Christmas Gift Guide - PC World Australia

Apple MacBook (late 2009)

Apple's entry-level MacBook improves on its predecessor by offering an upgraded, LED-backlit display, a unibody enclosure and a glass, multitouch trackpad. The glossy display is inferior to the screen on the MacBook Pro model of the same size, and the lack of FireWire and cramped USB ports will pose problems for some users. However, given its price point, the new MacBook comes recommended.

Asus R.O.G Mars limited-edition graphics card

The limited-edition Asus R.O.G MARS is essentially porn for hardcore PC enthusiasts. With the possible exception of AMD's ATI Radeon HD 5890, it's the fastest graphics card money can buy. If you can afford it -- and are wily enough to track one down -- the MARS will not disappoint.

Toshiba Regza 42RV600A LCD television

The Toshiba Regza 42RV600A is a good television for buyers on a budget. For under $1800 you get a 42in screen with good upscaling and a few nifty features that make it easy to use.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1-K digital camera

Panasonic's LUMIX DMC-GF1-K is a solidly built compact camera that lets you use different lenses. It's capable of capturing beautifully clear images and it's fast. It does have some issues when focusing in dim lighting, and noise is noticeable at high ISO speeds.

Samsung HT-BD8200

Samsung's compact HT-BDS200 soundbar system includes a subwoofer and Blu-ray disc support, and its design complements the company's recent TVs.

Panasonic HDC-TM300 HD camcorder

The Panasonic HDC-TM300 HD camcorder is a great option for enthusiasts and amateurs alike. It combines user friendly controls with in-depth manual features, and is capable of taking excellent HD video. Highly recommended.

Sony Ericsson Satio smartphone

The Sony Ericsson Satio is an excellent camera phone with a great 3.5in screen, but its not a world-beater. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack and an inconsistent user interface detract from what otherwise is a good overall package.

Panasonic DMR-BW750 Blu-ray recorder

The Panasonic DMR-BW750 is an excellent choice for people who want to record HD content off TV. With its 250GB hard drive, dual HD digital tuner and writable Blu-ray optical drive, there are plenty of options for media hoarders. Highly recommended.

Acer Aspire One AOD250 (ZG8) netbook with Telstra Next G

The Aspire One AOD250 (ZG8) with an integrated Next G module is one of the best netbooks on the market. The integrated 3G module means there are no dongles hanging off it, and the overall build quality and style of the netbook is superb. We recommend it for anyone who wants a small laptop to get online anywhere and anytime.

Sony Bravia KDL32W5500 LCD television

If you're looking for a mid-size LCD television, Sony's Bravia KDL32W5500 is king of the bunch. It comes with a higher price tag than we would have liked, but if you want the pedigree you'll have to pay for it.

Sony VAIO VGN-NW15G notebook

Sony's VAIO VGN-NW15G notebook looks good and is comfortable to use for the most part. It has specifications powerful enough for image and video editing, and it is a great mid-sized laptop for users who want something that's stylish yet functional and affordable.

HP Mini 5101 netbook

The HP Mini 5101 feels more like a regular laptop than a netbook and this is because of its sturdy construction, relatively good speed and excellent keyboard design. Not only that, it looks good and it has a 1366x768 screen. There really isn't too much wrong with this netbook at all, and we think it's probably the best netbook currently available on the market.

HP Mini 5101 netbook

The HP Mini 5101 feels more like a regular laptop than a netbook and this is because of its sturdy construction, relatively good speed and excellent keyboard design. Not only that, it looks good and it has a 1366x768 screen. There really isn't too much wrong with this netbook at all, and we think it's probably the best netbook currently available on the market.

ASUS U80V notebook

The Asus U80V is an above-average all-purpose notebook with some interesting bells and whistles up its sleeve. For the asking price, it provides a rock-solid performance.

Toshiba Satellite U500 notebook (PSU5EA-00X012)

Toshiba's Satellite U500 is a great laptop that doesn't make any compromises when it comes to features and performance. It's also very well priced. Above all, it's comfortable to use, looks good and is solidly built. You can't go past it if you're looking for something small and usable for under $2000.

Toshiba Satellite U500 notebook (PSU5EA-00X012)

Toshiba's Satellite U500 is a great laptop that doesn't make any compromises when it comes to features and performance. It's also very well priced. Above all, it's comfortable to use, looks good and is solidly built. You can't go past it if you're looking for something small and usable for under $2000.

Sony MU.TE.KI (HT-DDW7500) home theatre system

If you have the spare space to set up the Sony MU.TE.KI (HT-DDW7500)’s nine separate speakers and two amplifier stacks, you’re in for a treat. The MU.TE.KI home theatre system has plenty of power to give and the right digital sound processing to simulate multi-point surround sound.

Samsung HT-BD1255 home theatre system

If you’re looking for a simple yet feature-filled system to accompany a new flat-screen television, Samsung’s home theatre in a box does the trick nicely.

Samsung HT-BD1255 home theatre system

If you’re looking for a simple yet feature-filled system to accompany a new flat-screen television, Samsung’s home theatre in a box does the trick nicely.

Olympus Pen E-P1 digital camera (dual lens kit)

If you don't like the bulkiness of a digital SLR camera, but like the idea of changing lenses to suit your needs, then the Olympus Pen E-P1 has your name on it. It produces good images, it has useful art modes and it's stylish. The only drawbacks are the lack of a built-in optical viewfinder and a flash.

Panasonic TH-P42S10A plasma television

Panasonic’s mid-level plasma television offers good picture quality, a reasonable albeit conservative design and decent picture quality at a reasonable price. It’s a good package, but its value for money is challenged by the close pricing of the superior Panasonic G10 TV series.

Acer Aspire Timeline 4810T notebook

This ultraportable Acer notebook should offer more than enough power, as long as you aren't planning to play recent games or edit videos, and it has an excellent collection of features (including 802.11n Wi-Fi). For students or business users who don't want to shell out for a more powerful ultraportable laptop but want something that's more feature-packed than a netbook, we think it's perfect.

HP ProBook 4510s Notebook PC (VA033PA)

We like the looks, performance and user-friendliness of the HP ProBook 4510s Notebook PC (VA033PA), as well as its competitive price. We think it's a great choice for any business user (particularly an accountant) who wants something that isn't a typical, drab-looking business notebook.

Sony Ericsson W995 mobile phone

Sony Ericsson's W995 is the first Walkman phone to feature a 3.5mm headphone jack and a camera with Carl Zeiss optics. Its design could use some improvement, it's overpriced and we would have liked a larger screen, but the W995 is still one of the best Walkman mobile phones.

Apple iPhone 3GS

Apple's iPhone 3GS is the best iPhone yet, but we aren't convinced iPhone 3G owners will find it a worthwhile upgrade, especially considering the free 3.0 software update added plenty of extra features. For potential new iPhone owners, though, the extra speed, increased memory and improved features make the iPhone 3GS an excellent smartphone.

Panasonic DMR-BW850 Blu-ray disc recorder

As a digital television recording and archiving device the Panasonic DMR-BW850 works brilliantly. Blu-ray disc playback image quality is free of any problems and the integrated BD-Live and Internet access features add an extra layer of interactivity. The downside to this is a high price for the recorder and Blu-ray discs, along with a complicated interface and some problems using discs on other Blu-ray disc players.

Olympus E-620 digital SLR camera

Between the excellent Live View mode, the pop-out LCD screen and the art modes, the Olympus E-620 is a lot of fun to use. We recommend it if you want a compact digital SLR camera that’s not hard to use and which doesn’t compromise on advanced features. It will produce vibrant, clear and well-defined shots.

LG HB954WA home theatre system

The LG HB954WA is a feature-packed home theatre bundle with decent sound quality. We like the inclusion of YouTube access and the integrated iPod dock, and the fact that this system is one of the cheaper Blu-ray compatible units serves to recommend it further.

Canon EOS 500D digital SLR camera

Canon's EOS 500D is a nice step up from the 400D. It is worth considering this digital SLR if you want the ability to capture high quality video with a still camera.

Nikon D5000 digital SLR camera

Nikon's D5000 is an easy-to-use digital SLR. It's not a big camera, so it won't be too hard to carry on outdoor adventures and overseas trips — unless you also pack plenty of lenses and accessories. We recommend it for anyone who wants to make the leap from a compact camera to a digital SLR.

Toshiba 40CV550A LCD television

As a simple, entry-level 1080p LCD television, Toshiba’s 40CV550A is a good product. Its lack of 100Hz motion compensation may deter enthusiasts and the need to tweak display modes to achieve the best picture quality might be confusing for novice users.

Kogan 1080P-47

At this price you would struggle to find a 42in LCD TV from competing brands, making the Kogan 1080P-47 an absolute bargain. Picture quality is impressive for the price as well.

Samsing VP-HMX20C high-definition camcorder

The Samsung VP-HMX20C might not be perfect, but for $1199 it ticks all the right boxes. Users will be particularly impressed by its Full HD resolution and extensive recording options. Without question, it's one of the best 'value choices' on the market.

$1000 to $2000

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