Gadgets: Mini PC TX2 mini-computer <br></br>Disgo data storage <br></br>Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop <br></br>Creative Labs SoundBlaster Extigy sound card <br></br>Logitech QuickCam Cordless

Want to upgrade your computer equipment? David Phelan tests the latest add-ons and the world's smallest PC

When it comes to upgrading your PC, there are two options: buy a new one, or add to the existing model to make it faster or more capable of the tasks you demand of it. The second option is cheaper, less wasteful, and easier than you think. And the latest batch of add-ons are stylish and fun. Or, if you must trade up, you can always downsize to a tinier machine than you thought possible:

Mini PC TX2 mini-computer £1,120

First of all, if you really must buy a new PC, then consider the Mini PC TX2 which will perform all the functions of a regular PC but will leave your desk free for anything you like. It measures 156mm x 146mm x 56mm but still manages to cram in a very fast processor (up to 1.3Ghz, which is fast, thank you), as much memory as you could possibly need (well, 256Mb anyway), a 30Gb hard drive and built-in speakers and modem. All this compactness costs money, but the Mini comes in at less than you might think. And in case you think this can't possibly include a CD drive too, it does, or even a DVD and CD-RW combination drive if you prefer. It weighs just over a kilogram. www.worldssmallestpc.com

Disgo data storage £30 (16Mb), £150 (256Mb)

There's no neater storage solution than a hard disk smaller than a highlighter pen. The Disgo is simply a little storage device which plugs into a USB socket. Why didn't anyone think of it before? It's the size of a keyring but comes in memory sizes from 16Mb (enough for a decent selection of documents and your latest Datebook appointment details) to 512Mb (high-resolution photographs, sales presentations, a smallish library or even games and videos). It's simple to use and extremely durable. It works at high-speed and without the need for complicated and space-grabbing programs and drivers. Use the MyKey application for a simple user interface making it a cinch to copy files to and from the unit by simply dragging and dropping. It's secure, with both password protection and data encryption but the real joy is just how dinky it is. Disgo 020-8962 2406 or visit www.mydisgo.com

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop keyboard and mouse £70

More wirecutting means that soon you'll be able to hear the radio waves criss-crossing your house. But on the plus side, the joys of a mouse without a cable to restrain it or get caught under the phone are significant enough to make you not want to go back to the traditional method. Additionally, the optical mouse means there's no ball inside to get unpleasantly gummed up with constant use, and no need for a mouse mat as the technology works by spotting the tiniest differences in the surface it's sliding across to calculate the movement onscreen. Microsoft resisted cordless technology for some time, convinced that it would not be fast or reliable enough to work well. Now, though, any problems have been ironed out. As a whole desktop system it works well and looks cool, and if you favour Bluetooth – the radio connection system which will link mobile phones to computers to printers to heaven-knows-what – Microsoft has also produced a similar version for £150. Microsoft 0870 6010100

Creative Labs SoundBlaster Extigy sound card £150

SoundBlaster audio cards have been making PCs sound good for years now, and although they've been reasonably simple to install, it's always meant opening the PC case and connecting wires in a way that feels scary at first, not least because of the amount of static floating about ready to destroy your sensitive electronic equipment. Now, though, the company's come up with its first external sound card, so digging around in the computer's innards is no longer required. An easy route, then, to multi-channel audio at high quality. It's good for getting the best out of MP3 music, DVDs and video games. It has a remote control and lots of connecting sockets and can make two channels of stereo seem like surround sound. www.europe.creative.com

Logitech QuickCam Cordless £180

The only thing that holds back the fun of a webcam is its cable. However long the wire is, it can't match the 25m range that the radio connection between camera and base unit manages here. At last, you can watch the neighbours in the back garden from the comfort of your front bedroom! Or at least make sure that if you're recording friends or family, you don't have to cram yourselves round the monitor to do it. The cordless camera will work happily for up to five hours before it needs recharging (I mean, just how long do you want to snoop for?) and although the image quality is far from Hollywood, it's reasonable. The radio transmitter has been cutely worked into the spaceship-like fin on the top of the camera and it even has the bonus of being laughably easy to set up in the first place. Extra wrinkles include the facility to make motion-sensor recordings, so you won't fill up your hard disk until things start moving, and time-lapse photography if you want to pretend you've got a bank security camera! Pricey, but highly desirable. Logitech 01753 870900