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
Wondering what to buy your fellow geek this Christmas? Never fear! You may have left it it a little late, but our holiday gift guides can still come in handy. Here are a few great places to start:
