Home > Software, Computer Hardware & Gadgets

Software, Computer Hardware & Gadgets -- fairly self-explanatory. If we don't review it here, we'll tell you the best sites to visit for THEIR reviews.

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e-Cycling (1) Games & Game reviews (29) Hand-helds, Blackberries, Palm Pilots, accessories, iPods, et al (25) Hot (and cool) Tech Toys (25) Online calling: Grand Central, PhoneGnome, Jajah, Jaxtr, Skype (7) Online phone: Google Phone, iPhone, Ooma, Magellan, PuddingMedia (12)

Operating Systems, Search Engines, Research, Linux, Microsoft (110) PCs, Laptops, Notebooks, Word Processors, WiFi (48) Peripherals, cool USB gadgets & Expanded Memory (22) Scanners (5) Tech Talk: Tech Support, System and Data Back-up (75) The Mouse (4)

Primary Sites:
Acronis helps you move, manage and maintain your 'digital assets' *
And it's quite affordable -- in fact, right now, save 20 per cent if you buy it through evalu8.org! [More]

Adobe Demonstrates. . . *
Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the company's activities at drupa 2004 in Dusseldorf, the largest international tradeshow for print media, publishing and converting. [More]

Adobe Photoshop Album **** 1/2
Photoshop Album was created with the same dignified intelligence that went into Photoshop Elements — they are both consumer products that do not treat the consumer like a Neanderthal who needs cute and "user-friendly" cartoons to jolly the process along. [More]

Agilent adjusts to turbulent times *
CEO says R&D is crucial for success... [More]

Amazon dot com *****
Amazon.com is our tried-and-true source for books, kitchen equipment, DVDs and more. We love their fast shipping and reasonable prices, too! [More]

BC PC Technology Systems, Toronto (Anne Garber review) *****
One of the services I have long needed when I visit Toronto is a reliable computer shop with a friendly, helpful and knowledgeable owner. That's where Bob Bagheri comes in. [More]

Bill Gates rocks out -- and over *
New toys and technology are the hallmark of this year's CES -- and Bill Gates confirms plans to leave MicroSoft this summer. [More]

Canada weighs in on Oracle's takeover bid *
Oracle's hostile bid for PeopleSoft is currently under review by Canadian antitrust regulators, adding yet another antitrust hurdle for the database-software maker to jump. [More]

Carbon Computing, Toronto (Anne Garber review) ****
Easy to shop, good after-sales support, this Toronto-based computer store is recommended with four stars. [More]

Computation (Anne Garber review) ****
Features lot of bargains on hard drives, monitors, keyboards and printers. AND housecalls! [More]

Computer clusters proving up to the task of mega-machines *
They cost less than ones using proprietary systems and are more flexible, users find. [More]

Computing about to take a giant step in tiny world *
The microprocessor industry as we know it today will be obsolete within the next 15 years. It faces fundamental limits in materials science and manufacturing technology. But if you've been losing sleep over this, rest easy. A new technology generation awaits: molecular electronics, part of the emerging wave of nanotechnology. [More]

Deep discount at Futureshop.ca? *
Customers to Future Shop's on-line store this morning must have thought it was Christmas all over again. [More]

Dell aiming for regional dominance *
World's No. 1 computer firm taking direct-to-customer strategy abroad. [More]

Digital world still relies on analog lines *
You know a technology is pervasive when people consider it boring and only notice when it fails to show up. Fifty million of us relearned this insight last week when the electrical grid zeroed out. The "e" in this column's name, after all, refers to whizzy electronics, not wheezy electricity. [More]

eCost.com *
eCOST.com offers hundreds of brand name computer hardware, software, peripherals, consumer electronics and office supplies and equipment at the LOWEST prices on the net. [More]

Edge Tech Corp *
Upgrade or tech toys -- Edge has the proven EDGE. [More]

firstSTREET Online *
firstSTREET features over 300 products that represent some of the ways today's innovations can make people's lives a little easier -- or at least a little more fun. [More]

Foreign electronics: Many travel solutions in one store! *
If you're looking for foreign adapters, electronics or gadgets, this is the place. Expert advice. Five stars. [More]

Gadgets that made the grade *
Ian Johnson's top picks of the best gadgets of 2003. [More]

Hospitals slow to embrace office technology *
New software can cut surgical waiting list [More]

HP offers new twist on old idea *
Hewlett-Packard Co. announces a new way of selling computers to its business customers that puts a modern twist on an old idea. [More]

Ideazon Zboard (Ian Johnson review) *** 1/2
A really cool idea to make life easier for those who want to get the most out of complex programs, and it can give gamers a big edge. [More]

JandR.com *****
Music, electronics and computer accessories galore. We have found some of the best deals online at J & R. [More]

Last-minute solutions: Get Dad what he really wants for Father's Day (Garber round-up) *
Father's Day is this Sunday, so, if you haven't got a gift or card yet, here are some bail-outs. . . [More]

Mario Kart DS (Moser review) ****
Mario Kart DS: Alex Moser gives this game a rating of 4/5 stars. [More]

McAfee Security *
McAfee, Inc. creates best-of-breed computer security solutions that prevent intrusions on networks and protect computer systems from the next generation of blended attacks and threats. [More]

Microsoft Office 2003 (Kapica review) *
Judging it in a vacuum, Microsoft Office 2003 is a very exciting product. But most of us do not work in a vacuum; we work in a world of diminishing expectations and are haunted by a resulting conservatism that manifests itself as a general unwillingness to gamble heavily on unnecessary changes. [More]

MiRoamer Internet Radio (Garber review) ****
A new online platform allows you to better organize your listening pleasure -- regardless of the devices you might want to use as you travel. Four stars. [More]

Music companies play Whack-a-Mole *
It hardly matters that Shawn Fanning is has a new music-downloading program. His legal, fee-based file-sharing network is going to be mauled by the very same monster he unleashed when he gave the world Napster. [More]

New Corel plans to go the distance *
WordPerfect Office 12 launch signals bruised company still a contender. [More]

New tech toys wow 'em at Macworld, 2008 *
Apple Inc. chief executive Steve Jobs today unveiled a new laptop computer the company is hailing as the "world's thinnest notebook" as well as a new online movie rental service through the company's iTunes store [More]

Nokia, Kodak click cellphone-photo deal *
Nokia and Eastman Kodak Co. announced an agreement Monday aimed at making it easier for users of the Finnish company's mobile phones to store, print and share digital pictures. [More]

Price drops good news for students *
A recent decline in laptop pricing means back to school can be affordable to parents while meeting the increasing demands of tech hungry students. [More]

QuickTax 2002 provides an easy way to prepare your taxes: ****
When you look at the advantages of buying income tax software versus the old pencil-and-calculator method, there is simply no comparison. [More]

Rock Band for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (published by MTV Games) *
Tech news on the hottest game this season. [More]

RSS holds promise for on-line news delivery *
The program is one of the more interesting applications to come along, JACK KAPICA says. [More]

Sales pace slows for Web site services *
Sales of Web site hosting services are still growing but the pace has slowed markedly, a Toronto consultancy says in a new report. [More]

Software teaches children Net safety *
Vancouver-designed computer game aimed at predators who use chat rooms [More]

Software that drives key data home *
Updated 'dashboard' technology helps companies easily access important information [More]

SonoWave Wireless Internet Radio and Media Player (Johnson review) ***
Probably of more interest to an older demographic than the one our Kit Johnson represents (the 18 to 24 male group); but quite a useful accessory for baby-boomers. Three stars. [More]

SONY Digital Cameras, Camcorders and accessories *
Special Offers on Sony Digital Cameras, Camcorders and accessories at the Official Sony Store. . . [More]

Targus Universal Power Travel Adapter ****
If you travel to other countries and like to take along electric gadgets, you should have the Targus Universal Power Travel Adapter. [More]

TAXWIZ DELUXE 2002 Makes Filing Tax Returns Simple and Fast *
This special offer extends the relationship TaxWiz has with Wiley Publishing, and readers who file their taxes using TAXWIZ will doubly benefit from both the complete Taxes for Canadians For Dummies 2003 book, along with the pop-up "Dummies" tax tips featured in the software. [More]

Tech at home: What's in store for 2004? *
Tech-related predictions are risky. Technological change moves faster than a greased cheetah on steroids, but the industry can also end up chasing its own tail when it comes to getting consumers to accept new ideas. Nonetheless, I'm going to stick my neck out and say that when the dust settles in 365 days, 2004 will be remembered as the year the computer invaded and conquered the family room. [More]

Tech Review: Smartdisk firelite portable hard drive (Garber review) *****
An essential piece of technological back-up. We reviewed the 80 GB USB 2.0 Firelite Portable External Hard Drive (model #USBFLB80). [More]

Tech Tips and Tricks: How not to overreact to a computer crash *
While there is no research data on the number of computer users that cannot master their computers, there is evidence of anger and frustration with computers that could escalate into what one psychologist calls "computer rage." [More]

Tech Tips and Tricks: Is Canadian e-waste an environmental disaster in waiting? *
Toxic chemicals from the used computer equipment Canadians send to landfills by the tonne each year are going to leave a nasty legacy for generations to come, experts warn. [More]

The Chic Geek: Discount DVD for the road *
When it came time for a 16-hour-plus drive to see my in-laws, I decided I had to do something, anything, to keep the wild beasts of the back seat at bay after nightfall. [More]

Thousands of new product introductions underscore the strength of the consumer electronics industry *
A spectacular showcase of hot new products and trends in audio, home networking, mobile electronics, video and wireless packed the show floor as attendees from all over the globe gathered at the 2005 International CES to celebrate the tremendous growth of the digital revolution. [More]

Variant of Sobig virus spreads *
A new variant of the Sobig virus is spreading, warn security specialists. [More]

Secondary Sites:
Are we becoming software slaves? *
Microsoft Corp. and Corel Corp. either have little idea how most offices work, or are way ahead of the curve. [More]

Browser war whimpers to an end *
It didn't end with a bang, but a whimper -- the Internet browser war, that is. On Thursday, AOL Time Warner and Microsoft put out a joint press release saying the software titan had agreed to pay the media giant $750-million (U.S.) to settle a civil suit over Microsoft's battle with Netscape, which AOL owns. [More]

BuyDomains dot com *
With an inventory of over 640,000 high-performance domain names, innovative technology, and a commitment to superior customer service, BuyDomains has been an established industry leader since 1999. [More]

Canadian-made Universal address system gets Microsoft backing *
With backing from Microsoft Corp., a Toronto company's dream of a universal addressing system is taking a step closer to reality. [More]

Chic Geek: The heat is on *
The summer heat really started to kick in this week, and already my local power utility is warning that the air conditioning load will likely lead to power shortages. Brownouts and rotating blackouts can be a major problem for electronic equipment, and the thought of flickering lights sends a jolt of fear through the hearts of savvy computer owners. [More]

D-Wave Systems gets a quantum leap of faith *
A Vancouver startup has won Silicon Valley backing in its quest to develop the next wave in computing, PETER KENNEDY writes [More]

Distributors of DVD-copy software sued *
Hollywood studios Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox sued a handful of small software companies Wednesday, alleging that their distribution of DVD-copying software violates copyright law. [More]

Electronic health records offer big payoff *
Remarkably, the provinces and federal government have come together on a plan, under the leadership of an organization called Canada Health Infoway, to transform the health care system using information technology. [More]

File sharing and firewalls *
This week, Trippin asks: "I was reading some of your past articles about the use of KaZaa. I am running a firewall program on my computer called BlackIce. It instantly alerts me when someone has tried to gain access to my computer even when my KaZaa is turned off. Are you aware of this program and is it a good one to have..? [More]

Free service keeps e-waste out of landfills *
No fee depots accept desktop and laptop computers and peripherals, monitors, TVs, printers and fax machines. [More]

FTC sues Web sites in Internet scam *
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is suing an Internet operation that allegedly fleeced consumers by using the agency's own national do-not-call registry as bait. [More]

Game Review: Halo 2 (Kit Johnson review) *****
Xbox's Halo 2: Kit Johnson gives the multi-player version top marks. [More]

Game Review: Metroid Prime Pinball (Kit Johnson review) ****
Battle deadly enemies and experience a number of special modes such as Clone Machine Multiball and the Wall-Jump Challenge while you blast and bomb your high score into a state of pure pinball pandemonium. Play tables across two screens at the same time using the touch screen to nudge the pinball table. Four stars. [More]

Hack-attack record shattered: Study *
The year is a few days away from being half over, and it has already set a record for digital attacks, a British security firm says. [More]

Hollywood wants pirates' gold *
The Hulk is the latest to turn up first on the Net as Napster-like digital heists threaten movie studios, GAYLE MacDONALD reports [More]

J&R Computer/Music World *
J&R Computer/Music World has ALL the new releases! [More]

Kazaa, iMesh vulnerability termed 'serious' *
Users of file sharing programs such as Kazaa and iMesh are urged to install a security patch after a serious bug was discovered in their underlying network [More]

Linux gains ground on aging Unix *
Major computer vendors are showing increasing interest in open-source system [More]

Linux news will shake Microsoft *
Recent shifts at Red Hat, Novell will give them more edge on software giant, JACK KAPICA writes. [More]

Logitech Premium USB Headset 300 (Johnson review) **** 1/2
The Logitech Premium USB Headset 300 lives up to its name. It's comfortable, well-made, features true plug-and-play, and the sound quality is superb... [More]

New IE may burst pop-up bubble *
Pop-up advertisements have thrived for years despite numerous efforts to eradicate them, but now on-line marketers are seriously wondering whether the Web's most detested ad format is about to meet its match: Microsoft. [More]

New Product: Quicken XG ****
Pen, paper, chequebook and the neighbourhood ATM are all I have needed to manage my money and limited investments. Recently my husband and I joined our bank accounts for the first time; now there are too many variables for me to remember and balance in my head. [More]

Nikon Coolpix 5400 digital camera ***
The Nikon Coolpix 5400 will be an excellent choice for beginners and savvy amateurs -- but not if the savvy amateurs think they might want more camera than that in the near future. [More]

Smart watches spotted in Canada *
(Thinking of Father's Day...?) Watches aren't just for telling time any more... [More]

Spam vigilantes fight fire with fire *
The bait was too tempting. I leaped at it like a hungry trout. It was not an ordinary e-mail. In stunningly abusive language, it upbraided me for being a spammer and informed me that my e-mail address "is being added to 500 Spamlists! Enjoy all the extra e-mails!" [More]

Sun Micro, Chinese firm strike deal *
Network computer maker Sun Microsystems Inc. has signed a desktop software deal with a Chinese firm that takes aim at rival Microsoft Corp. in the fast-growing market, an executive said yesterday. [More]

The Chic Geek -- LCDs evalu8-ed *
Liquid-crystal displays are nice to have and the prices are crashing, but beyond the "cool" factor, it's still a bit difficult to justify paying several hundred dollars more for a 15-inch LCD over a comparably sized cathode-ray tube monitor. The LCD won't save you all that much space in the grand scheme of things for that size of monitor, and the picture quality is comparable. But now that 17-inch LCDs are coming down in price, the argument for flat panels gets a whole lot more compelling. [More]

The Snorestopper: Technology comes to aid of marriage *
The worst thing about snoring is that you don’t have any idea you’re doing it, and you’re basically powerless to stop it by yourself. [More]

This worm can be turned *
Malicious assaults on your computer's health aren't going to stop. Government and industry must help you build immunities, says security specialist ALAN PALLER [More]

Torian Wireless Launches MiRoamer for Consumers *
Online Portal gives users access to the world's largest and most diverse selection of Internet radio content and the ability to customize their experience. [More]