Katie Collins
Bio
Katie covers home tech, EVs, wellness & more. She aims to help people make smart buying choices & reach life goals.
Stories (133)
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Best Monitor for Mac Mini
When I first started using my Mac Mini, I paired it with a basic, aging monitor I had lying around. The colors were dull, the resolution limited, and working on spreadsheets or editing photos felt like an uphill battle. Upgrading to a high-quality monitor completely changed my workflow. Suddenly, text was crisp, colors were vibrant, and multitasking became a breeze. Choosing the right monitor for a Mac Mini isn’t just about size—it’s about resolution, color accuracy, connectivity, and refresh rate. Whether you’re a creative professional, a hobbyist, or just need a reliable screen for daily tasks, picking a monitor that complements your Mac Mini can drastically improve both productivity and enjoyment.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Families
Best Gaming Monitors for Under $300
Finding a gaming monitor that balances performance, features, and price can be challenging. However, in 2025, several monitors under $300 have emerged as top contenders for gamers seeking high-quality displays without breaking the bank. Whether you're into fast-paced shooters or immersive RPGs, these monitors offer features like high refresh rates, low response times, and vibrant color accuracy.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Humans
Best iPhone 15 Cases for Athletes
A few months ago, I was running my usual morning trail with my iPhone 15 in a flimsy, generic case. One misstep later, and I was staring at a cracked screen. That’s when I realized: not all phone cases are created equal, especially for athletes. For anyone who sweats, drops, or bumps their phone during workouts, a robust, grip-friendly case isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The right case protects your device while remaining lightweight, ergonomic, and easy to use during high-intensity activities. Choosing a case with essential features like shock absorption, secure grip, and sweat resistance makes your training sessions worry-free and ensures your iPhone 15 keeps pace with your active lifestyle.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Families
Best Curved Gaming Monitors
After years of using a flat-screen monitor, I decided to upgrade to a curved display. The difference was night and day. The immersive experience, especially in racing and RPG games, was unparalleled. The curve wrapped around my peripheral vision, making every game feel more engaging. If you're on the fence about curved monitors, trust me, the investment is worth it.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Families
Best Case for iPhone SE 3rd Generation
I’ve been that person frantically typing “best iPhone SE case” at 2 AM after a cracked screen bill almost matched the price of a new phone. Since then, I’ve gone deep into phone accessory testing, scrolled through forums where users actually rant (or rave) about their cases, and bought enough of them to fill a small drawer. What you’ll read here isn’t marketing fluff it’s lived experience plus careful digging. If I mess up a tiny word here or there, it’s because I write this the same way I’d talk to a friend about protecting their phone.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Families
Best Budget Gaming Monitors of 2025
I used to game on a hand-me-down monitor that was more pixelated than a Minecraft world. It had a 60Hz refresh rate and a response time that made me question my reflexes. But when I upgraded to a smoother, faster display, it was like switching from dial-up to fiber optic. Suddenly, my shots were landing, my movements were fluid, and I was no longer the weak link in the squad. Choosing the right gaming monitor isn't just about size or brand; it's about enhancing your gaming experience. Whether you're diving into competitive shooters or exploring vast open worlds, the right monitor can make all the difference.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Humans
Best Heart Rate Monitor
There was a day when I went for a run, thinking I was doing myself a huge favor. The pace felt fine, the sweat was dripping, and my playlist kept me motivated. But halfway through, I suddenly felt dizzy and short of breath. What was odd wasn’t the physical exhaustion it was the confusion. Was my heart racing too fast? Was I overtraining? Or was it just dehydration? I had no idea because I wasn’t tracking anything beyond distance and pace.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Humans
Best 4K Monitor 2025
The tension started with something small letters on a spreadsheet looking just a bit fuzzy, colors in a photo edit not quite matching reality, or a video frame that looked duller than it should. I kept leaning closer, squinting, trying to make sense of details that weren’t really there. My shoulders would tighten, my eyes would ache, and after long work days, headaches became routine.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Families
Best Gaming Monitor for PS5 in 2025
The first time I hooked up my PlayStation 5, I expected magic. Lightning-fast load times, ray tracing, buttery-smooth frame rates all the promises of next-gen gaming. But the truth? My old 60Hz monitor made Spider-Man swing like he was stuck in glue. The crisp graphics I was waiting for felt dulled, and every online battle felt just a little bit unfair. That’s when I realized: the PS5’s power is wasted without the best gaming monitor designed for it.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Humans
Best 1440p Gaming Monitor in 2025
There was a Saturday night when my competitive squad was counting on me. I booted up my favorite shooter, only to notice my old 1080p monitor was holding me back. The image looked soft, targets didn’t pop as clearly, and motion blur made fast enemies nearly invisible. My reaction times suffered, and it was all because my display simply couldn’t keep up. That’s the harsh truth: your monitor matters as much as your mouse, keyboard, or GPU.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Humans
Best iPhone 14 Pro Protective Cover 2025
There was a moment last winter that made me realize how much a phone case really matters. I was running late, juggling too many things, and my iPhone 14 Pro slipped from my coat pocket. The sound it made hitting the pavement was enough to stop my heart for a split second. Luckily, the screen only got away with a scratch, but it could have been worse. That tiny mishap taught me something: a protective case isn’t just an accessory, it’s the life insurance for your phone.
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Humans
Best 4K Gaming Monitor
There’s nothing more frustrating than saving up for the latest GPU, spending hours tweaking game settings, and then realizing your monitor simply can’t keep up. That’s what happened to me the first time I loaded into a next-gen game on a so-called “HD” screen. The textures looked muddy, the refresh rate stuttered, and instead of enjoying the beauty of the game world, I found myself squinting and feeling slightly… cheated. It wasn’t just a cosmetic issue either. Poor refresh rates and ghosting can actually lead to eye strain and headaches after long sessions (there’s a good amount of medical research on digital eye strain tied to display quality). For competitive players, slow response times can be the difference between a win and a loss. In other words, the monitor isn’t just a window into your games it’s a critical piece of your performance and comfort. That’s why investing in the best 4K gaming monitor isn’t just about pretty visuals. It’s about unlocking your system’s full potential, protecting your eyes during long hours, and making sure you don’t regret your setup later. In this post, I’ll share honest reviews of a few top picks, explain how we tested them, and break down exactly what to look for so you can make the right choice the first time. Why You Can Trust Me I’m not a reviewer who just copies specs off a product sheet. I’ve built gaming PCs, tested monitors across FPS, RPGs, and simulators, and yes—made costly mistakes by picking monitors that looked “cool” but fell short in real-world use. For this guide, I focused on monitors I could personally test (and in one case, borrow from a fellow gamer friend). I also spent hours reading performance benchmarks, diving into display tech forums, and comparing hands-on impressions with other gamers. In short, you’ll get a blend of hands-on testing + practical gamer insight rather than just marketing fluff. How We Picked and Tested When choosing the best 4K gaming monitors, we didn’t just look at resolution. A 4K display can still be a terrible gaming monitor if it lacks the right features. Here are the criteria we used: Refresh Rate A true gaming monitor should offer at least 120Hz refresh rate, though 144Hz+ is ideal for smoothness. Response Time Lower response times (1–2ms) help prevent motion blur and ghosting. Panel Technology IPS panels offer better color accuracy and viewing angles, while VA panels give deeper contrast Adaptive Sync Support G-Sync and FreeSync prevent screen tearing and stuttering. Ergonomics & Comfort Adjustable stands, flicker-free tech, and blue-light reduction are must-haves for long sessions. Price vs. Value Gaming monitors can get ridiculously expensive. We looked for a balance of performance and cost 1. LG UltraGear 27GN950-B – The All-Round Champion
By Katie Collins5 months ago in Humans
