Latest Accessories How-To Stories
SEE ACCESSORIES STORIES BY CATEGORY
Tip
I got a $12 'telescope' for my phone. It completely changed how I take photos
This telescope attaches to your smartphone and lets you zoom in on stuff that's far away. It's a fun accessory that's perfect to give as a gift.
Tip
I hate typing with a TV remote. That's why I love this nifty $36 gadget
It even has a built-in trackpad, which takes it up another level. Everyone with a smart TV should have one of these.
Feature
Yes, 'USB condoms' are real, and they protect your gadgets from danger
A data-blocking charging cable is like a seatbelt your phone: a cheap, secure alternative to your phone's charging cable that will help protect it from being hacked by a sketchy USB port in a hotel or airport.
Tip
This $20 neck light is a game-changer for book readers
I miss my Kindle's backlight when reading paper books—at least I used to until I got myself this neck-worn book light.
Tip
Gamers, this is the RAM you want in your PC
The variety of RAM on offer nowadays can make your head spin. But it's quite simple for PC gamers, currently only this certain RAM configuration makes sense.
How-To
Your OLED display’s worst enemy: burn-in. Here’s how to fight back
OLED displays are becoming increasingly popular. However, many buyers fear unsightly burn-in effects. With the right measures, you can extend the life of your OLED screen.
Tip
I bought a $15 ring light to use with my webcam. I wish I'd done it sooner
I look so much better in good lighting. You will, too! If you don't have a ring light, it's high time you got one.
Tip
This $35 PC vacuum duster saves me a ton on compressed air
Why buy a fresh can every few months when I can be one and done? I should've got this a long time ago!
Tip
I got this 2-in-1 screen cleaner for just $7 and my devices love it
I never have to worry about fingerprints or smudges ever again when this nifty little tool is always within reach.
Tip
Drives, images, and virtual disks: A guide to storage terms & concepts
Terms like hard disk, drive, partition, and image are often confusing. Knowing the difference saves time and avoids errors during setup, installation, and backup.
Tip
I never lose my wireless gadgets thanks to this $25 sticky tracker
Here's why I think this little accessory is worth every penny—and why I turn off almost all of its advanced features.
Tip
I always take this $12 phone mount on bus, plane, and train rides
Your neck will thank you—and your wallet won't be too mad about it either.
Reviews
I switched my $180 Razer Naga for this $40 mouse—and I love it
The Solakaka SM809 has a regrettable name, but it does everything I wanted the Naga Pro to do.
How-To
Windows 11 can't find your printer? Try these easy fixes
Windows 11 can't find your printer even though it's on and nearby? Try these quick steps to get it working again.
Tip
I never leave home without Anker’s $30 ultra-compact, no-wires power bank
I adore this little power bank from Anker, which is why I don't want to leave the house without it.
How-To
How to check the age of your hard drive (and why it matters)
f you're using a second-hand drive or one that's been in use for years, it’s worth checking its age.
How-To
Navigating USB-C chaos: How to spot sneaky bleeding-edge differences
Devices with Thunderbolt 5 and USB 4 version 2 are starting to appear. They don't really make things any easier when it comes to USB-C. Our buying guide explains what truly matters.
Try This
I prevent my cables fraying with just a ballpoint pen
I used to spend a lot of time fixing fraying cables. Now I stop it even happening with this simple trick!
Try This
I fixed my monitor's pixels to make the screen look like new
Discovering dead or stuck pixels in a screen can naturally affect your enjoyment. But thankfully there is a simple fix.
How-To
How to secure your printer with Windows 11's new Protected Print mode
With Windows 11, Microsoft has integrated the previously announced Windows Protected Print mode. It replaces the manufacturer's drivers on many printers.
Tip
I put my PC on the floor, but not without this $14 stand
Here’s an easy way to keep your PC off your desk without subjecting it to dust or blocking its air vents.
Tip
My wireless gaming controller always acted up. Here's the mistake I made
If you avoid this common mistake people make with wireless gaming controllers, you can save yourself all kinds of hassle and headaches.
Tip
I used folio cases on my phone for 10 years. This $28 accessory changed everything
It's a wallet, it's a stand, it's a grip… and it's all one product! Here's why I love this convenient little accessory that leveled up my phone in several ways.
Tip
Why gasket mount mechanical keyboards are more comfortable to type on
Mounting style matters when buying mechanical keyboards. The popular 'gasket mount' offers a pleasant typing feel — but what makes it special?
Tip
I despise grimy gadget screens, so I never leave home without these 8-cent wipes
I don’t leave my house without a few of these screen-cleaning marvels in my pocket.
Tip
Why helium-filled hard drives outperform traditional HDDs
The use of helium in mechanical hard drives has revolutionized storage technology. But is it really the better choice for all applications?
Try This
Don’t panic! There’s a simple fix for a wet USB cable
Here's how to fix a USB cable that gets wet!
Tip
This $15 item has kept my aging gaming mouse looking like new
This small purchase has kept my gaming mouse looking brand new for years!
Tip
I hate bright LED indicators, so I cover them with $5 dimming stickers
From routers and modems to laptops to PCs, these stickers will solve all your LED device annoyances.
Tip
This unusual $15 case is the best Kindle upgrade I ever made
I've tried all sorts of Kindle hacks and upgrades over the years. This unique case design remains one of my favorite finds.
Try This
This neat trick instantly reveals if a battery is charged or dead
Here's a simple way to see in an instant if a battery has charge in it.
Tip
My desk was a mess. This simple $16 upgrade decluttered it instantly
I love the extra desk space and protection afforded by this nifty accessory. I can't believe I didn't make this upgrade sooner.
Tip
Sticky, squishy, satisfying: Meet the $10 slime that cleans my keyboard
A gooey ball of slime might the grossest and most satisfying way to clean your keyboard. Here's why I swear by it.
Tip
I'm obsessed with this perfect Velcro cable tie I use for everything
I’ve been using these cable ties all over my apartment, and I can't stop buying them.
How-To
I thought Ethernet cables were all the same. I was very, very wrong
Just like USB cables, there are different types of Ethernet cables. Here's how to tell if you're using the correct one for your needs.
Tip
5 signs a hacker is watching through your PC's webcam
It's not easy to tell if a hacker has taken control of your PC's webcam. But these five signs are your best bet at knowing!
How-To
Why you shouldn't waste your money on a membrane keyboard
Keyboards are indispensable in everyday digital life. However, if you compare a membrane keyboard with a mechanical keyboard, you'll quickly realize the differences are huge.
How-To
How to turn a USB flash drive into a secure login key for your PC
Here's how you can turn a USB flash drive into a secure key for your PC!
Tip
What to do if your mouse is double-clicking when you don't mean it
It could be due to wear and tear, or it could be due to something else. Before you buy a new mouse straight away, here's what you can try to fix it.
Tip
My USB cable got wet. Can I still use it?
Here's what to do if your USB cable accidentally gets wet!
Tip
Here’s why I side-mount my phone to my laptop — and you should too
Side-mounting my phone to my laptop makes a huge difference to my workflow!
Tip
Always hit the wrong buttons on your monitor? Try this hack
I kept pressing the wrong buttons on my display when changing the input or messing with the settings. Then the dim lightbulb in my head flickered to life.
Tip
This simple USB cable accessory helps me reclaim hours of my time
If you've been struggling with an indistinguishable heap of USB cables, then you really need this simple USB cable accessory.
How-To
More performance for laptops for free: The best tuning tips and tools
Free notebook tuning. Use these tips and tools to get the best possible performance and stability out of your laptop.
Feature
Is USB or Thunderbolt better for portable SSDs? The key differences, explained
A look at the various external storage options: Which is fastest, which is most compatible, which is the most affordable and… which one you should buy?
How-To
5 creative ways to use a PC video capture card
Capture cards make it possible to transfer an external video source directly to your computer. Nowadays, they're affordable and easy to use.
How-To
How to tell if your USB cable is hiding malicious hacker hardware
Here's how to tell if your USB cables contain hidden malicious hardware and are sending your data to hackers.
How-To
Why is my HDMI connection buzzing?
If your monitor or an HDMI connection is humming, you should rule out a fault. Here you can read how to recognize faulty cables or devices and how to eliminate the annoying noise.
How-To
6 easy tweaks that maximize your SSD's performance
Use these tips and tweaks to boost your SSD's speed and wring every last drop of performance out of it.
How-To