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Contemporary laptops have increased in capability and can last a full workday provided you’re not engaging in processor-demanding and battery-draining tasks such as video editing or gaming. Although companies have been tackling these two challenges in recent years, users have also noted a decrease in modularity as more firms adopt Apple’s approach of soldering critical elements to the motherboard, including RAM and SSDs.
In response to this trend, Framework was established in 2020. It assembled specialists from renowned brands in the field like Apple and Lenovo, aiming to develop laptops that are modular and repairable. Framework’s inaugural laptop debuted in 2021, successfully fulfilling the commitment to modularity and upgradability. The company has introduced several models since then, with the 2025 Framework Laptop 16 enabling upgrades to the mainboard, memory, storage, graphics card, and allows swapping of various other components.
The idea of modular and repairable laptops is indeed commendable and very much appreciated, potentially representing the future, especially in an industry that consistently opposes user repairs and upgrades through soldered parts. However, before the market can see modular laptops become a norm, there is still one final obstacle to overcome: cost. To be frank, modular laptops tend to be pricier compared to the typical single-build laptops.
Laptop modularity comes at a premium
Framework is undoubtedly the frontrunner in modular laptops, and its partnership with Nvidia and AMD to provide upgradeable GPUs in the second-generation Framework Laptop 16 was a significant achievement in the sector. However, to acquire one of the modular alternatives from the brand, you should be prepared to invest a bit more compared to a similar single-build laptop from other brands. For instance, consider the Acer Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop and see how it compares to the Framework Laptop 16 Performance Pro model.
The Framework is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor, 16 GB of memory, and 512 GB of storage. The Acer Nitro 16 features the same CPU and memory configuration; however, it boosts the storage capacity to 1 TB. The Acer Nitro 16 is priced at $1,179, while the Framework will cost you $1,649 (after a 6% discount). That’s a difference of $470 compared to the Acer, for half the storage. For the 2025 version of Framework Laptop 16 utilizing AMD’s AI 300 Strix Point series chips, pricing begins at $1,799 for a model with a Ryzen AI 7 350 CPU, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB storage.
The Dell 16 Laptop features the same chip, double the memory and storage, and is available for just $858 on Amazon. Modular laptops also start at a significantly higher price point than traditional laptops. Yes, you may find lower initial prices on Framework’s site starting around $549, but that’s for the DIY models, which provide a basic laptop without a processor, memory, storage, or power adapter.
Affordability could popularize modular laptops
Effects of a Depleted Battery in Your Smart Thermostat
may even show a low-battery alert, which could leave users puzzled if they were unaware of this. In the Nest thermostat, in particular, you cannot replace the batteries; instead, you are expected to charge the device with a USB cable.
But what about older or different brand thermostats? How do you replace those batteries or deal with a low-power signal? It varies from one thermostat to another, as some feature replaceable and disposable batteries while others do not. What you need to keep in mind, though, is that the backup batteries serve as an additional power source even when the power in your home is stable and present. That battery powers the thermostat’s internal mechanisms, especially the control board that communicates with the heating or cooling system regarding its operations. If the battery fails, even with power still available, there is a risk that the device may not communicate effectively with the HVAC system, thereby failing to function as intended.
Sometimes, a thermostat may appear to be functioning properly with a screen that lights up, but in reality, it’s struggling to maintain the right temperatures or engage the automatic climate controls as scheduled. You might manage to utilize the basic functions of a Google Nest thermostat without internet access, but lacking power is a different scenario. The batteries guarantee sufficient voltage for the internal components at all times. Batteries are expected to last approximately eight months to a year of consistent use, and you should replace them on a regular basis, along with other upkeep tasks like changing air filters.
Why is the battery important in certain units?
Premature Disclosure of Sonos Play Portable Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 Speaker
### Upcoming Sonos Play Portable Speaker: What We Know So Far
A new portable Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 speaker from Sonos has recently appeared online, sparking interest among audio fans. This yet-to-be-announced device seems to be a smaller variant of the Sonos Move 2, equipped with a handy loop on the rear for effortless transport.
#### Product Details and Specifications
The speaker was listed on Best Buy’s Canadian site, carrying a price of $399.99 CAD. Although the listing has been taken down, it included several fascinating specifications:
– **Battery Life**: The speaker claims an exceptional 24-hour battery life, making it ideal for prolonged use without the need for frequent charging.
– **Water Resistance**: With an IP67 rating, the speaker is built to endure dust and can be submersed in water, rendering it perfect for outdoor adventures.
– **Connectivity**: It comes equipped with an AUX input and USB-C power delivery, increasing its adaptability for different audio sources.
– **Wireless Charging**: The addition of a wireless charging base offers convenience for users who prefer a cable-free setup.
The product page also suggested a possible release date of March 31, which Sonos has yet to verify.
#### Positioning in the Sonos Lineup
At present, Sonos provides two portable speakers: the Sonos Roam 2, which retails for $179 USD, and the larger Sonos Move 2, priced at $499 USD. The launch of this new speaker addresses a pricing void in the lineup, potentially introducing a more budget-friendly alternative around $300 USD.
#### Comparison with Apple Products
Although Apple does not currently offer a portable AirPlay 2 speaker, it does market the USB-C Beats Pill as a portable Bluetooth speaker available for $129 or less. The arrival of the new Sonos speaker may serve as a competitive option for consumers in search of top-notch portable audio solutions.
#### Future Developments for Sonos Users
Beyond the forthcoming speaker, Sonos users can look forward to new features, including lock screen playback controls on iPhone, expected to roll out later this year. This improvement is designed to enhance the experience for those utilizing Sonos products alongside Apple devices.
As the launch date nears, further details regarding the Sonos Play portable speaker are anticipated to surface, adding to the buzz surrounding Sonos’ cutting-edge audio innovations.
Cutting-Edge Amazon Instrument Transforms 3D Printing Methods
There is much you can achieve with a 3D printer. While there are certain items one should avoid 3D printing, there remains significant potential for creating a diverse range of products. Nevertheless, not everything that results from a print job will be flawless and immediately usable. With elements like support structures and uneven surfaces, a little cleaning up after printing can make a big difference. This is why having a rotary tool kit can be beneficial, and Amazon has a model that is worth considering.
Designed for sanding, polishing, carving, and even engraving 3D-printed creations, the Fanttik F2 Master Mini Cordless Rotary Tool Kit is great for perfecting the intricate aspects of your projects. With predominantly favorable reviews, Fanttik’s rotary tool comes complete with a selection of accessories in a storage case, plus an LED display for speed adjustment. There are various guidelines that every DIY enthusiast should understand regarding 3D printing, and the steps taken after completing a print can be equally crucial as those taken before commencing. For instance, ensuring that support marks are leveled and imperfections are eliminated can provide a charming finishing touch.
Refining the intricacies of a 3D printed creation
The Fanttik F2 Master Mini rotary tool retails for $89.99 on Amazon, is available in several colors, and accommodates any 2.33 mm accessories. With a 4.4-star rating from over 1,860 reviews, this compact tool features a brushless hollow cup motor that the manufacturer claims operates quieter than standard motors. Capable of achieving a maximum speed of 25,000 RPM, the tool offers five adjustable speeds along with 35 accessories for polishing, grinding, and drilling.
It is waterproof and dustproof, can be charged through USB-C in 60 minutes, and includes an LED power indicator that signifies when the battery needs recharging. Users on Amazon appreciate the Fanttik F2 for its effectiveness, with compliments given for the tool’s precision in executing tasks. However, at least one customer remarks that a gentle touch may be necessary to thoroughly polish certain plastic components. If you’re interested in discovering ways to utilize this sleek tool, take a look at these exciting 3D printing projects you should attempt.
Innovative Methods to Reutilize Your Old External Hard Drives Beyond Simple Storage
more advanced and larger SSDs available for purchase, or options based in the cloud. When this occurs, drives that are still perfectly operational often end up neglected in drawers, even though they still have a significant lifespan remaining. This is especially wasteful because external hard drives offer much more versatility than many users comprehend.
In contrast to internal drives, external hard drives can easily be transferred between different systems, reformatted whenever necessary, and repurposed without jeopardizing the data or stability of a primary computer. This adaptability makes them excellent candidates for applications that require separation, experimentation, or portability. Frequently, an old external drive can address genuine issues: from safeguarding against ransomware, to enlarging game libraries, or diagnosing malfunctioning computers — all without the need for new hardware purchases.
This article investigates eight actionable, validated methods to repurpose old external hard drives for purposes that extend well beyond mere file storage. Each scenario is backed by actual documentation, recognized software functionalities, or commonly embraced technical practices. Whether the aim is security, creativity, convenience, or education, unlike the five PC upgrades that don’t justify the expense, these suggestions demonstrate how older hardware can continue to provide substantial value long after its initial use has diminished.
Establish a specific lab drive for experimenting with risky projects
Daisy Ridley Shines in Overlooked Zombie Movie That Deserves Attention
Zack Snyder’s “Dawn of the Dead,” for example), but as the film progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that Hilditch is not aiming to produce another standard zombie horror. Rather, he presents audiences with a narrative centered on personal struggles, involving the undead only tangentially, while prioritizing the experiences of the living and their abilities (or inability) to deal with bereavement and sorrow.
The storyline revolves around Ava Newman (Daisy Ridley), an American physical therapist, who becomes part of a team of volunteers dispatched to Tasmania to identify the deceased following a US experimental weapon that inadvertently devastates Hobart, resulting in the majority of the island’s inhabitants being killed. Some of the deceased, however, are inexplicably returning from the brink of death in an essentially comatose state. Newman is hopeful that her husband (who was on the island during the event) is among them, and she is determined to rescue him. However, as she collaborates with another volunteer named Clay (Brenton Thwaites), and they identify hundreds of the departed, she gradually comes to understand that the likelihood of reviving whatever this phenomenon is, is nearly non-existent. Despite this, she remains relentless in her quest to locate her partner, whether he is dead, alive, or something entirely different.
Finding closure in the face of death
Sonos Play Portable Speaker Leaked on Canadian Best Buy
An unannounced Sonos speaker called Play has been spotted on the Canadian Best Buy site. The Sonos Play looks like a slightly shrunk-down version of the Move 2 with a loop on the back for toting it around. While nothing is confirmed yet, it’s listed at CAD $399.99 with a release date of March 31st, […]
Poll: Which New Apple Product Announcement This Week Are You Most Enthusiastic About?
### Apple Launch Week Begins Monday Morning
Apple’s eagerly awaited product launch week commences on Monday morning, as stated by CEO Tim Cook. This week is set to reveal a variety of new devices, including the highly speculated iPhone 17e, A18 iPad, M4 iPad Air, A18 Pro MacBook, M5 MacBook Air, M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro, and refreshed Apple displays.
The company initially revealed a distinctive “experience” event slated for Wednesday, March 4, departing from the conventional launch style. This announcement was shared on February 16, sparking enthusiasm among Apple fans. Tim Cook further heightened expectations with a message on X, suggesting that the forthcoming week would be pivotal for Apple.
Although the precise sequence of announcements is not yet known, conjecture indicates that Apple might arrange the launches by product categories throughout the week. A possible itinerary could feature the iPhone 17e launching on Monday, followed by updates to the iPad and iPad Air on Tuesday, and the introduction of new MacBook models on Wednesday, alongside refreshed MacBook Air and MacBook Pro offerings.
Moreover, should new Apple displays be unveiled, they would effectively enhance the Mac announcements, particularly with the improvements in iPadOS 26 that boost compatibility with external monitors via new windowing functionalities.
As anticipation grows, Apple enthusiasts are urged to engage in dialogues about which product announcement they are most excited about. The week is set to be an exhilarating period for both Apple followers and tech aficionados.
Apple to Reveal New Products This Week: Information on Soon-to-Be-Launched Items
Apple is set to unveil fresh hardware this week starting Monday, and speculation suggests a variety of new products are on the horizon. Here’s a rundown of everything Apple is expected to introduce in the upcoming days.
### iPhone 17e
The iPhone 17 series has been quite successful, and Apple has one additional model launching this week. The iPhone 17e will take the place of the iPhone 16e in Apple’s offerings. It’s anticipated to maintain the starting price of $599, but will feature several significant upgrades:
– A19 chip
– Center Stage front camera
– MagSafe compatibility
– C1X and N1 wireless chips
– Possibly: Dynamic Island instead of a notch
It remains uncertain how well the iPhone 16e has performed in sales, but the new 17e appears to be a more robust overall device.
### A18 iPad and M4 iPad Air
Two fresh iPads are likely to be revealed this week: an A18 standard iPad and an iPad Air equipped with the M4 chip. The fundamental design of both iPads is expected to remain unchanged from their earlier versions, as these will primarily be updates to their specifications. Among the two, the major enhancement will be the standard iPad due to A18 facilitating Apple Intelligence support. More iPadOS features will rely on Apple Intelligence, and that trend will persist. With an A18 chip, the upcoming iPad will be prepared to support the new Siri later this year, in addition to all current AI functionalities.
### New ‘MacBook’
Apple phased out its basic model ‘MacBook’ a few years back, but a resurgence is anticipated this week. The new MacBook is rumored to include:
– 12.9-inch display
– A18 Pro chip
– 8GB RAM
– Exciting color choices
– Approximately $699 price
While it may not be the ideal computer for everyone, Apple will likely market it as an excellent choice for PC and Chromebook users transitioning who already possess an iPhone.
### MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max
The M5 MacBook Pro was introduced several months ago in October, but only the 14-inch model and base M5 chip were available. This week, both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to be launched. No design modifications are on the way, as those are being saved for the revamped M6 model later this year. Nevertheless, the new MacBook Pros will undoubtedly provide remarkable performance and be marketed as the top laptops for AI-related tasks.
### Additional products that might launch: New Studio Display, M5 MacBook Air, Mac Studio
While the aforementioned products are largely regarded as nearly confirmed for introduction in the near future, there are several additional devices that might also debut. The M5 MacBook Air is the most probable among them. Apple released the M4 model around this time last year, and stock of the MacBook Air seems to be minimized at Apple Stores. Speculation also suggests a new Apple Studio Display and M5 Mac Studio may be ready too. The Studio Display 2 is predicted to feature a 120Hz ProMotion display, HDR support, and an A19 chip. Apple’s new Mac Studio will be available in M5 Max and M5 Ultra versions—the first Ultra chip since the M3 generation.
Which upcoming Apple products are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments.
5 Neglected Apple CarPlay Features You May Not Be Utilizing
new characteristics and capabilities have been added to CarPlay, but not all of them receive equal consideration or demonstrate significant practicality. This isn’t always because the features lack a user-centered approach, but often due to the existence of superior, more efficient alternatives.
We compiled a list of the five least beneficial Apple CarPlay features according to user feedback and my personal experience. I have been driving a Honda WRV for five years, and I have seldom depended on these features, typically for the same reasons as others.
Modify the wallpaper
Apple CarPlay permits you to modify the display wallpaper, yet it’s something that most of us seldom engage in. The default setting is sufficient, and besides, altering the wallpaper does not enhance the fundamental functionality of CarPlay. It will operate the same way, even with a personalized, more attractive wallpaper. It won’t augment navigation or audio playback, aspects that are genuinely important to the majority of CarPlay users. When driving, attention is usually directed towards more crucial elements like the speedometer, turns, traffic, and notifications, rather than the display’s appearance.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that Apple CarPlay still does not allow for custom wallpapers, and the pre-installed choices are quite restricted. Therefore, even if you wish to select one that matches your car’s interior, it’s improbable that it will be available. Wallpapers on CarPlay serve a function, which is to check a box, and not much beyond that. The level of personalization is not comparable to that of an iPhone or iPad. Consequently, few individuals take advantage of it.
SharePlay
SharePlay is a capability crafted
