Category: Tech

  • 7 Best Laptops for Podcasting in 2023

    7 Best Laptops for Podcasting in 2023

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    Podcasting is a great way to introduce your voice to thousands of people around the world. However, just using a microphone is not sufficient to create highly engaged podcasts, you need to have the proper types of equipment to make it effective. This equipment includes a microphone, headphones, and the best laptop for podcasting to get your voice heard by lots of people.

    If you’re seriously involved in podcasting and looking for a laptop, then you should not compromise the quality of your podcasting. Here, we have listed some of the good laptops for recording and podcasting available in the market right now.

    Basically, a laptop is not compulsory for podcasting but to edit your recordings, you need to have a laptop. All the laptops listed below are suitable to run popular podcasting software such as Garageband, Audacity, WavePad Audio Editor, and Adobe Audition.

    Minimum Requirements for Buying a laptop for Podcasting

    • Processor – The laptop should have a minimum 2.4GHz processor.
    • RAM – minimum 8GB RAM (a greater RAM size is recommended to provide better speed)
    • Storage – A minimum of 128GB of SSD space (additional storage required for storing the data and different files)
    • Display – The laptop must have a display of a minimum of 1920 x 1080 resolution.
    • Connectivity – Should have all the essential connectivity ports including Wi-Fi / Ethernet to use the internet.

    Based on these requirements, we have listed some of the best laptops for editing your podcasts. For now, let’s start with the cheapest laptop for podcasting followed by the premium laptops for audio production.

    Top 7 Best Laptops for Podcasting

    1. Acer Aspire 5 – Best Affordable laptop

    Acer Aspire 5 A515

    If you’re running on a tight budget and looking for a reliable and high-end laptop for podcasting then you must consider Acer Aspire 5 in your choice list. This laptop is powered by the 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor with a 1.6GHz clock frequency which performs 2x times better than the old processor. It comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 256GB of fast solid-state drive which can be useful if you are into multitasking while doing podcasting.

    If we discuss its display, the laptop offers a 15-inch full HD display with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles which is ideal for watching HD movies and images. Apart from that, the laptop is featured with Intel Iris Xe graphics, which is adequate for playing casual gaming.

    The laptop has a full-size backlit keyboard which allows you to work in a low-light environment. The Aspire 5 doesn’t let down when connectivity is concerned. It offers Type-C, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, Ethernet, and HDMI slots, followed by Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for a fast, reliable connection. Overall, Acer Aspire 5 is the best budget laptop for podcasting you can buy right now.

    Hardware Specifications of Acer Aspire 5 11th Gen Notebook
    Processor 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor (Up to 4.2GHz)
    RAM 8GB DDR4
    Storage 256GB NVMe SSD
    Display 15.6″ FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) WLED-backlit Display
    Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 8.5 hours
    Weight 3.64 lbs

    Pros

    • Fingerprint reader
    • Long-lasting battery life
    • Reliable Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6
    • Backlit keyboard

    Cons

    • Not great for heavy rendering tasks
    • No SD card slot

    2. Apple MacBook Pro 13 – Best Choice

    Apple 13 MacBook Pro M1 Chip

    Apple MacBook Pro is an ideal notebook for performing most of the most demanding tasks such as video recording, music production, and podcasting. If you have a sufficient budget, we’d highly recommend you go for MacBook Pro. This 13-inch model is the latest release from Apple with a powerful M1 chip that performs several times better than the older versions.

    The laptop runs on a System on Chip (SoC) Apple’s M1 chip paired with 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 256GB of the solid-state drive which makes it sufficient for podcasting to run multiple programs simultaneously.

    The laptop offered a powerful 8-core GPU integrated on Apple’s M1 chip with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games. MacBook Pro 13 comes with a brilliant finish and lightweight design that can be carried easily anywhere you like.

    For connectivity, you’ll get two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports that may not be ideal for some people. You can use a USB hub if you want to use some ports other than Type-C ports. The laptop has a 13.3-inch full HD IPS Retina display which is ideal for recording and editing podcasts. All in all, if you have a large budget, then the Apple MacBook Pro 13 would be the best for your podcasting work.

    Hardware Specifications of Apple 13″ MacBook Pro – M1 Chip
    Processor System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU
    RAM 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3
    Storage 256GB SSD
    Display 13.3″ FHD LED-backlit Retina (2560×1600) Display
    Graphics Apple 8-core GPU
    Operating System macOS BigSur
    Battery Life Up to 17-hours
    Weight 3.0 lbs

    Pros

    • Excellent Retina display
    • Superb battery backup
    • Great performance
    • Comfortable keyboard

    Cons

    • Has limited ports
    • Miserable webcam

    3. HP Spectre x360 15t – Best Convertible

    HP Spectre x360-15t

    HP Spectre is a great companion for Windows users and offers high-end configurations like Apple’s MacBook Pro. Though the laptop is expensive still it is cheaper than MacBook Pro and powerful enough to handle those performance-hungry applications.

    This 15-inch notebook is powered by the latest 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM and a massive 1TB of solid-state drive that ensures your podcasting software runs smoothly. The laptop comes with brushed aluminum chassis which gives it a premium feel and features an ultra-portable design.

    With its 15-inch 4K display, you can enjoy high-resolution movies and videos with impressive color and clarity. The laptop offers a full-size backlit keyboard that allows you to type in dim or dark locations easily. You’ll get one USB Type-C, one USB 3.1 port, and a Thunderbolt port for connecting external drives.

    The laptop has a 180-degree hinge feature making it more convenient to use in different modes while podcasting. Overall, the HP Spectre x360 is one of the best laptops for podcasting that meet all types of needs to run the software for audio production.

    Hardware Specifications of HP Spectre x360 15t 2-in-1 Laptop
    Processor 10th Generation Intel Quad-Core i7-10750H Processor (Up to 5.0GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 1TB PCI NVMe M.2 SSD
    Display 15.6″ 4K UHD WLED-backlit (3840 x 2160) Touchscreen Display
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti with Q-Max Graphics 4GB GDDR5
    Operating System Windows 10 Home 64
    Battery Life Up to 13-hours
    Weight 4.83 lbs

    Pros

    • Excellent performance
    • Camera Shutter Key
    • 4K Touch IPS display
    • Integrated fingerprint reader

    Cons

    • Touchpad needs more friction
    • Average battery life

    4. ASUS VivoBook K571GT

    ASUS Vivobook K571

    Asus Vivobook K571 is another affordable yet powerful laptop for podcasting that can fulfill all your recording needs. This premium and portable laptop feature a dual-fan cooling system that ensures you stay comfortable even after long hours of use. It sports a brushed aluminum framework with black chassis and weighs only 4.3 lbs which makes it perfectly suitable for travelers. The laptop comes with a 15-inch full HD display that provides richer, deeper, and more accurate colors for all types of content.

    If we talk about its performance, the laptop features the powerful Intel Core i7 10th generation processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of solid-state drive with 1TB of hard disk, making it suitable for effortless multitasking. The laptop has a full-size backlit keyboard to help you stay productive even in a dark environment.

    With Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, this laptop is capable to deliver flawless visuals while gaming and watching videos. The connectivity ports include one USB 3.0 port, two standard USB 2.0 ports, and HDMI for connecting to various peripherals and devices.

    Hardware Specifications of ASUS VivoBook K571 Ultrabook
    Processor 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H Processor (Turbo up to 4.5GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD
    Display 15.6” Full HD (1920×1080) IPS Display
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 9 hours
    Weight 4.3 lbs

    Pros

    • Satisfactory performance
    • Features an SD card
    • ErgoLift hinge
    • Integrated fingerprint reader
    • Comfortable backlit keyboard

    Cons

    • Build quality is not so great
    • Average battery life
    • Finicky touchpad

    Also read: Top 10 Best Laptops Under $700

    5. HP Pavilion 15-dy2021nr – Cheapest Option

    HP Pavilion 15-Inch Touchscreen Laptop

    HP Pavilion 15-dy2021nr is the best cheap laptop for podcasting that offers many powerful configurations at an affordable price. The laptop comes with a 15-inch full HD display, an aluminum body, and a sleek finish that works perfectly for audio production. The laptop is powered by the Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage which makes it powerful enough to run most of the podcasting software without stalling or giving any issues.

    Apart from that, the laptop boasts Intel Integrated graphics that gives outstanding performance for podcasting work as well as for casual gaming. The laptop weighs only 3.7 pounds and features a superb battery with a life span of 7.5-hours considering all the apps and software you’ll be running for an entire day.

    Furthermore, the laptop offers incredible ports including USB Type-C, two USB Type-A, HDMI, a media card reader, audio in, etc. The overall performance of HP Pavilion 15-dy2021nr is quite impressive at an affordable price.

    Hardware Specifications of HP 15-dy2021nr Notebook
    Processor 11th Generation Qual-Core Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor, 3.6GHz
    RAM 8GB DDR4
    Storage 256GB NVMe SSD
    Display 15.6” Full HD WLED-backlit (1920 x 1080) anti-glare Display
    Graphics Intel UHD Graphics 620
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 7 hours and 15 minutes
    Weight 3.75 lbs

    Pros

    • Latest Intel processor
    • Ample connectivity ports
    • Portable design
    • SD card reader

    Cons

    • No backlit keyboard
    • Average battery life

    6. Asus ZenBook 14 UX435E – Best Ultraportable

    Asus ZenBook 14 UX435EThe Asus Zenbook UX435E is another premium notebook from Asus in our list of best podcasting laptops. This 14-inch laptop offers a little bit of everything and high-end hardware specifications that one needs to make the best out of podcasting. The laptop is featured with an Intel Core i7 11th gen processor paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of solid-state drive to keep your files and programs running smoothly.

    As far as graphics are concerned, the laptop is backed by Nvidia GeForce MX450 graphics – powerful enough to handle most of the demanding tasks efficiently. Besides, the laptop comes with a 63Wh lithium-polymer battery to deliver up to 16 hours of life and it can charge up to 60% in just 49 minutes. Furthermore, the ZenBook 14 features a 5.65-inch interactive touchscreen trackpad to fulfill the need for multitasking.

    ZenBook 14 features a full complement of I/O ports, with two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports that support fast charging, a USB 3.2 port, a full-size HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headset jack. This ultrabook includes a 14-inch full HD nano-edge display with a resolution of 1920×1080 to offer wide-viewing angles and 100% sRGB color gamut. The bottom line, the Asus ZenBook UX435E is the best mid-range laptop for podcasting and audio production.

    Hardware Specifications of Asus ZenBook 14 UX435E
    Processor 11th-generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor, Up to 5.0GHz
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 512GB SSD
    Display 14″ FHD LED-backlit (1920 x 1080) 4-way NanoEdge bezel Display
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce MX450 2GB graphics
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 16-hours
    Weight 2.62 lbs

    Pros

    • Excellent battery life
    • Premium and lightweight design
    • Fast USB-C charging
    • Good quality IPS 1W matte display
    • Great performance

    Cons

    • No finger-sensor
    • Gimmicky touchpad

    You may like to read: Top 10 Best Laptops Under $600

    7. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best Portable Laptop

    Microsoft Surface Pro 7

    The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the latest release of the Surface Pro series notebooks and it is a true competitor of MacBook Pro in terms of performance. With just 1.7 pounds weight, this notebook is ultraportable and powerful that perfectly fit for recording and podcasting work. The Surface Pro is the most versatile notebook that lets you work in different modes at your convenience. On this laptop, you’ll get a 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a resolution of 2736×1824 pixels.

    The Surface Pro 7 is powered by the latest 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor with a standard speed of 1.3GHz for effortless multitasking. Apart from it, the laptop comes with 8GB of RAM and a fast 256GB SSD storage which is great for smoother multitasking.

    Thanks to its long-lasting battery life, you can stay productive for 10.5 hours without worrying about its charging. Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the perfect balance of power, speed, and aesthetics, therefore, ideal for podcasting and other demanding works.

    Hardware Specifications for Microsoft Surface Pro 7
    Processor 10th generation Intel Core i5 Processor 1.3 GHz
    RAM 8GB LPDDR3
    Storage 256GB SSD
    Display 12.3″ PixelSense touchscreen display (2736×1824) Display
    Graphics Intel Iris Plus Graphics
    Operating System Windows 10 Professional
    Battery Life Up to 10.5-hours
    Weight 1.7 lbs

    Pros

    • Solid performance
    • Includes USB-C
    • Sharp and colorful display
    • Great battery life

    Cons

    • no Thunderbolt support
    • Keyboard sold separately

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I record a podcast on my laptop?

    Of course, yes. You can record, edit or upload your podcast on any Windows or Mac laptop. Also, make sure that you have the right podcast recording equipment and audio software to get your job done.

    How much RAM do I need for podcasting?

    For an average user, 8GB RAM is enough to meet the system requirements and can run most of the editing software seamlessly. However, if you run high-end graphics software or games on your laptop, then 16GB of RAM would be better.

    Is a Chromebook good for podcasting?

    No, we don’t recommend buying a Chromebook for podcasting. They may come with an affordable price range but lack good audio editing software and other support. However, there is some significant podcasting app such as Spreaker Studio which is fully compatible and designed specifically to work with Chrome OS.

    Which laptop brand is best?

    There are many popular brands such as Dell, HP, Acer, Lenovo, Microsoft, etc. that offer many high-end laptops to work on podcasting. Well, our topmost choice is the new Apple MacBook Pro which is great from almost all perspectives. The above-mentioned list consists of high-performing machines that are also great for your budget.

    Conclusion

    So these are the best laptops for podcasting you can choose based on your requirements and budget. If you’re into a professional podcasting business, we would suggest you invest in a good laptop so you get the best value for your money.

    We hope this guide will help you find the right laptop for your work. If you have any queries or suggestions about this buying guide, let us know in the comment section below.

    Also read:

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  • Twitter to Only Recommend Content of Paid Users on ‘for You’ Page

    Twitter to Only Recommend Content of Paid Users on ‘for You’ Page

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    • Elon Musk says only verified subscribers will be recommended in Twitter’s timeline.
    • Voting in polls will also be exclusive to users verified under Twitter Blue.
    • Last week, Twitter announced plans to remove legacy blue ticks from accounts on April 1

    Elon Musk says from April 15 only Twitter’s paying subscribers will have their posts recommended to other users on its “For You” feed and be allowed to vote in polls. These features are currently available to all users. 

    Musk tweeted news of this change on Monday, saying that it is “the only realistic way to address advanced AI bot swarms taking over. It is otherwise a hopeless losing battle,” he said.

    Musk rolled out his new verification system, including Twitter Blue, shortly after acquiring the platform for $44 billion in late October. This system allowed any user to pay from $8 per month for Twitter’s blue verified checkmark – the blue tick appears next to a user’s name and was previously free to accounts of “public interest” such as those belonging to politicians, celebrities, and journalists. 

    The early roll-out was marred by controversy and had to be paused briefly after it was seized by trolls and parody accounts masquerading as verified businesses or public figures, causing havoc for some brands. The company reinstated the service in December, bringing in gold and grey checkmarks for some business and government accounts.

    Since then, Twitter has been introducing features to try and encourage more Twitter Blue sign-ups, including a way to edit tweets and a longer character limit for subscribers. In early February, The Information reported that the new system only had around 300,000 subscribers.

    Last week, Twitter announced plans to remove legacy blue ticks from accounts that were verified under Twitter’s old system on April 1 — which is also April Fools Day. Musk has publically voiced his disdain for Twitter’s old verification system on several occasions, once calling it “deeply corrupted.”

    Musk, who has consistently said he plans to target bots on Twitter, said that the changes announced on Monday are a way to address issues with bots. However, he also said that bot accounts can also be verified as long as they “follow terms of service” and “don’t impersonate a human.”

    In an earlier Twitter post on Monday, the billionaire claimed that paid verification makes it more expensive to run bots and makes them much easier to identify. 

    “It’s now trivial to spin up 100k human-like bots for less than a penny per account,” he said. “Paid account social media will be the only social media that matters.”

    The Tesla CEO also plans to charge businesses $1,000 to keep their blue, gold, or grey checkmarks beyond April 1, a move that has been unpopular with firms. One company founder called the decision “outlandish” and said it made the checkmark “meaningless.”

    Last month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also announced a new subscription service — “Meta Verified” — that will give verified badges to Instagram or Facebook users who pay for the service.

    Insider contacted Twitter for comment. The company responded with an automated message that didn’t address the inquiry.



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  • Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000 of 2023 (Newest Models)

    Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000 of 2023 (Newest Models)

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    Looking for the best gaming laptops under 2000 dollars? Finding a gaming laptop with top-notch features can be a daunting task sometimes. For gaming freaks who are looking to start out with a quality gaming laptop, it can seem that the prices have no upper limit. As we all know the better the machine, the greater is the gaming experience. A gaming laptop under this price range is different than the other average laptops as they offer high-end gaming features and performance.

    At this price range, the laptops have powerful processors, highly effective Graphics, huge hard disk, high-resolution display, and a lot more. So if you’re willing to spend $2000 for a gaming laptop, here we have compiled a list of best gaming laptops under $2000 that is full of fitted with high-grade components and can provide you with easy operations and convenience.

    Before proceeding to list, we recommend you to look into some important facts you should consider when looking for the best gaming laptops to buy for under 2000 dollars.

    Minimum Requirements for Buying a Gaming Laptop Under $2000

    As there are numerous brands available in the market offering the latest gaming laptops so it’s easy to make mistakes on such an expensive investment. Below are some specific requirements that will help you to get the best gaming machine for yourself.

    Processor

    The processor is an important aspect to look if you’re a hardcore gamer. Some popular games like Dota 2, Fortnite, Overwatch, etc. require a fast processor to speed up the gaming. In this budget range, you should go for Intel Core i7 quad-core processor or higher to boost your gaming experience.

    RAM

    For intensive gaming sessions, you have to make sure your laptop is able to handle multitasking with ease. For high-end gaming, you should go for at least 16GB of RAM. However, you can upgrade it up to 32GB if needed. The more is RAM, the better will be your gaming experience.

    Graphics Card

    As you’re going to spend $2000 for a gaming laptop, so you need a powerful graphics card such as the Nvidia RTX series with at least 6GB of dedicated VRAM. The high-end laptop offers RTX 2060 or RTX 2070 however a laptop with GTX 1060 or GTX 1050 is good enough to run most of the intensive games smoothly.

    Display

    For a gaming laptop, you should consider the minimum 1920×1080 pixels resolution screen. But if you’re not limited to budget, you can go for 4K display laptops to enhance your gaming experience. As far as the display size is concerned, a laptop with a 15-inch or 17-inch screen will be ideal for a gaming laptop.

    We hope now you have some idea to choose the best gaming laptop and your search will become easier. To make sure you get the best for your hard-earned money investment, we have done some market research and made this list of high-performance gaming laptops in 2023.

    So, without further ado, here we go…

    Best Gaming Laptops Under 2000 Dollars

    1. Alienware m15 R4 10th Gen

    Alienware m15 R3Alienware is the most popular brand in the gaming laptops industry and one of the popular gaming laptop series from Dell. From performance to display to graphics, it is the perfect all-around option for gamers. If you are going to spend 2000 dollars on a gaming laptop, you should consider Alienware m15 R4 for your final list to buy.

    This incredibly thin design gaming laptop comes with Cryo-Tech cooling v3.0 technology with a dedicated vapor chamber, which keeps your laptop cool to the touch and maximizes overall performance. It features a full-size RGB backlit anti-ghosting keyboard with 1.7mm travel with 4-zone RGB N-Key rollover.

    The powerful laptop has a 10th Generation Intel Six-Core i7-10870H CPU that is paired with 16GB of RAM. For storage, the Alienware m15 R4 comes with a 512GB fast SSD to ensure you have enough background power to initiate multitasking and enough storage for your games.

    The laptop has NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 VR Ready graphics with 6GB VRAM for the ultimate gaming experience. Its 15.6-inch full HD IPS display with amazing response time is perfect for an uninterrupted gaming experience and real-life gameplay. Additionally, its thin design makes an ideal gaming laptop under 2000 dollars for those who are looking to get into virtual reality games.

    Main Specifications of Dell Alienware m15 R4 VR Ready Gaming Laptop
    Processor 10th Generation Intel 6-Core i7-10870H Processor (Up to 5.0GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4 2666MHz
    Storage 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD
    Display 15.6″ FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare Display, 144Hz
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 6GB dedicated GPU
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 8-hours
    Weight 4.65 lbs

    Pros

    • Sleek and aesthetic design
    • Powerful GeForce RTX 3070 GPU
    • Strong performance
    • Gorgeous 4K OLED display
    • Highly customizable

    Cons

    • Short battery life
    • Fans are really very loud

    2. Gigabyte AERO 15 OLED KC

    Gigabyte AERO 15

    Gigabyte brings some powerful gaming machines with high-end features. This GIGABYTE Aero 15 is a 15.6-inch gaming laptop with an attractive and tremendous look. The laptop comes with black aluminum chassis and a Nano-Imprint Lithography triangle, giving it a killer gaming machine look. It is built with a powerful Intel Core i7-10870H processor paired with 16GB RAM and has a storage of 512GB of a solid-state drive.

    The Aero 15 features a 15.6-inch, 3840 x 2160-pixel (4K) AMOLED Samsung display with 100% DCI P3 color coverage to give you more accurate colors. The gaming laptop comes with a full-size backlit keyboard with per-key RGB lighting that lets you customize your gaming experience. Gigabyte also features a fingerprint scanner on the touchpad. Furthermore, the webcam on Aero 15 doesn’t sit in the display around, but above the keyboard, which might be a bit annoying for many users.

    Nvidia’s brand-new GeForce RTX 3060 Max-Q with the 6GB GDDR6 graphics card can quickly render, high-quality images for the best results in videos and games. The laptop runs on Windows 10 Home and has an efficient dual-fan cooling system to keep your device’s temperature cool. All-in-all the GIGABYTE Aero 15 is a high-performance gaming laptop under $2000 price range.

    Main Specifications of GIGABYTE Aero 15 Gaming Notebook
    Processor 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10870H Processor (Up to 5.0GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD
    Display 15.6″ 4K/UHD 3840×2160 Samsung AMOLED Display
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Max-Q with 6GB GDDR6
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 8.5-hours
    Weight 4.5 lbs

    Pros

    • Amazing performance
    • Beautiful 4K OLED display
    • Per-key RGB keyboard
    • Gorgeous 4K OLED display
    • Highly customizable

    Cons

    • Poorly placed webcam
    • Bass-free speakers

    3. Acer Predator Helios 300 Latest Model

    Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming LaptopAcer has always been something powerful when it comes to gaming laptops. The Acer Predator Helios 300 is the ultimate gaming and multimedia powerhouse powered by an Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core processor clocked up to 5.0GHz. The Predator Helios 300 easily manages to please in performance with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of a solid-state drive for faster and hassle-free data transfers.

    With budget prices and powerful hardware configurations, the laptop is geared for serious gaming and can carry you to victory. Speaking about the display quality, Helios 300 comes with a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display with an incredibly fast 144Hz refresh rate to provide you crisp and clear visuals for high-octane gameplay. The Helios 300 has Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics with 6GB dedicated GDDR6, that delivers uninterrupted performance for gaming, streaming, and everything in between.

    The laptop also comes with a 4-Zone RGB Silver-Lining backlit keyboard for an enhanced gaming experience. It weighs five pounds which is a little bulkier compared to its previous versions. It goes without saying that the Helios 300 is an excellent mid-range gaming laptop aiming to offer the maximum bang for the buck. If you are looking for a hardcore gaming experience under 2000 dollars then Acer Predator Helios 300 would be a great choice.

    Main Specifications of Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
    Processor 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor (Up to 5.0GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 512GB NVMe SSD
    Display 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen IPS display, 144Hz
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM
    Operating System Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
    Battery Life Up to 8-hours
    Weight 4.85 lbs

    Pros

    • Incredible performance
    • Comfortable RGB keyboard and trackpad
    • Good port selection
    • Partial metal design
    • Speedy 240Hz display

    Cons

    • Storage could be more
    • Average battery life

    4. Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop

    Razer Blade 15 Gaming LaptopThe Razer Blade 15 is another well-performing gaming machine on our list of best gaming laptops under 2000 dollars. If we talk about its design, the laptop is designed with green accents and black chassis with a CNC aluminum body frame giving it a stunning look. When it comes to the hardware of the laptop, it offers a very strong set of specifications for the price.

    It comes with a 15.6 inches full HD IPS 144Hz display that provides an immersive and insanely fast visual experience for gaming. To bring real-time ray tracing to games, the Blade 15 boasts GeForce RTX 30 series graphics. For connectivity, the Razer Blade 15 has all the ports you need for gaming on the go or at home including Thunderbolt 3, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, and an HDMI port.

    The laptop is powered by the 10th gen Intel Core i7-10750H six-core processor clocked up to 5.0GHz. It sports 16GB of massive DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD which is more than enough for the fast loading of games and apps. With such a huge amount of RAM and storage space, we can say this gaming laptop is worth buying under $2000 budget. The Razer Blade 15 has a full-size RGB Single-Zone backlit keyboard to customize your colors and macro profiles. All these specifications give you a serious competitive edge in this price range.

    Main Specifications of Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop Under $2000
    Processor 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H 6 core Processor (Turbo up to 5.0GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 512GB PCle NVMe SSD
    Display 15.6″ FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) thin-bezel display, 144Hz
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 with 8GB dedicated graphics
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 7 hours
    Weight 4.6 lbs

    Pros

    • Excellent build quality
    • Superior keyboard and trackpad
    • Slim design with premium metal build
    • Long battery life
    • Thin display bezels

    Cons

    • Webcam quality is pretty lackluster
    • Keyboard is only single-zone RGB

    5. ASUS ROG Strix G15 New Release

    Asus ROG Strix GL512

    Asus is a well-known brand name among gamers and has been successfully crafting gaming laptops for many years. The new ASUS ROG Strix G15 is the most portable and powerful laptop under $2000 gaming laptops category. It comes with a 0.62-inch ultraportable military-grade magnesium alloy body with a durable CNC aluminum chassis with 5.07 pounds weight giving you the freedom to game anywhere. The laptop sports a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels with fast response times.

    The main specifications of this laptop include the AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and the advanced GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. The Strix G15 has a fully customizable anti-ghosting keyboard which gives you a true gaming experience. You can also personalize your own lighting effects and use inter-device sync with your other Chroma-enabled devices. Overall, this Strix G15 gaming laptop would be a perfect choice for those people who are looking for a powerful, portable, and perfect machine for under $2000 bucks.

    Hardware Specifications of ASUS ROG Strix G15 Gaming Laptop
    Processor AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX Processor (up to 4.6GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
    Storage 512GB PCIe SSD
    Display 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920×1080) Matte Display
    Graphics Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 8 hours
    Weight 5.07 lbs

    6. CUK MSI GP65 Leopard Gaming Laptop

    CUK MSI GP65 Leopard Gaming LaptopMSI is also a popular laptop manufacturer that comes with outstanding gaming machines. Their MSI GP65 is amongst the best gaming laptop for under $2000 on our list with killer hardware specifications. From design to specifications and price, this laptop delivers beyond its price. The laptop comes with a 15.6 inches full HD display having a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. For graphics, the laptop is backed with a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8GB dedicated GDDR6 which gives you a wonderful gaming experience.

    The most attractive feature of the MSI GP65 laptop is that it weighs only 5 lbs so it is a perfect gaming laptop for those who prefer to travel a lot. The laptop runs on Windows 10 which makes it compatible with running most of the latest games with no lag performance. The laptop has 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD with 2TB hard disk storage. Its dual-fan cooling system with a total of 7 heat pipes keeps your gaming cooler and longer under extreme gaming.

    The laptop is designed with an elegant brushed magnesium-lithium chassis giving it a killer look. With its RGB backlit keyboard, you can easily customize your gaming experience. Based on all these powerful specifications, this laptop has managed to top our list of the best gaming laptops under 2000 dollars.

    Main Specifications of MSI GP65 Leopard Gaming Laptop
    Processor 10th Gen Intel Coffee Lake Core i7-10750H Processor (Turbo up to 5.0GHz)
    RAM 32GB DDR4
    Storage 1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB 5400rpm HDD
    Display 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare Display
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8GB GDDR6
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 8+ hours
    Weight 5.14 lbs

    7. HP Omen 15-dh1060nr Gaming Laptop

    HP Omen 15-dh1060nrOur list of best $2000 gaming laptops can’t get complete without mentioning this HP OMEN 15 gaming laptop. It is instinctively built for greatness for any gamer and keeps the ability to run any game you’re on. The laptop is powered by the 10th Gen Intel Quad Core i7-10750H processor paired with 16GB RAM to deliver multi-app reliability. The storage of laptop consists of 512GB of a fast solid-state drive. The laptop sports a 15.6″ full HD anti-glare display with a blazing-fast refresh rate that delivers a crisp and clear display.

    Speaking of its design, it has a shadow black aluminum with a sandblasted hairline brush finish, making it a killer gaming machine. This HP gaming laptop comes with a dragon RGB-backlit keyboard which provides you thrilling gaming experience even in a low-light environment.

    The graphics of the laptop is provided by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 with 8GB of dedicated GPU. Although the laptop weighs about 5.43 lbs, it’s what we can expect it from a gaming laptop. This laptop can run all the latest games without any problem which makes it perfect for every challenge, anywhere, anytime.

    Main Specifications of HP OMEN 15 Gaming Laptop
    Processor 10th Generation Intel Six-Core i7-10750H Processor (Turbo up to 5.0GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
    Display 15.6″ Full-HD IPS Anti-Glare WLED-backlit (1920 x 1080)
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 with Max-Q design (8GB GDDR6 Dedicated)
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 6.5 hours
    Weight 5.43 lbs

       You may like to read: Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500

    8. Acer Predator Triton 500 #Top Picks

    Acer Predator Triton 500 PT515

    After Helios 300 gaming laptop in this list, the Acer Predator Triton 500 is a high-end gaming notebook that comes with a stylish design. This brand-new gaming laptop comes with Core i7-10750H and a GeForce RTX 2070. The 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor and the Pascal graphics card are accompanied by 16GB of DDR4 RAM with 512 GB of SSD which is good to handle multitasking with ease. Thanks to its slim design, the Triton 500 is definitely one of the most beautiful gaming laptops under 2000 dollars price range.

    The laptop comes with a 15.6-inch IPS WLED-backlit display that delivers smooth gameplay at refresh rates up to 300Hz. It has an RGB backlit keyboard that delivers good acoustical and tactile feedback. Its 4th Gen Aeroblade 3D cooling system takes care of both GPU and CPU in order to maintain an optimal chassis temperature and performance. The laptop also offers a longer battery life 84Wh which allows you to work longer without being restricted by your battery life. Overall, the Acer Predator Triton 500 is an all-rounder or a gaming laptop you can buy right now.

    Main Specifications of Acer Predator Triton 500 Gaming Laptop
    Processor 10th Generation Intel Core i7-2070H 6-Core Processor (Up to 5.0GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4 SATA
    Storage 512GB NVMe SSD
    Display 15.6″ FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) WLED-backlit Display, 300Hz
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q with 8GB of GDDR6
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Battery Life Up to 8-hours
    Weight 4.63lbs

    9. Asus ROG Strix Scar III G531GW

    Asus ROG Strix Scar III G531GWAsus ROG Strix Scar III G531GW is the latest series from Asus which comes with many high-end features. The laptop is powered by the latest 9th gen Intel Core i7 processor clocked up to 4.5GHz. The Kaby lake processor is also paired with 16GB of RAM to handle multitasking and storage of 1TB solid-state drive space to store your games and other favorite data.

    The laptop sports a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display with high refresh rates allowing you smoother playback. The gaming laptop uses stereo speakers with Smart Amp technology to optimize audio performance. The laptop also comes with two powerful 12V cooling fans to ensure cool performance during intense gaming sessions. This laptop is also backed by a durable RGB gaming keyboard for an enhanced gaming experience. All these powerful specifications make ROG G531GW worth considering gaming laptop for under 2000 dollars.

    Main Specifications of Asus ROG Strix Scar III G531GW Gaming Laptop
    Processor 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750H 6 Core Processor (Turbo up to 4.5GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 1TB SSD
    Display 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) IPS Display 240Hz
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8GB GDDR6 GPU
    Operating System Windows 10 Home 64-bit
    Battery Life Up to 8-hours
    Weight 5.67 lbs

    10. MSI GE66 Raider Gaming Laptop

    MSI GE66 Raider Gaming Laptop

    If you want to buy a powerful and lightweight gaming machine the MSI GS65 Stealth THIN-051 is an ideal choice for you. In this list of top gaming laptops under $2000, it is one of the most powerful and easy-to-carry laptop. The laptop has a stunning 15.6″ IPS Anti-Glare display to enjoy fluid gameplay. The laptop is powered by the newest 10th gen Intel Core i7 processor which delivers more than 20% better performance when compared to previous generations.

    The laptop also comes with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD, and powerful VR-ready NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics. Its Per-Key RGB customization options provide you with granular control over the keyboard. All-in-all, MSI GE66 Raider is the best portable laptop to buy under $2000 price range.

    Main Specifications of MSI GE66 Raider Gaming Laptop
    Processor 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6 Core Processor (2.6GHz-5.0GHz)
    RAM 16GB DDR4
    Storage 512GB NVMe SSD
    Display 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare Wideview Display, 240Hz
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8G GDDR6
    Operating System Windows 10 Home 64-bit
    Battery Life Up to 7 hours
    Weight 5.25 lbs

    These are the top recommended gaming laptops available to buy under 2000 dollars. So before buying any laptop, read reviews and hardware specifications to ensure the quality of the product and choose the laptop which suits your requirements.

    I hope you like this review guide of best gaming laptops under 2000 dollars. If you have any doubts or suggestions about the budget laptops, feel free to ask in the comment section below.

    Also read:

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  • Mystery Object Found by the Nord Stream Pipeline to Be Inspected

    Mystery Object Found by the Nord Stream Pipeline to Be Inspected

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    • A mysterious cylindrical object was found on the seabed by the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
    • Denmark has invited Gazprom, the Russian energy giant, to inspect it.
    • It might provide clues as to who was behind the bombings that struck the pipelines.

    Denmark has invited the Russian-controlled operator of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to help recover a mysterious object found next to it, six months after sabotage attacks struck parts of the pipelines.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin said experts believe the object could be a signal antenna used to trigger an explosive in that section of the pipeline, AFP reported.

    The Danish energy agency said it is “possible” that the object is a maritime smoke buoy and that it “does not pose an immediate safety risk,” the outlet said.

    A photo of the cylindrical object was released on Thursday, which authorities discovered on the seabed during an inspection of the last remaining intact Nord Stream pipeline, Reuters reported.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that it was a positive sign that Denmark had invited Gazprom, the Russian energy giant, to help identify the object.

    “It’s certainly positive news when the owner of the pipeline is invited to take part in very important phases of the investigation,” Peskov said, per Reuters.

    “It is critically important to determine what kind of object it is, whether it is related to this terrorist act – apparently it is – and to continue this investigation. And this investigation must be transparent,” he said.

    Russia has previously been critical of not being allowed to take part in the investigation.

    The Danish agency said that it could not begin the recovery operation until it got a response from the pipelines’ owners, AFP reported. Russian energy giant Gazprom has a majority stake and German, Dutch, and French companies own the rest.

    International authorities have been investigating after a series of underwater bombings struck the gas pipelines in September last year.

    It is still unknown who was responsible for the sabotage, and Russia has at times blamed the United States and Britain, without any evidence.

    Reports suggested that a pro-Ukrainian group was responsible, based on Western intelligence, but Kremlin spokesman Peskov dismissed the reports at the time and said they were a diversion by “the authors of the attack.”

    The Ukrainian government has denied any involvement in the attack.

    The Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, which transported natural gas from Russia to Germany, were not operational at the time of the attack due to disputes between Russia and the European Union.

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  • Debate Over Ethics of Renting Windowless Bedrooms to Low-Income Tenants

    Debate Over Ethics of Renting Windowless Bedrooms to Low-Income Tenants

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    • Housing advocates are debating whether windowless bedrooms are the solution to the housing crisis.
    • A severe housing shortage and empty office buildings has prompted some to call for loosening regulations. 
    • But many others argue bedrooms without natural light are inhumane. 

    Things have gotten heated between housing advocates who disagree on the importance of indoor natural light.

    The debate over whether bedrooms should be legally required to have windows has gained steam as cities across the country grapple with the “office apocalypse,” or the emptying of downtowns as a result of the explosion of remote work since the pandemic.

    Many agree that cities need to rapidly convert office space into homes to stem the bleeding in urban cores. But many office buildings are too deep to allow for windows in the rooms that would be closest to the center of the building. Enter windowless bedrooms. 

    Journalist Matt Yglesias argued last year that windowless bedrooms would “save downtowns” by facilitating the mass retrofitting of office buildings into apartments. 

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently weighed in on the debate. 

    “Why can’t we do a real examination of the rules that state every bedroom must have a window?” he asked during an interview on WNYC this month. “You don’t need no window where you’re sleeping, it should be dark!”

    Supporters argue that building apartments with windowless bedrooms could both help alleviate the severe housing shortage and affordability crisis and repopulate urban business districts. 

    Critics say that lowering the floor on living standards is exploitative, unhealthy for inhabitants, and risks a slippery slope in which the basic elements of humane housing — in this case, sunlight — are increasingly treated as luxuries. They argue it would disproportionately impact the most vulnerable.

    The debate has turned fans of housing density — also known as YIMBYs, which stands for “Yes In My Backyard” — against each other. Advocates on both sides allege the other is neglecting the interests of low-income tenants, including those experiencing homelessness, who’d be most likely to live in a windowless room.

    From tenements to college dorms

    Local governments have long regulated window requirements in housing. New York City banned windowless bedrooms in 1867 with its Tenement House Act, which mandated windows in every habitable room in order to reduce disease and fire-related deaths in cramped, crowded housing. 

    But in recent years, windowless bedrooms have become somewhat normalized on college campuses. 

    Students at the University of Texas, Austin and the University of Michigan are currently renting dorm bedrooms without windows. 

    Charles Munger, a billionaire investor and right-hand to Warren Buffett, was behind the Michigan dorm and made waves when he donated $200 million to the University of California, Santa Barbara in exchange for the opportunity to build an 11-story dormitory complex with nearly 4,500 windowless, single-occupancy bedrooms. The controversial Munger Hall project has faced a barrage of criticism from architects, students, and community members and described as having a “prison-like design” in a 200-page independent review of the proposal. 

    An architect consulted on the Santa Barbara project quit in protest in October 2021, calling it a “social and psychological experiment with an unknown impact on the lives and personal development of the undergraduates the university serves.”

    Kate Wagner, an architecture critic and author of the popular McMansion Hell blog, recently condemned the idea of windowless bedrooms in The Nation, calling it “rent-seeking on the backs of the urban desperate.” She decried “the commodification of sunlight as an amenity” like “marble countertops or a walk-in closet.”

    “Fundamentally, what reneging on certain restrictions means is not some kind of new era of abundance but a libertarian step backward into the days of the tenement,” she wrote. “The idea that we need to do away with such basic human necessities as light is based on an inherently Darwinian view of the city and who gets to inhabit it.”

    Wagner took aim at Yglesias, who shot back at her in a tweet suggesting that those who oppose windowless bedrooms aren’t concerned enough with housing for people experiencing homelessness. 

     



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  • Stocks, Real Estate, Economy to Crash As Interest Rates Bite: Kiyosaki

    Stocks, Real Estate, Economy to Crash As Interest Rates Bite: Kiyosaki

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    • Robert Kiyosaki expects stocks, bonds, and real estate to crash as higher interest rates bite.
    • The “Rich Dad Poor Dad” author slammed the Fed for choking growth and eroding the US dollar’s value.
    • Kiyosaki warned of bank runs before SVB failed, and spotted trouble at Credit Suisse.

    Asset prices will collapse under the pressure of soaring interest rates, Robert Kiyosaki has warned.

    “Raising interest rates will crash stocks, bonds, real estate, & US dollar,” the personal-finance guru and “Rich Dad Poor Dad” author tweeted on Thursday, adding that he expects the vast derivatives market to tank as well.

    The Federal Reserve lifted its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to upwards of 4.75% on Wednesday, compared with nearly 0% a year ago. The US central’s goal is to cool inflation, as higher rates encourage saving over spending and raise borrowing costs. Yet they also reduce demand, which pulls down asset prices and increases the risk of a recession.

    Kiyosaki has slammed the Fed for both lifting rates and flooding the economy with money in an effort to stave off a crash. He’s advised investors to buy precious metals and cryptocurrency, as hedges against prices soaring and the US dollar weakening.

    “Saving money & investing in a well diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds & ETFs is risky advice,” he tweeted in February. “I still believe gold, silver, bitcoin best for unstable times, although prices will go up and down.”

    The founder of The Rich Dad Company has been sounding the alarm on an epic market crash and massive recession for more than 18 months. While those predictions are yet to come true, a couple of his recent comments have been undeniably prophetic.

    “Runs on banks next?” he tweeted on February 28 — more than a week before a wave of withdrawals overwhelmed Silicon Valley Bank, and the federal government took control of the lender.

    “I called Lehman Brothers years ago and I think the next bank to go is Credit Suisse,” he said on “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” on March 13. The Swiss government brokered a deal for UBS to acquire its scandal-hit rival last weekend.



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  • Kanye West May Have Inspired Dozens of Antisemitic Incidents: ADL

    Kanye West May Have Inspired Dozens of Antisemitic Incidents: ADL

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    • The Anti-Defamation League counted 59 incidents in which antisemites cited the rapper formerly known as Kanye West.
    • In an interview last year, Ye denied the Holocaust and praised Adolf Hitler.
    • Overall, ADL researchers found there was a 59% increase in antisemitic incidents last year.

    Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, did more than just derail his own career when he began last year to publicly proclaim his love for the leader of Nazi Germany and hatred of Jews that he claimed had wronged him — he appeared to inspire dozens of antisemitic incidents across the United States, according to a report released Thursday, including a physical attack by a perpetrator who yelled, “Kanye 2024!”

    Beginning last October, Ye gave a string of interviews in which he espoused rank bigotry, including an appearance with far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones in which he declared: “I like Hitler.” He also sparked outrage when he brought white nationalist provocateur Nick Fuentes with him to a dinner at Mar-a-Lago with former President Donald Trump — a meeting that came roughly a month after he was dropped by Adidas over his “unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous” comments.

    The celebrity endorsement of antisemitism was followed by a spree of hate by emboldened bigots, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which counted no fewer than 59 incidents in the last three months of 2022 in which bigots directly referenced Ye, including two assaults. At least 10 incidents of harassment or antisemitic vandalism occurred in schools across the country that referenced Ye’s remarks; in Los Angeles, neo-Nazis dropped a banner on a highway overpass declaring, “Kanye was right about the jews”; and at a Jewish cemetery in Illinois, gravestones were desecrated with swastikas and the words, “Kanye was rite.”

    The incidents have continued through this year, with white supremacists setting up booths on college campuses in Florida and Alabama with a banner that read: “Ye is right, change my mind.”

    Attorneys representing Kanye West did not immediately return Insider’s requests for comment.

    Overall, ADL researchers found there was a 36% spike in antisemitic incidents in 2022 compared to the year before, with the ADL tracking just under 3,700 cases across the country, the highest on record. That number includes more 111 assaults on Jews and people perceived to be Jewish, up 26% from 2021; just under 1,300 acts of vandalism, including the drawing of swastikas on or near synagogues, up 51%; and nearly 2,300 incidents of harassment, up 29%.

    “We’re deeply disturbed by this dramatic and completely unacceptable surge in antisemitic incidents,” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement. “While we can’t point to any single factor or ideology driving this increase, the surges in organized white supremacist propaganda activity, brazen attacks on Orthodox Jews, a rapid escalation of bomb threats toward Jewish institutions, and significant increases of incidents in schools and on college campuses all contributed to the unusually high number.”

    The ADL said there was an especially large increase in organizing by avowed white supremacists, with the organization counting more than 850 incidents of racist extremists distributing antisemitic propaganda, double the year before.

    The ADL report comes after the FBI last year said that white supremacists “pose the primary threat” of domestic terrorism. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, which tracks far-right activity, also found a dramatic increase last year in extremist organizing, with white supremacist groups increasingly targeting those perceived to be members of the LGBTQ community.

    Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com

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  • Hedge Funds Like Citadel and Millennium Have Usurped Banks’ Roles

    Hedge Funds Like Citadel and Millennium Have Usurped Banks’ Roles

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    Hi there! Dan DeFrancesco in NYC, and these stories of wild sex accidents from an ER doctor who treated them will wake you up if you haven’t had your coffee yet. 

    We’re still looking for nominations for our 2023 rising stars of equity research. As a reminder, these are US-based equity research analysts who are 35 and under. Click here to learn more and to nominate someone. And check out last year’s list here.

    Today, we’ve got stories on what to expect in the Federal Reserve’s meeting today on interest rates, what you need to know about Google’s answer to ChatGPT, and perhaps the most comprehensive ranking of Taco Bell menu items in the history of the internet.

    But first, there’s a new sheriff in town.


    If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Insider’s app here.


    digital wall street virtual remote work 3 4x3


    Samantha Lee/Business Insider



    1. Changing of the guard.

    There’s an old saying on Wall Street: You can only leave Goldman Sachs once. 

    The bank holds a level of prestige across the Street that trickles down to its employees. Having Goldman on your résumé, especially a senior designation like MD or partner, is arguably the biggest stamp of approval you can get in finance.

    Insider’s Alex Morrell has a fascinating look at how Goldman Sachs’ top executives have headed to some of the top hedge funds in the world in recent years. The story has plenty of data on the trend, including charts mapping out top Goldman execs who have made the jump to Izzy Englander’s Millennium Management and Ken Griffin’s Citadel.

    Poaching talent is a longstanding tradition on Wall Street, and the path from the investment banks to the buy side is a well worn-one.

    But Alex’s story is more than just confirmation that these trends are alive and well. It’s an indication of the shifting tides on Wall Street between the firms that traditionally held all the power (big banks) and the ones usurping them (multi-strat hedge funds). 

    A big reason for this so-called changing of the guard is the regulations put in place following the 2008 financial crisis. Those rules limited the risks banks could take, thus lowering the potential comp bankers could earn.

    And now, off the back of yet another banking crisis, it seems hedge funds are again positioned to be the beneficiaries. The downfall of Silicon Valley Bank will likely lead to more banking regulations, further limiting the earning potential of future bankers.  

    That’s bound to push even more people toward hedge funds, which keep growing bigger ever year, yet don’t have the same regulatory oversight as their peers. 

    This too, I am sure, will end well. 

    Click here to read more about how Goldman Sachs alumni are getting poached by the world’s biggest hedge funds.


    In other news:

    Taco Bell in Cyberjaya.


    Taco Bell in Cyberjaya.

    Marielle Descalsota/Insider



    2. So about that interest rate hike… The Federal Reserve is set to announce what it plans to do with interest rates today. The announcement, which is always closely watched, is getting extra attention in the wake of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the decision and where the Fed might end up landing.

    3. Credit Suisse bankers: “Get us outta here!” UBS’ rescue takeover of Credit Suisse has been a boon to business for one industry: recruiters. Headhunters have been fielding calls nonstop from Credit Suisse bankers heading for the exits. More here.

    4. Inside the whacky world of commodities trading. JPMorgan discovered that the $1.3 million worth of nickel in its warehouse was actually just bags of stones. It’s just the latest mix-up in the world of physical commodities trading, which has been known to have these types of “mix-ups.” From spray-painted rocks cosplaying as copper to forged documents, more on the the uniqueness that is commodities.

    5. How things went so wrong for Vice. The media company went from a $5.7 billion valuation in 2017 to now scrambling to try and find a buyer. Here’s the inside story of how things fell apart over the past six years.

    6. Two Hollywood titans just raised $15 million for their startup trying to be the LinkedIn for Hollywood. The Oscar-winning pair of Ron Howard and Brian Grazer launched their startup, Impact, with a goal of helping producers hire behind-the-scenes crew members. More on how the startup wants to upend Hollywood. And check out our library of all the pitch decks that helped media and tech startups focused on the entertainment industry raise millions.

    7. Buy now, pay later for businesses. Oslo-based startup Two wants to help ease payments between businesses by offering a buy now, pay later service. Here’s the deck the Sequoia-backed startup used to pitch its vision when it was raising $19.3 million in fresh funds.

    8. Google’s answer to ChatGPT has arrived. Bard is the tech giant’s AI chatbot. Here’s everything you need to know about the new chatbot.

    9. If you want to work at Deloitte, read this. David Rizzo, the head of talent at Deloitte US, shares some advice with us for future applicants. These are the top three things he looks for in a candidate.

    10. Every item on the Taco Bell menu rated from worst to best. It’s not an easy job, but someone has to do it. We ranked everything on T-Bell’s menu, from the Beefy five-layer burrito to the famous crunchwrap supreme. Here’s how all 54 items stacked up.


    Curated by Dan DeFrancesco in New York. Feedback or tips? Email ddefrancesco@insider.com, tweet @dandefrancesco, or connect on LinkedIn. Edited by Jeffrey Cane (tweet @jeffrey_cane) in New York and Nathan Rennolds (tweet @ncrennolds) in London. 

     



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  • Anxious Credit Suisse Staff Flood Recruiters Amid UBS Sale: Report

    Anxious Credit Suisse Staff Flood Recruiters Amid UBS Sale: Report

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    • Credit Suisse staff have swamped recruiters across the globe amid the UBS deal, per Bloomberg.
    • It said one recruiting firm had 30 calls on Monday, while another spoke to 20 bankers since last week.
    • One recruiter told Insider they hadn’t seen such an influx of enquiries since the financial crisis.

    Credit Suisse employees have inundated recruiters across the world with calls to find a new job as UBS struck a $3.25 billion deal to buy the bank over the weekend.

    Bloomberg reported the news on Monday, citing people in the recruitment industry who were familiar with the matter and requested to remain anonymous. They told Bloomberg anxious employees have contacted recruiters in London, New York, and Singapore over recent days.

    The day after Credit Suisse and UBS announced the acquisition deal, a recruiting firm in Singapore received around 30 inquiries from mostly Credit Suisse private bankers, the people told Bloomberg. The bankers were asking whether there were any vacant jobs on the market, the people added.

    Since last week — when Credit Suisse’s share price dropped sharply — a Hong Kong-based recruiting company has spoken to more than 20 senior investment bankers at Credit Suisse, the people told Bloomberg.

    Bharisha Mirpuri, senior client solutions manager at Randstad Hong Kong Recruitment Agency, told Insider she predicted there to be some turmoil in the Asian job market, but nothing significant.

    It was a similar scenario in Europe. One industry headhunter based in the UK told Insider that the amount of job inquiries from Credit Suisse staff has stepped up for around a month.

    “The speed at which I am receiving CVs and enquiries for roles is just remarkable,” they told Insider. “The last time this happened in my career was during the financial crisis.”

    A headhunter based in London told Bloomberg that Credit Suisse staff flooded him with calls over the weekend. He added that the majority of the employees came from the bank’s equity division where there is overlap with UBS’s business, per the report.

    Another firm which handles recruiting for managing directors told Bloomberg it has received calls about jobs, especially in the wealth division, since late Friday.

    It comes as Credit Suisse workers told Insider they were bracing themselves for job cuts amid the acquisition, which UBS Chairman Colm Kelleher called “an emergency rescue.” One associate said some employees had been instructed to start looking for a new job.

    A spokesperson at Credit Suisse told Bloomberg the firm was encouraging employees to “continue to the best of their abilities against a difficult backdrop.” They added that Credit Suisse will “do everything we can to ensure an orderly transition and to serve our clients as best as possible.”

    Credit Suisse declined to comment when contacted by Insider, while UBS didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

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  • Where Does Wall Street and Tech Go After SVB’s Downfall?

    Where Does Wall Street and Tech Go After SVB’s Downfall?

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    Welcome back! Dan DeFrancesco in NYC, and I feel like my entire life has been a lie after learning the truth about “sizzling” fajitas at restaurants.

    Today, we’ve got stories on a fintech that’s set up shop in the south of France, the potential downfall of a small, Christian college with Wall Street ties you’ve probably never heard of, and why you’re doing intermittent fasting all wrong

    But first, now what?


    If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Insider’s app here.


    A cracked SVB logo with figures trying to put it back together


    Tyler Le, Rebecca Zisser/Insider



    1. Picking up the pieces from SVB.

    Where do we go from here?

    It’s just over a week from Federal regulators announcing they would be bailing out depositors of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Now, the FDIC said Sunday that New York Community Bancorp’s Flagstar Bank will take on nearly all of Signature Bridge Bank’s deposits.

    The initial bail out was meant to stop panic among the general public and limit contagion.

    About that…

    The past week has not been kind to the banking industry. SVB Financial, the parent company, has filed for bankruptcy as it still awaits a potential buyer. Meanwhile, the biggest US banks stepped in to deposit $30 billion into First Republic.

    Still, that might still not be enough to save the beleaguered bank. It’s gotten so bad that famed investor and noted Midwesterner Warren Buffett is talking to the Biden administration about how to save regional banks

    The bad banking vibes have even spread across the pond. Credit Suisse, whose problems long preceded SVB’s downfall, to be fair, is getting acquired by Swiss rival UBS. The deal is worth $2 billion, a considerable amount less than what the bank’s market cap was on Friday. Here’s a statement from the Swiss National Bank on the news.

    In an hour-long call held late on Sunday evening, top UBS executives defended their decision — and analysts began breaking down what comes next.

    But, as we look at what the future holds for the world of finance, it’s worth remembering how we got here. Insider has you covered with three features looking at the play-by-play perspective on how SVB fell apart, why big banks came out on top, and how the knock-on effects will be felt for years to come across industries.

    Panic and recrimination: Inside Silicon Valley’s first real financial crisis.

    Wall Street keeps winning even in a banking crisis.

    Silicon Valley Bank was the bank for tech. Its collapse is everyone’s problem.

    Top UBS executives defend their “emergency rescue” of Credit Suisse. Here’s what comes next.


    In other news:

    French Riviera


    Armando Oliveira/Getty Images



    2. Fintech in the south of France. Messaging and workflow startup Symphony opened an engineering hub just outside Nice where employees can split their time between the Alps and the French Riviera. (Must be Nice!) Check out photos from an office location we are all jealous of.

    3. VC’s LPs weigh in. The people backing venture capitalists, known as limited partners, share their thoughts on how VCs handled the crisis at Silicon Valley Bank. Read more here.

    4. My college might soon no longer exist. Insider’s Paige Hagy has a fascinating first-person look at her experience attending The King’s College. The small, Christian school in New York City’s financial district is on the brink of going under. You’re gonna want to read this one.

    5. Invest in single-family rentals, they said. It’ll be easy, they said. From iguanas squatting in the attic to dozens of snakes living in the walls, Wall Street is getting a crash course on being a landlord at scale. More wild examples of the challenges of property management

    6. PE and porn. The parent company of Pornhub (a website I am sure none of you are familiar with) was acquired by a new private-equity firm named, wait for it, Ethical Capital, The Financial Times reports. More on the deal here. 

    7. Forget Deadheads and Parrotheads, the Swifties are on tour. Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” kicked off this weekend in Arizona. We broke down what goes into preparing a city for the arrival of the superstar’s rabid fans. From new bars to thousands of cookies, here’s how to build out “Swift City.”

    8. So you want to get into the fast-food business? Fast food could mean fast money, but it won’t necessarily come cheap. We’ve got the rundown on how much it costs to open 12 of the biggest fast-food chains in the US.

    9. How to ride the rails in style. Insider’s Joey Hadden has ridden nearly 1,000 miles across multiple countries on business-class trains. Here’s where she ranks them all. 

    10. If you’re trying intermittent fasting, don’t do this. It’s a popular diet, but you need to do it right! These are five common mistakes to avoid, according to a researcher. 


    Curated by Dan DeFrancesco in New York. Feedback or tips? Email ddefrancesco@insider.com, tweet @dandefrancesco, or connect on LinkedIn. Edited by Jeffrey Cane (tweet @jeffrey_cane) in New York and Hallam Bullock (tweet @hallam_bullock) in London. 

     



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