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Use an external hard drive to backup music, videos, and other important files
If you've invested a lot of time and money into your media library, then you'll want to make sure that you have a backup just in case disaster strikes. It's a fact of life that your computer's hard drive will fail, and so backing up your music, videos, photos, and other important files is essential. Buying an external hard drive also means that you've got a portable storage device that you can take almost anywhere -- backup other non-networked computers too. Here is a list (in no particular order) of 1TB hard drives that have been selected for their performance, features, and value for money.
1. LaCie Quadra 1TB External Hard Drive - USB2.0 / eSATA / FireWire 400 & 800
"LaCie Quadra 1TB External Hard Drive"Image © LaCie
As the name would suggest, the Lacie Quadra 1TB external hard drive has at least 4 things up its sleeve. Looking at the rear of the sleak glossy casing, reveals an impressive array of different connections to hook up the unit -- a total of 4 in fact! As well as a USB 2.0 interface, this Lacie model also has eSATA, Firewire 400, and Firewire 800 connections. This storage solution is compatible with PC and Mac which makes it a very flexible option. The Lacie Quadra also comes with a solid 2-year limited warranty to protect your investment. If you're looking for a 1TB external hard drive that is a good all-rounder, and also comes with a generous range of interfaces, then you'll be hard pushed to find a better solution for a budget drive.
Top 10 Ext Hard DrivesCompare Prices & Save - Shop Smart. Compare 100's of External Drives.PCWorld.com/Ext-Hard-Drives
2. Seagate ST310005EXA101-RK 1TB External Hard Drive - USB 2.0
"Seagate ST310005EXA101-RK 1TB External Hard Drive"Image - Courtesy of PriceGrabber
The Seagate ST310005EXA101-RK is a 1TB external hard drive that has a USB 2.0 interface, capable of transfer speeds of up to 480 kbps. The unit comes with a USB cable, power supply, and can therefore be used right out of the box. The Seagate drive that is provided inside the external case, runs at 7200 RPM -- making it a keen performer when transferring large amounts of data. The drive also has power management features to boost energy efficiency. Overall, if you're looking for a solid hard drive that is also backed up by a generous 2-year limited warranty, then the Seagate ST310005EXA101-RK is certainly worth a look.
3. Western Digital Elements 1TB External Hard Drive - USB 2.0
"Western Digital Elements 1TB External Hard Drive"Image - Courtesy of PriceGrabber
If you're looking for a budget 1TB external hard drive to back up your music and other media files, then the WD Elements external hard drive reprents a reliable solution to protect your media. Sporting a USB 2.0 interface, this 3.5" external hard drive is compatible with the PC or Mac. The enclosure that the hard drive sits in is made of metal, and so provides robust protection while also giving good heat dissappation to keep the drive cool. This external hard drive may not be the fastest in its class, but it is quiet and has excellent build quality considering it is a budget solution.

The keyboard is one of the most oft-used computer peripherals, second only to perhaps the mouse. If you have a desktop computer, there's a good chance you've been using the basic keyboard that came with it and may be need of an upgrade. If you're a laptop or a netbook user, on the other hand, you may simply be sick of typing with your nose so close to your screen.
Whatever your reason for wanting a new keyboard, there are a few things you should consider before plunking down your money. First and foremost, decide what tasks you'll be primarily using the keyboard for. Of course, you may be a combination of some, or even all, of these types, so you should prioritize the features that are most important to you before you start searching.
Gamer
Gamers are a specific breed unto themselves, and they typically require or desire keyboard features that are wasted on the rest of us. Things like integrated LCDs, programmable keys, backlighting and changeable number pads can give PC gamers increased benefits and enhance the gaming experiences.
If you're a gamer, look for keyboards that are specially labeled as gaming keyboards. You can expect to pay a higher price for these features, but most serious gamers will tell you they're worth the cost.
The Best Keyboards
Media User
You're the type of person who has all of their music and movies stored on his computer. When choosing a computer, look for media-key features, such as a volume-control knob, track skipping and play/pause buttons.
If you use your laptop for storing movies but have it hooked up to your TV for when you actually watch them, a wireless keyboard will be more comfortable. This way you can fast-forward and rewind from the comfort of your couch. There are even mini keyboards out there that are designed specifically for media users; they somewhat resemble large remote controllers.
Write a Review: Review Your Keyboard
How to Set Up a Bluetooth Device
Cube Monkey
OK,so maybe the term "cube monkey" doesn't conjure up the best image, but you know who you are. Whether you do data entry or desktop publishing, you spend hours upon hours hunched over your keyboard. Do yourself -- and your wrists -- a favor and invest in an ergonomic keyboard.
Ergonomics isn't a one-size-fits-all science, and there are some keyboards out there that claim to be ergonomic but are not such thing. If you can, test out a friend's ergonomic keyboard before you buy it. While there will probably be an initial learning curve, you should be able to tell pretty quickly if its something that's comfortable for you.
If this isn't an option, look for features like curved keys and elevated wrist rests. Some keyboards even separate so that you can customize how far apart you want the left- and right-hand keys.
How to Clean a Keyboard
Traveler
For whatever reason you have, you like to throw a keyboard in your carry-on when you travel (yes, I know people like this). Some people get so accustomed to their macros that they can't bear to work in an office without them. Fret not -- they make keyboards with truncated key counts just for you.
Typically billed as being lightweight -- and sometimes even foldable -- these portable keyboards usually forgo the right-hand number pad to save on space. You probably won't find many media keys on them, although some do come with F keys that can be customized or integrated touchpads. However, just because it's small, don't expect it to necessarily be cheaper. Many of these portables will cost you more than your run-of-the-mill wired standard keyboards.

The Good
Smaller, lighter enclosure
Pedometer/fitness tracking app
The Bad
Touchscreen is a usability nightmare
Slightly too heavy to clip to sleeve
Video camera and playback removed
The Price
8GB – US$149
16Gb - $179
The tiny size and weight of the 6th generation iPod nano are impressive improvements. In almost every other way, though, the 6th generation nano is a step back.
Exercisers will probably want to stay away entirely due to its poor usability.
For average users, if you’re considering buying the new nano, I strongly recommend spending some time with it in a store to see if you can work with its quirks.
Just a Screen
When it was introduced, Steve Jobs presented the 6th generation nano as an attempt to shrink the nano while retaining a useful screen size. Apple’s certainly shrunk it – it’s closer to the size of the iPod Shuffle than to its predecessors – but usability is a real concern.
This version of the nano weighs in at just 0.74 ounces and is only 1.48 inches wide. As a result, it’s ultra-portable and doesn’t add any noticeable weight to the average user.
Apple touted its small size and large clip on the back as removing the need for a case and making the nano perfect for clipping to clothes. This may be true for some users, but for exercisers it’s not the case.
Despite its small size and weight, the 6th generation nano is a little too big and a little too heavy to be clipped to most parts of a shirt when exercising. It simply bounces around too much to be comfortable when clipped to a sleeve or, in some uses, to the bottom of a shirt, though when clipped around the neck of a shirt, it’s acceptable.
This poses a particular problem: how to control the nano. Unlike previous models, which used a physical clickwheel, this model relies on a touchscreen with multitouch support for control. This means that to change songs, move from music to podcast, or tune the included FM radio, you need to look at the nano’s screen.
Being forced to look at the screen may be ok when using the nano in day-to-day life, but for exercisers it’s a major, and unnecessary, distraction.
This interface is simply not as effective or usable as the clickwheel that previous models offered.
Missing Features
In addition to removing the clickwheel, the 6th generation nano also removes the video features that have been available on the nano since the 3rd generation model.
The new nano lacks both the ability to play video (which probably makes sense, given that the new model sports just a 1.54-inch screen) as well as the video camera that the 5th generation nano offered.
While neither of these features were likely major attractions of the nano, it’s odd to see more features removed from the new model.
Like previous models, this version of the nano can be controlled via a remote control integrated on headphone cords. Apple offers a headphone with remote on the iPhone or as a separate purchase. Given that the headphone/remote combination removes the need to look at the screen to control the nano, Apple ought to include those headphones with the nano.
The Bottom Line
The 6th generation iPod nano is an odd beast. It’s smaller and lighter – usually benefits – but to get there, it removes useful features and makes the device harder to use.
In this way, it calls to mind the 3rd-generation iPod Shuffle, which removed buttons from the face of the device and forced users to control it via a remote on the headphones. We should applaud Apple’s attempts to innovate in the iPod’s user interface, but this is another failed interface change.
Take a hard look at the 6th generation iPod nano before you buy it – and consider buying another model.

Microsoft is preparing to unveil its Windows Phone 7 operating system at a press event in New York City on Monday morning, but already details are leaking about the phones themselves.
LG's U.K. office apparently leaked an announcement about its upcoming Windows Phone 7 handset, the Optimus 7. An announcement of the phone was released early and then withdrawn, but not before bloggers at Slashgear were able to get the details on the phone. The Optimus 7 features a 3.8-inch WVGA touch-screen, a 5-megapixel camera, and 16GB of memory.
Engadget, meanwhile, is reporting that Microsoft leaked a bit of Windows Phone 7 info early, too. Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 site apparently was running an ad that noted that Windows Phone 7 devices were "coming November 8." The software giant has not confirmed a launch date for its new mobile platform, though a November 8 launch has been rumored.
Stay tuned for more details.