PDF

We appreciated this program's wizard-like approach to converting PDFs to Word and Excel files. Though it ultimately converted several PDFs to Word, Excel, Image, and PostScript files, we did hit a few bumps along the way.

Docsmartz PDF Converter Pro has a very easy-to-use interface. Simply browse for the PDF (or multiple PDFs), select the destination folder, and click on the file format command button. The program comes with several conversion modes that allow you to convert the PDF as is, text only, and images only. Similar programs give you the ability to select specific text, but unfortunately, Docsmartz … Read more

This program converts a variety of file formats to PDF files. We hit a few bumps at the beginning, but ultimately, it proved to be a valuable file conversion tool.

When we first installed 1-2-3 All to PDF, we encountered a few error messages. Luckily, we were able to bypass them and move on to the main interface, which can be accessed by right-clicking on the file you wish to convert. The program can also be accessed through your Print interface. Once activated, the user interface is fairly straightforward. All we had to do was select the location to save … Read more

This program will convert PDFs to a wide variety of file formats, but we found it lacking some conveniences found in similar programs. We also had to spend a considerable amount of time reformatting and editing the converted text.

ABC Amber PDF Converter has a crowded user interface. The process of converting the PDF was a little confusing because the commands seemed to be out of order. But once we found our bearings, we were able to open our PDF. Unlike similar PDF conversion programs, ABC does not include the ability to select specific text. Instead, you can only select … Read more

PDF conversion is an essential part of business. A program that quickly and easily does the job is always in demand. Unfortunately, Nitro PDF Professional doesn't live up to these high expectations.

Nitro begins very promisingly. It has a start-up wizard that offers to answer any questions and walk users through the process of converting files to PDF, or vice versa. The program's interface is also fairly simple. It looks a great deal like Adobe's PDF viewer, with similar buttons along the top for key commands and formatting options. The most prominent commands are those that convert … Read more

This is the third part to my early analysis of the new Kindle DX large-format e-book reader. In the first post ("Early analysis of Amazon's Kindle DX: Overview") I discussed the physical and software features of the new device. In the second post, "Early analysis of Amazon's Kindle DX: E-news", I described the limitations of the DX for news reading.

The textbook market represents an even greater challenge for the Kindle DX. There's a lot of variety among textbooks. Some textbooks will work well enough on the DX's display, but most, I … Read more

This is the second part to my early analysis of the new Kindle DX large-format e-book reader. In the first post ("Early analysis of Amazon's Kindle DX: Overview") I discussed the physical and software features of the new device. In the third post, "Early analysis of Amazon's Kindle DX: E-textbooks", I'll talk about how the DX will fit into the educational market.

But here, let's talk about the DX's suitability for reading electronic newspapers.

Newspapers are about text, and there's only a moderate need for interactivity. For each story, the … Read more

As expected, Amazon rolled out its new large-screen e-book reader, the Kindle DX. See Caroline McCarthy's coverage of the announcement here on CNET: "Amazon's big-screen Kindle DX makes its debut." I've spent much of the day reviewing the available information, and here are my first thoughts on the announcement.

Inevitably, the DX isn't exactly what I expected when I wrote my predictions earlier this week ("What to expect from Amazon and Apple"), but I got most of the major points right.

Here are the basic facts:

It's 7.2" wide … Read more

It's not much to look at, but this program quickly and easily helps users convert files into PDF format, and comes at no cost.

PDFCreator has a very basic interface that won't win it any beauty contests. However, by keeping the visuals to a minimum, users will be able to quickly and easily navigate the program and get right to the task at hand. PDFCreator appears as a small, white, rectangular box with a thin strip of command icons along the top. Here you can print, look at options, navigate your files, and open new files. Below the … Read more

PDF files are a common format for most businesses today. However, altering and creating fresh PDFs remains a mystery for many people. PDFill PDF Tools hopes to make this process simpler with a number of options, but the busy interface may overwhelm less experienced users.

This freeware program has a cluttered interface that will take some studying and experimentation to master. However, all the elements serve a purpose, and many will look familiar to those who have used a word-processing program. The screen looks very much like Microsoft Word's display, with a ruler running down the side and familiar … Read more