The Bottom Line: I enjoy reading PC World because it keeps me up to date on technology advances, provides new tips for upgrades and software use, and is easy to understand.
I like PC World magazine and would recommend it to the average PC user. If you are a serious computer nerd (no offense intended), this magazine will not suit your mature needs. Likewise, the novice PC user will not pick up much of the terminology that is used throughout the articles. Not to say the novice couldn’t learn a thing or too (I know I did), just that the magazine is not designed for that level of instruction. Based on the fact that you are reading this review via the internet and the premise that you are part of the Epinions community, chances are that you fit at least into the average PC user category.
Here is what you get. Each month you get a 230+ page magazine that keeps you up to date on advances in the personal computing field. The magazine is divided into sections: Cover Story, Features, Top News, New Products, Here’s How, Top 100, and Departments. I’ll briefly describe these sections, keeping in mind that they do change slightly each month depending on the news or special features.
Cover Story
The cover story is designed to pull in the newsstand readers. A story that shouts out, “buy me, buy me.” This month the title touts “Best FREE Stuff on the Web.” In previous months, they have addressed privacy issues and some of the latest advances in digital photography. In general, I have found the cover stories informative, but not really ground breaking news. For example, I knew many of the sites listed in their Free Stuff story, but I did try out a few of the sites I didn’t know about.
Features
In this section you will find a variety of topics covered in-depth. There have been several well written articles and analysis performed on software packages which detail the potential bugs and fixes. Additionally, hardware topics like the newest hard drives contain some well thought out analysis that helps the consumer make a more informed decision.
Top of the News
This section, as so aptly named, covers the hot topics in the computer industry. Usually these stories are under a tighter timeline so you don’t get the full coverage as in the other sections. Recent articles in this section have dealt with LCD monitors, wireless networking, broadband connections, the latest super GHz computers or the chips that run them. For the most part, these articles are interesting but not worth the subscription cost in and of themselves.
New Products
This is the gadget section. This section interests me because it is one of the few places I can get information on new toys in the marketplace. PC World does a good job in reporting on the products it reviews and not trying to sell them. Here is where you will find reviews on portable CD-R/W drives, web cams, etc…
Here’s How
This section has several parts: Windows tips, internet tips, word processing, hardware tips, and upgrade guide. Every month I learn something from this section. The upgrade guide is usually straightforward, but if the upgrade in the article is above novice level it plainly tells you. I have found the other tip sections interesting and somewhat educational. Their worth is really dependent on your skill level and what you would use the tips for. Generally, they are geared towards the office environment and not the home user.
Top 100
Every month PC World rolls out its Top 100 products in Power PCs, Midrange PCs, Budget PCs, Notebooks, Printers, Monitors, and Peripherals. I must admit that I love this section even though it has flaws. First of all, I like how PC World compares the computers with easy to read charts and standardized bench test. I also appreciate that they actually put their name on the line and say we recommend this PC or this printer for home or business use. I like to see what computer will come out tops next month, or if the printer I just brought home even made the chart.
There are two drawbacks to this section. One, by the time the magazine goes to print there is a new market of PCs out there. If Gateway came out with a new notebook computer today that annihilates the competition, PC World readers won’t hear about it for another two months. And two, PC World only tests the configurations that are standard for any given system. Given the PC made-to-order world we are used to thanks to Dell and Gateway, one would think that PC World would try to equalize some of the components (like RAM), so that the bench mark tests would have more meaning.
Departments
This section contains all the feedback letters to the editor on how great the magazine is and don’t change a thing. You’ll also read about frustrated readers who bought a lemon computer or peripheral and want advice on how to get their money back.
Bottom Line
I do enjoy reading PC World because it keeps me somewhat up to date on technology advances, provides new tips for upgrades and software use, and it is relatively easy to understand. It does contain a fair amount of advertising and not all the articles will be appealing. While I think PC World could be better, I haven’t found another PC magazine that is.
Thanks for reading!
Recommended:
Yes
Primary Reason for Buying: Articles Recommended For: Anyone
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