Microsoft Encarta 2004
New video clips; beefed-up literature guides; enhanced interface; constant online updates.
See also: Microsoft Corp., Education and reference
8.6 Editors' Rating
Ableton Live 5.2
Freeze Track feature for saving CPU power; automatic plug-in-delay compensation; support for MP3 tracks; ability to create launchable markers; support for Mackie-compatible mixers; several new effects; new lessons for getting started; great support options; latest version works with Intel-based Macs.
See also: ableton, Education and reference
8.5 Editors' Rating
Microsoft Encarta Reference Library Premium 2005 - complete package
Better interface for young children; online math homework; integrated search tool.
See also: Microsoft Corp., Education and reference
8.3 Editors' Rating
Final Cut Studio 2
Final Cut Studio 2 is a solid value; includes new Color app; new open-format timeline; SmoothCam feature; improves integration throughout the suite; includes 5.1 surround sound support; adds effects and templates.
See also: Apple, Education and reference
8 Editors' Rating
Apple iLife '05
Incredible value; improved performance; imports and edits high-definition video; top-notch music-creation features; better integration among apps.
See also: Apple, Education and reference
8 Editors' Rating
Rosetta Stone Chinese Personal Edition Level I & II
Windows and Mac compatible; uses only the target language; money-back guarantee; excellent support package.
See also: Fairfield Language Technologies, Education and reference
8 Editors' Rating
Sony Sound Forge Audio Studio
Compatible with many audio and video formats; customizable interface; excellent real-time effects; abundance of export options; solid performance.
See also: Sony, Education and reference
8 Editors' Rating
Apple iLife '04
Easy to toggle among the five applications; little to no learning curve; iPhoto can handle up to 25,000 photos per collection; still priced at $49.
See also: Apple, Education and reference
8 Editors' Rating
Sony Pictures Digital Vegas+DVD (Vegas 4.0)
Fast, full-featured, and flexible video-editing tool; high-end DVD authoring; Dolby Digital 5.1 audio mixing; AC3 encoding; HD and 24P support.
See also: Sonic Foundry, Education and reference
8 Editors' Rating
Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2002
Provides extensive research and reference tools; easy to navigate; lively multimedia elements make research fun and interactive.
Tags: Microsoft Corp., 3D, Encarta.com
8 Editors' Rating
Kaplan SAT, ACT & PSAT Deluxe 2002
Contains useful insider information on how to beat the SAT and ACT, plus how to select a college and pay for tuition.
8 Editors' Rating
Adobe Audition 1.5
Powerful; brimming with features; fully integrates recording, mixing, looping, waveform editing, and CD burning.
See also: Adobe Systems Inc., Education and reference
7.8 Editors' Rating
Play video
