New PCs force consumers to spend hours weeding out teaser software and ads that slow down the machines. The problem is a lack of respect for the consumer: manufacturers don’t act as if the computer belongs to you.
The FlipStart, part of a new wave of tiny Windows PCs, has a decent battery life, but its awkward, in-between size and $2,000 price tag is likely to keep it a niche product. (Video)
After buying a new computer, migrating your files and programs from your old machine can be quite a hassle. Walt looks at the quickest, simplest methods for handling this problem. (Video)
A new program helps people who prefer to use keyboard shortcuts rather than moving their hands to use the mouse. And its commands needn’t be memorized, because they are entered in plain English.
Vista is the best version of Windows that Microsoft has produced, Walt Mossberg says. But while navigation has been improved, the successor to XP isn’t a breakthrough in ease of use.
The Samsung BlackJack smart phone has a slimmer design and longer battery life than the Treo 750. But if you can afford $499, you might want to wait for the Apple iPhone, Walt says.
For HDTV owners who want a digital video recorder, the choice can be tough. The Comcast high-definition DVR is a cheaper, but flawed product and the TiVo Series3 is an excellent, but overpriced one.
Palm’s Treo is being challenged by new rivals that are thinner, lighter and less expensive. So it is striking back with a cheaper model of its own. Walt tests the Treo 680 and T-Mobile’s Dash and finds that neither is as good as it could be. (Video)
Walt Mossberg offers a quick glossary of techno terms shoppers may encounter when looking for a computer, television, digital camera or cellphone this holiday season. (Video)
The new version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer is much improved, but there’s nothing that should make you switch from other browsers, Walt Mossberg writes.
BlackBerry’s new Pearl is aimed squarely at consumers who need powerful email capabilities, but also want style and bells and whistles. And it’s a beautiful piece of work, Walt Mossberg says. (Video)
Novatel has come out with a couple of new ExpressCard versions for Cingular and Verizon cellular broadband networks. I recommend both new cards. But the two high-speed networks are very different.
Edited by Walt and written by Katie Boehret, this is a guide to gadgets, web services and other consumer technologies.
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