Digital Buying Guide 2004

Book excerpt: Moore's Law states that computer speed will double every eighteen months, and so far, it's true. Computer speeds have been accelerating relent-lessly and show little signs of slowing. That's good news, as computers can be used for everything from letter-writing to managing personal finances, and can be the entre to the Internet, giving access to e-mail and hundreds of millions of sites. But your computer can also be the linchpin for scores of other digital equipment: cameras, camcorders, scanners, printers, game boxes, and more. It is also the place where you store, swap, copy, or alter photos, graphics, songs, and games in progress. Given all this, Consumer Reports' expert advice in the 2004 edition of Digital Buying Guide is indispensable. The volume covers: -Shopping for essential services such as Internet providers -Getting off to the right start in digital imaging -Valuable buying guidance on desktops, laptops, PDAs, monitors, printers, fax machines, cameras, scanners, MP3 players, and more -Brand-name Ratings you'll only get from Consumer Reports, plus a comprehensive glossary and profiles of the major home-computer and home-office brands.