Keeping track of how you spend your time while working from home is about to get a lot easier as Google is bringing its new Time Insights feature to Google Calendar.
With Time Insights in Calendar, remote workers get a personalized, analytical experience that shows how they spend their time across meetings and collaborators. However, it's worth noting that this new feature is only available on a computer and can't be viewed on a mobile device.
Time Insights will begin rolling out for paid Google Workspace users in September and for admins, this feature will be toggled on by default but can be disabled at the domain/OU level according to a new blog post from Google.
Time Insights
Once Time Insights is added to Google Calendar, users will be able to view a variety of data on how much time they spend working with collaborators online as well as how much time they spend in meetings each week.
You can also gain insights into which days you spend the most time in meetings and how frequently your have them so that you can better plan out your work weeks.
If you find yourself working with the same people frequently, you can also pin them to ensure you're staying in touch with them regarding projects and other tasks.
Although Time Insights sounds like the kind of feature that could be used for employee monitoring, Google points out in its post that “this information is visible to you, not your manager” so that you can assess how you're spending your time against your own priorities. However, if you manage other people's calendars and have “manage sharing access” permission to their calendars, you will be able to view their Time Insights.
Regardless of how long you've been working remotely, time management is an important aspect to working from home successfully and with Time Insights, Google is giving you all of the data you'll need to manage your time more effectively.
Apple's third-gen AirPods may make its debut alongside the iPhone 13 and Apple Watch 7 in September. Here's all the buzz we've heard about the AirPods 3 so far.
Sean Connery set the standard. Daniel Craig redefined the role. As we await No Time to Die, here's how their movies stack up, along with those from all the other guys.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is expected to be the successor to the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, which is one of our favorite drones of the past few years. And after a quiet patch for new rumors, some fresh speculation has given us some potential hints about what we can expect from the exciting folding drone.
It's now been over three years since the Mavic 2 Pro landed – and with the new DJI Air 2S cramming most of its talents into a smaller body, a successor is certainly overdue. Well, it looks like we're finally going to get one, if the latest rumors are to be believed – and the Mavic 3 Pro (or DJI Pro 3, perhaps) could even bring some radical new features, including dual cameras.
It's already been a pretty busy year for DJI, which perhaps explains the delay. It treated us to the DJI Air 2S in April, which joined the likes of the DJI Mini 2 and DJI Pocket as one of ten new products added to DJI's lineup in the past 12 months alone.
That’s not to mention the company’s recently-announced intentions to enter the automotive industry, which will see it partnering with big-name manufacturers to integrate its drone tech into the self-driving vehicles of the future.
But if recent rumors are correct, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is en route, just slightly behind its planned schedule. Apparently, an October release is possible, but we've rounded up all of the latest speculation below to help you decide whether to wait for DJI's possible new folding flagship.
The latest DJI Mavic 3 Pro rumors suggest that the drone may have been delayed, which has been a common theme for most tech products this year.
According to a video posted by Dronemodelismo on August 28, the Mavic 3 Pro was originally pencilled in for an October launch. This matched the claims of a DroneDJ source in a post on July 19, which said "the latest plans are for an October release".
But DroneDJ's source added that "he has 'doubt' it will be ready for prime time by then" and Dronemodelismo's source said that a postponement to January 2022 is also possible.
Recent DJI launches, like the DJI Air 2S, have been preceded by big leaks at stores like Best Buy, and the fact that we haven't seen anything close to that (or even really some credible photos, beyond sketches), suggests that a launch is still some way off.
(Image credit: DJI)
The end of Mavic?
(Image credit: DJI)
The latest rumors have referred to a 'DJI Mavic 3 Pro' and 'DJI Mavic 3', but this doesn't follow DJI's recent naming trends. The company has been slowly retiring its Mavic (and Osmo) sub-brands, as shown by the DJI Air 2S and DJI Mini 2. This means that any DJI Mavic 2 Pro successor would most likely be called the 'DJI Pro 3'. But as we're mainly referring to a next-gen Mavic 2 Pro here, we'll be sticking to the rumored 'Mavic 3 Pro' and 'Mavic 3' names here for now.
We’ve previously seen the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Zoom, Mavic Mini and Mini 2 arrive in an August-October window, but it seems the pandemic and chip shortages may have knocked DJI's traditional launch cycles out of sync.
As for the Mavic 3 Pro’s possible price, there have been no leaks so far on this and it’s still too early to tell. But we can make educated guesses based on the launch price of the Mavic 2 Pro and the rumored features coming to its successor.
The Mavic 2 Pro cost $1,599 / £1,349 / AU $2,499 at launch, but it’s safe to assume that the Mavic 3 Pro would likely exceed that figure. A recent DroneDJ source claims that “the price [of the Mavic 3 Pro] will definitely be way up” – so the price could well end up north of $2,000 / £1,500 / AU$2,600, assuming it does deliver features like a new Hasselblad camera. But right now, this is all just speculation and we'll need to wait until later in the year to get a clearer idea of the Mavic 3 Pro's pricing.
The Brazilian YouTube channel Dronemodelismo has published what appears to be the biggest DJI Mavic 3 Pro leak so far. It claims the specs and illustrations have come from a reliable source – and the channel does have a track record of leaking accurate information about drones like the DJI Mavic Air 2. But some unusual suggestions about the design and specs have led some to question the accuracy of the rumors.
The biggest claim is that the Mavic 3 Pro will have dual Hasselblad cameras – one with a 7x zoom (which is presumably digital zoom rather than optical), and another 5.7K camera with a 24mm f/2.8 lens. According to Dronemodelismo, there will also be an adapter that can give this lens a wider 16mm focal length.
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These illustrations from the YouTube channel Dronemodelismo claim to show the design of the upcoming DJI Mavic 3 Pro.(Image credit: Dronemodelismo)
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(Image credit: Dronemodelismo)
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(Image credit: Dronemodelismo)
The suggestion that the Mavic 3 Pro will have a 5.7K camera contradicts an earlier "trusted source" from DroneDJ, which claimed that the drone could become the first compact DJI model capable of shooting 8K video. If true, this would trump its predecessor’s 4K/30p video powers and match the likes of the 8K-shooting Autel Evo II, which uses a smaller 1/2-inch sensor.
On the other hand, Autel's Evo II Pro model shoots 6K video from a 1in sensor, and Dronemodelismo thinks the Mavic 3 Pro could even use the same sensor as that drone. The contradictory claims have likely arisen from the fact that DJI is probably testing different sensors with the Mavic 3 Pro. Earlier rumors suggested there could be also be two different versions of the Mavic 3 Pro.
The Autel Evo II and Evo II Dual are folding drones that both offer 8K video resolution.(Image credit: Autel)
It's certainly possible that DJI could, like Autel, offer 8K and 6K versions of its flagship drone, with different camera modules to suit the needs of different filmmakers.
This would ape the launch of the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, which was released alongside its DJI Mavic 2 Zoom sibling. But we'll have to wait for further leaks to help clarify exactly how likely this is.
(Image credit: DJI)
Another detail that the Dronemodelismo leak hasn't clarified is the DJI Mavic 3 Pro's sensor size. The obvious step up from a 1-inch sensor is moving to a Four Thirds sensor, which is something many DJI fans have hoped for.
A DroneDJ source claimed on August 10 that the drone's sensor would indeed be a Four Thirds chip, but that "development has been problematic (on the Hasselblad side)". However, it would be nigh-on impossible to fit a Four Thirds camera and gimbal into a drone of the Mavic 2 Pro’s size. And with the leaked illustrations from Dronemodelismo suggesting that the Mavic 3 Pro will indeed be a similar size to its predecessor, it seems pretty unlikely that a Four Thirds camera will be possible.
(Image credit: Dronemodelismo)
What does look likely, again according to the Dronemodelismo's illustrations, is a new collision avoidance system. Apparently, the Mavic 3 Pro will lose the side sensors seen on its predecessor, and instead have front and rear sensors on the corners with wider-angle coverage. One thing that DJI's drones have lacked, compared to rivals like the Skydio 2, is true 360-degree obstacle avoidance, so it seems the Mavic 3 Pro could well make strides here.
Another surprise claim in the same leak is that the DJI Mavic 3 Pro will have 1TB storage by default, with another version possibly offering 2TB. That would be a huge leap from the Mavic 2 Pro's 8GB internal storage, and would significantly increase the drone's price tag.
One possible reason for this focus on internal storage is the expected bump in resolution and bit-rates on the Mavic 3 Pro, which would likely demand some high-spec microSD cards. Like the iPhone 13, the Mavic 3 Pro is expected to support the Apple ProRes codec, which should help on the file size front. But we'd still be surprised if the base model of the Mavic 3 Pro had 1TB storage.
(Image credit: Dronemodelismo)
Some final claims from the Dronemodelismo leak include that the Mavic 3 Pro will have either a 5000mAh or 6000mAh battery, which will give it more than 40 minutes of flight time. This would be a boost on the Mavic 2 Pro's 31-minute battery life.
Apparently, the drone's gimbal will include an automatic locking mechanism, which will kick in when you turn the drone off. And as we've heard in previous rumors, there will also likely be a new version of DJI's Smart Controller – the current version is a higher-end alternative to DJI's bundled controllers and comes with a 5.5in built-in touchscreen.
Earlier DJI Mavic 3 Pro leaks from OsitaLV and DroneXL suggested that the drone could have an even more radical design with two downward motors and two upward motors.
(Image credit: DroneXL)
This would mark a big design departure for the Chinese manufacturer, whose drones have generally all had upward-facing motors. However, these rumors were based on patents and there are potential downsides to landing and take-off with this design, due to the reduced ground clearance.
Few hours ago I saw a patent file of DJI with a new Mavic which has 2 downward motors and 2 upward motors.April 20, 2021
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The main reason for this design would be improved obstacle avoidance, thanks to the extra space made available for front-facing sensors. But if the more recent Dronemodelismo leak is to be believed, it seems that DJI may have solved this with its rumored wide-angle obstacle avoidance sensors instead.
(Image credit: DroneXL)
One other potential leak we’ve seen from DroneXL, from what it calls a “proven reliable source”, suggests that the Mavic 3 could now be in production.
The blurry photo found on Chinese social media is pretty inconclusive, but the site thinks it shows two cooling openings (not yet seen on a DJI before) and a new battery mechanism that slides in from behind the drone rather than the top.
(Image credit: DroneXL)
The only other real leak we’ve seen so far concerns a set of watermarked drawings spotted on Twitter by a less-than-convincing drone rumor account. Pulled from Chinese social media platform WeChat, the images depict the supposed central body of the Mavic 3 Pro, though they don’t offer much in the way of new information.
What’s more, we’re a little skeptical as to the authenticity of these images, not least because of the rough edges around some of the drawings, suggesting they aren’t plucked from the archives of DJI itself.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro: 7 things we want to see
(Image credit: DJI)
The recent launch of the DJI Air 2S has slightly upgraded our expectations of what to expect from a DJI Mavic 2 Pro successor. While that drone was, at the time of launch, the most impressive consumer-level drone we’d ever tested, its camera and other features are now a little dated – as shown by the fact that the cheaper Air 2S has now matched its 1-inch sensor.
So in an ideal, but realistic, world, what would we like to see from a DJI Mavic 3 Pro? Here’s our current wishlist.
1. Interchangeable cameras
Historically, a truly ‘pro’ camera is one that lets you change lenses to suit different situations. Shooting landscapes? Time to grab a lovely wide-angle zoom. Going to a wedding? An 85mm prime is the better tool for the job.
You arguably don’t quite need this level of flexibility in the air, with a wide-angle focal length generally preferable in most situations. But it’d be great if the rumored Mavic 3 Pro could at least bring the option of a few different user-swappable cameras.
(Image credit: DJI)
We had hoped to see this feature on the DJI Mavic 2 Pro and DJI Mavic 2 Zoom when they both arrived simultaneously in 2018. But DJI decided to instead launch two versions of the same drone with different cameras – these are technically swappable, as many YouTubers have shown, but it’s not a job for the average person.
Rather than launching two versions of the DJI Mavic 3, we’d love to see one drone with modular, swappable cameras that could be bought separately. There could be a large sensor camera for stills, an optical zoom camera, an 8K module for filmmakers and maybe even one equipped with global shutter for those looking to dabble with aerial mapping.
The latest rumors suggest that DJI could simply include two different cameras on the same drone, in a similar way to today's flagship smartphones. But we'd prefer the true flexibility of interchangeable cameras.
2. An 8K camera
Okay, perhaps our dream of a Mavic 3 with interchangeable cameras is too optimistic – if so, we’d settle for the drone making the step up to 8K resolution.
The best way of doing this while maintaining image quality would be for it to use a Four Thirds sensor, which would be considerably larger than the 1-inch ones in the DJI Air 2S and current Mavic 2 Pro.
But we remain sceptical that it’ll be possible to do add this kind of camera to a compact drone – you only have to look at the size of DJI’s Xenmuse X5S, a Four Thirds camera that’s designed for the DJI Inspire 2, to see how big that kind of setup is.
The DJI Xenmuse X5S is a Micro Four Thirds camera for the Inspire 2 drone, but this kind of module is too big for a Mavic-style drone.(Image credit: DJI)
If that is indeed a step too far, we’d settle for one of the latest 1-inch sensors, but with a resolution boost that could serve up some tasty oversampled 5.7K to provide the leeway necessary for crops, pans and digital zoom. Naturally, we’ll still want all the usual treats like adjustable apertures and flat color profiles for grading, too.
3. Smart Controller V2
Back in 2019, DJI launched the lovely Smart Controller – an optional control pad for its drones that came with a built-in 5.5-inch touchscreen, so you didn’t need to use your smartphone as mission control.
(Image credit: DJI)
Its 1080p screen is now showing its age, but we’d love to see a new version come bundled with the Mavic 3 – or at least arrive as an optional extra. Having a dedicated, all-weather controller with a super-bright screen is a real bonus for flying, and the addition of Ocusync 3.0 connectivity would make a new version a great ally for a next-gen Mavic Pro.
Perhaps the only issue might be cost, as the Smart Controller is currently priced at $749 / £579 / AU$1,099 – about half the cost of the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. So perhaps a stripped-down version that comes bundled with a drone, or an optional updated model, would be the way to go.
4. A 40-minute battery life
One upgrade that seems a dead cert for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, based on the limited leaks we’ve seen so far, is an improved battery life.
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro’s flight time is rated at 31 minutes, but that’s without wind – and by the time you’ve taken into account the automatic return-to-home function (which kicks in when the battery hits 25% charge), your real-world fight times are more like 20 minutes.
(Image credit: DJI)
Some early leaks from the likes of DroneXL suggested that the Mavic 3 Pro will have a new, larger battery, and Dronemodelismo's leak has predicted a 40-minute flight time. This would likely work out as a real-world flight time of 30 minutes, once you’ve taken into account conditions and getting the drone back to its take-off pad.
5. True 360-degree obstacle avoidance
The Mavic 2 Pro shoots excellent video and stills, but it isn’t quite the best drone out there for obstacle avoidance and sports-tracking. While it does have sensors on the front, back, top, bottom and sides, the latter are disabled in many modes.
(Image credit: DJI)
We’d like to see the Mavic 3 Pro take a step up here and offer the true 360-degree smarts of something like the Skydio 2, which has six 4K sensors to help it build up a full picture of possible obstacles around it.
Two of those sensors are upward-facing ones on its front arms, which are possible thanks to its downward-facing motors. With early leaks suggesting the Mavic 3 might have a similar design, perhaps DJI has indeed taken some inspiration for its next compact flagship drone.
6. Compatibility with the DJI Goggles V2
The DJI Air 2S unfortunately isn’t compatible with the DJI Goggles V2.0 for first-person flying, despite having the necessary Ocusync 3.0 connectivity. DJI told us it is “theoretically” possible that the Air 2S could support the Goggles, but that “there’s no roadmap or timeline for this”.
(Image credit: DJI)
Hopefully, if a Mavic 3 Pro does arrive later this year, DJI will have widened support for its Goggles V2 to some of its non-FPV drones. The DJI FPV is the natural partner for them, thanks to its speed and aerial acrobatics, but the addition of a true FPV flying experience to the Mavic 3 would be another string to its bow.
7. Quieter props
Drones can be pretty noisy at low altitudes and that includes the Mavic 2 Pro. DJI does sell some low-noise propellors for its drones as an optional extra, but we’d like to see an evolution of these that help further cut that slightly intimidating hovering sound.
(Image credit: Future / DJI)
We might not be able to get the propellor equivalent of the 'silent shooting' modes seen in the latest mirrorless cameras, there have been some promising advances in this area for enterprise drones (for example, Delson Aeronautics) so it'd be great if DJI could do something similar for the Mavic 3 Pro.
Vancouver-based software solutions provider Pixieset Media has acquired premium WordPress designer Flothemes to boost its product portfolio.
Speaking on the acquisition, Pixieset Co-Founder and CEO Simon Wong, said: “This acquisition enables Pixieset to enhance and strengthen the products and solutions we offer to our growing client base of 600,000+ as we expand across the broader photography industry.
“We look forward to harnessing the expertise of Flothemes’ experienced team and working together to continue scaling the website design tools and offerings of the Pixieset platform.”
Moving forward, the companies plan to continue building an all-in-one platform to provide photographers with a website that integrates with all their automations and workflow.
WordPress for photographers
With the two companies coming together, Flothemes Founder Ross Tanner has joined Pixieset’s leadership team as Director of Design & Business Development.
“Flothemes is honored to announce the next chapter for our community. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings not just to our company and clients, but for all aspiring creatives, as we work to build a powerful platform to service various design and business needs,” Tanner noted.
With the acquisition, Flothemes’ designs and company operations will fully integrate into the Pixieset umbrella, while maintaining existing service levels and offerings to its customers.
Pixieset launched its website builder offering, Pixieset Website, in 2019 for photographers to create an online presence.
In a blog post, Pixieset said: “As a team, we’ve always aimed to be transparent and honest with our clients about our product changes and our roadmap.
“We haven’t shied away from difficult conversations and questions, but welcomed them through one-on-one talks and threads inside this community. And today is no different, we want to keep you at the forefront of the discussion.”
You would think the best gaming monitor for your gaming PC is just the most expensive or feature-rich one on the market. However, that’s not exactly the case. To start, not all games or gamers need the same thing. Just like peripherals such as gaming headsets, gaming keyboards and gaming mice, the most ideal one depends greatly on your needs.
For example, a 4K monitor might be perfect for you if you like to explore the depths of vast open-world games whereas a fast display with speedy refresh rates is better suited for competitive gamers. No matter which way you go, a fantastic display for gaming will greatly improve your gaming experience and help you see the true potential of that Nvidia RTX 3000 series GPU that’s powering your PC. Many of these displays also come with higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, a wide aspect ratio, and sometimes even curvature.
A high-quality monitor in 2021 is the only way to go for your gaming needs, whether you’re diving into the best PC games or saving some money with free PC games. It’s worth the upgrade no matter if it’s for a flagship PC, for the new PS 5, or your Xbox Series X. Check out our picks alongside our price comparison tool to score a great gaming monitor deal.
The ultra-wide LG UltraGear 38GN950 is the ultimate gaming monitor.(Image credit: LG)
It’s hard not to be impressed by the LG UltraGear 38GN950. If you’re looking for the ultimate gaming monitor, this is certainly the one to beat, with a 144Hz refresh rate that can be easily overclocked to 160Hz, 1ms response time, spectacular image quality, and many other gaming features like G-Sync, an ultra-wide aspect ratio and DisplayHDR 600. If you’re serious about gaming and want lots of screen real estate, then this is the best gaming monitor to get – if you can afford it, that is.
Has both G-Sync and FreeSync for a smoother experience
Needs some calibration before use
The best gaming monitors typically fall into two camps: fast refresh rate or high resolution. But, they almost never do both. With the Samsung Odyssey, that’s not the case. It manages to pack 1440p resolution in the same display as a 240Hz refresh rate as well as excellent HDR, making this an ideal choice for any gamer that likes to play Esports one day and jump into an immersive open-world game the next. It’s not perfect as it does take some work getting it up and running, but the Samsung Odyssey G7 is an ideal choice for gamers who have some variety in their gaming libraries.
Better technical performance than a TV with a faster refresh rate
Proper HDR that is well implemented
Too big for regular office work
A 43-inch display may be too big for many users, but it might just be what you need if you’re a competitive gamer. That 4K QD goodness offers better technical performance than a big-screen TV, and it comes with everything you need from a gaming monitor. That fast refresh rate, matte screen and gaming-optimized settings, as well as that 1,000 nits of brightness, makes it among the best gaming monitors right now. Unlike other monitors, it comes with a great set of speakers too. Plus, it can moonlight as a TV set too if you don’t have enough space for two displays.
It may be very expensive and requires a killer gaming PC setup to run, but the Samsung CRG9 is completely worth it if you’ve got the extra cash laying around. This bigger-than-average 49-incher boasts bezels thinner than most gaming monitors and a picture by picture mode feature that lets you use two different inputs, simulating a dual monitor setup in a single monitor. And, that’s without mentioning that the Samsung CRG9 produces an out-of-this-world image right out of the box.
The Alienware AW3418DW is one of the few gaming monitors that deliver a level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can, while also offering up a high refresh rate. With a dense 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, ridiculously fast 4ms response times and a speedy 120Hz refresh rate, this ultrawide monitor gives you the best of both worlds. All these features don’t come cheap though, so budget-minded gamers might want to look elsewhere or start saving up.
The Eve Spectrum 4K 144Hz monitor is an v27-inch gaming display. It can handle up to 4K resolutions, be overdriven to a 1ms response time, as well as a 144Hz refresh rate for a highly detailed and speedy screen. On top of that, it comes with HDR10 and can reach a brightness of 750 nits. And, while the screen is a tad too reflective for our tastes and there are some issues with its auto source switching, it comes with all the ports you could ever desire.
Ergonomics and extended color coverage meet gaming in LG’s newest offering. The UltraGear Ergo 27GN88A may target a niche market, but it ticks all the right boxes for many, especially those that want to enjoy fast 1440p gaming without getting something that’s heavy and takes up a lot of space. Plus, having something that clamps on to a wide range of surfaces as well as offers both extensive adjustability and clever cable management will ensure you can game for hours on end.
While all of its extra frills make the MSI Optix MPG341CQR an even more appealing selection for potential buyers, it does an outstanding job of standing out on its own. The use of VA rather than IPS panel technology, for one, is a welcome advantage, offering punchier colors and better contrast. Plus, its super-wide 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh certainly give gamers an edge. The best part might be that this display is also reasonably priced, making it one of the best gaming monitors to consider in 2021.
Screen size: 28-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Brightness: 350 cd/㎡ | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 | Color support: 90% color gamut, 1073.7M (10bit) | Weight: 7.6 kg
Extremely flexible in viewing positions
Gorgeous, accurate colors
Not true HDR
With the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q, you’re getting a lot of value for your money – especially considering the small price of entry. One of the most affordable 4K gaming monitors right now, this 28-incher can swivel, pivot and tilt practically however which way you need it (within reason, naturally) to serve your purpose. It also has deliciously thin bezels and a nifty cable management solution, as well as a few display settings to boost your viewing experience. Thanks to its rich vibrant colors, super sharp image quality and a design that is only subtly gaming-centric, this is among the best 4K monitors not only for gamers but for regular users who consume a lot of visual media as well.
An epic gaming experience awaits you with Acer Predator CG7’s 43-inch screen, 4000:1 contrast ratio, 1ms response time and 120Hz refresh rate. To be fair, there are bigger and badder gaming monitors out there, but for some people – particularly, those looking for a TV with gaming-level specs, this one’s a winner. It’s got some extra features as well – namely, a remote control, icons on that stand to encourage game controller storage, and RGB lighting that can sync to your music and games – so you’re getting your money’s worth, even if you are paying for a lot.
If in the market for the best gaming monitor 2021 has to offer, know that there are a few things to keep in mind before choosing which display should grace your desk.
You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the following terms and specifications to help guarantee that you’re getting the best gaming monitor that’s most ideal for you. It also means you won’t have to pay extra for additional features that you might not actually care about.
Screen size: When looking for a gaming monitor, one of the most important things to consider is the screen size. Larger display sizes can lead to more immersive gaming experiences as the game fills more of your field of vision, but you'll also have to make sure that you have the space to keep a large monitor. And, it goes without saying that the larger the monitor, the higher the price as well.
Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio of a gaming monitor helps determine the width and height of the display. Most widescreen monitors have an aspect ratio of 16:9, while older monitors have closer to a square format of 4:3 that might feel pretty out of date in 2021. Ultra-wide monitors with aspect ratios of 21:9 are rapidly growing in popularity, as they offer a wider view of your games, which is why many ultra-wides have made our list of the best gaming monitors 2021.
Resolution: One other critical factor to consider when searching for the ideal monitor for your needs is the resolution. The higher the number, the sharper the picture. You will, however, require a more powerful graphics card for anything over Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), even if many gaming monitors feature resolutions as high as 2,560 x 1,400 (WQHD) and 3,840 x 2,160 (4K).
Refresh rate: When you’re mostly looking to play Counter-Strike and other first-person shooters like it, refresh rate is even more vital. The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) the monitor can support, leading to a considerably smoother gaming experience. A 60Hz refresh rate is still the most common in 2021, but refresh rates of 144Hz and even 200Hz are becoming more prominent – not to mention, more and more necessary.
Response time: An excellent gaming monitor offers low response times, which means you’re getting fast and fluid actions, with little to no input lag. The lowest response time for TN monitors (we’ll get to this in the next section) is 1 millisecond, whereas the newer IPS monitors typically have slower 4ms response times. When you’re playing games competitively, it’s vital to keep this number as low as you can in order to avoid latency.
Panel type: This is where things get a little technical. The type of panel a gaming monitor uses will largely contribute to its response time and image clarity. TN (twisted nematic) panels, which are often more affordable, have the lowest response times but usually don’t come with great viewing angles. IPS (in-plane switching) panels, on the other hand, have fantastic viewing angles and color reproduction, but usually have higher response times. Meanwhile, VA (vertical alignment) panels are between the two, although its slow response times makes these panels rare in the gaming world.
Viewing Angle: While most people play games right in front of their gaming monitor, this isn’t always be the case, particularly when there is an audience. A monitor’s viewing angles tell you what angle you can look at the monitor from and still make out a clear image. The closer these numbers are to 180, the better your viewing experience will be when standing further to either side of the monitor or looking at it from above or below.
G-Sync and FreeSync: You've probably noticed that many of the best gaming monitors in 2021 come with either G-Sync or FreeSync technology – sometimes even both. These help keep frames per second (fps) smooth, combat screen tearing and minimize input lag. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia, so it requires an Nvidia GPU. And, the tech is built into the monitor, which can bump up their price tag. FreeSync, on the other hand, was made by AMD. Since it is free to use by manufacturers, the monitors that have them are usually more economical.
How we test gaming monitors
Surprisingly, testing gaming monitors is a bit more involved than you might think. It’s more than just watching movies and playing a few games on them – though admittedly, we do quite a bit of that as well. After all, we do have to see how each monitor performs in real world scenarios. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.
More than that, however, put every gaming monitor’s basic features like resolution, refresh rate, response time, color reproduction, and viewing angles through their paces, testing each accordingly. To test faster refresh rates, for example, we frantic, fast-paced titles. We also test extra features like HDR support, G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support, and blue light filter.
Naturally, we take a good look at its design aspects, from its aesthetic down to its stand, mount, and availability of ports, as those are just as important. Then, we take everything we’ve learned about the gaming monitor and compare it to its price – whether or not it’s performance and features are worth the price, and if it offers the best value for consumers.
Check out our HDR Explained video below.
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- Episode 2 (of 24), 'Acheron: Part II'
- Written by Angela Kang and Jim Barnes
- Directed by Kevin Dowling
★★★★
Spoilers for The Walking Dead season 11 episode 2 follow.
We’re instantly in the action in this second part of the season opener. Trapped in a train car as they head to Meridian, Maggie’s group are outmatched by the undead and decide to keep going on, despite losing her. The ending of last episode had Maggie struggling to escape on the train, and Negan leaving her to die. As the group began to accept losing her, she emerges safe. Main characters don’t die easily in The Walking Dead.
Everyone learns the truth and is ready to kill Negan, but then Gage, a teen survivor who had deserted the group, returns abruptly. He's stuck behind a train car door with walkers on his tail. While Negan and Alden attempt to open it, Maggie ultimately forces them to let Gage die as they can’t take all the walkers on. The creators clearly want this reflection of Maggie versus Negan, where both of these powerful personalities can be villainous when the situation demands it. It’s a delicate and well-executed moment that puts them on the same level as each other.
Daryl, always the loner, is split from the group as he chases after Dog, taking supplies from a long-abandoned tunnel community. He watches over the left-behind detritus. It feels like filler in this episode, honestly. It’s meant to show what a community in conflict ripping itself apart looks like, but since Daryl is one of the longest serving characters on the show, he and the audience don’t need reminding of this. This side story is more an excuse for Daryl to save the day, when he literally blows walkers up to rescue Maggie’s group.
Meanwhile, those who have been captured by the Commonwealth are worried that the attempted escape has been found out, leaving all of them on edge. One by one, they’re mysteriously escorted away for ‘processing’.
Ezekiel is taken first, presumably for his outburst during last episode. Yumiko steps up to the plate to get their admission moving, believing her brother to be among the Commonwealth’s populace. She leaves. Princess is soon after, and we are left with just Eugene, isolated and terrified.
Eugene is the least-equipped for this situation. Desperately creating a shiv to use against armored gun-wielding soldiers is the stupidest move made by the smartest character in this episode. When he is inevitably ‘processed’ and told to confess everything to see his friends, he lets rip his insecurities. It’s a vulnerable moment for a character we’ve seen have lots of vulnerable moments in the past, but it feels honest enough to have meaning anyway.
At a moment of uncertainty, Eugene is taken to another train cart. And there’s this sudden relief, as he looks over to his friends, happy to see him. And to top it off, Eugene finally gets a face-to-face introduction with Stephanie. It’s sweet.
There’s this real feeling of joy and safety that’s a rarity in the show, where it momentarily feels like everything is going to turn out alright. It’s not, of course, but having a chance to breathe amid the worst parts of the apocalypse is always a truly satisfying moment in The Walking Dead.
The episode ends with Maggie’s group approaching Arbor Hills, a detour for needed supplies. On the way, they encounter hanging bodies on the road and are suddenly fired upon. The camera cuts to a dozen masked and hooded people walking menacingly: the Reapers. So far, they’ve been a mostly distant threat in the show, but clearly a real one. Seeing 10 more members of this group is terrifying for the characters. Saying that, a bunch of adults in skull masks is far less intimidating in the age of Slipknot and Lordi.
Still, ‘Acheron Part II’ delivers where the first part didn’t, concluding plotlines that have been kicking around for a while between big players like Maggie and Negan, as well as preparing us for the potential threats of the Reapers and Commonwealth. This episode makes significant enough changes in the status quo that we're left with excitement at where this journey could end up next, and fearful about the characters we may lose along the way.
That’s exactly what you should be feeling when you're watching The Walking Dead – every single time.
Verdict:
As a conclusion to part one, this episode feels like the real kick-off to the season we needed. Maggie and Negan’s shaky relationship is an intriguing hook without being the sole focus of the show, while Eugene’s group feels so personally invested in the mysterious Commonwealth, their reactions to everything end up being emotionally compelling. Who the characters trust is at the heart of all this gripping conflict, and it represents the show near its best. Still, breaking Maggie and Eugene’s groups into separate episodes might've made for more effective storytelling for this opener.
Dead facts
Angela Kang, the series showrunner, says on the Episode Insider that the mural Daryl encounters in the tunnel depicts a class conflict that took place. Those who were moneyed and crowned in the old world are now as powerless as the rest in the new one, which eventually tore them apart.
Kang confirms that the bagged bodies from the last episode are from the same train tunnel community that developed, not because of the Reapers as Negan implies.
The stuffed bunny picked up among the bagged corpses is shown in a picture Daryl finds, held by a girl next to her presumed sibling.
The graffiti in the train tunnel, ‘It Comes For Us All’, is an allusion to quote from writer Robert Bolt; ‘Death comes for us all’.
Maggie’s group end up at ‘Degard East Market’, another fictional station based on the real Washington Metro. The closest-sounding station it has to a real-life one is ‘Eastern Market’, though it is nowhere near where the group is supposedly heading.
The hanged bodies on the road to Arbor Hills are strung up by their feet and do not appear to be zombified. In Renaissance Italy, traitors and thieves were often hanged in a similar way. We know the Reapers mark people for death, and these are likely some of their victims who have broken their laws, such as breaching their territory.
The tarot card, The Hanged Man, is also depicted in this manner and often represents bringing a new perspective to new things. It could symbolize that the Reapers' own world view is in complete opposition to the survivors, or may mean Maggie’s group have to confront things they’ve chosen to ignore about themselves before the Reapers.
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Take into account your gaming needs and budget when choosing from the best gaming laptops 2021 has to offer. More important than any cool design, funky RGB lighting and the newest features are just how much power you need and how much you can stretch your budget, after all. Especially because these days, you need not have the priciest and most powerful internals to see you through an immersive gaming experience.
In fact, thanks to this ongoing battle amongst component manufacturers, processors and graphics cards are getting more powerful while also getting cheaper. That means that the best gaming laptop for you could mean a laptop under $1000, something that has the greatest innards and all the trimmings, or one that sits somewhere in between.
So, first thing’s first: figure out what kind of gaming experience you want and how much you can afford to spend. The rest, you can leave up to us as we gathered a short list of the best laptops for gaming right here for every need and budget, alongside tips on how to choose the right one for you. Guaranteed, you’ll find something here that ticks off most, if not all, of the things on your checklist.
How to choose the best gaming laptop for you?
Choosing the best gaming laptop is easy when you’ve got deep pockets or have a couple of thousand dollars to spare. It’s when your budget is more limited that getting a great gaming laptop becomes trickier.
Lucky for us, we’re getting plenty of more affordably-priced CPUs and GPUs that don’t compromise on power. The latest internals like the Intel Comet Lake, AMD Big Navi and the Nvidia RTX 3000 series are more capable yet also cheaper than ever. That means that gaming notebooks under $1000 can be just as capable as any gaming PC while keeping things portable and space-saving like the best Ultrabooks.
Still, some components are more powerful or cheaper than others. While it’s no longer a hard and fast rule, AMD’s offerings are generally more affordable, which means that AMD Ryzen-powered laptops tend to be slightly cheaper.
In terms of graphics cards, Nvidia is still king when it comes to performance, although which RTX card you should go for depends on the type of gaming experience you want. The RTX 3060, for example, is a terrific mid-range contender with lots of power for 1080p gaming. However, if you want that 4K goodness, an RTX 3070 or higher is the way to go.
Consider the RAM as well. There are many gaming laptops that start you off with an 8GB DDR4 memory, which is the minimum these days. However, if you play a lot of demanding AAA titles, at least 16GB is recommended for the smoothest experience.
Other things to look at are the amount of storage, type of display, and type and variety of ports. Take a look at the battery life as well, especially if you plan on gaming on the go. Know that just because something is premium doesn’t automatically mean it’ll deliver a long battery life – the Alienware laptops are a cautionary tale. And, of course, since you do have to like how your gaming notebook looks, think about the design and whether or not you want RGB lighting.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus line has produced some of the best gaming laptops out there, and the new ROG Zephyrus G15 is no exception. Fitted with the latest and most powerful AMD Ryzen and Nvidia RTX 3000 series, they’re incredibly powerful and able to see you through the most demanding games. Of course, that legendary battery life has made an appearance, as well as that stylish chassis. If you want a high performing gaming laptop that’s affordably-priced to boot, nothing beats this one.
CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-11375H | Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4-3200 | Screen: Up to 15.6-inch WQHD anti-glare 165Hz IPS-level display with Adaptive Sync | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
Battery life up to 10 hours
Strong gaming performance in a thin chassis
Keyboard lighting color can't be changed
The Asus TUF line is no stranger to affordable great performers. Last year’s Asus TUF A15, for instance, was simply brilliant while keeping things accessible to budget-conscious gamers. The Asus TUF Dash F15 is back to preserve that affordability while also delivering brute strength. It brings in Intel Tiger Lake processors, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3000 mobile GPUs, and up to a 240Hz 1080p display without costing a fortune while also keeping things light, thin, and military-grade durable.
A tactile mechanical keyboard and a 300Hz refresh rate display are just the beginning. The Gigabyte Aorus 17G (2021) touts an incredible gaming performance that might just be worthy of desktop gaming PCs. With one of the RTX 3000 GPUs under the hood, this will see you through the most graphics-intensive games, including competitive ones. And, because of its impressive battery life, you can do so away from a power source.
CPU: Up to 10th Generation Intel Core i9-10980HK | Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 2933MHz | Screen: 17.3" UHD 60Hz 25ms 500-nits display | Storage: Up to 4TB SSD + 512GB SSD
Blazing fast performance
Stylish chassis with plenty of ports
Battery life of less than 3 hours
It’s not always going to be substance over style. The Alienware m17 series continues to prove this with the new Alienware m17 R4, an extremely powerful gaming laptop with plenty of ports and an extremely stylish chassis that lights up like a Christmas tree. That way, you can play all the latest AAA games smoothing and in style. Of course, this being one of the fastest gaming laptops in 2021, it won’t be cheap. However, if you have the money, you’ll be glad you chose this.
Has some kinks and bugs that need to be worked out
Powerful great-value laptops aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, so when one does come out every now and then, we’re only too happy to test it out. The Asus ROG Strix G15 AMD Advantage Edition, one of the latest best value laptops to hit the streets, is AMD’s successful swing at the high-end, boasting AMD’s top processor and GPU. But, it isn’t just its performance that takes center stage here. That battery life is astounding as well, especially considering those powerful specs.
CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 – 3080 | RAM: Up to 32GB | Screen: 17.3" Full HD 360Hz – 17.3" 4K Touch 120Hz | Storage: 512GB – 1TB SSD
Gorgeous, speedy display
Great performance at 1080p
Gaming at 4K needs tweaking
If you’re looking for an absolute beast, the best gaming laptop for you might just be this follow-up to Razer’s 17-inch leviathan. More than just a gaming portable, it makes for an excellent mobile workstation for creators as well – although gamers who have the cash will appreciate the RTX 3000 GPU, up to 64GB of memory, and display with fast refresh rates. It’s pretty expensive, though, so unless you need all that power or you just have the money to throw away, you really have to make sure you’ll make the most of it.
One of the most powerful gaming laptops that money can buy in 2021, the Asus ROG Strix SCAR 17 G733 barely breaks a sweat. That excellent performance is due to the impressive specs it’s kitted out with, which also sadly put out of most people’s reach, price-wise. If you can afford it, however, there are a few other things you’ll love about it, including that unapologetic design that lights up like Christmas due to its resplendent RGB lighting and that optical mechanical keyboard that’s simply one of the best we've experienced on a laptop. This is among the best of the best out there, and a worthy consideration if you’re not limited by your budget.
Hands down one of the best gaming laptops we’ve tested, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro comes with all the makings of a nearly perfect portable for gaming. Its incredible performance is matched only by that gorgeous QHD IPS screen with up to 500 nits of brightness, Dolby Vision, and up to a 165Hz refresh rate. It also boasts excellent hardware controls, admirable battery life, and a full-sized keyboard. Budget-minded gamers will also appreciate the fact that while it’s among the best in its class, it’s also reasonably priced, making it a better value than its peers.
CPU: Up to 10th-gen Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 – 3060 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: Up to 15.6" QHD (2560x1440) 165Hz IPS-Level | Storage: From 512GB NVMe SSD
Great gaming performance to match older gaming rigs
The full-sized keyboard is a nice touch
Battery life is only at a little over 3 hours
If a powerful mid-range gaming laptop that does the job and doesn’t burn a big hole in your pocket is what you had in mind, the MSI Pulse GL66 might prove to be an appealing option. This affordable prospect still boasts some of the latest and greatest components without stepping into the premium sphere, giving those who’ve been wanting an RTX 3000 GPU an easier way in. Naturally, sacrifices had to be made, as is always the case. That battery life, for example, is sad by today’s standards – but considering the pricey Alienware line is plagued with the same issue, it’s not a deal-breaker here. Just remember to pack that charger.
A luxurious portable option comes in the form of a Razer, naturally. The manufacturer’s latest gaming laptop release, the Razer Blade 14, comes with lots of power with a Ryzen 9 from the 5000 series as well as the most powerful Nvidia 3000 graphics. That means you can pretty much play the latest AAA game on it without lugging around a heavy device around with you. At 0.66 inches thick and just under 4lb, that thin and light chassis is definitely a boon to gamers who often travel. Luckily, it also boasts a luxe design so you won’t hesitate to pull it out at a cafe or on a train. Of course, things are still solid, from performance to build.
Testing a gaming laptop isn’t as easy as you might think. But, then again, neither is narrowing down your options and choosing the best one for you, which is why we take our job seriously. Even if that means gaming for hours on end – hey, someone’s gotta make the sacrifice, right?
In all seriousness, we put every gaming laptop we test through its paces to make sure it delivers as promised and is worth your hard-earned case. That means that on top of playing the latest and hottest games on it, noting things like gaming and thermal performance, we also run synthetic benchmarks like PCMark 10, 3DMark and Geekbench 5 as well as battery tests.
Because a gaming laptop is only as good as its peripherals, we take a look at how smooth and fast the display is, how comfortable and responsive its keyboard is, whether or not there are enough ports on hand, and how good its overall design is. We also test its webcam, in case users want to utilize it for game streaming.
We then take everything we’ve learned about the gaming laptop and compare it to its price – whether or not it’s performance and features are worth that price tag, and whether or not it offers the best value to customers.
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