Desktop PCs
The latest, greatest graphics cards make for some nice gaming visuals, but they also put out a fair amount of heat. And where there's heat, there's fans - usually big, wheezing ones that disturb your tranquil peace.
Gigabyte's new snappily titled GV-NX86S256H card uses its Silent-Pipe 3T technology to cool an nVidia GeForce 8600 GTS chip without any of those noisy fans. It's all down to the 'Inner Turbulence Fluid Mechanics Design', apparently.
By using (pay attention) 'a series of layered long and short fins with trapezoid punches, Silent-Pipe 3T transforms laminar (smooth) air flow into turbulent (rough) air flow inside the heat sink, increasing the heat exchange ratio and enhancing overall thermal performance'.
Which ultimately means quieter computers, which is to be applauded - although not too loudly, obviously.
The GV-NX86S256H costs £150, more information available from Gigabyte.
If you find PDAs too fiddly but laptops too heavy, HTC has created the perfect solution for your mobile computing needs.
The Shift is a portable PC no bigger than a couple of DVD cases, yet equipped with a QWERTY keyboard, 7in screen and 30GB hard drive. It runs Windows Vista Business and WMP11, so you can work and play on the move, and offers a choice of connectivity options, including HSDPA, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, for speedy internet access and file transfer.
Pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed but you can get the lowdown at HTC.
If you've browsed the TV department of your local electrical retailer recently, you've probably noticed that, for the price of most decent HD-Ready TVs, you could afford to buy a new computer instead. Laptop manucfacturer Rock has taken this concept and run with it, offering an LCD TV with a computer built in, specifically designed for kitchens, studies or bedrooms.
Featuring a 22in screen, the ability to record and pause programs, and a PC with a desktop class Intel Core 2 Dual processor running Windows Vista, it looks set to put your old portable to shame. Prices have yet to be finalised but word from Rock is that it'll cost less than £1,000. For more information, check out the Meivo website, which should be coming online as the screens become available in April.
Using a mouse with your laptop saves you having to fiddle around with the awkward touchpad, but where do you put the thing when you're on the move?
If you've got a MoGo Mouse BT, you can simply slot it into your notebook's PC card slot, such is the device's slender design. While slotted in it also recharges, taking less than an hour to reach full power and eliminating the need for batteries. The mouse is Bluetooth-enabled and designed for optimum comfort, automatically levering itself into your hand as you work.
Order one now from Easy Laptop Shop for £49.99.
