Vista SP1, MP3 Player Volume, Favorite CPUs

Some Windows Vista users are annoyed by driver issues in Service Pack 1, but most readers don't seem worried. Some say they've had no problems, while others are just staying with XP. Have you had any problems with drivers under Vista SP1? Let us know.

Many people like their music loud--but how loud can it be before it damages your hearing? Some readers say that MP3 player manufacturers shouldn't be responsible for regulating volume levels, and others think that everyone just needs to turn it down a notch. Do you crank your tunes up? Join the discussion.

The old competition between Advanced Micro Devices and Intel seems to be heating up again. Many readers think that competition is best for everyone, but most have their personal brand preference. Which chip maker do you prefer, and is a price war good for consumers? Have your say in our forum.

The most-recommended stories this week cover OS hacks, the Apple IIc, and RealPlayer alternatives. To vote for your own favorites, click one of the thumbs-up icons on an article's page.

We end with product reviews from users like you. Have you gotten any new high-tech goodies recently? Let us and your fellow PC World readers know what you think of them. Go to PCW Shop & Compare to search for your gear and add a review.

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Angry Users Vent Over SP1 Driver Issues

rgreen4 says: Everyone was screaming about how Microsoft needed to do something to make Windows more secure, so Microsoft took the extra time to completely redo Windows rather than just update XP. It closed all the back doors and by-passes that had been in the OS since the DOS days. The result: Noncompliant software won't run, and everyone is screaming.

Jrbales says: Since Windows Update failed to give me the option to download Vista SP1, I manually downloaded and installed it from the Microsoft Web site. So far no problems.

BroPac says: What is so sad is that unsuspecting and somewhat innocent PC newbies are buying this piece of junk. I recommend to my customers to buy a used or refurbished PC, or replace the hard drive--whatever it takes to avoid Vista.

Wxman says: My HP6000 laptop is only a few months old. I've installed almost no new drivers, and the update isn't there for me either. I'm not stressed; I'd like to go back to XP anyway.

Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.

When Does an MP3 Player Fry Your Hearing?

theonlybuster says: Yes, we know it's bad--but tell me you don't enjoy music more when you can feel it pulsating through your body.

Flashorn says: How many more studies do we need to convince the younger generation of this plague? All you see walking down the street are young folks with these strings hanging from their heads and not considering the long-term effects on their well being.

ElBarto16 says: This is ridiculous. Why would the manufacturer be responsible? That just raises prices for people--and some do know the dangers. It is sad that we rely on the company that made the product to stop this.

Rkinne01 says: The precautions that I take are my choice and responsibility (imagine that). Forcing Apple or the other MP3 player companies to adapt their products will only increase prices and limit product selection.

Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.

Is the Intel vs. AMD Chip War Back On?

RNR19952 says: I have been using AMD processors for years and only one processor ever went bad on me. I just started buying Intel again with the Core 2 Duo chips, as they are more bang for the buck right now. Competition equals value.

Tenney76 says: I've always been a fan of AMD and have used the processors for many years. I hope it can come out with something to blow Intel away.

Crazyhorse2002 says: We need both a strong AMD and Intel to enable us to get better products sooner and cheaper. Remember when Intel was the only game in town? We paid high prices for CPUs. Now that they are playing at almost the same level we pay a fair price. Keep up the competition; we the consumers win in the end.

Coastie65 says: The software doesn't know the difference.

Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.

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