Tags: computer, diy, laptop, step

Home cinema systems: Are kits or components right for you?

Whether you want to buy a home theatre in a box or go the components route, you'll need to decide which way is best for you right from the start.

It doesn't quite live up to its own battery hype, otherwise Asus' thin and light laptop is pretty good.

Dell Latitude XT2 Tablet

Dell's tablet isn't cheap, but it'll appeal to the business crowd who desire a solidly built system.
Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2

Lenovo's popular IdeaPad S10-2 netbook has been slimmed down and its price reduced, making it a better netbook — as long as you can live without ExpressCard.
Lenovo ThinkPad X200

It lacks some basic features you may require — touch pad, optical drive — but the 12.1-inch ThinkPad X200 offers strong performance and the longest battery life we've seen.
Asus Lamborghini VX5

Asus' Lamborghini VX5 is a luxury laptop, with a luxury price to match — thankfully justified by the quality of the laptop and package. If you've got a wad of cash burning in your pocket, and don't mind a little luxury, the VX5 might be for you.
Acer Extensa 5635Z

The Extensa is a business laptop with no particular frills. That's not a bad thing per se, but it's tough to get too excited about it, either.
Samsung N110

An easy-to-use netbook with a long battery life, but there are cheaper options.
Sony Vaio W

Attempting to create a premium-priced version of a netbook, Sony has added an HD display to the Vaio W. It's an attractive step-up package, but the internal components are the same as are in cheaper models.
Dell Mini 10v

Dell's Mini 10v keeps a lot of the features of the more expensive Mini 10, while dropping the price to AU$549. It's one of only a handful of AU$600 netbooks that doesn't look and feel especially cheap.

Best PC games

Console titles may get all the fanfare, but there are still plenty of great games to play on the PC.
Laptops with long battery life

Unless you're buying a desktop replacement, battery life is arguably the key consideration in any notebook purchase. CNET.com.au gives you our top long-lasting models.
Is Apple behind the laptop curve?

As good as Apple laptops are, Windows-based PCs do have a few leading-edge features not found in MacBooks.
The five most beautiful laptops

Forget the 50 most beautiful people — check out these foxy laptops.

Laptop Connect: No strings wireless broadband

If you're facing a short period without internet access then Laptop Connect could be just what you're looking for.
New Apple MacBooks demystified

We round up the key specs, pricing and features of the current MacBook family in one handy spot.
BMW designer takes a stab at the desktop

While not quite as revolutionary as Asus' modular PC concept from a few years back, BMW DesignworksUSA's Level 10 case for Thermaltake is a far cry from any other desktop chassis we've seen recently.
Toshiba unveils two new notebooks in Satellite series

Toshiba continues its line-up with a couple of new notebooks from its Satellite series.

Laptop lowdown: 25 things you need to know to buy the perfect notebook

In the market for a new notebook? Check out our list of 25 things you need to consider before you hit the shops.
Password-protect user accounts

The first step to laptop security is making sure it's not easy to get logged on.
DIY home surveillance with a webcam

Too cheap to buy a real home security system? A webcam gets you part of the way there. We examine a few inexpensive ways to do it with an old computer and some home security software.
How to family-proof your PC

You may be savvy about computer security, but what about your family and friends? Before loved ones wreak havoc on your files, make sure you take these four basic security precautions.

Remote Audio

Hear audio from a remote computer over a network.
IPViewer

View IP address, hostname, and MAC address of your computer.
SuperBot Offline Browser

Automatically download and save files, or entire Web sites.
SpotAuditor

View and recover passwords and other critical information for various computer programs.

Get (laptop) smart before you buy

Win the numbers game and get the laptop that's perfect your needs as well as your budget!
Microsoft Windows® 7. Your PC, simplified.

Windows® 7 has been designed to be more reliable, more responsive, and to make the things you do every day easier.
Whereis® maps

If you’d like to get to know more of Australia, and do it safely, then check out Whereis® maps.