How-to & Explainers

Understand before you buy.

Straightforward explainers for standards, setup, maintenance and the technical details that change a purchase decision.

10 in-depth articles
Travel Tech
How-to

How to Calculate Power Bank Watt-Hours for Air Travel

Convert a power bank's voltage and amp-hours into watt-hours, then check the current airline and FAA battery rules before flying.

Updated Oct 3, 9:01 PM
Consumer Tech
How-to

How to Check Whether a Wireless Charger Is Qi or Qi2 Certified

Use the Wireless Power Consortium's certification information and exact model identity to verify a charger's Qi/Qi2 status.

Updated Oct 3, 9:01 PM
Consumer Tech
How-to

USB Power Delivery Explained Without the Marketing Jargon

Understand USB PD negotiation, wattage, Extended Power Range and why charger, cable and device all have to agree.

Updated Oct 3, 9:00 PM
Everyday Gear
How-to

SD Card Speed Classes Explained

Understand C, U, V and SD Express speed-class markings and why minimum sustained write speed matters for recording.

Updated Oct 3, 9:00 PM
Home Office
How-to

How to Position a Monitor for a Home Office

Use viewing distance, height, glare and desk depth to place a monitor more comfortably, based on OSHA workstation guidance.

Updated Oct 3, 9:00 PM
Consumer Tech
How-to

How to Place a Wi-Fi Router for Better Coverage

Improve Wi-Fi coverage by fixing router location, obstructions and backhaul before assuming you need a newer router.

Updated Oct 3, 9:00 PM
Home Office
How-to

How to Clean a Mechanical Keyboard Safely

A conservative cleaning routine for mechanical keyboards that avoids flooding switches, damaging coatings or losing keycap positions.

Updated Oct 3, 9:00 PM
Consumer Tech
How-to

How to Read HDMI Cable Labels and Certification

Use official HDMI cable names and certification labels instead of vague marketing claims when shopping for a display cable.

Updated Oct 3, 8:41 PM
Smart Home
How-to

How to Choose a Smart Plug for Home Automation

Check ecosystem support, electrical ratings, connection method, physical fit and useful automations before buying a smart plug.

Updated Oct 3, 8:41 PM
Home Office
How-to

How to Build a Single-Cable Laptop Desk Setup

Plan a one-cable desk around host USB-C capabilities, display output, dock bandwidth, charging power and peripheral requirements.

Updated Oct 3, 8:39 PM