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Apple’s ultrathin MacBook Air range of laptops were originally designed mostly for lightweight office or school work on the go. But as Apple’s own M-series processors have become more capable, so too have the MacBooks they’re in. I’m a professional photographer and video producer, and I’ve spent the past couple of months with the latest 15-inch M2-equipped MacBook Air, testing it out on photo shoots, both in my studio and on location. I’m impressed, and here’s why.

For me, its 15-inch display is the perfect balance between size and portability. It’s big enough to comfortably edit photos in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop without needing a bigger monitor. It offers plenty of screen space for all my tools, as well as providing ample room for video timelines when working with video in Premiere, away from my desk.

But the narrow display bezel and the laptop’s 11.5mm thickness means it’ll still slip into the laptop pouch of even my smaller camera backpacks. Sure, it isn’t the lightest Air ever made, but its 1.5kg weight is an acceptable addition for my spine to cope with when I’m out on shoots. Though it feels every bit as well put together as most of Apple’s gear, I do worry that the nice, deep, dusky blue of my test model could easily get scratched and scuffed over months or years of photoshoots. Still, I managed to avoid any major blemishes during my time with it.

With Apple’s M2 chip and 16GB of RAM, my test model was extremely capable for most uses. It handled all my photo editing in Lightroom and Lightroom Classic, importing 1,000-plus batches of raw photos from my CFExpress cards extremely quickly and showing zero slowdown as I navigated the library and batch-applied editing presets. For my work on location, this has been a real treat, being able to quickly back up my files after a shoot before I hit the road.

But I increasingly work in video and still imagery, both for CNET and on my own YouTube channel, and I found the Air capable of blitzing my edits in Premiere and DaVinci Resolve. I edited multiple 4K videos for my channel on this Air and imported my test Premiere project that utilized high bitrate, 4K C-Log video files, with effects and stabilization applied to all clips. I could scrub through and play back the project at full resolution without any issues, and export the final 4K file in a little over nine minutes — not bad, considering that the M2 Pro-equipped Mac Mini I tested recently did it in a little over seven.

Overall I found it to be an extremely swift machine, easily handling any of my professional editing needs for photos and 4K video production. Then there’s the battery life, which I found to be solid, barely dropping while importing and culling photos and generally allowing me to work on it without even needing to consider whether I’d get through my edits before needing to find a plug. And I haven’t even mentioned that it does all this with no fans whirring while I work.

So, it’s perfect? Well, no, and let’s address the elephant in the room: price. The 15-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,299, but that’s with only 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and if you’re using it for photo and video editing, you’ll blow through that in no time (the cards I use in my camera are 2TB). Opting for more RAM and storage always means a big jump in price for Apple devices. My choice, if I were buying one, would be the model with the max 24GB of RAM and 1TB storage, but that brings the cost just north of $2,000. My review model comes in at $1,499.

But that’s still cheaper than the base 14-inch MacBook Pro and a lot cheaper than the base 16-inch Pro, so I do think the Air represents relatively decent value here. Would I choose a Pro model instead? If money were no object, then sure, I’d maybe go for the 14-inch Pro with M2 Max chip, 64GB RAM and 2TB storage, and I’d laugh about the $4,000 price tag while I drove off into the sunset in my new Lambo.

But here in the real world, I’d need to think about what I actually need and how much that’s worth. I work out and about a lot, frequently editing in cars, trains, cafes or maybe just from my bed when I can’t be bothered getting up and sitting at my desk. Traveling light is crucial to my workflow. The 15-inch Air is ideal for this, and it’s more than powerful enough to plow through my photo and video edits without breaking a sweat. And against the lofty prices of the Pro line, even the $2,000 for the 24GB, 1TB configuration I’d recommend seems reasonable.

Oh, and sure, the latest Pro models have SD card slots to appease creatives. But those slots returned just as I — and no doubt many other pro shooters — upgraded all SD cards to faster CFExpress cards. Having that slot would simply be a redundant hole I’d rarely need, and I’d still need to carry a dongle.

For power video creators, editing feature films with huge numbers of 8K video tracks, effects and whatnot, then no, the MacBook Air isn’t going to cut it, at least not for full-time use. But professional photographers like myself who work largely in stills, with a bit of video production on the side — perhaps wedding photographers or event shooters who also want to offer video packages to their clients — will be well catered for with the 15-inch MacBook Air.

Verizon’s 5G network is getting a notable speed boost. On Monday, the wireless carrier announced that it has gained access to C-band spectrum it purchased back in 2021 four months ahead of schedule.

The valuable airwaves, which were previously expected to be fully available to the carrier at the end of the year after becoming partially available in 2022, will allow Verizon to greatly improve the speeds it offers to devices connected to its midband 5G network. When deployed, and connected to a compatible phone or device that’s subscribed to a proper plan, the carrier says its network will be able to deliver download speeds above 2 gigabits per second.

Verizon said this speed is based on areas where it has 161 megahertz of spectrum bandwidth available, which is the amount of bandwidth it is aiming to have available on average nationwide. In some areas where the carrier can take advantage of 200MHz of bandwidth, which is largely in mostly rural areas, those speeds could be even higher. Likewise, speeds could potentially be a little lower in areas where Verizon has less than 161MHz available, though it expects to have a “minimum 140MHz of total spectrum in the contiguous United States.”

A compatible wireless plan is still required to be able to use the C-band network, which Verizon calls “5G Ultra Wideband.” These generally are the carrier’s pricier wireless plans, such as its new Unlimited Plus offering, or older plans such as its Do More, Play More, Get More, Above or Beyond unlimited options.

As for devices, a software update is needed to be able to access the improved, faster connection. Verizon says that updates are in the works for existing products to be able to tap into the network upgrade, but it did not provide a list of which products will receive the update or when.

Devices as far back as Apple’s iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S21 have supported the carrier’s C-band network, with Verizon including support for the spectrum in nearly all of the major devices it has sold over the past year. A carrier spokesperson confirmed to CNET that some phones have already received the update and can tap into the faster speeds, though a full list of updatable devices is still not known.

In its press release announcing the news the carrier says that once a device gets the software update “customers will start to see the effects of this dramatic increase in bandwidth in the immediate next few days and weeks.”

The carrier has made its C-band network available to 222 million people nationwide and has stated a goal of covering 250 million people with the network in 2024. Midband spectrum like C-band has long been viewed as a key piece of the wireless airwaves, thanks to its ability to cover large areas while also being able to offer faster speeds than 4G LTE and what is known as low-band 5G (what Verizon calls “5G Nationwide”).

Read more: Understanding 5G’s Many Names and Types

Beyond just boosting the speeds for current and future devices that connect to its network, Verizon says that with the added spectrum it will be able to offer 5G home and business internet in 47 new markets, as well as cover more homes in areas where its 5G home broadband product is already available. Like with its list of compatible devices, the carrier did not detail which markets would be added or when.

Previously used by satellite companies, Verizon spent nearly $53 billion on C-band spectrum in 2021 as part of a Federal Communications Commission auction that totaled a record $81 billion in bids. Last year it announced that it had reached deals with satellite companies that were using the spectrum to expedite the timeline for when it could receive some of the spectrum.

Rival networks AT&T and T-Mobile had similarly acquired some C-band spectrum as part of that 2021 auction, and AT&T has already deployed some of its C-band for its midband 5G network. It is unclear, however, if either carrier has similarly been able to gain access to the rest of their respective spectrum ahead of schedule or if they will still need to wait until later this year to be able to bulk up their 5G networks.

As part of the auction rules, the incumbent C-band holders need to finish clearing out of the spectrum by Dec. 5, 2023.

CNET has reached out to both AT&T and T-Mobile for comment and will update if they respond.

PlayStation 5 Slim rumors are starting to surface now that we’re already three years into the console’s lifecycle, with the latest being a video on Twitter showing a condensed redesign.

The video, posted by Twitter user BwE_Dev, who claims to be a Ph.D candidate in cybersecurity and a PS5 software developer, shows him handling the shell of a smaller-looking PS5, exhibiting it from multiple angles.

CFI-2016 PS5 Case pic.twitter.com/udFyQbVpz8

— BwE (@BwE_Dev) August 11, 2023

Sony didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

PS5 Slim release date: coming this year?

Right now, there’s very little information on when a PS5 Slim might launch. The thinnest of unintended Amazon listings might suggest sometime this year. Microsoft, however, believes that the PS5 Slim will launch later this year, per documents revealed in the Federal Trade Commission lawsuit against Microsoft over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Looking at past PlayStation releases, the PSOne launched in 2000, six years after the launch of the original PlayStation. The PS2 Slim launched in October 2004, four years after the launch of the original system. And the PS3 Slim launched in 2009, three years after the original PS3. Based on previous redesign, 4.3 years is the mean time frame. So it’s just as possible we could see a PS5 Slim this holiday season as sometime next year.

PS5 Slim price: will it be cheaper?

Per court documents from the FTC vs. Microsoft lawsuit, Microsoft believes the PS5 Slim will cost $400. Other rumors suggest that it’ll ship as an all-digital unit. That likely means it won’t include a disc drive. The current digital-only PS5 costs $400. Assuming Sony doesn’t drop the price, that should mean a disc drive-less PS5 Slim should cost around $400. Considering the PS5 has already sold over 40 million units, there’s isn’t a lot of incentive to drop the price.

PS5 Design: is it really much smaller? Is that even the point?

Game console makers typically tend to release a redesigned version of their consoles as a cost-cutting measure. Plus, it has the added benefit of reinvigorating interest with the public. So don’t expect the PS5 Slim to double as a PS5 Pro.

When new hardware first launches, it comes with the latest tech that’s typically more expensive to manufacture. But as technology improves and manufacturing gets cheaper, it brings an opportunity to give the system a facelift.

While the PS5 Slim is rumored to be 5cm shorter than the current PS5, it likely will also be more power efficient. With that efficiency comes less heat. Given that current PS5 consoles are reportedly melting USB ports, a quieter and cooler PS5 would be welcome.

The current PS5 comes in a disc drive version and an all-digital version. The all-digital unit is $100 cheaper, at $400. Current PS5 Slim rumors suggest that Sony will ship a digital-only variant with no disc-drive baked in. But it does seem, as from the video above, that there will be a disc drive attachment. That rumored disc drive apparently isn’t compatible with current PS5 Digital systems. The cost of the separate disc drive is unknown, assuming it’s even true.

iPhone users who were part of a class action lawsuit against Apple, alleging it deliberately slowed down its old iPhones to get people to upgrade to the latest model, will finally be getting paid out. A judge has now cleared the way for the payments to proceed, as reported Friday by SiliconValley.com.

The settlement received preliminary approval in March 2020. The window for being part of the settlement has long passed, but according to SiliconValley.com, there were around 3 million claims. Those people are now awaiting their $65 check, more than three years later.

The payouts were slowed down by two iPhone owners who objected to some of the terms of the settlement but who have just lost their appeal in the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, according to the report.

Apple had faced the lawsuit after admitting in 2017 that its iOS software had slowed down older iPhone performance. At the time, the tech giant apologized and updated its software, also offering replacement batteries.

However, Apple has always denied any wrongdoing and said the slowdown was only designed to protect iPhones from automatically shutting down during some tasks if it was old, very cold or on low power.

The iPhones included in the settlement were the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus or SE running iOS 12.2.1 or later. It also covers the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus running iOS 11.2 or later before Dec. 21, 2017.

Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Apple makes some of the best tablets money can buy and sometimes it takes a little less of that money to pick them up. Like right now with Amazon offering the M1 iPad Air in 256GB configuration for just $650, matching the retailer’s best price to date.

The 256GB version of the M1 iPad Air would normally cost around $750, but you can save $100 (13%) by placing your order today. You’ll pay just $650 without jumping through coupon-shaped hoops or entering discount codes. Amazon even has multiple colors available at this special price as well — make sure to pick the one that best suits your look before adding anything to your cart.

This M1 iPad Air is the best that Apple has ever offered thanks to a large 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display and an all-day battery life that will have you reaching for that charger less often. When you do, you’ll charge using USB-C rather than Lightning these days, too.

The use of that M1 chip unlocks performance that most other tablets can only dream of as well. Whether gaming or working, you won’t find this tablet running out of steam any time soon. Throw an Apple Pencil and a Magic Keyboard into the mix and you’ll be a productivity powerhouse.

Keep in mind that this is also the upgraded 256GB model so you can install more apps and games and save more photos and videos than the standard 64GB version. At this price it’s an easy tablet to recommend — the only difficult decision you have to make now is which color to go for.

Actually, that’s a lie. You should choose blue.

Watching TV shows, documentaries and movies is pretty great. But doing it on a tiny or old TV isn’t. Upgrade to something bigger and better without spending a fortune with this 43-inch 4K TV that’s yours today for just $160.

This Insignia 43-inch 4K TV would normally sell on Amazon for around $300, but a 47% discount (a savings of $140) will be automatically applied if you get your order in now while this deal is still live. How long that will be the case, we don’t yet know. But we do know that this price could increase at any moment and without warning. Looking for something bigger, smaller, or just with different features? Be sure to check out our list of the best budget TVs before buying anything.

This TV might be at the budget end of the lineup, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t get to benefit from some useful features. Insignia kicks things off with support for 4K Ultra HD, offering up to four times the resolution of standard Full HD content. The good news continues with support for Alexa voice control built in — control your TV using your voice, perfect for those times when the remote has disappeared. Again.

Getting great content onto your new TV will be a cinch thanks to the inbuilt Fire TV software, giving you access to all of your favorite streaming services including YouTube, Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, Netflix and more. Just plug your account into the apps and you’re off to the races.

It isn’t every day that you can save 47% off anything, let alone a whole TV. Now might be the perfect time to upgrade that old bedroom TV you’ve been squinting at.

The new school year is right around the corner, so it’s time for the all-important back-to-school shopping. As a recent grad, I know that a good Chromebook or laptop can be helpful with classwork. Even having a reliable tablet or iPad can make going back to school a bit less painful. And a few carefully chosen accessories to go with your tablet or laptop can make a huge difference.

I’ve listed a handful of back-to-school tech accessories I’ve found to be the most useful during the school year, particularly if you’re still remote all or part of the time. The picks here are ones I’ve used as a student. This of this as a list of solid suggestions for accessories to make the return back to school a bit easier.

For more, here are our picks for heading back to school and essentials to keep in your college backpack.

More back-to-school recommendations

• 8 Back-to-School College Essentials to Keep in Your Backpack
• Our Favorite Back-to-School Picks for 2023
• Great Back-to-School Gifts for Your Teacher
• Free Apps You Need to Download Before Starting College
• Best Back-to-School Gear for $100 or Less
• Best Deals, Discounts and Freebies for Students 2023

Fall classes will be starting soon, which means it’s time to start getting everything you need to head back to campus this year. And one of the most important tools for any college student is a dependable laptop. Dell makes some of our favorite Windows laptops on the market in 2023, and right now, you can snag one for less at its ongoing back to school sale.

Dell is offering up to $500 off select laptops and two-in-ones, as well as desktops, monitors and other accessories. And to help you make the most of these bargains, we’ve rounded up some of the best values available at this sale below. Just note that these deals are only available through Aug. 31, so be sure to get your order in before then if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

More great Dell back to school deals:

• Dell Latitude 5530 laptop: $969 (save $977)
• Dell Vostro 16 laptop: $849 (save $250)
• Dell XPS desktop: $1,250 (save $330)
• Dell S2721HN 27-inch monitor: $120 (save $70)
• Dell Pro wireless keyboard + mouse bundle: $45 (save $15)

• Dell dual-charging dock: $100 (save $87)
• Dell G16 gaming laptop: $1,000 (save $300)
• Dell 14 portable monitor: $270 (save $90)

There’s a huge selection of other laptops, PCs and accessories on sale, so be sure to shop around for even more great back to school bargains.

Xiaomi unveiled its latest foldable phone Monday, as part of an annual event that saw CEO Lei Jun take the stage. The Mix Fold 3 is a book-style foldable phone designed to compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5, except it will not be available globally. As usual, Xiaomi is releasing it only in China, where it will start at 8,999 yuan, which converts to approximately $1,240, 980 or AU$1,920.

The Mix Fold 3 has two screens: a 6.56-inch cover screen that opens up into an 8-inch tablet-like display. When closed, the device measures 10.86mm (versus 11.2mm last year), making it among the slimmest commercially available book-style foldable phones. That’s significantly thinner than Samsung’s recently launched Galaxy Z Fold 5, which is comparatively chunky at 13.46mm. However, the title of lightest and slimmest book-style folding phone is retained by Honor’s Magic VS 2, which measures 9.6mm thick when folded.

Xiaomi credits its upgraded hinge for helping achieve the slim design, which allows for a tighter fold on the flexible display panel. The company also says the hinge’s new rod structure improves durability and flexibility of the phone. Xiaomi says 14 micro-hinges “significantly” improve the hinge’s degree of freedom and reduces the risk of damage if dropped. Xiaomi says the Mix Fold 3 has been tested to withstand 500,000 folds, which handily beats the 200,000 folds promised by Samsung for the Z Fold 5.

There’s still no official IP rating for water and dust resistance, however. By comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 has an IPX8 rating for water resistance.

The Mix Fold 3 runs on the Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the same one found in Samsung and Motorola’s latest foldable phones. It also has quad camera setup, a 4,800-mAh battery complete with support for superfast wired and wireless charging.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 key specs

• Outer display: 6.56-inch AMOLED, 2,520×1,080 pixels, 2600 nits peak brightness, 120Hz.
• Inner display: 8.02-inch AMOLED, 2,160×1,916 pixels, 120Hz.
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
• Camera: 50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel telephoto, 10-megapixel periscope-style telephoto.
• Battery: 4,800 mAh (67-watt wired charging, 50-watt wireless charging).

You don’t need a bulky pair of over-ear headphones to get premium sound. These Sennheiser Momentum 3 earbuds earned a spot on our list of the best headphones overall thanks to their top-notch sound and impressive noise-canceling capabilities. And while they’re certainly not cheap at full price, right now you can snag a pair at a serious discount. Amazon currently has white and graphite models on sale for just $150, which saves you a whopping $130 compared to the usual price. There’s no set expiration for this deal, so get your order in sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

These Sennheiser earbuds are packed full of advanced hardware and features that make them one of the most competitive pairs you’ll find at this price. They’re equipped with 7mm TrueResponse transducers and support aptX Adaptive codec audio for stunning, premium sound quality. CNET’s headphone expert David Carnoy, in his review last year, found them “tonally really pleasant to listen to, with smooth yet lively sound with nice detail. They work well with a variety of music genres and I didn’t experience any listening fatigue even over longer sessions.”

They also boast top-of-the-line adaptive noise canceling that automatically adjusts to the environmental noise around you, and have a transparency mode for when you need to be more aware of your surroundings. Plus, you can personalize your listening experience using the equalizer in the companion app. They’re also protected against splashing with an IPX4 resistance rating, and boast an impressive 28-hour battery life for all-day listening.

If you’re in the market for a different pair, you can check out our full roundup of all the best earbuds and headphones deals for even more bargains.