Best of Google Maps and Google Earth 2011

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The wizards in Mountain View, California, were hard at work this year churning out improvements to Google Maps and Google Earth--some practical, some socially responsible, and some just fun. For example, let's say you're trying to decide on a ski resort. You can now use Street Views to check out the slopes at locations including Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, and Colorado's Breckenridge. On the socially responsible front, Google teams have carefully documented the damage from Japan's horrific tsunami and the U.S. Midwest's tornadoes. Take a look at "Best of Google Maps and Google Earth 2011" for a month-by-month breakdown. --Kim Saccio-Kent, Newsletter Editor Top Stories Best of Google Maps and Google Earth 2011 Using these Google tools, you can now see the insides of large stores, views of the world's magnificent mountains, and a record of the devastation of Japan, among many other advancements. 10 Laptop Alternatives for Working on the Go With so many recent advances in smartphones and tablets, do you really need to replace your aging laptop with another laptop? How to Buy a Tablet Tablets are everywhere today--and many more are on the way. We tell you what to consider, before you buy. For more tablet news and tips, visit PCWorld.com. Top Tweets From @PCWPluggedIn Siri helps Santa in Apple's Christmas iPhone 4S ad: And Santa helps Apple sell iPhones--how heartwarming! Study: Three in five workers yell at their computers: The other two just sob uncontrollably. Netbook robot lets you be in two places at once: Of course, a chainsaw can accomplish the same thing. Follow us every day on Twitter: @PCWPluggedIn News Ice Cream Sandwich: What Are the Hot New Android OS Changes? Android has undergone a huge transformation with the Ice Cream Sandwich update. Here are a few of the biggest changes. How Facebook Can Hurt Your Credit Rating Bank on it: Financial institutions are checking social media profiles to identify credit risks. It's time to ditch those deadbeat friends. App Internet and Mobile Devices to Drive Massive Technology Demands in 2012 Technology industry experts predict fast-shifting pressures on technology from the rise in mobile application development, cloud computing and new security threats next year. For the latest reports, visit our News page . PCW Business Center How to Choose a Laptop for Your Small Business Businesses have laptop needs beyond those of the average consumer, including security, warranty, service, and more. Here's what to look for. Visit the PCW Business Center. Blogs Google's Android Tablet: How Might It Be Different? Google has high-end aspirations, so its tablet has to deliver on screen resolution, processor power, storage capacity, and camera capability. Ice Cream Sandwich Destined for Samsung Galaxy S II in Early 2012 Samsung also announced that most of its Galaxy-branded devices would get the Android 4.0 update some time next year. Minecraft Creator Notch Makes Minicraft in 48 Hours Notch, the creator of Minecraft, makes his new game, Minicraft, in 48 hours for the Ludum Dare game developer competition. For the latest news and opinion, visit our Blogs page . Reviews Kiss Your Cable Bill Goodbye With These HDTV Antennas Forget rabbit ears: A new breed of stylish TV antennas deliver a great picture without dominating your living room. We tried five good options. Top 10 Android Phones Android phones come in a variety of forms and flavors. Here are the best smartphones running Google's innovative mobile platform. Compare prices on cell phones. For more reviews, visit PCWorld.com. How-To How To Get Windows 8 Features Now You don't have to wait until next year to see what Windows 8 has to offer. Use these tricks to update your operating system's look and feel right now. How to Delete Your Browser History Here's how to erase your browser history in Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. We won't ask why you want it gone. For more tips, visit PCWorld.com. Videos Cameras of Distinction 2011 Senior Editor Tim Moynihan talks about some of the most award-worthy photography devices of the past year. For more videos, visit PCWorld.com. Downloads 9 Great Holiday Downloads Feeling stressed? Worn out from all that holiday shopping and gift wrapping? Take a few minutes to play one of these Christmassy games. And don't limit your decorating to the tree--we have classy Windows 7 themes for your desktop. For more free and trial software, visit PCWorld.com. PC World Community Which Starter Laptop Should I Buy? Help! Join the discussion. Visit the PC World Community The Future of 3D Gaming Read the latest updates on the gaming revolution. Read more. Advertisement Lenovo ThinkPads & IdeaPads Click thru to shop the bestselling ThinkPads & IdeaPads! Most Popular Searches Android Tablet Windows 8 Samsung Buying guides Product Reviews Samsung Galaxy Nexus 91 Pros 4G/LTE is very fast; Ice Cream Sandwich is a real treat; Slim, curved design Cons No expandable memory ; No Google Wallet support ; Camera is just okay Read Complete Review » Top 10 Cell Phones » Top 5 Verizon Phones » Top 10 Android Phones » Samsung Galaxy Nexus 91 Pros 4G/LTE is very fast; Ice Cream Sandwich is a real treat; Slim, curved design Cons No expandable memory ; No Google Wallet support ; Camera is just okay Read Complete Review » Top 10 Cell Phones » Top 5 Verizon Phones » Top 10 Android Phones » Samsung Galaxy Nexus 91 Pros 4G/LTE is very fast; Ice Cream Sandwich is a real treat; Slim, curved design Cons No expandable memory ; No Google Wallet support ; Camera is just okay Read Complete Review » Top 10 Cell Phones » Top 5 Verizon Phones » Top 10 Android Phones » Get Big Savings When you Shop at PCWorld.com Shop online at PCWorld.com, where you can compare product information, read trusted reviews, and find the best prices on consumer electronics. 1 V1 Black Digital Camera Kit w/ 10-30 mm and 30-110 mm Lens Price: $996.95 No User Ratings Yet Be the first to review Coolpix S8200 Black Digital Camera Price: $246.95 No User Ratings Yet Be the first to review Browse more Best Prices on Digital Cameras, Flash Memory, Graphics & Publishing Software, Lenses, Bags & Cases Top News on PCWorld.com Best of Google Maps and Google Earth 2011 Using these Google tools, you can now see the insides of large stores, views of the world's magnificent mountains, and a record of the devastation of Japan, among many other advancements. Share: GoDaddy Faces Boycott Threat From SOPA Opponents Internet domain registrar GoDaddy is facing a boycott threat after it figured in a list of supporters of the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). Share: Top Reviews on PCWorld.com Kiss Your Cable Bill Goodbye With These HDTV Antennas Forget rabbit ears: A new breed of stylish TV antennas deliver a great picture without dominating your living room. We tried five good options. Share: PCWorld's Favorite Downloads of 2011 At the end of another year, PCWorld reviewers name downloads and Web programs we liked so much we just kept on using them. Share: Ice Cream Sandwich: What Are the Hot New Android OS Changes? Android has undergone a huge transformation with the Ice Cream Sandwich update. Here are a few of the biggest changes. Share: Avast Launches Free Android Security Software With Special Features for Rooted Phones Avast Software has launched a free Android security product that combines antivirus, anti-theft and firewall components and provides special features for rooted... Share: Downloads: Editor's Collection PCWorld's Favorite Downloads of 2011All year long, we PCWorld reviewers immerse ourselves in desktop programs and Web software. After evaluating a program, often we uninstall it but several of this year's finds earned places in our workflows and/or our hearts. These programs and services are the ones we reviewed for PCWorld Downloads and also kept using for our own productivity and enjoyment. Perhaps you started using them this year, too&and if not, well, a shiny new year is right around the corner. 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