Tech Takes

Upgrading to a new machine is exciting, especially when eyeing one of the latest HP laptops. For Kiwis looking to make the most of their technology investments, selling or recycling your old device is both economically sensible and environmentally responsible. But it’s also a little daunting. You want to participate in the circular economy by selling or recycling your old device, but you’re wary of handing it over with sensitive information still on it.

Every connected device in your home is a potential entry point for hackers. Your wireless printer, whilst often overlooked, can create a significant security gap in your network—especially if left with factory-default settings and unpatched firmware. For Kiwi households increasingly reliant on home office setups, understanding printer security has never been more crucial.

The AI era has arrived—and this transformative technology is now standard in laptops across the market. For New Zealand professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts, understanding the difference between NPUs and GPUs is increasingly important as we embrace AI-powered computing in our daily lives. This distinction matters especially for consumers shopping for new laptops where AI performance is a deciding factor.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we work, learn, and connect in our daily lives, from virtual reality programmes to self-driving vehicles. For Kiwis navigating the demands of modern work and study, AI-powered technology offers practical solutions that can genuinely simplify your routine. Whether you’re video conferencing from home in Auckland, presenting from a Wellington café, or managing coursework in Christchurch, laptops equipped with AI can make your life considerably easier.

When your PC crashes, freezes, randomly restarts, or displays a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), Safe Mode is your go-to diagnostic tool. For Kiwi users working from home or managing business systems, understanding how Safe Mode works helps you recover your PC when standard troubleshooting fails—often saving a trip to the repair shop.

Imagine this: You give your laptop to your seven-year-old for a maths game, but when you return, there’s a new game installed, your desktop is disorganised, and a sticky fingerprint smudges the webcam. Or perhaps your toddler uses your tablet as a temporary dinner tray. If these scenarios sound familiar to Kiwi parents juggling work from home and remote learning, you’re not alone. The critical question is: How can you make a laptop or tablet both safe for children and durable enough for daily use?

Waiting for your Windows PC to boot can feel frustrating, especially when you’re pressed for time—whether you’re rushing to a meeting in Auckland’s CBD or starting your workday from home in Wellington. Fortunately, there’s a feature called Fast Startup (also known as Hybrid Boot) that can significantly reduce those startup times. In this guide tailored for New Zealand users, we’ll explain exactly how Microsoft’s Windows Fast Startup works, walk you through the setup process, and show you when (and why) you might want to disable it.

When your laptop or smartphone battery runs low and you’re in a pinch, fast charging can make or break your workflow. Whether you’re catching up on emails at a Wellington café or preparing a presentation before a meeting in Auckland, the ability to quickly recharge your device is invaluable. New standards have led to dramatically faster charging speeds, transforming how Kiwis work and stay connected on the go.

For decades, the computer processor landscape in New Zealand was dominated by Intel and AMD as the only significant players. But recently, a new name has emerged on high-profile laptop builds: Snapdragon. As Kiwi professionals increasingly demand mobility and all-day battery life for work across Auckland offices, Wellington cafés, and Christchurch co-working spaces, this ARM-based technology offers compelling advantages worth understanding.