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Not sure if your PC is compatible with Windows 11? Here's how to check
Not sure if your PC is compatible with Windows 11? Here's how to check
Windows 11 dropped in October (here's our full Windows 11 review), and with it came significant compatibility questions. Uncertainty regarding compatibility has been common among PC users since this summer when Microsoft unveiled its first major Windows OS upgrade in six years. Fortunately, Windows 11 should work with most PCs, according to a company blog post. That said, though Windows 11's release date already came and went, certain compatible devices won't necessarily get the upgrade yet -- Microsoft set a target for mid-2022 before every Windows 10 device can download and install Windows 11.
Annoyingly, Microsoft's own tool for determining device compatibility -- the PC Health Check app -- wasn't up to par when Microsoft first announced Windows 11 (there were reports it didn't give people enough information about why their devices weren't compatible), so the company temporarily removed the app. But Microsoft's PC Health Check is now back online and in working order. The app will tell you if your computer meets the requirements to run Windows 11 -- and if your PC doesn't, the tool will tell you why and provide links for more support.
But that's not the only way to check if your device will work with the free Windows 11 update. Read on for all of your options for checking Windows 11 device compatibility. With the Windows 11 release date finally past (remember, however, that it'll be a staggered rollout), it's a good idea to check your own computer. If your device doesn't meet eligibility requirements, you may need to replace your PC by 2025 as Microsoft will phase out Windows 10 over the next several years.
Read more:Should you buy a new Windows laptop now, or wait for Windows 11?
Option 1: Use Microsoft's PC Health Check app to see if your computer can run Windows 11
Follow these steps to test whether your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 11.
1. Download Microsoft's PC Health Check. Open the file, agree to the terms of service and click Install. Make sure the box is checked that says Open PC Health Check, and click Finish.
Here's what you'll see after running the updated Microsoft PC Health Check app if your device is not compatible with Windows 11.
Microsoft
2. The app home page that pops up says, "PC health at a glance." At the top, a box reads, "Introducing Windows 11." Click Check now.
If your machine isn't compatible, you'll get a message that says, "This PC doesn't currently meet Windows 11 system requirements," with more information below.
If your machine is compatible, you can download the Windows 11 update for free. The official Windows 11 release date was Oct. 5, but Microsoft is planning a staggered rollout, and many devices will not see the upgrade until 2022.
Option 2: Try the WhyNotWin11 app to check Windows 11 compatibility
An open-source app called WhyNotWin11 is a good alternative to the PC Health Check app. The Github app, created by a developer not affiliated with Microsoft, has a less friendly interface, but it should give you more information and go into more detail about various potential compatibility issues. Here's more information from TechRadar on how to use it to determine your own device's compatibility with Windows 11.
Option 3: Check Microsoft's list of system specifications for Windows 11
To determine if your current PC will be able to run Windows 11, you can check out this list of system specifications on Microsoft's website, or in the chart below. If your machine is compatible, you can download the Windows 11 update for free when it becomes available.
What are the system requirements to run Windows 11?
Here's the full list of system requirements for Windows 11, including at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and a 720p display larger than 9 inches diagonally.
Windows 11 requirements
Spec
Requirement
Processor
1GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip
RAM
4GB
Storage
64GB or larger storage device
System firmware
UEFI, Secure Boot-capable
TPM
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics card
Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display
HD (720p) display greater than 9 inches diagonally, 8 bits per color channel
Internet connection and Microsoft account
For Windows 11 Home edition: internet connectivity; Microsoft account to complete device setup on first use. For all Windows 11 editions: Internet access to perform updates and to download and use some features; Microsoft account for some features
How to get cheaper gym membership can you haggle a car price what does it mean to haggle how to haggle in dnd how to haggle for a boat 6 ways to use leftover rice 6 ways dental surgery
6 Ways to Haggle a Cheaper Gym Membership
6 Ways to Haggle a Cheaper Gym Membership
When gyms closed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, most people had to adjust to at-home workouts. Once businesses started opening back up, some people were ready to return to the gym. The gym can be a great motivator for those who prefer to exercise out of the confines of their home. I re-joined once I felt I needed a change of scenery, but still maintained a hybrid workout routine. However, if you're looking to cut costs wherever you can, joining a gym is another added expense. Gym membership prices vary depending on what services and amenities are offered. Which means if you're on a budget, you want to get the best deal possible without short changing yourself.
The good news is that there are easy ways to get the most out of your membership without breaking the bank. All it takes is a little research and knowing what to ask when signing up. With the help of experts, we've come up with some tips that will help you get the best deal possible when signing up at your local gym.
Ask for end-of-the-month deals or discounts
Waiting to sign up until the end of the month can guarantee you a better deal. Some gyms have a signup fee plus monthly dues, but depending on the deal, they may waive some fees. For example, if you sign up at the end of December going into January, gyms are competing against each other to recruit as many new gym members as possible, so you may end up getting the best deal possible.
Many gyms will also offer a free trial for a month or a week before you commit, which is a good way to feel out if the gym is a right fit for you.
Also, don't be shy to ask if there are specific discounts if you're a student, member of the military, first responder, a teacher or senior citizen. Many gyms often offer discounts for these groups of people.
Reference outdated sales
Gyms typically have sales and deals throughout the year, and even if you miss them, there is a way around convincing the establishment to give you an expired deal. For example, say you saw a family membership for $300 off a year, but the deal passed. "Ask to pay that price because if the gym did it once, they will do it again," says Casey Lee, a personal trainer in northern Vermont with 12 years of health club experience. "Not getting the answer you want? Call them back three days before the end of the month and make the same offer." Membership sales typically have monthly financial goals they need to meet, so they're likely to be more open to offering you an expired deal.
"If they need cash, they have a deadline at the end of the month to reach it or if they have hit their goals, they may receive a bonus on cash overages," she explains. As a result, those financial goals provide more urgency on their end to get cash in by the end of the month -- upping your chance of getting a good deal. So make sure you have cash on hand if you want to nab that sale.
Pay cash or in advance
Cash is king when joining a gym -- especially a smaller gym. With a smaller gym, you could ask for a better rate by offering to pay in cash or pay for a year upfront rather than monthly. "One way to try and get a better price on a gym membership is to ask if there is a discount if you pay in full for 3 months, 6 months or even a year," advises personal trainer, Kate Meier.
"Many gym owners will take a slight cut in revenue in favor of having it guaranteed up front rather than month to month." This may be appealing to the gym owner for their tax or cash flow purposes.
Look at other options and compare prices
If you've ever asked a retailer to match or beat the price for an item sold by a competing store, this is called price matching. This is a policy followed by some retailers, and can apply to some gyms. When deciding on which gym you'd like to join Lee advises to take one gym's service quote and bring it to the gym you want to actually go to.
"Ask them to match the price and say you will sign up and pay today, because urgency wins and the quote from the competing gym shows urgency and due diligence on your part," she says. Therefore, do some research and collect a few quotes from other gyms before negotiating at the gym of your choice.
Ask about off-peak hours
James Crawford, co-founder of shopping vouchers website DealDrop, says, "In many gyms, you can save money on registration if you commit to going to the club when no one else can, which implies going earlier in the day before 4 p.m. on a workday and later in the day on weekends." This is a strategy I used when I joined a gym while unemployed and it can also work to your advantage if you work from home. I knew my gym had different rates for peak and off-peak hours, to save money, I joined and only went during off-peak times. By doing so I saved about $20 compared to the gym's peak pricing.
In my case, off-peak hours were between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., but this may vary by gym. Crawford adds that gyms don't always advertise that they have off-peak and peak hours so you'll need to ask. If you get lucky, he says you can save approximately about 30% to 40% by signing up for this membership.
If you can commit to going to the gym during off-peak hours, it will be less crowded and you'll have access to the same equipment with more space.
Look for family, friend or corporate referrals
Usually, if you can get other people to join a gym with you, the establishment will give you a better deal. Meier says, "You can try negotiating a reduced corporate rate for the company you work for if you are able to guarantee the gym a minimum number of memberships." Even if it isn't co-workers from your office, referring others to the gym can get you some perks. In some cases, family or friend gym memberships might be discounted if purchased together.
This is something I took advantage of at my current gym which offers members a free month for every new member they recruit. I was able to get a couple of family members to sign up, and I got two months free.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your health insurance may help cover a part of your gym membership. Contact your health insurance to see if they offer any deals with specific gyms or if they'll reimburse you for part of your membership. In my experience, I've had health insurances that either cover part of your monthly membership fee or have a partnership with certain gyms at a discounted rate.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
If you've never flown a drone before, you've got lots of fun in store. Learning how to fly a drone is an exhilarating experience. But it's even more fun when you can use a drone camera to take beautiful videos and photos from the sky. The best drone cameras can bring you views that you'd never be able to shoot from the ground, which will wow your family, friends and TikTok fans. And these days, you can get a great drone with a camera for less than $500.
There are plenty of affordable options for drone owners that offer various combinations of features, video quality and prices to suit every drone enthusiast. So, whether you're looking to get into drone photography or just want to enjoy the thrill of the flight, we've got some recommendations. Here are the best drones for both beginner and intermediate drones.
We've outlined our top picks for the best drones for beginners, intermediate users and "prosumer" enthusiasts, as well as an introductory drone for folks interested in racing, which is a whole scene unto itself. We'll update this list periodically. We've also included a more in-depth buying guide and FAQ on the best drones below, with more information about the key things to consider before you buy.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
With its large 1-inch image sensor, the DJI Air 2S is able to take great-looking photos and videos from the sky. It'll shoot video at up to 5.4k resolution, while still images can be taken in DNG raw format at up to 20 megapixels. The drone has a variety of intelligent flight modes too that makes it particularly easy to capture cinematic footage even when you're out hiking by yourself, including a mode that follows you as you walk through the hills and a mode that automatically circles a point of interest.
One thing it doesn't do is flip the camera over to let you shoot in portrait orientation. That's a shame, as it means that capturing vertical video for TikTok or Instagram Reels is more difficult as you'll need to crop your video down the middle, losing a lot of resolution in the process. If that's a priority for you, look towards DJI's Mini 3 Pro.
It's as easy to fly as others in the DJI range and it has a range of obstacle sensors to help keep it in the air and avoid it plouwing headlong into a tree or a wall. Its maximum flight time of up to 31 minutes is solid for a drone of this size but it can be bought with a bundle of extra batteries for those of you that want to capture more footage from the sky.
Its folding design makes it quite easy to fit into a photography backpack, but it's physically larger and heavier than DJI's 'Mini' range, so keep that in mind if you're after the lightest model to take on your travels. But its combination of flight time, automated flying modes and excellent image quality make it a superb all-rounder that's well worth considering.
Read our DJI Air 2S review.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
The DJI Mini may have launched back in 2020, but it's still available to buy today and it's still a superb option for those of you looking to take your first steps into the world of aerial photography. Its compact, folding size means it's super easy to chuck in a bag and carry anywhere while its 249g weight means you don't need to register it with the FAA (in the US).
It uses the same control scheme as other DJI drones, which we've found to be easy for beginners learning the ropes while allowing more advanced flyers the flexibility to test their skills. It can fly for up to 31 minutes on a single charge and has a flying range of up to 6.2 miles (10 kilometers).
Its small camera unit is stabilized for smoother footage and it can shoot video at 4K at up to 30 frames per second. Still images are captured at 12 megapixels.
One of the reasons that the foldable drone is so light is that it has no sensors for obstacle avoidance. That means there will be a learning curve and potentially some crashing. So while it is an affordable beginner options, those of you with no existing flying skills should start out practicing in wide-open spaces until you get the hang of things. Once you do get more confident, the Mini 2 is stable, nimble, safe to fly and quieter than other DJI models.
Read our DJI Mini 2 review.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
While DJI's Air 2s and Mavic 3 offer superb image quality from the air, they lack the ability to flip the camera over and shoot video and photos in portrait orientation. As a result, those of you wanting to use your footage for your TikTok page or Instagram Reels will need to crop the video right down the middle, losing a lot of resolution in the process and making it harder to compose your shots when you're out on location.
The Mini 3 Pro has no such problem, as with a simple tap of an on-screen button its camera flips over into portrait orientation, allowing you to capture social content using the full view and maximum 4K resolution of the sensor. Videos can be shot at up to 60 frames per second, while still images can be captured in DNG at an impressive 48 megapixels.
Its folding design allows it to shrink down to something little bigger than a standard can of coke but it still packs a variety of sensors that help stop you crashing it into trees. Keep in mind though that its tiny size and 249g weight does mean that it's susceptible to strong winds and in blustery conditions will have to fight harder to remain airborne -- reducing your flight times.
Read our DJI Mini 3 Pro review.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
If you've been on Instagram or TikTok recently then you'll almost certainly have seen exhilarating videos of similar FPV drones flying through bowling alleys, factories or doing other incredible aerial maneuvers. To achieve that, FPV pilots wear headsets that let them see through the eyes of the drone, navigating those twisting turns and zooming through tight gaps as if they're behind the controls and up in the air.
And that's exactly how you'll fly the Avata; with a set of DJI FPV goggles that give you a view directly from the drone's perspective. It's an exhilarating way of flying as it really feels like you're up in the air controlling the drone from behind a steering wheel. It's a more extreme way of flying than you'll get from more typical drones like the Air 2S, with more instant controls and faster speeds.
The upside is that you get fast and exciting footage of your drone speeding through forests or through impossibly-small obstacles which you simply can't achieve with other drones on this list. The downside is that the first-person perspective can make you quite nauseous, particularly if you suffer at all from motion sickness. I found I could manage 5-10 minutes of flying at a time before needing an extended break.
The nature of wearing the goggles also means you're unable to see around you -- which makes it more difficult to spot any incoming dangers, such as rescue helicopters. As such, you're legally obliged in many areas (including the UK) to have a spotter next to you keeping an eye out on your behalf as you race your drone around the sky.
The Avata is smaller and lighter than DJI's first FPV drone and has built-in guards around its propellers which allow it to bump into walls, trees or other obstacles without necessarily being taken out of the air.
Its 4K, 60 frames-per-second video looks great and it's easy to fly using the DJI Motion Controller, which lets you simply maneuver the drone based on your hand movements. You'll see a crosshair in your view that moves around when you move the controller -- wherever you point the crosshair, the drone will follow. It's a simple 'point-and-click' way of flying that I really enjoyed.
Read our DJI Avata review.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The DJI Mavic 3's relatively high starting price of $2,000 makes it significantly more expensive than others on this list, but if you're a professional or enthusiastic photographer wanting superb photos and videos from the sky then it's an investment that might be worth making.
The Mavic 3 packs a 4/3rd-size image sensor which is physically larger than any other image sensor you'll get from other drones on this page. That bigger sensor allows it to capture more light and offer better dynamic range. As a result, its 5.1k video looks superb, with tons of detail for cropping into and excellent exposures, even in high-contrast scenarios.
It's got sensors all-round too, keeping it safe from smashing into obstacles, while its huge 46-minute maximum flight time is better than almost any other drone around. It folds down to the size of a large camera lens, so it's relatively easy to get into a photography backpack, but those of you wanting a tiny drone for travelling should still look to the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
Read our DJI Mavic 3 review.
Drew Evans/CNET
The DJI FPV was the company's original first-person drone, offering a beginner-friendly entrance into the exhilarating world of FPV drone flying. We loved its lighting-fast 97mph top speed and its solid 4K video quality. And while the DJI FPV has been somewhat usurped by the new DJI Avata which is smaller, lighter and safer (thanks to built-in propeller guards), the original DJI FPV is still worth considering.
That's largely down to its price, which is now around $1,000 for a full kit with everything you need to fly, from the drone itself, to the controller and the original FPV headset. The DJI Avata comes in at $1,170 for the similar 'Fly Smart' combo which I personally think is worth paying (as it includes the motion controller which makes FPV flying much easier) but if you want an FPV experience at the lowest cost then the cheaper DJI FPV might be the better option.
Emax
Though mainstream drones like the DJI Mini can fly fast, racing drones fly even faster, capable of hitting speeds above 100 mph. They're also much more agile, built for acrobatic maneuvers with you at a set of manual controls. That means there's a learning curve that usually involves some crashes.
Getting started will be neither quick nor easy, but for a racing drone, the Emax Tinyhawk 2 keeps things relatively simple. You'll still need to learn how to pilot the thing, but the process will be less expensive and less frustrating than other entry-level systems. For one thing, you don't need to worry about getting all of the individual pieces to work together -- or soldering anything, which is required for many DIY models.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do drones cost?
The prices for drones varies depending on what kind of features you want or the quality you need from the camera. As with most areas of tech, price lines up with performance, with the more expensive models offering higher-resolution video with bigger image sensors and longer flight times.
DJI's range currently starts at only $450 for the Mini 2, which offers decent 4K video and strong flight times but lacks obstacle sensors or any kind of intelligent flight modes. At the higher end, the DJI Mavic 3 shoots 5.1k video with a large image sensor for pristine quality, its 40-minute flight times are class-leading and its range of obstacle sensors means it can fly autonomously to capture cinematic footage of you with minimal effort. At $2,000 though, you pay a lot for these kinds of features.
How far can drones fly?
Many drones in DJI's range can fly in huge areas, with the Mavic 3 being able to fly up to 9.3 miles (15km) away from you. That's in ideal conditions however, and sometimes you may find you get interference from other sources and the drone will advise a closer proximity.
Keep in mind too that while the drone may technically be able to fly a long way away, your local laws may not be so forgiving. In the UK, for example, your drone always has to remain in eyesight of the pilot, and the small size of these drones means they're likely going to be impossible to see once they get too far away.
How fast can drones fly?
The top speed of drones varies depending on their use for the most part. More typical camera-focused drones like the Mini 3 Pro can achieve up to 37 mph in its fastest "sport" mode, while the DJI FPV can hit a whopping 97 mph. FPV drones are designed for faster, more extreme flights so you'll typically find these drones have much higher top speeds. Some drones designed for racing can even achieve speeds of 170 mph.
What's the best DJI drone?
"Best" is of course a subjective word and what might suit your needs most may not suit someone else. If you're looking for the best image quality for beautiful landscape images, the big sensor of the DJI Mavic 3 is the one for you. Looking for the best small drone for travelling? The Mini 3 Pro's tiny design will suit you well.
If you want a generally solid all-round drone then look towards the DJI Air 2S. Its combination of travel-friendly size, excellent image quality and decent flight times means it ticks most boxes and could be the best drone for most people.
Which drones shoot vertical video for TikTok and Instagram?
While you may have seen lots of vertical videos from drones on your TikTok or Instagram feeds, the reality is that very few drones can actually shoot this video natively. Even camera-focused drones like the DJI Mavic 3 can't shoot video in portrait orientation, so drone users will have to crop their footage down the middle before uploading it to their social accounts.
The recent DJI Mini 3 Pro is one of the few drones currently able to flip its camera over and shoot vertically. It means you can take advantage of the full 4K resolution of the sensor, and have a much easier time in composing your shots as you don't need to imagine what it would like after the crop -- what you see as you fly is what you'll post to TikTok later.
How do you connect a drone camera to a phone?
Most drones -- including most of the DJI models featured here -- require you to connect your phone at some stage to act as the viewfinder and control screen for the drone. Usually that'll involve you connecting the phone physically to the controller using either a Lightning cable (for iPhones) or a USB-C cable (for Android phones) and using apps like DJI FLY. The controller then connects to the drone, showing the feed from your drone's camera right on your phone screen.
Which drones are waterproof?
In short, almost none of them. Complete waterproofing is tricky for drones as the propellers need to be able to generate downforce (so can't be fully enclosed) and short of fitting wiper blades from a car, the camera will always be susceptible to raindrops. None of the drones on this list are sold with any kind of "waterproof" promise and while you can certainly get away with flying in a few spots of rain -- or even through clouds -- if it really starts to pour then you should land immediately.
How we test drones
Like all products on CNET, any items that feature on our best lists are tested by us to make sure that they perform as well as the manufacturers claim. Nothing is taken at face value and nothing is recommended to buy based on marketing promises or specs alone. If they don't perform, they simply don't make the list.
For drones, we take them out of the city to a safe flying spot. We set them up and connect them to the controllers and our phones, just as you would. We then send them into the sky, checking out how easy they are to fly, how responsive they are and whether there are any issues with signal transmissions or physical problems such as obstacle avoidance not working properly.
We test the flight times and battery capacity in different conditions. Most manufacturer's claims of battery life are done under perfect, wind-free conditions which isn't realistic for most of us. As such, we fly them in real-world scenarios and give an indication of what actual battery life you can expect.
And we of course shoot plenty of videos and photos, looking at the image quality, at the colors and the contrast. We pay attention to the dynamic range as this will determine how well a drone can balance a bright blue sky against the darker ground. If a drone offers DNG raw photos, we use this too, and we see how well the images can be artistically edited in software like Adobe Lightroom.
Things to consider before you buy a drone
New to the world of modern drones? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's a quick overview of what any beginner needs to know to find the best drones for their money.
The price of the drone is only the beginning
Depending on the aircraft, extra batteries can run you from $5 for toys to more than $100 each for camera drones.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
You're going to want a couple extra batteries, some spare propellers, maybe some prop guards and perhaps a quick charger, so you're not waiting hours to fly again. You're more than likely going to crash, which could lead to repair costs -- either for replacement parts or shipping it back to the manufacturer for repairs. (This is exactly why DJI offers crash insurance for new drones.)
Before you buy a drone, it's worth spending a little time researching the price and availability of replacement parts, batteries and other accessories. And be cautious of third-party parts -- especially batteries and chargers -- which may be inferior to those made by the drone manufacturer.
Everyone will assume you're invading their privacy
When you're out flying in a public space, or even in your own backyard, anyone who sees you doing it will think you're spying on them or someone else. You could be standing in the middle of a 20-acre field with no one in sight and your drone no more than 50 feet directly overhead and you might end up answering questions about being a peeping Tom. It's happened to us. Repeatedly.
And along those same lines....
Everyone but you thinks they're dangerous
It doesn't matter if you're the safest drone pilot around or that you could do more damage hitting someone with a baseball than a drone -- onlookers may feel threatened. After all, nothing about plastic blades spinning at high speeds screams "safety."
Parrot's Bebop 2 has some nice safety features including propellers that stop instantly if they hit anything.
Joshua Goldman/CNET
As such, US-based pilots may benefit from an Academy of Model Aeronautics membership. Along with a whole host of benefits including access to AMA-member flying sites, the $75 annual membership protects you with $2,500,000 of comprehensive general liability insurance as well as $25,000 in accident or medical coverage, $10,000 maximum accidental death coverage and $1,000 fire, theft and vandalism coverage.
Finding places to fly can be a challenge
In population-dense places like cities and metropolitan areas, it can be difficult to find places to safely and legally fly. US national parks are off-limits. Regulations differ among state, county and municipal parks. And then there are the no-fly zones, which puts many metropolitan areas out of bounds as well as just dangerous, because of buildings, people and cars.
Before you buy a drone -- even a toy one, if you plan to fly outside -- you'll want to visit AirMap or download the FAA's B4UFly app to check for no-fly zones. These don't cover state or local ordinances, though, so you'll need to do additional research on your chosen environs before you fly.
The EU and UK's drone rules are based mostly on how heavy a drone weighs and no longer differentiate between people flying for fun, or people flying for professional purposes. Europeans among you with new drones should make sure to fully familiarize yourself with the 2022 drone regulations and ensure both you and your drones are registered before taking flight.
Any remote control aircraft except 'toys' need an FAA registration in the US
Screenshot by Sean Hollister/CNET
The US Federal Aviation Administration is requiring anyone who wants to fly an unmanned aerial vehicle that weighs between 0.55-pound (250 grams) and 55 pounds (approximately 25 kilograms) for recreation or hobby to register with the agency. Civil penalties for not registering such an unmanned aircraft may include fines up to $27,500. Criminal penalties may include fines up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to three years or both.
Most sub-$100 UAS drones fall under this weight. A kitchen or postal scale can be used to weigh your drone or you can check with the manufacturer. Also, this applies to both store-bought and homemade aircraft.
The registration cost is $5 and it can all be done online in a matter of minutes. You don't have to register each aircraft you own -- just yourself; you'll be given a number to attach to what you're flying. That's it. Essentially, it's the FAA's way of getting you to agree that you've read its safety guidelines including staying more than five miles away from airports and below 400 feet.
The UK has its own registration requirements. Essentially, owners of drones that weigh more than 250 grams must register as a drone operator, which costs £9 annually. And pilots of drones that weigh more than 250 grams must pass a free online education course every three years. Australia has promised that new rules are "on their way," but for now there are no official requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last minute shopper? These stores offer same and next-day delivery
Last minute shopper? These stores offer same and next-day delivery
This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.
If you haven't finished up your holiday shopping, you may be noticing that it's becoming harder and harder to find gifts that you can get delivered in time. We've passed the shipping deadline for several online retailers already, and if you're against going to an actual store to shop you may be feeling a bit hopeless.
There are some stores out there that offer same-day and next-day shipping options in certain areas, so you may be able to pull this off. Keep in mind that these services are not available in all locations and often have specific requirements for order amounts and daily time deadlines.
Below is some information that may be able to help you get the perfect gift for that special someone in time for the holidays.
Read more: Holiday shipping deadlines expired: Do Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Apple curbside pickup instead
Amazon
Amazon's same-day delivery service is available to Prime members in various ZIP codes across the country. To qualify for free same-day shipping you'll need to spend $35 on qualifying products, which are marked as "Prime Free Same-Day Delivery." There is a daily cut-off time and the listing will tell you how much time you have left to order it so you can receive it the same day.
Best Buy
Some Best Buy locations offer same-day delivery on in-stock products. You need to place your order by 5 p.m. local time daily (except Sunday, which is 3 p.m.) to qualify. This service is far more limited than Amazon and Walmart's, but be sure to check and see if you can get anything delivered the same day, otherwise you may want to opt for curbside pickup.
Walmart
Walmart offers free same-day shipping on orders of $35 or more as part of its Walmart Plus subscription. The items will need to be available in your local Walmart for the same-day shipping to happen, otherwise there are a ton of items that are available with free next-day shipping. Walmart Plus members can have anything shipped to their home for free without limits.
Target
Target's same-day delivery service is powered by Shipt, which is a bit different from the others in this list. Shipt is a third-party service that requires a membership in order to get the benefits. One great part of the service is that you can schedule the delivery (within available times) and in some locations you can get the order as soon as 60 minutes after placing it.
Sephora
Sephora has partnered with Instacart for its same-day deliveries. If you're a member of Sephora's Beauty Insider program you can get free same-day delivery through Christmas using code SAMEDAY.
Macy's
Through a partnership with DoorDash, Macy's is able to deliver a lot of items to you the same day or the very next day. Eligible items have a special icon next to them so you can easily identify these as you shop. You will need to pay a $15 fee for orders that would qualify for free standard shipping, or $26 for any other order.
GameStop
For orders placed on GameStop's site or mobile app you can get same-day delivery when you pick "Deliver Today" during the checkout process. It's available up until three hours before your local store closes, and does vary based on inventory at that store.
Costco
While it's mainly for groceries, Costco does offer same-day delivery through Instacart for orders of $35 or more. It's worth noting that the price in the app and the price in Costco's warehouse are often different, so you will likely be paying a little extra on each item for the convenience.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond may not be the first place you think of, but it offers thousands of items with same-day delivery for a $10 flat-fee. Availability will vary based on local inventory, but it's worth checking to see what it has if you can't find what you want elsewhere.
What to Know About Hidden Fees That Increase the Price of Everything
What to Know About Hidden Fees That Increase the Price of Everything
This story is part of Recession Help Desk, CNET's coverage of how to make smart money moves in an uncertain economy.
What's happening
Many companies have found ways of passing down increased costs to consumers, with extra charges tacked on to your bill at checkout.
Why it matters
It's called drip pricing, and these new fees and surcharges are affecting customers who are already struggling with rampant inflation.
What it means for you
Knowing what merchants are charging can help you manage your budget and make better buying decisions.
The prices for nearly everything have ballooned in the past year. Record high inflation means the cost of food, fuel and other everyday essentials has gone up, which has put severe financial pressure on US households, particularly low-income Americans.
Look out for surcharges like these on your restaurant bills.
Courtney Johnston/CNET
And then there's the hidden costs added to your purchase before checkout, or tacked on to the receipt without warning.
These additional merchant fees are called drip pricing, and they're inflicting pain on our already-stretched wallets. Businesses often claim these fees are the only way to offset the burden of inflation and supply chain shortages. For consumers, it means the things we buy are pricier than they initially appear.
"Most of the time we find out about these fees when it's time to pay, not before," Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, author of Financial Adulting, told me via email. "Because these fees really run the gamut, you never really know what you are going to get."
I asked my Instagram followers about these new and surprising fees, and they gave me loads of anecdotes. From restaurants to medical offices to rideshare services, here's a look at some charges that I discovered.
And I'll offer tips on how to manage these unexpected surcharges.
Restaurants are charging more, and not just for food
Many restaurants are still reeling from a fiscal slump during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with rising food and payroll costs, eateries continue to struggle. "Average small business restaurants run on very tight margins of around 3 to 5% pre-tax," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research with the National Restaurant Association. "The typical restaurant business model is not set up to deal with this sustained and accelerated cost of food and labor, which is putting extraordinary pressure on operators, and indications are these will continue."
Here are some of the new fees you may see on your restaurant bill:
Credit card surcharges
Earlierthis spring, major creditcard companies like Mastercard and Visa increased interchange fees, which is what merchants pay to card issuers every time a customer uses a credit card. Also known as "swipe fees," they cost businesses 1.5 to 3% per transaction. They're most challenging for smaller establishments like restaurants, and some are passing this expense on to customers as a percentage of their total bill.
When Feinstein Gerstley dined out with her family last summer in Sapphire, North Carolina, the restaurant charged a credit card processing fee that she says was not mentioned until the bill arrived: "We were a party of 15 who had drinks, apps, dinner and dessert so the charge was substantial, over $100." Many states permit businesses to pass on their card swipe fees to customers, but they must properly disclose the surcharges on visible signage and their websites. The customer fee also cannot exceed what the business pays to the credit card companies.
Increased labor costs
Back in April, Sarah Morisson saw a $5 surcharge when the bill for her enchiladas arrived at a restaurant in Alpharetta, Georgia. The reason? "Increased labor costs." This may also be called a "kitchen appreciation fee" in some eateries and comes in the form of an added $3 to $5.
Health care charges
Restaurants are competing for workers and offering more benefits as a draw. This added cost may show up on your receipt next time you eat out. In Chicago last month, Rema Shamon noticed a few dollars added to her dining bill labeled "health care for staff." Similarly in West Hollywood, California, Claudia Scott was charged 3% more for "employee health insurance" at a local eatery.
Add-ons for staff who don't get tips
At a sandwich shop in Portland, Maine, a couple weeks ago, Jennifer Steralacci and a friend paid a $4 fee "for non-tipped staff" -- and that was on top of the gratuity. "I didn't recall seeing anything on the menu that indicated this charge," Steralacci told me.
Rideshare and food delivery apps are charging more for gas
Fees were already climbing because of the pandemic, but as rideshare companies compete to hire drivers, they're luring them with sign-on bonuses and higher pay. That's another reason your rideshare total seems more expensive than ever. On top of that, in March, Uber and Uber Eats announced a new fuel fee to help drivers cover the cost of rising energy prices.
That'll cost an additional $0.45 or $0.55 on each Uber trip and either $0.35 or $0.45 on each Uber Eats food order, depending on the location. Uber says 100% of that fee goes to drivers.Rival rideshare companyLyft has also announced a 55-cent fuel surcharge. Grocery delivery app Instacart says it's tacking on a new 40-cent fuel fee, too.
Fees at doctors' offices are adding to the shock, too
Increased supply and materials fees
Keep an eye out for this line-item cost at your next medical visit, which ranges in price. In Dallas, Kelsie Whittington got hit with an unusual $18 "supply fee" after her son's routine pediatrician visit in May. The medical office explained that it was for pricier bed covers, needles, gauze and other equipment.
With insurance companies slow to issue reimbursements, the clinic was having patients eat the cost. "I was a little shocked at first, then empathetic. I needed to pay for my son's health," Whittington said.
Facility fees
While doctors' offices have been charging facility fees since before the pandemic, patients may not know about them until they receive an itemized bill. According to Consumer Reports, facility fees, which typically cover the cost of maintaining the medical office, urgent care center or clinic that's owned by a hospital, can add hundreds of dollars to a bill... and insurance may only partially cover it.
What can you do about all the extra hidden charges?
To minimize the blow of these new fees and surcharges, we need to gather facts and self-advocate. Here are four pieces of advice:
1. Question the fees: We may feel awkward or embarrassed to ask about new and unusual charges. But if a business is not upfront and hasn't disclosed their charges ahead of time, it's within our right to understand and ask questions. We may learn that the fee is justified and we're actually happy to pay it and continue patronizing. In other cases, it may deter us from returning.
2. Ask for a cash discount: Like many gas stations, some restaurants offer cash discounts to help minimize their credit card processing costs. For example, at The Fifth Season restaurant in Port Washington, New York, cash-paying diners receive a 3.5% bill reduction through its Cash Discount Program promoted on the eatery's website.
Even if not advertised, ask if a business will offer you a cash discount, a win-win for both you and the merchant. I've successfully used this trick at small, independently owned stores, too.
3. Think twice about using third-party delivery apps: Delivery apps are convenient but they can quickly double the cost of your pizza order after fees, taxes and the suggested 25% tip. Ordering takeout the old-fashioned way by calling the restaurant directly could result in substantial savings. Some eateries may require you to pick up the food, but others may offer free delivery of their own -- just be sure to tip the driver. If you want to stick with third-party deliverers, MealMe helps identify the lowest options by comparing pricing across the board.
4. Vote with your feet: It's our choice where and how to spend, and if paying extra fees is too much to bear, we have the right to walk away and patronize a different business next time. When a restaurant manager refused to remove the surprise credit card surcharge, Feinstein Gerstley said a family member in attendance shared the experience on Yelp. "We definitely didn't return to the restaurant," she said.
If a charge does not come with any adequate disclosure, the merchant may be in violation of state laws, so consumer advocates recommend filing a complaint with both your credit card issuer and the state attorney general. According to Riehle, "The restaurant industry is very competitive, and operators know that if a consumer's last experience doesn't meet their expectations, they are likely to vote with their feet."
