Some £2 billion of electricity is used annually on refrigeration appliances alone in the UK and the energy we use at home is responsible for more than a quarter of all UK emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas causing climate change.

Just upgrading your major domestic appliances could save you up to £100 a year on fuel bills as well as giving your kitchen a new and greener footprint.  A combined fridge-freezer is the hardest working appliance in your kitchen using about 40% of the kitchen’s electricity. So if you’re choosing a new appliance, ensure it is at least A+-rated.

The latest EU energy labelling for fridge freezers, dishwashers and washing machines shows how well different products perform and will help you to make informed choices. A+, A++ and A+++ have been added to the original A to G classification scheme, so that A+++ is now best and D now the worst classification in terms of energy efficiency. As before, the greener the arrow, the lower the appliance’s energy consumption.

A home case study conducted by AMDEA measured the electricity consumption of a 30-year- old fridge freezer for three weeks. This appliance was then replaced by a new A++ rated model of an equivalent size and its electricity spend was monitored for the same period under similar usage conditions. The dramatic results revealed that replacing an old fridge with an ultra-efficient model can save as much as 80% energy; £137 a year in electricity; and recoup the cost of the new appliance in just 3 years.

To help our customers save more energy, the Comet and Plugged-In team have joined forces with AMDEA to invite you to use their special Time to Change calculator. This handy piece of software allows you to estimate the potential savings if choosing a high-efficiency fridge freezer or washing appliance.

Check out how much you could save on http://www.t2c.org.uk/calculator/

Who is AMDEA?

AMDEA is the UK trade association for large and small domestic appliances, heating, water heating, floor care and ventilation, representing over 80% of the major brands marketed in the UK.

Its membership consists of 29 companies that place domestic appliances on the UK market, either as manufacturers, distributors or importers. AMDEA is involved at every stage of product development, manufacture, marketing, after-sales service and ultimate disposal and recycling.

As a member of CECED, the European trade body for the domestic appliances industry, it represents its members at UK, European and international level.

Shooting live music events can be both challenging and rewarding. Having the right kit for the job is half of the problem, since difficult lighting can be par for the course at concerts. And although your camera may be able to take great photos in more favourable conditions, the unique challenges faced at a gig can call for some specialised equipment.

This guide to cameras for photographing gigs has been designed to help photographers of all skill levels and budgets to choose the right gear for concert shooting.

Whether you’re a casual or beginner photographer, an intermediate photographer who takes things more seriously, or an aspiring professional, the best kit for shooting pictures at events is detailed here.

So what challenges can you expect to face? A lot will depend on the kind of venue the event is hosted by. The most common types of events include those hosted at small pubs or bars, medium to large venues, arenas and outdoor festivals.

Each kind of venue involves different challenges, whether it be with the lighting, or the space available to shoot from.

For example, gigs held at small bars and pubs will often have poor lighting and no separate space to take photos from, whereas arena gigs often require photographers to shoot from the sound desk at the back of the venue, especially when the event is seated, or the artist is a well-known pop singer. Each will place different demands on the photographer, and the kit you use.

Larger venues often require a photo pass to enable you to take interchangeable lens cameras into the event.

If you’re not lucky enough to obtain accreditation, will we also detail suitable cameras for taking pictures from the crowd. In these cases, do be careful to check your ticket, since some venues and artists ban photography altogether.

So now let’s get on and check out the best camera for every different kind of gig environment you could possibly find.

Best cameras for shooting concerts from the crowd

So… You have a ticket to see your favourite band or singer performing at your local venue and you really want to take some decent pictures to remember the event by.

You’ve read the details printed on the back of your ticket and photography is allowed, but it says that “professional” cameras aren’t. Normally this means cameras with interchangeable lenses, although bridge cameras will sometimes be disallowed too, depending on how staff at the venue interpret “professional”.

The latest compact digital cameras take good pictures in low light, which makes them ideal for capturing a concert from the crowd.

The Buying Guide

A general rule of thumb to follow to ensure you will be allowed to take your camera into the venue is that the camera should be small enough to fit in a handbag or coat pocket.

Due to the difficult lighting that can be faced, a camera that takes good images in low light, with some manual control, is often preferable. Although not completely necessary, having manual control will enable you to override the exposure, which will often be thrown wayward by the lighting used at the event.

Because you may be unable to get physically close to the stage, a good zoom with image stabilisation is also something to look out for.

The following cameras should be able to do a decent job of capturing the scene at a concert from the crowd. However, it is worth noting that if the lighting isn’t favourable, almost every compact camera will struggle.

Canon Powershot SX230 HS

Price: £200/$250

Specs: 14.1MP, 1080p video, 14x image stabilised zoom

Sporting a 14x Image Stabilised lens, a 14.1MP rear-illuminated CMOS sensor and some manual control, this camera promises to be ideal for taking images at a concert from the crowd, due to its performance at high ISO sensitivities. The slim, compact design shouldn’t raise too many eyebrows from staff at venues, either.

Read our full Canon Powershot SX230 HS review

Fuji Finepix X10

Price: £400/$600

Specs: 12MP EXR sensor, 1080p video, 4x zoom with bright f/2-2.8 aperture

Although this camera doesn’t offer the zoom range of others mentioned here, the 12MP EXR sensor, coupled with the fast f/2-2.8 lens, make this camera ideal for taking images in low light conditions. The excellent build quality should help the camera to survive the rough and tumble of a concert crowd, too.

Read our full Fuji Finepix X10 review

Panasonic Lumix TZ30/ZS20

Price: £329/$349

Specs: 14.1MP, 1080p video, 20x optically stabilised zoom

Panasonic has long been synonymous with superzoom compact cameras, and its Lumix TZ30 camera should be quite well suited for capturing live music from the crowd, thanks to its 20x optically stabilised zoom and an aperture priority mode. The touch AF and shooting modes should make shooting with the camera held high a little easier too.

Read our full Panasonic Lumix TZ30/ZS20 review

Best cameras for shooting concerts in a pub or bar

Taking pictures of live performances at your local bar or pub venue may not be all that glamorous, but it’s where all musicians start out their career. Who knows? That band playing your local boozer might turn out to be the next U2 or Radiohead, and that female vocalist who performs regularly at the local working men’s club may turn out to win the next X-Factor.

Since small venues like this work to tight budgets, stage lighting is often poor, and conditions can be cramped. Usually there are very few restrictions as far as photography is concerned, but it is always polite to check with the artist first if, for example, you wish to use flash.

If you are a beginner, most entry-level DSLRs, such as the Canon EOS 1100D, Nikon D3100 or Pentax K-r, will enable you to take decent pictures at an event such as this. And so long as the artist is fine with you using flash, the kit lens and built-in flash unit should suffice, in conjunction with a high ISO setting or longer shutter speed, so that the atmosphere of the gig isn’t lost.

For photography without the flash, a 30mm, 35mm or 50mm prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 or faster will enable you to work more effectively with ambient lighting.

Most compact system cameras can take high quality images in low light. But using a screen or electronic viewfinder in very dark conditions can be difficult so the camera will struggle to display a suitably clear image for critical focusing, and contrast detection AF often struggles in low light.

Intermediate photographers may find the direct control and improved autofocus of a mid-range DSLR body such as the Canon EOS 60D, Nikon D90, Sony A580 or Pentax K-7 will stand them in good stead when shooting an event at a pub or a bar.

Just as is the case with a beginner, a 30 to 50mm prime lens with an aperture of f/1.8 or faster will enable you to work under ambient lighting conditions.

A zoom lens covering roughly 18-50mm, with a constant f/2.8 aperture, may also be an asset, even if you’re using flash. The faster maximum aperture will enable more of the ambient light to be captured at reduced ISO sensitivities.

The greater flexibility of an external flashgun may also help, since they are more powerful and the light can be bounced off surfaces at the venue and directed out of the eyes of the performer.

Professionals, or those aspiring to be so, will find the superior noise control of a full-frame DSLR, such as the Canon EOS 5D Mk II or Canon EOS 5D Mark III, or the Nikon D700 or Nikon D4 an asset.

In addition to a standard f/2.8 zoom lens covering 24-70mm, an ultra-wide zoom lens in the 16-35mm range, also with a constant f/2.8 aperture, will enable more of the stage to be captured in one shot, or full-length shots of the performer in cramped conditions.

A range of prime lenses with focal lengths from 24mm to 85mm may also be preferred if you prefer to work with the ambient conditions.

Shoots at venues with little or no lighting may require a wireless flash setup to get the best images possible, so long as permission from the artist can be sought. By placing flash units around the stage, and even using coloured gels in some cases, you can effectively create your own lighting on stage for the shoot.

Best cameras for medium or large venues

As the venues get larger, the restrictions tend to get tighter. Gigs held at medium or large concert venues tend to require appropriate accreditation to enable you to take an interchangeable lens camera into the venue.

Although most venues of this size will have a pit at the front, which you can gain access to with your pass, you will invariably only be able to shoot the first three songs of each act, and it will be very rare that flash is permitted.

As with gigs in a pub, an entry-level DSLR camera such as the Canon EOS 1100D, Nikon D3100 or Pentax K-r should be adequate.

Because flash is rarely permitted, beginners will do well to invest in a lens with a fast maximum aperture. The option with the lowest cost is a 30 or 50mm prime lens with an aperture of f/1.8 or brighter, which can often be picked up for around £100/$150, or even less in some cases. Although this be great for low light, it lacks flexibility if shooting a more active performer.

In these cases a zoom lens with a fast constant f/2.8 aperture covering roughly 17-50mm will help. Those offered by third party manufacturers, such as Sigma, Tamron and Tokina, cost less than the manufacturer’s own lenses.

Intermediate photographers will be served well by an mid, to high-end DSLR such as the Canon EOS 60D, Canon EOS 7D, Nikon D90, Nikon D7000, Sony A580 or Pentax K-7.

This coupled with a standard f/2.8 zoom covering roughly 17-50mm and a telephoto zoom with a fast f/2.8 aperture covering the 70-200mm range. The bright maximum apertures will enable sharp images to be taken under most stage lighting and will also isolate your subject from a potentially cluttered background.

Professional photographers will find the quality at high ISO sensitivities and increased dynamic range offered by a full-frame DSLR, such as the Canon EOS 5D Mk II or Mk III, or the Nikon D700, invaluable.

Two or three zoom lenses with a constant aperture of f/2.8 will be the norm, the most common being lenses covering roughly 24-70mm and 70-200mm. Some professionals may wish to pack an ultra-wide zoom for capturing more of the stage too.

Although flash is rarely allowed, it pays to be prepared and pack an external flash unit, just in case. On the same note, a prime lens with a bright maximum aperture of f/1.8 or brighter will cover those times when the venue appears to forget to switch on the lights.

Best cameras for arenas or stadiums

Concerts at arenas or stadiums are often among the best lit, but due to the stages being larger, and restrictions for where you can shoot from being the norm, these kinds of gigs often have the greatest requirement for specialised equipment.

Many arena concerts require accredited photographers to shoot from the sound desk, the aisles, or even the back of the room. If you’re lucky, you may be escorted to the pit at the front to take photos, but this often isn’t the case.

If you are a beginner, and you’re lucky enough to have gained accreditation for a show at an arena, and you haven’t the means to buy fancy professional lenses, an image stabilised 70-300mm zoom lens coupled with an entry-level DSLR body, such as the Canon EOS 1100D, Nikon D3100, or Pentax K-r, should give you a reasonable chance of getting some decent images.

The image stabilisation should enable slightly slower shutter speeds to be used. Even though lighting at arena shows is generally quite bright, this may still be necessary due to the slow f/5.6 maximum aperture of these lenses.

If you’re lucky enough to own a camera with in-body stabilisation, then it isn’t be necessary to buy a stabilised lens.

Intermediate photographers should be served well by a mid-range camera body such as the Canon EOS 60D, Canon 7D, Nikon D90, Nikon D7000, Sony A580 or Pentax K-7. The direct nature of the controls will enable you to adapt to changing lighting conditions more quickly than would be possible with an entry-level DSLR.

A telephoto zoom lens covering the 70-200mm range with a bright maximum aperture of f/2.8 will be the most useful lens for this kind of concert, although some may find a standard f/2.8 zoom handy for wider shots of the venue or stage.

Most professionals will use a full-frame camera body such as the Canon EOS 5D Mk II, Canon EOS 5D Mk III or (soon) Canon EOS 1DX, or the Nikon D700, Nikon D3s, or Nikon D4 with a 70-200mm f/2.8 images stabilised lens as a basis for a gig kit.

For those gigs where restrictions require images to be taken from the sound desk or aisles, a 300mm f/2.8 prime, or a teleconverter for use with the 70-200mm f/2.8, is necessary to enable close cropped images of the performer. Some photographers may even hire longer lenses up to 400mm or even 500mm for shooting concerts with these restrictions.

These lenses will generally require a sturdy monopod to enable sharp images to be taken. A standard 24-70mm f/2.8 lens will also be required for shooting wider shots of the venue, or for shooting from the pit.

Best cameras for shooting outdoor music festivals

In the summer the music moves outdoors for festival season. Shooting music outdoors puts different demands on your kit, with many artists performing in daylight, and others on smaller covered stages making it a challenge in itself to be equipped for everything. There’s also the weather to consider, since it can change from bright and sunny to thunder and lightning within minutes.

Accessories that are useful for all levels of photographer include a good waterproof, breathable clothing, and waterproof covers for your cameras and lenses. Although a bin bag and an elastic band may do for a short while, any prolonged rain will require a dedicated cover.

Optech Rainsleeves are a good option for those on a budget. They are basically a plastic bag shaped specially for a camera with a drawstring that fastens around the end of the lens. A hole is also cut out in the rear which can be fixed around the viewfinder eyepiece, to enable a clear view.

Another accessory that can be useful at festivals is a step of some kind. Outdoor stages at festivals tend to be quite high, to accommodate the large crowds that gather. This causes a problem because you can only get a clear shot of the performer when they’re at the front of the stage, and then the image is taken from a very unflattering angle, right up their nose.

A folding plastic step is ideal for small to medium festivals, but larger festivals may need something a little bigger. A proper set of aluminium stepladders is the tool of choice for photographers who regularly shoot these kinds of events.

Beginners shooting a festival will be served well by an entry-level DSLR such as the Canon EOS 1100D, Nikon D3100, or Pentax K-r.

At least two lenses will be needed. The standard kit lens that came with your camera will be great for taking shots of the atmosphere at the festival, but inadequate for shooting artists on stage. An image stabilised zoom covering 55-200mm or 70-300mm will enable better shots of artists on stage, and will be more than adequate for shooting during daylight.

Saying that, with those lenses it may be a struggle to get decent images after sunset, unless the stage lighting is favourable. For smaller, covered stages, a 30-50mm prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 or faster will help under the darker conditions faced there.

Intermediate photographers will find a mid-range DSLR such as the Canon EOS 60D, Nikon D90, Sony A580 or Pentax K-7 work well. For peace of mind, a weather-resistant body such as the Canon EOS 7D, Nikon D7000 or Pentax K-5 may be preferable to help prevent the ingress of dust on dry days and moisture in inclement weather, since even when using a rain cover, cameras tend to get wet during prolonged rain.

An f/2.8 telephoto lens covering 70-200mm is the ideal lens for shooting festival stages, and a standard f/2.8 zoom covering 24-70mm is perfect for shooting stages under cover, and for capturing scenic views at the event.

Professional photographers, or those aspiring to be, will find the quality at high ISO sensitivities and improved dynamic range of a full-frame DSLR invaluable.

Weather-sealed cameras such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EOS 1D Mark III, Canon EOS-1DX, Nikon D700, Nikon D3s, Nikon D4, Pentax K-5 or Pentax K-7 are built to withstand the rigours of being used in changeable weather conditions, and should be high on the list for most pros.

A 70-200mm f/2.8 lens with optical stabilisation will be suited for most types of stage, with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens being used for smaller covered stages and scenic shots. Depending on the festival being covered, this kit may be complemented with a 1.4x or 1.7x teleconverter, or a 300mm prime lens, for taking close-cropped images on very large stages.

An ultra-wide zoom or fisheye lens is also ideal for scenic views and for taking scenic shots and images of the crowd, which are all part of the atmosphere of the event. Although flash is rarely permitted when shooting the stage at festivals, many professionals will carry one anyway, just in case, for portraits taken on site, or atmosphere shots at all times of day or night.

The cloud naturally represents the future of file storage beyond physical media, but the landscape is a little bit like International waters at the moment. Anything goes and everything is up for grabs.

Google and Microsoft have recently made bold moves towards commanding the arena this week, aiming to battle some of the early dominance away from pioneers like Dropbox, which continues to improve its service and lurkers like Apple, Sony and Samsung.

Google’s service comes in the form of Google Drive, finally announced after months of speculation, which offers 5GB of service for free and up to 1TB for a considerable monthly fee, along with a host of neat sharing options.

SkyDrive is Microsoft’s solution. The name has been around for a couple of years now, but Microsoft has significantly enhanced its offering, making SkyDrive an entirely new proposition.

And of course there’s Dropbox, the reigning champ, who recently updated their referral space (which worked retroactively), and has made important updates to their service ever since. But can they fend off the competition?

Let’s take a look at which service offers the best option for you.

Google Drive vs Microsoft SkyDrive vs Dropbox: Storage and pricing

As we mentioned Google is dangling the carrot by giving all Google account holders a free 5GB of Drive storage for your documents, photos and more. The company claims: “That’s enough to store the high-res photos of your trip to the Mt. Everest, scanned copies of your grandparents’ love letters or a career’s worth of business proposals, and still have space for the novel you’re working on.”

But its also savvy enough to know, that in this age, 5GB isn’t really enough. You can update to 25GB for a mere $2.49 (£1.54) a month and we’d imagine that’ll be the most popular option. Power users can grab 100GB for $4.99 (£3.08) a month, while a 1TB in the cloud will cost $49.99 (£30.80).

Perhaps mindful that Google will only be offering 5GB, Microsoft has cut its free SkyDrive allowance from 25GB right down to 7GB. Existing users will be able to adjust their account settings to hold onto that free storage, but new users will get just 7GB.

Redwood also opts for yearly price plans with 20GB for $10 (£6) a year. 50GB for $25 (£16) a year and 100GB for $50 (£32) a year.

Google has the advantage in terms of pure storage stage (it has also upped Gmail free storage from 7GB to 10GB), but Microsoft’s existing option is cheaper and offers more free space.

Microsoft has upped its file upload maximum size from 100MB to 300MB, whereas Google makes no mention of a maximum upload size within its launch documents, so that remains to be seen.

Google Drive vs Microsoft SkyDrive: Sharing

Google has attempted live document collaboration before with the failed Wave experiment. That feature lives on in Documents and forms a major part of Google Drive.

You can work with colleagues on a document and all changes will be synced back to Drive, while comments can be left on any files stored using the service. You can also receive notifications when changes are made to documents for which you have permissions.

Naturally, with Google aiming to make Drive fit seamlessly within its entire ecosystem, Google+ is also involved. You can post photos from Drive to the social network and attach them to Gmails.

Microsoft has revealed a simpler approach to sharing with its new and improved SkyDrive service, which by-passes the clunky process of sending large email attachments.

Once you’ve uploaded a file to SkyDrive you can send a simple web link to any recipient through email, instant message or even by posting on social networks like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Your friends won’t even have to sign up for a SkyDrive account to access the service.

Google Drive vs Sky Drive: Desktop Accessibility

Both Google and Microsoft have unveiled Dropbox-like desktop folders for Mac and PC, which allow users to simply drag and drop files to ensure they’re uploaded to the respective accounts.

You’ll need to download the client to start using both services. Google Drive wasn’t yet available to us at the time of writing, while the existing SkyDrive service client was. Once you start using SkyDrive, all photos added to the folder will immediately be synced and available on other devices running SkyDrive.

Perhaps Microsoft’s ace-in-the-hole here is the Fetch functionality, which also allows SkyDrive users to access any files on their PC harddrive and bring them to wherever they’re currently operating.

However, the computer has to be on and SkyDrive must be installed.

Google Drive vs Sky Drive: Mobile Apps

Both services now boast a host of mobile apps, but don’t offer the complete set. Naturally, Google Drive has a ready made Android app which will allow you to share directly to your Drive account.

The app naturally allows you to view, download and upload files from and to Drive, while documents you create can also be saved to the platform and edits will be synced. It’ll also let you share any file from Drive with your phone contacts.

Files from Drive, such as a favourite photo, can be made available offline for when you don’t have an internet connection. Google says it is working hard on an iOS app.

Microsoft, brings you a Windows Phone app, but surprised us all by outing an iOS app, which allows for file sharing and viewing on the iPhone and the iPad.

The SkyDrive for iOS application allows you to upload photos directly to the service, manage and share files and also open your SkyDrive files with other third party iOS apps, such as Pages and Keynote.

It’s a masterstroke from Microsoft and Google would be wise to hurry along with their iOS solution. Android users can access SkyDrive files through the web browser at this stage.

Google Drive vs Microsoft SkyDrive: Verdict

Microsoft’s enterprising and innovative SkyDrive revamp has unexpectedly stolen the thunder from Google’s long-awaited cloud storage solution – and deservedly so.

Despite cutting its offering, SkyDrive still offers more free storage and cheaper tariffs for those wishing to purchase a little more space.

Both services have followed in Dropbox’s footsteps by launching an easy-to-use desktop client for Mac and PC, with easy syncing and sharing of documents, photos and more across your devices.

Google has made it easier to share documents and collaborate with users over the cloud, through its existing Documents, Google+ and Gmail services, while Microsoft will allow easy web-link sharing, even for non-SkyDrive members.

Microsoft’s launch of an iOS app before Google Drive may prove decisive unless Google pulls its finger out.

While we’re impressed with how Google has seamlessly integrated Drive within its ecosystem, we have to give SkyDrive a narrow points victory at this early stage.

Touchscreen tablets are now challenging some laptops for portable performance thanks to being faster, lighter and packed with more software and features than you’ll ever need to use each week.

But how do you know which one is right for you? Read on to find out with our guide to choosing the best tablet to suit your needs.

Should I buy an iPad?

This could well be the first question most tablet purchasers will ask. The basic choice is between an iPad or one of a range of tablets either running Android as their operating system – like the mobile phones – or something less well-known with its own OS.

The iPad certainly has a lot of aces up its sleeve. For a start, it comes with the widest selection of apps, dedicated to the tablet format.

The newest model has the Retina display, a 9.7 inch touchscreen with more pixels crammed in than in a massive high definition TV, making for the ultimate viewing experience. This has been enhanced by a new processor chip with better graphical capabilities.

Apple’s own suite of software is also second-to-none with the iWork and iLife apps, which now includes iPhoto for editing your pictures and displaying or sharing them in albums.

There is also a better quality rear iSight five megapixel camera that can record stills and take HD movies.

Like its predecessor, the iPad 2, the iPad retains a 10 hour battery life although it is just slightly heavier and thicker.

It comes in both Wi-Fi and 4G varieties, allowing it to work with new superfast mobile and wireless broadband networks. However, these will not be connected in the UK until at least 2013.

But with prices for the iPad 2 now slashed to just £329, it could well be worth looking at this as an entry level tablet. It does though only come in a 16GB memory size with the new iPad available in both 32GB and 64GB.

It’s also worth remembering that you don’t know need a computer to own an iPad. Everything can be done straight out of the box from setup to downloading new updates to the OS as they become available.

So why would I buy an Android device instead?

Apple’s own operating system in the iPad is called iOS and is not used by any other manufacturer. Android on the other hand is the operating system designed by Google, which has been adopted by the likes of Samsung, Motorola, Sony and Archos.

This gives you far more choice over specifications, features and ultimately price when choosing a tablet.

Version 3 of Android, known as Honeycomb, however was not designed specifically for tablets in the same way the iPad’s software was which meant that devices running it did not have many tablet apps and the performance may not have been as strong.

But version 4, Ice Cream Sandwich, is tablet-focused and many of the devices on the market right now will be able to upgrade to it, for free, over the air.

So it is important to check whether the one you’re interested in will work with Android 4.0 and when it will be available to download.

Other advantages of Android are that it is compatible with Flash-based websites, unlike iPad, and that it can be seamlessly linked to other Google products such as Gmail and Calendar. It also features the full range of Google software as standard such as Maps and YouTube.

What Android device is best?

This comes down to personal choice but the top-of-the-range Samsung Galaxy Tab is a leading force.

It is available in 10.1, 8.9 and 7 inch screen sizes giving you lots of choice over how portable you want it to be and with fast processing and options for both 3G and Wi-Fi, you get all the connectivity you need.

However, the camera, screen and battery life may not match up to the iPad.

The Motorola Xoom 2 is another good product. Again it comes in 10.1 or 8.2 inch versions and with a simple to use interface, it works speedily and intuitively. It may not be an obvious choice but it’s well worth considering. You can read a review of the 10.1″ Xoom 2 here and the 8.2″ here on PluggedIn.

Sony has the Tablet S, in 16GB and 32GB varieties, but this is Wi-Fi only. There’s no mobile 3G connection. But it is the only PlayStation-certified tabletgiving it the edge in the downloadable gaming stakes.

Finally, there are a wide range of cheaper tablets available from Asus, Archos, Arnova and Acer. While they may not feature the same kind of technology as their more expensive rivals, they may be useful for those looking to buy a tablet for occasional use or to see what all the fuss is about.

Do all tablets do the same basic things?

Whatever tablet you buy, you’ll be able to surf the web, send emails, write documents, check out social networks, read eBooks, play games and have fun on the move.

The quality of their cameras will differ though for both taking pictures and movies and making video calls.

Cheaper tablets will also have a shorter battery life, which is important if you are using it on the move a lot.

But the best way to decide what tablet you like the most, is to visit a Comet store and take one for a test drive. Until you get your hands on it and get a feel for the device, it’s difficult to know just what it can do for you in the real world.

With The Queen’s Jubilee, the London Olympics 2012 and football’s Euro 2012, there are plenty of reasons to upgrade your screen to a bigger and better one.

Whether you’re interested in finally making the leap to 3D or keen to find out more about what Smart TV can offer to your viewing life, there’s a television for every taste and every price. We have featured some of the newest and best at the end of this piece.

So what should you be looking for and how do you choose which television to buy?

Screen Type and Size

The first thing to consider is where you’ll be watching and therefore what size you need. In a lounge or living room, you’ll want to start at 32 or 37 inches while for a bedroom you may be able to still get away with a cheaper 21 or 23 inch set.

The next point to focus on this the type of TV, whether that’s the older and less costly LCD, newer higher quality LED or Plasma.

LED will generally provide you with the clearest images and the slimmest panels but many Plasma screens are still best for fast-moving action such as sports due to the higher frame rate they can manage. This allows the picture to respond and update faster.

One key new feature to look for is a Backlit TV. This ensures a brighter image on the television, even in the darkest of lighting environments.

And while this used to not be very environmentally-friendly, new technology has been developed so it consumes less power.

How Smart?

Smart TV is one of 2012′s biggest growth areas. It’s the term used to describe a television that can be hooked up to the internet either through a wired connection or through in-built Wi-Fi or using a wireless dongle that can be plugged into the back or side.

This connects to your internet router giving your TV the ability to stream or download content from a range of providers. These include movies from the likes of LoveFilm and Netflix or catch-up TV on BBC iPlayer and ITV Player. You can also surf social networks such as Facebook and Twitter from the comfort of your sofa and check out the latest news, weather and gossip updates on screen.

However, while more models for 2012 have wireless technology built-in, it is important to remember if buying a Smart TV that the wireless adaptor must be of the same make as the TV, if you need to purchase it separately.

Not all manufacturers will offer the same amount of Smart apps on their TVs, so it is worth investigating which are available now and what ones may be coming in the future. Not all have a web browser either, and if they do it may be very basic. Panasonic and Samsung lead the way in Smart TVs.

Samsung’s latest models even include voice or motion control, allowing you to carry out many functions by telling the TV what to do or waving your hand, rather than pressing a button on the remote.

Frame Rates and Freeview

As with buying any TV, a key factor to check is the Hertz, represented as HZ. This is the frame rate talked about above and the higher the number, the more capable it is of achieving the best quality for fast-moving images.

It is a given now that all TVs are HD but not all are at the 1080p Full HD standard – which you need if you want to enjoy Blu-ray films to their fullest quality. This 1080p technology gives the crispest and most beautiful high-definition pictures, with 1080i and 720p lower standards.

You should also check whether the TV has Freeview HD inside rather than basic Freeview while other televisions will support Freesat HD, giving high definition free channels using an old satellite dish.

With all the extra boxes we place under and around our televisions, it is crucial to remember something as simple as HD connections. The more your new TV has, the more that can be plugged in from a Sky+ HD or Freeview+HD box or Virgin Media TiVo device plus games consoles such as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Turn on to 3D?

And then there’s 3D. Always check how many pairs of 3D glasses come with the television you are buying. They can be costly to add so you may need to take this into consideration if you have a big family who will be viewing.

Passive is the cheaper 3D technology with the TV doing all the hard work while Active puts the tech inside the glasses making them larger and more expensive.

One final important issue to know is the Viewing Angle. With more and more people putting their flat screen TVs on the wall, being able to watch it from the widest angle and from the ends of the sofa is crucial.

The bigger the viewing angle, the wider the space around it you can sit in to see what’s on.

So what new televisions for 2012 are worth a look? Here’s five of the best… You can view the whole range of televisions for 2012 using this link.

» Samsung UE55ES8000 46″ BACKLIT 3D TV 

The daddy of all televisions, this has a massive price-tag but every single feature you could wish for. Smart apps, Full 1080p HD, Freeview HD and two pairs of 3D glasses are all included within one of the slimmest TV sets you’ll ever find.

» Samsung PS51E490 51″ Plasma 3D 720p 600Hz TV

It may only have 720p HD but this Plasma has a very fast Hertz rate for sports and gaming plus 3D and Freeview HD. It’s an extremely good package at a decent price.

» Toshiba 32BV702B 32″ LCD 1080P TV

At less than £300, this might be LCD rather than LED but you still get a lot for the money. It is full 1080p and has Freeview built-in as well as a USB port for showing content from a memory drive or camera.

» Panasonic TX-L47ET5B 47″ LED BACKLIT 3D SMART VIERA Wi-Fi 300Hz TV

Freeview HD, 1080p Full HD, 3D and four pairs of Passive glasses, Built-in Wi-Fi with apps including iPlayer and a basic web browser and FOUR HDMI connections plus LED technology. What’s not to like about this!

» Panasonic TX-P42XT50B 42″ Plasma 3D Smart Viera 600Hz TV

You’ll have to buy the Active 3D glasses separately to this television but it does have fast-moving 600Hz, and smart TV using a separately bought dongle. There’s also an SD card slot.

Washer/Dryer Combi

Save even more space. Choose a washer/dryer combi with automatic wash and dry cycles that carries loads up to 6kg.

Energy Savings

Help the environment and your pocket by saving energy and water. Every little bit helps, and Zanussi A-rated washing machines are no exception. They perform with a low level of energy consumption, coupled with reduced water consumption for optimum energy savings.

Capacity

Because the size and frequency of loads may vary, Zanussi machines are designed to save you time, energy and water with every wash.

Jetsystem+

We’ve taken all the benefits of the previous Jetsystem function and made them even better. The new Jetsystem+ automatically adjusts water and energy consumption to an optimum level, ensuring maximum efficiency. Good for the environment and your energy bills.

7kg System

Toss bulky items like duvets and coats into a Zanussi 7, 8 or 10kg without a care. These super-capacity models let you wash big loads easier and much less often, saving you a lot of time and energy.

Speed

We don’t believe laundry should take up the whole weekend – especially when you could be spending it relaxing and enjoying yourself. Automatic & manual spin speed can be automatically or manually reduced for a specific wash programme so you’ll get your laundry out of the machine exactly when you need it.

With our intelligent Jetsystem wash technology you don’t have to wait for full loads anymore so you can wash what you want when you want.

Our EasyIron programme, for instance, does just what it says and makes ironing easier; while our large capacity 6kg washing machines make it easier to do your washing in one go.

Zanussi laundry appliances are loaded with a host of features which deliver best in class wash performance and frees up your time to do all the fun things that you love doing.

Sit back, relax and let Zanussi take the strain out of the laundry.

  Jetsystem – saves energy and water

 

The Jetsystem wash technology directs water straight into the heart of the laundry and automatically adjusts the amount of water and energy used based on the amount of clothes put in – saving you money!

  The Jetsystem+

 

With Jetsystem+ wash technology, water is directed straight into the heart of the laundry to ensure rapid soaking, resulting in less wear and tear of clothes. It automatically adjusts the amount of water, time and energy used based on the amount of clothes put in – saving you both time and money!

  Flexidose

 

Our 6kg washer range comes with a new Flexidose option which gives you the flexibility to either use powder or liquid detergent in the same detergent compartment to get that perfect wash result. No need to dispense liquid detergents differently.

  Inverter motor

 

The powerful brushless motor is not only designed to be silent and more durable but can also drive large loads at higher speeds for a longer time giving a powerful wash performance in shorter wash times.

Available in fingerprint proof stainless steel, white or black to create a stunning focal point in your kitchen.

Our multi-function ovens combine the benefits of fan or conventional cooking with additional functions like pizza or thermal grilling for great results. You can pair them with a wide choice of gas or electric hobs, including quick heating induction hobs.

And to complete the picture, stylish hoods, microwaves and a coffee machine, providing delicious Italian espresso coffee every time.

Stylish and elegant our modern square design shows off your stunning appliances to wonderful effect and is exceptionally easy to keep clean.

From both traditional and homely to modern and adventurous our innovative appliances will give your kitchen that leading edge with a finished look of real quality.

Our new larger full width grill/roasting pan makes grilling more practical for all your family needs and is great for roasting Sunday lunch.

How do you like eggs in the morning?

The exclusive ProClean™ spray arm technology ensures perfect cleaning. Packing your dishwasher with irregularly shaped items usually means a drop in cleaning quality. But the ProClean™ system reaches where others can’t, to deliver professional results every time.

Five spray levels – including one in the ceiling – cover more of the load, while the exclusive ProClean™ satellite spray arm with special double-rotation creates a powerful spiral of water that cleans perfectly in the corners that other washers can’t reach.

Professional cleaning power with XXL space: ?ve spray levels and a double rotation spray arm reach every corner of the load.

» Browse AEG Dishwashers on Comet.co.uk here

ProFresh Fridge-Freezer

Ef?cient LED lighting. Crisp, contemporary illumination that uses little energy and will rarely need replacing.

» Browse AEG Fridge-Freezers on Comet.co.uk here

ProTex PLUS Washing Machine

ProTex PLUS washing machines give your garments optimum care thanks to the OptiSense washing system and its tailored cycle settings.

» Browse AEG Washing Machines on Comet.co.uk here

FreshBox

A lower-temperature drawer, designed especially to preserve meat and ?sh for longer. A quick chill function further lowers the temperature to quickly chill down new food.