The Multi-Tool of Computer Magazines (PC Format)

Member Name: Meshek

Product:	PC Format
Date:	04/02/02 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wide Range of Interest, Large Cover DVD, Well laid out

Disadvantages: Bit Expensive, Not much detail in some computer activities so a more specific computer magazine would be better for some

I started buying this magazine about 3 years ago. For a long time I would buy a different magazine for one month and another the next. However none of the magazines I read every satisfied me. One month I bought PCFormat and I have never looked back since.

The main advantage of PcFormat over many of its competetors is the broad range of computing activities it covers and not just one most magazines. The sections include: Gaming, Utility Software, Programming, How To's (e.g. how to build a PC), hints and tips, helpline, hardware as well as many articles on anything computer (e.g. Echelon, P2P, Microft Antitrust etc.) PCFormat also has a cover DVD (a cd version is also available) which has a large variety of shareware, demos and at least several full free progrmas per disk. The full programs indeed full programs which are available to buy in shops however they usually are old versions e.g. when Bryce 3 came out they gave Bryce 2 on the disk with an optional reduced upgrade price.

The two main problems with this magazine are the price £6.49 per month with the DVD (to cover the cost of the 'free; programs) and to some people the non specific nature of the magazine (e.g. does not concentrate just on games etc.). As for the price you can subscribe and save around 35%.

I would recommend this magazine to all pc computer users how have an open mind to the different varieties of computer use. And to those that don't I would recommend getting a more specific computer magazine. But for most people a great buy!

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