Why You Should Replace Old Surge Protectors

August 10, 2023

Screen protectors are as commonplace as phone cases these days—but do they actually provide any extra protection? After all, the glass on your phone screen may well be tougher than a lot of screen protectors on the market.

As we prepare to transform into the new How-To Geek Reviews newsletter, we’re using this week to revisit some of our biggest stories. If you’ve ever wondered whether screen protectors are worth using, today’s top story is for you!

Other Highlights:

• Find out what open-backed headphones are, and if they’re better than regular ones.
• Is the battery life on your smartwatch too short? Follow our tips to extend it.
• Can you ever really own an EV? Or will you only “have” one for while.
• … and more!

-Dan

P.S. Don’t forget to add “newsletter@howtogeek.com” to your contact list or address book, so you don’t miss the next iteration of this newsletter when it arrives.

There’s nothing better than knowing that your valuable electronics are safe. And surge protectors give you that peace of mind for a very low price—but only if you replace them every few years. While the old surge protectors in your home may seem to function normally, they likely offer zero protection for your electronics. Read More »

Download a free licensed copy of DearMob iPhone Manager for effortless backup, restore, and flexible data transfer. You can also grab PDF Editor, iPhone Data Recovery, Image to Text Converter, and Registry Cleaner, 4 essential software tools, also for free! Download your copy today to get started.

Buying an electric vehicle is a lot like getting a subscription to a car. Almost no one can work on them except the manufacturer, features get locked behind in-app purchases or software updates, and those features can get disabled at the flip of a switch. If carmakers can dictate how you use your car, do you really even own it? Read More »

Nothing can kill the enjoyment of using a smartwatch faster than constantly having to charge it. Every moment your watch sits on a charger is time you’re not able to enjoy your device. While needing to juice up your watch’s battery is a fact of life, there are ways you can go longer between charges. Read More »

I walk into my office, and the light should just turn on. But it doesn’t. The same goes for my other “automated rooms.” I could fix them. Again. But they’ll break again. And lately, I just don’t care when my smart home doesn’t work. It’s a sad state of affairs for the once-promising future. Read More »

Audio nerds like to brag about their big, fancy, open-backed headphones. And hey, it turns out that they’re worth bragging about. Open-backed headphones sound fantastic, and while they aren’t that portable, they may be worth staying at home for. Read More »

Need a little extra neck support while you’re driving? This memory foam car pillow headrest has your back … err, rather, your neck. It offers comfortable support and helps you maintain proper posture, plus it’ll be great for plane rides during summer vacations and more.

It comes in many sizes and colors, so choose what’s best for you and your situation. There are elastic bands, so you can easily affix it to a car seat or anywhere else you need a little extra support. Use it on your gaming or office chair or while camping, reading, and more.

Screen protectors are sold as a necessity, but they’re not as useful as they used to be. In fact, ditching the screen protector can save you money and make your phone more pleasant to use. Read More »

Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids still have two pedals under your feet, a gas pedal, and a brake. So, what is one-pedal driving, how can you stop without hitting the brakes, and why does it matter? Read More »

Wordle was just too easy, wasn’t it? You probably left that behind and moved on to Quordle, the true “hard mode” of the word-guessing game format. But now you’re stuck and so close to failing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a hint—and if you really need it, today’s Quordle Answers. Read More »

Are you a huge fan of Wordle and absolutely stuck today? Let me guess; you’re hanging out on guess four or five and feeling the pressure. We get it entirely: nothing feels worse than losing your streak. If you’re not ready to outright cheat, we have you covered with hints and today’s Wordle answer. Read More »

For most people, home is the place to relax and feel secure. But you can’t let your guard down if you want to keep yourself and your family safe during an emergency. Some of these safety items might look familiar while others may be things you never thought of before. Here are some safety products that belong in every home. Read More »