Personal computers : Tech news from CNET News.com

For Bill Gates, the next phase begins

June 27, 2008 4:37 PM PDT

The Microsoft co-founder takes the spotlight this week as he puts in his final days of full-time work for the software company.

The next wave of PCs

June 5, 2008 11:50 AM PDT

New chips like Intel's Atom and Nvidia's Tegra are shaping the development of PCs from the Eee Box desktop to the emerging category of mobile Internet devices.

Dell, HP confronting laptop battery shortage

March 26, 2008 10:42 AM PDT

A fire at a South Korean plant is contributing to a worldwide pinch in the supply of batteries. PC makers are still sorting out the repercussions.
(From Reuters)

IBM denies re-entering PC market with Russian deal

March 10, 2008 8:40 AM PDT

Big Blue says it's not getting back into the PC market, despite selling "Microsoft-free" PCs running Linux and OpenOffice in Eastern Europe.

Five reasons not to fear a $200 Linux PC

January 24, 2008 10:00 AM PST

A rash of supremely affordable PCs preloaded with Linux has hit mainstream retail stores. And trying one is not as risky a proposition as you might think.
Photos: Three sub-$200 Linux PCs

Refurbishing an old approach to PC recycling

January 16, 2008 4:00 AM PST

For years, people have proposed updating and reusing old PCs. Carbon taxes and other factors finally may make the idea realistic.

Coming to the Mac in 2008: 'Spore'

January 15, 2008 8:39 AM PST

Electronic Arts plans to release the much-anticipated new game on several platforms at the same time, including the Mac.
Photos: Following the evolution of 'Spore'

Intel CEO sees Net boosting consumer electronics

January 8, 2008 6:21 AM PST

Paul Otellini predicts during his CES keynote that the Net's impact on the computer industry will play out again in the consumer electronics market.
Photos: Otellini predicts always-connected world

Lenovo has eyes on consumer PC market

January 3, 2008 1:31 PM PST

Chinese PC maker unveils new line of consumer-focused notebooks called IdeaPad, as well as a desktop line called IdeaCentre.
Photos: IdeaPad notebooks

FireWire speeds set to quadruple

December 17, 2007 8:18 AM PST

Backers say a new electrical specification will see the speed of the data-interfacing standard rise from 800Mbps to 3.2Gbps.

The man behind the Commodore 64

January 4, 2008 8:50 AM PST

Commodore founder Jack Tramiel gives rare interview at 25th anniversary event for his signature creation, on which he still plays Pac-Man.
Video: Commodore 64's silver anniversary

Why Dell needs a handheld

January 3, 2008 1:56 PM PST

Making a consumer gadget is a necessity if the computer company wants to compete with Apple and HP.

Why PCs aren't pricey anymore

May 27, 2008 7:36 PM PDT

CNET News.com's Charles Cooper remembers the mail-order makers who shook the mainstream computer makers out of their lethargy.

Dell: Not the PC company you used to know

December 6, 2007 5:19 PM PST

Company that made it big by being direct will soon sell its gear at Best Buy, not long after similar moves with Staples and Wal-Mart. How times change.

Dude, what happened to my PC?

December 5, 2007 4:00 AM PST

Internet attorney Eric J. Sinrod explains why the law is unforgiving when a computer with discoverable data in a case goes "missing."

Dell authorized to buy back $10 billion in stock

December 4, 2007 6:29 AM PST

Board has signed off on repurchase plan, allowing company to resume buyback program this week.

Dell to buy storage company for $1.4 billion

November 5, 2007 11:13 AM PST

With its planned acquisition of EqualLogic, the PC maker intends to make itself a force in what it calls "the iSCSI revolution."

Trouble on horizon for 'white box' PC makers

October 30, 2007 7:01 AM PDT

As more computer buyers turn to laptops, lesser-known companies that produce PCs will have a hard time keeping up with the big guys.
Photos: White-box choices

FAQ: What the daylight saving shift means to you

October 29, 2007 12:44 PM PDT

faq With the change coming later this year, follow these steps to help ensure that you're on time.

The balance sheet on Windows Vista

October 29, 2007 4:00 AM PDT

The OS is chugging along on strong PC sales and antipiracy efforts, but Microsoft still faces some grumbling and a long haul in corporate sales.