<![CDATA[ Tomsguide ]]> (2024)

The Nectar Premier and DreamCloud Premier are luxury hybrid mattresses that sit smack dab in the middle of the lineup for their respective brands – but is one better than the other? That depends on what you're looking for. Our Nectar Premier Hybrid vs DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress showdown will compare and contrast their prices, designs, and overall performance.

If cost is a major deciding factor for you when mattress shopping, know that these luxury hybrids are similarly priced and include a 365-night trial and a forever warranty. The DreamCloud is slightly cheaper than the Nectar and will likely remain as such during this year's Labor Day mattress sales.

Of course, price alone shouldn't determine the best mattress for your sleep needs. The Nectar Premier and DreamCloud Premier are both 13" medium-firm hybrid mattresses, but their design elements and overall performance may sway your decision depending on your preferences.

Nectar Premier Hybrid vs DreamCloud Premier Hybrid: Specs

These luxury hybrids share a lot in common, but they have their differences, too. We tackle those details below but if you only have time to skim the basics, here's a brief look at the key specs:

Nectar Premier Hybrid vs DreamCloud Premier Hybrid: Price and trial

• Both brands are always on sale, with DreamCloud costing slightly less
• Each hybrid includes a one-year trial and a forever warranty
• Optional bedding bundles available for either one

Nectar and DreamCloud run evergreen sales so you’ll never pay full price for either mattress. Nectar mattress sales consistently take up to 40% off its mattresses, with the occasional 50% off flash sale popping up. Meanwhile, standard DreamCloud mattress sales feature up to 50% off.

When it comes to price, the differential is minimal, with the Nectar costing a bit more than the DreamCloud. After their respective evergreen discounts, a queen-size Nectar Premier Hybrid sells for $1,099 and a queen-size DreamCloud Premier Hybrid costs $949.

Although prices and discounts may vary slightly between them, both brands offer a 365-night home trial, free shipping and returns, and a lifetime mattress warranty. This isn't all that surprising, given Nectar and DreamCloud have the same parent company (Resident Sleep.)

Nectar and DreamCloud used to include free accessories with their mattresses, but both brands have done away with that practice in favor of offering lower upfront prices. Instead, Nectar and DreamCloud sell a bundle featuring two cooling pillows, a sheet set, and a mattress protector at a huge discount. DreamCloud offers these extras for roughly $10 to $20 less than Nectar.

Nectar Premier Hybrid vs DreamCloud Premier Hybrid: Materials and design

• Both mattresses are 13" tall (but the DreamCloud has more layers)
• The Nectar has a Euro top and moisture-wicking antimicrobial cover
• The DreamCloud has a cushion top and a cashmere blend cover

The Nectar Premier Hybrid and DreamCloud Premier Hybrid both have a 13" profile and comprise a breathable top cover, multiple foam layers, a bed of pocket coils, and a shift-resistant cover with side handles for easy maneuvering when rotating your mattress. Both models are also available as an all-foam construction that swaps the springs for a dense foam core.

The Nectar Premier Hybrid has a moisture-wicking cover finished with an antimicrobial treatment. Directly underneath that is a 1" layer of therapeutic memory foam to contour your curves, followed by a 3" layer of dynamic support foam for alignment. The coil layer consists of 8" wrapped infinity innersprings, with two rows of thicker coils along the perimeter for edge-to-edge support. At the base is an ActiveSupport foam stability layer.

(Our testers have slept on the Nectar Premier Hybrid, but it recently underwent a slight redesign that boasts a more advanced cooling cover, a taller layer of support foam, and slightly less memory foam. We don't think this will dramatically alter its performance, although we do plan to test the updated model in the future.)

The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid starts with a cushion top wrapped in a cashmere blend material with layers of gel memory foam and supportive foam stitched in to give it a luxe appearance and moderately plush feel. Below that is a 3" layer of pressure-relieving gel memory foam and a 1" Dynamic Transition layer for support. Rounding it out are 8" individually wrapped coils with extra thicker springs along the edges and a layer of stability foam.

Nectar Premier Hybrid vs DreamCloud Premier Hybrid: Comfort and support

• Both mattresses have a medium-firm feel
• The Nectar is better for motion isolation
• The DreamCloud is better for edge support

The Nectar Premier Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress that offers adequate pressure relief around the shoulders and hips and keeps the spine aligned for side and back sleepers. It's supportive for sleepers up to 240lbs, as we discovered in our Nectar Premier Hybrid review, but those who weigh more might need something firmer.

The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid is also a medium-firm mattress, one which will suit side, back, and combination sleepers. In our DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress review, our tester was impressed by its high level of support but did warn that smaller sleepers may find it a little too firm.

The Nectar had the advantage over the DreamCloud in our motion isolation tests. Of course, they're both hybrids, which means there will always be a little bit of bounce involved so unless you’re a very light sleeper you shouldn’t feel your partner or furry friend moving around at night.

Meanwhile, the Nectar Premier Hybrid and the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid also include extra edge support in their coil layer. However, the DreamCloud performed better than the Nectar in this area during our tests.

Nectar Premier Hybrid vs DreamCloud Premier Hybrid: Temperature regulation

• Both mattresses have breathable, moisture-wicking covers
• Most sleepers should sleep comfortably on either hybrid
• However, hot sleepers may need a dedicated cooling mattress

Although these aren't dedicated cooling mattresses, the Nectar and DreamCloud have materials to promote cooler sleep. The Nectar Premier Hybrid has a breathable, antimicrobial quilted cover whilst the DreamCloud features a moisture-wicking cashmere blend cover. The DreamCloud adds two layers of gel-infused memory foam to aid with cooling, but the temperature-regulating effects of such materials are usually minimal.

As hybrids, these mattresses are naturally breathable. Both have an 8” coil layer, which means there's plenty of space for the air to flow and ensure that heat doesn’t get trapped within the layers. Despite those elements, we'd advise hot sleepers to seek out a specialty cooling mattress instead.

Nectar Premier Hybrid vs DreamCloud Premier Hybrid: Which should you buy?

Buy the Nectar Premier Hybrid if…

✅ You’re slightly above average in weight: The Nectar will suit sleepers up to 240lbs. The foam and coils provide cradling comfort and good support without too much sinkage.

✅ You share a bed: Compared to the DreamCloud, the Nectar performed better during our motion isolation tests so we're more inclined to recommend it for anyone who sleeps with a restless partner or pet.

✅ You sleep warm sometimes: The Nectar also outperformed the DreamCloud in temperature regulation. For anyone who deals with occasional overheating, the Nectar would be a better choice.

Buy the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid if…

✅ You want something that resembles a hotel bed: The Nectar has a nice design, especially after a recent revamp. However, the DreamCloud looks and feels more like a hotel mattress with its royal blue border and luxe pillow-top.

✅ Edge support is a priority: Both mattresses have reinforced coils along the perimeter, but in our experience the DreamCloud performs better in this area.

✅ You want to spend as little as possible: If you want to save on a luxury hybrid, the DreamCloud will cost you (slightly) less than the Nectar, but you'll still enjoy a one-year trial and a forever warranty.

Need a bit of help with NYT Strands today? Today's puzzle theme — "Back to nature" — isn't especially cryptic, but you may still struggle to think of all the connected answers.

Below, we've compiled some useful hints for Strands #159, as well as the answers, should it come to that. We'll start off with some clues, before building up to the full answer for Strands #159, so read on if you need a little help.

Warning: Spoilers lie ahead for Strands #159.

Today's NYT Strands answer — Today's theme and hints

The official theme for NYT Strands #159 is... "Back to nature".

And here's an unofficial hint from me: "Get outside."

If you're still in the dark, here are some useful words to give you those valuable clue tokens:

• GAZETTE
• WITCH
• RATED
• SOUR
• BOOKER
• BIAS
• TUDOR

Still struggling? The spangram will give you a hint about the connection word. Today, it starts with 'O' and ends with 'Y'.

Scroll down to find out what it is...

It's OUTDOORSY.

Today's Strands answers

So, what are today's Strands answers for game #159?

Drumroll, please...

• FORAGE
• FISH
• HIKE
• STARGAZE
• CAMP
• BIRDWATCH
• SWIM

...and the spangram was OUTDOORSY.

Strands #159

“Back to nature”

🔵🔵🟡🔵

🔵🔵🔵🔵

Hi Strands fans. A nice simple one today. The theme of "Back to nature" is pretty clearly about being outdoors and enjoying nature - something that was quickly confirmed when I found the word FORAGE in the top-right corner.

At this point, I thought it might involve things in the hunter/gatherer space, which seemed likely when I found FISH in the bottom right.

But then I found the spangram of OUTDOORSY across the middle and realized it was more about activities you might enjoy in the great outdoors. I subsequently found HIKE to the left of FORAGE, and then STARGAZE along from there to complete the top half of the grid.

Turning to the bottom section, I found CAMP above FISH, and then BIRDWATCH snaking around the very top. That left just SWIM to complete the puzzle.

Yesterday's Strands answers

Reading this in a later time zone? You can find the full article on yesterday's Strands answers for game #158 right here.

Apple gear can be found across various campuses. Unfortunately, Apple devices don't come cheap. That means a little homework is usually required before making any Apple purchases.

With that in mind, I've rounded up some of the best back-to-school Apple deals available right now. Currently, Amazon is offering the best Apple deals. The retailer is offering big discounts like AirPods as low as $79, $500 off of the latest M3 MacBook Pro, and even $80 off of the latest M4 iPad Pro. Here are my picks for the best Apple back-to-school deals ahead of the new academic year.

Quick Links

• AirPods 2nd Generation: was $129 now $79 @ Amazon
• AirPods Pro 2nd Generation: was $249 now $189 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch 9 (GPS/41mm): was $399 now $299 @ Amazon
• AirPods Max: was $549 now $399 @ Amazon
• MacBook Air 13 (M2/256GB): was $1,099 now $799 @ Amazon
• 11" iPad Pro (M4): was $999 now $919 @ Amazon
• 13" iPad Pro (M4): was $1,299 now $1,197 @ Amazon
• iMac M3: was $1,699 now $1,549 @ Amazon
• 16" MacBook Pro (M3 Pro): was $2,499 now $1,999 @ Amazon

Best back-to-school Apple deals

It's official — football is back! Tonight marks the first games of the NFL preseason as the Detroit Lions take on the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers match up against the New England Patriots. Hoping to sport your team's colors and stay game day ready? You've come to the right place.

Dick's Sporting Goods is currently knocking up to 75% off NFL apparel and tailgate essentials. You can snag jerseys, tumblers, tents and more with your favorite team's logo front and center. With deals are starting as low as $8, we would consider the sale a total touch down! Check out my 7 favorite NFL deals from Dick's Sporting Goods.

(Pro Tip: To find your favorite team’s gear at Dick’s, be sure to visit the deals page and use the filter on the left hand side of the page to choose your team).

Quick Links

• shop the NFL preseason sale at Dick's Sporting Goods
• Rawlings Green Bay Packers Football: was $19 now $8
• Igloo Houston Texans Stainless Steel Tumbler: was the $29 now $8
• New Era Women's Philadelphia Eagles T-Shirt: was $31 now $8
• Rawlings New England Patriots Game Changer Chair: was $44 now $15
• Rawlings Miami Dolphins Sideline Sun Shelter: was $69 now $49
• Nike Men's Pittsburgh Steelers Therma-FIT Full-Zip Hoodie: was $90 now $67
• Nike Men's New York Jets Garrett Wilson Jersey: was $130 now $77

NFL Preseason Deals at Dick's

Whether it's a nosebleed, a cut, or your period, blood stains on a mattress are more common than you may realize. Here we're sharing our tried and tested methods for removing blood from your mattress without damaging it.

The good news is that most blood stains can be removed using products you already have at home. However, the methods will vary as some materials (particularly memory foam) are more sensitive to moisture than others – and deep-seated blood stains will require a little more elbow grease.

If after reading this you decide that your mattress is beyond saving, take a look at our guide to this year's best mattresses for all sleepers and budgets. Many of them are discounted in price too thanks to this year's Labor Day mattress sales and deals. For now, here's how to tackle those blood stains...

How to get a blood stain out of a mattress

Depending on the freshness and size of the stain, you may only need a few of the supplies and steps below. Try to avoid using harsher ingredients until it's absolutely necessary, and after cleaning we recommend investing in one of the best mattress protectors to keep stains, smells and germs away from your newly cleaned bed.

What you’ll need:

For smaller/fresher blood stains:

• Paper towels
• Microfiber cloths (wet and dry)

For deeper/more stubborn stains:

• Clean bowl (for mixing)
• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 2 tbsp of cornstarch
• 2 tbsp of salt
• 1 tbsp of baking soda
• Soft-bristled brush
• Clean cloth (for blotting)
• Cold water

1. Blot fresh blood stains

If the blood is fresh then use a paper towel and blot the stain to remove as much moisture as possible. Be mindful not to rub as doing so will risk spreading the stain or pushing it deeper into the fibers of the mattress. You should apply firm pressure when blotting the stain to make sure all traces of it are soaked up. Keep doing this until the paper towel comes back dry.

2. Try a small amount of cold water

If the stain is small and still fresh, you may be able to blot the area with a microfiber cloth dipped in cold water. Keep dipping the cloth into the water and wring well to ensure excess moisture is removed. This is important if you're cleaning a memory foam mattress as too much moisture could damage the foam.

Use a clean area of the cloth once the blood is transferred to avoid extending the stain. If you notice that the blood stain has lifted, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to blot the area for leftover moisture. Leave the stain to air-dry.

3. Make a hydrogen peroxide cleaning paste

For stubborn stains, you're going to need something a bit stronger. Our tried and tested homemade mattress stain remover is the perfect solution. In a clean mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, two heaped tablespoons of cornstarch, two tablespoons of salt, and one tablespoon of baking soda.

Mix until you get a paste-like consistency; you may want to start with a small amount and add more as needed. You'll notice this will start to bubble and fizz – don't worry, it's just the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda activating, making it perfect for tackling your stain.

Using a soft bristle brush, apply the mixture to the blood stain. Start at the outer edge of the stain and work toward the centre, gently massaging the paste into the fabric of the mattress. Leave this mixture to sit on the stain for at least an hour, or until it stops bubbling.

Once your paste has had a chance to work, dip a clean cloth into some cold water and blot at the area to remove the paste. Your cloth should be damp, not soaking, as you don't want to oversaturate your mattress with water (especially if it's foam). Leave your mattress to dry fully before vacuuming the surface to ensure that you've removed all traces of the paste.

What to do if the blood stain won’t budge

Blood stains are not easy to remove because of the proteins – primarily hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color (And if you've ever put reds in your washing machine with your whites, you'll know how that goes!) When exposed to air, these proteins thicken up and bind tightly to fabrics, making it difficult (but not impossible) to shift.

The materials of your mattress can also make a difference in how easy a blood stain is to remove. Synthetic fabrics tend to trap blood proteins more effectively than natural fabrics such as cotton or linen.

And of course, time plays a huge factor. The quicker you tackle a blood stain on your mattress, the easier it is to remove. So if you’re still struggling with removing blood stains from your mattress, or you're tackling a stain that has been left to set overnight, here are a few more tips and tricks:

1. Use an enzyme-based stain remover

Enzyme-based stain removers are effective on blood stains because they contain proteases, which break down the proteins found in blood by digesting them into small, water-soluble molecules that can be easily washed away. This makes enzyme-based cleaners good for removing dried and set-in blood stains as well as tackling other stubborn stains like sweat, grass, and food.

To clean your mattress using an enzyme stain remover, place a small amount on a microfiber cloth and starting at the edge of the stain work towards the center. Leave it for at least 30 minutes before using a clean microfiber cloth dipped in cold water to blot away the stain remover and the stain. Allow your mattress to air dry before replacing your bedding.

2. Use a meat tenderizer

A tenderizer is a kitchen staple used to break down the fibers and proteins of meat to leave it tender. It’s also surprisingly effective for cleaning blood stains. When you add meat tenderizer to a blood stain, an enzyme called bromelain breaks down the proteins, enabling you to lift stains from the surface.

Create a paste by mixing unseasoned meat tenderizer with cold water. This should be thick enough so it sticks to the stains at a consistency that makes it easy to apply. Work the paste into the stained area and leave for up to an hour. Once it’s dried, use a cloth dipped in cold water to rinse the area and remove any leftover paste.

3. Use crushed aspirin

Asprin works in a similar way as the meat tenderizer. Take some plain aspirin tablets and crush them into a powder before adding a few drops of water to create a paste. Apply it directly to the blood stain and leave it to sit for around 30 minutes. (You can leave it longer if the stain is particularly set in.) Rinse with cold water and leave to dry.

4. Use oxygen bleach

We don't usually recommend using any form of bleach on your mattress but if you're struggling to get that blood stain out, oxy-bleach could be your final hope.

In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup of dry oxygen bleach with 1/2 cup of cold water. Work the mixture into the stain using a soft-bristled brush. Leave the paste to work for at least 3-4 hours – although, the longer you can leave it the better as oxygen bleach is mild and slow-acting.

Using a clean cloth dipped in cold water and wrung out fully to ensure it's not dripping, blot the bleach and blood. Leave the mattress to dry before using.

Blood stains on a mattress: FAQs

Can you use hot water on blood stains?

It can be so tempting to use hot water but this common mistake can make blood stains harder to remove. The hemoglobin in blood coagulates (clumps together) when exposed to heat. This causes the proteins in the blood to bind more tightly to the fibers of the mattress. In some cases, the heat from the hot water can also cause the iron in the blood to oxidize, turning the stain brown.

Hot water is not safe to be used on mattresses, full stop. Some mattress materials –particularly foam, memory foam, and latex – can shrink, warp, and become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria when hot water is used. Cold water is always best for treating blood stains on a mattress because it'll stop the proteins from clumping together and setting.

Can toothpaste get blood out of a mattress?

Toothpaste is often touted as a DIY solution for a lot of home hacks but it's not the best thing to use for getting blood out of your mattress. Regular toothpaste doesn't contain the enzymes needed to break down the proteins found in the blood, which is essential for stain removal. Some whitening toothpastes use baking soda, which could help in theory, but it's unlikely to be in a large enough quanity to do anything.

Some toothpastes also have abrasive ingredients and colorants that will damage the surface of your mattress and leave behind a residue that is difficult to remove. Not to mention, toothpaste may just mask the stain rather than actually remove it, making it harder to treat the stain later on.

Should I buy a new mattress instead?

You don't need to get rid of your mattress just because of one or two stains, especially if you've attempted to treat and remove them. But, if your mattress is covered with stains and it's taking over a large area of the surface, or your mattress is old and starting to feel uncomfortable, then it could be time to invest in a new one.

Blood and other bodily fluids can harbor bacteria, which can trigger sensitives. But when stains get too deep into the mattress it can damage the fabrics and foams. If you can't afford to upgrade your mattress right now, then you could invest in one of the best mattress toppers which will provide an extra layer of protection as well as cover any stains on your mattress surface.

Today’s best mattress sales

• Saatva mattresses: up to $600 off
• DreamCloud mattress: up to 50% off
• Nectar mattresses: up to 40% off
• Helix mattresses: 20% off + free pillows
• Casper mattress: 20% off all beds
• Emma mattresses: up to 55% off
• Tempur-Pedic: 30% off cooling beds
• Brooklyn Bedding mattresses: 25% off sitewide
• Purple mattress: get up to $300 of free bedding

Google launched the Pixel Buds Pro last year to rave reviews. Our review said the earbuds "are Google's first high-performance ANC earbuds with stellar Google Assistant integration." As the Made by Google event approaches, we expect a follow-up to the popular high-end headphones from Google.

The original just missed cracking our best earbuds list. However, they could find a spot with the rumored changes coming to the Pixel Buds Pro 2. We'll have to wait for Google to announce the earbuds so we can get our hands (and ears) on them, but we're optimistic.

Here's what we expect from the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 cheat sheet: Biggest rumors

• Release date prediction: August 13, 2024
• Price prediction: $199, which is the Pixel Buds Pro price
• Design: Similar look and feel to the previous model with a new bulge near the ear tip to make them stay more secure
• Features: More fitness options, better Bluetooth connectivity and AI features are expected. We also hope to see improved noise cancelation to keep up with Apple's AirPods Pro
• Battery: An improved battery capacity in the charging case leaked

Google Buds Pro 2: Possible price and availability

We expect a single Google Pixel Buds 2 model announcement with the Pixel 9 smartphone at the August 13 Made by Google event. Google says it will "showcase the best of Google AI, Android software and the Pixel portfolio of devices."

The previous Pixel Buds Pro launched at $199 and while we haven't seen price leaks on the Buds Pro 2, we expect Google to target the same price so it can keep its noise-canceling earbuds cheaper than Apple.

As with everything, Google could be forced to bump up the price due to increased costs, but if possible, the company will want to stick with that sub-$200 price.

Google Buds Pro 2: Design

Based on the first batch of leaks, it doesn't look like Google is making massive changes to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 design. The biggest thing we noted from the design leak is that Google stays stemless for the design. While Samsung has flipped to an AirPods-like design, Google appears steadfast with its look and feel.

Another notable design change is that the earbud's grills look more prominent, which creates a slightly bigger bulge that we assume helps keep the earbuds in place better. Additionally, they're color-matched to the earbud instead of looking black, creating a more streamlined design.

Google isn't just releasing the same buds, though, as one leak suggests the company will make the capacitive touch plate significantly larger.

The earbud's case could have a speaker for Find My Device support.

Rumored Pixel Buds Pro 2 colors include Charcoal, Porcelain, Aloe and Hot Pink.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Features

The main feature rumor about the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the fitness tracking features. While we haven't heard much about specifics, we expect something to come on the fitness front.

Otherwise, we expect to see an improved charging case with a larger capacity, improved noise canceling and better call quality. Better Bluetooth is also going to be included. AI should also be a focus, so don't be surprised if you get easy access to Gemini Live.

Google Pixel Pro 2: What we want

The main thing we'd like to see is rumored to come — improvements to how the earbuds fit. We found them to be a little loose in our review, and if Google makes them a little more snug, that's good news.

We'd also like to see the company improve noise cancelation, as that's a key part of what makes the buds "Pro." The ANC wasn't bad on the previous model, but there's always room to improve the feature.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Outlook

From the sound of things, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be a lowkey update. Sure, new features are expected, but it doesn't seem that Google will reinvent the wheel based on the early rumors.

The real question is, will the changes be enough to compete with the AirPods Pro 2 Time will tell, but we're optimistic for Google's next audio offering.

More from Tom's Guide

• Google Pixel Watch 2 review: Better, but not quite what I wanted
• Best headphones of 2024: Top picks tested by experts
• Apple Watch X — 5 upgrades Apple needs to make

If you're heading back to school and your dorm bed is a little worse for wear, a mattress topper could give it a new lease of life. All-foam dorm beds are also notorious for storing heat, so a cooling topper is the way to go. And thanks to today's back to school sales you can save on one of our top-rated cooling mattress toppers: get 25% off the Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper at Molecule. A twin size is now down to $135 (was $179) with the code BTS.

We rarely see this topper discounted, let alone by this much. The 3" Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper has a 7-zone ergonomic design for targeted relief and support. Most of the models we've tested for our best mattress of 2024 guide offer superb full body support, but even they don't even offer that many zones.

We rarely see the Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper on sale and we aren't sure how long this discount will last ahead of this year's Labor Day mattress sales and deals, so don't hang around too long here.

How to make a dorm mattress more comfortable

Most student housing won't allow you to replace your dorm mattress, but that doesn't mean you can't make improvements to it. A good mattress topper can instantly give your bed a softer or firmer feel. Choosing a pillow that's right for your sleep style will help you rest comfortably, as well.

Take care of your sleep area by adding a mattress protector, especially if you often eat or drink in bed. Use breathable, wrinkle-free sheets – and wash them regularly to avoid bed bugs and other creepy crawlies.

Back to school season is now in its prime. While some students have already returned to campus, others will be returning to the classroom in a matter of weeks. If you're still shopping for a new laptop or monitor, we've found an epic sale you shouldn't miss.

For a limited time, Antonline has back to school monitor deals on sale from $69. You can also get laptops on sale from $399. It's one of the biggest sales we've seen from Antonline this summer. Below I've rounded up 5 deals you can't miss. For more deals, check out our back to school sales guide.

Quick Links

• shop the entire back to school sale at Antonline
• HP 22" 1080p Monitor: was $199 now $69
• HP 15" Laptop: was $649 now $399
• Lenovo LOQ Laptop: was $799 now $649
• Acer Predator Helios: was $1,649 now $1,129
• Asus Vivobook S 15 Copilot+ PC: was $1,299 now $1,169

Best back to school deals

Word out of Apple is that the next Mac mini will be the smallest and most powerful yet—and it's due out at the end of 2024.

According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman's report, Apple is planning a major redesign for the new Mac mini M4 that will arrive on store shelves later this year.

If that's true, it's notable because Apple hasn't significantly changed the design of the Mac mini in over a decade. Any change now would be a big one, but according to Gurman, Apple's working to make its smallest Mac even smaller.

He claims that while the new Mac mini M4 may end up slightly taller than the current Mac mini M2, Apple's working to make it significantly smaller overall — closer to the size of an Apple TV box.

According to the report, Apple has people working on a base M4 version of this slimmed-down Mac mini and a version packing an M4 Pro chip, which (if true) would be our first word about M4 Pro's existence.

We've as yet only been introduced to the Apple M4 chip in the new iPad Pro 2024, so it's perhaps not surprising that this new Mac mini M4 would be described by Gurman as "essentially an iPad Pro in a small box," according to people involved in its development.

Gurman reports that the base M4 version of the new Mac mini should be available later this year; perhaps the more powerful M4 Pro model is expected to arrive in October 2024.

Outlook

While reports of a new Mac mini M4 are exciting, they aren't the first we've heard about Apple's plans for an M4 2024. We already knew Apple's tipped to launch the M4 MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini this year, which means this could be the first year in which you can get Apple's hottest chip in all its major computers.

But this is the first I've heard about a Mac mini redesign, and it's hard to know how much of a difference it could make for customers. The Mac mini is already one of the best mini PCs on the market precisely because it's so small, powerful and capable for such an affordable price.

Upgrading it with M4 power is certainly a good thing, but I'm not sure making it smaller would make a big difference. It would be lovely to have an even tinier powerhouse of a PC that you could slip into an entertainment center or family desk PC, but if the size decrease comes at a higher price, it might end up not worth the upgrade.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 Apple Intelligence features to try in iOS 18 — here’s what you can do
• Google Pixel 9 preorder perks just leaked — here’s what you get
• Launch day leaked for Apple's iPhone 16 series — and it could be sooner than last year's announcement

"Presumed Innocent" has been the surprise hit of the year. I even called it "the most important show" of the year.

Still, I was surprised that the show was greenlit for a second season given the show's cast included Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard. These real-life brothers-in-law are also in-demand movie actors, so a continued role in a series felt unlikely for the duo.

Unfortunately, my suspicions that this cast wouldn't join a second season were officially confirmed by one of those two actors. In a conversation with IndieWire, Sarsgaard announced that he would not return for season 2, stating, "I think I’m a one-season person.”

No Sarsgaard is deflating for 'Presumed Innocent'

As I already said, I didn't expect Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard to return for a second season. But I also didn't expect that the show would get a second season in the first place. The adaptation of the book/movie was set up to be a miniseries, especially given the acting talent in the cast.

Once we knew we were getting a second season though, I kept hoping that Sarsgaard would return. After the events of the season 1 finale (spoiler alert) there weren't many options to give the show any connective tissue from season to season. But Sarsgaard as Tommy Molto? Well, he could still stick around. And that'd be awesome because his performance was the best from anyone in the cast.

That's not to say the rest of the cast was bad. Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Bill Camp and O-T fa*gbenle all have scene-stealing moments. But the moment of the show comes from Sarsgaard cross-examining Gyllenhaal at the end of episode 7, "The Witness." Now that I know we're not guaranteed to get a similar moment in season 2, I'd be lying if I said I was just as excited for Apple TV Plus to expand this IP further.

'Presumed Innocent' needs to emulate 'Fargo'

Since we know now that we aren't getting Sarsgaard, I think Gyllenhaal and his new fellow producers David E. Kelley and J.J. Abrams need to wipe the slate clean. Don't have any notable connection to season 1 in season 2. No Sabich family, no "Delay" Guardia. None of it.

Instead, the show should follow the anthology series model set by shows like "True Detective" and "Fargo" — especially the latter.

Noah Hawley's adaptation of the Coen Brother's 1996 classic isn't a retread of the source material. Instead, the show plays on the Coen Brothers' sense of humor in its dialogue, has some shocking moments of violence and action sprinkled through the seasons, and, of course, keeps the iconic Midwestern setting of the original movie. The seasons all exist in the same universe as the film and therefore keep a small connection to each other and the source material.

And you know what? It works. Really well. "Fargo" has three Golden Globe wins from 14 nominations, and six wins from a whopping 52 Primetime Emmy nominations despite never bringing back the same cast of characters. "Presumed Innocent" would be wise to follow suit and leave the Sabich family and everyone else back in Chicago and back in season 1.

Given Apple has promised a "suspenseful, brand new case," I'm cautiously optimistic that this new case will now come with a completely new cast as well since Sarsgaard will not be returning.

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