Not all webcams will work in Vista, so we examined three Vista-ready models to find the best.

Powered by a 1.6GHz mobile Pentium processor, featuring dual-band 802.11a/g wireless capability and sporting a 15.4in wide-screen display, the Dell D800 represents the best of the Latitude series of notebooks. At around 3.3kg, it is not light, nor is it thin – but is complemented by an exceptional finish and a solid set of technology.

To please audiophiles on a budget at $80 its one of the cheapest surround-capable cards available.

No match for Sony’s SR12 on features, but incredibly easy to use and an ideal ‘my first HD camcorder’

The marker has been laid down. Sony's pulled off another AVCHD stunner that will be hard to beat this year

Great video, tons of features, easy to use... if only there was a PAL-friendly version

The SD1 looks stunning, and performs even better. If this is what AVCHD delivers, then we’re totally sold

Good things often come in small packages and that's the case with Sony's PC108E. It is only fractionally larger than the JVC GR-DX77 (the smallest camera in the lab) but weighs in 65 grams lighter. Sony has kept it compact by providing a separate docking station that contains the USB, DV and S-Video ports. There also are AV and additional microphone connectors on the camera itself.

Lacking a few features but for simplicity and decent quality, this has to be one of the best value camcorders around

Not much to tempt you over last year's HV20 but Canon still rules the roost when it comes to raw picture quality

Not the slimmest any more, but still amazingly compact. A very capable cam if you don’t mind the menus