Stories by: James Dickinson

Creative's Live! Cam Vista IM is a simple yet effective Web cam. It doesn't do anything particularly special, but it does the basics reasonably well. A couple of nice extras and a low price make it a great package for anyone who is a fan of talking over Skype or MSN Messenger.

Sony really seems keen to take the bull by the horns with High Definition and has just rolled out another two models to its line-up of HD camcorders. This takes its range of High Definition consumer models to four, which is far more than any other manufacturer. The most interesting of the new models is the HDR-SR1, which combines exceptional image quality, great features and an intuitive interface, to make one of the best camcorders we've seen to date. It is also the first High Definition hard disk drive camcorder on the market.

As the top of the range DVD camcorder in Sony's lineup, the DCR-DVD905 is a predictably good performer. With excellent video quality for a DVD model, a larger than average LCD screen and convenient operating use, the package is a good bet for the amateur user who doesn't want to sacrifice quality. The lack of manual options though will deter more advanced directors.

Philips' DVDR9000H represents a new generation of DVD/HDD recorders in Australia. As one of only a handful of recorders on the Australian market to boast a digital TV tuner, it offers substantially better functionality and picture quality than any of the multitude of analogue devices currently for sale. Philips has also thrown in a whopping 400GB hard disk, allowing for a truly massive 650 hours of recording at low quality. Other high tech extras such as 1080i video upscaling and digital 5.1 recording make the DVDR9000H sound irresistible. However, a high price tag and an almost unworkable interface detract from the overall package.

Panasonic's VDR-D150 is an entry level DVD camcorder that offers a good range of functions in an easy to use package, but falls down when it comes to the quality of its video footage and still images.

Sitting at the bottom of JVC's Everio range of hard disk camcorders is the GZ-MG26, the smallest sibling of five brothers. But this is no runt of the litter, sporting the same excellent design and wide range of features that has left us enamoured with the Everio series in the past. However, a smaller hard drive and distinctly average video quality mean it isn't all it could be.

JVC seems to have a hard disk camcorder for every occasion, with five models now on offer in the Everio range. The GZ-MG37 is the second lowest priced of the group, which is apparent when comparing the quality of its video and stills to its more expensive siblings. However, the image quality is still decent enough and the diminutive device actually packs a few features that are absent from the pricier models.

Canon's DC40 is the company's top of the range DVD camcorder. As such it offers a good range of features and decent quality video to boot. The let downs come in the form of occasionally blurry stills, the lack of a microphone jack and a tendency to over-expose bright areas, but as far as DVD camcorders go, this is one of the best on the market.

Sony has recently quadrupled the size of its hard disk based Handycam series, and the DCRSR80 sits atop the range of new models. With a 60GB hard drive - larger than virtually any other camcorder on the market - a 12x optical zoom and a few unusual extras, this camera is an attractive device. However, more advanced users may find that a few operating quirks and some image problems detract from the overall package.

The Lenovo 3000 V100 is billed as the company's smallest widescreen notebook. Lenovo categorise it as an ultraportable, and while it is quite petite, it won't quite satisfy those who are after a truly tiny device. Nevertheless, weighing in at only two kilos, and containing a built-in optical drive within its small footprint, the 3000 V100 makes a great model for the frequent traveller.

Legend's LSDDVD Digital Receiver DVD Player is exactly what it sounds like; a set top box with a DVD player thrown in for good measure. It's a rather plain and not particularly inspiring device, but the LSDDVD does the job adequately if you can make do without fancy features.