The 100 Best Products of 2006

Best Products: 31-40

31. TiVo
Digital Video Recorder ($17 per month service and hardware) The company recently added neat new services such as weather and traffic updates, and podcasts. But we're still waiting for more capacity, faster networking, and widespread support for high definition. TiVo Links | Latest Prices

32. Avvenu
Remote File Access (free) Use this utility to set up your desktop PC as a simple file server that friends and family can access securely over the Internet. Avvenu is great for sharing digital photographs without going to the trouble of e-mailing them. Review

33. Blogger
Blogging Service (free) It's not the most sophisticated blogging tool around, but it is free and easy to use. It works with Google's Hello to support no-cost photo hosting and posting, and you can upload pictures from your camera phone to your Blogger blog. Review

34. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1
Advanced Digital Camera ($900) This 10.3-megapixel camera is hardly a digital single-lens reflex model, but for many users it's as close to one as they'll ever need. And unlike most digital SLRs, the DSC-R1 has an LCD monitor that provides a live preview of your subject. Review | Latest Prices

35. Apple Mac Mini
Value Desktop Computer ($599 to $799) Talk about dual personalities: This tiny, inexpensive, dual-core Apple box has the heart of an Intel machine and the soul of a Mac. It runs the Mac OS natively, and with Boot Camp it can run Windows XP, too. Review | Latest Prices

36. Apple iPod
Digital Audio/Video Player ($299 to $399) The video-enabled iPod is the only device equipped with a 2.5-inch screen that we would consider watching Desperate Housewives episodes on. Not that we would actually watch Desperate Housewives, of course. Review | Latest Prices

37. Lenovo ThinkPad X60s
Ultralight Notebook ($1299 and up) Though this rock-solid 3-pound laptop doesn't carry a built-in optical drive, it has the best keyboard you'll find on an ultralight; and with the latest in Core Duo processors, it's a great performer, too. Review | Latest Prices

38. SideStep.com
Travel Site (free) Shopping for bargain flights can be a hassle. But SideStep.com collects air fares from multiple sources; you simply check off boxes to sift the results. It works for rental cars and hotel rooms, too. Review

39. Windows Live Local
Online Mapping (free) Offering attractive maps, with bird's-eye views of some locations, Microsoft's service comes across as almost a hybrid of Google Earth and Yahoo Maps (that's a good thing). Review

40. Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi
Sound Card ($129 to $400) Creative deserves credit for introducing high-end audio--including multichannel DVD-Audio playback--to desktop PCs. The X-Fi has 7.1-channel output and dedicated RAM for storing sound samples, thus boosting game performance when heavy sound processing is needed. Review | Latest Prices