Asus LS201

We like to gesture excitedly at the pretty pictures on our screen as much as the next IT enthusiast, but we struggle to recall a time when a stray finger jab has left more than a slightly annoying smudge. Nevertheless, if you regularly manhandle your monitor, Asus may have the ideal solution: the punch-proof LS201. On a more mundane note, it's supposedly scratch-proof, too.

Overall quality is high, with an acceptable white level and an impressive black level. We found no flaws in our colour-gradient tests, and the 5ms response time meant fast-moving video showed no signs of blurring. As you'd expect with such a glossy display, edges are incredibly sharp and the colours in our HD video clips were vivid and accurate.

Conclusion

The LS201 isn't great. It's not scratch-proof -- at least not in our extreme tests. Neither does it offer great image quality. If you're after a stylish-looking 20-inch monitor, you're better off with the LG Black Jewel.
The LS201 does offer better protection than an ordinary monitor, but so what? We'd rather it had decent image quality than average-at-best protection.

Canon Powershot A720 IS

The Canon PowerShot A720 IS is based around the previous PowerShot A710 IS model, and a 6x optical zoom lens -- an equivalent of 35 to 210mm, making the A720 excellent for all-purpose photography. It also includes a high resolution eight-megapixel sensor, more than enough for tack-sharp 11 x 14-inch prints with some cropping. Although the resolution has been increased from the prior A710 model, the Canon A720 IS offers an ISO range that's been extended at the top end for an equivalent of ISO 80 to 1,600 -- plenty for indoor low-light shots.

The Canon PowerShot A720 stores its images on SD/SDHC memory cards, with a not-so-generous 16MB included in the product bundle. A USB 2.0 Hi-Speed computer connection provides for speedy downloads, fast enough that most users will find no need for a separate card reader. There's also NTSC/PAL video connectivity. Power comes from two AA batteries, with disposable alkalines in the product bundle.

The overall style of the A720 IS is very similar to most of the other models in the range. The body is made from plastic, but the build quality is up to Canon's usual high standard. It does emit a few creaks when given a good squeeze and there are a few areas on the body that do flex slightly, but it feels reasonably robust, and the fit and finish of the controls and other external features is very good. The battery/card hatch has a metal hinge, and the rubber-like plug covering the access ports on the left of the body fits securely. The tripod bush is plastic, and is located right at the far end of the base plate, which could cause a few problems, but at least it means you can open the hatch when the camera is fitted to a tripod. The camera is somewhat larger than most pocket compacts, measuring 97.3 x 67.0 x 41.9 mm, and weighs around 250g including the pair of AA batteries that supply it with power, so it'll take up a lot of room in your pocket.

Sony Cybershot DSCW55 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black)

In silver, black, pink, or light blue, the DSC-W55 is a stand-out choice for style-conscious start-out or step-up camera customers who appreciate real value and advanced technology. 7.2 MP imaging, Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens and high sensitivity combine to capture clear, high-detail images even in low light--and with up to 380-shot2 Stamina battery power, 56 MB internal memory capacity and large 2.5-inch LCD screen, the DSC-W55 is ideal for family memories at home or on the road.
7.2-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
More megapixels give you more detail and definition when you make big prints or crop in tight on your subject. The advanced Sony Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.

Carl Zeiss 3x Optical Zoom Lens Design
A top-quality Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens design helps the DSC-W55 bring distant subjects closer and lets you frame shots quickly for better composition--a real advantage for family sports, outdoor fun and travel photos.

Large 2.5-Inch LCD Screen
The DSC-W55 provides a large, bright LCD screen for composing shots, checking results, sharing your photos on location and reading camera setup menus even in full sunlight.

High Sensitivity Mode
With high sensitivity of ISO 1000, the DSC-W55 gives you better shots in low light so you can shoot without flash to preserve the mood--great for birthday parties, indoor gatherings and candid portraits.

Clear RAW Noise Reduction
The original Sony Clear RAW NR (Noise Reduction) image processing technology helps suppress color noise that can accompany high-sensitivity shooting.

56MB Internal Memory
The DSC-W55 allows you to capture a large number of images without a flash memory card, so it's great for traveling or for quick candid snapshots.

Memory Stick Duo Media Convenience
The DSC-W55 also has a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo media--the compact, high-capacity storage media that make it easily to upload photos to your computer or make lab-quality prints at home on your SonyPicture Station digital printer (sold separately).

Function Guide Text/Icon Display
An on-screen Function Guide text/icon display makes it easy to learn the camera functions that give you greater creative freedom to adjust photo settings.

Versatile Color Modes
The DSC-W55 gives you greater creative freedom to adjust color mode for the creative results you want--with Natural setting for subtle colors, Rich setting for more intense colors, in addition to Monochrome and Sepia color settings.

Convenient Photo Modes
To adjust quickly for specific shooting situations, the DSC-W55 lets you choose from several convenient photo modes: Auto, P-Auto, and Scene Selections for Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, High Sensitivity, Soft Snap, Snow, and Beach environments.

14x Smart Zoom Feature
The Sony Smart Zoom feature intelligently "crops into" the central portion of interest in your photo, avoiding the image degradation of other digital zooms.

MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode
The DSC-W55 can capture VGA (640 x 480) audio/video clips at high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second4), with length limited only by the capacity of your media.

Stamina Battery Power
Sony lets you capture up to 380 shots2 with a fully charged NP-BG1 Lithium Ion battery--enough shooting capacity to cover a long weekend or a whole vacation.

Burst Mode
You can fire off four shots automatically at 7.2 MP mode or up to 64 shots at VGA standard mode--a great way to capture a child's first steps or a pet's best tricks.

Picture Motion Browser Software
Supplied software makes it easier to upload, organize and search photos on your PC--and provides a convenient map view function to sort photos by location and display their origin on a world map by using an optional GPS unit.

What's in the box
Sony Cybershot DSCW55 digital camera, NP-BG1 rechargeable battery, BC-CSG battery charger, AV and USB multi-connector cables, wrist strap, software CD-ROM (Note: No Memory Stick DUO media or adaptors are included.)

Product Description
7.2 Megapixel of detail and definition gives you the option of large prints or crop in tight on your subject. The Super HAD(TM) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel increasing sensitivity and reducing noise. Top-quality Carl Zeiss lens helps you bring you subject closer and frame shots quickly for better compositions, ideal for family sporting events, outdoor fun and travel photos. Check your composition shots on the large, bright 2.5-inch LCD Screen, share your photos on location or video the setup menu even in full sunlight. Even shoot in low light with the high sensitivity ISO 1000. Original Clear RAW Noise Reduction helps suppress color noise. 56MB of Internal Memory let's you start shooting right away. Then, when you're ready, upload you pictures onto a Memory Stick(R) Duo media or PC for printing. Capture VGA 640x480 video clips with audio at high frame rates up to 30 frames per second with length limited only by the capacity of my media. Get up to 380 shots with a fully charged NP-BG1 Lithium Ion battery. Enough for a long weekend or a whole vacation. Burst Mode let's you shoot up to 64 shots at VGA Standard Mode. High Sensitivity ISO 1000 Clear RAW Noise Reduction Burst and MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode White Balance - Automatic, Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent, Incandescent and Flash Self Timer - 10 Seconds, 2 Seconds and Off Red-Eye Reduction Up to 64 Shot VGA at 1.3 fps Burst Mode Scene Modes - Beach, High Sensitivity, Landscape, Snow, Soft Snap, Twilight and Twilight Portrait Movie Mode - MPEG VX Fine with Audio at 30 fps 640x480 Optical Viewfinder 6 Elements in 5 Groups, 3 Aspheric Elements Lens Construction 35mm Equivalent - 38-114mm Shutter Speed - 1/8-1/2000 seconds 1/3 EV Step Increments Exposure Compensation Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 ISO Battery Capacity - 3.6V, 960 mAh Dimensions - 3.5 x 2.25 x 0.875 inch, 89mm x57mm x 23mm Weight - 4.2 ou

NEC LaVie

Known as the panoramic laptop, the Acer Aspire 7720 gemstone laptop features a widescreen display (a glossy 17-incher), a Core 2 Duo Processor T5450 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS graphics, and of course Gemstone design

Dell XPS M1730

It's the first laptop ever to use a dedicated Ageia PhysX processing unit alongside two separate high-end graphics cards. In most gaming situations, there isn't another laptop on the planet that can compete. Anyone with a large enough wallet -- and a strong enough back

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• Processor/Display

Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme X7900 (2.8GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)

• Operating System
  

Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate Edition - English

• Memory
  
  2GB4 Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz

• Hard Drive
  
  
  RAID Performance: 400GB2 (2x200GB) 7200RPM Free Fall sensor

• Combo or DVD+RW Drive
  
  
  CD / DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW Drive)

• Video Card
  
  
  NVIDIA®SLI™Dual GeForce®8700MGT with 512MB4 GDDR3 Memory

• Physics Game Accelerator
  
  
  AGEIA PhysX™ 100M Processor

• Wireless Networking
  
  
  Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965a/g/n Mini Card

• Primary Battery
  
  9-cell Primary Battery and 9-cell additional Lithium Ion Battery

• Sound Options
  
  
  Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition

• Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed)
  
  
  Trend Micro Internet Security 15-months3
  

• Warranty & Service
  3Yr In-Home Service,6 Parts + Labor,5 24x7 Phone Support

Design

The XPS M1730 is not pretty, but what did you expect from a laptop nicknamed 'The Beast'? Like most of Dell's consumer laptop range, it's available in a range of colours, including red, blue, grey and white. We were sent the grey model, which if you look closely has a swirly, carbon fibre-esque pattern that give it a scaly, reptilian look

Conclusion

The XPS M1730 is the best gaming laptop in the world right now. It slays the Alienware mALX for several reasons: it's nearly 2kg lighter, its display resolution is significantly higher and it's less expensive. If you're a fan of hi-res PC games, you needn't look any further

Red Nokia 5310

The Nokia 5310 is a seriously thin mobile phone, measuring in at just 9.9mm. The Nokia 5310 focuses on music. Your music, with you, when you want it. The 5310 offers crystal clear playback, and a playback time of up to 18 hours. Memory capacity can be boosted by the addition of Micros SD cards, with the Nokia 5310 supporting up to 4GB in capacity. Audio files supported by the music player include MP3, MP4, AAC, eAAc+, and WMA.

Windows Mobile 7

A new version of Windows Mobile 7 is coming, and it’s being aimed squarely at the iPhone’s throat, according to an excellent report on the Inside Microsoft Blog.
Now, there are due to be some serious changes to Windows Mobile, in light of all the innovations the iPhone’s brought to the market. So, Windows mobile 7 is touted as being touch control without needing a stylus, but on top of that, it has gesture controls. Not, however, gesture controls using gyroscopes and accelerometers in the phone. Gesture controls using the phone’s camera to recognise when it’s being moved about.
Now, you may ask why they’ve gone down that route, instead of using hardware, but when you think about it, it has two MASSIVE advantages:
1) It allows user to “distance control” the phone using gestures in mid-air, in front of the camera.
2) It allows people with phones running Windows Mobile (such as the XDA Orbit), to upgrade the operating system on their phone to run Windows Mobile 7, and get a whole slew of new features and cool stuff! (And they’re also being clever and writing the software so it will support handsets with touchscreens, or with keypads, or with BOTH, making it very versatile in terms of what phones can use it.)
It remains to be seen how well it works in the flesh, but if it’s half as nice as these screenshots (which make it looks similar to the dark blue ‘futuristicness’ of Windows Media Player 11) make it out… it’s gonna be stunning