Reviews – Computerworld

HP Chromebook 14 (with 4G) review: Solid performance in a plus-sized package
The HP Chromebook 14 with 4G is now available for a highly reasonable $349. Combining great performance with a spacious 14-in. display, is it the right Chromebook for you?

OS X Mavericks review: Different name, looks the same
Apple’s new desktop/laptop operating system, OS X Mavericks, looks and works a lot like its predecessor. But that doesn’t mean Apple hasn’t made it a better OS for users. Michael deAgonia explains what’s new and what’s not.

Acer C720 Chromebook review: High on power, low on panache
Acer’s new C720 Chromebook offers outstanding performance for an entry-level Chromebook, but it skimps on some important areas in order to keep the price low.

HP Chromebook 11 review: Affordable style for life in the cloud
Google’s new HP Chromebook 11 brings a fresh look to the Chrome OS universe. Our reviewer finds that, for $279, the laptop has some interesting things to offer.

Study: Most CEOs lack vision, leadership on new computer tech
A majority of CEOs are failing to steer their companies towards effective use of new computer technologies, which precludes their organizations from making major business improvements.

Galaxy Note 3 deep-dive review: A plus-sized phone with perks and quirks
Samsung’s latest big-screen phone, the Galaxy Note 3, has a lot of great qualities but a few quirks as well. We look at both in this in-depth review.

Add technologists to surveillance tech review panel, IT groups say
U.S. President Barack Obama should add actual technologists to a group reviewing the nation's surveillance technologies, IT-related groups have said.

Touch and type: 3 keyboard covers for the iPad Mini
We look at three keyboard covers for the iPad Mini from Belkin, Logitech and Zagg. Which is best at protecting your screen while typing your data?

Review: Samsung’s most affordable, triple-level cell SSD
Samsung claims its latest consumer drive, one of a new generation of three-bits-per-cell NAND flash devices, has the same endurance and performance, but a lower price, than its predecessors.

LG G2 deep-dive review: Extraordinary hardware in an ordinary phone
LG’s G2, its latest Android smartphone, has an outstanding screen, top notch performance, and buttons on the back. Is that enough to make it worth buying?

3 wireless media hubs: Extra storage for mobile devices
Wireless media hubs let you take along as much storage as you need and power your mobile devices besides. We look at three of the latest.

Droid Ultra deep-dive review: Bigger, but not necessarily better
Verizon’s Motorola Droid Ultra has a larger display and a couple of other features, but that doesn’t put it ahead of its smaller cousin, the Moto X.

2 Windows 8 touchscreen laptops for tight budgets
Windows 8 is workable with a normal display, but better with a touchscreen. If you don’t want to spend much on a new laptop, try one of these low-cost systems.

Moto X deep dive review: Hype aside, it’s a really good phone
Moto X, the first smartphone completely designed after Google acquired Motorola Mobility, is an interesting and well-fashioned consumer device.

Meet Windows Server’s BYOD features
Workplace join, work folders and other new Windows Server 2012 R2 features help beleaguered IT staffers manage the jungle of end user devices.

5 free Linux text editors for programming and word processing
When you’re a programmer who also needs word processing abilities, nothing beats a solid text editor. We look at the current versions of five of the best known. Insider (registration required)

Leap Motion Controller review: A touchscreen interface without the touching
The new Leap Motion Controller brings motion control to any computer. The question is: How effective is it, and does it have any practical value?

Long-term review: Apple’s newest MacBook Air continues to impress
When it comes to style, the new model looks exactly like its predecessor. This year’s changes are all beneath the surface — and are uniformly good, says Michael deAgonia.

Matchbox computers: Small is beautiful (and powerful)
Matchbox computers — small but powerful open-source devices — are a good way to build your own system and/or carry it with you. We look at the phenomenon and offer a slideshow of examples.

3 new SSDs to boost your laptop’s speed
Seagate, Samsung and OCZ have launched new consumer-class SSDs. We benchmarked all three to find which one has the best performance.

Windows 8.1 deep-dive review: Well, it’s a start
Although the preview of Windows 8.1 fixes some of the problems users complained about in the previous version of the OS, is it enough? We take a close look at Microsoft’s update.

8 apps to keep your car rolling
8 apps for iPhones, iPads and Android devices that help you maintain your car, save money on gas, avoid accidents and make life on the road easier.

First look: Windows Server Blue beta shows compelling improvements
There’s a lot to like in Windows Server 2012 R2, but the key question centers around how Microsoft will handle licensing, our reviewer says. That alone might be the gating factor for the eventual success of this OS release.

Keep watch: 5 cloud security cameras
Cloud-based security cameras can keep watch on your home when you’re not around. We tested 5 of these systems and report on our findings.

It’s a desktop! It’s a tablet! Dell XPS 18 vs. Sony Vaio Tap 20
We look at the Dell XPS 18 and the Sony Vaio Tap 20: Two all-in-ones that transform into large-scale tablets. Is this an alteration you can work with?

Here, there, everywhere: 3 personal cloud storage systems
While cloud storage services like Dropbox or Box are very useful, they can become costly — and who is controlling your data? One of these three personal cloud storage systems could be your alternative.

OX Text review: An in-browser word processor with big ambitions
OpenXchange’s new word processor, OX Text, is the first in a set of Linux-based productivity apps. Can it compete with Google Docs and Office 365?

KiraBook review: An ultrabook for the 1%
Toshiba’s new KiraBook ultrabook offers a sleek, rich look along with high-end components, including a fine display and great speakers. The question is: Can you afford it?

Optimus G Pro deep-dive review: A supersized smartphone done right
LG’s new Optimus G Pro smartphone brings a fresh dose of elegance to the supersized smartphone form. Could it be the new heavyweight champion?

5 mini projectors: A show wherever you go
Have a presentation or a favorite video hiding in your smartphone? One of these five mobile projectors will let you show off.

How do they compare? Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One and Nexus 4
Trying to figure out which one to get? Here’s the specs for each of these three devices.

Samsung Galaxy S4 deep-dive review: A real-world evaluation
Samsung’s Galaxy S4 has great hardware and some great added functionality — but some of its new features are baffling or downright silly.

4 video editors: Pro results for ambitious amateurs
Today’s video editing apps have made many pro-level features available to anyone who wants to use them. We review four of the best known video editors to see what they offer and how easy it is to use them.

BlackBerry Q10 review: Qwerty lovers rejoice!
The new BlackBerry Q10 smartphone features a qwerty keypad, along with an updated OS and some great new features. But do users still want a ‘real’ keyboard?

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 review: A useful, if not radical, upgrade
Adobe has released a public beta of its Lightroom 5 photo-editing application. While not a radical reworking, it includes some useful new tools.

HTC One deep-dive review: A smartphone that flirts with perfection
HTC’s just-released Android smartphone, the HTC One, offers high-quality hardware, an outstanding camera and stunning design. But the device isn’t without its drawbacks.

Social Media Certifications Prepare Students, Employees for Social Business
Using social media to market your business or collaborate internally means more than having a presence on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Facebook. To teach college students that lesson, Syracuse University adopted HootSuite University's certification program. Syracuse isn't alone: Social media certifications are a growing trend, but is a training course right for you?

Seagate Wireless Plus review: A terabyte of mobile wireless storage
Seagate’s Wireless Plus drive offers a terabyte of storage and a way to stash your videos, photos, music and documents or wirelessly stream them to your mobile devices.

4 Bluetooth speakers: Improve your mobile sound
Even the most high-end smartphones and tablets today still have less-than-stellar speakers. We test four mobile Bluetooth speakers to see how they can improve your sound.

Fear of Facebook: 7 free apps that guard your privacy
Facebook users are constantly being told that their privacy is under siege. Here are seven apps that can help secure your personal data.

Back up your website: 10 WordPress plugins that keep your data safe
WordPress may be a popular CMS, but its built-in backup isn’t ideal. Here are 10 plugins that can help you keep your entire site safe.

A touchscreen on your desktop: Three new displays
With the introduction of Windows 8, touchscreens are coming to the desktop — but they’re not cheap. We look at three of the latest monitors from Acer, Dell and ViewSonic.

Two personal Wi-Fi hotspots: Different strokes for different folks
Two Wi-Fi mobile hotspots offer very different services: The Verizon Wireless JetPack is fast but pricey while the FreedomPop Photon is limited but free.

Three document scanners: Move your data from paper to pixels
We looked at three desktop scanners from Brother, Fujitsu and Panasonic to see how well they help scan, store and send your documents

Six useful JavaScript libraries for dealing with data
These JavaScript libraries can help format your data for analysis or a compelling online presentation.

Webmail war: Gmail vs. Outlook.com vs. Yahoo Mail
The three most popular free Web-based email services have all seen big changes recently, from revamped interfaces to advanced features. Does Google, Microsoft or Yahoo now deserve your webmail business?

Chromebook Pixel review: A luxury laptop for life in the cloud
A deep-dive review of Google’s new Chromebook Pixel laptop, which has high-quality hardware and an amazing touch-based display — and a few limitations. So at $1,300, is it the laptop for you?

Transcend ESD200 review: A fast little external SSD
Transcend’s ESD200 external SSD is fast and very portable. Unfortunately, the backup software doesn’t impress.

BlackBerry Z10 in-depth review: Good phone, truly great OS
BlackBerry’s new Z10 smartphone offers a superior display, great navigation and interesting BYOD features. But is it too little, too late?

IronKey Workspace review: Windows 8 PC on a stick
Imation’s IronKey division has introduced a new USB drive from which you can boot up an encryption-secured Windows 8 PC on any computer.

Office 365 Home Premium review: Is Office better by subscription?
Office 365 Home Premium, Microsoft’s new subscription-based version of Office 2013, lets you use your applications anywhere. But does it really cost less than the client version?

SanDisk Ultra Plus SSD review: Fast and inexpensive
The SanDisk Ultra Plus SSD, which sports data speeds of up to 530MB/s, is aimed squarely at replacing aging hard drives in existing desktops and laptops.

Review: Apple’s new 21.5-in. iMac
Apple’s new iMac features a redesigned case that tapers at the edges, an optional Fusion Drive for storage and an updated system architecture, making it a stylish all-in-one desktop computer. But there are some caveats, says Michael DeAgonia.

10 free Drupal modules that make development easier
Working with Drupal is not for the timid — but these 10 free modules could make things easier for developers and administrators.

10 Joomla extension modules for easier and better websites
A collection of 10 diverse Joomla extensions that can help you build and maintain your sites.

Cut the cord: 14 set-top media streamers (update)
Which Internet TV streamer is right for you? From Roku and Apple TV to new Boxee, Google TV and NeoTV, we look at the different mixes of programming, connections and features you get with 14 set-top boxes.

7 low-cost videoconferencing services: Which is best for your meeting?
We look at 7 online videoconferencing services that help colleagues and friends keep in touch, share screens and collaborate on presentations.

3 Windows 8 ultrabooks: Lightweight and powerful
A crop of ultrabooks is being introduced for the new Windows 8 operating system. We examine the HP Envy TouchSmart, Sony Vaio T13 and Toshiba Portege Z935 to see how they shape up.

SwiftKey Flow review: The Android keyboard you’ve been waiting for
SwiftKey Flow combines outstanding word prediction with a top-notch interface and new slide-to-type functionality. Quite simply, typing on Android doesn’t get much better than this.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12 Premium review: Accurate voice recognition
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is the premiere voice-recognition software package. Its latest version adds additional accuracy.

Dell XPS 12 review: Does it succeed as both an ultrabook and a tablet?
Dell’s new XPS 12 convertible is one of the first Windows 8 computer to work both as an ultrabook and a tablet. But despite a nice design and great display, it may not succeed.

HTC Droid DNA review: A superphone with flaws
HTC’s new Droid DNA has some standout hardware elements, but the Android smartphone suffers from significant drawbacks that make it difficult to recommend.

Apple 13-in. Retina MacBook Pro review: Vibrant screen, perfect size?
After spending some time with Apple’s new 13-in MacBook Pro with a Retina display, columnist Michael deAgonia is ready to dump his 15-in. laptop for good.

Nook HD review: A faster, brighter and better e-reader/tablet
Barnes & Noble’s new Nook HD and Nook HD+ ereader/tablets have great displays, improved software and a new video service — worthy competitors for Amazon’s Kindle Fire.

HTC’s Windows Phone 8X review: Fast, bright and sleek
HTC’s fast and well-designed Windows Phone 8X is one of the first to use Microsoft’s new Windows Phone 8 smartphone operating system.

Google Nexus 10 deep-dive review: Android, supersized
The Nexus 10 tablet brings the pure Google Android experience into a large-screen form. Here’s an in-depth look at where it shines — and where it falls short.

Google Nexus 4 deep-dive review: Android at its best
Google’s Nexus 4 offers outstanding hardware and an optimal Android experience, but it may require you to make a few compromises. Here’s an in-depth look at the new flagship phone.

Samsung Galaxy Note II review: Is bigger really better?
Samsung’s Galaxy Note II is big, bright and powerful, with a number of new features. Here’s an in-depth look at where it excels — and where it falls short.

Surface RT review: Microsoft’s bid for a thing of its own
Microsoft has introduced its new Surface RT tablet in an attempt to create a product that will stand out in a crowded consumer marketplace. How well does it succeed?

Motorola Droid Razr HD review: How phones should be built
Motorola’s Droid Razr HD makes a lasting impression with its first-class build quality and outstanding battery life — but the Android smartphone also has its fair share of flaws.

Samsung Chromebook review: Google’s new $249 computer
Google’s new $249 Samsung Chromebook finally gets the price right — so what’s the cloud-centric laptop actually like to use?

7 laptop bags: How well do they really protect?
We drop-tested (and videoed) 7 laptop bags — two backpacks, two messenger bags, two soft briefcases and a hard case — to find out whether they can keep your equipment from harm.

LG Optimus G quick review: New smartphone offers great business features
LG’s new Optimus G Android smartphone, which will be available from both Sprint and AT&T, offers a fast processor, a brilliant display and some powerful productivity features.

Joomla 3.0 review: Making way for mobile
We take a close look at 3.0, the latest version of the open-source content-management system, which offers a new implementation that helps site developers design for the mobile platform.

Dragon Dictate for Mac 3 sharpens speech recognition, learns transcription
Nuance has now released Dragon Dictate 3, which includes improvements and new features, including sharpened speech recognition.

10 smartphone apps that can help track your expenses
Hate having to record your expenditures for the IRS or your company’s accounting department? These iPhone and Android apps can make it easier to track your expenses.

Review: Apple’s iPhone 5 destined for success
With the iPhone 5, Apple has again delivered something worthy of the iconic iPhone name and legacy, says columnist Michael deAgonia.

Hard disk drives vs. solid-state drives: Are SSDs finally worth the money?
While SSDs offer the best upgrade to a computer money can buy, they don’t come cheap — but there are alternatives that provide the performance you want without breaking the bank.

Kindle Fire HD review: A better Kindle, but not a better tablet
Amazon’s newest Kindle, the 7-in. Kindle Fire HD, is a great buy if you’re an Amazon customer, but it falls short as a general-purpose tablet.

10 essential WordPress plugins
WordPress has developed into a full-fledged content management system. We look at 10 essential plugins that make it even better.

Nokia apologizes for fake video used to depict Lumia 920 optical abilities
Nokia issued an apology Thursday for an advertisement that lacked a disclaimer for using a simulated video to describe the new PureView anti-blur technology inside its Lumia 920 smartphone.

Mac users prep for Windows 8
The two best-known virtualization products for the Mac, Parallels Desktop for Mac and Fusion, have both now produced updates optimized for the upcoming Windows 8.

Get things done: 10 to-do apps for Android and iOS
These 10 task managers for Android and iOS can help keep your to-do list reasonable and achievable.

5 Bluetooth speakers: Make your music mobile
We look at a range of Bluetooth speakers that can improve your smartphone’s audio at home, at work or on the go.

Bloggers show how to upgrade Windows 8 previews to RTM
Users of Windows 8 Release Preview can indeed do a full upgrade to the final code, something Microsoft said was impossible, an IT consultant said today.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon ultrabook review: Strong, lightweight and elite
Lenovo’s new ThinkPad X1 Carbon ultrabook is fast, stylish and lightweight, although the price is slightly higher than some of its rivals.

Apple not most valuable firm ever, says press watchdog
Contrary to most reports, Apple is not yet the most valuable company of all time, according to calculations made by the Columbia Journalism Review.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 review: Testing the stylus-toting tablet
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10.1 is all about the S Pen — but is a standout stylus enough to make up for an otherwise middling tablet?

Office 2013: Everything IT needs to know
With Office 2013, Microsoft sets the bar high. The reworked suite of applications runs on a range of devices, including new Windows tablets; it has a new look, which is fast and fluid, yet has familiar commands; it responds to touch and stylus, as well as keyboard and mouse; and everything's cloud-connected.

Windows 8 review: Still a two-headed beast
The two faces of Windows 8 — the Desktop and the interface formerly known as Metro — still coexist uneasily in the final RTM version of the OS. But some of Windows 8’s native apps are great.

With Frommer’s buy, Google eyes new strategy
Google is hoping that when you go on your next vacation, you’ll be relying not only on Google search and Maps but on Google’s own content to go with you.

Microsoft blocks Windows 8 Start button, boot-to-desktop hacks
Microsoft has blocked a popular work-around that let users boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop, a co-author of an upcoming book on the operating system confirmed today.

Microsoft beefs up anti-exploit tool with tech from $250K contest finalist
Microsoft today launched a security toolkit preview that includes anti-exploit technologies created by one of the three finalists in the company’s $250,000 BlueHat Prize contest.

Windows XP and Vista: No Office 2013 for you
Microsoft confirmed Monday that the new Office 2013 will not run on older PCs powered by Windows XP or Vista.

FAQ: Microsoft previews Office 2013, suite sub plans
Now that Microsoft has officially unwrapped the next edition of its Office, you, no doubt, have questions. We’ve got the answers.

Office 2013 beta review: Microsoft (almost) nails it
The beta version of Office 2013 gets a needed facelift and adds a host of useful features, but its cloud integration leaves something to be desired.

HP Envy Sleekbook 6-1010us review: A low-cost ultrabook alternative
HP’s new Envy Sleekbook 6-1010us offers an alternative to higher-priced ultrabooks: It’s not as fast, but it’s got a fine display and great audio.

10 file-sharing options: Dropbox, Google Drive and more
Even with all the online storage now available, sharing files — especially large ones — can still be a problem. We look at 10 online services that aim to make it simpler.

Microsoft patches critical drive-by IE9 bug, Windows zero-day
Microsoft today patched 16 vulnerabilities, including one in Windows that’s been exploited for weeks and two in Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) in the first-in-years back-to-back browser update.

Windows Server 2012 Release Preview: Compelling new features
Windows Server 2012 Release Preview features a better virtual desktop experience, much easier DirectAccess deployment and a full-scale file-classification and access control system.

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Hands on: The first things you notice about Acer’s C720 Chromebook

Acer's new C720 Chromebook couldn't be more different from the recently released HP Chromebook 11 — both for better and for worse.

Acer Chromebook C720 vs. HP Chromebook 11: What’s the deal?

Acer's Chromebook C720 has more horsepower and a lower price than HP's Chromebook 11. So what does HP's system have going for it that makes it worth buying?

Hands on: Is the Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) worth buying?

Hands on: 7 silly things about the Galaxy Note 3

There's a lot to like about Samsung's Galaxy Note 3, but the phone also has its share of silly and sometimes frustrating elements.

Hands on: 7 cool things about the Galaxy Note 3

Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 is big, bold, and brimming with features — and some of them are actually pretty interesting.

Note 3 in the real world: The first things you notice about Samsung’s new phone

What's the Galaxy Note 3 actually like to use in the real world? Here are some initial impressions of Samsung's new plus-sized phone.

Hands on: Does LG’s G2 ‘Audio Zoom’ actually work? [VIDEO]

What the LG G2 is actually like to use

Chromecast revisited: 1 month with Google’s $35 streaming stick

Google made quite a splash when it announced the Chromecast, a $35 Internet-to-TV streaming stick. So one month later, how does the device hold up?

Hands on with Motorola Skip, the PIN-skipping fast-unlock gadget for your phone

What makes the Moto X so special

The Moto X succeeds where so many smartphones fail — and its triumph has nothing to do with any particular spec or feature.

Moto X vs. Droid Ultra: A real-world comparison

Google Chromecast review: Finally, Internet-to-TV streaming done right

What Google’s new Nexus 7 is actually like to use

The verdict: Should you buy the Galaxy S4 and/or HTC One Google Play Edition?

The Galaxy S4 and HTC One Google Play Editions have some compelling elements — but they also come with some significant caveats. So are they worth buying?