Berlin  - Sony is sending a new 640 gram netbook into stores. The Vaio VGN-P11Z features power-saving LEDs, a high-resolution display, and measures only eight inches (1600 by 768 pixels).

The 24.5 x 12 centimetre casing contains a 60 GB hard drive as well as modules for UMTS and GPS. Sony has elected an Intel Atom CPU as its processor. Two gigabytes of RAM are included.

Hamburg  - Mac OS X's mail program sometimes stops showing all of the messages on launch. One potential cause of this is an extremely high number of e-mail messages in the inbox, particularly when that number reaches several thousand.

To solve the problem, copy the "mail" folder found in the Library section of the your private directory. Then open the original mail file and delete the "Envelope Index" found there.

Berlin  - Around 10 to 20 per cent of all computer users report aches and pains related to the use of the mouse.

"The repetition of stereotypical movements in particular can lead to chronic disorders," explains occupational psychologist Hardo Sorgatz from the Technical University of Darmstadt. Specialists often speak of repetitive stress injury (RSI) syndrome, known popularly as "mouse arm."

Hamburg  - Mini computers are often an alternative to traditional PCs, at least when it comes to standard tasks. Buyers of these devices are acquiring a full-value computer for an affordable price, concluded Computer Bild magazine in a test of eight models.

Mini PCs generally come with at least one DVD burner installed, and many also come with wireless LAN (WLAN) as well. While they generally contain very little space for expansion, it is nevertheless possible to upgrade the machines using external hard drives, TV cards, or WLAN antenna via the USB port.

Hanover  - Whether you prefer novels, poetry, academia or non-fiction, it's now easier than ever with book-on-demand services to track down that long sought-after book and finally get a copy.

These services allow any author access to a market by printing only pre-ordered samples of books. But, while it helps bring authors and readers into contact with each other, it does not guarantee a bestseller.

"Thanks to affordable digital printing systems, it can be profitable to print just one copy," said Tim Gerber of c't, a German computer magazine.

Hamburg  - Some years bring clusters of wildly creative new titles to fans of PC gaming. The year 2009 is not shaping up to be one of them, though. Game publishers instead appear to have hunkered down and hammered out continuations of successful titles from the past. That means we can look forward to a new edition of the settle-and-develop series Anno and a third episode in the Sims life simulation series.