Set to be officially unveiled to the world this Wednesday, the Nokia N900 (also known as the Maemo) is the manufacturer’s latest “tablet” phone.

Why the name Maemo? Well, the Nokia N900 uses the Maemo 5 interface, an operating system based on the open-source Linux platform. This is a much-needed update to Nokia’s previous tablet phone, the N97, which operates on the Series 60 platform. Series 60 has proved to have some quirks and limitations when used in touchscreen phones.

The Nokia N900 is relatively small and compact and sports a 3.5-inch WVGA display with 800×480 resolution. This display is something of a necessity given the N900’s multimedia functionality, which includes support for a range of media files, including XviD video.

Rounding out the specifications list: 32GB of on-board storage (expandable via microSD), web browser with Flash support, HSDPA connectivity (10Mbps downloads and 2Mbps uploads), a 5-megapixel Carl Zeiss camera with flash, Wi-Fi and GPS.

The Nokia N900 has an Australian recommended retail price of $899.

Buy a cheap Nokia mobile phone on sale

By Caroline Warnes

Rockmans fashion catalogues are now available on Lasoo and my pick of the current catalogue is the sweetheart printed dress pictured here.

Now that spring is literally just one day away, it’s time to start thinking about dresses for the warmer weather and the Rockmans sweetheart printed dress would be appropriate for both work (with a light cardigan over the top) and for the weekend/after work (if you do stuff after work that doesn’t involve sitting on the couch watching Foxtel).

Plus, it’s reduced by $20 to just $59.99.

There are lots more great fashion ideas for spring in the Rockmans catalogue, so check it out now.

By Caroline Warnes

The Snow Leopard referred to here is not actually some exotic animal, but is the name of the latest operating system for Mac - also known as Mac OS X 10.6.

At this stage, Snow Leopard is only compatible with Intel Macs, so if you’re currently using a PowerPC, you miss out for now.

Snow Leopard has not been designed to completely overhaul your operating system. Apple is selling it as a $39 upgrade to enhance the current Leopard operating system. However if you need to buy the standalone Snow Leopard package, it will set you back $229 for a package that also includes iLife and iWork.

The main reason to upgrade to Mac OS X 10.6 is the improvements to the interface, which makes everything much easier to use and find. These include:

* Expose, which lets you find whatever you’re looking for on your desktop visually, is now accessible from the Dock so you can click and hold on the icon then cycle through open applications using the Tab key.
* The Dock also allows you to drag files from program to program using the Dock.
* Stacks has had a significant upgrade, including the addition of a scroll bar and the ability to access Folders within Stacks.
* Safari 4 includes a Top Sites function.
* QuickTime X has had several tweaks, including easy sharing with Apple devices (your iPhone, iPod etc); the ability to record video from your webcam very easily; and a cleaner user interface.

Another major feature is the inclusion of support for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. This means you can now connect with Microsoft Exchange servers - essential if you need to connect with your work servers, for example, which nearly all run off a Microsoft platform. This means you can now check your email, access global address lists and create meetings using iCal.

Buy cheap software on sale

By Caroline Warnes

I have recently arrived at that rather depressing age when every morning you seem to notice a new grey hair or line on your face.

I have also found myself scowling at rowdy youngsters skylarking on the street and feeling the urge to adopt several litters of cats with which to live out my old age.

Up until now I have been able to get away with not using a specific eye cream (I think it’s unnecessary for younger skin) but these days I need all the help I can get.

I recently received a sample of Coast to Coast Outback Brightening Eye Cream and have been really impressed with it so far.

The cream is an anti-oxidant rich formula, made with Aussie ingredients including Kakadau plum, desert quandong, fennel and organic rose hip oil to strengthen the connective tissues around the eyes.

The formulation itself is just the right consistency for an eye cream - not too runny and not too firm (you want it soft enough to dab around the eyes, it will do you more harm than good to be rubbing a firm cream into this delicate area).

Not sure if it’s just my imagination, but I think the area around my eyes already looks a little better.

You can buy Coast to Coast Outback Brightening Eye Cream online for $32.95 or from the company’s store in Melbourne Central.

By Caroline Warnes

Yes, another day, another shoe love affair and this time it comes courtesy of the drop-dead-gorgeous Witchery Tess rouched heels.

According to the website, the Witchery Tess shoes are already sold out in sizes 36, 37 and 38, so if you have small and dainty feet, you can move along (unless you happen to chance across a stray pair in-store). But if you’re a 39, 40 or 41, you’re in luck, because they’re still available.

Love the thick ankle strap. Love the concealed platform. Love the height. Love the snakeskin detailing. But most of all, love the dusty rose colour.

I’m actually tempted to pop out to my local Witchery store on my lunch hour to try them on, but that could be very dangerous.

The Witchery Tess heels sell for $189.95.

By Caroline Warnes

I have never really been big on garishly-coloured bags, but the Rainbow Shoe Show large hobo from Nine West’s new collection is not bad at all.

The rainbow hues would be perfect for the brighter days of spring and summer and it looks to be a decent size for carrying all your junk around in.

The Nine West Rainbow Shoe Show large hobo will be in stores in September and will sell for $129.

Plus, check out the rest of Nine West’s new collection for some more brightly-coloured accessories. Some styles you should consider wearing sunglasses if you want to look at them directly.

By Caroline Warnes

The Toshiba SDP92SKY is the latest portable DVD player to hit the market, featuring full DivX support and a nifty swivel design.

It’s an official DivX Certified portable DVD player, which means you can play all your media files in that format from both disc and SD card (and thanks to the SD slot you can also play MP3s and view photos).

The Toshiba SDP92SKY’s swivel design, which is reminiscent of a tablet PC, is also a highlight. The 9-inch LCD screen can be rotated all the way around backwards so it lays flat, which is more convenient for viewing in tight spaces such as in the car - you simply lay the player on your lap. The screen has a native resolution of 640×234.

Toshiba has also equipped the SDP92SKY with battery life of up to three hours, which is fairly generous for a portable DVD player. Also included is an AV input so you have the option to connect the player to a TV.

The Toshiba SDP92SKY carries an Australian price of $399 and is available now.

Buy a cheap portable DVD player on sale

By Caroline Warnes

We are giving you the chance to win 1 of 5 double in-season tickets to the new movie “Blessed” in this week’s free competition.

During the course of one day and night, seven children wander the streets in an urban odyssey. But not all of them will find their way home.

Dawn breaks, and it’s the same day but now we experience the viewpoint of the five mothers. Over the course of their respective journeys we understand that they are as lost and defenceless as the children they care for.

Featuring the celebrated actresses Frances O’Connor, Miranda Otto and Debora-Lee Furness and directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Ana Kokkinos (”Head On”), it is a confronting, life-affirming journey that explores the deep and sometimes troubled bond between mothers and their children.This is a film about mothers and children, about love and beauty, about being lost and finding your way home.

To enter to win a double in-season movie pass to see “Blessed” in this week’s free competition, tell us in 25 words or less using the form below why you want to see this movie. The best answers will win. The competition closes next Thursday.

“Blessed” is released in Australia on September 10.

Competition terms and conditions

Fathers Day is nearly here again and the good news is you do not have to spend a fortune on a gift for dad. Here are some present ideas for under $50.

* Home Worx Toolkit: Most men are either fanatical handymen or fancy themselves as such. This 69-piece toolkit from BIG W will only set you back $44.97.

* AC/DC book: If you spent most of your teenage years being embarrassed by your dad’s tendency to play air guitar to AC/DC in front of you friends, he will love this book by Murray Englehart - $32.45 at Myer (save 35%).

* 60 Years of Holden: It’s un-Australian not to love Holden cars, and this DVD from Target proves why (1 disc, $24.99).

* NRL polo shirts: Yeah, I know AFL is more popular in Australia, but I’m still a rugby league girl. If your dad is an NRL man, get him a polo shirt for his favourite team for $35.99 from League Online.

* Horse Racing Australia: These days my dad is cashing his tickets at the big TAB in the sky, but this is what he would have been getting this year. What better way to celebrate the compulsive gambler in your life than with a magazine subscription to Horse Racing Australia.

Find more Fathers Day gifts under $50

By Caroline Warnes

And the winners are:

C. Carbonaro, 6157; C. Mirt, 5095; D. Reynolds, 2250.