With the recent transition from analog to digital TV, AVerMedia's AVerTVHD Volar MAX USB tuner makes perfect sense for travelers or those without TVs, like dorm-room cramped students. The small device, about the size of a USB memory stick, lets you transform your laptop or netbook into a portable TV. With support for digital TV (ATSC) and unencrypted digital cable (Clear QAM), the Volar MAX picks up over-the-air programming and unencrypted digital cable channels without a set-top box. On top of streaming free digital content that's in HD, you can even record video in the H.264 format that's supported by popular portable devices like the iPod. If that isn't enough, the Volar Max lets you schedule recordings to meet your viewing schedule.
Price: About $60