Tags: desktop, diy, office, old

Filter by keyword: apple, boost, buying, colour, core, data, dual, dual-layer, duo, e-mail, express, forward, guide, imac, inkjet, intel, mail, memory, outlook, pc, pda, performance, photo, pocketpc, port, print, printer, quality, ram, transfer, web

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.

Microsoft Office 2010 beta: First take

The beta for Microsoft Office 2010 is here and we've had a chance to check out the latest version. Though the changes are more incremental than they are major, there are some useful new enhancements worth noting in this revision.

See all

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.

  • 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.

  • Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000

    Unless you desperately need a full-sized keyboard covered in silver to match your decor, we'd suggest you pass on the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000, and go for one of the cheaper options.

Next »
See all

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.

  • Desktop shopping checklist

    Home PCs still have their place in the sun, thanks to falling prices and ease of upgradeability.

  • Microsoft Office alternatives

    Are you always rooting for the underdog? In the world of productivity suites, you don't need to pay a lot to get the basic tools for reading, writing and arithmetic. Read the reviews to find out what's in each bundle, from the freebies to the full-featured suites.

  • Newbie's guide to Facebook

    What is Facebook and why should you use it?

Next »
  • Microsoft introduces 'Starter' version of Office

    The new ad-supported, limited feature version of Office will come preloaded on certain new PCs. The replacement for Microsoft Works is one of several new ways Microsoft is trying to create new customers for its productivity suite.

  • Next Mac Office, due by 2010's end, gets Outlook

    The software maker says it is working on a new version of its Mac Office product, which will include a Mac version of Outlook, replacing Entourage.

  • Nokia to work with Microsoft for mobile Office

    With the next version of Office, Microsoft is trying to expand its hold on the productivity market and has announced a deal with Nokia to help achieve this goal.

  • 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.

Next »
See all

DIYs and How-to

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Mac Starter Kit: Must-have apps

    Out of the box, a new Mac is loaded with cool apps to get you started, but it doesn't come with everything you'll need. Check out our round-up of apps that Mac users count on every day and aren't included in the initial set-up.

  • Windows Starter Kit: Must-have PC apps

    Bought a new PC but hate the bloatware it comes with? We've sourced the best free Windows apps to increase your productivity.

Next »
See all

Downloads

Next »

The Explain Series

See all

Videos

See all

Image Galleries