How to Factory Reset a MacBook, Windows Laptop or Chromebook to Sell or Give Away

How to Factory Reset a MacBook, Windows Laptop or Chromebook to Sell or Give Away

One side effect of spending more time at home during the pandemic is the realization that I have a lot of old tech lying around. A lot. Then, when I made a KonMari attempt at decluttering said tech, I unearthed several things I forgot I had -- including an old laptop I stopped using years ago because it was too slow for my high-end computing needs. 

While this laptop no longer sparked joy for me, it turned out to be a perfect fit for my mom. It just needed to be cleaned up first, and I'm not just talking about removing dust and mystery goo with a few swipes of a disinfectant wipe, though you'll want to do that, too. The type of cleaning I'm talking about is restoring the laptop to like-new condition inside and out. Cleaning the outside is the easy part. Wiping the computer of all your apps, files, folders and other personal information isn't necessarily as straightforward. Of course, how much data scrubbing you need to do will likely depend on the recipient. 

The big picture steps you take to refresh a laptop are the same regardless of whether it's a Windows laptop. Apple MacBook or Chromebook -- save your old data, remove all personal information, then go for a factory reset. It's the actual step-by-step procedure that differs depending on the type of laptop you're dealing with. Below, you'll find everything you need to know and do before giving your laptop a second life. And with supply chain issues, shipping problems and chip shortages making new devices harder to get, passing along a new-to-you laptop can be a welcome holiday gift. 

Last thing first

I typically save the laptop's physical cleaning until last (why clean your fingerprints off twice?), but you may want to start there -- especially if it's been gathering dust in the back of a closet/under a bed/in the garage for the past several years. The basic equipment required for a good laptop cleaning is a can of compressed air and some disinfectant or alcohol wipes. For a slightly deeper clean, you may also want to grab a screwdriver and remove the bottom cover of your laptop (if possible) so you can carefully blow out any dust that's accumulated on the fans and vents. 

After the laptop is clean, you can also wipe down the power adapter and any related accessories. It's also a good idea to ensure the power adapter is still in good, working condition. If you're still not quite sure where to start with the cleaning, check out our complete guide to getting your laptop looking its best.

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Gifting a used MacBook

Óscar Gutiérrez/CNET

Before you even think about doing a factory reset on your MacBook, you need to save any data you want to keep. You may have already done this at some point if you migrated data from this old MacBook to a new one using using Apple's Migration Assistant. If that's not the case, it's time to hook up an external drive and use MacOS' built-in Time Machine tool to create a backup. If you have an iCloud account, you can back up your data there as well. 

Sign out of everything

You'll also want to log out of all accounts before wiping your MacBook's drive. Start with iCloud, Find My Mac and iMessage. Then look for individual software accounts you may need to deregister. If you use a browser other than Safari, such as Chrome or Firefox, you should sign out of those as well. Basically, if it's got personal account information, you'll want to sign out. (Here's how to find account settings in MacOS.)

Two other things you should do before a factory reset: Unpair any Bluetooth devices -- particularly if the MacBook is being gifted to someone in your household -- and reset the NVRAM. The latter is memory that holds onto settings that the MacBook needs before loading MacOS. On startup, press and hold Option-Command-P-R to reset the NVRAM.

Perform a factory reset

If you've done everything above, you're ready to return your MacBook to its out-of-the-box state. On an Intel-based Mac, reboot the system and press and hold Command-R to enter Recovery Mode. (Accessing Recovery Mode on MacBooks running on the company's Apple Silicon chips is different, however.) 

Read more: Before selling your MacBook, you need to factory reset it

Once in Recovery Mode, you'll see a window of MacOS utilities. Use the Disk Utility to erase your drive. When that's complete, you'll be able to reinstall MacOS. After it's done reinstalling, you'll reach the Setup Assistant. From there you can stop and shut it down or set it up for the recipient. 

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Gifting a used Windows laptop

Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

As with gifting a MacBook, start by backing up any important folders and files on your old laptop to cloud storage or an external drive. If you're doing the latter, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive and select the external drive. Then click on Backup Now. 

Sign out of all your apps

A lot of paid software requires you to sign in with an account, a product key or both. Before you wipe your laptop's storage, sign out of any accounts and deregister software licenses (if possible). If you need those product keys to re-register software on a new laptop, be sure to save that information. If you use a browser other than Edge, such as Chrome or Firefox, sign out of those as well. Basically, if it's got personal account information, sign out.

Reset the laptop

Ready to clean the drive and reinstall Windows? Go to Settings > Update and security > Recovery. At the top of the window, you'll see Reset this PC. Click on Get Started and select Remove Everything from the box that appears. From there, you can select to reinstall Windows from the local drive or download from the cloud. After that, Windows cleans the drive of all software, settings and data. When it's done, the laptop will start in its setup assistant mode. You can then stop and shut it down for a fresh-out-of-the-box experience or do some setup, which is nice touch, especially if it's going to a family member so they can use it right away.

Unlink from your Microsoft account

If you used a Microsoft account to sign in to the laptop, the last thing you'll want to do is remove the laptop from that account. Sign in to your account from another computer and click on the Devices tab at the top of the page. Find the laptop that you're gifting on the list of devices, and at the bottom of the listing, you'll see the option to remove the device. Click it and you're done. 

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Gifting a used Chromebook

Sarah Tew/CNET

Chromebooks are the easiest to refresh for gifting. That's mainly because of their cloud-based design. Google also makes it extremely easy to wipe your data and securely clean the internal storage as well as remove the Chromebook from your Google account. 

Check the AUE first

Before you even consider gifting an old Chromebook, check its auto-update expiration. Google only guarantees Chrome OS and browser feature support on non-Google hardware for so long. Every device has a date on which it stops receiving updates, aka its AUE date. Current models receive updates for eight years; older models could potentially be a year or two away from reaching their AUE. 

Google maintains an AUE list, so finding the date your Chromebook will stop receiving updates is as easy as locating your model on that list. The AUE can also be found in your Chromebook's settings. Here's how to find the AUE from Google and in your Chromebook.

Give it a Powerwash

Powerwash is Google's built-in factory reset tool for Chromebooks. Once you've backed up folders or files stored on the Chromebook's internal drive, running Powerwash will securely scrub the system and reboot. When it restarts, it'll be just like the day you unboxed it. 

The actual Powerwash typically takes less than a minute to complete. A simple search for "powerwash" in your Chromebook's settings will bring you right to the feature, but here's everything you need to know about the procedure. 

Remove the Chromebook from your Google account

Although you've removed your account from the Chromebook, you haven't removed the Chromebook from your account. Start by signing into your Google account and head to the Security settings. If you use the Chrome browser, you can also click on your account avatar and select Manage your Google Account from the drop-down menu. 

In the Security section, scroll down until you see a box labeled Your devices, which lists all the devices attached to your account. At the bottom of the box, click on Manage devices and find the Chromebook you're gifting and select Sign Out. 

Give the Chromebook a good external cleaning, gather up any accessories and it's ready to hand off to your giftee.

Read more: How to regift a game console

How Factory Reset Your Devices

Make sure to wipe personal data before selling, trading in or regifting your gear.

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How to Fix 5 Common Causes for Your Home Internet Outages

How to Fix 5 Common Causes for Your Home Internet Outages

This story is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.

Is there ever a convenient time for your Wi-Fi to go out? Of course not. Whatever you're using the internet for at the time (streaming TV, gaming online, working from home or some combination of it all) comes to an abrupt and frustrating halt. An internet outage could knock your Wi-Fi security cameras, smart light switches and other connected devices offline even when you're away.

While there's not much you can do about an internet outage when you're away from home, troubleshooting and resolving the occasional service disruption can be fairly quick and simple. Here are the most common reasons why your internet might go out and how to fix the problem, if possible. Spoiler alert: It's not always the fault of your internet service provider.

Common causes of home internet outages

1. Modem/router malfunctions

2. Inadequate speeds or equipment

3. Hacking or network issues

4. Bad weather

5. ISP service outages and network congestion

Narrowing down the exact issue can take a bit of investigating and troubleshooting. Start by verifying the connection issue isn't specific to a single website, server or device. 

If you've lost your Netflix connection halfway through a show, check to see if other streaming services are still accessible and working. If so, the problem likely lies with Netflix and not your internet connection. If you're having an issue connecting to other streaming services, it could be that the smart TV or streaming device is to blame. Try streaming on another device, if possible, to verify that an internet outage is the culprit.

Ry Crist/CNET

Modem and router issues

When your home internet connection goes out, it's most likely due to a hiccup with your modem and/or router. The solution is often simple: Restart your equipment by unplugging it, waiting 10 seconds or so, plugging it back in and allowing it to reboot. More often than not, this will resolve your outage.

When restarting your router, I'd recommend cutting power by unplugging it instead of pressing or holding any buttons on the device itself. Doing so can prompt the device to do a hard reset, returning it to factory settings and erasing your Wi-Fi network settings. Granted, the reset will likely re-establish your internet connection, but you'll also have the extra task of setting up your Wi-Fi again.

Also, keep in mind that your device may have a battery backup. If the lights on your modem or router don't go out when you unplug it from the power source, check to see if there are batteries installed somewhere and temporarily remove them when restarting your device. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

Inadequate speeds or equipment

Maybe your internet isn't necessarily "out," it just can't keep up with what you're trying to do or where you're doing it. 

Constant buffering, excessive lagging, Wi-Fi "dead zones," and other connectivity issues could result from insufficient speed, bandwidth or Wi-Fi coverage to handle all your devices. There are two ways to remedy the situation: Scale back your internet expectations and use or make some upgrades.

Consider the internet speeds you need and determine if your current plan can deliver those speeds. If your plan lacks the speeds you need, upgrading to a faster plan (assuming one is available) will be your best option. Many cable and fiber internet providers offer speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) or higher, which is plenty of speed for the average home.

On the other hand, if you feel your current plan should meet your needs, it's possible your equipment is to blame. Conduct a few speed tests around your home to gauge what speeds you are getting and where the Wi-Fi signal might not be as strong. Sometimes simply relocating your router to a more efficient spot will improve connection quality and eliminate or at least mitigate any dead zones. 

Otherwise, you may want to invest in a better router or Wi-Fi extenders to boost the Wi-Fi signal throughout your home. If you rent equipment from a provider, call to ask about getting a better device.

Try adjusting your router settings

Your router should allow you to steer connected devices to a specific pod or extender, if you have them, and between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. You'll get a stronger signal on the 5GHz band, but only if your device is within range (the 5GHz range is shorter than 2.4GHz) and if there aren't too many other devices connected to 5GHz. So, if your connection quality is weak on a particular device, try switching bands on the device or moving some of the other devices off the band you're using. 

Use a wired connection

Connecting directly to your modem, router or pods/extenders using an Ethernet cable will be your best bet for establishing and maintaining a strong connection. If possible, use a wired connection for the most bandwidth-hogging devices, like smart TVs and gaming consoles. Not only will this often provide a better, faster connection, but it will also take some of the strain off your Wi-Fi network.

James Martin/CNET

Hacking or malware

A less likely but still possible cause of an internet outage is a compromised network. If hackers gain access to your Wi-Fi network, they could completely restrict your internet access to any or all devices.

If you suspect someone has gained unauthorized access to your network, immediately go to your router settings and recreate your Wi-Fi network with (preferably) a different network name and (definitely) a different password -- one with some complexity or randomness that will make it difficult for a hacker to figure out. 

Along with creating a strong password, be sure to keep all firmware on your router and any connected devices up to date to help prevent hacking attempts. Installing antivirus software will also help keep your devices protected. Many ISPs offer virus and malware protection at no extra cost.

Getty Images

Bad weather

Yes, Mother Nature can mess with your internet connection. Some internet connection types are more prone to internet outages than others during bouts of bad weather, but hard rain, a violent thunderstorm or even heavy cloud coverage could interfere with your signal.

Satellite internet is the most vulnerable to internet outages caused by weather, but a power outage can knock any connection type offline. Having a modem and router with a battery backup may help keep you connected during power outages, though they will be useless if the power outage is preventing internet service from reaching your modem in the first place.

If you have satellite internet, a rain guard, snow shield or dish heater can help prevent outages due to bad weather in the immediate area of your home. Signal interference can happen anywhere along the path between the satellite and your dish, however, and heavy cloud coverage or rain could have an impact on your connection even if it's miles away. There's not much you can do about an internet outage in that case, unfortunately; you'll just have to wait for the signal to return.

DownDetector/Screenshot by CNET

ISP outages and network congestion

Despite the negative impression many people have about their internet providers, widespread ISP outages are uncommon and outages at a single residence are virtually unheard of (unless, of course, you forgot to pay the bill). Still, it's possible that the provider is having issues. 

If your internet is completely out and you've already tried restarting the router, check your provider's social media pages, official website or sources like downdector.com for updates and outage reports. You can also call customer service, but be prepared for a long wait on hold. 

Other than confirming your ISP is having problems, there's nothing you can do in such situations other than wait for service to return. Outages are bad publicity, so rest assured your ISP is doing everything in its power to restore service as quickly as possible.

Outages are rare but network congestion could be a much more frequent problem and, while it won't always knock your connection out completely, it can certainly cause slowed speeds. Cable, DSL and satellite internet are vulnerable to network congestion, as is 5G home internet. T-Mobile acknowledges network congestion can lead to slowed speeds, stating that "during congestion, Home Internet customers may notice speeds lower than customers using other T-Mobile services due to data prioritization."

Network congestion means the speeds coming to your home are slowed, so there isn't much you can do about that other than wait for the congestion to clear. You can, however, make the most of the speeds you are getting by placing your router in an optimal location, adjusting your Wi-Fi settings or using an Ethernet connection, as mentioned above.

What to do when your internet goes out

Aside from the tips listed above, there are a couple ways you may be able to get back online.

First is by using your mobile connection. Your phone will likely automatically switch to cellular service if your Wi-Fi goes out, so you'll be able to use your phone just like you would if you were away from home. Keep in mind, however, that doing so will use up your mobile data.

Additionally, some phones, carriers and plans allow you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. It probably won't power your home the same as your router, but it will enable you to connect a few devices until your home network comes back.

Second, and perhaps only applicable for longer outages or urgent internet needs such as submitting a school assignment on time, would be to find a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Your local public library, coffee shop or restaurant, among many other public places, may offer free Wi-Fi. 

Be mindful that using a public Wi-Fi connection is not as secure as your home network, so consider using a VPN or avoid any activity that involves sensitive data (passwords, banking info, doing your taxes, etc.) while on a public network.

Internet outage FAQs

Why does my internet keep going out?

There could be a number of factors that affect your internet connection. First, and most likely, is problems with your equipment. Restarting your modem/router should resolve the issue.

Other reasons why your internet may keep going out include inadequate speeds, network congestion and inclement weather. It's possible that your provider is experiencing a service outage, but for frequent connection disruptions, I would look to the previously mentioned causes, starting with your router.

Can I get a partial refund for ISP outages?

Many providers do offer compensation for prolonged or frequent outages. Spectrum, for example, will provide "proportionate credit for those qualifying outages that last for 4 or more consecutive hours." Call to report the outage as soon as possible and monitor how long it lasts before requesting a refund.

Will a power outage knock out my internet service?

Not always, but probably. When the power goes out, it won't necessarily keep internet service from reaching your home, but it can certainly limit your ability to use the internet. Unless your modem and router have a battery backup, a power outage will disable those devices, rendering you unable to connect to the internet.

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Stalkerware what to do if you re the target principal name stalkerware what to do if you re the target store stalkerware what to do if you re the smartest person in the room stalkerware what to do if you really love stalkerware what to do if you remain stalkerware what to do if you re gone matchbox 20 stalkerware what to do if you remember

Stalkerware: What to do if you're the target

Stalkerware: What to do if you're the target

This article discusses domestic violence. CNET would like to remind readers that browsing histories, including this story, can be monitored and are impossible to completely clear. If you need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Things got weird at the end of Allie's relationship with her boyfriend. One night, he seemed to know where she'd been when she was out without him, and another night he started talking about something she'd recently read on her personal computer at home, where she lived alone. 

At the beginning of their relationship, he said he had cyberstalked a past girlfriend, but he assured her that those days were behind him. Now Allie, who asked to use a pseudonym out of concern for her safety, wondered if her soon-to-be-ex boyfriend was spying on her.

"I thought I was going nuts because I was pretty sure I hadn't shared that information," said Allie, who ditched her laptop and phone rather than find out what software her ex might have installed on them. "In hindsight, it was subtle intimidation."

The paranoia that Allie felt is becoming a sadly common experience. It's jaw-droppingly easy for someone to buy and install intrusive apps, known as stalkerware, on someone else's device. The apps are plentiful, according to antivirus software firms that track their prevalence. A recent Harris poll conducted with antivirus firm NortonLifeLock found that one in 10 people admit to using stalkerware to track a partner or ex-partner. The apps are so simple that some people on TikTok have posted 60-second tutorials on how to use them.

The software works on computers but has become especially powerful to use on phones, turning the gadgets into all-seeing surveillance devices that reveal location data as well as emails, web browsing histories and more. Stalkerware on smartphones can lead domestic abusers to partners who may be in hiding. The apps give heightened control to abusers whose partners haven't left, making escape harder to manage. Stalkerware apps have been tied to horrible acts of violence.

There can be legitimate reasons to use tracking apps, such as monitoring children's phones, or monitoring employees (with their consent). However, the distinction between these apps and what's often called stalkerware is blurry. Many apps bill themselves as legitimate monitoring apps but can offer staggering amounts of information from targets' phones and can operate completely undetected. The reality is that these apps get abused by people who spy on adults without their consent, according to law enforcement officials and to domestic-violence and legal experts. 

You might at some point worry you have stalkerware on your phone or laptop. It isn't easy to decide what to do about it, domestic-violence experts say, because your partner or ex might become more dangerous if you delete the software on your device. But there are steps you can take to learn more about the software and whether it's on your device.

What is stalkerware?

Stalkerware refers to a broad group of apps that someone else can install on your device to intercept texts and phone calls, access your location, log your web browsing activity and turn on your camera or microphone. The information gathered by such an app typically gets sent to a portal or companion app accessed by the person who installed the stalkerware. 

The apps can be installed on all kinds of phones, though it's a bit more complex to get stalkerware working on iPhones. The person installing stalkerware typically has to get physical access to the user's phone to install an app. A big exception to this is if the person installing stalkerware has the target's iCloud credentials, allowing them to access backups of the other person's phone.

Is stalkerware illegal?

Surreptitious spying on your devices without your consent is illegal. So is stalking. Additionally, the apps usually violate the policies for apps sold on stores run by Google and Apple, and they're frequently taken down from those stores.

People still install them on other people's phones, though, finding the apps for sale on the app makers' websites instead of an app store, and at times undermining the foundational security of a target's phone by jailbreaking it. The apps are often sold as child or employee monitoring services, but they're ripe for abuse because they can run undetected on a device, say law enforcement officials and domestic-violence experts.

There have been prosecutions of people who used stalkerware, but they're uncommon. 

How do I know if my phone has stalkerware?

That can be hard. The software often disguises itself, either by displaying an innocuous icon (like a battery monitor), or by not displaying an icon at all, says Kevin Roundy, technical director at the NortonLifeLock research group.

While researching stalkerware apps, Roundy identified other categories of apps that often work in concert with the intrusive software. One of these is an app-hiding app, which can remove the icon of a stalkerware app from your screen.

Even if an app's icon is hidden on your phone, it should show up in your settings as an item in the list of applications running on your device. The app still probably won't have a label that immediately identifies it as stalkerware, Roundy says, so look for any app you don't recognize. You can look up any unusual looking apps online on another device to see if you can find more information about them.

An additional step is using antivirus software on your phone, if you use an Android device. (There isn't any antivirus software available for iPhones.) Antivirus software from Kaspersky, Malwarebytes and NortonLifeLock all scan for the software and warn users if they find known stalkerware apps.

You can also take your device to a local police department. Resources and training vary from place to place, so it's not guaranteed that someone will be able to help you. Still, some departments have officers who specialize in domestic violence and have training in scanning devices for software, and they may be able to assist.

Should I delete stalkerware?

Deleting the app is an option to consider, but you should make the decision carefully. Deleting stalkerware apps might put you in even more danger if it prompts your partner or ex to engage in even scarier behavior.

Erica Olsen, who directs the safety net project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence, says deleting the app sends a message to the person who installed it: I know you did this, and now you don't have control over my device anymore. The loss of control, and the fear that they might be held accountable for installing stalkerware, can lead some people to "escalate the violence, or change stealth stalking to an assault," Olsen said.

These concerns are why multiple antivirus companies don't automatically delete stalkerware from their users' phones. 

"The decision has to be theirs," Tara Hairston, Kaspersky's head of government relations for North America, said of targets of stalkerware, "because there is unfortunately that risk."

How to delete, destroy or replace

You may decide any risk is worth deleting the app. In that case, there are a few routes you can take.

First, you can cut off the app's access to things like your camera and microphone, and then delete it from your phone. This process can vary, and guides for deleting specific apps exist online, sometimes even on the app-makers' websites. Deletion is the least disruptive route you can take, but it can leave you with lingering questions of whether there's anything left on your phone that can spy on you.

If you still aren't comfortable that your device is secure, you can do a factory reset. This restores your phone to the state you'd find it when it was fresh out of the box. You'll be signed out of all your accounts, and all the extra apps installed on your phone after purchase will be gone. Before you do a factory reset, it's important to back up any photos or files that you don't already have saved somewhere else.

Lastly, you can get a new device. This is a tough piece of advice for anyone to hear, especially if your finances are tight or your partner controls your spending. Still, that's what Allie says she decided to do. 

She didn't know if she'd be able to get rid of whatever software might be on her phone or computer, and she didn't think she'd be able to learn more than her former partner knew about hacking. She stopped using her devices and got new ones.

"I just wanted this guy out of my life," she said.

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Lenovo IFA Launch Highlights Include 16-Inch X1 Fold, T1 Glasses

Lenovo IFA Launch Highlights Include 16-Inch X1 Fold, T1 Glasses

What's happening

Lenovo is announcing its new products for the second half of 2022 and early 2023 at the IFA show in Germany.

Why it matters

The announcements include an update to Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Fold, a well-thought-out update to its previous generation. Folding laptops are still in early days, and Lenovo's shows a potential direction they may go.

Lenovo's announcements for IFA 2022 offer a few notable enhancements to existing product lines, highlighted by an overhauled and larger 16-inch version of its Thinkpad X1 Fold, a consumer-focused version of its T1 Glasses "wearable display," the company's first 16-inch Chromebook and an interesting take on a monitor stand with a phone perch for its refreshed ThinkVision line. Lenovo's also refreshed its P11 Android tablets.

ThinkPad X1 Fold

The company made a lot of changes to the Fold based on its experiences with the previous generation -- and don't think that unchanged product name won't get confusing. For example, the bigger screen gives the device more flexibility to operate in multiple ways -- such as a landscape or portrait-orientation laptop, book or tablet -- with webcams on two sides. Lenovo fixed the gaping hinge (which was similar to that of the Microsoft Surface Book) to remove the gap as well. It also uses a new recycled woven fabric for the back cover. That experience becomes clear when you compare it to Asus' recently launched first-gen ZenBook Fold OLED.

The Thinkpad X1 Fold will ship in November starting at $2,499.

• 2.8 pounds (1.3kg)
• 16-inch (tablet), 12-inch (clamshell), 2,560x2,024-pixel OLED display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, 600 nits brightness
• 12th-gen U series Core i5 and i7 vPro CPUs
• Up to 32GB LPDDR5
• Up to 1TB SSD
• 3x USB-C (2x Thunderbolt 4), NanoSIM slot, optional 5G
• Options: Bluetooth keyboard with TrackPoint and haptic touchpad, Wacom AES-compatible stylus

Lenovo's Glasses T1

Josh Goldman/CNET

Lenovo Glasses T1

The Glasses T1 are for perching a bigger display on your face or hiding the content on your screen from shoulder surfers. It's a nice idea, but a lot hangs on the implementation -- such as how easy it is to fit your prescription in it -- and price. We won't really know here, at least until 2023; it will ship first in China by the end of this year, then follow "in other select markets" next year. Pricing won't be announced until they're ready to ship. The Glasses T1 also work with iPhones.

• Micro OLED screens
• Compatibility: Windows, Android, MacOS devices with USB-C connections; iPhone with Lenovo HDMI-to-glasses adapter and Apple Lightning digital AV adapter (both extra cost)
• Swappable nose clips
• Adjustable arms
• Supports prescription lenses (via bundled snap in frame)

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Chromebook

Josh Goldman/CNET

IdeaPad 5i Chromebook  

Lenovo supplements its 14-inch IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook with a bigger 16-inch clamshell model that offers the option of a higher-end QHD display than the smaller Flex. It's slated to ship in Europe starting in September for 549 euros; US pricing and availability will be announced later, but that price is equal to about $550.

• Display options: 16:10 aspect ratio displays, either 120Hz QHD with 350 nits brightness and 100% sRGB coverage or 60Hz FHD  with 300 nits brightness and 45% NTSC coverage (which is really small)
• Up to 512GB storage
• Up to 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
• Up to Core i3-1215U CPU
• Up to 12 hour battery
• Weight starts at 4.1 pounds (1.9kg)
• MicroSD slot, 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x combo audio
• Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5

The Lenovo Tab P11 (left) and Tab P11 Pro (right), 2nd gen.

Josh Goldman/CNET

Lenovo Tab P11 (2nd Gen), Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (2nd Gen)

These are updated models in Lenovo's Tab P11 Android tablet line, a mainstream Tab 11 and high-end Tab P11 Pro (second-gen), with faster processors, newer versions of Android and, in the case of the Pro, a better screen. The Pro is is expected to ship in September starting at $400; the Tab P11 (second-gen) will ship beginning in January starting at $250.

Tab P11

• 11.5-inch, 2,000x1,200-pixel 120Hz LCD screen with 400 nits brightness
• 1.2 pounds (520g)
• Options: Lenovo Precision Pen 2 (in 2023), keyboard, folio case
• MediaTek Helio G99 CPU
• Android 12L
• Up to 6GB RAM plus 128GB storage
• Quad speakers, dual mics
• 7,700-mAH battery
• Either LTE with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
• USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack

Tab P11 Pro

• Android 12
• 11.2-inch, 2,560x1,536-pixel 120Hz OLED screen with 600 nits peak brightness and 100% P3 color gamut, Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus support
• 1.1 pounds (480g)
• Quad speakers
• MediaTek Kompanio 1300T CPU
• Up to 14 hours battery (8,000 mAh)
• Keyboard included
• options: Lenovo Precision Pen 3, folio case
• Wi-Fi 6
• USB-C with DisplayPort support

The new ThinkVision stand's base has a notch for propping up your phone.

Josh Goldman/CNET

Legion, ThinkVision monitors

Lenovo usually saves its more interesting monitor launches for CES, so it's unsurprising that these feel like somewhat rote updates. There's a new 32-inch Legion 4K, 144Hz gaming monitor, as well as its commercial ThinkVision models in sizes from 24 to 34 inches. However, Lenovo has also introduced a new stand in the latter, which has a clever notch that you can slide your phone into to prop it upright. The ThinkVisions are all expected to ship in January.

• Legion Y32p-30 gaming monitor, 32 inches, ships in December and starts at $750 
• ThinkVision T32p-30, 32 inches, 4K, $899 
• ThinkVision T34w-30, 34-inch curved, WQHD, $849 
• ThinkVision S25e-30, 25 inches, FHD, $179
• ThinkVision T32h-30, 32 inches, QHD, $549
• ThinkVision T24i-30, 24 inches, FHD, $299

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Asus Chromebit review: An inexpensive Chrome OS PC on a stick

Asus Chromebit review: An inexpensive Chrome OS PC on a stick

A handful of Windows 10 laptops now cost less than $200. The tiny Intel Compute Stick, an Atom-powered Windows micro-desktop, is down to $119. Where else can computer prices go when the floor is so close? The latest answer can be found in the Asus Chromebit, a stick-shaped Chrome OS desktop that costs just $85 in the US, £90 in the UK and AU$149 in Australia.

When we've seen Chrome OS, Google's PC operating system, presented in a desktop form before, we've called it a Chromebox. That term applies here, but it's also part of the still-new "stick PC" category.

Despite looking like an oversized USB key, the Chromebit has the DNA of a desktop. It requires constant power, lacking any kind of internal battery. It needs to connect to the HDMI input on a TV or monitor, and it needs a separate keyboard and mouse, connected via Bluetooth or a USB dongle (Bluetooth seems like the better idea, there's only a single USB port, so you'll need a two-in-one USB dongle or else a USB hub to cover both a keyboard and mouse).

Sarah Tew/CNET

Like other Chrome OS laptops and desktops, the system itself is built to run the Google Chrome Web browser and little else. This is a device intended for cloud-based work, although Chrome OS now has some very basic file management features and the Chromebit can store a small amount of music and movie files in its 16GB of internal storage.

Despite the built-in limitations, the argument for the utility of an online-only computer is a persuasive one. Most email is handled through online services such as Gmail, movies stream through Netflix, Amazon or other services, and work happens in Google Docs or Microsoft's free-to-use online Office apps. There's often little reason to download and install third-party software even on a new Windows PC (something I can attest to, breaking open several fresh Windows laptops and desktops every month). In fact, the only must-have program I download immediately onto new Windows and OS X computers is the Google Chrome browser.

Different than most other ultra-budget PCs we've reviewed, including the Intel Compute Stick and HP Stream 11, the Chromebit runs an ARM-based CPU from Rockchip, a Chinese chip maker. It's cost-cutting move compared to the Intel Atom processors in other low-end computers. We also saw that chip in the Asus Chromebook Flip C100 earlier this year. But it's still fast enough for basic Web surfing, and didn't feel any slower in hands-on use than those Atom-powered $200-and-less Windows computers.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The only real problem with the Chromebit is figuring out who it's for. If you need a cheap travel computer, this isn't it, as it requires a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and power source (it might work well for a hotel room or conference room, however). If you're just looking to play streaming video or other media on a TV, the $35 Google Chromecast, among other options, can take care of that as well. If you need a small out-of-the-way desktop, it does the trick, but only as long as you can survive using online tools, and won't need to install new non-cloud-based programs.

But for a narrow slice of Web surfers who want basic surfing and cloud computing in a set-it-and-forget-it stick that plugs into the back of nearly any television, this is an acceptably robust, crash-free way to get that for a price that would have seemed unbelievable just a year or so ago.

Asus Chromebit

Price as reviewed	$85
PC CPU	1.8GHz Rockchip RK3288-C
PC Memory	2GB LPDDR3 RAM
Storage	16GB eMMC
Networking	802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.0
Operating system	Chrome OS

Design and features

As much as we marveled over the tiny Intel Compute Stick and how small it was for a full Windows desktop with an Intel processor inside, the Asus Chromebit is a smaller, slicker-looking stick PC. Its matte plastic body and rounded edges stand in contrast to the squared-off industrial look of the Compute Stick, which is riddled with tiny vent holes. In contrast, the Chromebit has the polished consumer-friendly look of a Roku Stick or Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Early mockup images of the Chromebit showed its end-mounted HDMI output rotating 90 degrees to better fit some monitors. That feature does not appear to have made it to the final version. The HDMI connector sticks straight out from the end, where it's covered by a removable plastic cap and a 1-foot (30cm) HDMI extension cable is included for easier connectivity.

On one edge is a proprietary power connector that leads to a small power brick. On the Intel Compute Stick, power comes through a standard Micro-USB port, which makes it easier to replace if needed. The Compute Stick also includes a microSD card slot, good for expanding the on-board memory. Here you're stuck with 16GB, although it's assumed your photos, files and music will all be stored online, either in Google Drive or another cloud storage service.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Connecting the Chromebit to a TV or monitor is easier if you use the included one-foot HDMI extender cable. Asus also includes a small package of adhesive disks you can use to stick the lightweight chassis to the back of your display and out of sight. The Chromebit isn't unattractive by itself, but connected to its power supply, dangling from an HDMI input, and with something potentially sticking out of its USB port, things can get cluttered quickly, so tucking as much as possible out of the way is a good idea.

Ports and connections

Video	HDMI
Audio	None
Data	1 USB 2.0
Networking	802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0

Performance

We've previously reviewed Chrome OS systems with low-end Intel and ARM processors, mid-range Intel Core i3 chips, and even custom Nvidia CPU/GPU combos. The best thing we can say about the Rockchip-branded processor here is that in everyday Web-surfing and office productivity use, you'll probably forget it's even there.

Streaming HD video worked well, although loading up a movie from Google's own Play store took several seconds to commence each time. Opening a half-dozen simultaneous browser windows, including email, word processing, Google searches and light photo editing via Pixlr, presented no problem.

Sarah Tew/CNET

For more intensive tasks, you may be pushing the limit of the hardware, but in head-to-head browser-based tests it was only slightly slower than the Atom-powered HP Stream 11 laptop, and both were much faster than the Intel Compute Stick, which can be very sluggish in real-world use. The thing about the Chromebit that makes it feel even faster than the scores would suggest is its instant-on booting, while the Intel Compute Stick, for example, always feels like it takes forever to boot up.

Conclusion

Just when you think the steadily dropping price of Windows-based laptops and micro-desktops has made the idea of Chrome OS obsolete, you get something like the Asus Chromebit. It undercuts everything this side of a Chromecast on price, and when connected to a monitor and used for casual online tasks, you'd no doubt say it feels like a lot more than $85 worth of computer.

But it still suffers from the same identity crisis as other online-only Chrome systems, even more so because you can't use it as a cheap on-the-go laptop. I like the Chromebit, but it will only be the right machine for a small slice of shoppers.

Google Octane

HP Stream 11 7685 Asus Chromebit 7464 Intel Compute Stick 3019

Note: Longer bars indicate better performance

JetStream

HP Stream 11 53.19 Asus Chromebit 44.05 Intel Compute Stick 24.4

Note: longer bars indicate better performance

System Configurations

Asus Chromebit	Chrome OS; 1.8GHz Rockchip RK3288-C; 2GB RAM; 16GB SSD
HP Stream 11	Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit); 2.16GHz Intel Celeron N2840; 2GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz; 64MB (dedicated) Intel HD Graphics; 32GB SSD
Intel Compute Stick	Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32-bit); 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z3735F 2GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz; 64MB (dedicated) Intel HD Graphics; 32GB SSD

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