Here you will find information on computer hardware components and peripherals. From monitors to printers to trackballs, this section provides everything you need to know about computer hardware.
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If your laptop shuts down unexpectedly or just won't turn on, you might think it's decided to stop working permanently. Before you give up on your laptop, consider the most common causes of laptop power loss.
There aren't enough words in the dictionary to describe all the possible combinations of mechanical failures, human errors, and software issues that result in a "broken" laptop. Here's how to resolve some problems that may arise.
Surge protectors and UPS units could help save your computer from a major electrical disaster.
Tips on how to set up your laptop.
Instructions on how to use, insert and eject and eject a PC memory card.
New photo printers deliver more and cost less.
You get what you pay for with these two machines.
Basic 22-inch wide-screen LCDs are a steal for under $300, and decked-out ones are tempting, too, at less than $400.
Here's the stuff you'd have to pry from the hands of the PC World staff.
These 30-inch LCDs deliver really high resolution, plus lots of screen real estate--but at a price.
Lexmark's extremely budget-priced Z1300 inkjet printer claims the ninth spot on our latest chart.
The low-cost T-6815 and the convertible E-295C, formerly under the Gateway brand and now sold by MPC, enter our all-purpose laptops chart.
From PCs to audio players, we rigorously test and analyze products independently to provide you with trustworthy information to use when you're planning a purchase.
This overclocked system turned in the fastest system we've ever seen.
A bargain hunter's dream, this wide-screen monitor offers good text and graphics.
Best for viewing office documents, this 26-inch (25.5-inch viewable area) LCD's weak graphics performance defeats its low price.
Moderately powerful laptop has dedicated nVidia graphics, HDMI output, and an HD DVD reader.
This well-rounded desktop replacement is very affordable, but its performance wasn't great.
A huge, 20.1-inch display and solid multimedia features help this hefty desktop replacement stand out.
A hands-on peek at the next big mini-notebook.
This racing-themed laptop has modern features and design tweaks that improve on previous models.
This wide-screen LCD is too expensive for a no-frills model with no frills with undistinguished performance.
Design and impressive battery life distinguish this ultraportable.
Basic system boasts more expansion room than most value PCs, but isn't as fully loaded as competing models that cost less.
Some things to keep in mind when adding new hardware to your PC.
If your laptop isn't giving you everything you need, learn how to add external hardware to gain the advantages of a desktop.
Enhance your laptop with these tips for adding external plug-ins to your computer.
A guide to adding extra storage to your computer system when your hard drive just won't cut it anymore.
Learn how to adjust the performance and appearance of Windows on your laptop using the control panel.
This well-designed but pricey monitor matches its looks with performance scores that show its considerable range.
This extremely thin-looking monitor offers solid, no-frills performance that will appeal to minimalists and budget-conscious offices.
This reasonably priced model turned in impressive performance.
This cheap PC delivered disappointing performance, with mediocre image quality from the included CRT monitor.
Expensive gaming system has good looks and plenty of horsepower.
Brawny, customized gaming laptop pulls out all the stops, including solid-state storage, but it suffers from a dark screen and other flaws.
This big notebook is ideal for gaming, but has an uncomfortable keyboard.
Two of the newcomers on this month's chart feature Intel's latest Centrino technology.
Supersleek all-in-one system offers great image quality.
We recommend portables with a screen bright enough to view outdoors.
A reader requests advice in selecting a portable drive that's both fast and durable.
Can external hard drives become network-attached storage over Wi-Fi?
How long should an optical drive last under normal use?
What's the best way to preserve a notebook battery?
This peppy, reasonably priced notebook blends business and consumer features.
A dim screen is the only significant drawback on this otherwise solidly performing and reasonably priced laptop.
This decent but unimpressive display seems unlikely to get the average buyer's pulse racing.
This media PC offers limited media friendliness.
Gaming-oriented 19-incher comes loaded with extras.
This stylish lightweight notebook includes a bright LED-backlit display.
This powerful, distinguished-looking business laptop is hampered by stiff mouse buttons.
This speedy desktop replacement has style to spare but costs a pretty penny.
This 4-pound portable features a Vista SideShow display.
The first DirectX 10 board from ATI competes pretty closely with nVidia cards on today's games, but the true story will come out when DX10 games start to appear.
Lightweight model boasts strong battery life and versatile features, but it's hindered by a mediocre keyboard.
Despite a pleasing design and a reasonable weight, its poor keyboard and lack of upgradability hold this model back.
This tablet is challenging to master, but it makes drawing fun.
It looks slick, but mediocre performance and a high price tag disappoint.
Even the smallest office needs a fast, reliable printer that produces good-looking documents. Our buying guide highlights some of the most capable models currently available--and tells you how to find the best one for your work situation.
Will a thousand bucks buy a good-quality laptop? PC World laptop reviews say yes, but you will have to make some compromises.
This month's chart features all newly tested models.
You know which products you need. But where and when can you get the best deals? Our ratings of the best tech stores--and our tips for timing your purchases--can help.
It's not the cheapest graphics board based on nVidia's GeForce 8800 GTS chip, but it's overclocked and carries a lifetime warranty.
All five laptops we tested for this month's chart are ready to be upgraded to Windows Vista.
Three multimedia-oriented desktop-replacement laptops take positions on our chart.
The Plextor PX-B900A optical drive performs well and comes with a top-notch set of burning programs, but it carries a daunting price tag.
This all-in-one printer doesn't set any performance records, but it packs many business-class features into a compact package.
Brother's MFC-685CW is a well-equipped color inkjet multifunction printer. Unfortunately, it's very slow.
Efficient but not stylish, this color laser MFP is a solid choice for adding a little color to work documents.
Portable DVD burners are slick, but you'll have to trade off performance for size.
Older cameras designed to work with SD Cards aren't equipped to handle Secure Digital High Capacity media.
The DR-2050C's strong image quality is offset by its slow performance and premium price.
This printer carefully balances features with economy, offering competent performance and few disappointments.
Home and student users should love this inkjet printer's output--and its price--but they'll need a little patience.
The iP3500 inkjet printer offers impressive speed, very good output, and useful features for a low price.
Inexpensive printer successfully balances speed, output quality, and price.
Faster than even some low-end lasers, the Pixma iP4500 inkjet printer generates great text and photos.
Canon's portable printer offers excellent controls and better print quality than competing models.
Jump at this MFP's low price only if you can tolerate a confusing control panel and sparse copy capabilities.
This MFP's low price includes full photo capabilities and a 1.8-inch LCD, as well as good scanning, copying, and printing features.
This general-purpose all-in-one prints high-quality photos at an affordable price.
This easy-to-use MFP delivers high-quality prints and copies at fast speeds.
Photographers will love the MP960 for its film scanning and beautiful photo prints.
A few image-quality and design quirks aside, this multifunction printer offers a capable mix of features for a fair price.
It's slow and a bit clunky, but prints look smooth (albeit dark). Cost per print is reasonable.
Printer offers good photo output and PC-less printing options, but just average text quality and speed.
One of the most popular things that computer users wish to do in their spare time is to make a CD replication (also known as a CD-ROM duplication) or even a DVD duplication. Here are the most commonly asked questions about DVD replication and CD replication, along with the answers:
Here you will find background information on CD-Burners. From their origin to the importance they hold and to the vendors available.
Waterproof backups, underwater camera goggles, and a cell phone signal booster. Plus a video you won't want to miss.
A clip-on video camera, a convenient clipper, and a photo watch, plus an adorable polar bear cub.
How to change the assigned letters on disk drives in your PC.
Companies often fail to appreciate a sound data backup strategy until their data goes missing. Fortunately, good, affordable backup technology is plentiful, with a flavor for every taste.
Some things to consider when thinking about what computer will give you the best audio experience that you desire.
If you prefer analog video to digital, or you just have some old videos you'd like to capture, you're going to need some specialized hardware to help you with that process.
Keep your monitor, scanner, mouse, and keyboard clean with these ideas and tips.
Tips on how, and how not, to clean your laptop to keep it running smoothly.
When it comes to making hard copy, you're going to need a printer. Often enough, black and white ink is serviceable - if you're a lawyer, for instance, or work for someone else who requires a lot of bulk text printing. If you need more than that, though - whether for aesthetic or other reasons - you're going to have to get a color printer.
Welcome back, Commodore--but it may take more than a gimmicky desktop computer case to win over power users.
Inexpensive PC with big hard drive succeeds at standard multimedia tasks, but its graphics are too weak for serious gamers.
The story of Apple's lightest-ever laptop is a series of compromises. To buy or not to buy can be answered by one question: How many are you willing to make?
Some people prefer to lease a computer rather than purchase one outright. This is an option for either the individual or a business. There are several different things to consider when leasing a computer, not the least of which is cost.
The mouse snap presents information about keyboards and their uses. We start with the most elementary aspect of a mouse and work up to the most technologically advanced. You will also be provided with vendors to choose from.
How to successfully connect a laptop and desktop with windows direct connection
Here are a few different ways to connect your desktop to your laptop to enable file exchange between the two.
How to conserve a laptop's battery power by using hibernation mode.
Tips on how to make your laptop's battery life longer by understanding a list of components that drain a lot of power.