Editor's Note

One of the big questions for many people making the leap to Windows 7 is how well the new OS copes as a gaming platform. We've been covering this issue since we first tested the Release Candidate, and you can read our verdict on the PC Authority web site.

Also on the PC Authority site this week: the all-electric Tesla Roadster tackles the Australian outback, Dell's ruggedised PC, 5 free PC apps you can't do without, reviews of Gigabyte, HP, Dell and Fujitsu systems, and Google's new mapping app that could change the way you navigate by smartphone.

Top Stories This Week

• Fujitsu's M2010, an appealing netbook but the trackpad needs work
• 5 Free Linux Apps You Can't Do Without
• Alienware's M17x notebook is so good, it's almost out of this world in quality and performance
• Shuttleworth praises Windows 7
• Dell launches a multitouch rugged laptop
• How to Pick a Great Flat Screen TV, And Not Get Sucked In By Marketing Hype: How big a TV is too big?
• Top 10 ways to supercharge Windows 7
• 5 Free PC Apps You Can't Do Without
• Sapphire discusses ATI 5 series GPUs and more
• Windows 7, the complete guide: gaming benchmarks, compared with XP & Vista

Most Read This Week

• Tesla breaks land record for electric car on a single charge
• Amazon expands Kindle to the PC
• 32 Reasons why PCs are Better than Macs
• Web's Best 50 Free Downloads
• The 30 best features of Windows 7
• 64-bit Windows guide: What are the inherent benefits of 64-bit?
• Official: Windows 7 Australian pricing announced, see how it compares to Vista
• 5 Free PC Apps You Can't Do Without
• Top 10 ways to supercharge Windows 7
• Telstra dangles lure with prepaid wireless 3G offer - but will customers take the bait?

News

Top 10 Downloads

1. Adobe Flash Player 9.0.28
2. Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3
3. AVG Anti-Virus Free 9.0.698
4. Apple iTunes 7
5. vLite 1.1.6
6. Adobe Flash Player 9.0.124
7. LogMeIn Hamachi 1.0.3
8. Apple iTunes 8
9. LimeWire 4.16.6
10. Camfrog 5.1

Reviews

Fujitsu's M2010, an appealing netbook but the trackpad needs work by Zara Baxter | October 30, 2009 Battery life lets down this otherwise solid netbook from a local manufacturer		Gigabyte's Booktop M1022M can't decide if it's a nettop or a laptop by Zara Baxter | October 30, 2009 Part laptop and part nettop, the Gigabyte Booktop M1022M is the first netbook we've seen that overcomes the '3 USB problem'.
Alienware's M17x notebook is so good, it's almost out of this world in quality and performance by Mike Jennings | October 29, 2009 Superb performance in one of the sturdiest and best-looking gaming laptops we've seen - the Alienware M17x is worth the expense.		HP's Officejet Pro 8500 printer is a good office inkjet all-in-one alternative by Staff writers | October 28, 2009 The HP Officejet Pro 8500 is one of the best office inkjet alternatives for under $350. Being feature packed, small businesses may be tempted to try this over the latest expensive laser printer.
HP SimpleSave is among the easiest backup drives on the market to use by Staff writers | October 28, 2009 Backup is a lot like flossing: no matter how frequently you do it, some expert is going to say you should be doing it better or more often. That's why HP's SimpleSave is among the easiest back-up drives to use.		Dell Latitude E2100, why Dell's latest netbook beats the Mini 10 by Jonathan Bray | October 27, 2009 Well priced, with a robust chassis and touchscreen option that make it a good choice for classroom use, and any one else wanting a netbook that's a little bit different