5 Popular Laptops You Can Buy This Year
5 Popular Laptops You Can Buy This Year

We live in a day and age where smartphones, as well as other mobile devices, have become very common. While smartwatches seem to be the next big thing, one can never become so technically elite that the need for a laptop is no longer valid.

There have been plenty of technological breakthroughs in the laptop world as well as tablets and notebooks. The advantage is we don’t have to deal with huge electronic chunks that are not portable for our daily needs. Laptops are highly efficient, easy to carry and sleek in design apart from being very powerful.

While there is no such thing as “best laptop,” one always desires to know the features that are most suitable to their needs. Although it is a matter of personal preference, you can look at the most popular laptops being purchased right now. So without further ado, here are the best laptops you can buy!

Microsoft Surface Laptops

This spectacular laptop range from Microsoft has the perfect blend of portability, lasting battery life as well as power! These laptops are equipped with an outstanding keyboard as well as a beautiful touchpad for seamless browsing. They come with a terabyte of storage as well as 16GB RAM along with a pre-installed version of the latest Windows 10 S OS which can be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro! Available in the market at around $1,299, this laptop is definitely worth the high resolution and the powerful Intel processor that it comes with!

Apple MacBook Pro

Apple laptops have always been very reliable and come with their own brand value. The Apple MacBook Pro is no exception to the quality that Apple promises! The MacBook Pro comes with a huge touchpad and good design that makes it look sexy and sleek! They come in quite a few variants of colors and are also priced at around $1,299. The touch bar has been quite controversial as it may or may not come with the keyboard depending on the model that you invest in! The variant that comes with the touch bar costs around $400 more than the one that does not!

Other contenders

While Microsoft and Apple have been going head to head for the position of “King of the Laptops,” they may not always be recommended for those that want to stick to a tight budget. For those people who wish to purchase laptops without burning a huge hole in their pockets, here are the most recommended ones!

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

This sleek laptop from Lenovo comes with an excellent battery life and has a matte finish. The keyboard is more than exceptional and overall Lenovo has done a really good job with the design. This being said, the headphone quality isn’t exactly something to look forward to. The charging ports being positioned next to each other also make it hard to use.

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

Like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Dell has also focused more on hardware and has come up with this model that can be used both as a tablet as well as a laptop. The display is crisp but the power button is unreliable causing the device to sleep without any warning. This gets frustrating and the limitation in terms of port access is another shared feature with the Lenovo ThinkPad.

Blade

The name sounds like a hardcore gamer and it is not a big surprise that the laptop is specially designed for gaming. The device works surprisingly well with VR, however, the display isn’t exactly the best and the touchpad isn’t too different from the display—mediocre!

Laptops are a modern day necessity and finding the right one can mean the difference between tedious and overbearing workloads and a smooth work experience. Choose from the excellent laptops we have listed here or do your own research to find out what is right for you and for your budget.

  • Popular Bed Bug Sprays to Choose From

    Bed bugs have become an epidemic in the country today. Bed bugs are pests that feed on the human blood. Be it clothing stores, hotels, movie halls, schools, or daycares, bed bugs have wreaked havoc almost everywhere. According to a survey by the National Pest Management Association, the number of cities affected by bed bugs in the country in this decade has gone up by 10% as compared to the earlier decade. Some of the cities with a high number of cases of bed bug infestation include Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Illinois, Cincinnati, New York, Los Angeles, Columbus, Raleigh-Durham, Detroit, Richmond-Petersburg, Philadelphia, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Indianapolis, Buffalo, Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport, and Houston. Bed bugs spread at a very rapid rate and using one of the best bed bug sprays is one of the best ways to get rid of them. Here’s a list of some of the best bed bugs sprays that you can consider using.

    • Bed Bug Killer By Eco Defense – All Natural Organic Formula
    • Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider, 100% Fast Kill and Extended Protection, Green and Non-toxic
    • Bed Bug Killer Patrol
    • Ortho Home Defense Dual-Action Bed Bug Killer Aerosol Spray
    • Harris Bed Bug Killer
    • Temprid Sc Insecticide
    • Harris Toughest Bed Bug Killer
    • Chapin Sprayer
    • Zoecon Precor 2000 Plus Premise Spray
    • Temprid Ready Spray

    Benefits of using some of the best bed bug sprays

    • Sprays are inexpensive and a bottle may generally cost $20–60
    • The bottle is easy to use
    • Sprays are generally effective in killing bugs on contact in a short period of time
    • Many different product options

    If you are wondering about the best bed bug sprays that can help in getting rid of an infestation in your home, then you can have a look at the list below and choose the best one for you.

    Bed Bug Patrol
    Active ingredients: Clove Oil (0.003%), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (1.3%), and Peppermint Oil (1%)
    This spray performed well during a research conducted. Yes, Bed Bug Patrol is believed to cause a 92% mortality rate. Owing to its natural composition, it is safe for children and pets. The spray is an inexpensive and effective way to get rid of bed bugs. However, the spray kills the bugs only when it comes in contact with it and has a strong, unpleasant odor.

    JT Eaton’s Solution
    Active ingredients: Permethrin (.30%),  Piperonyl butoxide (.75%), and Pyrethrins (.15%)
    The spray was tested in a research and showed 100% mortality after 8 days. JT Eaton spray was found to perform better than most of the sprays that were evaluated. In short, the spray is very effective by providing residual protection. However, the spray has an unpleasant smell and is not natural.

    EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer
    Active ingredients:  Cedar Extract (1%), Geraniol (1%), and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (2%)
    A research study conducted on 13 natural and synthetic pesticides by Rutgers University revealed that EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer Spray performed the best and killed 100% of the bed bugs within 10 days. In addition to this, the spray has a pleasant smell, is affordable, highly effective, and is all natural. It is safe to be used near kids and pets. However, like most of the sprays, Eco Raider Bed Bug Killer Spray kills bugs only when it comes in contact with them.

    After doing a proper research and checking for ingredients that you could be allergic to, you should check the reviews of the sprays you have shortlisted. You can choose the one that suits your needs best.

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  • Understanding skin aging

    Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles.

    So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible.

    Stages of skin aging
    As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are:

    • Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years
      This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning. The skin will also start to lose its elasticity with time.
    • Stage II – Between 35 and 50 years
      At this stage, fine lines start to appear on the forehead and on the area around the eyes. You can also start to notice nasolabial folds more prominently at this stage. Eye bags can also start to develop. Cheeks begin to lose volume and start sagging.
    • Stage III – Between 50 and 60 years
      Wrinkles and fine lines start to appear all over the face at this age. Under-eye bags appear and the skin around the eyes becomes loose. The skin on the face starts to appear thinner and more transparent. The process of skin aging accelerates at this stage and it is very visible.
    • Stage IV – 70 years and above
      Extremely visible wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes are found at this stage. The skin on the upper and lower eyelids becomes loose and the signs of aging become more prominent. Sun damage on the skin is visible as well.

    Diagnosis
    As the signs of skin aging become visible, diagnosing the problem becomes easier. The most common signs that can help you identify aging skin include:

    • Spotting
    • Sagginess in the skin
    • Dullness in skin tone
    • Fine lines and wrinkles
    • Dryness of the skin
    • Skin thinning

    Identifying these signs can help you and your dermatologist diagnose aging skin.

    Prevention
    There are certain skin changes that are inevitable, and they will come as we age. As the skin ages, it gets rougher, loses its elasticity, starts to appear transparent, becomes fragile, and can even get easily bruised.

    There are various ways that can help you reduce the aging of the skin. These include the following:

    • Use sun protection whenever you step out in the sun
    • Keep your skin moisturized at all times
    • Keep your skin and body hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily
    • Eat food rich in vitamins
    • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
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  • Cheap and best cable providers

    When a person is looking for a cheapest cable provider it indirectly means that he wants a plan that has the lowest possible monthly rate. Comparing all the service providers, it might seem that they come up with cheap affordable deals but at the end of the day it’s pure business. They all share similar flaws like increasing bills, poor customer service, inevitable rate hikes, delayed installation appointments, additional fees, confusing package options and offers that require bundling with services that not everyone needs. Yet, we need a cable TV connection eventually despite hurdles. Check out these cheap cable providers that offers budget plans.

    Verizon Fios: Verizon holds the highest consumer satisfaction score in the industry. The basic plan ”Fios TV local” costs $10 per month, contains 15 core local channels including news, entertainment, variety and more. The custom TV plan of $64 is flexible to choose the genre and types of programming that fit your style and pay only for the channels you want.

    Comcast Xfinity: They offer a wide range of packages separately for TV, internet and phone in addition with bundle packages. Their TV plan includes digital, premier, preferred, economic and limited basic that are limited to new residential customers only. Digital economic plan begins at the rate of $29, providing stream app and top 45+ channels with fluctuating price after 12 months of installation.

    AT&T U-verse: U-Verse offers several packages to choose from U450, U300, U200, U-family and U-personal. The basic U-personal plan supplies local channels, OnDemand library with installation fees. All the other packages comprise of 200+ digital channels inclusive of one HD-ready DVR receiver with total home DVR service.

    Time warner cable: The major advantage with Time Warner cable is that it works with no contracts, provides high quality audio and visual display, free installation charges and also provides bundle TV, phone and internet services. It delivers a good selection of cable TV packages starting from $39 -$99.

    Dish: Dish provides the most international channels and award winning HD and DVR technology. It’s best for good value pricing, fee professional installation and best customer service. This is one of the few cable providers that offers all the services that you want in one place. Their value pack costs around $39 puts up with 50+ popular channels that are flexible to your choices.

    Direct TV: Direct cable TV packages ranges between $50-$125. The basic select plan is perfect if you don’t want to pay for channels that you don’t watch moreover it contains 145 channels including HBO and exclusive sports channels. Like Dish TV, it has outstanding customer service but suffers a drawback because of their ‘two years’ contract’ condition.

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  • Top domain name generators to kickstart your business

    A domain name is nothing but the name of your website or blog that is to be hosted on the Internet. When you do a domain name search and want to own a domain for your own website or blog, and every time you type the domain names of your choice, they are taken.

    One of the very first thoughts that come to anybody’s mind before kickstarting their digital business is their website. In a world where everybody is into the Internet space, it is quite possible that your idea is already taken. Imagine, you wish to register a domain name, and quickly run a domain name search, but it is already taken. This is when you may use the following options to consider and even get an entire list of cheap domain names:

    Lean Domain Search
    The top-rated option, it also lets you register a domain name of your choice and has a repository of domain names that you can choose from.

    Bust a name
    If you are looking for some serious quality, then pick a domain name from Bust a Name. Its filtering options really give you the chance to select the best ones.

    Shopify Business Name Generator
    Now a major component of Facebook e-commerce, the Shopify Business Name Generator is filled with cheap domain names which you can register for definitely.

    Nameboy
    Nameboy is the perfect option for picking SEO-centric names. There are plenty of keywords that you can pick from and zero in on the main name.

    Name Stall
    NameStall comes with various filters like parts of speech, popular keywords, industry categories as well as the basic words in English. You can pick the best choices generated from here and then go on to register your domain officially.

    Domain Puzzler
    Domain Puzzler starts off extremely easy and is very user friendly. All you need to do is insert your ideal keywords, go on to search for ideas, and finally choose the name that you like the most.

    Name Mesh
    It is another perfect domain name generator when it comes to being an accomplice to SEO Marketing, Name Mesh is definitely an option you can consider to get the right name for your digital presence.

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  • Best sides with mac and cheese casserole

    When you’re all set to prepare your cheesy favorite, mac & cheese casserole recipe, you might be wondering what to serve with it? Well, if you haven’t really given that a thought, then here are some delicious and super easy sides that complement your mac & cheese casserole recipe the best. Take a look!

    Buffalo wings are a classic combo
    Whether you call for a house party or have your friends coming along, a simple and appetizing is good to go with a plate full of buffalo wings. While it takes about an hour to prepare it, the ingredients used for buffalo wings are very simple. The proper seasoning and marinade is the key to getting the perfect buffalo wings.

    Fried pickles are a hit
    Don’t take the usual pickle recipes and try the new version that is crispy fried. Serve this with spicy mayo made at home with some lemon zest and pepper seasoning. Fry these pickles till they are golden brown and do not forget to take out the extra oil with paper towels.

    Spiced short ribs can’t be a miss
    Getting the perfect balance of spices and flavors is the key in this recipe. Get your own mix of spices and blend these spices together to get the marinade of your liking. Top these short spicy ribs with fried shallots for a crunchy texture!

    Beef chili makes it a complete meal
    Popularly known as a one-pot wonder, chili recipes are best for winters and can be served as a side with mac & cheese casserole recipe. You can go with either a large number of chili recipes that are already available or prepare one with your own bunch of spices and ingredients.

    Fried mushrooms for the vegetarian friends
    Don’t let your vegetarian friends feel left out when you call them for a house party. Prepare delicious fried mushrooms that very well complements the mac & cheese casserole recipe. If you don’t like to fry the mushrooms, then you can also prepare the same with butter garlic that adds delicious flavors to your taste palate.

    Stir-fried greens
    If you are not fond of any of the above sides with mac & cheese casserole, then you would surely want to go with stir-fried green vegetables. If not stir fried, then just steamed broccoli and beans would be good to go with.

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  • Can using laxatives help constipation?

    Laxative use for constipation is quite common. Many people use over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives for quick constipation relief. No doubt, laxatives can help with smooth bowel function, but these medicines must be used with caution and restraint.

    Types of Laxatives
    There are different types of laxatives in terms of how they work.

    • Osmotics: These bring more water into the large intestine to induce bowel movements. Side effects can include diarrhea, gas, bloating and cramping.
    • Stool softeners: Soften the stools with extra moisture for easier passage through the rectum. Side effects can be electrolyte imbalance with long-term use.
    • Bulk formers: Add bulk to stools and stimulate a normal bowel movement. Side effects can be bloating, cramps and gas.
    • Stimulants: These can cause intestinal muscle contractions. Side effects can be nausea, diarrhea, and belching.
    • Rectal suppositories: They trigger intestinal muscle contractions and soften stools. Side effects can be diarrhea and rectal irritation.

    Using laxatives for constipation
    It is generally safe to use OTC laxatives for occasionally relieving constipation. However, long-term use of all types of laxatives can be harmful. Bulk formers or fiber supplements are safest of all laxatives; even for long-term use. But it is better to consult your doctor if you want a safe laxative for prolonged use.

    Some caution 

    • The body can become dependent on laxatives. With prolonged use, you may not be able to have a normal bowel movement without using a laxative.
    • With oral laxatives, there is also a risk of diet and medicine interaction. Use of laxatives can interfere with normal absorption of some medicines and food substances.
    • The body needs electrolytes such as potassium and sodium for many body functions. Long-term use of some laxatives can mess with the electrolyte balance in the body and cause weakness, seizures, confusion and heart problems.

    Talk to your doctor about prescription constipation medications for the chronic problem instead of using laxatives over a long period. Instead of using laxatives for constipation relief, it is better to change your poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle that could be causing your bowel problems. Eat more fiber-rich foods, avoid processed foods and exercise.

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  • A Brief History of Modular Homes

    Prefabricated homes gained mileage post World War II as it catered to the housing shortage at a fast pace. For less than $2500, homeowners received kits that included prefabricated pieces of wood, nails, tools, and paint. All that you had to do was look at the manual and build the house by yourself or with minimal external help. In the 1970s, the federal government put some rules in place to ensure the safety of modular homes. Today, prefab homes are also called modular homes. They have evolved to include the latest technology and building materials. When a first-time home buyer looks for housing options, modular homes are on the top as they tick off several columns such as cost-efficient, better quality, environment-friendly, sustainable, and good looking too. If you are looking to build green homes that cause minimal damage to the environment, you should opt for modular homes. Since they are manufactured in factories as per your specific measurements, the wastage of building materials is reduced by half. All the unused materials are recycled for their next order. Most of the waste that goes to landfills is from the construction industry. With modular homes, this waste is reduced by 40%. Most of the new modular homes come with green roofs and include provisions such as solar panels that supply electricity for all household needs. Homeowners can use this electricity for lighting, cooling, and heating purposes. They can also store excess electricity in batteries and sell it to local grids. The country’s law ensures that modular homes maintain high sustainability standards. They cannot use traditional material like PVC or cement. They have to use non-toxic and low VOC (volatile organic compound) materials that are eco-friendly. New and innovative technologies have led to the use of reinforced and recycled materials for roofs, and internal wall panels. This type of insulation keeps the house warm during winter and cool during summer. New ideas like bamboo floors, collection and storage of excess rainwater, geothermal heat pumps, tankless water heaters, and low flush toilets make modular homes a viable alternative for all those who want to live in an eco-friendly manner.

    While building a modular home, you can insist on or look for builders who offer an energy efficient design. You can also ask and verify if they use sustainable, eco-friendly materials so that you own an inexpensive green home that is built faster than traditionally constructed homes.

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  • Eating for a healthy heart

    In our face-paced lifestyle, our food habits have changed drastically. Fast foods and unhealthy eatables have become an inevitable part of our diet, causing numerous problems like diabetes, obesity, heart problems, etc. Although there has been a significant decrease in deaths due to heart diseases globally, a maximum amount of deaths in America are caused due to the same. Trans fat is the biggest culprit that’s present in junk food and packaged food. This artificially obtained “edible” ingredient is present in most of the food items sold in stores. As a result, people who consume trans fat can be victims of high cholesterol levels. The good news is that people are now realizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and altered food habits. But, it’s still a slow process. While health consciousness started as a trend, it is successfully becoming a lifestyle choice of many Americans. Also, with the advent of technology, we have come to know a lot about cardiovascular diseases and ways to prevent it. For a healthy heart, one needs to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Here’s a cheat sheet of eating for a healthy heart that comprises a list of four food items that you should include in your diet to keep heart diseases at bay.

    Salmon
    One of the most heart-healthy foods that you can get your hands on is salmon. Many other fatty fishes that are great for the heart include mackerels and sardines. These seafood items are good for the heart because of the high level of omega-3 fatty acids present in them. Studies have shown that people who take higher amounts of food containing omega-3 fatty acids have lower risks of heart diseases like irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), plaque build up in arteries (atherosclerosis), and also have a significant decrease in the amount of triglycerides in the body. According to the American Heart Association, fatty fishes such as the ones mentioned should be included in the diet at least twice a week.

    Oatmeal
    This is definitely the king of healthy foods. Not only does an oatmeal recipe taste excellent, but it is also amazing for the heart. Oatmeal has a higher content of soluble fiber. Thus, it acts as a sponge and soaks up all the cholesterol in the body. Hence, the cholesterol is excreted out and not absorbed by the blood. Lauren Graf, the director and dietitian of the wellness program at Montefiore Medical Centre in New York City, however, suggests that it is best to avoid instant oatmeal and opt for the traditional oats because instant oats usually contain sugar. Whole grains like pasta, grits, and bread are also great for the heart.

    Citrus fruits
    Studies have shown that women consuming high amounts of flavanoids (found in oranges and grapefruits) have a lower chance of getting heart strokes. Citrus fruits have vitamin C, which helps in decreasing risks of heart diseases. However, it is important that you avoid citrus drinks with sugar. Certain grapefruit products might interfere with the actions of Statins, which are cholesterol lowering drugs, and hence, should be avoided.

    Nuts
    Nuts are not only tasty but are also really good for the heart. Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, and macadamia nuts are the ones that you should be eating for a healthy heart on a regular basis. These are high in fibers and contain omega-3 fatty acids and also Vitamin E, which help to control the bad cholesterol in our body.

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