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How to fix the percentage of incorrect or inaccurate batteries on Mac

A couple of different symptoms may be accompanied by installing a battery percentage table on your Mac, which is inaccurate. The most obvious is that your computer closes and dies at random before the percentage of the battery reaches 0% or even lower. The other is a sense of rapid depletion of the battery, or a decline in battery life.

If you suspect that the battery on your Mac is displaying an inaccurate percentage of battery life remaining, try some of these at-home solutions to reset or recalibrate the battery. Otherwise, a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple store might be necessary.

iPhone users, listen up: We have written a detailed guide on charging your iPhone properly. Don’t forget to check it out.

Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)

The System Management Controller, or SMC, on your Mac is buried within the operating system and groups together various functions involving the display, battery power, booting, shutting down, sleeping, and more. If something gets out of whack with your battery indicator, resetting the SMC could refresh the battery percentage so it’s accurate again.

How to reset the SMC depends on the type of Mac you own. If you have an older Mac notebook with a removable Apple a1322 laptop battery, the first thing you’ll want to do is shut down the computer and disconnect it from a power source. Remove the battery. Then, press and hold the power button for five seconds while the battery is still out of the machine. Insert the battery again, connect the laptop to a power source and turn it back on.

If you have a newer MacBook model without a removable battery, the procedure is a bit different. Shut down the computer, but plug it in to a power source while off. Press the Shift, Control, Option and power keys all at the same time — the former three must be the keys on the left side of the keyboard.

Closely monitor the battery percentage your Mac displays relative to your usage over the next day or two and observe if the SMC reset fixed the problem.

Calibrate Your Mac’s Battery

Not only is keeping your battery calibrated important so that the battery percentage on your Mac stays accurate, but it’s vital for optimal battery health over years and charge cycles.

Battery calibration is easier than you might think. You should basically just use your computer like you normally do, except let the battery show off every bit of its power. First, plug in your Mac to a power source and charge it to full capacity, 100 percent. After fully charged, leave it plugged in for about two hours so it sits at a 100-percent charge.

Unplug the Mac and start using it, letting the battery drain naturally. Eventually the battery will get low, so let it drain until the computer automatically goes to sleep. Once it’s been asleep for a few minutes, plug the charging cable into your MacBook and recharge the computer back to 100 percent.

This entire cycle is what calibrates the battery. Once the MacBook is recharged again, unplug the charging cable and notice as you use the machine whether the battery percentage appears to be more in sync with your usage.

Tip: For an even closer look at your Apple a1057 battery usage, open the Activity Monitor app on your Mac. Click the Energy tab at the top and glance down below for battery charts and statistics on current energy impact, remaining charge, time remaining, and battery drain over the past 12 hours.

Schedule a Genius Bar Appointment

When all else fails, make your battery someone else’s problem! The geniuses behind the Genius Bar at your local Apple retail store are probably capable of fixing the battery accuracy issue pretty quickly.

Chances are they’ll take care of it using one of two methods depending on the cause. The first solution is to replace the battery. This is covered if you’re under warranty, including the one-year limited warranty if it’s a manufacturer’s defect. Otherwise, prices vary by MacBook model.

Coming in at $129 are the replacement batteries for any MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook and the 13-inch and 15-inch non-retina MacBook Pros. $179 replaces the battery in the 17-inch MacBook Pro and $199 covers the 12-inch MacBook and 13-inch and 15-inch retina MacBook Pros.

These prices include the battery itself and the repair service, i.e. the Apple Geniuses recycle the old battery and install the new one for you.

If you don’t need a battery replacement, the Geniuses still have tools on hand for running tests on your MacBook and diagnosing any issues, so it still may be worth a trip to the Apple Store. The cost to fix any diagnosed issues will differ based on the cause and procedure.

A Great Gaming Notebook Under $1,000? Here Are Our Top Picks

Gaming laptops can put a serious dent in your wallet, with some of the fancier models costing upward of $3,000.But who said that the right drill must spend an arm, a leg and the soul of your eldest son? Fortunately, for the financial awareness of the game player, some priced at less than $1000 laptop computer, like “Fortune 2” and “Woerfensitan II: the new colossus” this game, with the reliable operation of the frame.

And thanks to Nvidia’s 1050 Ti GPUs, you can hook up an Oculus Rift and jump into the virtual realm.  However, some companies like Dell and Gigabyte are outfitting their rigs with Nvidia GTX 1060 Max-Q GPUs so fans of the HTC Vive can also get in on the fun. Or if you’re not ready to make such a big financial or space commitment, you can hook up one of Microsoft’s new MR headsets like the Acer Windows Mixed Reality AH101 headset, which has the added bonus of working with either discrete or integrated graphics. Whatever system you choose, you can start busting baddies in the virtual world. Best of all, you can use all that money you just saved to splurge on a top-notching gaming keyboard or mouse.

If you’re curious how these laptops rank by brand, check out our Best and Worst Gaming Laptop Brands to see how notebook manufacturer handles gaming systems.

So without further adieu here are the best gaming laptops under $1,000.

Best Overall Budget Gaming Laptop: HP Omen 15

The HP Omen 15 has been redesigned with an eye-catching chassis; a clicky, responsive keyboard; and an easy-to-remove panel to upgrade the hard-disk drive, solid-state drive and RAM. Add in a bright, vibrant display and some nice, loud speakers, and you have a gaming notebook that will enthrall you.

Key Specs: CPU: 2.8-GHz Intel Core i7-7700HQ CPU * GPU: AMD Radeon RX 550 GPU with 2GB of VRAM * RAM/Storage: 8GB/1TB 7,200-rpm HDD * Display Size/Resolution: 15.6/1920 x 1080

 

Best Productvity: Origin Eon15-S

This 15-inch gaming laptop is fairly portable at 5.2 pounds and packs good overall performance, thanks to its Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics. You also get decent battery life and an understated design that stays cool while fragging. It’s a great choice for gamers on a tight budget who don’t want to make too many compromises.

Key Specs: CPU: 2.5-GHz Intel Core i5-7300 HQ * GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 4GB of VRAM * RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB M.2 PCIe SSS with a1TB 7,200-rpm hard drive * Display Size/Resolution: 15.6-inch/1920 x 1080

 

Best Graphics Performance: Lenovo Legion Y520

For an entry-level laptop, the Legion Y520 and its Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti GPU can kick some butt. During our testing, the laptop delivered surprisingly high frame rates and was one of the few budget systems able to run the Metro: Last Light benchmark. In addition, it’s got a sleek, tapered look and the strong performance of its Intel Core i7 CPU.

 

Longest Battery Life: Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming Laptop

The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming laptop is known for its impressive Dell inspiron 1520 laptop battery life. This iteration lasted over 7 hours on our battery test. Thanks to its 7th-generation Intel Core i5 processor the Inspiron 15 7000 can multitask with the best of them. But the notebook’s best feature is its Nvidia GTX 1060 (Max-Q) GPU, it’s one of the first sub-$1000 gaming laptops that’s truly VR-Ready. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that can deliver solid framerates without blasting a hole in your wallet, the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming laptop should at or near the top of your list.

Key Specs: CPU: 2.5-GHz Intel Core i5-7300HQ CPU * GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 (Max-Q) 6GB of VRAM* RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB SSD * Display Size/Resolution: 15.6-inch/1920 x 1080

 

Best Audio: Acer Aspire VX 15

Clad in black, red and silver, the Aspire VX offers a sturdy grip and a somewhat-premium look. In terms of gaming, the system’s Core i5 CPU and Nvidia GTX 1050 GPU should provide solid performance on both fronts — provided you don’t try to use it with overly taxing games or work. But where the VX 15 really shines is its audio thanks to its speakers that are well-balanced and surprisingly powerful.

Key Specs: CPU: 2.5-GHz Intel Core i5-7300HQ CPU * GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 with 4GB of VRAM * RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB M.2 SATA SSD * Display Size/Resolution: 15.6/1920 x 1080

 

Best Design: Alienware 13

What’s imposing and badass on a 17- or 18-inch laptop is downright adorable on a 13-inch rig. The $999 configuration of the Alienware 13 keeps the trademark customizable lighting of its big brothers, including the gorgeous backlit keyboard. But this laptop is more than a pretty piece of tech, packing a 7th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and an Nvidia GeForce 1050 GPU, which should deliver good frame rates on its admittedly low-res 1366 x 768 display.

Key Specs: CPU: 2.5-GHz Intel Core i5-7300HQ CPU * GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 with 2GB of VRAM * RAM/Storage: 8GB/180GB M.2 SATA SSD * Display Size/Resolution: 13-inch/1366 x 768

 

New and Notable: Acer Nitro 5

Acer is giving gamers a happy compromise between pricing and specs with its upcoming Nitro 5 notebook. Starting at $799, the laptop will feature an AMD CPU and GPU with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage with a bright full HD panel. Wrapped in faux carbon fiber, this handsome laptop is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Key Specs: CPU: AMD Raven Ridge Ryzen 5 APU * GPU: AMD Radeon RX560X with 4GB of VRAM * RAM/Storage: up to 32GB/2TB hard drive * Display Size/Resolution: 15.6-inch/1920 x 1080

Help Me,Notebook: More Power Or Better Looks?

The hardest part of picking up a laptop is to look at the instructions carefully. Once you have narrowed down what you want, including screen size and price, choose the components you want, then you will rethink your choices again and again.

Reader mrpitics has already done a lot of homework, and is down to two gaming machines: the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 and the Acer Helios 300 (they didn’t specify if it’s the 15-inch or 17-inch version. For our purposes, we’re using the 15-inch model, since that’s the same size as the Dell).

Mrpitics has also picked their own configurations. The Dell has an Intel Core i5-7300HQ CPU, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q GPU, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The Acer has a Core i7-7700HQ CPU, GTX 1060 GPU, 8GB of RAM, 1TB HDD and 128GB SSD. The reader said that where they’re buying it from, prices are the same.

Based on that alone, I’d say to go for the Acer Helios 300. The full 1060 GPU will squeeze out a few more FPS and be better for VR, and you’ll also have a faster processor. I also appreciate the 1TB of storage. That holds many more games than the Inspiron our reader is looking at, and you can still use the 128GB SSD as a boot drive and for smaller programs. The Inspiron also has a history of poor displays. The one on the Helios isn’t amazing, but it’s better than the Dell’s, so you might as well go for the better one.

What the Inspiron will have in its corner is slightly better Dell inspiron 1545 laptop battery life. We tested that exact configuration, and it lasted for 7 hours and 5 minutes, which is long for a gaming notebook. The Helios lasted 6:48, which isn’t much less.

But needing to plug your gaming laptop in isn’t exactly a surprise. If they’re the same price, you’re getting more for your money if you get the Helios.
Mrpitics suggests that, regarding design, the Dell “looks more mature,” and that the Helois is “too in your face.” . The Helios definitely looks like a gaming notebook, while the Dell admittedly looks like any midrange laptop. But that’s a personal choice. I’d go for the more powerful laptop, and I do appreciate that the Helios uses aluminum in its design.

In general, I suggest practicality over looks. For gaming, it’s all about power, and, unfortunately, a lot of companies haven’t realized that gamers like clean designs just as much as everyone else (Razer is among the few that  get it right). You’re looking for a tool, and the Helios sounds like it will do the better job.

One quick aside: mrpitics suggests that where they’re buying this, they won’t get a copy of Windows 10 with the Acer Helios. That’s rare here in the United States, where we review our laptops, but not impossible, especially overseas. If obtaining and installing a Windows 10 license will be technically or fiscally prohibitive, then go for the Dell, because apparently that one comes with Windows 10.

The Best Presidents’ Day Laptop Deals of 2018

Whether you buy a budget game for 2/1 in the market, or are looking for a game platform that will not destroy the bank, we all have insider information. You can’t miss the latest deal.

As part of its Presidents Day sale, Newegg has the Huawei MateBook X on sale for $799.99 ($500 off). The MateBook is a Windows laptop that sports an Apple-like design. It features a 13-inch 2160 x 1440 LCD, 2.7GHz Core i7-7500U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

Many of Dell‘s Presidents Day deals are also live. The PC manufacturer is taking up to $300 off new and previous-gen XPS laptops. Select Alienware systems are also getting a generous $600 price drop.

On  the XPS front, you can get the New XPS 13 for $1,349.99. That’s $100 off and the first major discount we’ve seen on this 2018 Editors’ Choice laptop. It packs a 13.3-inch 1080p LCD, 1.8GHz Core i7-8550U quad-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.

Alternatively, you can get the 2017 XPS 13 with Dell xps m1330 laptop battery for $999.99. It features a 13.3-inch 1080p LCD, 1.8GHz Core i7-8550U quad-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The differences between the 2018 and the 2017 model are mainly aesthetic, although the 2018 model has a better cooling system, which allows for better sustained performance. It also lacks the ports of the 2017 model and only includes two Thunderbolt 3 ports.

B&H is taking up to $130 off Apple’s iPad Pro Tablets. You can get the 12.9-inch 64GB model for $719 ($80 off), the 256GB model for $829 ($120 off), or the 512GB model for $1,019 ($130 off). Meanwhile, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro is also on sale: the 256GB model is selling for $729 ($70 off) and the 512GB model is priced at $899 ($100 off).

If you like slim, powerful laptops, Lenovo is currently offering its updated 4K IdeaPad 720s with 8th-gen Intel for $999.99 via coupon code “TAKE500”. This configuration features a 14-inch 3840 x 2160 IPS LCD, 1.8GHz Core i7-8550U quad-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a generous 512GB SSD. For context, this same configuration cost $1,139.99 last week. Star Wars fans can also get the Yoga 910 2-in-1 Star Wars Edition for $854.99 via coupon code “SAVETRA5”. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen for this notebook, which features a 13.9-inch 1080p touch LCD, 2.7GHz Core i7-7500U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.

Good news for cash-strapped Mac fans. Best Buy is having a massive sale on select MacBook Pros. You can get the top-of-the-line 13-inch MacBook Pro for $1,649.99 ($150 under Apple’s price) or the base 15-inch MacBook Pro for $2,199.99 ($200 under Apple’s price).

As far as Windows laptops are concerned, Amazon has one of the best laptop deals we’ve seen since the holidays. The e-commerce giant has the Asus VivoBook F510UA Laptop with 8th-Gen Intel for $509. Although it was priced at $499 last week, it’s still $90 off its list price and one of the least expensive laptops we’ve seen with an 8th-gen Intel CPU. It features a 15.6-inch 1080p LCD, 1.6GHz Core i5-8250U quad-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 1TB HDD.

Which HP Notebook Is Right For You?

HP is the world’s largest seller of personal computers, accounting for 1 of the 5 computers sold. The company offers a series of bewildering various budgets and use cases of laptop selection, from sub 200 Chromebooks to high-end workstations and mobile gaming platforms. So, if you decide to want a HP laptop, you have to choose not only the type you need, but which type you want to choose.

Do you want a value-driven Pavilion, a stylish and high-performing Spectre, or a superthin Envy? If you’re buying for a business, do you know the difference between an EliteBook and a ProBook? Below, we explore each HP sub-brand to help you decide.

Spectre: High-end consumer laptops

HP’s most premium laptops usually cost more than $1,000, but they are lightweight, have gorgeous designs and include beautiful displays. If you can afford the premium, these are the top-of-the-line HP notebooks for consumers or business users who don’t need IT management features such as vPro. Some Spectres even have the optional Sure View privacy screen, which limits viewing angles to prevent the person next to you on the plane from seeing your work.

A step above the Envy line, Spectres are usually made from CNC aluminum, which gives them a more refined, unibody look than other laptops. All Spectre laptops have SSDs, and it’s unlikely you will see one with lower-end specs, such as a Core i3 CPU or a sub-1080p display.

Common Spectre features include:

• CNC aluminum chassis in silver or ash color
• High-end processors (ex: Kaby Lake G)
• Exclusively SSDs
• Optional 4K displays, Sure View privacy screens
• Thunderbolt 3 ports

Standout models:

• Spectre x360 (13-inch): Get this model if you want the best combination of portability, versatility and style and you can spend at least $1,249. This gorgeous 2-in-1 has an ultrathin design, a snappy keyboard and long Hp pavilion dv6000 laptop battery life.
• Spectre 13: If you don’t need a 2-in-1 but you do want a powerful, stylish system, the Spectre 13 is built for you. But beware its short battery life. The Envy 13 offers much longer endurance and a fantastic keyboard for $300 or $400 less.
• Spectre x360 (15-inch): If you need both style and size, this convertible has a 15-inch touch screen, so you can take advantage of the tablet mode in Windows 10. The next version of this laptop will have Intel’s new Kaby Lake G processor, which combine’s AMD’s speedy Radeon graphics with a 45-watt Intel, quad-core CPU.

Envy: Stylish, powerful but less expensive than Spectre

HP’s Envy notebooks are thin, beautifully designed machines, which feature all-metal chassis and high-end components such as SSDs, high-res screens and discrete graphics. Envys are a little less expensive than Spectres and sometimes offer better value. However, you may see lower-end components such as mechanical hard drives on some models. The metal is usually stamped aluminum rather than the more-premium precision-milled metal on the Spectre line.

Common Envy features include:

• Metal chassis
• Optional IR camera
• Latest-Gen CPUs
• USB Type-C ports
• Hard drive or SSD

Standout models include:

• Envy 13t: Our favorite HP laptop and one of the best values in tech, the Envy 13t has a wide array of ports, a fantastic keyboard and a long Hp envy 13 series battery life. It starts at under $900 and is the best choice for students or anyone who wants a premium clamshell laptop for under $1,000.
• HP Envy x360 15t: This 2-in-1 starts at under $700, which makes it a much more affordable option than the Spectre x360 (15-inch). It’s also one of the few laptops that’s available with AMD’s Ryzen mobile processor. However, this laptop is heavier than the Spectre and has shorter battery life.

Pavilion: Mainstream consumer

HP’s Pavilion line includes a wide variety of laptops at mainstream prices. You may find Pavilions with metal chassis, but plastic is also common. Some of the laptops also come in bright colors.

You can find low-cost laptops such as the Pavilion x360 (11-inch) for under $400 or more-powerful systems such as the Pavilion Power for over $900. If you can’t spend more than $700 or $800, consider a Pavilion.

Key Pavilion features include:

• Hard drive or SSD
• Optional IR cameras
• Optional discrete graphics

Standout models include:

• HP Pavilion x360 (11-inch): This compact 2-in-1 starts at under $400 and provides pen support, but it also has short battery life and a low-res display.
• HP Pavilion Power 15t: Designed for budget gamers, the Power 15t features discrete Nvidia GTX 1050 graphics, a 45-watt Intel H-Series CPU and your choice of full-HD or 4K display.

HP Laptops (No Name): Budget consumers

The least expensive HP laptops lack an official sub-brand, like “Pavilion” or “Envy.” They are simply named HP + model number. These lower-cost systems come in a wide array of colors and sizes. Prices range from around $279 on the low end to $700 on the high end, but most are under $600.

HP laptops start with low-end, Pentium and Celeron CPUs, but you can also find models with Intel 8th Gen Core processors inside. You can also get these HP laptops with optical drives, a feature you won’t find on the higher-end models.

Key features of “HP laptops,” include:

• Many colors and materials
• Start at Celeron, but go up to Intel Core i5 / i7
• Hard drives and SSDs

Some standout HP laptops are:

• HP 15-BS015DX: This 15-inch laptop costs under $500 and offers a Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. It has a low-res, 1366 x 768 display, but it is a touch-screen laptop.
• HP 15-BW011DX: One of the cheapest 15-inch laptops you can buy, this model goes for just $279. It has an AMD A6 CPU, a 500GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM.

Chromebooks: Made for kids, Chrome fans

While HP doesn’t make as many Chromebook as Asus or Acer does, the company has healthy line of laptops powered by Google’s browser-centric operating system.

Standout HP Chromebooks include:

• HP Chromebook 11: This 11-inch laptop starts at $179 and provides 4GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.
• HP Chromebook x360: This 11-inch convertible typically goes for $299 and features a Celeron CPU, 4GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.
• HP Chromebook 14 G4: This 14-inch Chromebook has an optional 1080p display.

Stream: Secondary computers

If you prefer Windows to Chrome OS and you’re looking for an inexpensive secondary computer or a first laptop for kids, HP’s Stream line is for you. These sub-$250 PCs come in vibrant colors, such as purple and blue, and feature Celeron CPUs with flash storage.

Standout HP Streams include:

• HP Stream 11: This $240, 11-inch laptop weighs just 2.5 pounds and features a Celeron CPU, 32GB of storage and 4GB of RAM.
• HP Stream 14: The larger Stream has a 14-inch, 1366 x 768 screen but the same specs as its little brother, and it goes for as little as $199.

Omen: Made for gamers

If you’re a serious PC gamer, HP’s Omen line is made for you. These laptops have attractive, carbon-fiber lids that include the old Voodoo logo (HP acquired Voodoo about 10 years ago), along with high-end graphics cards and CPUs.

Standout HP Omens include:

• HP Omen 17: This 17-inch beast is available with up to a GTX 1070 graphics card and a Core i7 H-Series CPU. It offers an attractive design, a vivid screen and plenty of performance.
• HP Omen 15: The smaller Omen has a bright display, great audio and the same attractive design as its larger counterpart. It starts at under $1,000 and comes with up to an Nvidia GTX 1060 Max-Q GPU.

EliteBook: Built for big business, top of the line

HP’s EliteBook line is designed for large businesses, offering a mix of security and durability. These laptops pack biometric login options and built-in security software, such as self-healing BIOSes and durable chassis that meet MIL-SPEC standards. These machines also provide vPro manageability, so IT departments can remotely update and control their fleets.

EliteBooks are divided into two series:

• EliteBook 1000 Series: The highest-end HP business laptops use premium materials and higher-end components.These products cost well over $1,000. Common features include CNC-aluminum chassis, pen input, Thunderbolt 3 ports and 2-in-1 form factors. Standout models include the EliteBook x360 G2 and EliteBook 1020 G2.
• EliteBook 700/800 Series: Made for mainstream knowledge-workers, these laptops still offer the latest components. Common features include aluminum chassis, SSDs, full-HD screens and a variety of docking options. The EliteBook 820, 830 and 840 G5 all have innovative, rear-facing microphones that you can use to conduct better conference calls.

ProBook: Made for small business

Designed for small-to-medium-size businesses that don’t necessarily have large IT departments, HP ProBooks are less expensive than EliteBooks but still made to help you get work done. Some ProBooks also have old-time, legacy ports such as VGA connectors.

ProBooks are divided into two series:

• ProBook 600 Series: Secure enough for large businesses that are on tighter budgets, these laptops come with Intel vPro manageability, flexible docking options and some very slim models. These laptops start as low as $599.
• ProBook 400 Series: Made for smaller businesses, this midrange line offers USB Type-C docking and a choice of Intel or AMD processors. These computers come in 14-, 15- and 17-inch sizes. They laptops start at under $500.

HP 200 Series: Low-cost business laptops

These are the least expensive business laptops of all and the only choices for users who want optical disc drives. The HP 255, for example, costs just $359 and comes with an AMD processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive.

ZBook: Mobile workstations

Video editors, architects and creative professionals who need workstation-level processing power but can’t be pinned down to a single desk should check out HP’s ZBooks. These workstation-class laptops are available with the most-powerful mobile processors and graphics, including Intel’s Xeon chip and Nvidia Quadro graphics.

Standout ZBook models include:

• HP ZBook 17 G4: One of our favorite mobile workstations has a gorgeous 4K display, a rugged design and best-in-class performance.
• HP ZBook 15 G4: This 15-inch workstation has an eye-popping display, great performance and plenty of ports.

Apple MacBook vs. Dell XPS 13

MacBook and DellXPS 13 are the two most attractive super portable laptop computers you can buy, and they all have a premium. The 12 – Inch start of the apple is $1299, while XPS 139370 starts at $999.

But there are a lot more differences here than there are similarities. And the MacBook is definitely starting to show its age. Based on our in-depth reviews, here’s how the MacBook and and the 2018 edition of the XPS 13 stack up.

Design

It’s hard to beat the look of Dell’s InfinityEdge Display. It goes from edge to edge with nearly zero bezels, delivering a truly immersive aesthetic. The only trade-off is that the webcam is placed below the screen.

The biggest advantage Apple has in this category is portability. At 2.03 pounds, the MacBook is significantly lighter than the XPS 13’s 2.68 pounds. If you opt for a touch screen, the Dell’s weight increases only slightly to 2.68 pounds.

Both machines are remarkably thin, with the MacBook being the more svelte at its thinnest point (0.14 inches), and the XPS 13 being thinner at its thickest point (0.46 inches).

Apple also offers more color options than Dell does, with four hues available: Rose Gold, Space Gray, Gold and Silver. The overall aluminum unibody aesthetic, though, is getting a bit tired.

The Dell comes in just two colors — Platinum Silver with Black on the inside and Rose Gold and Alpine White. The Alpine White on the inside is particularly striking, and is made of woven crystalline silica fiber. If you opt for black on the inside, you’ll be treated to an even more comfortable soft-touch carbon-fiber material, though it’s not as much of a head-turner.

Winner: XPS 13

Ports

Talk about minimalist. The MacBook has only a single USB-C port, which is used for charging and plugging in peripherals. That means you can’t plug more than one device into this laptop unless you spring for a dongle or dock. There’s also a headphone jack.

The XPS 13 comes with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which means you can easily power two displays at the same time. The MacBook doesn’t support this technology. Plus, Thunderbolt allows the Dell to connect to a growing number of graphics amplifiers, so you can boost your gaming performance.

In addition, the XPS 13 sports a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, a headphone jack and a lock slot.

Winner: XPS 13

Display

The XPS 13 comes in two flavors: a full-HD (1920 x 1080) display without touch, and a 4K display (3840 x 2160) with touch. Both panels are stunning, though the 4K screen is more colorful and brighter.

Based on our tests, the 1080p screen offers 372 nits of brightness and covers 117 percent of the color gamut. The touch-screen version of the Dell hit 415 nits of brightness and 130 percent of the color gamut.

Compare those numbers to the MacBook, whose 12-inch panel registered a lower 340 nits but a solid color-gamut score of 117 percent, the same as the non-touch XPS 13.

Winner: XPS 13

Keyboard and Touchpad

The second-generation Butterfly mechanism on the MacBook is definitely an acquired taste. The key travel is only 0.5 mm, compared with 1.2 mm on the XPS 13. I’ve actually found that I can be faster on the MacBook’s layout, but there’s no arguing that the XPS 13’s keyboard is more comfortable.

If you opt for the black, carbon-fiber model, the soft-touch deck on the XPS 13 adds to the comfort level. But even the crystalline silica deck on the white version of the Dell feels more comfy than the hard metal on the MacBook.

We found the touchpads on both the MacBook and the XPS 13 to be accurate. But the one on the MacBook is roomier at 4.4 x 2.7 inches, compared with 4.1 x 2.4 inches on the Dell.

Winner: XPS 13

Performance

This comparison is definitely not apples to apples. That’s because we reviewed a MacBook with a low-power, 7th-generation Core m3 processor, and the XPS 13 we tested packed a high-octane, 8th-gen Core i5. The MacBook is available with a speedier Core i5 CPU, though it’s still an older 7th-gen chip.

On Geekbench 4, which measures overall performance, the MacBook notched a score of 6,853. The XPS 13 nearly doubled that with a mark of 13,254.

It was no contest on the gaming front, too, as the MacBook mustered only 24 frames per second (fps) on the Dirt 3 racing title. The XPS 13 lapped Apple with 56.7 fps.

At least the SSD is speedy in the MacBook, as it turned in a data-copy rate of 467 megabytes per second, compared with 339.2 MBps in the MacBook.

Winner: XPS 13

Battery Life

The MacBook’s endurance is in between that of the standard 1080p XPS 13 and the 4K model. On the Laptop Mag Battery Test, which involves continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi, the MacBook lasted 9 hours and 29 minutes. The 1080p, non-touch version of the Dell XPS 13 lasted a whopping 12 hours and 37 minutes with Dell xps m1530 laptop battery on the same test.

However, the 4K touch-screen model of the XPS 13 lasted only 8:53.

Winner: XPS 13

Value

The MacBook starts at a steep $1,299, which is a lot to pay for a laptop with a low-power Core m3 processor. You also get 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD for that price. The $1,599 model steps that up to a Core i5 chip and a 512GB SSD.

Dell’s XPS 13 starts at $999 for a Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and just a 128GB SSD. The better value is the $1,199 model, which includes the same CPU but 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.

If you want a Core i7 CPU, you’re looking at $1,399, and a model with a 4K touch screen starts at a rich $2,099. However, that also includes 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.

Overall Winner

Sleeker, faster, longer-lasting. More ports. The XPS 13 beats the MacBook in every single category, giving Dell a dominating victory in this face-off.

If you really hate Windows, the MacBook is definitely worth a look, and it’s also lighter. But overall, this contest shows that Apple really needs to up its game for the 2018 MacBook.

How to Configure Your Notebook: Specs That Matter

When buying laptop directly from a manufacturer (such as Dell, Lenovo or HP), you can usually choose CPU, screen, memory, storage and other key components to configure the system. Even if you can’t select every part of notebook from menu, there are several different options. You can choose from several configurations with different functional combinations.

Here’s a guide to all the different components and which ones to choose:

CPU: Go for Core i5

Choose a Core i5 chip for the best balance of performance and price. You may have the opportunity to pay $100 to $200 more for a Core i7, but the speed bump is relatively minor with that upgrade.

Do pay extra to get an Intel 8th Gen Core i5, such as the Core i5-8250U (which we tested), over a 7th Gen model like the Core i5-7200U. Intel’s latest generation is as much as 91 percent faster than the predecessor, because the new chip has four cores instead of two. For budget laptops, a Core i3 chip should provide noticeably better performance than a Pentium or Celeron. Pentium is a little faster than Celeron, but probably not enough that it’s worth paying extra for.

RAM: Roll with 8GB

Our tests show that most users need 8GB of RAM to have a good multitasking and productivity experience. If you’re configuring to order, moving from 4GB to 8GB usually costs around $75.

Hardcore multitaskers and gamers will benefit from 16GB. However, you typically pay $100 to $150 extra to move up from 8GB to 16GB.

Storage: 256GB SSD or better

If possible, you want a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a hard drive, because the former offers a much faster, more responsive system. If you don’t need to keep a lot of media files or PC games on your storage drive, you can live with a 256GB SSD, rather than a more-expensive 512GB model. You usually don’t get a choice between a standard SATA SSD and one that uses the faster, PCIe-NVMe interface, but if you do, go for PCIe, which is two to four times quicker.

On sites which let you configure, moving from a 1TB or 500GB hard drive to a 256GB SSD can cost $100 to $200. If you want to grab a higher-capacity, 512GB drive, it could cost over $300 more than a 256GB unit.

To save money, you may be able to buy a laptop that has a standard hard drive or a 128GB SSD and then upgrade it with an aftermarket drive. For example, Lenovo currently charges $270 to upgrade from a 500GB hard drive to a 256GB PCIe-NVMe SSD, but you can buy one for just $119.

However, not all laptops are upgradeable, and your computer’s warranty won’t cover any new components that you add on your own. Before you consider adding your own SSD, see our article on how to tell if you can upgrade your laptop.

Screen: At Least 1920 x 1080 resolution

A full 66 percent of consumer laptops come with low-resolution screens, most of which are 1366 x 768 pixels. At that resolution, you’ll have to do a ton of scrolling and window switching, because you can’t fit much text on the display at once and can’t stack full windows side by side. Your next laptop should be part of the enlightened 34 percent that have at least 1920 x 1080 (1080p) resolution.

When you’re configuring a laptop to order on Lenovo, Dell or HP, the cost to move up to a 1080p screen is usually $70 to $100, a pittance compared to the usability gains you get. You’ll pay a little more to get a touch screen (if the laptop isn’t already a 2-in-1), a feature that isn’t really necessary if you’re getting a clamshell laptop.

Artists and media mavens may want to consider a higher-resolution display that goes up to 4K, but you’ll usually pay $300 to $400 extra for that upgrade.

Battery: Bigger is better

A handful of business laptops, including several ThinkPads and Latitudes, are available with a choice of regular- or high-capacity batteries. In many cases, the cost of upgrading to a larger battery is as little as $15.

The real trade-off is that you’ll add a few tenths of a pound of extra weight. However, considering that you’ll usually get at least double the endurance, you should always choose the extended battery. For example, on our test, Lenovo’s ThinkPad T470 lasts 7 hours and 33 minutes with its three-cell Lenovo thinkpad t400 laptop battery, and 16 hours and 1 minute with its six-cell battery.

Wi-Fi Card: 2×2 is better

It almost goes without saying that you want your laptop to have 802.11ac Wi-Fi, the current standard, and most laptops that cost more than $200 come with this card. Occasionally, you get a choice between a regular card and one that has a 2×2 antenna; pay extra (it’s usually less than $30) for this feature, because it doubles your throughput.

If a card is labeled as 2×2, it has two antennas, each of which can carry its own data stream. On a standard 802.11ac network, a 2×2 card can transfer at a rate of up to 867 Mbps, while a 1×1 card tops out at 433 Mbps.

Windows Version: Don’t go Pro

Some companies will give you a choice of Windows 10 Home or Pro when you’re configuring your laptop. While Windows 10 Pro offers extra features — such as remote desktop, BitLocker encryption and group policy manager (for setting permissions on an entire fleet of computers) — most of these extras are useful only for large businesses with IT departments. So, Pro is not worth an extra $30 or more.

4G Cards: Only for deep pockets

A few laptops allow you to get a built-in, 4G LTE card so you can stay connected on the road. However, you’ll usually pay $100 to $200 extra, before you even pay a wireless carrier for data. If you rely on your laptop for business, having built-in 4G is a nice convenience, but it’s probably cheaper to just use your phone as a hotspot and connect to it.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re picking components off a menu screen on Lenovo.com or choosing between two configurations of an Asus laptop on Amazon.com, the best specs are the same. Unless you’re buying a really inexpensive laptop, go for a 1080p screen, a Core i5 CPU, at least 8GB of RAM and an SSD that has 256GB or more.

Upgrade Your Life: Revive a dying notebook battery

Laptop battery wearing down? Upgrade your life in this week. News’ Becky Worley showed us how to help the battery longer use time… And what to do when the battery is exhausted!

First, the basics

Most laptops use batteries that can last for 3-5 years, or about 1000 charges. (A premium Hp pavilion dv3500 laptop battery might last longer.) Every time you charge your battery, the total capacity of the battery is diminished. Originally it may have had a run time of 3.5 hours, but after a year it’ll run out of juice at 3 hours, even on a full charge.

If your battery capacity has diminished, there are a few things you can do about it. First, you have to correctly gauge how much capacity has been lost. There are free downloads to do this job, like Battery Bar (for Windows PCs) or Coconut Battery (for Macs). These will compare your battery’s current maximum capacity to how long it lasted when it was new.
(UPDATE- we originally recommended Battery Eater and while the program works great, their download site has been compromised and we are recommending an alternate program, Battery Bar downloadable from CNET.)

Calibrating your Battery

You can’t miraculously reconstitute your battery’s capacity. It loses power over time due to chemical reactions taking place in the battery, as it chugs along powering your laptop. You can’t undo those changes, but there is one common battery issue you can fix: In many laptops, the operating system’s battery meter gets out of sync with how much juice the battery actually has.

Imagine if the gas gauge on your car dashboard was misreading how much gas you actually had in the tank. You’d either run out of gas when you thought you had a quarter of a tank left, or you’d be filling up too frequently. In your laptop, this can mean your laptop shuts down abruptly when the meter says you have 30 minutes left. Or else the meter might warn that you only have 2 minutes of battery life left and shut your laptop down, when it really has another 20 minutes remaining.

Recalibrating gets the battery meter to correctly read the current state of the battery, so you and the operating system know where you stand with existing battery life.

How to recalibrate

First, charge your laptop’s battery to full, and leave it that way for at least two hours. Then unplug your laptop, and set its power management settings to never turn off or lower the monitor brightness. (HP has instructions for how do to this on Windows 7 and Vista, as well as Windows XP, while Apple has instructions for Mac laptops on their site.)

You want to drain the battery completely, then let your laptop sit for at least five hours this way — like, say, overnight. (Just be careful and mute the volume, since some laptops make a warning sound when they’re about to run out.) Afterwards, charge it up again, and you should notice a more accurate portrayal of your battery capacity. In some cases, you may even get more life out of it.

Best practices to maintain battery life

You’d think that the best way to keep your laptop’s battery from wearing out is to not use it. Right?

As it turns out, batteries are like muscles; they need to be worked out regularly to stay healthy. Ideally, you’d use your laptop unplugged at least once a day, like on a train or bus commute or on the couch in front of the TV. If you’re not going to use it, constantly charging your battery is a bad idea; HP recommends on their website that if you’re going to leave your laptop plugged in or put up in storage for more than two weeks, you should take the HP hstnn-ob89 battery out of your laptop.

Past the expiration date

So when is it time to throw out that old battery? The answer, surprisingly, is “never.” Laptop batteries contain lots of toxic chemicals, and should never end up in landfills. Fortunately, e-stewards.org has a list of environmentally responsible recyclers that will take your old battery with no fuss.

When is it time to replace your battery, then? Use the free utility apps Becky mentioned, and when they say that your battery can only hold around 25% of its original capacity it’s probably time for a new one. You can buy a replacement battery from the original laptop manufacturer, and there are plenty of places online that sell discounted PC laptop batteries, like Laptops for Less and Batteries.com. Owners of newer Mac laptops can get their laptop’s non-removable battery swapped out at any Apple store, with a scheduled appointment.

How to repair a computer that shows no sign of power

In many ways that computers can’t be opened, full power outage is rarely the worst. Your personal computer may not get electricity because of a serious problem, but it is impossible.

There are several possible reasons why a desktop, laptop, or tablet computer might not power on, so it’s very important that you step through a complete troubleshooting procedure like the one we’ve outlined below.

Important: If it appears that your computer is, in fact, receiving power (lights on the computer turn on, fans are running, etc.), even if just for a moment, see How to Fix a Computer That Won’t Turn On for a more applicable troubleshooting guide.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Anywhere from minutes to hours depending on why the computer isn’t receiving power

What You’ll Need: Your AC adapter if you’re troubleshooting a tablet or laptop, and possibly a screwdriver if you’re working on a desktop

How to Fix a Computer That Shows No Sign of Power

1. Believe it or not, the number one reason why a computer won’t turn on is because it wasn’t turned on!

   Before starting a sometimes time-consuming troubleshooting process, make sure you’ve turned on every power switch and power button involved in your computer system:

   • Power button/switch, usually located on the front of a desktop computer’s case, or on the top or side of a laptop or tablet
   • Power switch on the back of the computer, usually just on a desktop
   • Power switch on the power strip, surge protector, or UPS, if you’re using any of them
2. Check for disconnected computer power cable connections. A loose or unplugged power cable is one of the top reasons why a computer won’t turn on.

   Laptop & Tablet Tip: Even though your computer runs on a battery, you should make sure that the HP EliteBook 8530p AC Adapter is plugged in properly, at least during troubleshooting. If you regularly keep your computer plugged in, but it has wiggled loose and now the battery is empty, your computer may not be getting power for this reason.

3. Plug your tablet, laptop, or desktop directly into the wall if it’s not already. In other words, remove any power strips, battery backups, or other power distribution devices between your PC and the wall outlet.

   If your computer starts getting power after doing this, it means that something that you removed from the equation is the cause of the problem, so you’ll likely need to replace your surge protector or other power distribution devices. Even if nothing improves, continue troubleshooting with the computer plugged into the wall to keep things simple.

4. Perform a “lamp test” to verify power is being provided from the wall. Your computer isn’t going to turn on if it’s not getting power, so you need to make sure that the power source is working properly.

   Note: I don’t recommend testing an outlet with a multimeter. Sometimes a tripped breaker can leak just enough power to show proper voltage on the meter, leaving you with the assumption that your power is working. Putting a real “load” on the outlet, like a lamp, is a better option.

5. Verify that the power supply voltage switch is set correctly if you’re on a desktop. If the input voltage for the power supply unit (PSU) does not match the correct setting for your country, your computer may not power on at all.
6. Remove the main battery in the laptop or tablet and try using AC power only. Yes, it’s perfectly fine to run your portable computer without the battery installed.

   If your computer turns on after trying this, it means that your Hp elitebook 8530p laptop battery is the cause of the problem and you should replace it. Until you get it replaced, feel free to use your computer, so long as you’re close to a power outlet!

7. Carefully inspect the power receptacle on the laptop or tablet for damage. Check for broken/bent pins and bits of debris that might be preventing the computer from getting power and charging the battery.

   Note: Aside from straitening a bent pin or cleaning out some dirt, you’ll probably need to seek the services of a professional computer repair service to correct any major problems you see here. Be sure to remove the laptop’s internal battery to avoid the risk of shock if you work on this yourself.

8. Replace the computer’s power cable or AC adapter. On a desktop, this is the power cable that runs between the computer case and the power source. The AC adapter for a tablet or laptop is the cable that you plug into the wall to charge your battery (it usually has a tiny light on it).

   A bad AC adapter is a common reason why tablets and laptops won’t turn on at all. Even if you don’t regularly use the power cable, if it has failed, it means that it hasn’t been charging your battery.

   Desktop Tip: A bad power cable is not a common cause of a computer not receiving power but it does happen and is very easy to test for. You can use the one that’s powering your monitor (as long as it seems to be getting power), one from another computer, or a new one.

9. Replace the CMOS battery, especially if your computer is more than a few years old or has spent a lot of time turned off or with the main battery removed. Believe it or not, a bad CMOS battery is a relatively common cause of a computer that looks like it’s not receiving power.

   A new CMOS battery will cost you well under $10 USD and can be picked up just about anywhere that sells batteries.

10. Make sure the power switch is connected to the motherboard if you’re using a desktop. This is not a very common point of failure, but your PC might not be turning on because the power button isn’t properly connected to the motherboard.

    Tip: Most case switches are connected to the motherboard via a red and black twisted pair of wires. If these wires aren’t securely connected or aren’t connected at all, this is probably the cause of your computer not turning on. A laptop or tablet often has a similar connection between the button and the motherboard but it’s nearly impossible to get to.

11. Test your power supply if you’re using a desktop PC. At this point in your troubleshooting, at least for you desktop folks, it’s very likely that the power supply unit in your computer is no longer working and should be replaced. You should, however, test it just to be sure. There’s no reason to replace a working piece of hardware when testing it is fairly easy.

    Exception: An ozone smell or very high pitched noise, combined with no power at all in the computer, is an almost certain indication that the power supply is bad. Unplug your computer immediately and skip the testing.

    Replace your power supply if it fails your testing or you experience the symptoms I just described. After replacement, keep the computer plugged in for 5 minutes before starting so the CMOS battery has time to recharge.

    Important: In the majority of cases when a desktop computer isn’t receiving power, a nonworking power supply is to blame. I bring this up again to help stress that this troubleshooting step should not be skipped. The next few causes to consider aren’t nearly as common.

12. Test the power button on the front of your computer’s case and replace it if it fails your testing. This goes for desktop computers only.

    Tip: Depending on how your computer’s case is designed, you may be able to use the reset button in the meantime to power on your PC.

    Tip: Some motherboards have tiny power buttons built into the boards themselves, providing an easier way to test the case’s power button. If your motherboard has this, and it works to power on your computer, the case power button probably needs to be replaced.

13. Replace your motherboard if you’re using a desktop. If you’re confident that your wall power, power supply, and power button are working, it’s likely that there is a problem with your PC’s motherboard and it should be replaced.

    Note: While perfectly doable by anyone with some patience, replacing a motherboard is rarely a quick, easy, or inexpensive task. Be sure you’ve exhausted all of the other troubleshooting advice I’ve given above before replacing your motherboard.

    Note: I highly recommend that you test your computer with a Power On Self Test card to confirm that the motherboard is the cause of your computer not turning on at all.

    Important: Replacing the motherboard is probably the right course of action at this point with a laptop or tablet as well, but motherboards in these types of computers are very rarely user replaceable. The next best course of action for you is to seek professional computer service.

Tips & More Information

1. Are you troubleshooting this issue on a PC that you’ve just built yourself? If so, triple check your configuration! There is a decent chance that your computer isn’t powering on due to a misconfiguration and not an actual hardware failure.
2. Did we miss a troubleshooting step that helped you (or might help someone else) fix a computer that’s not showing any sign of power? Let me know and I’d be happy to include the information here.
3. Is your computer still showing no sign of power even after following the steps above? See Get More Help for information about contacting me on social networks or via email, posting on tech support forums, and more. Be sure to tell me what you’ve already done to try to fix the problem.

Help Me,Notebook: Should I Get a Better CPU or More RAM?

We have some general advice that we dole out a lot here: Get a laptop with at least Intel core i5 CPU and 8GB memory. In general, this is feasible, but people are unique, like their needs, and this is where the reader’s christinalev comes.

They want to buy a Dell XPS 13, and the company sells several variations at the moment. Our reader is trying to home in on one with an Intel 8th Gen Core CPU and 8GB of RAM or a model with an Intel 7th Gen Core and 16GB of RAM.

I can’t find the 7th Gen configuration on Dell’s site, but it’s possible christinalevinee is in a different country with different configurations or is buying from a local retailer. But since they are suggesting both models, I’m not taking price into consideration.

My usual answer: Go for the 8th Gen Core CPU. Based on our testing, it’s as much as 92 percent faster than the 7th Gen Core CPU, and that will have a huge affect on performance. We’ve seen this time and time again in our testing. Having a quad-core processor — which is what 8th Gen provides over 7th Gen — gives you a huge bump.

Now, christinalevinee is preparing for a career as a network engineer and wants to use a virtual machine with Linux, and that can use a whole lot of RAM. In this case, the 16GB is probably better for this user, depending on how intensive the work they’re doing on Linux is.

If you save up, Dell does sell its latest and thinnest, the XPS 13 9370, with a Core i7-8550U and 16GB of RAM for $2,050. If you want full-size USB ports, check out the XPS 13 9360 with the exact same specs (except for a smaller SSD), which costs $1,669.

Alternatively, if the XPS 13 isn’t the end-all and be-all for this reader, christinalevinee could get something upgradeable. The XPS 13 9360 and 9370 have the RAM soldered to the motherboard, so you can’t upgrade their RAM. But grabbing a laptop without soldered RAM will give you the option of getting to that 16GB mark in the future. Dell’s XPS 15 with Dell xps m1530 laptop battery, which is larger, does let you upgrade the RAM, as do a number of Lenovo’s ThinkPads.

For most people, the 8th Gen Core CPU will provide a noticeable performance difference. But in this reader’s specialized case, more RAM is probably better.

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