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| -rw-r--r-- | wired/chef-knives.txt | 52 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | wired/chromebooks.txt | 6 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | wired/faster internet.txt | 92 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | wired/guitar.txt | 25 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | wired/published/cheap-laptops.txt | 41 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | wired/published/how-to-sell-iphone.txt | 87 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | wired/published/portable-grills.txt | 161 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | wired/scratch.txt | 13 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | wired/surface-go2.txt | 28 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | wired/transfer-data.txt | 61 |
10 files changed, 383 insertions, 183 deletions
diff --git a/wired/chef-knives.txt b/wired/chef-knives.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..43845cf --- /dev/null +++ b/wired/chef-knives.txt @@ -0,0 +1,52 @@ +A great knife is the cornerstone on which a great meal is built. Ask three chefs what makes a great knife though and you'll likely get at least five answers. The truth is that what makes the perfect knife for you will depend on many factors, including your comfort level with knives, the size of your hands, and what sort of food you like to cook. + +That said, there's a reason your basic six to eight-inch chef knife is ubiquitous: it's the most versatile knife. The chef knife is capable of dicing veggies, slicing meat, chopping herbs and nuts, and in a pinch it'll even go through small bones without too much trouble. + +If you're looking to upgrade your knives, the chef knife is the place to start. + +There's a bewildering range of chef knives available, from dirt cheap to very expensive specialty blades. To help you make sense of it all we sliced and diced with dozens of knives until a simple truth emerged: a poorly-made $10 blade you sharpen every day is more useful than a $200 blade that's dull. Every knife need to be sharpened, some just need it more than others. Much of the price difference in knives comes down to quality of materials, which in turn often translates to how well the blade holds its edge. Here are our picks. + +We stuck mostly with 8-inch blades, the sweet spot for the classic chef's knife. Testing involved the stuff you'd do in your own kitchen—peeling, filleting, dicing, chopping, cubing, slicing and all the other standard prep work for meats and vegetables. + +Generally speaking knife sets are not a good investment. You don't need a lot of knives you need a few good knives. Most people will be best served with three knives: an eight-inch chef's knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. That's enough to prepare just about any meal. Knife sets often cost twice as much as buying those three knives separately and don't offer anything else useful. The large wooden storage blocks also steal useful counter space. Skip the set and invest in a sharpener. + + + +So it is with some pride that we now introduce the new Richmond Artifex II knife line. Our first offering is a very useful and universally liked 210mm gyuto. The new Artifex knives continue the tradition of using tough materials that can cope with the daily routines found in the busiest kitchens. To this end, we have continued with the proven G-10 handles but now mated to a blade made from Carpenter BD1N stainless steel. + +Heat treated to HRC 63, this steel will take a nice edge and hold it exceptionally well. It is also really easy to maintain. This is perfect for the demands of pro cooks who don't have the time to constantly sharpen or wipe down their knives during their shifts. Coupled to the virtually indestructible G-10 handle scales, these knives are nearly indestructible and will provide line chefs with a comfortable, long-lasting kitchen cutter at a really attractive price. + + +https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-Chefs-Knife-8-Inch/dp/B008M5U1C2 + + Tojiro’s DP and ITK series. Fujiwara is good for gyutos (chef’s knives), but their product lineup isn’t as big at Tojiro. And I’d mention the difference between western handles and wa handles + + +Need to open a bag of spinach? Break the seal on your sous vide salmon? Pop the cap off a beer? You're covered. We tested eight knives over three weeks, selecting the most popular models and pinging chef friends for their personal recommendations. + + + +Like all great designs, the chef's knife is simple, and its wide-ranging utility might account for its basic shape remaining relatively unchanged over the years. There have been small innovations: new metals, better handle design, some blades roll a bit more, some are thicker, others thinner. But the standard prevails: a slim, 8-inch triangular blade with a curved cutting edge and a heel tall enough to pinch tightly. There's no best knife for everyone. The size of your hands, how you hold the knife, and what you tend to do most in the kitchen determine things like which handle type is preferable, and what weight you'll need. The less-obvious traits, like upkeep requirements and how well the knife holds an edge over time, set the great knives apart from the mediocre, and should be considered by every buyer. + +NoBox markets this knife as perfect for "the backcountry chef or traveling cook", but really it's great in any kitchen, on the trail or off. One distinctly backcountry appeal is that, in a pinch, you could clean fish with this one thanks to its thinner shape. That said, it did take some time to adjust to the more curved blade so give it a chance if you decide to go this route. It's a well-balanced knife, holds it's edge well, sharpens easily, and offers a full tang (meaning it's sharp all the way to rear of the blade). + +Tojiro's DP Gyutou is a solid performer at a great price. It holds a edge nearly as well as blades twice this much, and it has a wonderful, solid feeling in your hand. The blade is capable of precise and very thin slicing that I normally would turn to a carbon steel blade to achieve. The only thing to watch out for with this one is the handle height, which is a little on the low side. I rapped my knuckles more than once using this one. If you have large hands you'll be better off with something else. + + +Best Workhorse + +The Richmond Artifex II is a small update to the original Artifex, which I have used since my days as a line cook. It holds an edge very well for a knife at this price, and makes a great first step into the world of Japanese knives. It's a bit longer than many of the blades here, but unlike a lot of Japanese knives, the Artifex II still has a western style handle. A western handle, or Wa handle, typically has two pieces with flat sides on either side of the metal, whereas a Japanese, or Ho handle, can be any shape, but tends toward round (octogon is also common). The Artifex is the closest I've seen a stainless steel knife come to the advantages of a carbon steel blade. + + +The Shun is a classic Japanese Damacus steel blade. The indentations help reduce friction as the knife passed through things and help prevent things from sticking to it as you chop. The Shun held its edge well, but is more complicated to sharpen. You'll want to have some high quality stones to get it razor sharp. The Damacus steel coating, which is what gives knives that distinctive ripple pattern, has a reputation for being difficult to care for, but in my experience it's no more so than carbon steel. Also note that this is Ho handle (round) and notched for right-handers. The Shun is a good quality knife, but it's also frequently on sale so don't pay more than $120 for it. + +I will confess a general preference for Japanese knives. The shorter, lighter blades work well for me, but that said, I love this German-style Wüsthof chef knife. I've had it for many years and it's currently the main knife I use. It's easier to get a fine edge on this than the rest of the stainless blades I've tested, and it holds it far longer. A couple quick swipes on a honing steel and the edge is back. The Wüsthof is definitely a larger, heavier knife, but it's very comfortable to hold and will easily handle anything you throw at it. + + + + +A dull knife is not only useless, it's more dangerous because you will make up for that lack of a sharp edge with more pressure. That means, when your knife slips, you cut yourself more deeply. I have spent enough time in the ER reflecting on this to become somewhat religious about sharpening my knives. + +In an ideal world there would be one sharpener to rule them all and I would just link to it here. Unfortunately, that's not how it works. Different blade materials must be sharpened differently, in particular many modern stainless steels are too hard to effectively be sharpened by traditional water stones (water stones are great for carbon steel though, I love these [Shapton stones](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Shapton+Glass+Sharpening+Stones&ref=nb_sb_noss_2){: rel=nofollow}). Strange as it sounds though, my most-used sharpener is Benchmade's [Guided Field Sharpener](https://www.benchmade.com/review/product/list/id/15441/){: rel=nofollow}. Technically it's meant for smaller blades, like pocket knives, but I use it on kitchen knives every day and it works great. If you want something bigger, I suggest diamond stones like DMT's diamond whetstone set ([Amazon $78](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NCVFC4/){: rel=nofollow}).
+
+For more sharpening options and some tips for how to put the best edge on your new knives, check this guide, [how to sharpen a knife the right way](https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-sharpen-a-knife-and-hone-it-the-right-way-article), from our friends at Epicurious.
diff --git a/wired/chromebooks.txt b/wired/chromebooks.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e6da4e1 --- /dev/null +++ b/wired/chromebooks.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6 @@ +If you work primarily in a web browser, use Google apps, and don't need all the rest of the *stuff* that comes with macOS or Windows, Google's ChromeOS offers a sleek, all-you-need, nothing-you-don't computing experience. Throw in the ability to run both Android and Linux apps and you have a perhaps slight eccentric, but potentially very powerful, not very expensive laptop. + +Chromebooks have a reputation as cheap, low-end devices. While they can be that, and offer an exceptional bargain in many cases, that's not the end of the story. Just because you strip away the software fluff doesn't mean you have to strip away the hardware power as well. There are high-end Chromebooks that are very powerful, capable machines. + +No matter which Chromebook you choose, in many ways you get the best of all world, lightweight software, but with all the essentials to cover a web-based workflow. + diff --git a/wired/faster internet.txt b/wired/faster internet.txt index d26e418..09c840c 100644 --- a/wired/faster internet.txt +++ b/wired/faster internet.txt @@ -1,41 +1,46 @@ -Below is the combination of the refreshed original article and Nield's new article. Nield's work is essentially untouched, except for the first line. Steps 7-13 are what were added. We need to keep the list of tips this high to be competitive. +Sheltering at home will teach you one thing in a hurry: your internet isn't fast enough. -I've copied all this markdown into the old URL's copilot link, which is the one we'd like to have published. Everything is optimized, Nield's byline was added (first) along with the original writer (Pierce), and I already swapped out the old art for the new art, so it's ready to go, aside from any potential edits. It just needs a new publication date and the new story (https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-upgrade-your-home-wi-fi-and-get-faster-internet/) redirected to the old (https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-make-your-wifi-better-faster/). +The good news is that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have have [increased speeds](https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/internet-essentials-low-income-broadband-coronavirus-pandemic){: rel=nofollow} for low-income customers. Others [have suspended](https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/12/21177538/att-broadband-internet-data-cap-coronavirus-suspend){: rel=nofollow} broadband data caps. +That makes the internet to your front door less of a bottleneck, but eliminating subpar speeds and Wi-Fi dead zones around the house is up to you. To help we've put together some suggestions on ways you can troubleshoot, and hopefully improve, your Wi-Fi reception around the house. +Be sure to also check out our guide to [securing your home Wi-Fi network](https://www.wired.com/story/secure-your-wi-fi-router/), our [guide to the new Wi-Fi 6 standard](https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-wi-fi-6/), and +*If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. [Learn more](https://www.wired.com/2015/11/affiliate-link-policy/). You can also support our reporting by purchasing a [1-year WIRED subscription for (Discounted)](https://subscribe.wired.com/subscribe/splits/wired/WIR_AFFILIATE?source=HCL_WIR_EDIT_HARDCODED_0_COMMERCE_AFFILIATE_ZZ).* +###1. Move Your Router +That router in the closet? Not a good idea. Walls, cupboards, even bookshelves can potentially dampen your Wi-Fi signal. Physically moving your router can make a real difference to the speeds you get and how far its wireless transmissions can reach. The perfect spot will depend on your home, but try not to hide your router in a corner, or under a cupboard, or inside a drawer—the more central and prominent it is, the better. See our guide to [where to put your router for the best possible home Wi-Fi](https://www.wired.com/2016/03/put-router-optimize-home-wi-fi/). -Knowing how to make your internet faster is essential—especially as the novel [coronavirus](https://www.wired.com/tag/coronavirus/) continues to spread across the United States and many people find themselves [working or studying from home](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-work-from-home-without-losing-your-mind/). Naturally, that means they're stuck with their home Wi-Fi networks, many of which may not feel up to par. +You might need to apply some creative cabling to get your router in a better place, but it's going to be worth the effort for the end results. The goal is to get your main devices—consoles, laptops and so on—as close as possible to your router. Devices that don't need quite so much bandwidth, like smart thermostats, don't have to be a priority in terms of physical proximity. -Some cable companies have [increased speeds](https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/internet-essentials-low-income-broadband-coronavirus-pandemic){: rel=nofollow} for low-income customers. Others [have suspended](https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/12/21177538/att-broadband-internet-data-cap-coronavirus-suspend){: rel=nofollow} broadband data caps. But eliminating subpar speeds and Wi-Fi dead zones around the house will largely be up to you. These tips give you a variety of options for getting more out of your Wi-Fi connection inside and outside the home. +If you don't have a flat surface near the best spot you can mount your router halfway up a wall. If possible, keep it away from other devices that use electromagnetic waves—that means baby monitors, wireless keyboards, and even microwaves. -###1. Move Your Router +###2. Go Wired Instead -It may seem a little obvious or too basic a fix to consider, but physically moving your router can make a real difference to the speeds you get and how far its wireless transmissions can reach. Try not to hide your router in a corner, or under a cupboard, or inside a drawer—the more central and prominent it is, the better. +A wired connection to your router is usually preferable to a wireless one—it's faster and more stable, and can't be affected by other devices or large fish tanks. The downside is, of course, that it limits where your devices can be, and it's less convenient overall. -You might need to apply some creative cabling to get your router in a better place, but it's going to be worth the effort for the end results. Have a think about where your main devices are situated—consoles, laptops and so on—and get your router as close as possible. Devices that don't need quite so much bandwidth, like smart thermostats, don't have to be a priority in terms of physical proximity. +Still, for devices that need the fastest internet possible—a gaming console or a streaming box, for example—it's often well worth the effort to run a wire. The router will have a handful of Ethernet ports spare, so all you need is a cable. -If you don't have a table or other flat surface near where you think the router is going to be best positioned, consider mounting it halfway up a wall. If possible, keep it away from other devices that use electromagnetic waves—that means baby monitors, wireless keyboards, and even microwaves. +To do a really tidy job and avoid having wires trailing across your floor, you'll need to deploy some cable management. [Wall brackets like these ($14 for 40)](https://www.amazon.com/Yocice-Adhesive-Organizer-Management-Upgraded/dp/B07PNSTB4N/){: rel=nofollow} keep the Ethernet cable fixed to the walls. If you have several cables running the same direction [these wall mounts ($13 for 50)](https://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Ethernet-Organizers-Management-Desktop/dp/B07KPTPGVB/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} work well. For one or two gadgets, it can be worth the extra setup. -###2. Upgrade Your Router +###3. Upgrade Your Router -You might never have thought about swapping out the black box your internet provider gives you, but the fact is that your standard issue router box is unlikely to be the best model on the market. There are better options out there. Just check with your provider (or run a quick web search) to make sure you can switch to a different box, and to get the configuration settings you need to do it. +Routers vary significantly in functionality and price, but in this case the upgrade to make is generally in terms of how far your Wi-Fi is broadcast. If you have a large house, you'll likely be better off with a router that can pair with "repeaters" that can broadcast signal into the furthest reaches of your home. Smaller homes and apartments can generally get by with a simpler system. -By "better" we mean routers that can spread your Wi-Fi further, and support more devices more easily, and keep connections stable and active under higher demand. While a router upgrade doesn't make any difference to the speed of the internet coming into your home, it can certainly have an impact on the speeds and stability you see on your devices. +We don't have room for a full router buying guide here, but we've tested and like the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 ([$280 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-8-Stream-AX6000-Router/dp/B07PCMG75T/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}, [$329 Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=betterhomewifi&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FNETGEAR-Nighthawk-AX8-8-Stream-AX6000-Wi-Fi-6-Router-802-11ax-Black-RAX80-100NAS%2F867351946){: rel=nofollow}), the [TP-Link AX6000](https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wifi-AX1500-Smart-Router/dp/B07ZSDR49S/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}, and the TP-Link AX3000 ([$129 Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=betterhomewifi&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FTP-Link-Archer-AX3000-4-Stream-Dual-Band-Wi-Fi-6-Wireless-Router-Up-to-3-Gbps-Speeds-Powered-by-Intel%2F100797162){: rel=nofollow}, [$150 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-WiFi-AX3000-Smart-Router/dp/B07YMFZ28Q/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}, [$150 Best Buy](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/0vNnV){: rel=nofollow}) -While we don't have room for a full router buying guide here, if you have a look at the [Netgear Nighthawk AX10](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Quad-Stream-Quad-core-Compatible/dp/B01M12RE4A){: rel=nofollow} or the [TP-Link AX6000](https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wifi-AX1500-Smart-Router/dp/B07ZSDR49S){: rel=nofollow} to see some of the specs and features available. You can also upgrade to a mesh network, where you install multiple router nodes around your house—check out [Google Nest Wifi](https://store.google.com/us/product/nest_wifi) (from $270) or [Eero Wi-Fi](https://eero.com/shop), for example. +For larger homes we recommend a mesh network, where you install multiple router nodes around your house. We've tested and like the Eero Wi-Fi system ([$250 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WMLPSRL?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}, [$250 Best Buy](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/eero-ac-dual-band-mesh-wi-fi-system-3-pack-white/6375348.p?skuId=6375348){: rel=nofollow}), and the Netgear Orbi system ([$287 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Orbi-Whole-Home-System/dp/B07CQDHPFT/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}, [$329 Best Buy](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/EMN2P){: rel=nofollow}), [$298 Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=betterhomewifi&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FNETGEAR-Orbi-AC3000-Mesh-WiFi-System-Up-to-5-000-Square-Feet-RBK50-100NAS%2F54445769){: rel=nofollow}). There's also the Google Nest Wi-Fi system ([WIRED Review 6/10](https://store.google.com/us/product/nest_wifi)), which works well though it lacks some features found in the other systems and at $299 ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Google-Nest-WiFi-Router-Pack/dp/B07YMJ57MB){: rel=nofollow}) it's not one of the cheaper options. -##3. Change the Channel or Band +###4. Change the Channel or Band -Your router uses a particular Wi-Fi channel to communicate with the devices around your home, and if you've got neighbors living very close who have routers using the same Wi-Fi channel, then everything can get very congested very quickly. Switching to a different channel can solve this problem. +Wi-Fi signal is divided into channels. Your router uses a particular Wi-Fi channel to communicate with the devices around your home, and if you've got neighbors living very close who have routers using the same Wi-Fi channel, then everything can get very congested very quickly. Switching to a different channel can solve this problem. Every router will handle this differently—check its documentation or look up the instructions online if you're not sure—but you should be able to find the option somewhere in the device settings. Channels 1, 6 and 11 are the ones to try, as they'll have the least interference when multiple devices get hooked up. Most routers now use dual band technology, broadcasting at the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. If your router settings allow you, you might be able to prioritize one or the other for certain devices—the 5GHz band will get you a faster connection to the internet, though it has a shorter range than 2.4GHz. -##4. Get a Wi-Fi Extender +###5. Get a Wi-Fi Extender If messing around with your router settings seems too daunting, and you have a few dollars spare, invest in a Wi-Fi extender or repeater. These devices plug into a spare wall socket, connect to the wireless internet getting beamed out by your router, and then extend it further. @@ -43,63 +48,52 @@ They're simple to set up, easy to use, and can instantly get rid of Wi-Fi dead z You've got plenty of options to pick from: take a look at the [Linksys AC1900](https://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Gigabit-Extender-Repeater-RE7000/dp/B01DT48WZS){: rel=nofollow} or the [Netgear EX7300](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-Range-Extender-EX7300/dp/B01D6JEMWS){: rel=nofollow}, for example. Make sure the maximum supported Wi-Fi standard (e.g. 802.11ac) matches that of your router, so that you get as speedy a connection as possible. -##5. Use Your Electrical Wiring +###6. Use Your Electrical Wiring An alternative to extenders is a powerline kit—you might never have realized it, but digital signals can pass through electrical wiring, and powerline devices are designed to take advantage of this. Several manufacturers make powerline networking kits, including [Netgear](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Powerline-Adapter-Ethernet-Passthrough/dp/B0778Y6K6N){: rel=nofollow} and [TP-Link](https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Powerline-Pass-Through-TL-PA9020P-KIT/dp/B01H74VKZU){: rel=nofollow}. It works like this: You connect a powerline plug up to your router and then put the plug into a wall socket. Add another powerline plug in any other room in your house, and it can then provide a wired or wireless connection to that room. There will be some drop in speed, but it's a simple and effective option. -Unless your home is particularly old, it should have electrical wiring that supports this, but it's best to buy your kit from a retailer with a robust returns policy, just in case. As always, check out the reviews in advance of buying any kit, just in case any known incompatibility issues get flagged up. - -##6. Go Wired Instead - -A wired connection to your router is usually preferable to a wireless one—it's faster and more stable, and can't be affected by other devices or large fish tanks. The downside is, of course, that it limits where your devices can be, and it's less convenient overall. - -If you've got a device that needs the fastest internet possible—a gaming console or an streaming box, for example—then you might consider putting in the time and effort to establish a wired connection directly from your router. The router will have a handful of Ethernet ports spare, so all you need is a cable. - -To do a really tidy job and avoid having wires trailing across your floor, you'll need to deploy some cable management (brackets to keep the Ethernet cable fixed to the walls, for example). For one or two gadgets, it can be worth the extra setup. +Unless your home is particularly old, it should have electrical wiring that supports this, but it's best to buy your kit from a retailer with a robust return policy, just in case. . -##7. Make Sure There's a Password on your Wi-Fi +###7. Make Sure There's a Password on your Wi-Fi -We probably don't have to tell you this, but you need a password on your Wi-Fi. It's good for [keeping hackers away](https://www.wired.com/story/wikileaks-cia-router-hack/), and keeping neighbors from Netflixing off your bandwidth. Make sure you use AES encryption, too (it's usually right there in the dropdown), which is both the most secure and most speed-friendly security option. +We probably don't have to tell you this, but you need a password on your Wi-Fi. It's good for [keeping hackers away](https://www.wired.com/story/wikileaks-cia-router-hack/), and keeping neighbors from Netflixing off your bandwidth. Make sure you use AES encryption, which is both the most secure and most speed-friendly security option. -##8. Consider Adding a Separate Network for your Guests +###8. Consider Adding a Separate Network for your Guests Another thing: You probably should have two networks. One for you, one for guests. Everyone asks for the password, but you're better off limiting the number of people and devices on your personal network to things you actually want there. Plus, let's be real: Do you really trust your friends? If they'd text your exes just because you left your phone unlocked, they'd definitely hack you just for fun. -##9. Reduce the Number of Devices Using Your Network +###9. Reduce the Number of Devices Using Your Network It also helps to reduce the number of devices on your network. Having dozens of things tapping into the Wi-Fi can be just as problematic as trying to play *FIFA* online while simultaneously torrenting the whole of _The Sopranos._ Plug anything you can into Ethernet, and unplug anything you have connected but don't need (like that "smart" tea kettle you never once got to work). Make sure only the things that need internet get internet. -On most recent routers, you can even prioritize a particular device or service through the same wonky settings menu you'd use to create a password or update the firmware. It's a hacky but handy way to make sure your games never get interrupted by someone's [Facebooking](https://www.wired.com/tag/facebook/). If you have [Luma](https://www.wired.com/2016/05/luma-makes-wi-fi-fun-smart-secure-time/) or Google Wifi, you get even more granular controls—you can prioritize the Fire TV, but only for the next two hours. - -##10. Regularly Turn Off Your Router +On most recent routers, you can even prioritize a particular device or service through the same settings menu you'd use to create a password or update the firmware. It's a hacky but handy way to make sure your games never get interrupted by someone else using Facebook. -Chances are you *never* turn off your router, but giving it a break once a month can make a difference when it comes to your internet speeds. Turning off your router gives it a chance to reset its internet connection. You could even turn it on and off everyday. That *sounds* like a hassle, but you can actually get a [programmable timer](https://www.amazon.com/Century-Heavy-Digital-Programmable-Timer/dp/B00MVF16JG/ref=as_li_ss_tl){: rel=nofollow} that does it for you. You can set it up to turn your Wi-Fi on and off at times when no one in your house will be using the internet. - -##11. See What Programs are Automatically Updating +###10. See What Programs are Automatically Updating This tip is specific to computers: if the internet on your PC or laptop is perpetually slow, open your task manager or activity monitor and see what programs are running in the background. Certain programs could be set to auto-update that don't need to be. If they're always updating in the background, that could be the cause of your slow internet. Check it out and adjust the settings. -##12. Check for Viruses +###11. Restart Your Router -Auto-updating programs aren't the only things that can affect your computer's internet speeds. Another culprit? Viruses. Scan your computer for malware. To remove malware, run your computer in safe mode, delete all temporary files, and install a virus scanner. Not only will removing viruses make your computer and data safe, it will also improve your internet speed immediately. +We've read this tip many times on the web, but we were skeptical. It sounds like an extension of the age-old pseudosolution to everything digital: reboot it. To see if this was more than superstition, we put the question to router maker Netgear: does rebooting your router help speed things up? -##13. Reach Out to Your Internet Service Provider +The short answer is probably not. -You can always reach out to your internet provider and ask them to send a service technician out. They're specialists for a reason, and might be able to pinpoint an overlooked issue that is getting in the way of you and fast Wi-Fi. Let them know your connection is lagging, and when the technician arrives, you can pick their brain for all kinds of solutions for how to make the internet faster. Chances are they'll have plenty of tricks up their sleeve specific to your setup. Afterall, Wi-Fi is a strangely personal thing. Performance depends on where you are, what the walls are made of, when your microwave was manufactured, and whether the guy who laid the cables did it right. When all else fails, let the tech help you troubleshoot your slow internet speeds! - +Sandeep Harpalani, VP of Product Line Management for Netgear tells WIRED that the company does not recommend rebooting its routers "unless you are actually encounter issues with connectivity or slow downs due to radio frequency interference." He did also say that if you're still using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and you're having speed troubles, rebooting might help since it will force the router to choose the best channel with the least interference during bootup. If you've made the jump to 5GHz you don't need to worry, it will automatically switch to the channel with the least amount of interference. -*** +Either way there's no reason to reboot regularly the way some people have suggested. If you are having problems then it may be worth restarting your router, but for the most part, stick with out other tips. + +###12. Reach Out to Your Internet Service Provider -*When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read more about [how this works](https://www.wired.com/2015/11/affiliate-link-policy/).* +You can always reach out to your internet provider and see if they have any suggestions. They may want to send a service technician out. They're specialists for a reason, and might be able to pinpoint an overlooked issue that is getting in the way of you and fast Wi-Fi. That's more complex right now though, as you may not want strangers in your house, and your ISP may not have technicians available to send. *** ### More Great WIRED Stories -* The secret history of [a Cold War mastermind](https://www.wired.com/story/the-secret-history-of-a-cold-war-mastermind/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_1) -* How to clean your smartphone [the right way](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-clean-your-smartphone-keyboard-mouse-safely/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_1) -* Algae caviar, anyone? [What we'll eat on the journey to Mars](https://www.wired.com/story/space-food-what-will-keep-us-human/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_1) -* Deliver us, Lord, [from the startup life](https://www.wired.com/story/midwest-christian-entrepreneurs-startup-life/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_1) -* Share your online accounts—[the safe way](https://www.wired.com/story/share-online-accounts-without-sharing-password/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_1) -* 👁 Want a real challenge? [Teach AI to play D&D](https://www.wired.com/story/forget-chess-real-challenge-teaching-ai-play-dandd/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_1). Plus, the [latest AI news](https://www.wired.com/category/business/artificial-intelligence/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_1) -* 🏃🏽♀️ Want the best tools to get healthy? Check out our Gear team’s picks for the [best fitness trackers](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-fitness-tracker/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories), [running gear](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-running-gear/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories) (including [shoes](https://wired.com/gallery/best-trail-running-shoes-round-up/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories) and [socks](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-running-socks/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories)), and [best headphones](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-headphones-under-100/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories) +* The relentless startup [fast-tracking Ford’s self-driving cars](https://www.wired.com/story/relentless-startup-fast-tracking-fords-self-driving-cars/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* 22 *Animal Crossing* tips to [up your island game](https://www.wired.com/story/animal-crossing-new-horizons-tips/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* The weird [partisan math of vote-by-mail](https://www.wired.com/story/weird-partisan-math-vote-by-mail/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* Planes are still flying, but [Covid-19 recovery will be tough](https://www.wired.com/story/planes-flying-covid-19-recovery-tough/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* The shared visual language of [the 1918 and 2020 pandemics](https://www.wired.com/story/shared-visual-language-1918-2020-pandemics/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* 👁 AI uncovers a [potential Covid-19 treatment](https://www.wired.com/story/ai-uncovers-potential-treatment-covid-19-patients/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc). Plus: [Get the latest AI news](https://www.wired.com/category/business/artificial-intelligence/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* ✨ Optimize your home life with our Gear team’s best picks, from [robot vacuums](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-robot-vacuums/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories&itm_content=footer-recirc) to [affordable mattresses](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-mattresses/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories&itm_content=footer-recirc) to [smart speakers](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-google-speakers-buying-guide/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories&itm_content=footer-recirc) diff --git a/wired/guitar.txt b/wired/guitar.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8706791 --- /dev/null +++ b/wired/guitar.txt @@ -0,0 +1,25 @@ +Around Christmas time last year I started work on a guide to things you need for the perfect road trip. It was to be a mix of cool tools and useful apps. I tested Wi-Fi hotspots, navigation and stargazing apps, camp stoves, camp chairs, and, on a whim, I asked Orangewood for a guitar. What sort of road trip is complete without belting out some awful cover songs around the campfire? + +Orangewood is one of those rare companies that manages to make a high quality guitar without the high price, a market the better-known Martins and Taylors of the guitar world have thus far not chased. Orangewood obliged my request, sending me the Oliver Jr, a beautiful mahogany three-quarter size guitar that's perfect for playing in the back seat. And at only $195 it's not so expensive you’re afraid to throw it in the back seat. + +It would have been perfect to play in the backseat.It still will be one day, but in the meantime 2020 had different plans. Road trips were postponed. The world got small, for many of us not much bigger than our living rooms. The Oliver Jr suddenly felt out of place, a reminder of a kind of normal that threatens never to come back. + +The Oliver Jr taunted me for a while. Remember when we could hit the road without another thought? Remember when crowds could gather? Remember + +Remember when we could gather large crowds of sweaty bodies in tiny rooms, pressed so tightly together you could surf your way across them? + +I grew up just south of Los Angeles in the 1980s and 90s. Much of the punk rock movement happened within a few miles of my home. Punk rock had a huge influence on my life. Those sweaty, tightly-packed, rooms were where I grew up. Former Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins, a fixture of the 1980s LA punk scene, once remarked that music is made by those it saves. Perhaps a touch dramatic, but it's not too much of an exaggeration to say music saved me a time or two, and I in turn felt obligated to make a little of it. I played in punk bands + +That was a long time ago by any measure, but as Covid 19 spread through 2020 that wonderful world of 80s and 90s punk never felt further away. + +Yet somehow every time I picked up that Orangewood and strummed a few bars of Johnny Thunders' I'm Alive, or Fugazi's Blueprint, those carefree days of 80s and 90s punk felt a little closer, a little more alive. I started to play regularly again for the first time in nearly a decade. + +I watched friends disappear into cocktails of depression spiked with Netflix binges. I tried but somehow the flickering of images under glass fell flat, failed to hold my attention. I kept returning to the front room, where the Orangewood stood, quietly waiting. + +It became my retreat. It never told me millions were doomed, it never promised a miracle cure. It never told me to inject bleach. It stood there, analog, unbreakable, quietly waiting for me. + +Eventually I got tired of running though songs I used to know. I even got tired of my own old songs. I dug out a battered microphone I'd tossed in a drawer a decade earlier and downloaded a wonderful piece of desktop recording software named Ardour. A couple of hours of tinkering later I had recreated the recording studio my bass player invested thousands of dollars and several years building back in the 90s. I did it for free in a couple hours using software. + +I pulled out the Oliver Jr and started to record. I wrote songs. I woke up the next day and hastily deleted them lest anyone else hear them. + +It wasn't long before my kids wanted in on the fun. I wound up back on the Orangewood street, buying a guitar for one daughter, a ukulele for the other. My son is still waiting on his drum kit. Now I don't have to play alone. It's not the sort of music strangers would probably want to hear, but we have fun. diff --git a/wired/published/cheap-laptops.txt b/wired/published/cheap-laptops.txt index f906eee..0f732de 100644 --- a/wired/published/cheap-laptops.txt +++ b/wired/published/cheap-laptops.txt @@ -1,40 +1,3 @@ -- action cams -- portable coffee -- labor day sales -- REI sale update +__WIRED:__ Do you really need a cheap *laptop*? Could you get by with a tablet? The Surface Go 2 gives you most, though not all, the power of Windows in a very lightweight, portable form factor. It can also double as a media tablet when you're not working. There's much here to love: it's fanless; the updated 10.5-inch display is sharper and battery life has been improved; there's a MicroSD slot to expand the storage; and the cover is a really lovely little keyboard. - - -Low end laptop round up notes - -Acer Aspire 5 -Model Name: A515-54-51DJ Part Number: NX.HG5AA.001 $529.99: - specs: - Intel Core i5 i5-8265U 1.60 GHz quad core - Intel UHD Graphics 620 - Screen Size 15.6" LCD IPS 1920 x 1080 - 8 GB RAM - Ports: ethernet, USB, USB-C, HDMI, headphones - notes: - - screen is lackluster, not super sharp - - hard to open from front edge - - edge is sharp on wrists in some situations - - tends to be quiet, speakers are weak - - plenty fast - - no problems with windows - -Acer Chromebook - - keyboard is nice - - same screen as Swift 3 - - Micro SD card is flush/recessed - - RAM was sufficient for chrome tasks - - Android apps are still hit or miss, mostly miss - - Linux on Chromebook works quite well and gives you access to tools you'd need for basic STEM-type courses, though not necessarily compiling software, probably not enough processing power. - -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. +__TIRED:__ The very nice keyboard cover is still sold separately for $129. The Lenovo below manages to include the cover and cost half as much (though it is less powerful). diff --git a/wired/published/how-to-sell-iphone.txt b/wired/published/how-to-sell-iphone.txt index 9e71c55..6dc706d 100644 --- a/wired/published/how-to-sell-iphone.txt +++ b/wired/published/how-to-sell-iphone.txt @@ -1,59 +1,90 @@ -That new iPhone is so shiny you can see it glowing in your pocket. Don't just toss your old phone in a drawer though, it probably still has value, more than you might think. +Apple recent iPhone SE suggests even Apple is aware of the need for cheaper phones. Whether you're in the market for a new SE, or still dreaming of the [iPhone 11](https://www.wired.com/story/apple-iphone-11/), don't just toss your aging phone in a drawer when you buy it. Sell your iPhone! That old hunk of glass is more valuable than you might think. -There are quite a few services that will give you cash or store credit for a used iPhone. We've gathered up and compared some popular services where you can trade in an old device for cash or store credit. Most of these services take Samsung and Google devices, and all of them take iPhones. +There are quite a few services that will give you cash or store credit for a used iPhone. We've gathered up and compared some popular services where you can trade in an old device for cash or store credit. Most of these services accept Samsung and Google devices, and all of them take iPhones. -Comparing prices on all these services highlights some tips for maximizing the resale value of your phone. First and foremost, take care of your phone. Get a good case, check out our recommendations. Also consider a screen protector. They have downsides (decreased touch responsiveness) but they'll keep your device looking new. To up the resale value make sure you buy an unlocked phone. There's no reason to lock yourself to one carrier. Those carrier-based deals are almost universally bad deals in the long run. +*Updated June 2020: We've updated phones, pricing, and removed Decluttr due to poor experiences on staff and other reports around the web.* -The last thing before you run off to cash in your old phone is to make sure you backup all your data using iCloud or iTunes. One gotcha to watch out for: if you backup data using iTunes, not iCloud, make sure you back up your text messages, which sometimes including photos and videos that you haven't saved to your Camera Roll. Remember to unpair your Apple Watch, and [wipe your phone](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-wipe-your-phone-before-you-sell-it/) as well. +*If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. [Learn more](https://www.wired.com/2015/11/affiliate-link-policy/). You can also support our reporting by purchasing a [1-year WIRED subscription for (Discounted)](https://subscribe.wired.com/subscribe/splits/wired/WIR_AFFILIATE?source=HCL_WIR_EDIT_HARDCODED_0_COMMERCE_AFFILIATE_ZZ).* -### Swappa -An eBay clone of sorts, [Swappa](https://swappa.com/){: rel=nofollow} seeks to eliminate some of the problems associated with eBay: high sellers fees, poor seller-buyer communication tools, and too many poor quality devices. To that end, you won't be able to sell your iPhone here unless it's in good shape, fully functional with no damage. +###First, Some Tips to Get a High Resale Price -So long as your phone meets Swappa's [listing criteria](https://swappa.com/faq/sell/listing_device_criteria){: rel=nofollow}, and you're willing to put in a little effort, this is where you'll get the most money for your old device. +Comparing prices on all these services highlights some tips for maximizing the resale value of your phone. First and foremost, take care of your phone. Buy a good case (check out [our case recommendations](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-pick-a-phone-case/)) and consider a screen protector ([AmFilm screen protectors work well](https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/D1198ED4-DC6F-41AE-819D-1A5B98709238){: rel=nofollow}). They'll keep your device looking new, which is the best way to ensure you get the most money possible when you sell. + +Make sure you always buy your phone unlocked. That will maximize your resale value. Unlocked phones work on any wireless network that they have the antenna to support. There's no reason to lock yourself to one carrier. Most stores will list a phone as unlocked, but generally you'll need to pay full price for it and not buy it locked from a wireless carrier. Generally, unless a carrier tells you a phone is unlocked, it probably isn't, especially if you buy it on a payment plan. + +The last thing before you run off to cash in your old phone is to make sure you [back up all your data](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-backup-your-iphone/) using iCloud or iTunes. One gotcha to watch out for: If you back up data using iTunes, not iCloud, make sure you back up your text messages, which sometimes include photos and videos that you haven't saved to your Camera Roll. Remember to unpair your Apple Watch and [wipe your phone](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-wipe-your-phone-before-you-sell-it/) as well. + +###1. Best for Pristine iPhones + +**[Swappa](https://swappa.com/){: rel=nofollow}** + +An eBay clone of sorts, [Swappa](https://swappa.com/){: rel=nofollow} seeks to eliminate some of the problems associated with eBay: high seller fees, poor seller-buyer communication tools, and too many poor-quality devices. To that end, you won't be able to sell your iPhone here unless it's in good shape, fully functional with no damage. + +So long as your phone meets Swappa's [listing criteria](https://swappa.com/faq/sell/listing_device_criteria){: rel=nofollow} and you're willing to put in a little effort, this is where you'll get the most money for your old device. As you would on eBay, you'll need to put together a listing with photos. Be sure to take the case off your phone and be honest about the condition. Remember to factor in shipping when setting your sale price. -Currently an iPhone 8 64-gigabyte model sells for $362, with the 256-gigabyte model going for $432. An iPhone XR sells for an average of $576 to $694, depending on the storage capacity. +Currently an iPhone 8 64-gigabyte model sells for about $260, with the 256-gigabyte model going for $294. An iPhone XR sells for an average of $450 to $520, depending on the storage capacity. + + +###2. Best for Reliable Cash + +**[Gazelle](https://www.gazelle.com/trade-in){: rel=nofollow}** + +[Gazelle](https://www.gazelle.com/trade-in){: rel=nofollow} is the old hand in the world of used phones. The company has been buying up phones since 2006, and it has the (simple) process down at this point. + +You fill out an online form and answer some questions about your device—whether it works, which carrier it's tied to, and if there's any cosmetic damage. You'll then get an offer based on the answers you give. If you accept the offer, Gazelle will send a box complete with shipping label, and you'll ship the phone in for inspection. Once the company has looked over your device, and assuming it's in the condition you said it was, you'll be paid—usually in about 7 to 10 days. Payment can be in the form of a check, PayPal, or Amazon gift card. + +A factory-unlocked 64 GB iPhone XR in good condition will get you $244. A 64 GB iPhone 8 for Verizon will net you $110. Gazelle sometimes runs promos around new device launches, so keep an eye out on the site for promotional offers. + +###3. Best for a Broken iPhone +**[uSell](https://www.usell.com/sell/iphone/){: rel=nofollow}** -### Decluttr +If your iPhone is damaged or the battery will no longer hold a charge, [uSell](https://www.usell.com/sell/iphone/){: rel=nofollow} will still buy it. Of the send-it-in-style services, uSell offered the most for damaged devices. We were offered $70 for an iPhone XR that doesn't even power on. -If you don't want to spend the time and effort Swappa requires [Decluttr](https://www.decluttr.com){: rel=nofollow} can turn your old iPhone into cash fast, albeit slightly less cash. All you need to do is answer a few questions about the condition of your phone, storage capacity, and carrier lock if any. You can do that through the website, or using the Decluttr app. +It's something of a hybrid service since you aren't actually selling your phone to uSell but, rather, to buyers it works with. Still, in practice it works more like Gazelle than Swappa. -Once it knows about your phone, Decluttr will make you an offer. Should you accept you ship your device in and the company inspects. If need be Decluttr will revise its offer, but should your offer change you have the option to decline and get your phone back at no charge. +###4. Easiest Way to Sell -Assuming you get an offer you like, and Decluttr is satisfied with the condition of your device, you should receive your money (PayPal is done same day, direct deposit and check take longer). Decluttr seems to pay a bit more than others of this ilk. Currently an unlocked iPhone 8 with 64 GB in good condition can get you $272 back and an iPhone XR with 64 GB in good condition will earn you $432. +[#image: /photos/5d782468361279000868a8b7]|||||| -### Gazelle -[Gazelle](https://www.gazelle.com/trade-in){: rel=nofollow} is the old hand in the world of used phones, the company has been buying up phones since 2006 and it's pretty much got the process down at this point. And it is a simple process. Much like Decluttr, you fill out the online form, answer some questions about your device, whether it works, which carrier its tied to, and if there's any cosmetic damage. You'll then get an offer based on the answers you give. +**[Apple's iPhone Trade In](https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in){: rel=nofollow}** -Like Decluttr, if you accept the offer Gazelle will send a box complete with shipping label, and you ship the phone in for inspection. Once the company has looked over your device, and assuming it's in the condition you said it was, you'll be paid -- usually in about seven to ten days. Payment can be in the form of a check, PayPal, or Amazon gift card. +Apple's [Trade-In program](https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in){: rel=nofollow} doesn't always offer the best prices, but if you're buying a new iPhone, Apple will quickly apply your credit to the new phone. Beware that Apple will only pay top dollar for absolutely pristine phones. -A factory-unlocked 64 GB iPhone 8 in good condition will get you $198. A 64 GB iPhone XR for Verizon will net you $264. Gazelle sometimes runs promos around new device launches so keep an eye out on the site for promotional offers. +At the time of writing, an iPhone 8 in good condition will get you $120, while an iPhone XR can get up to $260. The other option is to trade in to get a discount on a new phone. If you have a pristine condition iPhone XR, you can trade it in to get an [iPhone 11 for $399 ($300 off)](https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-11){: rel=nofollow}, or an [iPhone 11 Pro at $599 ($400 off)](https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-11-pro){: rel=nofollow}. -### uSell +We don't recommend it, but if you're the sort of person who just *must* upgrade to a new iPhone every year, you might save some money using Apple's [iPhone upgrade program](https://www.apple.com/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program){: rel=nofollow}. Like a lease, you perpetually pay for your phone, but get a new one after 12 months, which makes it cheaper than buying a new unlocked phone every year. -If your iPhone is damaged or the battery will no longer hold a charge, [uSell](https://www.usell.com/sell/iphone/){: rel=nofollow} will still buy it. Of the send-it-in-style services, uSell offered the most for damaged devices. We were offered $65 for an iPhone 8 that doesn't even power on. +###A Few More Options -It's something of a hybrid service since you aren't actually selling your phone to uSell, but buyers it works with, but in practice it works more like Decluttr than Swappa. +- **[Best Buy](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/best-buy-trade-in/pcmcat133600050011.c?id=pcmcat133600050011){: rel=nofollow}:** Best Buy will do trade-ins online or in participating stores. They won't take damaged devices, and you won't get cash, just store credit, but if you need something from Best Buy anyway it's a relatively no-hassle option, especially if you go the in-store route. -### Apple +- **Carrier Trade-Ins:** Your service provider probably has a buy-back program of some sort. [Verizon](https://www.verizonwireless.com/od/trade-in/#/){: rel=nofollow}, [AT&T](https://tradein.att.com/){: rel=nofollow}, [Sprint](https://secure.sprintbuyback.com/bbt/){: rel=nofollow}, and [T-Mobile](https://www.t-mobile.com/resources/phone-trade-in){: rel=nofollow} will all buy back your device, though generally for far less than the other options in this list. -Apple's [Trade-In program](https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in){: rel=nofollow} doesn't always offer the best prices, but if you're buying a new iPhone it makes it simple to quickly apply your credit to the new phone. Beware that Apple will only pay top dollar for absolutely pristine phones. At the time of writing an iPhone 8 in good condition will get you $208. +- **[eBay](https://www.ebay.com/s/phone/Apple){: rel=nofollow}:** There's always eBay. While personal experience has soured me on eBay lately—the number of buyer scams seems to far outweigh the number of legitimate buyers—it is still one of the most popular places to sell things online. The site even has a special form for selling your iPhone. -We don't recommend it, but if you're the sort of person that just can't stop themselves from upgrading to a new iPhone every year, you might save some money using Apple's [iPhone upgrade program](https://www.apple.com/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program){: rel=nofollow}. Essentially a leasing program, you can perpetually pay for your phone, but get a new one after 12 months, which makes it cheaper than buying a new unlocked phone every year. +- **[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Trade-In/b?ie=UTF8&node=9187220011){: rel=nofollow} and Others:** There are also other device-centric swapping sites, like [NextWorth](https://www.nextworth.com/){: rel=nofollow} and [GadgetGone](https://www.gadgetgone.com/){: rel=nofollow}. [Walmart](https://walmart.cexchange.com/online/home/index.rails){: rel=nofollow} and [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Trade-In/b?ie=UTF8&node=9187220011){: rel=nofollow} also have device trade-in programs, but none of them offered as good a deal as the options above. -### Best Buy +###Avoid These Services -Best Buy will do trade-ins online or in [participating stores](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/best-buy-trade-in/pcmcat133600050011.c?id=pcmcat133600050011){: rel=nofollow}. They won't take damaged devices, and you won't get cash, just store credit, but if you need something from Best Buy anyway it's a relatively no-hassle option, especially if you go the in-store route. +**Decluttr** -### Carrier Trade-Ins +We on the WIRED Gear Team have had some bad experiences with Decluttr. It used to be a good way to get fast cash for your phone. It never paid as much as others, but it was simple and fast. Unfortunately, something appears to have changed. Our last experience dragged out for months, after the phone was flagged as having a bad IMEI (though we owned the phone). Repeated attempts to resolve the matter went unanswered and our phone was not returned for another month after we asked for it back. When it finally was returned Decluttr shipped the bare phone in a box, with no packaging or protection whatsoever. -Your service provider probably has a buy-back program of some sort. [Verizon](https://www.verizonwireless.com/od/trade-in/#/){: rel=nofollow}, [AT&T](https://tradein.att.com/){: rel=nofollow}, [Sprint](https://secure.sprintbuyback.com/bbt/){: rel=nofollow} and [T-Mobile](https://www.t-mobile.com/resources/phone-trade-in){: rel=nofollow} will all buy back your device, though generally for far less than the other options in this list. +Checking [Better Business Bureau reports for Decluttr](https://www.bbb.org/us/ga/kennesaw/profile/electronics-recycling/decluttr-0443-27605994/complaints) reveals a pattern of similar experiences, that suggest the service is best avoided. -### Other options -There's always eBay. While personal experience has soured me on eBay lately -- the number of buyer scams seems to far outweigh the number of legitimate buyers -- it is still one of the most popular places to sell things online. There are also other device-centric swapping sites, like [NextWorth](https://www.nextworth.com/){: rel=nofollow} and [GadgetGone](https://www.gadgetgone.com/){: rel=nofollow}. [Walmart](https://walmart.cexchange.com/online/home/index.rails){: rel=nofollow}, and [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Trade-In/b?ie=UTF8&node=9187220011){: rel=nofollow}, also have device trade-in programs, but neither of them offered as good of a deal as the options above. +*** +###More Great WIRED Stories +* Gaming's \#MeToo moment and [the tyranny of male fragility](https://www.wired.com/story/videogames-industry-metoo-moment-male-fragility/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_3) +* Uncertainty isn't always a problem. [It can be the solution](https://www.wired.com/story/uncertainty-isnt-always-problemit-can-be-solution/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_3) +* Wouldn’t it be great if people could [vote on the blockchain](https://www.wired.com/story/wouldnt-it-be-great-if-people-could-vote-on-blockchain/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_3)? +* Of course citizens should [be allowed to kick robots](https://www.wired.com/story/citizens-should-be-allowed-to-kick-robots/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_3) +* [Become a musician](https://www.wired.com/story/how-we-learn-music-technology-apps-lessons/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_3) using apps and a light-up piano +* 👁 [How do machines learn](https://www.wired.com/story/how-we-learn-machine-learning-human-teachers/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_3)? Plus, read the [latest news on artificial intelligence](https://www.wired.com/category/business/artificial-intelligence/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_3) +* 💻 Upgrade your work game with our Gear team’s [favorite laptops](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-laptops/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories), [keyboards](https://www.wired.com/story/top-3-mechanical-keyboards/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories), [typing alternatives](https://www.wired.com/story/best-keyboard-alternatives/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories), and [noise-canceling headphones](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-noise-canceling-headphones/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories) diff --git a/wired/published/portable-grills.txt b/wired/published/portable-grills.txt index 30c4f54..81b95f8 100644 --- a/wired/published/portable-grills.txt +++ b/wired/published/portable-grills.txt @@ -1,108 +1,159 @@ -Nothing says summer quite like cooking over an open flame. Whether it's the salty sweetness on that lightly charred freshly grilled corn or the rich smoothness of smoked meat summer begs us to get outside and light a fire. +- **[Fujifilm Instax SP3 Photo Printer](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1367924-REG/fujifilm_16558085_instax_share_sp_3_smartphone.html{: rel=nofollow}:** The SP3 is a great little portable printer. It prints square, Polaroid-style images (roughly half the size of traditional Polaroid) at a reasonable price-per-print. -Sure, the true grilling enthusiast is outdoors checking the temp on their smoker even when the wind chill is in the single digits. For most of us though, the grilling season starts on Memorial Day, we really hit our stride around the Fourth of July, and after those final Labor Day hot dogs are gone, the grill goes rolling back into the garage. -We've looked at full size [gas](https://www.wired.com/2016/05/best-gas-grills/) and [charcoal grills](https://www.wired.com/2016/05/best-charcoal-grills/) in the past, but with the summer travel season in full swing we wanted to find the best ways to get your grill on wherever you go. -*(Note: When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small affiliate commission. [Read more](https://www.wired.com/2015/11/affiliate-link-policy/) about how this works.)* -### Best Overall Charcoal -Of the charcoal grills I tested, the [Weber Jumbo Joe](https://www.weber.com/US/en/grills/portable-grills/jumbo-joe-series/1211001.html){: rel=nofollow} strikes the best balance of affordability, features, and ease of use. It's big enough (18.5 inches in diameter) to handle meals for six people, but small enough that you'll still have room in the trunk for a cooler and camping supplies. -It's one of the most versatile grills I tested, grilling, barbecuing and smoking with ease. Thanks to its dual vent system (one at the bottom, one at the top), you get the same fine-grained level of temperature control you'll find in Weber's full size kettles. -The Jumbo Joe offers 240 inches of cooking space. That's enough room to smoke two racks of ribs, or fit burgers and corn for six people (admittedly, this was crowded). It weighs 22 pounds and features a handle with a bar that fits over the top and keeps the kettle and lid together for easy carrying. I tossed mine in the back of our car from trips to the lake and the park and it never tipped over. The ash catcher at the bottom makes cleaning less of a hassle by allowing you to dump the excess without removing the grill grates. -As much as I like the Jumbo Joe, it's not perfect. If you want to do any indirect heat cooking, you'll want to buy the [hinged grill grate for $25](https://www.amazon.com/Weber-7436-Replacement-Hinged-Cooking/dp/B000WEPHKW/){: rel=nofollow} so you can feed in fresh fuel without removing the top grill. To my mind the hinged grate should be included by default, as should a thermometer, but neither are. The other drawback is that, inexplicably, Weber does not make a cover for the Jumbo Joe. -While there's no cover, there are quite a few accessories available for the Jumbo Joe, both from Weber and third-parties. Some of these cost many times more than the grill itself—like the [Kettle Pizza Kit for $115](https://www.amazon.com/Kettle-Pizza-KPB-18-2-Inch-Grills/dp/B005V95DMA){: rel=nofollow}—but the one I highly recommend for slow cooks, aside from the hinged grill grate, is a [charcoal basket for $17](https://www.amazon.com/Weber-7403-Char-Basket-Charcoal-Briquet/dp/B000WEMGM4/){: rel=nofollow}. -The Jumbo Joe has a considerable following on the internet. Fans have hacked their grills to [add thermometers](http://olddavespo-farm.blogspot.com/search/label/Weber%20Jumbo%20Joe%20Review), knobs to make it easier to open and close vents, add [hanging ash cans](http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/jumbo-joe-mods/), as well as creative ways to cook taller fare, like [beer can chicken](https://www.bbqdryrubs.com/weber-jumbo-joe-beer-can-chicken/). -**[Buy the Weber Jumbo Joe for $70 from Weber](https://www.weber.com/US/en/grills/portable-grills/jumbo-joe-series/1211001.html){: rel=nofollow} or [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Weber-1211001-Jumbo-18-Inch-Portable/dp/B0098HR0RC/){: rel=nofollow}.** -***Smaller Alternative**: The [Smokey Joe Premium for $45](https://www.weber.com/US/en/grills/portable-grills/smokey-joe-series/40020.html){: rel=nofollow} (on [Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Weber-40020-Smokey-Joe-Premium-14-Inch-Portable-Grill/178598853){: rel=nofollow}, [Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber-Smokey-Joe-Premium-Portable-Charcoal-Grill-in-Black-40020/100401878){: rel=nofollow}) is Weber's 14-inch grill and would be our top pick for anyone who doesn't need the larger Jumbo Joe (and spring for the Premium, which features the same lid closure as the Jumbo, trust us, it's worth the $10). The big downside to the Smokey Joe is you lose the lower vent of the Jumbo Joe, which means less control over temperature. If you're not slow cooking that's not a huge deal, but worth knowing. The Smokey Joe was also somewhat more difficult to clean out. Still, if you want a smaller kettle this is a good way to go.* +True grilling enthusiasts are outdoors checking the temp on their smokers even when the windchill is in the single digits. For most of us though, the grilling season starts on Memorial Day. Luckily for you, grill testing goes all winter long. I've smoked ribs in the snow and grilled chicken even when it was so cold I could barely feel my fingers, all to learn which new grills are worthy of your money and time. Also, I learned you should wait for summer to start grilling. -### Best Overall Propane +We've looked at [full-size gas grills](https://www.wired.com/2016/05/best-gas-grills/) and [charcoal grills](https://www.wired.com/2016/05/best-charcoal-grills/) in years past, but we wanted to find the best ways to get your grill on wherever you are, whatever your living situation might be. So we researched and tested a dozen new grills to see which can brat the best. -I would argue that charcoal is superior to propane if flavor is your only criteria. In an ideal world flavor would be the only criteria, but we live in a world where grilling sometimes happens after hours in Friday traffic and while you're also trying to set up a tent, inflate a mattress, and wrangle hungry children. Sometimes the convenience of propane trumps charcoal. +Be sure to check out our other [buying guides](https://www.wired.com/tag/buying-guides/), including the [Best Grilling Accessories](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-grilling-accessories-tools/) guide, after you get your new grill. -For those times your best bet is the Weber 1200 Q grill. The Weber strikes the best balance between ease of use, cooking performance and minimizing flare ups. To test the latter I marinated some chicken in lemon juice and olive oil and laid it on the grills. Every grill here flared somewhat, but the 1200 Q (and the Coleman below) have heavy enameled cast iron grates that are closed over the actual burners, which helps keep the flaring under control. +*Updated May 2020: We've added a new apartment-friendly option, the Kenyon City Grill, and updated pricing on the rest.* -With 186 inches of cook space the 1200 Q is big enough for a family for four. It has a thermometer and some side tables to put your plates and tongs. It's also a champ at keeping a constant, even heat in pretty much any condition. One afternoon a storm blew in, but kept I grilling despite the high wind and rain. The 1200 Q just kept on cooking. +*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 main downside is the weight. For the cooking space it offers, the 1200 Q is big and heavy. It may be totally unfazed by weather, but it isn't the easiest to carry. If you're planning to bring it with you everywhere you go it's worth investing in the [wheeled stand for $80](https://www.weber.com/US/en/accessories/merchandise-and-outdoor-lifestyle/carts/6557.html){: rel=nofollow} (which also serves to save some space on the picnic table). +###1. Best Portable Charcoal Grill -As with its charcoal cousin, there are plenty of accessories for the 1200 Q, including a [griddle for $45](https://www.weber.com/US/en/accessories/cooking/griddles-and-planchas/6558.html){: rel=nofollow} and a nice [cover for $16](https://www.weber.com/US/en/accessories/care/covers-and-carry-bags/7110.html){: nofollow} to protect it from the elements.. +**[Weber Jumbo Joe ($70)](https://www.amazon.com/Weber-1211001-Jumbo-18-Inch-Portable/dp/B0098HR0RC/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}** -**[Buy the Weber 1200 Q for $209 from Weber](https://www.weber.com/US/en/grills/gas-grills/q-series/51010001.html){: rel=nofollow} or [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RFXS1Z6/){: rel=nofollow}.** +[#image: /photos/5d1c308142b8320008c20abe]|||||| -***Even Smaller Alternative**: The [Weber 1000 Q for $179](https://www.weber.com/US/en/grills/gas-grills/q-series/50060001.html){: rel=nofollow} ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Weber-50060001-Q1000-Liquid-Propane/dp/B00FDOONEC/){: rel=nofollow} or [Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber-Q-1000-1-Burner-Portable-Propane-Gas-Grill-in-Titanium-50060001/204612517){: rel=nofollow}) is nearly identical to Weber's 1200 Q, but loses the thermometer and side tables. The result is a more compact, though still pretty heavy, grill. If you don't need the tables and want to save a few dollars this is a good way to go.* +Of all the charcoal grills I tested, the [Weber Jumbo Joe](https://www.weber.com/US/en/grills/portable-grills/jumbo-joe-series/1211001.html){: rel=nofollow} strikes the best balance of affordability, features, and ease of use. It's big enough (18.5 inches in diameter) to smoke two racks of ribs or fit burgers and corn for six people (admittedly, this was crowded) but small enough that you'll still have room in the trunk for a cooler and camping supplies. -### Best for a Couple (Propane) +It's one of the most versatile grills I tested—grilling, barbecuing, and smoking with ease. Thanks to its dual-vent system (one at the bottom, one at the top), you get the same fine-grained level of temperature control you'll find in Weber's full-size kettles. -As noted above, the best smaller charcoal option is the Weber Smokey Joe Premium. For couple and small families looking for the convenience of propane, I suggest the Coleman Roadtrip 225 Portable. It most of what the Weber 1200 Q has, but is slightly smaller and lighter. +It weighs 22 pounds and has a handle with a bar that fits over the top and keeps the kettle and lid together for easy carrying. I tossed mine in the back of my car for trips to the lake and the park; it never tipped over. The ash catcher at the bottom makes cleaning less of a hassle by allowing you to dump the excess without removing the grill grates. -The Coleman also gives you the option to use only one burner to grill just a couple burgers without draining your propane tank. Variable controls also mean you can sear veggies on one side while cooking meat a bit slower on the other side. +The Jumbo Joe has a considerable following on the internet. Fans have [added thermometers](http://olddavespo-farm.blogspot.com/search/label/Weber%20Jumbo%20Joe%20Review), fastened knobs to make it easier to open and close vents, attached [hanging ash cans](http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/jumbo-joe-mods/), and come up with creative ways to cook taller items, like [beer-can chicken](https://www.bbqdryrubs.com/weber-jumbo-joe-beer-can-chicken/). -There's a grease pan to catch drips while cooking, and it's removable for easy cleaning. You also get push button ignition and 11,000 BTUs of propane grilling power. What the Coleman lacks is a thermometer. The other problem is the lack of latch on the lid. It's not enough to stop me from recommending it, but it's worth considering that carrying the Coleman requires two hands. +It's not perfect, though. If you want to do any indirect-heat cooking, you'll want to buy the [hinged grill grate for $25](https://www.amazon.com/Weber-7436-Replacement-Hinged-Cooking/dp/B000WEPHKW/){: rel=nofollow} so you can feed in fresh fuel without removing the top grill. The [$20 charcoal basket](https://www.amazon.com/Weber-7403-Char-Basket-Charcoal-Briquet/dp/B000WEMGM4/){: rel=nofollow} is also useful, and the [Kettle Pizza Kit for $115](https://www.amazon.com/Kettle-Pizza-KPB-18-2-Inch-Grills/dp/B005V95DMA){: rel=nofollow} is fun but more expensive than the grill itself. No thermometer is included, and Weber does not make a storage cover for the Jumbo Joe. -Coleman, probably best known for its stoves, has made some accessories that allow you to use half the stove as a griddle or even a regular stove burner so you can simmer beans while the hot dogs are grilling. We didn't test the accessories, but the [Griddle](https://www.coleman.com/roadtrip-swaptop-cast-iron-griddle/2000019874.html){: rel=nofollow} and [Stove Grate](https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-RoadTrip-Swaptop-Steel-Stove/dp/B00S57U6KY/){: rel=nofollow} both get high marks in other reviews around the web. +**[Weber Jumbo Joe costs $70 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Weber-1211001-Jumbo-18-Inch-Portable/dp/B0098HR0RC/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} and [Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=bestportablegrills&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FWeber-18-Jumbo-Joe-Charcoal-Grill%2F21928087){: rel=nofollow}** -**[Buy the Coleman Roadtrip 225 Portable for $160 from Coleman](https://www.coleman.com/grills/coleman-roadtrip-225-portable-tabletop-propane-grill/Roadtrip225TableTop.html){: rel=nofollow} or [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLHCHX6/ref=twister_B07CV6WCJ2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1){: rel=nofollow}.** +*__Smaller Alternative:__ The [Smokey Joe Premium costs $45 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Weber-40020-Premium-14-Inch-Portable/dp/B00004RALP/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} and [Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=bestportablegrills&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FWeber-40020-Smokey-Joe-Premium-14-Inch-Portable-Grill%2F178598853%3Fu1%3Dbestportablegrills%26oid%3D661658.1%26wmlspartner%3D*v1CWzR20JI%26sourceid%3D30230998563793919449%26affillinktype%3D10%26veh%3Daff){: rel=nofollow}. This is our top pick for anyone who doesn't need the larger Jumbo Joe. The downside to the Smokey Joe is you lose the lower vent of the Jumbo Joe, which means less temperature control. That's not a huge deal unless you're slow cooking. The Smokey Joe was also more difficult to clean out. But if you want a smaller kettle, this is a good option.* -### Best When Smoking for a Crowd +###2. Best Portable Propane Grill -While our top charcoal pick, the Weber Jumbo Joe, is a capable smoker, it's not large enough to squeeze in more than two racks of ribs, and even those will need to be cut in half. While Oklahoma Joe's Rambler is technically smaller at 218 inches of grilling space, its rectangular design lends itself to longer cuts of meat like ribs. +**[Weber Q 1200 ($209)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RFXS1Z6/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}** -Oklahoma Joe's is well known for its full size smokers, but the Rambler is a relatively new effort to bring the power of the full size smoker to the table top. The result is mostly successful. It has a built-in thermometer, large dampers to control temperature, and is by far the most solidly constructed of all the grills here. +[#image: /photos/5d1c30edfffcb300081e637f]|||||| -Getting the Rambler ready for your first cook takes a bit more work, it has the most complex assembly of this bunch, and you'll need to season the case iron grill grates, but the results are worth it. I barbecued and smoked up some wonderful results with this grill, including some really nice smoked cauliflower I wasn't able to duplicate on the others. +If flavor is your only criteria, I would argue that [charcoal is superior to propane gas](https://www.wired.com/2013/07/charcoal-grilling-is-objectively-scientifically-better-than-gas-2/). But flavor is rarely the only factor. We don't grill in beautiful meadows under a rainbow every day. Often, we grill after-hours on a Friday while we're also trying to set up a tent, inflate a mattress, and wrangle hungry children. And that's when the convenience of propane trumps charcoal. -The downside to the Rambler is that it's heavy. If you're just going from car to picnic table that's not a big deal, but if you've got a decent walk, say down the bluffs to the beach, the Rambler gets heavy and is awkward to carry alone. If you want your smoke and your secluded spot that's a good walk from the car, grab a friend and carry the Rambler one on each side. +For those times, your best bet is the Weber Q 1200. It's big enough for a family of four and strikes the best balance between ease of use and cooking performance. It has a thermometer and some side tables to hold your plates and tongs. It's also a champ at keeping a constant, even heat in pretty much any condition. A storm blew in one afternoon, but I kept grilling despite the high wind and rain. It just kept on cooking. -**[Buy the Rambler for $149 from Oklahoma Joe's](https://www.oklahomajoes.com/rambler-tabletop-charcoal-grill){: rel=nofollow} or [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Oklahoma-Joes-19402088-Portable-Charcoal/dp/B07JZ7YRVR){: rel=nofollow}.** +It's also good at minimizing flare-ups. To test this I marinated some chicken in lemon juice and olive oil and laid it on the grills. Every grill flared somewhat, but the Q 1200 (and the Coleman below) have heavy enameled cast-iron grates that are closed over the burners, which helps keep the flaring under control. -### Best for Last Minute Grilling Emergencies +The main downside is its weight. It may be totally unfazed by weather, but it's heavy. The [$90 wheeled stand](https://www.weber.com/US/en/accessories/merchandise-and-outdoor-lifestyle/carts/6557.html){: rel=nofollow} is worth a look if you plan to transport it a lot. Other nice accessories include the [griddle for $49](https://www.weber.com/US/en/accessories/cooking/griddles-and-planchas/6558.html){: rel=nofollow} and a [storage cover for $17](https://www.weber.com/US/en/accessories/care/covers-and-carry-bags/7110.html){: nofollow}. -If you've never cooked over infrared heat it's worth studying up a little before you dive in. Cooking over extremely high heat of infrared is very different than typical grilling. It took me a few failures—neither or which I can attribute to the grills—before I got the hang of it. The theory is simple: heat a ceramic element with flame and then let the radiant heat from the element do the actual cooking. +**[Weber Q 1200 costs $209 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RFXS1Z6/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} and [Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=bestportablegrills&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FWeber-Q-1200-Portable-Gas-Grill%2F39601434){: rel=nofollow}** -When you're in a hurry to get dinner on the table, infrared cooking, even more so than regular propane, is your friend. Fire it up, let the heating element get to temp (about five minutes) and you have a grill capable of 500-600 degree searing. Veggies need 30 seconds a side and have beautiful grill marks. Thin steaks like flank or skirt take a mere minute or two per side and turn out incredibly juicy and flavorful. +***Smaller Alternative:** The [Weber Q 1,000 costs $179 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Weber-50060001-Q1000-Liquid-Propane/dp/B00FDOONEC/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} and [Home Depot](https://fave.co/2TXWgB6){: rel=nofollow}. It's nearly identical to Weber's Q 1200 but loses the thermometer and side tables. The result is a more compact, though still heavy, grill. If you don't need the tables and want to save a few dollars, this is a good option.* -The best infrared option I tested with the Char-Broil X200. Char-Broil calls its infrared "TRU Infrared" and claims that it eliminates flare-ups, which is almost true. It flares less than I would have expected, and the flares don't last long, but get something good and juicy on there, marinated chicken or brats for instance, and it'll flare. +###3. Best for Apartment Dwellers -Like the Weber 1200 Q, the X200 is very well built. It's sturdy, yet only weighs 20 pounds, and the lid locks tightly. +**[Kenyon City Grill ($425)](https://www.cookwithkenyon.com/shop/city-grill/){: rel=nofollow}** -The downside to the X200 is that it can get too hot. It's difficult to do anything but sear. Turning it down means the flame, which is tiny to begin with, tends to get blown out by the slightest breeze. This is appears to be a problem with infrared in general though, not just the X200 as I had the same problem with the Solaire option mentioned below. +Not everyone has a yard, and it's increasingly common for apartments to ban open flame grills even on balconies. This is where electric grills come in. They're grilling (sort of), but without the flames. The problem is most of them are terrible. I've tried a few, including a notable celebrity brand, but this is the first to perform well enough that I can highly recommend it. It's not cheap, but if you're limited by your living situation, the City Grill is as close as you'll get to flame grilling. -Still, despite that flaw infrared will spoil you. Decide you want to grill some veggies five minutes for dinner is supposed to be done? With the X200 that's no problem. +Kenyon has been making electric grills and cookers for some time (they're popular in boats, which is part of why its made of marine grade stainless steel), but this is their first portable grill. I'm happy to report it delivers where others fail. It cooks evenly and at consistent temperatures (I was able to get up to 592 degrees off a digital thermometer). There's very little smoke, though I do suggest using it in a well ventilated area if you're indoors. -**[Char-Broil X200 for $88.79 from Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFPMLI8){: rel=nofollow} or [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Oklahoma-Joes-19402088-Portable-Charcoal/dp/B07JZ7YRVR){: rel=nofollow}.** +The big question is: how does the good taste? Well, not like it came off a nice charcoal grill. Sorry, you can't get that taste without charcoal. But the same principle works on the City Grill -- juices coming off whatever you're cooking, sizzle and give off tiny amounts of smoke that flavor your food as it cooks. The results are quite tasty. I grilled everything from port chops to asparagus and was quite happy with the flavors. If you want expand the City Grill's capabilities you can buy a flat top surface you can use to cook up a pancake breakfast. +At 24 pounds, and requiring electricity, the City Grill not a good choice if you want something truly portable. But if you're stuck with no way to cook over a flame, the Kenyon is well worth the money. -**Alternative: The [Solaire Anywhere for $389](https://besthot.store/anywhere/){: rel=nofollow} (or [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Solaire-Anywhere-Portable-Infrared-Stainless/dp/B002VLYAVQ){: rel=nofollow}) is another possibility. While I enjoyed this grill and its ceramic heating surface works much better than the X200's metal surface, it is even more of a fair weather grill. I had nothing but problems with it in even the slightest breeze. The design means that wind coming from the front can easily blow out the burners. Worse, because infrared flame is so small to begin with, you might not notice that your flame is gone right away. I liked everything else about the Solaire, and the company is well-known for its full size backyard infrared options, but at this price, with this flaw, the Anywhere is a tough sell. +**[Kenyon's City Grill cost $425 at Kenyon](https://www.cookwithkenyon.com/shop/city-grill/){: rel=nofollow}** -### Testing Methods +###4. Best for Couples -Terms "grilling" and "barbecue" are often used interchangeably, which is fine, but if you get serious about cooking over flame you'll want to learn the distinction often used by enthusiasts: "grilling" usually means cooking directly over high heat, while "barbecue" typically refers to cooking over indirect heat for longer periods of time. You grill steak. You barbecue ribs. +**[Coleman Roadtrip 225 Portable Propane Grill ($150)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLHCHX6/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}** -To test the grills I used both methods, grilling everything from steak to salmon to corn, even kale. In fact [this recipe for grilled kale](https://www.marksdailyapple.com/sweet-and-spicy-grilled-kale-with-ginger-steak/){: rel=nofollow} is my go-to for testing how hard it is to clean a grill. It makes delicious kale, but it's very messy. +[#image: /photos/5d1c311dfffcb300081e6381]|||||| -For the charcoal options I also barbecued ribs and pulled pork. I have not tried brisket yet but I do believe it would be possible to do a smaller piece on the Jumbo Joe or the Oklahoma Joe. +For couples and small families looking for the convenience of propane, the Coleman Roadtrip 225 Portable may work better than a Weber. It's considerably lighter and mostly matches the Weber Q 1200. Coleman also gives you the option to use only one burner, so you can grill a couple of burgers without draining your propane gas tank. With variable controls you can sear veggies on one side while cooking meat more slowly on the other. -In the end all of these grills preformed well and you really can't go wrong with any of them (there definitely are some grills where you can go wrong, but I have not included any of those here). In the end, to get the best grill you need to first figure out how you cook when you're camping or out and about. +There's a grease pan to catch drips while cooking, and it's removable for cleaning. You also get push-button ignition and 11,000 BTUs of propane grilling power. What the Coleman lacks is a thermometer and a latch on the lid to let you can carry it one-handed, though these omissions don't stop me from recommending it. -### Stop using Propane Bottles +Coleman has accessories that let you use half the stove as a griddle or regular stove burner so you can simmer beans while you grill hot dogs. I enjoyed the [$35 Griddle](https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-RoadTrip-Swaptop-Cast-Griddle/dp/B00VTJHRNY/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} for frying, and the [$35 Stove Grate](https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-RoadTrip-Swaptop-Steel-Stove/dp/B00S57U6KY/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} (untested) gets high marks in other reviews around the web. -The ubiquitous disposable green propane bottle is convenient, but a [huge source of pollution](https://www.refuelyourfun.org/). It's illegal in many jurisdictions to throw them in the trash, though that doesn't stop many people it seems, given how many of these turn up in landfills every year. Don't be that person though. There are re-fillable [bottles available](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F9LCYRT){: rel=nofollow}, which we suggest using if you must have the smaller size canister. +**[Coleman Roadtrip 225 Portable costs $160 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLHCHX6/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} and [Home Depot](https://fave.co/2z8iv10){: rel=nofollow}** -If you have room the far better, and even cheaper, way to go is a small re-fillable [propane cylinder for $55](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KOLF1IQ/){: rel=nofollow}. I find, cooking outdoors over both stove and grill three meals a day, that this tank will last about two weeks. It's small and light enough to not be any more difficult to cart around than the four to six one pound bottles it replaces. -### Other Grills to consider -PARTY PAIL CHARCOAL GRILL -https://www.coleman.com/party-pail-charcoal-grill/2000023831.html?cgid=coleman-stovesandgrills-grills#start=14 +###5. Best for Grilling Emergencies -Old Smokey: https://www.oldsmokey.com/products/14-old-smokey-charcoal-grill?variant=378333031 +**[Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 ($129)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFPMLI8){: rel=nofollow}** -Suggestions, kill this and redirect to new one: https://www.wired.com/2016/05/best-portable-grills/ +[#image: /photos/5d1c31d14f0e200008e4c6d1]|||||| + +Cooking over extremely high infrared heat is different than typical grilling. It took me a few failures—none of which I can attribute to the grills—before I got the hang of it. The theory is simple: Heat a ceramic element with flame and then let the radiant heat from the element do the actual cooking. It's not a crazy-unique concept, but "infrared" certainly makes it sound like science fiction. + +When you're in a hurry to get dinner on the table, infrared cooking is your friend. Hook up a propane tank (yes, needed), fire it up, let the heating element get to temp (about five minutes), and you have a grill capable of 500- to 600-degree searing. Veggies need 30 seconds a side and have beautiful grill marks. Thin steaks like flank or skirt take a mere minute or two per side and turn out incredibly juicy and flavorful. + +The best infrared option I tested was the Char-Broil X200. Char-Broil calls its infrared TRU Infrared and claims it eliminates flare-ups, which is almost true. It flares less than I would have expected, but if you get something good and juicy on there—marinated chicken or brats for instance—it'll flare (though they don't last long). Like the Weber Q 1200, the X200 is well built. It's sturdy yet weighs only 20 pounds, and the lid locks tightly. + +The downside is it can get too hot. It's difficult to do anything but sear. Turning it down means the flame, which is tiny to begin with, tends to get blown out by the slightest breeze. This is a problem with infrared in general, not just the X200. I had the same problem with the Solaire option mentioned below. Still, despite that flaw, infrared will spoil you. Want to grill some veggies a few minutes before dinner is supposed to be done? With the X200, that's no problem. + +**[Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 costs $129 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFPMLI8?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} and [$135 at Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=bestportablegrills&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FChar-Broil-Grill2Go-Tru-Infrared-Portable-Gas-Grill%2F26413645){: rel=nofollow}** + +*__Alternative:__ The [Solaire Anywhere Grill costs $469 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Solaire-SOL-IR17BWR-Portable-Infrared-Stainless/dp/B01I726VKK?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}. I enjoyed this grill. Its ceramic heating surface works much better than the X200's metal surface, but even a slight breeze from the front can blow out the burners, and because the infrared flame is so small to begin with you might not notice that your flame is gone. I liked everything else about the Solaire, but it's a tough sell at this price.* + +###6. Best Grill on Wheels + +**[Coleman Roadtrip 285 Portable Grill ($230)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLH19MX/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}** + +[#image: /photos/5e6aa14cc0b1110009a4db21]|||||| + +The Coleman Roadtrip 285 is similar to the Roadtrip 225 above, but it's freestanding and easier to move around thanks to the wheeled dolly system. The included stand also frees up some space on the picnic table, making this a nice choice for larger gatherings. + +The inside of the Roadtrip 285 is rather different than the 225. Here there are three interwoven burners, each with their own knob for fine-grained temperature control. There are two outer burners, left and right, and then one inner burner running between them. I most often used all three at once to produce a high-temperature sear, then backed it off and let the outer burners finish cooking. + +There's a grease pan that you can slide out the back for easy cleaning, and a thermometer on the lid monitors your cooking temperatures. There's a nice [griddle accessory](https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-RoadTrip-Swaptop-Cast-Griddle/dp/B00VTJHRNY/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} as well, which I used to make pancakes for a crowd. + +**[Coleman Roadtrip 285 Portable costs $230 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLH19MX/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} and [Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=bestportablegrills&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FColeman-RoadTrip-285-Portable-Stand-Up-Propane-Grill-Red%2F105430664){: rel=nofollow}** + +###7. Best Big Green Egg + +**[Big Green Egg MiniMax ($599)](https://biggreenegg.com/product/minimax-big-green-egg/){: rel=nofollow}** + +[#image: /photos/5e6aa166b550590008b553e5]|||||| + +Big Green Eggs are indeed *big*. Even the smaller [MiniMax Big Green Egg](https://biggreenegg.com/product/minimax-big-green-egg/) I tested isn't terribly portable, but if you want to smoke, grill, and bake outdoors, this ceramic cooker is a strong choice. + +The Big Green Egg is a Kamado-style cooker (Kamado is Japanese word that roughly means "stove"), which really makes it much more than a grill. The ceramic construction retains heat and turns it into a portable oven as well. The MiniMax Big Green Egg is identical to its larger cousin in nearly every way, it's just smaller. It weighs 75 pounds, making it by the far the heaviest grill I tested, but the double-handle carrying system makes it easy for two people to lift it around. The problem is that the 13-inch grilling surface of the MiniMax can really only grill for about four people. + +It's big enough to roast a chicken, sear a couple of large steaks at a time, or fit about six 12-inch skewers. But if you're doing meat and veggies for a family of four, you're going to be cooking in batches. In practice this isn't so bad. Most meats need to rest when they're done cooking anyway, giving you time to do your veggies. In my testing the Mini Big Green Egg had excellent heat control and, like the larger version, is extremely fuel efficient. + +**Big Green Egg's MiniMax costs $599 and can only be purchased in retail stores, including [Ace Hardware].(https://www.acehardware.com/big-green-egg){: rel=nofollow} You can [find a local store that carries the MiniMax here](https://biggreenegg.com/product/minimax-big-green-egg/){: rel=nofollow}** + +###Testing Methods + +The terms *grilling* and *barbecue* are often used interchangeably, which is fine, but if you get serious about cooking over flame you'll want to learn the distinction. Grilling usually means cooking directly over high heat, while barbecue typically refers to cooking over indirect heat for longer periods of time. You grill steak. You barbecue ribs. + +I used both methods to test, grilling everything from steak to salmon to corn, even kale. [This recipe for grilled kale](https://www.marksdailyapple.com/sweet-and-spicy-grilled-kale-with-ginger-steak/) is my go-to for testing how hard it is to clean a grill. It's delicious but incredibly messy. + +For the charcoal options, I also barbecued ribs and pulled pork. I have not tried brisket, but I believe it would be possible to do a smaller piece on the Weber Jumbo Joe. + +###Stop Using Propane Bottles + +The ubiquitous disposable green propane bottle is convenient, but it's a [huge source of pollution](https://www.refuelyourfun.org/). It's illegal in many jurisdictions to throw them in the trash, though that doesn't stop many people, it seems, given how many of these end up in landfills every year. Don't be that person. There are refillable [bottles available](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F9LCYRT){: rel=nofollow}, which I suggest using if you must have the smaller canister. + +If you have room, the far better, and even cheaper, way to go is a small refillable [propane cylinder for $65](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KOLF1IQ/){: rel=nofollow}. Cooking outdoors over both stove and grill three meals a day, this tank lasts me about two weeks. It's small and light enough to not be any more difficult to cart around than the four to six 1-pound bottles it replaces. + +*** +### More Great WIRED Stories +* The relentless startup [fast-tracking Ford’s self-driving cars](https://www.wired.com/story/relentless-startup-fast-tracking-fords-self-driving-cars/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* 22 *Animal Crossing* tips to [up your island game](https://www.wired.com/story/animal-crossing-new-horizons-tips/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* The weird [partisan math of vote-by-mail](https://www.wired.com/story/weird-partisan-math-vote-by-mail/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* Planes are still flying, but [Covid-19 recovery will be tough](https://www.wired.com/story/planes-flying-covid-19-recovery-tough/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* The shared visual language of [the 1918 and 2020 pandemics](https://www.wired.com/story/shared-visual-language-1918-2020-pandemics/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* 👁 AI uncovers a [potential Covid-19 treatment](https://www.wired.com/story/ai-uncovers-potential-treatment-covid-19-patients/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc). Plus: [Get the latest AI news](https://www.wired.com/category/business/artificial-intelligence/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_2&itm_content=footer-recirc) +* ✨ Optimize your home life with our Gear team’s best picks, from [robot vacuums](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-robot-vacuums/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories&itm_content=footer-recirc) to [affordable mattresses](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-mattresses/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories&itm_content=footer-recirc) to [smart speakers](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-google-speakers-buying-guide/?itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories&itm_content=footer-recirc) diff --git a/wired/scratch.txt b/wired/scratch.txt index 1cc66de..d478ba1 100644 --- a/wired/scratch.txt +++ b/wired/scratch.txt @@ -1,12 +1 @@ -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 - - - - +This is just my unsolicited 2 cents, and you should probably delete me from this thread since I will not be joining the union, but before I go I'd like to say that I think this is a bad idea. Somewhere between 36 and 52 million people have lost their jobs in the last two months. In this climate trying to force recognition of a union via public channels and expecting anyone to have any sympathy seems like... wishful thinking? Tone deaf? I can already see the Times headlines about Conde Nast magazine writers complaining they don't get caviar lunches anymore. Because I think that's how this will come off to the public. There's a lot of people out there who desperately wish they had a job, any job, right now. This is going to publicly rub the fact that you have a job in their faces. I don't see that ending well for you, or for me, or for Conde Nast. And do not underestimate what Conde Nast will do. Webmonkey was profitable (well over my salary) and had over a 100K visitors a month when it was shut down. Anyway, what I am saying is, make sure you understand the stakes you are playing at before you jump in. I hope my not participating doesn't affect our relationship. And if anyone ever wants to talk I'm always happy to listen. diff --git a/wired/surface-go2.txt b/wired/surface-go2.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0ad43ab --- /dev/null +++ b/wired/surface-go2.txt @@ -0,0 +1,28 @@ +Microsoft's first stab at a Windows-based tablet, the Surface Go revealed some shortcomings. While we like that initial effort, the battery life was mediocre, performance lagged, and +software limitations had us searching for workaround. + +The new Surface Go2 addresses most, though not all, of these issues and comes away with a device that is more expensive, but in many ways more capable that any other tablet I've used.There are still things I dislike -- most of them related to Windows 10 rather than the device -- but so long as you don't need massive processing power for editing photos or video, the Surface Go 2 is a compelling alternative to the traditional laptop. + +It's the first device I've used that I would consider laptop-replacement worthy. + +### Take Two + +The second iteration of The Surface Go looks, to be frank, like the entry level iPad. It's roughly the same size, slightly heavier at 1.2 pounds, and sports a very similar 10.5-inch touch screen. Microsoft has managed to pack a slightly larger display into that 10.5-inch frame, which means the bezels are a bit smaller, which also contributes to the iPad-ness of the Surface Go 2's outward appearance. + +The thinner bezels make the Surface Go look a bit sleeker, but the real improvements are tucked away under the glass, namely the much improved battery life. + + + +Microsoft has been making Windows tablets for many years under the Surface brand. The Surface Go 2 follows the same basic design principles of many of the preceding Surface models, including the latest, the Surface Pro 7. It’s a rectangular tablet that measures 0.33 by 9.7 by 6.9 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.2 pounds. The entire front of the device is a 10.5-inch touch screen, and the ports, the power button, and a volume rocker are scattered around the edges. While you can hold the Surface Go 2 in two hands with ease, a nifty integrated kickstand at the back pops out for propping up the tablet on a flat surface. + + + + +The most disappointing thing about the Surface Go 2 is Windows 10. Recent changes mean you can no longer use Windows without an account, which opens yet another attack vector in your life and isn't something anyone needs. But it's there and you may as well accept it because the curse of S-mode is still part of life with Surface Go. Windows in S-mode will only install software from the Microsoft Store, which might cut it if you only use Microsoft apps and handful of other, popular apps. + +For most of us though, the first thing you'll want to do is head to the Microsoft Store, turn off S-mode and install Firefox, Chrome, or Vivaldi. Sorry Edge team, I can tell you've worked really hard to build a good browser, but for most of us, it's too little, too late. I have years worth of browsing history, bookmarks, tabs, addresses and all the rest my data already stored in other browsers and synced between my devices. Edge doesn't run anywhere but Windows (actually technically, it also runs on Linux. Didn't see that coming did you?). + + + + +There's a class of devices out there that exist on a spectrum that runs from tablet to laptop. The iPad falls squarely at the tablet end of the spectrum. The Surface Go 2 falls just off the center, leaning slightly toward the laptop end of the spectrum. One is not necessarily better than the other, they are different tools for different jobs. The iPad is a better tablet thanks to its touch-optimized UI and app ecosystem, it is however a much worse laptop. The Surface Go on the other hand is much more useful as a laptop, capable of everyday tasks. It's also a decent tablet for watching Netflix or reading books. I would not say it's the best of both because I don't think that's possible, but it's diff --git a/wired/transfer-data.txt b/wired/transfer-data.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..88991dd --- /dev/null +++ b/wired/transfer-data.txt @@ -0,0 +1,61 @@ +Moving your data from one device to another is a pain. It's enough of a pain that most software offers some kind of data transfer when you set up your new device. Unfortunately, most of the time these "migration assistants" are garbage. + +I'm in a unique position of having to use new devices all the time, which is both tons of fun and a pain in the butt when it comes to setting them up. After years of doing this, trying new services, and tweaking my systems I've finally settled on a way to have all my data and eat it wherever I go, whichever device I use. + +### Pick a File Syncing Service (And Use It) + +The core of my system is a file syncing service. I have tried them all and settled on [NextCloud](https://nextcloud.com/), which I host on my own server. There's a [hosted version](https://nextcloud.com/signup/) available as well. If you want a more familiar name, [Dropbox](https://www.dropbox.com/){: rel=nofollow}, [Google Drive](https://www.google.com/drive/){: rel=nofollow}, and [Sync.com](https://www.sync.com/){: rel=nofollow}, all offer roughly the same features. + +Once you install the app for whichever service you decide to use, it runs in the background and syncs your files to a remote server. How this works varies somewhat, for example by default Dropbox creates its own folder and syncs anything you put in it. One of the things I like about NextCloud is that you can tell it which folders you want synced. You don't have to change anything about where you store your files. + +When you change a file on your device, the service syncs those changes to the server. Any other device also connected will then pull in those changes. This way you can easily go from working on your phone, to working on a tablet, to working on a laptop almost without noticing that you've switched devices. Even if you don't test hardware for a living, this makes life simpler -- you always know all your files are available on all your devices. + +The best way to think of this whole syncing system is that the server copy of a file is the canonical file. That is, the "real" file lives on the server, which is like the library of all your files and you're just "checking out" those files on whichever device you're using. This means that if you get rid of a device, it simply disappears from the system and your files are unaffected. + +In my case, once I'm done testing a laptop I re-install Windows (or macOS) and my files are gone from the device, but still out there in my "library" on the server. + +I don't store everything in NextCloud. Or rather I do, but it takes a long time to sync gigabytes and gigabytes of media files every time I test a new laptop, so I only actually sync a few key files to new devices, primarily my documents folder and a folder of notes. It's about five gigabytes of data and generally takes less than 20 minutes to download. + +The one caveat here is that you must save any files you create on your local device to a folder that's being synced. This will bite you if you only sync your documents folder, but your web browser downloads a file into the Downloads folder. You think the file has been synced, but it hasn't because it's not in the Documents folder. The way around this is either tell your browser to download to Documents, manually move the files you want synced into Documents, or sync your downloads folder. + +One other thing to note: using a syncing service is not the same as making a backup. These are syncing engines, not backups of your files. Any changes you make to a file will cascade across all your devices, which is the opposite of what a good backup does. A good backup never changes. Just because you have things synced does not mean you have them backed up. + +### Use a Browser Sync Service + +While I sync my documents with NextCloud running on my own server, for web browser data I use what comes in the box. + +For web browsers I primarily use Vivaldi and Firefox, which both offer a way to sync your data between devices. Chrome, Brave, and most other browsers offer some kind of syncing as well. I use [Vivaldi sync](https://help.vivaldi.com/article/sync/) and [Firefox sync](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-set-sync-my-computer) to make sure I have my bookmarks, browsing history, open tabs, preferences, add-ons, and auto-fill data. Everything but passwords, which I sync with a password manager (more on that below). + +As with the document syncing, syncing web browsing data means I can seamlessly move from device to device, picking up my browsing sessions right where I left off. My history and even open tabs from any device are available on every device. + +### Use a Password Manager + +We're always harping on you to [get a password manager](https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-quarantine-start-using-password-manager/) because it's more secure and will make you safer online. But I'll let you in on a little secret: I don't use a password manager for security so much as for convenience. The security is there, but the main thing I love about a password manager is how simple it is get up and running on a new device, quickly putting all my passwords at my finger tips. + +Probably the most time consuming process of setting up a new testing device is logging into all the services you need. For me there's work email, Slack, Airtable, publishing systems, Amazon, and dozens of other web-based services that I need to get up and running before I can get any work done. And I don't like my co-workers to have to wait too long for my snarky comments on Slack so the faster I get this set up the better. + +I happen to use [Pass](https://www.passwordstore.org/), which is nerdy, self-hosted, and a little complicated, but I've been using it for so long it's the most comfortable for me. Don't worry if that looks like too much, I have accomplished the same thing using all the services in our [guide to password managers](https://www.wired.com/story/best-password-managers/), and I stand by my picks in that article. For most people, [1Password](https://1password.com/sign-up/) is my recommendation. + +### Email + +If you use web-based email like GMail or Outlook.com there's not much to do, you can access your email in a web browser. In fact, no matter which email provider you use, these days there's almost guaranteed to be web-based access of some kind. Check your email provider's documentation for details. + +I prefer to check my email through either mutt or Thunderbird, which requires one extra step: downloading the application and filling in my details. In a pinch, NextCloud has an email application I sometimes use to check my mail in a web browser (this is what I do on Chromebooks, where running an application like Thunderbird is not possible. + +### Work in Cross-Platform Applications + +Despite syncing my data through a remote server, I am not a huge fan of web-based tools and applications. Between potential security issues, vendor lock-in, and years of living with flaky internet connections I'm most comfortable working locally and then syncing. I end up using mainly desktop applications and letting NextCloud handle the syncing. + +This way I can keep working even when the coffee shop Wi-Fi craps out, and I never have to worry that an update to my favorite cloud application destroys my entire work flow. + +For this system to work though it helps to use applications that work no matter what operating system you're using. For Windows, macOS, and even Linux this is mostly not a problem. For spreadsheets and all things office suite related I use [LibreOffice](), which works across all three. As noted above, I use Vivaldi and Firefox for web browsing (though almost every web browser around will work across devices). Communications apps like Zoom, Slack, and IM applications are likewise available across platforms. + +The big problem with using desktop apps is ChromeOS, which barely has the concept of a desktop, let alone locally running applications. This is why we suggest you very carefully evaluate your needs before buying a Chromebook. On ChromeOS you're more or less forced to use web-based applications. If you want tight integration with ChromeOS itself, you're further limited to Google's web-based applications. + +When I have to test ChromeOS devices I punt and use Google's applications since this is most likely what readers will be doing and I'm trying to evaluate how well a device meets those needs. To get my data off ChromeOS so I can work on it elsewhere I manually copy and paste from a Google Doc into a plain text document in NextCloud (which does at least sync files to ChromeOS devices via the Android app). This is awkward and I don't recommend it as a workflow, but it gets me by. + +### This is Easier if You Don't Test Hardware + +This is how I work, but my work is an extreme case. Most of us do not get a new laptop nearly every week. That said, even if I did not have to test a bunch of hardware, I would still use this same system to make sure that all of my data, web browsing, and passwords moved seamlessly between my phone and my laptop. + +The best part is, this entire system is essentially free. I'm cheating a little bit since I do pay $10 a month for the server that hosts my NextCloud files, but it does half a dozen other things as well so I'd be paying for it either way. Even if you spring for Dropbox's Plus plan, $10 a month isn't much to pay for the convenience of having all your files available no matter which device you find in your hand. |