Computer Shopper articles from December 2006

Computer Shopper archives from December 2006

Editor's note.(Editorial)
December 1, 2006... LOOKING AT THE PRODUCTS that market researchers predict will top holiday wish lists this season--plasma televisions, digital cameras, and desktop and laptop PCs, to name a few--my first thought is what a long way the average consumer has come...

Keep an eye on that fan.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... Bill O'Brien wrote an excellent article on replacing a power-supply unit ("Power Up With a New PSU," October, p. 100), but I disagree with his advice to replace the side panel of your PC case before powering up. After checking all the...

Graphics pros need reviews too.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... While the articles in Computer Shopper appeal to gamers, businesspeople, performance users, and bargain hunters, there's a type of reader you've neglected: graphics experts. Please include more reviews and recommendations geared toward graphics...

More DIY please.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2006... I've been reading Computer Shopper for quite some time now, and I'm thankful that you've started dedicating more of your overall coverage to "do-it-yourself" computer building. Along the lines of DIY PC coverage, I'd like to see more articles...

Intel says quad-core CPUs will turbocharge PC performance.(TRENDS: UPCOMING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... PC PERFORMANCE will increase 70 percent for some applications with Intel's new "Kentsfield" quad-core processor, Intel executives say. The performance jump compares the 130-watt, 2.66GHz Kentsfield chip (to be called the "Core 2 Extreme...

Trendspotting.(TRENDS: UPCOMING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS)(women play more online games)(Survey)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Women do it more online--play games, that is. According to a study by Nielsen Entertainment, 64 percent of online garners are women. The firm's annual garner study found that roughly 117 million Americans spend S hours a week playing games,...

Smartphone sales are soaring.(TRENDS: UPCOMING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Demand for smartphones and personal digital assistants [PDAs] is continuing to grow rapidly, according to the latest statistics from research firm Gartner. Smartphone sales increased by 75.5 percent in the last year, to 37.4 million units,...

NEC may help bridge Blu-ray/HD DVD divide.(TRENDS: TECH NEWS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... A TRUCE between the Blu-ray and HD DVD camps remains far off, but NEC has come up with a chip that could help companies bridge the gap. The chip, essentially a controller, works in both Blu-ray and HD DVD players. One chip that works with...

Google fuses word processing, spreadsheets.(TRENDS: TECH NEWS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... GOOGLE IS diving further into the Web-based productivity-applications market by offering a new product that combines its online word-processing and spreadsheet programs. The company recently launched a beta version of Google Docs&...

Security bugs in software hit record numbers.(TRENDS: TECH NEWS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... It isn't over yet, but 2006 is already a record year for security vulnerabilities. The silver lining: Relatively few of them have been high-risk. The number of problems found has increased as bug-hunting skills and tools improve, and as...

Mobile media machine.(NEW PRODUCTS: GEAR)(portable video player from Archos Inc.)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Take your digital media collection on the go with the $449.99 Archos 604 Wi-Fi. The fully loaded portable video player features a 4.3-inch touch-screen display, a 30GB hard drive, a PDF viewer, and voice recording. The device natively handles...

One cool cube.(NEW PRODUCTS: GEAR)($60 Silent Square Pro CPU Cooler from Asus)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... The $60 Silent Square Pro CPU Cooler from Asus features wave-shape fins and five copper heat pipes that help dissipate heat and keep processor temperatures at their coolest for high-performance, stable computing. Compatible with the latest...

Lightning-fast RAM.(NEW PRODUCTS: GEAR)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Boost your PC's performance with 2GB of Corsair's XMS2 Dominator memory. Available in two blazing speeds (1,066MHz and 1,111MHz) and packaged as a pair of 1GB DIMMs, the RAM meets nVidia's Enhanced Performance Profiles for easy, automatic...

Small speaker, big sound.(NEW PRODUCTS: GEAR)(Saitek Industries)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Saitek wants to unleash your digital tunes with its $69.99 My Spkr A-100. This tiny speaker fits in the palm of your hand and delivers surprisingly high-quality stereo sound. The slick-looking black triangular unit integrates a speaker stand...

Take television anywhere.(NEW PRODUCTS: GEAR)(Sling Media)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Watch your favorite TV shows anywhere with the $249.99 Slingbox Pro. Like the first-generation Slingbox, the Pro lets you access your cable box, satellite connection, or other video sources from any Web-enabled, Windows-powered PC, handheld, or...

Glam cam.(NEW PRODUCTS: GEAR)(image sensor)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Sony's $499.95 Cyber-shot DSC-T50 packs high-end features into its sleek, slim frame, including a 7.2-megapixel charge-coupled-device (CCD) image sensor, a Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens with image stabilization, and 56MB of internal memory....

Sony VAIO VGC-LS1: slim all-in-one falls short on expandability.(REVIEWS: THE LATEST HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE PRODUCTS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... THE IMAC of the Wintel world, Sony's VAIO VGC-LS1 houses a complete multimedia PC inside a glossy case skinny enough to pass for a laptop. The high price of our test unit ($2,099), and its limited expandability, however, make this PC a better...

Nikon D80: consumer dSLR camera is a top performer.(REVIEWS: THE LATEST HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE PRODUCTS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... WITH 10.2-MEGAPIXEL resolution, lightning-fast performance, high-quality images, and a giant helping of convenience features, Nikon's latest consumer digital single-lens-reflex (dSLR) camera, the D80, should please enthusiasts--not to mention...

eMachines T5048: low-budget PC won't stand test of time.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... FOR A $400 system, eMachines' T5048 has a lot to offer. It comes with a built-in DVD burner, a flash-memory-card reader, and a decent-size 160GB hard drive. If you're looking for a PC to stand the test of time, however, you might want to spend...

Apple iMac Core 2 Duo: elegant all-in-one gets a brain upgrade.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... IN THE ARENA of all-in-one systems, no PC can compete with Apple's latest iMac. With its sprawling 24-inch display and top-notch 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo processor, this $1,999 system dwarfs its competitors. The new iMac also comes with a full...

Velocity Micro ProMagix E2200: a mainstream PC shows gaming muscle.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... AT $2,199, Velocity Micro's ProMagix E2200 is relatively costly for a Core 2 Duo-based system, but it features impressive gaming performance and an attractive design. It's a great choice for gamers who want to try their PC in a store before...

Systemax Sabre: a well-priced gaming system without the flash.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... SYSTEMAX'S SABRE GAMING PC doesn't have the flair of a model from a high-end boutique vendor such as Alienware or Falcon Northwest, and you can't configure it with overclocked components, liquid cooling, or other performance-enhancing frills....

Dell Latitude D420: compact ultraportable is big on features.(REVIEWS: NOTEBOOKS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... DELL'S LATITUDE D420 ultraportable notebook packs some decent components into a 3.7-pound package. Delivering almost a workday's worth of battery life, the laptop is a solid choice for both consumers and small-business owners who need power and...

Alienware Area-51 m5550: a less extreme look, but still an Alienware.(REVIEWS: NOTEBOOKS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... THE 7-POUND ALIENWARE AREA-51 m5550 has a more subdued look than its otherworldly siblings--one that might even blend into the corporate landscape, were it not for the glowing alien head on the lid. Our $2,539 test unit posted some of the best...

HP Pavilion DV9000t: wide-screen laptop is entertainment-friendly.(REVIEWS: NOTEBOOKS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... HEWLETT-PACKARD'S Pavilion DV9000t is a great choice for home users who want their notebook to double as an entertainment system. Our $2,394 review unit packed a bevy of high-end components--such as a 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo processor, a...

Dell XPS M1710: fantastic notebook gets CPU power boost.(REVIEWS: NOTEBOOKS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... EDITOR'S CHOICE EVER SINCE Intel released its mobile Core 2 Duo processors (code-named Merom), we've been anxious to see the chips in action. Dell's XPS M1710 ($3,783 in our test version) features the 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo T7600, the fastest...

PNY Verto GeForce 7900 GS: well-priced card beats pricier ATI competition.(REVIEWS: COMPONENTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... BUILT AROUND nVidia's latest midrange graphics processor, the $199.99 PNY Verto GeForce 7900 GS offers more value for the money than its rivals do. We recommend it if you're looking to play 3D games but aren't fixated on sky-high frame rates or...

LaCie Rugged All-Terrain hard drive: rubber-encased hard drive provides speedy transfers.(REVIEWS: COMPONENTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... EDITORS' CHOICE LACIE'S RUGGED All-Terrain hard drive is an all-around winner: It's fast, it's durable, and it features multiple connection options. If you can afford it, this $359.95 100GB drive belongs in your laptop bag. (80GB and 120GB...

HP LP2465: a big display for business, not pleasure.(REVIEWS: DISPLAYS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... SPREADSHEETS MAY NOT BE the first thing you'd rush to display on a 24-inch wide-screen display, but the HP LP2465 is certainly well-suited to that task. This $829 LCD emphasizes business simplicity, providing a crisp and vibrant picture, along...

Asus PW201: a standout screen marred by high price, balky Webcam.(REVIEWS: DISPLAYS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... THE ASUS PW201 20.1-inch wide-screen monitor shined on our benchmark tests, and the inclusion of component-video connections is a big plus. But the bad drivers and buggy software for the built-in Webcam--not to mention the monitor's high price...

Budget all-in-ones demand trade-offs: these two inkjet multifunction printers, each under $100, are versatile but imperfect.(REVIEWS: PRINTERS)
December 1, 2006... EVERYBODY LIKES TO SAVE A BUCK, and if manufacturers want to practically give away feature-laden multifunction printers (MFPs) to hook us later as ink customers, we're game. For $100, you can buy a highly capable inkjet printer that also...

D-Link RangeBooster N 650 DIR-635: Draft N router is speedy in most tests.(REVIEWS: HOME NETWORKING)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... THE $139.99 RANGEBOOSTER N 650 DIR-635 wireless router, D-Link's first stab at networking gear based on the Draft 802.11n spec, does little to separate itself from the Draft N competition. (Vendors aren't promising that Draft N hardware will...

Hawking HNC290G Wireless-G IP Camera: net-ready Webcam displays sharp images.(REVIEWS: HOME NETWORKING)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... HAWKING Technologies claims its $129.99 HNC290G Wireless-G IP Camera will automatically configure router settings, making setup a snap even for novices. We installed two of them on two different home networks, and in both instances, the...

Pentax K100D: budget dSLR takes nice snaps.(REVIEWS: DIGITAL CAMERAS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... WITH ITS EXCELLENT image quality and comfortable mix of manual and automatic features, the Pentax K100D is one of the best digital single-lens-reflex (dSLR) bargains on the market. The camera costs $620 for the body alone or $699.95 for a kit...

Samsung NV3: an ultracompact cam with media-player features.(REVIEWS: DIGITAL CAMERAS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... THE $299.99 SAMSUNG NV3 doesn't excel at any of its functions, but this camera/media-player combo is still a decent hybrid device. Weighing less than six ounces, the 7.2-megapixel NV3 has a stylish, iPod-size body that's under an inch...

HP SLC3760N MediaSmart: HDTV supports network streaming.(REVIEWS: CONSUMER TECH)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... THE FIRST LCD television with a built-in network media player, Hewlett-Packard's $2,499 SLC3760N MediaSmart is a well-designed, tightly integrated multimedia-streaming solution--but you'll pay a bundle for its all-in-one simplicity. Behind...

Apple iPod Nano: slender player improves on the original.(REVIEWS: CONSUMER TECH)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... EDITORS' CHOICE ASIDE FROM new casing and improved battery life, the second-generation (2G) Apple iPod Nano isn't very different from its predecessor. The ultraslender player is available in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB capacities for $149, $199, and...

RIM BlackBerry Pearl: a sexy smartphone with multimedia features.(REVIEWS: CONSUMER TECH)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... THE $199.99 RIM BlackBerry Pearl takes the familiar communicator's e-mail capabilities and adds a host of multimedia features, making it appealing for consumers as well as businesspeople on the go. The 3.1-ounce Pearl is sexier than...

Get a handle on your finances: the two leading personal-finance apps get face-lifts--but which pays off bigger?(REVIEWS: SOFTWARE)
December 1, 2006... FORGET WINDOWS VERSUS MAC or AMD versus Intel--one of the longest-simmering feuds in the PC industry is Microsoft's Money versus Intuit's Quicken. While both programs will adroitly help you track your finances, pay bills, manage accounts...

PocoMail 4: e-mail utility fends off spam and Trojans.(REVIEWS: SOFTWARE)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... POCOMAIL 4 IS A low-cost e-mail app with an impressive raft of features--none more so than its two-pronged antispam technology. The $39.95 software maintains customizable lists of banned senders and subjects, augmented by a series of...

RollBack Rx Professional: a restore utility that doesn't leave you crossing your fingers.(REVIEWS: SOFTWARE)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... ROLLBACK RX PROFESSIONAL from Horizon DataSys is an advanced restore utility that goes beyond Windows XP's simple System Restore feature. In our trials, the $59 utility performed exactly as required. RollBack creates "snapshots" of your...

Top 5 budget desktops: these well-configured PCs are easy on your wallet.
December 1, 2006... 1 VELOCITY MICRO VECTOR GX CAMPUS EDITION * www.velocitymicro.com $999 EDITORS' RATING 8.0 SPECS * 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo E6300 * 1GB DDR2 * 250GB hard drive * Double-layer DVD[+ or -]RW * DVD-ROM *...

Top 5 desktop-replacement notebooks: replace your desktop PC with one of these powerful portables.
December 1, 2006... 1 HYPERSONIC AVIATOR FX7 www.hypersonic-pc.com $3,455 EDITORS' RATING 8.5 ([check]) SPECS * 2.6GHz Athlon 64 FX-60 * 2GB DDR * Two 100GB HDDs * Two double-layer DVD[+ or -]RWs * nVidia Geforce Go 7800...

Top 5 external hard drives: get more gigs-without cracking your case-by plugging in one of these add-on drives.
December 1, 2006... Get more gigs--without cracking your case-by plugging in one of these add-on drives. 1 LACIE RUGGED ALL-TERRAIN HARD DRIVE www.lacie.com $359.99 EIDTORS' RATING 8.3 SPECS 100GB capacity * USB 2.0, FireWire...

Top 5 flat-panel LCD televisions: make one of these sleek sets the center of your home theater.
December 1, 2006... 1 SONY KDL-46XBR2 www.sonystyle.com $4,299 EDITORS' RATING 7.9 SPECS * 46 inches * 1,920x1,080 native resolution * 1,300-to-1 contrast ratio * Ports: three HDMI, two component, three composite, one S-Video,...

Top 5 spyware killers: keep your PC free of malware with these top-notch programs.
December 1, 2006... 1 ZONEALARM ANTI-SPYWARE 6.5 www.zonelabs.com $19.95 [one year] EDITORS' RATING 8.3 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS * 450MHz or faster CPU * 64MB RAM (Windows 2000), 128MB RAM (Windows XP) * Windows 2000 or XP BOTTOM LINE...

How to shop for a laptop: expert tips on getting the best mobile-computing experience your money can buy.
December 1, 2006... THE LAPTOP IS the most personal of personal computers. You not only have to select a design that complements your computing style, but you also have to configure it with components that match your computing needs. That may sound easy, but the...

Thrifty gifts: pocketbook-friendly picks to please everyone on your list.(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2006... HOLIDAY SHOPPING ISN'T EASY--and it's even harder to track down the perfect presents when you have a fixed budget and a seemingly endless gift list. We know quality technology doesn't come cheap, but we've searched high and low to come up with...

Triple play: a sneak peek at this holiday's next-generation gaming consoles.(Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... NINTENDO AND SONY are about to launch a global war in your living room. These two companies, along with Microsoft, aim to claim a little patch of ground next to your television. From Sony's highly anticipated PlayStation 3 (PS3) to Nintendo's...

Overworked host?(COMPUTER CURES)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... I'm running Windows XP Professional. In Task Manager, the Processes tab shows six different instances of SVCHOST.EXE running on my computer. Each is designated as either SYSTEM or NETWORK SERVICE. Should there be this many instances running at...

Looking for parts.(COMPUTER CURES)
December 1, 2006... Where can I find recycled or discarded PC parts? NELSON GARCIA Some commercial sites list surplus computer parts for sale, either through auctions or direct sale. Try sites such as www.surplustraders.net or www.liquidation.com. You can...

Wondering about wires.(COMPUTER CURES)(computer cable-management )(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Is it safer to keep the many cables behind my desk "breathing" in a messy tangle or have them neatly bunched? If the latter, do you have a favorite cable-management solution? DEAN MICHAELS The question of whether to organize cables...

Another way to find needles.(COMPUTER CURES)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... An HTML-editing program that I use has a search function that locates files I need to use. Unfortunately, the program is written so that the full file path appears in the results window, and I can't read the filenames. This only happens under...

It's all in the cards.(COMPUTER CURES)(CompactFlash card)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Is there really a difference between CompactFlash Type I, II, and Secure cards? JOHN JANA All three formats are similar in that they use nonvolatile flash memory (which retains its contents even when the power is turned off), but...

Dishonorable discharge.(COMPUTER CURES)(electromagnetic discharges)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... If I wear sneakers and latex gloves while handling sensitive computer hardware, will the equipment be safe from damaging electromagnetic discharges? LESTER BROOKS Don't do this--wearing sneakers and latex gloves will only insulate you...

Tip of the month: more on manic mice.(COMPUTER CURES)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... In the August issue, I ran a question from a reader whose cursor was jumping all around the screen. This month's tipster had a different take on the problem. I just read about the jumping cursor in the August column. It struck me that the...

Maximize your memory: make the most of your PC's RAM--whether or not you add new modules.(HELP & HOW-TO: WEEKEND PROJECT)
December 1, 2006... ONE OF THE EASIEST WAYS to boost a computer's performance is to add more RAM--a simple task requiring only basic computer knowledge and the guts to open up your PC's case. On the other hand, making the best use of the memory you already have is...

Shoot video like a pro: unleash your inner Spielberg with our crash course on videography.(HELP & HOW-TO: WEEKEND PROJECT)
December 1, 2006... MASTERING the ins and outs of effective filmmaking is no easy task. Still, whether you're taping a wedding or shooting a birthday party, you can take a few steps to ensure your movies don't look like the amateur videos found on YouTube. Before...

Small-form-factor desktops.(NEED TO KNOW)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2006... PROCESSOR Choose your CPU according to the tasks you need the PC to handle. Frequent multitaskers (or anyone planning to upgrade to Windows Vista) should go with a dual-core CPU. Generally, the smaller the case, the less powerful the processor...

Thin-and-light laptops (4 to 7 pounds).(NEED TO KNOW)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2006... PROCESSOR Look for a model powered by Intel's Pentium M processor, which provides long battery life, strong performance, and cool running temperatures. Save a little money by opting for lower clock speeds, such as 1.6GHz. Higher-end...

Inkjet printers.(NEED TO KNOW)
December 1, 2006... RESOLUTION Resolution figures refer to the maximum number of horizontal and vertical dots a printer can lay down within a 1-inch-square space. In theory, a higher-resolution printer can produce more-detailed text and images, but manufacturers...

Budget digital cameras ($200 and less).(NEED TO KNOW)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2006... RESOLUTION The quality of digital photos is measured primarily by the number of pixels a camera's image sensor can capture. A 6-megapixel camera, therefore, should capture more image detail than a 5-megapixel model. Still, whether you choose a...

acortech.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Inexpensive PC accessories are oar for the course at Acortech.com. We found mudded PC cases as low as $29, optical mice for $5, and other low-cost goodies that any certified geek would salivate over.

allstarshop.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... When you wish upon Allstarshop, you'll find low prices on a twinkling collection of graphics cards, motherboards, and peripherals. You'll get free shipping on many items and plenty of information about each product.

amazon.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Amazon.com is an unparalleled superstore with a massive inventory equaled only by its special features, such as personalized product recommendations and mobile access. The Early Adopter Products pages show what's fresh in electronics, video...

bestbuy.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Our readers voted Best Buy their favorite place to buy consumer electronics. The selection in each department is comprehensive and impressive. The best part? You can have your gadget delivered, or readied for pickup at a nearby store.

buy.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Buy.com's vast million-product inventory includes computer hardware, software, electronics, video games, books, music, and DVDs. Sister site BuyMusic.com delivers music downloads starting at 79 cents a song.

cdw.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... In addition to a wide selection of hardware and peripherals CDW offers an Outlet section where you'll find deals on clearance merchandise and customer returns. Click the Mac Warehouse tab to reveal a medley of Apple hardware and peripherals.

circuitcity.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Plug in to Circuit City, where you can choose from a quarter-million movies, video games, and CDs. The inventory, also includes digital cameras, televisions, and PDAs. Have your products delivered, or pick them up in a Circuit City store.

compusa.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... compusa.com The well-organized CompUSA rounds out the usual selection of PC hardware, peripherals, and accessories with areas devoted to home electronics and wireless gadgets. Set your own once on PCs at CompUSA's auction site.

computergate.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(computers.ebay.com)(computers4sure.com)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Shop with confidence at Computer Gate, which offers a 30-day satisfaction return policy on its entire selection of PCs and peripherals. The assortment of graphics taros s particularly broad. computers.ebay.com eBay is an unparalleled...

computers.ebay.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... CPU Solutions will entice you with inexpensive PC components and upgrade kits. Shoppers will find several complete desktop PCs for less than $500, and PC kits for under $300.

cyberguys.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Cyberguys specializes in low-cost computer accessories and supplies. The snappy catalog includes hard-to-find cables, fun PC add-ons, electronics tools, and networking equipment. Check the Outlet Center for big savings on limited-stock gadgets....

directron.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Directron.com is a hardware hacker's dream. The selection of PC gear includes cases, storage, motherboards, and software. Every order earns you the right to pick through the "free stuff" bin.

dirtcheapdrives.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... True to its name, DirtCheapDrives.com serves up excellent prices on a wide selection of hard drives. You'll find external and internal drives with every conceivable combination of interface and capacity.

discountlaptops.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)
December 1, 2006... Check out DiscountLaptops.com for new notebooks from ChemBooK, Panasonic, Sager, and Twinhead. The handy Complete Model Listing link provides a one-page comparison of the site's 40-plus available models.

ecost.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)
December 1, 2006... Look to eCost.com for deals on PC components, software, electronics, and DVDs. You'll be enticed by short-lived but sweet deals in the Bargain Countdown area.

www.flash-memory-store.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... FlashMemoryStore.com specializes in removable media. The company sells CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards, Memory Sticks, card-reader accessories, and external hard drives. All products come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime...

fwdepot.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... You'll find at least 1,394 reasons to shop at FireWire Depot, which sells FireWire enclosures, external optical drives, PCI adapters, and hubs. Shop for high-speed USB 2.0 and Serial ATA cards and accessories, too.

insith.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Insight delivers IT products for businesses, including networking hardware, projectors, and servers The stellar Narrow Your Results feature and comparison tools will help you find the best product.

journeyware.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Journeyware.com is a travel and technology gear site that sells ergonomically friendly laptop bags and rolling cases, along with cases for your PDA, camera, and cell phone. Shipping is free on orders more than $50.

jr.com.(TECH PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Televisions, MP3 players, office products, and appliances abound at J&R Music and Computer World. Read the Product Guides for tips on buying and using audio and video gear, computers, digital cameras, and more.

abebooks.com.(BOOKS AND MUSIC)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... abebooks.com Abebooks is a price-comparison site that will show you the best prices for new, used, and out-of-print tomes among 13,500 booksellers worldwide. Because you can't give a tattered mess as a gift, the company guarantees the...

apple.com/itunes/music.(BOOKS AND MUSIC)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... apple.com/itunes/music Download full albums for as little as $9.99 or pick your favorite tunes at 99 cents each from Apple's iTunes Music Store. The selection is mammoth, and you can listen to snippets of each song before you buy. Plus,...