Shopexplorer Buying Guides

Our Washing Machine Buying Advice offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new washing machine package, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Enjoy!Washing Machine Buying TipsBudgetSet yourself a budget and stick to it - it's as simple as that. Washing machines are vital to a busy household but they are also extremely expensive - not just to buy, but to maintain. Always do your research before making such a potentially big purchase - as a guide, the average washing machine will set back around £300-400.Take Your TimeTechnology moves so fast that next year's must-have is very soon last year's vintage - so if you bide your time and wait for the right moment, you can get some great bargains. Check your local stores for sales.Drum CapacityDrum capacities are normally ranged from 6kg to 10kg, but washing machine technology is developing very quickly and we think that larger drums will arrive on the mainstream soon. Think about the size of loads you will have - whether you have a big family or live alone will have a bearing on what you should buy.Wash ProgrammesThe number and type of wash programmes is also important - if you don't use your washing machine often, we recommend a minimal range, but large families may benefit from a larger variety of programmes. Other considerations should be ease of use, timing facilities and the range of other features that typically come with a modern washing machine.Washing Machine TypesThere are many types of washing machine available - your situation will decide which one you require..ToploadersTop loaders are suitable if you have a narrow space and don't want to use the machine under a counter. If the top loader is American-style, it will be wider, use more water than a front loader, but have a larger capacity. Whether the top loader is European- or American-style, you won’t have to stoop when loading laundry.IntegratedAn integrated machine is a front loader covered by a door panel that matches the rest of your kitchen units. When closed, the machine will be completely hidden.Semi-integratedA semi-integrated machine is normally a front loading washer which is covered by a door panel that matches the rest of your kitchen units. When closed, you won't see the machine, except perhaps the controls.Washer DryerWasher dryers are a very useful item if you are short of space in the kitchen, however there are a number of drawbacks you should consider before you purchase. Washer dryers are not suitable for large families who want to use it for the drying as washer dryers tend to have a reduced load size for drying, so you may need to remove some washing first. In this situation, we would recommend a separate washing machine and tumble dryer - so long as you have the space.Washing Machine FeaturesIn general, the more features your washing machine has, the more expensive it will be. There are a dizzying array of features available these days, but these are the key things to look out for..Spin SpeedThe faster the spin the more water is removed from the clothes - but also, the more your clothes will crease. You need to ask yourself how many times you would use such a fast spin - on sheets and towels, for example - and if you will mainly be using a normal 1000 spin, to protect your clothes from creasing. Don't forget, a faster spin speed is normally more expensive and it also puts more stress is on the machine. On average, most people will find a spin speed of 1100-1200 sufficient.Loading OptionsFront-loading machines are the standard type because they are the most popular and are designed to make maximum use of space, being easily installed under a worktop. They can also be stacked with a tumble dryer. Top-loading washing machines have smaller capacities but are still popular, one of their few advantages being that you do not have to bend down to load them.NoiseSome modern washing machines create a lot less noise than others. It is only when you are in the same room as a washing machine that you appreciate just how noisy it can be. If it is destined for the kitchen rather than a utility room you might be wise to choose a model that has a low decibel output.ProgramsHere are some of the major wash programmes you may find on a washing machine.

This Camcorder Buying Advice offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new camcorder, whether they happen to be novice or expert. We hope you like what you see....Camcorder Buying TipsThere are a few things you need to decide on before buying a new camcorder - here are our top tips.....BudgetCamcorders can be very expensive and as ever when considering a new gadget, we really recommend working out your budget and sticking to it. Once you have done that, then you can go about deciding on the best camcorder.

Our mp3 Docking Station Buying Advice offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new mp3 docking station, whether they happen to be novice or expert. We hope you get what you need!Docking Station Buying TipsWhere do you start when you're looking for a new docking station for your iPod or mp3 player? Before you even start looking, there are several things you need to work out.....BudgetIn general, when it comes to buying an mp3 docking station, the more you pay, the better sound quality you can expect. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you should always go for the higher price and some top-of-the-range models will sometimes lack certain features you may expect. Unless you have a lot of cash to burn, the best thing to do is set your budget at its absolute limit and choose which is more important; sound quality, features or a happy medium. Read on for the rest...Audio QualitySound quality is very important to most people - but not everyone. A lot of docking stations offer piles of features, or excellent sound quality, but only very few offer everything. Always ask for demos at your local retailer (before buying from here, of course!) and you should listen out for a balanced sound with no distortion or squawking. For those that are particular about how your music sounds, aim for a docking station with EQs to raise or dip the bass, mids and treble to your liking.Size and DesignBigger isn't always better when it comes to docking stations - always ask for a demo. However, size and design is vital when considering where you will be putting your docking station. If it's tucked away in your bedroom under a pile of dirty football kit, who cares what it looks like? But if you want it pride of place in the living room, or subtly blending in with the surroundings, then this is a key issue. And watch out when buying online - some of these units are bigger than you might think.PortabilityIf you're constantly travelling and want a docking station for livening up countless hotel rooms, you'll need a dock that can fold flat into a suitcase. Docking stations designed for travel will also require batteries, so you can use them if getting electricity is an issue. Watch out though; portable docks generally only offer poor-quality sound and when pushed to their limits will distort. Not a problem when you're on your own in a hotel room - but throw a party and you'll be in trouble.Docking Stations: FeaturesThere are more and more features continually being installed onto mp3 docking stations and although it is sometimes the case that those features come at a cost in terms of sound quality, they are obviously important to people as they continue to be popular. Here are some of the key features to look out for...BluetoothBluetooth technology transmits information via radio signals and successfully transmits to within a 10 metre radius and is handy in docking stations because it means you can transfer music files between two different devices - your docking station and your PC, for example.RadioA perennial favourite in all stereo systems, the radios on your mp3 docking station will at very least be a traditional FM tuner, but if you fork out a bit more, you can get the wider choice and better quality from DAB radio.ClockHaving a built-in clock in your docking station may not be a vital feature, but if you keep it in your bedroom it will save you having to get a bedside alarm clock as well.Video OutputIf your docking station has a video output then you can use it to play videos via your mp4 player and loop it straight through to your TV/monitor.RechargerDocking stations often come with a built-in charger, so your music player can get a juice boost while playing your favourite tunes.USBConnect up your docking station to a computer by using a USB, which means you can update your music library without moving it from its cradle in the speaker dock.Docking Stations: AccessoriesAlthough docking stations could well be classed as accessories themselves, there are still a few accessories you might want to think about to add to your speaker dock experience.HeadphonesHeadphones are an essential purchase if you have neighbours who don't appreciate your music tastes, or are much bigger than you. Make sure your docking station has a 3.5mm headphone jack to plug into - it's the standard and any decent pair of cans will fit that jack.CablesAnother key accessory if you are planning to link to other systems or devices. Don't be fooled by high prices - digital signals either work or they don't; there is no 'good', 'bad' or better when it comes to sound quality, although more expensive cables may last a bit longer due to better build quality.Remote controlEven though you will eventually lose it, a remote control is essential. We really don't like getting off that sofa these days....Docking Stations: Jargon BusterThere is plenty of scary-sounding jargon that may put you off buying a docking station, but have no fear! Here, we will aim to put your mind at rest with our explanations of what those tricky, techy terms actually mean.DABDigital Audio Broadcast radio offers better audio quality and more choice than traditional radio. Over 85% of the UK is currently covered by DAB radio signals.GBA Gigabyte (GB) is equal to one billion bytes and is the equivalent of around 500 music tracks.Internet RadioInternet radio uses your home wireless Internet connection to connect to online radio stations, offering you much more choice. Great if you are into niche radio/music.MBA Megabyte (MB) is a unit of measurement equal to one million bytes. A typical mp3 track is about 4MB - so now you can work out the rest yourself!.MP3 and MP4mp3s and mp4s are very common file formats for storing music and video. Most digital music players support mp3 and mp4 formatsRipping'Ripping' is the act of creating digital music files from other files or formats, such as CDs. Apple's iTunes and Windows Media make this very easy for beginners to rip music - but don't forget the legalities of ripping and sharing music with others!Station presetsThere is no fiddly tuning on a DAB or Internet radio, just hit the customisable button to select and save your favourite channels to your docking station.USBYou can use USB to transfer data to and from your docking station and computer, via a USB cable or directly into the USB port.WMAAn audio compression file format  designed by Microsoft.

Our Broadband Buying Advice offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new broadband package, whether they happen to be novice or expert. So get yourself connected!BroadbandIt wasn't so long ago that the only way for most people to access the Internet was via a dial-up connection. However, since the advent of broadband for the mainstream, connections have become up to 150 times faster than they used to be, and it's no surprise that this has coincided with a huge leap in popularity of the Internet in the home.

Our Laptop Buying Advice offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new laptop, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Enjoy!Laptop Buying TipsThere are so many laptops on the market to choose from, it can be a nightmare to work out which one will be best, or how much you need to spend, for your needs.

Welcome to Refrigerator Buying Advice, which offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new refrigerator, whether they happen to be novice or expert. So chill out and have a good look around!Refrigerator Buying TipsBuying a new refrigerator is an expensive business so you need to plan correctly before you even start looking. There are a few things to think about - here are our top tips for buying a fridge....LocationBefore deciding on anything, you need to work out where you are going to keep your new fridge. Are you putting the refrigerator in fixed units or is there a free space to put it in a larder or pantry? Your answer will tell you the size and style of fridge that's right for you.SizeHowever much space you have free for your fridge will affect the interior capacity, so measurements are highly important. You might have enough room for just a simple fridge-freezer or if you need something bigger, you might want to consider moving things around.StyleThere are lots of different refrigerator and freezer styles, including top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side and built-in. Make sure that your preference will give the right kind of access - it may sound silly, but you don't want to splash out on an expensive side-by-side affair if you can't open the doors properly. Consider cleaning as well - stainless steel fridge freezers might look the business, but it takes a lot of effort to keep them that way. Check the 'Types' tab above for a more detailed look.BudgetNormally we would recommend that your budget is the first thing to work out, but for a refrigerator, it's a different story. Only once you know where to put it, how big it will be and the style you require, should you work out how much money you will need to spend.Refrigerator TypesOnce you have decided where you will be putting your new fridge, you can start planningSide By SideIn side-by-side models, the freezer and refrigerator are located directly next to each other and effectively form full size versions of both. In general, this means that both units will be easy to access, but there is a problem in that both the refrigerator and the freezer will be quite slim, meaning you may find it tough to fit in your 18-inch pizzas!Top FreezerExactly what it says on the tip. The freezer is placed on top of the refrigerator and is very small, which means you will find these types of fridges less expensive and easy to fit in a smaller space. The major issue with top freezers is that you may find it difficult to reach food placed at the back of the unit.Bottom FreezerThe freezer is found underneath the fridge, Like top freezers, it's easy to access your food, less expensive but difficult to grab that food at the back.Built-InBuilt-in refrigerators are normally fitted with the same finish as the rest of your kitchen and the obvious advantage is that it blends in nicely. However, these can be expensive to install and even more so to replace if they break.French DoorFrench door refrigerators are less common; the refrigerator sits on top and opens with French doors and the freezer is a pull out drawer located at the bottom. Because the fridge doors open separately, you can expect to save money on energy bills, but like top and bottom freezers, that freezer drawer will prove a pain to grab food stored at the backCompactThe smallest type of refrigerator and kept by many people I know as a beer fridge. You won't fit too much in these but if space and money is a premium, then you can't really go wrong.Refrigerator FeaturesModern-day refrigerators don't just keep your food chilled - they come packing a huge array of extra features. Of course, the more you want, the more it will cost you, so it's worth going down the list and splitting the following features into ones you need, ones you would like and the ones you don't need.Ice-makerBuilt in ice-makers are a complete extravagance - but deep down, we would all love one. Top quality ice on tap...there's nothing more to say, really!Quick FreezeGives a boost to your freezing power to make ice that extra bit quicker - perfect for hot, sunny days when you have a barboie on the go.In-Door WaterIce cold water straight from your fridge will save you water - and money - leaking from your tap.Child LockFridges are dangerous, freezers more so. A child lock helps keep the kids out. Or in, if you prefer.DeodoriserRemoves bad smells and kills harmful bacteria in the fridge - but make sure you always check food that may be out of date.Fast Cool SystemLike a reverse microwave, a fast cool system chills your food quickly - unsurprisingly.Quiet ModeIf you are old enough, you may recall the incredible noises that used to eminate from fridges 20 years ago. Those days are long gone, but some fridges have an extra quiet mode that keeps things even more hush hush.Open Door AlarmNever leave your refrigerator open ever again. Or expect a rude reminder.Freezer LampFreezer sections can be particularly dark but a good freezer lamp should brighten things up without thawing your frozen goods.Temperature Control ShelvesDifferent shelves with different temperatures means you can be more particular with where you store different types of food.Auto DefrostAuto defrost is a great feature if you can't bear the awful experience of defrosting your freezer/flooding your kitchen.Auto Power SaveCan tell when you aren't using your fridge and will adjust settings accordingly.Multi MediaThere are some amazing multimedia features available on fridge doors these days, including LCD screens, digital picture frames and even electronic note writers and readers.Refrigerator ExtrasThere is more to buying a refrigerator than flashy features - we all have environmental responsibilities these days and if you are splashing out on an expensive fridge, then you want to make sure it will last a long time. In this section, we'll look at energy efficiency and warranties.Energy EfficiencyEnergy costs money, so the less you use, the more you will save. In the past, fridges and freezers were notorious for energy use but in recent years, there has been a marked improvement. Make sure you look out for an energy-efficient refrigerator model that won't cost the earth every year to operate. Any fridge-freezer you buy will have an energy rating and although you won't save megabucks by spending a bit more money on an energy efficient refrigerator - every penny counts.

Our Home Cinema Buying Guide offers complete buying advice for anyone in the market for a new home cinema system, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Enjoy!Home Cinema Buying TipsAs with any major purchase, there are a few things to work out and decide on before buying a home cinema system. Here are our key considerations...BudgetYou can pick up a home cinema system anywhere from £50 to a few grand - and whatever your budget, there will be something for you. Set your budget before you even contemplate looking for a new home theatre set-up and don't forget about the extras - you'll need cables to link different devices together and lots of people forget about the added costs of buying content, such as DVDs and Blu-ray discs.Room sizeWork out which room you are going to put your home cinema system in and work out the room's size - the answer will tell you the size and type of TV or projector you need that would be best to use alongside your home theatre set-up. Also plan where you will put all those extra speakers!Location Of SeatsWhere you sit while watching your movies is essential with a surround sound set-up, as you really need as much balance as is possible for the full effects. If you are spending a lot of money on new kit, it might be worth spending a bit more to get an audio specialist to come round and give you his opinion - if you can afford it, of course.What Do You Need?Ask yourself what it is you need from your home cinema system. Do you just want a very basic amp and surround sound for watching Blu-ray movies, or would you prefer a full-on entertainment hub. Obviously, the more you want, the more it is likely to cost you.Ask For a DemoIt should go without saying that whatever you read about a product on a website or in a magazine, there is no better judge than your own ears - always ask your local dealer for a demo, they will be happy to oblige.Home Cinema EquipmentA full home cinema system requires an awful lot of equipment, from a TV or a projector to a home theatre surround sound speaker set. For the purposes of this website, when we refer to a 'home cinema system', we mean the audio set-up required to give the sounds you hear from your TV or projector a boost, however, in this section we'll take you through everything you may need.

Our Hi Fi Buying Guide offers complete buying advice for anyone in the market for a new hi-fi system, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Hopefully you'll hear what you need!Hi-Fi Buying TipsBefore you begin looking for a new audio system, there are a few things you need to decide on. Audio systems can get very expensive, but no matter what you spend, we really recommend doing the right kind of research to make sure you get the best for your money.BudgetAlways work out the maximum amount you can spend before starting your search. Once you know your absolute limit, you can start identifying your key requirements much quicker and the search for a new hi-fi system will become much quicker.UsesWhat do you want from your hi-fi system? Most will come equipped with a radio and CD player and you can expect a tape deck or mini-disc player if you buy a slightly older-style stereo or an mp3 player/iPod docking slot from a more modern system.

Welcome to Mobile Phone Buying Advice - our complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new mobile phone, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Hope you find what you're after!Mobile Phone BrandsHere, we'll take a look at some of the major mobile phone brands and the sort of features you can expect from them....

Our GPS Buying Advice article offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new GPS package, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Enjoy your look around - and don't get lost!GPS Buying TipsBefore you even contemplate buying a new GPS, you will need to work out a few things:BudgetAs ever, budget is your key consideration. Work out your maximum spend, stick to it and don't budge under pressure from the enticing words of salesmen.TravelHow far do you travel and why do you want a GPS? If you don't go far, then there is little point in buying expensive. GPS are jam-packed with features these days, but you may not need all those extra features like European maps if you aren't ever going to use them.

Our Car Stereo Buying Advice offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new car stereo package, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Have fun!Car Stereo Buying TipsBudgetAlways set a budget before you begin making a list of features you want or need. Don't forget that buying a car stereo will also involve installation - most retailers will offer some sort of service for a fixed price. Once you have your budget - away you go...SizeIt's probably an obvious point, but don't think about buying a huge monster of a stereo if you only have a small car. Head to your local dealer and ask for some demonstrations so you can hear things for yourself - there really is no better judge than your own ears!SecurityUnfortunately, car stereos are hot property if you are a thief, so if you're spending big bucks on your car sounds, you might need to follow suit with your car alarm. This could add to the cost of your car stereo purchase, so include it in your budget if needs be.Car Stereo ComponentsHead UnitHead units are also known as decks or source units and used to be the very first thing you would consider when upgrading your car stereo. However, these days, they are perhaps less important, due to the fact that the quality of units pre-installed into cars is much higher than before.

Our Desktop PC Buying Advice offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new desktop PC package, whether they happen to be novice or expert. We hope you get what you need right here!Buying A Desktop PCHome computers have become such an essential part of our lives, that when it comes to learning what they can be used for can be confusing.

Our Blu-ray Buying Guide offers complete buying advice for anyone in the market for a new Blu-ray player, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Enjoy!Choosing a Blu-ray PlayerA Blu-ray player will provide you with a huge leap in picture quality from standard DVD players and will also give you access to bonus content, the Internet and deep feature-sets.

Our TV Buying Advice offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new TV, whether they happen to be novice or expert. We hope you find what you are looking for!Buying  A  New TVBuying a new television can be an expensive experience, not to mention a confusing one, so it's important that you know what you are looking for from the off, so you can plan accordingly. Before you even start looking for a TV,  ensure you have worked out the following information...BudgetThe single most important factor of your television buying  ability is your budget. once you know exactly how much you can spend, then you can start looking  at your key feature requirements and get the best TV for your money.  Be strict - it's very easy to spend that extra couple of hundred quid for something you don't really need.Size of RoomThis is extremely important; if you buy a TV that is too big for your living room, or too small, you suffer the risk of losing picture clarity, causing eye strain or even just  a TV set that looks completely ridiculous in its surroundings. As a rule, you want to have your TV sat at a distance of a round 2-3  times the size of its screen - a 48" screen (or 4 feet), therefore, would be best placed 8-12 feet away.Who is watching?If you intend to use your TV for your own purposes - if you live alone, for example - then you should find most TVs will suit your requirements, but if you have a large family or lots of friends who regularly come around for the football, you need to make sure your set has a good viewing angle.  In some TVs, picture quality decreases the further you get from the "face-on" angle, In years gone by, plasma TV sets have provided wider viewing angles, but modern LED sets are improving.  Always ask for a demo if you think you'll need a wide viewing angle.TV TypesTVs have come in various shapes and sizes over the years, and the chances are that you will either have one of the following already, or will be thinking about buying one in the future....CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) TVThe CRT TV has been present in households across the world for decades and have been known to last for almost as long - my folks' CRT set lasted for over 20 years and I doubt there will be many modern flatscreens that get anywhere near that. However, CRT sets work by picking up analogue signals and as you will probably know, the big switchover to digital means CRT TVs will soon be completely redundant.DTV (Digital Television)Any TV set that receives a digital signal is known, unsurprisingly, as a 'digital TV'. Digital TVs are either Standard Definition, or SD, or High Definition, or HD. They are generally produced as 'flatscreen' sets but can also be bought in a style similar to the more traditional CRT TV sets.Flat-screen TVFlat-screen TVs have become the standard type of set and have thin bodies and are comparatively light in weight. Flat-screens are far more adaptable than the older CRTs as they can save space or be mounted on a wall. Most modern flatscreens will come as HD-ready or HD, but you can still pick up standard definition sets.HD-Ready TVHD-Ready TVs are one of two types of television that are capable of displaying a high-definition picture. HD-Ready TVs receive the HD information from another source, such as a separate HD TV tuner or a Blu-ray player. They are cheaper than HDTVs, but are capable of producing a similar quality of picture, particularly if it is a smaller (under 42-inch) screen.HDTV, or High-Definition TelevisionHDTVs are very similar to HD-Ready TVs, although they don't need an external HD Tuner to display HD images – they have one built in to them. This makes them more expensive, and they have stricter rules to comply with in terms of resolution.

Our Digital Camera Buying Advice offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new digital camera, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Any questions at the end? Just let us know....Camera TypesYour budget, experience and requirements will all combine to tell you the type of digital camera that will be best for you....CompactCompact cameras are small, light cameras that range from enthusiast cameras to simple point and click cameras. They do not offer interchangeable lenses. They do not contain mirrors, and so the image seen in the viewfinder will not be exactly the same as the final image taken, though many these days contain an LCD viewing screen. The sensor size is smaller than a DSLR so the image quality may be less.BridgeIf you're looking for manual control functions or a large zoom lens, but you don't fancy the bulk and expense of a digital SLR, then a bridge camera is the perfect solution.HybridMicro system cameras (also called hybrid camera) combine the interchangeable-lens benefits of DSLRs with the size and portability of compact cameras. They use the same sensors and processors as DSLRs but don't have the same viewing system, of a focusing screen, mirror and prism assembly, and as a consequence are significantly more compact.DSLRThe D in DSLR stands for digital. The letters 'SLR' stand for 'single lens reflex' and refer to the viewing system, in which light passes through the lens, is bounced off a mirror into a prism, where it is turned right-way-round for viewing, so the viewer sees what the lens is seeing. The most main feature of SLRs (though it isn't unique to them) is that the lenses are interchangeable, enabling the user to fit lenses designed for specific tasks.Camera FeaturesNow we will take a look at the kind of features to look out for when buying a new camera....Mega pixelsYou would think that a 6MP camera would produce better images than a 5MP one but that is not always the case. Mega pixels are a measure of quantity (the amount of data captured), not quality. A digital camera's image quality is not based solely on mega pixels, but on an entire system and pixel size is more important than pixel number. The bigger the pixel size the better detail they can record. Larger sensors generally have a greater dynamic range, higher sensitivity, and a better signal-to-noise ratio, mainly as they have more room for bigger, light-sensitive pixels.Image qualityImage quality is a more useful measure than the number of mega pixels. Most digital cameras will produce good images, with color, sharpness, and dynamic range that will satisfy most people. If all you want to do is e-mail your photos or make small or low quality prints at home then any digital camera will do. However, if you want good quality professionally looking 8x10 prints or larger, then the camera’s image quality is very important. Make sure you tell the sales person what you intend to do with the images so that you will be shown the most appropriate camera for your needs. A good guide is to go for at least 3MP or better and ask about image quality.SpeedMost digital cameras take time to start up and be ready to shoot and they a recycle time between each shot. This is annoying if you need to take photos fast and shoot a number of frames very quickly. Always test out a camera's speed in the retail outlet before you buy.FunctionsTaking digital pictures can be as simple as pointing the camera and pressing the shutter button. But digital camera models are available that provide as much control over exposure, color, dynamic range, and so on as you choose to use. It is recommended that you choose a camera that has the key features that you might actually use and takes better images, rather then one that has a ton of features but takes poorer quality images.StyleAlways take some time to practice holding a prospective camera in-store to get a feel for how comfortable it is to use. How does it feel? Is it big enough, or light enough? Does it feel sturdy or flimsy? Are the controls easy to reach and understand? Are menus easy to understand and navigate? And finally, how stylish does the camera look - and is this important to you?Camera AccessoriesThere are a host of extras that you may want to splash on and all will give you that extra bit of room for creativity. Here are the main kind of accessories you might find....Memory CardsEssential for storing lots of photos and makes transferring files to your PC for working on afterwards a doddle. If you are shooting lots of photos or using your camera to record video, make sure your memory card is as large as possible.Photo FramesGreat for showing off the results of your photography skills - and they also make great presents.BatteriesEnsure you have a back-up supply of batteries if you are on an intensive shoot - and especially if you are shooting video.FiltersGreat for adding different effects to your photography, filters will help you get those creative juices flowing.FlashgunsIf the flash on your camera isn't giving you what you need, you may want to grab an external flash gun to shine a bit more light on proceedings.TripodsEssential for those moments when you need a steady hand.Bags and CasesCameras are expensive pieces of kit - make sure you protect them by spending part of your budget on a decent bag or case.Digital Camera Jargon BusterApertureThe aperture adjusts the opening in the lens that allows light to pass and, when it changes size, it affects the focus and the exposure of the image you are shooting.Auto focus'Auto focus' is fairly self-explanatory - it automatically focuses the lens on the subject you are shooting.Digital zoomThis makes the centre of the image you are shooting larger. Be aware that this is only a digital enlargement, so your image  sharpness and resolution can be affected.ExposureExposure describes the amount of light your camera allows in while you are shooting. When light is exposed to the image, you have your finished picture.eXtreme Digital (xD) MemoryIf you buy an Olympus or Fuji camera, you will become aware of xD Memory cards, as they use them to store the images you shoot.Face detectionFace detection software can automatically detect human faces and focus in on them to ensure the right exposure for excellent shots.Frames per secondQuite simply, the faster you want to shoot your subject, the higher frames per second you will need your camera to shoot at.Image stabilisationShaky hands? Go for image stabilisation to reduce the blur in your photos.ISOISO describes your camera's sensitivity to light. Higher ISO numbers allow you to take clearer pictures low-light settings, or when your subject is moving at high speed.LCD screenLCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. LCD screens are normally located at the back of your camera and show your subject as it will appear on the actual photographs.Lithium ion batteryUnlike many batteries from the past, Lithium ion (or Li-ion) batteries don't require a full discharge before being charged again and have a relatively high power capacity - meaning more juice for your camera.Megapixel (MP)The amount of pixels that are in the image your camera shoots are very important to the image's resolution - in general, the more pixels, the better. One megapixel (MP) is equal to a million pixels and anything over 5MP is pretty much standard these days, even on smartphones.Memory Stick (MS) Pro/DuoSony's own-brand memory stick - Procards let you shoot at high speed and Duocards tend to be found in smartphones.Optical zoomIf you're keen to get close to your subject, then look for optical zoom, as it has all the benefits of normal zoom, but without the loss of image quality. 5x optical is standard, but the more the better.PictBridgePictBridge has been developed as an industry standard method of printing photos directly from your camera, wirelessely.Red-eye reductionOne of the effects of your camera's flash is that it can sometimes produce 'red-eye' - that glaring, sometimes demonic brightness you sometimes see in portraits. Red-eye reduction does its best to get rid.Secure Digital (SD) MemoryAnother memory card format, said to slowly becoming the standard.Shutter speedShutter speed describes exactly how long your camera's shutter stays open when it takes a photo. Higher shutter speeds will catch moving subjects nicely, but if you want a little bit of a blur effect, then keep your shutter speed a bit lower.SLRSLR stands for 'single lens reflex'. SLR cameras have changeable lenses, allowing you to get the best shots possible and also experiment with different styles.USBUSB acts as an interface between your computer and any other device you may use alongside it -  digital cameras, phones or printers, for example - and is used for transferring files and data, such as photos and movies.

Our mp3 Player Buying Guide offers complete buying advice for anyone in the market for a new mp3 player, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Have a good look around!mp3 Player: Buying TipsSo what do you need to know before starting the process of buying an mp3 player? These music players can cost you a lot of your hard-earned cash, so you need to make yourself  aware of a few things beforehand.BudgetFirstly, know your budget. As when buying anything - particularly something like an mp3 player, that could be thought of as 'unessential' - work out your absolute limit and stick with it; retailers will always try to tempt you to part with that extra few poundsUsesThink about what you need your mp3 player. If you only have a few albums at home and have no intention of buying thousands of downloads,  there’s no point in buying a music player that can hold thousands of downloads – that extra storage costs!RequirementsAn mp3 player isn't much use without a computer - so if you don't have one, get one!LegalitiesDon't take this lightly, please. Although many people get away with downloading 'illegally', if you do it, you run the risk of being caught out by your network provider. If you don't pay for it, be prepared for the consequences.mp3 Player Buying Advice: UsesThere are thousands of situations where you might want to plug yourself into an mp3 player, but before buying one, you'll need to think about the sort of situations you are likely to use yours in. It's important to do this as your answers will affect the kind of music player you should buy. Read on for some pointers....TravelIf you spend a lot of time travelling, you will need an mp3 player that will give you plenty of storage for long journeys, but not weigh too much to add unnecessary strain. You could either plump for a music player with a large capacity or, if you are travelling around with your laptop as well, a smaller, flash-based mp3 player should do you, and you can access your vast library from your laptop. Make sure you invest in some decent headphones if you are travelling - for comfort, as well as sound quality.FitnessIf you use your mp3 player in the gym, you'll need one that is compact and easy to use with one hand. A flash-based model will probably be best as they can withstand the rigours of a workout and you might also require an armband to strap it on. We would also advise grabbing an exercise-friendly pair of earphones, that won't slip out with lots of movement. You can buy sweat-resistant mp3 players, too, and some music players have extra features for getting fit, including calorie counters or pedometers.RecordingYou'll need an mp3 player with a built-in mic to use it as a voice recorder/dictaphone. There aren't many music players that offer decent recording functions, but those that do use line-level sources such as CD players or stereo outputs, meaning you can also create recordings of tapes, CDs and vinyl, and turn them into MP3, WAV, or WMA files, for example. You can also record live audio, although you may need to grab a proper microphone that can output a strong enough signal.VideoVideo playback is a standard feature of modern-day music players and as long as they have a screen big enough, are worth it for their ability to provide something extra on long journeys, for example. We would recommend a minimum of a 2-inch screen - any smaller and you will be causing yourself eyestrain. If you intend to store lots of video, make sure you get as big a storage capacity as possible, as video files are very big.mp3 Player Buying Advice: TypesOnce you have gone through what you can afford and what you might need your mp3 player for, you need to look at the type of  music player you want. There are two choices available to you, both utilising different technologies; hard drive-based and Flash-based devices.Hard drive devicesHard drive mp3 players are capable of storing huge amounts of data and would have no problem storing every CD in your collection and your friends' collections put together. You will generally get more features than are available on Flash-based devices - video playback, for one - but they are heavier and bulkier. If you want one purely for video, you might be more suited to a portable DVD player, for example. It's important to remember that hard drive players are constructed with movable parts, so are apt skip or jump when out jogging and you should also be aware that battery life can be a short.Flash drive devicesFlash-based mp3 players have no movable parts and will have no problems with skipping, if you’re out jogging or exercising down the gym. Lightweight and extremely mobile they also benefit from low power usage which means a less battery changes. Storage is limited, so if you listen to lots of music and go for Flash, be prepared to spend a fair amount of time changing music on your PC. Having said this, Flash drives are coming down in price at manufacturing level and storage size is slowly beginning to grow - the next few years might see Flash players becoming the way forward.mp3 Buying Advice: FeaturesThere is a lot you need to think about before buying a new mp3 player, so here's a look at some of those key features you will need to equip yourself with before taking the plungeStorageStorage, or memory, is vital to an mp3 player as it directly impacts the amount of dat - or songs/videos - you can keep on it. When considering mp3 players, we usually use the measurement known as the gigabyte, or GB. A gigabyte is made up of 1000 megabytes, or MB, and the more GB you have, the more data your music player can hold. Storage in mp3 players ranges widely from 256MB - which is enough space for around 125 songs to 160GB - which is enough for 40,000 songs - and continues to grow with each year. Video uses up a lot more storage - 160GB is enough for around 200 hours of video.File TypesWhen using mp3 players, you will need to get used to the different names of audio and video files. Here are some of the main ones:

Gaming PC Buying Guide is some free advice that offers hints and tips for anyone in the market for a new gaming PC, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Enjoy!Gaming PCsModern day consoles such as the PS3, Xbox 360 or the Wii are the first choice for most people when they are contemplating investing in a device for gaming.

Singer-songwriter Andy Fosberry of Ironlight River shows how the do-it-yourself ethic doesn't mean sacrificing your creativity: just grab yourself a half-decent smartphone, a Super 8 app and a few editing suites on freeware - and away you go!

Today's launch of Android 3.0 'Honeycomb' is the latest chapter in the success story of Google's operating system. In less than 3 years, Android has emerged from relative anonymity into the mainstream and is now one of the major players in the smartphone market.

2010 has been a major year for games in more ways than one. Not only have we seen some superb - and record breaking - titles this year, but we have also seen the dawn of a new era.