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Residences and commercial spaces are filled with internet-linked gadgets we can’t do without. Smart lighting, surveillance cameras, and thermostats depend on Wi-Fi for operation, but an overloaded network is one of the quickest ways to degrade performance. Luckily, most routers are dual-band, if not triple-band, nowadays, but nothing beats a wired Ethernet connection to your router.

Contemporary Ethernet ports commonly provide speeds ranging from 100 to 1,000Mbps, but speeds can reach up to 2.5, 5, and even 10Gbps based on the device you’re utilizing. By connecting a single Cat5, 6, or 7 cable between your web-enabled devices and router, you’ll enhance bandwidth available for smart home appliances and other devices that operate solely wirelessly.

Here’s a rundown of five devices you should consistently connect to Ethernet ports. We made an effort to cover a variety of product categories, and we also included links to a few specific products available for purchase right now.

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The artificial intelligence sector is thriving, with leading tech firms pouring substantial amounts of money into AI to maintain their competitive edge. Concerns about AI technology are widely recognized, as individuals fret over the job market, the rampant dissemination of false information, and — importantly — the escalating RAM shortage. AI data centers, which are heavily dependent on RAM to fulfill their substantial computing needs, have led to an unprecedented scarcity in the market. The fact that RAM prices surged by 90% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the last quarter of 2025 serves as clear evidence of this trend. OpenAI, arguably the foremost player in the AI field, has secured an astonishing 40% of the global DRAM supply for the years to come, compounding this issue.

Compounding the problem, everyday consumers who infrequently use AI tools are adversely affected by this RAM scarcity. Every smart gadget and processor-heavy system necessitates RAM for optimal functionality. Smartphones, gaming consoles, IoT devices, and computers are merely a few of the numerous entities suffering from this dilemma, compelling manufacturers to either suspend production or impose a significant markup to account for rising RAM prices. In any case, the overall impact is detrimental for consumers. If you’re considering a tech upgrade, be aware that these products will increasingly strain your finances, a situation likely to worsen as the AI sector continues to expand.

There are likely many items you store away in drawers for occasional use that you aren’t aware actually have an expiration date. One such item is AA batteries. Although they don’t “expire” like food does, they do have a limited shelf life. It’s alluring to purchase a large pack in bulk to retrieve a few as needed for remote controls, toys, and other electronic devices that require batteries. This could even be years after you originally purchased them for a device that doesn’t need battery replacements often, such as a TV remote, wall clock, or smoke detector. However, it’s crucial to recognize that they do have a shelf life that requires attention.

That said, most alkaline AA batteries can last quite a while, potentially up to 10 years or more. Nevertheless, you might discover a pack you had forgotten about or a supply your older parent or grandparent has stored for years, assuming they “never go bad.” It’s vital to grasp the average lifespan of AA batteries. Utilizing them past their intended duration could be hazardous if there are indications of leakage, swelling, or corrosion, in the worst cases, or they might simply fail to operate, or not perform at optimal efficiency, in the best scenarios.

Typically, European iPhones differ from those in the U.S. because of local laws, as Apple must adhere to various Digital Markets Act (DMA) adjustments in the area. However, additional factors contribute to the distinctions between European and American iPhones. For instance, iPhones in the U.S. and some other areas are exclusively eSIM. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing the iPhone 17 series in the U.S., you will receive a device that does not support a physical SIM, which leads to approximately 5% increased battery life.

A further advantage for iPhones in the U.S. is the support for mmWave. Yet, this lightning-fast 5G connection is only available if you are using a compatible carrier in the nation. Notably, Apple has also introduced hardware variations across different regions. iPhones sold in China come with dual physical SIMs, while Japanese iPhones continuously emit a shutter sound whenever a photo is taken.

In Europe, an iPhone purchase will closely resemble most iPhones available internationally. This indicates that it will include a SIM tray compatible with one physical SIM and will offer standard 5G functionality, but excluding mmWave. Conversely, the iPhone Air will adopt a similar approach to the U.S. with an exclusive eSIM version. Nevertheless, as previously noted, software differences in European iPhones can be quite significant, but only if you possess a European Apple Account.