Dell Inspiron 560 desktop PC

Dell's Inspiron 560 is one of the company's cheapest desktop PCs. The configuration we tested comes with very basic specifications, but includes a 18.5in Dell monitor -- so it's a simple computing package that doesn't require you to buy any extras. We think it's a reasonable system for basic use, but it's made less attractive by the existence of slightly more expensive models that are significantly more powerful.

By Campbell Simpson | 09 December, 2010 14:10

Tags: dell, Dell Inspiron, desktop pcs, home PCs

HP Pro 3130 (WL831PA) business PC

The HP Pro 3130 (WL831PA) is a desktop business PC that's small, quiet and simple, but lacks the grunt to tackle intensive tasks like video editing or graphics work. If all you need is a Web browsing and word processing machine then it will be up to the task.

By Campbell Simpson | 01 October, 2010 16:40

Tags: business PCs, desktop pcs, HP, HP Pro

Dell Inspiron 580s desktop PC

The Dell Inspiron 580s is a mid-range multipurpose desktop PC that's in direct competition with Apple's low-end Mac Mini computer. The Inspiron 580s has the same price tag as the Mac Mini and comparable specifications. It's larger than the Mini, but it is bundled with a 20in LCD monitor for no extra cost. It runs Windows 7 Home Premium and is designed to be used for basic home computing tasks like Web browsing, word processing and viewing photos.

By Campbell Simpson | 04 November, 2010 15:40

Tags: dell, Dell Inspiron, desktop pcs

Apple iMac (mid 2011, 27in)

The Apple iMac has received some power and performance upgrades since its last model in mid-2010. It’s now got a second generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processor, some beefy graphics power and customisable options for plenty of memory and hard drive space. Not much else has changed, however.

By Campbell Simpson | 20 May, 2011 11:40

Tags: Apple, Apple iMac, desktop pcs

Canon PIXMA iX6550

Canon's PIXMA iX6550 inkjet printer doesn't have a scanner, copier, automatic document feeder, auto-duplex or any other complicated circuitry to confuse you — all it does is print documents and photos from the tiny 6x4in size all the way to A3+. It's compact — hardly wider than an A3 sheet of paper, and not especially tall or deep — and is able to produce high quality print-outs when using the right paper and settings. If you're printing documents it can be reasonably quick, although photos do take significantly longer and can chew through ink within just a few prints.

BlackBerry Torch 9860 smartphone

The BlackBerry Torch 9860 is a BlackBerry, but it doesn’t have a physical keyboard. It’s a BlackBerry for the iPhone and Android generation, but we think the BlackBerry faithful will prefer the real thing. The Torch’s best chance is with casual BlackBerry users that like the interface and ecosystem, but aren’t going to spend all day on email or BlackBerry Messenger.

Talking set-top boxes go on sale, could be used in digital TV switchover

Long-awaited talking digital TV set-top boxes have finally been made available for sale in Australia, after a lengthy testing and trial period. The boxes are not yet confirmed as part of the Australian Government's Household Assistance Scheme for the digital TV switchover, but their newfound commercial availability brings them closer to inclusion in a subsidised roll-out.

By Campbell Simpson | 22 September, 2011 14:44

Tags: digital tv switchover

Dell launches XPS 15z notebook

Dell Australia has officially launched the XPS 15z, a 15.6in notebook that competes - however much the company denies it -- with the Apple Macbook Pro.

By Campbell Simpson | 24 May, 2011 15:07

Tags: Apple, dell

IceTV wins landmark case against Nine Network in High Court

The High Court of Australia has released its decision on the court case between IceTV and the Nine Network. The panel of judges found that IceTV is not guilty of copyright infringement in its creation of a third-party reproduction of the Nine Network's television programming guide schedule.

By Campbell Simpson | 22 April, 2009 09:00

Tags: icetv

Kogan launches KEVIN37: a $900 LCD television

Budget manufacturer and retailer Kogan today announced the KEVIN37, a 37in LCD television that will cost $900 — the same amount earmarked for individual tax-payers who earn $80,000 or less in the Federal Government's economic stimulus package.

By Campbell Simpson | 05 March, 2009 11:10

Tags: kevin rudd, Kogan Technologies, lcd tvs, Ruslan Kogan

Pioneer announces its withdrawal from global television market

The Pioneer Corporation yesterday announced its intention to shut down any further development of its KURO plasma television line, citing a lack of prospects for improving profitability in the current market conditions.

By Campbell Simpson | 13 February, 2009 09:00

Tags: Pioneer, plasma, television

Kogan Blu-ray Player Full HD 1080P

Kogan is a company that prides itself on offering low prices on popular consumer products while still delivering all the features and support of products from better-known companies. The company's Blu-ray player is a great product -- fast, quiet and trouble-free.

Internet cafe fined $82,000 for hoarding illegal movie copies

A Sydney CBD Internet cafe has been shut down after an AFP raid found hundreds of thousands of illegally downloaded movies and television shows on the cafe's servers.

By Campbell Simpson | 27 November, 2008 16:47

Tags: piracy