Stories by: Elias Plastiras

FujiFilm's FinePix 2000HD is a capable ultra-zoom, 10-megapixel camera for a casual user who isn't too concerned about image quality. It offers face detection and image stabilisation, and it can shoot video at a resolution of 1280x720 (720p).

Nikon’s CoolPix P6000 is a small and sturdy compact camera that harbours plenty of advanced features. It has a comprehensive manual mode, in-camera editing, face detection and the ability to shoot in RAW mode. But that’s just the start.

If you're a photography nut who is pining for an easy-to-carry advanced compact camera that can do amazing things, the Canon PowerShot G10 needs to be on your Christmas list. It possesses a 28mm, 5x zoom lens and a 14-megapixel sensor, and it uses Canon's DiG!C4 image processor, which is commonly seen in the company's high-end 50D and 5D Mark II products.

The latest vulnerability to affect Internet Explorer has forced Microsoft to issue an out of band fix. So far Microsoft says that it only affects IE7, but security vendors have said it affects every version of IE.

The M1010 is Fujitsu's first netbook, and it tries to build upon the good work that has been performed by the likes of Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo and MSI. If you were to combine the netbooks from these vendors you'd get a little marvel of a laptop — and the M1010 comes very close to being that marvel. However, it could still use some refinement.

In the last blog entry I wrote, I talked about how the government will likely give the NBN contract to Telstra because it would be the safest option in these economic conditions. However, the government has done the opposite, banning Telstra from the bidding process, and in turn given me faith that it actually is taking the national broadband network seriously.

When a line-in cable and a suitable amplifier and speaker system are nowhere to be found, a dedicated iPod speaker dock comes in handy. Fitting the bill is the Mi2013 Travel speaker dock from Memorex. It's easy to use, looks good and is capable of filling a small apartment with a decent amount of volume.

Panasonic's Toughbook laptop computers are designed to withstand rougher than normal treatment from their users. The full military specification models are often used by law enforcement agencies, armies, farmers, scientists and basically anyone who works in rough, wet or sandy environments. Panasonic's Toughbook CF-52 isn't quite up to the full military specification, but it is nevertheless capable of enduring accidental spills, knocks and drops at home, in the office or while on the road.

Wireless networks sure do offer convenience and ease of use when it comes to browsing the Web from your laptop, or sharing your printer across many computers.

There's a good reason that Sony's 11.1in VAIO VGNTT15GNR has a red lid — it's to highlight just how good its screen is. Not only that, it gives this ultraportable unit an undeniable appeal. But there is more to the VGNTT15GNR than good looks and a well-performing screen -- it is easy to use, and it is equipped with plenty of features.

There is a good chance that Telstra will win the contract for the national broadband network, because the government will deem it to be the safest option in this time of economic uncertainty.