Asus X555LA-XX290H

Finally, a budget Windows laptop actually worth buying

We rarely recommend very cheap Windows 8.1 laptops because they usually represent a false economy. Many previous bargain-basement models we’ve tested have been hamstrung by poor-quality construction, plodding performance, badly lit screens and unwieldy keyboards. Asus has bucked the trend with the X555LA - a no-frills laptop that costs just over £300 and puts other budget laptops from higher-profile rivals to shame.

Motorola Moto E 4G

A quality Android 4G phone for just £100

Motorola makes some great Android devices, but the original Moto E smartphone wasn’t one of them. It may have been cheap, but it was undermined by its poor responsiveness and performance. There was little point in choosing it over the slightly more expensive Moto G. That’s no longer the case with the new Moto E.

The most significant new feature (and the clue’s in the name) is the addition of 4G, making this the cheapest 4G Android phone we’ve tested. When we were connected to Vodafone’s 4G network in central London, the battery lasted a staggering 45 hours 50 minutes when used for web browsing, calls, taking photos and GPS. When playing videos continuously, battery life was equally impressive at 13 hours 18 minutes.

Talk of an exciting future for the Apple TV

Apple squares up to the cable networks

NEW SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE RUMORED FOR 2015

The Apple TV digital media player has always had a slightly curious place in the Cupertino giant's hardware range. There has been such a device since 2007, and it is presently in its third generation - albeit, a generation that has not seen a significant update for three years. The microconsole has also long been likened to a "hobby" by Apple executives, and yet, bigger plans seem to be afoot - including a subscription service and possible 4K content.

There has been talk of Apple TV taking on a bigger role within the company for many years now, but there had been few stirrings in terms of actual announcements until, at the firm's most recent March 9 keynote, a price drop from $99 to $69 was confirmed. As insignificant a move as it may seem in the grand scheme of things, it has simply been the trigger for further speculation about the future of this forgotten child of the Apple family of products.

Despite the Apple TV never being a strong seller, the firm has continued to support it, and indeed, the last few years have seen evidence that it will soon be going up in the world, considerable improvements having been made to its hardware and content. Buy an Apple TV now, and you can already use it to watch more than 40 different channels, including HBO GO and Netflix.

Ori and the Blind Forest

When a game lends itself to a high degree of artistry, one cannot help but wonder if ideas like game dynamics have been sacrificed to make way for a greater focus placed on aesthetics. It happens from time to time – a game that looks absolutely incredible, and is emotionally charged in terms of narrative, treats other important aspects as secondary. But this is not the case with Ori and the Blind Forest. Rather, this game with its rich mythology and incredible looks, is a game first and foremost.

Asus Transformerbook T300 Chi

Sometimes having to choose between one device or another simply doesn’t make you happy. For example, choosing between the more refined input systems and versatility of a notebook or the absolute ease and portability of a tablet isn’t something some people want to do. If you fall into that category, Asus’ has a solution for you in the form of the Transformerbook T300 Chi.

It’s not a new concept, really… it comes down to a tablet with an attachable keyboard. Or, from the other end of the scale, a notebook with a removable screen. Either way, it fills a “best of both worlds” gap and provides the end user with a machine that can be used in multiple ways.