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Desktop digest: 13 things you need to know to buy the perfect desktop

Despite the laptop gaining strength as the PC du jour in recent times, the desktop still has a place in the home. Here are our top 25 things to consider before buying or building your own desktop.

Upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7

It's a painful install since Microsoft provides no direct upgrade path, but we can help.

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Reviews

  • Dell Studio One 19

    There's a decent but not great PC hiding behind the Studio One 19's touchscreen gimmickry.

  • BenQ nScreen i91

    BenQ's nettop looks affordable on the surface, but you're still paying a premium for a low-powered desktop machine.

  • Asus Eee Box B206

    For undemanding users who aren't into HD video, Asus' Eee Box B206 is worth a look; however, it's not powerful enough to take on other media-centre PCs.

  • Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2009)

    A few other all-in-ones make this 20-inch iMac look expensive on a dollars-per-screen-inch basis, but none are as attractive or as capable juggling multiple programs. With a fast dual-core CPU and a strong array of features, Apple's updated all-in-one will slide seamlessly into a variety of roles at home or at work.

  • Altech SysArielAtom-DP04

    The DP04 is a classic example of why nettop buyers are better off buying netbooks.

  • Mazda 2 Neo 3-door hatch (2008)

    Smaller and lighter than the previous model, the Mazda 2 is a revelation for small cars, and for cars in general. There's not much tech on the inside, save maybe the 3.5mm auxiliary input for your MP3 player.

  • Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks

    We're not wild about the design of Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks, but its image quality is so vastly superior to that of other notebook webcams that we're more than willing to make the occasional camera readjustment as needed.

  • Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000

    The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 offers a winning combination of stellar image quality, easy-to-use software, and a sturdy, stable stand. It's our webcam pick for desktop and laptop users alike.

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Features

  • Twitter desktop round-up: Top 5 free apps compared

    Forgo Twitter.com's dreaded "fail whale". How? Tweet from the desktop. It's more reliable at times, and sophisticated desktop apps are packed with useful management features.

  • Contrasting Windows: New feature comparison

    Since 2002 when Microsoft introduced Windows XP, its operating system upgrades have caused a wide range of reactions. In this chart, we compare the major features in each OS and look at Windows' progress over the years.

  • Can I still buy a laptop with Windows XP?

    Not ready for a Vista laptop? Simply want to stick to good old XP? Here are your options on the market.

  • Best PlayStation 2 games

    Sony's PlayStation 2 is far from dead -- it's still alive and kicking. If you have Sony's now classic console, then these are some of the must-have games you need to have in your collection.

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  • Google announces Chrome OS

    Google has announced the creation of the Google Chrome Operating System project, with the goal to build a Linux-based OS available for purchase on netbooks in the second half of 2010.

  • NZ, Australia to get Win7 first

    The first retail sales of Windows 7 will take place in New Zealand and Australia on 22 October, Microsoft confirmed this week.

  • Optima shut down, assets auctioned off

    The remnants of Australian PC maker Optima ICM have been auctioned at trading website Grays Online, but some equipment has been reserved to repay customers that are owed outstanding warranties from the failed company.

  • XP on your desktop till 2010, if it's cheap

    Microsoft has announced that manufacturers will be able to sell Windows on "nettops" — or low-cost desktops — in another move that looks set to keep XP alive for several years yet.

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DIYs and How-to

  • Windows desktop bling

    Just because your Windows computer comes with boring backgrounds and icons doesn't mean that you're stuck with them. We show you where to find themes, widgets and other desktop tools to jazz up your screen.

  • XP to Vista: How to transfer your data

    In this quick guide we'll show you how to transfer your files and settings from an aging Windows XP computer to a new Vista machine.

  • 101 software tips, tweaks and tricks

    Our insider secrets will help you master your PC and its most important applications.

  • Making the most of Skype video-calling

    Skype High Quality video-calling can help shrink the distance between yourself and loved ones overseas, but you may need to fork out for some new tech. We take a look at what you need.

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Downloads

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The Explain Series

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Videos

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Image Galleries