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Today's Features

October 12, 2007

The Best Vista Notebooks

The new version of Windows can be a challenge for some notebooks to run. Our tests will point you to the laptops with the power to handle Vista.

How We Test High-Def TVs
Recent Test Center Projects
These drives promise the best of both the magnetic-hard-disk and flash-disk worlds. Do they live up to that promise? We test two to find out.
Need more storage? The top-ranked internal hard drives will fill the bill. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.
External hard drives aren't as fast as internal models, but they are great for backups and are easy to install. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.
These are the best standard cell phones today, but ratings and rankings can change quickly due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.
These laptops are on the heavy side, but they're ideal replacements for desktop PCs. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes so check back frequently for the latest info.
Ideal for the mobile professional, these notebooks stand out for their low weight and small footprint. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.
These low-cost laser printers churn out good-quality text quickly. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.
These powerful desktops use overclocked CPUs, one or more ultra-high-end graphics cards, and gobs of high-speed storage to put performance above all else.
These inexpensive cameras lack fancy features, but some take high-quality photos that match pricier models'.
Kaspersky's first-rate but pricey program offers a smooth, easy-to-use design and excellent protection against malware.
These are the top cell phone-PDAs today, but ratings and rankings can change quickly due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.
These are the top network-attached storage devices today, but ratings and rankings can change quickly due to pricing and technology changes so check back frequently for the latest info.
WorldBench: The Real-World System Benchmark
Introducing WorldBench 6 Beta 2The new version of our industry-standard benchmarking application is now ready for Vista.
Why a new WorldBench? What's in it? We've posted answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Start testing your Windows Vista systems using the same tool that the PC World Test Center uses.
Post your questions and comments about the WorldBench application.
About WorldBench 5Our industry-standard benchmarking application upgrades its choice of programs and adds more rigorous testing--and it's available for purchase.
Working through the most common concerns and issues with PC World's benchmarking tool.
Rules for using WorldBench 5 for promotional and other purposes.
The tool that the PC World Test Center uses to benchmark desktop and notebook PCs is available for purchase.
Windows XP SP2 WorldBench Update
Methodology and Ratings
Ever wonder how we test camcorders? Senior Test Center Coordinator Greg Adler explains PC World's process and image quality tests.
Ever wonder how we review laptops? Senior Test Center Coordinator Greg Adler explains PC World's process and WorldBench benchmarking tests.
Testing MP3 players involves more than just listening to music. From frequency response to harmonic distortion, Senior Test Center Coordinator Greg Adler explains PC World's process for evaluating digital audio players, using an Audio Precision ATS-2 audio analyzer.
Testing MethodologyThe PC World Test Center uses a variety of rigorous performance tests and tools to conduct a fair and impartial analysis of major products under review.
Details and information about our ratings system.
Have questions about our reviews? We have answers.
Best Buys From Our Test Center
Top Rated Products
PCW Rating: 85.0PCW Rating: 85.0PCW Rating: 85.0
ATI's own X1950 Pro-based card offers good specifications, performance at a fair price.
PCW Rating: 88.4PCW Rating: 88.4PCW Rating: 88.4
The EAH2900XT balances performance and price, includes HDMI output, and has an excellent software pack.
PCW Rating: 79.4PCW Rating: 79.4PCW Rating: 79.4
This well-equipped 1080p LCD set looks similar to its plasma sibling, the H-T4264. It has many inputs and is easy to set up.
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Recently Reviewed
Palm's Centro is a big step forward in a small package. 11-Oct-2007
Free suite does much of what Microsoft Office can do and costs nothing. 11-Oct-2007
Nero's updated suite adds support for the latest DVD technologies, but when it comes to ease of use, Roxio is king. 10-Oct-2007
Two new products promise to free up your USB ports, but the devices' similarities end there. 10-Oct-2007
Wouldn't it be great if a portable digital voice recorder could transcribe your meetings and phone conversations into text? 10-Oct-2007
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