Buying a Computer? Wait for New OS

Walt Mossberg looks back on two decades of reviews

(NEWSER) - Remember when revolutionary dial-up modems arrived on the computer scene or when America Online debuted? Walt Mossberg does, and the Wall Street Journal tech reviewer looks back on 20 years' of columns. Some of the milestones he picks out:

• His first line in 1991: "Personal computers are just too hard to use, and it's not your fault."
• First "pocket" phone: In 1992, he called Motorola's MicroTac Lite the first pocket-size mobile. It was an inch thick, weighed under half-a-pound—and cost about $2,000.

Could be released as early as this holiday season

(NEWSER) - It seems like only yesterday that Microsoft released Windows 7—and indeed, most of us haven't gotten around to upgrading to that version—but already, Windows 8 is nearly upon us. Web forums were filled with news and rumors last week after PC manufacturers and equipment makers got "early beta" test versions of Microsoft's latest PC operating system. Why so soon—just 17 months—after Windows 7 hit shelves? Tablets, CNNMoney reports. More»

Mossberg offers his annual shopping guide

(NEWSER) - It's time once again for Walt Mossberg's annual computer buying guide, in which the Wall Street Journal 's tech guru runs down the bare minimum the average person should know when buying a laptop. His advice:

• Processors: Intel has a shiny new wave of Core chips, the i3, i5, and i7 models. They're faster, and the i5 and i7 have nifty power-saving features, but there's nothing wrong with older chips for bargain shoppers. Speaking of which...

Microsoft security update causes Black Screen, but it's not fatal

(NEWSER) - The Windows Blue Screen of Death is so passé these days, so some malevolent circuit board or update appears to have cooked up a new fail: the Black Screen of Death. The Black Screen is affecting not just new Window 7 machines, but those running XP and Vista as well. But don’t worry too much—the problem stems from a Microsoft security update, and the company is on it, if a bit cagey about the details. More»

Parallels' product makes choice of operating system less important

(NEWSER) - Conflicted about choosing sides in the apocalyptic showdown between Microsoft and Apple? No need to worry—in this brave new world, you can have your cake and eat it. Parallels is Mac software that allows users to seamlessly integrate Windows programs, even the entire desktop. So, for just $79.99—plus the price of a Windows license, and an actual Mac, of course—you’ll never have to pay attention to those commercials again. More»