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diff --git a/best-amazon-tablets.txt b/best-amazon-tablets.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7dac53b --- /dev/null +++ b/best-amazon-tablets.txt @@ -0,0 +1,89 @@ +Amazon’s Fire tablets are seductive. Most of us already use Amazon, and the Fire tablets are some of the only high-profile, affordable tablets around. Their prices seem too good to be true—and in some ways, they are—but Fire tablets are also completely functional, reasonably capable devices. To help you decide if a Fire tablet is right for you, we reviewed every model. These are our unfiltered recommendations. + +*Updated in Decemeber 2019 with the new 10-inch Fire tablets. Be sure to check out our guides to the [Best Tablets](https://www.wired.com/gallery/the-best-tablets/) and [Best Alexa Speakers](https://www.wired.com/story/best-amazon-echo/).* + +*When you buy something using the links in our stories, we may earn a small affiliate commission. [Here's how it works](https://www.wired.com/2015/11/affiliate-link-policy/). You can also support our reporting and reviewing by purchasing a __[1-year print + digital WIRED subscription for $5 (Discount)](https://subscribe.wired.com/subscribe/splits/wired/WIR_AFFILIATE?source=HCL_WIR_EDIT_HARDCODED_0_COMMERCE_AFFILIATE_ZZ)__.* + +###The Best Fire Tablet + +**[Fire HD 10](https://www.amazon.com/Fire-HD-10/dp/B07K1RZWMC/){: rel=nofollow}** + +[#image: /photos/5a0f0f868ec26226c230f378]|||||| + +The Fire HD 10 is the speediest and most well-rounded Amazon tablet. It's been refreshed for 2020 with a slight processor bump and 2-gigabytes of RAM. The bigger news is the new USB-C charging. This is the first USB-C capable device from Amazon and we hope it spreads to the rest of the line as well. Otherwise the 2019 Fire HD 10 remains the same as the previous version. + +The Fire HD 10 has a larger screen with more pixels (1080p) than its siblings, making it better for video. ([Read our Fire HD 10 review.](https://www.wired.com/2017/10/review-amazon-fire-hd-10-2017/)) And, like the Fire HD 8, you can shout commands at Alexa from across the room. To use Show Mode on the Fire HD 10 just swipe down on the notification overlay and check the Show Mode box. After that you can set your HD 10 on a stand (we like the [official magnetic standing case](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Fire-HD-10-Tablet-Case/dp/B07RS8J6QP/){: rel=nofollow}) and it essentially becomes an Echo Show. + +You can choose between a 32 GB model and a 64 GB model (with a MicroSD slot if you need more space). Whichever you choose Amazon will serve up advertisements on the lock screen. To get rid of that you'll need to spend $15 more for the version without "special offers." + +__[The Fire HD 10 costs $150 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Fire-HD-10/dp/B07K1RZWMC/){: rel=nofollow}__ + +###The Best for Travel + +**[Fire HD 8](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0794RHPZD/){: rel=nofollow}** + +[#image: /photos/5bc0e70e6278de2d21234897]|||||| + +With a travel-friendly size and a price tag below $100, the 2018 Fire HD 8 is our favorite all-around Fire tablet. ([Read our Fire HD 8 review.](https://www.wired.com/review/review-amazon-fire-hd-8-2018/)) It’s portable enough to take with you anywhere, and its screen won’t torture your eyes when you watch Netflix. It’s an ideal size for kids under 10 but old enough to not drop it constantly. + +The HD 8 has most of the benefits of the larger Fire HD 10, including hands-free Alexa, stereo sound, and 9- to 10-hour battery life. I recommend picking up [Amazon’s magnetic stand-up case](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N44JBS4/) if you plan on watching movies or TV or a [Show Mode Dock](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BNXZDJ3/){: rel=nofollow} if you want to use it like an Alexa speaker. + +__[The Fire HD 8 costs $80 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0794RHPZD/){: rel=nofollow}__ + +###The Best Fire Tablet For Kids + +**[Fire HD 8 Kids Edition (2018)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HQBS21/){: rel=nofollow}** + +[#image: /photos/5bd397cdc09dee5cbd062e90]|||||| + +In the past year, Amazon released updates to both of their kid tablets, the [Fire 7 Kids Edition (2019)](https://www.wired.com/review/amazon-fire-7-kids-edition-2019/) and the [Fire HD 8 Kids Edition (2018)](https://www.wired.com/review/review-amazon-fire-hd-8-kids-edition/). The company also announced a new [Fire HD 10 Kids Edition](https://www.amazon.com/Fire-HD-10-Kids-Edition/dp/B07KD7K4B1){: rel=nofollow}. + +We still think the HD 8 is the best device for most kids. It has a larger, sharper HD screen, Dolby stereo sound, and dual speakers compared to the Fire 7. But the Fire HD 10 (which also has all those features) is *really* big in kid hands, especially with the Kids Edition case around it. + +We recommend the Fire 7 for kids under 7. If your kid's hands are especially tiny, they'll appreciate the Fire 7's smaller size and the puffy case with included stand. For older kids the Fire HD 10 Kids Edition offers more screen real estate if they want it. + +The updates to FreeTime Unlimited, which include Audible books and Spanish-language content, apply to all versions. + +__[The Fire HD 8 Kids Edition costs $130 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HQBS21/){: rel=nofollow}__ + +###Avoid the Fire 7 + +The Fire 7 is Amazon’s cheapest tablet, and it has a tantalizing $50 price. But if you're making more demands on your Fire tablet than a 3-year-old who loves *[Carl the Super Truck](https://www.amazon.com/Super-Truck-Carl-the-Transformer/dp/B07QJTGMRS){: rel=nofollow}*, you should probably cough up a little extra and buy an HD 8. Like we said in our [Fire 7 review](https://www.wired.com/2017/10/review-amazon-fire-7-2017/), the 7-inch screen will feel somewhat cramped and its screen resolution is noticeably pixelated. You won’t love the mono speaker, which is easily blocked by a single finger. Its battery also lags behind the other two tablets, and the 8 GB of internal storage is pitifully small, mandating a [MicroSD card](https://www.amazon.com/Sandisk-Ultra-Micro-UHS-I-Adapter/dp/B073JYVKNX/){: rel=nofollow} from the get go. + +###Amazon Sells Older Fire Tablets. Don’t Buy Them + +Only buy one of the "7th Generation", "8th Generation", or "9th Generation" Fire tablets. We suggest sticking to the tablets we talk about in this article ([also listed here](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Fire-Tablet-Family/b/?node=6669703011)), though we do sometimes see good deals on the previous models. + +If you're on a tight budget the 2017 Fire HD 10 is often available refurbished for considerably less than the new one. The downside with it and other, older model Fire tablets is that they may not get software updates for a long as the current generation will. You'll also miss out on the faster processor and more RAM in the newer model. + +It’s a pain, but if you're buying an old device you should also cross reference the latest update available for the tablet you’re going to buy ([find it on this sheet](https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200529680){: rel=nofollow}) with the [latest version of Fire OS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_OS) to see how up-to-date your software will be. + +###What’s WIRED About All Fire Tablets + +**A Faucet for Amazon Content:** If you subscribe to Amazon’s Prime service, you can listen to all the included music, movies, TV, and books while also shopping for all the items you can get with its free two-day shipping or browsing your free Amazon photo storage. You can do most of the same things from an Android tablet or iPad, but the Fire OS interface is crafted specifically to deliver Amazon goods, with swipeable pages for each type of media Amazon sells. + +**Built ‘Good Enough’:** Physically, Amazon’s Fire tablets are made of cheap-ish plastic, but they’re designed with enough care that the build quality won’t bother you too much. They are also some of the best-quality tablets for kids, encased in a rugged bumper, and all have MicroSD slots so you can add extra storage. (We recommend this [128 GB MicroSD card](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073JYC4XM/){: rel=nofollow}.) + +**Cheap:** Did we mention the price? They all cost $150 or less, which is a price that would have legitimately shocked you just a few years ago. They offer high value for the price. You can also to get them with Amazon lock-screen ads, which will lower your price by $15. + +###What’s TIRED About All Fire Tablets + +**Non-Amazon Content is Lacking:** The greatest strength of these tablets is also their greatest weakness. If you aren’t an Amazon Prime subscriber, and plan to get your video, audio, or books from Amazon, the Fire tablet line is far less compelling. They do have Alexa, so that could be a plus, but again, that’s tied deeply into Amazon’s content library. + +You can download third-party apps like Netflix on Amazon’s Appstore, but the selection is *far* more limited than the apps available on [Apple's iPad](https://www.wired.com/2017/05/review-apple-ipad-2017/) or the Google Play store on standard Android tablets. Tech-savvy users have found ways to add the Google Play Store or sideload apps, but these devices are built to serve up Amazon first and foremost. + +**Old Tech:** The tech inside these tablets is very old. They all run on processors that would have impressed 4+ years ago, but show their age today with small fits of lag and a general lack of power. Since many of the apps are built with weak processing power in mind, you don’t notice it too much. The operating system is also several years old, which could hide some of the weakness. Amazon’s latest Fire OS is a modified version of Android Nougat, which first came out in 2016. Amazon keeps updating its tablets to some degree, but not nearly as often as it should. + +**Short Warranties:** Only the Fire HD 10 comes with a full one-year warranty. Oddly, the smaller devices come with 90-day warranties. + +**Special Offers:** In the last year, Amazon's Special Offers lockscreen ads have gotten more overt. We recommend you pay the extra $15 to buy a Fire tablet without them. + +*** +### More Great WIRED Stories +* Explaining the [“gender data gap,”](https://www.wired.com/story/caroline-criado-perez-invisible-women/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) from phones to transit +* The terrifying unknowns [of an exotic invasive tick](https://www.wired.com/story/the-terrifying-unknowns-of-the-asian-longhorned-tick/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* Inside Backpage.com’s [vicious battle with the Feds](https://www.wired.com/story/inside-backpage-vicious-battle-feds/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* The importance of [photographing women in sports](https://www.wired.com/story/female-hockey-players-photo-gallery/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* An all-white town’s divisive [experiment with crypto](https://www.wired.com/story/inside-an-all-white-towns-divisive-experiment-with-cryptocurrency/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* 🎧 Things not sounding right? Check out our favorite [wireless headphones](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wireless-headphones/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories), [soundbars](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-soundbars/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories), and [bluetooth speakers](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-bluetooth-speakers/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories) +* 📩 Want more? [Sign up for our daily newsletter](https://www.wired.com/newsletter/?name=daily&sourceCode=BottomStories) and never miss our latest and greatest stories diff --git a/best-last-miute-deals.txt b/best-last-miute-deals.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..38f7323 --- /dev/null +++ b/best-last-miute-deals.txt @@ -0,0 +1,65 @@ +So you avoided the Black Friday madness, were working hard on Cyber Monday, and didn't get in on any of the deals. Good news fellow last-minute deal seeker, there are some surprisingly good deals still going on, especially on Amazon devices. + +Amazon's last minute device deals aren't quite a cheap as the same items were during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals week, but they're pretty close. Our favorite deals right now are on Kindles, Echo speakers, and Fire HD tablets. In most cases the current sale price is within $10 of the lowest we've ever seen. And if you need a last minute gift, most these will arrive before Christmas (the exceptions are the Echos). + +Also remember that some of these devices do contain cameras and microphones. If you're considering these as gifts, [keep in mind the privacy implications](https://www.wired.com/story/tech-gifts-microphones-cameras-be-careful/) for the recipient. + +*When you buy something using the links in our stories, we may earn a small affiliate commission. [Here's how it works](https://www.wired.com/2015/11/affiliate-link-policy/). You can also support our reporting and reviewing by purchasing a __[1-year print + digital WIRED subscription for $5 (Discount)](https://subscribe.wired.com/subscribe/splits/wired/WIR_AFFILIATE?source=HCL_WIR_EDIT_HARDCODED_0_COMMERCE_AFFILIATE_ZZ)__.* + +###Kindles + + +[#image: /photos/5b05a0a00864e3415cb90de1]|||||| + + +Say what you will about the rest of the company, Amazon makes a damn fine ebook reader. Kindles are the most eye-friendly way to read digital books, and the battery life is outstanding (about a month per charge). To figure out which Kindle is right for you, check out our [guide to choosing the right Kindle](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-kindle/). + +- **[Kindle for $70 ($20 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLPWYB7/){: rel=nofollow}:** If you're looking for an ebook reader, the 2019 Kindle has everything you need ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/amazon-kindle-2019/)). This model uses a 6-inch E Ink capacitive touchscreen for reading, and it lights up so you can read in the dark. + +- **[Kindle Paperwhite for $100 ($30 off)](){: rel=nofollow}:** The Kindle Paperwhite is an upgrade worth considering. The touchscreen is noticeably clearer (300 pixels per inch vs. 167 for the standard) and the light is better. The Paperwhite is also rated IPX8, meaning it can sit in 2 meters of water for two hours. That makes bathtub reading a little more relaxing. + + +###Fire Tablets + + +[#image: /photos/59de4e48666f9b7b9032cfd3]|||||| + +The company's Fire Tablets aren't best in class by any means, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a cheaper alternative. As long as you tablet needs are pretty basic -- watching videos, browsing the web, answering email -- the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10 make great options. For a more in-depth guide to all Amazon's Fire offerings, check out our [guide to Fire tablets](https://www.wired.com/story/best-amazon-fire-tablet/). + +- **[Fire HD 10 for $120 ($30 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K1RZWMC/){: rel=nofollow}:** The Fire HD 10 is the speediest and most well-rounded Amazon tablet. The Fire HD 10 has a larger screen with more pixels (1080p) than its siblings, making it better for video. It's been refreshed for 2020 with a slight processor bump and 2-gigabytes of RAM. The bigger news is the new USB-C charging. The new "Show Mode" for the Fire HD 10 turns the tablet into an Echo-like device. Set your HD 10 on a stand (we like the [official magnetic standing case](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Fire-HD-10-Tablet-Case/dp/B07RS8J6QP/){: rel=nofollow}) and it essentially becomes an Echo Show. + +- **[Fire HD 8 for $50 ($30 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0794RHPZD/){: rel=nofollow}:** The Fire HD 8 is the 10's travel-friendly sibling. The 2018 Fire HD 8 is our favorite all-around Fire tablet. ([Read our Fire HD 8 review.](https://www.wired.com/review/review-amazon-fire-hd-8-2018/)) It’s portable enough to take with you anywhere, and its screen won’t torture your eyes when you watch Netflix. + +- **[Fire HD 8 Kids Edition for $90 ($40 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HQBS21/){: rel=nofollow}:** The Kids Edition Fire HD 8 adds a padded case to protect it from accidents, and includes one year of FreeTime Unlimited, with access to a ton of educational content from PBS Kids. If your kids are older, and want a larger screen, the [Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is also on sale](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KD7K4B1/){: rel=nofollow} for $160 ($40 off). + +The [Fire 7 is also on sale](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKR6KXF/){: rel=nofollow}, and at $40 it might be worth it. But keep in mind that it's underpowered, has a mere 8 GB of storage space and a screen with visible pixels. Remember when everything had those? I actually use a Fire 7 occasionally and I don't mind it, but I'd also be the first to say you're better off spending the extra $10 to get the Fire 8. + +###Echo Devices + + +[#image: /photos/5ba977ac80ec002859e56ac4]|||||| + + +Amazon's family of Echos keeps growing, this year the company added the Echo Show 8 to go along with the larger Echo Show, the smaller Echo Show 5 and the can-shaped Echo speaker. And of course there's the Echo Dot, which now displays the time. To make sense of it all, check out our [guide Amazon Echos and Alexa speakers](https://www.wired.com/story/best-amazon-echo/). These tips will help [keep your privacy intact](https://www.wired.com/story/alexa-google-assistant-echo-smart-speaker-privacy-controls/) when placing smart speakers around your house. + +**Note: While these are good deals, none of these devices will arrive in time for Christmas. If you're shopping for someone else, and you want to actually hand them a gift, you'll need to get something else.** + +- **[Echo Show 8 for $80 ($40 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PF1Y28C/){: rel=nofollow}:** This year Amazon added the Echo Show 8 ($130), the middle child between the full size Echo Show and the Echo Show 5. We haven't laid hands on one yet, but with the same pixel density of the 10.1-inch model in a smaller form factor, the Echo Show 8 will likely offer the best screen quality of the Echo show family. + +- **[Echo Dot for $35 ($25 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N8RPRF7/){: rel=nofollow}:** This smart-home building block is handy and compact. You can place it nearly anywhere. It sounds pretty good for its size, and makes a great way to test the world of smart home devices without spending a fortune. + +- **[Echo Show for $170 ($60 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077SXWSRP/){: rel=nofollow}:** The Echo Show started off a blocky chunk of a device, but these days it's much easier on the eyes. The larger 10-inch display is better for viewing from a distance, and the rear speakers aren't half bad. + +- **[Echo for $80 ($20 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R1CXKN7/){: rel=nofollow}:** The original echo, now in its third incarnation is has become a decent speaker in its own right. It's no Sonos One (also [on sale for $170 ($30 off)](https://www.amazon.com/Sonos-One-Gen-Controlled-Built/dp/B07NJPXRBC/){: rel=nofollow}), but the Echo isn't bad, especially if you pair it with an [Echo Sub ($130)](https://www.amazon.com/Echo-Sub-Powerful-subwoofer-compatible/dp/B0798KPH5X/){: rel=nofollow}. + + + +*** +### More Great WIRED Stories +* Instagram, [my daughter, and me](https://www.wired.com/story/instagram-my-daughter-and-me/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* Tweak these Google Chrome settings to [level up your browsing](https://www.wired.com/story/google-chrome-browser-settings-tips-tricks/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* Welcome to Rachel, Nevada—[the town closest to Area 51](https://www.wired.com/story/rachel-nevada-area-51/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* *The Irishman* gets de-aging right—[no tracking dots necessary](https://www.wired.com/story/the-irishman-netflix-ilm-de-aging/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* Ewoks are the most tactically advanced [fighting force in Star Wars](https://www.wired.com/story/ewoks-star-wars-tactics-endor-moon/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* 👁 Will AI as a field ["hit the wall" soon](https://www.wired.com/story/facebooks-ai-says-field-hit-wall/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5)? Plus, the [latest news on artificial intelligence](https://www.wired.com/category/business/artificial-intelligence/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* 🎧 Things not sounding right? Check out our favorite [wireless headphones](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wireless-headphones/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories), [soundbars](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-soundbars/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories), and [Bluetooth speakers](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-bluetooth-speakers/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories) diff --git a/best-latte-machines.txt b/best-latte-machines.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6e2f506 --- /dev/null +++ b/best-latte-machines.txt @@ -0,0 +1,161 @@ +A good latte or cappuccino is like a rich milky mug of heaven. Just writing about these delicious, warming drinks makes me want one. Sadly, creating the perfect cap or latte at home can be a hassle. Making a barista-worthy espresso is tough enough, but adding the right amount of milk and foam, perfectly heated and combined, is surprisingly daunting. + +In mid-2018, I dove headfirst into the world of advanced coffee devices and find out what makes them tick … er … hiss. I've tried more than a dozen machines with latte and cappuccino functionality. Some machines made pure espresso using coffee-shop-style portafilters and came with milk canisters for frothing. Others relied on single-use pods with separate foamers. A few even came with legit steam wands and advanced options. These are the best latte and cappuccino machines I've found so far. + +*Updated December 2019: We've updated this guide for 2020, with several new picks, the Breville Barista Pro, two new Delonghi machines, and the Flair Pro 2. Be sure to read our [guide to portable espresso makers](https://www.wired.com/story/best-portable-espresso-makers/), as well as our many other [holiday guides](https://www.wired.com/tag/buying-guides/). + +*When you buy something using the links in our stories, we may earn a small affiliate commission. [Here's how it works](https://www.wired.com/2015/11/affiliate-link-policy/). You can also support our reporting and reviewing by purchasing a __[1-year print + digital WIRED subscription for $5 (Discount)](https://subscribe.wired.com/subscribe/splits/wired/WIR_AFFILIATE?source=HCL_WIR_EDIT_HARDCODED_0_COMMERCE_AFFILIATE_ZZ)__.* + +##1. Best Overall + +###[Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse ($325)](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-One-Touch-CoffeeHouse-Cappuccino/dp/B07CJ3CYF7/){: rel=nofollow} + +[#image: /photos/5c183e50c088d25346fc68b2]|||||| + +This Mr. Coffee machine sits at the comfortable intersection where ease of use, automation, and affordability meet. It can extract a flavorful espresso from almost any beans and grind, and its milk reservoir will automatically mix a cappuccino or latte for you. + +This is basically a sturdier, better-designed version of the Mr. Coffee Café Barista, our affordable pick, with a nicer portafilter basket that takes [ESE espresso pods](https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node=14978414011&field-keywords=ESE%20espresso%20pods&rh=n:16310101,n:16310231,n:16521305011,n:16318031,n:14978414011,k:ESE%20espresso%20pods){: rel=nofollow} and a milk reservoir that holds more milk and snaps in more firmly. Like the cheaper version, you have to load coffee in the portafilter basket yourself and twist it on (use a fine grind and tamp it down with some pressure for the best taste), but the machine can mix a cappuccino or latte macchiato for you at the press of a button. It has two sizes of each, and a manual mode that will just keep foaming or extracting espresso until you tell it to stop. + +On the downside, you'll need to clean the milk canister at least once a week (you can keep it in the fridge). It also won't extract quite as much rich espresso flavor as the Breville machines below, but it is *a lot* easier to use. One day, for fun, I put standard Maxwell House coffee into it. The end result was definitely Maxwell House-like espresso, but it was still an acceptable Maxwell House espresso—good to the last drop™. It pulls as nice an espresso as it can from almost anything. + +**[Buy Mr. Coffee One-Touch Coffeehouse for $325 from Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-One-Touch-CoffeeHouse-Cappuccino/dp/B07CJ3CYF7/){: rel=nofollow}** + + +*** + +##2. Better Taste, High Learning Curve + +###[Breville Barista Pro ($720)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08133HX34/){: rel=nofollow} + + +The Breville Barista Pro is a coffee shop in a box. The built-in pressure-activated conical burr grinder gives you fresh grounds however you like them, and the pressure gauge and options let you adjust the water temperature and shot amount. You have to froth your own milk, and the steam wand makes it easier than the competition, with a handle and the ability to tilt in any direction. It cleans itself and you can get hot water from the machine to brew tea or make an Americano. + +Previously we recommended the Express model because it's a bit cheaper, but it was also more difficult to use. The Pro has revamped the controls, and operating it is much simpler and more intuitive. All the accessories you need are included here—there's a stainless steel milk jug, magnetic tamper, trimming tool, and more. + +The Barista Pro isn’t cheap, and it's probably overkill if you already own a burr grinder, but you’d be hard-pressed finding a sturdier, more authentic latte and cappuccino machine that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars. If you don't mind wading through the manual, the [Barista Express ($550)](https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES870XL-Barista-Express-Espresso/dp/B00CH9QWOU/){: rel=nofollow} is another option. + +**[Buy the Barista Pro for $720](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08133HX34/){: rel=nofollow}** + +*(Tip: Use the double-walled filters—they deliver better crema—and when heating your milk, try to position your steam wand just below the surface. If you have it right, the milk will spin as it's heating. Slowly lower the jug to add foam.)* + +*** + +##3. Best Latte for Your Dollar + +###[Mr. Coffee Café Barista ($200)](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-Barista-Espresso-Cappuccino/dp/B007K9OIMU/){: rel=nofollow} + +[#image: /photos/5b7e0945f521ce3ac9ba463f]|||||| + +The Café Barista is perfect if you want pure espresso and a machine that mixes the milk for you without much fuss. It’s plastic and lightweight, which means you have to steady the machine with your hand as you twist the portafilter into place, but other than that it makes fairly rich single or double-sized espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes with the push of a button. + +Like the Mr. Coffee One-Touch Coffeehouse, this machine's integrated milk container has its pros and cons. You will have to remember to remove and refrigerate it each morning and clean it every few days or it could clog up—clean-up is easy, thankfully. Milk tends to come out a little foamier than I prefer for a latte, and it took me some time to understand what size glasses I needed for each drink (a double latte, for instance, is 15 ounces, but a double cappuccino is only 10 ounces). The slide-out booster is nice for smaller glasses. + +**[Buy the Café Barista for $200 from Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-Barista-Espresso-Cappuccino/dp/B007K9OIMU/){: rel=nofollow}, [Mr. Coffee](https://www.mrcoffee.com/espresso-machines/mr.-coffee-cafe-barista/BVMC-ECMP1000-RB.html){: rel=nofollow}, and [Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=bestlattecap&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FMr-Coffee-Cafe-Barista-Espresso-Maker-Black-Silver-BVMC-ECMP1000%2F24293168){: rel=nofollow})** + +*** + +##4. Best For Compact Kitchens + +###[Breville Bambino Plus ($500)](https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES500BSS-Bambino-Espresso-Stainless/dp/B07JVD78TT/){: rel=nofollow} + +[#image: /photos/5c183e25e91b067f6d57de99]|||||| + +If you want to play at being a barista but have a small kitchen, you might want to take a look at Breville’s new Bambino Plus. This machine has a remarkable number of features squeezed into a compact countertop footprint of 7.5 by 12.5 inches. It doesn’t have a burr grinder like the Barista Pro—and has a similarly high price—but it does come with the same high quality accessories, such as a tamper and measuring tool. + +I found the learning curve on the Bambino Plus to be very steep. You fill up the water talk, fill the portafilter basket and the milk jug to the indicated fill lines, slide them into their respective spots, and push a button. In my testing, the two-shot setting outputs a little less than the advertised two ounces of espresso. + +However, as with the Barista Express, this isn’t a latte machine for someone who wants a quick, convenient cuppa. The Bambino Plus requires attentive maintenance, whether you’re washing out the drip tray, or purging and wiping down the steam wand. Still, I found it fun to painstakingly replicate a process that I’ve seen so many times from the other side of the counter. + +**[Buy the Bambino Plus for $500 from Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BES500BSS-Bambino-Espresso-Stainless/dp/B07JVD78TT/){: rel=nofollow}** + +*** + +##5. Most Convenient, Easiest Cleanup + +###[Keurig K-Café ($179)](https://www.amazon.com/Keurig-K-Cafe-Single-Cappuccino-Charcoal/dp/B07C1XC3GF/){: rel=nofollow} + +[#image: /photos/5b7e097e5560bb1fedf11d5b]|||||| + +I love this machine. It's the best Keurig I’ve used ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/review-keurig-k-cafe/)), and has the best frother of any machine I tested for this guide. Despite the fact that the K-Café doesn’t technically make espresso shots (the K-cup system doesn't put its grounds under any pressure), it still makes a delicious “espresso style” 2-ounce shot that can taste almost as strong, though without the crema that you might desire. + +The real magic is the frother. It has three settings—cold, latte, and cappuccino—and froths milk to perfection with the tap of a button. When it’s done, simply pour your milk with the spout on the side. The jug is made of stainless steel, and the plastic spinner comes right off, making cleanup as easy as a quick run under the faucet. It was so simple to use and clean that I sometimes frothed milk with it even when I used other machines to make my espresso. I liked it so much, I didn’t even mind that the spout on the frother was designed for right handed folks. This lefty was happy to adapt. + +**[Buy the K-Café for $179](https://www.amazon.com/Keurig-K-Cafe-Single-Cappuccino-Charcoal/dp/B07C1XC3GF/){: rel=nofollow}** + + +*** + +##6. Best Hand-Pump Espresso + +###[Flair Pro 2 ($309)](https://www.flairespresso.com/product-page/flair-signature-pro-2){: rel=nofollow} + +[#image: /photos/5d6068e5895f71000883d365]|||||| + + +If you want to add the feel of a 1950s Italian cafe to your kitchen, the Flair Pro 2 not only looks the part, but brews a great espresso too. It's entirely human-powered. There's no cord, no need for anything other than a little pressure from your arm. As an added bonus, it comes with a little carrying case if you want to take it work, camping or wherever else the need for a shot of espresso strikes you. + +The Flair is simple to use. You can see the process in the company's very helpful video guide to brewing. It's also built like a tank, and clean-up is just a matter of dumping the espresso and rinsing out the portafilter. If you want a latte or cappuccino you'll need a milk frother like this [Secura frother ($35)](https://www.amazon.com/Secura-Automatic-Electric-Frother-Warmer/dp/B00JEPP64C/){: rel=nofollow} + +**[Buy the Flair Pro 2 for $309](https://www.flairespresso.com/product-page/flair-signature-pro-2){: rel=nofollow}** + +*** + +##7. Cheap, Simple Espresso + +###[De'Longhi Espresso and Cappuccino Maker ($100)](https://www.amazon.com/DeLonghi-EC155-Espresso-Cappuccino-Maker/dp/B000F49XXG/){: rel=nofollow} + +If all you want is a dead simple espresso maker and frothing wand, this De'Longhi works well considering its $100 price tag. Espresso comes out tasting as rich as you’d expect, with a healthy head of crema thanks to the 15 bars of pump pressure. + +The water tank can be removed for easier cleaning, and the drip tray can also slides out so you can rinse off any spills. + + +**[Buy the De'Longhi Espresso and Cappuccino Maker for $100](https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-40792-Espresso-Cappuccino/dp/B01AT75AX0/){: rel=nofollow}** + +*** + +##Machines that Didn’t Make the Cut + +**[Keurig K-Latte ($100)](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=bestlattecap&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FKeurig-K-Latte-Single-Serve-K-Cup-Coffee-and-Latte-Maker-Comes-with-Milk-Frother-Compatible-With-all-Keurig-K-Cup-Pods-Black%2F669553233){: rel=nofollow}:** The K-Latte is an admirable, affordable little Keurig with a traditional electric frother on it. It can put out a concentrated shot like the K-Café we recommend, but the frother isn’t any better than one you can buy separate, and its nonstick coating sometimes requires a gentle scrub. + +**[Gourmia GCM4000 K-Cup Latte Maker](https://www.amazon.com/Gourmia-GCM4000-Compatible-Cappuccino-Straight/dp/B076VMC483/){: rel=nofollow}:** This Gourmia also uses Keurig K Cups, has an easy interface, and a nice milk frother built-in. Unfortunately, it has some design flaws. The K-Cup drawer often leaves a puddle around your cup, and if you use reusable K-Cups, they could get stuck in it. The milk jug is also difficult to remove and the distance from the milk spout to a normal cup is too far, leading to splashing and spills. You can adjust the cup shelf height, but you have to watch diligently: there’s a chance your cup might slide right off due to the flimsy nature of the shelf. + +**[Delonghi Lattissima One ($380)](https://www.amazon.com/Nespresso-Lattissima-DeLonghi-Warm-Slate/dp/B079W6RV3Z){: rel=nofollow}:** My house has had a Nespresso in it for years. Nespresso isn't as flavorful as a freshly brewed shot from a coffee shop, but it’s fast and does the trick. There are other Nespresso makers with frothers, but Delonghi’s Lattissima One is an elegant little machine with a solid 19 bars of pressure. This used to be one of our picks, but it ended up springing a leak and getting water everywhere. It's not a bad machine, but in our experience, and in other reviews around the web, it does not hold up long term. + + +##Questions and Answers + +[#image: /photos/5b7e0b0c4711c736f78633e0]|||||| + +###How did you test each machine? + +To find the best latte and cappuccino makers, I first researched what was on the market, widely available, and stuck to models under $800. I ended up testing around a dozen different machines for between one and three months (depending on the model), using different types of coffees, pods, and milks. I tried to live with each machine, to a degree, and use them casually, but also tested the same milk and grounds in each (where possible) to compare milk/froth ratios and taste. + +Setup and cleanup were especially important, as was durability. The entire point of a device like these is to save time and energy, and/or produce a drink of higher quality than can be made without it, so we didn’t recommend any products that didn’t produce tasty espresso *and* save time. + +###How do you make a good latte or cappuccino? + +There are a lot of differing opinions on ratios, but generally a cappuccino is a 1-ounce espresso shot (or a 2-ounce double shot), 2 ounces steamed milk, and 2 ounces foamed milk. A latte is similar but has more milk and less foam. It’s a 1- to 2-ounce espresso shot, 6 (ish) ounces of steamed milk, and a bit of foam that mixes with the espresso crema as you pour in the milk. I sometimes use a spoon to hold back the foam until the end. (I have yet to try to [make latte art](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o86p0cKwjUw).) + +Technically, the machines in this guide that have milk canisters make latte macchiatos, because they pour the milk and foam before the espresso shot. In a traditional latte, the coffee comes first. I prefer traditional lattes in my testing. They were creamier and richer, but they were also more work to make (except with the Keurig K-Café). + +##Other Espresso Necessities + +**Great Beans:** If you haven’t made espresso before, I recommend you use your favorite standard coffee beans. Just make sure they have a fine grind and pack them tight if your machine has a portafilter. I tried a lot of pre-ground popular espresso blends like [Lavazza](https://www.amazon.com/Lavazza-Coffee-Medium-Espresso-2-2-Pound/dp/B00P0ZMWEC/){: rel=nofollow}, [Gevalia](https://www.amazon.com/Gevalia-French-Roast-Coffee-Ground/dp/B00UT3YLKS/ref=sr_1_3_sspa/){: rel=nofollow}, and [Café Bustelo](https://www.amazon.com/Bustelo-Espresso-Ground-Coffee-Packaging/dp/B01ERBUCM8/){: rel=nofollow}. They were all too dark and bitter for my taste, but you may like them. Right now, I’m enjoying [Kicking Horse coffee beans](https://www.amazon.com/Kicking-Horse-Coffee-Variety-Flavors/dp/B00RM5APQ0/){: rel=nofollow}, specifically [Three Sisters](https://www.amazon.com/Kicking-Horse-Coffee-Sisters-Medium/dp/B00KC0LLFQ){: rel=nofollow}. + +**Electric Frother:** Even if you don’t use one of these machines, you can add some froth to your espressos or coffee with an electric milk frother. This [$35 Secura frother](https://www.amazon.com/Secura-Automatic-Electric-Frother-Warmer/dp/B00JEPP64C/){: rel=nofollow} is pretty standard and has a two-year warranty. + +**Leveler & Tamper:** A lot of machines come with a plastic tamper, but out of the units I tested, only the Barista Express had a proper leveler and tamper. I immediately began using it for other machines. You'll need to check the size of your portafilter (some are smaller than normal), but this [$19 leveler and tamper](https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Distributor-Leveler-tool-Distribution/dp/B077BZ4CV6/){: rel=nofollow} should help you pack in those espresso baskets. + +**Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher:** If your latte maker comes with just a steam wand (like the Hamilton Beach machine on this list), you’ll want to invest in a frothing jug. This [$17 Star Coffee Frothing Pitcher](https://www.amazon.com/Star-Coffee-Stainless-Frothing-Pitcher/dp/B01DXYHXXQ/){: rel=nofollow} is nice because it has measurement scales on the inside, which is helpful if you want to get the right coffee-to-milk ratio. + + + +*** +### More Great WIRED Stories +* *The Irishman* gets de-aging right—[no tracking dots necessary](https://www.wired.com/story/the-irishman-netflix-ilm-de-aging/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* The tech-obsessed, hyper-experimental [restaurant of the future](https://www.wired.com/story/eric-rivera/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* Hacker Lexicon: [What is a dead drop](https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-dead-drop/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5)? +* A society photographer [turns his lens on smartphone addiction](https://www.wired.com/story/smartphone-society/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* Wish List 2019: 52 amazing gifts [you'll want to keep for yourself](https://www.wired.com/gallery/wish-list-2019/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* 👁 Will AI as a field ["hit the wall" soon](https://www.wired.com/story/facebooks-ai-says-field-hit-wall/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5)? Plus, the [latest news on artificial intelligence](https://www.wired.com/category/business/artificial-intelligence/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_5) +* 🎧 Things not sounding right? Check out our favorite [wireless headphones](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wireless-headphones/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories), [soundbars](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-soundbars/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories), and [Bluetooth speakers](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-bluetooth-speakers/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories) diff --git a/best-more-last-minute.txt b/best-more-last-minute.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5508ee6 --- /dev/null +++ b/best-more-last-minute.txt @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +####Google Pixel 3A for $299 ($100 off) +__Pixel 3A for $299:__ *[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Google-Pixel-Memory-Phone-Unlocked/dp/B07R9PTDTZ/){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Best Buy ($250 with activation)](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1305164/614286/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fgoogle-pixel-3a-64gb-unlocked-purple-ish%2F6347784.p%3FskuId%3D6347784&subid1=blackfridaygoogledeals2019){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Google Store](https://store.google.com/us/config/pixel_3a){: rel=nofollow}* + +__Pixel 3A XL for $379 ($100 off):__ *[Amazon](https://amzn.to/2KWa8bm){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Best Buy ($330 with activation)](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1305164/614286/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fgoogle-pixel-3a-xl-64gb-unlocked-purple-ish%2F6347774.p%3FskuId%3D6347774&subid1=blackfridaygoogledeals2019){: rel=nofollow}*, *[B&H](https://fave.co/2pRrMWy){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Google Store](https://store.google.com/us/config/pixel_3a){: rel=nofollow}* + +This is one of our [favorite phones of the year](https://www.wired.com/story/best-cheap-phones/). Google brought its considerable camera prowess down to the affordable phone market. It also has good battery life too, a sore point on the new Pixel 4, and its polycarbonate body won't shatter at the first drop. Because it's a Pixel phone, it will get software and security updates directly from Google (the maker of the Android operating system) for three years. + +####Google Pixel 4 for $669 ($130 off) +*[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YMNLXL3/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}* + +The latest Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/google-pixel-4-and-pixel-4-xl/)) are some of our favorite Android phones because of their simple but smart software, excellent cameras, and Google's commitment to delivering timely updates. Their biggest flaw is battery life, which will barely get through a full day of use, if at all. + + +####Sonos One Speaker for $170 ($30 off) +*[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Sonos-One-Gen-Controlled-Built/dp/B07NJPXRBC/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}* + +Sonos speakers are some of the best functioning and easiest-to-set-up smart speakers you'll find, but they can be a bit spendy. If you've been thinking about starting your system, today is a good day, as you can get $50 off the Play:One and [$40 off the One SL](https://fave.co/2LdacUj){: rel=nofollow} (which lacks the microphone of the One, but has the same great multiroom music functionality). + + +####Roku Streaming Stick Plus for $44 ($15 off) +*[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Stick-HDR-Streaming-Long-range/dp/B075XLWML4/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Walmart ($49)](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FRoku-Streaming-Stick-4K-Media-Player%2F300825724&subid1=bestblackfridaydeals2019){: rel=nofollow}* + +This is the [best Roku](https://www.wired.com/gallery/how-to-pick-the-right-roku/) for the most people. It works with HD or 4K HDR televisions and can connect to dual-band Wi-Fi networks. You may have to check to make sure your HDMI ports are lined up correctly for it to plug in properly, since it plugs into a second USB port for power. + +##Cameras + +####Sony Alpha A7 II Mirrorless Camera with 28-70mm lens for $998 ($600 off) + +*[B&H Photo](https://fave.co/34n3naq){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Adorama](https://fave.co/2qXhBA2){: rel=nofollow}* + +This Sony A7 II kit deal is one of the best we've seen this holiday. You get a great camera (albeit one that's a few years old) with one of the best kit lenses I've used. No, it's not a fast prime, but it's better than you think. If you've been looking to get into the full-frame mirrorless camera system, you'd be hard-pressed to find a cheaper way to do it. + +####Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera for $349 ($100 off) + +*[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Tough-TG-6-Waterproof-Camera/dp/B07RC8HPHL/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}*, *[B&H Photo](https://fave.co/2qJAYwF){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Best Buy](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1305164/614286/10014?u=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/olympus-tough-tg-6-12-0-megapixel-water-resistant-digital-camera-red/6351697.p?skuId=6351697&subid1=bestblackfridaydeals2019){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?u=https://www.walmart.com/ip/Olympus-Tough-TG-6-Compact-Camera-Red/795602545){: rel=nofollow}* + +The Olympus TG-6 is a rugged little camera that soars where smartphones crash ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/olympus-tough-tg-6/)). It offers excellent image quality for a small camera (complete with support for RAW images), and it's nearly indestructible. If you want a camera that's a GoPro-style, go-anywhere machine, but retains the lens and sensor quality of a point and shoot, the TG-6 is your best bet. + +####GoPro Hero 8 Black for $349 ($50 off) +*[Amazon (with SD card)](https://www.amazon.com/GoPro-HERO8-Elite-X-microSDHC-Bundle/dp/B07Y13ZWQQ/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FGoPro-HERO8-Black%2F769593864&subid1=blackfridayphotodeals2019){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Best Buy](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1305164/614286/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fgopro-hero8-black-4k-waterproof-action-camera-black%2F6365359.p%3FskuId%3D6365359&subid1=blackfridayphotodeals2019){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Target](https://fave.co/2rIGAXY){: rel=nofollow}* + +The GoPro Hero 8 Black ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/go-pro-hero-8-black/)) brings some major changes to the Hero line. You no longer have to deal with a mounting cage, and some new add-ons make for easier vlogging. But the real highlight is the new customizable menu system, which simplifies using the camera in extreme conditions. + +####Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II for $399 ($80 off) + +*[B&H Photo](https://fave.co/2OhsMfT){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Best Buy](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1305164/614286/10014?u=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-powershot-g9-x-mark-ii-20-1-megapixel-digital-camera-black/5715504.p?skuId=5715504){: rel=nofollow}* + +This little Canon hits the sweet spot for price, features, and image quality ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/review-canon-powershot-g7-x-mark-ii/)). It's compact, the tilting touchscreen is a standout feature in this class, and the autofocus is surprisingly speedy. + + +####DJI Osmo Action for $244 ($135 off) + +*[Amazon ($256)](https://www.amazon.com/DJI-Digital-Displays-Waterproof-HDR-Video/dp/B07RJMK2GV/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}* + +DJI's Osmo Action is our favorite action cam ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/dji-osmo-action-camera/)), and at this price it's an even sweeter deal. The front screen makes filming yourself easier, and the frame rates for video match what you get out of DJI's drones, saving you some headaches in postproduction if you're combining drone and handheld footage. + +##Laptops/Tablets + +####Surface Pro 7—i5, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB—With Type Cover for $799 ($230 off) + +*[Microsoft](https://fave.co/2rLA4Q8){: rel=nofollow}* + +The Surface Pro 7 is one of our favorite laptop-tablet hybrids ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/microsoft-surface-pro-7-2019/)). There are cheaper Surfaces, but this is a good price on the best hybrid model. Be sure to grab the Surface pen as well. + +####HP Pavilion 15-Inch Laptop 15Z Touch—i7, 8 GB RAM—for $560 ($450 off) + +*[HP](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=7168&awinaffid=632530&clickref=deals1221&p=%5B%5Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fstore.hp.com%252Fus%252Fen%252Fpdp%252Fhp-pavilion-laptop-15t-5rj34av-1%5D%5D){: rel=nofollow}* + +This is a suspiciously awesome deal on a laptop that should do just about anything most of you want to do, outside heavy video editing or gaming. The i7 processor with 8 GB of RAM is enough for all but the heaviest video editing. + +####iPad 10.2-inch (2019) for $249 ($80 off) +*[Best Buy](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1305164/614286/10014?u=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-ipad-latest-model-with-wi-fi-32gb-space-gray/5985609.p?skuId=5985609&ref=212&loc=1&ref=212&loc=BM01&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1efi3K6L5gIVlsRkCh3PdA7OEAkYAiABEgKN6fD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&subid1=bestblackfridaydeals2019){: rel=nofollow}* + +If you're [shopping for an iPad](https://www.wired.com/gallery/the-best-ipad/), Apple's latest update is still a great pick. It's mostly the same as last year's, but we like the slight bump in size. For more info, [read our full write-up on this deal](https://www.wired.com/story/apple-ipad-cyber-monday-2019-deal/). + +##Random Stuff + +####Fitbit Versa Lite Smartwatch for $99 ($60 off) +*[Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?u=https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fitbit-Versa-Lite-Edition-Smartwatch/935368703&subid1=bestblackfridaydeals2019){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Target](https://fave.co/2Oyn1Lb){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Kohl's](https://fave.co/2Y6ZgNr){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Best Buy](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1305164/614286/10014?u=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/fitbit-versa-lite-edition-smartwatch-silver-with-charcoal-silicone-band/6351050.p?skuId=6351050){: rel=nofollow}*, *[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Fitbit-Versa-Smart-Watch-included/dp/B07MFZ9MHM/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}* + +The Versa Lite ([8/10, Wired Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/review-fitbit-versa-lite-edition/)) is one of [the best fitness trackers](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-fitness-tracker/) you can get for your money. It works with both Android and iOS, can track everything from ovulation cycles to sleep, and unlike an Apple Watch, you don't have to charge it every day. + +####PlayStation 4 Pro 1 TB Console for $315 ($85 off) +*[Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FSony-PlayStation-4-Pro-1TB-Gaming-Console-Wireless-Game-Pad-Black%2F741505081&subid1=bestblackfridaydeals2019){: rel=nofollow}* + +The PlayStation 4 Pro is the most powerful PlayStation you can buy, and even if a new PlayStation 5 is [expected next year](https://www.wired.com/story/exclusive-playstation-5/), it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the best games from the past decade on this console, from *God of War* to *Red Dead Redemption 2*. + + + +- **[Ecovacs Deebot 500 for $135 ($145 off)](https://www.amazon.com/ECOVACS-DEEBOT-500-Controls-Self-Charging/dp/B07Q7Y84S6/){: rel=nofollow}:** I think aso likes this one. + + +###Kindles/Fire + + +- **[Kindle for $70 ($20 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLPWYB7/){: rel=nofollow}:** If you're looking for an ebook reader, the 2019 Kindle has everything you need ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/amazon-kindle-2019/)). This model uses a 6-inch E Ink capacitive touchscreen for reading, and it lights up so you can read in the dark. + +- **[Kindle Paperwhite for $100 ($30 off)](){: rel=nofollow}:** The Kindle Paperwhite is an upgrade worth considering. The touchscreen is noticeably clearer (300 pixels per inch vs. 167 for the standard) and the light is better. The Paperwhite is also rated IPX8, meaning it can sit in 2 meters of water for two hours. That makes bathtub reading a little more relaxing. + +- **[Fire HD 10 for $120 ($30 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K1RZWMC/){: rel=nofollow}:** The Fire HD 10 is the speediest and most well-rounded Amazon tablet. The Fire HD 10 has a larger screen with more pixels (1080p) than its siblings, making it better for video. It's been refreshed for 2020 with a slight processor bump and 2-gigabytes of RAM. The bigger news is the new USB-C charging. The new "Show Mode" for the Fire HD 10 turns the tablet into an Echo-like device. Set your HD 10 on a stand (we like the [official magnetic standing case](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Fire-HD-10-Tablet-Case/dp/B07RS8J6QP/){: rel=nofollow}) and it essentially becomes an Echo Show. + +- **[Fire HD 8 for $50 ($30 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0794RHPZD/){: rel=nofollow}:** The Fire HD 8 is the 10's travel-friendly sibling. The 2018 Fire HD 8 is our favorite all-around Fire tablet. ([Read our Fire HD 8 review.](https://www.wired.com/review/review-amazon-fire-hd-8-2018/)) It’s portable enough to take with you anywhere, and its screen won’t torture your eyes when you watch Netflix. + +- **[Fire HD 8 Kids Edition for $90 ($40 off)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HQBS21/){: rel=nofollow}:** The Kids Edition Fire HD 8 adds a padded case to protect it from accidents, and includes one year of FreeTime Unlimited, with access to a ton of educational content from PBS Kids. If your kids are older, and want a larger screen, the [Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is also on sale](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KD7K4B1/){: rel=nofollow} for $160 ($40 off). diff --git a/ces-scratch.txt b/ces-scratch.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d119dac --- /dev/null +++ b/ces-scratch.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9 @@ +Microduino's Itty Bitty Buggy is bot-building system based around an Arduino-powered wheeled buggy. Kids can start out building bots via instructions, and then design tracks the bots will follow (including the rope-climbing Sloth bot pictured above). All the bot can be controlled with an app as well, and for older kids there are a variety of programming possibilities starting with the popular Scratch language and working all the way up to complex code written in Python. Microduino’s toys are LEGO compatible as well so they can fit in + +, too, so the possibilities for creating something extremely unique with Itty Bitty Buggy is a within reach of every child with an imagination. + +line-following + +Easy to build and fun to play! +Building block compatible. The possibilities are endless. +Supports & teaches Scratch and Arduino (C++) programming. diff --git a/cheap-laptops.txt b/cheap-laptops.txt index 936d1fe..f906eee 100644 --- a/cheap-laptops.txt +++ b/cheap-laptops.txt @@ -34,3 +34,7 @@ Acer Chromebook Acer Swift 3 Lenovo Chromebook C330 + +one are the days when a decent laptop would cost you north of $1,000. In this market, manufacturers are inventing new ways to outsell each other, including aggressive price cutting. It's now possible to pick up a full-size or ultraportable Windows 10 notebook with a processor powerful enough for use at home, school, or work, for around $500 to $600. It's also easy to find full-featured Chromebooks and hybrid systems that give you both laptop and tablet functionality in one device for as little as $300. + +You should be prepared to compromise, however. While it's certainly possible to find a powerful laptop with a 15-inch screen, you might have to make do with a flimsy keyboard and touchpad. Likewise, you could buy an impeccably made ultraportable that uses an underpowered CPU and a tiny hard drive to achieve its low price. diff --git a/scratch.txt b/scratch.txt index e69de29..1cc66de 100644 --- a/scratch.txt +++ b/scratch.txt @@ -0,0 +1,12 @@ +highest resolution in M lineup 40MP from 24 +without RGB filter gets more sensative iso 160 on the low end, 100000 on high + +luminence only pixels give better micro-contrast + +emotions and aesthetics + +all mono exterior, no leica logo + + + + diff --git a/used.txt b/used.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c543979 --- /dev/null +++ b/used.txt @@ -0,0 +1,64 @@ +The post-holiday season is a great time to buy used electronics. Everyone has just pulled the wrapping off this year's model and is ready to get rid of last year's model. Whether you want to save things from the landfill or just want to score a deal, buying used is a great alternative. + +There are deals to be found out there in the used market, but unfortunately there are plenty of scams as well, and telling the difference can be difficult. We've put together this guide to help you navigate the sometimes confusing waters of buying used electronics online. + +If you're feeling hesitant about buying used, that's okay. Don't rush in blindly, buying the first thing that seems like a deal. It's good to do some research. And remember the old adage: if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. + +Still, if your budget is tight and you want the most bang for your buck, the used market it worth considering. Here's how to navigate it and, hopefully, come out ahead. + +###Know What You Want and What It's Worth + +Making smart decisions on used gear starts with knowing exactly what you want, specifically the options available and how those options affect the price. For example, let's say you want to buy an iPad. First find out how much a brand new iPad costs. It never ceases to amaze me how often I see used things listed on eBay at higher prices than the same item costs brand new from the manufacturer. + +Currently the 10.2 inch Apple iPad costs $329. That's for the 32-gigabyte model, WiFi-only model. If you want more memory or a cellular antenna the price goes up. You need to know all the prices for all the models so you can make a smart used buy. + +The same goes for other types of devices. If you're looking phones or laptops, know the specs for each configuration and make sure that items listed match what you want. Don't be afraid to message sellers and ask specific questions. + +Now that you have a list of models, configuration options, and prices from Apple, it's time to do the same things in the used marketplace. I am going to use eBay as an example for this, because it's the largest and best known of the many auction sites out there. That said, there are some other sites worth exploring, particularly for mobile devices. Be sure to check out our [guide to selling your old phone](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-trade-in-or-sell-your-iphone/) which has a good overview of different auction sites that specialize in phones. + +Now that we know what we want, search eBay for that exact model. Now scroll down and check the option to only show "sold listings". Take the five most recent sales, add up the price and divide by five. That's the average price of your configuration, don't pay more than that under any circumstances. Also be sure to note the lowest price, that's your awesome deal. + +Depending on the item, how old it is, how sought after it is, you may have to adjust this a little bit. For example there's a camp stove I've been wanting for years, but listings only come up once or twice a year and they sell very fast for pretty much whatever the seller asks, which makes my average and lowest formula less useful. That's an edge case though, in most situations this is how I figure out the best deal and what I'm willing to pay. + +Now uncheck the sold listing option and see what's currently listed that fits your criteria and has a price between the lowest price and that average price. Those are the deals worth considering. + +Remember to check the shipping price. You'll run into a lot of people who list an item at 20 percent below everyone else, but then charge big money for shipping and the total cost to you ends up being more. Avoid those sellers, they're con artists. + +Which brings me to the next important point: price is not the only thing to consider when buying used. + +###Know The Seller + +We don't just want the lowest price, we want the best quality item at the lowest price. I've found that, unfortunately, photos aren't a good indicator of product quality. I've purchased many items with terrible photos that have turned out to be in excellent shape, and I've purchased things with excellent photos that turned out to be junk (I returned them). + +A much better metric to judge the quality of an item is the seller's feedback rating. A good seller—who is most likely selling a high quality item in good condition—will have a feedback rating of 99.8 percent or better. I very rarely buy from a seller with a feedback rating of 99.6 percent or less. + +That leaves a gray zone—sellers with a 99.7 percent rating. In those cases click the "detailed feedback" link and read through the recent feedback. It could be there was only one negative rating and it was several months ago. Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes low rating come from things that weren't really the seller's fault, like a package being lost in the mail, so it pays to read through actual reviews and see what's up. + +If the seller has a rating of 99.6 or below, I personally don't care what the price is, I don't bid. + +I have purchased dozens of laptops, phones, cameras, camera lenses, cast iron cookware, musical equipment, and even prepaid cell phone plans off auction sites. In all that time have only been ripped off once. But even that time I ended up getting my money back. I didn't get the item I was after, but I didn't lose anything either. + +That said, it probably bears repeating: if a deal sounds to good to be true, it is. + +###How to Bid + +Once you've found an item that you want, and you know how much you want to pay it's time to... wait. I strongly suggest you bid only at the last second. And I mean that nearly literally. I only bid when there's about 10 to 20 seconds left. I wait until the auction is ending, then I look it up on my phone, because I think eBay's app has a better interface for actual bidding (it's terrible for browsing), and in those last few seconds I enter the maximum amount I'm willing to pay. + +The reason you don't want to bid earlier is it gives your competitor a chance to react. If you go ahead and outbid someone days, or even hours, before an auction ends they're going to come back and outbid you. Often my guess is they will come back and outbid you even if you drove them over their original max bids. You don't want to give other people time to get into the emotional experience of bidding on eBay. Only auctioneers want to whip bidders into auction fever. We want them to never see us coming. + +Once it's down to those last 20 or so seconds, then you enter your max bid. At that point a kind of automated bidding war begins. This one is not emotional though, it's pure machine-based cold hard logic. + +EBay takes your max bid and holds it, but all it puts into the actual auction is a bid that's 50 cents more than whatever the current highest bid is. But then that other high bidder may have entered a higher total bid than was shown, so eBay bumps their price up. Then your eBay robot responds, and so on, going back and forth until someone hits their max bid. If it's the other bidder, you win. And because you bid at the last second the other bidder didn't have time to reconsider and possibly up their max bid. + +The downside to this strategy is that if the other bidder has a higher max bid than you, they will win. That's okay though because that was your max bid. To go higher would mean you were paying more than you know you should. So this last minute method also saves you from yourself. And honestly, I always bid this way and I rarely end up losing. + +###Other Tips + +I very rarely buy things using the Buy It Now button (which means there's a fixed price, no bidding). Typically people who sell this way are resellers (they have a large stock of the item and sell it all the time) and while they may offer an okay deal, it's typically not a really good one. The big exception here for me is phones. Almost all the phones I've purchased were Buy It Now items. + +The other big advice I have about avoiding being scammed is don't pay with anything other than PayPal. I don't necessarily mean you have to use a PayPal account, but make sure the transaction is processed through PayPal. If someone wants a Money Order or check, that's a scam. I also avoid local pickup items in most cases (vehicles and appliances are the only thing I'd consider for local pickup). + +Perhaps the best advice I can give is the most difficult to follow: try to remove your emotions from the equation. When buying used, think of your heart and brain as the two voices whispering in your ears. Your heart may be set on a new (to you) laptop, but you brain is better at sniffing out scams, won't get sucked into auction fever, and it's what you should listen to when you find yourself thinking, that's almost too good to be true. + + + diff --git a/xpro3-review.txt b/xpro3-review.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b80041e --- /dev/null +++ b/xpro3-review.txt @@ -0,0 +1,41 @@ +The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is a highly opinionated camera. In a market where it's hard to tell cameras apart, the design decisions behind the new X-Pro3 set it well apart from its competitors. From hiding away the main LCD screen, to the film-era box-top style LCD screen on the back, this is not your run of the mill APS-C camera. + +After using the X-Pro3 for a few weeks it became very clear to me that this is a specialist camera best suited to a very specific type of photographer. It's not for everyone, but is it for you? + +Provided you share Fujifilm's vision of what a rangefinder camera can and should be, the X-Pro3 is going to make you very happy. + +### Less is More + +The X-Pro 3 is the successor to the three and a half year old X-Pro 2 ([8/10 WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/2016/03/review-fujifilm-x-pro2/), which is still one of my favorite cameras. As I said in that review though, from the rangefinder body design, to the hybrid viewfinder, this a camera design of bold choices. + +One thing that has not changed in my experience is that the third-iteration of the X-Pro line retails the je ne sais qua of previous models. I don't know what it is about this camera, but it makes you want to pick it up and walk out the door to make photos. It demands to be used in way that other cameras simply don't. + +While the intangibles remain the same there are plenty of changes in the X-Pro3. The first thing most people will say when seeing an X-Pro3 for the first time is: what happened to the rear LCD? + +Yes, the X-Pro3 has deepened its connection to vintage film cameras by hiding the main LCD screen from view. Instead the rear of the camera now has a tiny LCD screen that mimics the old film box top holder in your ancient film SLR. This small screen will tell you which film emulation mode is active (mimicking the look of various old Fujifilm boxes), the current ISO, and white balance. + +To get to the main LCD where you can navigate settings and review images you flip the rear panel down, revealing the screen. + +In addition to being the only way to "chimp" your photos, it (perhaps inadvertently) enables waist-level shooting, something that wasn't possible in previous version and will likely appear to street photographers, one of the groups to whom the X-Pro3 appeals. + +I will confess I almost never use the rear LCD on any of my cameras so tucking it away did not bother me, but a significant portion of the internet does not like this move. I disagree with the haters though, I like to see Fujifilm drawing a line in the sand: if you want an easy to access LCD, this is not the camera for you. + +I found that reviewing images in the hybrid viewfinder was good enough for me to confirm I had the shot I wanted. And thanks to plenty of customizable buttons, I rarely had a reason to flip down the screen and dive into the settings once I spent an hour or so setting up everything the way I wanted it. + +There is one big drawback to the drop down LCD screen to be aware of: it may not fold down very far on some tripods. This will depend on the design of your tripod, but the two I had a chance to test with both interfered with the ability to extend past about 100 degrees. I don't think this will matter to potential X-Pro3 users, as the X-Pro3 is just not the sort of camera you put on a tripod, but it is disappointing that you just can't do it and see the LCD screen. + +Another thing you won't find on the X-Pro3 is the traditional four-button circle for navigating menus and activating features. There's enough other buttons that I did not miss the D-pad, and with the touch screen LCD there's no need to navigate menus. I missed this one so little I didn't even notice it was gone until I looked up my X-Pro2 review and noticed there was a D-pad. + +### What's New + +The X-Pro3 has a new X-Trans 4 APS-C sensor with a slight resolution bump to 26 Megapixels (up from 24), but the real news is the phase-detect autofocus system that now works across the entire frame. Fujifilm says the autofocus is accurate in levels as low as -6EV if you've got a fast (f1.4) lens. This was largely borne out in my testing. Suffice to say that autofocus system in low light is better than my eyes in low light. + +Fujifilm's already very good build quality has been improved for the X-Pro3, which now features titanium top and bottom panels. The build quality of the eyepiece is also much improved, it's heavier duty rubber and no longer feels like it's going to tear off on the first thing that snags it. Fujifilm has also made the diopter adjustment wheel more deeply recessed and less prone to accidental turning. + +The main reason to buy the X-Pro3 in my view is for the viewfinder. The new version is slightly larger than the old, but still features three ways of view the scene: straight optical, straight EVF, and the very clever hybrid which manages to give you the best of both worlds in most cases. The three modes are toggle by quickly flipping a lever on the front of the camera. + +What's gone is the dual magnification in the optical viewfinder. The X-Pro2 could alternate between 0.35 and 0.60 magnifications, the X-Pro3 has only one set magnification of 0.52. The electronic viewfinder is much-improved, but I did miss the dual OVF. + +Fujifilm is well known for its JPG film emulation modes and the new X-Pro3 adds a new one dubbed Classic Negative Simulation. I was less wowwed by this one than Acros and some of the other film emulations. What I did find amazing is that Fujifilm has included an in-camera curves tool and clarity setting. Between these two, and the existing JPG settings tools you can really dial in certain looks. The X-Pro cameras are still the only cameras I use where I rarely use the RAW images. The customization options and quality of the JPG output gives me what I want so consistently I rarely bother post-processing. + +The X-Pro3 has a smaller audience than Fujifilm's other cameras, but it's an audience that Fujifilm clearly remains devoted to. The changes in this update are well worth the money. The X-Pro3, like its predecessors, is a camera that makes you want to get out and shoot. It will help your forget about fiddling with settings, forget about post-processing, and just focus on capturing your vision of the world. |