Do you trust the tech reviews?

[usmc_nam_vet]

In 2006 cnet rated Trend Micro a 4*
In 2007 and 2008 vs it drop to a 2*
Now the 2009 is back to a 4*
I have noticed no significant change in it's software. I am starting to think that something smells fishy.

 

[mansrm81]

I never read them.

 

[z3r010]

I wouldn't trust any software review as most of the reviewers have affiliate deals and get a cut of any sales.

 

[gazz496]

yup don't trust them as a guideline maybe just to get info on what it does thats all and like z3r010 says they get a cut i'm sure it's the same with hardware reviews too.

 

[locoeng]

In 2006 cnet rated Trend Micro a 4*
In 2007 and 2008 vs it drop to a 2*
Now the 2009 is back to a 4*
I have noticed no significant change in it's software. I am starting to think that something smells fishy.

They aren't grading the software on it's noticable changes, but rather the ability for it to do the job it's intended to do. Perhaps in 2007 and 2008 they were a bit slack in updating virus definitions and detection of new viruses. That being said, I'm with the rest of the bunch in not trusting reviews from large groups like cnet who rely on support from advertisers for their revenue. There are some reliable independant sources for this information that I think could be trusted more.

 

[Joan Archer]

I'm another that doesn't read the reviews, I don't change things that often anyway and usually go with whats available at a price I can afford at the time.

 

[Nez]

I do read the "new" reviews,but generally ask friends,or collegues,with no links to the software seller,what they think of product x,y,or z,then if there is "something" that I like,I will try it.I never however take any notice of seeing a "5 star product-as recommended by thousands of people",etc,then take the premise that it is "a must have"

 

[z3r010]

****IMPORTANT NOTICE*****
ALL PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS READING PLEASE NOTE

I will endorse anything for a freebie

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

No shame in your game, eh ...

















Later Ted

 

[ripbox]

tech reviews are bases on hype wich in turn is made by word of mouth by the general public who heard something from some a non tach savvy that sat through a 2 or so hour presentation at some electronics show in korea/japan who only turned up to keep him in the media loop who in turn only tell us about these half baked technologial advances so they can rush them out the doors and steal our money without a sigh of giuld on the shoulders

 

[KrossX]

Indeed, I don't care about "publisher's" reviews either. Although, I rather take into consideration the opinion of people I know.

Also, I don't take 5 stars rating as a "must have" or millions of people giving high rating. I take it the same way for movies... lots of people rated Spiderman 3 very high... I didn't like it.

So I rather stick to some people's opinion, for example:

Known subject A: OMG! The SIMS2 rockz man! ( Now I know I won't like it =P )
Known subject B: Hmm, this Avast! seems to do the job fairly well. ( Now I know I should check it out. )