Cable Modems, Android Tablets, New Apple Stuff, Deals, Updates and More

Next Week: Cable Modems After another 14 hours of research this year, our favorite cable modem from last year is still the best option for most people. The $90 ARRIS/Motorola Surfboard SB6141 is compatible with almost all of the fastest internet plans from seven of the eight biggest providers. Other modems support as many providers, but none support most of the fastest speeds. You’ll be able to move almost anywhere you want and be assured the Surfboard will still work for you. Plus, you can avoid a monthly $6-$10 rental fee. —Andrew The Best Android Tablet We spent four months and more than 80 hours on testing, and found the $300 16GB Nvidia Shield Tablet is the best Android tablet for most people. It’s likely to last 2-3 years thanks to its CPU and storage capacity, and has the best combination of form factor, display, and speed. Plus, it runs stock Android and gets fast updates when new versions come out—a rarity with Android tablets. New Apple Stuff and You The Apple Watch and a new MacBook were the highlights of Apple’s March 2015 press event. We took a closer look at both to give you some context if you’re thinking of pre-ordering. Inner Vision for the weekend of March 13, 2015 In this weekend’s edition of Inner Vision, the importance of the lunch break, tips for getting through the work day on no sleep, anddecluttering your home with a little help from Sugru. The Best Selfie Stick for Smartphones We tested 20 selfie sticks in various conditions, including a frozen Niagara Falls. The $20 Looq DG was the shortest when folded up (about a foot) and the longest when extended so it’s easier to carry and more versatile at selfies than any other stick we tested. Its solid clamp works on even the largest, heaviest phones and it uses a cable to snap photos (not Bluetooth like most sticks) so there’s no battery to worry about. The Best Deals We Can Find Because we think we can make a small difference by being picky, here are some great deals on solid pieces of gear. Updates * At readers' request, we tested a handful of very thin iPhone cases. All thin cases require making sacrifices for protection, but we found one that ably balances thinness with protection for a phone's face and rear camera lens: Caudabe’s The Veil for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. [Best iPhone 6 Case (So Far)] * The Asus ROG GL551 was just updated with a new graphics card and slightly faster processor, which keeps it at the top of our list of best budget gaming laptops right now. [Best Budget Gaming Laptop (So Far)] * We updated our guide to the best USB 3.0 hubs with what we've learned in the long-term testing of our main pick from HooToo and our premium pick from Anker. [Best USB 3.0 Hubs] * Our media streamer pick for iTunes users, the Apple TV, just got a price cut from $99 to $69, and will be the only place to access HBO's new $15/month streaming service, HBO Now, when the service launches in April. [Best Media Streaming Box] * We're hiring a Growth Editor to join our editorial team and manage our social and partner channels, as well as build and expand our audience. Follow on Facebook Follow on Twitter Forward to a Friend Check out our sister siteThe Sweethome; it's a Wirecutter for house supplies and homewares. Notes We support the dozens of hours that go into our evaluations through a small kickback on purchases through our links. Here's how to support our writers and our work. For more on our ethics and how we work, read this. Help wanted. We have a number of open positions ranging from managing editor to researcher. [Jobs] Do you know where your backups are?