Michael L Berman's blog

Very often we receive items for review that defy definition, don't fall into specific "tech" categories or can't provide us with enough fodder to fill a so-called "stand-alone" diatribe.

This is commonly referred to as "stuff."

So, with that in mind, here are a few items we have played with (or looked at) that meet the stuff criteria.

Filling in forms can be a tedious task, especially if there are tons of variables to deal with. But, thanks to the capabilities of the one-eyed monster sitting on your desk or lap, the chore can be simplified using Microsoft Word and TheFormTool from Your Dollar Matters.

It may be something in the water, or possibly a new diet. Whatever the reason, the folks at Dell have -- again -- blown our socks off with a new computer.

This time it's their new XPS 15z laptop ($999 - $1,599), which tops our Gotta Have It list.

What's in your automobile???

Backup camera?

GPS?

Radar dectector?

Internet radio receiver?

None of the above?

In many cases, the answer is "none of the above," especially when it comes to safety devices such as backup cameras.

Are you ready????

Sitting down????

It's time for the 15th Annual Bermie Awards presented by - - - ME (we weren't able to get Ricky Gervais)!

As in the past all of the recipients were scrutinized by our distinguished panel of experts and votes tabulated by the distinguished accounting firm of Me, Myself and I.

Do you have SATA III desires but only an IDE budget?

Do you find yourself drooling over those new, high-speed PCs, but only have lint and a couple of quarters in your pocket?

Fear not! The folks at Apricorn have developed a way for you to upgrade that old PC to take advantage of SATA III, high-speed technology.

So, you got a grand, spanking new iPhone for Christmas. Looks nice, doesn't it? But what are you doing to keep it that way.

Fear not! There are several companies that have got you covered - - - some better than others.

Need a high-end monitor to work on graphics and photos?

Have a low-end budget?

Check out the NEC P241W ($749), which offers tons of features you can only find in monitors costing megabucks more.

First off, don't confuse this with the Acer P241W, which costs $400 less and, frankly, doesn't offer the high-end image quality of the NEC model.

How secure is your data?

That little USB flash drive you carry around in your pocket or briefcase probably contains everything from personal documents to phone numbers. But what happens if you lose it or it gets stolen?

Like the fabled Pheonix, Dell has risen from the ashes and hit 10 on the "I've gotta have it" meter. Their new Inspiron One 2320 all-in-one PC ($699.99 to $1,399) has catapulted the company back to the top among PC makers.

A bit over enthusiastic? Probably. But, despite one or two minor shortcomings, I can't help but rave about Dell's new line of computers.