I have recently launched a free web-site which is trying to put together a database detailing how much it costs to perform household improvements around the house and home. This site will reply on a managed database of information submitted by the public. Any contributions would be gratefully received...

I'm looking for a bit of help from anyone that feels up to it. We launched a new web site recently(www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk) which aims to be the No1 resource for all things whitegoods. There isn't a lot there yet mind you as it only went live on Sunday but the word is spreading about it.

What we're looking for is reviews on appliances etc and comments and all that malarkey so if anyone feels like writing out a few paragraphs for me I'd be grateful...

Hi, I've just launched my own site about Home Automation. Its not finished yet, but will have pictures of wiring,etc and maybe some tutorials and reviews. Its mainly about Wiring, Security and Home Cinema...

Microsoft have started the beta test of the UK version of Windows XP Media Center Edition (PAL) (and I'm one of the lucky beta testers that get given a brand new pc!). Due to the Non-Disclosure Agreement, unfortunately I can't really talk about it too much (or I will get kicked off!)...

Submission by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it - "Couldn't make UKHA2003 or just want to re-live those glorious days? Anyone that went to UKHA2003, the UK's premiere Home Automation event, will know how much of a success it was. A plethora of new and exciting gadgets, gizmos and software were on display and audiences were treated to some fascinating talks. Unfortunately not everyone could make it to sunny Hatfield and some even cited a 24 hour plane journey as reason to stay away...

The picture below was taken of them at the UKHA2003 meet in Hatfield earlier this month. We're looking for the funniest caption to go along with the photo. My (poor) example is below the picture.

Please email your entry to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

"The SliMP3 is totally silent in operation having no hard disk or fans and is no bigger than the display. The storage is limitless - it uses the storage capacity of the PC you already own, and uses inexpensive Ethernet technology to provide instant access to your music from anywhere in your home or office. You won't believe how easy it is to set up and use, and yet how powerful the interface is. Installing the SliMP3 takes just a few minutes; all you need to do is load the server software onto your computer, and plug the player into your network. The SliMP3 automatically configures itself for your network, and is ready to use immediately.

The SliMP3 features a powerful, easy-to-use, heirarchical browser interface, allowing you to quickly browse through your music collection from the convenience of a remote control. Its large vacuum fluorescent display is bright and readable, and the sound quality is second to none. SliMP3 gives you the convenience of enjoying music in any room of your home - thanks to its small form factor, you easily place it in your stereo cabinet, on a shelf, or even on your bed-side table. Standard phono outputs let you connect it directly to any stereo receiver or amplifier. Imagine enjoying your MP3 collection on those big speakers in your living room, away from the distractions of fans and hard drives..."

Pretty much without even realising it, we had two serious new HA products actual have their *launch* at UKHA2003. They are both so new that their websites will not be up for another week or two, but keep an eye on these URLS...

For anyone that's forgotten to put a network point somewhere or for those who simply can't hardwire their property for whatever reason then Powerline Networking can provide the ideal solution. It doesn't suffer from the range and dropout problems that wireless networks often have and runs at a respectable 14MBs.

It's simply a case of plugging two of the devices into mains sockets and proding a button on the front panel and hey presto you have a network. Its completely interoperable with any other network you have and soon we will have a combined box with a DSL router and a Wireless AP...

A big thank you to everyone that entered the "Win-a-Webpad" competition, the overall standard was excellent - and I hope to see many more reviews from you all now you know how to do it :).

The judges have now finished deliberating and I can announce that the winning entry is - que the drum roll...