Computers

Inkjet and laser printers have become more affordable and increasingly full featured. Color inkjets, which can cost as little as $30, now turn out photos nearly indistinguishable from lab-processed photos. Once reserved for businesses, monochrome laser printers can now be had for less than $50.

Meaningful differences in speed between desktops and laptops have largely disappeared. But each design has its own advantages and trade-offs. We give you the essential information to find the computer that's right for you.

Like TV screens, computer monitors are continuing to go wider and bigger. The squarish 17-inch monitors are now almost obsolete, replaced by widescreen models. Their larger size allows for easier side-by-side page viewing or more spreadsheet columns with less scrolling.

In a recent survey, we found that only about half of online households routinely back up their important computer files. With backup devices going for as little as $90, and easy-to-use software, there's no excuse not to. As Joni Mitchell sings, "You don't know what you've got till it's gone."