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SAVE $35.97: Now through July 17, Amazon Prime members can sign up for a free 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited, which typically costs $11.99 per month. That's a total savings of $35.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free 3-month membership to Kindle Unlimited Prime member-exclusive deal Get Deal

We're now halfway through 2024, and if your New Year's resolution was to dive into reading, but you haven't quite fulfilled that commitment, there's still time. We still have more than 20 full weeks left in the year, which means today is a great time to start turning pages. If your preferred reading method is e-books or audiobooks, there's a great deal in store for you today for the total price of F-R-E-E.

Through July 17, Amazon Prime members can sign up for a free 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited as a Prime Day deal. The service typically costs $11.99 per month, which means you'll be saving a total of $35.97 over the three-month time frame. Just remember to cancel your subscription before the three months are up to avoid being charged.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle deals you can get during Prime Day 2024

Kindle Unlimited is an e-book reader's delight. It gives you unrestricted access to over 4 million digital books, from classics to bestsellers. If you're in the mood for something longer, check out the selection of popular book series, which is just as good as finding a new show to binge. Plus, you'll no longer have to wait weeks for the book to become available from the library.

If you'd rather listen to books instead of read on a device, Kindle Unlimited also has you covered. The catalog includes thousands of audiobooks to choose from, which have the power to turn any road trip from a slog to a joy. Kindle Unlimited also includes magazine subscriptions, with titles like People Magazine, Travel + Leisure, and Runner's World.

To grab this deal, you'll need to be an Amazon Prime member, which costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually. If you're on the fence about joining, consider Amazon's upcoming Prime Day sale, which will also come packed with exclusive deals for members only. Plus, you'll get access to Amazon's two-day shipping. And if you don't already have an e-reader, check out our shopping guide for our favorite Kindles.

If your reading goals aren't getting met and you're ready to change that this summer, sign up for free access to Kindle Unlimited for three months. Then you'll have some great motivation to turn some pages.

SAVE $29.01: Amazon has dropped the price on the SolaWave Bye Acne Spot Treatment device from $69 to $39.99 for Prime Day. That's a savings of 42%. Additionally, SolaWave is holding a 40% off sitewide sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solawave SolaWave Bye Acne Spot Treatment $39.99 at Amazon
$69.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal

Searching for Prime Day skincare deals? SolaWave is one of our favorite beauty tech brands (as well as TikTok's) and its Prime Day deals truly deliver. The Bye Acne Spot Treatment device, specifically, is a standout Lightning deal you'll definitely want to add to your cart.

The Bye Acne device is regularly $69, but on day one of Prime Day, it's down to just $39.99. That's 42% in savings. We saw it drop down 50% during the holiday season, but this is definitely the best SolaWave deal we've seen since. Of course, like most Prime Day deals, you'll have to be a Prime member to snag it. Plus, as a Lightning deal, there's a limited supply of these babies at Amazon. So, if you want to ensure you get the best price, grab it ASAP.

It's not our favorite of SolaWave's offerings (that honor would go to the celeb-favorite skincare wand), but it still has its place in a beauty routine. It uses the power of light therapy to deliver pain-free acne treatment. When Mashable's Bethany Allard tested it out, she found that it would likely work best "for someone who gets a nasty pimple or two regularly and has the cash to spare." In other words, it's better for spot treatment (hence the name) than for ongoing breakouts. At just $39.99, however, we're definitely more inclined to recommend the device.

If you're on the hunt for more SolaWave Prime Day deals, just head over to the brand's own website, where everything else (including the skincare wand) is currently 40% off with the code PRIME40.

Koki discusses her relationship with the cast and crew of 'Touch' and some of the biggest lessons she learned during filming.

A24's 'A Different Man' trailer shows Sebastian Stan as an actor with significant facial differences caused by neurofibromatosis.

Save $154: Apple's AirPods Max wireless, over-ear headphones are priced at $394.99 at Amazon on Prime Day. That's a 28% discount and an all-time-low price for the tech giant's premium, over-ear offering.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones $394.99 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $154.01 Get Deal

Apple's AirPods Max are steeply discounted for Prime Day, priced at $394.99. That's a $154 drop from its typical retail price of $549 and an all-time-low price. That represents a nearly 30% discount for Prime Day.

Apple's stylish, over-ear headphones are super popular, though perhaps not the first choice for strict audiophiles. Still, for most users, it's a good option — if you can afford it. Mashable's review of the headphones read: "When it comes down to it, the AirPods Max check off almost all the boxes for what makes an excellent pair of headphones: great sound quality, ideal battery life, easy controls, and a stylish design."

The previous all-time low price for the AirPods Max on Amazon was $398, so this Prime Day you can get the headphones for the best possible price.

Promoted*
PRIME DAY DEALS ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES
• EARBUDS: JBL Tune Noise-Cancelling Earbuds — $44.95 $99.95 (save $55)
• HEADPHONES: Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones — $88 $149.99 (save $61.99)
• ROBOT VACUUM: ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo — $369.99 $435.99 (save $66)
• COMPUTER: Dell 32-inch Curved Monitor — $255.99 $359.99 (save $104)
• CHROMEBOOK: ASUS Chromebook Flip CX1 Convertible Laptop — $259.99 $329.99 (save $70)
• ACTIVITY TRACKER: Fitbit Sense 2 — $179.95 $249.95 (save $70)
• AIR FRYER: Instant Vortex Plus — $79.95 $119.99 (save $40)
  
  *Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

Do Prime Day deals change? It’s a common question people ask on Prime Day.

There are so many deals happening at once, it can be hard to figure out which will linger throughout the sale and which requires a quick decision in order to claim.

The answer is yes, they do change! There are two key factors to consider are whether the item is part of a lightning deal or whether the item is in high demand.

With lightning deals, you could have as little as a few moments to decide whether or not you want to purchase them. It requires you to keep a close eye on the site and be prepared to act.

For the non-lightning deals, it all comes down to common sense. Super cheap 4K TVs, deep-discount gaming consoles, and other in-demand tech have the potential to go quickly, so act accordingly.

A great example is this TCL 65-inch 4K television. During the Prime Day sale, you can get it for $398, which is a 43% discount from its normal price.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch Q6 QLED 4K TV $398.00 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $301.99 Get Deal

In addition to selling out, the price could rise or drop, which is why we at Mashable monitor Prime Day deals closely and continuously update our coverage.

To help you along, here is a selection of some of the best Amazon Prime Day deals on the site right now.

Best Prime Day deals

Here is a selection of the best deals from Mashable's fantastic megapost with more than 150 Prime Day deals available now:

MacBooks

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $799 $999 (save $200) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849 $1,099 (save $200 with on-page coupon)🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,049 $1,299 (save $150 with on-page coupon)🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,399 $1,599 (save $200) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,699 $1,999 (save $300) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,899 $2,499 (save $600 with on-page coupon) 🔥

Echo smart speakers

• Amazon Echo Pop — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22 with Prime) 🔥

• Amazon Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $19.98 $59.98 (save $40 with Prime)

• Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25 with Prime)

• Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $26.98 $69.98 (save $43 with Prime)

• Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Echo Buds — $49.98 $99.98 (save $50 with Prime) 🔥

• Amazon Echo (4th Gen) — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45 with Prime)

• Amazon Echo (4th Gen) with Sengled Smart Color Bulb — $56.98 $119.98 (save $63 with Prime)

Kindle deals

• Amazon Kindle — $84.99 $99.99 (save $15) ✨

• Amazon Kindle (without lockscreen ads) — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20) ✨

• Kindle Kids (2022) — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20) ✨

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) — $134.99 $149.99 (save $15) ✨

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) — $179.99 $189.99 (save $10) ✨

• Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB) — $234.99 $399.99 (save $165) ✨

Save $250: Apple's 2024 MacBook Air with an M3 chip is on sale for just $849, a new all-time low for the popular laptop. Clicking the coupon button on Amazon drops the price from $899 to $849, representing a total savings of more than 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip 🔥 $849.00 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

Apple's latest version of the MacBook Air, complete with an M3 chip, is on sale for $849 at Amazon for Prime Day. That's an all-time-low price for the popular laptop.

The 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop is priced at $899 on Amazon, but offers the option to click the coupon button under the price to drop it another $50.

The newest MacBook Air dropped in March, promising faster speeds with the new M3 chip, faster WiFi, and an 18-hour battery life. Mashable's Kim Gedeon tested the latest version of the popular Air laptop and wrote that "long story short, your favorite creator-focused apps, whether it’s Blender or Illustrator, should run faster, smoother, and more seamless."

If you've been considering an upgrade on your laptop, this is definitely the best price on the 13-inch variety of the MacBook Air since it launched months ago — just be sure you tick that coupon box.

Missy Elliott can officially boast having the first ever hip-hop song beamed into space. Add it to the shelf with all those Grammys, Hall of Fame inductions, and tens of millions of record sales, huh?

Lyrics from the queen of rap's "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" — her iconic debut solo single from 1997 — were transmitted about 158 million miles (254 million kilometres) away from Earth to Venus on Friday at 10:05 a.m. PT. And according to NASA, it took just 14 minutes to get there, travelling at the speed of light.

The song was sent by the space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, through the space agency's large telecommunication service, the Deep Space Network (DSN). It was physically transmitted by the DSN's colossal DSS-13 radio dish antenna (nicknamed Venus, what?) at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex near Barstow.

SEE ALSO: NASA spacecraft just flew over 500 times the speed of sound Tweet may have been deleted

Elliott, who is (fittingly) currently on her Out of This World tour, celebrated the moment on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.

"My song 'The Rain' has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus, the planet that symbolizes strength, beauty and empowerment," she wrote, "The sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning 👽👽"

Tweet may have been deleted

It's the second song NASA has beamed into space using the DSN, following The Beatles' "Across the Universe" which embodied exactly that in 2008.

The collaboration with Elliot was pitched by Brittany Brown, director of the Digital and Technology Division at NASA HQ's Office of Communications in Washington. "Both space exploration and Missy Elliott’s art have been about pushing boundaries," said Brown in a press statement. "Missy has a track record of infusing space-centric storytelling and futuristic visuals in her music videos, so the opportunity to collaborate on something out of this world is truly fitting."

Part of NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program, the DSN uses its massive antennas to send radio signals into deep space. It's made for communicating with spacecrafts, tracking missions, and receiving that sweet, sweet deep space data — NASA tracks the legendary Voyager 1 spacecraft using the DSN.

What better moment than this to turn up "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)"? Like there's a bad moment...

"Stranger Things" is coming to a close with Season 5, and Netflix has satiated fans with a neat behind-the-scenes look on set.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 16 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 16

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, July 16, 2024:

AcrossLoud sound of a cymbal

• The answer is crash.

Thin and graceful

• The answer is lithe.

Decorate (with)

• The answer is adorn.

Country in the Arab League

• The answer is Yemen.

Shade of blue for a nursery's ceiling, maybe

• The answer is sky.

DownPotter's material

• The answer is clay.

___ cymbal (drum kit part)

• The answer is ride.

What's the matter with them?

• The answer is atoms.

Ogre who asks "What are you doing in my swamp?!"

• The answer is Shrek.

___ Penny, rhyming children's story character

• The answer is Henny.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

'Twisters' stars Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones took each other on in First We Feast's "Hot Ones Versus".

The owner of X broke with tradition at other social media companies to support the former president, as he drives political conversation on his site.

TL;DR: Watch Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Last season's champs, Las Vegas Aces, meet Chicago Sky in the next WNBA fixture on the schedule.

If you want to watch Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA for free from anywhere in the world, don't go anywhere because we have all the info you need.

When is Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces?

Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on July 16. This fixture takes place at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

How to watch Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces Sky for free

Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but you don't need to be subscribed to tune in. Anyone can watch the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video in the U.S.

Fans from outside the U.S. will need to use a VPN to watch the WNBA for free on Prime Video. The process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

5. Watch Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the WNBA on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's time for the next WNBA fixture, and this time it's Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty going head to head. In this game, the New York Liberty will be led by Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, while the Connecticut Sun features DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas.

It's not one you're going to want to miss, so if you want to watch Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading.

When is Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty?

Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on July 16. This fixture takes place at the Barclays Center in New York.

How to watch Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty Lynx for free

You can stream Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty on Prime Video in the U.S. And you don't need to be subscribed to catch this latest WNBA fixture. Anyone can watch the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video in the U.S.

Fans elsewhere in the world will need to use a VPN to watch the WNBA for free on Prime Video. However, this couldn't be easier:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

5. Watch Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the WNBA on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA for free with ExpressVPN.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 laptop is what Apple's been fearing for years: a Windows laptop that actually rivals MacBook battery life.

From the outside, this business laptop is a bit boring, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Its sleek, gray design is timeless, but don't expect it to shock you.

The magic truly happens with this laptop when you open it up and start using it. From its exceptional battery that just wouldn't quit to its smooth trackpad, springy keyboard, and lag-free performance, this lightweight laptop kept impressing me at every turn.

It may earn a spot as one of the best laptops from Lenovo, but that doesn't mean it's without flaws. There are definitely a few things holding this laptop back from perfection.

But without further ado, let's get into my experience with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 price and specs 

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 configuration I reviewed starts at $2,419 via B&H and comes with the following specs: 

• Intel Core Ultra 155U CPU

• Integrated Intel graphics

• 16GB of RAM 

• 1TB of SSD storage

• 14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel, 400-nit IPS display

Or, for the same $2,419 via B&H, you can snag a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 configuration with 32GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Via other retailers, Lenovo says the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 offers configurations with up to 64GB of RAM, 2TB of storage, an Intel Core Ultra 7 U-series CPU on vPro, and a 2.8K OLED display, and either Windows 11 Pro or Linux Ubuntu.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 $2,418.95 at B&H Photo
Shop Now Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 design

At first glance, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 didn’t necessarily wow me with its design. It looks like a basic business laptop, fitted with the ThinkPad X1 logo on the top cover — all wrapped up inside a sleek, steel gray aluminum chassis.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

There’s a snazzy ‘Communications Bar,’ housing the laptop’s webcam and microphones, at the lip that makes the laptop a breeze to open one-handed. Flipping the laptop over, there are two small vents in the top left and right corners, which proved to be plenty for keeping this laptop cool under pressure.

I greatly appreciate the ThinkPad X1’s 2-in-1 capability, which lets you easily flip between using it in traditional laptop mode and tablet mode. You can also prop it up in tent mode, with the display facing you, to stream media or use a wireless mouse and keyboard with the laptop.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Despite its light, sub-three-pound weight and thin form factor, this ThinkPad X1 feels well-built and sturdy during use. And if you’re environmentally conscious, that’s one area this laptop’s design truly excels; it’s made with multiple recycled materials throughout.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 display

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 offers a few display options, but my review unit features a 14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel, low-power IPS touch display. 

With its anti-glare, matte finish, the screen is almost reminiscent of a Kindle display, which I like. I have to sit in front of a screen for work all day, and having a bright 400-nit display that feels easy on the eyes was nice.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

This display also features a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing a little extra screen space than your average 16:9 laptop display.

To test the display, I fired up the IF movie trailer starring Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, and Steve Carell. On a closeup of Reynold’s face, I could pick out small details, like defined hair strands and tiny creases on his forehead. The trailer was full of color, and everything rendered accurately, including the fuzzy, purple character voiced by Steve Carell and a few vibrant background scenes.

As a bonus, this configuration comes with a Lenovo Slim Pen that magnetically attaches to the laptop’s side. With the pen, it’s easy to navigate the touchscreen in tablet or tent mode.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 ports

I’m in love with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1’s port selection.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

On the right side, you’ll find:

• USB Type-A port (3.2 Gen 1, Always On)

• Two USB Type-C ports (Thunderbolt 4)

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

And on the left side: 

• Kensington Nano Security slot 

• HDMI 2.1 port

• USB Type-A port (3.2 Gen 1)

• Headset jack

• Power button

You can easily connect peripherals with this laptop’s HDMI port and two USB Type-A ports, but I have to take points off for both USB Type-C ports being on the laptop’s left side. For charging convenience, shouldn’t all laptops have a USB Type-C port on each side by now?

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 audio

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 offers above average sound quality, which I consider an absolute win, seeing as its upward-firing speakers are hidden beneath the keyboard.

When I read this laptop had under-keyboard speakers, I expected some level of distorted or muted audio, but nope. Listening to my favorite song at the moment, MGK’s “my ex’s best friend (with blackbear),” their voices came through crystal-clear, even with the volume maxed, and the song sounded fairly well-balanced.

The kick drum and other bass notes that kick in at the chorus certainly weren’t as punchy as they are on my personal Yoga 9i’s rotating Bowers & Wilkins soundbar, but compared to most laptop speakers, the bass was more than adequate. 

Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 even captured most of the nuanced lows, mids, and highs in Unprocessed’s “Real ft. Polyphia’s Tim Henson & Clay Gober,” a song I play on every set of headphones or speakers I test. 

Overall, this laptop’s concealed speakers impressed me with their atmospheric, room-filling sound.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 keyboard and trackpad

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 has a pleasantly springy keyboard with a few neat tricks up its sleeve. 

Underneath, the keyboard hides upward-firing speakers to give you more keyboard space and air-intake holes to improve airflow. 

Then, the keys feature new tactile markings, or those raised lines that help your fingers naturally find the central F and J keys, to help users with visual impairments. You’ll find six new tactile markings on the Volume Up/Down keys, Enter key, Insert key, Down arrow key, and Function key.

Lenovo swapped the Function and Control keys, so the Control key is finally on the outer corner, which I prefer. 

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

What I don’t love as much is the new location for the fingerprint reader, which is to the left of the arrow keys. It feels odd to reach over the arrow keys to use the fingerprint reader. I also found myself frustrated by the Page Down/Up keys above the left and right arrow keys — the amount of times I accidentally pressed the wrong key is embarrassing.

But purely speaking about how it feels to type on the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1’s keyboard, it’s fantastic. I love the springy feedback, and preferred typing on this laptop instead of my daily driver, the Yoga 9i.

And the glass touchpad? Man, it’s smooth. Scrolling with finger gestures almost felt better than a mouse. If you’re touchpad-averse, however, there are left-, middle-, and right-click buttons and the famous (or infamous) red TrackPoint dot to navigate with.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 benchmarks and performance

After using the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 as my daily laptop for a week, it’s earned a ‘solid performance’ award from me. 

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

We ran Geekbench 6 to test this laptop’s CPU performance. The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 earned a multi-core score of 9,420, which is a fairly decent score, but with one of Intel’s new chips, I would’ve loved to see it break five digits. 

It doesn’t quite compete with Intel’s more powerful (and less efficient) Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, which earned a 12,267 Geekbench score, but the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 offers plenty of performance power for basic web browsing and streaming.

I opened up 25 Google Chrome tabs, played music through Spotify in the background, ran the laptop’s clock stopwatch while working, and the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 showed no signs of stopping. It didn’t get loud or hot after working for a few hours, and I never noticed any lag when loading a new page or typing in Google Docs.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 battery life

Wow, just wow! That was all I could think when I saw the final battery test results for this laptop. 

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 lasted a jaw-dropping 14 hours and 21 minutes on a single charge while looping a 1080p video at 50% brightness. For a laptop, that’s pretty dang good. For a Windows laptop, that’s flipping fantastic.

So far, the only Windows laptop to rival this lengthy battery life is the Snapdragon X Elite-powered HP OmniBook X, which lasted 16 hours and 47 minutes in the same test. For an Apple comparison, the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air lasted 10 hours and 52 minutes.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 webcam

Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 features a standard 1080p IR webcam with a privacy shutter that you’ll find on most laptops. And like most laptop webcams, it’s not terribly impressive. 

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

Through this laptop’s webcam, I’m grainy and slightly washed out. It seemed to render colors fairly accurately, from my light green eyes and forest green cardigan to the gray couch behind me, but it didn’t capture my complexion nor crisp lines well.

Is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) worth it?

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is an excellent laptop overall, but it's a business laptop equipped with the slightly more expensive Windows 11 Pro OS and Lenovo's red TrackPoint dot beloved by many. For those reasons, I don't think the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is worth it for most people.

Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic laptop. It offers solid performance, a surprisingly bright, matte display, a bouncy keyboard I absolutely loved typing on, a trackpad as smooth as butter, a plethora of ports, and best of all: an impressive battery life of over 14 hours.

But for the average laptop user, are all of those features worth just over $2,400? I'm not so sure.

When I compare the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 to HP's OmniBook X — a non 2-in-1 laptop powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chip — my personal pick between the two is a no-brainer: the HP OmniBook X. For half the price ($1,199), the HP OmniBook X offers battery life over 16 hours and stronger performance.

However, if you prefer better port variety, a flexible 2-in-1 form factor, or business-forward laptop elements, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 might be the best Windows laptop for you.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable HP OmniBook X $1,199.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 $2,418.95 at B&H Photo
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The watchOS 11 public beta launched on Monday, July 15, allowing testers to explore the new features coming to the next big Apple Watch update.

Keep in mind, though, that watchOS 11 is still a rudimentary, not-yet-finished version, so you'll want to either back up your Apple Watch or run it on a test device. (Here's a quick-and-easy guide on how to install watchOS 11 public beta.) With that disclaimer out of the way, let's dive into the top five features of watchOS 11 public beta — and how to access them.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: I tested both for 13 days watchOS 11 public beta: 5 new features that'll make your life easier

The watchOS 11 public beta is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 to 9, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2. The second-generation Apple Watch SE is getting watchOS 11, too.

Now that you've checked whether your Apple Watch is compatible, let's dive into the top five coolest features you should be testing.

1. New translation app

A new translation app, specifically the Apple Translate app, is arriving to watchOS 11. Apple Translate, which debuted on iOS 14 about four years ago, allows users to speak one language before it's translated to another.

You must choose between 20 languages to install. Credit: Apple

Although the Translate app isn't new on iPhone, watchOS 11 marks the first time it's made an appearance on an Apple Watch.

As a frequent traveler, this is far more convenient that holding a clunky phone in my hand to help break language barriers. Instead, I can use the sleek and featherweight Apple Watch to help translate foreign languages into my native tongue.

Scroll down to the Translate app, tap on the three-dot icon on the top-left corner, and hit "Downloaded Languages." This will allow you to choose from 20 languages to download, forcing you to be judicious about which languages you want to add to the Translate app.

2. Double tap for scrolling

Introduced with the Apple Watch Series 9, Double Tap lets you bring your fingers together to answer calls, stop timers, play and pause music, and more.

Via Giphy

Now, with WatchOS 11, you can use the Double Tap gesture to scroll through apps with multiple pages. Try it with apps like Activity, Sleep, and Stocks.

3. Sleep tracking can now detect naps

Prior to watchOS 11, Apple Watch wouldn't record your daytime naps. Now, with watchOS 11, it can intelligently and automatically detect if you're taking a nap and record the duration (even if "sleep mode" isn't activated.)

4. Workout 'Check In'

Check In, first introduced to iPhone, is the embodiment of the "text me when you get home" scenario. This feature lets trusted user know when you've reached your destination without much effort on your part.

Credit: Apple

Now, Apple is introducing Workout Check In with watchOS 11, which allows others to keep tabs on you while you're working out. If something is off (e.g., your heart rate decreases in an abnormal manner or your speed increases dramatically), you'll get a prompt on your Apple Watch. If you don't respond, your Check In loved one will be notified.

To access this, swipe right after kicking off an exercise in the Workout app. Next, scroll down and tap on "Check In."

5. Send money via Apple Watch

With watchOS 11, users will be able to send money to someone by raising their Apple Watch to the person's Apple Watch or iPhone.

However, this feature is only available to U.S. Apple Watch owners.

6. Start time and your seat info for your shows

Let's say you purchased tickets to watch Deadpool vs. Wolverine, and they're now stored in Apple Wallet. As the showtime approaches, a Live Activity will appear at the top of the Smart Stack, showing you all the important details you need right from your wrist, including seat information and venue open time.

Credit: Apple

You can also get updates on the whereabouts of your rideshare — and whether your Uber has arrived.

7. Unlock your Home Keys by simply approaching the door

On watchOS 11, users with UWB Home Keys will now be able to unlock a door by simply being adjacent to it (0.39 to 1.18 inches). Before, users would have to move their watch super close to the lock.

If you're wondering when watchOS 11 is expected to roll out to the wider public, Apple is eyeing a fall release, likely alongside the iPhone 16 series launch.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 $699.99 at Amazon
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Happy Acolyte finale day, everyone! While this hopefully isn't the last we'll see of Star Wars' latest show — seriously, I need Season 2 more than Torbin (Dean-Charles Chapman) needed to go back to Coruscant — we've got several questions we hope the series wraps up by the end of its first season.

Episode 7, "Choice," already gave us some clarity about what happened on Brendok on the night that twins Osha and Mae (Amandla Stenberg) were separated. But in the present, there are several tasty story threads still left dangling.

SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte' review: Just what Star Wars needs

Remember, when we last saw Mae, Jedi Master Sol had restrained her and was preparing to tell her about his side of the Brendok story. Meanwhile, Osha was experiencing the seductive pull to the Dark Side, all thanks to the absolute charisma bomb who is the Stranger (Manny Jacinto). But what in the world will happen when the twins' paths cross again?

With the finale fast-approaching, here are seven questions we'd love The Acolyte to answer.

1. How did Mae survive her fall on Brendok? Leah Brady in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

While "Choice" was an illuminating episode, we're still missing a key perspective from that fateful night: Mae's. We know Sol let her fall into oblivion in order to save Osha, but how did she make it out alive? And how did she join up with the Stranger in the years to come? Did he find and save her, or was theirs a chance meeting?

2. Are there any Brendok witches left? Margarita Levieva and Leah Brady in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Another question that lingers from "Choice" is the fate of the Brendok witches — or one in particular. While Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss) killed the coven by severing their joint possession of Master Kelnacca (Joonas Suotamo), one coven member is conspicuously absent from their ranks: Mother Koril (Margarita Levieva). Where did she head off to when she vanished in a cloud of smoke? And could she have any links to the Stranger and the Sith?

3. Will the Oshamir ship set sail in earnest? Amandla Stenberg and Manny Jacinto in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

The enemies-to-lovers vibes are strong with The Acolyte, all thanks to the staggering amount of chemistry between Osha and the Stranger (formerly known by his alias, Qimir). In episode 6 alone, he strips naked in front of her, gently caresses her wrist while she holds a lightsaber to his throat, and talks about the power of "desire." If that's not seduction mode, I don't know what is.

SEE ALSO: I love Reylo fanfiction — and so does publishing

The Acolyte creator Leslye Headland confirmed in an interview with Collider that the Oshamir dynamic is "so clear," so the question is less "if" the romance will truly kick off, and more "when." As of now, the Oshamir ship is fully ready to leave the harbor, the Stranger is calling Osha aboard, and all she and The Acolyte need to do is push off. Speaking of...

4. Will Osha embrace the Dark Side in The Acolyte finale? Amandla Stenberg in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Before The Acolyte whisked us back to flashback town, Osha tried on the Stranger's cortosis helmet, marking a huge step down the path to the Dark Side. But will she follow through in the finale? Or will Sol draw her back to the Light?

The determining factor here will likely be Osha's reaction to the truth about what Sol did on Brendok — if she finds out. Could her grief and anger lead her to complete the mission Mae could not and kill a Jedi Master without a weapon?

5. Who was the Stranger's Jedi Master? Rebecca Henderson in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

One of the few tidbits we know about the Stranger's past is that he was once a Jedi, before his Master cast him out (and gave him some gnarly back scars in the process). The most likely candidate for his former Jedi Master is Vernestra Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson), since her lightwhip matches up with his scars, and since she's been acting awfully cagey about the investigation into the bloodbath on Khofar.

(Sidebar: The Stranger told Osha he was a Jedi a long time ago. Since Vernestra is about 116 years old by the time of The Acolyte, and she was likely his Master, how old is Qimir really?)

6. What is the Stranger's link to Kylo Ren and the Knights of Ren? Manny Jacinto in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

The Acolyte has paid tribute to the Star Wars sequel trilogy — especially The Last Jedi — throughout. But perhaps the most interesting reference is the recurring use of Kylo Ren's musical theme, including in the moment when the Stranger Force healed Osha.

SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte' keeps referencing 'The Last Jedi' — here's why

So what could the Stranger's connection to Kylo Ren possibly be? Speculation suggests that he could be the original leader of the Knights of Ren, who we see in the sequel trilogy. Headland herself said in an interview with Nerdist that this was "a really good theory," so take that as you will.

7. Will any other Sith Lords be making appearances? Manny Jacinto in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

It's hard to think about the rise of the Dark Side in Star Wars without thinking of Darth Sidious (aka Emperor Palpatine) and the Sith Lord who trained him, Darth Plagueis (and even the Sith who trained him, Darth Tenebrous). Given that The Acolyte examines rising darkness during the High Republic Era, could that mean we get a surprise appearance from Tenebrous, or maybe even Plagueis? Personally, I'd love it if a Star Wars show didn't tie itself in knots in order to link to already existing characters, but if the execution is good, I won't be totally peeved.

Headland told Nerdist that she does have an idea of how The Acolyte would eventually connect to Plagueis and Palpatine. Of course, she'd need a second season (and maybe even beyond) to get there. Here's hoping that Season 2 renewal is just around the corner.

The Acolyte finale premieres July 16 at 9 p.m. ET on Disney+.

A fortified NASA spacecraft has reached nearly 400,000 mph — again.

That's the fastest a human-built machine has ever flown. And it will keep picking up speed.

The U.S. space agency recently announced its Parker Solar Probe — the first mission to fly through the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona — matched its own speed record of 394,736 mph (635,266 kilometers per hour) during its 20th close solar approach on June 29.

Objects often accrue speed when they pass by gravitationally-powerful objects, like the sun. And in the emptiness of space, little can stop this craft from continually going faster.

"Once it's going, it's going," Nour Raouafi, an astrophysicist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and project scientist for the mission, previously told Mashable.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

(At times, some minimal slowing occurs when the probe strategically passes by Venus for "gravity assists" that propel it closer to the sun; these Venusian flybys slightly temper the craft's momentum, but ultimately result in it picking up even more speed as it zips nearer to our massive star.)

"Once it's going, it's going."

Later this year, after the probe's final Venus assist, the craft will reach a whopping 430,000 mph. At that speed, you could travel from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., in 20 seconds.

Tweet may have been deleted The green line in this graphic shows the Parker Solar Probe’s 20th orbit around the sun, bringing it some 4.51 million miles from our star. Credit: NASA / Johns Hopkins APL / Steve Gribben

While traveling at such a blistering speed — over 500 times the sound barrier of some 760 mph — the NASA probe will come 3.8 million miles from the sun's surface, breaking another record. But it's well equipped for the torrid solar environs. Engineers built the Parker probe with a 4.5-inch-thick carbon heat shield that's pointed at the sun. The shield itself heats up to some 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, but just a couple of feet behind, the environs are surprisingly pleasant. "Most of the instruments are working at room temperatures," Raouafi said.

The unprecedented endeavor into the sun's atmosphere isn't just breaking records. Scientists plan to use the incoming observations to understand how extreme space weather, caused by different types of solar explosions, can behave and ultimately impact Earth. Our fickle star, for example, can eject masses of super hot gas (plasma), called coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, at Earth. These events can wreak havoc on our power grids and communication networks — historically they've melted transformers and triggered electrical failures that trapped unsuspecting people in elevators.

TL;DR: For a limited time, this affordable digital camera from Kodak is now on sale for $69.99, discounted 54% from its usual price of $154.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: kodak Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 Point & Shoot Digital Camera (New - Open Box) $69.99 at the Mashable Shop
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Sure, we take pictures with our phones all the time, but when it comes down to capturing life's most precious moments, sometimes a quality camera is needed. Especially one like the Kodak PIXPRO, which gives you the DSLR experience for a point-and-shoot price.

For a limited time, you can get this open-box Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 point-and-shoot digital camera on sale for $69.99 (reg. $154.99). This camera shoots gorgeous photos as well as high-quality videos, and as a "New Open Box" product, it's rated to come in "Brand new condition with zero cosmetic flaws" and "100% battery health." Open box products are usually the result of customer returns or unsold inventory, giving you the chance to score big discounts.

This digital camera features a 25x optical zoom, allowing you to snap portraits of far-away sights without losing quality, as well as a 24mm wide angle to capture a huge area, whether that's a landscape or a giant group photo. You can also choose from up to 22 pre-set scene modes to give you the perfect settings for your subject, and a three-inch LCD screen for easy viewing.

To avoid shakiness, the PIXPRO is even equipped with built-in Optical Image Stabilization. It takes pictures in 16 megapixels to give you sharp, crystal-clear photos. You can also record videos in one click in 720p resolution. 

Open-box items like this are highly beneficial for those looking for affordable prices on brand-new products. So, if you've always wanted to own a Kodak camera, this is your chance.

Normally $154.99, you can get this open-box Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 point-and-shoot digital camera for the discounted price of $69.99 for a limited time.

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TL;DR: Breathe cleaner air with an open-box Honeywell Insight HEPA Air Purifier on sale for $79.99 (reg. $174.99) for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Honeywell Honeywell InSight HEPA Air Purifier with Air Quality Indicator for Medium-Large Rooms $79.99 at The Mashable Shop
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Brutal summer weather can make pets shed their fur like crazy, meaning dust and dander is flying all over your house. It might be the perfect season to get a HEPA air purifier — and there's a great one on sale today.

Breathe cleaner air with an open-box Honeywell Insight HEPA Air Purifier on sale for $79.99 (reg. $174.99) for a limited time. This air purifier is designed to clean the air of medium to large rooms up to about 190 square feet. It can help eliminate allergens, dust, pet dander, and even smoke from wildfires.

This air purifier features a display that shows you four different cleaning levels, an auto-off timer, and a dimmer switch. It also includes an odor-reducing filter to help get rid of icky smells that might be lurking around. Another bonus is that you'll hardly notice it's there, due to its quiet, energy-efficient nature.

The benefit of buying an open-box model is that you can get a brand-new item for a discounted price, since all this means is that it was either excess inventory, or was returned by a customer and repackaged. 

Regularly $174.99, you can score an open-box Honeywell Insight HEPA Air Purifier for just $79.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.