http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//in-pictures-inside-melbourne-international-gaming-expo.htm http://apcmag.com//in-pictures-inside-melbourne-international-gaming-expo.htm

Yes, these people are real visitors to the Melbourne International Digital Entertainment Festival (iDEF2009) -- they are "costume gamers". ]]> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:04:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tv-deal-time-again.htm http://apcmag.com//tv-deal-time-again.htm

Free BluRay players, digital cameras, PVRs... it must be the silly season again, where TV makers are competing savagely for your Christmas dollar.]]> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:45:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//costco-are-the-bargains-really-there.htm http://apcmag.com//costco-are-the-bargains-really-there.htm

US discounting giant Costco has opened in Melbourne and while some prices on IT and electronics are good, there isn't the deep US equivalent pricing some may have hoped for.]]> Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstras-massive-nerve-centre-exposed.htm http://apcmag.com//telstras-massive-nerve-centre-exposed.htm

Telstra has marked the 10th anniversary of its jumbo-sized Global Operations Centre in Melbourne by throwing the doors open to media.]]> Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:34:44 +1000 http://apcmag.com//deduping-saves-storage-on-backups.htm http://apcmag.com//deduping-saves-storage-on-backups.htm

Acronis and Symantec are spruiking the massive benefits of a new 'de-duping' technology that squashes your home backups into less disk space. ]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:41:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tweet-from-the-moon.htm http://apcmag.com//tweet-from-the-moon.htm

If you ever wanted to tweet from the Moon, expect some significant latency issues unless you use these guy's technology.]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:16:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//absobu-arcade-table.htm http://apcmag.com//absobu-arcade-table.htm

Bring back the 80's! This arcade table is as close to the real thing as you can get without putting coins into a slot. Expensive but would make some Gen X'er a great present!]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra_fully_computerises_directory_assistance.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra_fully_computerises_directory_assistance.htm

Did you say "pink squid"? Telstra has introduced a new voice recognition system for directory assistance, which will force callers to do 20 questions with a computer.]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mobile_broadband_at_just_1572864_per_gb_anyone.htm http://apcmag.com//mobile_broadband_at_just_1572864_per_gb_anyone.htm

How does the mobile phone company that claims "the best value mobile phone offer on the block" justify screwing its customers five times more than its competitors for casual data?]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:45:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//bill_explosion_google_android_silently_phones_home.htm http://apcmag.com//bill_explosion_google_android_silently_phones_home.htm

Users of imported Google Android smartphones have got a nasty shock, with their mobile phone bills showing massive unexpected SMS usage.]]> Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:20:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//optus_threatens_customers_over_voip_calls.htm http://apcmag.com//optus_threatens_customers_over_voip_calls.htm

Optus customers got a nasty Christmas present from their telco: a warning that they would be billed international rates if they attempted to make VoIP calls on their mobiles. ]]> Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:03:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//freebies_retailers_desperate_to_move_lcd_tvs.htm http://apcmag.com//freebies_retailers_desperate_to_move_lcd_tvs.htm

And would you like a free notebook, Wii, second TV or holiday with your HDTV, sir?]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:35:27 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hp_compaq_2230s_notebook.htm http://apcmag.com//hp_compaq_2230s_notebook.htm

Placed between a notebook and a netbook, the ultraportable HP Compaq 2230s is great for business professionals. ]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//in_australia_movie_watches_you__with_night_vision_camera.htm http://apcmag.com//in_australia_movie_watches_you__with_night_vision_camera.htm

Hey you in the back row snogging -- security guards in cinemas will now be watching you with night vision cameras.]]> Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:00:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//afact_v_iinet_the_case_that_could_shut_down_the_internet.htm http://apcmag.com//afact_v_iinet_the_case_that_could_shut_down_the_internet.htm

We've asked prominent legal experts for their opinion on iiNet's chances of successfully defending itself in the user piracy lawsuit.]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:52:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hp_elitebook_6930p.htm http://apcmag.com//hp_elitebook_6930p.htm

Claiming to meet Military Standard 810F for vibration, dust, humidity, altitude, and high temperature we believe this notebook could survive the dryer or at least a crowded plane.]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hp_compaq_6830s_notebook.htm http://apcmag.com//hp_compaq_6830s_notebook.htm

The 6830s is designed for mobile business professionals who want a large screen notebook, but its size, weight and poor battery life make us question who would actually want one.]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//fatrump_resistant_netbook_wont_crack_under_pressure.htm http://apcmag.com//fatrump_resistant_netbook_wont_crack_under_pressure.htm

This notebook has been designed to resist the rump of an obese, hot and sweaty commuter -- and NEC has even tested that claim with fake sweat. No joke.]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:44:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//epson_eb1735w_data_projector.htm http://apcmag.com//epson_eb1735w_data_projector.htm

Priced at the business end of the market, this projector ticks all the boxes, with all the features a presenter needs.]]> Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//optus_expands_3g_network_yes_no_maybe.htm http://apcmag.com//optus_expands_3g_network_yes_no_maybe.htm

Optus's Next G-challenger network sounds exciting, but the telco looks set to force customers into new contracts if they want to be able to use it.]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:58:15 +1000 http://apcmag.com//creative_aurvana_xfi_noise_cancelling_headphones.htm http://apcmag.com//creative_aurvana_xfi_noise_cancelling_headphones.htm

Excellent noise-cancelling, great sound and MP3 enhancement make these headphones ideal for travellers who can afford them.]]> Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:27:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//avertv_dvbt_volar_gps_usb_tuner_stick.htm http://apcmag.com//avertv_dvbt_volar_gps_usb_tuner_stick.htm

Now you can watch TV without getting lost. By combining a TV tuner with GPS you now only need to take one device rather than two when travelling.]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:48:02 +1000 http://apcmag.com//benq_w5000_home_theatre_projector.htm http://apcmag.com//benq_w5000_home_theatre_projector.htm

It’s big and it’s white and produces amazingly vivid 1080p images at a reasonable price. If you have the room and like a big picture, it’s definitely worth considering.]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:07:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//panasonic_dmrbw500.htm http://apcmag.com//panasonic_dmrbw500.htm

If you have a spare $2200 and can afford BluRay media, this is the PVR to get. With BluRay, full HD and dual HD tuners it doesn’t get much better.]]> Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:33:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung_bdp1400_basic_in_black.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung_bdp1400_basic_in_black.htm

One of the least expensive BluRay players we've reviewed, this one does the basics and would be adequate for a budget home theatre system.]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:36:21 +1000 http://apcmag.com//toshiba_tdpsp1_data_projector.htm http://apcmag.com//toshiba_tdpsp1_data_projector.htm

An inexpensive portable SVGA data projector that is ideal for presenters on the go, provided you don't need high resolution.]]> Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:47:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sennheiser_rs130_cordless_headphones.htm http://apcmag.com//sennheiser_rs130_cordless_headphones.htm

At this price one would expect something really outstanding. Unfortunately these headphones whilst very good, still fall short .]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//wintal_pvr2hd.htm http://apcmag.com//wintal_pvr2hd.htm

It's not glamorous and won't change your life, but it is a good basic dual HD tuner PVR without the bells and whistles.]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tivo_hd.htm http://apcmag.com//tivo_hd.htm

With more hype than an Apple launch, Channel 7 is set to unleash TiVo on an unsuspecting public. We know you can’t make something from nothing, but 7 will give it a good try.]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sharp_xr32s_dlp_business_projector.htm http://apcmag.com//sharp_xr32s_dlp_business_projector.htm

A compact lightweight business projector with a bright image that does the basics.]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//panasonic_dmrxw300_hdddvd_recorder.htm http://apcmag.com//panasonic_dmrxw300_hdddvd_recorder.htm

If you can't justify the price of a full HD Blu-ray HDD recorder, this unit is a good second choice. It's easy to use and full of great features but expensive.]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//winfast_palmtop_dtv200h.htm http://apcmag.com//winfast_palmtop_dtv200h.htm

It may be chunky, but this hybrid digital/analogue tuner works straight out of the box. Great software, great remote, very little not to like.]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sharp_bdhp20x_bluray_player.htm http://apcmag.com//sharp_bdhp20x_bluray_player.htm

A basic Blu-ray player which does the job but lacks the bells and whistles.]]> Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//oxx_classic_600_internet_radio.htm http://apcmag.com//oxx_classic_600_internet_radio.htm

Internet radio made easy - no PC required! This device looks and acts like a real radio with Wi-Fi connectivity]]> Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//foxl_speakers.htm http://apcmag.com//foxl_speakers.htm

Amazing sound in a tiny package. Finally you can take near home theatre quality audio with you wherever you go.]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//corel_windvd_9.htm http://apcmag.com//corel_windvd_9.htm

Fully featured high definition video playback software with DVD upscaling, Blu-Ray and HD file support]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:21:59 +1000 http://apcmag.com//panasonic_unveils_first_home_theatre_bluray_pvr.htm http://apcmag.com//panasonic_unveils_first_home_theatre_bluray_pvr.htm

Fancy replacing your ol' trusty $39 DVD player with a PVR that has a 500GB hard disk that can also record TV programs and home movies at 1080P high definition to BluRay?]]> Wed, 28 May 2008 18:13:10 +1000 http://apcmag.com//now_you_can_take_your_home_phone_line_with_you_optus.htm http://apcmag.com//now_you_can_take_your_home_phone_line_with_you_optus.htm

Optus is extracting maximum value out of its mobile network to offer home phone lines without the 'line'.]]> Thu, 15 May 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//universal_remote_with_home_automation.htm http://apcmag.com//universal_remote_with_home_automation.htm

The Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote aims to provide a solution to the remote shuffle by combining an easy to use universal remote with basic automation so you can easily access most functions of your home theatre system. Although significantly more expensive that the universal remotes available at electronic stores, the Harmony One offers considerably more functionality.]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 12:56:28 +1000