Step into a world where the focus is keenly set on don. Within the confines of this article, a tapestry of references to don awaits your exploration. If your pursuit involves unraveling the depths of don, you've arrived at the perfect destination.
Our narrative unfolds with a wealth of insights surrounding don. This is not just a standard article; it's a curated journey into the facets and intricacies of don. Whether you're thirsting for comprehensive knowledge or just a glimpse into the universe of don, this promises to be an enriching experience.
The spotlight is firmly on don, and as you navigate through the text on these digital pages, you'll discover an extensive array of information centered around don. This is more than mere information; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the enthralling world of don.
So, if you're eager to satisfy your curiosity about don, your journey commences here. Let's embark together on a captivating odyssey through the myriad dimensions of don.
Don t be surprised if your netflix show sounds different when you look don t be surprised if your netflix show sounds different harmonicas don t be surprised if your netflix show love don t be surprised if your netflix cancellation don t be surprised if he hands you a shovel hey don t be surprised if one day i just don t be surprised if kids have stokes found on bus video don t be surprised bible verse don t be tardy kim zolciak don t look up movie wait wait don t tell me my money don t jiggle jiggle it folds
Don't Be Surprised if Your Netflix Show Sounds Different Now
Don't Be Surprised if Your Netflix Show Sounds Different Now
Don't be surprised if the next show or movie you watch on Netflix sounds different. Netflix announced Thursday it is rolling out spatial audio on select content to customers around the world with the help of Sennheiser.
This audio format is meant provide viewers with a more immersive viewing experience. It's like surround sound, but without the expensive system and setup.
"Netflix spatial audio helps to translate the cinematic experience of immersive audio to any stereo, so the work creators do to bring you into the story happens no matter what device you use to watch Netflix," Netflix wrote in a blog post. "Supporting the vision of our creative partners has always been incredibly important to us."
Not every title on Netflix supports this audio format at this time. To find the titles that do, search for "spatial audio" in your Netflix search bar; movies and shows that are supported will appear. Spatial audio will be the default setting in these titles, so you don't have to change any settings when you watch them.
For more home entertainment news, check out CNET's best TVs, everything you need to know about NextGen TV and what you need for backyard movie nights this summer.
Electric guitar electric electric bike electrician electric scooter dont swap shop don t swap horses in midstream dont swap in midstream don t swap horses in the middle of the stream donut swap don t swallow your gum t shirt don t swallow my heart alligator girl don t sway don t swallow gum don taylor don tapscott don trump news don thompson don trump jr twitter don tpn
Don't Swap Your Gas-Guzzler for an Electric Vehicle to Avoid High Fuel Prices
Don't Swap Your Gas-Guzzler for an Electric Vehicle to Avoid High Fuel Prices
This story is part of Plugged In, CNET's hub for all things EV and the future of electrified mobility. From vehicle reviews to helpful hints and the latest industry news, we've got you covered.
There are plenty of great reasons to consider an electric vehicle. They usually offer stellar performance, they're smooth and quiet to drive, you can do much of your "refueling" at home (meaning you never have to visit a gas station unless you need snacks or a bathroom break) and they have zero tailpipe emissions. But despite their considerable advantages, EVs still aren't for everyone, and they don't always make the most economic sense.
If you tow earth-moving equipment or haul gravel for a living, you're probably going to want a heavy duty diesel-powered pickup, because today's EVs aren't going to cut it. Likewise, if you reside in an apartment and don't have a parking space, much less a garage with a Level 2 charger, an electric vehicle may be a hard sell. But what if you're looking for relief from high fuel prices? EVs cost way less to "refuel," though they are often quite expensive upfront.
Let's say you own a midrange, Lariat-trim, 2022 Ford F-150 with four-wheel drive, the lovely 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 and a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, a popular pickup configuration in the US. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this big bad truck stickers at up to 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined; frightening figures compared to a Toyota Prius, but everything is relative. For a full-size truck, this rig is actually quite economical.
Electric vehicles offer instant torque for speedy acceleration.
Nick Miotke/CNET
But what does it cost to fuel this full-size truck each year? Well, let's do a little math to figure it out. (Scary, I know!) According to AAA, at the time of writing the national average price for a gallon of regular-grade gasoline is about $4.24. This varies wildly from state to state: In California, the per-gallon price is around $5.88; on the opposite coast in Maryland, it's a much more reasonable $3.80. As reported by insurance comparison site The Zebra, Americans drive an average of 14,263 miles each year. To keep things simple, let's round up and say you travel 15,000 miles annually in your F-150 and average 21 mpg doing so (the EPA estimate). Dividing 15,000 by 21 means you're burning about 714 gallons of dinosaur juice per year. There are myriad variables on top of that, but we can simply multiply 714 by 4.24, which works out to an annual fuel bill of about $3,028. Ouch.
Now let's compare that traditional, combustion-powered pickup to the exciting, all-electric F-150 Lightning. In midrange XLT trim with the extended-range battery pack, this truck offers an estimated 320 miles of range. As for efficiency, this version of the Lightning should return 78 mpge city and 63 mpge highway, scores that result in a combined rating of 70 mpge. For reference, mpge is a way of quantifying how much energy is in a gallon of gasoline; it works out to about 33.7 kilowatt-hours of electricity.
Next, according to the Energy Information Administration, the national average residential cost of electricity in the US was 13.72 cents per kWh in January 2022; we'll round up and say 14 cents per kWh. The Lightning's large battery pack clocks in at a husky 131 kilowatt-hours, so multiplying that by 0.14 means it would cost about $18.34 to completely recharge this truck from 0 to 100%. This is not something most people will ever do, because who wants to roll up to a charger with zero range? (Also, if you use public chargers, you'll probably be paying a lot more for the privilege.) Still, this is illustrative of how affordable it is to run an EV.
The Kia EV6 is one of our favorite new electric vehicles.
Antuan Goodwin/CNET
But now let's calculate how much it costs to run the Lightning for a year. We could base this off the EPA's estimated 48 kWh/100-mile efficiency figure, but let's do it just like we did with the standard F-150 above. Taking 15,000 miles per year and dividing that by 70 mpge, the combined "fuel economy" rating of this vehicle, gets you 214 "gallons" of electricity. Next, multiply 214 by 33.7, the equivalent number of kWh per gallon of gasoline and you get about 7,221 kWh. Multiply that figure by $0.14 and the result is roughly $1,011 in electricity per year. This is very close to the EPA's estimate of $950.
So, if it costs $3,028 to run the conventionally powered F-150 15,000 miles each year and just $1,011 to power the Lightning, the all-electric model is only one-third as expensive. The annual difference is a not insubstantial $2,017. What could you do with an extra two grand each year?
Combustion vs. Electric
2022 Ford F-150 Lariat
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT
2022 Honda Accord Sport
2022 Kia EV6 Wind
Vehicle Details
4WD, crew-cab body, 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, 5.5-foot bed
Estimated Annual Fuel/Electricity Cost to Drive 15,000 Miles
$3,028
$1,011
$1,929
$605
What about payback (and I don't mean revenge) time? Well, that XLT-trim Lighting with the big battery and no options starts at $74,269, including $1,795 in destination fees. That's certainly pricey, but the top-shelf Platinum model is far richer, kicking off at nearly 93 grand. As for our old-fashioned Ford F-150 (a midrange, Lariat trim, crew-cab model with a 5.5-foot bed, four-wheel-drive and the standard equipment group), it stickers for around $56,020, also including $1,795 for delivery. Subtracting $56,020 from $74,269 means the Lightning is a whopping $18,249 pricier, more than the cost of a new Nissan Versa sedan.
Next, dividing the price delta between these trucks by the annual fuel/electricity cost difference means you'd have to own the Lightning for about nine years for your "fuel" savings to make up the price difference, though if you get a more expensive model, a higher-trim F-150 or the same variant with more options, the payback period compared to that all-electric Lighting will be shorter.
Not surprisingly, it's the same story with smaller vehicles. Take the lovely Kia EV6, for instance. This stylish and spacious hatchback is a great choice for folks that want to downsize from a truck and save a big chunk of change in the process. A long-range, Wind-trim, rear-drive EV6 offers 310 miles of range and stickers at 134 miles per gallon equivalent city, 101 mpge highway and 117 mpge combined. Calculating the EV6's efficiency like we did with the Lightning above reveals that the electricity needed to run this vehicle for 15,000 miles should cost around $605 per year, which is very close to the EPA's estimate of $550.
Despite the myriad benefits of owning an EV, sometimes it still makes more sense to keep your combustion-powered vehicle.
Steven Ewing/CNET
Comparing our miserly EV6 to a midrange Honda Accord Sport sedan, which is far more efficient than an F-150, is similarly revealing. With a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission and a combined fuel economy rating of 33 mpg, you'd be spending about $1,928 on fuel to drive this Honda for 15,000 miles... nearly 3.2 times more than the Kia. However, including destination and delivery, the Accord is far cheaper at a totally reasonable $31,085 compared to the EV6's $48,255 price tag. It's a difference of $17,170, which is slightly less than the delta between the standard F-150 and the Lightning.
Dividing that figure by $1,323, the annual price difference of running the Accord compared to the Kia, works out to a payback period of nearly 13 years. In this case, it may make more sense to keep on driving the Accord even if you nearly faint every time you fill the tank.
The entirety of this discussion presupposes you're focused on prioritizing personal finances above all other concerns. But there's a bigger picture to consider: We haven't even discussed the negative environmental impact that burning fossil fuels or digging up rare earth minerals has on climate change, let alone the many and varied downstream costs that come home to roost societally as a result. Those sorts of long-term communal costs are clearly beyond the scope of this article, but they deserve to be considered.
At the end of the day, there are plenty of great reasons to get an electric vehicle, but if you're thinking about swapping your internal combustion-powered car or truck for a new EV just to save money at the pump, make sure to do the math first -- especially if your current ride is paid for -- because plugging in and making a change may not make economic sense for you, even with fuel prices in the stratosphere.
How to load the dishwasher the best how to load the dishwasher thermador how to load the dishwasher the sting how to load the dishwasher thermal cutoff how to load the dishwasher correctly how to load the ego string trimmer how to load the staples one touch stapler how to load the arrow staple gun how to load a staple gun paperpro stapler how to load staples how to load test a battery how to load music on iphone how to watch bills rams how to take a screenshot how to download youtube videos
How to load the dishwasher the right way
How to load the dishwasher the right way
This story is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.
When you're loading your dishwasher, it might seem easiest to just stick everything where it fits. But once you've run the cycle, you might notice your plates, forks and spoons still come out peppered with crust and grime. The way you load your dishwasher really does have a major impact on how well your dishes get cleaned.
These tips can help you get much cleaner dishes the next time you run your dishwasher. (For more cleaning advice, check out how to clean a stand mixer, how to clean a blender, and how to clean a cast-iron skillet.)
Read more: Best Dishwasher for 2022
1. Let the dishwasher do the washing
Leave most of the washing to the dishwasher. Just scrape off the big stuff from the plates first, then load them on in. Don't worry about rinsing, as it can actually trick the dishwasher's sensors. Learn more about why you should skip rinsing here.
2. Put plates on the bottom rack
Load the plates on the bottom rack, but make sure they have a little space between them. Touching can block the water jets and can also cause chips in a plate's finish.
3. Put bowls on the top rack
Put bowls on the top rack. Make sure the bowls are tilted down so they don't gather water.
3. Keep cups upside-down
Same for cups. Put them on the top rack in between the tines, if possible. They should be upside down so they don't fill up with water, but tilt them slightly so that water doesn't pool in any indentations on the bottom of the cup.
Bowls and glasses go in the top rack of the dishwasher.
rustycanuck/Getty Images
4. Put spoons and forks in their cup
This sounds obvious, I know, but some people ignore the fact that there's a special cup for utensils. If you're one of these people, stop it. Throwing a handful of utensils on the top rack will not get them as clean as putting them in their designated cup. Besides, putting them in the cup prevents them from dropping down and blocking the sprayer arms.
5. Don't let your silverware and stainless steel utensils touch
Always put silverware except for knives in the designated cups with the handles facing downward. Don't let real silverware and stainless-steel utensils touch, though. During washing, a chemical reaction can cause pitting in the metal.
7. Knife points go down, handles up
Put knives in the silverware cup with the points inside of the cup and the handles upward.
8. Prevent spoons and spatulas from falling
Big serving spoons and spatulas are best placed on the top rack so they don't fall and block the dishwasher's spraying arms. A handy trick is to thread a tine through the hole in the handle to keep the item in place during the wash.
Sticking a rack tine through a spatula or other large utensil can keep it in place during a wash.
Alina Bradford/CNET
9. Wash larger pots separately
Small pots can be placed on the bottom rack, but make sure to do larger pots in a separate load. Larger pots can block water jets, leaving the dishes on top dirty. Also, make sure that all pots are angled down so they get the full benefit of the jets.
10. Keep plastic containers on the top rack away from heat
Put plastic storage containers on the top rack so they don't get warped by the heating element.
11. Put large pans and dishes away from the door
Make sure not to put any large pans or dishes by the door. This can block the detergent from deploying.
12. Don't forget a quick prewash check
Before you start the load, do a quick check of the floor below the sprayer arms. Make sure there isn't any food, spoons or other items that could block the filter or the sprayer arms. Foreign items down there can gum up the works and make your dishwasher not work properly.
Now you can start loading that dishwasher the right way, and get clean dishes every time.
For more, check out the right place to put your fan to keep your room cool, and where to put your house plants so they don't die.
Air conditioning duct sock ac not staying on ac does not run ac does not work don t have access don t have insurance need see doctor don t have enough money for food don trump news
Don't Have AC? Try Putting Your Socks in the Freezer
Don't Have AC? Try Putting Your Socks in the Freezer
The ideal temperature for sleeping is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius), give or take a few notches depending on the person. But if you don't have air conditioning, summertime heat can make your home's indoor air temperature rise far above that, even at night. So, how can you sleep comfortably without AC during the summer?
Sure, you could go out and purchase a portable AC unit. But if it's not in the budget -- or if you're merely trying to sleep through an out-of-the-ordinary heat wave -- we've got some other ideas.
Instead of suffering through the heat, consider the 10 tips below to help you sleep cooler and more comfortably without relying on air conditioning. And while you're at it, check out these additional tips for sleeping during a heat wave, how to sleep next to a human furnace and why restful sleep is so important in the first place. Plus, the ultimate sleep hack.
Freeze your sheets and pillowcases
An hour or two before you go to bed, throw your sheets and pillowcases in the freezer. They won't come out stiff as a board, don't worry. However, they'll stay icy long enough that you can easily fall asleep without feeling like you're overheating.
Throw your socks in the freezer, too
Along the same lines as freezing your linens, you can also freeze your socks for cooling relief. Like your fingers, feet and toes are sensitive to temperature changes and play a role in regulating temperature. By keeping your feet cool, you help cool down the rest of your body.
Use house fans to make your own AC
Fans are much more energy-efficient and wallet-friendly than an air conditioner. They use about 1% of the electricity that AC does. So, take advantage of fans and strategically place them around your room. Place one fan next to your bedside and put a bowl of ice water in front of it. The ice will create cold air that the fan will blow towards you. Next, face a window fan outwards to blow the hot air from your bedroom outside.
Use a wet towel layer
Lay a damp towel down on your bed over your sheets to give your body some cooling relief while you fall asleep. Though, I recommend you lay a dry towel underneath the wet one to avoid soaking your mattress with water which can damage the foam in your mattress. The towel won't stay cold for the entire night, but it should stay cool enough that you can drift off to sleep.
Don't sleep in the nude
You may see advice on the internet suggesting that you should sleep in the nude to stay cool. That might work if you sleep cool, but it won't do much for you if you get sweaty. If you're hot, it's beneficial to wear lightweight pajamas (such as cotton) that can wick the moisture away. Otherwise, your body is free to sweat all over your sheets.
Consider cooling sheets, pillows and comforters
Paul Strowger/Getty Images
If a mattress is out of your realm of budget, you can opt for cooling sheets or pillows for relief. Search for sheets made with breathable fabric like organic cotton, linen or bamboo. Bamboo is great at absorbing sweat and helping you stay cool, and organic cotton does a good job of wicking away moisture.
Consider a cooling mattress
There are a lot of mattresses that retain heat, especially beds made with standard memory foam. A cooling mattress can actually make a big difference in how comfortable you sleep. It can either provide extra airflow and breathability, or it can actively provide your body with a cool-to-the-touch sensation and draw heat away from you like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora.
Block out the sun and heat during the day
Prevent your bedroom from getting too hot during the daytime, especially in the summer, with blackout curtains. Not only do they keep your bedroom dark, but they can also reflect heat and stop it from entering your bedroom through the windows.
Sleep on the first level of your home
Unfortunately for people in two-story homes, hot air rises. That means the top story of your house is going to be warmer than the bottom story. So, beat the heat a little by sleeping on the bottom story of your home when you need relief from the heat.
Drink ice water before bed
Drink a significant amount of water before bed to try and counteract the night sweats. Also, avoid alcohol before bedtime as it can promote dehydration, making it more difficult for your body to regulate temperature and keep you cooler.
For more, check out our guide to natural sleep aids, the best way to take a power nap and how to train yourself to be a back sleeper (and why you should). And if all else fails, these are our picks for best portable AC units.
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.
§
Maybe in your past you weren't a hot sleeper, but now you share a bed with your partner who radiates heat like an oven and you're waking up in a sweat pile. Unfortunately for you and your co-sleeper, science says there's a relationship between temperature your body's sleep processes. Aside from being uncomfortable, poor sleep from being too hot can lead to grogginess in the morning, slower decision making and an overall worsened mood. There's a reason why experts recommend you sleep in a temperature between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your partner is a hot sleeper and they're keeping you from getting your proper rest, try the tips below to stop the night sweats and help you both sleep more cool.
For more advice on how to sleep cool, check out the five ways to make memory foam sleep cooler or learn how you can sleep cooler without AC.
Read more: The best mattress of 2022
Split your bedding like this to sleep cooler
Utilizing two different blankets is a great way to help each person get the coverage and feel they need while they sleep. This especially goes for couples where one sleeps hot and the other sleeps cold. Rather than a comforter, buy two twin XL blankets that fit each person's needs. The hot sleeper should consider a lightweight, breathable fabric, while the cool sleeper can use a microfiber or sherpa throw that offers a lot of warmth.
Use cooling sheets and a cool comforter
Especially in these summer months, it's important to sleep with breathable bedding -- especially if you or your partner is a hot sleeper. Rather than satin, flannel or regular cotton sheets, try organic cotton, bamboo or linen sheets that are much more breathable and easily wick moisture away. There are also cooling comforters like the Breeze by Buffy that don't trap heat like fluffy, down comforters or thick duvets.
Look into the Chilisleep Sleep Pad
Cool down the surface you sleep on by trying the Chili Sleeping Pad It's a cooling mesh mattress pad that comes with a remote control and a temperature regulating unit. One of the best parts is that you can buy a personal-size sleeping pad, or one made for two both you and your partner sleep hot.
Put the hottest sleeper on this side of the bed
If you can swing it, rearrange your bed and mattress to be near your window. The hot sleeper can get rest sleeping next to the window with a constant cool breeze coming through. If it's too warm outside to get a nice draft during the night, try a window fan.
Open your window and let the hottest sleeper take the side closest to it.
Getty Images/ ZenShui/Sigrid Olsson
Use fans to your advantage
Fans are the best friends of hot sleepers. They help keep air circulating and promote a constant breeze. You can even create a makeshift air conditioner using a fan and ice water. Place a bowl full of cold ice water in front of a fan and face it toward the hottest sleeper. This way, you'll feel cool and icy air blow toward you without having to rely on your AC.
Make sure your co-sleeper is well hydrated
Many of our body functions are in some way related, and that goes for hydration and our circadian rhythm. Our bodies naturally begin to cool down when we recognize bedtime is near, but this process can be thrown off if the body is feeling dehydrated. By drinking water before bed, you ensure your body gets the hydration it needs to properly regulate temperature. This is particularly important if you sweat a lot during your sleep. The more water you lose, the more it needs.
Turn on that AC
As mentioned before, the best temperature for sleep is around 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Set your thermostat low before you go to bed to ensure your bedroom is properly ready for sleep. If you don't have an air conditioner or are avoiding turning it on to save money, try these tips to help you sleep cooler without an AC.
Consider a different mattress
If all else fails and you have room in your budget to buy a new mattress, it may be beneficial to upgrade your sleeping setup. A larger mattress ensures you have enough space between you and your co-sleeper to feel more comfortable and less second-hand heat. You can even consider a cooling mattress that's designed to help bring relief to hot sleepers.
Want to read more about getting better sleep? Check out our article on natural sleep aids for insomnia, how to get the most out of your nap and tips to make your firm bed softer.
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.
Back to cell phone basics: Buying a non-smartphone
Back to cell phone basics: Buying a non-smartphone
For some people, smartphones and their always-on Internet connections and apps is a waste of money.
If you don't need apps or games and you can live without fast, robust access to the Net from your cell phone, then a smartphone might be expensive overkill. All four of the major U.S. wireless carriers still offer basic feature phones, which don't require expensive data plans. In this Ask Maggie, I offer some advice to a reader who is looking for one of these phones.
I also offer some advice regarding the new all-in-one desktop computers.
Going retro with a basic feature phone
Dear Maggie,
I have an AT&T iPhone 3GS. It's the worst telephone I've ever owned. And I'd say it wasn't even worth the $0 I paid AT&T for it at the time (a year ago). I have no intention of going to the iPhone 5 regardless of what's written about it. Although I get ok service here in the house I don't need a "smartphone" (I have 2 computers - one PC and one Mac laptop) and I have WiFi, so I don't need a handheld device to find places or play games or watch anything on the Internet or Google while I'm in restaurants or in the car. And I'm tired of paying AT&T for data I don't use each month just because I have an iPhone or a "smartphone" and "must" have data.
I might add that I was in the telecom industry for nearly 25 years (I worked for Sprint and MCI when there was an MCI) and the carriers are among the most rapacious greedy corporate enterprises I've ever gotten close to!
Stepping off my soapbox now. In your opinion, what's the best phone that's just a phone? I don't need to do anything but make and receive calls and do texting. I don't care about browsing or email or anything else. I just need a telephone that's simply a phone thank you very much!
Regards and thanks for your response, Mark
Dear Mark,
While there are definitely more people switching from basic cell phones to smartphones these days, I know there are lots of people out there in your same shoes. Smartphones offer tons of functionality that many people now feel like they can't live without, but the reality is that all that functionality and that ubiquitous access to the Internet is pricey. In some ways, I think it's kind of surprising that there aren't more people asking me for this same advice.
The good news is that all the major carriers, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA, each continue to offer basic cell phones and what they call quick messaging devices that do not require data plans. The carriers recognize that there is a subset of customers who have no interest in a smartphone because it's either too complicated or too expensive. But the reality is that each of these carriers see their future in data. And they will do everything in their power to encourage as many customers as possible to sign up for smartphones that require data plans.
Overtime, I expect to see fewer of the more basic devices. But for now, carriers still offer a handful of basic phones that are either free or cost very little when you sign up for a two-year contract.
The great thing about these basic phones is that they are inexpensive. The carriers either give them away for free with a two-year contract, or you pay a minimal amount for the devices. But it's not just the upfront cost that's appealing, as you mentioned in your question, but it costs much less to own a basic phone than it does a smartphone, if you keep your services to a minimum.
For example, on AT&T, you could pay as little as $40 a month for your phone service. Compare this to the $80 a month you'd pay for the lowest amount of data you could get on AT&T's new Share Everything plan. Under that plan, the data service costs $40 a month for 1GB of data and it comes with unlimited text messaging and voice service.
Using a basic phone with no data or text messaging, could save you half. But as you start to add additional services, like text messaging and data, the cost difference is not as big. Adding unlimited texting to AT&T's basic feature phone plan is an additional $20 a month. And if you also wanted to add data, it would cost an additional $10 a month. (Data for feature phones is $15 a month if you subscribe to that without unlimited text messaging.) In total, if you wanted 450 minutes of voice service, unlimited text messaging and unlimited data for a feature phone, you'd pay $70 a month. That's only $10 less a month than you'd pay for smartphone, and you'd be getting much less in terms of the service and functionality of the device.
That said, it can offer some savings. And if you don't plan to subscribe to the data or you are not a heavy text messaging user, a basic phone that doesn't require a data contract is a good option.
My colleague Jessica Dolcourt recently updated her "best of" list in this category.
Here are her top choices:
Kyocera DurXT (Sprint)
Samsung Gusto 2 (Verizon Wireless)
Samsung +159 (T-Mobile)
LG Rumor Reflex (Sprint)
Samsung Entro (Virgin Mobile)
If you want more information on each of these phones, check out her story and the reviews of these devices.
As you can see from her list, none of these devices are available for AT&T. Since you are an AT&T customer, I have listed a few devices here that I think offer pretty good value and functionality.
Josh Miller/CNET
Pantech Swift
The Pantech Swift has a QWERTY keyboard that slides out and has an angled screen. It also has a touch screen that offers some icons for accessing some of the basic features and functionality. But CNET's reviewers Jessica Dolcourt and Lynn La were not impressed with the processor speed. And they said the touchscreen is unresponsive. Even though they don't recommend this device highly, they seem to think the Pantech Swift is the most appealing Pantech handset on AT&T with a keyboard. AT&T is currently selling it for $0.99 with a two year contract.
Pantech Renue Josh Miller/CNET
Pantech Renue
The Pantech Renue is another touch screen device with a slide out QWERTY keyboard. But CNET reviewer Jessica Dolcourt said she isn't a fan of the speakerphone or the mediocre camera. What's more, the Renue has a short battery life that many consumers have complained about in their own comments and reviews of the device. While the keyboard is nice for heavy texters, she said that the short battery life and underdeveloped camera are setbacks. AT&T sells this device for $49.99 with a two-year contract.
LG A340 LG
LG A340
The LG A340 is a standard flip-phone from AT&T. This is one of the most basic, barebones devices on AT&T's network. It's equipped with enhanced audio technology for users who are hard of hearing and it has Bluetooth so it can be used with a wireless headset and a 1.3-megapixel camera. Other features include "Text to Speech" functionality that lets you listen to your text messages as they're read aloud to you. It also comes with AT&T radio. With a two-year contract, this phone is only $19.99.
LG Xpression AT&T
LG Xpression
The LG Xpression is another touch screen phone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It has a 2-megapixel camera with video, a personal organizer, Bluetooth 2.1, messaging and e-mail, 3G support, microSD card support (up to 32GB), voice dialing, a Web browser, and a basic music player. The device runs LG's standard operating system, but it also includes some social networking apps, as well as AT&T Navigator and LG Instant Note, which allows easy one touch updates to Facebook, Twitter or for sending a text messages. The Xpression is now $29.99 with a two year contract.
I hope this advice and the device suggestions were helpful. Good luck!
New computer advice
Dear Maggie,
I want to buy a 27" Windows 8 All-In-One for my parents, but don't really know which one is best for them. They're not tech whizzes (though they do like to experiment and learn new things), but they need it to work well and perform smoothly for the next five or more years. Which one(s) would you recommend on a $1500-$2000 budget?
Thanks a bunch, Josh
Dear Josh, The CNET Reviews team likes the Dell XPS One 27 the best. You may also want to consider Apple's 27 inch iMac. It's a bit more expensive, but with a budget of $2,000, it's doable.
CNET Reviews editor Rich Brown also has written about finding the best 27-inch all-in-one desktop, where he compares the Dell to the models that Apple offers. So you should check out his story, as well.
You might also want to consider the Lenovo IdeaCenter all-in-ones. Right now they only support Windows 7. But if you wait a few more weeks, you'll likely find more all-in-one computers available running Windows 8.
I hope this was helpful. And good luck!
Ask Maggie is an advice column that answers readers' wireless and broadband questions. The column now appears twice a week on CNET offering readers a double dosage of Ask Maggie's advice. If you have a question, I'd love to hear from you. Please send me an e-mail at maggie dot reardon at cbs dot com. And please put "Ask Maggie" in the subject header. You can also follow me on Facebook on my Ask Maggie page.
Installing an ssd on your mac don t lock with screensaver installing an ssd on your mac don t start installing an ssd on your mac don t tell eyeshadow installing an ssd on your mac don fd70 install an ssd on dell how to install an ssd on a laptop installing an ssd in desktop installing an ssd drive installing an ssd in msi x99s gaming 7 installing an ssd in a dell 5680 installing an electric hot water heater
Installing an SSD on your Mac? Don't make this mistake
Installing an SSD on your Mac? Don't make this mistake
If you have replaced the hard drive on your Mac with an SSD (which you should do), you already know how much faster your computer is. However, I'm going to show you how to avoid this one simple mistake that so many of us make when installing a new SSD. By default, Mac OS, unlike Windows, doesn't automatically enable the TRIM command for a self-installed SSD. (If your Mac comes with an SSD, TRIM will already be enabled.)
TRIM allows the operating system to actively inform an SSD which blocks of data are no longer in use and can be wiped internally. This helps the drive work more efficiently and leads to faster performance and most importantly, longer lifespan. You can read more about that here. The bottom line is that, in order to prolong the life of your SSD, you need to make sure TRIM is running on your Mac.
Here's how you check to see if the TRIM command is running on your Mac.
Dong Ngo/CNET
Here's how to find out if TRIM is running or not.
1. Click on the Apple icon (top-right corner) then choose About This Mac.
2. Click on System Report.
3. On the left pane of the System Information window, under Hardware navigate to SATA/SATA Express.
4. On the right pane, scroll down until you find TRIM Support. If the value is Yes, then TRIM is running -- you're all good! If the value is No, then you need to turn it on.
Here's how to turn TRIM on in a Mac.
Dong Ngo/CNET
Here's how to turn TRIM on:
Make sure you're logged into your Mac with an account that has Administrator privileges. Next:
1. Run Terminal (you can search for it with Spotlight)
2. Type in this command: sudo trimforce enable and press enter.
3. Type in the password of the account you're using, then press enter.
4. The system will display a notice, then ask you if you are sure you wish to proceed. Type in y and then press enter.
5. The system will then indicate that it will reboot and ask you if that's OK. Type y again then press enter.
Now wait for the system to restart by itself and you're done. If you check again, you will see that TRIM is now running on the system.
How to clean your airpods the word how to clean your airpods remove ear wax how to clean your airpods to make them louder how to clean your airpods and case how to clean your pc how to clean a keurig coffee maker how to clean dishwasher how to clean suede shoes how to take a screenshot how to change yahoo to google
How to Clean Your AirPods the Right Way
How to Clean Your AirPods the Right Way
This story is part of Try This, CNET's collection of simple tips to improve your life, fast.
You probably charge your AirPods or other earbuds every day, but do you clean them regularly, too?
Not only can dirt and earwax stick in the crevices of your buds, muffling the sound, but they can harbor bacteria. Repeatedly putting your earbuds in your ears without disinfecting them can transfer the bacteria into your ear canal, which can lead to an infection.
But trying to clean your earbuds the wrong way can damage them, even if they're waterproof.
Don't worry, though -- we'll show you how to do it the right way.
For more tech hacks, learn how to remove stickers and labels in seconds and the right way to use your can opener
The best ways to clean AirPods and other earbuds
Apple has a few suggestions for cleaning your AirPods. One recommended method is using a disinfecting or alcohol wipe to clean the exterior surfaces -- but do not use it on the speaker mesh. If you use any liquids to clean your earbuds, dry them completely before use.
For the microphone and speaker meshes, use a dry cotton swab and a soft-bristled brush to gently wipe away dirt. Don't press too hard, since you don't want to push the wax through the mesh. It would be nearly impossible to get it out from there.
Katie Teague/CNET
CNET contributor Matt Elliott suggests using Fun-Tak to remove stubborn leftover earwax. To do so, rub the Fun-Tak together to warm it up and then press it against the speaker. You can then use a wooden toothpick to scrape off anything stuck to the sides of the speaker hollow.
If you want to stick with only Apple products, the giant tech company released its own Polishing Cloth, which costs $19 and has a compatibility list. While AirPods don't appear to be on the list of products compatible with… a cloth, it could still be useful for hard-core Apple fans wanting to give their earbuds a shine. Otherwise, you might seek out a basic microfiber cloth for external dusting.
How to clean earbuds with removable silicone tips
If you own a set of earbuds with removable silicone tips, like the AirPods Pro or the JBL Reflect Flow Pro, they're a bit easier to keep clean: The silicone tip helps protect the speaker from earwax and other debris, and they pop off easily.
To clean the tips, remove them from the earphones and soak them in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes. If they're really dirty, you can agitate the container to loosen up the gunk. Next, use a clean cloth or cotton swab to remove any remaining earwax or dirt and let the silicone tips completely dry.
If you have earbuds that don't come with silicone tips, you can often buy them separately on Amazon. These $10 ear tips can slip over regular AirPods, for example.
Clean your charging case, too.
It's important to clean the case your wireless earbuds call home, too.
First, use a soft, dry and lint-free cloth to wipe away any dirt. You can slightly dampen the cloth with water or alcohol, but avoid getting any liquid inside the charging ports.
Read more: The 21 Best Wireless Earbuds for 2022
Keep your charging case clean, too.
Rick Broida/CNET
How not to clean your earbuds
While some earbuds are advertised as waterproof (or water-resistant), we don't recommend submerging them in water to get them clean-- only the removable silicone tips. Stay on the safe side and dampen a microfiber cloth or a cotton swab and gently wipe away the dirt.
We also don't recommend using a sharp object, such as a safety pin, to clean the speaker or microphone mesh, as it could puncture the speaker. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or wooden toothpick to gently remove any gunk.
Should i wait for apple watch 7 how to buy apple watch 7 sell my apple watch 7 should i buy an apple watch 7 should i wait for apple watch 7 should you buy the apple watch 7 buying apple watch 7 how to buy apple watch buying an apple watch don t buy an apple watch don t buy annuities don t buy a new car
Don't buy an Apple Watch 7 until you learn how the trade-in program works
Don't buy an Apple Watch 7 until you learn how the trade-in program works
The Apple Watch Series 7 ($399) is pretty impressive: The device runs WatchOS 8 and has a larger, more durable screen, as well as new workout and fall detection options. If you're planning to upgrade, you might be wondering what to do with your old Apple Watch.
Don't just abandon your old watch in a junk drawer. You can save money on a new watch by trading in the old one. There are deals through Apple and all three major mobile carriers. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are offering deals to persuade people to upgrade to 5G iPhones. For example, AT&T is offering up to $1,000 off the iPhone Pro or Pro Max and $700 off the iPhone 13 and Mini.
We'll break down everything you need to know about trading in your Apple Watch, when you'll get your new one and how much you could save.
How to trade in your Apple Watch for a Series 7
To trade in your watch, you can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in. Scroll down and select Apple Watch out of the product lineup. You can also visit the nearest Apple Store to get the process started at a retail storefront.
You'll need to provide your watch's serial number (Apple has this guide to finding your serial number), model and condition to get a more accurate estimate. From there, you can start shopping for a new watch and apply the credit toward your purchase. You can also opt for an Apple gift card instead of replacing your old product with a different one right away.
The new Apple Watch Series 7 runs on WatchOS 8.
Apple
If you accept the trade-in estimate, Apple will provide a prepaid trade-in kit by mail or at the Apple Store. You don't have to include device accessories like the charger.
When to expect your Apple Watch Series 7 arrive and how to track the delivery
The online trade-in process takes about two to three weeks, according to Apple, and the company must receive your device within two weeks of starting the trade-in process. You can track the trade-in process from your Apple Store account.
If you decide you no longer want to trade in your device, simply keeping it will void the process. If you've already dropped off or shipped your watch, the trade-in can't be canceled.
What to do before trading in your Apple Watch
Before trading in your Apple Watch, make sure to unpair it from your iPhone.
1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. 2. Tap the My Watch tab. 3. Choose your watch's name. 4. Tap the Information button. 5. Tap Unpair Apple Watch. If you own a cellular model, tap Remove [Carrier] Plan. 6. Enter your Apple ID password to turn off the activation lock. 7. Tap Confirm.
If you already returned your Apple Watch, you can erase or turn off the activation lock via iCloud.com. Just log in with your Apple ID and select your Apple Watch under All Devices. Click Erase Apple Watch and follow the prompts to complete the process.
The new Apple Watch features a new design and more health features.
Oliver Padilla/CNET
How much money you could get for trading in an old Apple Watch
These are the devices and corresponding estimated trade-in values listed on Apple's website:
Apple Watch SE: Up to $155
Apple Watch Series 5: Up to $145
Apple Watch Series 4: Up to $100
Apple Watch Series 3: Up to $70
Apple Watch Series 2: Up to $25
Keep in mind that these figures come with a few caveats. The credit amount is based on the information you provided about your watch, including condition. If something doesn't match up once Apple receives the trade-in, the amount will be adjusted. In addition, the estimates given online might not be what you get in the store.
The type of credit also depends on what you buy and how you pay for it, according to Apple. If you buy an Apple Watch and pay in full, Apple will credit your original payment method up to the total purchase price. Any remaining amount will go on an Apple Gift Card via email.
Other ways to trade in your Apple Watch
Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint all offer trade-in programs for Apple Watches and other devices. There are also sites like Swappa, eBay, Trademore and BuyBackWorld; since these are third-party sites, we recommend having a read through their Trustpilot ratings before making any decisions.
For more, check out everything announced at the Apple Event and the Apple Watch Series 7's new design.
