Need a new computer?

October 10, 2024

Need a new computer? Knowing the minimum requirements for what you do helps. For using the internet and watching movies, a 1.3 GHz processor and 2GB to 4GB of RAM is fine. If you do anything more intensive, go for a 3.5 GHz processor and at least 8GB of RAM.

Tags: computers, processing power, processors

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Going chemical-free is worth the money

🥘 I got rid of all my old pots and pans that didn’t match and had PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, cadmium and other toxic materials that can leach into your food, making them unsafe for you and your family.

Here’s what I bought instead. Let me tell you, these are expensive, but they have no chemicals, and I don’t even need to use spray oil anymore. With the holidays coming up, you’ll definitely use these:

Loaf pan for breads, lasagna for two and more.
Nonstick cookware set I got in the cream color.
Bakeware set so you’ll have all you need to do anything.
Finally, if you don’t want to buy a set, just try one frying pan or baking dish you use a lot. I know you’re gonna love it. You can always return it if you don’t.

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🐾 Amazon hack: Amazon’s new AI chatbot, Rufus, can help you find things to buy and answer product questions. People are using it to find cheaper versions of popular name-brand items. Pro tip: The bot won’t help if you ask for “dupes” (paywall link). Rephrase your request, like asking for “leggings similar to Lululemon pants.” You’ve gotta be smarter than the bot!

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🧀 Cheesy food puns are so grate

I was cutting a bagel with a big serrated knife the other day and scared myself. That’s why I got this bagel guillotine (31% off).
This 5-in-1 tool opens any bottle, jar or whatever else. It’s only $8.
Wish I had this when Ian was a kid: An automatic drink dispenser for the milk or anything else heavy in the fridge.
Amazon’s bestselling veggie chopper is 50% off. No more onion fingers! Press down and you’re done.
When the kitchen is full of fruit flies, plug in one of these sticky traps. All the grossness is on the back, phew.

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Dinner is served!

Despite what my podcast cohost, Andrew, would have you believe, I don’t order takeout every night.

One of my favorite meals is fresh-caught salmon cooked on one of these salt blocks. So, so good.
Chef trick: Sprinkle Maldon sea salt on meat, veggies, brownies or cookies. It’s crunchy and not too salty.
Last time I moved, I threw out all my crusty, old baking sheets and got fresh, shiny ones. This brand lasts forever.
You deserve a real napkin with dinner, not a paper towel.
Keep your fridge fresh. This odor eliminator works better than a box of baking soda and lasts a decade.

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You ask, I deliver

📦 Lots of requests for more handy little helpers around the house. I’ve got your back!

Collapsible storage bins (set of 3) (50% off, only $13.50): For when you’re up to your eyeballs in junk. Give your stuff a home!
Suction cup phone holder (55% off, now $9): Perfect for hands-free Facetime, watching videos or following recipes.
Rechargeable LED flashlight ($14): Be prepared for anything. I keep a flashlight in my car, too.
Pet hair remover ($15): Game-changer for keeping the car and furniture fur-free.
Silicone stretch lids (6 for $10): I can’t stand plastic wrap. These reusable lids fit any container.

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👍 Finds you’ll use time and time again

12-pack of streak-free cleaning cloths ($7): No home ever has too many microfiber cloths, just sayin’.
Cable organizer bag (over 50% off): Tangled charging cables are the worst! A compact organizer keeps everything tidy.
LED desk lamp with USB port ($16): Brighten up your workspace with a stylish lamp. This one has adjustable brightness levels and a USB port for charging. Sweet.
Herb scissors with 5 blades ($10): Perfect for snipping parsley, basil, cilantro, mint — you name it.
Self-adhesive cable clips ($8): Another easy way to keep your cord mess in check.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Useful deals under $20

Bluetooth shower speaker: Turns your shower into a concert hall! Waterproof, good sound and super affordable. (60% off, now just $12)
Smart LED bulbs (2-pack): Light up your life with color-changing bulbs you control right from your phone. (50% off, only $10)
Cordless handheld vacuum: A lightweight lifesaver for crumbs and dust bunnies. (Just $19)
Silicone baking mats (set of 2): Bake like a pro. No more scrubbing, sticking or buying expensive parchment paper. (Only $6)
Multipurpose phone stand: Use it for video calls, watching videos or propping up your phone in the kitchen. (40% off, only $6!)

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Sweet deals under $10

Sorry-not-sorry, but you’re probably going to want all these …

These soft and cozy Hanes sweaters are so cheap (46% off!) and come in great colors, so it’s time to stock up for winter.
Upgrade your around-the-house scissors with a pair that’s actually sharp (only $9.99 for a 3-pack).
Add one or two drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo each wash to make your hair thicker and fuller.
This is the best no-scent, no-shine lip treatment for when your kisser’s dry.
This fan-favorite windshield defogger and cleaner is under $6.

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Every home needs one

There’s an emergency and your phone is out of commission. Don’t panic — grab an emergency radio. It can be the difference between staying safe and being trapped with no communication. My husband, Barry, owns several!

The Midland ER310 ($69.66) recharges by hand crank, solar power or battery. It’s got a built-in SOS beacon, weather alerts and an ultrasonic dog whistle so rescue teams can find you more easily.
The Midland ER210 model ($49.99) is a more affordable option with the same features, but it’s smaller and has a shorter battery life.
Want a reliable budget option? Here’s one for around $35 with all the essential features you’d need.

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🧽 Scrub-a-dub-dub

By popular demand, the cleaning products that shortcut tasks you forget to do. Grab ‘em all, blast the music and have a cleaning party with yourself.

Espresso machines need to be descaled. Don’t ignore this one or you’re in for a bad morning.
Use a Keurig, Ninja or other coffee pod machine? These tabs clean out the gunk so your java is perfect every morning.
When was the last time you cleaned your dishwasher? Pop in one of these tabs and run a cycle. Easy-peasy.
Next up, the garbage disposal. I know you’ve been ignoring that one, and it stinks.
While you’re at it, give the spa or hot tub a good cleaning, too.
I’m over laundry pods. I switched to laundry sheets. So easy!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.