Tag: PC Magazine Tech123

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to six courses covering ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity, DeepSeek, and Tabnine for $15.99.

Knowing ChatGPT is useful, but it’s only one piece of the current AI toolkit. The Ultimate AI Assistant Masterclass is on sale for $15.99 (MSRP $39) and provides lifetime access to six courses covering ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity AI, DeepSeek, and Tabnine AI.

The emphasis is on using AI for actual work, rather than simply learning about these platforms. Across 25+ hours of video and more than 180 lectures, the courses cover prompt engineering fundamentals and practical workflows for research, content creation, coding, automation, and everyday productivity.

Each AI assistant gets dedicated training. You can learn to use Perplexity for research and search, Tabnine for code completion and suggestions, Gemini for research and multimodal tasks, and Copilot for productivity across Office and enterprise tools. The ChatGPT and DeepSeek courses cover uses such as research, problem-solving, content creation, and advanced AI interactions.

Courses are accessible on desktop, mobile web, iOS, and Android, with no device limit.

You’ll earn a certificate of completion for each course you finish, giving you a way to document the training you’ve completed.

Get this Ultimate AI Assistant Masterclass on sale for $15.99 (MSRP $39).

The Ultimate AI Assistant Masterclass

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Scanning today exists at two ends of the spectrum. You can scan with a large, conventional scanner in an office or at home, or on the go using an app. Both have their strengths, but anyone regularly digitizing bound books or multi-page documents may want something in between. The challenge isn’t just capturing each page—it’s reducing the setup beforehand and the manual cleanup afterward.

CamScanner, a document scanning and management platform, aims to bridge that gap with portable hardware designed to combine the efficiency of a traditional scanner with the convenience of its existing app. The CamScanner Apex 1 Pro, now available on Kickstarter, promises to give scanning an upgrade with features built to handle common frustrations.

Standalone Operation That Plays Well With Others

Powered by an octa-core processor, the Apex 1 Pro handles scanning and AI image correction locally without a connected computer, phone, or internet connection. Files can be saved locally to microSD, allowing users to capture and process documents on site rather than waiting until they return to their desks.

Connectivity and storage options include USB-C, microSD, NFC, and Bluetooth. OCR support for over 50 languages helps turn scanned text into searchable content, while export options include JPG, Word, Excel, TXT, and PDF.

When further work is needed, scans can be transferred directly to a phone through supported connections for editing directly in the CamScanner app. 

Making Light Work of Documents on the Go

(CamScanner)

Don’t be deceived by the small size of the Apex 1 Pro; it’s designed to capture a wide range of documents from long professional contracts to everyday paperwork such as receipts.

Weighing just 1.32lb including its base, it combines a folding body, detachable base, and built-in 2000mAh battery for easy transport and use between client meetings, project sites, and temporary workspaces. No dedicated scanning mat is required, keeping setup simple wherever work takes you.

Easily scan everyday documents in sizes like letter and legal, all the way up to tabloid, with the clarity of a 32-megapixel camera.

Scanning a Book Without Breaking the Spine

Digitizing a book the usual way means pressing capture for every page, then cleaning up the images afterward. The Apex 1 Pro automatically detects page turns and captures each spread. The on-device AI removes fingers and shadows from scanned images, flattens curved pages, and splits facing pages into individual digital pages in the background.

CamScanner says the Apex 1 Pro scans at up to 40 pages per minute. Users turn the pages; the device handles capture and repetitive cleanup without a connected device or internet connection. Books remain intact, with no need to remove the binding.

CamScanner’s Apex 1 Pro is on Kickstarter now at a week-one early bird price of $359, with shipping estimated for Feb 2027.

This deal is all work and all play! Walmart has the Acer Nitro V 15.6-inch gaming laptop down to $899 from $1,299.99, saving you 31%. This isn’t a sluggish plastic clunker meant only for typing term papers. You get dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics, an Intel Core processor, a fluid 165-hertz Full HD IPS display, and 16GB of RAM, delivering dependable high-FPS gameplay without the four-figure price tag. Game on.

Scoring a dedicated RTX gaming laptop equipped with a high-refresh screen, 16GB of memory, and dual-fan cooling under $900 is an extraordinary bargain. That makes this limited-time discount the ideal opportunity to jump into modern PC gaming or replace an aging student laptop.

This is easily one of the smartest budget gaming buys available right now. Shaving over $400 off the steep cost of entry for dedicated graphics cards gives casual gamers, esports enthusiasts, and college students a chance to enjoy modern AAA titles and fast creative workflows. It’d be silly to miss out on this deal!

WALMART DEAL ALERT

Acer Nitro V 15.6-inch Gaming Laptop

15.6-Inch FHD 165Hz IPS, Intel Core CPU, Nvidia RTX GPU, 16GB ram, 512GB ssd, Wi-Fi 6, Backlit kb

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The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop powers smooth esports performance with an Intel processor and dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics. It manages fast gameplay effortlessly using a 15.6-inch Full HD 165Hz IPS display, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB PCIe SSD. Completed by dual-fan cooling, an amber-backlit keyboard, DTS:X Ultra spatial audio, and versatile Thunderbolt 4/HDMI connectivity, it delivers dependable PC gaming performance. You can dive into the details with PCMag expert Matthew Buzzi’s in-depth review for more insight.

The Acer Nitro V 15.6-inch hits the sweet spot for budget-conscious gamers, with dedicated RTX graphics power and a fluid display. At over 30% off, it takes the sting out of buying a gaming rig, putting 16GB of RAM, fast SSD speeds, and Thunderbolt 4 versatility straight onto your lap. Time to become the new MVP.

However, if you’re looking for a more powerful machine, this Asus ROG Strix G18 gaming laptop deal is currently available at over $850 off.

TL;DR: Get Ashampoo WinOptimizer Pro 29 for $19.99 (MSRP $50) to clean and optimize a Windows PC, or Ashampoo 3D CAD Professional 14 for $39.99 (MSRP $300) for architectural planning, 3D modeling, and BIM-compatible exports.

Two very different Windows jobs are getting significantly cheaper lifetime software options. Ashampoo WinOptimizer Pro 29 is $19.99 (MSRP $50), while Ashampoo 3D CAD Professional 14 is $39.99 (MSRP $300), and both come with lifetime licenses.

For everyday PC maintenance, WinOptimizer Pro 29 combines 30 optimization modules into a single program. Its One Click Optimizer runs the Drive Cleaner, Internet Cleaner, and Registry Optimizer together, while the Privacy Traces Cleaner targets sensitive browsing and system data. There’s also a Crash Analyzer for diagnosing errors and a Tuning Assistant for adjusting Windows settings.

The $39.99 option is considerably more specialized. Ashampoo 3D CAD Professional 14 is designed for residential, commercial, and public construction planning. It supports detailed floor plans and 3D building models, plus an electrical planning assistant for placing outlets, switches, and lights.

The CAD software also includes numerical tools for precise measurements, more than 250 object groups, scanned floor-plan tracing, and scaled PDF output.

Both are Windows-only lifetime purchases. The decision simply comes down to the job:

• Ashampoo WinOptimizer Pro 29 for $19.99 (MSRP $50) for deeper PC maintenance.

• Ashampoo 3D CAD Professional 14 for $39.99 (MSRP $300) for professional 3D architectural planning.

Ashampoo 3D CAD Professional 14

Lifetime License

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An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our experts vetted the deal based on our independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save you money, we covered it.

Shelling out cash for a new cellphone is always a little stressful. You’re dropping hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a wafer-thin piece of sensitive technology that’s going to get jostled around in your pocket every single day. No matter what high-tech alloys and ultra-durable glass Apple, Samsung, and the other manufacturers use, they’re not indestructible. That’s why only fools take their phones out without a case. Right now, leading casemaker Casetify is giving PCMag readers a special deal: buy one case, use coupon code IMPACT2026, and get 15% off your second.

Casetify Phone Cases

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A well-built phone case is a lot more than a plastic sleeve that protects it from bumps and bruises. Casetify has developed a rigorous process for building and testing its products, with scratch-resistant finishes, MIL-STD durability for drops up to 4.9 feet, built-in side sockets to attach straps or charms, and full compatibility with both MagSafe accessories and standard Qi wireless chargers. Raised bezels around the screen and camera lenses help insulate those especially fragile areas from impacts. Each model is precisely measured to give you seamless access to volume and camera buttons, as well as the charging port.

In addition, a case lets you customize the visual appeal of your phone beyond a few color choices. That’s another area where Casetify really shines, partnering with artists from around the world to produce hundreds of prints and styles. No matter what your aesthetic, you’ll be able to find something that matches it, from edgy abstract patterns and fine art licensed from the Louvre, to popular licensed characters from Marvel, Star Wars, and other franchises. Each case is made to order and ships quickly, meaning your precious new phone won’t be unprotected for long. The company has been in business since 2011, meeting each new phone release with a wave of protective equipment that keeps them safe.

Because phone makers love to tweak their devices in between generations, Casetify builds each new model from the ground up, using every tool at its disposal to match the shape and size, add as little weight as possible, and maximize protection. It also offers a range of optional accessories to complement your case, including screen protectors, straps, and more.

Here’s how the deal works: pick up one case at full price (very reasonable, with even the most expensive models coming in below $70), and get an additional one for 15% off when you enter coupon code IMPACT2026 at checkout. Whether you just want a little visual variety for your own phone or are getting a second case as a gift for a friend, the deal’s good to go.

Some exclusions apply. 15% discount does not apply to Co-lab, Sales, Ripple, and Could cases, as well as cases for the new iPhone 18.

About Our Expert

K. Thor Jensen

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K. Thor Jensen is a writer and cartoonist living in the Pacific Northwest. He has contributed to dozens of prestigious outlets, including PCMag, Tested, Clickhole, and Newsweek. His second graphic novel, Cloud Stories, was released in 2017.

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Smart glasses can be pretty expensive, but there are some budget ones out there that are still of exceptional quality. The Viture Pro 2 XR/AR glasses are the prime example of this. They come with one crucial feature that stands out among the competition: vision correction. This alone helps out others who might be visually impaired, offering something that other smart glasses can’t. They’re now on sale for $298, which is down from their original $379 price. That’s $80 in savings!

As of September 21, the Viture Pro 2 XR/AR smart glasses are on sale for 21% off. According to CamelCamelCamel, this is the lowest price they’ve been in the past month. So now is the best time to grab a pair if you missed out!

Viture Pro 2 XR/AR Smart Glasses

146-inch display, 120Hz refresh rate, 1080p resolution

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The Viture Pro 2 smart glasses use UltraClarity 3.0 optics to ensure that text, subtitles, and details look clear at every corner of the lens rather than just only the center. Whether you’re looking at documents or playing video games, the image fills up the entire lens and keeps you immersed. They have built-in myopia adjustment dials in both lens, letting you turn them independently. This way, nearsighted users can use the smart glasses without using prescriptions inserts or contacts. On the XR front, these glasses project a 146-inch screen at 120Hz and 1080p resolution, making them perfect for gaming or streaming wherever you go.

Additionally, they’re SGS A+ Eye Care Certified, meaning that the smart glasses will reduce blue light visual fatigue, allowing you to use them for longer. The frame itself is comfortable too. It’s 20% lighter than the predecessor, with a 39% thinner hinge for a more sunglasses-like look. Included in the box are seven different nose-pad sizes so that you can find the perfect fit for you.

Our expert Will Greenwald awarded them an “Outstanding” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The $299 Viture Pro 2 takes the crown for budget-friendly smart glasses by matching the class-leading brightness of pricier rivals while adding built-in vision correction at no extra cost.”

Be sure to check out our other Smart Glasses coverage and Amazon deals.

More Smart Glasses Deals at Best Buy

More Smart Glasses Deals at Walmart

More Smart Glasses Deals at Target

TL;DR: This like-new 2021 Apple iPad 9th Gen has 256GB of storage, an A13 Bionic chip, and a 10.2-inch Retina display for $209.99 (MSRP $479).

A tablet doesn’t need the latest hardware to handle everyday work, streaming, browsing, and video calls. This Grade A refurbished 2021 Apple iPad 9th Gen with 256GB of storage is only $209.99 (MSRP $479).

The A13 Bionic chip provides responsive performance for everyday apps, web browsing, and multitasking. And 256GB of built-in storage is another practical advantage. There’s room for apps, documents, photos, videos, and other content without starting with a smaller storage configuration.

For calls, the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera supports Center Stage, which automatically helps keep you in frame. Touch ID provides quick, secure unlocking, and stereo speakers handle audio for calls, music, and shows.

This model connects to the internet via Wi-Fi and offers all-day battery life.

It’s also Grade A refurbished, meaning it arrives in near-mint condition with very minimal to zero scuffing on the case.

Pick up this like-new iPad for just $209.99 (MSRP $479).

Apple iPad (2021)

9th Gen 256GB Wi-Fi Only Space Gray (Refurbished

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You probably weren’t going to buy a PC with a 4GB RX 9050 graphics card, but new test numbers from Hardware Unboxed and Toasty Bros should make sure of it. The GPU is over 25% slower than the 8GB version across a range of games at 1080p Medium/High; in many games, it barely breaks 60fps at 1080p Low.

We first heard that AMD was bringing back the aging 4GB GPUs in July, and initial performance tests were rough. Although we didn’t expect much, it’s always important to wait for well-produced third-party benchmarks with reproducible results. Unfortunately, now that we have them, it’s clear just how poor this new card’s performance is.

Hardware Unboxed pulled the 9050 4GB from a weak CyberPowerPC build and paired it with an AMD Ryzen 9800X3D and some GSkill Trident Z5 6000 memory. But even with that overpowered CPU/memory configuration, the card fell flat on its face.

In Forza Horizon 6, the 9050 only managed an average of 88fps at 1080p Medium. The 8GB version achieved an average of 129fps, while the Intel Arc B570 managed 116fps. In Resident Evil Requiem at 1080p Low, it just managed 64fps average, while the 8GB version achieved a much smoother 88fps.

In Lego Batman, however, the 9050 4GB achieved 123fps at Medium quality, which is very playable. But the 8GB version is up to 175fps average, showing what a huge disparity just an extra few gigabytes of VRAM can create, even at these lower settings and resolutions.

The Toasty Bros YouTube channel found much the same. Although not as comprehensive, their tests showed poor performance with the 9050 in the pre-built gaming system they purchased. In Forza Horizon 6, the game becomes very choppy outside the lowest settings, with a flashy warning for Low Video Memory and serious stutters to single-digit FPS at times.

The one caveat they gave was that this still represents an upgrade over the AMD RX 6500 XT, but that’s a four-year-old card that was super-entry-level at the time and now sells for less than $100 second-hand. Anything released now should top that.

The 9500 4GB does, but it’s still hard to stomach that this card came as part of a near-$900 pre-built gaming PC in 2026. Spending that much should get you something that can play at 1080p high. You might be able to do that with this card in some older games, with upscaling doing some heavy lifting, but it doesn’t appear to be up to the task for anything else.

About Our Expert

Jon Martindale

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Jon Martindale is a tech journalist from the UK, with 20 years of experience covering all manner of PC components and associated gadgets. He’s written for a range of publications, including ExtremeTech, Digital Trends, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Lifewire, among others. When not writing, he’s a big board gamer and reader, with a particular habit of speed-reading through long manga sagas. 

Jon covers the latest PC components, as well as how-to guides on everything from how to take a screenshot to how to set up your cryptocurrency wallet. He particularly enjoys the battles between the top tech giants in CPUs and GPUs, and tries his best not to take sides.

Jon’s gaming PC is built around the iconic 7950X3D CPU, with a 7900XTX backing it up. That’s all the power he needs to play lightweight indie and casual games, as well as more demanding sim titles like Kerbal Space Program. He uses a pair of Jabra Active 8 earbuds and a SteelSeries Arctis Pro wireless headset, and types all day on a Logitech G915 mechanical keyboard.

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TL;DR: Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 is currently $29.97 (MSRP $499.99) through September 20, giving developers lifetime access to a full-featured IDE at a fraction of the usual price.

Visual Studio Professional 2026 is a 64-bit development environment built for projects across .NET, C++, Blazor, and .NET MAUI, including cross-platform mobile and desktop apps. It’s currently available at a major discount for $29.97 until the end of today, September 20, at 11:59 p.m. PT, down from its $499.99 MSRP.

IntelliCode-powered AI analyzes code context to deliver ranked completion suggestions and assist with refactoring, reducing bugs and boilerplate along the way. CodeLens surfaces commit history, test status, and code references directly in the editor without requiring a context switch.

Live Share enables real-time collaborative editing and debugging without requiring teammates to clone repos or configure matching environments. The IDE also integrates natively with Azure, GitHub, and DevOps workflows, and supports hot reload across .NET and C++ projects so code changes apply instantly during runtime.

This is a single-user lifetime license redeemable on one supported device. The code must be redeemed within 30 days of purchase.

Get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 on sale for $29.97 (MSRP $499.99) through September 20.

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026

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Pointing a laser pen at the sky might seem harmless, but it can be extremely dangerous: distracting and even blinding pilots. Since 2010 laser strikes have plagued US aircraft, with experts chalking up the problem to easily available cheap laser pens, and people either not knowing or not caring about the risks it entails. Though thankfully these types of incidents haven’t caused any crashes, the FAA says pilots have reported 328 injuries since it started tracking the number in 2010. 

But the good news is that laser strikes against aircraft are down again this year, for the third time running, falling 24 percent year-on-year to 4,470 through July 2026 according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This represents a huge decrease compared to 2023’s all-time high of 13,304. The FAA chalked up the recent improvements to its ongoing outreach and training with local, state, and federal law enforcement. California recorded the most incidents overall with 614, while Texas recorded 445. Per capita Hawaii was the worst impacted state, with 5.09 incidents per 100,000 people, followed by New Mexico and Colorado.

The FAA reminds the public about the dangers of holiday laser-light displays ahead of the upcoming holiday season.

“The concentrated laser beams reach much farther than homeowners may realize and have the potential of distracting or temporarily blinding pilots,” read the announcement.

Pointing lasers at an aircraft is a serious federal crime. The FAA imposes fines of up to $11,000 for a single violation and up to $30,800 for multiple violations. Meanwhile, what it calls severe violations can result in up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, alongside additional state and local penalties.

The FAA encourages people to report all incidents to [email protected], or local law enforcement, with your name, contact information, and the date, time, location, and description of the incident.

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I’m a reporter covering weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I picked up bylines in BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media.

I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.

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