Windows 7 looks like the operating system that we've all been waiting for. Despite its imperfections, it shows a lot of promise for the future while presenting a stable platform that can compete comfortably with OS X.
The Dell Inspiron 15 is likely the best bang for buck you'll get for AU$1000, from its battery life to its upgrade options. We do miss the numpad, but the rest is perfect for the budget-conscious user.
Although Seagate BlackArmor is difficult to use for networking novices, it is a good choice for small business and advanced users.
Windows Vista's less than stellar reputation and poor uptake are due in part to the heavy demands it makes on system hardware. But how does Windows 7 perform?
Toshiba's Satellite U500 wants to be portable and powerful, which has a negative impact on both the battery life and the weight. Still, if you need power in a petite package, the U500 might do it for you.
The D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router DIR-685 is a very good single-band Wireless-N router; however, its extra features hardly justify the price.
Blade servers were once the saviours of the datacentre. Expandability was king. But do blade servers still make sense today? We find out if they're still worth it.
We've tested plenty of printers at CNET, but very few have frustrated us as much as the Brother DCP-165C multifunction has. The counter-intuitive set-up, bland design, deplorable print quality and crawling output speeds earn this printer a double thumbs down.
The SmartStor NS4600 ticks the required feature boxes for being a NAS, but is in dire need of an interface overhaul and some features simply don't work.
The Canon Pixma MX330 doesn't produce the best quality prints, but you won't find a more versatile printer in the sub-$200 category. An auto-document feeder, 1.8-inch LCD screen, and easy-to-use features make it an excellent choice for creative homes on a budget.
The Synology DS209 is an excellent little unit, with a more complex than necessary set up routine. Still for those looking for a highly featured, high performing NAS with an easy to use and flashy menu, it's certainly a compelling choice.
The dv6 is a gorgeous laptop for quite an affordable price. If you're looking in the 16-inch space, definitely check this one out.
The C390a follows in the footsteps of recent HP multifunction devices by delivering excellent quality prints in a stylish, fully featured unit. If it weren't for the initial and ongoing running costs, this would be the ideal solution for a home or small office MFD.
The Iomega Home Media Network Drive, a single-volume NAS server, is easy to set up and use for even the most novice user; however, its lack of advanced features might lessen its appeal to savvy users.
HP's TouchSmart series still works well as an all-in-one solution, but seems to be on auto-pilot at the moment due to a lack of innovation. Here's hoping Windows 7 gives it the injection it needs.
Megaphone: Windows Mobile 6.5
Take a closer look at Windows Mobile 6.5, including the new interface and improved IE web browser.… Watch it now
Having problems with complex data center? Simplify your data center now.
| Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB | 33 plans |  2% |
| Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB | 33 plans | 2% |
| Apple iPhone 8GB | 33 plans |  4% |
| Nokia N97 | 37 plans | 1% |
| Nokia E63 | 33 plans | 1% |
| Apple mobile phones | 1% |
| Nokia mobile phones | 1% |
| Sony Ericsson mobile phones | 2% |
| Samsung mobile phones | 2% |
| LG mobile phones | 1% |
Can the Telco Reform Act be win-win?
Has New Zealand's smiling assassin delivered?
The long-awaited separation of Telstra
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