PRESENTED BY WALMART | POWERED BY THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE

• CONNECTED WOMAN MOBILE DEVICE EDITION •

SMARTPHONES LAPTOPS VS. TABLETS

Handheld Portable Home Office Life Managers With more choice than Hardware and ever, find out which software innovations device is best for you. bring what your cell can do for you to a whole new level.

SMARTWATCHES

Useful Apps and Easy Notifications Just glance at your FITNESS TRACKERS wrist to get the weather, find out Motivation Boosters when your next Go beyond merely meeting is or counting steps — see who’s calling. track your sleep and heart rate, too!

PERSONAL gadgets This month Walmart challenged our engineers to create the ultimate on-the-go tech guide. Upgrade your computer, smartphone and wearables with our Institute’s top tips and product picks. Turn the page to meet the coolest new finds!

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THE SK E A X P E

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PORTABLE COMPUTERS TRIED + TESTED T Could I PERSONAL GADGETS replace my laptop with RACHEL ROTHMAN, CHIEF a tablet? TECHNOLOGIST SMARTPHONES WEARABLE TECH SOLUTION You can do almost anything on Q: I’m looking a tablet, from e-mail for an entry- I’m ready for a new phone — help! I’m sick of being and Web browsing level computer. First, think about the operating system (OS) — the three to watching videos, SOLUTION glued to my phone. What do you top options are Apple iOS, Google Android and Microsoft Windows. playing games and Leave it at home or in your bag recommend? Apple iOS is a cinch to use and offers a huge selection of apps; SOLUTION using apps. But if you and opt for a smartwatch or fitness tracker Microsoft Windows works best with Office programs; and Google need a productivity A: Chromebooks that can alert you to calls, texts and more. Android is available on the widest range of devices and is the first hero, your best option (Wi-Fi–enabled, Cloud-based to offer Google innovations. LAB LOWDOWN Wearables have come a is still a laptop, which computers that long way from plain black wristbands with offers full versions of LAB LOWDOWN The latest smartphones all have stellar cameras, run on Google’s limited features. New models look better, are software like Word superfast processing capability and tons of new durability features Chrome OS) are more comfortable and boast added features and Adobe Photoshop like water- and drop-resistance, so the bottom line is that you can’t a great option. to track activity, sleep habits and GPS that you can’t get go wrong, whatever you choose. It’s all about the OS. Here’s why: location. Thanks to higher-quality materials, on a tablet. Speed. They GH LAB PICKS many are now weatherproof or water- LAB LOWDOWN boot up fast, THE resistant and have a longer-lasting battery. SK E Once you’ve decided A X don’t slow down P E your main purpose for

R and stay charged GH LAB PICKS

T the device, it’s easier a long time. to choose. Laptops have more variety Simplicity. Many in manufacturers, apps (like Google storage, software Docs, Office and options and price. Candy Crush) GORDON GRAJEK, Tablets offer tons of come installed TEST ENGINEER apps, better battery and work offline. Q: How are life and lower prices. Security. Built-in BEST-EVER PICTURE monthly and virus protection BATTERY POWER prepaid plans GH LAB PICKS and automatic file This top-of-the-line In Lab tests, the different? backup — plus, the OS updates Samsung model has improved camera on A: An agree- a safe battery that Apple’s latest phone ment with a every two weeks. lasted a whopping was most impressive carrier, like Price. Onboard 11 hours during our in low light, thanks Verizon or HOT COOL storage is limited test (continuous to updates to the AT&T, gives TRACKER WATCH (and not really video playback flash and lens. Other you access to needed, as files With this new Fitbit, Even if you don’t on full brightness). exciting upgrades fast networks are saved to the you won’t need have your phone Plus, it’s water- and include stereo (3G, 4G, etc.), Cloud), so prices to carry a phone by your side, the dust-resistant. We speakers; water the latest can start as low to the gym. GH Apple Watch alerts also found that its and dust resistance; phones and as $150. testers loved that it you when calls or camera took crisp and a battery life of a variety of TAKE-ANYWHERE CREATIVE STAR vibrated if they got texts come in or you Voice search. photos quickly. nearly seven hours. payment a call, text or calen- have a meeting. Our WORKHORSE If you want a device you can use to shop Google’s version Finally, our pros There’s no traditional options. A dar alert. You can pros like that the HP’s sleek model is great for business travel, online, watch videos and check social media, is integrated, liked its wireless jack for headphones prepaid plan also check its screen faster new model is since it’s thin and lightweight (especially for this Apple tablet is a solid laptop swap. It’s so for weather charger and the (gasp!), but it comes usually means for your step count water-resistant and the screen size). Our pros liked its quality lightweight, with features like a split screen or news, just ask. ability to boost with a pair that fewer surprise or launch its app has built-in GPS. But screen, which displays bright, sharp images so apps can run side by side and speakers A good choice: storage by inserting works with your charges and for stats on sleep we’re still eager for no matter what you’re working on. Make sure that adjust based on how you’re holding it Acer’s 15.6 a micro SD card in charging port and an less hassle in patterns and active the day when it has to carry your charger with you to keep the and what you’re listening to. Our Lab found Chromebook, the dedicated slot. adapter for the ones stopping your hours. Work at built-in Internet and battery powered up on the go. that the Apple Pencil (sold separately) was $199. Samsung Galaxy S7, $696 you already own. service, but a desk? The band can function on its HP Envy 13, $999 precise and great for drawing or taking notes. Apple iPhone 7, from $649 may have a can buzz to remind own without being 9.7-inch iPad Pro, from $599 slightly higher you to get moving. synced to a phone. monthly fee. Fitbit Alta, $129 Apple Watch Series 2, GH LAB TIP For a laptop, a 13" to 14" screen usually provides a good balance

from $369 model CB3-532-C47C Offset; Chromebook between portability and usability.

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