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Are you looking for a cheap tablet under 50 or an Android tablet under 50? Since Apple launched the iPad – the original version of a full-fledged tab in 2010 – tablets have greatly evolved. As a handy PDA, a tab enables you to do almost anything and everything that you can do on a smartphone. You can check your emails, browse on the net, network on social media, and complete your routine work.

In case you’re on a budget, you’ll come across numerous cheap tablets for sale under 50 that are performance-oriented. However, picking and choosing the best from a plethora of cheap tablets under 50 is easier said than done. On the other hand, selecting an expensive tab that comes equipped with all the features and specifications seems relatively simple.  

If you want to use the tab only for emailing or surfing on the net, then it makes sense to choose a $50 tablet.  However, the sheer variety of refurbished tablets under 50 available in the market could overwhelm you. Therefore, you’ve to be very careful while selecting a tablet so that you get the best value.   

Considerations for choosing a quality tablet under $50

You might be searching for a 50 dollar tablet for a specific reason. Maybe you need a tablet for using sparingly to relieve pressure on your laptop. Or it could be that you need an additional portable UI while you’re traveling or simply relaxing. 

Regardless of the reason behind your requirement for a cheap tablet, you should always review the product against a set of standard parameters. After all, you’d want to use the product for at least a few years, even if you didn’t spend much on it. Make a list of the 4-5 tablets under $50 and evaluate them on the following aspects:

Decide on how you intend to use the product

Do you plan to use your tablet only for a limited number of activities like streaming, enjoying movies and music, checking emails, web browsing, and so on? In case you need a tab only for playing simple video games, networking on Facebook, and sending emails, then the majority of tabs under 50 will suffice.

You may need a tablet for work or for researching different topics for school or college projects. You’ll find the task of narrowing down your search simpler once you decide how you intend to use the product. Your decision will also go a long way towards helping you to select the appropriate screen size and OS.

Compare and contrast the different OS and apps

Deciding on the OS that’ll be driving the software and hardware components of your tablet will be the most crucial factor. Eventually, it’ll be the OS’s effectiveness that’ll enable you to carry out and complete your tasks on the tab successfully. The most popular operating systems are Android, Apple iOS, and Microsoft Windows. 

Though iOS is compatible exclusively with iPad, Windows and Android tend to be more versatile, making them compatible with a range of digital devices across several brands. If you want to complete official activities or business work regularly, you’ll probably like a Windows tablet under 50. 

Even a tab synced with Android 3.0 will help you with your work, but you may have to buy apps to round it out. If you’re addicted to living streaming and gaming, an iPad is likely to offer a better performance.

Evaluate looks and size

More than 70% of sales of digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and other personal digital assistants happen online. However, it’s a good idea to visit a physical store to have a good look at the product you’ll ultimately buy. When shopping, you’ll probably encounter a wide range of tablets promoted by different companies in sizes ranging from 7 to 10 inches. 

Of course you can see the products online and compare the different sizes and their looks. But the best way of judging which product would be best for you is by checking the tablets out in person.  

Check out the features and specifications

The features and specifications vary greatly from one tablet to another. Checking out the functionalities loaded on the products and then comparing them becomes an uncomplicated task after you’ve selected the OS. If you prefer a Windows or Android-based tab, then look for features and specs including processing speed, storage, Wi-Fi, 4G/3G compatibility, battery life, and so on. 

You should also take a good look at add-ons like dual cameras, built-in apps, whether there’s a protective sleeve, and so on.  And if you’re hooked to iPad, then you’ll need to choose between the 3G product and the standardized Wi-Fi model. Whether you’ll need an iPad with 64GB, 32GB, or 16GB storage capacity depends upon your unique requirements. 

The price    

In case you’ve decided to go for a cheap tablet, then you’ll surely find many tablets under $50. However, before you finally decide, be sure to compare and contrast a few cheap models with regards to OS, battery power, storage, processing speed, storage, Wi-Fi and Internet access, and the like. Understand that products carrying a similar price tag could be hugely different from each other in terms of quality and performance.  

Reviewing the Best Tablets Within $50 

Fusion5 7” Quad Core 774 IPS Google Android Lollipop 5.1 Tablet PC

A chance glimpse at the Fusion5 7” Quad Core 774 Google Android Lollipop 5.1 Tablet PC, and you’ll be smitten. This tab PC scores high on aesthetics with a 1280 x 800 screen resolution and IPS technology so you get the best viewing angles, regardless of whether you’re gaming or enjoying your favorite movie.

Anti-glare functionality enables you to view e-books, still as well as moving images and illustrations with clarity even in the daytime. The uber-slim profile means you can easily slide the tab inside your pocket or carry bag and take it along everywhere you go. This Fusion5 7” tab sports a hardy yet lightweight framework, enabling you to use it for years on end. 

8GB Nand flash and 1GB RAM lets you download innumerable apps via the pre-installed Google Play.  You can upgrade the tab for boosting its storage capacity up to 32GB. Embedded Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies come in handy for internet browsing, live streaming, and watching movies while you’re traveling. 

Cameras at the back and front allow you to snap realistic and evocative selfies and groupies. Multitasking becomes a breeze, thanks to the versatility of Google Android 5.1 Lollipop OS.

Pros

• Intuitive Google Android 5.1 Lollipop OS makes multitasking effortless 
• Dual cameras for freezing the best moments of your life
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth facilitates browsing, movie viewing, gaming, and tuning to stirring music
• Storage extendable up to 32GB
• 1GB RAM and 8GB NAND flash facilitates downloading of countless apps
• The slim profile makes it portable as well as easy to store
• High resolution  

Cons

• The speakers do not reproduce high-quality audio
• Some of the apps take inordinately long to open
• Some users have complained that the battery loses charge inordinately fast!

Check the price on Amazon

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Polaroid P700BK Quad-Core 7″ Tablet Android 5.1 Lollipop with 8GB, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

The P700BK Quad Core 7” Tablet from Polaroid, like the Fusion5 7” tab, runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop OS. So, you can multitask; play games, view films, browse the net, and download apps without having to worry about the tab slowing down. The built-in Google Play allows you to check out more than a million e-books, periodicals, motion pictures, songs, and apps.

You make the most of the broad 7” display, completing your everyday tasks and keeping yourself amused, thanks to the intuitive quad-core processor. 8GB of internal storage enables backing up thousands of files, documents, and dossiers. 

A built-in camera at the front comes to your aid when you need to capture images. However, this camera has been particularly designed for carrying out video chats. You can add a micro-SD card to archive up to 64 GB of additional data. 

This tablet boasts a maximum screen resolution of 1024 x 660 pixels, which translates to a clear viewing experience. Wi-Fi support lets you socialize on Facebook, share files and documents, and so on. The Lithium-ion battery has a 3-hour battery life.

Pros

• Very high screen resolution: Images, illustrations, pictures, and representations look crystal clear and bright
• Android 5.1 Lollipop OS renders multitasking effortless and fun
• 8GB storage capacity 
• Wi-Fi support (802.11bgn)
• Onboard graphics coprocessor supports high-level video games
• Remarkably lightweight at 1 pound (or about 450gms): Eminently portable
• Memory expandable up to 64 GB with a micro-SD card 

 Cons

• Using the tab even for 15 minutes at a stretch makes it unusually hot
• The quad-core processor may not be up to the mark for high-level gaming
• You have to stay within 30 feet of a router for keeping reception intact
• The battery takes several hours to charge fully

Check the price on Amazon

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RCA RCT66723W2 7-Inch Tablet Computer 8 GB (Black)

The RCA RCT66723W2 tablet from RCA sports a 7-inch screen powered by Android 4.4 KitKat OS and a 1GHz dual-core processor. The display is beautifully lifelike, and the dual-core processor offers the juice needed for downloading and taking advantage of your choice apps, games, and movies from Google Play.

8GB of flash memory comes in  handy for backing up near countless apps, media files, and photo and video albums. The rear camera lets you take snapshots of memorable moments you spend with your family and friends while the front camera is great for video calls.

Once you fully charge the battery, you’ll be able to use the tablet for at least 4 hours continuously. A separate slot for inserting micro-SD card comes in handy when you need additional space for storing extra information and a micro-USB slot is a helpful addition. 

Pros

• 1024 x 660 screen resolution: colorful, bright, and natural illustrations and icons
• 1.4 GHz tab processor for speedy and convenient multitasking
• 8GB memory for archiving 
• Quad-core graphics coprocessor for high-end gaming
• Android 4.4Kitkat OS 
• Tab weighs only 10.7oz: Very lightweight and hence portable
• Camera at the front and back for video calling and taking snapshots respectively
• 1 Li-ion battery included  

Cons

• Screen resolution could have been better 
• Does not feature Bluetooth
• Somewhat fragile which makes it vulnerable to damage

Check the price on Amazon

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Fire 7 Tablet (7″ display, 8 GB) – Black – (Previous Generation – 7th)

You can rest assured that you’re choosing the best tablet under $50 when you buy the Amazon Fire 7 Tablet. The 7” Fire tab features a 1024 x 660 resolution for remarkably bright images. The quad-core 1.3GHz processor makes the tab perfect for multitasking. 

The battery when fully charged enables up to 7 hours of enjoying your favorite songs, movies, web browsing, and so on. You can make the most of voice commands, thanks to the tab’s compatibility with Alexa. Also, compatibility with dual-band Wi-Fi makes it easy to use this tablet just about anywhere.

A 2MP front camera as well as a 2MP back camera facilitates recording 720p footage and capturing shots of your near and dear ones. The Fire 7 Tablet weighs a mere 286g, permitting you to carry the device anywher easily. 8/16GB storage capacity comes in handy for saving plenty of data. 

You can also add a microSD card for archiving up to 256GB of supplementary data in the form of apps, videos, photos, movies, and music. A 3.5mm stereo jack with an incorporated microphone lets you listen to music or view movies privately.

Pros

• 3.5mm stereo jack with integrated speaker
• USB 2.0 port with a power adapter for charging devices or linking to a Mac or PC
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• 8 hours of battery life
• 8GB/16GB storage extendable up to 256GB with microSD card
• Quad-core 1.3GHz processor 
• Very portable: weighs just 286gms
• 1024 x 600 screen resolution with SD video playback, upgraded polarizing filter, and IPS technology

Cons

• Construction could have been better: Feels flimsy
• Books don’t appear quite legible
• Even pixalation is not up to Amazon standards

Check the price on Amazon

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Alldaymall A88X 7” Tablet – Android 4.4, Quad Core, HD 1024×600, Dual Camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 8GB, 3D Game Supported 

The Alldaymall A88X 7” tablet may not belong to the same league as Amazon Fire or Blackberry Playbook, but it’s nevertheless a good buy. For a start, it’s incredibly slim with a thickness (or thinness) of 0.3 inches and weighs less than one pound. So, fitting the tab inside your pocket or packing it in your travel case shouldn’t be an issue at all. 

The framework is of lightweight plastic used in the aircraft industry, which makes it a delight to hold and carry. The interactive 7” screen facilitates viewing at wide angles (178˚ max), offering pleasant reading and viewing experiences.

It’s easy to stay in touch with your social network while you’re on the move, thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi.  Running on Android 4.4Kitkat OS and driven by 1.2 1.2GHz quad-core Allwinner A33 processor, the tab makes multitasking highly pleasurable. 

Pros

• Comes equipped with Wi-Fi technology: Always stay connected
• Weighs under a pound: Perfect for carrying it anywhere
• 8GB flash memory for storing unlimited amounts of data
• Unibody design: body made from lightweight aircraft plastic
• 178˚ viewing angle
• Exploits Android 4.4 KitKat and 1.2 GHz quad-core Allwinner A33 processor 

Cons

• Cheap construction: could come apart on falling
• Does not have Bluetooth
• Battery life falls short of expectations

Check the price on Amazon

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Blackberry Playbook 16GB (2016 Version) 7″ Multi-Touch Tablet PC with 1 GHz Dual-Core Processor

The Playbook 16GB 7” Multi-Touch Tablet PC by Blackberry blends good looks with performance. The Playbook comes loaded with a host of useful features that makes the tablet extraordinarily versatile. For instance, the tab sports a receptive 7-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels so images are bright and clear.

Powered by Blackberry’s proprietary tablet OS and TI OMAP 4430 chipset, and reinforced by dual-core 1.0GHz Cortex-A9 processor, the Playbook performs beyond your expectations. The PowerVR SGX540 graphics processing unit (GPU) makes possible the display of high-quality videos and images.

16 GB of internal storage capacity facilitates backing up all your office or business files and folders, photo albums, and video recordings. The 3MP front camera lets you make video calls and record engaging videos while the 5MP rear camera with autofocus is good for capturing striking snapshots.

Pros

• micro USB v2.0 port for charging digital devices
• Dual-band Wi-Fi for across-the-board connectivity
• V2.1 Bluetooth
• GPS supported
• 5MP back camera; 3MP front camera
• 16GB internal storage
• 1GB RAM
• PowerVR SGX540 GPU 
• Dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9 processor
• Blackberry Tablet OS
• 7” TFT capacitive touchscreen

Cons

• The tab tends to lag at times
• Not many apps to choose from
• Not compatible with Netflix and Instagram  

Check the price on Amazon

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Astro Tab A750-7 Inch Quad Core Android 8.1 Tablet PC with HD IPS Display 

The Astro Tab A750 boasts of a suite of practical features and commands a price that’ll easily fit your budget. The tab’s 7” inch screen generates HD images with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels and a viewing angle of 178˚, thanks to IPS technology. The A750 performs smoothly, rendering multitasking a breeze, owing to the combined effect of a 64-bit 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 1GB RAM. 

Dual cameras come to your aid when you need to take photos and enjoy video calling. Other useful functionalities include 8GB storage, Android 8.1 Oreo OS, and a robust battery.

Pros

• HD IPS screen
• Wide viewing angle
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• 1.5GHz quad-core processor and Android 8.1 Oreo OS
• Readily Portable
• Potent battery

Cons

• The tablet slows down when you watch a movie 

Check the price on Amazon

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Premium RCA Voyager 7-inch Touchscreen Tablet PC 1.2Ghz Quad-Core Processor 

The Premium RCA Voyager 7-inch touchscreen tablet offers you a plethora of functional features at an extremely competitive price. The lustrous back panel lends an attractive appearance while the Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS with 1.2GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of DDR3 RAM renders multitasking and app management a pleasure. If 16GB of internal storage falls short of your backup needs, you can boost storage up to 64GB with a microSD card. 

Connectivity will never be an issue as the RCA Voyager tab features built-in Bluetooth v4.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11. Back-to-back cameras with digital zoom, autofocus, and mic take care of all your imaging requirements. A powerful battery lets you use the tab for 6 hours at a stretch on a full charge.

Pros

• Powerful front and rear camera
• 6 hours of battery life
• Very lightweight and therefore portable
• Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS
• 1.2GHz quad-core processor 
• 16GB internal memory

Cons

• The cheap plastic construction makes the tab vulnerable to damage
• The battery loses charge quickly when viewing movies or videos 

Check the price on Amazon

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 [2019 Upgrade] YUNTAB 7 inch Tablet, 1GB+8GB, Google Android OS

If you’re looking for good reasons to choose the YUNTAB 7-inch tab you’ll find many. What you’ll like the most about this tab from YUNTAB is that it offers an array of multifunctional features at a very modest price. The 7” tab comes with a multi-touch screen that makes optimum use of LCD technology for reproducing high quality pictures.

The embedded Google Android 4.4Kitkat OS, together with the Allwinner A33 1.5GHz processor, makes the UI highly interactive. 8GB Flash memory, built-in Wi-Fi, 2500mAh battery, dual cameras, and other functionalities make this YUNTAB tablet extremely handy.

Pros

• 7-inch LCD multi-touch screen
• Dual 0.3MP cameras
• Allwinner A-33 1.5GHz processor
• 8GB internal storage capacity expandable up to 32GB with microSD card
• Google Android 4.4 Lollipop OS
• 2500mAh battery delivers 5 hours of steady performance
• Pre-installed Google Play Store

Cons

• No Bluetooth 
• Older version of Android OS
• Becomes slow when you’re multitasking

Check the price on Amazon

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Conclusion

This list of the best tablets under $50 includes one each from Amazon (Fire 7), Blackberry, Fusion, AllDayMall, Polaroid, Astro, and Yuntab, and two selections from RCA. All the models come equipped with the basic features and functionalities, so everyday tasks are easy to accomplish. With your unique needs and preferences in mind, we hope that you find it easier to choose an affordable tablet under $50.  

Life can move really fast and you need to be able to keep up. No matter what you need to do on a laptop, you likely need it to work as quickly as possible. This can be accomplished when you purchase one with an SSD, or solid-state drive. Here is a look at why you should consider this type of drive, and some laptops that you should consider which have SSDs. 

What is an SSD?

A solid-state drive is a type of hard drive that is based on newer technology than traditional hard drives for computers. They last quite a long time and work quickly. However, they are also more expensive.  At the same time, it isn’t easy to damage an SSD – these drives are very difficult to break. 

What is an HDD?

An HDD or a hard disk drive is the traditional type of drive that is found in a computer. It features a spinning disk that holds information and then retrieves it when you need it to. This takes a longer time than something that doesn’t have to move to retrieve information. They come in many different storage capacities and can be difficult to maintain. You might have to defrag them and clean them up from time to time. 

What are the benefits of SSD?

The SSD is the type of drive that many people count on when they need something that will work every time. While there are some cons associated with this product, the benefits outweigh many of the negatives. 

Speed

An SSD has no moving parts. This means it takes less time to load a program and it takes less time to save something to it also. For example, it may take 10 seconds to open a browser with a regular hard drive, and only 2 seconds with a solid-state drive. This can come in handy if you have deadlines and need to accomplish tasks quickly. These shorter wait times can really add up when it counts. 

Lasts a long time

SSDs are designed to last for many years. This means if you use them the way you are supposed to, you can keep saving information on it for multiple years without any problems and maybe even outlast the laptop you are using it with. In some cases, SSDs are good for up to 300 years or more. This is quite impressive and one of the biggest reasons to trust a product like this. 

Uses less energy

If you choose an SSD, you’ll notice that it does not use as much electricity as other drives do. This is something you will notice when you are using your laptop unplugged. It simply will not have to be charged as often. This also means that the drive won’t be pulling power away from other parts of your laptop that need it. 

Lightweight

Since there are fewer parts inside an SSD, it weighs less. This translates to laptops that weigh much less. You won’t have to break your back or shoulder when you carry it around. Lighter weight makes your machine extremely portable and easy to take along anywhere. 

More reliable

Not only can they last a long time, but SSDs are also more reliable than the alternative. Have you ever had a hard drive fail on you, where you lost all your pictures and files? This is not likely to happen when you rely on an SSD. You can save information over and over hundreds of times, depending on what model you buy. 

At the very least, there are not a lot of small components that can break and harm the drive. This translates into a machine that you can put your most important information on, where you won’t have to worry about it. It is effective and safe, much like when you store your data in the cloud. 

Are they all the same? 

Not all SSD models are the same. They come in many different capacities, from something like 128GB all the way to 1TB and up. The more information they can store, the more it will cost. It is a good idea to put your most important files on it only, if space becomes a problem.

Some people opt to put their operating systems on an SSD, so those processes will work quickly. This strategy can help video games, word processing, and even browsers work better and faster. 

There are also laptops that come with both types of hard drives. This is good if you need a machine with a larger capacity, but need it to be really fast as well. You could choose what you wanted to put on each drive for it to operate in a way that suits you. 

How much should a laptop with SSD cost?

The truth is that you should be able to find a great laptop with an SSD to fit into any budget. In other words, you should spend whatever amount you have available to spend. You can find laptops with SSDs for under $500 and all the way up to around $2k. It is up to you to determine what you want and what you’ll use it for. You should be able to use your new laptop for at least a few years before having to upgrade it, and this should factor into your decision on how much to spend. 

Laptops offer different strengths so be sure to take this into consideration. Some are suited for gaming, while others are designed to browse or produce music. The more things a laptop can do, the more money it will cost. 

Best SSD Laptops Available

There are many different types of laptops with SSDs and it’s easy to find one in your price range. Here are some of the top selling types, and how users feel about them. 

Budget Buy: Acer Aspire 

For people that do not have a lot of money to spend on a laptop, this Acer Aspire is something that won’t hit your wallet too hard. It offers HD graphics that make everything look better, plus it’s lightning fast. Even if you like to open up a bunch of tabs in a browser or if you want to multitask, it shouldn’t slow down at all. It has a mode where you can put it to sleep when you aren’t using it, and has a decent battery life. The device itself is small enough to be very portable.

On the flip side, this laptop isn’t the best choice for everyone. If you are someone who enjoys gaming, you will need something more powerful.  

Overall, the Acer Aspire is great for most casual laptop users since it’s great for browsing and suitable for accomplishing a variety of work-related tasks.  If you need a primary computer for your job or for frequent gaming, it’s best to keep shopping and choose a laptop with better specifications. 

Check the price on Amazon

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Best for Students: ASUS Zenbook

People who buy this laptop can’t say enough good things about it. The ASUS Zenbook is something that is lightweight and very powerful at the same time. It is an attractive machine with a good reputation for reliability. 

The Zenbook excels at streaming movies and videos, which is something just about everyone enjoys. It holds up well over time and it has a long battery life. A camera and mic are standard, so you can make video calls to your parents back home when you are using it on campus. 

You can use this laptop to play some of your favorite video games, but it’s not necessarily ideal for the newest ones. On the flip side, the Zenbook is a great fit for those who aren’t as experienced at using laptops and don’t need something that is top of the line. 

This laptop is packed with great features and will be able to complete most of the tasks you throw at it. 

Check the price on Amazon

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Expensive and Powerful: HP Envy

The HP Envy costs a bit more than the first two products in this list, but that is because it comes with more hardware. It has a decent video card, as well as a newer chip and comes with the latest version of Windows. 

It weighs a little bit more than other items out there, but it is something that doesn’t feel like it will break if you touch it either. It is sturdy and solid. 

This product won’t get really hot to the touch, even if you have it in your lap. This is great if you need to work where there is no desk. 

Another thing that separates the HP Envy from the crowd is that it is easy to use, even for a beginner. It works well without you having to set up much. You just have to get the latest driver updates and not much else. 

With the HP Envy, you will be able to watch whatever videos you want and surf the web trouble-free. Furthermore, it can work with other HP peripherals if you have any. There are even touch screen capabilities, which is something that you won’t find on most laptops. 

The battery life isn’t as great as less technical models, but this is to be expected. It will still provide hours of consistent battery life. 

Check the price on Amazon

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The Professional Model: Apple MacBook Pro

As with most Apple products, the MacBook Pro is trusted by professionals in a variety of fields. If you are working on the go or need to be able to read your email and create documents at a moment’s notice, this might be the perfect model for you. 

The keyboard is something you may have to get used to, since it is distinctive on this laptop. The keys do not light up, so it can be difficult to use this laptop in the dark. 

The good news is that the new MacBook Pro is smaller than its predecessors. This makes it easy to use on the go and in small spaces. 

It works quickly, runs all the apps it has without delay, and is very easy on the eyes. Apple products have strong outer cases, which make them look like nothing else out there. 

This laptop is sophisticated enough to run drawing programs and much more. It has an excellent reputation for longevity when it is maintained properly. 

Many users are faithful to the Apple brand, upgrading to newer MacBooks when they can. They keep coming back to the same product for one main reason: because it is so reliable. 

Check the price on Amazon

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Priciest: Dell XPS 15

The XPS 15 is the most expensive computer on this list. This is because it has everything you need, even if you are a gamer. It has a good video card and provides 4K graphics. 

The XPS 15 is considered to be a high performance machine, which can be used by virtually anyone – gamer or professional or perhaps a mix of the two. Dell is a popular brand in PCs; its desktops and laptops have excellent ratings overall.

If you opt for the Dell XPS 15, you’ll never have to wonder whether you’re missing out. If you are used to sitting behind a screen at a desk, and need something that is more mobile, you’ll love all the bells and whistles that come standard on this SSD laptop.

It’s true that the XPS 15 seems pricey, but that’s because it is versatile enough for a variety of pastimes and tasks. If you’re looking for a top-shelf laptop and you are serious about quality, then this is probably one of the best SSD laptops for your needs.

Check the price on Amazon

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Tips for Choosing Best SSD Laptops

Each of these laptops has an SSD that you can trust. They are handy for all the reasons discussed above and you will be able to count on them for years. Longevity adds value since replacement won’t have to happen anytime soon.

The differences between the laptops we’ve reviewed here lie in the number and type of features as well as in the size of the hard drive. This accounts for the differences in price. At the same time, there are options for just about anyone. In the past, you may have purchased a laptop that does not work for as long as you would have wished. This really should not be the case for any of the products in this list. 

In case you don’t have much to spend, the Acer Aspire really can’t be beat. It is a great machine that won’t leave you wanting, even though it’s inexpensive. It will work fast and you can look at anything on the internet that you want. It doesn’t do everything, but it will be able to do the hard work until you can afford something better. 

The ASUS Zenbook is still under $1000, so it is still rather budget friendly. ASUS products are known for quality and reliability. The company’s proprietary software is even handy at times, especially if you have owned multiple products made by them before. This one is a good fit for someone away at school, since it is so reliable and fast. It will be great for research and writing papers, and of course for streaming movies on your off days. 

If you are a professional and you’re always on the go, the Apple MacBook Pro is the most likely choice for you. This workhorse is packed with safety features and can do all the same things that Windows models are capable of doing.  If you already like Apple products and programs, it makes sense to keep trusting the brand. 

These products are representative of the powerful machines that you can choose from when you need something that has a dependable SSD. Some laptops have more storage capacity than others, but all of them help you handle multiple jobs. The things that you plan to use it for the most will help you figure out which one you need. 

All of our options are capable of completing common tasks like searching the internet and playing videos in HD quality. If you need to video chat or make music, you will need something with better features. 

Regardless of which model you choose, all of these SSD laptops are easy to set up and use. There is so much you can do and you will be able to do it wherever you are. Most have long battery lives and come with all the accessories necessary for getting started, and there’s something ideal for any budget.   

Nintendo was and still is a gaming console powerhouse. The Japanese manufacturer doesn’t always rely on cutting edge hardware specification and performance, but what they do impeccably is fun and interactive use of existing technology to provide an engaging gaming experience that’s different from the rest. A great example was the Nintendo Wii console that was among the most popular despite its performance and graphics flaws. Innovative controllers and out of the box thinking sparked broad customer support. Their console counterparts reacted with their movement sensitive hardware, but couldn’t achieve such success.

Another chapter for Nintendo began with the Switch console. Again, Switch cannot compete with PlayStation or Xbox in raw performance but it’s an exciting concept of the classic and handheld console in one. You can play Zelda on your big screen TV, and continue on the go.  

The Switch console has a 720p screen but can play 1080p video when connected to the external display. It is powered by an Nvidia Tegra chipset, supports microSD cards and has a battery capacity of 4310 mAh. You won’t finish Zelda Breath of the Wild on one charge, but it’s suitable for a couple of hours of fun. You can also charge the console with a power bank.

The Nintendo Switch has an exciting library of exclusive games with Super Mario titles and Zelda, as well as plenty of cross-platform games like Dark Souls, Skyrim, Minecraft, Fortnite, Mortal Combat, Doom, Wolfenstein II and many more. In 2018, Nintendo made a bold move with the introduction of Labo, a series of innovative gaming accessories.

What is Nintendo Labo?

Nintendo Labo is the name for a series of DIY gaming kits. You can build and play one of the existing creations or create and invent your own. Gaming Labo kits include everything you need for assembly as well as the games. The idea is to create gaming accessories, incorporate the console into the cardboard Toy-Con creations, and play games related to the Kit. Every cardboard Toy-Con gaming gadget comes with interactive, often funny, step by step instructions. With building your own gaming accessory approach, Nintendo offered both fun gaming add-ons and DIY STEM assembly. 

How do Nintendo Labo gadgets work?

Nintendo Switch comes with two Joy-Con controllers, and the right one has an infrared sensor. On the other side, each of the Toy-Cons cardboard accessories has white stickers that communicate together. Switch controllers, along with HD Rumble, the IR sensor, and then stickers interact and create your very own gaming magic. 

Before playing, there is playing. Toy-Con gaming add-ons look like flat cardboard shapes when they arrive, and depending on the Kit you will need anywhere from 10 minutes to assemble smaller and easier gadgets to a couple of hours to put more complex items together. The interactive instructions are very detailed, and if you are into making stuff, this can add to the overall appeal. 

It’s fun to assemble any of the kits – for example, the Robot Kit is supposed to take three to four hours to put together. The company mentions ideas for customizing your kits with coloring, stickers, googly eyes, and other decorative changes that can honestly transform Toy-Con into something special.

There are three sections in the Switch software: Make, Play, and Discover. The Make part we touched on already. Every Kit has at least one game included, and these are adapted for use with the Toy-Con you’re working on. This makes gaming more engaging and fun. The games are relatively simple, but addictive, and they complement the experience of making your custom big gaming controllers like Robot, Fishing Rod or Piano. 

In the Discover section, you can find out how Labo works or you can reprogram Toy-Cons to work with another game. There is an option to create your own Toy-Cons and make them work with other existing gadgets.

Toy-Con Garage is a hidden gem in the Discover section. This is a visual representation of a simple programming experience. You can mix and match inputs and actions and add a totally different experience to your Toy-Con kit. There are possible new ways to use Toy-Con creations or even create new ones. You can program your controller to make an explosive sound when you shake it, or vibrate when your gaming Toy-Con spot IR Marker. If you have imagination, possibilities are almost countless. If you’re not into it, go back to Play section. 

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Nintendo Labo accessories

The whole story around Nintendo Labo revolves around accessories. In a way, we can look at any of the Toy-Con kits as an accessory to the Nintendo Switch console. We’ll give you an overview of all currently available kits, as well as some other accessories for Nintendo DIY gaming package.

Nintendo Labo Toy-Con VR Kit

There are two Nintendo Labo Toy-Con VR Kits, the Starter Set+Blaster and a full VR Kit that has six Toy-Con gadgets for folding. Each Kit includes Nintendo Labo VR Kit software. VR Kit has a lot of assembly material for its six gaming accessories. There are 32 cardboard sheets, VR lenses, a reflective sticker sheet, a sponge sticker sheet, a red sticker sheet, a gray grommet washer set, a yellow grommet washer set, and rubber bands.

The VR resolution is not in the class of other VR headsets. The Switch screen has a 720p resolution which is then divided into two. For casual games with cartoonish graphics, it could be tolerable. There will most certainly be some screen door effect, but the motion tracking is reliable. 

Toy-Con VR Googles is one of the Toy-Con creations or projects you can make. It’s very similar to Google Cardboard, with a cardboard case and VR lenses with a place for the console in front. With the recent addition of VR support for Nintendo top games such as Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild Toy-Con VbioR Googles became increasingly appealing. The downside as with all Labo VR Accessories is the lack of a head strap/headband. Nintendo is keen on taking time off VR experience as often as possible. Therefore the customer has to hold all VR add-ons in front of them with their hands. In case this doesn’t appeal to you, there are third party VR googles for Switch and Labo that offer a headstrap.

The second project you can create is Toy-Con Blaster, which is part of the Starter Set along with the VR Goggles. You will need more than two hours to make the Blaster. This cardboard gaming accessory has some cool features like a cocking mechanism that adds realism. The main game revolves around invading aliens with a variety of enemies including bosses. 

Toy-Con Camera puts you in the role of an underwater photographer. You will get a fun VR experience and the game. Although this is pretty basic, it gives you satisfying challenges. 

The most creative part of the FullVR Kit is probably Toy-Con Elephant. This creation includes an elephant face mask, complet with trunk. You will need to hold the mask with one hand and the trunk and the Joy-Con controller inside with the other. This translates to a creative VR experience of puzzle games such as placing floating tracks in 3D space to help the falling ball reach its destination. The other tool is 3D painting where you can create drawings in three-dimensional space. 

Toy-Con Bird is self-explanatory. You will get a game in the software package where you will fly your bird completing tasks in the VR world. It has classic Nintendo graphics and an outstanding VR experience. 

The last creation in the full VR Kit is the Toy-Con Wind Pedal. You could use it with VR Googles or with Bird creation. In the VR Plaza, there are over 60 games and experiences created by Nintendo Labo developers. You can go to the Toy-Con Garage VR and take a look behind the scenes of the VR experience, and also create new ones with the platforms programming tools. 

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Check price for Starter Set + Blaster

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Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Vehicle Kit

There are three vehicles you can create in this Kit, the car, the submarine, and the plane. Besides those three gadgets, there are two others that are used in combination with the vehicles: the key and the pedal. Let’s start with them. 

The key is fairly simple to assemble, it contains one of the Joy-Cons, and when you want to drive any of the vehicles available in the Kit, you’ll need to insert this critical creation into your car/plane/submarine. 

The pedal is also used with all three vehicles. This cardboard accessory has a subtle feel to it, and you can apply gradual acceleration. 

Toy-Con car is a steering wheel, and the accompanying game lets you race or explore the open-ended world. There is a co-op option, but for a full collaboration experience, you will need more than one kit. The plane creation is a cardboard joystick with a cool old-school design, and it is very intuitive and a lot of fun to fly over the island in the game. 

The most complex learning curve is with the submarine, but once you get the hang of it, it’s also entertaining. 

The Nintendo Labo Vehicle kit gives you incredible immersion and gaming experience that can match much more expensive or more high-end games and consoles. Nintendo added the support for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game for the Toy-Con car.

This Kit includes a physical version of the Vehicle Kit Software as well as 25 cardboard sheets, reflective sticker and sponge sticker sheet, string, a grommet set and rubber bands.

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Nintendo Labo Robot Kit

The Nintendo Labo Robot Kit consists of the Robot backpack and a visor, and it takes roughly three hours to put everything together. The Labo Robot Kit comes in the form of a 19 cardboard sheets, four cardstock sheet, reflective sticker sheet, orange and blue string, some gray canvas straps and grommet set. Kit includes Robot Kit software.

Four cords come out of the backpack. Twi have handles for controlling the robot’s hands and two have nylon foot straps to manage the robot’s feet. When you move your hands or feet a camera inside of the backpack Joy-Con infrared camera catches the movement of the stickers on the connected pistons that go up and down, and it is translated into movement in the game. The visor also plays a role. The other Joy-Con controller is connected to it, and it tracks your head movement, which also translates to the game.

The software includes modes for customization of your robot’s avatar and the sounds that he creates. There is a VS mode, but you will need another set for that one. The main game lets you destroy, stomp, and even fly over the town. The last mode of play is Challenge with five sets of three stages. 

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Toy-Con Variety Kit

One of the first two Labo kits, the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Variety Kit, comes with five different projects. In the package, you will get Variety Kit software, 28 cardboard sheets, three reflective sticker and sponge sheets, orange and blue string, grommet set and rubber bands. 

The two Toy-Con RC Cars have the most straightforward design and can be assembled in ten minutes. The cars are powered by vibrations of the Joy-Con controllers, which interact with sensors inside the cars. The car can follow the path of a magnetic tape by using the IR motion camera or see in the dark with that same camera. You can steer the car with the controls on the Switch touchscreen. This project doesn’t have a traditional game, but it’s still lots of fun. 

The Toy-Con Fishing Rod takes more time to make, and it comes with its own mini-game. In the fishing game, you lower the hook into the ocean, and when the fish bites the bait, there will be vibration, after which you’ll need to pull the fish out. The deeper you go, the more exotic and rare fish you can catch. There is also an aquarium mode with its own DIY component. You can cut new fish from cardboard and use the Toy- Con Piano to add fish to your aquarium. 

That brings us to the Piano. You can play simple songs, change the octave with the lever on the side, insert one of four knobs to adjust your sound or insert Waveform Cards to create the sound you want. You can create, record, and listen to your music, add even the drums or assign different sounds to the keys in the Garage.

The Toy-Con Motorbike is most like a traditional gaming controller. With the steering motorbike wheel, you can control the bike in the game. The game has AI opponents and many tracks. There are two add-ons. With the Toy-Con Mini-Bike you can draw a path in the air which will create an original track to drive your mini bike on. With the Toy-Con Scanner you can scan objects and add that shape to the terrain. The Toy-Con Motorbike supports Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

The Toy-Con House has a mysterious pet in his custom home. You can play mini-games, touch the screen and feed the pet, or you can use one of the three blocks that activate some action inside the house. With the combination of the blocks (there are three holes for them in the cardboard house) you can activate combos and unlock new activities.

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Nintendo Labo Customization set

The idea of DIY Labo kits is to create the projects and then play. The process of making Toy-Cons is an important part of the experience, and Nintendo wants you to customize the creations. You can get a fun Customization set for $10. In the package, you will get two stencil sheets and two sticker sheets as well as two tape rolls. We leave the potential application and ideas to you since anything goes! 

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AMVR VR Face PU leather Cover Mask

The AMVR VR Face PU leather cover mask is designed for Nintendo Switch VR Labo. You’ll need to use Velcro sticks to connect the replaceable cover mask to the headset. The leather mask can be cleaned easily, it is comfortable, and it can add to the VR experience.

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Organizer for Nintendo Labo Variety Kit

Organizer for Nintendo Labo Variety Kit is a 24″ original protective and heavy-duty organizer for Labo Variety Kit. One of the main knocks on Nintendo Labo is the size and storage of the Toy-Cons when they are not in use. This heavy-duty protective organizer can help you with your Variety Kit. The organizer has four handle straps so you can move or hang it. The price of these items might seem a bit steep, but it does address the storage issue with large cardboard Nintendo accessories.

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MENEEA Cardboard Guitar

The MENEEA Cardboard Guitar is not included in any of the present Nintendo Labo kits, but the Labo Garage offers a way of programming the guitar so MENEEA jumped on the bandwagon and created this officially supported gaming gadget. You can actually play the guitar on the six strings and change chords via a Joy-Con controller located in the neck of the guitar.

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Conclusion

Nintendo Labo is a series of gaming accessories that combine the joy of creating a DIY project with an innovative approach to gaming. You can spend hours making the Toy-Con projects, enjoy the specific game for each accessory and go behind the scenes, reprogram or even create something entirely new in the Discover part of the software. 

Nintendo Labo and its gaming Kits is another clever and immersive use of the Switch console that can’t match PlayStation or Xbox performance and specification. What Nintendo lacks in raw power area, it delivers in playable fun.

This is an exciting year for VR hardware with notable new headsets from Pimax, Valve and HTC Vive all coming into the virtual reality arena. At the beginning of the year, HTC introduced two new headsets: The Vive Pro Eye which is the successor to the critically acclaimed Vive headset, plus the somewhat mysterious Vive Cosmos. 

What we know about Vive Cosmos

We still don’t know the Vive Cosmoms release date, but it should be in 2019, probably in the second half since there are still no definitive announcements. The most significant difference between Cosmos and legacy Vive headsets is the new tracking system. While the old way relies on external SteamVR lighthouse sensors that needed stands and were placed in the room, Vive Cosmos will have tracking system built-In the headset.

Four cameras built into the front side of a headset will track the movements and position of the controllers and the headset.  The new VIVE tracking system will have gesture control and six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) with tracking movement at 360 degrees in the room. This means that the installation will be easier, and the functionality and freedom of movement will be top notch, but minus wires that might trip you up.

Another big difference is supposed to be connection to PCs. Per the product trailer, it looks like Vive Cosmos will work with smartphones also. 

Its connection to the PC will probably be via the VirtualLink connector, and if wiring is really out of the equation, that will do wonders for usability. As for the smartphone connections, modern day phones are still not powerful enough for VR gaming, especially on Vive Cosmos resolution, but with 5G networks in the pipeline, they could stream VR content. Clearly, Vive is thinking ahead!

For gaming (at least for now), you will still need an above average computer and a high-quality graphics card.

HTC Vive Cosmos screen and controllers

The adjectives HTC uses when describing new screens for Vive Cosmos are the “sharpest screens yet, real RGB display and minimal screen-door effect.” These descriptors imply higher resolution than with HTC Vive Pro who has 2880×1600 or 1440×1600 for every eye. That also means you’ll need the same if not more power in your PC system to run apps and games smoothly.

The new controllers look almost identical to the ones on Oculus Rift. Cosmo’s game/UI controllers have visual appeal with a ring of light and appealing carved details. HTC mentions that the controllers don’t need any added sensors.

The Modular Nature of Vive Cosmos

Besides offering higher resolution screens, new controllers, and probably support for both PC and smartphones, another distinctive feature is the headset’s modular design. For starters, you will be able to dive in and out of the virtual reality world easily thanks to the unique flip-up design. The glasses part will go up with headset still on your head. You won’t need to take the headset off every time you need to pause your VR experience, nor will you need to put it back on and adjust it.  Additionally, you will be able to customize your headset with different colors and choose between many foam pads, maybe headphones and other parts of a Vive Cosmos. We aren’t sure, but the manufacturer might add more functions or enhance performance with interchangeable parts.

Best accessories for Vive Cosmos

With such modular qualities, Vive Cosmos will probably have a ton of accessories, so owners of this hghly coveted VR gadget can customize apparel and maybe even various functionalities. There are already some accessories ready for the new headset, and hopefully more to come after its official release. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most interesting Vive Cosmos accessories.

Navitech Black Heavy Duty Rugged Hard Case/Cover

One advantage of the new easy set-up design without the hassle of original Vive or Oculus is enhanced mobility. Another hint from the manufacturer was that the new VR headset will work with smartphones. This makes Vive Cosmos transferable and portable. 

The Navitech produced rugged hard Case/Cover with shoulder straps for the new HTC Vive Cosmos can store both the headset and accessories in a safe, organized manner. There is an additional mesh pocket for cables and other small items. The bag has interchangeable storage compartments for the headset, motion controls, cables and other parts of Vive Cosmos. There is no user feedback so far.

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Navitech Rugged Black & Blue Backpack

The rugged Case/Cover, Navitech backpack for HTC Vive Cosmos offers a little more space and it’s more comfortable to carry around thanks to padded shoulder straps. The main compartment has room for the whole headset, controllers and other accessories. This space includes additional padding and a secure strap. You can get a backpack with a $10 upgrade from the hard Case/Cover.

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HTC Vive Pro VR Memory Foam Face Replacement

This has been one of the most popular accessories so far for the HTC Vive and the HTC Vive Pro headsets. Seeing that the Vive Cosmos has an almost identical overall design, this memory foam face replacement is likely to work with the new headset.

The main selling point of the HTC Vive Pro VR Memory Foam Face Replacement is improved comfort. It’s supposed to cause less sweating, plus it’s easier to clean than the original face foam. It also brings an increased field of view. Like most other consumer goods, this product comes with mixed user feedback. It is easier to clean and more hygienic, but some users feel that it doesn’t fit as well as the original foam. The package contains face foam and headset foam replacement.

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Skywin VR Stand

Its Skywin, not Skyrim (one of the more popular VR games) VR Stand that has the looks and practicality. It is compatible with HTC Vive, but also other VR headsets, notably PlayStation VR and Oculus Rift. Skywin VR stand serves as a display stand and cable organizer for VR headsets. It’s still not clear will Vive Cosmos be connected with the cable to the PC or as speculated through a VirtualLink connector. Either way, you will always be able to use the display stand. This item received great marks overall, but a few one-star reviews made their way into the mix. Some users complained about build quality and imbalance. Most liked its ability to organize their space – plus, your VR headset looks better on a stand than just lying around! 

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Racket Sports Set with VIVE Tracker

Racket Sports Set with VIVE Tracker is an original product from HTC, and it supports all Vive headsets. This racket accessory comes with the Vive tracker, so it might not be compatible with Vive Cosmos. At the same time, it’s got great potential. This tracker comes with a Virtual Sports game, and it’s easy to mount. 

With a rubberized grip and balanced design, it’s comfortable to use. A wrist lanyard helps prevent accidents. 

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What else do you need for Vive VR experience?

Vive store offers other accessories like Vive trackers, controllers, base stations and various cables and accessories. Because Vive Cosmos will be a somewhat different type of VR headset, we need to wait a couple of months for the official release to get a full array of Cosmos original and third-party add-on items. 

The one thing you will definitively need is a powerhouse PC since higher resolution requires more GPU power, plus there are some important cable/ports requirements; for example, you will need DisplayPort 1.2 or newer, and USB 3.0 or newer. As for the CPU, HTC recommends at least Intel Core i5-4590. If you’re shopping for a new PC, it’s better to go with the 8^th generation of Intel CPU or at least with Ryzen 5 from the AMD side.

As for the minimum requirements for the GPU, HTC says that Vive Pro can run on NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290. For smooth performance, you should go with at least GTX 1070, and Vega 56 or better still 1080 and Vega VII graphics cards. A quick FYI – we’re using Vive Pro recommended specs to project specs for Vive Cosmos.

The difference between Cosmos and its predecessor is hidden in the manufacturer’s phrase “VR without boundaries.” This implies that a new headset will support smartphones. We can only guess the minimum smartphone requirements. Since HTC is not atop of the smartphone league at the moment, it could mean that phone-Cosmos connection for streaming/gaming/multimedia won’t require top hardware. That said, without knowing the exact specifications and requirements, we could speculate that the flagship smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, Kirin 970 or newest Exynos chipsets will be compatible, as well as new iPhones. It’s best to wait and see before buying a new phone, however!

Bottom line

If Vive Cosmos really comes without cords attached to the headset, it will make a world of difference for gamers. Hopefully, HTC and the third party manufacturers will come up with more game related accessories such as a sword accessory for RPG games like Skyrim VR. The new controllers are promising, but it would be helpful for shooters to have an improved version (or something similar to) the Hyperkin Hyper Blaster, which was discontinued and had bad reviews. 

We are looking forward to seeing how HTC will take advantage of the modular nature of the Vive Cosmos set. For example, could the new accessories upgrade apparel and performance of the headset? Only time will tell.