Save Your Money
Written: Oct 23 '99
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Pros: easy to digest, easy to understand, Dvorak is interesting, can be a good reference
Cons: behind the curve, not cutting edge, online version is free (why subscribe?), plenty of other sites are available that offer better and more interesting news
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| webword's Full Review: PC Magazine |
I used to like PC Magazine. But then something happened. I realized that PC Magazine was not any better than many news sites on the web. I pay for the print version (ouch!) when I can simply visit the web site and get the same information for free. As I'll demonstrate below, there are better places to get news.
There are a few things in the print magazine that are not on the web site. And, there are things on the web site that do not show up in print. It goes both ways. But, there are only minor differences. In any event, I tend to like the web site better. It is more interactive, up to date, and engaging. However, neither the print version nor the web version is radical, insightful, or cutting edge.
You can see the online version of PC Magazine here
--> http://www.pcmag.com
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About the Writers
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I like John Dvorak's column. He's a raving lunatic and he's smart. It makes for good reading. As with all the writers, you can find his stuff in print and on the site.
Michael Miller is fine, but he's often too conservative. He needs to get out on the edge. He needs to play with fire! Unlike the more controversial Dvorak, Miller plays things tight. It is hard to argue with what he says because everyone agrees with what he is talking about. He is behind the curve, if you ask me.
Jim Seymour is a fine writer, but his topics are boring and conservative. He can craft an argument better than any other PC Magazine writer, but he covers topics that put people to sleep. Like Miller, he's not controversial or cutting edge.
Bottom line about the writers: When you are dealing with computer and tech news, you've got to be on the edge. And, their lab tests and reviews don't inspire me at all. They tend to be very biased in favor of large, successful companies such as Microsoft, Dell, and Intel. They all downplay Linux, open source, and so on. They aren't cruel; they just aren't in tune with the movements that flow in the technology underground.
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Better News?
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If you are looking for hot news, then PC Magazine will only partially help (it doesn't matter if you choose the online or offline version). PC Magazine picks up news that is 2-4 weeks behind. They have to...they focus on print deadlines, not instant Internet news.
If you are looking for hot computer news, try the following:
--> http://slashdot.org
--> http://geeknews.com
--> http://www.tomalak.org
--> http://www.zdnet.com
--> http://www.ars-technica.com
--> http://webword.com (my usability site)
--> http://www.wired.com
--> http://www.news.com
There are *many* other resources out there. You don't really need PC Magazine to get your news fix. Unless you need to have your hand held you don't really need PC Magazine (online or print). If you need easy to digest, easy to understand news, you might want to look at it once in a while. If you want to refer to the news and articles, it might also be useful. However, better tips and free advice are available in other places online.
Bottom line: The news is fine, but it is a tad old. The columns are good, but not great. You can also read them online (so why subscribe?). There are *plenty* of other places to find excellent news.
Recommended:
No
Primary Reason for Buying: Articles
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Epinions.com ID:
webword
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Member: John Rhodes
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 89 members
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