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Safety Considerations for Utilizing a Two-Prong Plug in a Three-Prong Outlet

which is the reason electrical outlet plugs have holes of varying sizes.

Although two-pronged power connections are functional, they do not take advantage of the additional safety feature that has been standard for more than 60 years when required. This doesn’t imply that two-pronged plugs are hazardous; they feature double insulation, which suffices for smaller appliances. This indicates that the plug is surrounded by two layers of non-conductive material to shield the user from electric shocks without the necessity of a third grounding prong.

Therefore, using a two-prong power connector in a three-prong outlet is safe for charging your Steam Deck or Windows Laptop, as the devices it’s connected to are intended to work effectively with just a live and neutral setup. However, eliminating or circumventing the third prong to fit into a two-prong outlet introduces safety hazards, which should be avoided. The ground prong serves a purpose, and it’s certainly not worth risking a house fire over altering a three-prong plug.

When is grounding necessary for secure operation?

$26 Accessory Converts iPad into a Laptop Alternative

Amazon for $26, reduced from $33. Even at the full price, it’s a reasonable offer.

This combination of iPad case and keyboard is available in several colors, such as navy blue, yellow, gray, and pink. Be aware that prices may differ based on the color you select, as some might be discounted while others may not be. It’s advisable to check any Amazon deals prior to your purchase to ensure it meets your expectations.

This item is compatible with iPad (10th generation) 10.9-inch models and iPad 11-inch models from 2025. The keyboard includes a trackpad, providing you with a laptop-like experience that allows you to navigate applications using a mouse cursor. The keys are backlit, and the case itself is adjustable, enabling you to position the iPad upright at your desired angle. A charging cable for the keyboard is included, but keep in mind that while it features a slot for an Apple Pencil, it does not include a stylus.

What users are saying about this iPad accessory

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This Magazine Plays Tetris — Here’s How

Tetris has been immortalized in a playable McDonald’s plastic chicken nugget, a playable fake 7-Eleven Slurpee cup, and a playable wristwatch. But the most intriguing way to play Tetris yet is encased in paper. Last year the Tetris Company partnered with Red Bull for a gaming tournament that culminated in the 150-meter-tall Dubai Frame landmark […]

Reasons Electric Vehicles Don’t Have Manual Transmissions

doesn’t automatically result in lower repair costs, but they aren’t required to have standard oil changes after certain mileage. Indeed, Teslas include oil filters, as do some other electric vehicles, although these are generally for the gearbox.

The gearbox in an electric vehicle differs from a traditional transmission since it often employs a single-gear configuration rather than a multi-gear one — conversely, some gas-powered vehicles have up to ten gears. This distinction relates to how electric vehicles manage torque, the twisting or rotational force from the motor that propels the vehicle, or more specifically, accelerates it.

Electric vehicles achieve acceleration immediately. An electric motor delivers peak torque the instant it is activated, meaning it can transition from 0 RPM to full power within seconds, significantly swifter than conventional engines. This capacity to span a broad power and speed spectrum largely negates the necessity for gear shifting. It is also the reason some electric vehicles require specialized tires capable of handling maximum torque outputs, alongside the increased weight of EVs due to their battery packs.

Most electric vehicles come with a single-speed gearbox that presents numerous advantages and harmonizes effectively with the expansive RPM range and immediate torque of an electric motor. These gearboxes contribute to weight reduction, which is crucial since EVs already carry substantial weight from their battery packs. In addition, they simplify maintenance and enhance smooth acceleration due to the extra torque. Incorporating a manual transmission in an electric vehicle would add complexity, weight, and a degree of confusion for drivers.

Why don’t more EVs have a manual transmission?

The Top and Bottom Costco Smart Appliances to Think About Purchasing

reasons to consider purchasing electronics from Costco, with one of the key factors being the platform’s customer ratings that indicate which items to buy and which ones to avoid. Given that some of these products can be priced in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, it’s essential to utilize all the information available to prevent making a costly error.

Smart appliances link to your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing for various functionalities accessible via a mobile application, such as powering them on or off and modifying their settings from any location. While some smart home enhancements can reduce costs, other smart home features might be financially imprudent. Through this summary, we aim to ensure you invest in a device that is truly beneficial.

For this summary, our suggestions regarding smart appliances from Costco to purchase or disregard are derived from the product’s average rating on the retailer’s platform. The ratings are bolstered by consumer feedback and evaluations from professional sites to provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of each device’s performance.

Recommended: LG 2.0-cubic-foot Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with EasyClean

The LG MVEL2033F microwave oven, initially priced at $599, stands out as the smart appliance with the top average rating in this selection at 4.4 stars, following over 700 reviews from Costco customers. The device includes a spacious window with touch controls positioned at the bottom of the door, humidity-sensing technology that detects when food is done, and a simple-to-clean interior that just needs a wipe with a damp cloth. It connects to LG’s ThinQ app for numerous functionalities. You’ll be able to

Steer Clear of These 5 Frequent Errors When Configuring Your Smart Home

some lesser-known details along the journey:

Smart homes malfunction, even the pricey ones

Although it would be wonderful, never take for granted that a smart home installation and configuration will go flawlessly. Whether involving a professionally installed system or a self-installed assortment of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, something in the process will sometimes falter and require attention. Instead of commencing with a complete setup, install elements that are simple to configure and manage first, such as smart switches for the living room lighting and a voice-activated speaker for toggling the power. Begin with elements you can easily work with as opposed to something excessively complex, since this is the most effective method to prevent an overly intricate breakdown.

The most effective approach to identify vulnerabilities in a smart home configuration is by conducting an “increasing outage” test. To execute this, you must disconnect the modem from the router so the cloud services become inaccessible.

Consumer Reports Discovers the Most Dependable Printer Brand

home office devices. Therefore, dependability is crucial, as the majority of users simply desire something that functions when they hit the “Print” button.

The positive aspect is that annually, Consumer Reports polls its members regarding the printers they actively use and assesses them based not only on specifications but also on actual performance. This makes it straightforward to determine how frequently each brand malfunctions, the ongoing costs associated with them, and the likelihood of owners opting for the same brand in future purchases. Consequently, it becomes feasible to identify which choices endure over time without becoming sources of frustration.

Certain brands like HP, Canon, and Epson dominate retail displays and merit consideration; however, their longevity varies. According to Consumer Reports’ findings, Brother’s printers tend to present fewer issues and maintain greater owner satisfaction over time. Thus, for anyone seeking a trustworthy printer brand, Brother could prove to be the best option.

Brother is deemed the most dependable printer brand by Consumer Reports

Live Updates: Samsung Galaxy S26 Debut – Specifications, AI Capabilities, Pricing, Release Timeline, and Anticipations for S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra

Samsung’s Unpacked event, which typically takes place in January, has been pushed back this year because of an internal adjustment. There was speculation about the possible launch of a new Galaxy S26 series, with rumors hinting at the elimination of the standard model in favor of a Pro variant or substituting the Plus model with an Edge design. However, after disappointing sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsung has opted to retain its current lineup, proceeding with the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra models. This choice illustrates Samsung’s approach to stick with a well-known trio that has been successful in the past.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Series: Anticipated Launch of the Next Premium Device

We’re just days away from Galaxy Unpacked, and there’s a lot to look forward to. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to be revealed in full during the event, and while not all details are available yet, leaks and rumors have provided a fairly clear idea of what’s coming. Furthermore, Samsung has started teasing its forthcoming devices, signaling that the excitement has already begun.

Based on the leaks and rumors, we’d like to hear your thoughts on the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Are you looking forward to the flagship models?

What to expect from the Galaxy S26

On the surface, the Galaxy S26 series may not seem like a significant shift from the Galaxy S25 series. The design is anticipated to remain mostly unchanged, with renders showcasing devices featuring flat edges and sharp corners. The displays also appear to be flat, as well as the rear panels, except for the camera housing.

The renders indicate that instead of having protruding cameras as seen in the S25 series, the three primary sensors will be housed vertically. Additional sensors on the S26 Ultra will be positioned directly on the back panel.

We also have insights into the potential colors these devices may come in, such as Sky Blue, Cobalt Violet, White, and Black.

In terms of Galaxy S26 specifications, the devices are expected to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, likely branded as “for Galaxy” with an additional boost in performance. However, the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus might be equipped with the Exynos 2600 chipset in some regions, which could represent a notable advancement over the Exynos 2500.

We can anticipate at least 12GB of RAM in the base and Plus models, while the Ultra is expected to feature 16GB, mirroring the S25 series. One change might be that the base S26 could eliminate the 128GB variant and only offer 256GB and 512GB versions, similar to the Plus. Hopefully, this won’t lead to a price hike.

Furthermore, the camera specifications should remain relatively similar: the S26 and S26 Plus will reportedly include a 50MP triple camera system, whereas the S26 Ultra will likely boast a 200MP quad-camera setup. The latter may feature larger apertures on some lenses, enhancing light capture and improving low-light photography.

Battery specifications are rumored to be 4,300mAh, 4,900mAh, and 5,000mAh for the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, respectively. This indicates that the base model is receiving a welcome increase, which is great to see. Nonetheless, only the Ultra may experience an uptick in wired charging speeds to 60W, which is quite attractive. Unfortunately, it appears built-in magnets are not returning, so cases might be necessary for Qi2 wireless charging.

Finally, we expect the devices to launch with One UI 8.5, featuring enhancements, new capabilities, and an upgraded Bixby experience.

Share your excitement for Samsung’s forthcoming devices and tell us what you’re most eager to see!