Tom's Hardware Guide: High Performance PC Secrets

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Summary: A great technology base for computer users
Review: Many reviews I have seen have missed the point entirely. Tom's Hardware Guide, like any computer book, will fall victim to the changing cutting edge, but the fact is that most computer users aren't wasting their parent's money riding the cutting edge of technology. The average computer user will find the explinations of current technologies usefull even when the high-end users have long since moved onto the latest and greatest. Tom is known for his no-nonsence benchmarks and unbiased reviews of technologies. The real value in this book, however, is in the explinations of the boards, chipsets, ram and ports used in today's computers. This information is invaluable to everyone from purchasers looking to judge the quality of a prebuilt system to users who just want to know more about the workings of their computer.

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Summary: It's a book that everyone can understand.
Review: Not only does this book serve as a decent reference/guide to "tech junkies", but to the average person, it is also completely understandable. In my opinion, "Tom's Hardware Guide" is not only a superbly accurate advisory for the computer expert, but is also serves as an informant to those who are still naive to the technical world.

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Summary: FOR Beginners only, nothing new for Advanced users.
Review: Really nice book for beginners, but nothing interesting and new for advanced users - cause all the things are outdated for REALLY power users - simple because the information on latest technologies outdates each day and this book is only for that whu dont have INTERNET. Thants is.

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Summary: If you plan to buy a PC, read this thing first
Review: Seems like a great book. All the pieces that you never know exactly what they are and about which a vendor's guy on the phone doesn't seem to tell you anything sensible. To those who complain about this book's impending obsolescence, I would say that they are certainly right, and hopefully, Tom will publish an update <g>. Iow, to those who inquire "What use is this book 6 months from now?", I say "how about your toothbrush? you wanna something timeless--go buy some Shakespeare, you dummkopf ..." In short--if you're thinking to buy a new PC--read this book before you call any vendors. You'll know what's what, will be in a position to specify a configuration that's best for you and, probably, save a little too.

Rating:
Summary: Beware!
Review: This book was published in 1998. Computers had hamsters running on wheels for cpus when this was published. It's a great idea, but it's way out of date. Check the website for the latest hardware.

Rating:
Summary: Beware!
Review: This book was published in 1998. Computers had hamsters running on wheels for cpus when this was published. It's a great idea, but it's way out of date. Check the website for the latest hardware.

Rating:
Summary: warmed over ...
Review: This is mostly a rehashing of material found on the web. Although it is a valient effort it falls short and leaves you wondering what you should do about higher performance ... There are no secrets here and there are better books for the money...

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Summary: There are many good books about hardware, this isn't one
Review: This was an absolute great reference for many of the components I buy to upgrade my computers. It is not a technical reference, but if you need to buy any component for a computer, read this book. Unfortunately, at this point, this book is now outdated and pretty much useless, unless you want to buy older components. Tom should update this book once a year or so, which is about how fast the computer industry moves. There was really only one thing I didn't like about the book when I purchased it a while ago: Not many motherboard references for Socket 7 or Super 7. Tom, at that time at least, seemed to be stuck on Intel Pentiums. I like the AMD's because they perform well and don't cost an arm and a leg. If Tom were to update this book, I would definitely purchase it. You do not have to be a super computer expert to understand this book. The format is perfect and its always exciting to read Tom's Pick at the end of each chapter.

Rating:
Summary: Great Reference For The PC Builder - Unfortunately Outdated
Review: This was an absolute great reference for many of the components I buy to upgrade my computers. It is not a technical reference, but if you need to buy any component for a computer, read this book. Unfortunately, at this point, this book is now outdated and pretty much useless, unless you want to buy older components. Tom should update this book once a year or so, which is about how fast the computer industry moves. There was really only one thing I didn't like about the book when I purchased it a while ago: Not many motherboard references for Socket 7 or Super 7. Tom, at that time at least, seemed to be stuck on Intel Pentiums. I like the AMD's because they perform well and don't cost an arm and a leg. If Tom were to update this book, I would definitely purchase it. You do not have to be a super computer expert to understand this book. The format is perfect and its always exciting to read Tom's Pick at the end of each chapter.

Rating:
Summary: ABSURD
Review: Though the book is exclusive to the year or two after the release because of Tom's reccommendations; they will soon become outdated. This is the best PC guide I have, and I have quite a few. I'm no expert, but with this book, I am much, much better off than I was before. Written in a style that appeals to both the beginner and the intermediate,to somewhat advanced, Tom's book is thourough, clearly structured, and well-rounded. This book, however, is not for the weathered PC builder's veteran, none of the stuff will really be new to them. I highly recommend it for anyone who is wanting to research what PC hardware components are available and how they stand up to the rest, when considering the configuration for a "homemade PC". Remember that it is limited to time, because six to 12 months from now, i will be outdated. Great for OCers, too. To learn even more, check out Tom's site (I can't list the URL).