This pre-holiday season, Amazon is offering some great deals on consoles and controllers—including PlayStation 5s bundled with a couple of the most sought-after games on the market and specialized controllers for more immersive simulation. Below are 10 of the best Amazon Cyber Monday bargains on game systems and game controllers.

Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset

The Meta Quest 2 is my pick for Amazon’s best deal for gamers because it’s both a console and a PC gaming accessory. The Quest 2’s standalone VR headset is an experiential gift that will have everyone, even casuals, lining up to give it a try, making for a memorable Christmas morning or Hanukkah evening. But it’s more than a silly novelty—if you have a “serious” PC gamer in your life, the Quest 2 can be linked with their PC for more in-depth virtual reality games like Half-Life: Alex that they’ll be playing long after you drag the tree to the curb. It’s basically two gifts in one, and it’s marked down to only $249 (from $299.99). 

Meta Quest 2 — Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset

PlayStation 5 Console – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle

After years of holiday drought, shoppers should be able to pick up a PlayStation 5 this year without a problem, and Amazon’s Spider-Man 2 bundle will give you the console and one of the most celebrated games of the year to play on it. You can even choose between the regular profile PS5 and the Slim version for the same price: $499 (both were $559.99). 

PlayStation 5 Console – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle

PlayStation 5 Console –  Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle (slim)

PlayStation 5 Console – Call of Duty Modern Warfare III Bundle

If the gamer in your life isn’t the superhero type, Amazon’s PS5 bundled with the new Call of Duty might be just the ticket. It’s the same price as the Spider-man 2 version—$499—but it comes with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and a voucher for the Lockpick Operator Pack to make the game more fun.

PlayStation 5 Console – Call of Duty Modern Warfare III Bundle

Playseat Evolution Pro Sim Racing Cockpit

This racing cockpit is for people who are serious about their driving simulations. It was designed with the help of professional drivers with an eye toward racing-realism and features an adjustable seat with head stabilizers. It folds up quickly and is compatible with all steering wheels and pedals for consoles and PC. For Cyber Monday, it’s marked down $100 to $399.99.

Playseat Evolution Pro Sim Racing Cockpit

Logitech controllers

If the gamer in your life is playing racing games, flight simulators, or farming games with a regular controller or keyboard and mouse, hook them up with one of these Logitech specialized controller to take the immersion to the next level.

Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals—$199.99 (was $299.99)

Logitech G Farm Simulator Heavy Equipment Bundle—$189.99 (was $299.99)

Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System, Professional Simulation Yoke and Throttle—$149.99 (was $169.99)

BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone

An iPhone is powerful enough to rival modern gaming systems, but the touchscreen controls are limiting. The solution: a mobile gaming controller like the Backbone One. It adds controllers to the sides of your phone with analog triggers, buttons, and clickable thumbsticks, just like you’d have with a console, and it’s only $69.99.

BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone—$69.99 (was $99.98)

STOGA Switch Controller, Cute Raccoon Animal Switch Pro Controller

To balance out all the “serious” controllers listed here, check out this too-cute raccoon-themed controller for the Nintendo Switch. It has light up ears—adorable! Beneath the so-cute-you’ll-die styling is a solid controller with dual vibration motors and a six-axis gyro sensor for precise motion control. And it’s on sale for around 20 bucks.

STOGA Switch Controller, Cute Raccoon Animal Switch Pro Controller—$20.80 (was $49.99).

Source: LifeHacker – These Are Amazon’s Best Cyber Monday Deals on Gaming Consoles and Controllers

Snobby audiophiles may insist on arrangements of individual speakers, but the minimalistic design of the humble soundbar has a sleek appeal. It doesn’t require a jumble of speaker wires to work, it can be installed easily, and it sounds way better than the audio that came with the TV.

If you’re thinking of picking up a soundbar for yourself or someone else this holiday season, Amazon has a ton on sale as part of its Cyber Monday offerings. Below are five good deals on soundbars of all price ranges.

JBL Bar 1300X: 11.1.4-Channel soundbar

I’m starting with a top-of-the-line JBL unit that straddles the line between a soundbar and a true surround system. It features two detachable wireless speakers you can put behind you for more immersive surround sound, and its “advanced drivers” support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for “an enhanced 3D surround sound experience.” So it’s a high-quality item with a lot of bells and whistles. Is it worth the $999 price? Depends on your value system, I guess, but no one can deny it’s 41% cheaper than its usual price of $1,699.99.

JBL Bar 1300X: 11.1.4-Channel soundbar

Assistrust Sound Bar

On the other side of capitalism from the JBL bar is this Assistrust system. It doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or much of anything else—it’s just a wireless rectangle that plays sounds. But maybe a sound rectangle is all you need. Plus, you could buy like 14 of these for the price of a single JBL Bar 1300X. The Assistrust Soundbar is on sale for $69.99 for Cyber Monday—30% off the usual, already-low price.

Assistrust TV Sound Bar

Bose TV Speaker

Maybe you think $999 is too much to spend on speakers, but you also don’t trust the audio fidelity from a company called “Assistrust.” If that’s the case, consider this perfectly respectable Bose TV Speaker. It’s fairly bare-bones, but it’s designed to clarify the dialogue from your TV, work as a bluetooth speaker, and is compatible with other Bose gear in case you want to make your sound system better in the future. In honor of Cyber Monday, Amazon has priced this one at $199.00, a savings of 29%.

Bose TV Speaker

LG S80QY 3.1.3ch Soundbar

This LG soundbar comes with a sub-woofer in case you’re all about that bass. According to LG, the S80QY is the best match if you own an LG TV (but that’s exactly what they would say!) It supports IMAX, and you can control it through Airplay2, Chromecast, Google, and Amazon Alexa. It’s $396.99, which might sound like a lot, but it’s less than half of the original price of $899.99—an excellent deal if you are the kind of person who wants one of these.

LG S80QY 3.1.3ch Soundbar

VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Home Theater Soundbar

I’ve always liked VIZIO’s “inexpensive, but still generally OK” equipment. Buying VIZIO-branded electronics means you’re not paying anything extra for a fancy name, but you’re also not getting literally the cheapest possible thing China can create. So it is with the V-Series 2.0 soundbar. It supports DTS Virtual:X like its more expensive brethren, and has an excellent review aggregation score on Amazon as well—and it’s only $79.99 right now, so you won’t be taking a huge hit to connect it to your TV.

VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Home Theater Soundbar

Source: LifeHacker – These Are Amazon’s Best Cyber Monday Deals on Soundbars

While Black Friday might officially be over, many of Target’s deals have continued for Cyber Monday. As the name implies, these deals are only available online and only for Monday, Nov. 27. Here are the best ones.

What is Target doing for Cyber Monday 2023?

Target announced that they will be offering two days of deals for Cyber Monday, today, Nov. 27, being the second and last. You can expect deals and discounts on many different products like apparel and accessories, bed and bath, and select toys, plus deals on TVs, laptops and more.

Target is offering a price-match guarantee

Additionally, Target will be offering a holiday price-match guarantee until Dec. 24: If you buy something from them and they later drop the price even more, they will refund you for the difference. They will also price-match 14 major competitors, including Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Home Depot, Walmart, Wayfair, Costco, GameStop, and more.

The best Target Cyber Monday deals

Here are the best deals from Cyber Monday, including headphones and speakers, TVs and home theaters, computers, and video games:

• Best noise-canceling earbuds: The Google Pixel Buds Pro are $119.99 (originally $199.99) after an $80 discount. These IPX4 water-resistant earbuds are currently at their lowest price yet, according to Honey’s price history.

• Best noise-canceling headphones: The Beats Studio Pro is $169.99 (originally $349.99) after a $180 discount. These spatial audio headphones with head tracking let you hear the sounds around you, so you don’t have to take them off to be aware of your surroundings. They are currently at their lowest price they’ve been over the last four months, according to Honey’s price history.

• Best TV deal: The LG 65″ OLED evo C3 is $1,599.99 (originally $1,999.99) after a $400 discount. This brings this 4K smart TV to match its lowest price yet, according to Honey’s price history.

• Best laptop deal: The Acer Aspire 3 Laptop is $379.99 (originally $499.99) after a $120 discount. This 15.6″ full HD screen laptop with Windows 11 has an Intel Core i5, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. This brings this laptop to its lowest price yet, according to Honey’s price history.

• Best monitor deal: The Samsung 27″ T35F Series monitor is $119.99 (originally $219.99) after a $100 discount. This LED full HD 75Hz screen with AMD FreeSync and IPS panel is at its lowest price yet, according to Honey’s price history.

• Best Nintendo Switch game deal: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games: Tokyo 2020 is currently 50% off at $29.99 (originally $59.99), hitting its lowest price yet since its release, according to Honey’s price history.

• Best Xbox Series X game deal: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is currently 50% off at $34.99 (originally $69.99), hitting its lowest price yet since its release, according to Honey’s price history.

• Best Roomba deal: The iRobot Roomba 675 is currently 45% off, sitting at $154.99 (originally $279.99) and is iRobot’s most affordable robot vacuum, according to PCMag’s review. It is currently at its lowest price yet, according to Honey’s price history.

• Best cordless stick vacuum deal: The Dyson V8 Origin Cordless Stick Vacuum is currently 42% off, sitting at $249.99 (originally $429.99). It is currently at its lowest price yet, according to Honey’s price history.

Source: LifeHacker – These Are Target’s Best Cyber Monday Tech Deals

This Cyber Monday, you can buy a great Windows laptop with a fast processor, solid RAM, and a great screen for under $500. Many online retailers are giving deep discounts for good mid-range computers, and the following are among some of the best:

The best Windows laptop Cyber Monday sales under $400

I picked out deals that offer a powerful processor in the class of Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 so you don’t need to worry about performance from a lower-end chip. Integrated graphics will do just fine, and I’m highlighting laptops with good screens, most of them featuring full 1080p resolution.

• Asus Vivobook 14 (14” FHD (1920 x 1080) Display, Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 11 Home): $399.99 on Amazon (from $479.99)

• Acer Aspire 3 (14.0″ Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 512GB NVMe SSD): $349.99 on Amazon (from $449.99)

• HP 15-inch Laptop (HD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics): $339.99 on Amazon (from $499)

• Dell Inspiron 15 3520 Touch Laptop (Intel Core i5 – 8GB Memory – 256GB SSD): $379.99 on Best Buy (from $599.99)

The best budget Windows laptop Cyber Monday sales under $500

If you’re willing to spend around $500 for a new Windows 11 laptop, there are some great ones from the higher end of the spectrum that are discounted to just around your price range. The higher price comes with some niceties like 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The processors here are also upgraded, and in many models, you’ll find touchscreens with vivid colors. If you’re looking for a solid work laptop that’s easy to carry around and is nice to use, you can’t go wrong with any of these picks.

• Acer Aspire 5 (Intel Core i5 13th Gen 1335U (1.30GHz) 16GB LPDDR5 Memory 512 GB PCIe SSD Intel Iris Xe Graphics 15.6″ Windows 11 Home): $499.99 on Newegg (from $699.99)

• Asus Vivobook 16 (WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 Display, Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, Intel UHD Graphics, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Home): $424.99 on Amazon (from $549.99)

• MSI Modern 14 (14-inch (1920 x 1080) display, AMD Ryzen 7 7730U 8-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, AMD Radeon Graphics, 512GB SSD): $469.00 on Walmart (from $549)

• HP Envy 2-in-1 14-inch (Full HD Touch-Screen Laptop – Intel Core i5 – 8GB Memory – 512GB SSD): $499.99 on Best Buy (from $849.99)

If you’re willing to spend just a bit more, the Dell Inspiron 15 (Intel Core i5-1335U, 15.6-inch FHD 120Hz Display, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home) is just $532.49 on Amazon (from $649.99).

Source: LifeHacker – These Are the Best Cyber Monday Sales on Windows Laptops Under 0

Peloton’s Bike and Bike+ are on sale on their website and on Amazon for Cyber Monday at prices the same as Black Friday and even better than Prime Day back in July. The original Bike is nearly 25% off, and the upgraded Bike+ is 20% off. You can even get a refurbished Bike for (just) under $1,000. I’ve been tracking Peloton prices for a long time, and I can say with confidence that these are ridiculously good deals on new bikes.

Peloton’s original Bike is $1,095

Of the two models, Peloton’s Bike is the classic, and it’s $350 cheaper than list price today. While I can’t predict the future, I have a strong feeling this is the lowest price the Bike is going to reach this year. Today’s $1,095 price tag is cheaper than this past July’s Prime Day price, and cheaper than it was during last year’s Black Friday sale. It’s currently below the $1,145 list price for a refurbished bikes (though the refurbished ones are on sale for even less, at $995).

The Bike is a solidly built spin bike with a big touchscreen on which you can play classes led by the platform’s instructors/motivational speakers or experience the “other” rides: scenic routes, a video game that you play by adjusting your resistance knob, and the still-in-beta Entertainment feature that may allow you to watch Netflix while you exercise.

You’ll need a $44/month “All Access” membership to use the Bike’s features, so keep that in mind when budgeting. Amazon offers free “inside entryway” delivery when you order a Peloton Bike or Bike+.

• Peloton Bike, $1,095 ($350 off, or 24%)

The Bike+ is $1,995

The Bike+ is also on a steep discount—it’s not often you see the price of this model with a 1 as the first digit. This model is a full $500 off its regular price, or about 20% off.

The Bike+ has everything the Bike has, plus resistance that automatically adjusts when you’re following along with a class. The touchscreen is also on a swivel, allowing you to do yoga and strength classes on the floor next to your Bike+.

As with the Bike, you’ll need that $44/month All Access membership, and Amazon offers free “inside entryway” delivery when you order from them.

• Peloton Bike+, $1,995 ($500 off, or 20%)

Peloton accessories are on sale too

If you’re going to get a spin bike, you really should get shoes and cleats to go with it. Any Delta LOOK-compatible shoes will do, but both models of Peloton’s own branded shoes are on sale today:

• Peloton cycling shoes ($87.50, was $125)

• Altos cycling shoes ($101.50, was $145)

(Note: the sale price may not show up on the product page until you select a size.)

Aside from the shoes, a bunch of other Peloton accessories are on sale, including dumbbells, yoga mats, and yoga blocks (yes, you can get a lot of these accessories for less without the “Peloton” brand name). The strength training tracker they call the Guide is also on sale for over 50% off, at just $95.

You can check out all of Amazon’s Peloton offers here.

Source: LifeHacker – Peloton’s Deep Discounts Are Still On for Cyber Monday

A treadmill can be a big investment, but one that seriously pays off when you need to run through the winter or get your cardio in without having to arrange for child care. Black Friday 2023 brought excellent deals on treadmills, and many of them are still live today for Cyber Monday. Walking pads are in the mix, too, if you’d like to get your steps in while you work. Here are some of the best deals I’ve spotted. 

Bowflex T10 is 40% off

The Bowflex T10 treadmill features a 10-inch touchscreen that can supply you with personalized workouts or streaming entertainment. (You’ll need a JRNY membership to enjoy the trainer-led workouts, but the basic treadmill functions don’t require it. Your first two months are free.) The settings will take you up to 12 miles per hour and a 15% incline. This treadmill was $1,499 on Black Friday, but is still going for a significant discount today.

• Bowflex T10 treadmill, $1,699.99 on Amazon (was $2,799)

NordicTrack Commercial X32i is $1,000 off

This commercial-grade treadmill has top-notch specs: a 32-inch touchscreen, built-in fans to cool you off while you run, and incline settings that range from -6% (yep, downhill) to a whopping 40%. With an iFit membership, you can get trainer-led workouts as well, with the incline and resistance automatically adjusting.

Today’s deal is actually better than the $3,999 price from Black Friday—$1,000 off instead of $500.

• NordicTrack Commercial X32i, $3,499 at NordicTrack (was $4,499)

Echelon’s Stride-S is 40% off

Echelon’s Stride-S has an auto-folding feature for storage, but unlike some of the folding walking pads we’ll discuss in a minute, the Stride-S is a real treadmill, capable of an incline of up to 10% and a speed of 12 miles per hour (that’s a 5:00 mile). This is the same deal as Black Friday’s.

• Echelon Stride-S, $1,299 at Echelon (was $2,179.50)

This Sperax walking pad is under $200

Walking pads are like mini treadmills, and this one is a classic of the genre. It only operates at walking speeds (0.6 to 3.8 miles per hour) and has no handrail—perfect if you want something to put under your desk to get some steps in while you work. This is the same deal as Black Friday’s.

• Sperax Walking Pad, $199.97 at Amazon (was $299.99)

WalkingPad’s C1 is 20% off

Maybe you’d prefer the original WalkingPad? The specs on the C1 are similar to the Sperax budget model above, only operating at a walking speed. But this walking pad folds in half—the better to hide away—and includes foot control (walk more on the front of the pad to speed it up, on the back to slow it down). This is the same deal as Black Friday’s.

• WalkingPad C1 Foldable Treadmill, $319 at Amazon (was $399)

This SuperFit 2 in 1 treadmill is nearly 50% off

A hybrid of a walking pad and a treadmill, this SuperFit can go up to 7.5 miles per hour, which is about an eight-minute-per-mile pace. You can use it at a desk in walking mode, or fold the handrail up into position to use it for jogging. This is the same deal as Black Friday.

• Superfit 2 in 1 Treadmill, $259.99 at Walmart (was $529)

Source: LifeHacker – These Are the Best Cyber Monday Deals on Treadmills

With companies making it easier to send back clothes that don’t fit, you can shop for your wardrobe constantly from the comfort of your bed—and on Cyber Monday, the online shopping holiday, you can do it on the cheap. Here are some great Cyber Monday deals on all the basic clothes you need. (These are basically the same as the Black Friday deals from last week, but if you missed those, you still have time.)

The best Cyber Monday sales on clothing basics

Basics—your undershirts, leggings, and plain tees—are staples, but it never feels like you have enough. Here are some solid basics to keep your wardrobe stocked. 

• Old Navy has 50% off everything for Cyber Monday, meaning you can scoop up cardigans, sweatpants, and leggings for major steals. A women’s rib-knit turtleneck is $11.49 and a men’s long-sleeved t-shirt is $9.99, for starters. 

• A men’s Under Armour Tech 2.0 short-sleeved shirt is just $9.20 on Amazon for the holiday.  

• Everlane’s seamless tee is discounted 50% down to $20, so get on that one ASAP. 

The best Cyber Monday sales on jeans

Quality jeans are expensive, which often leaves us with lower-quality ones that are uncomfortable and poorly made. 

• Levi’s is running Cyber Monday sales on all kinds of jeans, from trendy straight leg ones ($58.80) to classic boot cuts ($64.80).

• Target also has solid sales on jeans, like these Universal Thread high-rise wide legs for $25.20.

• Men’s jeans are majorly on sale at Macy’s, where Calvin Klein straight-fit stretch jeans are between $53.70 and $59.99 and Polo Ralph Lauren men’s Hampton Relaxed Straight Jeans are $85.99.

The best Cyber Monday sales on athletic wear

You envision yourself wearing sportswear to the gym (and good for you if you do!), but it’s also very comfy for sitting on the couch, which is where it’s employed more often than we want to admit. It’s cheaper today, whatever you want to do with it. 

• Lululemon is having a Cyber Monday sale. The Align legging is going for $39 to $79, which is really all you need to know to realize what a major sale this is.

• Alo, fast becoming the trendiest name in gymwear, is running 30% off sitewide and some styles are up to 70% off. The men’s Co-Op Pant is $96 and the Airlife Line Up Bra is just $54.

• You can get up to 40% off at Adidas, too, which means hoodies for $39. 

The best Cyber Monday sales on underwear

The most basic staple of all is the humble underpants, and they’re on sale, too:

• Skims is having its bi-annual sale (which just so happens to coincide with Black Friday and Cyber Monday), so a cotton jersey t-shirt bra is just $18.

• Victoria’s Secret has major sales up to 40% off everything, so enjoy some $2.99 thongs. 

• Calvin Klein, king of underwear, has boxer briefs for $16.80 and trunks for $18.

Source: LifeHacker – These Are the Best Cyber Monday Deals on Clothing Essentials

Even if you felt prepared for the holidays, somehow they snuck up again. Whether you need an electronic sous chef to help ease the burden of party prep, or a solid gift for your cousin, a do-it-all blender is the move this year. Luckily, Amazon has launched their Cyber Monday sales so you can feel prepared for the holidays without blowing your budget. Here are some of the best deals on blenders, food processors, and combination systems.

Blenders

Vitamix Propel Series 510 Blender, $279.95 (list price $479.95)

From the way people talk about these blenders, I’m pretty sure you can make a smoothie out of rocks with a Vitamix. Vitamix blenders have a reputation for being one of the best, and it might finally be your time to buy. This model is the low-profile version in the Propel series with a 48-ounce container. That’s still the same Vitamix quality with plenty of room to blend soups, drinks, or salsas and keep extra savings in your pocket.

Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender in black, $399.95 (list price 629.95)

Speaking of that extra savings money, what’s a hundred dollars between blends? The 750 model features a more capable 64-ounce container that might fit your scaled-up needs. Make silky puréed soups, smooth frozen desserts, or chunky dips with the customizable texture control dial. 

Food processors

Breville Sous Chef BFP820BAL Food Processor, $399.95 (list price $549.95)

The Breville Sous Chef is a processor for the kitchen whiz looking to upgrade their basic model. The large capacity container allows you to complete large jobs like family holiday feasts, and with its 1200-watt motor, you can take down some seriously fibrous material. The Breville comes with multiple blades to help you chop, mix, slice, and dice with ease.

Breville Sous Chef BFP800XL Food Processor, $329.95 (list price $449.95)

For home chefs with smaller kitchens or minimal counter space, Breville has a scaled-down version of their powerful food processor. Complete with the same capacity container, numerous blade options, and helpful timer feature, this smaller (and cheaper) version is their most popular on Amazon.

Blender and food processor combination systems

Vitamix A3500 Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen System, $799.95 (list price $899.95)

If you’re looking to replace a blender, food processor, mandoline, box grater, and soup pot, consider this machine. This full kitchen system setup comes with a blender container and food processor container. The blade kit is complete with typical blender blades, along with a kneading blade and multiple disc blades to help you cut every shape, from thick and thin slices, to chunky shreds. The heating function really made me turn my head. You can blend soup and heat it in this Vitamix, without even touching your stove.

Vitamix Ascent Series A3300 SmartPrep Kitchen System, $649.95 (list price $729.95)

If Vitamix’s Gourmet SmartPrep A3500 is just out of reach, consider springing for this model. The blender container is the same size, and the machine has the same size footprint overall as the A3500. The biggest difference is that this model has fewer blades, but the ones included are the most general use of the options.

Hamilton Beach Blender and Food Processor, $54.99 (list price 74.99)

This Hamilton Beach system balances quality and an affordable price. This model comes with multiple containers to fit your needs. This package comes with a blender cup for smoothies or small portions of ingredients that need to be puréed, a large blender container, and a food processor bowl.

Source: LifeHacker – These Are the Best Cyber Monday Sales on Vitamix and Breville Blenders and Food Processors

Apple makes some of the best laptops around. The MacBook Air is ideal for everyday computing, and MacBook Pros are great for creators and professionals. And Apple’s range of M series chips is so good, you can get away with buying an older model for cheap without feeling bad about your decision. Following some great Black Friday sales, Cyber Monday is your best bet to pick up an expensive Apple laptop without paying as much as usual.

The best Cyber Monday sales on MacBook Airs

The M1 MacBook Air is an amazing machine for almost everyone. I’ve used it since the day it came out, in fact—I’m typing on it right now, and I can easily see myself using it for years to come. The M1 model is down to its lowest price yet, matching discounts from Prime Day.

If you want something newer and snazzier, the M2 MacBook Air with the new design and notch is also a great buy. Best Buy members can save an additional $50 on the M2 MacBook Air models.

• M1 MacBook Air: $750 at Amazon and $750 at Best Buy (from $999).

• M2 MacBook Air 13.6-inch: $949 at Best Buy, $929 at B&H Photo (from $1,099).

• M2 MacBook Air 15-inch: $1,049 at Amazon and $1,049 at Best Buy (from $1,299)

The best 14-inch MacBook Pro sales

You can’t go wrong buying an older M1 Pro or M2 Pro MacBook Pro: They’re powerful, and while they’re on sale, they’ll cost closer MacBook Air’s regular pricing.

• M2 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch: $1,599 at Best Buy (from $1,999)

• M3 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch: $1,849 at Best Buy (from $1,999)

• M3 MacBook Pro 14-inch: $1,449 at Best Buy (from $1,599)

The best 16-inch MacBook Pro sales

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is a beast, and the original M1 Pro model is still an amazing buy and currently deeply discounted on Amazon. You can find newer models on sale, too.

• M1 Pro MacBook Pro 16-inch: $1,749.98 at Amazon (from $2,699)

• M3 Pro MacBook Pro 16-inch: $2,649 at Amazon (from $2,899)

Source: LifeHacker – These Are the Best Cyber Monday Deals on MacBooks

If you want to try a virtual-reality headset but aren’t ready to shell out big bucks for the new Meta Quest 3 (let alone the forthcoming Apple Vision Pro), right now, you can dive in with the most popular VR headset on the market for the lowest price it’s ever been—and get a $50 gift credit to sweeten the deal.

The 128GB Meta Quest 2 is currently $249 on Amazon. That’s the lowest price it’s ever hit, according to Camelcamelcamel’s price history—and that doesn’t even factor in the additional $50 gift credit. (For an extra $50, you can double the memory to 256GB.)

The Meta Quest 2 is an affordable entry into the VR space

Though the Meta Quest 2 has been eclipsed by the Quest 3, most Meta Quest games are still compatible with it—there’s a large library of older games to choose from (or you can just lounge around watching your favorite streaming movies and shows in a virtual screening room). Whatever your plans, the Meta Quest 2 is by far the cheapest and most user-friendly way to dip your toes in the world of VR.

The Quest 2 is currently half the price of its successor headset, but that’s not to say it’s half as good. At its current sale price, the Quest 2 is a great way for families or VR-curious people to jump in without a big initial investment. The Meta Quest 2 got an “outstanding” score in its PCMag review, which praised its minimalistic design, great display, powerful processor, accurate motion tracking, and optional compatibility with PCs.

• Meta Quest 2 (plus $50 Amazon gift card): $249

Source: LifeHacker – This Cyber Monday Deal Makes the Meta Quest 2 the Cheapest It’s Ever Been

You guys know I like to take a simple boat out on the lake; I’ve written about recreational kayaks, inflatable paddleboards, and even–yes–inflatable kayaks. Well, if you’d like to join me out in paddle-land, today is the perfect day to pick up a budget boat. Walmart’s Black Friday deal on the Sevylor K5 inflatable kayak is still live for Cyber Monday, and it’s just $85.

How well does an inflatable kayak work? You can read my review of a similar model (the Intex K1 Challenger) here. An inflatable boat isn’t going to be quite as sturdy or steer quite as straight as a more traditional construction, but I was shocked at how well it performed. And the Sevylor K5 looks to be even better: it’s 10 feet long rather than nine, and has a maximum weight of 250 pounds. 

I consider myself something of a cheap boat connoisseur, and those stats aren’t bad at all. I like that this boat comes with a thicker material on the bottom to resist punctures, and spray covers to keep splashes and paddle drips from soaking your lap. The $85 package comes with a paddle and a backpack so you can carry it to your favorite lake, even if the lake is a bit of a hike from the nearest parking lot or from your campsite. It also includes a hand pump. Unlike paddleboards, which require a high-pressure pump to properly inflate, inflatable kayaks only take a few minutes to blow up with a simple hand pump like the one that comes in this package.

As for the downsides of an inflatable kayak, we’ve already mentioned that it’s more for tootling around than for speeding toward a destination. (If you want a touring or racing kayak, go buy a touring or racing kayak.) Another important drawback is that the boat is easy enough to unfold before you get in the water, but once you’re headed home that thing is going to be wet. And maybe muddy. If you can give it some time to dry in the sun, that would be ideal; otherwise, make sure to spread it out to dry once you get home. 

• Sevylor K5 Quickpack Inflatable Kayak, $85 (normally retails for about $200)

By the way, the one thing this package does not come with is a PFD (a personal flotation device, better known as a lifejacket). Make sure you pick up one of those too; drowning because you cheaped out on a basic safety device is a dumb way to die. Here’s a multi-pocket vest with all the bells and whistles (OK, just one whistle) for just $29. Or if you want to stick to our bargain theme and buy the cheapest item that will get the job done, here’s a basic model for just eight bucks. Both are Coast Guard-approved.

Source: LifeHacker – This Inflatable Kayak Is Only for Cyber Monday

Walmart’s Black Friday fitness deals were great, and the deals continue for Cyber Monday. All of the deals below are still available, giving you a cheap way to equip your home gym, or to help someone on your gift list upgrade their gear.

Quick-select adjustable dumbbells for $150 each

The ultimate home-gym buy is a set of quick-adjustable dumbbells, but they’re pricey. Even on sale for Black Friday, a pair of Bowflex SelectTech 1090s will run you $299 each. (That’s 25% off the regular price, though, so definitely snap those up if you want the name brand.) This FitRX Smartbell is a similar design, adjusting from 10 to 90 pounds with the turn of a dial. 

GET THE DEAL:

• FitRX Smartbell XL, 10-90 pounds $149.99 (was $249.98) each—so they’re now $299.98 for a pair, down from nearly $500. 

This XTERRA rower is 80% off

Is this a Concept2? No. But can you get a new Concept2 for 300 smackers? You cannot. This XTERRA rower looks like a pretty solid alternative, and it’s a whopping 80% off. 

GET THE DEAL:

• XTERRA ERG700 rower $299 (was $1,499.99) 

Get a barbell set with bumpers for just $250

A barbell is a fundamental component of a “real” home gym in my opinion, but it can be hard to find a good set on the cheap. Bumper plates, especially, are great for home gyms (less noise and floor damage), but they tend to be expensive. 

Good thing, then, that this weight set is affordable to start and dirt cheap now that it’s on sale. For the price, you get a full-size barbell with one pair each of 45-pound, 25-pound, and 10-pound bumper plates. That will let you build a barbell that weighs up to 205 pounds—yes, you count the weight of the bar. To round out the set, I’d recommend getting one pair each of 2.5-pound and 5-pound plates, and another pair of 10-pounders, and this way you’ll be able to make every 5-pound increment from 45 up to 205. 

205 pounds is plenty for most beginner lifters to get started (especially kids and lightweight women), but eventually, you’ll outgrow the set. If you’d rather buy a bigger set to start with, there’s also a 370-pound set that works out to 415 pounds including the barbell. 

GET THE DEALS:

• BalanceFrom 160-pound Olympic bumper plate set plus barbell $249.99 (was $449.99)

• BalanceFrom 370-pound bumper plate set plus barbell $399.99 (was $749.99)

• CAP Barbell Olympic grip plate pairs $10.98 for a pair of 5-pounders or $19.98 for a pair of 10’s. (The 2.5-pound plates come in a set of 4, for $10.98.)

A squat rack for just $170

Now that you have your barbell, how are you going to squat it? Consider this budget power cage your entry-level option. (Don’t forget the spotter arms, which have a 400-pound capacity and are sold separately for $34.99.)

GET THE DEALS:

• BalanceFrom 1000-Pound Capacity Power Cage $169.99 (was $299.99)

$300 off a two-cable functional trainer

If you’re interested in a cable machine, the style sometimes known as a “functional trainer” makes a ton of sense for a small space. These have two vertical cable stacks, which you can use together or separately, and they’ll come with a variety of attachments that you can use for tons of different exercises. These types of machines are a staple of hotel gyms because they really do let you do a lot of different exercises, especially for the upper body, in a small footprint. 

This machine from Centr (Centr by Chris Hemsworth, I’m told) comes with a 165-pound weight stack on each cable, and includes a tablet holder if you’d like to follow along with Centr’s digital workouts. (The machine comes with a three-month free trial.) That said, we have plenty of ideas for how to use a cable machine to build your own workouts. 

GET THE DEAL:

• Centr 2 Functional Trainer $1,699 (was $1,999)

A trap bar for under $100

The trap bar, or hex bar, is an excellent tool for deadlifting. If you need to compete in a sport that requires straight-bar deadlifts, fine; but if you just want to pick something up off the ground without thinking about it too much, a trap bar is the perfect piece of equipment to do that with. This trap bar is only $75 for the traditional kind, and $70 for the “open” type that not only allows you to carry it while you walk, but also lets you prop it up to change the plates. This would be a great addition to the bumper plate set above.

GET THE DEAL:

• BalanceFrom 1000-Pound Capacity Open Trap Bar $69.99 (was $169.99)

A folding bench for just $100

Whether your home gym uses dumbbells, barbells, or both, you’ll want a bench to sit on for bench presses and seated exercises. This bench has six incline settings and can even be folded for storage. It’s got a padded top and a 600-pound capacity, counting both you and the weight you’re lifting. 

GET THE DEAL:

• Pooboo Adjustable Folding Bench, 600-Pound Capacity $103.99 (was $299.99)

Source: LifeHacker – These Are Walmart’s Best Cyber Monday Deals on Fitness Equipment

If risotto has ever seemed intimidating to you, put down the “instant” rice and listen up: Unlike risotto’s brother, regular rice, risotto is so forgiving that the only way to screw it up is to walk away from the stove. Post Thanksgiving is a great time to learn to make it, as this creamy, luxurious dish is perfect to tuck into on a cold fall day. As a vehicle for leftover turkey, risotto makes a strong argument. 

Risotto is a better, more aspirational version of rice

Risotto is made from a different rice than your standard white or brown: It’s called arborio, and it’s usually readily available in supermarkets in the aisle with the other rice. Arborio can take on an enormous amount of liquid, and it is a short grain variety. When cooked with enough liquid, it retains a little bite in the grain, but forms a creamy texture. Normally, you give it a little push with butter at the beginning and Parmesan cheese at the end.  

There are no rules for what goes into risotto, and it has the benefit of being cooked in liquid, so meat doesn’t tend to dry out. For leftover turkey, this is excellent, because right about now, you’re sick of the leftover turkey sandwich. Also, think of all the leftover veggies you have in the fridge, because they can also likely go into your risotto. Anything without much of a sauce is game: grilled mushrooms, baked asparagus, roasted squash. If there’s any left at this point, you can even toss in a little gravy. 

A solid coating of butter lays a good foundation

To start, you’re going to sauté your rice and shallot in butter in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. On a second burner, you want a stockpot with your broth or stock.  If you made stock with your carcass, this is a great use. If not, you can make some with Better Than Bouillon or just use any chicken stock you normally buy. (It doesn’t need to be turkey stock; even vegetable stock would be good.) Get your stock going to a nice simmer. 

Move the rice around in the pan with a wooden spoon: You want each kernel of rice coated, and it’s OK for it to get a little toasted. As soon as you detect a slightly nutty aroma from the butter, ladle in a cup of stock into the sauté pan and start stirring as you turn the temperature down to medium. You want to maintain a simmer at all times, and keep in mind the one key to a good risotto: lots of stirring.

Never stop stirring

As you stir, the liquid is going to evaporate as it is absorbed by the rice. As it does, add more liquid, and just keep stirring. While this may seem cumbersome, it is also the beauty of risotto: Unlike regular rice where you really get one shot to nail the ratio of liquid to rice, that’s not true with risotto. Just keep adding stock until the rice is cooked. 

On this topic, there is also some debate, as some people prefer an al dente risotto, where the rice has more bite to it. Some chefs insist on a very loose risotto that falls onto a plate and spreads. As it is cooking, you’ll need to taste it and see where you fall. Generally, the process will take 20-25 minutes.  If the rice feels “done” before you’ve used all the liquid, that’s OK. If you run out of liquid, throw some more stock on the stove. What is critical is that the stock is hot when you add it to the rice, which is why we have it simmering away on another burner. 

As you approach “doneness,” it’s time to throw in any vegetables and meat you’d like to include. Shred any meat you want using your hands, toss it in, and stir. You don’t want the turkey in there the whole time, as it’ll overcook—you just want it in long enough to cook through. The same is true of the vegetables: Cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them while there is still liquid in the pan. Stir them in and let them heat through. If you have leftover gravy, add a tablespoon or two to make the taste even richer; just be sure to stir it in well. 

Only you know when the risotto is right

Once you find the risotto to have the right mouthfeel (a very personal decision), take it off the stove. At this point, you can add your Parmesan to the top and quickly stir it into the rice. Taste it and season to your liking with salt. Risotto really needs to be enjoyed right away: it’s at its peak right now. Use the ladle to spoon it into a bowl (or a plate with a good rim), and watch the risotto “relax” on the dish as it spreads out. 

While not the same, you can certainly store leftover risotto in the fridge and reheat it, although that is best done in the microwave, in a covered bowl, at thirty-second bursts, stirring in between. 

This is a simple risotto, but the flexibility of this dish, by definition, means it can accommodate an awful lot of play. Add more alliums like onion or garlic or even pancetta or bacon to the initial sauté, or use herbs like thyme in the broth. You can add white wine to the stock as well, and you don’t have to just use leftover vegetables. Use any sautéed vegetables you like, or swap out the protein (or don’t use any at all). Garnish with some chopped parsley at the end for a nice finish. Mostly, play around: This is a dish that will remove the intimidation from cooking. 

Leftover turkey risotto

 Ingredients:

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 cup of arborio rice

• 5 cups of stock or broth

• 1 cup of leftover turkey

• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt to taste

• Leftover vegetables from Thanksgiving (optional)

• 1-2 tablespoons of gravy (optional)

Directions:

1. Tear turkey into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces and set aside. 

2. Put the stock or broth onto the stovetop in a saucepan over medium heat, allow to boil, then lower it to a simmer.

3. Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Sauté the shallots and rice together, consistently moving them around for about 4 to 6 minutes. Once the butter starts to smell nutty or turn brown, move to the next step. 

4. Add one ladle of stock to the pan, and stir continuously with your wooden spoon; turn the heat down to medium. Add more stock whenever the liquid in the pan evaporates. 

5. Around the twenty-minute mark, check the rice for texture. It is still raw inside, or chewy? Do you like the texture, or would you prefer it creamier? If you’re happy with it, proceed to the next step. If not, add more stock. If you run out of stock, make more or add wine or water, so long as they’re also hot.

6. Right after you add the last ladle of stock, add in your vegetables and meat. Season to taste, and continue stirring. Once the liquid has evaporated, toss the Parmesan in, and stir through. 

7. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Source: LifeHacker – Make This Risotto With Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Heat domes, atmospheric rivers, bomb cyclones, and polar vortex—you’re not crazy, the weather is. And last week, the USDA confirmed it by releasing an updated climate zone map for 2023. And for many gardeners, that means a change in growing zones.

What are hardiness zones?

The map of the US is divided into zones, separated by ten degrees. It starts with 1a (Alaska) and goes all the way up to 13b (Puerto Rico), and the mainland U.S. tends to live between zones 5 and 10.  In between, every single part of the U.S. uses this zone classification system, which tells you roughly how long your growing season is: when it’s likely to start and finish, what kinds of conditions to expect, what your last frost date is, and more. When you shop for plants, you’ll see zones labeled on the plant tag. Knowing your zone helps you shop for seeds. To change your zone means everything you know has shifted a little bit (by ten degrees). 

Zones don’t change often—the map was last updated in 201—but when it does change, as it just did, it can upend what you know about your garden. 

How do I find my new hardiness zone?

It used to be easier to find your hardiness zone: You’d just drop your zip code into Google, and it would spit out the information. But Google hasn’t caught up with the new data yet, so for now, you’ll need to visit the USDA map and input your zip code there. 

Of course, if you’ve been paying attention, you already knew the weather was changing, and your plants have been responding the way plants do: They become more resilient, or they die. So you move in new plants that are better acclimated to the current climate. 

But knowing the new hardiness zone will help you when shopping for new plants by telling you if a labeled plant will thrive in your area. It should also remind you that artificial measures to keep plants alive and thriving when they’re really not meant for one particular zone aren’t sustainable. The citrus you were trying to baby through the winters in 8b are even less likely to survive in 9a. As you shop for seeds this winter and begin growing your starts, consider seeds cultivated for your new zone. 

Source: LifeHacker – The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Just Changed

Living in a compact studio apartment, I consider even the smallest gains in my living space big wins. A single inch could determine whether or not a piece of furniture fits, or give me the clearance I need to be able to open my closet door. And as appreciative as I am of every single wall outlet in an apartment constructed in the 1920s, I’ve also experienced the frustration of losing a few precious inches of my living area because I’m unable to push furniture up against the wall of an outlet that’s in use.

Meanwhile, in another tax bracket, there’s someone trying to mount their flat-screen TV to a wall in an attempt to disguise it as a piece of framed art. Obviously, visible cords aren’t an option, but even if there’s a perfectly placed wall outlet, there’ll still be a small gap between the TV and the wall to accommodate the plug. In this case—as well as in mine, if my lease permitted it—recessed outlets may be the solution. Here’s what to know. 

What is a recessed outlet?

Unlike traditional outlets, recessed outlets have a plate that is set deeper into the wall (or floor), so that when it’s in use, the plugs aren’t protruding and wasting space. As I alluded to earlier, recessed outlets make it possible to place furniture, appliances, and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs flush against a wall with an electrical socket, even when items are plugged in. Not only does this save some space, but it will eliminate the awkward gap between a piece of furniture and the wall, where household items like keys, remotes, and all the pens disappear. 

Examples of recessed outlets

If you haven’t encountered recessed outlets before, here are a few examples of some of the different options available:

• Leviton Recessed Duplex Receptacle ($9.99): A solid basic option, this model is available in white, ivory, light almond, and black.

• Top Greener Recessed Single Receptacle Outlet With Clock Hanger Hook ($9.99): Comes with a built-in hook that makes it easy to plug in a wall clock and hang it up.

• DataComm Electronics Recessed Low Voltage Mid-Size Plate with Duplex Receptacle ($23.90): Can be used to install power and low voltage cables behind wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and other electronics.

• Sleek Socket Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer ($21.55): This isn’t a recessed outlet, but it provides a similar solution with no installation, and leaves you with three outlets instead of two.

The process of installing a recessed outlet is essentially the same as installing a regular outlet. It involves stripping, cutting, and connecting wires, as opposed to simply screwing in a wall plate covering an outlet. If you’re comfortable putting in a regular outlet, you should have no problem with a recessed one. Otherwise, an outlet concealer or flat plug extension cord may be your best bet.

Source: LifeHacker – Why You Should Consider Installing Recessed Outlets in Your House

We all know someone who seems unable to control their spending or make good financial decisions. When that person is someone you care about, it’s understandable to want to help them better manage their money. However, simply telling them to “be more responsible” is rarely effective. For many people, talking about money can get real awkward, real fast, whether it’s saying no to someone who tends to mooch off you or learning how to heal your own relationship with money. If you feel a little out of your depth, let’s take a look at some ways to help out a loved one who isn’t great with their money, without making anyone uncomfortable.

How to help someone who is ‘bad with money’

Listen without judgment

When it comes to anything money-related, tough love is rarely the way to go. Rather than coming at someone with criticism or lecturing, try having an open conversation to better understand their underlying feelings and perceptions about money so you can determine the best ways to help. As I’ve argued before, we all have a money story—and it’s never as simple as “I’m bad with money.” Listen attentively to feelings like anxiety, inadequacy or even defiance that influence their financial habits. Try to get to the root causes.

Help them set financial goals

Ask how they would like their financial situation to be different in an ideal world. What specific goals and timeframes can you mutually set? Write these downs and determine what initial steps they can take to start working towards these goals. Offer to periodically review progress without judgment. Remember that you’re not their financial advisor, but an accountability buddy.

Share educational resources

Provide tools that help build financial literacy at their own pace. Again, I’m not saying you should be anyone’s financial advisor, but there are plenty of trusty apps that can give your finances a boost. Other resources could include books, articles, budgeting apps, online courses, or even offering to meet with a financial advisor together to discuss developing better money management habits. For more, here are some of the best apps depending on what kind of spender you are, or based on your savings goals.

Give encouragement

When they take positive steps, offer frequent encouragement to build self-efficacy and motivation. Be their cheerleader! If they share small wins like sticking to their budget for a full week, recognize these achievements sincerely. Progress takes time, so patience is necessary.

The most constructive thing you can do is help the person build discipline and skills slowly through compassionate support. At the same time, protect your own peace by setting financial boundaries for yourself. Avoid criticism or control, and focus on boosting confidence along their journey towards financial responsibility. With help, almost anyone can become better at managing money over time.

Source: LifeHacker – The Best Ways to Help Someone Who Is ‘Bad With Money’

Most people probably have at least one spot in their home that could benefit from some additional lighting. Not trendy geometric fixtures, or classic vintage lamps, but lighting that’s more functional than fashionable, and allows you to make better use of the living and/or storage space in your home. We’re talking about closets, crawlspaces, and constantly dark corners of the basement: places lacking a light source, even during the day.

This is where rechargeable motion sensor lights come in. And you don’t need the skills or money for actual electrical work, because these are self-adhesive and can be installed in minutes. Here’s what to know about this simple and reasonably priced lighting solution. 

Where to use rechargeable motion sensor lights indoors

If you’re picturing the kind of motion sensor flood lights often installed above garage doors, replace that image with one of a thin strip of LED lights eight or 12 inches long, or a round light no larger than a smoke detector (though they’re available in other shapes and sizes, too).

The basic idea is that instead of opening a dark closet or drawer, or feeling your way down a hallway or set of stairs, these lights will automatically turn on when motion is detected, and shut off when it stops. Most models also have the option to switch the light on and off, rather than relying on the motion sensor. 

The lights typically come with a self-adhesive magnetic strip that you place on the wall, cabinet, or other surface. The back of the light itself is also magnetic, so you’re able to remove it from the strip and plug it into a power source with a USB cable to recharge. Personally, I use them in closets that don’t have another source of light, as well as under the kitchen cabinet above my sink, which doesn’t benefit much from the overhead light. Rechargeable motion sensor lights can also come in handy in other spots, including:

• Hallways

• Stairs

• Crawlspaces

• Basements

• Attics

• The space under the stairs

• Front/back/side porches

• Kids’ bedrooms

• As a bathroom nightlight

Product examples and features 

Here are a few examples of highly rated rechargeable motion sensor lights, and their standout features:

• LEPOTEC 30-LED Motion Sensor Cabinet Light ($21.99 for pack of two): I received this set of two strips of LED lights as a gift a little over a year ago, and they’re still going strong with daily use. 

• Electight Motion Sensor Light ($19.99 for 6-pack): At 3 ¼ inches in diameter, these small discs can be placed in a line to create the look of a vanity, or on their own for extra light in drawers.

• Lightbiz LED Motion Sensor Light ($25.99 for pack of two): These light strips come with a small remote control that you can use to dim the lights, and turn them off after 10, 30, 60, or 120 minutes. 

Generally speaking, the lights are equally simple to install, so you can base your purchasing decision on the features that are most important to you.

Source: LifeHacker – Use Rechargeable Motion Sensor Lights to Brighten Dark Spaces