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5 reasons not to buy Microsoft's Surface Book

There is no denying that the Surface Book is a great computer. There is no denying that a Ferrari is a great car either. Just because something is wonderful doesn't mean it can't have flaws, and it also doesn't mean it is necessarily worth the cost.

While I spent some time with the Surface Book laptop in a controlled press environment, I've yet to try one in the real world. With that said, there are too many compromises with Microsoft's flagship to make me actually want one. In fact, here are five specific reasons why you should not buy it.

By Brian Fagioli -
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Will you pay Google $10 per month for ad-free YouTube Red? I sure as heck won't be

Cord-cutters -- people that cancel their cable or satellite TV service -- often talk of the alternatives. Netflix and Hulu are two popular streaming video services, but don't forget about YouTube. If you are open-minded, you can actually discover a lot of great content on Google's video site . PewDiePie, for example, is brilliant; give him a chance, y'all.

Of course, the cool thing about YouTube is that it is free. Well, it does not cost money at least. You see, you pay by viewing the advertisements before, during, and after the content. The problem? Ad-blocking is rampant, so many viewers never even see these ads. Unfortunately, Google is launching a paid option called "YouTube Red" (ugh, terrible name). I know what you are thinking -- why is it unfortunate to have choice? Well, it is a slippery slope. If it proves popular (I don't think it will be), the search-giant could start charging for more services -- maybe as the only option. Google historically offers free services through advertising. This moves makes me wonder if the search-giant's "free" business model is realistically sustainable.

By Brian Fagioli -
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Barnes and Noble releases waterproof NOOK GlowLight Plus

Reading a book on a traditional tablet, such as the iPad, is a passable experience. However, a dedicated reader with an e-ink display is much superior for reading. Not only is it more comfortable for your eyes, but it works better in the sun too. Not to mention the super-long battery life.

While Amazon's Kindle e-readers are all the rage, Barnes and Noble's e-ink Nook models are great too. Choosing one over the other is more of a personal preference, really. Today, Barnes and Noble unveils the all-new waterproof NOOK GlowLight Plus with 300 dpi. Yes, you can safely read books in the bathtub or in the pool. This is a huge benefit.

By Brian Fagioli -
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D-Link announces 180 degree Wi-Fi cameras (DCS-2630L and DCS-960L)

Having cameras in one's home was once was reserved for the wealthy -- they were expensive and usually required professional installation. Thanks to modern technology, especially Wi-Fi, home surveillance can be achieved by anyone. Of course, not all cameras are created equal -- performance and quality will vary by both price and manufacturer.

Today, D-Link announces two new Wi-Fi cameras that are packed with features, but more importantly, they are affordable too. The coolest aspect? They offer 180 degree recording, something you do not typically see at this price. Of course, you also get D-Link's legendary quality and dependability.

By Brian Fagioli -
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System76 unveils Skylake-powered Wild Dog Pro with Ubuntu Linux 15.10 'Wily Werewolf'

Linux-based operating systems are wonderful for many reasons, such as being lightweight and secure. One of my favorite aspects, however, is the open and customizable nature. Ubuntu, for example, is one of the best operating systems, but if you do not like the default Unity environment, you can simply choose another -- not so with Windows or OS X.

If you are going to use a Linux-based operating system, shouldn't you have a computer that can be easily customized too? System76 makes wonderful Ubuntu-equipped computers, and today, one of its most customizable machines, The Wild Dog Pro, gets refreshed with Skylake processors. This is the company's first computer to feature the 6th generation Intel CPUs.

By Brian Fagioli -
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The New York Times embraces virtual reality with NYT VR app and Google Cardboard

The New York Times is an institution -- one of the most important and respected news outlets in history. While some will decry its pro-liberal stances, even conservatives cannot deny the strong writing and relevant topics.

Today, the news organization takes a very weird, albeit cool, path in its quest to stay relevant in the digital age. Shockingly, it is partnering with Google to embrace virtual reality with a new mobile app called "NYT VR"; I kid you not, folks. The app will require Google Cardboard, which the New York Times will give away to some of its readers as a promotion.

By Brian Fagioli -
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MAINGEAR NOMAD 15 laptop has Skylake Core i7, NVIDIA GTX 980M, G-SYNC, and 4K

Typically, when consumers want a gaming PC, they will buy or build a desktop. This works well for those people with dedicated gaming areas in their home, but what if you need to move around a lot? What if you want to travel to a friend's house or lan party to game? A gaming laptop is the most convenient option (lugging a desktop around stinks).

If you are a nomadic gamer, always on the go, MAINGEAR has a laptop that could meet your needs. The appropriately named NOMAD 15  now has options for Intel Skylake Core i7, NVIDIA GTX 980M, G-SYNC, and 4K.

By Brian Fagioli -
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Lenovo unveils YOGA 900 convertible laptop and YOGA Home 900 portable All-in-One

Windows 10 hasn't just ushered in a new era at Microsoft, but it has inspired PC manufacturers too. The Windows OEMs are finally catching onto the fact that consumers are not interested in chintzy low-quality computers. Apple has proven that people want to buy and experience well-designed and well-engineered computers. They are willing to pay the premium. Companies like Dell and HP have released absolutely beautiful hardware as of late.

Today, it is Lenovo's turn to wow the tech world. Quite frankly, I think the company has achieved its goal in building impressive Windows 10 machines with its latest PCs. Its svelte YOGA 900 convertible laptop and YOGA Home 900 portable All-in-One computers are absolutely gorgeous, and feature both Intel Broadwell and Skylake processors. Hell, the YOGA 900 convertible laptop is the thinnest convertible Intel Core "i" laptop ever. Of course, these beautiful computers also carry hefty price tags, so you had better be prepared to pay.

By Brian Fagioli -
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Apple 'Live Photos' has a big privacy issue -- should iPhone 6s and 6s Plus users worry? [Update]

The iPhone 6s Plus is my first-ever Apple smartphone and I am loving every minute of it. While I was a bit nervous about leaving Android, my worry was for naught. Quite frankly, I am mad at myself for not switching sooner -- it is a wonderful experience.

One of the coolest features of the newest iPhones, besides 3D Touch, is Live Photos. If you aren't familiar, these are animated photos which complement the still. This works by appending 1.5 seconds of "video" to both the beginning and end of the picture. The user can then make the photo "move" by hard-pressing on the screen. While it is a wonderful thing on paper, I have discovered a rather big privacy issue in practice.

By Brian Fagioli -
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Advertisements in the Windows 10 Start menu are a good thing

People seem to be very anti-advertisements nowadays. When Apple opened up mobile Safari to content blockers, the whole world took notice and these blockers rocketed up in the App Store charts. The problem, however, is advertisements are a good thing -- they help consumers discover new products (including apps).

My colleague Mark Wilson takes issue with Microsoft putting advertisements in the Windows 10 Start menu. Microsoft wants to make a distinction that these are not ads, but just app suggestions. My take? Regardless of what you call them, it helps the user. In other words, advertisements in the Windows 10 Start menu are not only acceptable, but beneficial too.

By Brian Fagioli -
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Microsoft sets Guinness World Record for being quiet

Setting a world record is one of the coolest things you can achieve. It means you stand alone with a claim no one else can make. For instance, being the world's strongest, fastest or smartest would be awesome. Other records would not be so cool, however, such as world's fattest or smelliest.

A congratulations is due to Microsoft as it has been awarded a Guinness World Record. However, the record itself is kind of weird. You see, a room on its Redmond campus is now officially the quietest place on Earth.

By Brian Fagioli -
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Ubuntu Phone hit with serious security vulnerability

Ubuntu and other Linux-based operating systems are extremely secure, but nothing is infallible. While you are arguably safer than on Windows or OS X, the argument can also be made that a little common sense goes a long way. In other words, all modern operating systems can be rather secure, as long as the user is not lackadaisical in their behavior.

You may be surprised to hear that Ubuntu Phone has a rather nasty security vulnerability. Don't worry, the desktop operating system is not impacted; it is a phone-only affair. Still, it is scary to see something like this fall through the cracks.

By Brian Fagioli -
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Microsoft makes starting a Skype chat much easier -- no account needed!

As someone who uses many different operating systems, I prefer software that is cross-platform. Skype is one of the best in this regard, as it is available for Windows, iOS, Android, the Web, OS X, Ubuntu and more. While Microsoft's execution has not always been the best, the communication solution is getting better all the time.

The problem with Skype, you see, is that other people must have an account in order to chat with you. Well, this is no longer an issue. Today, Microsoft makes stating a conversation insanely easy. By simply sharing a link, you can chat with someone on Skype without them needing an account or the app. Awesome.

By Brian Fagioli -
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Illuminate your gaming PC or Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern with Satechi USB Light Strip

If you build a gaming desktop, you should invest in LED lights to truly bring it to life. Sure, some people prefer a more conservative PC appearance, but there is no denying that it is bad-ass to see a build that lights up like a lava lamp. This is particularly true if your case has a side window.

Unfortunately, many lighting kits are straight-up garbage. Satechi is looking to reverse that perception with its USB Light Strip. Not only can it illuminate the inside of your PC, but the outside too, including your monitor with accent lighting. Even cooler? You can forgo a candle on your carved pumpkin this year and instead use this LED lighting kit. A real pumpkin with USB is friggin' awesome!

By Brian Fagioli -
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HP and 3M join forces to fight visual hacking

If you are like me, you do a lot of work on the go. Not a day goes by where I am not typing away on my laptop in a public place like Starbucks or on a bench. Unfortunately, this opens me up to visual hacking. In other words, devious people can simply glance at my laptop to see what I am doing. If you work with sensitive information, this is a huge problem.

According to a recent 3M-funded study, 90 percent of visual hacking attempts are successful. Luckily, HP has teamed up with 3M to fight this visual hacking scourge. Rather than use clunky screen covers, the computer manufacturer will integrate the 3M technology directly into the laptop display. Whoa.

By Brian Fagioli -
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