My Experience
I’m one of the consumer PC experts at PCMag, with a particular love for PC gaming. I've played games on my computer for as long as I can remember, which eventually (as it does for many) led me to building and upgrading my own desktop. Through my years here, I've tested and reviewed many, many dozens of laptops and desktops, and I am always happy to recommend a PC for your needs and budget.
My Areas of Expertise
PC gaming, including related PC components
Consumer laptops of all sorts, from super-thin ultralights to big gaming rigs
Enthusiast desktops
Video games at large, home consoles, and the gaming industry
The Technology I Use
The single piece of technology I use the most (by far!) is my self-built desktop. I spend a lot of my spare time gaming (and now, working) on this system, and I’m likely to continue upgrading it in some form forever. As it relates to my work at PCMag, it’s a vital window into keeping up to date with components, performance, and the latest titles. I’ve also used various versions of the Microsoft Surface Pro for working away from my desk, while I’m a full-time Android user on the smartphone front.
I’m currently pairing an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU with a 165Hz 1440p monitor for gaming, and I’ll probably stick with that combination for a while. A dual-monitor setup has been essential for work and play; I’ve had a console with an HDMI switch hooked up to a second screen for a long time, for console gaming at my desk while still sitting at my computer.
Speaking of which, I may be primarily a PC gamer, but (like any good gaming enthusiast without enough discipline) I also own a PlayStation 5, an Xbox Series S, and a Nintendo Switch. The PS5 and Xbox are hooked up to a living-room television for a more laid-back couch experience; I've found Gamepass to be especially handy for cooperative play and for taking my saved-game files from my desk to my couch through the cloud.