Best_Stuff_Awards

The 2005 BEST Magazine DigitalFocus award winners/finalists are:

This home entertainment center in a box is just as much TV and TiVo-like device as PC. Running next generation Microsoft Media Center PC software, the Media Center allows you to connect your cable or satellite dish and watch/record and playback TV on your PC. Read more

For serious graphics pros, color quality and consistency are essential. CRTs still rule when you need these attributes. Sony’s GDM-C520K is not just another monitor, but is a complete integrated display solution designed to deliver accurate, repeatable and superb color for the serious graphics pro or hobbyist. It comes with Sony’s state of the art 22-inch Trinitron flat CRT with a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536 dpi. The hood shields the screen from overhead lighting and helps eliminate glare and reflections. The monitor features a calibrated color sensor you attach once each 30 days to allow the system automatically to calibrate the monitor to your specifications and keep it that way over time. This is the finest CRT monitor we have ever tested. Around $1,800; www.sony.com

Our pick of the best PC system for Photoshop and other graphic-heavy applications is Dell’s new Dimension XPS. The “X” in XPS stands for “extreme,” and extreme this computer is. Read more

Microsoft’s Encarta Reference Library 2004 DVD is the must-have PC learning resource software package for the family. Thanks to larger hard drives and the DVD format, viewing encyclopedias on your computer is no longer a cumbersome multiple -CD process. This single DVD features real time web updates, tons of multimedia with bonus videos from the Discovery Channel plus an easy to navigate kid-friendly user interface. Read more

Meridian's highly regarded, high dollar, 500 and 800 series of audio products have won almost every award imaginable. Meridian's new value line adopts much of the industry-leading technology from aforementioned series into a more affordable line of products. Its new "G" series class of products revolves around the G68 multifunction processor at $6,995-$8,995 (depending upon configuration) and the accompanying G91 DVD player at $6,995. As a bonus, in a rare departure for Meridian, the new G series offers two choices of styling. There is a dramatic new silver-faced option, to accompany the traditional black "classic" Meridian look. $7-9K; www.meridian-audio.com

Apple’s super thin, sexy flat panel displays from 17-23-inches all deserve the Best of the Best Award. One look at the image quality of the 17-inch Studio Display and you’ll be hooked. Its Active Matrix TFT display has a resolution of 1280 x 1024 with 16.7 million vibrant and gorgeous colors with fine detail. Read more

At less than three pounds and only 1.7 -inches thick, Panasonic breaks the accessory mold by somehow squeezing an internal DVD ROM/CDRW in to this ruggedized ultra portable laptop. Thanks to the new smaller chip sets, size really doesn’t matter with the new generation ultra portables. The Toughbook CF-W2 is loaded with a 900MHz Pentium M with Centrino integrated wireless, 256MB of RAM, a 40GB Hard Drive and super bright 12 –inch XGA screen. Decent battery life, a SD card and USB 2.0 slot round out this featherweight that can take on most any heavyweight laptop. $2250; www.panasonic.com/toughbook

Computer mouse giant Logitech beat out a number of major audio brands in this category with its Z-680, a kick-ass, 500-watt PC home theater in a box. Featuring five speakers, a subwoofer, receiver and wireless remote control, this 5.1 channel THX certified surround system comes equipped with both Dolby Digital and DTS encoding to deliver movie-like sound to anything your PC can pump out, be it DVDs, Games, Music or TV. The four satellite speakers feature stands that rotate for either desk or wall mounting. For style, its detachable grill covers create an “audio-tech” look of the aluminum phase plug drivers. $400; www.logitech.com

The best scooter of the season is the eGO, an Italian -style electric scooter designed by a bunch of wonder kids from Rhode Island. eGO zooms 0-20mph in 20-seconds and can travel about 25 miles per six hour charge. Our test rides were big fun. eGO is quiet, comfortable, efficient and handles like a dream. We also liked its belt drive instead of a messy chain. Best of all, it sells for under $1000. www.egovehicles.com.