Readers Poll: High-Tech [ Arts & Entertainment | Architecture & Lodging | Food & Drink | High-Tech | Kids | Media | Outdoors & Recreation | Politics | Services | Shopping ] Critics' Picks | Readers Poll Winners sorted alphabetically

Computer Book Selection

Barnes & Noble

The vast high-tech selection in this Grand Old Chain nails shut the lid of the coffin containing the once-living conceit that computer technology would soon render paper obsolete. Whether you need help pointing & clicking or hacking & cracking, this is definitely the meatspace homepage for all siliconish hardcopy. With sprawling locations in close proximity to two major geek enclaves (UT and the Silicon Hills), it's no wonder that B&N shows up at the top of the shelf this year, knocking last year's winner, Book People, into a close second.

10,000 Research, 418-8985; 701 Capital of Texas, 328-3155; 2246 Guadalupe, 457-0581

Computer Repair

Wallingford Electronics

With a turnaround time "five times faster than the industry standard," it's little wonder that these anyware gurus, who have been providing professional service for over a decade now, are on the top of so many local "Who Ya Gonna Call?" lists. Added kudos for the whacked-out artwork at their Web site, too. Wallingford has taken this title, just edging out those darling dorks at Computer Nerdz and AES, in an exact replay of last year's tally.

6721 N. Lamar, 452-1620

Internet Provider

texas.net

This year's readers' favorite, the Texas-NetworkingCompany, has been providing great service -- with digital modems and T3 connections to the Internet backbone through multiple providers, with over 15 servers, with more than enough available bandwidth to handle future growth and 56k modems, and with a 24/7 tech support system -- since 1994. And it's even got that state-specific name; which is just what any proud Texan likes to see, even out here on the electronic frontier.

http://www.texas.net, 823 Congress, 472-2532

Computer Store

Dell Outlet Store

The mammoth outlet store gave a swift kick to the power supply of perennial winner CompUSA, which came in second. How can you resist something that, besides being produced right in Your Own Backyard, is also consistently rated -- by tech-savvy panels of judges in almost any source you can find -- at or near the top of the Ten Best list for powerful yet user-friendly personal computers? Not only that, but Dell's customer service department has become the stuff of legend.

8801 Research, 728-5656

Local Visionary

Mr. Michael Dell

Well, it's one thing to have a vision; it's quite another to nurture and steer that vision into international, world-resounding significance. Austin's Michael Dell, he of the Gordian-knotlike property appraisals as well as much local philanthropy, has done just that with his self-started computer company. (And he's such a snappy dresser, too! LOL!)

338-4400

Local Web Site

TIE: austin360; www.auschron.com

photograph by Jana Birchum

What can we say about this photo-finish between two paper-anchored entities? The difference here, really, is the difference between the Austin American-Statesman and the paper you're currently reading. Both are locally oriented, in-depth, entertaining, and informative; you'll choose your news as you choose your views, and cyberspace will be all the better for both sites. UT student radio mighty mite site for KVRX-FM came in third.

http://www.austin360.com; http://www.auschron.com

Online Guide to Austin

austin360

The growing urban entity formerly known as Waterloo is growing so fast that we can imagine that even local folks can sometimes feel like a newbie tourist among its streets, attractions, and various diversions. Online offers a little better grip. The Statesman's austin360 took top honors. City Search's local branch site and our own auschron.com tied for second.

http://www.austin360.com