Sorry but my confidence in a Computer Shopper review is very low, I haven't read the review I don't even buy the magazine as I feel there are also better computer magazines out there.
I suggest you look at the likes of
www.av-comparatives.org for a more balanced and long term view or
http://www.virusbtn.com/index which deals with in the wild threat tests over a long term.
Whilst avast may not have the best detection rate it has more configurability and flexibility and different shields than many of its competitors, detection rate isn't everything, the AV solution has to suit your needs. You need to take a long hard look at the features and details does it support your P2P, IM, or email program, etc. does it have the boot-time scan, etc. The big one that isn't mentioned in the marketing blurb is the support.
avast has done me well in the almost three years I have had it, but you can't relay on a single program to protect against all evil, add say AVG anti-spyware and AdAware to increase overall protection and back that up with a healthy dose of common sense.
You have been on the forums since May 2005 so also let your own personal experience giude you not a single article.