Dell and Apple machines least often needed repairs, but repairing a Mac was more costly.

"Repairs for Dell and Gateway cost less than average; for Apple, more than average. Repairs to Dell computers were completed faster than average," Consumer Reports wrote in "Repair history: Desktop computers".

Peripherals

In "Look Sharp", Consumer Reports also tested eight 19-inch monitors and four 17-inch displays for image clarity, controls and other features. The Dell Ultrascan P991 FD Trinitron scored best overall among 19-inch models and the NEC MultiSync FE700 was tops for the 17-inch group. Like desktop computers, however, the displays were all rated very good or good overall. Cheaper than some 17-inch monitors, the 19-inch Princeton Ultra 95, rated a close second to Dell's 19-inch Ultrascan.

Hewlett Packard and Epson printers, each with numerous models, were among the best inkjets and the Brother HL-1240 scored higher than the Oki Okipage, largely because of its greater versatility. All printers rated either excellent or very good except for the multifunction Canon MultiPass C530 rated a high good, according to Consumer Reports.

Faster Net access

In Consumer Reports' extensive study of high speed broadband Internet access (via cable, DSL phone lines and wireless satellite systems) for home subscribers, the magazine found the investment "worthwhile" but relatively more expensive and sometimes more troublesome than dial-up modem connections.

DSL users were least satisfied with their broadband provider's technical support, while those with cable access were most satisfied.

"However, our survey respondents and the users who posted comments on our web site believe that the benefits of high-speed Internet access far outweigh any problems in gaining that access," Consumer Reports wrote in "Instant Internet".

Trashing silicon

In "Recycling Old Hardware" Consumer Reports cites National Safety Council statistics that say 300 million personal computers will become obsolete within four years. Most machines won't be recycled, but added to the nation's solid and hazardous waste heaps.

The article advises consumers to seek out computer donation or recycling efforts, including those available from some Goodwill and Salvation Army locations, as well as the new National Cristina Foundation.