There are many external sources that will allow you to back up your data, for example BT Digital Vault online file and photo storage lets you safely store important or large files like photos or videos without the need for expensive hard drives or disks, and can be accessed from any computer. Windows Live SkyDrive offers 25GB of free online storage. Your stuff is stored in the cloud which means you can access it from any web-enabled PC. There are many others and it is well worth considering getting external data storage.

The Acer 5742 features powerful processing and wide-ranging communication capabilities, has a generous 15.6” display, great features and as you would expect elegant styling. This streamlined net book is about 12 in thickness making it easy to handle with a truly professional look. Fitted with a 4GB RAM, 500GB hard drive and Intel core i5-460M processor, this notebook will met most demands asked of it including seamless gaming and multitasking.

An example is from Compaq with their CQ56-113SA which is a fantastic laptop with 3GB memory, expandable to 8GB, and Intel Celeron Dual Core processor to ensure speedy operation. Featuring a built in web cam and microphone this laptop is perfect for keeping in touch with software such as Skype. It also includes a large 250GB storage to store all your files and data. Prices of laptops are incredibly cheap and many are substituting these for the conventional desk top computer.

With its own portable entertainment centre, with one-touch web access via HP QuickWeb, you also enjoy stunning video and digital audio, or you chat with friends via the integrated webcam. Featuring an Intel Atom Processor N455 1.66GHz, and memory of 1GG which is extendable to 2GB this minicomputer will allow you to have fun, surf the net, or do some work whilst away.

To be in with a chance to win these great prizes simply tweet the following sentence:

“I want to win a MacBook Air, Xbox 360, Three MiFi and more! http://bit.ly/hEfKaV from @recombu and #Three for a very #ThreeMiFiChristmas”

Or alternatively go to the Recombu competition page and click on the ‘Enter Competition’ button; this will take you to the Twitter home page and after you log in the sentence will automatically be ready to tweet out.

The competition will run till the end of 2010 and the winners will be announced in January 2011; you must be a resident of the UK to enter.

Launched in New York which comes as no surprise as the US is perhaps the biggest tablet market right now with the iPad ruling the roost. The timing couldn’t have been better with the holidays fast approaching and electronic gadgets such as tablets are already proving popular and likely to increase, possibly at the expense of the more conventional laptop. If the other tablet launches is anything to go by, Acer should have another success on their hands. For example the Galaxy tablet has already gone on to reach 600,000 homes around the world and might reach the million mark before the end of the year.

It’s stylish and easy to use and the quality of the display is fantastic, very responsive with fast connection to the internet, the integral webcam is a nice feature appreciated by users. Keyboard is well laid out, not cramped. Function keys are obvious and well signposted. No waste of space, dust gathering bulbs, buttons or LEDs. It is simple, clear and concise and  with specs that include; Intel Celeron T3000 1.8GHz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD, DVD-RW HDMI, Webcam and Bluetooth It looks to be another winner from the HP stable.

With manufacturers now coming round to the idea that the desktop computer is on its way out, more focus is being put in the portable computer or as we know it the laptop. Makers have begun to develop these that have characteristics and requirements necessary for playing these complicated games. So for the avid gamer, it’s good to that there are now many options available in laptops that will fit the demanding needs required by the gamer, all of which are now well within most people’s budget.

Netbooks are ultra portable because they are small in size.  Depending on the manufacturer of the netbook, you may find that screen size varies from 5 to 12 inches.  The weight of a netbook is also greatly reduced because there are no internal CD or DVD drives taking up space.

The lack of an included CD or DVD drive can be a problem for people.  If you find that you are continually installing programs from a disc, you may want to purchase an external CD or DVD drive.  Most of us will find that we rarely use this type of drive and will likely never miss it.  Flash drives are great options to backup your data and most netbooks should have at least one USB port for you to utilize.

Keep in mind that a netbook is not a good option for a power user or a gamer.  This device simply does not have the capabilities you will likely need.  While the small size and price tag of a netbook can be attractive, you may find yourself frustrated if you attempt to use this fun device for intensive purposes.

The laptop is secured in the sleeve via a Velcro closure system with extends down the back of the case so that different size laptops can be transported. The envelope laptop sleeve is available now from Urban Outfitters for £25 and is designed to hold laptops with up to 17 inch screens.

A great gift for anyone who wants to be inconspicuous when carrying their laptop.