Tony Polanco
Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.
Latest articles by Tony Polanco
![Dell XPS 13 2024 vs MacBook Air M3](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PgorBxzw43zun5NZPSRPmm-320-80.jpg)
We just tested the longest-lasting laptop ever — and it blows away the MacBook Air
By Tony Polanco last updated
We just tested the Dell XPS 13 (2024), and it's now the longest-lasting consumer laptops we've ever tested.
![Asus ROG Ally X](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2kahe2FVEyYu2J5Srcm3B4-320-80.jpg)
Asus ROG Ally X — 3 reasons to buy and 2 reasons to skip
By Tony Polanco last updated
The Asus ROG Ally X is now available — here are 3 reasons to buy the new handheld and 2 reasons you might want to skip it.
![Alienware Aurora R15 review unit on a desk](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f5b4Za98noyKQzJjLmHAnd-320-80.jpg)
The best gaming PCs in 2024
By Tony Polanco last updated
The best gaming PCs for every budget are here, including console-sized PCs and high-end rigs that are VR ready.
![Meta Quest Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FEa6UNTCtuDsqc4xWBmWfg-320-80.jpg)
The Meta Quest Pro is awesome, but no way am I working in this thing
By Tony Polanco last updated
The Meta Quest Pro is a powerful VR headset meant to facilitate working in the metaverse. But despite its impressive features, it's far too expensive for most people.
![Dell XPS 13 (2024)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8UFs6KSDZNwG4kBQtwKZSU-320-80.jpg)
Dell XPS 13 (2024) review: The new battery life champ
By Tony Polanco last updated
The Dell XPS 13 (2024) is another Snapdragon X Elite laptop that delivers the goods thanks to its fast performance and exceptional battery life. It’s one of the best Windows laptops we’ve tested.
![A photo of the Google Chrome logo on a white background, displayed on the screen of a large MacBook Pro which is situated on a table with green foliage behind.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kyAS2fj92nsynwWRnEwCUU-320-80.jpg)
How to transfer Google Photos to PC or Mac
By Tony Polanco last updated
Need to download your files from Google Photos? This guide will show you how.
![Asus ROG Ally X](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s39XQe4D48ueBVuANFnywX-320-80.jpg)
Asus ROG Ally could be the Windows 11 gaming handheld to beat — 3 reasons why
By Tony Polanco published
The Asus ROG Ally X features several improvements that could make it the ultimate Windows 11 handheld.
![iPad Pro M4 vs MacBook Air M3](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b6g8mqZK2SbFZEfx3azr3L-320-80.jpg)
iPad Pro vs MacBook Air: What should you buy?
By Tony Polanco last updated
The iPad Pro is more of a laptop replacement than ever, but is it better than the MacBook Air?
![LG UltraGear 27](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jqzZwfNykt7UGPS3KBQBjV-320-80.jpg)
Prime Day monitor deals 2024 — best sales now
By Tony Polanco last updated
Prime Day monitor deals have arrived for the retailer's first 2024 sales event. We're rounding up the biggest price drops from Dell, Samsung, and more.
![iPadOS 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XDihfQKY8XLUTLqjE2ZnUb-320-80.jpg)
iPadOS 18 public beta — 5 features you should try right now
By Tony Polanco published
The iPadOS 18 public beta has officially launched. These are 5 features you should check out.
![Xbox controller](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G2DNkDju6VExzca6xxj7Hn-320-80.jpg)
Save $41 on the Amazon Fire TV Stick + Xbox controller bundle thanks to this Prime Day deal
By Tony Polanco published
The Amazon Fire TV Stick + Xbox controller bundle (with Xbox Game Pass) is now on sale for Prime Day 2024!
![Kindle Paperwhite 2021](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i4VzACdQGeN5opr4H2aXxb-320-80.jpg)
Bookworms, rejoice! The epic Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for Prime Day
By Tony Polanco published
The Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best e-readers out there — and it's on sale for Amazon Prime Day
![Logitech G203 Lightsync review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BLUvfLpuxjut6JBS7Qf73C-320-80.jpg)
Best cheap gaming mouse in 2024
By Tony Polanco last updated
The best cheap gaming mouse depends on your PC setup, your hand shape and your gaming preferences.
![iPadOS 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gEXGpSoWxhfWz53gHBmEMX-320-80.jpg)
iPadOS 18 hands-on preview
By Tony Polanco published
Not yet ratedThe iPadOS 18 public beta is now available — here are some of the new features you can try out.
![iPadOS 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gEXGpSoWxhfWz53gHBmEMX-320-80.jpg)
How to download the iPadOS 18 public beta
By Tony Polanco last updated
The public beta of iPadOS 18 has arrived — here's how you can download it and try the new features.
![WWDC 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/W6hxr4nV32mHMTBbTQXigL-320-80.png)
iPadOS 18: Everything you need to know
By Tony Polanco last updated
iPadOS 18 promises to be the best yet thanks to several new features that make using the tablet feel more intuitive.
![MacBook Pro 14-inch M3](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/w9JEJnXad8puW9E6Nsu4DW-320-80.jpg)
I test laptops for a living — here’s 7 Prime Day laptop deals that are actually worth it
By Tony Polanco published
Prime Day kicks off soon but you can find some amazing Prime Day deals right now — here are 7 laptops worth buying
![Eve from Stellar Blade preparing for battle.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yt9B4xpkQvcftic6X2AfLX-320-80.jpg)
9 best games of 2024 (so far) on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and PC
By Rory Mellon published
These are the best games we've played in 2024 (to date) from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
![Apple gaming](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AtdhoN4CFGbfxdhUjeefjW-320-80.jpg)
I’m a PC gamer and even I’m impressed by Apple’s latest gaming efforts
By Tony Polanco published
Apple has made slow but steady progress in its efforts to make gaming viable on its various devices, and even I'm impressed.
![Cortana appearing in the start menu in Windows 10 on a Surface Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/os5thFN78X3TYYym27AxkT-320-80.jpg)
How to uninstall Cortana
By Henry T. Casey last updated
Here's how to bid farewell to Cortana, either on Windows 10 or Windows 11.
![The MacBook Pro 2021 (14-inch) to illustrate why you'd want the best MacBook accessories -- for this beautiful MacBook, of course!](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bBAQjTGucAnERFdnJU6wdc-320-80.jpg)
The best MacBook accessories for 2024
By Tony Polanco last updated
Here are the best accessories you can buy for your MacBook, including chargers, stands, headphones and more.
![RAM sticks under colored light](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NSYr6nsP63PRbdJFMNL5pT-320-80.jpg)
How much RAM do I need? Here's how to know
By Tony Polanco last updated
RAM is a vital component of your computer, and knowing how much you require is essential. Here, we explain how much RAM you really need.
![HP OmniBook X](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qEAsUv3psNbF6Fqtohh2a5-320-80.jpg)
HP OmniBook X review: This Snapdragon X Elite laptop puts MacBooks on notice
By Tony Polanco last updated
The HP OmniBook X delivers the goods thanks to its stellar performance and long-lasting battery life. This Windows laptop is a true rival to the MacBook Air M3.