Ethernet port

The idea is simple: exchange data among computers and other network-ready devices using the existing electrical wiring in your home. The method is known as Powerline and it's one of the solutions to in-home networking being touted by networking equipment makers today.

A Powerline adapter features a conventional plug on one side and an Ethernet port on the other side to bridge the short distance between adapter and PC. Powerline is considered foolproof, but it can bring some problems of its own.

Is Google looking to compete with Apple in the consumer hardware business? Even before the Google-branded Nexus One smartphone has been officially announced, news comes that Google is preparing a muscular Chrome OS-based netbook for release in 2010.

The number of HDTV sets with an Internet-based movie service increased Thursday with Mitsubishi's announcement that two of its new TVs will feature the VUDU service. The announcement follows a series of similar moves from other TV manufacturers and online video services.

The models are the Unisen Diamond LT-46249 and LT-52249, both 1080p flat-panel HDTVs with a 16-speaker sound system and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. Both come with an Ethernet port for high-speed Internet.

Two Months Included

Netbooks have been a big seller at U.S. retailers for nearly a year, but Toshiba has been late to the game. The company's first entry, the stylish NB205, makes up for its tardiness.

The $400 NB205 is one of the best-looking netbooks I've seen. It's available in five colors (blue, pink, brown, black, and white), and its lid features a textured finish of raised horizontal stripes that lend an air of sophistication and professionalism that's perfect for both students and executives.

Netbooks are popping up like mushrooms after a spring rain, with two new models announced Monday from Acer -- the 11.6-inch Aspire One A0751h and the 10.1-inch Aspire One AOD250.

The A0751h is the first netbook of this size from Acer, the world's third-largest PC maker. Its WXGA screen is a backlit, high-definition, CrystalBrite 16:9 TFT LCD with 1364x768 resolution. Like many other netbooks, this model is built around the Intel Atom processor, in this case either the N270 or the Z520.

Multi-Gesture Touchpad

Verizon Wireless customers now have an option to improve cellular signals where they are weak. They can add a Verizon Wireless Network Extender to improve reception through the Internet.

Manufactured by Samsung, Verizon's extender is designed to bridge structural barriers to wireless coverage within a home, as well as extend the range of cell phones in remote, mountainous areas, said Jack Plating, COO of Verizon Wireless.

As it turns out, Dell's new Studio Hybrid PC has little in common with Toyota's thrifty Prius sedan. No high-end batteries. No carpool lane privileges. And I'm pretty sure it won't do much to improve fuel economy on your daily commute.

Instead, this "hybrid" PC is a small computer that puts a dual emphasis on energy efficiency and design. Dell is trying desperately to break from its past reputation as a maker of mind-numbingly beige PCs. The Studio Hybrid is one of its first products to have been styled by former Nike design whiz Ed Boyd.

Long-term storage and recovery of digital information is something that everyone -- from governments and businesses to home computer users -- is struggling with today. Even as more and more information goes digital, there is currently no sure-fire way to ensure that such data will be accessible in the future. According to a Science Daily report, University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) scientists are working on a solution.

When Taiwan's Asustek Computer Inc. brought out the Eee PC last year, it created a whole new category of tiny, cheap laptops. Despite its success, the computer had one confounding element: Its keyboard was really small -- good for kids, maybe, but not for adults.

Now, Asus has expanded its line with laptops that are just big enough for a full-size touch-typist, and at least one of the models hits a sweet spot, keeping weight and price low while providing great features and battery life. It compares well with laptops that are three or four times the price.