Designed for use with server-based desktops such as Terminal Services, Citrix and VMware View, HP's t5730w is an excellent mid-range device suitable for most office applications.
Dell's Latitude E6400 is a full featured business laptop that delivers on performance, battery life and price in one neat bundle.
Going by older detection and removal numbers, Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware offers competent if basic security protection. However, so do many free competitors. This year, we recommend giving Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2010 a pass.
Trend Micro Internet Security Pro's broad feature set combined with its look and feel make it a serious contender, but questionable efficacy and middling performance mean it's a program we're not recommending for this year.
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 Compaq Presario CQ61-217 adds a little bit of extra quality to the sub-AU$1000 market, though sacrifices on its network capability. For AU$799 though, it's a steal, and if you're not concerned by some of the lacking components, this one's a good buy.
The Snap will appeal to a specific segment of business-minded road warriors who need good messaging but don't want to pay for extras like media or social networking.
There's a lot to like in the first beta of Exchange 2010, from storage improvements to new high availability tools and better integration with the cloud, not to mention Outlook Web Access support for Firefox and Safari. But not everyone will be impressed by the lack of a 32-bit GUI management client.
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?
Asus does a good job of combining a netbook and a touchscreen in the Eee PC T91, even if the system hits a couple of first-generation snags.
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 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.
Samsung's netbook is an excellent entry into the Australian market, and an incredibly tempting buy for anyone looking in this space.
For a 12-inch laptop we'd expect more performance and features than we're getting, but there are obviously compromises to be made in making ultrathin affordable.
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
Has New Zealand's smiling assassin delivered?
The long-awaited separation of Telstra
Google open-sources JavaScript tools
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