The best tablets that aren't the Apple iPad

If tablets were the Brady Bunch, the Apple iPad would be Marcia and, well, everything else would be Jan.

But that's not fair, right? Those other tablets have great qualities, too. (Just like Jan.) And just because they're not the most popular doesn't mean they're not worthy of your attention. (Just like Jan!)

Here are the best tablets that aren't the iPad, because they exist, too.

10 things to tweak when setting up a Windows 10 laptop

Start the new year off right by setting up your new laptop right. Here are 10 settings to check or change.

1. Check for updates

Microsoft releases a steady stream of Windows updates. Your new laptop checks for updates automatically, but you can check manually by going to Settings (click the gear icon above the Start button), choosing Update & Security from the left-hand column and then clicking the Check for updates button. Or just type "updates" into the search box and click Check for updates. You can update your laptop this way instead of waiting for updates to install the next time you go to shut down your laptop.

 

No Russian attempt to hack Vermont power grid found

Someone browses the internet on his work laptop. The laptop connects to a potentially malicious IP address. Nothing happens.

It's a garden variety internet risk. Just part of being a 21st century digital citizen.

On Friday evening, however, a similar and apparently benign event led to a report that Russian hackers may have penetrated the US electrical grid through a Vermont utility. The report, written by The Washington Post and summarized by CNET News, said Burlington Electric Department had found code associated with Russian hackers on an employee's computer. Initially the Post reported the hackers had penetrated the grid, but then said the code was isolated to a single employee laptop.

 

Razer Project Valerie is a gaming laptop with a triple-screen surprise

Every year at CES, Razer is a good for a couple of cool PC prototypes or concept pieces. The inventive tech company was once best known for its hard-core gaming accessories, like mice and keyboards, but has quickly become a leader in the laptop category with its Blade systems.

The newest laptop from Razer is a prototype called Project Valerie, and it's very different from the current Razer lineup, which goes for a slim minimalism. For example, the Blade Pro is a very portable gaming laptop, and the Blade Stealth is a very sharp-looking MacBook alternative.