Best Convertible For 2023 To Enjoy Top-Down Driving

Not as many people drive convertibles as they used to, but you know what? Still, they are a great choice. Since my first car, I’ve never had one with a roof. When it comes to convertibles, I can tell you that the foldable-roof package has a lot to offer.

They are fun to drive, have quick engines, and are different from other cars. A soft-top convertible is hard to take care of, but I don’t mind because I always have a smile on my face when I’m driving one around town.

Here is a list of Roadshow’s best and most popular convertibles for you to look at. Check out what I have to say about using a convertible as your everyday car in the future.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata

Miata is always the answer for a good reason. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best convertible car because it is small, has rear-wheel drive, and has room for two people. In the RF trim, the most recent Miatas can be bought with either a soft top or a Targa top. To take off the soft top, you have to undo a single clasp in the middle. The maximum speed is 6 miles per hour, and it takes 13 seconds to lower the radio frequency (RF).

Yes, the 2.0-liter I4 engine can be bought with a six-speed manual transmission. It’s not the fastest car in a straight line, but it can handle turns better than even the most powerful cars.

The most expensive RF can be bought for about $35,000, plus $995 for shipping and handling. This makes it the most affordable option on this list.

Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette is the best buy in terms of price and quality. The base price of $68,495 includes $1,095 for shipping, but this mid-engine bad boy can compete with supercars that cost more than $100,000. The power retractable hardtop can be lowered in 13 seconds at up to 30 miles per hour.

The car has a 6.2-liter V8 engine, giving it 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. With the $5,995 Z51 Performance Package, the ‘Vette can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds. It has a limited-slip differential, a sport suspension, Brembo brakes, and high-grip summer tires.

The BMW 8 Series

If you want to go all out, you could get an M8 convertible instead of the base 840i or M850i xDrive model. The middle M850i is my favorite because it is powerful and stylish and has all-wheel drive. You can get as much Merino leather as you want and interior trim made of wood, piano black, or carbon fiber. There are heated seats, armrests, and a steering wheel. There are also ventilated seats and a neck warmer as an option.

You can also choose a diamond surround sound system with 1,375 watts of Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound and backup assistance, which helps you get out of tight parking spots by showing you the car’s path in reverse.

The M850i’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine makes 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, and the soft top’s multilayer fabric can be lowered in 15 seconds at up to 30 miles per hour. Of course, none of this tasty German food is cheap. For a basic M850i with no extras, you can expect to pay $122,395, which includes $995 for the destination.

Rolls-Royce Dawn

If you have the money, you can get what you want. With a starting price of $363,500, the Rolls-Royce Dawn is only for wealthy and famous people. This car has a soft top that can be taken down in 22 seconds at speeds of up to 32 mph and has good insulation.

In the background, a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine makes 563 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque. If this car wasn’t flying, you might think you were in Muir Woods because there is so much open-pore wood inside. With special climate control, you can keep your body and feet at the same temperature while getting a massage. Also, an umbrella awaits you if you get stuck outside in the rain. What a way to save time! You don’t even have to close the door by yourself. All you have to do is push a button. The only people who lock their doors are the hoi-polloi.

Most people don’t buy a base, Dawn. Instead, they have Rolls-Royce change the color or even cut down a tree on their property to use as wood for the inside.

Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet

The Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet has the best performance of any convertible car. The engine and transmission make an eight-speed PDK with 640 horsepower and 590 foot-pounds of torque. This is what moves the 3,800-pound convertible. It can go as fast as it wants. It takes 10.6 seconds to go a quarter mile and only 2.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. Oh, and driving with the top down is also a lot of fun. It can be lowered at least 31 miles per hour in 12 seconds.

This car doesn’t oversteer too much on twisty roads because it has all-wheel drive. Pirelli NA 255/35 tires on 20-inch wheels up front and huge 315/30 tires on 21-inch wheels in the back give it enough grip.

But Porsche is very expensive. Start by putting $217,650 in your budget, which includes $1,350 for travel costs.

McLaren 720S Spider

The McLaren 720S Spider is my favorite supercar convertible for those willing to pay for it. The top can be made out of carbon fiber or cool electrochromic glass, which can be colored or left clear. No matter what type of roof you choose, it can be lowered in 11 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.

The 720S Spider has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that makes 710 horsepower and 568 pounds-feet of torque. The power goes to the back wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a curb weight of 2,900 pounds, the McLaren can reach 62 mph in 2.9 seconds and the quarter-mile in 10.4 seconds. It can reach its top speed of 212 mph. Only the very best.

Since it’s a supercar, you might expect it to have supercar features like billionaire doors and sculpted body panels. Amount? Only $317,500, and $2,500 of that is for getting to and from the site.

American muscle

If you want an American muscle car, think about the Chevrolet Camaro convertible. The naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine in the ZL1 sounds great and can reach 30 mph in just 14 seconds, so it’s easy to drive crazy with the top down. With a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission, the rear wheels get 455 horsepower or 455 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough power if you don’t want to pay the ZL1’s gas-guzzler fee.

Even with the $995 destination charge, there is no reason why a V8 Camaro should cost more than $40,055.

Mini Cooper S

One of my favourite parts of the Mini Cooper S is the soft top that can be opened or closed. If you push the button, it will open all the way in 18 seconds at speeds up to 18 mph. You can also move it halfway back for a more open-air look. You can also have a Union Jack pattern woven into the fabric. Bonus!

Aside from its strange roof, the Mini is a lot of fun to drive. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine sends 180 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The convertible Mini lives up to the brand’s reputation for handling like a go-kart. It’s a joy to drive around corners because it’s low to the ground, small, and has a lot of power.

The base price of a Mini Cooper S convertible is $32,250, which includes $850 in destination fees.

Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the few convertible cars on the market with four seats that can fit adults in the back. 34.1 inches of legroom in the back. Compared to the 29.5 inches of legroom in the back of the BMW 8-Series convertible, this is a lot of legroom.

The E-Aircap Class’s system also has a wind deflector and a device to keep your neck warm. This system reduces air turbulence for both front and back seat passengers. At 31 mph, the top can come down in 20 seconds.

The E 450 Cabriolet is powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a turbocharger. In addition to the 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, the mild-hybrid EQ Boost system adds 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Plan on spending $73,000, which includes $1,000 in destination fees.

Jeep Wrangler

You can’t go wrong with a Jeep Wrangler if you want your convertible to be able to go almost anywhere. You have to put in some work if you want to go topless. The three-piece hardtop has two “freedom panels” that can be taken off. It still takes time and tools, but you can put them in your Jeep if you don’t have too much gear for getting out of trouble or camping. Most of the hardtop needs to be removed with a friend’s help and some tools. You’ll also need a place in your garage to store it once it’s off.

There are two soft toppers to choose from, but you can’t just push a button to fold them down. There are zippers and Velcro straps to pull and Velcro windows to take out. From March to November, it’s best to drive with the top down, even if it rains.

A basic Wrangler can still take you a long way from civilization even with just the front and rear lockers and sway bar disconnect. When it comes to engines, buyers can choose between a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine. Base 2-door Sport models will cost $29,970, which includes $1,495 in destination fees.

Comparison of the best convertibles for 2023

Category	Name	Convertible top speed	Base price
Best convertible overall	2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata	3 seconds soft top/13 seconds hard top	$27,825
Best convertible for the money	2023 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible	13 seconds	$68,495
Best luxury convertible	2023 BMW 8 Series Convertible	15 seconds	$122,395
Best ultra-luxury convertible	2023 Rolls-Royce Dawn	22 seconds	$363,500
Best performance convertible	2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet	12 seconds	$217,650
Best ultra-performance convertible	2023 McLaren 720S Spider	11 seconds	$317,500
Best muscle car convertible	2023 Chevrolet Camaro V8 Convertible	14 seconds	$40,995
Best small convertible	2023 Mini Cooper S Convertible	18 seconds	$32,250
Best four-seater convertible	2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet	20 seconds	$73,000
Best convertible SUV	2023 Jeep Wrangler	18 seconds Sky One-Touch/est 5 minutes soft top/est 10 minutes hard top	$29,970

The Mazda MX-5 Miata will always be found on any best convertible list.

What’s The Best Convertible to Buy?

It’s a good idea to buy a convertible that fits your lifestyle and makes you happy, as long as you can afford it. I could go on and on about how great the Mazda Miata is as a convertible, but it’s not the best choice if you often go out with three friends or a family of six. If your budget is like a pint of stout, you shouldn’t buy a Rolls-Royce Dawn.

These days, there is a convertible for every budget and every taste. If you like going off-road, you should get a Jeep Wrangler. The Chevrolet Camaro has what you need when it comes to straight-line power. And hey, if money is no object, the McLaren 720S isn’t the worst thing you could buy.

Is a Hardtop or Soft-top Convertible Better?

This comes down to personal preference. Electronic hardtops are more likely to break because they have moving parts, which are inherently inefficient. But a hardtop is often better at keeping water out and can handle the weight of snow better. If you have to park on the street, they also keep you warmer and safer.

Soft tops are sometimes easier to take off, but the soft top on the Jeep Wrangler is hard. They are also a cheaper alternative to a hard top. But they are harder to keep clean and make a lot of noise inside the car. If the soft top you want has an option for a glass rear window instead of a plastic one, spend the extra money to get the glass window. The plastic ones get scratched easily, and after a year, you won’t be able to see out the back very well.

A soft-top can also be a lure for people who want to break into your car. I’ve made it a habit to keep nothing valuable in my car and to leave the door unlocked. If a knife goes through your soft top, it can cost you a lot of money. Let the jerk open the door so he can look at your awful CD collection.

Are convertibles good in the rain?

Yes, open-top cars are great in the rain. Older soft tops may leak slightly in the rain, but new convertibles shouldn’t be hard. But your tires are something you should keep an eye on. I want you to know that summer tires are often a standard convertible feature because they work better in hotter weather. When it starts to rain and gets colder, your tires may have less grip. People living where it gets colder should get a set of winter tires.

Can you drive a soft-top convertible in the winter?

You can drive a car with a soft top in the winter. Make sure all the snow is gone before you leave, and remember what I said about the tires. The soft top won’t keep you as warm as the hard top, so you might want to bring a sweater and turn up the heat.

On a clear day with snow all around, one of life’s few pleasures is to bundle up and drop the soft top. However, remember that many soft tops shrink slightly when it gets cold. They might be easy to take down, but putting them back up might take some muscle.

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The Best Walking Shoes For Men in 2023

Whether they’re running shoes or sneakers, walking shoes can be a lot of fun or a lot of pain. For comfort, it’s important to get the exact right size, as anyone with very sore feet, heel pain, or a condition like plantar fasciitis knows. A good walking shoe can make all the difference by giving your feet support and keeping them from hurting or getting hurt. On the other hand, a shoe that doesn’t fit right can cause blisters or cramps in your feet.

Not only should a good pair of walking shoes be comfortable, but they should also have good grip, air flow, and ankle support. When buying shoes, you should think about the shape of your foot. For example, people with wide feet should choose shoes that are made for this type of foot.

The best walking shoes for men, according to usonline.com, are ranked among the best and are recommended by podiatrists for daily use. It’s time to change things. It would be nice to add some new items to this list every now and then.

Brooks Addiction Walker 2

Pronation, or the downward rotation of the foot, is sometimes exacerbated by low arches or flat feet. Pronation can be viewed by putting your foot flat on the ground and attempting to press your bow into the floor.

Pronated feet require “firm bottoms that prevent the shoes from bending or flexing,” says Dr. Velimir Petkov, proprietor of Premier Podiatry in Clifton, New Jersey. A neutral stance can be maintained with these shoes without the feet overpronating. ”

There comes Brooks Addiction Walker Walker. Rigid sole and medium arch provide just enough arch support to prevent feet from overpronating, but not so much that they are pushed into supination.

And it lasts a long time, too.

The Asics Gel-Nimbus

The arch of a high arch tends to turn up, like a low arch, and the outside of the foot presses down on the ground, which causes the foot to turn outward. If you don’t fix your supination, you could end up with problems in your ankles and knees.

Dr. Zohreh Mancil, a podiatrist at Louisiana’s Slidell Memorial Hospital, had recommended the Asics Gel-Nimbus because it has great support for the arch and ankle.

Petkov recommends custom insoles for all types of foot arches, whether they are high or low. These can be put into most shoes and sneakers, “no matter what kind of foot anatomy you have,” to stabilize the foot and ankle joints.

The Vionic Classic Walker

To put it mildly, people with plantar fasciitis have difficulty shopping for shoes. Once you find shoes that give your feet the proper support, that all changes, Petkov says that you should look for shoes with arch support to take pressure off the plantar fascia.

He said deeper problems in the foot often cause plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can be avoided by wearing shoes with arch support to keep the arches from falling.

Mancil has previously suggested the Vionic Classic Walker, a shoe with all the features needed to treat plantar fasciitis.

With features like a heel counter and removable insoles, no space exists between the heel and the toe. Wide arch support keeps the feet from rolling in too far so that the plantar fascia doesn’t have to.

The Skechers Vigor Serpentine 2.0

Petkov says that if you have wide feet, you should look for shoes with a giant toe box. He thinks this is true for everyone, especially those with bunions or other foot problems. Wearing too-tight shoes can cause ingrown toenails, which no one wants.

The Skechers Vigor Serpentine 2.0 can be found in the Skechers Men’s Wide Fit collection. They have a solid heel, a firm outsole, and much cushioning, just like you’d expect from a good walking shoe.

Customers on Skechers and Amazon love this walking sneaker’s memory foam insole and padded tongue. They also like how durable and stable it is.

Salomon

Petkov says that if you like to hike in the woods, you should get a pair of durable shoes that can absorb shock.

For example, ethylene-vinyl acetate is often used to make foam. He says that the cushioned midsole of the shoe can help the ankle joints and tendons that keep your feet balanced when you walk on rough terrain by absorbing more shock.

The Salomon Pathfinder is a great shoe for walking on trails, gravel, and other places that could be dangerous. Salomon is best known for its hiking and trail running shoes, but it also makes great walking shoes for everyday use, like the Explorer.

Customers on Amazon have said that these shoes run a bit small, so you might want to get a half-size bigger. Besides that, it seems like most people like it.

How did I choose the best walking shoes for men?

I turned to Dr. Petkov of Premier Podiatry for help with this piece. After making a list of more than 30 types of walking shoes, I used online reviews to find the ones that customers liked the most. My final choice was a pair of walking shoes that were very comfortable, stable, and durable.

More for people trying to get up is to move

This article’s contents are provided solely for general educational and informational reasons and should not be construed as medical advice. You should always seek the advice of a medical professional if you have any concerns or questions about your health.

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Discover the Exciting New Features of Instagram!

The “Meta” company responsible for the “Instagram” network has announced the launch of a new feature in the network that many users may like.

“The new Channels feature allows content creators on Instagram to share public messages between one person and interact directly with their followers, and this feature supports various types of content such as text, images, polls, reactions and more.”

And posting through the new feature will be limited to “channel” creators who are content creators only on “Instagram,” and followers of those channels will be able to respond to content and engage with posts or opinion polls, according to TechCrunch.

Mark Zuckerberg has also indicated that “Channels” on Instagram will have additional features in future and it is assumed that this service will be launched in the Messenger and Facebook applications in the coming months.

According to available information, the new feature has been introduced in via experimental on a number of accounts on ‘Instagram’ now, and should reach more users in future.

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The Best Running Shoes For Men in 2023

Getting the right running shoes can make or break your performance, no matter how many marathons you’ve run or how long you’ve been running. If you wear the wrong running shoes, you might lose a toenail. On the other hand, if you wear the right running shoes, you might feel fast, light on your feet, and ready to take on the world.

When looking for running shoes for someone else, it’s important to keep in mind that the best pair will depend on the person. No matter how much the person you’re giving the gift to loves you, they won’t wear a pair of running shoes that gives them blisters, pinches their toes, feels lumpy or uneven, or gives them a headache.

This list of the best running shoes for men should cover all of your needs. Men’s running shoes for 2022, hand-picked by me based on my own preference for better-looking styles and colours, expert advice from a running coach, and tens of thousands of customer reviews. I have some tips for you if you or the person you’re giving the gift to need a running mask.

In our review, we will also talk about the best running shoes for women. There are always new things on these lists.

Brooks ghost 13

Allow me to begin by stating that I am a Brooks fan. Despite the fact that I have used Brooks running shoes for many years, the only other pair of running shoes I will wear are for cross-training purposes (described below). The fact that Brooks running shoes have received overwhelmingly positive ratings across the internet suggests that I am not alone in my opinion.

In particular, the fan following for the ghost shoes has grown significantly throughout the years. The Ghost 13 is the most recent iteration of these time-honored classics. Because of their 12mm heel in tip drop, the heel of these shoes is 12mm higher than the toe. The full-foot support provided by the Ghost 13s’ arc support is another feature that contributes to their overall comfort.

When it comes to road running, Brooks claims that Ghost shoes are a decent choice, but I found that they exceeded all expectations as trail running shoes, despite the fact that they are not waterproof.

Long runs on hot days can be made more bearable by the shoes’ mesh uppers, which allow air to circulate through the shoe and keep the runner cool.

Nobull

Nobull shoes are mostly for CrossFitters and the largest functional fitness community in the world. The company started out making sneakers, but now it also makes running shoes for men that come in mesh, ripstop, and knit styles.

In general, the mesh runners from Nobull have the lowest heel-to-toe drop of all the shoes the company makes (7mm vs 10mm drop on knitted and ripstop styles). They might not be the best choice if you want a pair of men’s running shoes with less bulk.

But, because the mesh upper is layered and the midsole is flexible, these shoes are great for cross-training that includes jogging. As a CrossFit coach, I know how painful it can be to do five rounds of a workout that starts with running 400 metres in flat shoes.

Cross-trainers should check out the Nobull Mesh Runner because they are durable and soft enough to handle sprints, burpees, box jumps, and other high-impact movements, but solid enough to support you during stationary exercises like the squat.

Athletic Mouse ST-3

Mollie Millington is a personal trainer and running coach. She says that minimalist shoes are a great thing to say. “Some people like them. People with a forefoot shot tend to like minimalist shoes, while people with a heel forward tend to complain that these shoes don’t have enough cushioning.”

But minimalist shoes take some time to get used to. She says that you need to gradually increase your mileage to build up the muscles in your feet, which shoes have helped you do, and to make your legs more responsive when running barefoot.

The Athletic Mouse ST-3 minimalist running shoes, on the other hand, are a great place to start. Reviewers have said this shoe feels like jogging barefoot, but it has just enough padding to keep your feet safe from rocks and roots. This shoe has a 16mm cushion and no sharp heel drop.

Because these shoes are flat, they can also be used as training shoes, giving you more for your money.

Hoka One One

There are different things about minimalist and lightweight running shoes. You can have a lightweight shoe with all of the above features, just like real minimalist shoes, which are flat and have little padding.

The Hoka One One Rincon running shoes have a 5mm heel drop and a big pillow, but they only weigh 7.7 ounces. When it comes to speed and support, these shoes are great. Because of their small size and the way the Hokaka Meta-Rocker is made, they can play fast cadences.

One important thing to remember is that while many reviewers loved how comfortable these shoes were, others hated how quickly they broke down after only 150 miles of use. A few miles a week isn’t a big deal, but 150 miles in two months is a different story.

Cloudflare

Millington says that comfort is the most important thing a long-distance runner should look for in a running shoe. If you’re going to run for a long time, you need to make sure your feet are in good shape. If you can, try the shoes on a treadmill in the store to see if they work for you.

Millington recommends On Cloudflyer if you want a unique running shoe that makes the most of the space between your sole and midsole. Because they have more space, shoes with more bounce and less weight can be more comfortable for longer runs.

Could it be that people on Amazon either love or hate these shoes? No one can agree on who is better between our fans and our rivals.

Salomon

Salomon makes great shoes for trail running. This brand is well-known among trail runners and hikers because its shoes are well-made and last a long time. Millington says that Sense Ride 3 by Salomon was a big win for her.

In addition to the 8 mm heel drop, these trail running shoes have a tight-knit sweater, a gripping outer sole, and Salomon Quicklace laces.

How to watch and what to see Millington says that when it comes to shoes in general, he likes waterproof trail running shoes. “The different terrain also requires a lot of stability,” he says. The strengthened toe protects the foot from rocks and roots, and the deep tread helps the shoe grip the ground better.

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How I chose these running shoes

This list of the best running shoes isn’t complete, but I’ve had some experience with them and know my way around them. I ran for about ten years, and I wore various shoes, from inexpensive to expensive, during that time.

Personal experience: My research was informed by the shoes I’ve tried in the past, but I tried to remember that I’m unlikely to have the same experience with any given shoe as I did with those that worked or didn’t. I’m only here to provide you with some context for what you’re reading.

Professional entrance: I engaged the services of PT Mollie’s certified execution coach, Mollie Millington, to help me narrow down my final choices for running shoes.

Highly rated: It’s important to look for comfort, support, quality, and longevity in a running shoe when shopping for a new pair. I created this list of running shoes using customer reviews on Amazon, Google, and the company websites.

More health e fitness advice

This material is only for educational and informational purposes. It does not give medical or health advice. If you have questions or concerns about your health or the health of a loved one, you should never be afraid to talk to a doctor.

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Best Laptop Under $500 For 2023

You might think that buying a new laptop will cost a lot of money. If you are willing to put in the time and work, you can still find great deals. Even if you know a lot about computers, it’s harder to get a good laptop for less than $500 since the COVID-19 virus made people work from home. There were a lot of problems in the last year, but people still want to use Windows or Chrome OS (also known as a Chromebook). Even though the WFH rushes caused by the coronavirus are over, there are still not enough parts. There is also a lot of demand for cheap hardware and low-cost laptops.

We don’t want you to move quickly, even though there is a lot of interest. Like this one, there are a lot of cheap laptops that are not worth the money. For those that are worth it, we’ve picked out the best laptops under $500 to help you find the one with the features and hardware specs that are right for you.

Think Long-term

Don’t buy something just because you need it as a general rule. For example, don’t buy a laptop for $500 just because you can’t find one for less. It can be like going grocery shopping when you’re starving. Even when they’re only $500, laptops can cost a lot. If what Intel and PC makers say about statistics is true, you’ll have it for at least three years.

You can also try to get a little more life out of your current laptop by taking care of it. Check out places where you can buy used computers, and if you work for a charity or school, see if you can get a discount. You should also look for a laptop with the most important features you want, such as a touch screen or keys that light up. You’ll be sorry if you don’t.

If you plan to keep your laptop for a long time, you could spend a little more money to get more memory or a processor with more cores. Check to see if this is possible. If you haven’t thought about it yet, AMD Ryzen processors might be a good alternative to Intel Core. Look into them.

A cheap laptop whose battery can be changed or that has more memory, a better graphics card, and more space to store things. Or any or all of these. You won’t have to stay home all the time, either. Think about how important it will be to you, in the long run, to have a light laptop with a long battery life.

You could add an extra drive or two (or five, if you’re me) in a few years. Cheap laptops often have hard drives that spin slowly. Even if you have a fast external hard drive, it won’t be able to help speed up loading Windows or other programs. If you need to, you can usually set up a computer to start up from an external solid-state drive.

When talking about slow hard drives that spin at 5,400 RPM, you may hear the term “Intel Optane.” Optane is fast solid-state memory that helps speed things up by storing frequently used files temporarily on the hard drive. This isn’t as good as an SSD drive, but it doesn’t help as much.

Lastly, if you’re getting rid of an old Windows laptop that can’t run Windows anymore, you might want to turn it into a Chromebook.

Trade-offs

Don’t buy something just because you need it as a general rule. For example, don’t buy a laptop for $500 just because you can’t find one for less. It can be like going grocery shopping when you’re starving. Even when they’re only $500, laptops can cost a lot. If what Intel and PC makers say about statistics is true, you’ll have it for at least three years.

You can also try to get a little more life out of your current laptop by taking care of it. Check out places where you can buy used computers, and if you work for a charity or school, see if you can get a discount. You should also look for a laptop with the most important features you want, such as a touch screen or keys that light up. You’ll be sorry if you don’t.

If you plan to keep your laptop for a long time, you could spend a little more money to get more memory or a processor with more cores. Check to see if this is possible. If you haven’t thought about it yet, AMD Ryzen processors might be a good alternative to Intel Core. Look into them.

A cheap laptop whose battery can be changed or that has more memory, a better graphics card, and more space to store things. Or any or all of these. You won’t have to stay home all the time, either. Think about how important it will be to you in the long run to have a light laptop with a long battery life.

You could add an extra drive or two (or five, if you’re me) in a few years. Cheap laptops often have hard drives that spin slowly. Even if you have a fast external hard drive, it won’t be able to help speed up loading Windows or other programmes. If you need to, you can usually set up a computer to start up from an external solid-state drive.

When talking about slow hard drives that spin at 5,400 RPM, you may hear the term “Intel Optane.” Optane is fast solid-state memory that helps speed things up by storing frequently used files temporarily on the hard drive. This isn’t as good as an SSD drive, but it doesn’t help as much.

Lastly, if you’re getting rid of an old Windows laptop that can’t run Windows anymore, you might want to turn it into a Chromebook.

Lenovo’s Duet Chromebook is a part laptop, part Android tablet

But because they are cloud-first, you don’t need a lot of storage space built in because they don’t need it. You can also use them to surf the web, write, watch videos on your phone, or play Android games if you do those things a lot. If you want to play Android games, you’ll need a laptop that you can touch.

Most games won’t work on a laptop that costs less than $500, though. About $700 will get you the least expensive gaming laptop that is still good for the money. These are the laptops that have even moderately powerful discrete graphics processors. If you want to buy the best laptop for playing games, here are our suggestions.

If you like to be on the cutting edge, however, you can use services like Google Stadia and Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to play games on low-end laptops that cost less than $500.

Specs to keep in mind

As long as Chromebooks can only run apps for Chrome OS and Android, some people need the full Windows OS to run heavier apps like video editing software. To make things faster, you’ll need a computer with a lot of cores, memory (at least 8GB), and a lot of storage. Many of them have 4GB or 6GB of memory, which can make Windows run very slowly when used with a spinning hard drive.

• In this price range, I’m seeing a lot of Windows laptops with AMD Athlon and lower-end A series and Intel Celeron processors to keep the price down. Because Windows is too heavy for them, I don’t think I’d recommend getting an Athlon or a Celeron instead of a Ryzen or a Core or a Xeon. With the 4GB of memory that many of these have, you might find them slow at best.
• There are a lot of people who like the 11-inch Chromebooks because they are cheap. But we don’t think that size is good for anyone but the youngest kids. And if you’re both going to be looking at the screen a lot when you’re learning from home, 11 inches can be very small.
• There is a big difference in how fast Windows runs on a spinning hard drive and on a solid-state drive, but they also cost more money than a spinning hard drive. So if your budget can go a little further and you want more storage, you might want to think about getting a 128GB SSD.
• Keep an eye on screen terminology when it comes to specs: An “HD” screen may not always be a truly high-definition screen, but it could be. Some people call HD “Full HD,” which has a resolution of 1,920×1,080 pixels. This allows marketers to refer to lower-resolution displays (1,280×720 pixels) as HD, which they can sell to people. There are many different kinds of Chromebooks, but the term “HD” is most commonly used to describe a screen with a resolution of 1,366×768 pixels. Another common complaint I hear is about “washed-out” looking displays that are hard to see from all angles. In the end, that’s one of the trade-offs: It’s cheap, but it’s not very good. A lot of these have TN (twisted nematic) screens.
• Pay attention to how you meet people. If you buy cheap models with older chipsets, they might only be able to use Wi-Fi 3 (or 802.11b/g/n). These chipsets, known as 802.11ac, also have a 5GHz channel. Wi-Fi 3 only has 2.4GHz channels; these are slower than chipsets with Wi-Fi 4 (aka 802.11ac). It’s not always easy to figure out what the specifications are on the shopping sites. If you see a model that doesn’t seem to have Wi-Fi 4, double-check on the manufacturer’s site before you rule it out. Remember that Chromebooks are mostly used to connect to the internet, so Wi-Fi speed and stability are very important.

Some of the best Windows laptops and Chromebooks under $500 in 2022, with their pros and cons, are shown in this list.

Lenovo IdeaPad

 This Lenovo IdeaPad is essentially a Chrome version of the first Microsoft Surface Go. Like the Go, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a 10-inch tablet with a detachable keyboard and touchpad. Unlike Microsoft, though, Lenovo includes the keyboard. This Lenovo laptop also costs much less than the Microsoft Surface Go (including the Microsoft Surface Go 2), starting at $249 list for a 64GB version or $299 for one with 128GB of storage. The Lenovo IdeaPad is essentially a smaller, albeit less powerful, Pixel Slate that makes more sense for more people with a price that’s more in line with what people expect a Chromebook to cost.

However, the screen is small, so if you often use it at a desk, we recommend connecting an external monitor to its USB-C port. You might also want to connect a wireless keyboard and mouse.

Acer Aspire

It comes with an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor, which has Vega graphics processing. This is the Acer Aspire 5 15-inch clamshell from 2022. It also has a USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, two USB 2.0 ports, and an HDMI port. Some of the features of this Acer Aspire 15-inch laptop don’t allow you to run a lot of programs or open a lot of browser tabs at the same time, but the laptop weighs less than 4 pounds. Some other models have come out in the last few years, but this one is still there.

If you’d rather have a wider screen instead of the taller one of a 13-inch model, this HP is the way to go. It’s a bit wider than a premium 13.3-inch model, but that extra width makes it easier to work in two windows side by side. The two-in-one design means you can use it as a tablet (though it’s a bit heavy to use handheld) or tent it and connect an external keyboard and mouse and use it as a small all-in-one computer.

In our testing, the Core i3 processor and 8GB of memory kept it running smoothly even with a couple of dozen tabs open and streaming video in the background. And it has a long battery life to boot, lasting 10 hours, 40 minutes in our tests.

This Lenovo laptop has a 13-inch, full HD screen, but it also comes with an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, 4GB of memory, and 64GB of SSD storage for a very good price, making it a good value for the money. There isn’t much use for the Lenovo Flex when you’re outside, because the screen isn’t very bright. There’s also a model with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD that costs less than $500.

Samsung Chromebook

15-inch Samsung Chromebook: This one has a Celeron N4000 processor and 4GB of RAM. It has a hard drive with 32GB of space (plus an extra 32GB via an SD card). There are cheaper laptop versions of the Samsung Chromebook at the same link that start at $390. They’re all 11-inch models, so I wouldn’t buy one unless it was for a young student or a small space.

Asus VivoBook S15,

Amazon is now selling a Core i3 8GB laptop for about $435, which is a good price for a Windows laptop with an Intel Core processor. You’ll also see listings for computers with 4GB of RAM, but that’s way too little memory for Windows, which can only get by with 8GB of RAM. It’s not the same as the Asus VivoBook S15, which is thinner, lighter, and more expensive.

Models are coming, but not yet in stock. There’s a 2020 model that comes in under $500, but it has a high-end Ryzen 5 processor and more storage space. If you want to see what B&H has, you can.

Just a bit above $500

There are times when this laptop’s price drops below $500, but it usually stays around $500.

HP higher-end mainstream two-in-one

HP’s high-end mainstream two-in-one is at the top of the range, but this HP laptop has a great set-up for the money. If you buy this laptop, you get a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, and a 128 GB SSD. You also get a convertible and a better build. The screen isn’t real HD, but at 14 inches, that shouldn’t be a big deal.

More laptop and WFH recommendations

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The Best Personal Loans For July 2023

A personal loan is more flexible than a credit card and gives you more choices. Consider if you’re looking for an intelligent way to pay for home improvements, pay off debt, pay for a wedding, or pay for a medical emergency. Personal loans that are OK for your needs will vary from person to person. Still, these suggestions help you figure out what to do.

Credit cards are usually best if you can pay off a purchase in one month. On the other hand, a personal loan can last anywhere from one to twelve years, and you can use the money for almost anything you can think of! (except for making investments or paying for college). For example, you can use a personal loan like an auto loan or a debt consolidation loan to pay off other debts faster and with less hassle at a lower interest rate. Some lenders may even let you get money ahead of time. Most personal loans have a fixed interest rate, and most of the time, the faster you pay off the loan, the less interest you’ll pay.

Even though interest rates on personal loans are set, they can vary quite a bit, giving you choices as a consumer. Currently, annual percentage rates range from about 2% to over 30%, depending on the lender and your unique financial profile, which includes your credit score, credit history, and debt-to-income ratio. You want to find the loan that will cost you the least, including all fees and interest. You should also ensure the loan doesn’t have a prepayment penalty, which means you’ll have to pay a fee if you pay it off early. Depending on what the loan is for and how much money you make, these kinds of costs can add up.

For example, borrowing $10,000 at a 9.99 percent APR paid back over five years would take 60 monthly payments of $201.81 (and would cost you $2,108.60 in total interest). Wells Fargo’s  Rate and Payment calculator or SoFi’s Loan Calculator can help you understand how interest rates and loan terms will affect your monthly payment and the overall cost.

Best Personal Loans, Compared

Loan issuer	LightStream	SoFi	Marcus	Avant	Wells Fargo
APR	2.49%-20.49%	5.99%-18.53%	6.99%-19.99%	9.95%-35.99%	5.99%-24.49%
Repayment terms	2-12 years	2-7 years	3-6 years	2-5 years	1-7 years
Funding amounts	$5,000 – $100,000	$5,000 – $100,000	$3,500 – $40,000	$2,000 – $35,000	$3,000 – $100,000
Funding timeline	Same day	7 days	1-4 business days	Next business day	Next business day
Origination fee	None	None	None	Up to 4.75%	None
Other fees	None	None	None	Rejected payment: $15; late payment: $25	Rejected payment: $39; late payment: $39
Credit requirement (estimated)	700-800	680 and up	N/A	600 and up	N/A

Before applying for a loan, it’s a good idea to look around, but you should be smart about it. Even if your loan application is turned down or you decide not to move forward, it will still appear on your credit report as a “hard pull,” which could affect your credit score.

Lenders may offer more than one type of personal loan for different purposes, like paying for home improvements or getting rid of debt. Most of the time, though, there are only two main types of loans. A personal loan that doesn’t need collateral lets you borrow money and pay it back over time at a fixed interest rate. Before getting a collateralized personal loan, you must put up a valuable item as security. Even though most OK personal loans don’t charge for “origination,” “administration,” or “rejected payments,” people with lower credit scores may have to pay these fees because they don’t have many other options.

It’s also a good idea to read the fine print to see if any costs need to be clarified and to find out if any benefits need to be clarified. Some loans, for example, offer a discount if you pay on time. Depending on the type of personal loan and the lender, the interest rate may differ for each. A credit union with physical locations might have different rules than an online lender. Before you make any decisions, you should do your research.

We can help, however. We looked at the best personal loan companies in the United States and listed the best ones below. Most of the time, these lenders offer competitive individual loan rates, a range of loan amounts, flexible repayment terms, and quick funding (usually within one to four business days). Remember, each personal loan lender and loan offer can differ, with loan approval, availability, and terms and conditions that depend heavily on your financial situation.

• APR: 2.49%-20.49%
• Repayment terms: 2-12 years
• Funding amounts: $5,000-$100,000
• Funding timeline: 1 business day
• Origination fee: None
• Other fees: None
• Minimum credit score required: “Good credit”

LightStream’s personal loans have no fees, money the same day, and a low APR. Your actual interest rate will depend on things like your credit history and how long you have to pay back the loan (up to 12 years). You can start your search for one with a personal loan. Trust is the result of the recent merger between SunTrust Bank and BB&T, which created LightStream.)

LightStream has strict credit requirements, so people with bad credit should be aware. When asked about what makes for good credit, the company said a few years of credit history with few late payments, a manageable amount of revolving credit card debt, some liquid reserves, and a steady and enough income.

• APR: 5.99%-18.53%
• Repayment terms: 2-7 years
• Funding amounts: $5,000-$100,000
• Funding timeline: Up to 7 days
• Origination fee: None
• Other fees: None
• Minimum credit score required: 680

With SoFi loans, you can borrow up to $100,000 and pay nothing at the end. Even though all loan providers look at your credit history and how much debt you have compared to how much money you make, this lender is one of the few that is honest about the credit score you need to get a loan. At the moment, some of SoFi’s loans come with a bonus of up to $360.

• APR: 6.99%-19.99%
• Repayment terms: 3-6 years
• Funding amounts: $3,500-$40,000
• Funding timeline: Up to 4 business days
• Origination fee: None
• Other fees: None
• Minimum credit score required: Not specified

Marcus doesn’t charge any fees and has a range of reasonable APRs. You can pay it back over six years, making it a good choice for people who need a short-term loan. Let’s say you want to get a loan from Goldman Sachs with no fees. In that case, you might be disappointed that the white-glove investment firm will lend you at most $40,000.

• APR: 5.99%-24.49%
• Repayment terms: 1-7 years
• Funding amounts: $3,000-$100,000
• Funding timeline: Next business day
• Origination fee: None
• Other fees: Rejected payment: $39; late payment: $39
• Minimum credit score required: None

Online banks usually don’t have physical locations and now control most of the personal loan market. (Because they don’t have any branches to run, they can offer better terms for online personal loans.) “Some people may feel more comfortable borrowing money after meeting a bank employee in their neighborhood. Wells Fargo has the best APRs, the most flexibility, and the most ways to get money out of the big lenders. Wells Fargo may charge extra fees for late or NSF (nonsufficient funds) payments, also called rejected prices. These fees can change at any time. These can also add up.

• APR: 9.95%-35.99%
• Repayment terms: 2-5 years
• Funding amounts: $2,000-$35,000
• Funding timeline: Next business day
• Origination fee: Up to 4.75%
• Other fees: Rejected payment: $15; late payment: $25
• Minimum credit score required: 600

People often say that “fair credit” is more important to Avant than “superior credit” when it comes to lending decisions. A company representative said that people with a credit score of 600 or higher “have the best chance” of getting a loan, but anyone can apply for one.

Most loans have higher fees and interest rates for people who don’t have a solid financial base. In some cases, Avant charges administrative fees of up to 4.75 percent. Interest rates are more likely to be higher if your credit score is less than 600. The highest interest rate you can get on an Avant loan is 35.99 percent, which could cost you hundreds of dollars in interest over time. When you do this, you should be careful.

Other loans to consider

• APR: 5.99%-24.99%
• Repayment terms: 2-5 years
• Funding amounts: $5,000-$40,000
• Funding timeline: 2-5 business days
• Origination fee: Up to 5%
• Other fees: None
• Minimum credit score required: 640

 

• APR: 5.99%-29.99%
• Repayment terms: 3-5 years
• Funding amounts: $2,000-$35,000
• Funding timeline: 1-3 business days
• Origination fee: 0.99%-6.99%
• Other fees: Rejected payment: $15; late payment: $15
• Minimum credit score required: None

 

• APR: 7.99%-35.97%
• Repayment terms: 3- and 5-year terms
• Funding amounts: $1,000-$35,000
• Funding timeline: Next business day
• Origination fee: 2.9-8%
• Other fees: Rejected payment: $10; late payment: $10
• Minimum credit score required: None

• APR: 7.98%-35.99%
• Repayment terms: 3- and 5-year terms
• Funding amounts: $1,000-$50,000
• Funding timeline: Next business day
• Origination fee: Up to 8%
• Other fees: Rejected payment: $15; late payment: 5% of payment or $15, whichever is greater
• Minimum credit score required: None

Frequently asked questions

What is a personal loan?

Take out a personal loan to consolidate debt, pay for home improvements, pay for a wedding or other family-related expense, or pay for a medical emergency. The lender will let you use the money for anything besides paying for school or investing.

But some lenders will give you anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000. The majority of personal loans range from $5,000 to $50,000. On average, it takes three to five years to pay back. Most institutions charge an average interest rate between 10% and 15%, but it can be as low as 2.4% or as high as 36%. But if you have a few bad marks on your credit history, lenders may be less likely to give you money.

Which factors determine my APR?

A personal loan’s APR is based on the same things that determine whether or not you can get the loan in the first place. Most of the time, the lowest annual percentage rate (APR) is given to people who have excellent credit and a long history of being responsible with their money. People with less-than-stellar credit histories will have to pay higher interest rates. Banks often give better terms to people who don’t need to borrow as much, which is a sad irony.

The APR may be lower on a smaller loan with a shorter term, which is another reason to pay off your loan as soon as possible. The size and length of the loan are also important things to think about. On the surface, longer terms may seem cheaper because the monthly payment is less, but in the long run, this can lead to more overall costs.

Do I need a certain credit score to qualify?

In order to qualify for a personal loan, most lenders consider a wide range of characteristics. Yes, your credit score is significant, but so are your credit history, present financial circumstances (including employment status and annual income), debt-to-income ratio, and any other debts or commitments you may have . Lenders want to know how likely it is that you will be able to pay back the loan on schedule.

An excellent credit score can help you get a better interest rate. It may be more difficult if you have a credit score below 600. The lower end of the range, though, may suffice if you have a consistent employment or a steady income. The same holds true whether you’ve just recently lost your work or have a lot of outstanding bills.

Payoff’s “Getting Approved” page includes a helpful criteria overview.

Once I’m approved, when can I expect to receive my funds?

In general, an order takes between one and three business days to process. How quickly you answer questions about your finances could have a big effect. Keep in mind that transfers from other banks take longer to arrive at some checking accounts than at others.

What are the alternatives to a personal loan?

Paying in cash is preferable to taking out a personal loan. As a last resort, you could apply for a 0% APR debt transfer credit card or another credit card that offers an initial zero percent APR promotional term. During the introductory period, which typically lasts between six and 18 months, you must pay off the entire sum in order to avoid being exposed to the high APRs that are typical of these credit cards.

Poor credit means you may only qualify for a secured personal loan, which offers lower interest rates in exchange for the requirement that you put up some asset as security.

What’s the difference between a secured loan and an unsecured loan?

Lenders may advertise loans for things like home improvements or paying off debts. Most of the time, though, a loan is a loan, and there are only two types. With an unsecured personal loan, you can repay it over a set amount of time at a fixed interest rate. You must put up an asset as collateral if your credit score is low. So, you can only get a secured personal loan. Borrowers with low credit scores and few options may have no choice but to take out loans that require them to pay fees for “origination,” “administration,” or rejected payments.

What can’t I use a personal loan for?

Most lenders won’t let you use loan money to pay for college tuition or a student loan. Some states don’t let people borrow money to invest, buy, or sell real estate. Each lender has a small list of limits, and it’s always best to ask if you’re unsure.

What’s the difference between a personal loan for debt consolidation, home improvement, or other purposes?

Nothing. Some lenders propose that different sorts of loans are used for different objectives, but they’re all fundamentally the same: You borrow the money and then pay it back at regular intervals along with a fixed interest rate.

What happens if I miss a payment or default on a loan?

Even if you miss a payment and the lender doesn’t charge you a fee immediately, you are still responsible for paying off the debt. You may default if your loan payment is more than 30 days late. If you don’t pay back a loan, it can hurt your credit history, lower your credit score (by up to 100 points for every late payment), and make it much harder for you to get another loan in the future.

If you miss payments often, a lender can send your debt to a collection agency. This agency may charge its fees and call or email you a lot to get you to pay. If you don’t fix the problem, the lender can take you to court to get your money back. Be careful, deliver on time, and only borrow the money you can afford to repay.

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