vs.

Defend your village from hordes of nasties

Samurai vs Zombies Defense for Mac is an animated combat game ported from other platforms. It is available as a free download from the App Store with in-game purchases to add extra capabilities and allow purchases. The app installs easily.

The idea behind Samurai vs Zombies Defense for Mac is that you are a Samurai warrior facing a horde of zombies out to overrun your village. While you can fight the zombies yourself using your swords, you also need to recruit help from other allies to handle the masses of zombies. Some allies are powerful warriors, others are farmers with … Read more

Prizefight: Apple iPad 4th generation vs. Google Nexus 10

Apple's fourth-generation iPad takes on Google's Nexus 10 in another battle between two mortal enemies. The full-size tablet market isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so which one is your top pick?

Apple's latest iPad brings exactly the same design, with the new Lightning port and the power of the iTunes and App Store ecosystem. The Google Nexus 10 brings one of the most feature-packed 10-inch tablets on the market, a screen that bests the iPad's Retina Display, and solid support from the Google Play store.

Which tablet are you picking as your Prizefight champion? Cast … Read more

Prizefight: Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs. LG Intuition

It's a first-time Prizefight for a whole new evolving category between Samsung's Galaxy Note 2 and LG's Intuition.

These two unique devices bring the world of a smartphone and a tablet into one form factor. Throw in the use of a stylus, and we're talking about two of the most versatile mobile devices on the planet.

The Galaxy Note 2 has learned its lessons and it brings a versatile stylus, albeit with a much steeper learning curve. The LG Intuition stylus interface is straightforward and simple, but there's no place to hold the stylus on … Read more

Kindle Fire HD vs. iPad

The iPad and Kindle Fire HD are two different tablets intended for slightly different market segments. The iPad is a "does everything" tablet, while the Fire HD remains focused on media consumption.

However, most people shopping for a tablet don't have the funds to afford both (not that I'm at all encouraging anyone purchase both) and will therefore have to choose. The following is an attempt to make that choice a bit easier. With the iPad being the "everything" tablet in this comparison, I'll focus on comparing the two in categories both tablets are capable of, while also pointing out the strengths of each.… Read more

Will AT&T's LTE network be more reliable than 3G for the iPhone?

The new iPhone launch is just around the corner. And eager fans are starting to consider which carrier might offer the best service.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I help a reader, who has had poor experiences with his iPhone 3GS on AT&T, evaluate whether he should switch to Verizon Wireless for the new iPhone since it's likely to support 4G LTE. I also offer some advice about whether to buy the older Samsung Galaxy SII or the newer Galaxy SIII. And I explain why the recent court ruling in the Apple vs. Samsung patent case … Read more

Defend your home

Plants vs. Zombies surprises its users with its gorgeous graphics and onscreen directions that help you get familiar with the app and focus on enjoying the entertainment. Its clean, simple, and easy-to-understand interface with its care for details will drag each gamer into the world of plants and zombies from the very beginning.

We liked how the game scenario makes you hungry for more levels. The great introduction for first-time players with the first levels of the game and the feelings of success are among the key incentives that will drive you to the next level. When you defeat the … Read more

How carriers get away with 'locking' the iPhone

The software locks that wireless operators put on devices, such as the iPhone, may violate state and federal antitrust laws, but there isn't much consumers can do about it.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I answer a reader's question about whether consumers could sue their carriers to force them to allow people to take their iPhone 4S to any carrier they want, given that this particular phone uses the exact same hardware on every carrier. And I explain why consumers aren't likely able to sue AT&T over its new policy to restrict the Apple … Read more

Samsung defeat a 'back to the drawing board' moment

Complete coverage: Apple v. Samsung, a battle over billions

Samsung Electronics -- and possibly Android -- may need a complete overhaul if Apple has its way.

Today's jury verdict, in which Apple was awarded $1.05 billion in damages after Samsung was found to have copied several key design elements in the iPhone and iPad, could have a ripple effect in how Samsung designs its phones.

Samsung may have to do better than draw its inspiration from nature when designing and building the next wave of Android smartphones. The jury's decision was a statement on just how similar … Read more

EA's PopCap downsizes, laying off 50 U.S. employees

To avoid permanently getting rid of plants, zombies, jewels, frogs, or worms, gaming company PopCap announced today that it has to lay off 50 employees at its headquarters.

The social and mobile gaming arm of Electronic Arts that's known for games like Bejeweled and Plants vs. Zombies said it had to reevaluate its costs in order to keep up with the digital gaming world.

"The change in consumer tastes requires us to reorganize our business and invest in new types of games on new platforms," PopCap co-founder John Vechey wrote in a blog post today. "It'… Read more

Game not over yet for OnLive

Any objection to Monday's top tech headlines is overruled:

The Apple vs. Samsung trial is almost at a close. The jury is expected to begin deliberations Tuesday. The two tech giants spent three weeks battling over patents and accusations of copying.

OnLive is facing some rough days ahead. The cloud-based gaming service sold its assets to an investor Friday and laid off employees, but said it will rehire many back as the newly restructured company (which will still be called OnLive). The company says subscribers shouldn't see any problems or interruptions in service during this restructuring.

College students … Read more