Whether running a household or a small business (or both), business software and productivity software makes many of the jobs easier. Whether its financial or accounting software, databases, software suites, presentation software, or word processors, these tools make your tasks run more efficiently.

If you are just starting to organize your affairs on a computer, you should evaluate your needs. Many standalone programs can also handle minor tasks, such as spreadsheet-like tracking or desktop publishing, that would save on buying a whole software package. Also make sure of the capabilities of the software suite on your computer, if you have one preloaded.

Personal finance software keeps track of your expenses and income so that you can plan your financial future. These programs handle such details as managing investment portfolios, printing checks, scheduling and making online payments, comparing loans, shopping for mortgages, investigating insurance options, and organizing tax records. The latest editions of these programs can store financial information on the Internet. Two programs stand out: Microsoft’s Money and Intuit’s Quicken. You might find other financial programs offered for sale on the Internet or through mail-order catalogs, but none of them match the features provided in these two.

Database software tracks three primary components: files, records, and fields. The true power of a computerized database is revealed when the time comes to organize and retrieve the information it contains. Using a database program, you can accomplish this in a matter of seconds, with only a few keystrokes or mouse clicks. Today’s databases can even go on the road with you. Some newer programs include versions for both your desktop computer and your PDA.

Spreadsheets have been around for a long time. They are perhaps the most mature type of software currently on the market. Visually, a spreadsheet resembles an accountant’s ledger sheet, with individual cells arranged in rows and columns. You enter into these cells the numbers and formulas required for whatever task a particular spreadsheet is designed to accomplish–budget projections, expense records, inventory tracking, and the like.

In the early days of the personal computer, word processors did exactly what their name implies: They processed words. You used a word processor to write, and that was about the end of it. Over time, however, the features available in even entry-level word processors have exploded. Today, it’s a rare word processing program that doesn’t included a spell checker, mail-merge capabilities, and the ability to incorporate graphic images into your documents. Some programs throw in grammar checkers and advanced formatting commands that let you design truly impressive page layouts. In many ways, word processors have become almost indistinguishable from low-end desktop-publishing software.

An operating system, or OS, is the core software that determines how a computer works and dictates the type of software it can run. An operating system includes the programs and utilities required to make a computer work. Integrated packages are the Swiss army knives of application software. They combine a number of different functions, such as word processing, spreadsheet capabilities, and database management, into a single package.
How to Shop

Many standalone applications provide more power than the average user needs. Few people will ever use all of the features built into a top-of-the-line spreadsheet such as Microsoft’s Excel. The spreadsheet module in Microsoft Works, which resembles a stripped-down version of Excel, should suffice in all but the most demanding situations.

A second and equally important consideration that could influence your decision on whether or not to take the integrated approach is cost. An integrated package or suite often costs less than a single dedicated program that will perform only one of the tasks it accomplishes. What you sacrifice in power, you more than save in price–especially if you’ll rarely use the more robust features that are the primary selling points of a high-end standalone application.

The secret to success, therefore, is to evaluate the capabilities of an integrated package, based on your personal requirements and work habits. Examine each module of any integrated package you’re considering and determine whether it satisfies your needs in a particular area. Does its word processor let you format documents to the degree that your work demands? Can its spreadsheet handle the kind of calculations you need to perform? Such questions can be specific to the individual modules of an integrated package. Answering them up-front will spare you frustration later. Many standalone packages, such as Money and Quicken, are available in several different versions.

The prices of digital cameras have dropped in recent years to a point that they are about as affordable and flexible as similarly equipped film cameras. Most digital cameras will provide the same quality or better for a similar price, so there is no important reason for the average photographer not to buy a digital camera.

Instead of recording images on film as regular cameras do, digital cameras capture images with a CCD (charge-coupled device, a light-sensitive circuit) and record them on magnetic media. The number of images you can store at once depends on the amount of memory you have (storage media come in sizes from 16MB to 256MB and more) and the resolution of the images you are taking. The magnetic storage disks or cards are removable, and you can transfer images via special connectors to a computer for manipulation, e-mailing, Web-site posting, viewing on a TV, incorporation into an A/V or multimedia presentation, or printing. Some printers can connect directly to your digital camera for direct printing without a computer.

There are three basic body styles to consider. The compact or ultra compact digital camera fits inside your shirt pocket. There is a “wow” factor to these cameras, and they are convenient, but you will be paying a premium for the size or lack thereof. The standard camera is bigger, provides better quality for the money, and is usually able to provide all the features that a typical “point-and-shoot” photographer needs. The digital SLR camera provides the best quality shots of the three. The lenses can be changed, and the camera provides a great deal of flexibility. The cost is higher than either the compact or standard digital cameras.

A pixel is a picture element, such as the dots that make up your TV screen. A megapixel is a million such dots. The more megapixels you have, the bigger or sharper your photo will be. The more megapixels a camera has, the more expensive it will be. Figure out your usage to determine the number of megapixels you need. If you are emailing images or ordering 4×6 pictures, a 3-megapixel or 4-megapixel camera should work just fine. If you want larger prints or more flexibility, a 4- to 6-megapixel camera should be what you are looking for.

Current digital point-and-shoot cameras can produce photo-quality 8×10-inch prints that rival traditional film prints, and the capacity of the storage disks can far exceed the number of pictures you can take with a roll of 35mm film. However, the ease of working with the images and the quality of the prints are dependent on the speed of your computer, the type of software the camera works with, and especially the quality of your laser or inkjet printer. These should all be taken into consideration when you’re buying a digital camera.

Optical zoom is another consideration. Zoom lets you magnify your subject, giving you more control while framing your shot. The number of zoom indicates how close your subject appears, so that 3X zoom makes your subject appear three times closer than it is. We recommend at least 3X optical zoom for the best flexibility. Digital zoom is also pushed by manufacturers, but it should not be a consideration when purchasing. Also, ignore any called a “zoom factor,” which combines both.
How to Shop

Probably the most important questions to ask are what kind of pictures do I take and how much do I want to spend. Take a look at some digital cameras in your price range to see if those models can fill your needs. If a model that is featured here appeals to you but is a bit too expensive, or perhaps lacks a particular feature you’re looking for, keep in mind that there is often a companion model just above or below the one reviewed. You might save money by deleting an unnecessary feature.

The core clock speed is 540MHz and the memory clock is rated at 590MHz (with dual data rate leading to an effective clock of 1.18GHz). That kind of power is going to need some serious cooling, and the XT Platinum has it built in. The large red fan on the side of the graphics processor means the card will take up two slots inside a computer, so you need to make sure you’ve got the room for it. The fan is a bit noisy when you first boot up the system, but it powers down to barely audible levels and is fairly quiet even when gaming for extended periods.

There are DVI and VGA connections (one each) on the back of the card, letting you hook up your system to two displays (ATI includes DVI-I-to-VGA adapters for analog displays). There’s also integrated HDTV support, so you can output the signal to an HDTV monitor for extremely high-resolution gaming.

Even without a fancy display, the XT Platinum leads to some impressive numbers on the latest games. With all the bells and whistles turned on (anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering, etc.), the XT Platinum still managed frame rates in the high 70s at 1,600X1,200 resolution in Half-Life 2.

ATI offers a lengthy 3-year warranty on the XT Platinum, and that probably amounts to a lifetime warranty as it’s longer than most serious gamers will use the same board. There are both PCI-Express and AGP versions of the board available, so even if you don’t have the cutting-edge PCI-Express connection on your motherboard, you can still bring an XT Platinum home.

The XT Platinum retails for $449 and has a street price of around $400. It’s a hefty price tag for even hard-core gamers to consider, but if you need (or just lust after) the best card on the market, the ATI Radeon X850 XT Platinum Edition is the fastest graphics board currently available.

Pro: Excellent performance, DVI output.
Con: Expensive.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ATI Technologies
1 Commerce Valley Drive East
Markham, Ontario, Canada L3T 7X6
905-882-2600
http://www.ati.com

Warranty
3 years limited

When we speak of input devices, we’re usually referring to keyboards and mice, although there has been a variety of other peripherals that have tried to break into this genre over the years. However, the lion’s share of the input device market continues to be owned by mice and keyboards.

That said, mice and keyboards come in all shapes and sizes. New technologies and features are continually added, changing the way you interact with your system, but the basics have mostly stayed the same. In the past, mice and keyboards connected to a computer via PS/2 ports, but most new input devices are USB. You can still find some input devices that ship with a USB-to-PS/2 converter, or you can purchase a converter separately if you want to connect a new mouse or keyboard to an older machine.

Keyboard range from basic, no-frills models like the ones that ship with budget PCs, to high-end ergonomic wireless boards that let you program all sorts of functionality into shortcut keys. Even the most basic keyboards include a number pad, usually on the right side, for faster entry of numbers. You’ll also find a row of function keys across the top that can be used for accessing menu features without a mouse. More advanced (but by no means top-end) features include multimedia controls and programmable “hotkeys.” There are keyboards that are geared towards specific users, such as digital photo editors or gamers. Some models include built-in wrist rests and USB ports.

For mice, the biggest breakthrough came several years back with the integration of optical technology. This utilizes a laser sensor that lets a mouse be used on virtually any surface. The sensor never needs cleaning, unlike the ball inside a traditional mechanical mouse. Mice have seen some major changes and features added as well, allowing you to change the optical resolution on the fly and adjust the heft of the mouse. Some new models are designed to be held in the air, and you control the mouse cursor via 3-D movements. This is especially useful for home theater PCs located in a living room instead of on a desk in the den.

Other input devices like trackballs are still around, but their popularity tends to ebb and flow, and in recent years this has been mostly ebb. Unless you have special needs, you will most likely be shopping for a traditional mouse and keyboard.
How to Shop

Input devices range greatly in price, from less than $10 for a basic keyboard or mouse to well over $100 for a full-featured combination package, with a lot of middle ground in between.

The first thing to consider when shopping for a keyboard is whether you want to go with a traditional QWERTY design, with keys running straight across the board, or an ergonomic “natural” keyboard. Natural keyboards split the keypad in half, providing a better angle for typing. They’re a bit more expensive, but many users feel that natural keyboards are more comfortable input devices and can reduce the possibility of carpel-tunnel syndrome (CTS) or other repetitive stress injuries (RSI) over the long term.

No matter what features are built into your input device, they’re only as useful as they are usable, so try and spend some time with a keyboard before you buy it. Type at least a paragraph or two on the keyboard so you’ll be sure that it is comfortable and matches your ergonomic preferences. If you’ll be using the keyboard for several hours a day or more, consider one with an integrated wrist rest (unless you own a separate wrist rest). This keeps your wrists at a proper angle while typing, lessening the possibility of developing CTS or RSI.

After you’ve found a comfortable base design, it’s time to think about the extras you might like on your keyboard. If you listen to a lot of music on your PC, you might find built-in multimedia controls useful. These allow you to play and pause songs, adjust the volume, and mute the sound directly from the keyboard.

Multiple programmable hotkeys are very handy to have on a keyboard, as they let you bring up often-used accessories such as the Windows calculator or the My Documents folder at the touch of a button. Some keys can even be used to shut down your computer or put it in standby mode.

In addition to programmable hotkeys and ergonomic designs, you can find keyboards that function as more than just input devices. Many models have USB ports, so they can serve as USB hubs for low-power devices such as mice. You won’t want to connect your printer via these usually unpowered ports, but they’re nice for users who want a couple of close connections for low-power peripherals.

A relatively new design option takes keyboards into the wireless realm. Wireless keyboards often come in input device bundles that also include a mouse. You’ll need to change batteries periodically, but it can be useful to have a keyboard that works at a range of 6 feet or more, especially if your PC is located in your living room and is integrated with your home theater system.

If you are in the market for a new mouse, don’t bother looking at traditional ball models. The advantages of optical mice over the traditional ball design are huge, and the cost increase is minimal. Optical mice never need cleaning, they can be used on almost any surface, and their resolution and accuracy are much higher. You can find optical mice with resolutions as high as 2,000 dpi. Many gaming mice even let you switch between resolutions on the fly, as lower resolutions are more useful for slow movements such as aiming a sniper rifle in a shooting game, while higher resolutions are great for fast-twitch movements.

Today’s high-end mice feature extra buttons beyond the standard left and right clickers. You can find mice with thumb buttons, buttons that let you zoom in on screen content, and a scroll wheel that can be depressed for a middle-button action. Most of these mice let you program the buttons, so you can choose which function you want tied to which click. In addition to using the scroll wheel as a button, many new mice also feature the ability to tilt the scroll wheel, letting you scroll from side to side as well as up and down, which is a handy feature for large web pages on small screens.

Like keyboards, wireless mice are readily available. For a while, you could find rechargeable non-optical wireless mice or optical wireless mice that used normal batteries. Today, many wireless optical mice include rechargeable battery packs. Wireless mice are available as stand-alone input devices or bundled with wireless keyboards.

Mice come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including compact designs intended for use with a portable computer. You can also find ambidextrous mice that work equally well in either hand. Gaming mice let you add or remove weights to find the perfect heft for whatever game you wish to play.

Input devices continue to evolve and change, but the basic appearance of today’s mice and keyboards would be familiar to computer users from 20 years ago. It’s the subtle touches that make an input device work even better, such as the comfortable typing on an ergonomic keyboard, the extra buttons and shortcut keys, or the freedom to compute without wires. There is enough diversity of design that you can find the perfect input devices to suit your needs.

New first-time computer buyers used to buy desktops for menial tasks like word processing, checking e-mail and Internet browsing, or managing checkbooks and recipes. It’s become much simpler for the consumer to use their new computer as a multimedia machine, managing photos, music, and even movies with a DVD drive. Dedicated game players will likely want a faster computer with more memory, but most entry-level computers (at entry-level prices) have enough speed, memory, and storage to handle all these tasks. Powerful computers are becoming more affordable, and many budget models will let you burn CDs, run sophisticated operating systems, and play the latest video games right out of the box.

It’s never been easier or less expensive to buy a state-of-the-art personal computer. It wasn’t long ago that computer manufacturers were striving to come up with a sub-$1,000 PC. For a while, there were even stripped-down, basic machines on the market for less than $500, though the poor profit margins on these systems have pretty much forced them from the market. The winner here is, of course, you. Options for the PC buyer abound like never before. Keep in mind that “basic” is a very relative term. Even the most basic PCs these days provide features and performance that are astonishing.
How to Shop

Buy the best computer you can afford with your budget. Before you decide anything, decide how much you can spend. After that, take a look at what you want out of your computer–is this the first home computer for you and your family? Will this be for your college-bound son or daughter for the next four years? Are you anticipating the newest game releases? The tasks you want to accomplish will dictate the specifications you need in your new computer.

Your choices begin just with the shape of the computer itself. For a cramped office or living space, small-form-factor (or SFF) computers are an easy solution. Their main disadvantage is that with a small cabinet, there are less expansion slots, and therefore less room for upgrading. There’s still plenty of ports, however, and it’s a perfect temporary solution for dorm rooms and LAN-party gamers, sometimes even equipped with handles for easy transport. If space isn’t a concern, a mid- or full-tower case ensures that you’ll have the room to upgrade your computer for years to come. If space is really limited, the all-in-one case is a desktop built into a flat-panel monitor. It’s just as limiting when it comes to expansion slots, but it takes up little to no space (and is pretty cool-looking).

Your options for processors can be confusing, with competition between AMD, Intel, and Apple making it hard to tell which processor is best. Pay attention to the speed of the processor, measured in gigahertz (GHz), to know what you’re paying for. Even budget-priced desktops should run near 1.4 GHz, and over 2 GHz if you have more money to spend. If your budget is tight, scaling back on the processor might be the best way to lower the cost. The processor is the brain of your computer, and dictates how fast your applications will run, but most programs run just fine without the high clock speeds at the top of the market now.

The PC’s main memory, where its operating system and programs are run, is called RAM (random access memory). RAM is relatively inexpensive, and operating systems and applications are becoming ever more memory-hungry. The minimum amount of RAM you should get is 256MB, but many PCs offer 512MB or even 1GB and over. More RAM is always better, as your applications will generally run faster with more RAM available, and Windows XP runs best on at least 512MB.

New computers often feature graphics cards that are “integrated,” meaning they draw on the same memory as the rest of your applications to generate graphics. For most users, this is fine. Those who need a desktop for graphically-intensive business programs, video editing, or the newest in video games, a discrete video card is better. These cards have their own pool of memory to draw from. The lion’s share of upscale video cards are manufactured by ATI or NVIDIA, so look for one of those names if your graphics card is built-in to your new computer, and aim for the highest amount of discrete RAM that’s affordable for you.

Traditional floppy drives are often optional features on new computers. Any manner of ROM drive is available for your desktop. Combination drives are included with many new models, able to read from CD and DVD, burn media to CD, or, if dealing with large amounts of files, burn to DVD and Double Layer DVD to exchange and transport large files and multimedia files. Consider how many media files you’ll be using, and how large, and decide whether your computer will be doubling as a DVD player on occasion before making your choice.

Many desktops come with ports for both dial-up modem and an Ethernet connection already built-in to the back of your computer, so you your computer is ready to connect anywhere. Ethernet cards are required for broadband Internet connections or connecting to networks (like at a college campus), so know beforehand how you’ll be connected. If you have more than one computer at home, adding wireless cards to each is a handy solution for home networking. Also behind your desktop, USB ports will allow you to connect to peripherals like digital cameras, portable music players, and other devices to transfer files back and forth. Many desktops have FireWire ports, and while that technology isn’t as ubiquitous as USB 2.0, you can transfer data back and forth even faster if your peripheral is FireWire-ready. You should look for at least four USB slots, able to accommodate constant peripherals like printers and keyboards, and have room for recreational ones like digital cameras and music devices. Some models have USB ports in the front as well, making connections even more convenient.

The average desktop warranty will last one year for parts and labor. Some companies provide on-site service, and will send a technician to your home if a problem can’t be fixed over the phone or online. Others require dropping it off at a local service center or shipping it directly to the manufacturer. If that’s the case, find out who pays for shipping. Many companies offer extensions on the warranty, sometimes up to three additional years, for an added cost. Whether it’s worth it add on to your warranty depends on your comfort level with making repairs yourself (or letting a friend or relative inside the case) and how much you spent on the system.

It features a variety of connection options, including composite video, S-video, D-sub (analog), DVI-D (digital), audio, and USB ports. If you have multiple computers and need to save some desk space, you can share the FP231W between a pair of PCs or a Mac and a PC. The FP231W can tilt and swivel and the height is adjustable, so you can find just the right angle for comfortable viewing.

The wide format makes the monitor easy to work in multiple applications simultaneously while still being able to see most or all of every open document. An optimal LCD resolution of 1,900X1,200 dpi provides clear images and crisp text, even at small font sizes. The wide viewing angle of 176 degrees helps reduce color shift and image blurring when viewing the display from off-center.

A row of seven control buttons on the right side of the monitor includes Power, Enter (accesses the on-screen display menus), Up (increases the selected adjustment, and also serves as the hot key for the LCD brightness control), Down (decreases the selected adjustment, and also serves as the hot key for contrast), Input (switches the input signal from one computer to another), and Exit (returns to the previous menu or exits the on-screen display).

The seventh button, called iKey, automatically adjusts horizontal and vertical positioning. The on-screen menu is colorful and easy to navigate.

The FP231W has four USB ports, so you can use it a USB hub and free up ports on your computer. One of the four ports is dedicated to webcam use, and its location at the top of the monitor makes it awkward for any other purpose. The FP231W 23-inch LCD monitor’s package includes power, D-sub, and DVI-D cables, a setup card, a user guide, and a CD-ROM with drivers and utilities.

The 16-millisecond response time works to eliminate ghosting in fast-moving images, including video and action games. Image quality and sharpness of the BenQ FP231W are above average, although color fidelity may not quite meet the needs of graphics professionals.

Pro: Above-average image quality. Pleasing collection of features, including multiple input options, tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, as well as picture-in-picture. Includes analog and digital cables.
Con: Color fidelity falls a bit short for high-end graphics work.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

BenQ America Corp.
53 Discovery
Irvine, CA 92618
949-255-9500
http://www.benq.com

In addition to MP3 files, the Nano Plus is also compatible with WMA, which some audiophiles consider to have a better sound compared to similar-size MP3 files. The player has five preset equalization curves designed to enhance specific types of music, as well as a user-defined custom setting. The Nano Plus’s frequency response is 20Hz to 20,000Hz, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 90dB.

The Nano Plus is a very flexible system, with an LCD display that can flip to make it easier for left-handed users to read. There are a variety of shuffle modes to add fun to your playlist, and the Nano Plus also includes a FM tuner. Instead of always loading files from a computer via the USB 2.0 port, this MP3 player allows you to record audio directly into memory using either the line input or the built-in voice microphone.

In addition to digital audio files, the Nano Plus can be used as a data storage device, as it appears on a computer as an external drive. It can play for up to 18 hours on a single AAA battery, and by using disposable batteries, you know replacements are never far away. The Nano Plus MP3 player is a colorful way to get MP3 and FM playback in an attractive and tiny package.
We tested the 512MB version, which has an MSRP of $79.99. The 1GB Nano Plus has an MSRP of $109.99.

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts

The iPod shuffle’s name refers to its playback abilities. This player lacks a display to show what songs are loaded. iTunes software on a PC or Mac is used to fill up the player; a playlist can be dragged and dropped into the shuffle, or iTunes will autofill the shuffle with whatever songs it randomly chooses from a user’s iTunes music library. The shuffle then has two playback modes–it will either play the downloaded list in order, or it will pick the tunes and play them back in random order. You know, shuffled.

Unlike the hard drives used by the original iPods, the shuffle sports a skip-free Flash memory system. The shuffle is available with two storage capacities, either 512MB or a more practical 1GB, which will store about 16 hours of music coded at 128kbps. The shuffle will play MP3, AAC (iTunes), WAV, and Audible audio book formats.

The iPod shuffle connects to a computer via USB cable, or the player can plug directly into a USB slot. It has a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery good for about 12 hours of playback, and it can recharge by either the supplied power adapter or from the USB connection when plugged into a computer. It comes with adequate-sounding earbuds and a USB cable. Expect the unexpected when you (iPod) shuffle it up.

The $99.00 MSRP is for the 512MB version; the 1GB version has an MSRP of $149.00.

Rare just a few years ago, MP3 players are ubiquitous today, and their popularity is not expected to wane any time soon. Apple’s iPod lineup currently dominates the digital audio player universe, but numerous manufacturers like Creative, SanDisk, and iriver, as well as traditional brands such as Panasonic, Sony, JVC, and Samsung, produce a wide variety of players, many of which are giving the iPods a run for their money.

The category name of MP3 players is a bit of a misnomer, as many digital audio players can store music files in multiple formats. These may include WMA, WAV, ATRAC, OGG, and others, in addition to MP3. iPod has also become a generic name for an MP3 player. This is somewhat ironic, because while iPods can play MP3 files, they primarily operate with AAC files, the format of choice for Apple’s popular iTunes Music Store.

MP3 and other formats utilized by digital audio players are data-compression techniques that drastically reduce the size of the original CD music files. This data-reduction amount is variable: a higher reduction rate (i.e., a lower bit rate) results in a smaller file, but the smaller the file, the poorer the sound quality. At higher bit rates (least compressed, best sounding), the sound comes closest to the original CD recording quality. High-quality audio should at least be sampled at 128 kilobits per second (kbps), which results in an MP3 file of about 4MB for a 3- or 3-1/2-minute track. To combat the loss of sound quality, a number of newer digital audio players incorporate technology that helps restore sound details lost during the compression/decompression process.

Digital audio players are available in a multitude of styles, from tiny players that can clip onto your sunglasses or keychain to (relatively) large units that can store tens of gigabytes of music and other content. Many players can hold other types of data (in addition to music files), serving as portable data storage devices. Apple’s new video iPods incorporate a small LCD screen for the display of digital video and image files. Competing manufacturers are following suit with screen-equipped MP3 players that can store and play music videos, television shows, and even DivX movies. Other MP3 player options include integrated FM tuners, voice microphones, and line inputs that let players record directly from other audio sources. Panasonic even combines an MP3 player with a digital camcorder in some members of its D-Snap line. Quite a few cell phones now incorporate MP3 players, and there are even models with Apple’s iTunes software built in.
How to Shop

When shopping for an MP3 player, first consider how much memory you will need. Flash players currently come in capacities of up to 6GB of internal memory, which is enough to hold approximately 192 hours of music (about 2,800 songs), but they are more commonly available with 512MB or 1GB. Hard-disk MP3 players can have as little as 4GB of internal memory or they can hold as much as 60GB, and even larger sizes are no doubt on the horizon. A 60GB MP3 player can store every song in all but the largest music collections. The limiting factor is usually price, but common sense is important too. In general, buy as large a memory as you can afford, but if you only need the space to hold a thousand tunes, there is no reason to spend the extra money for a 40GB player.

If you want a player to listen to while at the gym or out on a jog, check out the many available sports players. These compact units usually utilize Flash memory, which is immune to playback interruptions when jostled, unlike hard-disk systems that don’t appreciate being shaken. In addition, sports MP3 players often have handy features such as stopwatches, meters that measure speed and distance, and even water resistance to protect against sweat and rain. Small and light enough to be worn just about anywhere, sports MP3 players usually include clips or arm straps so they can be secured to clothing or the body.

True audiophiles will be interested in the larger-capacity MP3 players. While most users will take advantage of that extra storage space by cramming in more songs, audiophiles know this capacity can be utilized to increase the quality of their music. Higher bit-rate MP3 files take up more memory space, but they’ll sound considerably better. Many digital audio players can also handle full-range uncompressed WAV files, which provide true CD-quality sound. A 60GB player can hold about 84 CD worth of music in the uncompressed WAV format.

Make sure a digital audio player comes with the software and cables (usually USB) necessary to connect to your computer. The software usually has two components. The first part is used to convert, or ‘’rip,'’ CD music into MP3 (or other format) files. This is essential for anyone with a large music collection on disc, but if you download a majority of your music from the internet, it isn’t as much of a concern. The second component of the software is usually a file manager that helps organize music files into playlists. Once your list is put together, it is a quick and simple process to transfer the music to your portable player.

The weakest link in the portable audio chain is the included headphones or earbuds, which typically provide only marginal audio reproduction. It might be necessary to budget in the price of upgraded headphones when shopping for an MP3 player. Manufacturers are beginning to address this annoying issue by including higher-quality phones in their MP3 player packages, but like all electronics purchases, it is a wise idea to test candidate players (and their headphones) before buying.

7.2 million effective pixels
36-432mm equivalent (12x optical) F2.8-3.7 Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens
Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization
Wide ISO 80-1000 range
Clear RAW™ noise reduction technology
3.0” LCD (230,000 pixels) & 0.2″ (200,000 pixel) Electronic viewfinder
Full photographic control
Real Imaging Processor & 14-bit DXP A/D Conversion
Optional wide and tele lens converters
Scene selection (7 modes)
Histogram indication
32MB internal memory, plus a Memory Stick/PRO Duo slot

DSC H-5 key specifications
Street price • US: $470
• UK: £310
Body Material Metal and plastic
Sensor

• 1/2.5 ” Type CCD
• 7.2 million effective pixels
Image sizes

• 3072 x 2304
• 3072 x 2048 (3:2)
• 2592 x 1944
• 2048 x 1536
• 1632 x 1224
• 640 x 480
Movie clips

• 640 x 480 @ 16 / 30fps (30fps requires MS Pro Duo)
• 160 x 112 @ 8fps
File formats • Still: JPEG
• Movie: MPEG VX
Lens

• 36-432mm equiv
• 12x optical zoom
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
• F2.8-3.7
Image stabilization Super SteadyShot® (moving lens element type)
Conversion lenses Yes
Digital zoom • 2x (24x total)
• Up to 57x Smart Zoom (dependent on selected resolution)
Focus • Manual (with focus aids and magnification)
• Single
• Monitor
• Continuous
AF area modes • 3 Area Multi-Point AF
• Center AF (selectable)
• Flexible spot AF
• Contrast detect
AF assist lamp Yes
Focus distance • Normal: 50cm (19.7 in) min
• Macro: 2cm (0.74 in)
Metering • Multi-pattern (49 zone)
• Center weighted
• Spot
ISO sensitivity • Auto
• ISO 80
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1000
Exposure compensation • +/-2EV
• 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing +/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 EV
Shuttter speed

• 1/4 - 1/2000 sec. (Auto)
• 1 - 1/2000 sec. (Program Auto)
• 46-step 30 sec – 1/1000 sec. (Shutter Priority, Manual)
* Shutter speeds of 1/2000th are only available at apertures of F5.6 and higher.
Aperture F2.8 - 8.0 (wide), F3.7 - 8.0 (tele)
Modes

• Program
• Aperture priority
• Shutter priority
• Manual
• 7-preset select scene modes
Scene modes • Twilight
• Twilight Portrait
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Beach
• High-speed shutter
• High sensitivity
White balance

• Auto
• Manual
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Fluorescent
• Incandescent
• Flash WB
Self timer • 10 or 2 secs
Continuous shooting • 7 Shots at 1.1fps (7.2MP JPEG fine)
• 100 Shots at 1.4 fps (640×480 JPEG std)
Image parameters • Saturation (3 levels)
• Contrast (3 levels)
• Sharpness (3 levels)
• Color effects (Sepia, Black and White, Vivid)
Flash • Pop-up
• Auto, On, Off, Slow synch, Red-eye reduction
• Range (ISO Auto): 1’ to 29’ 3″ (0.3-9.0m) (Wide)
• Range (ISO Auto): 35.5 ’ to 22 ’ 4 ” (0.9-6.8m) (Tele)
• Range (ISO 1000): 2’ 11″ to 52’ (0.9 -16m) (Wide)
Viewfinder • 0.2″ EVF
• 201K pixels
LCD monitor • 3.0-inch TFT
• 230K pixels
Connectivity • USB 2.0 high speed
• AV out
Print compliance PictBridge, DPOF, PIM III
Storage • Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo compatible
• 32MB internal memory
Power • 2x NiMH batteries
• Ac adaptor (optional)
In the box* • DSC-H5 camera
• NH-AA-DB Rechargeable AA Batteries,
• BC-CS2 Battery Charger and Cord
• A/V and USB Cables
• Shoulder Strap
• Lens Cap
• Lens Cap Strap
• Lens Adapter Ring
• Lens Hood
• Software CD-ROM
Other features • Real Imaging Processor
• Clear RAW NR
• Filter Diameter: 58mm (with supplied Adapter Ring)
• Optional Flash units, converter lenses, filters
Weight (inc batt) 554 g (1 lb 4.3 oz)
Dimensions 113.2 x 83 x 94 mm (4.6 x 3.3 x 3.7 in)

* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

If you’re new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of the image, clicking on the image will display a larger (typically VGA) image in a new window.

To navigate the review simply use the next / previous page buttons, to jump to a particular section either pick the section from the drop down or select it from the navigation bar at the top.

DPReview calibrate their monitors using Color Vision OptiCal at the (fairly well accepted) PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the (computer generated) grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C.