Latest by M. Smith

Can the new Zenbook UX301LA and its 2560x1440p display make it a real alternative to Apple’s MacBook Pro with Retina?

The MacBook Pro has always been among the best notebooks, but the high price of the original Retina models was hard to justify when placed next to the best Windows alternatives. Apple has slashed the MSRP with its 2013 update however, and has jumped to the latest 4th-gen Intel Core architecture. Is it enough to banish any hope that ultrabooks can compete, or merely another minor improvement to an aging product line?

Is HP’s new Spectre 13t x2 a do-it-all powerhouse, or does this system’s versatility come with unwanted baggage?

The HP Spectre 13t may be the most expensive consumer laptop HP currently sells.

Do you really need a gaming monitor with a high refresh rate? It can do a lot for gamers, but others might not notice much of a difference.

The Alienware 17's mediocre display and expensive price will force many into the arms of competing notebooks.

The new XPS 12 has arrived, and it’s much the same as the old – except with a fourth-gen Intel Core processor. Does the new processor give one of 2012’s best convertibles a second life, or have competitors caught up with Dell?

The Asus Transformer Book Trio attempts to combine Windows 8 and Android. Is this a match made in heaven, or a pact forged in hell?

We take a closer look at the ASUS Transformer Book TX300, the first Windows 8 PC in the Transformer product line.

We play with Lenovo's new IdeaCentre Horizon, an all-in-one computer that can also be used as a tabletop productivity and gaming system.

Lenovo downsizes the Yoga yet retains battery life and performance by using Intel's new super-low-voltage processors.

We take a closer look at the Helix, a unique convertible melds the portability of a tablet with classic Thinkpad durability and Windows 8 functionality.

Whether you're using a desktop or laptop, here's everything you need to know about the ports on your PC, including USB, HDMI, Thunderbolt, and more.

Toshiba’s Satellite P855 hits a sweet spot in value and practicality, as long as you don’t pile on too many extras.

Collegiate gamers will get plenty of bang for the buck from Velocity Micro’s Vector Campus Edition, a compact gaming PC that delivers impressive performance at a surprisingly reasonable price.

HP dilutes its premium brand name with the Envy 23, a thoroughly unremarkable (but competent) all-in-one that fails to really distinguish itself from the competition.

Despite some design flaws, the Maingear F131 delivers impressive performance for a very attractive price.

Lenovo’s IdeaPad U310 offers a clean, refreshing design and low price, even if performance stands soundly in the middle of the road.

Acer’s Aspire S5 is the company’s thinnest and lightest Ultrabook yet, but can’t possibly justify its sky-high price with an otherwise middling set of features.

Acer’s affordable Aspire Timeline Ultra M5 offers long battery life and powerful discrete graphics for under $800, and you’ll hardly notice the extra bulk that makes it possible.

Acer’s Aspire V5 packs a surprisingly potent processor for its price, but short battery life and a wonky touchpad still leave us recommending an upgrade to an Ultrabook.

The Chromebook concept hits its stride in the second generation with Samsung’s Series 5 550, a massive upgrade from the original and viable choice for Web surfers.

The Alienware M14x hits just the right size point for a gaming notebook, but can’t quite muster the muscle to match.

HP’s Envy 4 Ultrabook may be one of the most affordable Envy notebooks ever built, but it still flaunts solid build quality and attractive finish.

The Lenovo Q180 nettop stays out of your way with a quiet, compact design, but its anemic Atom processor prevents it from living up to its media-center aspirations.

Gamers looking for a small form-factor rig should take a look at the Chronos, which is a surprisingly affordable option from Origin.

The massive HP Omni 27 reaches the limits of all-in-one size with its 27-inch display, but leaves resolution and power stagnant, to its detriment.

The Toshiba Satellite P755 offers plenty of power for an attractive price, as long as you don’t plan on taking it far from home.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Y480 leans on processing horsepower and tried-and-true design to stake its claim as a gaming-capable workhorse, but falls short in its display and touchpad.

The HP Phoenix h9 gaming desktop balances performance with small size and everyday liveability.

The HP Folio 13 masquerades as a business Ultrabook, but really possesses features that make it one of the best all-around Ultrabooks on the market.

The workhorse Lenovo ThinkPad 420s sticks with what works, offering more durability, performance and usability than comparably priced ultraportables.

The Sony Vaio Z upholds its reputation for cutting-edge hardware in an unbelievably waif package.

The Maingear Vybe Super Stock lays down serious processing power without breaking a sweat, or your budget.

Apple has changed the name of OS X, but the underlying operating system remains the same. Aside from Siri, the MacOS brings little to the table, and the best extras are only applicable to iOS users.

It’s been years since Apples Retina 5K saw a complete re-design. Can it still compete with Windows systems? Read our Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display review to find out.

Apple’s new Mac Mini doesn’t look much different from its predecessor, and it’s more expensive. Yet the changes under the hood make a case for its consideration as your new Mac. Can this entry-level machine hold its own? Read our Apple Mac Mini (2018) review to find out.

The best wireless keyboards have long battery lives and are comfortable. We have you covered with our favorite wireless keyboards and their best features.