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Computer Magazines Subscriptions
A subscription to a few first class computer magazines is certainly the first step to keep the overview!
Wired Magazine
Wired (2-year)
Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $119.76
The best thing about Wired is that it has stayed true to its roots over all of these years. Wired has always had a forward-looking, sophisticated attitude toward technology. You can tell that every article is well-researched and no feature in the magazine is an afterthought. In every issue, you will find:
- stories about the unsung heroes who are really responsible for pushing the limits of technology
- some politically-oriented article that shows the growing interplay between technology and politics
- cool digital and electronic gadgets (that usually cost a lot of $$)
- fun stuff like Jargon watch, Wired vs. Tired, and even some of the ads (how often can you say that?)
Beyond that, I find Wired is the best place to read about things like the melding of human and computer and the progess of technology outside of the U.S. So, I find every issue interesting. It's a little less useful to me as an investor in technology stocks, but it does offer me that broader perspective on technology that helps put investable ideas into context. The clincher is the price - a small sacrifice for so much intriguing and entertaining content. I once considered discontinuing my subscription, but realized that it's so different from everything else I read and just one decent article an issue makes it worthwhile. Very glad I kept it. So, if you've never read Wired, I would give it definitely give it a try. -- Tony Ursillo (Norwood, MA USA)
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Macworld Magazine
This magazine is editorially aimed at the Macintosh owner and user. It contains information on Macintosh software for education, recreation and home and business productivity. As well, it reviews state-of-the-art commercial software.
Macworld
Amazon Price: $19.97 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $83.88
No, I'm not a salesman for Macworld -- at least, they're not paying me anything for being one. I only know, as an owner of Apple computers for over 25 years, that Macworld will repeatedly show you how to do things that (1) you always wanted to do on a Mac, and (2) you didn't know you could do on ANY computer.
See, a key reason you're buying a Mac is that it makes it possible to do so very many things easily that a PC either can't do or makes very difficult. Right? Well, as easy as Macs do make most things, there are still a lot of details that can be hard to absorb quickly when you're just trying to make things work. Especially when you feel as though you could erase something vital accidentally with just the push the wrong button.
MACWORLD GETS THAT, and has LOTS of easy-to-undertstand articles on how to reduce your fears, get things done, and even simplify the processes in the long run. Plus, they have a website, where you can look up past and side articles that pertain to exactly what you are trying to do.
In addition, as a new Mac owner, you'll find that there are tons of outside companies -- large and small -- that make software and peripherals for Macs. Most are very good, but some are so geek-centric that it can be hard to understand whether what they have to offer is beneficial to you or just more [...] on your system. Macworld is very smart about helping you understand which ones to pay attention to and which ones to avoid.
Lastly, I suggest you think of Macworld as you would a guide to your favorite hobby. That is, it's likely to have a lot of information that you know, but it will also constantly update you on aspects that you don't. Plus, since new products come out constantly for the Mac, it will also keep you up-to-date on what's available that may or may not make sense for you.
In the long run, I predict that you'll soon find a Macworld subscription to be one of the cheapest (and most valuable) investments you've ever made. And good luck with your new Mac. Welcome to the fold. -- Greg Robertson (West Quincy, MA)
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Computer Industry News
- China Software Filter Delay Is Boon to PC Makers
- The computer industry supports the goal of giving parents the ability to block access to offensive content, but is opposed to any requirement that specifies ...
- Symantec and Diskeeper appearing on Let's Talk Computers ® airing ...
- Our goal is to let you know what is happening in the computer industry. The syndicated Let's Talk Computers (LTC) can be heard weekly in 7 states and 24 ...
- Green Dam Protesters Wait for China's Other Shoe to Drop
- There was also strong pushback through diplomatic channels and from the computer industry, Harris noted. Granted, some manufacturers appeared to have ...
- Call to fast-track school computers
- AUSTRALIA'S peak computer industry groups are at odds as to when the federal government should spend the remaining $1billion to equip secondary schools with ...
MacLife Magazine
MacLife (1-year)
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $95.88
If you read some of the older reviews some make the comment that Mac Addict isn't what it used to be. I'm not sure what they're getting at with that. This magazine has been steadily improving over the years. Lots of reviews, and the included CD is a great tool, filled with free ware, share ware, and samples of commercial software that allow you to try the program before buying it.
If your a Mac engineer it may not be enough for you, but for most of us this is a good source of info. -- R. Anderson (Petoskey, MI USA)
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Maximum PC Magazine
MAXIMUM PC is the ultimate upgrade for the savvy PC owners. Every month, the magazine is packed with breaking news, tons of tips & techniques, and the most in-depth reviews anywhere.
Maximum PC (1-year)
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $107.88
This is without a doubt my favorite computer-related magazine. While many of the well-known players in this field (especially the ones with "PC" in their name) have dedicated increasing portions of their magazines to business-related topics, Maximum PC has stayed true to the cause of helping the individual home enthusiast or expert get the most from his machine. If you want to read about B2B apps, corporate firewalls, or XML, look elsewhere, but if you want comprehensive reviews of the latest hardware and software written for people who don't need a tutorial to rename a file on their PC or insert a chart into an Excel file, look no further.
If you're the sort of person who builds his own machine or is thinking of doing so, Maximum PC will likely prove itself useful to you. Likewise for those planning to do their own hardware upgrades. And if you're like me and just like to stay aware of and knowledgeable about current products and technologies then this is still an excellent and informative read.
To be fair, there are a few features that may be displeasing to some readers. The writing is occasionally glib with a tendency towards sophomoric humor. There's also a fair amount of focus on gaming, particularly 3D gaming technology. And the overriding theme of much of the magazine is maximizing the speed, power, and coolness of your machine. To me these aren't negative qualities, but this may not be of interest to some users.
All in all this is still my favorite magazine and the one I most look forward to receiving each month. I have no plans to end my subscription. -- Mark P "markmarkmarkmark" (San Jose, CA USA)
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PC World Magazine
PC World
Amazon Price: $19.97 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $83.88
PC World is one of the most widely read computer magazines in existence, and for good reason: it provides a monthly dose of technology news and reviews in an accessible and easy-to-read format. Though they bill themselves as a resource for IT managers and business people, the magazine is very consumer-oriented, and every issue contains helpful tips for novice users (such as how to get rid of temp files or install the latest Outlook patch).
Alas, being a jack of all trades condemns you to be a master of none. On average, I only find one or two articles per issue actually useful, and most features lack the depth and technical detail that IT professionals crave (in their defense, and in defense of my high ranking, that one piece of advice I get each month is usually a lifesaver). Additionally, the signal-to-noise ratio seems a little too low - one often finds "special advertising supplements" where content should be.
Perhaps my largest issue (no pun intended) with PC World is with its monthly Top 100 list. The magazine regularly gives its highest honors to computer systems unavailable through normal distribution channels, and peripherals (such as printers and CD burners) that I know from experience to have significant reliability problems are often labeled "best buy" because they perform marginally better on benchmark tests. Never the less, PC World remains a great tool for the casual user seeking a better understanding of the computer industry (or anyone just looking for some advice on buying a new PC)... and to those people, I highly recommend it. -- Timothy Walker (Orlando, Florida USA)
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MAKE: Technology on Your Time Magazine
MAKE: Technology on Your Time
Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $59.56
Make: Technology on Your Own Time is not a book... exactly. It's a mook, which is a hybrid of a magazine and a book. It's a magazine, but not a typical one. In my initial perusal, I think I wasn't high on it because I'm not into home projects because I don't have time.
I read it closely. Shortly, I became engaged and enjoyed reading the articles. Though I don't plan to make anything (like I'm going to put a monorail in my backyard-yes, this is a real project), the stories and the writing drew me in.
I like geeky things, but I'm not a geek in terms of building computers from scratch and hacking gadgets. These are the kinds of projects covered in the mook. The premiere issue includes the following projects: magnetic stripe card reader, camera on a kite, $14 video camera stabilizer or buy one, and a 5-in-1 network cable.
The quarterly mook has a Web site with things not covered in the print edition as well as a blog. Its design is clever with color codes on the cover and side for the major projects. The initial issue has 192 pages of quality paper and color printing to justify $8.74 an issue.
The mook has a homemade yet professional feel and has "home improvement" style fonts to add to its DIY (do-it-yourself) theme. The photos give the impression they're taken by average people and not photographers. They're good quality and complement the articles.
People who don't have time to build and like technology will find it an engrossing read thanks to the personable writing and instructions that don't make eyes glaze. Few new magazines make it past the first year or so. Make should thrive for years to come. -- Meryl K. Evans "Content Maven" (Plano, TX)
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Laptop Magazine
Laptop Magazine
Amazon Price: $12.97 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $77.87
Laptop Magazine is an excellent resource for the mobile professional. The staff has done a great job of reviewing products relevant to those individuals attached to their laptops and related gadgets. Despite the name, the magazine is not merely about laptops but also the tools and strategies for the peripatetic white-collar worker.
With information on laptops, mobile phones, hotels and airlines, Laptop Magazine is loaded with great insights. Its layout is excellent as it appears far less cluttered than other computer magazines - much like how the Harvard Business Review differs from Star Magazine. Yet, it is a bit light on specific computer tasks and tweaking. This may be due to the demographic of the audience, which is most likely a collection of mid-level executives and sales professionals instead of hands-on technology gurus. As such, the magazine is well worth the read as it will certainly save time with your work, travel, and technology purchases in the future.
Pros:
Excellent product information
Great organization and layout
Cons
Light on nuts and bolts computer technology
No concise source of the laptop reviews (i.e. like Motor Trend has a summary of tests with dates and results with every magazine).
Patrick S. Pope "Scott Pope" (Chicago, IL)
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Electronic Gaming Monthly Magazine
PCPhoto Magazine
PCPhoto
Amazon Price: $11.97 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $44.91
This is a respectable magazine in the field of digital photography. It offers solid reviews of new cameras, scanners, software, and other photography-related devices with helpful advice and tips on improving your digital photos. The digital photography field is still fairly new. I expect that, as more people get experienced, that additional techniques will become interesting to learn about -- and that the magazine will continue to mature which will ultimately earn the publication a 5-star rating.
I'd recommend this for someone new to the field who is looking at making decisions on hardware and software to purchase and for someone who is looking to upgrade from their existing gear to something new. It is probably not as valuable to those who have more experience. -- M. Ragen "searagen" (Seattle, WA USA)
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Computer Shopper Magazine
Linux Journal Magazine
Linux Journal
Amazon Price: $29.50 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $25.00
I have been a Linux Journal subscriber since 1996. I look forward to its arrival in my snail mail box every month. It contains articles for varing levels of understanding, and is very informative. Some just right for me, and some of it is over my head. It introduces programs that I didn't know existed, new products, and instructions on how to do things. Don't listen to those who say that this is a lousy publication. The Linux Journal is after all an engineering style journal. I wouldn't trade it for anything. -- Walter L. Williams "Walt L. Williams" (Colorado)
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