Tech Talk

Whether it's for data entry, accounting, or just entering numbers and calculations with precision and speed, there are plenty of reasons to have a number pad on a laptop. Even though laptops are getting smaller, you can still purchase excellent ones with a dedicated number pad. Every one of these devices has a full number pad. Although they tend to skew towards the larger end of the form factor spectrum, there are quite a few 13-inch models if you want something manageable. Large, but thin Staff favorite LG Gram 17 This 17-inch laptop is unique in that it doesn't come with a lot of heft for its size. It weighs under 3 pounds, so it isn't going to hurt your back to carry around. Despite the thin chassis, it has a 2K display, 16GB of RAM, support for Thunderbolt 3, and up to 17 hours of battery life. From $1,454 at Amazon Durable and connected Lenovo Thinkpad T590 This business laptop is tested against 12 military-grade requirements to ensure durability. It gets

If you're using a Surface Go without a keyboard, you're missing out big time. While Surface Go is a decent tablet on its own, Windows 10's tablet mode, well ... it kind of sucks. So the Surface Go's true value is as an ultra-portable laptop that runs full Windows 10. To get the most from your Go, you need a quality keyboard. Thankfully, you'd don't have to pay $130 for Microsoft's official Surface Go Signature Type Cover because there are plenty of quality third-party options. These are the best affordable Surface Go keyboards we could find. Best overall Fintie Backlit Ultra-Slim Surface Go Type Cover Staff pick Fintie's version of the Surface Go Type Cover has backlit keys that light up in seven different colors and at two brightness levels. It has a built-in 750 mAh battery to help support the backlight and Bluetooth, and the keys are slightly more spaced out than Microsoft's keyboard, according to the manufacturer, which is essential beca

Another fine addition for your collections — sometime soon, anyways. What you need to know An Xbox One controller themed after Cyberpunk 2077 has appeared via a listing on Amazon Canada. There are detailed pictures and descriptions indicating this listing isn't a mistake. It'll likely be officially revealed sometime soon. Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most anticipated games of 2020 and if you're a fan of themed accessories, it looks like CD Projekt Red and Xbox have you covered. A listing for a Cyberpunk 2077-themed Xbox One controller has appeared on Amazon Canada , with multiple detailed pictures that make it clear this isn't a mistake. It's also definitely an Xbox One controller, not an Xbox Series X controller, given the lack of a share button. You can take a look at the controller below: The release date on the listing says it'll be available on May 4, 2020. While there's not been any official announcement yet, it seems likely that the cont

Performance benefits in testing. What you need to know The Xbox PC app allows players to grab games on Xbox Game Pass for PC, check notifications and more. While the app is in beta testing for everyone, a new version has been added to Windows Gaming Flight. This version of the app is aimed at reducing memory usage and increasing overall performance. It's available right now for players using the Xbox Insider Hub. While the Xbox PC app is available in beta for everyone to download and use right now, a new version is being added to the Windows Gaming Flight . The goal for this test is to enhance the overall performance users get with the app, decrease the size of installation packages and decrease the app's memory usage. The Xbox PC app allows players to check out games on Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta), take a look at notifications, chat with friends and more. If you're interested in trying out this new preview, you can find it by joining the Windows Gaming Flight

Stopping malware before it infects your device Kaspersky's antivirus programs are always at the top of my list, and the ones I choose to secure most of my home computers. It has three different protection solutions (Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Kaspersky Internet Security, and Kaspersky Total Security), and each one stops malware before it has a chance to infect devices, includes a virtual keyboard for both online and offline protection from keyloggers, and doesn't use too much of your system's resources. Here are the ins and outs of all three programs and why Kaspersky is a safe and a good choice for you. Top-notch malware protection Kaspersky Antivirus Programs Bottom line: Kaspersky is a safe and excellent program from securing personal computers and mobile devices from all sorts of threats, including ransomware, keyloggers, and hackers. It stops malicious files before they have a chance to download and quickly blocks phishing schemes and malicious websites. Pros

Zoom is pushing out weekly updates following an alarming number of security issues found on its platform. What you need to know Zoom has pushed out another weekly security update. The latest iteration brings new and improved password requirements. It has also improved meeting ID generation for increased privacy. Zoom has issued the latest of its weekly updates regarding its push to make the platform more secure. Last week, Zoom announced a collaboration with industry security experts from the likes of Netflix, Uber, and EA. Now, we are beginning to see the fruits of those labors. In a blog post on April 14, Zoom announced updates to its password requirements, random meeting IDs and more. From the release: Password requirements: For meetings and webinars, account owners and admins can now configure minimum meeting password requirements to adjust the minimum length and require letters, numbers, and special characters, or allow only numeric passwords. All free Basic accou

At the beginning of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord , you're essentially a nobody. No one knows who you are or what you've done. This is represented by renown, which you can collect to level up your clan tier and unlock some cool benefits. In this guide, we'll show you some ways to earn it in Bannerlord. How to earn renown quickly in Bannerlord There are several routes open to you for gathering renown. Whether you want to engage in huge kingdom battles and sieges or settle down in a town and enjoy some tournaments, we'll be covering a few different (and valid) ways to gain renown. Join a kingdom Joining a kingdom is one of the best ways to get renown in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Once your clan level hits tier 1, you'll be able to enroll with a kingdom as a mercenary, so long as they're at war. If you're really feeling for a certain ruler of a specific kingdom, and your clan happens to be tier 2, you could become a vassal. This allows for y

Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription expands further into Asia, spanning Xbox One and PC. What you need to know Xbox Game Pass is now available in Japan and South Korea. Xbox Game Pass hits the regions for Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs, starting as low as ¥100 or ₩1,000. Microsoft has expanded its Xbox Game Pass service further into Asia, with the addition of Japan and South Korea to the list of supported countries. The subscription-based library packs over 100 titles across both Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs, now established as a fundamental pillar of Redmond's gaming efforts moving forward. And while the Xbox One has failed to mirror its western success in the region, its established PC culture proves lucrative for the service's Windows 10 offerings. Xbox Game Pass is now available for purchase in Japan and South Korea, including Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One consoles and PC, alongside the all-inclusive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier packaged with Xbox Live Gold.

Western Digital's Easystore 10TB USB 3.0 External Desktop Hard Drive is on sale for $179.99 at Best Buy. It retails at $250 so you're saving $70 and it's $100 less than the 12TB version . The 8TB model is also on sale at $60 off. Deals this good on these drives are pretty rare and usually only come around as one-day promotions. If you've missed previous deals, don't let this one pass you buy. Shipping is free. WD's USB 3.0 external desktop hard drive features a 10TB storage capacity with data transfer rates up to 5Gbps. It's backward compatible with USB 2.0 and offers automatic backup options to make it easy to ensure you never lose your data. It can be used with both Windows and Mac computers, though the latter would require a reformat. This Best Buy-exclusive product received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 570 customer reviews. At $180, it is down to one of the best prices we've seen for it and beats out comparable products like t

Check out these great deals on Xbox One games. Every week Microsoft and certain publishers discount numerous games for Xbox Live users. Some deals are available only to Xbox Live Gold members and others are available to anyone who utilizes the service through a Spotlight sale. A wide variety of titles, ranging from small experiences to massive blockbusters, are available for substantially less. This week, prominent games from the Borderlands and Shenmue franchises are on sale. Here's a look at some popular discounted titles. See at Microsoft Store Xbox One games Ark: Survival Evolved - Explorer Edition Combining the base game with three massive expansions, Ark: Survival Evolved - Explorer's Edition is a ultimate way to get even more dinosaur action! The Explorer's Edition gives you access to the mega hit Ark: Survival Evolved as well as the Scorched Earth, Aberration, and Extinction Expansion Packs, adding nearly 900 hours of gameplay. You can purchase Ark: Sur

e Need a projector that can handle gaming thanks to a high refresh rate and low response time? Optoma's lineup of projectors includes a number of options cut out for gaming. The HD39HDR sticks with a 1080p resolution — though it can handle 4K and HDR input — and brings up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 8.4ms response time. It's bright, it has excellent color and contrast, and it's available at a great price relative to a lot of the competition. I used it for some gaming, TV, and movies to see what it's all about and whether or not it's worth a buy. 1080p Projector Great for Gaming Optoma HD39HDR Bottom line: The Optoma HD39HDR is a great TV alternative for gamers thanks to low response time and 120Hz refresh rate at 1080p. It'd also make an excellent option for watching sports. Pros 120Hz refresh, 8.4ms response time gaming mode 15,000-hour lamp rating Plenty of brightness 4K (UHD) and HDR input support Excellent color and contrast Cons HDR

The Calendar app on Windows 10 is a handy tool to manage events, and in this guide, you'll learn the steps to start using it. On Windows 10 , Calendar is a built-in app designed to help you manage your schedule, including meetings, reminders, appointments, and other events. Although you may be able to find many alternative tools, the Calendar app includes all the essential features that you need to organize and stay on top of all your events. It's also compatible with most third-party calendar services. And unlike other online solutions, the app works offline, so you don't have to sign in every time you want to check your schedule, which makes it an excellent solution for anyone who needs to work from home or manage personal events. In this Windows 10 guide , we walk you through everything you need to know to start using the Calendar app to manage meetings, reminders, appointments, and other events. How to add an account on Calendar How to customize and share cal