Whether you've been distance-learning during this pandemic or a Zoom-aficionado hanging out with family and friends, it may have become painfully clear that your computer is not up for the challenge.
If you're looking for a new computer, Consumer Reports has several tips for you.
“Laptops are a great option because they’re portable, more powerful, and less expensive than they used to be," Consumer Reports Tech Editor Nicolas De Leon said.
If you like PCs, the Lenovo Flex 15 is a Consumer Reports Best Buy.
If you prefer a Mac, one of CR's top-rated laptops is the 16-inch Apple Macbook Pro.
"Apple is at the top of our ratings when it comes to reliability and owner satisfaction," he said.
As for desktops, all-in-one models where the computer is built into the monitor are a popular choice. They're powerful and they save space.
The 27-inch Lenovo is a CR Best Buy. Testers say it showed fast speeds during performance tests and said the touchscreen offered a convenient way to navigate.
For Mac lovers, they recommend the 21.5-inch iMac. It has built-in speakers and CR said its dedicated graphics card allows you to run for graphics-intensive tasks like video editing at top speed.
If now's not the right time to drop a lot of cash on a new computer, CR says one free option is turning an outdated laptop into a Chromebook. It's not hard to do. Free software created by neverware called 'Cloud Ready" walks you through it.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
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See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
