budget

iFreeBudget provides an intuitive way to manage budgets and finances. With a smooth layout and helpful options, this is a great tool for keeping a tighter rein on pocketbooks.

We definitely don't consider ourselves financial geniuses, so we were pleased at how intuitive and natural this program's layout felt. An Account Management Wizard was all we needed to successfully set up our finances. That wizard gave us choices ranging from entering income, expenses, bill payment, and more. All were impressively simple to fill with data and were equally easy to view. The program broke down all aspects of … Read more

For years, the Korean brand Cowon has steadily churned out some of the best sounding, most format-friendly media players on the planet. And if the latest round of iPod and Zune coverage had you asking "Where's the XviD support for all my torrents of 'Rock of Love'?" then Cowon may have a new player that's perfect for you (actually, it already does).

The Korean version of Cowon's Web site is showing some teaser images and specs for a new media player called the iAudio 9. Presumably a radical makeover of the iAudio 7 (winner of … Read more

High-end audio can be expensive, but there are deals to be had.

Take a gander at EMP Tek's nifty Limited Edition System that goes for $595. It's a three-piece affair with a stereo tube integrated amplifier and a pair of sweet-looking bookshelf speakers.

Call me jaded, but I've heard a bunch of iPod speaker systems in that price range that sounded like glorified boom boxes. And since most of them are single-box systems they don't do much in the way of stereo separation. Yes, they make bass, but it's always bloated, thick, and boomy bass. Impressive to some at first, but its not what you'd call hi-fi sound. These iPod systems' power amp wattage is rarely specified or it's wildly exaggerated. For $600 you should be able to get a decent sounding system, and there's no such thing as a decent sounding iPod speaker for that kind of money.

The EMP Tek Limited Edition System is something else again. Its 40-watt-per-channel rating seems about right. Small enough to fit on a desktop, it's just 6.6 inches wide, 4.5 high, and 10.25 deep, and the amp has three inputs. Two are minijacks, so you can plug your iPod/MP3 player in, and there's a stereo RCA input you might use to pump the sound of your DVD or Blu-ray player through the system. The amp's two tubes are backlit with blue LEDs, which look extra cool. The amp weighs 8 pounds.… Read more

MSD Organizer offers to help manage day-to-day lives and much more. By offering a simple overall layout and some surprising options, this proves to be more than a fancy calendar.

We found the Outlook-style layout and detailed Help file discussing its commands to be a huge benefit to the interface and were able to quickly start working. We managed a few simple menus to populate a calendar with important dates and set reminder alarms, which again felt reminiscent of the Outlook calendar system. We were pleased when our alarm sounded and popped up on command, ensuring its accuracy. MSD mimicked … Read more

Made of particleboard and ABS plastic, the Lack rack comes in a variety of painted colors (and "birch effect"); it's 21.3 inches wide and deep, and 17.75 inches high. Ikea doesn't present the Lack as audio furniture; it's a side table, but audiophiles all over the world have used it to support their prized possessions. Build quality is surprisingly sturdy.

Granted, the Lack won't handle macho 100-pound high-end amplifiers, but it'll be just right for a CD player stacked on top of a cool running receiver or integrated amplifier. Or get … Read more

Sony had a major success with the launch of the S-Series Walkman in the fall of 2008. The company stepped up with a sleek and compact device that offered a bounty of useful features along with stellar sound quality and a fantastic battery life. As might be expected, when it came time for a second-gen model, we waited with bated breath, expecting something equally impressive or perhaps even somewhat improved.

Unfortunately, the exhalation of said breath has emerged as a disappointed sigh. Although the second-generation S-Series Walkman still offers top-notch audio and excellent rated battery life, Sony has hobbled the … Read more

Spryka Desktop Budget Lite provides users with a one-stop look at all their investments and accounts. With simple commands and great results, this is an excellent tool for those willing to put in the effort.

The program's interface feels instantly intuitive, thanks to large icons that clearly spell out their roles and helpful menus that walk users through the setup. There is a Help file available, but most will not need it until they are performing complex tasks down the road. Users will have an easy time getting started with this program. By selecting one of the large icons … Read more

Yes, it's true: I've managed to get my grubby little mitts on Sony's new E- and S-Series Walkman MP3 players. How, you ask? I will never share my secrets...NEVER! OK, dramatics aside, it has been an exciting end of the week here at CNET, and one of many reasons for that will become apparent to you next week, so make sure you keep an eye on MP3 Insider.

In the meantime, I have a little something to titillate you: hands-on photos of the new Walkmans (Walkmen?). Also, a bit of information for you. You've probably … Read more

The first thing you're likely to do upon obtaining a new MP3 player is load it up with all your favorite music. Once that's done, the next best step is to replace the shoddy earbuds that came packaged with it. Of course, not everyone wants to drop a wad of cash on a new pair of headphones, which is where sets like the JVC Marshmallow come in.

These comfy and colorful earphones have a suggested retail price of just $20 and often list for much less than that, and in addition to providing a more secure fit than … Read more