The Dell Inspiron Zino HD's compact design is derivative of the Apple Mac mini, but it has all the connectors it needs to sit under that big HDTV you bought last holiday season.

The Gateway SX2840-01 integrates Intel's new Core i3 processor into a well-performing multimedia content creation desktop PC. Add a Blu-ray player and drop the bloatware, and this could be the PC to connect to your HDTV.

Registry Workshop is the essential utility for anyone who works with the Windows Registry.

The free, voice-enabled Nokia Ovi Maps performs well enough that you can leave your standalone GPS device home.

Netsurveyor Pro is a great utility to get the info needed to tweak your wireless network for maximum performance.

Meraki's WiFi Stumbler networking first—a browser-based Wi-Fi scanner and troubleshooting tools. It's not as snazzy as the software-based utilities, but it can help resolve basic performance issues.

With a Core i5 processor, SSDs, and switching graphics, the Sony VAIO Z-Series is easily the most powerful ultraportable in the world.

Wireshark is free, powerful and a must-have network admin tool.

The $100 Logitech Z523 is a well-designed high-quality 2.1 PC speaker set that can fill a room with sound, and comes with the convenience of multiple inputs.

Norton 360 does everything a security suite should, and it does it well. High-powered local and online backup are icing on the cake.

Patience is a virtue—and needed—when mastering Iometer. It will pay off though, as this is a great performance testing tool.

The ViewSonic PJD2121 is only a little larger than a palmtop projector, but significantly brighter.

Malware protection from Norton AntiVirus 2010 is among the best I've seen, and the independent labs agree. Just be wary if you have to contact tech support.

Sony's WX1 compact point-and-shoot uses innovative image processing to produce impressive results.

The Toshiba Satellite E205-S1904 mainstream laptop is budding with potential, thanks to a back-lit keyboard, Core i5 processing, and Intel's WiDi technology.

Olympus' update to the problematic E-P1 adds an electronic viewfinder, but little else.

The HP Pavilion dv7-3180us is a high-end desktop replacement that scores points for its quad-core processing, GeForce graphics, and Blu-ray drive. It's an excellent all-around performer, but it's an Core-i7-based laptop with dual-core Core i5-based laptops nipping at its heels.

The latest Intel mobile platform, a pleasing design, and booming audio highlight the Dell Inspiron i1464-4382OBK, a versatile 14-inch mainstream laptop.

The American Museum of Natural History's free Dinosaurs iPhone app is worth downloading for the image mosaic alone.

The free-with-contract Motorola Entice W766 is a good-quality voice phone, but Verizon's required data plan kills the savings.