PC Pro's hardware of the year

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 17 Dec 2007 at 15:32

Over the course of 2007, PC Pro reviewed about a thousand pieces of hardware and software, so to make it into our top ten, a technology needs to be truly outstanding.

Here's our top 10 pieces of hardware for 2007:

1. HP Touchsmart IQ770 PC
The TouchSmart differs from most touchscreen PCs we've seen - it actually works. In fact, it works brilliantly. Tasks such as cropping images, writing notes and even sending emails can all be achieved without even touching a keyboard. It's amazing flexible and hugely desirable, in a way that a beige box could never be. See our video review here, which shows off the interface in all its glory.

2. Apple iPhone
An obvious inclusion on any list of notable hardware from 2007, and with good reason. Apple has stormed into the mobile phone market, generating an unprecedented amount of interest with its astoundingly desirable handset.

The multi-touch interface and minimal hardware design, coupled with "real web" browsing and an unlimited data plan make this the mobile phone to have going into 2008.

3. Eizo FlexScan SX3031W
Few monitor manufacturers can match Eizo's consitency: great colour reproduction, crisp images and solid build quality are what you can expect if you're prepared to meet its premium prices.

The FlexScan SX3031W didn't disappoint in any of these categories, and impressed us with an unexpected trick - it can display two desktops from two separate machines simultaneously. The enormous 2,560 x 1,200 resolution can also be used as a single monitor, although you'll need a dual-link graphics card.

4. Asus Eee PC
The fact Asus managed to build a laptop at all for less than £200 (ex VAT) was impressive, but the Eee PC defies all expectations.

For tapping out emails and working on documents and spreadsheets, the Eee PC is all but perfect - and the fact it weighs in at only 928g makes it a relative featherweight. Watch out for the planned upgraded version in 2008.

5. RIM Blackberry 8820
With a great keyboard and built in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, this is the ultimate business smartphone. It may not be as fashionable as the iPhone, but for those working on the move it is without equal. It's surprisingly affordable as well, with contract prices ranging from £20 to £150.

6. Nikon D80
The Nikon is slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, but it has the features and quality to easily justify the extra expense.

All the important settings are easy and quick to change, as the buttons fall instinctively where your fingers rest. It is the best option in its class, yet remains affordable for the first time buyer.

7. HTC Touch