Style on a budget

The iconic Razr V3 sold by the million but created a problem for Motorola: how could they follow it up? So they went the easy route and copied it. The result is the L6, a candybar version of the V3, but on a budget. So you get a smaller screen and a less expensively sculpted body. Read the full review in today's paper.

In games, Half-Life 2 survives the transition from PC to Xbox with more than its dignity intact. In fact, it's a lesson on how to retain the brilliant essence of a stunning game while porting to a console. Nothing less than game of the year on Xbox. EyeToy Play3 (PS2) regurgitates the admittedly fun motion-tracking games of Play1&2 but is starting to feel stale now. Fifa 06 (Xbox 360) is an unfinished rewrite of the footy bestseller for the next-gen console - wait for Fifa 07. And finally Shadow the Hedgehog (PS2) follows the downward spiral of the Sonic franchise, with its dodgy camera and aimless combat.

Stereo, no wires

We've had stereo wireless headsets and we've had Bluetooth mono headsets but we've never had Bluetooth stereo headsets until now. Why should you care? Because with a Bluetooth stereo headset, you can listen to music wirelessly in high-quality audio and still be connected to your phone for when calls come in.

Very few phones (certainly none available in Ireland) can play audio in stereo over Bluetooth, so you'll still need that MP3 player handy. Plantronics' Pulsar 590A takes a clever approach by providing a little adapter to connect to devices which don't have Bluetooth - iPods, TVs, etc. Read the full review in today's paper.

In games, Need For Speed: Most Wanted (PS2/Xbox/360) revitalises the series, edging away from the focus on pimping your ride and putting the spotlight rightly back on the racing. Plus the cops are back! On 360, it looks astounding and plays best of all formats. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (PS2/Xbox) returns to the first game's roots, mercifully relegating the annoying combat of part two to a back-seat role. An exhilarating return to form.

Gun (PS2/Xbox/360) transplants GTA to the Wild West. Though it lacks a fraction of the depth, Gun is still an enjoyable romp. Finally Ratchet: Gladiator strips most of the platforming action and majors on the admittedly riotous weapons. But it seems to lose much of what made Ratchet great in the process.

iMac halfway to a Media Center

Though it seems a logical step, Apple has steadfastly avoided going the Windows Media Center route of incorporating a TV tuner into its computers (though it did give it a whirl several years ago in its Performa range).

With the latest iMac, however, Apple takes some baby steps into home-entertainment hub territory. With some software called Front Row, the iMac can be controlled using a remote control - but only in a limited capacity, to play music, videos and photos. Apple has also built in a webcam (instead of making it a €150 extra).

Read the full review in today's paper.

In games, the unorthodox 360 launch title is Condemned, a survival-horror effort which takes full advantage of the new console's graphical horsepower but which offers only conventional gameplay. Gripshift (PSP) is an unusual puzzler/racer combo whose just-one-more-go approach needs a lot of patience. WRC: Rally Evolved (PS2) ditches the trademark lengthy stages but compensates with increased realism all round. Finally, From Russia With Love (PS2/Xbox) is a typical EA effort - all gloss (including voice work by Sean Connery) but lacking in challenge.

Round the houses with the 360

Perhaps a review of the Xbox 360 is entirely academic given the acute shortage of units in the shops. But in today's paper, I give it a shot anyway. The bottom line is that unless you're a rabid fan with a heavy-duty TV, there's no harm in waiting a month or two anyway. On an ordinary screen, the graphics look better, sure, but it takes a €1,000-plus TV for the full effect. And you don't have broadband, there goes another major selling point.

That said, it's a fine machine - capable of hooking up to iPods, cameras and computers to play back music, video and pictures - and the launch games are good without being great. If you can find a 360, make sure it's the €410 fully fledged version, not the runty €310 one missing some key features.

In games, King Kong (360/PC/PS2/Xbox) sets a new bar for movie tie-ins, an intoxicating blend of atmospheric scenery and headlong action. Capcom Classics Collection (PS2) stuffs 22 top-notch coin-op classics into one little disc. Maybe you're not old enough to remember Ghosts'n'Goblins or Commando, but at this bargain price, this is an acquaintance you'll be delighted to make.

Battlefield 2: Modern Combat (PS2/Xbox) can't hold a candle to the PC team-based shooter on which it's based but considering the limitations of the consoles it's a fair effort. Finally, X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse repeats the action RPG formula. And repeats. And repeats.