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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.

Record audio with your computer

Learn the basics of recording voice and music onto a computer using microphones, audio cables and USB adapters.

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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.

  • 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.

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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.

  • Desktop shopping checklist

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

  • Eco Friendly PCs

    Rory Reid shares tips on how to have a greener PC, without resorting to paint.

  • Remote control keyboards

    Whether you put a keyboard in your living room for your home theatre PC or you simply want some extra distance from your desktop, both Microsoft and Logitech have you covered.

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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.

  • Toshiba unveils speedy 512GB SSD

    Toshiba has unveiled a 512GB solid state drive (SSD) which it claims breaks both speed and size records in the notebook SSD market.

  • 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.

  • Porsche claims Nissan cheated with its GT-R Ring time

    Earlier this year Nissan threw the gauntlet down to existing sports car makers by claiming the fastest lap time at Germany's Nurburgring. After performing some of its own testing though, Porsche is claiming that Nissan's been telling porkies.

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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.

  • 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.

  • Camcorder formats: which one is best?

    Prospective camcorder buyers are faced with a choice of four types of camcorder recording media: hard disk, flash memory, MiniDV/HDV tapes, or mini-DVD. We run through the pros and cons of all four formats to make your purchasing journey a little less like a trip through Dante's nine circles of hell.

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Downloads

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The Explain Series

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Videos

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