Brief reviews of new products, plus updates on items we've already featured.

The Canon EOS 500D is capable of great results, but a wallet-draining way of getting HD video on a DSLR.

Stack your system full of software without paying a penny, with our guide to essential downloads

A stunning design backed up by great performance and good value for money.

Still not sure whether it's worth upgrading to Vista? We put XP and Vista through the ultimate face-off.

Attractive styling and a long lens will tempt some, but we recommend spending more on a real SLR.

Superb build quality and performance make this a worthwhile upgrade for serious amateurs.

Image quality is reasonable, but there are far better cameras available for less.

Not very competitive on price, but there’s plenty of scope for performance

Blu-ray takes another tentative step towards the mass market, but is now the time to buy?

Blu-ray takes another tentative step towards the mass market, but is now the time to buy?

An interesting new technology, but cheap running costs are let down by poor quality.

A great choice for overclockers, but the vast majority of people should buy a cheaper motherboard and better CPU.

A very slim digital compact that’s capable of taking superb pictures. It only just misses out on a Recommended award.

A hint of things to come, but the first HD DVD and Blu-ray combo drive is very expensive.

Camcorder, still camera and portable media player all in one sleek package.

A decent machine with plenty of power, but it’s not earth shattering in terms of features and value.

A good first stab at the semi-ruggedised laptop market. It isn’t up to the tough standards of others, though.

An incredibly light and practical notebook for frequent travellers, but not without its quirks.

A good-looking, ergonomically excellent laptop with a wealth of multimedia capabilities for home users.