FreshDevices... a few useful applications available for Windows ~ http://www.freshdevices.com/blog/

cool, but the software descriptions are a little lacking.

True, but I don't think the site is run by a native English speaker, I used Fresh Diagnose a while back when I was trying to figure out what the heck was going on with my previous HD... it seems capable of adequately benchmarking a drive...though it didn't figure out that the poor bastard was just ready to give up the ghost! 
I just came across it in my old bookmarks and thought it might be useful to someone.

Still good to know about these typeof links .....thnx Micke 

Thanks Nerio, more interesting still I've just noticed that Iconico has this piece of freeware available ~ http://www.iconico.com/locatePC/ ~ ideal if you take a laptop out and about.