Consumer Advice
News, advice and information for technology consumers.
MagicJack Refund Lost in Customer-Identity Snafu
(News) Similar names in a customer database, and inconsistent communication, lead to problems. Plus: An attorney objects to Mint.com's terms of service.
(News) Similar names in a customer database, and inconsistent communication, lead to problems. Plus: An attorney objects to Mint.com's terms of service.
The 10 Most Annoying Habits of Technology Companies
(Reviews) Fed up with rebate hassles, nagging software, and skimpy support? So are we! The everyday practices of hardware, software, and Web firms can drive their customers bonkers. Here's how to fight back.
(Reviews) Fed up with rebate hassles, nagging software, and skimpy support? So are we! The everyday practices of hardware, software, and Web firms can drive their customers bonkers. Here's how to fight back.
Summer Travel Tips
(How To) How to find the best gas prices, airports, and hotels for your vacation getaway--with your gadgets.
(How To) How to find the best gas prices, airports, and hotels for your vacation getaway--with your gadgets.
5 Habits for Greener Computing
(How To) Want to save power, paper, printer ink, and--oh, yeah--the earth, too? These simple hints will make your computing life more eco-friendly--and cheaper.
(How To) Want to save power, paper, printer ink, and--oh, yeah--the earth, too? These simple hints will make your computing life more eco-friendly--and cheaper.
More Tech Tips From Travelers
(How To) An Internet tablet saves the day in Italy, a tourist avoids looking touristy, and a traveler instantly shares pictures with folks back home--all thanks to their portable gear.
(How To) An Internet tablet saves the day in Italy, a tourist avoids looking touristy, and a traveler instantly shares pictures with folks back home--all thanks to their portable gear.
MadDog Multimedia Proves Elusive When Trouble Strikes
(How To) The graphics board vendor sent a reader two replacement cards that also malfunctioned, but never tried to troubleshoot the problem. Plus: D-Link recalls its first dual-mode draft-n routers, and Magellan blames support problems on a change of outsourced customer service.
(How To) The graphics board vendor sent a reader two replacement cards that also malfunctioned, but never tried to troubleshoot the problem. Plus: D-Link recalls its first dual-mode draft-n routers, and Magellan blames support problems on a change of outsourced customer service.
Online Personal Finance: Mvelopes Mix-up Untangled
(How To) Online Personal Finance: Mvelopes Mix-up Untangled
(How To) Online Personal Finance: Mvelopes Mix-up Untangled
Weird and Wonderful Computer Furniture
(News) A B-52 ejection chair, a computer bed and a walking station: These and other far-out creations will make your workspace look anything but average.
(News) A B-52 ejection chair, a computer bed and a walking station: These and other far-out creations will make your workspace look anything but average.
Big Delays for Small Laptops: OLPC Recipients Irate
(News) The charitable Give One, Get One XO laptop program comes under fire by participants who say they've suffered chronic delivery snafus and delays.
(News) The charitable Give One, Get One XO laptop program comes under fire by participants who say they've suffered chronic delivery snafus and delays.
HDTV Delivery Services Vary Widely
(How To) Some TV delivery services will deposit your big-screen set only on your doorstep, while others will even take care of installation - for a price.
(How To) Some TV delivery services will deposit your big-screen set only on your doorstep, while others will even take care of installation - for a price.
How to Make Sure You've Really Dropped an Online Service
(How To) Cancelling Symantec and McAfee services requires proactivity on the customer's part. Also: CyberPower's customer information policy and Coby Electronics' music player recall.
(How To) Cancelling Symantec and McAfee services requires proactivity on the customer's part. Also: CyberPower's customer information policy and Coby Electronics' music player recall.
Tech Products: Check Before Buying--And on Arrival
(How To) Be aware of compatibility issues, return deadlines; plus, a merchant's multiple sites, varying prices; and a shipping address glitch.
(How To) Be aware of compatibility issues, return deadlines; plus, a merchant's multiple sites, varying prices; and a shipping address glitch.
High-Tech Hyatt Place
(Reviews) The budding hotel chain promises high-tech amenities--and for the most part, delivers on that promise.
(Reviews) The budding hotel chain promises high-tech amenities--and for the most part, delivers on that promise.
Find Missing Money, Get Marketers Off Your Back
(How To) Ultra useful Web sites help you track down unclaimed money and opt out of marketing schemes--plus the latest in robotics.
(How To) Ultra useful Web sites help you track down unclaimed money and opt out of marketing schemes--plus the latest in robotics.
New update breaks hacked iPhones
(News) Users are reporting that a new update to Apple Inc.'s iPhone is making previously unlocked iPhones unusable.
(News) Users are reporting that a new update to Apple Inc.'s iPhone is making previously unlocked iPhones unusable.
The Best Hotels for Business Travelers
(Reviews) A guide to finding the best places to lay your head--and get some work done.
(Reviews) A guide to finding the best places to lay your head--and get some work done.
Whoa??s Behind That Web Site? Hard to Know
(How To) Some self-described consumer sites are actually industry shillsa??-and ita??s not always easy to tell.
(How To) Some self-described consumer sites are actually industry shillsa??-and ita??s not always easy to tell.
Telemarketers Are Back, Car Sales Exposed
(How To) It's time to take a break from computing and focus on important stuff--like annoying phone calls and crooked car dealers.
(How To) It's time to take a break from computing and focus on important stuff--like annoying phone calls and crooked car dealers.
How to Gripe (Effectively) Online
(Reviews) Have a problem with a company or product? Complaining online could help.
(Reviews) Have a problem with a company or product? Complaining online could help.
15 Tech Myths: Busted and Confirmed
(How To) We examine common tech beliefs and do some digging to find out what's true--and what's trumped up.
(How To) We examine common tech beliefs and do some digging to find out what's true--and what's trumped up.
Could RIM have responded better to outage?
(News) As of late Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Eastern Time, Research in Motion Ltd. had offered no explanation for the cause of the BlackBerry e-mail service outage that affected users in North America.
(News) As of late Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Eastern Time, Research in Motion Ltd. had offered no explanation for the cause of the BlackBerry e-mail service outage that affected users in North America.
Consumer Nightmare: Getting Your Vista Express Upgrade
(News) You bought an Windows XP-based PC--before the Vista launch--and heard rosy promises of an OS upgrade. But scoring Vista has been a painful process for many.
(News) You bought an Windows XP-based PC--before the Vista launch--and heard rosy promises of an OS upgrade. But scoring Vista has been a painful process for many.
Phone Bill Woes
(News) Cell phone customers are increasingly complaining--and suing--over mysterious, hard-to-cancel charges on their monthly bills.
(News) Cell phone customers are increasingly complaining--and suing--over mysterious, hard-to-cancel charges on their monthly bills.
Processor vs. Memory
(Reviews) Our expert explains why RAM is more important than CPU speed for a buyer on a budget.
(Reviews) Our expert explains why RAM is more important than CPU speed for a buyer on a budget.
Mine the Net for the Latest Research and Knowledge
(How To) Hone your search skills to uncover troves of serious, primary-source material on the Web.
(How To) Hone your search skills to uncover troves of serious, primary-source material on the Web.
Are Mail-In Rebates Headed for Extinction?
(How To) Though some sellers are abandoning rebates, these offers still have appeal.
(How To) Though some sellers are abandoning rebates, these offers still have appeal.
PS3 vs. Wii, Microsoft Zune, Office 2007
(News) Readers discuss pros and cons of the new gaming consoles, Microsoft's MP3 player, and the new Office.
(News) Readers discuss pros and cons of the new gaming consoles, Microsoft's MP3 player, and the new Office.
Grand Reopening: PC World Shopping
(Reviews) In adding new tools and better navigation, we've made finding your best deals on the technology you want both simple and fast.
(Reviews) In adding new tools and better navigation, we've made finding your best deals on the technology you want both simple and fast.
Protect Yourself Against Credit Fraud
(How To) New options help prevent miscreants from racking up charges on your card.
(How To) New options help prevent miscreants from racking up charges on your card.
The Print Shop: Top Sites For Bargain Seekers
(Reviews) A link-tastic guide to finding the best printer deals online.
(Reviews) A link-tastic guide to finding the best printer deals online.
Fire Hazard Risk Prompts Giant Dell Laptop Battery Recall
(news) Fire Hazard Risk Prompts Giant Dell Laptop Battery Recall
(news) Fire Hazard Risk Prompts Giant Dell Laptop Battery Recall
Is My Copy of Windows Genuine or Not?
(howto) Updates to Microsoft's verification site can complicate the validation process.
(howto) Updates to Microsoft's verification site can complicate the validation process.
Your Chance to Help Test This Column!
(howto) Are new ideas better? Never-ending betas let you judge for yourself.
(howto) Are new ideas better? Never-ending betas let you judge for yourself.
Power-Saving Tips: Save Money by Putting Your PC on a Power Diet
(howto) Power-Saving Tips: Save Money by Putting Your PC on a Power Diet
(howto) Power-Saving Tips: Save Money by Putting Your PC on a Power Diet
Consumer Watch: Upgrade That Application--or Else!
(howto) Consumer Watch: Upgrade That Application--or Else!
(howto) Consumer Watch: Upgrade That Application--or Else!
On Your Side: Mozilla Store Fails to Follow Through
(howto) On Your Side: Mozilla Store Fails to Follow Through
(howto) On Your Side: Mozilla Store Fails to Follow Through
Give Up Privacy to Skip Airport Security Lines?
(news) Give Up Privacy to Skip Airport Security Lines?
(news) Give Up Privacy to Skip Airport Security Lines?
A Guide to PC World's Star Ratings
(reviews) Our star ratings give readers a quick assessment of a product's overall quality, value, and performance.
(reviews) Our star ratings give readers a quick assessment of a product's overall quality, value, and performance.
On Your Side: Crash Eats MP3s
(howto) Hardware vendor's warranty covers the player and its hard drive--but not the data on it.
(howto) Hardware vendor's warranty covers the player and its hard drive--but not the data on it.
The Playlist: What's Wrong With Digital Music Stores?
(news) Though digital music has come a long way, today's online music stores still have significant problems. Here's my fix-it wish list.
(news) Though digital music has come a long way, today's online music stores still have significant problems. Here's my fix-it wish list.
On Your Side: Amazon's Confusing Return Policies
(howto) A buyer of a laptop discovers that more than one online store is involved in the transaction.
(howto) A buyer of a laptop discovers that more than one online store is involved in the transaction.
Up Front: A Better Way to Rate PC Performance
(howto) Introducing WorldBench 5, PC World's next-generation system benchmark.
(howto) Introducing WorldBench 5, PC World's next-generation system benchmark.
Fees Surprise Unwary Web Shoppers
(news) Surfers unaware that credit card information is sometimes shared.
(news) Surfers unaware that credit card information is sometimes shared.
Up Front: Confessions of a Software Freeloader
(howto) A few tips for getting top-notch, helpful programs at the best price of all.
(howto) A few tips for getting top-notch, helpful programs at the best price of all.
Up Front: World Class 2004...and the Blooper Reel
(howto) A year's worth of products: the winning, the wearisome, and the weird.
(howto) A year's worth of products: the winning, the wearisome, and the weird.
On Your Side: Digital Camera Goes Kaput
(howto) Your options when an HP camera fails and is out of warranty.
(howto) Your options when an HP camera fails and is out of warranty.
Consumer Watch: The Cable-or-Satellite Conundrum
(howto) TV lovers finally have a real choice. Here's how to pick the right service.
(howto) TV lovers finally have a real choice. Here's how to pick the right service.
Up Front: The More Operating Systems, the Merrier
(howto) Why I'm switching to the Macintosh--and back to the PC again--every day.
(howto) Why I'm switching to the Macintosh--and back to the PC again--every day.
Up Front: Wi-Fi Networking--Can't Live With It...
(howto) A few tips for the most frustrating (and indispensable) technology around.
(howto) A few tips for the most frustrating (and indispensable) technology around.
Full Disclosure: Networked Entertainment--Just Say No
(howto) Streaming media, from your PC to your living room? What a runaround!
(howto) Streaming media, from your PC to your living room? What a runaround!
On Your Side: Router Dies After Firmware Upgrade
(howto) Manufacturer sees no causal connection between downloaded firmware and customer's damaged equipment.
(howto) Manufacturer sees no causal connection between downloaded firmware and customer's damaged equipment.
Up Front: DVD--Hot Today, Hassles Tomorrow?
(howto) Burn, everybody, burn! But get ready for headaches with new technologies.
(howto) Burn, everybody, burn! But get ready for headaches with new technologies.
Consumer Watch: If You Build It, Will It Run?
(howto) Building your own PC? Here's how to save some headaches and some dollars.
(howto) Building your own PC? Here's how to save some headaches and some dollars.
Up Front: The Check's in the Mail? Rebate Realities
(howto) Sellers can do much more to cut the red tape and long waits buyers endure.
(howto) Sellers can do much more to cut the red tape and long waits buyers endure.
Left to My Devices: Battle of the Gadget Store Titans
(news) Sharper Image and Brookstone may look alike, but they don't stock alike.
(news) Sharper Image and Brookstone may look alike, but they don't stock alike.
The Art of the Deal
(howto) The right tech products at great prices from trustworthy merchants are out there. These 30 tips and sites will help you find them, online or off.
(howto) The right tech products at great prices from trustworthy merchants are out there. These 30 tips and sites will help you find them, online or off.
On Your Side: Notebook CPU Is Too Darn Slow
(howto) It's smart to check the components in a new system to make sure you received what you paid for.
(howto) It's smart to check the components in a new system to make sure you received what you paid for.
Up Front: Microsoft's Security Problem--and Ours
(howto) Glitchy software turns us all into unpaid, overworked chief security officers.
(howto) Glitchy software turns us all into unpaid, overworked chief security officers.
Necessary Accessories for Holiday Gadgets
(news) Got batteries? Enough storage? Here's a guide to add-ons that enhance your gifts.
(news) Got batteries? Enough storage? Here's a guide to add-ons that enhance your gifts.
Carefree Online Shopping
(news) Use our expert's advice for successful holiday Web shopping sprees--from guides to great deals to plenty of privacy protection pointers.
(news) Use our expert's advice for successful holiday Web shopping sprees--from guides to great deals to plenty of privacy protection pointers.
Up Front: The Right Stuff Right Now--Right Here
(howto) Today's top products and makers, plus the debut of our newest section.
(howto) Today's top products and makers, plus the debut of our newest section.
Full Disclosure: Rules of the Tech Road--Drivers Beware!
(howto) Helping PC newbies? Get ready for crashes.
(howto) Helping PC newbies? Get ready for crashes.
Up Front: Putting America's Privacy to the Test
(howto) Essential security advice for busy people. Plus: The new Top 100.
(howto) Essential security advice for busy people. Plus: The new Top 100.
On Your Side: Digital Camera Misses the Picture
(howto) Kodak digicam seems to frame images improperly.
(howto) Kodak digicam seems to frame images improperly.
Consumer Watch: Use the Web When You Need Wheels
(howto) Kick the tires, but let online research help you drive a hard bargain.
(howto) Kick the tires, but let online research help you drive a hard bargain.
Up Front: Help for an Annoyed Nation
(howto) You've got tech gripes. And we've got fixes--this month and every month.
(howto) You've got tech gripes. And we've got fixes--this month and every month.
On Your Side: Locked Out of a PayPal Account
(howto) A customer discovers that he can't access his money--and that he can't get any answers.
(howto) A customer discovers that he can't access his money--and that he can't get any answers.
Up Front: Finally, Services Worth Paying For
(howto) $10 for this, $20 for that--maybe there's too much good stuff out there.
(howto) $10 for this, $20 for that--maybe there's too much good stuff out there.
Beware Bogus Printer Ink
(yahoo) Counterfeit cartridges can ruin prints, spray ink, and damage your printer.
(yahoo) Counterfeit cartridges can ruin prints, spray ink, and damage your printer.
The Perfect Student PC
(howto) About to go on a shopping spree? Here's how to choose the right computer for your young scholar.
(howto) About to go on a shopping spree? Here's how to choose the right computer for your young scholar.
The Well-Equipped Student: Best High-Tech Gear
(reviews) From media-rich PCs and nifty keyboards to stellar MP3 players and PDAs, you have plenty of options for outfitting students going back to school.
(reviews) From media-rich PCs and nifty keyboards to stellar MP3 players and PDAs, you have plenty of options for outfitting students going back to school.
Letters to PC World, June 2003
(resource) Doubts about handhelds' progress; makers neglect home projectors; beige or black--it's our choice.
(resource) Doubts about handhelds' progress; makers neglect home projectors; beige or black--it's our choice.
Up Front: Rating the Tech Behind the Specs
(howto) Buying computing products is a numbers game--but our Test Center can help.
(howto) Buying computing products is a numbers game--but our Test Center can help.
Mobile Computing: Tips for Saving Money
(howto) Used or refurbished gear, other bargains, and tax write-offs.
(howto) Used or refurbished gear, other bargains, and tax write-offs.
Mobile Computing: Insuring Your Notebook
(howto) Protect against theft, damage, and random acts of nature.
(howto) Protect against theft, damage, and random acts of nature.
Full Disclosure: What's Not Hot (Alas!) for 2003
(howto) It'll be a great year--especially if you like hype, bad ideas, and unkept promises.
(howto) It'll be a great year--especially if you like hype, bad ideas, and unkept promises.
Consumer Watch: Twelve Ways Companies Drive Us Nuts
(howto) You know what's really maddening? These problems would be easy to fix.
(howto) You know what's really maddening? These problems would be easy to fix.
Plugged In: Desktop Prices Hit Rock Bottom
(howto) Plus: Small software, ripping Redmond, Sidekick soars, and pop-ups go down.
(howto) Plus: Small software, ripping Redmond, Sidekick soars, and pop-ups go down.
Where to Recycle Digital Gear
(news) Replace that aging PC, PDA, or cell phone over the holidays? Here's what to do with the old one.
(news) Replace that aging PC, PDA, or cell phone over the holidays? Here's what to do with the old one.
Best Computer Products
(reviews) Every month PC World rates over a hundred products in more than two dozen categories. Whether you're looking for a new digital camera or notebook, a hard drive or monitor, here are our picks from the cream of the crop.
(reviews) Every month PC World rates over a hundred products in more than two dozen categories. Whether you're looking for a new digital camera or notebook, a hard drive or monitor, here are our picks from the cream of the crop.
On Your Side: Unauthorized Dealers and Warranties
(howto) Make sure your purchases are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
(howto) Make sure your purchases are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Consumer Watch: Bulletproof Your PC's Warranty
(howto) How to make sure that your warranty will really protect you.
(howto) How to make sure that your warranty will really protect you.
Shattered: This CD's in Tatters?
(news) High-speed drives increase the chances that a defective CD will explode.
(news) High-speed drives increase the chances that a defective CD will explode.
Full Disclosure: Trust Is Technology's No-Way Street
(howto) Tempted to rely on the integrity of tech vendors? Good luck!
(howto) Tempted to rely on the integrity of tech vendors? Good luck!
Home Office: Today's Super Bargains? Look on the Web
(howto) But if you want to find the best Internet deals, you need the right tools.
(howto) But if you want to find the best Internet deals, you need the right tools.
Web Savvy: Read Any Good E-Books Lately?
(howto) Me neither, but here are some reasons you might want to try one.
(howto) Me neither, but here are some reasons you might want to try one.
Plugged In: New Smart Phones--Not Smart Enough
(howto) Plus: Legalized hacking, Apple enticements, Palladium, and 64-bit CPUs.
(howto) Plus: Legalized hacking, Apple enticements, Palladium, and 64-bit CPUs.
Consumer Watch: Don't Let Driver Woes Drive You Nuts
(howto) Here's how to cope when driver problems make your peripherals inoperative.
(howto) Here's how to cope when driver problems make your peripherals inoperative.
Home Office: Some Cords I'll Cut, but Some I'll Keep
(howto) Wireless devices are hit-and-miss. Here are two keepers, and two to toss back.
(howto) Wireless devices are hit-and-miss. Here are two keepers, and two to toss back.
On Your Side: Microsoft Changes Tune on Support
(howto) On Your Side: Microsoft Changes Tune on Support
(howto) On Your Side: Microsoft Changes Tune on Support
Consumer Watch: Don't Let Them Steal Your Good Name
(howto) Identity theft is skyrocketing--and it's even being used to fund terrorism.
(howto) Identity theft is skyrocketing--and it's even being used to fund terrorism.
Up Front: A Better Way to Choose What to Buy
(howto) New online guides and smart product rankings simplify decision-making.
(howto) New online guides and smart product rankings simplify decision-making.
Full Disclosure: Sick of Blue Screens? Get a Mac!
(howto) Don't fret: Fantasies about ditching Windows are perfectly normal--maybe even healthy.
(howto) Don't fret: Fantasies about ditching Windows are perfectly normal--maybe even healthy.
On Your Side: Web Glitch Causes Duplicate Charges
(howto) How a simple online order for a cell phone led to a big headache.
(howto) How a simple online order for a cell phone led to a big headache.
Up Front: Shopping for Technology? Start Here
(howto) New products, new decisions--and a new kind of buying guide.
(howto) New products, new decisions--and a new kind of buying guide.
On Your Side: In Search of Missing Laptop Drivers
(howto) Trying to obtain a system recovery CD for a second-hand notebook PC can be difficult.
(howto) Trying to obtain a system recovery CD for a second-hand notebook PC can be difficult.
Privacy Watch: Online Investigators Know All About You
(howto) Web services promise to dig up all available information--factual and otherwise--about the person of your choice.
(howto) Web services promise to dig up all available information--factual and otherwise--about the person of your choice.
Full Disclosure: Specsmanship--The Numbers Do Lie
(howto) Take heart, tech fans: The latest isn't always the greatest.
(howto) Take heart, tech fans: The latest isn't always the greatest.
Consumer Watch: Solve Big Hassles in Small-Claims Court
(howto) Taking a company to court may help you get what's rightfully yours.
(howto) Taking a company to court may help you get what's rightfully yours.
On Your Side: PC Connection Catalog Slipup
(howto) Checking the product you receive against the promised specs is always a good idea.
(howto) Checking the product you receive against the promised specs is always a good idea.
Do Online Complaints Pay Off?
(reviews) More ticked-off buyers are taking their gripes to the Web. We show you how to get results.
(reviews) More ticked-off buyers are taking their gripes to the Web. We show you how to get results.
The Worst Internet Hoaxes
(reviews) Gotcha! E-mail hoaxes are out to get you. Here are the ten most cunning ruses to watch out for.
(reviews) Gotcha! E-mail hoaxes are out to get you. Here are the ten most cunning ruses to watch out for.
The Truth About Low Prices
(reviews) Attention, Web shoppers: Here's how to find bargains on PC products without getting snared.
(reviews) Attention, Web shoppers: Here's how to find bargains on PC products without getting snared.