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Michael Crider

Michael Crider

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Michael is a native Texan and a former graphic designer. He's been covering technology in general since 2011. His interests include folk music, football, science fiction, and salsa verde, in no particular order. In his spare time he writes novels and fails to publish them.

Person using smartphone at home office desk beside open Chromebook.

How to control your computer from your phone

Need to access files and media, but your laptop is at home? No worries! This article will teach you how to use your smartphone to mirror your desktop PC.
Computing Guides
how to customize file explorer in windows 10 featured

How to customize File Explorer in Windows 10

The Windows 10 version of File Explorer has a few new bells and whistles. Here's a handy guide for new users (and Windows veterans) on the new interface.
Computing Guides
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How long does your laptop last on a charge? Here’s how to find out

How long does your laptop's battery really last? You won't know unless you monitor its battery life using Windows' built-in tools to keep your device healthy.
Computing Guides
how to use task view and aero snap in windows 10

Get to the task with Windows 10’s Task View and Aero Snap

Task View and the old Aero Snap are important parts of the user interface in Windows 10. Here's a quick guide on how to get the best out of these features.
Computing Guides
A person using the Lenovo Thinkpad-13 Chromebook.

Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook review

Lenovo’s ThinkPad 13 comes in a simpler and cheaper Chromebook version, but its lower price tag can’t make up for the limitations of the platform.
Computing Reviews
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Play the latest PC games for less with these awesome Steam Machines

Valve's SteamOS is making waves in the specialized area of home theater and gaming PCs. Here are our picks for the best hardware on the market right now.
Computing Best Ofs
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Nintendo should bring these series back as mobile games

We think Nintendo should dig into its extensive back catalog and use these lesser-known and dormant series to expand its mobile presence.
Gaming News
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Check out these four unusual alternatives to gaming keyboards

Just because you're a PC gamer doesn't mean you have to have a huge (and expensive) gaming keyboard. Here are four alternatives for your off-hand.
Computing Best Ofs
Razer Naga Hex v2

Razer Naga Hex V2 review

Razer has updated its Hex, which now (strangely) has seven buttons. That change makes it even better for gamers who love League of Legends and its ilk, but at what cost?
Computing Reviews
A person working on a Toshiba Chromebook.

How to manage Chrome OS notifications

Notifications in Chrome OS are pretty simple, but managing them isn't always obvious. Luckily it's easy to change things with a few clicks.
Computing Guides
Steelseries Apex M500

Steelseries Apex M500 review

The Apex M500 offers toned-down design, and its desktop software is great, but the keyboard struggles to stand out in an ocean of similar offerings from tens of competitors.
Computing Reviews
Razer Turret

Razer Turret review

The Turret is a unique accessory that lets gamers play any title from their couch, but its high price and barebones feature set weaken its impact. Should you ditch your Xbox controller, or does the gamepad’s dominance continue?
Computing Reviews
hp spectre vs macbook thumb

Apple MacBook vs HP Spectre: Stylish showdown

The Apple MacBook might be the smallest full-featured laptop around, but HP is hot in its heels with the even-thinner Spectre. Which one deserves your cash?
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Think the Raspberry Pi is underpowered? Here’s 10 projects that prove you wrong

The Raspberry Pi is an amazing device. Check out some of our favorite Pi projects out there, whether you want to create a game console or virtual rhino.
Computing News
dell xps 13 vs hp spectre

Dell XPS 13 vs. HP Spectre: Battle of the lightweight Windows champions

Dell is still high on the hog with the fantastic XPS 13, but HP is right on its heels. The new Spectre is even thinner and prettier. Which one is best?
Computing Best Ofs
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Don’t lose your email! Here’s how to export and import your Outlook inbox

If you use Outlook, it's probably an important tool for your job. If you want to keep a local backup of your emails and other files, here's a handy guide.
Computing Guides
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Asus' Zenbook UX501 is the budget alternative to Apple's MacBook Pro, but is it better?

The 15-inch MacBook Pro is the gold standard for premium laptops, but Asus wants to grab that spot with the ZenBook UX501. Which one wins in a comparison?
Computing Best Ofs
razer blackwidow x chroma review feature

Razer BlackWidow X Chroma review

The BlackWidow X takes the “less is more” route, removing the plastic case on the standard BlackWidow to show the attractive metal underneath. It’s a surprising tactic for Razer, but it works.
Computing Reviews
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Dell XPS 15 vs. Asus Zenbook Pro UX501: Battle of the plus-sized premiums

The XPS 15 is the machine to beat in its market segment, but Asus makes a compelling case with its well-rounded ZenBook Pro UX501. Which one has the edge?
Computing News
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Razer Blade Stealth vs. MacBook: Svelte notebook showdown

The Blade Stealth and the 2015 MacBook are the shining jewels of their respective product lines, but which one is worth your money? Let's find out.
Computing Best Ofs
evoluent verticalmouse c right review

Evoluent VerticalMouse C Right review

The VerticalMouse's unconventional design makes it ideal for RSI or carpal tunnel sufferers, but does an expensive ergonomic mouse really makes sense next to cheaper, more conventional alternatives?
Computing Reviews
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Two ultrabooks enter, only one leaves: Dell’s XPS 13 vs. Asus Zenbook UX305CA

The XPS 13 and the Zenbook UX305 are both fantastic machines, but for entirely different reasons. Find out why in this comprehensive spec comparison.
Computing Best Ofs
Roccat Kiro Mouse

Roccat Kiro review

Southpaw gamers don’t have as many options as others, and ambidextrous designs don’t always accommodate everyone’s preferences. Roccat thinks it has the solution with its Kiro, a mouse with modular design.
Computing Reviews
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Make Windows text easier to read with these simple adjustments

Windows is a flexible operating system, but it's not always the easiest on the eyes. Here's how to make window and application text larger if need be.
Computing Guides
Cougar Attack X3

Cougar Attack X3 review

Looking for a mechanical keyboard for less than $100? Your options are limited, but Cougar’s Attack X3 does slide under a Benjamin. Does that make it a bargain, or has Cougar slashed quality alongside the price?
Computing Reviews
Cougar 450M

Cougar 450M mouse review

Cougar's 450M is one of the company’s several mid-range mice. Though it doesn’t make any catastrophic mistakes, it also fails to stand out from the many options available to discerning gamers with 50 bucks to spend.
Computing Reviews
Roccat Kova

Roccat Kova review

Roccat's Kova doesn’t boast impressive specifications, but its ambidextrous design is unusual among inexpensive mice, as are its strangely located bumper buttons. Does the mouse carve a niche among dozens of similarly priced competitors?
Computing Reviews
Razer Diamondback

Razer Diamondback (2015) review

The original Razer Diamondback won a cult following due to its odd, elongated shape, and the new model tries to recapture that magic. Has lightning struck twice, or is Razer cashing in on nostalgia?
Computing Reviews
Toshiba Z20T

Toshiba Portege Z20t review

Toshiba’s take on a high-end hybrid gets a few things right and a few things wrong, making for a mediocre system with a high price tag.
Computing Reviews
Razer Mamba 2015

Razer Mamba (2015) review

The Razer Mamba is almost perfect after several revisions, but you'll pay for the luxury of a great wireless mouse with gaming-grade optics and features.
Computing Reviews
Toshiba Q300 SSD 480 GB

Toshiba Q300 Solid State Drive review

Toshiba's response to the rise of the low-cost SSD market fails to deliver on price and performance
Computing Reviews
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How to use Windows 10 without giving up your privacy

Windows 10 is great, but it takes some serious liberties when it comes to privacy. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your personal info personal.
Computing Guides
Razer Mamba Tournament Edition

Razer Mamba Tournament Edition review

The Mamba Tournament Edition is chock full of extras -- some more useful than others.
Computing Reviews
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The future ain’t so fancy! 10 sci-fi movie props that are actually real gadgets

Where do they get those wonderful toys? Closer than you think - science fiction prop designers often use let real gadgets stand in for fake ones on screen.
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