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April 1996 Recommended

And the Winners Are ...

Our Picks for Hardware, Systems and Software

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By David Gabel

Starting this month, WINDOWS Magazine's Recommended list includes systems, software and the newest addition, hardware. We combed our reviews for the past several months to find the best hardware products, ranging from video cards and monitors to notebook computers and printers. We'll update all these charts every month as we review new products. That means our recommendations will always be current, including the latest introductions.

Our reviewers evaluate products on installation, usability, supporting materials, functionality, performance and utility. We compile these ratings to yield an overall WinMag Box Score of 1 to 5. The Box Score, which is explained in detail at the bottom of this page, is used along with other factors to determine which products will be included in the WINDOWS Magazine Recommended list.

Our reviewers evalute products with one simple thought in mind: Would I recommend this product to a friend or relative if asked, "Which one should I buy?" The WinMag Box Score gives you a clear indication of which products we consider to be among the best choices available.

The WinMag Box Score rates products on installation, usability, supporting materials, functionality, performance and utility. Our overall ratings follow this scale:

Desktop Systems Over $3,000

ProductContact Price as testedConfiguration In BriefIssue Reviewed Box score
ACMA zPower P133800-786-6888, 510-623-1212 $3,195133MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 256KB pipeline burst cache, 1.2GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 17" monitor Fast CD-ROM, fast video-this system is a winner. March '964.5
ARM P166 Terminator III

BETA

800-ARM-9450, 707-795-0800 $4,199166MHz Pentium, 32MB EDO RAM, 512KB synchronous burst cache, 1.6GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 17" monitor This 166MHz multimedia monster is loaded with excellent components like a TEAC 6X CD-ROM drive. April '964.0
Compaq Deskpro XL 5133800-345-1518, fax 713-518-1442 $4,999133MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 256KB cache, 1GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 17" monitor Fast SCSI-2, Ethernet and more built in. March '964.5
Dell Dimension XPS P166c800-289-3355, 512-338-4400 $3,249166MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 512KB pipeline burst cache, 1.08GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 17" monitor Power and user-friendliness, too.February '96 4.5
Digital Celebris GL 5133ST800-642-4532, 508-642-6400 $4,249133MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 512KB cache, 1.6GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 15" monitor A loaded, rapid-fire tower of power.February '96 4.5
Gateway 2000 P5-133XL800-846-2000, 605-232-2000 $3,499133MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 256KB cache, 1.6GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 17" monitor New design in a feature-packed unit with room to grow. February '964.5
Gateway 2000 P5-150800-846-2000, 605-232-2000 $3,123150MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 256KB cache, 1.6GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 15" monitor Faster than a fast-forward videotape. March '964.5
Micron P150 Millennia

Best Buy

800-243-7615, 208-463-3423 $3,047150MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 1.2GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 15" monitor Its performance is at the top of the charts. February '964.5
Micron P166 Millennia Plus800-243-7615, 208-463-3423 $4,446166MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 2GB HDD, 1GB removable HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 15" monitor This Pentium system behaves like a Pentium Pro. February '964.5
Micron Pro 200 Magnum Plus800-243-7615, 208-463-3423 $5,947200MHz Pentium Pro, 32MB RAM, 256KB cache, 2GB HDD, 1GB removable HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 15" monitor Equipped with on board cache, this model blew the doors off our tests. February '964.0
NEC PowerMate P166

Fastest Performer

800-NEC-INFO, 508-264-8000$3,179 (street) 166MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 256KB cache, 1.6GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, no monitor Easy expansion and great graphics performance. March '964.0
Robotech Cobra XLT/2 P166800-255-2215, 801-565-0645 $3,799166MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 256K pipeline burst cache, 1.2GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 17" monitor Not just well-built, it's also a super performer. March '964.0


Desktop Systems $2,000-$3,000

ProductContact Price as testedConfiguration In BriefIssue Reviewed Box Score
ACMA sPower P133
Best Buy
800-786-6888, 510-623-1212 $2,395133MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 256KB cache, 850MB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 15" monitor 133MHz power at a value price.March '96 4.5
AMS InfoGOLD P100800-888-6615, 408-945-2296 $2,695 (direct)100MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 256KB pipeline burst cache, 1.2GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 15" monitor The InfoGOLD takes the gold. Sleek case styling, cool color, top performance all make this one a keeper. December '954.0
Gateway 2000 P5-120800-846-2000, 605-232-2000 $2,299120MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 256KB cache, 1.2GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 15" monitor The performance you need when you get down to business. February '963.5
HP Vectra VL Series 4 5/100M T800-752-0900, 415-857-1501 $2,954 (street)100MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 256KB cache, 1GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 15" monitor Even demanding users will love it. Our only system to get a top rating, because of its design, components and performance. February '965.0
IBM Aptiva PC Model M51800-IBM-2-YOU $2,688 (direct)100MHz Pentium, 8MB RAM, 256KB cache, 1GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 15" monitor It has all the bells and whistles. You plug it in, attach the monitor and fire it up-everything's there. February '963.5
NEC PowerMate V100800-NEC-INFO, 508-264-8000 $2,199 (street)100MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 256KB cache, 1GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 15" monitor This system gets your business moving. February '963.5
NEC Ready 7022800-NEC-INFO, 508-264-8000 $2,198 (street)75MHz Pentium, 8MB RAM, 1GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 15" monitor It's a solid system, and the IR remote control is snazzy. February '964.0
NEC Ready 9522800-NEC-INFO, 508-264-8000 $2,898 (street)100MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 256KB cache, 1.6GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 15" monitor Loaded with useful features from IR to telephony. December '953.5
Quantex QP5/120 SM-1800-632-5022, 908-563-4166 $2,499120MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 256KB pipeline burst cache, 2GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 17" monitor You'd expect to pay more for this great-performing system. February '964.0
Tangent MediaStar 5133/95800-800-5550, 415-342-9388 $2,995133MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 512KB secondary cache, 1.2GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 17" monitor Like its 166MHz big brother, this system puts multimedia in its place with built-in speakers and a 6X CD-ROM. April '964.5
ARM P133 Terminator III BETA Fastest Performer 800-ARM-9450, 707-795-0800$2,999 133MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 256KB secondary cache, 1.2GB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 15" monitor Quality components at a great price, with one-thumbscrew access. This system gives the big players a run for their money. April '963.5

Desktop Systems Under $2,000

ProductContact Price as testedConfiguration In BriefIssueBox Score
Compaq ProLinea 575e800-345-1518, fax 713-518-1442 $1,78875MHz Pentium, 8MB RAM, 632MB HDD, 15" monitor Well-constructed and documented, but no multimedia. March '963.5
Dell Dimension P100t

Fastest Performer

800-289-3355, 512-338-4400$1,829 (direct) 100MHz Pentium, 8MB EDO RAM, 256KB cache, 1.08GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 17" monitor The design emphasizes functionality, not extras. February '964.5
Digital Venturis 575 Slimline

Best Buy

800-DIGITAL, 508-624-6400$1,599 75MHz Pentium, 8MB RAM, 256KB cache, 620MB HDD, no monitor Spartan design, but it can do the job. February '964.0
Epson ActionTower 8200800-289-3776, 310-782-0770 $1,999 (street)75MHz Pentium, 8MB RAM, 256KB cache, 850MB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 17" monitor Loaded with all but the kitchen sink and easy to set up. Particularly note the infrared remote control. December '954.5
Gateway 2000 P5-75 Family PC800-846-2000, 605-232-2000 $1,74975MHz Pentium, 8MB RAM, 850MB HDD, 6X CD-ROM, 14" monitor All the hardware you'll need for multimedia computing. February '964.0
MidWest Micro P5-75 Office PC800-235-9148, 513-368-2309 $1,92075MHz Pentium, 16MB EDO RAM, 256KB cache, 1GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 15" monitor Excellent components are a welcome bonus to this machine, which delivers performance on a budget. March '963.5
Quantex QP5/100 M-2800-632-5022, 908-563-4166 $1,649100MHz Pentium, 8MB EDO RAM, 256KB cache, 1GB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 15" monitor Value for the money, but no bundled office suite. February '964.0
Robotech Cobra XL-100800-533-0633, 801-565-0645 $1,899100MHz DX4, 8MB RAM, 256KB cache, 850MB HDD, 4X CD-ROM, 15" monitor A good system for students or computing neophytes. February '964.5

Notebook Computers

ProductContact Price as testedConfiguration In BriefIssueBox Score
AST Ascentia J30800-876-4278, 714-727-4141 $3,299100MHz Pentium, 810MB HDD, 10.4" active-matrix screen, 11.4" by 9.0" by 1.9", 5.8 lbs. AST's Ascentia J30 notebook has a bright active-matrix screen and is well-suited for mobile applications. March '964.5
Dell Latitude LX 4100T800-613-3355, 512-338-4400 $2,099100MHz 486DX4, 8MB RAM, 540MB HDD, 10.4" active-matrix screen, 1.9" by 10.5" by 8.9", 7 lbs. The DX4-100-powered Latitude LX 4100T delivers good performance and a stunning screen at a value price. February '964.0
Dell Latitude Xpi P120ST800-613-3355, 512-338-4400 $4,199120MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 810MB HDD, 10.4" active-matrix screen, 2.3" by 11" by 8.75", 7 lbs. This 120MHz Pentium features a terrific 10.4-inch screen, a nimble mouse and long battery life. February '965.0
HP OmniBook 5000 CTS 5/120800-443-1254 $6,295 (street)120MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 256KB cache, 1.2GB HDD, 10.4" SVGA screen, 1.9" by 11.6" by 8.1", 6.8 lbs. This fully configured notebook features outstanding performance and has built-in SCSI-2. April '964.0
IBM ThinkPad 760CD800-IBM-2YOU $7,38490MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 256KB cache, 1.2GB HDD, 12.1" Super VGA screen, 2.1 by 11.7 by 8.3", 7.4 lbs. With multimedia features and a 12.1-inch screen, the ThinkPad 760CD is a presentation-giver's dream. March '964.0
NEC Versa 4000C800-NEC-INFO, 508-264-8000 $3,999 (street)75MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 540MB HDD, 2X CD-ROM drive, 10.1" VGA screen, 2.1" by 11.7" by 9.5", 7 lbs. The NEC Versa 4000 family is available with 75MHz, 90MHz or 120MHz Pentium processors. January '964.5
Toshiba Tecra 700CT800-993-4273, 714-837-4408 $5,999120MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 1.2GB HDD, 11.3" active-matrix screen, 4X CD-ROM drive, 7.3 lbs. This notebook uses the PCI architecture, has an optional 4X spin CD-ROM drive and features an 11.3-inch screen. January '965.0
WinBook XP5800-468-2162, fax 800-448-0308 $2,999 (direct)75MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 256KB cache, 810MB HDD, 10.4" screen, 2.0" by 11.7" by 8.7", 6.2 lbs. With plenty of RAM, a Pentium processor and a $2, 999 price tag, the WinBook XP5 is certainly a bargain. March '965.0
Zenith Z-Note MX800-533-0331, 847-808-5000 $3,29875MHz Pentium, 16MB RAM, 810MB HDD, 10.4" dual-scan passive-matrix screen, 1.9" by 11.1" by 8.7", 5.9 lbs. The Z-Note MX provides good performance, a large hard disk and a software bundle that includes Netscape. February '964.5
Canon NoteJet IIIcx800-848-4123, 714-438-3000 $6,69990MHz Pentium, 8MB RAM, 810MB HDD, printer / scanner, 11.8" screen, 3.25" by 14" by 12", 10 lbs. The NoteJet IIIcx combines a Pentium notebook with a color ink jet printer and a scanner. April '964.0

Hardware

*Not formally reviewed--consensus choice of WINDOWS Magazine editors.

Input Devices

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
KeyboardMicrosoft Natural Keyboard Microsoft Corp.800-426-9400, 206-882-8080 $99.95 (street)Microsoft's Natural Keyboard brings an ergonomic, wrist-saving design to a price point affordable to all. October '944.5
KeyboardNMB ConcertMaster RT-9100W NMB Technologies800-662-8321, 818-341-3355 $129.95 (street)An outstanding combination of keyboard and sound / audio controls with built-in speakers. March '964.5
MouseMicrosoft Mouse 2.0 Microsoft Corp.800-426-9400, 206-882-8080 $59.95 (street)On the market since 1993, version 2.0 of the Microsoft Mouse is preferred by millions .*
MouseMitsumi Wireless Mouse Mitsumi Electronics Corp.800-MITSUMI, 214-550-7300 $49.95This wireless mouse can scurry up to three feet from its cradle, which connects to a serial port. February '964.0

Misc

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
SCSI AdapterBusLogic FlashPoint LT BusLogic800-707-SCSI, 408-492-9090 Kit, $199; adapter, $179The FlashPoint LT complies with the newest standards for SCSI hardware, including Ultra SCSI and SCAM. March '964.5
UPSAPC Back-UPS Pro 280 American Power Conversion800-877-4080, 401-789-5735 $199This inexpensive UPS unit can protect your computer and phone line. November '954.0

Monitors

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
17-inchArtMedia Monitor TGI882 ArtMedia USA800-278-6334, 408-980-8988 $1,088The TG1882's Trinitron CRT provides a near-perfect image, and supports 1280x1024-pixel resolution at 75Hz. January '965.0
17-inchNanao FlexScan F2-17EX Nanao USA Corp.800-800-5202, 310-325-5202 $1,098 (street)If you rely on employees to be productive for long hours using CAD or image processing programs, this is the monitor to buy. June '955.0
17-inchSamsung SyncMaster 17GLsi Samsung Elec. America, IS Div.800-SAMSUNG, 201-691-6200 $949This monitor produces a high-quality, accurate image and sports an ergonomically sound keypad. October '955.0
17-inchViewSonic 17GA PerfectSound Multimedia Monitor ViewSonic Corp.800-888-8583, 909-869-7976 $865The 17GA serves up great images with sound and style. December '954.5
21-inchViewSonic PT810 ViewSonic Corp.800-888-8583, 909-869-7976 $2,195The PT810 is about as good as it gets, with a 19.5" viewable area. March '964.5

Mass Storage

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
CD-ROM changerNEC MultiSpin 4X4 NEC Technologies800-632-4636, 508-264-8000 $279 (street)The MultiSpin 4X4 CD-ROM changer has front buttons that let you access specific discs directly. April '964.0
CD-ROM / EIDEPhilips PCA62CR 6X CD-ROM drive Philips Electronics800-235-7373, 408-453-7373 $229.95This Philips 6X internal CD-ROM drive adds zip to multimedia and is a snap to install. April '964.0
CD-ROM / PortableMicro Solutions Backpack 4X CD-ROM with sound card Micro Solutions800-890-7227, 815-756-3411 $499A parallel-port external CD-ROM drive with sound. February '964.0
CD-ROM / SCSIPlextor 4PleX Plus Plextor800-886-3935, 408-980-1838 $309For speed and simple operation, the 4PleX Plus is a knockout. February '965.0
Fixed Hard DriveQuantum Fireball 1080 Quantum Corp.800-624-5545, 408-894-4000 $265Quantum provides a good, solid performer with easy configuration and detailed instructions. January '964.0
Removable Hard DriveSyQuest EZ135 Drive SyQuest Technology800-245-2278, 510-226-4000 External, $239.95; internal, $199.95This unit uses removable, $20 3.5" cartridges that hold 135MB'and it's fast. December '954.5


Modems

CategoryProduct CompanyContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
InternalAmquest Hypermodem 28800 AM2814I-HY Amquest Corp.717-569-8030, fax 717-569-8530 $199 (street)With a lifetime warranty and reasonable price, the Hypermodem 28800 makes moving to the information age a smooth voyage. March '964.5
Modem, External, TelephonyHayes Optima 288 Hayes Microcomputer Products770-840-9200, fax 770-441-1238 $419 (street)Though its price isn't exactly pocket change, this telephony fax modem offers power and versatility. February '965.0
Modem / E-net adapter, PCMCIAMotorola Marquis Motorola PCMCIA Prod. Div.800-4A-PCMCIA, 205-430-8000 $499This card combines easy installation with flawless performance. February '965.0
Modem / E-net adapter, PCMCIAOsitech Jack of Diamonds Ositech Communications800-563-2386, 519-836-8063 $549Combines a V.34 fax modem, cellular modem and 10BaseT Ethernet adapter into one Type II card with excellent performance. April '965.0


Multi-Function

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
Multifunction Office MachineHP OfficeJet LX Hewlett-Packard Co.800-HPHOME8 $959The OfficeJet LX brings HP quality to office combo machines, combining an ink jet printer, fax machine, copier and scanner. July '954.0
Multifunction Office MachineJetFax M5 Multifunction Office System JetFax800-7JETFAX, 415-324-0600 $2,995The JetFax M5 combines the functionality of a plain-paper fax machine, copier, scanner and printer in one device. December '954.5

Printers

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
Ink JetCanon BJC-610Canon Computer Systems 800-848-4123, 714-438-3000$549 (street) Great output, separate cartridges for each color, and the Windows Printing System combine to make a nice package at a good price. March '964.5
Ink JetHP DeskJet 855C Hewlett-Packard Co.800-752-0900 $663The DeskJet 855c offers terrific color, good monochrome output, superior paper handling, excellent drivers and easy installation. February '965.0
InkJetCanon Color BubbleJet BJC-4100 Canon Computer Systems800-848-4123, 714-438-3000 $399 This color ink jet printer provides brilliant color at 720x360dpi, and comes with the Canon Creative CD-ROM. December '954.5
PageHP LaserJet 5LHewlett-Packard Co. 800-752-0900$586600dpi, under $600, from Hewlett-Packard. What's to know? *
PageHP LaserJet 5SiMX Hewlett-Packard Co.800-752-0900 $4,899This network powerhouse is built to handle the demands of a large workgroup with ease and style. January '964.5
PagePanasonic KX-P6500 Panasonic Com. & Systems Co.800-742-8086, 201-348-7000 $499 (street)The KX-P6500 takes up very little desk space and gives you 1200dpi output for less than $500. February '965.0


Scanners

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
ColorLogitech PageScan Color Logitech800-231-7717, 510-795-8500 $399Stylish and functional, the 24-bit PageScan color scanner is a good value for small offices. February '964.5
ColorPrimax DeskScan Color Primax Electronics800-338-3693, 408-522-1200 $399The DeskScan Color scanner is a TWAIN-compliant, true-color unit that inputs everything from single pages to business cards to photos. March '964.5
Page / Document ManagementVisioneer PaperPort Vx Visioneer800-787-7007, 415-493-9599 $299 (street)This scanner specializes in organizing documents. January '964.0

Software

*Not formally reviewed-consensus choice of WINDOWS Magazine editors.

Business

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
AccountingM.Y.O.B. Accounting Version 6.0 BestWare800-322-MYOB, 201-586-2200 From $79.95 (street)Features enhanced job tracking, unlimited payroll accrual categories and Cue Cards. March '964.5
AccountingQuickBooks 4.0 and QuickBooks Pro 4.0 Intuit800-624-8742, 520-295-3221 $99 disk; $129 CD; $189 Pro (street)Eases the chore of starting a new business accounting system. February '965.0
Contact ManagerWinSales 3.0 WinSales206-747-2464, fax 206-747-2955 $495; 5-user, $1, 495Sales reps will appreciate its persistence. August '954.0
ExpensesQuicken ExpensAble Intuit800-816-8025, 520-295-3220 $49.95 (street)An envelope metaphor makes sure nothing slips through the cracks. October '954.0
PIMECCO PRO 3.0NetManage 408-973-7171, fax 408-257-6405$135 Offers great customization, workgroup scheduling and file synchronization. September '954.0
Planning / AnalysisCashe Business Matters800-993-3600, 617-899-8700 $995Works with as much information as you can give it. February '964.5
Project ManagementSureTrak Project Manager 1.5 Primavera Systems800-423-0245, 610-667-8600 $299 (street) $99 (upgrade)Has tools for budgeting labor and material resources. February '964.0
SchedulingOnTime Enterprise for Novell NetWare 3.0 Campbell Services800-559-5955, 810-559-5955 $427
(3 users)
Usability improvements highlight this mature group scheduling product. January '964.5
Tax ManagementTurboTax for Business Intuit800-934-1040, 520-295-3110 $69.95 (street)It may let you smile on April 15. February '965.0

Office Automation

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
FormsOmniForm 2.0Caere Corp. 800-535-SCAN, fax 408-354-2743$349 An especially easy-to-use tool. Ease of use is enhanced in version 2.0 by the new Wizards. OmniForm has grown up. March '964.0
OCRTextBridge Professional Edition 3.0 Xerox Desktop Document Systems800-248-6550 x3, 508-977-2000 $250Access this easy-to-use OCR package from within other applications. November '955.0
SpreadsheetMicrosoft Excel for Windows 95 Microsoft Corp.800-426-9400, 206-882-8080 $339 (street)More Wizards and smarts make this one a pleasure to use. September '954.0
SuiteClarisWorks 4.0 for Windows 95 Claris Corp.800-544-8554 $49 (street)Full-featured word processor, database and spreadsheet. February '964.5
SuiteMicrosoft Office for Windows 95 Microsoft Corp.800-426-9400, 206-882-8080 $499 (street) $599 (w/ Access) (street) Takes advantage of the best of Win95, especially the 32-bit-wide data path, which allows for more functionality in the applications. September '954.0
SuitePerfectWorks 3Corel Corp. 800-451-5151, 801-226-6800$79 (street) Nimble, feature-packed, with excellent output and a disk-space miser. February '964.0
Word ProcessorMicrosoft Word for Windows 95 Microsoft Corp.800-426-9400, 206-882-8080 $339 (street)Spell-check on the fly and use the terrific customizability. Word 95 is well integrated into Office 95. September '954.0
Word ProcessorWordPerfect 6.1 Corel Corp.800-451-5151, 801-226-6800 $199 (street); upgrade, $99 (street)It offers superior file handling and a great interface. March '955.0
GroupwareCollabra Share 2.0 Collabra415-528-2555, fax 415-940-6440 $995 (NT Server), $6,995 (Workgroup edition) Uses your installed VIM or MAPI e-mail system to create a groupware environment. January '964.5

Utility

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
AntivirusDr. Solomon's Antivirus Toolkit for Windows 95 S&S Software International800-701-9648, 617-273-7400 $125A healthy dose of preventive medicine. January '964.5
BackupArcada Backup for Windows 95 Arcada Software800-3-ARCADA, 407-333-7500 $99Has the features that the Windows 95 Backup applet lacks, including long-filename support and Registry backup. March '964.5
Systems EnhancerLong File Names 4.0 VIEW Software800-487-VIEW, 415-856-8439 $49.95Win 3.1x users can share Win95's long filenames transparently; this makes integrating Windows 95 into an office easier. March '964.5
Systems EnhancerPowerDesk 1.0 MicroHelp800-777-3322, 770-516-0899 $49.95 (street)Puts menus, applications and monitors within easy reach on your Win95 desktop. January '964.5
UninstallerCleanSweep 95 Quarterdeck Corp.800-354-3222, 310-309-3700 $29.95 (street)Lose unwanted files easily. January '964.5


Commuunications

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
AsynchronousQmodemPro 2.0 for Windows 95 Mustang Software800-999-9619, 805-873-2500 $129This 32-bit communications software lets you download in the background. It includes support for BBSes, including RIP graphics. December '953.5
File TransferLapLink for Windows 95 Traveling Software800-343-8080, 206-483-8088 $149; upgrade, $49The new LapLink offers simpler use for beginners and plenty of advanced features for pros. April '964.0
Internet BrowserNetscape Navigator 2.0 Netscape Communications Corp.415-254-1900, fax 415-528-4140 $49Good e-mail and newsgroup readers join the great Web browser. The easiest to use and most feature-laden available. **
Remote ControlNorton pcAnywhere32 Symantec Corp.800-441-7234, 541-334-6054 $149 (street)Wizards link you with what you left in the office. Well integrated with Windows 95, it uses the OS's Dial-Up Networking applet. February '964.0
SuiteCommSuite 95Delrina Group, Symantec Corp. 800-441-7234, 541-334-6054$129 (street) Asynchronous communications, fax and Internet tools. Of particular note is the Internet connection scheme, Cyberjack. December '954.0
Terminal EmulationReflection Suite for X 5.0 WRQ800-872-2829, 206-217-7100 $599Several connectivity products, including TCP / IP and Windows VT terminal emulator, are bundled. May '954.0

Database

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
EntryFileMaker Pro 3.0 Claris Corp.800-544-8554, 408-727-8227 $199 (street)An easy-to use FileMaker has entered the relational database world. Among the easiest to use and learn, it eschews programming for a script language. January '963.5
ProfessionalVisual dBASE 5.5 Borland International800-233-2444, 408-431-1000 $349.95 (street)It's equally easy to build databases using point-and-click or code-twiddling with the new dBase for Windows. August '954.0


Graphics

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
3-D DesignExtreme 3DMacromedia 800-326-2128, 415-252-2000$699 Its emphasis on animation and multimedia capabilities makes it perfect for using in both Director and Authorware. April '964.5
CADAutoCAD Release 13c4 Autodesk800-964-6432, 415-507-5000 $3,750 CD; $3,995 diskImpressive interface with floating command window and a multitude of tool palettes. February '964.0
Charting (entry)DiagramIt Softcraft Technologies206-643-7929 $47.48 (street)A drawing package with panache. November '954.0
Charting (professional)Visio 4.0 Visio Corp.800-24VISIO, 206-521-4500 $149 (street)Assign data to objects, summarize numbers and use MS Office 95's Binders. October '954.0
Desktop PublishingPageMaker 6.0 Adobe Systems800-42-ADOBE, 206-470-7000 $895Frame-free layouts, new drawing tools and plenty of mouse-activated menus. October '954.0
Draw / IllustrationCorelXARA 1.1 Corel Corp.800-772-6735, 613-728-8200 $289Anti-aliasing, bitmap support and unique special effects. Xara provides easy-to-use capabilities not available in other programs. March '964.0
Graphics SuiteABC Graphics Suite for Windows 95 Micrografx800-653-2610, 214-234-1769 $299.95 (street); upgrade, $149.95Graphics tools fully integrated with MS Office 95. November '953.5
PaintFractal Design Painter 4 Fractal Design Corp.800-297-COOL, 408-688-5300 $549The most innovative, natural media paint program on the market, with new combined vector / raster capabilities. March '964.5
Presentation / EntryASAP WordPower 1.95 Software Publishing Corp.800-366-8360, 408-537-3000 $99Good gets even better in the latest release. Great-looking presentations without the pain; plenty of built-in smarts. March '965.0
Presentation / ProfessionalLotus Freelance Graphics 96 for Windows 95 Lotus Development Corp.800-343-5414, 617-577-8500 $355 (street)Sleek and powerful presentation graphics package. September '953.5
Screen CaptureHiJaak 95 Quarterdeck Corp.800-354-3222, 310-309-3700 $49 (street)There are more than 75 different graphics formats supported, and it provides thumbnails of images in the Explorer views. December '953.5

Misc

CategoryProduct VendorContactPrice In BriefIssueBox Score
EnvironmentDelphi 2.0 Borland International800-453-3375, 408-461-9195 $500 Desktop; $800 DeveloperAll the power and ease of use you need for Windows 95 development. New is support for Windows 95 and NT. March '965.0
EnvironmentMicrosoft Visual C++ 4.0 Microsoft Corp.800-719-5577, 206-882-8080 $499 (subscription)Everything you need for development-including reference material-in one integrated environment. Right on target. April '964.5
HTML DevelopmentWebAuthor Quarterdeck Corp.800-354-4757, 310-309-3700 $49.95 (street)Works with MS Word to design and debug Web documents. May '953.0
Tool / UtilityCrystal Info 4.5 Crystal Services800-877-2340, 604-681-3435 $350 per user, 5-user minimumClient / server decision support systems are easy to create and manage with this excellent tool. April '965.0


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