What's the hardest tech choice these days? For my money, it's picking a smartphone. Unless your heart is set on an iPhone, you've got a lot of decisions to make. First there the critical question of your carrier (generally AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon). Then you've got to pick an operating system: iPhone OS (in which case your carrier will be AT&T), WebOS/Palm, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Mobile, Symbian, or something else? Then, finally, you can start thinking about the phone itself. To help you begin the process, PCWorld's wireless guy, Mark Sullivan, has just finished overseeing an ambitious 13-city test of the major carriers, "AT&T Roars Back in PCWorld's Second 3G Wireless Performance Test." Take a look at the results and see how the contenders fare. And if you're starting to think about plunking down some cash for a new smartphone, happy hunting.
--Editorial Director Steve Fox

Top Stories

AT&T Roars Back in PCWorld's Second 3G Wireless Performance Test
After generating disappointing results in our tests last spring, AT&T's 3G network is now the top performer in our 13-city tests, with download speeds 67 percent faster than its competitors'.

New Cameras Go Retro at PMA 2010
At times, wandering through the PMA 2010 photography show in Anaheim felt like stepping into a time machine. A lot of the new imaging technology has a decidedly retro slant. Take a look.

Five Digital Cameras That Are Well Connected
Sharing photos with friends, posting images and video to the Web, and geotagging have never been this easy. Better yet, these features are available on some truly high-powered megazooms and point-and-shoot cameras.

For more camera news and reviews, visit PCWorld.com.

News

Printer Makers Clash Over Advertising Claims
HP is challenging Kodak's promises that consumers can save money by purchasing a Kodak printer. Who should you believe?

Microsoft Chief's Battle Plan: Vaporize Google's Cloud
Microsoft's chief software architect, Ray Ozzie, has an ambitious plan to revitalize Microsofts software, beef up its services, and beat the tar out of Google.

Conviction of Google Execs in Italy Shear Madness
A jury in Italy has convicted a trio of Google employees over the posting of a video that showed four boys bullying another.

For the latest reports, visit our News page .

PCW Business Center

Enterprise Security Tips on a Small-Business Budget
Big or small, you can't be too careful with your business's network security. Here are some industrial-strength security tips you can implement on a shoestring budget.

Visit the PCW Business Center.

Blogs

School Spycam Case Raises FBI Eyebrows
Somebody's fibbing in the case of school laptops that can watch students, and it may take a federal investigation to unveil the truth.

10 Questions About the Bloom Energy Server
Bloom Energy's innovative fuel cell technology shows a lot of promise, but is the Bloom box too good to be true?

CompactFlash 5.0 Cards Could Reach 144 Petabytes of Storage
Need storage? How does 144 petabytes sound? The theoretical capacity threshold for upcoming CompactFlash cards reaches staggering levels.

For the latest news and opinion, visit our Blogs page .

Reviews

HP EliteBook 8440W: Rugged, Powerful Business Laptop Lacks Multimedia Polish
The EliteBook 8440w is a solid corporate laptop with a great keyboard, but it isn't a multimedia powerhouse.

Micro Express MicroFlex 75B Redefines 'Value' with Top-Shelf Performance
This system is packed to brim with power and features. Only its low hard disk capacity (an easily fixable flaw) keeps it from the top of our must-buy list.

Compare prices on desktop PCs.

For more reviews, visit PCWorld.com.

How-To

Frequently Asked Photo Questions for February
Dave answers reader questions about removing photo backgrounds, tagging photos, mysterious orbs, and more.

Problem-Solving Web Services: LogMeIn, TripIt, RebateRemedy
Useful Web sites let you access your home PC from afar, organize your travel plans, and expedite your product rebates.

For more tips, visit PCWorld.com.

Videos

Two Color Laser Printers for a Busy Office
HP's CP4025dn and Dell's 5130cdn color laser printers are both fast and suitable for a busy office with high printing requirements. PCWorld's Melissa Riofrio takes a look and compares the capabilities of the two devices.

For more videos, visit PCWorld.com.

Downloads

FlashCookiesView
Ferret out privacy-busting "super cookies" and delete them from your PC with this free tool.

For more free and trial software, visit PCWorld.com.

PC World Community

Printers Forum
Whether you have a laser, an ink jet, a multifunction unit, or a workgroup model, discuss your printer questions here.

Visit the PC World Community