Today's cheap hardware buys

Singapore
The X-Drive pro ITV-VP300 is one of the latest challenger to the Ipod status. It features a 30GB hard disk drive and USB 2.0 connections. Compatible with both Mac and PC, the ITV-VP300 can be upgraded via firmware and by removing the hard disk - and replacing it with other capacities. You therefore not only get a portable storage, but also a 2.5" caddie, a 7-in-1 card reader - with SmartMedia, SD/MMC, Memory Stick, Compact Flash Type I/ II, IBM MicroDrive and Memory Stick Pro (Blue version).

In addition, general functions include MP3s playback, multi-language file name display, data size and file deletion. Its white casing and the eye catching blue-backlight LCD strongly ressemble the iPod's and the price of S$338 (around psychological £100+VAT barrier) will certainly appeal to a lot of people.

Unfortunately, there are no video functions included in the price. Perhaps someone can hack this little baby so as to allow even basic preview or playing options on it? The player is available at top technologies in Singapore. µ

UK
Back in August 2002, ECS K7S6A was the successor of the famed and hugely popular K7S5A which established ECS as the overclocker's friend at the entry level motherboard section. Based on SIS745, it was not as quick though as the competition, mainly in the form of VIA's KT333 motherboards. Ebuyer is selling refurbished K7S6A for only £9 inc. VAT.

It is an ATX mainboard using a four-layer printed circuit board. It supports DDR333 memory in three slots and has five PCI slots as well as an AGP slot and a CNR one. With six USB ports as well as onboard audio, it will be ideal to build an entry level rig for your little brother or your mum to play with.

Last but not least, overclocking is fairly easy with the K7S6A, with the FSB running to 166Mhz. Another welcomed addition, the "Frequency/Voltage Control" menu which includes the ability to set both the FSB and memory bus frequencies to a wide range of values as well as the "Advanced Chipset Features" menu, on the other hand, includes a number of different options for altering various memory timing settings.

Planetsavage says of it that "For DIYers out there building a new rig and finding themselves a tad short budgetwise should find a good home for their Athlons/XPs/Durons in the K7S6A. It's may not be the best but it delivers." µ

USA
If you are quick enough, who knows, you might end up with a powerful PC for S379 roughly £200+VAT, instead of the usual $499. Computer Geeks is having one of its regular Sunrise Savings where prices are slashed on certain items. For that particular refurbished PC, a 90-days warranty is provided.

The system itself consists of an Intel Pentium 4 2.8Ghz. half a gig of memory, a 80GB hard disk, a CD writer and a DVD drive. Floppy disk, integrated ethernet controller, audio and video as well as firewire port. No screen, keyboard or mouse, speakers, drivers, and most importantly documentation or operating system are included. But this does not remove the appeal of the system which is quite good on its own. Added to the fact that it has six USB 2.0 ports and is powered by an Intel 845GE chipset and it becomes a truly winning combination. µ

France
The laser printer Samsung ML-1510 might not be the cheapest or the quickest laser printer around but it is probably the best value for money. At €139, less than £80+VAT, it fulfills the requirements for SME printing needs. It is quick - 14 pages per minute with heating time of 30s and first page out in 12s, has a good printing resolution - 600x600 with enhancing mode, can be easily connected to USB port, is silent and does not take that much space - at least on the pics.

Moreover, it is compatible with Linux and most Windows operating systems and can print up to 10,000 pahes per month. Finally, its consummables are widely available on the internet both new and compatible and they are pretty affordable compared to other existing brands. With a 3000 pages autonomy, which can be boosted to 4200 with the ecotoner mode on, the Samsung ML-1510 is a good mono laser printer buy. µ