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

An ipod-type device for the home that looks the goods and scores well in our tests.

Find out how Microsoft’s impressive new OS will share and back up all the data on your home PCs, among other tricks.

A slight iteration of a solid and well constructed case, with low noise levels a priority

A promising start for Apple’s living-room takeover, but we’re still waiting for the best bits.

Baby steps inch the UMPC concept forward, with the Q1 Ultra the best version yet. But it’s still undeniably niche

Great in day-to-day use, but poor software and high price dent its appeal.

Some intriguing new technology and genuinely useful features make Home Server one to watch.

A bargain route to getting HD DVD playback for your PC or Xbox, but there are limitations.

The lure of technology doesn’t always translate to a perfect experience.

Flexible, beautifully designed and reasonably priced. An excellent attempt to attract the masses.

Stacks of potential, but current hardware is underwhelming and the client software a mess.

A flexible and powerful livingroom PC that ticks almost all the right boxes, as well as being great value.

Microsoft has always included a number of bundled applications with Windows, but Vista takes it further than ever. Here’s a look at the main attractions.