues with certain applications. Although Microsoft doesn’t mention the specific apps causing this incompatibility, they state that the update will not be issued to such systems until the compatibility issue is resolved.

Furthermore, Microsoft has hinted at the development of an auto-update option, which is expected to be introduced in the coming months.

Desktops, News

24-Inch iMac Receives an M3 Upgrade, with Pricing Making Waves

The upgraded 24-inch iMac now features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a built-in 1080p camera and high-quality microphones for an impressive video conferencing experience, as touted by Apple. Additionally, the new iMac boasts a six-speaker sound system that supports Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. It also offers convenient features like Continuity and Universal Clipboard for seamless integration with an iPhone from the same Apple account.

Apple has not neglected the exterior design of the iMac. The all-in-one unit is remarkably slim, measuring only 11.5 millimeters in thickness. Moreover, customers can choose from a variety of vibrant colors. The 8-core base model is available in green, pink, blue, and silver, while the 10-core model offers additional color options such as yellow, orange, or purple.

The new iMac with M3 also aligns with Apple’s sustainability objectives. It is crafted using 100% recycled aluminum and incorporates rare earth magnets. The printed circuit boards feature recycled tin soldering, and the plating of some circuit boards uses 100% recycled gold, a first for Apple. In addition, the iMac is free from harmful substances such as beryllium, brominated flame retardants, and mercury. Apple’s commitment to sustainability extends to the packaging as well, with recycled wood fiber sourced from responsibly-managed forests. These initiatives are part of Apple’s goal to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2030.

Desktops, Laptops, News

Microsoft Closes Windows 7/8 to Windows 11 Upgrade Option

For users of older Windows systems, there are now only two choices available. They can either install Windows 11 and purchase a product key from the Microsoft Store, or they can buy a new PC that comes with a pre-installed copy of Windows 11. It is important to note, however, that if your computer was purchased during the time when Windows 7 or 8 was the latest version, it is unlikely to support Windows 11.

This is because Microsoft has set specific system requirements for Windows 11, stating that hardware meeting certain criteria will provide optimal performance. To assist users, the company has released a digital tool that automatically checks their hardware and informs them whether their PC is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. If your PC is not compatible and you do not wish to purchase a new one, you can alternatively upgrade to Windows 10, as Microsoft will continue to provide support for this version for at least the next two years.

Desktops, Laptops

How To Install MacOS Sonoma On Your Mac (And Which New Features You’ll Get)

If you’re wondering why you should update your Mac to macOS Sonoma, it’s because of the multitude of new features and improvements that Apple has added to its operating system. These enhancements range from better gaming performance with Game Mode to improved personalization and design options like desktop widgets and slow-motion screensavers.

Among the notable changes in this update are more accurate autocorrect fixes, in-line text predictions, Sensitive Content warnings in Messages (including select non-Apple messaging apps), a security feature called Lockdown Mode for high-risk users, optimizations to screen sharing, faster automatic switching for AirPods users, and a Presenter Overlay feature that allows users to share both their screen and webcam video simultaneously.

For users with unique accessibility needs, Apple has expanded its Accessibility features. This includes Personal Voice for users who have difficulty speaking, which is integrated with the Live Speech feature. Additionally, deaf users can now use Made for iPhone hearing devices with their Mac computer.

Desktops, Laptops

How To Install The Windows 11 Moment 4 Update (And What You’ll Get If You Do)

The newest update for Windows 11 comes with several noteworthy enhancements. One of the most significant additions is Copilot, an AI-powered assistive technology that can assist users with a variety of tasks, including writing paragraphs, editing images, playing music, summarizing web pages, and enabling dark mode. Copilot will be integrated into Microsoft’s Edge browser and will eventually become an integral part of Microsoft 365 products.

Microsoft Paint is also receiving a modern makeover in this update. It will now support layers for more advanced editing and will include a background removal system. Additionally, testers in the Insider program will have access to a text-to-image AI called Paint CoCreator.

The built-in Snipping Tool is now equipped with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities, allowing it to detect text in images. Users can easily extract or redact the text with the press of a button. Furthermore, the Snipping Tool has been enhanced with new recording tools, including the ability to capture audio through the microphone during screen recordings.

Another new feature is a backup app that syncs major PC preferences to the cloud. This includes details such as pinned apps and taskbar items, ensuring a seamless experience across devices. On the security front, the latest update introduces Passkey support with Windows Hello, allowing users to authenticate their identity for sign-ins using fingerprint sensors, face scans, or local PINs, eliminating the need to remember passwords.