Computer reviews here..

3RD Space Vest Lets you Feel Bullets in FPS Games

2007-11-03T13:29:00.000+05:30

A company called TN Games announced a new gaming peripherals at E for All this week in LA. This vest is the first peripherals of this sort that I have seen. The vest uses compressed air to allow you to feel the bullets, explosions, and touches in your games. Imagine feeling the bullets hit you in FEAR, or feeling a tap on your shoulder in a horror game. The vest is called the 3RD Space Vest and is set for availability on November 21 for a mere $189. From the looks of the images I have seen the vest looks like something Special Forces would wear. How exactly the vest connects to your computer isn’t mentioned, but I would suspect USB.

Systemax Venture S925 Budget Desktop PC

2007-11-02T10:39:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Systemax's Venture S925 budget desktop PC is based on an older architecture design that puts it at a bit of a disadvantage to newer systems. Sure, it's not as fast as the Core Duo's or Athlon processors, but it gets the job done for a reasonable price.

Pros

* Dedicated Graphics Card
* Relatively Inexpensive

Cons

* Older Pentium D Processor
* Lacks FireWire
* Slower Memory

Description

* Intel Pentium D 925 Dual Core Processor
* 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory
* 250GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 20x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* NVIDIA GeForce 7300LE Graphics Card with 256MB
* AC'97 Audio with Stereo Speakers
* 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0 Ports, 9-in-1 Media Card Reader
* Vista Home Premium

Guide Review - Systemax Venture S925 Budget Desktop PC

The Systemax Venture S925 is actually a fairly dated system. Rather than the newer Pentium Dual Core or Core Duo processors, it uses the Pentium D 925 dual core processor. Even most of the AMD Athlon 64 X2 processors are a better choice for performance than this. On the other hand, it should do just fine for most general and Internet applications. The one gigabyte of memory is typical for a budget system, but it is a somewhat slower PC2-4200 speed. This will let it run the Vista operating system OK, but with some slowdowns.

Storage wise, the Venture S925 is a mix. The 250GB hard drive is a bit smaller than the standard 300GB found in budget desktops. This is still a good amount of space for applications and digital media. The dual layer DVD burner is a bit faster than the standard 16x models used in most systems, but it isn't going to save much time when burning a CD or DVD.

The graphics are a bit of a surprise though. Most budget systems rely on integrated graphics processors that have very limited performance. The Systemax Venture S925 instead uses a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce 7300LE PCI-Express graphics cards. This does give it a bit of a benefit over integrated solutions as it doesn't use up system memory and has a bit better 3D performance. Don't expect too much though as this is a very low end graphics card and is not suitable for things such as 3D gaming.

All of this makes the Systemax hard to place. It generally falls slightly behind most budget desktop systems in terms of performance and storage, but it has the dedicated graphics. The nice part about it though is that it is generally less expensive than many other companies offerings.

Lenovo 3000 J200 Budget Desktop PC

2007-11-01T13:32:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Lenovo seems to have once again forgot the consumer oriented focus by producing the Lenovo 3000 J200 as more of a low cost business PC than as something to be used in a home. There is almost no reason this should be considered for a purpose outside of a business.

Pros

* Excellent Lenovo Product Support

Cons

* Small Hard Drive
* DVD Burner Not Standard
* Lacks FireWire

Description

* Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2140 Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 80GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 48x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
* Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
* HDA 7.1 Audio
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0 Ports
* Vista Business

Guide Review - Lenovo 3000 J200 Budget Desktop PC

When Lenovo purchased IBM, they kept the ThinkCentre for business systems and introduced the Lenovo 3000 J series desktops as a consumer alternative. The latest 3000 J200 models seem to have lost that focus.

The Lenovo 3000 J200 is powered by an Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2140 processor. This is a decent processor for a low cost system, but is a step below the Core 2 Duo models in terms of performance and efficiency. The one gigabyte of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory is typical of most budget desktop systems but it restricts the level of performance with the newer Vista operating system.

Storage is probably the weakest area of the Lenovo 3000 J200. It only comes with a paltry 80GB of hard drive space. This may be fine for a business desktop that deals just with productivity software, but it is tiny compared to the average 300GB of space from most other budget desktops. To make matters worse, Lenovo ships the system with a 48x CD-RW/DVD combo drive. Sure, it can playback DVDs, but cannot record to the format. The cost difference between a CD-RW/DVD drive and a full DVD burner is almost non-existent these days.

Graphics aren't that far off as every budget system tends to use an integrated graphics solution. The Lenovo 3000 J200 uses the Intel GMA 950. This is fine for standard 2D applications but lacks any performance for 3D and doesn't have the improved video playback features of the new X3100. A PCI-Express slot is available for an after market graphics card.

At least Lenovo has one of the highest rated support groups in the industry to back up this product. There is pretty much little reason for consumers to look at this system over much more powerful and feature packed desktops available on the market.

HP Pavilion a6200n Budget Desktop PC

2007-10-31T10:21:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
In terms of a budget desktop system, it is pretty hard to get something better than what the HP Pavilion a6200n offers. Sure, some might have more storage space, more memory or slightly faster processor, but for an all around desktop computer it is hard to top for the price.

Pros

* Strong AMD Dual Core Processor
* Two Full Gigabytes of Memory
* LightScribe Compatible Drive

Cons

* Lots of Trialware

Description

* AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Dual Core Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 360GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer With LightScribe
* NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE Integrated Graphics
* HDA 7.1 Audio
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0, Two FireWire, 15-in-1 Media Card Reader
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8, Roxio Creator, autoProducer, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - HP Pavilion a6200n Budget Desktop PC

The HP Pavilion a6200n doesn't really set itself apart in any particular area, but what it does is provide a complete overall package that is above average in just about every aspect. This makes the system a strong overall choice for those looking for a system that can do just about anything without breaking the bank.

Powering the Pavilion a6200n is the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ dual core processor. This is probably one of the highest rated Athlon processors found in this price segment and gives it very strong overall performance. This is matched up with two full gigabytes of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that provides it with a a very smooth experience even with the Vista operating system.

Storage is a bit above what most budget desktops offer. The 360GB hard drive is slightly larger than the average 320GB size, but its not really much of a difference. It still will provide plenty of hard drive space for applications and digital media files. The dual layer DVD burner handles all the playback and recording tasks of CDs and DVDs. One plus is that the drive also supports burning labels directly to LightScribe compatible media.

One thing that HP didn't skimp on with the Pavilion a6200n is the peripheral ports. Many companies are now not including FireWire ports with desktops. This is a shame because this is the easiest way to move video from a digital camcorder to the PC for editing. Thankfully, HP has included two such ports with the system.

There is a bit of a downside to the Pavilion a6200n though. HP has preinstalled a large amount of trailware onto the system. This causes the desktop to be a mess of icons and slows down the system from lots of unnecessary applications. Just be sure to delete those that you don't need to get a small performance boost.

Gateway GT5622 Retail Budget Desktop PC

2007-10-30T12:43:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Gateway's GT5622 is certainly a budget desktop computer system for anyone needing to use very memory intensive applications. The three gigabytes of system RAM clearly outpace most desktop systems and it doesn't sacrifice much in terms of features.

Pros

* Three Gigabytes Memory
* Larger Hard Drive

Cons

* Lacks a FireWire Port

Description

* Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2160 Processor
* 3GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 400GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 18x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
* HDA 7.1 Audio with Stereo Speakers
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0, 15-in-1 Media Card Reader
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8.5, Power2Go, McAfee Internet Security

Guide Review - Gateway GT5622 Retail Budget Desktop PC

Gateway has a pretty astonishing release for the budget market with the GT5622 system. It comes packed with a total of three gigabytes of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory. Most budget desktops still come with only a single gigabyte and a few now offer two. By having this much, the system rarely needs to rely on virtual memory when using the most memory intensive applications with the Vista operating system.

The processor choice for the Gateway GT5622 is not uncommon for a budget system. The Pentium Dual-Core E2160 is a competent one for the price range. It doesn't have quite the power of the new Core 2 Duo's or Athlon 64 X2s, but runs smoothly for most applications.

Storage is also quite surprising for the GT5622. Most budget desktops come with around a 300GB hard drive. The 400GB hard drive isn't a dramatically huge jump consider the terabyte drives available on the market, but it is still one of the largest you will see in a budget system. The dual layer DVD burner is standard and takes care of all playback and recording of CDs or DVDs.

The graphics system is a bit dated. Rather than using a newer chipset with the X3000 or X3100 integrated processor, it uses the much older Intel GMA 950 processor. Performance wise, it isn't that much further behind, but it does not feature much of the enhancements made to improve video playback ability. Of course, there is room for a PCI-Express graphics card for those needing better 3D support.

There is only one real major flaw with the Gateway GT5622, and its something that many budget desktops are doing as well. That is the lack of a FireWire port. This is the easiest way to move video from a digital camcorder to the PC. So it is an important thing for those wanting to do desktop video work.

OCZ ATV Turbo 4GB Flash Drive Review

2007-10-29T09:36:00.000+05:30

Features & Specifications

OCZ quotes read and write speeds for its OCZ ATV Turbo flash drive 33-35MB/s and 26-30MB/s respectively. The storage capacity for the drive is 4GB and it works with Windows and Mac computers. The rubber housing is shock and water-resistant and the drive has an orange LED on the back of the drive flashes when the drive is working. OCZ also covers the drive with a lifetime warranty.

Benchmarks & Testing

To test the OCZ ATV Turbo I used HD Tach, Sandra XII, transferred files to and from the drive while timing the operation. I also washed, and dried the drive with some laundry to see just how durable it was. The first test was Sandra XII’s removable storage benchmark. This test showed that the OCZ ATV Turbo had a drive index of 7740 ops/min and an endurance factor of 19.70. The Corsair Flash Survivor that I recently reviewed had a drive index of 9575 ops/min and an endurance rating of 16.4 for comparison.

The next test was HD Tach which showed the OCZ ATV Turbo had an average read speed of 27.9MB/s and an average write speed of 23.5MB/s. To compare the Corsair Flash Survivor had an average read speed of 23MB/s and an average write speed of 20.6MB/s. That makes the OCZ ATV Turbo quite a bit faster than the Corsair drive.

For the final test, I copied a folder with 944MB of data in it to the OCZ ATV Turbo and then copied the same folder from the OCZ ATV Turbo to the system drive and times the process with a stopwatch. Writing the folder to the OCZ ATV Turbo took 1-minute and 9-seconds, copying the folder from the OCZ ATV Turbo to the system drive took right at 41 seconds.

The OCZ ATV Turbo is certainly fast, but the drive promises shock and water resistance as well. To test the shock resistance I threw the drive onto concrete as hard as I could. The OCZ ATV Turbo worked without any issues after throwing it down repeatedly. To test the resistance to water, I ran the OCZ ATV Turbo through a full washer cycle in the pocket of my jeans. When the load was done, I found the cap had come off the OCZ ATV Turbo at some point in the wash cycle. I plugged the OCZ ATV Turbo into my computer expecting it to be ruined. However, the OCZ ATV Turbo performed flawlessly after its washing.

After the run through the washer, I put the drive back into the jeans for a dry cycle on high heat. Once again, when the load was dry, I found the cap to the OCZ ATV Turbo had come off at some point. Fortunately, the OCZ ATV Turbo still performed flawlessly. The cap covering the USB port comes off frequently in instances like this, which could lead to failure of the drive. My review sample survived without issue though, and most likely yours will too. Overall the OCZ ATV Turbo is the fastest flash drive I have tested to date and is durable enough to stand up to the rigors of the daily grind.

Webster's New World Dictionary on USB Drive

2007-10-28T10:10:00.001+05:30

At some point, everyone needs a dictionary for something, especially college students. What most of us in today’s high tech search based world don’t want to have to do, is thumb through old-fashioned paper pages looking for the definition we need. Centon Electronics has the alternative we need to a normal dictionary. Centon has the full Webster’s New World College Dictionary fourth edition available on a 4GB or 2GB flash drive. The software allows for automatic searches of the word you are looking for. A misspeller’s dictionary to help you find the word you need even if you can’t spell it. The price for the 4GB version is $64.99 with the 2GB version selling for $42.99.

Everex Impact GC3052 Budget Desktop PC

2007-10-27T13:57:00.001+05:30

The Bottom Line
The one thing really going for the Everex Impact GC3502 is its very low price. This is probably one of the least expensive desktop PCs available on the market. The addage of you get what you pay for is very evident here. The system has limited performance, storage and operating system. The Impact GC3502 should only be consider for those needing limited word porcessing or Internet access only in a PC.

Pros

* Very Inexpensive
* Low Power Consumption

Cons

* Extremely Limited Performance
* Small Hard Drive
* Limited Home Basic Operating System

Description

* VIA C7-D (1.5GHz) Processor
* 512MB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 80GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* VIA Chrome9 HC Integrated Graphics
* AC'97 Audio and Stereo Speakers
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0
* Vista Home Basic, OpenOffice 2.2, Cyberlink DVD, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - Everex Impact GC3052 Budget Desktop PC

The Everex Impact GC3502 is clearly one of the least expensive desktop available on the market today. And that's about the most that can be said for this system. In order to offer it for such a low price, lots of features and performance were removed.

Rather than an Intel or AMD processor, the Impact GC3502 relies on a little known VIA C7-D processor. Now, this is a very low power consumption processor that helps reduce energy consumption, but it also lags significantly behind even the AMD Sempron and Intel Celeron processors for performance. Add to this that it only comes with 512MB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory, and this system meets the bare minimum specs to run the Vista operating system.

Storage is drastically smaller than what one would find in a consumer desktop system. While most have roughly 300GB in storage space, the Impact GC3502 uses a very small 80GB drive. This will limit the amount of programs and digital media that can be stored on it. Thankfully, it does come with a dual layer DVD burner.

Graphics are pretty much passable for Windows and that's about it. The VIA Chrome9 HC integrated processor will eat up some of the precious system memory and has very limited features for 3D. Don't expect to replace this with a expansion card though as it isn't really possible.

Software on the system is a mixed bag. Everex has included the full OpenOffice 2.2 suite for word processing, spreadsheet and other productivity needs. Of course, this is a free application that anyone can readily download. On the other hand, it comes with the Basic version of Vista that limits what applications can be run.

The end result is a PC that is more functional as a basic word processor and Internet browser than a full fledged desktop PC.

eMachines T5234 Budget Desktop PC

2007-10-26T18:54:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
EMachines just isn't keeping up with the budget desktop market as it once did. The T5234 is somewhat underpowered compared to many others on the market, but at least it isn't lacking as many items as some other systems. The one thing going for it is its low cost that makes it a good choice for those on a tight budget.

Pros

* Relatively Inexpensive
* Includes Stereo Speakers

Cons

* Lower Rated AMD Processor
* Lacks FireWire

Description

* AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Dual Core Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 320GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE Integrated Graphics
* AC'97 Audio With Stereo Speakers
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0 Ports, 15-in-1 Media Reader
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8.5, Power2Go, McAfee Internet Security

Guide Review - eMachines T5234 Budget Desktop PC

AMD processors have become extremely popular with manufacturers for budget systems. EMachines was one of those companies that was using the AMD processors fairly early on, but they seem to be lagging behind in development now after their purchase from Gateway. Take the T5234 desktop. It comes supplied with a Athlon 64 X2 4000+ rated processor. This is a fine processor, but with the recent price wars many companies are using 5000+ or higher rated models now. This puts it at a disadvantage to other budget desktops. The 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory is normal, but it will restrict multitasking in the Vista OS.

Storage wise, the eMachines T5234 is pretty much average . The 320GB hard drive is sizable and can hold plenty of programs and digital media files. Of course, drive sizes are getting a bit larger but most people don't use up this much space. A dual layer DVD burner handles the tasks of playing back or recording CDs and DVDs.

Graphics are dated with the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE, but they are acceptable for standard 2D and light 3D work. Those wanting more for graphics can install a PCI-Express graphics card in the available slot. Be warned that the power supply is limited though and can't handle the high end cards.

Like many other budget desktop systems, eMachines has decided not to include a FireWire port on the system. This is a big flaw as it is the easiest method for transferring video from a digital camcorder to a PC.

The one big thing going for the eMachines T5234 is the price. The system is significantly lower than many other budget systems on the market. Thankfully it doesn't drop too many features in order to meet this price.

Dell Inspiron 531 Budget Desktop PC

2007-10-25T13:58:00.001+05:30

The Bottom Line
The versatility of the Dell Inspiron 531 is certainly one of its greatest aspect. The customized system can be selected with a setup that can match exactly what the consumer needs. The problem is that this customization requires much more effort by the consumer and can quickly escalate the price above consumers intended budgets.

Pros

* Includes 19" Dell Monitor
* Highly Customizable

Cons

* Many Features That Should Be Standard Are Not
* Price Can Quickly Exceed Budget Category

Description

* AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 320GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE Integrated Graphics
* Dell 19" SE198WFP LCD Monitor
* HDA 7.1 Audio
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet
* Eight USB 2.0 Ports
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8.5, McAfee Security Center

Guide Review - Dell Inspiron 531 Budget Desktop PC

The Inspiron 531 can come in a wide variety of configurations from budget all the way up to performance oriented. For this review, we are looking at a standard configuration that fits into an under $750 budget with a monitor.

The Inspiron 531 is based upon the AMD Athlon X2 line of processors compared to the 530 that uses Intel processors. This makes the 531 a better choice for those looking at a budget priced system than the 530. In this case, it comes with the Athlon 64 X2 5000+ dual core processor that provides it with strong performance, but not quite up to the Core 2 Duos. Dell puts in a standard 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that lets it run Vista OK, but it would be better to see it with 2GB for smoother performance.

Storage is average for a budget desktop. The 320GB hard drive provides it with a good amount of space for programs and digital media. Of course, larger drives are available, but they quickly add to the cost. A standard dual layer DVD burner handles playback and recording of DVDs and CDs.

One nice aspect of the Dell desktops is the inclusion of Dell's strong lineup of LCD monitors. For this setup, they include the 19” SE198WFP wide screen LCD. The graphics are driven by the NVIDIA GeForce 6150 integrated graphics that lack any real 3D performance for gaming, bit a PCI-Express graphics slot is available for upgrades.

One big problem with the Inspiron 531 though is the lack of many standard features such as a FireWire port or media card reader. These are standard on many desktop but require an extra cost for inclusion here. This may make customization nice but can quickly cause the price to get outside of a budget size.

Compaq Presario SR5262NX Budget Desktop PC

2007-10-24T14:47:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The Compaq Presario SR5262NX is pretty much the epitome of what one gets out of a budget system. It has about all the features one would expect but doesn't have much that really sets it apart from others in either a good or bad way. At least it should run smoothly with the two full gigabytes of memory.

Pros

* Two Full Gigabytes Of Memory
* LightScribe Drive For Labelling Compatible CD/DVD Media

Cons

* Has Lots Of Trialware Installed
* Lacks FireWire Port

Description

* Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2160 Desktop Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 300GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner with LightScribe
* Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
* HDA 7.1 Audio
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0, 15-in-1 Card Reader
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8, Roxio Creator Basic, autoProducer, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - Compaq Presario SR5262NX Budget Desktop PC
Much of the Compaq Presario SR5262NX desktop is what one would expect to find in a desktop PC these days. It doesn't use the newer Core 2 Duo processors but an older Pentium Dual-Core E2160 processor. It should be plenty for most individuals though. They do ship it with two gigabytes of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that is still not as common but becoming more so. This lets it run the Windows Vista operating system without much of a problem.

Storage wise, the system comes with a pretty average sized 300GB hard drive. This was once a lot of space, but now notebook drives are reaching these capacities and desktop models can reach the terabyte level. Still, it should provide lots of space for programs and digital files. It comes with the now industry standard dual layer DVD burner to handle playback and recording of DVDs and CDs. One nice benefit of the HP influence on the system is the inclusion of LightScribe on the drive that lets it burn labels directly onto compatible media.

Graphics are driven by an Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics processor. This is typical for a budget system and uses up some of the system memory to handle graphics tasks. It would be nice to see a newer GMA X3100 for improved video playback performance, but that isn't something that will reach the budget market for a while. There is a standard PCI-Express graphics slot for those looking to upgrade but be warned that the power supply probably cannot handle a higher end cards power requirements.

One other disappointing aspect of the Presario SR5262NX and many other budget desktops is the lack of a FireWire port. This prevents the system from interfacing with many digital camcorders on the market without adding a separate expansion card.

Acer AcerPower FH 4401 Budget Desktop PC

2007-10-23T14:22:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Acer's new AcerPower FH model of desktop computers are really designed as low cost business desktops, but it also could server double duty as a decent home desktop PC. It comes with a newer Core 2 Duo based processor over the more common Pentium Duo's or Athlon 64 X2s but sacrifices storage space and peripheral connections.

Pros

* Newer Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
* Two Full Gigabytes memory

Cons

* Relatively Smaller Hard Drive
* Lacks Many Peripheral Ports
* Limited Software

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* Two Gigabytes PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 160GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* Intel GMA 3000 Integrated Graphics
* HDA 7.1 Audio
* Gigabit Ethernet Interface
* Six USB 2.0 Ports
* Windows XP Professional

Guide Review - Acer AcerPower FH 4401 Budget Desktop PC

The AcerPower FH lineup of desktops is very clearly directed at businesses looking for a low cost desktop option. That doesn't mean that this can't make a very usable home desktop system. Some of the features are very clearly targeted at business use. Take the Windows XP Professional operating system over the newer Vista. This may actually be a bonus for many people who don't want to migrate to the new OS yet.

In terms of performance, the AcerPower FH 4401 has lots of it for the price. Rather than using older Pentium D or Duo models, Acer has elected to use a newer Core 2 Duo E4400 dual core processor. This gives it an edge on most available budget desktops. Combine this with two full gigabytes of memory and the Windows XP Professional operating system and it should have no trouble handling multitasking.

Storage does suffer a bit over a traditional consumer system. Most budget desktops have 300GB or more of hard drive space, but the AcerPower FH comes only with a 160GB drive. This is large for a business system but still quite low overall for the market segment. At least they included a dual layer DVD burner over the more traditional CD-RW/DVD combo drive found in business PCs.

While performance is quite good, the business nature means that many smaller peripheral interconnects are missing. The system has six USB 2.0 ports, but lacks any FireWire connector or a media card reader for digital peripherals. They also elected to not include a modem with the system even though they are not used as frequently as in the past.

What this ends up with is a system that is a good fit for those needing strong performance but don't require much in terms of storage space or peripheral connectivity.

XFX 8800 GTS 320MB Fatal1ty Graphics Card Review

2007-10-22T13:47:00.000+05:30

Features & Specifications

The XFX 8800 GTS 320MB Fatal1ty video card is the highest clocked 8800 GTS 320MB around with a core clock of 650MHz, a memory clock of 2.0GHz and a shader clock of 1500MHz. The card has 96 stream processors, 320MB of memory and is HDCP ready. Other features include TV out, RoHS, HDTV ready, SLI ready, Vista compatible and the card has dual DVI outputs.

Test Machine

Before we get to the benchmarks for the XFX 8800 GTS 320MB Fatal1ty video card we need to look at the specifications of the test machine I will be using:

* CPU- Intel QX6850
* Mainboard- XFX 680i
* PSU- PC Power and Cooling 1KW
* Display- Dell 30-inch
* OS- Windows XP Pro

Benchmarks & Testing

With the upgrade of the CPU in my test machine, I also took the opportunity to change the games I typically review with some newer titles. The XFX 8800 GTS 320MB Fatal1ty video card will be tested using 3DMark06, FEAR, and Bioshock. The first test up is 3DMark06.

3DMark06

I ran 3DMark06 at default settings in both the NVIDIA control panel and in the 3DMark06 application. The test results for the XFX 8800 GTS 320MB Fatal1ty video card were as follows:

* Total 3DMarks- 12717
* SM2.0- 5160
* HDR/SM3.0- 5014
* CPU- 5083
* Return to Proxycon- 42.387
* Firefly Forest- 43.620
* Canyon Flight- 46.006
* Deep Freeze- 54.280
* CPU1- 1.701
* CPU2- 2.430

To compare scores since the CPU upgrade is more difficult since the QX6850 outperforms the QX6700 in my previous test system and will skew the scores somewhat. Keep that in mind as you compare the numbers. The PNY 8800 Ultra OC card that I reviewed scored 13100 3DMarks, the ATI HD2900 XT scored11544 3DMarks, and the BFG 8800 Ultra OC scored 12966 3DMarks.

FEAR

The first gaming test up was FEAR, which is a game I have been testing with for a long time now. I used the FEAR in game test loop with all settings on max at a screen resolution of 2560 x 1600, 16x AF, and 4XAA. The test results were as follows:

* Min- 11 fps
* Avg- 21 fps
* Max- 63 fps

The percentages showed that 75% of the time frame rates were below 25 fps, 24% of the time frame rates were 25-40 fps and 1% of the time frame rates were greater than 40fps. I also decided to run the same test loop at the same settings save a change to 1920 x 1200 screen resolution. The in game test loop recorded the following data at these settings:

* Min- 19 fps
* Avg- 48 fps
* Max- 139 fps

The percentages showed that 5% of the time frame rates were below 25fps, 25% of the time frame rates were between 25 and 40 fps, and 70% of the time frame rates were greater than 40 fps.

Bioshock

The final game test for the XFX 8800 GTS 320MB Fatal1ty video card was with a new game called Bioshock. I used Fraps to record frame rate data while playing Bioshock at a screen resolution of 18920 x 1200 with shadow maps on, high detail post processing on, high detail shaders on, real time reflections on, and distortion on. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data:

* Min- 15 fps
* Avg- 60.310 fps
* Max- 216 fps

Final thoughts

In the end there is little doubt that the XFX 8800 GTS 320MB Fatal1ty video card is the best performing 8800 GTS 320MB graphics card you can buy. The card also came very near the levels of performance that you see on much more expensive graphics cards. If you are looking for a video card under $350 that can play most game titles maxed out at high resolutions under 2560 x 1600, the XFX 8800 GTS 320MB Fatal1ty video card is a fantastic buy.

Razer Announces Lycosa Gaming Keyboard

2007-10-21T13:20:00.000+05:30

Razer announced a new gaming keyboard this week that will be available in November for $79.99. The keyboard is called the Lycosa and unlike the Barracuda keyboard from Razer, the Lycosa will be fully backlit. Razer is also giving the option of only backlighting the WASD keys. The key tops are non-slip rubber and you can program up to 15 profiles including macros to the keyboard. Response time is optimized with a 1000Hz Ultrapolling rate. One USB port, a headphone out jack and a mic in jack are included as well and the wrist rest is removable.

Logitech AudioHub Review

2007-10-20T10:55:00.001+05:30

As a notebook user, I know that USB ports on most notebooks, especially if it’s a small notebook are lacking. Another thing that I don’t like on most notebooks is the poor speakers that don’t sound good. Logitech has a new product that takes care of both my notebook computer woes. The AudioHub is a 2.1 speaker system that uses a custom-tuned three-chamber system along with an integrated subwoofer.

One connection between the AudioHub and your notebook allows sound from your computer, music and movies to be heard through the AudioHub and provides connectivity for the three USB ports. The AudioHub isn’t USB bus powered and requires an AC adapter, which is a good thing in this case.

This means that the hub can support USB devices that draw higher power and full speed USB flash drives. The design of the AudioHub is very attractive and functional. The satellite speakers use a sliding design so you can position them directly to the side of most notebooks allowing for a more attractive look and keeping sound from being blocked by your notebook.

If you use a webcam with your notebook, the AudioHub includes a removable webcam stand that helps to get your webcam to a more comfortable level so you don’t have to look down at it while video chatting. The AudioHub is compatible with Mac OS X and higher as well as Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista. Power output is 15 watts total and the AudioHub has two two-inch tweeters and one three-inch woofer.

In use, the AudioHub sounds very good and offers impressive levels of bass with movies and music. The highs and mids are good and the bass is deep for such a small system. The volume knob is illuminated as well so you can see it in dark environments. The only problem I had with the AudioHub was that the two included USB cables weren’t exactly perfect.

The 2-foot cable was too short to reach the USB port on my MacBook, while the 4-foot one was too long, and I ended up with lots of extra cable lying on my desk. Overall, the AudioHub is a great device, fans of music and movies on their notebook will love the audio quality, and you gain two more USB ports, which is always welcome on a notebook.

Toshiba Satellite A215-S4747 Budget Laptop PC

2007-10-19T17:38:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Overall the Toshiba Satellite A215-S4747 is a very strong budget notebook computer system. Performance is quite good with a very large amount of storage space. Battery life could be improved and the power saving functions can be annoying but can be corrected.

Pros

* Extremely Large Hard Drive
* Lots of Peripheral Connection Options

Cons

* Power Options Can Cause Issues With Screen
* Battery Life A Bit Below Normal

Description

* AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 200GB 4200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) Display with AMD Radeon X1200 Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g Wireless
* Four USB 2.0, FireWire, ExpressCard/54 and 5-in-1 Card Reader
* 14.3" x 10.6" x 1.6" @ 6.3 lbs.
* Vista Home Premium, Works 8, Ulead Movie Factory

Guide Review - Toshiba Satellite A215-S4747 Budget Laptop PC

One of the first things that most people notice about the Toshiba Satellite A215-S4747 is the amount of storage space that it has. Most budget notebooks tend to include a fairly small 80GB hard drive in them. Toshiba has included an extremely large 200GB drive providing plenty of space for digital media files and programs. Of course, it also features the very standard dual layer DVD burner for playing back or recording of DVDs and CDs.

The system is based around the AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56 dual core mobile processor. While this isn't as fast as the newer Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processors, it does a respectable job at most general application tasks that users have. The 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory is about standard for this price segment and lets it run OK with Vista as long as not too many applications are open.

The Toshiba Satellite A215 notebook chassis also provides a lot of options for external peripherals. The system features a total of four USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port and the newer ExpressCard/54 slot. This is a good deal more than what many budget notebooks offer users.

This brings up probably the biggest issues with the Satellite A215-S4747 notebook. The battery life with all these features is a bit below average, but the power options are also set so that it can cause issues. Essentially the power options within Vista are set such that if the system is inactive for a short period of time (1 to 2 minutes), it will go into the sleep or hibernate modes. This can be annoying as it requires waking it up again, but it can be corrected by adjusting the power options to a longer period.

Sony VAIO VGN-NR160E/S Budget Laptop Computer System

2007-10-18T08:41:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Sony's VAIO NR160E/S is a surprising entry for the budget notebook segment. The system retains some of the features of more expensive VAIO notebooks such as its keyboard and even packs in good performance. The only real drawback is that it feels a bit cheap on the exterior compare to Sony's other notebooks and the competition.

Pros

* Lots of Hard Drive Space
* Very Good Keyboard

Cons

* Only Has Smaller ExpressCard/34 Slot
* Plastic Feel Is Bit Too Cheap Compared To Other VAIO Notebooks

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 160GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) Display with Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g Wireless
* Four USB 2.0, FireWire (iLink), ExpressCard/34 and 3-in-1 Media Reader
* 14.2" x 10.6" x 1.5" @ 6.2 lbs.
* Windows Vista Home Premium, MS Works, Click to DVD, Norton 360

Guide Review - Sony VAIO VGN-NR160E/S Budget Laptop Computer System

Sony's new VAIO NR160 is a very surprising entry from a company that makes primarily expensive systems. On a whole, they did a very good job with this new system. While the exterior has a bit too much of a plastic feel that isn't as nice as some other budget systems or even Sony's other models, it does offer a solid computing experience for the price.

The NR160 is based around the Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 dual core mobile processor. This provides it with a good level of performance without using too much power and is definitely a step up from older Intel or AMD's current mobile processors in terms of performance. It is matched up with a full gigabyte of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that lets it run the Vista Home Premium operating system alright, but with some slowdown with multiple applications.

The storage is one of the real bright spots on the Sony VAIO NR160. Most budget notebooks still feature a fairly small 80GB hard drive. Sony packs the system with a 160GB drive that doubles what most companies are offering. This problems extra space for all those digital media files or programs that one might have. The dual layer DVD burner can also handle the tasks of playing back or recording DVDs or CDs.

Sony is known for its strong LCD panels and the one in the NR160 is definitely very good. Color and contrast are above average for the price segment. It doesn't have the high resolution of its more expensive notebooks, but most people won't really notice or care.

It is nice to see that Sony is including features such as the new ExpressCard format into the NR160 notebook. It is just a shame that they decided to use the smaller 34mm rather than 54mm design. This will restrict the number of expansion card products that can be used with the system.

Lenovo ThinkPad R61 Budget Laptop Computer

2007-10-17T18:13:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Lenovo's ThinkPad R61 chassis brings a new level of sturdiness to low cost notebook's thanks to its new roll cage design. This is great for those looking for a reliable portable system, but the lack of other features standard to laptops in the same price range make it a less than stellar choice overall.

Pros

* New Sturdy Roll Cage Design
* Excellent ThinkPad Keyboard

Cons

* Only 512MB Memory
* Can't Burn DVDs
* No FireWire Port

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 512MB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 24x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
* 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) Display with Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11a/b/g Wireless
* Three USB 2.0, One Type II PC Card Slot
* 14.1" x 10.2" x 1.5" @ 6.4 lbs.
* Windows XP Professional

Guide Review - Lenovo ThinkPad R61 Budget Laptop Computer

10/16/07 – Lenovo has done a major overhaul of their ThinkPad line of notebooks and that made it all the way down to the R series. The R61 uses the new roll cage design chassis that improves the rigidity and reduces the amount of flex. This is a great bonus to an already superbly reliable platform originally developed by IBM.

The ThinkPad R61 has a fairly powerful Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 dual core mobile processor at the heart of it. This is an excellent processor for such a low cost setup. The problem is that Lenovo has decided to ship only 512MB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory with it. That amount works OK for limited application use with the older Windows XP Professional operating system, but it really needs at least a full gigabyte for those looking to use it more heavily.

Storage is a bit disappointing on the ThinkPad R61. The 80GB hard drive is about normal for such a low cost laptop computer system. Most notebooks come equipped standard with a dual layer DVD burner, but Lenovo has chosen to include a CD-RW/DVD combo burner instead. Sure, it can playback DVDs and burn CDs but that cuts out an important feature most consumers would like to have.

There are other minor gripes with the system design as well. For example, the system lacks a FireWire port that is useful for importing digital video from a camcorder or the use of the Type II PC card slot over the newer ExpressCard format.

Even with all of this issues, the Lenovo ThinkPad R61 still is a solid general purpose laptop computer system. With a few upgrades, it will definitely provide a low cost platform that will last for a longer time than most budget notebooks.

Lenovo 3000 N200 Budget Notebook PC

2007-10-16T18:00:00.001+05:30

The Bottom Line
Lenovo's 3000 N200 notebook has pretty much all the features one would expect to find in a low cost system plus a few others. The problem is that the system doesn't really set itself apart from other laptops on the market.
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Pros

* More Compact Design
* Integrated Fingerprint Scanner and Security

Cons

* Limited Software Bundle

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer DVD Burner
* 14.1" WXGA (1280x800) LCD with Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g Wireless
* Four USB 2.0, FireWire, ExpressCard/54, 4-in-1 Media Reader, Fingerprint Scanner
* 13.2" x 9.7" x 1.4" @ 5.8 lbs.
* Windows XP Professional

Guide Review - Lenovo 3000 N200 Budget Notebook PC

10/15/07 – Lenovo's 3000 N200 notebook doesn't look all that different from the previous N100 model. It has received a number of updates to its core but it still strives to be a solid all around budget notebook system. It is now powered by the newer Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 dual core mobile processors that give it a good amount of performance without using too much power. This matched with a full gigabyte of memory lets it run smoothly with its Windows XP Professional operating system.

Storage is pretty much what one can expect from a low cost notebook. The 80GB hard drive is usable but not as large as more expensive notebooks. It should do fine if you don't need too much storage space for digital media files. The dual layer DVD burner allows it to playback or record CD and DVD media. A 4-in-1 media card reader also is there for use with flash media cards.

One nice thing Lenovo did with the 3000 N200 has to do with the screen. The notebook comes in 15.4 and 14.1-inch sizes. Thankfully, they have two different chassis designs suited for each one. In the case of the 14.1-inch screen unit being reviewed, it is smaller than the traditional 15.4-inch notebook. Many companies tend to use the same 15.4-inch case but use the smaller screen with larger bezel.

The problem is that the Lenovo 3000 N200 just doesn't really set itself apart from other budget notebooks. Sure, it has all the base features but there isn't any standout items that really make it a must have or problems that make it one to avoid. It also lives in the shadow of the reliable and popular ThinkPad series of notebooks.

HP Pavilion dv6605us Budget Laptop Computer System

2007-10-15T14:41:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
HP's Pavilion dv6605us notebook is a low cost notebook that offers a very good set of features for those needing a solid general purpose computer. It may not be the fastest, cheapest or have the most storage, but it is good all around.

Pros

* Spacious Hard Drive
* Good Features For The Price

Cons

* Has Lots of Trialware
* Not As Quick As Core 2 Duo Notebook Offerings In Similar Price Range

Description

* AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-55 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 160GB 5400rpm SATA
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner With LightScribe
* 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) LCD And NVIDIA GeForce 7150 Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g Wireless
* Three USB 2.0, One FireWire, ExpressCard/54, 5-in-1 Media Card Reader
* 14.1" x 10.1" x 1.7" @ 6.2 lbs.
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works, Muvee AutoProducer, Roxio Creator Basic, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - HP Pavilion dv6605us Budget Laptop Computer System

HP has pretty much used the AMD line of notebook processors for the majority of their budget oriented notebook systems. This is true for the Pavilion dv6605us notebook that uses the AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-55 dual core mobile processor. It isn't as fast as the Intel Core 2 Duo processors that are making their way into lower cost notebooks, but it does perform well enough for most computing tasks. The 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory will let it run the Vista operating system alright as long as not too many applications are open at once.

Storage is one of the better aspects of the Pavilion dv6605us. Most low cost notebooks still use the 80GB hard drive sizes. HP has installed a 160GB drive into this notebook, doubling the size of an average budget laptop. This allows the user to fit more digital media files and programs onto the system. The included dual layer DVD burner also has the ability to burn labels directly to LightScibe compatible media. Rounding out all of this is the 5-in-1 media card reader.

Graphics in the budget notebook market are generally one of the last things that manufacturers tend to look at. The 15.4-inch LCD screen is pretty standard for most notebook computers. The included NVIDIA GeForce 7150M integrated graphics is a step up for 3D graphics over the common Intel graphics, but it still prevents pretty much any real 3D gaming.

HP unfortunately is like most of the companies and offsets the costs of budget computers and installs a large amount of trailware applications. These tend to slow the system down a good deal which is a nuisance for most computer buyers. It would be nice to see them remove many of them to make the Pavilion dv6605us an even better laptop.

Gateway M-6823 Retail Budget Notebook PC

2007-10-14T17:51:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Gateway's M-6823 is an outstanding budget notebook system with some incredible features. The extremely large hard drive dwarfs the capacity of most competing notebooks and provides plenty of space for media files. It falls short from being perfect though due to some minor but key features.

Pros

* Very Large Storage Capacity
* Built-In Webcam

Cons

* Lacks FireWire
* Labelflash Media Difficult To Find

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 250GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner With LabelFlash
* 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) LCD with Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics and 1.3Megapixel Webcam
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g Wireless
* Three USB 2.0, ExpressCard/54, 5-in-1 Media Card Reader
* 14" x 10" x 1.5" @ 6.3 lbs.
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works, Cyberlink Power 2 Go, McAfee Internet Security

Guide Review - Gateway M-6823 Retail Budget Notebook PC

10/13/07 – The Gateway M-6823 retail notebook has a lot to offer for its price. Most notable of these features is the storage. Most budget notebooks tend to come with 80GB hard drives, but Gateway managed to put a 250GB drive into the M-6823. This provides three times the storage of a budget notebook and lets it have space for even large media files. The Labelflash compatible dual layber DVD burner is also a nice addition, but the media is extremely hard to find especially compared to the more common LightScribe labelling system.

Powering the Gateway M-6823 is the Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 dual core mobile processor. This is a good mix between performance and power usage that is becoming more common in budget systems. It is matched up with a full gigabyte of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that lets it run Vista alright as long as there aren't too many applications open.

The 15.4-inch widescreen LCD display is the most common size for a budget system and does a good job. The newer Intel GMA X3100 graphics do help improve video playback on the screen and does 2D graphics just fine, but like most integrated graphics lacks any performance for 3D applications. Gateway has even included a 1.3 megapixel webcam into the bezel of the display.

All of these features add up to an extremely spectacular system, but it is marred by one major flaw. With all of these great items, Gateway failed to include a FireWire port into the system. This prevents anyone with a digital camcorder with FireWire from easily importing the video into the notebook. So if that's an important feature, you will want to look at other alternatives sadly.

Everex StepNote VA2001T Budget Notebook PC

2007-10-13T14:46:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The Everex StepNote VA2001T is certainly a very affordable notebook computer system with fairly average setup. It does have the advantage of a higher than average resolution for its 15.4" display, but the lack of expansion ports and the Vista Basic operating system really limit what one can do with this laptop.

Pros

* Inexpensive
* Higher Resolution Display

Cons

* Only Uses Vista Home Basic Operating System
* Lacks FireWire Port And Card Expansion Slot

Description

* Intel Pentium Dual Core T2080 Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 15.4" WXGA+ (1440x900) LCD Display and VIA Chrome9 Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11b/g
* Three USB 2.0
* 14.1" x 10.7" x 1.5" @ 5.3 lbs.
* Vista Home Basic, Cyberlink DVD, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - Everex StepNote VA2001T Budget Notebook PC

10/12/07 – At first glance, the Everex StepNote VA2001T looks like a really strong budget notebook. The problem is that it lacks a number of key features that actually put it behind most other budget notebooks.

Powering the Everex StepNote VA2001T is the Intel Pentium Dual Core T2080 mobile processor. This is an older processor design that was common is budget notebooks, but many companies are moving to more power and efficient Core 2 Duo models. This puts the system behind most budget notebooks in terms of performance. The 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory is average and should let it use the Vista OS alright.

Storage is pretty much what you would expect for notebooks in this price range. The 80GB hard drive isn't large but meets the needs for most consumers. It also comes with a dual layer DVD burner for playing or recording DVDs and CDs.

One area that looks good is the StepNote's VA2001T display. Most 15.4” notebooks tend to have a 1280x800 resolution. Everex has managed to put a 1440x900 display that gives it more graphical workspace. The problem though is that they have linked this display up with the VIA Chrome9 integrated graphics. This is fine for 2D displays, but lacks any real 3D graphics performance or even features to improve video playback.

The big problem though is the lack of peripheral ports. The VA2001T lacks any FireWire, Type II PC Card or ExpressCard slots. This limits it to just a few USB peripherals. It also doesn't come with any form of media card reader.

All of this plus the Vista Home Basic software means that it really is only fit for a purpose looking for a low cost general purpose computer. After all, there are other laptops with more features for just a little more money.

Dell Inspiron 1520 Budget Notebook PC

2007-10-12T16:08:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Dell's Inspiron 1520 notebook will appeal to those looking for a stylish and customizable notebook computer on the cheap, but the overall base features and price put it a bit behind much of the competition. Dell has also had some issues with quality control with some of the system cases due to the color process.

Pros

* Avialable in Eight Different Colors
* Strong Dual Core Mobile Processor
* Customizable

Cons

* DVD Burner Is Not Standard On Budget Models
* Quality Control Issues

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2
* 80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 24x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
* 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) LCD Display with Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g Wireless
* Four USB 2.0, One FireWire, ExpressCard/54, 8-in-1 Media Reader
* 14.1" x 10.6" x 1.7" @ 6.4 lbs.
* Windows Vista Home Premium, MS Works

Guide Review - Dell Inspiron 1520 Budget Notebook PC

One of the key features of Dell's new notebook lineup including the Inspiron 1520 is the choice of colors. For an extra $50, users can select from one of seven colors other than the basic black. The drawback is that some colors may cause delays in shipping and some colors have had reports of issues with the exterior cases by users.

One of the bright spots of the Inspiron 1520 is the processor. Dell has decided to use the Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 for the majority of its budget range. This is a solid dual core processor that provides excellent performance for the cost. Users who want to pay more can upgrade to the new T7000 series processors but it will greatly increase costs. It is matched up with 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that is average for this segment and will let it run Vista.

Storage is where the Inspiron 1520 needs some help though. Dell insists on using the 24x CD-RW/DVD combo drives with the base budget models rather than using a more common dual layer DVD burner standard. The cost difference between the two is negligible. The 80GB hard drive space is about average for this price segment though.

Dell has used the newer Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics processor for the 1520. This is definitely an improvement for video playback functions, but it still lacks any form of 3D punch for gaming. Of course, 3D gaming is something that no budget notebook will really be able to deal with.

Overall, the Dell Inspiron 1520 isn't really that radical of the notebook system. The color options and customization is nice, but the selection for base components puts too much effort by the user to get a system that is comparable to others available on the market.

Compaq Presario V6620US Budget Notebook PC

2007-10-11T17:35:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The Compaq Presario V6620US is a near identical twin to HP's Pavilion dv6600 series of notebook computers. Even though it has a different brand name on it, the V6620US is a solid budget notebook offering that makes for an excellent general purpose notebook computer system.

Pros

* Lots of Hard Drive Space
* Strong Offering For the Price

Cons

* Not As Quick As Newer Intel Core 2 Duo Budget Processors
* Has Lots of Trialware Installed

Description

* AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core TK-55 Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 160GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner with LightScribe
* 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) LCD with NVIDIA GeForce 7150M Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g Wireless
* Three USB 2.0, One FireWire, ExpressCard/54, 5-in-1 Media Reader
* 14.1" x 10.1" x 1.6" @ 5.7 lbs.
* Vista Home Premium, Works, AutoProducer Basic, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - Compaq Presario V6620US Budget Notebook PC

Compaq's new Presario V6600 line of notebooks is essentially identical to the HP Pavilion dv6600 line of notebook PCs. This is useful to know as consumers can pretty much look at either of the two models and be getting the exact same system.

Powering the Presario V6620US notebook computer is the AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-55 dual core mobile processor. This is a fairly strong offering from AMD that will work well for most computing tasks, but it isn't as energy efficient or powerful as the newer Intel Core 2 Duo processors starting to make it into the lower cost notebooks. The one gigabyte of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory is average for the market segment and lets it run Vista Home Premium alright, but don't expect to be multi tasking much without upgrading.

Storage is very strong for the budget oriented Presario V6620US. The system ships with a very large 160GB hard drive that is double the size of most notebooks in this price category. That gives plenty of room for storing digital media files that can quickly eat up space on a notebook computer. The DVD burner also supports LightScribe media for burning labels directly to the media.

The graphics and display for the Presario V6620US is common for the budget market. It uses the GeForce 7150M integrated graphics that severely limit its 3D capabilities, but is perfectly fine for other computing tasks.

All in all, the Presario V620US is a solid budget notebook offering that has a lot to offer for its price. This is definitely a system to put on the short list, and if you can't find the Presario, remember that the Pavilion dv6600 models are nearly identical.

ASUS F5R Budget Notebook Computer System

2007-10-10T14:05:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The ASUS F5R is marketed as being an "affordable" notebook computer, but its cost is on the higher end of the budget segment. Add to this the bare minimum memory, the Vista Basic operating system and the ASUS F5R just doesn't cut it in such a competitive market segment. There are better options available for an equal or even lesser amount.

Pros

* Includes 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
* Bluetooth Built-In

Cons

* Only 512MB Of Memory
* No FireWire Port
* Vista Home Basic Operating System

Description

* Intel Pentium Dual Core T2080 Mobile Processor
* 512MB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) LCD with Radeon Xpress 1100 Integrated Graphics
* 1.3Megapixel Webcam
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g Wireless and Bluetooth
* Four USB 2.0, ExpressCard/54, 5-in-1 Media Card Reader
* 14.2" x 10.3" x 1.4" @ 5.8 lbs.
* Vista Home Basic

Guide Review - ASUS F5R Budget Notebook Computer System

10/9/07 – The ASUS F5R offers some unique features for a low cost laptop computer system. For one, it features a 1.3 megapixel web camera built into the LCD display bezel. It also packs into it a Bluetooth transceiver into the system that lets it communicate with various peripherals. This certainly makes it more useful for the business traveler than the system is geared towards, but there are a number of problems.

Powering the ASUS F5R is the Intel Pentium Dual Core T2080 mobile processor. This is bit of an odd selection as more and more budget oriented laptops are featuring the full Core 2 Duo processors that even support 64-bit software. The big issue though is the 512MB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory with it. This is half what the average budget notebook comes equipped with and is the bare minimum for running even the Vista Basic operating system. Don't expect much in terms of performance from this with some significant upgrades.

Storage isn't as bleak for the ASUS F5R but it isn't something that sets it apart for other budget notebooks. It comes equipped with an 80GB hard drive that is an average size and a dual layer DVD burner. It also has the requisite 5-in-1 media card reader found on most notebooks on the market.

Connectivity is a bit of hit and miss. The system does feature Bluetooth and mentioned above along with the usual fast Ethernet, modem and 802.11b/g wireless. It also comes equipped with the newer ExpressCard/54 expansion slot. With all of this, it fails to include a fairly standard FireWire port for use with digital camcorders.

Acer Aspire AS5050-5954 Budget Notebook Computer System

2007-10-09T15:30:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Acer's Aspire 5050 laptop is a fairly standard budget notebook offering on the market. It does provide a smaller and lighter profile than the average, but its performance and features are pretty much middle of the road. By not updating the platform with some newer features though, costs are low making it a more affordable laptop option.

Pros

* More Compact Design
* Generally Less Expensive Than Similarly Equipped Notebooks

Cons

* Lacks FireWire Port
* Uses Older PC Card Slot Vs. Newer ExpressCard Slot

Description

* AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-53 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 14.1" WXGA (1280x800) LCD Display and Radeon Xpress 1100 Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11b/g Wireless
* Three USB 2.0, Type II PC Card, 5-in-1 Media Card Reader
* 13.4" x 9.9" x 1.4" @ 5.3 lbs.
* Vista Home Premium, PowerDVD, CD-Maker, Norton Anti-Virus

Guide Review - Acer Aspire AS5050-5954 Budget Notebook Computer System

10/8/07 – Most budget notebooks tend to be either 15.4 or 17-inch models. Acer's Aspire 5050 uses a more compact 14.1-inch screen that gives it a more portable size and weight. This makes the system a good selection for someone who wants a low cost system that they will be traveling frequently with.

In terms of performance and features, the Aspire 5050 falls in the middle of the pack for budget laptops. It is based around the AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-53 dual core mobile processor. This is a bit slower than the more common TK-55 processor model, but the difference is not noticed by most people. The 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory is standard and should let the Vista Home Premium operating system run alright as long as there aren't too many applications open.

Storage is a bit better than average. Most budget notebooks tend to use 80GB hard drives. Acer installed a 120GB 5400rpm drive into the Aspire 5050 that provides it with 50% more storage than the average budget laptop. A standard dual layer DVD burner is also included that lets it playback or record CDs and DVDs.

If there is one area that the Aspire 5050 really needs improvement, it is in the connectivity. The system has three USB ports, but fails to include any FireWire ports. This means that system can't easily connect to most digital camcorders. It also uses the older Type II PC Card slot rather than the newer ExpressCard for expansion.

The upside to all of this is that the Acer Aspire 5050 tends to have a price below many newer budget systems on the market, making it a decent choice for those on a tight budget.

RiData 16GB 1.8-inch Solid State Flash Drive

2007-10-08T15:47:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The RiData 16GB solid state flash drive is a welcome addition to the notebook storage market, but it will have limited appeal. It certainly will benefit systems by extended battery life with its low power consumption and quick file access, but the limited space and high cost will certainly detract many from using such a drive.

Pros

* Very Low Power Usage
* Extremely Fast Access Times
* Durable Design Due to Lack of Moving Parts

Cons

* Very Expensive
* Limited Storage Space
* Average Sustained Transfer Rates

Description

* 16 Gigabytes Storage Capacity
* 1.8-inch Notebook Form Factor
* IDE/ATA-6 Ultra DMA 5 Interface
* 40MB/s Read, 35MB/s Write Performance
* .5W Power Consumption

Guide Review - RiData 16GB 1.8-inch Solid State Flash Drive

The RiData 16GB SSD flash drive is the first such product from RiTek. The 1.8-inch drive uses the ATA-6 interface that allows it to be a drop in replacement for notebooks that uses the standard drive size.

First off, the 16GB of storage space of the RiData drive is very limited. The average install size for Windows XP can range from three to four gigabytes in size. This may be why many notebook companies are looking to use solid state as primary storage and having a secondary hard drive unit.

One of the big draws to solid state drives is their extremely fast access times. In fact, during testing of the RiData 16GB SSD, the flash drive was roughly ten times faster at accessing data on the drive. This can greatly improve performance for tasks that require frequent data access. The interface speed is limited to 40MB/s though, and this means that sustained transfer rates are not really any better than a normal hard drive. Many ask me if this will speed up a cold boot of Windows, and the answer is yes, but not by very much.

The real major advantage of the RiData 16GB SSD drive is power consumption. The average notebook hard drive draws roughly a half watt of power when idle and up to three or more when fully running. The solid state drive on the other hand consumes less than a half watt of power regardless of its active or idle state. This can greatly extend the battery life of a notebook system, something extremely important for ultraportable notebooks that have limited space for batteries.

Of course, the cost of solid state drives is still quite high, and that is no different for the RiData drive. This is really a drive for those willing to sacrifice space and cost for battery life.

Shuttle XPC G2 3200B Small Form Factor Desktop PC

2007-10-07T14:23:00.001+05:30

The Bottom Line
On the whole, the Shuttle XPC G2 3200B provides a solid small space desktop computer experience, it just doesn't really offer much new in the platform and isn't as competitive as it should be with pricing.

Pros

* Full Desktop Components
* Space For PCI-Express Graphics Card

Cons

* Relatively Expensive

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 250GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 20x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
* Gigabit Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0, Two Firewire, 22-in-1 Card Reader
* 11.8" x 7.9" x 7.3"
* Vista Business, MS Works

Guide Review - Shuttle XPC G2 3200B Small Form Factor Desktop PC

Shuttle's XPC G2 3200B is designed as a small space business platform. There are other models that are available for consumers as well, but in general they tend to be a bit more expensive than regular sized desktops. The G2 3200B has a wide variety of configurations available as they are all custom built to order based upon Shuttle's XPC barebones kits.

In terms of performance, the XPC G2 3200B does performance quite well thanks to it use of all desktop components. The Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 however is a budget oriented dual core desktop processor. This is perfectly fine for general purpose computing, but a bit anemic for more processor intensive tasks such as digital video or PC gaming. At least it includes two full gigabytes of PC2-5300 DDR2 that lets it run smoothly even with the Vista operating system.

Storage is quite good for the XPC G2 3200B. The 250GB desktop sized hard drive is about average for what consumers will see in a desktop system. There is a 22-in-1 card reader that fills up the second available 3.5” hard drive bay. This can be removed and replaced with a second hard drive for those needed more storage. A speedy 20x rated dual layer DVD burner is included for optical storage.

One of the nice things about the Shuttle XPC line of computers is their graphics. While the XPC G2 3200B comes with the standard Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics, it does have space for a standard desktop sized PCI-Express graphics cards. This is especially a bonus over the slim desktop system designs that force users to find half-height graphics cards that are very limited in selection. The case still does have its limits and many of the newer high end graphics cards can't be used due to power and space restraints.

Polywell MiniBox 965Qx Small Form Desktop PC

2007-10-06T13:24:00.001+05:30

The Bottom Line
Polywell's MiniBox 965Qx provies a solid all around computing experience. With its standard desktop components, it provides plenty of performance in a relatively small package. It is also customizable for those that may not need two LCD monitors or what to switch around features.

Pros

* Dedicated 3D Graphics Card
* Plenty of Hard Drive Space
* Twin LCD Monitors

Cons

* No Software Included
* Above Average Price

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* Two 250GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drives
* Sony 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer DVD Burner
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT Graphics Card with 256MB Memory
* Twin 19" (1280x1024) LCD Monitors
* Gigabit Ethernet
* Eight USB 2.0, Two FireWire, 9-in-1 Memory Card Reader
* 14" x 9" x 11"
* Vista Home Premium

Guide Review - Polywell MiniBox 965Qx Small Form Desktop PC
Polywell's MiniBox 965Qx desktop uses their traditional cube style case and replaces the older AMD based system with the more current Intel Core 2 architecture. It doesn't use the latest chipset, but does provide support for many of the desktop processor models. Powering the base configuration is the E6320 dual core processor that provides it with plenty of power. It is matched up with two full gigabytes of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory to let ot run smoothly even with Vista.

The MiniBox cube design allows it to have space for a number of full sized desktop components and this really benefits the storage space. Polywell even packs in two 250GB desktop hard drives to provide it with a surprising 500GB of total storage space. It also provides a 16x dual layer DVD burner from Sony that is definitely a step up from notebook style burners in many small form factors. This gives the MiniBox a clear edge in storage or most mini PCs.

In addition to the storage space, Polywell packs in a lot of graphics features into its 965Qx. The system can fit a standard PCI-Express graphics card. In fact, they have included a NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT Direct X 10 compatible graphics card in the system. It isn't the fastest card out there, but is sufficient for most needs and casual PC gaming. The main reason for this though is to drive the two 19” LCD monitors that come with it. This dual monitor setup can be useful, but one can downgrade to a single monitor setup if needed.

All of this does come at a bit of a price step over many other small PCs. Most mini and slim PCs cost less, but don't have as many features. Of course, Polywell generally does not include any software packages installed on their PCs beyond the base operating system.

Lenovo ThinkCentre A61e Small Desktop Personal Computer

2007-10-05T15:36:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Lenovo's ThinkCentre A61e is a new generation of small business desktop that delivers good performance on extremely low power consumption. This makes it a strong chocie for those looking for an energy efficient machine, but the features make it only an average overall system.

Pros

* Very Low Power Consumption
* Relatively Low Cost

Cons

* Lacks FireWire Port
* Limited Expansion Choices

Description

* AMD Athlon X2 BE-2350 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 160GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* ATI Radeon X1200 Integrated Graphics
* Gigabit Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0 Ports
* 10.8" x 9.5" x 3.2"
* Vista Business, ThinkVantage Suite, RecordNow!, WinDVD

Guide Review - Lenovo ThinkCentre A61e Small Desktop Personal Computer

10/1/07 – One of the big selling features of the ThinkCentre A61e small desktop system by Lenovo is its power usage. Their advertising claims that it can conceivably run off solar power. While this may be possible in some areas under the right conditions, I doubt that it would really be possible. So, how does this system use so little power? It comes down to their choice in processor.

The ThinkCentre A61e uses the newer AMD Athlon X2 BE-2350 dual core processor. This is a new core design that was based off the older Athlon 64 X2 cores but uses a smaller die size and lower voltages. This lets it perform quite well without using too much power. The drawback to this processor however is its performance. It does not quite meet up to the performance levels of the higher rated AMD desktop cores currently available. Still it does perform quite well at general purpose applications such as those used in a business system.

Even though the ThinkCenter A61e is really aimed at business looking to reduce their power conumptions, they have finally updated their business line of computers. Previously they would always include a CD-RW combo drive, but they break that traditional by including a dual layer DVD burner. This makes it much more attractive to general consumers. Admittedly, the 160GB hard drive is a bit small for a consumer system.

The biggest drawback to the ThinkCentre A61e though is its expansion capabilities. The system does have six USB 2.0 ports, but it lacks FireWire used by many camcorders for digital video. The half-height card slots also limit what cards can be installed.

HP w2207 22-inch Widescreen LCD Display Review

2007-09-30T13:11:00.000+05:30

Features & Specifications

The HP w2207 22-inch Widescreen LCD Display has a 1680 x 1050 native resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate. The typical contrast is 1000:1 with up to 300 nits of brightness. The gray-to-gray response time is 5ms and the display has integrated speakers on the rear. Input options include VGA and DVI-D with HDCP capability for protected high definition movie formats. HP includes both a VGA and a DVI cable with the monitor.

The screen is glossy and uses HP’s BriteView technology to enhance the clarity and color of images on screen. On the rear of the display is a pair of USB ports for connecting other peripherals. The display measures in at 18.9 x 20.5 x 11.3 inches and weighs 19.8 pounds unpacked.

HP w2207 in Use

After extracting the HP w2207 22-inch Widescreen LCD Display from the package and connecting it to my PC via DVI I fired up Underworld Evolution to test the image quality for movie watching. The display performed very well with nice sharp colors that were natural and lifelike. Black levels were good and pixilation in gray transition areas was minimal.

The integrated rear speakers are decent enough for integrated speakers. Mids and highs sounded good, but bass was lacking. The speakers are mounted on the back of the display so they don’t mar the attractive look of the front of the display and the speakers have 2W x 2 of power.

HP made it very easy to rotate the screen from landscape to portrait mode by simply gripping the sides of the HP w2207 22-inch Widescreen LCD Display and turning the display. The content on screen automatically adjusts to the orientation change with included software.

The stand for the HP w2207 22-inch Widescreen LCD Display only has adjustment for height and tilt. The stand can raise the display by about 4-inches. This was plenty of height for me at 5’ 10”, but if you are taller than I am you may well find you need to look down at the display. The base of the display stand is flat and designed to allow you to stow your keyboard under the monitor to clear off your desk.

I also played Bioshock on the display and found that the screens response time is more than adequate for PC gaming. I noticed no ghosting or smearing of on screen images during my game play. Users looking for a display for normal computer work will like the fact that the 22-inch screen offers enough screen real estate to get tow documents on screen at once. In all at an MSRP of $360 the HP w2207 22-inch Widescreen LCD Display performs very well. Taller users may find they need to invest in a display shelf to raise the monitor up to more comfortable levels.

IronKey Launches Secure USB Flash Drive for Enterprises and the Military

2007-09-29T13:00:00.000+05:30

IronKey Inc., a provider of secure portable computing products and Internet security services, announced today the launch and availability of the IronKey: Enterprise Special Edition, a secure flash drive designed for use on sensitive government, military and enterprise networks.

"We have been working closely with numerous enterprises and government agencies to develop an IronKey that retained the military-grade hardware encryption and nearly indestructible design of the original IronKey, but that can be easily deployed in extremely sensitive and restrictive network environments," said David Jevans, CEO of IronKey and Chairman of the Anti-Phishing Working Group. "And that is what the IronKey: Enterprise Special Edition is, a device designed to protect the most critical data assets of our government, military and enterprise customers."

The IronKey: Enterprise Special Edition, like all of IronKey's product family, has been designed to be the world's most secure USB flash drive, using onboard hardware encryption to protect the gigabytes of files that can be stored on the device. No software or drivers need to be installed on your computer to use an IronKey. A password is used to unlock your IronKey, and this is verified in hardware. If an IronKey is lost or stolen, attempts to unlock or tamper with the IronKey will trigger a self-destruct sequence, ensuring data is kept confidential.

Designed For Government, Military & Enterprise Networks

Designed for use on sensitive networks, the IronKey: Enterprise Special Edition automatically performs dynamic drive mapping to function seamlessly in enterprise environments with network-mapped drives. It does not include Firefox, Secure Sessions, Secure Updates or the IronKey Password Manager that ship with the consumer version of the device, making it ideal for military, government and enterprise deployments where there are strict requirements about use of browsers and networking connections.

IronKeys can easily satisfy most organizations' network management policies and interoperate with enterprise management and endpoint security products from the industry's leading providers and the IronKey Enterprise Security Alliance. The IronKey Enterprise Security Alliance is a partnering program that brings together vendors from different parts of the security and portable computing infrastructure to help create new highly secure enterprise and government solutions that can work across a variety of computing platforms including Windows, MAC, and Linux.

The IronKey: Enterprise Special Edition features include:

* Hardware-Encrypted USB Flash Drive: With its strong hardware AES cryptography and authentication, there is no need to install additional hardware, software or drivers.
* No Administrator Privileges Needed: Unlike many other encryption products, the IronKey does not require Administrator privileges on Windows XP or Vista.
* Designed for Enterprise Networks: The IronKey performs dynamic drive letter mapping for use in enterprise environments with network-mapped drives.
* Tamper-Resistant and Waterproof: The IronKey is designed so that it cannot be physically tampered with or disassembled by a determined hacker. The IronKey has also tested, passed, and exceeded military waterproof standards (MIL-STD-810F).
* Easy to Inventory: Each IronKey has a unique, easy-to-read serial number, making it easy for IT managers to inventory the devices.
* Assists in Regulatory Compliance: The IronKey helps organizations meet regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley and GLBA.
* Rugged and Durable: Unlike plastic USB drives, the IronKey's rugged metal casing is filled solid with epoxy, making it both tamperproof and waterproof.

HP Pavilion s3120n Slimline Desktop PC

2007-09-28T18:18:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
HP's Pavilion s3120n slimline desktop system is a great overall value for those looking to get a small form factor desktop. While it may not be one of the fastest small form factor systems on the market, it certainly comes packed with features and is more the capable as a general purpose PC.

Pros

* Wireless Network Adapter Built-In
* Relatively Low Cost
* Pocket Media Drive Bay

Cons

* Slower AMD Athlon X2 4200+ Processor
* Half-Height Expansion Slots Limit Card Choices

Description

* AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 320GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner With LightScribe
* NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Integrated Graphics
* HDA Audio
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11b/g Wireless
* Five USB 2.0 Ports, One FireWire, 15-in-1 Memory Card Reader
* 13.9" x 4.2" x 10.9"
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8, Roxio Creator, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - HP Pavilion s3120n Slimline Desktop PC

9/27/07 – While most small form factor systems tend to use the new Intel Core 2 Duo desktop or mobile processors, HP has decided to stick with the AMD Athlon 64 X2 line of desktop processors. For the Pavilion s3120n system, it uses the X2 4200+ dual core model. This definitely puts it at a disadvantage in terms of processing prower compared to many of its competitors, but it still is plenty for most user applications. The two full gigabytes of PC2-5300 DDR memory allow it to run smoothly even with the Vista Home Premium operating system.

Storage with the Pavilion s3120n is excellent. The system comes with the 320GB desktop sized hard drive that provides plenty of space. If you need additional space, the front of the case has a slot for an optional HP pocket media drive. This is essentially a external notebook sized drive that docks easily in the supplied drive bay. Optical storage is handled with a standard 16x dual layer DVD burner that also supports burning labels to LightScribe compatible media.

Graphics wise, the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 does provide better 3D graphics support than the Intel integrated solutions, but it still will not really handle most 3D PC games. There is an available PCI-Express x16 graphics slot, but it is limited to only using half-height designed cards that can be quite difficult to find.

One of the big surprises with the Pavilion s3120n though is the networking. The system comes with a built-in 802.11b/g wireless networking adapter. This makes connecting the system up to an existing wireless network a breeze and allows more freedom in placing it in the house. Of course, there is still a 10/100 Ethernet and v.92 modem for those requiring wired networking.

Gateway S-5405S Slim Business Desktop PC

2007-09-27T18:04:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The base configuration of the Gateway S-5405S slim desktop system is very much geared towards being a low cost small business system. Unfortunately it lacks a number of features standard on many competing systems. Of course, one can customize it to better match their needs, but it does add to the cost.

Pros

* Inexpensive
* Can Be Customized With Wide Range of Options

Cons

* No DVD Burner Standard
* Limited Hard Drive Space
* Lacks FireWire

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 80GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 48x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
* Intel GMA 3000 Integrated Graphics
* Gigabit Ethernet
* Eight USB 2.0 Ports
* 15.2" x 17.6" x 7.1"
* Windows XP Professional, MS Works 8.5, Cyberlink PowerDVD, McAfee Internet Security

Guide Review - Gateway S-5405S Slim Business Desktop PC

Gateway's S-5405S slim desktop PC is very clearly targeted at businesses. This is evident from a number of key component decisions on the base configuration. For example, it comes with Windows XP Professional over the more common Vista Home Premium, has a relatively small 80GB hard drive and a CDRW combo drive rather than a DVD burner. This is generally not a problem with businesses that don't have a need for these, but it is an important consideration for consumers looking at it for a home or home office.

In terms of performance, the Gateway S-5405S uses full desktop components for its constructions. Rather than a normal desktop tower design though, the case uses a slim design that reduces the width. This does mean that the internal PCI-Express and PCI card slots use a half-height design that will reduce the available expansion card options. Performance on the whole does not suffer though as it still has the same desktop components that would be found in the normal sized S-5405D model.

Performance is decent with the Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 dual core processor and its 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR memory. Thanks to it running Windows XP, the memory is plenty for it to run smoothly, although an upgrade to 2GB is recommended if the system is going to be switched to using Vista instead. Those needing more performance can also customize the system to have a faster processor and more memory.

One of the big things going for the Gateway S-5405S is its low cost. This is a very inexpensive business desktop system. Of course, those savings can be quickly eaten up by the need to upgrade the various components from the base configuration.

Dell Inspiron E530s Slimline Desktop PC

2007-09-26T17:26:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Dell's Inspiron E530s slimline design helps reduce the overall size of the system but it retains much of the performance and features of its full sized version. This is a great low cost system for those looking to save a little desktop space but dont want to sacrifice performance.

Pros

* Full Desktop Components
* Relatively Low Cost
* Includes LCD Monitor

Cons

* Half-Height Card Slots Limit Expansion Possibilities
* Lacks FireWire Port

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 320GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics
* Dell SE198WFP 19" LCD Monitor
* 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0 Ports
* 14.2" x 17.1" x 3.9"
* Vista Home Premium, Works 8

Guide Review - Dell Inspiron E530s Slimline Desktop PC

9/25/07 – Dell's Inspiron E530s is a slimmed down version of their standard E530 desktop computer system. Its slender case design helps reduce the size of the overall system, but retains all the desktop components found in its full sized version.

Powering the Inspiron E530s is the Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor lineup. The base configuration includes the budget oriented E4400 that still performs quite well. It is matched up with one gigabyte of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory. This is sufficient for Windows Vista to operate, but users are recommended to upgrade to two full gigabytes.

Storage is quite strong with the Inspiron E530s. The larger slimline case has an advantage in the amount of space it can have for drives. This means it contains a full size dual-layer desktop DVD burner. It also can handle multiple desktop hard drives. Dell packs in a standard 320GB 7200rpm hard drive that is sufficient for most applications and has options for upgrades for those needing more.

Graphics wise, the Inspiron E530s uses the new Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics. While its 3D performance is still quite low, it does feature improved support for items such as streaming video that make it a good choice. There is a PCI-Express x16 graphics slot in the computer, but its half-height design severely limits the options of graphics cards that can be installed. Don't expect to get any high-end PC graphics cards that can fit in the slot.

Included with most Dell systems is their great lineup of LCD monitors. In the case of the Inspiron E530s, it comes with a 19” SE198WFP widescreen display. The best part however is the price for this package that is significantly lower than many comparable small desktop systems.

AOpen MiniPC MP965-DR Small Form Factor Desktop PC

2007-09-25T08:53:00.001+05:30

The Bottom Line
AOpen's MiniPC MP965-DR is a good option for those looking for a small desktop computer system for general purpose use. It's small size, quiet and energy efficient design allow it to be used in almost any environment. Those looking to use it for a home theater or gaming will definitely want to look at option small form factor options though.

Pros

* Extremely Small And Lightweight
* Low Power Consumption

Cons

* Limited Expansion
* Relies Solely on Notebook Components
* No TV Tuner Option

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 2GB PC2-53300 DDR2 Memory
* Toshiba 160GB 5400rpm 2.5" SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Slot Loading Burner
* Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
* HDA Audio
* Gigabit Ethernet
* Four USB 2.0, 1 FireWire
* 6.5" x 6.5" x 2"
* Windows Vista Home Premium

Guide Review - AOpen MiniPC MP965-DR Small Form Factor Desktop PC

9/24/07 – The AOpen Mini PC MP965-DR is one of the smallest desktop systems available on the market. The reason that it is so small is that it is built from notebook components. This means that the performance is going to be less than that of a traditional desktop computer system and more on par with your average thin and light system. At least they are using the newer Intel Core 2 Duo processor lineup that uses the faster PC2-5300 DDR2 memory. On the plus side, if you are concerned about power consumption, the notebook components use much less power.

In order to fit in such a small package, the MP965-DR utilizes a slim notebook DVD burner as well as a 2.5” notebook hard drive. This limits the amount of storage available in the system and it is recommended that users select a larger 160GB hard drive with the 5400rpm spin rate. This will give the best overall performance from the system, but it still lacks compared to a desktop PC.

Don't expect much in terms of graphics with the MiniPC. AOpen has elected to use the Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics inside of the box. This means that it has very limited 3D capabilities and should not be considered for anyone looking at PC gaming even in a casual sense. This also highlights one of the issues with the expansion capabilities of the MP965-DR. Since it is so tightly integrated, there is no space for expansion beyond its limited number of USB and single FireWire ports.

One really disappointing aspect of the AOpen MP965-DR is the lack of an integrated TV tuner. This is an option with the kit itself, but it is not included as part of the system package. Users who want this feature must purchase and install it separately from the configuration tools.

Logitech G9 Laser Mouse Review

2007-09-24T08:40:00.000+05:30

Logitech is one of the most well known manufacturers of gaming peripherals on the market. Many gamers will argue that Logitech makes the best gaming mice around. The Logitech G7 and G5 gaming mice were big winners for Logitech and worked very well for gamers of all skill levels. Recently Logitech released their latest gaming mouse called the Logitech G9 Laser Mouse.

Features and Specifications

Like the G7 and G5 gaming mice, the Logitech G9 Laser Mouse has on-the-fly adjustable sensitivity levels, but in a first for Logitech the G9 offers up to 3200 dpi sensitivity setting and a polling rate of 1000 reports per second. These two features combine to bring you no lag and fantastic accuracy and speed.

Logitech says that the mouse can withstand 20G of accelerating and read at a maximum speed of up to 45-66 inches per second. The sensitivity can be adjusted form a low of 200 dpi to a high of 3200 dpi. Logitech ships the G9 with two interchangeable grips. One grip is called the Wide Load for gamers who palm their mouse and the other is the Precision grip for those who control the mouse more with the fingertips. Logitech says that there will be other grips available for purchase later.

Like the Logitech G5, the G9 has a weight tuning system. Under the grip is a slide out weight tray that allows you to insert up to 28 grams of weight. The G9 also has large mouse feet that glide well over a variety of surfaces to reduce friction. One of the best features of the Logitech G9 Laser Mouse is the MicroGear scroll wheel.

The scroll wheel is very similar to what Logitech uses on the VX Nano and Revolution mice. A button on the bottom of the G9 allows you to change between free wheel and click mode. Whichever mode you are in, you can still use the mouse wheel click to execute commands in games. The software for the G9 also allows you to change the color of the LED lights and map commands to the buttons on the G9. The G9 requires the use of SetPoint to program the mouse, but features onboard memory so once you program the mouse the first time you can use it on systems without drivers.

Installation and Gaming

Installing the G9 required the installation of SetPoint and plugging the mouse into a vacant USB port. The software is straight forward and allows you to choose from lots of colors for the LED lights. Many of the LED light colors you can choose from look the same on the mouse. The reds tend to be more pink and I couldn’t find an orange that really matched the backlighting on the new G15 keyboard.

The two grips are easy to interchange and remove by simply pressing a button on the rear of the mouse and slipping the other cover over the pegs that lock it into place. The weight-tuning cartridge works well and makes a significant difference in the feel of the mouse while gaming.

The new scroll wheel on the Logitech G9 Laser Mouse is great for a gaming mouse. I didn’t find the free wheel mode to be good for me while gaming, it was hard to choose weapons with precision. However, the free wheel mode is fantastic for general computer work and makes scrolling long documents and web pages much easier.

The thumb buttons are located well and are placed where they are easy to reach, but not so close to your hand that you click them accidentally. The buttons on the G9 offer good feel and feedback when pressed. A button on the bottom of the mouse allows you to change profiles. You can also set LED colors for your profiles, which makes it much easier to remember which profile is where since the G9 can store up to five complete with keyboard macros.

The software is easy to use and if you have used SetPoint before you pretty much know how to program the G9. Gaming with the G9 is fantastic; I love the 3200 dpi sensitivity setting. While 3200 dpi is too much sensitivity for me in many game situations and for normal computer work, the setting is perfect for tasks like driving tanks if Battlefield 2142 where higher sensitivity makes controlling the vehicle easier. In all the Logitech G9 Laser Mouse is my new favorite gaming mouse and is easily the best gaming mouse that Logitech has ever made, which is saying a lot.

Recovery Console Commands

2007-09-23T12:20:00.000+05:30

A complete list of commands available from within Recovery Console

The Recovery Console can be an indispensable diagnostic tool when your Windows XP, 2000, or Server 2003 based computer suffers from certain major problems.

A number of commands are available within Recovery Console, some of them exclusive to the tool. When used, these commands can do things as simple as copying a file from one place to another or as complicated as repairing the master boot record after a major virus attack.

See below for a complete list of Recovery Console commands:
Attrib
The attrib command is used to change the attributes of a single file or a directory.
Batch
The batch command can be used to run a series of other Recovery Console commands located in a text file that you specify.
Bootcfg

The bootcfg command is used to build or modify the boot.ini file, a hidden file that is used to identify in what folder, on which partition, and on which hard drive Windows is located.
Chdir
The chdir command is used to display the drive letter and folder that you are currently in. Chdir can also be used to change the drive and/or directory that you want to work in.
Chkdsk
The chkdsk command, often referred to as check-disk, is used to identify, and often times correct, certain hard drive errors.
Cls
The cls command clears the screen of all previously entered commands and other text.
Copy
The copy command does simply that - it copies a single file from one location to another.
Delete
The delete command is used to delete a single file.
Dir
The dir command is used to display a list of files and folders contained inside the folder that you are currently working in. The dir command also displays other important information like the hard drive's serial number, the total number of files listed, their combined size, the total amount of free space left on the drive, and more.
Disable
The disable command is used to disable a system service or a device driver.
Diskpart
The diskpart command is used to create or delete partitions on hard drives.
Enable
The enable command is used to enable a system service or a device driver.
Exit
The exit command ends the Recovery Console session and then restarts the computer.
Expand
The expand command is used to extract a single file or a group of files from a compressed file.
Fixboot
The fixboot command writes a new partition boot sector to the system partition that you specify.
Fixmbr
The fixmbr command writes a new master boot record to the hard disk drive that you specify.
Format
The format command is used to format a drive in the file system that you specify.
Help
The help command provides more detailed information on any of the other Recovery Console commands.
Listsvc
The listsvc command will list the services and drivers available in your Windows installation.
Logon
The logon command is used to gain access to the Windows installation that you specify.

Map
The map command is used to display the partition and hard drive that each drive letter on the computer is currently assigned to.
Mkdir
The mkdir command is used to create a new folder.
More
The more command is used to display the information contained in a text file. The more command performs the same function as the type command.
Net use
The net use command is used to assign a drive letter to a shared network resource.
Rename
The rename command is used to change the name of the individual file that you specify.
Rmdir
The rmdir command is used to delete an existing and completely empty folder.
Set
The set command is used to enable or disable certain options in Recovery Console.
Systemroot
The systemroot command is used to set the current folder you are working in as the "systemroot" folder.
Type
The type command is used to display the information contained in a text file. The type command performs the same function as the more command.

Shock Absorbing Microfiber Laptop Sleeve Case

2007-09-22T17:47:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
We've all run into situations where carrying our heavily packed laptop bag is just too much or we have so many gadgets in our bag that our laptop has been scratched. Laptop sleeves such as the Shock Absorbing Microfiber Laptop Sleeve Case are a great solution to make it easier to carry your laptop while going short distances and for adding an additional layer of protection for our laptops while in the larger laptop bag. The Shock Absorbing Microfiber Laptop Sleeve Case won't add a lot of bulk or weight so it's a convenient addition to your laptop accessories.

Pros

* Style appealing to both men and women.
* Can easily fit inside other laptop bags.
* Double hidden zipper - prevents dirt and wet from getting in.
* Cleaned easily with a damp cloth.

Cons

* No handles or straps.

Description

* Available Sizes: 8" ~ 10", 10" ~ 13" which fits the 13.3" MacBook; 13" ~ 15" which fits the 15.4" MacBook.
* 15" ~ 17" Available Soon.
* Available Colors: Pink, Yellow, Cyan, Red, Gray, Blue. Silver will be available soon.
* Outer case made from water resistant material. Middle layer uses Memory Foam Technology. Inner layer made with Microfiber.

Guide Review - Shock Absorbing Microfiber Laptop Sleeve Case

I received both the red sleeve for 13" to 14" laptops and the silver sleeve for 10" to 13" inch laptops. The silver version will be available for purchase very soon.

Both sleeves are constructed the same way and are both slim enough, even with a laptop inside to fit nicely within a larger laptop bag. I like having the extra protection and ensuring that my laptop - MacBook in this case won't get scratched by any other bits and pieces I may be carrying.

The exterior of the laptop sleeves are very durable and resistant not only to moisture and dirt but also gouges or scratches. I was able to exert a lot of pressure on the outside of the laptop sleeve and you could not tell that any pressure had been put on it.

The interior of the case molds nicely to the shape of your laptop and keeps it well protected. As the lining is made from Microfiber which is the same material used for screen cleaning cloths, your laptop stays clean and you won't find scratches.

One of my favorite features are the dual zippers, you can open the laptop sleeve completely to access your laptop or just open the top or side to slip it back into the laptop sleeve. The zippers are very sturdy and you won't have problems with them sticking or getting snagged.

I wouldn't mind seeing it possible to have a shoulder strap or even hand grasp added or the option to add a shoulder strap. That was the only feature I missed with this laptop sleeve.

The Shock Absorbing Microfiber Laptop Sleeve Case is a well designed and constructed laptop sleeve will not only looks stylish and is suited to both men and women but will give you added peace of mind for carrying your laptop.

"What is 'SSL'? What is 'SSH'?"

2007-09-21T08:18:00.001+05:30

You see these odd technical expressions around the Net. Techie guys say "we use full SSL for our shopping carts" or "our network administrators use full SSH management techniques". But what exactly do these terms mean?
A. SSL stands for "Secure Sockets Layer". It commonly uses port 443 to connect your computer to a secure server on the Internet. SSL is most often used for transmitting credit card, tax, banking, or personal information to a business server somewhere. Examples of SSL: you are purchasing a DVD from Amazon.com, you are filing your taxes online, or you are transferring funds between your checking and savings accounts.

SSH stands for "Secure Shell". SSH commonly uses port 22 to connect your computer to another computer on the Internet. It is most often used by network administrators as a remote login / remote control way to manage their business servers. Examples would be: your email administrator needs to reboot the company email server from his home, or your network administrator needs to reset your office password while she is away at a conference.

Both SSL and SSH strive to create confidential connections across the Net. With only a very few exceptions, it is not possible for a regular hacker to break into an SSL or SSH connection...the encryption technology is as reliable as 21st century programming can make it.

When you are trying to transmit financial information or internal business documentation, it is highly advisable that you only do so with an SSL or SSH type of connection.

Both SSL and SSH are special encryption and protocol technologies used to connect two computers. SSL and SSH lock out eavesdroppers by encrypting (ciphering) the connection, and scrambling the transmitted data so it is meaningless to anyone outside of the two computers.

Razer Pro|Click Mobile Available Next Month

2007-09-20T08:16:00.000+05:30

Razer announced today that the new Pro|Click Mobile Bluetooth mouse would be available to purchase in October at $49.99. The new Bluetooth mouse was announced several months ago, with availability information just now surfacing.

Razer calls the mouse the most accurate portable mouse available, with a resolution of 1200dpi; it should be more accurate than most any other portable mouse. Connectivity is via Bluetooth with no mention of an included USB adapter for connectivity, it seems the mouse is designed to use your notebooks internal Bluetooth capability.

The mouse will ship in four colors called naughty (black), Nice (white), sugar (pink), and spice (red). A travel pouch is also included to protect the mouse on the go. Left-handed users will also appreciate the ambidextrous design.

Top 5 Small Form Factor Barebone PC Kits

2007-09-19T08:24:00.001+05:30

Small form factor or mini PCs are one of the latest trends for desktop computers. These small computers are able to pack the same amount of power as full size desktop tower PCs but in computers the size of a large shoebox or a pizza delivery box. Add in a processor, memory, hard drive and optical drive and these small systems are all ready to go.

Shuttle XPC SG33G5
Shuttle SG33G5
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The Shuttle SG33G5 is a very well rounded kit that can be used for a variety of tasks. The system is based around the use of the Intel Core 2 desktop processors and provides a wealth of unique features. Some of the unique items that help it out as a home theater PC are the HDMI output for its integrated GMA X3100 graphics and the Dolby Digital Live 5.1 audio output support. Of course, if you would rather use it as a general purpose desktop or possibly a gaming rig, that's possible thanks to the space for a PCI-Express graphics card. Note that many top of the line graphics cards won't fit and the 250W power supply is somewhat low. Still, this is probably one of the best all around small form factors currently available.

Shuttle XPC SD02XD
Shuttle's XPC SD02XD is essentially the barebones kit version of their X200 PC. This extremely small mini-PC comes equipped with with a number of features that make this a great home theater PC. The kit includes an 8x DVD+/-RW dual layer burner built-in, analog TV Tuner, 802.11b/g wireless networking adapter and multimedia remote. All the user needs to supply for the unit is supply an Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processor, some SODIMM notebook DDR2 memory and a standard sized SATA desktop hard drive. The kit is quite expensive, so if you are looking for a one not going to be used in a home theater, there is a SD02XC model that drops the TV tuner, remote and wireless and replaces the DVD burner with a 24x CD-RW Combo drive.

AOpen MiniPC Duo MP965-DR
AOpen's MiniPC is probably the smallest kit available on the market. It primarily uses notebook components to achieve this feat. Users supply an Intel Core 2 mobile processor, SO-DIMM notebook DDR2 memory, 2.5" notebook hard drive and a slim notebook optical drive to complete the package. Two mini-card slots are also included for optional items such as a TV tuner, 802.11b/g wireless and bluetooth module or even Intel Turbo Memory to use with Vista. This makes the MiniPC more difficult to put together than the Shuttle SD02X units, but it does come with a lower price tag and a smaller overall size.

Shuttle XPC SN27P2
For those looking to use an AMD processor in a small form factor kit, the options are very limited. Currently the best option on the market is the Shuttle XPC SN27P2. It uses the dates NVIDIA nForce 570 Ultra chipset, but it does support all the current Athlon 64 X2 desktop processors. The large cube format also provides it with plenty of space for expansion including a standard desktop CD/DVD drive, two 3.5" hard drives and a PCI-Express x16 graphics card. While the space for the video card may restrict the use of some cards, the 400W power supply should drive some of the newer power hungy cards. Definitely a strong choice for a low cost gaming kit system.

ASUS P3-P5G33
Unlike all the mini PCs and cube designs, ASUS makes a wide variety of slimline desktop kits. The latest in their Pundit lineup is the P3-P5G33 based around the Intel G33 chipset. This lets the system use the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors with the 1333MHz frontside bus speeds. It has plenty of room for drives include a standard sized CD/DVD drive and two desktop drives. There also is room for a PCI-Express x16, PCI-Express x4 and two PCI cards, but they all need to be of the low profile design that limits card selections. This kit makes for a great low cost general purpose or office computer system.

Small Form Factor PCs

2007-09-18T08:53:00.000+05:30

Computers the Size of a Shoe or Pizza Box

Since the early days of desktop personal computers, the size of the systems has been fairly large. This was originally due to the number of size of the chips required to make even the most basic computer run. Over time the technology has greatly improved allowing for the processors and microchips to shrink such that fewer microchips are needed. What used to take a full size expansion card the size of a legal envelope can now be done by a single chip the size of a postage stamp. With the reduction of components for the computers the size of the computer can now be reduced.

Notebook sales may be growing every year, but a new trend has been developing along side portables. They offer the same performance levels to that of a notebook computer all the way up to a top of the line desktop system but at a fraction of the size. Small form factor (or SFF for short) systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they may be the future of where computing in the home is at.
Slim PCs

Slim PCs were the earliest style of small form factor system. Essentially, they were desktop systems that removed some of the bulk by removing space for full sized expansion cards. This reduced the desktops height or width by half. Since that time, they have reduced their size even more through the reduction of component sizes. They still tend to have expansion slots, but have “half-height” slots that require specific expansion cards that are difficult to find.

Businesses tend to prefer standard computers that don't have a lot of expansion capabilities. This is done because the companies depreciate the cost of the computers over their life span or they lease them. Once a system has reached its "lifespan" it is replaced by a new updated computer. Because there is no need for expansion, an integrated system such as a slim PC makes perfect sense. The computers don't have to be top of the line when it comes to components since most business computing done is for word processing, spreadsheets and corporate communications.
Cubes

The cube small form factor systems have gained in popularity recently primarily from the enthusiast and PC gamer marketplace. These systems are called cubes but they tend to resemble large shoe boxes. They still fit all the normal desktop computer components but unlike slim PCs, they tend to have a limited number of full sized expansion slots. It is this expansion ability that has really driven the cube computers to the enthusiasts.

Prior to the rise of network gaming and LAN parties where people bring their PCs to a single location to network them together, manufacturers never saw the demand for small sized systems that included an advanced graphics capability. Integrated graphics are more than sufficient for corporate computing tasks. Trying to run a brand new 3D game title on one of these systems was like watching a slide show. Gamers need the ability to install graphics cards with the latest technology. And that is just what they have gotten in the cube small form factor PCs.
Mini PCs

The latest in the small form factor PCs is the mini PC. These are very small systems that are about the size of a large format paperback book or several DVD movie cases stacked. They gained in popularity with the release of the Apple Mac Mini and newer releases by various PC manufacturers. The systems can get as small as they do because they are based upon notebook PC components and lack the display, keyboard and mouse to help reduce the size. Power supplies also reside outside of the computer systems.
Advantages of SFF PCs

So why should one look into getting a small form factor PC over a full sized desktop? The primary advantage of course is size. These systems take up relatively small amount of space on one's desk. Because of their reduced size and components, they tend to use less power than a normal desktop. Since they only have space for a single optical drive, a single hard drive and maybe two expansion cards, they is very little demand for power outside of the primary processor.

* Small System Dimensions
* Lower Power Consumption
* Portability When Required

Disadvantages

But what does one give up in a small form factor system? The biggest disadvantage is the lack of expansion. In order to save space, many internal expansion slots and memory slots are removed. Generally a system will only have 2 or sometimes even a single memory slot compared to 4 or more in a normal desktop system. The lack of expansion cards means that the user can only fit one or two cards into the computer if any.. With the rise of USB 2.0 and Firewire, expansion isn't as much of an issue as it once was.

The other issue can be cost. Even though the systems have fewer parts than a desktop system, the cost for them tend to be a bit higher. Of course, the engineering to make all these components work in such a small space is probably the reason why they cost more.

* Limited or No Expansion Capability
* Cost Relative to Regular Sized Desktop

What's Available

There are a wide range of choices for consumers now that small systems have taken off. Slim PCs are the biggest portion of the market right now and are aimed more for business uses. More and more manufacturers are looking to switch these slim systems into thin clients that remove more parts and rely on central storage systems for functionality.

Consumers are most likely going to see either the enthusiast bare bones small form factor kit PCs based on chassis such as those from Shuttle or from mini PCs from manufacturers such as AOpen and Apple. The determination of which of these two will really come down to how the computers are going to be used by the consumers. Those looking for gaming or fast computing in a small package will go with the kits while home theater and general computing folks will likely go with a mini PC.

invisibleSHIELD Apple MacBook Full Body Shield Review

2007-09-17T08:28:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
invisibleSHIELD makes kits for lots of popular notebooks, including the Apple MacBook. The invisibleSHIELD Apple MacBook Full Body Shield material is very strong and will protect your entire MacBook from scratches on both the top lid and the bottom of the notebook. Most importantly for owners of the white MacBook, the material protects your touchpad and palm rest areas from discoloration. Take your time with installation, smooth out the air bubbles and you can barely tell the invisibleSHIELD is installed.

Pros

* Very tough
* Scratch resistant
* Lifetime guarantee

Cons

* Installation mistakes may haunt you

Description

* This material was originally used to protect helicopter blades from damage as they rotate at high speeds.
* Kits are available for many popular notebooks, mobile phones and iPods.
* Take your time to keep air bubbles from under the material as you install for the best looks.

Guide Review - invisibleSHIELD Apple MacBook Full Body Shield Review

Zagg Inc., the makers of the invisibleSHIELD Apple MacBook Full Body Shield kit have a patent pending process they use to custom cut the kit exactly to the specifications of the MacBook. Kits are also available for numerous other notebooks as well.

The invisibleSHIELD Apple MacBook Full Body Shield pieces install much like a sticker. You peel the self-adhesive pieces from their backing, spray both sides with an included liquid spray and smooth them onto the appropriate locations on the notebook with a soft rubber squeegee that is included with the kit. Complete installation on my MacBook took about 20 minutes.

I found installation to be easy, but you need to take your time and I suggest starting on the bottom of your notebook where aesthetics are not quite as important. The first piece I installed was on the top lid of the MacBook and I did not do as good a job as I could have. I ended up with lots of small air bubbles under the material. After three days most all of the air bubbles are now gone, so do not fret too much over the installation process.

Once installed the only way to tell the material is there is by the glossy sheen. The trackpad still functions as well as it did before installing the invisibleSHIELD material, though it has a different feel that is stickier than before. I also had some remnants of the material used in the kit to test. The only thing I found that damaged the material was a sharp blade. I scrapped it very roughly with a quarter and no marks were left behind. I also tried to force the tip of a ballpoint pen through it without luck. The material stretched, but after a few minutes returned to its original shape. If you want to protect your notebook from daily wear, the invisibleSHIELD Apple MacBook Full Body Shield kit is perfect for the job.

Seagate Debuts Maxtor OneTouch 4 The Next Generation of Data Protection

2007-09-16T09:33:00.000+05:30

Seagate Technology (NYSE:STX) today introduced the next generation of the company’s award winning Maxtor OneTouch™ products. Built on a long tradition of experience with simple and robust storage solutions, the new Maxtor OneTouch 4 family makes data protection and security effortless with innovative, easy-to-use software tools that make a once complex task, simple. These intuitive new tools, which are now integrated into the Maxtor OneTouch 4 family of products, include: the ability to perform multiple-computer data synchronization, drag-and-drop encryption and a bare metal system restore. In the event of a fatal crash or virus attack, Maxtor’s SafetyDrill™, the new bare metal system restore feature, allows the nearly instantaneous restoration of an entire computer ensuring access to files even in a time of crisis. With an unparalleled standard 5-year limited warranty, anyone who is concerned about data protection now has a solution to provide the peace of mind that theirs is safe and secure.

The Maxtor OneTouch 4 family sports a new industrial design that conveys security and an enhanced interface to provide a new level of consistency and ease of use. The new high-capacity Maxtor OneTouch 4 family is visually reassuring with its aesthetically appealing “vault-like” appearance that compliments any home or office setting. Reinforcing Seagate’s commitment to providing durable and innovative storage solutions, these good looking reliable data protectors feature improved acoustics, optimized convection cooling systems, and an inner disc drive casing and shock mounts for additional drive protection.

“As a leader in consumer storage and backup solutions, it’s our job to protect the important digital files that are an essential piece of our customers’ lives. Our years of safeguarding digital assets have taught us that data backup and protection needs to be virtually effortless for the consumer to adopt,” said Jim Druckrey, senior vice president and general manager, Seagate Branded Solutions. “We’ve engineered our new Maxtor OneTouch 4 family of storage solutions from the ground up to be the easiest, most trustworthy way to back up and store digital media, business data and personal information even in the most demanding environments. Whether you’re a consumer with treasured digital photos, creative professional with valuable digital assets, business traveler with confidential company documents or simply serious about data protection, you can use our trusted, intuitive storage solutions and know that Seagate is saving your life’s work.”

In addition to automatically backing up on a set schedule or with the touch of a button with the Maxtor Backup software suite, the Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus and Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini both include Maxtor SafetyDrill™. This new, innovative software feature, for computers running Microsoft® Windows® XP or Windows® Vista operating systems, allows the complete recovery of your local hard drive’s contents in the event of a system crash or virus attack. After the simple installation and set up of the pre-loaded software, you are prepared for the worst. At a time of system failure, simply boot from the included SafetyDrill Recovery CD and SafetyDrill takes over. The software will automatically find the Maxtor OneTouch 4 on your system and format, partition and restore everything including the operating system, applications, personal content, settings and even replace the icons on the desktop. All this is done to get your system up and running with minimal downtime and frustration. Without the CD, SafetyDrill can still be initiated by simply going to any Internet-connected computer with a CD/DVD burner to create a new disc.

Because of privacy concerns, the Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus and the Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini storage solutions include two levels of security to guard against unauthorized use of a lost or stolen drive. Maxtor Encryption creates a password-protected folder that is safe and reliable as well as easy to use. To encrypt: simply drag and drop sensitive data into the 256bit AES encrypted folder and the data is automatically encrypted. To decrypt: simply open the folder, enter your password and drag the files out. For added protection, Maxtor DrivePass™ (formerly Maxtor DriveLock™) is an embedded firmware feature that further restricts data access even if the internal hard drive is removed and attached to another computer.

With the new enhanced synchronization function that allows multiple sync paths, business travelers can be sure that both their home and office computers are up-to-date with the latest files and new digital content. Finally, we encompass all of this software in a simple, intuitive user-interface called Maxtor OneTouch Manager, to run the automated backup scheduling, specific file restoration, sync, security, drive and power management on computers running either Windows XP, Windows Vista or Mac OS X operating systems.

Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus
For everyone with data-protection needs that is looking for an elegantly simple, full-featured backup and storage solution, the Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus sports a new vault-like industrial design that conveys security and protection. The elegant color scheme and design make it a good fit in any home or office setting. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) are: $129.99 for 250GB, $199.99 for 500GB, $289.99 for 750GB and $359.99 for 1TB (availability for 1TB capacity is set for late October).

Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini
Offering the same protection as the desktop model in a travel friendly, compact design, the Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini is the first mobile storage solution that ships with this full suite of software protection tools. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) are: $99.99 for 80GB, $119.99 for 120GB and $149.99 for 160GB.

Maxtor OneTouch 4
For consumers who need a simple solution with a classic design for Mac or PC, the Maxtor OneTouch 4 makes it easier to set up and manage data backup, file archiving and system settings with a new easy-to-use user interface. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) are: $99.99 for 250GB, $169.99 for 500GB, and $269.99 for 750GB.

The Maxtor OneTouch 4 family is available now – with the exception of the 1TB OneTouch 4 Plus – at major r etailers, distributors and online stores, as well as at www.maxstore.com. The Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus will ship in late October. Please visit www.maxtorsolutions.com for more information, including local distribution channels and retail outlets.

Check out Seagate Podcasts
To learn more about mobile storage and backup best practices, and to hear more about the world’s broadest line of external, portable and network storage solutions directly from Seagate Branded Solutions experts, you can access a variety of podcasts, now archived and available online at http://www.podtech.net/seagate.

To learn more about how Seagate is connecting people with their content, check out our online media kit plus the latest podcasts and videoblogs, now available online at http://www.seagate.eastwick.com/newsroom/

About Seagate
Seagate is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of hard disc drives, providing products for a wide-range of applications, including Enterprise, Desktop, Mobile Computing, Consumer Electronics and Branded Solutions. Seagate’s business model leverages technology leadership and world-class manufacturing to deliver industry-leading innovation and quality to its global customers, and to be the low cost producer in all markets in which it participates. The company is committed to providing award-winning products, customer support and reliability to meet the world’s growing demand for information storage. Seagate can be found around the globe and at www.seagate.com.

Seagate, Seagate Technology and the Wave logo are registered trademarks of Seagate Technology LLC. Maxtor, Maxtor OneTouch, Maxtor DrivePass, Maxtor SafetyDrill and Maxtor DriveLock are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Seagate Technology LLC or one of its affiliated companies. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. One gigabyte, or GB, equals one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity. One terabyte, or TB, equals 1,000 gigabytes when referring to hard drive capacity. Accessible capacity may vary depending on operating environment and formatting. Quantitative usage examples for various applications are for illustrative purposes. Actual quantities will vary based on various factors, including file size, file format, features and application software.

Corsair 8GB Flash Survivor USB Flash Drive Review

2007-09-15T08:38:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
I ran the Corsair 8GB Flash Survivor through what it would normally see in daily use from drops and splashes to a full wash and dry cycle in the pocket of my jeans. The Corsair 8GB Flash Survivor made it through all the testing unscathed. You may find smaller and possibly faster flash drives, but few are as sturdy and durable as the Corsair 8GB Flash Survivor.

Pros

* Durable
* Lives through washing and drying

Cons

* Bulky
* Cap can come loose

Description

* Corsair covers the Flash survivor with a 10-year warranty.
* If the cap holing the flash drive in place loosens during the wash cycle your data has had it.
* The drive is significantly larger than most other flash drives on the market.

Guide Review - Corsair 8GB Flash Survivor USB Flash Drive Review

Corsair encased a fairly normal flash drive with 8GB of storage space inside a CNC-milled, anodized aircraft-grade aluminum exterior. The drive is claimed to be water resistant to 200M and be shock and impact resistant as well. Corsair also includes AES encryption software to encrypt sensitive data so your information is safe if it is lost.

Corsair uses an aluminum tube to enclose the flash drive which is a normal looking unit secured to one of the end caps. As long as the lid is secured tightly, the flash drive is water resistant to 200M.

To see if the drive would make it through the washing machine I threw it into a long wash cycle. When I pulled the Corsair 8GB Flash Survivor out of the pocket of the jeans and looked for damage the drive was pristine. The only dampness I noticed was a slight bit around where the cap screws onto the CNC body.

I honestly am not sure if the moisture leaked into the body during the wash cycle, or simply deposited on the neck of the flash drive as I unscrewed the drive. However, when the drive went into the washer, the lid was on as tight as I cold get it. When I removed the Corsair 8GB Flash Survivor from the washer it was looser so the cap did loosen during the wash a bit. This could lead to fatal damage of the flash drive inside if water gets into the casing. In my case the drive worked fine after the wash cycle.

After washing I threw it into the dryer on high heat for about 60 minutes. When I removed the drive it was very hot to the touch. The Corsair 8GB Flash Survivor withstood the heat and tumbling without a hiccup and wokred perfectly. HD Tach showed a 23MB/s average read speed and 20.6 MB/s average write. These speeds down quite a bit from what Corsair promises. In all I was happy with the performance of the Corsair 8GB Flash Survivor and I think most users will be too.

Toshiba Portege R500-S5001X

2007-09-14T08:52:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Toshiba's Portege R500-S5001X is an amazing marvel of technology. The fact that this ultraportable notebook can be so thin and yet be fully featured including an internal DVD burner is something that was almost unimaginable. This is certinaly the notebook for those looking for a highly portable system to take while on a business trip.

Pros

* Very Powerful Performance
* Thinnest Ultraportable With Internal DVD On The Market
* Very Bright LED Backlit Display

Cons

* Lacks Dial-Up Modem
* Expensive

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo U7600 Ultra Low Voltage Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) LED Backlit Display With Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
* Gigabit Ehternet, 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless, Bluetooth 2.0
* Three USB 2.0, One FireWire, Type II PC Card Slot, SD Card Slot, Fingerprint Scanner
* 11.1" x 8.5" x .8" @ 2.4 lbs.
* Windows XP Professional, Ulead DVD MovieFactory, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - Toshiba Portege R500-S5001X

9/13/07 – Toshiba's has strived to provide one of the thinnest notebook computers on the market with their Portege R series of systems. This has led to some interesting designs included the R400 that featured a touchscreen interface. One thing they always lacked though was an internal optical drive. Toshiba has finally solved that problem with the new R500. Even with its .8” thin design, they were able to put in a dual layer DVD burner.

One might think that in order to fit this in, they had to sacrifice other features. In fact, there is only one thing that they seemed to have dropped from the notebook, the dial-up modem. With the widespread use of wireless networks, this isn't much of a loss for the Portege R500 system but it could impact some.

System performance from the Portege R500-S5001X is no slouch either. Toshiba has chosen to use the new Intel Core 2 Duo U7600 ultra low voltage mobile processor. This provides strong overall performance while use very less power. The one gigabyte of PC2-5300 allows the system to run very smoothly, especially since it comes with the Windows XP Professional operating system rather than the more memory intensive Vista.

One of the other features Toshiba has used to reduce the size of the Portege R500 is a new LED backlight. This system is smaller than the more traditional CCFL designs and actually provides a brighter and more colorful display as well.

All of this add up to a highly portable notebook computer system that still provides the performance one might expect from a larger system. Of course, the price might put some off from selecting the Portege R500, but it is hard to top such features in so small of a package.

Sony VAIO VGN-TZ150N/B Ultraportable Notebook

2007-09-13T08:00:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Sony's TZ line of ultraportable notebooks is certainly one of the most stylish notebook computers on the market. The performance is also quite nice with some strong features packed into such a small package. Of course, all this style and features have a really high price that will probably cause many people to consider other less expensive alternatives.

Pros

* Very Compact and Lightweight
* Stylish Design
* Excellent Display

Cons

* Expensive
* Slower PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 Ultra Low Voltage Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory
* 100GB 4200rpm 1.8" ATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 11.1" WXGA (1366x768) LED Display With Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics and 1.3MP Webcam
* v.92 56Kpbs Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless and Bluetooth
* Sprint Cellular WAN Modem
* Two USB 2.0, One FireWire, ExpressCard/34, SD/Memory Stick Slot
* 10.9" x 7.8" x 1.2" @ 2.7 lbs.
* Vista Business, MS Works 8.5, Click to DVD

Guide Review - Sony VAIO VGN-TZ150N/B Ultraportable Notebook

Sony's VAIO VGN-TZ150 offers a blend of technological features in a very stylish notebook. Its unique carbon fiber shell provides it with a sturdy yet lightweight frame in which to put some great features. The new Core 2 Duo U7500 provides it with some very strong performance, although it is held back a bit by its slower PC2-4200 DDR2 memory.

Sony offers a variety of different storage options for the TZ line of notebooks, but in the case of this review, it uses both a 1.8” 100GB hard drive along with an internal DVD burner. This provides it with plenty of storage space and the ability to burn or playback CDs and DVDs. Of course the big option is for the 32GB solid state drive in place of a hard drive, but this has limited storage space and adds a lot to an already high price tag.

Sony decided to use a slightly different 11.1” LCD panel with LED backlight for the TZ150. This gives the system slight more room than the smaller 10.6” screens but still keeps it portable. The LED backlightning provides it with extremely strong brightness and color not found in more traditional CCFL designs.

One area where the VAIO TZ shines is in connectivity. The notebook comes equipped with every current version of 802.11 standards including draft-n support. It even has a Sprint enabled cellular WAN modem for those needing additional connectivity when other networks aren't available for use. The small size of the notebook does limit it to only two USB ports though, so you might need a hub for more peripherals.

The big drawback to the TZ150 though is it's price. As configured, this is one of the least expensive of the TZ ultraportable lineup, but it is still one of the most expensive on the market.

Lenovo 3000 V200 Ultraportable Notebook

2007-09-12T18:18:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The Lenovo 3000 V200 pushes the limits in terms of being an ultraportable. Sure, it packs in a lot of features such as the DVD burner and large hard drive, but to keep it under four pounds it needs to use a 3-cell battery pack that limits its battery life.

Pros

* Large Hard Drive
* Two Full Gigabytes Memory

Cons

* Limited Battery Life Without Added Bulk
* Lacks J-Key Pointer Of ThinkPad Designs

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* Two Gigabytes PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) Display With Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics and 1.3MP Webcam
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless and Bluetooth
* Three USB 2.0, One FireWire, ExpressCard/54, 5-in-1 Card Reader, Fingerprint Scanner
* 12" x 8.9" x 1.3" @ 4 lbs.
* Vista Ultimate, Corel Small Business Center, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - Lenovo 3000 V200 Ultraportable Notebook

The Lenovo 3000 V200 is essentially an update to the previous V100 model. On the outside, they look almost identical. There are really just a few internal changes along with the new Vista operating system.

This means that the chassis of the V200 has the same good and bad aspects of the V100. While the keyboard layout and feel is quite strong, it still isn't up to the same level that Lenovo offers in the ThinkPad series of notebooks. Like it doesn't use the J-key pointing stick. Instead users are left with a standard touchpad that has an mediocre response. It also has the same weight issues that restrict its battery life.

In order for the system to weigh only four pounds, it is necessary to use a smaller 3-cell battery pack. This limits the amount of power the system has when on batteries and as a result have less than average battery life. A 6-cell battery pack is available, but this extends out from the back of the case increasing the size and the weight to 4.4 pounds. This pushes it beyond the size and weight of most ultraportables.

Beyond these items though, the Lenovo 3000 V200 offers some very strong performance, especially for its price. The Core 2 Duo T7300 and 2GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory allow it to run applications under the Vista Ultimate operating system without any problems. The 160GB of storage space is also much larger than what most ultrportables have to offer.

So where does that leave the 3000 V200? It certainly is a strong ultraportable system especially considering its price, but the battery issue really defeats the purpose of it being an ultraportable.

Lenovo ThinkPad X61s Ultraportable Notebook

2007-09-11T08:21:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The Lenovo ThinkPad X61s ultraportable continues the trend of solidly built ultraportable notebooks that are great for travelers. It still lives in the past though by having the optical drive external to the unit adding weight for those requiring it while traveling. This makes it a great choice for business travelers who need a reliable notebook, but less than perfect for consumers who want an internal drive.

Pros

* Solid Chassis Design
* Two Full Gigabytes Memory
* Superb Keyboard

Cons

* External DVD Burner
* Relatively Expensive

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 Low Voltage Mobile Processor
* Two Gigabyte PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 100GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* External 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 12.1" XGA (1024x768) LED Backlit Display With Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g Wireless, Bluetooth 2.0
* Verizon Cellular WAN Modem
* Three USB 2.0, One FireWire, Type II PC Card, SD Slot, Fingerprint Scanner
* 10.6" x 9.4" x 1.4" @ 3.6 lbs.
* Vista Ultimate, ThinkVantage Suite, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - Lenovo ThinkPad X61s Ultraportable Notebook

Most notebook computers have switched over to the widescreen display formats, but Lenovo sticks to the more traditional 4:3 screen layout. This really comes from the business focus of the ThinkPad line of notebooks. The ultraportable X61s however provides one of the most solid notebooks on the market thanks to the new chassis design.

Even with the new chassis design, Lenovo continues to use their exceptional keyboards. This has always been one of the best keyboards for a notebook design. They have a great feel and are comfortable to use for hours on end. This has been problematic for many ultraportable systems that sacrifice the keyboard layout and size in order to make the system more compact.

Performance is a key component to the ThinkPad X61s notebooks. Lenovo chose to use the Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 low voltage mobile processor. This gives it strong performance with some power savings, but not as much if they had chosen to use the ultra-low voltage version of the processor. Thankfully, two full gigabytes of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory is included making it run smoothly with the Vista Ultimate operating system packaged with it.

One of the big drawbacks to all this design though is the continued focus as it being a business computer. Most ultraportables now integrated the optical drives into the chassis. Lenovo has decided to leave their X series in tradition by featuring an external USB based DVD burner. Sure, this gives the functionality, but it adds extra weight to the overall package when traveling. This holds back what would otherwise be a superb ultraportable.

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

2007-09-10T08:48:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is a good keyboard, that takes some getting used to due to the split key layout. The ergonomic layout of the keys allows you to keep your hands in a more natural position while typing. The addition of multimedia controls to the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 add to its functionality as well. If you don't mind a possible drop in productivity while you get used to the keyboard, it is a great design that is comfortable to use.
Pros

* Great looking keyboard
* Very ergonomic keyboard layout

Cons

* A bit odd to type on

Description

* Split key arrangement takes getting used to for peak use.
* Great shortcut and navigation keys make web browsing and launching programs easy.
* Very attractive and modern looking design for a keyboard.

Guide Review - Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
Features of the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

The most noticeable feature of the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is the split key design that positions the keys normal used by each hand at an angle for better hand position. The layout is comfortable, but takes some getting used to.

Positioned between the split key sections is a zoom slider that can be used to zoom in on documents or images. I would have rather seen it be used as a scroll wheel, but it is a nice feature none the less.

The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 also has a nice set of hot keys above the standard "F" keys that you can use for direct access to applications, web sites and documents you choose. Built in controls for audio functions are also included.
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 in Use

When I started using the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 I realized that I obviously don't type correctly. Keys I typical hit with my left hand were situated for right hand use with the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.

The difference in positioning led to a slower typing speed and a bit of reduced productivity for me. However, I am sure with extended use that productivity decrease would disappear.

The additional navigation keys for web use and favorites are great and very welcome. Short cut keys for navigation on the keyboard are one of those features you don't know you want until you use them and and then it is hard to live without them.

Fix Mom's PC From Your Home or Office

2007-09-09T08:41:00.000+05:30

Illustration by Edwin Fotheringham
My family, scattered to the four winds, has a dangerous habit of blindly clicking through software installs and downloading all kinds of junk from the Internet. That's why I hear "The PC is acting funny" a lot. Not long ago an effective fix had to wait until my next visit, but now I can repair the damage anytime from my home or office using the free UltraVNC remote control software ).

You can install and use UltraVNC in several different ways; in my experience, it's easiest for the person I'm helping if I run the remote viewer on my machine, and then send a simple applet to them via an e-mail attachment that they click to automate the link to my system.

To set up UltraVNC on your PC, install the application and select Run UltraVNC Viewer (Listen Mode) on the program's Start menu. If you have a router, you may have to open a port (the UltraVNC's default is 5500) to redirect traffic to your local computer. The method for doing this varies from router to router, so check your device?s documentation or the vendor Web site.
Locate Your IP Address

Next, customize the UltraVNC SC (for "single-click") server, which initiates the connection. Go to download custom.zip (look for the link about a third of the way down). Open the zipped file on your PC, and double-click helpdesk.txt to open that file. Replace both IP addresses (192.168.1.102) under the [HOST] headings with the address assigned to you by your ISP. Leave everything but those four numbers unchanged. If you're routerless, visit www.whatismyipaddress.com and note the number shown there.

Most home IP addresses change from log-on to log-on (this arrangement is called dynamic IP addressing). If you need to create a static IP address, visit the free DynDNS service. You must run the service's utility to update its redirect table every time your local IP address changes? Without DynDNS, you'd have to re-edit and recompile the helpdesk.txt file every time you reloaded your Net connection.
Send Them a Panic Button

Save the helpdesk.txt file back to the custom.zip archive. Next, browse to UltraVnc SC online creator, enter foo in the Userid field and foobar as the password, and click Browse to navigate to and select the custom.zip file. Click Upload, and it about 5 seconds you'll be told to download the custom.exe file that the remote user must click to connect to your machine. E-mail the custom.exe file (or whatever you rename it) to your family members, or post it on your Web site for them to download. When they follow the simple installation instructions that accompany it, you will see a dialog box on your screen informing you of an incoming connection. Accept it, and their Windows desktop appears in a window on your screen, ready for you to control. UltraVNC is free-but consider donating to help fund enhancements.

HP Compaq 2510p Ultraportable Notebook

2007-09-08T08:20:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The HP Compaq 2510p ultraportable notebook is certainly a system that any business traveler should look clasely at, but some of the key items that a consumer might be looking for make it only an average choice for a small and lightweight home or school notebook.

Pros

* LED Backlit Display
* Models Available With Cellular WAN Modems
* Three Year Warranty

Cons

* Lacks Software Bundle
* Limited Expansion Ports

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 Ultra Low Voltage Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 80GB 4200rpm ATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) LED Backlit Display with Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g Wireless, Bluetooth 2.0
* Two USB 2.0, One FireWire, Type II PC Card, SD Slot and Fingerprint Scanner
* 11.1" x 8.4" x 1" @ 2.8 lbs.
* Windows Vista Business

Guide Review - HP Compaq 2510p Ultraportable Notebook
HP uses the HP Compaq name specifically for systems that they sell for business. The HP Compaq 2510p is their newest ultraportable notebook system that is designed for the business traveler. This has some very specific connotations of what comes with the system or not. For example, it comes with a long three year warranty compared to HP's consumer systems that generally feature only one year. On the flip side, the2510p does not come with any preloaded software bundles while the consumer systems do.

The 2510p is a very complete and portable package. Weighing in at under 3 pounds and only an inch thick, one might expect it to be lacking in features such as an optical drive or a smaller processor. Thankfully, HP has packed in all the features that you might need in a notebook system, including an internal dual layer DVD burner. But don't assume that the battery life will be too poor. The LED backlit display and ultra low voltage processor help the system to last for some time.

The same size does have a bit of a drawback though. The number of available peripheral expansion ports on the system is restricted. Many systems are offering three USB ports, but the 2510p only features two. It also uses the older Type II PC Card slot rather than the newer and faster ExpressCard. This may be good for legacy cards but limits its potential upgrades.

The model in this review has a good number of networking features, but HP also sells two versions with essentially the same components but also a cellular WAN modem. One model is offered with support for AT&T and another for Verizon depending upon which service provider you wish to use.

Fujitsu LifeBook P7320 Ultraportable Notebook

2007-09-07T08:35:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The Fujistu LifeBook P7320 continues the line of very strong ultraportable notebooks. The design is really a hit or miss with people though. It has an exceptional design for those that need to work for stretches of time while travelling, but its restricted size also really prevents it from being a primary notebook computer.

Pros

* Very Small and Lightweight
* Integrated DVD Burner

Cons

* Smaller Keyboard Due to Notebook Size
* Limited Performance Due to Single Core Processor

Description

* Intel Core Solo U1400 Ultra Low Voltage Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 60GB 4200rpm 1.8" PATA Hard Drive
* DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 10.6" WXGA (1280x768) Display with Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics and 1.3MP Webcam
* v.90 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g Wireless
* Two USB 2.0, One FireWire, Type II PC Card Slot, 3-in-1 Card Reader, Fingerprint Scanner
* 10.7" x 7.9" x 1.2" @ 3 lbs.
* Vista Business, Works 8.5, Norton Internet Security, PowerDVD, Roxio Easy Media Creator

Guide Review - Fujitsu LifeBook P7320 Ultraportable Notebook

Fujitsu's LifeBook P7000 series has gone through many different variations since its initial release. It is still one of the smallest ultraportables on the market to include an optical drive internal to the system, but it has received a number of updates that were greatly needed to revive this long running ultraportable series.

Powering the heart of the P7320 is the Intel Core Solo U1400 ultra low voltage processor. This is a single core processor that has a very low power draw to help extend battery life. The downside to this is that it doesn't offer up the same performance as the normal Core 2 Duo models. Still, the processor provides sufficient performance for internet and productivity applications as long as you aren't multitasking.

Storage wise, Fujitsu has finally updated things so that a module dual layer DVD burner is included over the more traditional CD-RW/DVD combo drive in older models. This lets the system burn DVDs or CDs in addition to playing them back. The hard drive is smaller than most other ultraportables both in space, but also size. Rather than a traditional 2.5" drive, it uses the smaller 1.8" model that limits to to a 60GB capacity.

The 10.6" wide LCD display helps reduce the size of the system to make the LifeBook P7320 be extremely portable. This gives it a few problems though. First, the screen can be a bit more difficult to read due to the smaller pixel size. The other drawback is the smaller keybaord that can be quite uncomfortable to use over extended periods.

Still, the LifeBook P7320 continues its life as one of the best ultraportable notebooks for the traveler on the go that needs to do frequent work but needs to pack light.

Everex StepNote SA2053T Budget Ultraportable Notebook PC

2007-09-06T08:12:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
If you really want a small and highly portable system but don't have a lot of money to spend, then the Everex StepNote SA2053T is probably a good alternative. It is an extremely affordable system that offers up a decent amount of performance but lacks software and has some of the worst battery life on the market.

Pros

* Very Inexpensive
* Reasonable Performance

Cons

* Lacks Bundled Software
* Limited Battery Life

Description

* Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2080 Mobile Processor
* 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory
* 100GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Burner
* 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) Display with Integrated Intel GMA 950 Graphics
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Fast Ethernet, 802.11b/g Wireless
* Three USB 2.0, One FireWire, ExpressCard/54
* 11.7" x 8.4" x 1.4" @ 3.8 lbs.
* Vista Home Premium

Guide Review - Everex StepNote SA2053T Budget Ultraportable Notebook PC

Most ultraportable notebooks are fairly expensive. The reason for this is that the engineering to pack in the features and performance into a small package while still allowing for a long battery life is complicated. This is why many of these notebooks are $1500 or more. For those looking for a low cost alternative but in a highly portable system, the Everex StepNote SA2053T is an option.

The 12.1-inch notebook computer weighs in under 4 pounds in weight and roughly half the cost of the average ultraportable. Performance isn't sacrificed too much on the system. It does come with a somewhat date Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2080 mobile processor, a full gigabyte of memory, 100GB of hard drive storage space and a dual layer DVD burner. All of this let's it perform admirably with internet and productivity applications for a very low price.

There are some significant drawbacks to the StepNote SA2053T. For example, the system has some of the worst battery life out of most notebooks on the market. Don't expect to even be able to watch through a 90-minute DVD movie on a single charge. This makes carrying around the power adapter pretty much a requirement that adds to the overall weight of the system. The notebook also lacks any formal software bundle at all either, so expect to spend a bit more to get some actual applications on it for use.

Does that means people should avoid the StepNote SA2053T? No, as it is one of the most affordable ultraportables on the market. Just be sure you can handle the battery life and software issues before investing in one.

Dell XPS M1330 Ultraportable Notebook PC

2007-09-05T12:31:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Dell's XPS M1330 is unique in that they have produced a very lightweight and small 13.3" notebook that does fit the bill as an ultraportable. Performance is good but nothing really that sets it apart from other ultraportables. What would be a really good ultraportable instead has been marred by supply and quality issues that only the most patient of consumers should really consider.

Pros

* Very Lightweight For 13.3" Screen
* Two Full Gigabytes Of Memory
* Large Hard Drive

Cons

* Supply and Quality Issues
* Lacks Dial-Up Modem

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 160GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 13.3" WXGA (1280x800) LED Backlit Display with Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics
* 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless
* Two USB 2.0, One FireWire, ExpressCard/54 and 8-in-1 Card Reader
* 12.5" x 9.4" x 1.3" @ 4 lbs.
* Windows Home Premium, Works 8, McAfee Security Center

Guide Review - Dell XPS M1330 Ultraportable Notebook PC

Dell's new ultraportable M1330 is really is really amazing for its small and lightweight design. It is one of very few systems that can pack in a 13.3" LCD display and still weigh under four pounds. The display comes with the new LED backlighting that improves color and brightness or the more traditional design to save a little money.

In terms of performance, the XPS M1330 certainly has some notable features. It comes equipped with the Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 mobile processor, 2GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory and a very large 160GB hard drive. All of these make it a very solid notebook that can be used as a primary computer system. The problem is that it doesn't really set it apart from many other ultraportables in terms of overall performance. There are many systems just as equally suited to these tasks.

One thing that travelers may want to be aware of is the networking. The system does not come equipped with a built-in dial-up modem. This can be problematic for some but 802.11 wireless networks are more common. Users that need more flexible wireless networks also have the option of installing a cellular modem for Verizon, AT&T or Sprint wireless networks.

The biggest problem though comes from Dell itself. There have been a number of issues in regards to the quality of the cases and component supply delays that make ordering an XPS M1330 a big challenge. As it stands at the time of this review, there is at least a 3 week delay in getting a unit. For many people, this is much longer. The plastic exterior is also of questionable quality compared to many other notebooks available to consumers.

ASUS W5Fe-A1 Ultraportable Notebook PC

2007-09-04T08:22:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The ASUS W5Fe-A1 is a very solid ultraportable design with its unique SideShow display on the back side of the display that will get lots of comments. Beyond the SideShow display, the W5Fe is a solid well performing notebook with lots of storage space.

Pros

* External SideShow Display
* Large Hard Drive
* Sturdy Chassis Design

Cons

* Relatively Expensive
* Limited Applications For SideShow Display

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 Dual Core Mobile Processor
* 1.5GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 160GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) LCD Display and Intel GMA 950 Graphics with 1.3MP Webcam
* External 2.8" (320x240) SideShow LCD Display
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0
* Three USB 2.0, One FireWire, ExpressCard/54 and 5-in-1 Reader
* 11.9" x 8.6" x 1.2" @ 3.7 lbs.
* Microsoft Vista Business, ASUSDVD, Power Director, NERO Express and Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - ASUS W5Fe-A1 Ultraportable Notebook PC

The first thing that everyone notices about the ASUS W5Fe ultraportable is the small 2.8” external LCD display. ASUS is the first company to release a notebook with an external display compatible with the new SideShow features of Windows Vista. This is helpful for display information such as incoming email, but it is somewhat of a let down due to the limited number of applications designed for it. Of course, this could change over time.

Beyond the external display, the ASUS W5Fe is actually a well equipped system. It is powered by the new Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 dual core mobile processor. It would have been nice to see them use a low or ultra-low power processor to help extend battery life. To compensate for this, they have a selector on the system that lets you easily switch between multiple power profiles depending upon your usage to help balance power consumption to the performance required. A total of 1.5GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory rounds out the package giving it a good smooth operating environment with the Vista OS.

One area that the ASUS W5Fe does really well is storage. Most all notebooks now tend to come with a built-in multi-format DVD burner and the W5Fe is no different there. Ultraportables tend to have limited amounts of hard drive storage space. This tends to be from using smaller or more low power drives. The W5Fe comes with a very large and strong performing 160GB hard drive making this a good choice for a primary system.

The only real major detractor for the ASUS W5Fe is its price tag. The extra features and functions add to the overall price tag that put it in the upper range of the ultraportable market. Still, the system is solid and well performing that make it a great choice even for a primary computer system.

SanDisk Launches Multi Card Expresscard Adapter for Fast and Easy Data Transfer in Notebook Computers

2007-09-03T07:54:00.000+05:30

SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today launched the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard™ Adapter, offering fast transfer speeds from memory cards to notebook computers without the need to carry cables or external card readers. The announcement was made at IFA, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, where SanDisk is exhibiting at Booth 130, in Hall 15.1 of Messe Berlin, through Sept. 5.

The new adapter fits into the ExpressCard slot now found in most new notebook computers, and accepts six card formats: SD™, SDHC™, MultiMediaCard™, MMCplus™, Memory Stick Duo™, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™. Many competing ExpressCard adapters only accept the full size Memory Stick format, running counter to the swing in market momentum toward the smaller Duo form factor.

“With the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter, we’re supporting the rise of the ExpressCard slot in notebook computers,” said Matthijs Hutten, Senior Product Marketing Manager at SanDisk. “We expect ExpressCard to completely replace the PC Card standard in the near future, so offering an ExpressCard adapter which integrates many popular card formats is a natural move for SanDisk.”

For notebook computers without embedded memory card slots, the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter is an easy system upgrade. Users only need to pop the card into the ExpressCard slot – there is no software to install, with no external cables or hardware required. To transfer data, users simply take a memory card out of a device such as a digital still or video camera, an MP3 player, a portable game player or a mobile phone and insert the card into the adapter.

Even for notebook computers with embedded memory card slots, the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter can be useful. Embedded slots today don’t always support the new SD High Capacity (SDHC) format or the Memory Stick PRO Duo form factor, requiring users to carry an external reader. SanDisk’s new adapter offers native SDHC and Memory Stick PRO Duo support.

Pricing and Availability

The SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter is expected to available in North America and Europe in September, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $29.99 in the United States. Suggested retail pricing in Europe is yet to be announced.

SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is the world’s largest supplier of flash data storage card products, using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Milpitas, California and has operations worldwide, with more than half its sales outside the U.S.

Logitech Alto Cordless Notebook Stand and Keyboard Review

2007-09-02T09:47:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
If you need a keyboard and notebook stand for your notebook computer to use on the road, the Logitech Alto Cordless keyboard may be too heavy for you. However, if you use a notebook at home or in the office and are looking for a way to make using your notebook more comfortable at your desk, the Logitech Alto Cordless is fantastic.

Pros

* Good typing feel
* Raise screen considerably

Cons

* Heavy weight

Description

* The Alto Cordless weighs too much to be useful to most road warriors since it may well weigh more than your notebook.
* Wireless keyboard is perfect for use at your desk in the home or office.
* Three port USB hub and AC adapter allows the use of any USB peripherals on the USB hub.

Guide Review - Logitech Alto Cordless Notebook Stand and Keyboard Review

The Logitech Alto Cordless is much like the original Logitech Alto. The most obvious difference is that the Alto Cordless uses a wireless keyboard. The wireless keyboard is separate from the notebook riser portion of the Logitech Alto Cordless. The notebook riser portion of the Alto Cordless contains the wireless receiver connecting the keyboard to the riser.

One single USB plug connects the wireless receiver to the Logitech Alto Cordless to your PC as well as the three port USB hub built into the notebook riser section of the Alto. Logitech includes an AC adapter with the Alto Cordless that allows the use of high-power USB peripherals that won’t work on non-powered USB hubs.

The front of the Alto Cordless notebook riser has a lip that keeps the notebook in place on the stand. The screen of your notebook is raised by about six inches and a cord organizer on the rear of the stand helps keep the cables from your mouse or printer organized and neat.

The keyboard itself has good wireless range and isn’t affected by other wireless signals in the home like cordless phones, WiFi or cellular phones. Typing feel is good with a slightly spongy feel, but good enough for touch typists. The keys offer a muted click that lets you know when you have hit the key with enough force. The riser portion is strong enough to support most 15” notebook computers. The biggest drawback to the Alto Cordless is the weight, at nearly 4.5 pounds the Alto is heavier than many notebooks on the market making it better suited for use in the home or office than on the road.

Averatec - Technical Support Profile

2007-09-01T08:54:00.000+05:30

Products Supported:

* Notebooks
* Consumer Electronics

Support Web Site:

* Averatec Support

Support Email:

* customercare@averatec.com

Support Phone Numbers:

* US Support: 1-877-462-3462 (Mon-Fri 8a-5p Eastern)
* Out of Warranty Support: 1-866-871-4275 (Mon-Fri 7a-5p Central)
* Out of Warranty Repair: 1-800-733-9155 (Mon-Fri 7a-5p Central)
* International and Puerto Rico Support: 1-585-295-0819

Other Support Options:

* Averatec Submit a Ticket
* Averatec FAQs
* Averatec Driver Downloads
* Averatec Product Manuals
* Averatec Product Registration

PC Magazine Survey Ratings:

* 2005 Desktop Survey: N/A
* 2006 Desktop Survey: N/A
* 2005 Notebook Survey: N/A
* 2006 Notebook Survey: N/A

Tips/Advice:

Averatec is low cost PC manufacturer that recently has branched out into consumer electronics. Their online support is much more limited than many other PC manufacturers, so be prepared for waiting in phone queues when you need assistence with any issues with their notebook computers. They also distinguish customers between those under warranty and those who are not. No weekend support is available as well.

User poll:

While I review a large amount of products from companies such as Averatec, I may not have much first hand experience with using their support departments for getting assistance. Because of this, I'm asking readers who have used Averatec various support options to rate how they feel they were able to resolve their problem. If you have used Averatec' support either via email, web or phone, please vote in the following poll to let others know how your experience turned out.

How To Create a Windows XP Password Reset Disk

2007-08-31T08:36:00.000+05:30

Creating a Windows XP password reset disk is a great way to protect yourself from the possibility of forgetting your account password. With it, you can easily reset your password and get right in to Windows XP. While there are ways to recover lost passwords without a password reset disk, they are often complicated and time consuming.

Be proactive by creating a password reset disk today. With a password reset disk, forgetting your password is no longer a crisis.

Follow the easy steps below to create a password reset disk for your Windows XP account:
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Creating a password reset disk for your Windows XP logon usually takes less than five minutes
Here's How:

1.

Click on Start and then Control Panel.
2.

Click on the User Accounts link.

Note: If you're viewing the Classic View of Control Panel, double-click on the User Accounts icon.
3.

In the pick an account to change area of the User Accounts window, click on your Windows XP user name.
4.

In the Related Tasks area on the left, click the Prevent a forgotten password link.
5.

When the Forgotten Password Wizard window appears, click Next

Note: You will need a floppy disk drive and a blank floppy disk.
6.

On the next screen, verify that a blank floppy disk is inserted in your floppy disk drive.

Click Next to continue.
7.

With the disk still in the drive, enter your current account password in the text box and click Next.
8.

Windows XP will now create the password reset disk.

When the progress indicator shows 100% complete, click Next and then click Finish in the next window.
9.

You can now remove the floppy disk from your computer.

Label the disk "Password Reset" and store it in a safe place.

Tips:

1.

Not a Windows XP user? Creating a password reset disk in Windows Vista is very similar to creating a password reset disk in Windows XP.
2.

You only need to create a password reset disk for your Windows XP logon password once. No matter how many times you change your password, this disk will always allow you to create a new one.
3.

While a password reset disk will certainly come in handy if you ever forget your password, keep in mind that anyone who possesses this disk will be able to access your account at any time, even if you change your password.

Before You PC Power Supplies

2007-08-30T08:03:00.000+05:30

Power supply units (PSUs) are often overlooked when building a computer system. A poor quality PSU can greatly reduce the life span of a good system or cause instability. A high quality PSU can also help reduce the noise or heat generated within a computer system. Whether you are buying one for a new computer or replacing a old unit, here are some tips for purchasing a PSU.
Avoid Power Supplies Under $30
Most power supplies that are priced below $30 generally do not meet the power requirements of the latest processors. To make matters worse, the components used in them are of inferior quality and more likely to fail over time. While they may power the computer system, inconsistencies in the power to the components will tend to cause instability and damage to the computer.
ATX12V Compliant
Developments in processors, the PCI Express bus and graphics cards have all increased the amount of power required to operate them. To help provide this extra power, the new ATX12V standard was developed. The problem is that there are still a large number of older ATX power supplies available. Even if you are replacing an older power supply, ATX12V units are backwards compatible.

* ATX12V vs. ATX Power Supplies

Knowing the Wattage Ratings
Wattage ratings on power supplies can be deceptive as this is the total combined wattage of all the voltage lines. With the increased demands by components, the total required output particularly for the +12V line has become increasingly important. Ideally a power supply should have at least 18A on the +12V line. The actual load you need will vary depending upon your components.

* PC Power Supply Wattage

Low or No Noise
Power supplies generate a lot of noise from fans used to keep them from overheating. If you don't want a lot of noise, there are a number of options available. The best choice is for a unit that either uses larger fans that move more air through the unit at slower speeds or to get one with temperature controlled fans. Another option is fanless or silent power supplies that generate no noise.

* Silent PC Power Supplies

MTBF: Mean Time Between Failures
MTBF is the rating given by a manufacturer for the typical amount of usage a unit will have before a possible failure. Roughly 50% of units fail before this and 50% live longer. The higher the MTBF rating, the better the quality of the power supply. Avoid units with ratings of below 20,000 hours as this only equates out to roughly 2.25 years of continuous usage.
Power Efficiency
Power supplies convert voltages from wall outlets to lower levels used by the PC. During this conversion, some power is lost as heat. The efficiency level of the PC determines how much extra power must be put into the power supply to run the PC. By getting a more efficient power supply, you end up saving money through the use of less overall electrcity. Look for a unit that has the 80Plus logo showing that it has passed certification.

* PC Power Supply Efficiency
* 80 PLUS Program

Having the Right Type And Number of Connectors
There are a variety of different power connectors that come off a power supply. Some of the different connectors include 20/24-pin power, 4-pin ATX12V, 4-pin Molex, floppy, 6-pin PCI-Express graphics and 8-pin PCI-Express graphics. Take stock of what power connectors your PC components require to ensure you get a power supply with the appropriate connectors.

PC Power Supply Efficiency

2007-08-29T08:45:00.000+05:30

How The Efficiency Rating of A Power Supply Can Save You Money
Introduction

Personal computers use a tremendous amount of power these days. As the processors and components get more powerful, so does the amount of energy they need to consume. Some desktop systems now can consume almost as much power as a microwave oven. The problem is that even though your PC may have a 500W power supply, the amount of power that it actually pulls from the wall could be much higher than this. This articles takes a look at how much energy a power supply uses and what consumers can do when making a purchase to try and reduce that consumption.
Power In Versus Power Out

The electrical power that is supplied to your house runs at fairly high voltages. When you plug your computer system into the wall for power, this voltage does not flow directly to the components within the computer. The electrical circuits and chips run at much lower voltages than the current coming from the wall outlet. This is where the power supply comes in. It converts the 110/220V incoming power down to the 3.3, 5 and 12V levels for the various internal circuits.

Changing the voltages from one level to another requires various circuits that will lose energy as it gets converted. This means that the amount of power in watts used by the power supply will be greater than the amount of watts of energy that is supplied to the internal components. This energy loss is generally transferred as heat to the power supply and is why most power supplies contain various fans to cool the components.

The big thing to remember is that if you computer uses 300W of power on the inside, it is using more power from the wall outlet. The question is, how much more?
High Efficiency Power Supplies

The efficiency rating of a power supply determines how much energy is wasted or lost when it converts the wall outlet power to the internal power components. For example, a 75% efficiency power supply that generates 300W of internal power would draw roughly 400W of power from the wall. The important thing to note about a power supply is that the efficiency rate will vary depending upon the load amount on the circuits as well as the condition of the of the circuits.

Many power supply manufacturers are beginning to label units as high efficiency or HE. This is really a marketing term that can vary between manufacturers and even models. One high efficiency model might reach 80% efficiency levels while another might reach 85% efficiency. In addition, that 85% efficiency unit may only reach that percentage when it is at a 50% power load. When the unit is at 25 or 75% power loads, it may only have a 70% or lower level of efficiency.

Some manufacturers are now listing the power supply efficiency ratings. It should be noted that many of these still list the optimal efficiency level. Only a few will list the efficiency levels for various load levels on the power supply. Be sure to look for these numbers before buying any PC power supplies.
ENERGY STAR And Power Supplies

The Enery Star program was originally established by the EPA as a voluntary labeling program designed to indicate energy efficient products. It was initially established for computer products to help corporations and individuals mitigate energy expenditures. A lot has changed in the computer market since the program was initially established back in 1992.

Early ENERGY STAR products did not have to meet very strict energy efficiency levels because they didn't use as much power as they do now. Because of these increasing levels of power consumption, the ENERGY STAR program has been modified multiple times. The latest revision takes effect in July of 2007 and makes a very specific standard for the ENERGY STAR label for computer power supplies.

In order for new power supplies and PCs to meet the ENERGY STAR requirements, they must meet an 80% efficiency rating across all rated power output. This means that if the computer is running at 1%, 100% or any level in between, the power supply must reach a minimum 80% efficiency rating in order to get the label. This means that many high efficiency labeled power supplies will not meet this requirement. After all, if it only has 75% at a one quarter load, it fails to meet the guidelines.

These new ENERGY STAR guidelines should help users in finding a power supply that will help meet the needs of their computer systems yet still provide cost savings thanks to the efficiencies. Eventually, the ENERGY STAR group will look to increase the requirements from the 80% efficiency to a higher 85% at some future date.

When looking for a power supply, look for one that carries the 80 PLUS logo on it. This means that the power supply efficiency has been tested and approved to meet the ENERGY STAR GUIDELINES. The 80 PLUS Program provides a list of power supplies that have meet the requirements. This list is updated periodically and provides downloads of PDF's with their test results to let you see exactly how efficient they were.
Conclusions

The amount of power that we consume has become a major issue. Personal computers are becoming a standard item in the home similar to TVs and stereos. Because of this, it is important to try and select equipment that is as energy efficient as possible. By knowing what it really means for a power supply to be efficient, consumers can help reduce their power consumption and make some difference with the environment at the same time.

Razer Introduces 4000 dpi Lachesis Gaming Mouse

2007-08-28T07:29:00.000+05:30

This week Razer announced their newest gaming mouse set for availability in October for $79.99 called the Razer Lachesis. The Lachesis uses the new Razer 3G Laser sensor that has a whopping 4000 dpi resolution without resorting to software interpolation. The mouse has nine buttons that are programmable and can withstand 25g of acceleration. Razer gave the mouse on-the-fly adjustable sensitivity that gives true dpi settings by changing the resolution without using interpolation. The Lachesis also uses 1000Hz ultrapolling for a 1ms response time. You can pre-order your own Lachesis gaming mouse at Razerzone.com.

Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad Review

2007-08-27T16:24:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
If you are a PC gamer that prefers to play games with a gamepad rather than a mouse and keyboard, the Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad is a very good gamepad. No matter if you prefer the Xbox 360 style control layout or the PS3 controller design; the Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad can do what you want and has robust programming options. Overall the Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad performs very well.

Pros

* Changeable layout
* Programmable buttons

Cons

* USB cable is too short

Description

* Robust, but somewhat overwhelming software allows lots of programming options.
* The Cyborg-module is hot swappable during a game if you decide to use a different layout.
* No drivers are needed to use the Cyborg Rumble Pad.

Guide Review - Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad Review

The most unique feature of the Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad is the Cyborg-module that houses the D-pad and left analog stick. An eject button on the bottom of the controller releases the Cyborg-module and allows you to arrange the left analog stick in two positions, a PS3 style layout puts the left and right analog sticks next to each other and the Xbox layout puts the left analog stick up higher on the control and places the D-Pad next to the right analog stick. You can change the module around during a game as well.

Another nice feature of the Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad is the FPS buttons that when pressed lowers the sensitivity of the game pad to a setting of your choosing to make activities like sniping in game easier to pull off. The buttons on the controller have a nice tactile feel and the entire gamepad feels well built.

The only real problem I had with the Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad during testing was that my desk is large and my PC far from my display which made the USB cable too short. The cable is about six feet long, but if you work from a large desk like I do you may find that isn’t enough cord. The Saitek SST software allows you to bind any mouse or keyboard stroke to the controller for complete customization. It is also nice that you don’t need to use the software or any drivers; you can simply plug the Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad in and play.

BFG NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT OC2 512MB PCIe with ThermoIntelligence

2007-08-26T08:04:00.000+05:30

Now the award-winning NVIDIA® GeForce® 8 Series architecture extends to the BFG NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT OC2™ with ThermoIntelligence™ graphics card. Offering unparalleled levels of graphics realism and performance for Microsoft® DirectX® 9 and DirectX 10 games for the price point, the BFG GeForce 8600 GT OC2 graphics card also includes the groundbreaking 2nd generation PureVideo™ HD processor and full support for Microsoft Windows Vista™.

Fast and Cool, with ThermoIntelligence
ThermoIntelligence series has been specifically designed to meet the cooling demands of the discerning PC gamer and enthusiast. Featuring custom air and water-cooled solutions, the ThermoIntelligence series provides exceptional thermal performance without the draw backs of traditional custom and after market solutions.

Introducing the first new Air cooled product as part of our ThermoIntelligence series is the BFG NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT OC2 512MB PCIe graphics cards. These cards feature a brand new exclusive cooling solution with exceptional thermal performance that doesn’t take up an additional add-in card slot or generate excess acoustic noise.
Please visit http://www.thermointelligence.com/ for further information.

Built for Microsoft Windows Vista
NVIDIA's fourth-generation GPU architecture built for Windows Vista gives users the best possible experience with the Windows Aero 3D graphical user interface, included in the new operating system (OS) from Microsoft.

Full Microsoft DirectX 10 Support
World's first DirectX 10 GPU with full Shader Model 4.0 support delivers unparalleled levels of graphics realism and film-quality effects.

NVIDIA SLI™ Technology1
Delivers up to 2x the performance of a single graphics card configuration for unequaled gaming experiences by allowing two graphics cards to run in parallel. The must-have feature for performance PCI Express® graphics, SLI dramatically scales performance on today's hottest games.

NVIDIA unified architecture
Fully unified shader core dynamically allocates processing power to geometry, vertex, physics, or pixel shading operations, delivering up to 2x the gaming performance of prior generation GPUs.

GigaThread™ Technology
Massively multi-threaded architecture supports thousands of independent, simultaneous threads, providing extreme processing efficiency in advanced, next generation shader programs.

NVIDIA Lumenex™ Engine
Delivers stunning image quality and floating point accuracy with ultra-fast frame rates.

NVIDIA Quantum Effects™ Technology
Advanced shader processors architected for physics computation enable a new level of physics effects to be simulated and rendered on the GPU-all the while freeing the CPU to run the game engine and AI.

NVIDIA ForceWare® Unified Driver Architecture (UDA)
Delivers a proven record of compatibility, reliability, and stability with the widest range of games and applications. ForceWare provides the best out-of-box experience for every user and delivers continuous performance and feature updates over the life of NVIDIA GeForce GPUs.

OpenGL® 2.0 Optimizations and Support
Ensures top-notch compatibility and performance for OpenGL applications.

NVIDIA nView® Multi-Display Technology
Advanced technology provides the ultimate in viewing flexibility and control for multiple monitors.

NVIDIA PureVideo HD Technology²
The combination of high-definition video decode acceleration and post-processing that delivers unprecedented picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for movies and video.

HDCP Capable³
Designed to meet the output protection management (HDCP) and security specifications of the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats, allowing the playback of encrypted movie content on PCs when connected to HDCP-compliant displays.

PCI Express Support
Designed to run perfectly with the PCI Express bus architecture, which doubles the bandwidth of AGP 8X to deliver over 4 GB/sec. in both upstream and downstream data transfers.

1 - NVIDIA SLI certified versions of GeForce PCI Express GPUs only.
2 - Feature requires supported video software. Features may vary by product.
³ - Requires other HDCP-compatible components.

Kodak EasyShare 5300 All-in-One Printer Review

2007-08-25T14:08:00.000+05:30

Features & Specifications

Kodak’s middle of the road printer is what we are having a look at today. The Kodak EasyShare 5300 All-in-One Printer copies, scans, and prints just as you would expect an all-in-one to do. The biggest feature of the 5300 is the ink prices. Kodak moved the print head from the cartridge into the printer which allowed them to make inks much less expensive. You can get the black ink cartridge for $9.99 and the color ink cartridge costs $14.99. A kit with both cartridges is $22.99. The Epson RX700 I bought a year or so back takes six separate ink cartridges with each color cartridge costing $12.99 and the black cartridge costs $17.09. It cost me $64.95 for the color cartridges alone, when I could find them.

The print quality of the Kodak EasyShare 5300 All-in-One Printer is every bit as good as any photo printer I have used. Photographs have vivid colors, prints are smudge-proof and skin tones are realistic. You can’t tell the difference between prints form the Kodak EasyShare 5300 All-in-One Printer and ones I developed professionally. The printer can put out black document pages at 32 ppm and Kodak quotes print time for a 4x6 borderless print at 28 seconds on fastest print speeds.
Sponsored Links

The scanner is great for scanning documents and allows you to scan to application or to a memory card. The paper tray holds 100 sheets of standard paper with a sliding tray for photos that can hold 20 4x6 sheets. In addition to 4x6 prints, you can print up to 8x10 shots as well using the main paper tray. Business users will like the optional duplexer that allows automatic double sided printing. An optional Bluetooth attachment is also available for wireless printing.

The copy function allows you to scale the output from 20% to 500% of the originals size. Copying sheets is fast and the printed output is sharp and legible. A memory card reader on the front panel accepts SD, XD, Memory Stick and CF cards. The Kodak EasyShare 5300 All-in-One Printer has a 3” LCD display that allows you to see images on a memory card and print them without needing a computer. A USB port on the front panel allows printing from PictBridge enabled cameras and USB drives as well. You can perform very limited editing function on the printers LCD screen which amount to zooming and rotating images.

Using the Kodak 5300 All-in-One

In use I printed a 4 x 6 borderless print of my daughter on best photo quality setting and it took 38 seconds on Kodak Premium Photo Glossy paper. Kodak’s print speeds are quoted in the fastest print speeds, so you expect best quality to take longer. The photo looked fantastic and was dry and ready to be handled as soon as it left the printer.

Printing paper documents on best print setting in black with a few blue highlights took 27 seconds. Printed output was sharp and very legible. I also scanned a few documents to memory card. The scanned output was exceptional with crisp letters and no distortion or noise in the documents. The only real problem I had with the Kodak EasyShare 5300 All-in-One Printer was that using the limited editing functions was a bit difficult. I could zoom in on a photo easily. However, when I decided I liked the original photo better, I could not get the printer to zoom back out so I could print the entire photo without removing the memory card and starting over.

Overall, the Kodak EasyShare 5300 All-in-One Printer is a great printer. It uses cheap inks that still have every bit of the quality of much more expensive print systems. You will pay more to get the Kodak EasyShare 5300 All-in-One Printer than you will for competitor’s products, the 5300 sells for $199. The first time you have to buy ink though, the extra cost upfront will be a distant memory.

Vista and PC Audio

2007-08-24T08:12:00.000+05:30

How Changes By Microsoft Affected PC Audio

In the early years of computers, audio consisted of just a few series of beeps to simulate music and sound. Of course today we have multichannel surround sound with environmental effects. Then Microsoft went and rewrote the rules of audio on the PC with the Vista operating system. You may have already experienced this if you are running the new OS, but if you are thinking of upgrading your operating system or buying a new PC and audio is important then you need to know about the issue.
What Changed And Why

In previous versions of Windows, hardware audio support was developed as a means of improving the audio output and reducing the strain of audio processing by the CPU. In order to do this, the audio drivers allowed the sound hardware to tie into the kernel level of the operating system. This had unintended consequences that could reduce the stability of the whole OS. One driver error could cause the whole OS to lock up or even worse, blue screen.

In order to increase stability and security in the Vista operating system, audio processing was removed from the kernel level and moved to the user space similar to standard applications. What this meant is that direct hardware calls could not be done and must be handed by a software application. If there is now an issue with the audio software under Vista, only the audio application would be affected while the remaining OS will continue to function.
The Resulting Problem

Since all audio under Vista now runs through a software application at the user level, hardware acceleration has essentially be rendered useless. This is particularly true for any application that was written using the DirectSound3D audio calls or the Creative EAX audio extensions. Games or applications that were written to use these features are now handled by a software interpreter for the new audio stack. Positional audio is still possible, but environmental effects are lost. In some cases, the application may even fail to use positional audio and have only basic stereo output.

Now, for someone that was just using their PC computer to listen to digital audio tracks that were only stereo, such as MP3s, this doesn't really have much of an impact. What they may not know is that the audio hardware previously offloaded this audio processing away from the CPU. Much of that processing has returned to the CPU level under Vista. This is maybe a few percentage points on the CPU usage, but it can still make a difference. Direct3D positional audio with effects causes an even greater impact.
Vista Audio Solution

The industry knew about these changes from Microsoft well in advance of the release of Vista. Thankfully, Creative and Apple picked up development of a solution that was originally developed for use with the Linux operating system. A company called Loki Entertainment developed a platform called OpenAL as a means to provide cross platform hardware accelerated audio. Thus, an application written to use OpenAL could have full positional audio along with environmental effects whether the application was run on hardware used with Windows, OS X or Linux. Loki didn't survive, but their API was continued after they dissolved.

The only drawback to this new OpenAL system was that it requires both the audio hardware and the applications to be written with the API. There are a number of game engines that were developed with this in mind, but that still requires the hardware support. If both of these exist, then full hardware audio acceleration and environmental audio extensions will exist.
What It All Means

Hardware accelerated audio is still possible with Windows Vista, it just encountered a bit of a slowdown. Certain older games may have lost much of their audio processing and unless they are patched by the publishers (something not likely to happen) will not experience anything more than stereo audio in Vista. The main thing is that some existing games and future audio development with hardware audio acceleration is possible with the proper software and hardware.

If you are looking at purchasing a new computer with Windows Vista installed on it or are looking to upgrade to Vista with an existing system, is is important to look closely at the audio hardware on the computer. Check with the manufacturers to ensure that the hardware has compatible OpenAL drivers. This is the only way to experience the full audio potential within Vista. If not, get used to stereo audio output.

Top 5 23-Inch and Up Widescreen LCD Monitors

2007-08-23T08:05:00.000+05:30

Widescreen displays are quite popular for notebook computers, but they are still quite limited for desktop systems. They are great for those looking for extra workspace without using dual monitors or for video playback. Here are my selections for the best format widescreen LCD monitors 23" and larger based upon my research and experience.

1. Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC 30"

Dell's UltraSharp 3007WFP monitor set a lot of standards for the large computer monitor market. For one it made the huge screens much more affordable. They have gone and improved on that monitor by replacing the backlighting on it to provide an increased color gamut supported by the monitor. The result is the 3007WFP-HC that provides some of the best color support available on the market. The screen retains its 2560x1600 resolution that requires a Dual-Link DVI graphics card to use. It also has the built-in 4 port USB hub and media card reader.

2. Apple Cinema HD 30"

Apple set the standard for large widescreen monitors with the release of its Cinema displays. It continues to produce some supperb, if pricey computer screens on the market. The Cinema HD 30" screen provides some of the best and most minimalistic screens available on the market. Its excellent brushed aluminum frame is just amazing to see in action. Like the Dell, it features a 2560x1600 resolution that requires a compatible dual-link DVI graphics card. Unlike the Dell screen though, it does feature as many connectors or features beyond this. It does have two USB 2.0 and two FireWire 400 ports for peripherals though.

3. Samsung SyncMaster 275T 27"

30" screens are great, but they do have their problems. You have to have the desk space and graphics card to use them. Then there is the small pixel size that can be difficult to read. 27" screens are a great alternative for those wanting a large screen but don't have what it takes for a 30". Samsung's SyncMaster 275T offers a large amount of screen space with the more universal 1920x1200 resolution. This makes the screen easier to read but still provide plenty of workspace. With superb contrast ratio, brightness and response times, this is one screen you definitely want to look into. Supports DVI, VGA, component, composite, s-video inputs and has built-in speakers.

4. Dell UltraSharp 2407FPW-HC 24"

The UltraSharp 2407WFP-HC is very similar in design and features to that of the UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC but in a smaller package. Based on the previous 2407WFP model, it features the improved backlighting to add in the wider color gamut that is very important for those working with computer graphics. All of this with it's exceptional contrast ratio, brightness and response times. It features DVI, VGA, Component, Composite and S-Video inputs. It also features a four port USB 2.0 hub and a media card reader.

5. HP LP2465 24"

HP is one of the largest computer companies in the world, but it hasn't really been known for making monitors. The HP HP2465 provides people with the option for a solid computer monitor without all the extra connectors and components that generally go unused. It's 1920x1200 screen resolution provides plenty of space with a strong 1000:1 contrast ratio and 500 cd/m2 brightness rating. it can be used with either a DVI or VGA graphics card, but doesn't have any of the more traditional video connectors for TV and DVDs. It does support a 4-port USB hub for easy peripheral connections.

Top 5 Widescreen 20 to 22-inch LCD Monitors

2007-08-22T15:39:00.000+05:30

Widescreen displays are quite popular for notebook computers, but they are still quite limited for desktop systems. Thankfully the smaller widescreen monitors are becoming much more common and affordable. Here are my selections for the best 20 to 22 inch widescreen LCD monitors based upon my research and experience.

1. Gateway FPD2275W 22"

22-inch screens are now coming down in the price close to the 20-inch screens and the Gateway offers and excellent value and is packed with features. The display features the traditional 1680x1050 with a good level of brightness and contrast. It also comes with a wide variety of connectors including DVI, VGA, Component, Composite and S-Video with picture-in-picture possible. The screen also comes with a 4-port USB 2.0 hub for connecting extra peripherals to your PC. The EZ-Tune software is its only real problem and can be problematic for Vista users. Of course, most video card drivers allow the same adjustments as the Gateway software.

2. Dell UltraSharp 2007WFP 20.1" LCD

Dell's UltraSharp 2005WFP monitor was extremely popular and successful. Dell has updated this monitor with the new 2007WFP model. It has an updated case that is styled much like their 30" LCD monitor. This is particularly a strong choice for those looking for a small widescreen display with great color and brightness. Response times are quick and able to handle fast motion or graphics. Ports include a DVI with HDCP support, VGA, composite and S-Video. Also included is a 4-port USB 2.0 hub. Dell also offers an option 10W speaker bar that can be attached to it.

3. NEC MultiSync LCD225WXM 22"

NEC's 22-inch widescreen LCD screen doesn't offer as many connectors as some of the other screens on this list, but then again most people only use their monitor with a single PC. What the MultiSync LCD225WXM does offer up instead is a higher 1000:1 contrast ratio that is higher than many in this segment and it does this without sacrificing the refresh rate. It also offers in some integrated speakers for those who want to clean up their desktop of clutter. A solid monitor without all the frills.

4. Samsung SyncMaster 226BW 22"

Many people are amazed by the Samsung SyncMaster 226BW screen. In particular, it does an exceptional job at display quick motion without the tearing or ghosting. This is due to its 2ms grey-to-grey response time rating. Brightness and contrast is on par with other 22-inch LCD screens. The drawback is that the screen does lose some color depth as it uses a 6-bit panel and dithers colors. It features both a DVI and VGA connector for hooking it up to a PC. Overall a great screen for those looking at heavy PC gaming or video work.

5. HP L2045w 20"

Some might be surprised to see HP on this list, but they have actually begun producing some very good quality monitors for the price. Take the L2045w 20-inch screen for example. While it doesn't offer a wide range of connectors or features, it works very well for the price. The has a lower 600:1 contrast ratio, but it does provide the same brightness levels and good response times. It features a DVI and VGA connector as well as a two port USB 2.0 hub. One thing that users need to be aware of is that it does not come with a DVI cable.

What Computer Should I Buy?

2007-08-21T07:50:00.000+05:30

A Questionnaire to Help Determine the Right Computer

This is the most common question that people have when they visit the About PC Hardware / Reviews site is "What Computer Should I Buy?". In order to better answer this question, this questionnaire has been put together. Through questions about budget, computer applications and usage, it will try to determine the best computer to match your needs.

What to Expect

The questionnaire will range between 10 and 13 questions in length. Each question is presented as a single web page with either single or multiple answers. Single answer questions will automatically load the next question. Multiple choice questions will require the selection of all relevant answers followed by the "Next" button to move to the next question.
Some questions may also contain some additional text between the question and answers to clarify what is being asked.

Once all of the questions are answered, a results page entitled "Your Chosen System" will be displayed. On this page will be two sections. The first section will name the category of computer that best suits your usage and budget. Following this will be a link to a selection of the best computers that match this category of computer. For most people, this is all they will need.

The second section will present a set of recommended specifications presented in a table. This will break down the specifications by category and recommended items to look for. Some of the entries in the table will have links to more detailed information or selections about the given specification.

All links presented on the results page are designed to open the relevant page in a new window so it is not necessary to constantly move back and forth between your results and additional information.

Disclaimer

While a lot of effort was put into this questionnaire, there will be some instances where the results may not be what you expect. In most cases, this will be due to the differences in the budget and the intended use of the computer. Many of the most advanced computing tasks such as gaming or desktop video will require more expensive equipment not found in the budget systems or even some of the more mainstream computers. Thus, a computer listed in the best selection for the category may not have all the features listed in the recommended specifications.

Requirements

In order to go through this questionnaire, you will need to be running a browser that has JavaScript turned on. If this function is turned off, the first question will be displayed, but you will be unable to answer the question or continue on to the other questions.

Toshiba Satellite 15.4" Widescreen Notebook PC (A205-S4777)

2007-08-20T08:14:00.000+05:30

TOS A205S4777
• Intel Core 2 Duo T5450
• 200GB hard drive
• Burns DVDs and CDs

• 2GB of DDR2 memory
• Built-in 802.11agn wireless
• Windows Vista Home Premium

Toshiba Satellite 15.4" Widescreen Notebook PC (A205-S4777)

Thin and light: The Toshiba Satellite A205-S4777 notebook packs a lot of cutting-edge technology into a compact package: the blazing-fast wireless-N, built-in webcam, disc-labeling laser technology and powerful dual-core processing are just the start.

64-bit/dual core processing: The 1.66GHz Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5450 has two processing engines that work together, giving this processor much more power than standard 1.66GHz processors. This processor can also handle 64 bits of information at once, twice as much as older 32-bit processors. Intel Centrino™ technology further enhances mobile performance and battery life.

* This notebook features 2GB of advanced DDR2 system memory—enough for all but the most demanding users, gamers and multimedia professionals.

* Data travels along the frontside bus. The faster data travels, the faster everything works. This notebook has a 667MHz frontside bus.

* L2 caches keep data neat, organized, and nearby so processors can retrieve it more quickly. This 2MB L2 cache is large, providing a potentially significant boost in performance.

Hard drive: This 200GB hard drive has room for a robust collection of music, movies and multimedia. This drive’s data disks spin at 4200rpm. The faster they spin, the faster the data is read and written.

Blazing-fast wireless N: Built-in 802.11abgn wireless LAN lets you take advantage of the speed of the latest and fastest networks, as well as networks using the most popular standards.

DVD SuperMulti drive: Burn DVDs and CDs to share your files, music mixes or home movies. You can even burn DVD-RAM discs—specially-formatted discs that let you drag and drop, or write and rewrite your files up to 100,000 times.

Labelflash™ technology: Burn high-resolution, high-contrast pictures on the label side of DVD discs using the same laser used for data recording. Enjoy transparency and high-quality not found in traditional printable media. All you need is a Labelflash DVD disc to start labeling without a printer.

Widescreen display: This 15.4” widescreen features 1280 x 800 pixel (WXGA) resolution, providing sharp detail and plenty of room for whatever you want to view.

Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Home Premium: This is the operating system for homes with advanced computer needs. And Vista Premium features the elegant new Aero interface. You’ll be able to use your notebook more effectively and enjoy new entertainment experiences—all with the benefit of added security and reliability.

Graphics and audio: This notebook features the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 and 256MB of shared video memory—drawn from system memory. This graphics package easily handles activities like casual movie watching or gaming. Built-in stereo speakers round out your multimedia enjoyment.

Built-in webcam: Enjoy easy video conferencing and live chats.

Fingerprint reader: Next-generation security protects confidential data while allowing you instant access.

ExpressCard/54 slot: ExpressCard is an emerging standard in smaller, faster PC card solutions. This slot is compatible with ExpressCard/54 as well as ExpressCard/34. Use it to add memory, graphics upgrades or security devices.

Media card reader: Seamlessly transfer images from your digital camera, MP3 player or camcorder. This 5-in-1 reader is compatible with Secure Digital, xD, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro and MultiMedia Card.

Get connected: One FireWire, one S-video and four USB ports let you connect to TVs, cameras, peripherals and more.

Software bundle:
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Works 8.5 and Office Home and Student 2007 Edition (60-day trial)
Sun® Java™ 2 Runtime Environment
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader
Google™ Desktop and Toolbar
McAfee Internet Security Suite (30-day trial)
Ulead® DVD MovieFactory® 5
Yahoo! Music™ Jukebox
Protector Suite™ QL by UPEK®

Connect Two Home Computers for File Sharing

2007-08-19T10:53:00.000+05:30

Methods for networking two computers

The simplest kind of home network contains exactly two computers. You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another peripheral device, and even an Internet connection. To connect two computers for sharing these and other network resources, consider the options described below.
Connecting Two Computers Directly With Cable
The traditional method to network two computers involves making a dedicated link by plugging one cable into the two systems. Several alternatives exist for networking two computers in this manner:

* Ethernet crossover cable
* Null modem serial cable or parallel peripheral cable
* Special-purpose USB cables

Ethernet - Of the above choices, the Ethernet method is preferred as it supports a reliable, high-speed connection with minimal configuration required.
Additionally, Ethernet technology offers the most general-purpose solution, allowing networks with more than two computers to be built fairly easily later. If one of your computers possesses an Ethernet adapter but the other has USB, an Ethernet crossover cable can still be used by first plugging a USB-to-Ethernet converter unit into the computer's USB port.

Serial and parallel - This type of cabling, called Direct Cable Connection (DCC) when using Microsoft Windows, offers lower performance but offers the same basic functionality as Ethernet cables. You may prefer this option if you have such cables readily available and network speed is not a concern. Serial and parallel cables are never used to network more than two computers.

USB - Ordinary USB cables must not be used to connect two computers directly to each other. Attempting to do so can electrically damage the computers! However, special USB cables designed for direct connection exist that can be used safely. You may prefer this option over others if your computers lack functional Ethernet network adapters.

To make dedicated connections with Ethernet, USB, serial or parallel cables requires

1. each computer have a functioning network interface with an external jack for the cable, and
2. the network settings on each computer appropriately configured

One phone line or power cord cannot be used to directly connect two computers to each other for networking.

Jabra JX10 Bluetooth Headset Review

2007-08-18T19:03:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The Jabra JX10 has great call quality and is comfortable to wear for most users. The JX10 is also small and stylish and allows you to use both your hands in the car or in the office rather than holding your phone to your ear. If you are looking to shed your clunky VOIP headset and go hands free the Jabra JX10 is a great way to do that.

Pros

* Can work with PC VOIP
* Great call quality

Cons

* Users with small ears may find it uncomfortable to wear

Description

* Should work with most PCs and notebooks via Bluetooth dongle for VOIP.
* Lightweight, stylish and comfortable headset frees both your hands for typing at the desk or driving in your car.
* Jabra even made the charge cradle attractive with the JX10.

Guide Review - Jabra JX10 Bluetooth Headset Review

If you are into using VOIP via your computer you may not realize that with a Bluetooth dongle for your computer or notebook that you can use a Bluetooth headset like the Jabra JX10 to make calls via your computer. The cool part is that by doing this you can make calls on your PC and your cellular phone with one headset.

The Jabra JX10 is a very cool looking Bluetooth headset that is small and comfortable to wear yet doesn’t give up call quality for the sake of small size. For testing the Jabra JX10 I used my PC and Skype as well as my Motorola Razr cellular phone.

The JX10 is an in the ear design with a clip that goes around your ear for added security. The earpiece weighs in at a mete 10 grams, which is 1/3 of an ounce, and it is less than 1.5” in length. Once you get the JX10 in your ear you quickly forget you are wearing it.

Jabra uses DSP technology to automatically control the volume of the JX10 to match the environment you are calling from and reduce background noise, and it does this very well. Controls on the top of the JX10 allow you to answer calls from your cellular phone and allow for one touch paring of the JX10 to your PC or your phone.

Talk time is up to six hours and up to 200 hours on standby. You can charge the JX10 via your PC USB connector or a desk cradle. Jabra also made the charge cradle attractive, which is a change, form the cords you normally see with Bluetooth headsets.

In my testing I had no problem synchronizing the JX10 to my Acer TravelMate notebook via the internal Bluetooth receiver. Call quality was as good with the Jabra JX10 with VOIP as it is with my dedicated PC headset. The Jabra JX10 feels good in the ear and is comfortable for extended use. I found call quality to be fantastic whether I was in my office using VOIP or in the car talking on my cellular phone.

Top 5 Mainstream Desktop PCs

2007-08-17T14:44:00.000+05:30

Mainstream desktop PCs are those that fall in the middle of the price range between those considered to be in the budget or performance categories. In general, these systems will provide the best overall value for your dollar. Systems in this category will cost under US$1600 with a monitor or US$1250 without one. All picks are based upon my research and experience.

1.Gateway GM5478
Gateway's retail products have come a long way and offer some spectacular value. The GM5478 is a strong mix of performance and features that also carries a very attractive price. Its Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 quad core processor is great for those looking to multitask or do lots of video editing. The 500GB of hard drive space provide plenty of storage space and come in handy with its analog and digital TV tuner. It even comes with a decent GeForce 8500 GT graphics for those looking at some casual PC gaming. Overall a very strong value.

2.HP Pavilion m8120n
It was tough call for the top spot as the HP Pavilion m8120n just missed out to the Gateway. Overall, the build quality of the HP system was a bit better, but the difference in price and features in the end dropped it to second. Like the Gateway, it has a Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor but it comes with 3GB of memory and 640GB of total storage space. This makes it slightly better for those doing the digital video and multitasking. Its downfall comes from the older GeForce 7350 LE graphics board that lacks Direct X 10 or much 3D performance. So really, it comes down to a choice of casual gaming and price versus more memory and storage.

3.Dell Inspiron 530
Dell's new Inspiron 530 desktop systems are more geared towards the budget segment, but it is still possible to configure it to be competitive with their own XPS 410 desktop. For those willing to spend a bit more, you can get a Core 2 Duo E6550 processor, 2GB DDR2 memory, 320GB hard drive and a GeForce 8600GT graphics card. The best part is that the systems often come with the Dell line of LCD panels that are some of the best available on the market. Definitely a choice for those looking for a solid all around system, or a budget system if so inclined.

4.Velocity Micro Vector GX
The Vector GX system is qutie a bit older than other desktop systems on this list, but Velocity Micro has done a good job on keeping the specifications competitive. In fact, they now offer three different "versions" of the system. One for home offices with Intel processors, another with AMD processor and a Campus Edition. Of these, the Campus Edition offers the best choice of components and features including a Core 2 Duo E6320, 2GB DDR2 Memory, 250GB hard drive and GeForce 8600 GT graphics card.

5.ABS Ultimate I-Spirit E6400
ABS is generally known for custom built PCs, but for those that need a system without the wait or don't care as much about selecting which components will be used ABS has introduced their new Ultimate Spirit desktops. The I-Spirit E6400 is based off the Core 2 Duo E6400 that provides a solid amount of performance for the price. Users do only get a single gigabyte of memory, 250GB of hard drive space and an older GeForce 7600 GT. What they do get is a very reasonably priced desktop PC system that is several steps above the budget oriented desktops without breaking the bank.

ABS Ultimate I-Spirit E6400 Ready-To-Ship Desktop PC

2007-08-16T14:45:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
For those looking for a desktop computer system with a bit more power than what is found in the budget systems but don't want to go through the hassle of customizing it to their needs, ABS's new Ultimate I-Spirit E6400 desktop PC offers a solid general purpose computer without the frills.

Pros

* Relatively Low Cost
* Dedicated Graphics Card

Cons

* Would Run Smoother With Two Gigabytes RAM
* Smaller Hard Drive
* No Software Bundle

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 250GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 18x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner with LightScribe
* NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT Graphics with 256MB Memory
* Intel HDA Audio
* Gigabit Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0, One FireWire
* Windows Vista Home Premium

Guide Review - ABS Ultimate I-Spirit E6400 Ready-To-Ship Desktop PC

The new Ultimate Spirit line of desktop PCs is a big departure from ABS's normal business. Instead of highly customizable systems, the Spirit come preconfigured for quick shipping and better retail placement. The I-Spirit E6400 is a low cost mainstream desktop PC that strikes a good balance between cost and performance.

The system is based around the Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 dual core desktop processor. This is one of the original Core 2 Duo desktop processors that provides a good amount of performance but is slightly below what most companies offer in their mainstream desktops. It is matched up with 1GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory. It would be nice to see ABS include 2GB for smoother performance with Vista, but it is an easy and inexpensive upgrade after purchase.

Storage is alright. The 250GB hard drive is a bit small compared to the 320GB drives used in most other desktop systems. It should provide plenty of storage space unless you expect to be doing a lot of desktop video work. The 18x dual layer DVD burner is quite standard, but it does include LightScribe support for burning labels directly to compatible media.

One area that budget systems tend to fail on is graphics. Their integrated graphics can't handle much in terms of 3D especially when it comes to PC gaming. ABS includes an older but still viable GeForce 7600GT graphics board with the I-Spirit E6400. It doesn't support Direct X 10 and has limited ability for filters, but is great for casual gamers.

The I-Spirit E6400 is a great option for those looking for a bit more out of a computer than what the budget systems offer. It is also a good platform for those looking to add upgrades after the purchase.

Alienware Aurora 7500 Desktop PC

2007-08-15T09:13:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Alienware's Aurora 7500 is well suited for those looking for a customizable gaming system. The problem is the base cost of the system makes it difficult to get any options that will make it more competitive with other mainstream desktops in the same price range.

Pros

* Good Dedicated Graphics Card
* Many Upgrade Options Available

Cons

* Only One Gigabyte Memory
* Smaller 250GB Hard Drive

Description

* AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 1GB PC2-6400 DDR2 Memory
* 250GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 20x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS Graphics with 256MB Memory
* Integrated 7.1 Audio
* Dual Gigabit Ethernet
* Eight USB 2.0, Two FireWire, One FireWire 800
* Windows Vista Home Premium

Guide Review - Alienware Aurora 7500 Desktop PC
Alienware's Aurora 7500 is probably the least expensive model desktop they offer, and yet it's base configuration barely makes it into my mainstream desktop category. This means that users who want any customization or upgrades will quickly add to the cost of the system.

The Aurora line of desktops is based upon the AMD Athlon series of processors rather than the Intel Core models. The base configuration for the Aurora 7500 comes with the Athlon 64 X2 4600+ dual core processor. This is a fine processor with a long history, but it does fall behind in many performance metrics compared to similarly priced Intel processors. The big drawback though is the base 1GB of memory included with the system. It would be nice to see the base include 2GB as programs run much smoother with that in the Vista OS.

Storage is decent, but falls slightly behind what is offered in most mainstream desktops. The 250GB hard drive falls below the more standard 320GB drive in competing systems. It is possible to upgrade this but that adds to the cost. A faster 20x dual layer DVD burner is included though for handling CD and DVD media.

Graphics is where the Aurora 7500 does outshine most mainstream system. The GeForce 8600 GTS graphics card can handle 3D gaming alright. It definitely is a step up from what most mainstream desktops are using. Those series about gaming will want a higher 8800 series processor though.

What this means is that the Aurora 7500 is probably a good system for those that want to do PC gaming but have a tighter budget. As a mainstream general purpose PC, it probably is not the best choice on the market.

Dell Inspiron 530 Mainstream Desktop PC

2007-08-14T16:33:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Dell's Inspiron 530 desktop is a very flexible system that can be configured as a low cost budget system or as a mainstream system. In terms of those looking for a moderately priced performance system, it has potentional for those willing to go through the process of customization and parts selection to get it configured just right.
Pros

* Strong Dual Core Processor
* Decent Dedicated 3D Graphics Card
* Includes 19" Monitor and Speakers

Cons

* FireWire Ports Not Standard
* Requires Users To Really Customize Part Selections

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 320GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT Graphics with 256MB Memory
* Dell SE198WFP 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor
* Intel HDA Audio with 30W 2.1 Dell Speakers
* v.92 56Kbps Modem and 10/100 Ethernet
* Eight USB 2.0 Ports, 13-in-1 Media Card Reader
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8, McAfee Anti-Virus 30-day Trial

Guide Review - Dell Inspiron 530 Mainstream Desktop PC

Dell's first Inspiron desktop computer system really is geared more towards the budget oriented consumer than the performance minded. That doesn't mean the Inspiron 530 can't be configured as a mainstream PC, it just means that it requires more customization.

The highest level of processor currently offered on the Inspiron 530 is the Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 dual core. This is actually a quite powerful desktop processor and is a step up from what many other companies are offering in their mainstream PCs. One gigabyte is offered standard, but users are advised to opt for the 2GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory so that applications run smoothing in the Windows Vista operating system.

There are a wide range of storage options for the Inspiron 530, but most users will probably find sufficient space with the base 320GB 7200rpm hard drive. Large 500GB hard drives or multi-drive configurations are available if you need more. A standard 16x dual layer DVD burner comes standard.

What Dell does offer with the Inspiron 530 that many other companies don't include is a monitor. In the case of this unit, the SE198WFP 19” widescreen is included. While not as nice as the UltraSharp, it still is a decent monitor. The upgrades GeForce 8600GT graphics is also a nice option for those potentially looking to use their system for PC gaming. Although not really powerful, it can still handle the task.

Overall, the Inspiron 530 desktop is a very strong offering, but consumers will need to put up with the customization processor to get the system that they want.

ViewSonic VX2255wmb 22-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor with Integrated Webcam

2007-08-13T14:31:00.000+05:30

Intensely entertaining widescreen.

ViewSonic's 22" VX2255wmb widescreen LCD delivers the ultimate in premium and desktop entertainment with its panoramic widescreen aspect ratio. Designed for power gamers, Internet users and movie fans, these displays will amaze you with the blur-free images delivered by super-fast ClearMotiv® 5ms video response. The integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam connects you to your family and friends via the Internet like never before. This display is also great for business applications that require working in two applications or two full-page documents simultaneously. Finished in premium glossy piano-black, this display brings style and excitement to any desktop.

LTB Audio Q-Bass 2.1 Wireless Headphones Review

2007-08-12T10:12:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
I haven’t used a set of headphones with bass levels as good as those of the LTB Audio Q-Bass 2.1 Wireless Headphones in a long time and have never had a wireless set of headphones perform this well. The levels of bass produced by these headphones are very impressive, yet the bass doesn’t overwhelm the other aspects of your music or movies. If you are looking for a good set of headphones for movie watching, gaming or VOIP you should seriously consider the LTB Audio Q-Bass 2.1 Wireless Headphones, they are hard to beat.

Pros

* Great wireless range
* Fantastic bass
* Mic works well for VOIP

Cons

* Ear cups could use thicker padding
* Poor positional audio when gaming

Description

* Wireless range and sound quality are fantastic.
* The ear cups could use thicker padding for added comfort.
* These headphones have the best bass levels I have heard in a long time.

Guide Review - LTB Audio Q-Bass 2.1 Wireless Headphones Review

The LTB Audio Q-Bass 2.1 Wireless Headphones are a wireless set of headphones that use 2.4 GHz technology for a range of up to 30 meters. I was able in testing to get 50 feet from the transmitter before I lost the signal. The headphones have a diversity antenna using GSFK modulation for improved reception and the tech works. Wireless range is simply fantastic.

The LTB Audio Q-Bass 2.1 Wireless Headphones have levels of bass that you just don’t hear from headphones of any sort. The bass sounds great when watching movies and listening to music. Gaming with the headphones was good too from a bass perspective, but positional audio isn’t great. You really have to get into 5.1 surround sound headphones to get decent positional audio quality.

The headphones are powered by an internal rechargeable battery that charges via USB. The transmitter plugs into your USB port as well. The LTB Audio Q-Bass 2.1 Wireless Headphones require no drivers to operate. I simply plugged them into my PC and they were recognized and worked immediately.

The tiny internal mic works surprisingly well for VOIP chats and gaming. Everyone in the room could clearly hear me, and I could clearly hear them. The mic even did a good job of filtering out background sounds in the room. The left ear cup has the power button, volume controls and pairing button. The ear cup padding was the only other source of irritation for me. My ears touched the inside of the speakers and it was uncomfortable. A bit more padding there and these headphones would be nearly perfect.

Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks Review

2007-08-11T07:46:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
After spending time with the Logitech VX Nano there is no doubt that it is amongst the best notebook mice available. The VX Nano even beats the Logitech VX Revolution by using similar technology, but with more polished. The VX Nano is simply a superb mouse for notebook users.

Pros

* Very compact
* Tiny wireless receiver
* Long battery life

Cons

* Navigation buttons are in an odd location

Description

* The position of the navigation buttons means you use your index finger rather than your thumbs to activate them.
* The navigation buttons are positioned so they are difficult to reach.
* The Nano receiver can be stored under the battery door when you want to unplug it.

Guide Review - Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks Review

Logitech introduced a new notebook mouse recently called the Logitech VX Nano. The Nano uses the same scroll wheel as the Revolution VX. The free wheel mode makes scrolling long web pages or documents fast and easy. Unlike the VX Revolution, the VX Nano doesn’t require that you pick the mouse up to change from click scroll to free wheel mode,you simply click the scroll wheel to change click modes on the Nano.

The Logitech VX Nano uses a wireless receiver that only protrudes 7mm from the side of your laptop when plugged in. This Nano wireless receiver design means that you don’t have to unplug the receiver to store or move your laptop.

The Nano has 800 dpi resolution, which is very typical of standard use mice. The laser engine is very accurate and tracks well on any surface but mirrors and clear glass. Wireless reception from the mouse to the Nano receiver is fantastic and in testing I could get about 30 feet from the receiver without loosing connectivity.

Logitech claims the included pair of AA batteries will last for up to six months of use, though heavy users will undoubtedly see less battery life. The Logitech VX Nano has a quick search button under the scroll wheel that goes to your favorite search engine with a button press. The scroll wheel has left and right click functionality and a pair of keys for navigating web pages is located to the left of the left mouse button.

In use the Logitech VX Nano is great, the sensitivity is enough for most users, mobile gamers will want more sensitivity though. The tiny Nano receiver is how wireless receivers should be sized and the ambidextrous design feels great in the hand. You can reprogram all the keys to other functions in SetPoint save the right and left main buttons and the scroll wheel click. Logitech also includes a padded carry bag to help keep the Logitech VX Nano safe during travel.

Gateway GM5478 Desktop Personal Computer System

2007-08-10T07:55:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Gateway tried to pack a lot of features into the Gateway GM5478 and it succeeds for the most part. It certainly will provide an excellent experience for those working on digital video or heavily multitasking, but it is a bit definicient in terms of its graphics or for those that don't multitask.

Pros

* Quad Core Processor
* Large Hard Drive
* TV Tuner Included

Cons

* Fairly Underwhelming 3D Graphics Card
* Quad Core Processor Won't Benefit Single Tasked Users
* Door Covering Ports On Front Panel Quite Flimsy

Description

* Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad Core Desktop Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 500GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT Graphics Wiht 256MB Memory
* Digital (HDTV) and Analog TV Tuner
* Intel HDA Audio With Stereo Speakers
* v.92 56Kbps Modem and 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0, Two FireWire and 15-in-1 Card Reader
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8, Power2Go, McAfee Internet Security

Guide Review - Gateway GM5478 Desktop Personal Computer System

Gateway's GM5478 is the first of their retail line to use the Q6600 desktop processor. This will greatly benefit those users that doing a lot of video work or heavy multitasking. On the other hand, if the system will be used for more single tasked environments, then a different model with a faster dual core processor is probably a better choice. They have included 2GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory to let it run the Vista Home Premium OS smoothly.

Most mainstream desktop computers still come equipped with 250 or 320GB hard drives. Gateway includes a larger 500GB hard drive with the GM5478 because the system also comes with an HDTV tuner. This extra space provides some room for the PVR functions that can be used with the tuner. The system also has a slot on the front panel for use with the optional Gateway Portable Media Drive. Optical storage is handled by a dual layer DVD burner that can be used for recording or playback of CDs or DVDs.

While the Gateway GM5478 does feature one of the new NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT graphics boards that support the Direct X 10 graphics engine of Vista, it still leaves much to be desired. The graphics board does support some accelerated high definition video decoding, but not to the level of those found in the ATI Radeon HD 2600 products. It also does not provide much in terms of 3D graphics acceleration for gaming beyond the most basic of casual PC games.

What the Gateway GM5478 does is put together a very solid desktop PC for those looking to do digital video or heavy multitasking. While it has a few flaws in terms of the graphics, they can easily be compensated with a few upgrades.

HP Pavilion m8120n Mainstream Desktop PC

2007-08-09T07:46:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
HP's Pavilion m8120n desktop computer system has some very powerful processing and storage capabilities that make it an excellent choice for those working with digital video or heavily multitasking. Having said that, the system is probably not the best choice for those looking to use it in a more single task environment or for 3D graphics.

Pros

* Quad Core Processor
* Lots Of Memory And Hard Drive Space
* TV Tuner Included

Cons

* Limited Graphics Capabilities
* Quad Core Not Useful For Those That Don't Multitask

Description

* Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad Core Desktop Processor
* 3GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* Two 320GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drives
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner with LightScribe
* NVIDIA GeForce 7350 LE Graphics with 128MB Dedicated Memory
* Digital (HDTV) and Analog TV Tuner
* Intel HDA Audio
* v.92 56Kbps, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11b/g Wireless
* Six USB 2.0, Two FireWire, 15-in-1 Media Card Reader
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8, Roxio Creator, MyDVD, AutoProducer, Photosmart Essentials

Guide Review - HP Pavilion m8120n Mainstream Desktop PC

HP made a very interesting choice by using the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 for the Pavilion m8120n desktop PC. The processor is a major boost for those that heavily multitask or look at doing computer work while also using the PVR features of the system. If the computer won't be used heavily for video or mulitasking, then the processor ends up being slower than a comparably priced dual core system. This should be an important factor when considering purchasing the system.

The Pavilion m8120n comes with a somewhat odd 3GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory. This actually gives it a bit more functionality when multitasking and doing digital video than those with just 2GB. The twin 320GB hard drives provide it with plenty of storage space for storing programs and videos. A door on the left side of cases front panel also hides a slot that can be used for HP's portable drive accessory. For optical storage, a LightScribe compatible DVD burner is included.

The one major flaw in the Pavilion m8120n design is its graphics. The GeForce 7350 LE graphics board included is a step up from an integrated package, but it lacks performance for boosting high definition video or 3D gaming. HP should have considered using a new Radeon HD 2400 or 2600 board if they wanted to boost video processing or a GeForce 8600 for 3D graphics instead of the older 7350 used.

While the Pavilion m8120n is not a home theater specific system, the HDTV compatible TV tuner and 802.11b/g wireless networking can allow the desktop to be used as one. It is much better suited as a desktop system with secondary TV functions while working or in the study.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M55p Desktop PC

2007-08-08T07:55:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Lenovo's ThinkCentre M55p desktop computer system features a very powerful dual core processor and a solid warranty and service place to go with it. This makes it a great choice for the business, but it sacrifices some other features more geared towards business that make it only an average choice overall for the consumer.

Pros

* Solid Warranty and Service
* Strong Dual Core Processor

Cons

* Small Hard Drive
* Integrated Graphics

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 160GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Burner
* Intel GMA 3000 Integrated Graphics With 256MB Shared Memory
* Intel HDA Audio
* Gigabit Ethernet
* 10 USB 2.0 Ports
* Windows XP Professional

Guide Review - Lenovo ThinkCentre M55p Desktop PC

The ThinkCentre line of computer systems has always been geared towards business rather than consumers, but that doesn't stop Lenovo from also selling them to the average consumer.

One of the big benefits of the business focus is the emphasis on a strong processor at the heart of the system. While most mainstream desktops are featuring either the AMD Athlong 64 X2 or lower end Intel Core 2 Duo E6000 series processors, Lenovo has chosen to use the higher end E6600 model. This gives it a bit more performance than the average mainstream desktop. It is matched up with a single gigabyte of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that is sufficient given the system uses the Windows XP Professional OS instead of the new Vista.

The drawback here is the lack of storage in the ThinkCentre M55p. Most new desktops come with at least 250GB or more of storage space. Instead this system uses a fairly anemic 160GB hard drive. This may cause storage problems for those doing a lot of multimedia work. At least Lenovo has finally started to equip their desktops with DVD burners rather than the older CD-RW combo or DVD burners in previous models.

Don't expect much in terms of multimedia either. The system uses all integrated audio and graphics that is sufficient for basic computing tasks. This does mean that the system doesn't have sufficient power for advanced 3D graphics, but it can be upgraded thanks to its PCI Express x16 graphics slot.

The end result is a very solid system for business users that don't really need to do any multimedia work. It will work for consumers looking for a general purpose PC, but it will end up costing more for upgrades compared to other systems currently available.

Systemax Vitality DH43IV Desktop PC

2007-08-07T16:06:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Systemax's Vitality DH43IV is a set of compromises that will work for some users and not others. In lew of a dedicated graphics processor or a faster processor, consumer get more memory and hard drive space for running and storing applications.

Pros

* Two Full Gigabytes of Memory
* Large Hard Drive
* TV Tuner Included

Cons

* Integrated Graphics
* Slower Core 2 Duo Processor
* No HDTV Support on Tuner

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 2GB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory
* 500GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 18x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer DVD Burner
* Intel GMA 3000 Integrated Graphics with 256MB Shared Memory
* AverMedia 150 Analog TV Tuner
* Intel HDA Audio With Cyber Acoustics Stereo Speakers
* v.92 56Kbps Modem and 10/100 Ethernet
* Eight USB 2.0, Two FireWire and 9-in-1 Media Card Reader
* Windows Vista Home Premium OS

Guide Review - Systemax Vitality DH43IV Desktop PC

8/6/07 – Systemax made some interesting choices when putting together the Vitality DH43IV desktop system. Take for example the processor. They use an Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 dual core processor. While this is a decent processor, it has a lower clock speed and bus speed than the E6400 found in many similarly priced systems. On the other hand though, they include two full gigabytes of memory that lets the system run programs more smoothly with the Vista operating system.

While they may have selected some slower processor components, Systemax has provided some fairly strong storage components. Most mainstream desktops still ship with 250 or 320GB hard drives. The Vitality DH43IV comes equipped with a very sizable 500GB drive that provides plenty of storage. This is important because it also comes with a TV tuner that can be used as a PVR that can quickly eat up storage space. A fairly standard 18x dual layer DVD burner is included for reading or recording CDs and DVDs.

One area that the Vitality DH43IV suffers though is in the graphics department. Systemax has decided to use the integrated Intel GMA 3000 graphics processor that users up to 256MB of the system memory. This is fine for general computing purposes, but it does not support Direct X 10 or have sufficient power for even casual 3D gaming. Thankfully the system has a PCI Express x16 graphics cards slot so a discrete graphics card can be installed.

The end results is a compromise on performance and graphics for storage space and PVR capabilities. This may work well for some people but makes the system more specialized then a strong overall choice in a desktop.

eMachines T5230 Desktop with 17" Widescreen LCD Monitor and Photo Printer

2007-08-06T07:56:00.000+05:30

* Experience awesome performance for homework, projects, photos and music, thanks to the dual-core processor and Windows Vista's Media Center software
* AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 dual-core processor 4400+, 1GB DDR2 memory; Windows Vista Home Premium, double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW drive, 250GB hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE graphics and 15-in-1 media reader
* 17" widescreen flat-panel LCD monitor with ultrafast 8 ms response time and antiglare screen treatment; adjustable-tilt display stand, or wall-mountable
* Compact Canon PIXMA photo printer with precision ink to create borderless prints up to 8" x 10"
* Save $160! (Reg. price $709.97 - $160 total bundle instant savings = $549.97)
* Best Buy's Bundle Return Policy applies to this PC package purchase. Items in package may ship separately.

eMachines - 4400+ Desktop T5230
When it's time for a little fun, this desktop computer's NVIDIA graphics and 6-channel audio allow you to enjoy your favorite multimedia. Upload your digital photos with ease using the high-speed 15-in-1 media reader.

AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 dual-core processor 4400+* for increased multitasking performance; improved security with Enhanced Virus Protection**; Cool'n'Quiet™ Technology to minimize heat and noise

1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 memory for multitasking power; expandable to 2GB

Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM

What is Overclocking?

2007-08-05T10:07:00.000+05:30

Introduction

Many people probably don't know what overclocking is but have possibly heard the term used before. To put it in its simplest terms, overclocking is taking a computer component such as a processor and running at a specification higher than rated by the manufacturer. Every part produced by companies such as Intel and AMD are rated for a specific speeds. They have tested the capabilities of the part and certified it for that given speed. Of course, most parts are underrated for increased reliability. Overclocking a part simply takes advantage of the remaining potential out of a computer part that the manufacturer is unwilling to certify the part for but it is capable of.

Why Overclock a Computer?

The primary benefit of overclocking is additional computer performance without the increased cost. Most individuals who overclock their system either want to try and produce the fastest desktop system possible or to extend their computer power on a limited budget. In some cases, individuals are able to boost their system performance 25% or more! For example, a person may buy something like an AMD 2500+ and through careful overclocking end up with a processor that runs at the equivalent processing power as a AMD 3000+, but at a greatly reduced cost.

There are drawbacks to overclocking a computer system. The biggest drawback to overclocking a computer part is that you are voiding any warranty provided by the manufacturer because it is not running within its rated specification. Overclocked parts that are pushed to their limits also tend to have a reduced functional lifespan or even worse, if improperly done, can be destroyed completely. For that reason, all overclocking guides on the net will have a disclaimer warning individuals of these facts before telling you the steps to overclocking.

Bus Speeds and Multipliers

To first understand overclocking a CPU in a computer, it is important to know how the speed of the processor it computed. All processor speeds are based upon two distinct factors, bus speed and multiplier.

The bus speed is the core clock cycle rate that the processor communicates with items such as the memory and the chipset. It is commonly rated in the MHz rating scale referring to the number of cycles per second that it runs at. The problem is the bus term is used frequently for different aspects of the computer and will likely be lower than the user expects. For example, an AMD XP 3200+ processor uses a 400 MHz DDR memory, but the processor is in fact using a 200MHz frontside bus that is clock doubled to use 400 MHz DDR memory. Similarly, the new Pentium 4 C processors have an 800 MHz frontside bus, but it is really a quad pumped 200 MHz bus.

The multiplier is the multiple that the processor will run at compared to the bus speed. This is the actual number of processing cycles it will run at in a single clock cycle of the bus speed. So, a Pentium 4 2.4GHz "B" processor is based on the following:

133 MHz x 18 multiplier = 2394MHz or 2.4 GHz

When overclocking a processor, these are the two factors that can be used to influence the performance. Increasing the bus speed will have the greatest impact as it increases factors such as memory speed (if the memory runs synchronously) as well as the processor speed. The multiplier has a lower impact than the bus speed, but can be more difficult to adjust.

Let's look at an example of three AMD processors:
CPU Model Multiplier Bus Speed CPU Clock Speed
Athlon XP 2500+ 11x 166 MHz 1.83 GHz
Athlon XP 2800+ 12.5x 166 MHz 2.08 GHz
Athlon XP 3000+ 13x 166 MHz 2.17 GHz
Athlon XP 3200+ 11x 200 MHz 2.20 GHz

Let's then look at two examples of overclocking the XP2500+ processor to see what the rated clock speed would be by changing either the bus speed or the muliplier:
CPU Model Overclock Factor Multiplier Bus Speed CPU Clock
Athlon XP 2500+ Bus Increase 11x (166 + 34) MHz 2.20 GHz
Athlon XP 2500 + Multiplier Increase (11+2)x 166 MHz 2.17 GHz

In the above example, we have done two changes each with a result that places it at either the speed of the 3200+ or a 3000+ processor. Of course, these speeds are not necessarily possible on every Athlon XP 2500+. In addition, there may be a large number of other factors to take into consideration to reach such speeds.

Because overclocking was becoming a problem from some unscrupulous dealers who were overclocking lower rated processors and selling them as higher priced processors, the manufacturers started to implement hardware locks to make overclocking more difficult. The most common method is through clock locking. The manufacturers modify traces on the chips to run only at a specific multiplier. This can still be defeated through modification of the processor, but it is much more difficult.

Voltages

Every computer part is regulated to specific voltages for their operation. During the process of overclocking the parts, its possible that the electrical signal will be degraded as it traverses the circuitry. If the degradation is enough, it can cause the system to become unstable. When overclocking the bus or multiplier speeds, the signals are more likely to get interference. To combat this, one can increase the voltages to the CPU core, memory or AGP bus.

There are limits to the amount of additional voltage that can be applied to the processor. If too much voltage is applied, the circuits inside the parts can be destroyed. Typically this is not a problem because most motherboards restrict the possible voltage settings. The more common problem is overheating. The more voltage supplied, the higher the thermal output of the processor.

HEAT!

The biggest obstacle to overclocking the computer system is heat. Today's high-speed computer systems already produce a large amount of heat. Overclocking a computer system just compounds these problems. As a result, anyone planning to overclock their computer system should be very aware of the needs for high performance cooling solutions.

The most common form of cooling a computer system is through standard air cooling. This comes in the form of CPU heatsinks and fans, heat spreaders on memory, fans on video cards and case fans. Proper airflow and good conducting metals are key to the performance of air cooling. Large copper heatsinks tend to perform better and the greater number of case fans to pull in air into the system also helps to improve cooling.

Beyond air cooling there is liquid cooling and phase change cooling. These systems are far more complex and expensive than standard PC cooling solutions, but they offer a higher performance at heat dissipation and generally lower noise. Well-built systems can allow the overclocker to really push the performance of their hardware to its limits, but the cost can end up being more expensive than processor to begin with. The other drawback is liquids running through the system that can risk electrical shorts damaging or destroying the equipment.

Component Considerations

Throughout this article we have discussed what it means to overclock a system, but there are a lot of factors that will affect whether a computer system can even be overclocked. The first and foremost is a motherboard and chipset that has a BIOS that allows the user to modify the settings. Without this capability, it is not possible to modify the bus speeds or multipliers to push the performance. Most commercially available computer systems from the major manufacturers do not have this capability. This is why most people interested in overclocking tend to buy specific parts and build their own systems or from integrators who sell the parts that make it possible to overclock.

Beyond the motherboards ability to adjust the actual settings for the CPU, other components must also be able to handle the increased speeds. Cooling has already been mentioned, but if one plans on overclocking the bus speed and keeping the memory synchronous to offer the best memory performance, it is important to buy memory that is rating or tested for higher speeds. For example, overclocking an Athlon XP 2500+ frontside bus from 166 MHz to 200 MHz requires that the system have memory that is PC3200 or DDR400 rated. This is why companies such as Corsair and OCZ are very popular with overclockers.

The frontside bus speed also regulates the other interfaces in the computer system. The chipset uses a ratio to reduce the frontside bus speed to run at the speeds of the interfaces. The three major desktop interfaces are AGP (66 MHz), PCI (33 MHz) and ISA (16 MHz). When the frontside bus is adjusted, these buses will also be running outside of specification unless the chipset BIOS allows for the ratio to be adjusted down. So it is important to know how adjusting the bus speed can impact stability through the other components. Of course, increasing these bus systems can also improve performance of them, but only if the components can handle the speeds. Most expansion cards are very limited in their tolerances though.

Slow and Steady

Now those who are looking to actually do some overclocking should be warned not to push things too far right away. Overclocking is a very tricky process of trial and error. Sure a CPU may be able to be greatly overclocked in the first try, but it is generally better to start out slow and gradually work the speeds up. It is best to test the system fully in a taxing application for an extended period of time to ensure the system is stable at that speed. This process is repeated until the system does not test fully stable. At that point, step things back a bit to give some headroom to allow for a stable system that has less chance of damage to the components.

Conclusions

Overclocking is a method for increasing performance of standard computer components to their potential speeds beyond the rated specifications of the manufacturer. The performance gains that can be obtained through overclocking are substantial, but a lot of consideration must be done before taking the steps to overclocking a system. It is important to know the risks involved, the steps that must be done to obtain the results and a clear understanding that results will very greatly. Those who are willing to take the risks can get some great performance from systems and components that can end up being far less expensive than a top of the line system.

For those who want to do overclocking, it is highly recommended to do searches on the Internet for information. Researching your components and the steps involved are very important to being successful.

Fragpedal Elite USB Gaming Footpedal Review

2007-08-04T12:47:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
The Fragpedal Elite USB Gaming Footpedal is one of the most interesting gaming peripherals I have seen in a long time. What may seem gimmicky at first ends up being a gaming weapon that I think most gamers will find great use for in their gaming arsenal.

Pros

* Great way to map game commands for fast access
* Can execute macros, keystrokes and more

Cons

* Not much tactile feedback to the buttons

Description

* Easy to program and requires no software, the Fragpedal Elite USB Gaming Footpedal is recognized as a mouse by your computer.
* Onboard memory allows you to take the Fragpedal Elite USB Gaming Footpedal with you without needing drivers.
* Non-skid backing keeps the Fragpedal in place, but no tactile feedback makes it hard to feel when you press the buttons.

Guide Review - Fragpedal Elite USB Gaming Footpedal Review

The Fragpedal Elite USB Gaming Footpedal is a pair of pedals that connect to your Pc via one USB connection. Each pedal has a pair of buttons that you can program via included software to activate any keystroke or macro that you wish. You can even get crazier with your programming if you desire by mapping one command to the button press and one command to the button release.

An onboard processor allows you to activate different commends from the same button by timing your presses differently, for example you could activate on command on a single click, one command on a double click and a normal press. You can also set one of the four buttons as a shift key and bind twice as many functions to the other three keys. The Fragpedal Elite USB Gaming Footpedal has 32KB on onboard memory that allow tit to store your profiles that you program for use on systems without the software.

That means once you program the Fragpedal Elite USB Gaming Footpedal you can take it to a friend’s house or LAN party and have no need for drivers. I used the Fragpedal Elite USB Gaming Footpedal in Battlefield 2142 and found them to be great for mapping things like the prone or jump commands. I also enjoyed mapping multiple keystrokes to them in Command & Conquer 3 allowing me to access various production queues with one button press. Overall, the Fragpedal Elite USB Gaming Footpedal is a fantastic gaming peripherals that gamers will want to check out.

DIY: Home Theater PC Guide

2007-08-03T07:14:00.000+05:30

A Recommended List of Parts for Building a HTPC

ntroduction

Many people don't realize how easy it is to put together a computer system from parts. In fact, many systems that users build can outperform purchased desktop computer systems. The biggest challenge of putting together a computer system is typically finding what parts to buy. That is where this guide comes in.

Analysts had been predicting that computers would become a staple of the living room entertainment system. It wasn't until the past year that this has really become possible thanks to the introduction of HDTV. Now a PC can sit in a media center and act as a computing hub as well as video and audio. These systems are known as home theater PCs or HTPCs. This guide was put together as a a template for those looking to put together a computer to do all these tasks.

Remember that this is just a guide of recommended products.
There are many alternative components available that will perform just as well. In addition to the name of the item, a link is included for price comparison shopping for the components.
The HTPC PC Components

* Case – Silverstone Lascala LC20
This full size case is designed to blend in with home theater equipment and provides plenty of space for all of the components to be installed.

* Power Supply – Antec Phantom 500W
With noise such an important factor for a HTPC, the Antec fanless 500W power supply is perfect for such a project.

* Motherboard – ASUS P5K-V
This motherboard offers an excellent choice for a HTPC that can fit a standard ATX motherboard thanks to its Intel G33 chipset and passive component cooling.

* Processor – Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
With HD video streams and multiple video sources, the lower cost quad core processor can really help out with the multitasking in a HTPC.

* Memory – Mushkin PC2-6400 2GB DDR2 Kit
Even though most systems will run smoothly with a single GB of memory, the 2GB kit provides better performance with tasks such as video compression.

* Video Card – Sapphire Radeon HD 2600 XT
Since video is the primary purpose of a HTPC, the video card of choice is the new Radeon HD 2600 XT thanks to its ability to offload high definition video decoding from the CPU. About the only drawback is the lack of an HDMI connector on the current crop of cards.

* Audio Card – Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1
The X-Merdian 7.1 card features Dolby Digital Direct so that it can output 5.1 audio over a standard SPD/IF digital connector for a compatible amplifier or speakers.

* Capture Card (Digital) – AverMedia MTVPEMCER
This PCI-Express x1 card supports both analog and digital HDTV broadcast signals. It also comes with an USB infrared blaster to control cable and satellite receivers.

* CD/DVD – Lite-On LH-20A1S 20x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer
Even though BluRay and HD-DVD drives are available, the prices are still too high. This drive is a realiable low cost model that is great for playback and burning of CDs or DVDs.

* Hard Drive – Samsung SpinPoint T 500GB SATA
Sure, there are larger drives on the market but for the price, the Samsung drive offers lots of space and very little noise. You can always install two if you need more space for video.

* Operating System – Windows Vista Home Premium
Vista Home premium adds in all of the multimedia features once found in the XP Media Center Edition to this new OS.

What Else is Needed

This list of components will make up the heart of the computer system, but it still needs a few parts. Since the system will be use in a living room environment, a wireless keyboard and mouse would probably be the best best for using it from your couch. A good place to start is to check out the About PC Peripherals site. The system is also best hooked up to a high definition TV monitor. So, if you are in the market for a HDTV as well, check out the About TV and Video site.
Putting it All Together

Of course, once you have all the parts, the computer system will have to be assembled and installed. Tutorials on the various steps required to install the parts together into the computer system can be found in one of two ways. I have available a 5-day E-mail Newsletter Course that puts the steps in a logical order or you can just dive right into the individual Tutorials themselves.

Lexmark X9350

2007-08-02T07:55:00.000+05:30

The Lexmark™ X9350 Wireless Office All-in-One with Duplex increases flexibility and productivity with wireless printing options.
Wireless

Users gain freedom and flexibility with built-in 802.11g wireless technology (also compatible with 802.11b) (1)

Ethernet networking allows the flexibility to connect multiple users quickly and easily to a central printer (1)
Fax

Up to 50-page capacity auto document feeder (ADF) for multiple page faxing and copying

Standalone fax with 33.6 Kbps modem speed

99 speed dials, automatic redial, and supports caller ID
Photo

Print directly from digital memory card slots, PictBridge compatible digital cameras or USB flash drives

View and edit photos with large 2.4" (6 cm) color display

Bluetooth connectivity for printing from camera phones (requires optional adapter)

Lexmark Imaging Studio Software makes it easy to crop, rotate, resize photos, apply photo effects; plus 1-touch color fix and red eye reduction
Scan

Flatbed scanner with 48-bit color depth; 16-bit grayscale

Up to 1200 x 4800 ppi optical resolution
Copy

1-touch PC-free copy (color or black)

Up to 27 cpm black and 26 cpm color (2)

1-99 copies at at time
Print

Fast! Up to 32 ppm black and 27 ppm color printing (2)

Duplex capability allows for efficient printing and copying on both sides of the page (A4, Letter and Legal paper sizes)

Superior quality printing up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution
Lexmark Productivity Suite

Easily convert documents to PDFs

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software allows you to easily scan hard copy text documents into a soft copy format
Cartridge Compatibility

Black: 44 High Yield ● Color: 43 High Yield ● Photo: 40
Paper Compatibility

Lexmark PerfectFinish™ Photo Paper

(1) Wireless and/or ethernet network required.

(2) Printing and/or copying in draft mode and excluding time to complete first page. Visit www.lexmark.com for details.

(3) Based on accelerated fade resistance testing of photos printed on PerfectFinish paper and displayed indoors under glass. Actual resistance to fading will vary. Visit www.lexmark.com/evercolor2 for details

Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Review

2007-08-01T09:34:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line
Normally there aren’t many choices for ergonomic keyboards, and even fewer choices for wireless ergonomic keyboards. Logitech’s Cordless Desktop Wave has a unique design that many will find to be very appealing. The keyboard is laid out well and has a wealth of special function keys that make working in Windows Vista easier and more fun. The only real issue I had with the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave wasn’t with the keyboard, but with the mouse. Overall, Logitech has designed a very nice keyboard and mouse combo that deserves a closer look if you are searching for a new wireless desktop.
Compare Prices
Pros

* Unique keyboard design
* Full array of media and Vista shortcut keys
* Attractive design

Cons

* Mouse side buttons positioned poorly

Description

* A well padded wrist rest makes long computer sessions more comfortable.
* The mouse is the only dull point in the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave.
* The wave keyboard design is unique in the ergonomic keyboard realm.

Guide Review - Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Review

The Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave has an innovative keyboard that uses tilted keys to match your natural hand position like most ergonomic keyboards out there. However, Logitech went a step further with the Wave and arranged the keys themselves in a unique pattern, resembling a wave, to allow for more comfortable typing. When in use you don’t need to lift your fingers as much to his some keys further from your home row because the keys in the center are raised from the other keys. Typing feel is very good with keys that are quieter than most keyboards, yet offer nice tactile feedback so you know when you have pressed the key.

I also found that this Wave design made for less of a learning cure than when I used other ergonomic keyboards like those split arrangements from Microsoft. Above the function keys are the standard media keys for controlling movies and music. Arranged to each side of those keys and down the left side of the Wave keyboard are shortcut keys to Vista gadgets, Flip 3D and photo album. Logitech also used a well padded wrist rest that is very comfortable for extended use.

The mouse is a wireless laser with standard sensitivity that you won’t mistake for a gaming mouse. Accuracy is good and you can accelerate the mouse pointer if you like to get around your screen faster, but you will loose accuracy doing so. The bad part of the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave is the positioning of the buttons used for forward and back when web surfing. One key is on each side of the mouse, but they were positioned up too high and were easy to click accidentally when moving the mouse. The position of the buttons on the mouse was really the only issue I had with the Wave desktop. Otherwise, Logitech has a great product that offers more choices in an ergonomic keyboard.

Vista and 4GB RAM

2007-07-31T13:15:00.000+05:30

Why One Must Use Vista 64-Bit For Large Amounts of Memory

With a PC running Windows XP, having a single gigabyte of RAM on the system meant that you could reliably run a single program without any issues. Heck, it could even multitask fairly well. Enter Windows Vista with its fancy new interface and additional system requirements. Now one gigabyte of RAM is pretty much required for it to run and two gigabytes is necessary for smooth running of applications. Vista really benefits from having more memory, but there is a problem.

32-Bit And Memory Limitations

Windows XP was solely a 32-bit operating system. This made things very simple as there was pretty much just a single version to program for. Back when it was developed, most systems only came with 256 or 512MB of memory. It would run on these, but more memory was always a benefit.

There was a problem though. The 32-bit registers of Windows XP and the hardware of the time limited PCs to a maximum 4GB of memory. It is a bit more complicated than this, as some memory is reserved for the OS and others for applications.

This wasn't an issue with the applications of the time. Sure, there were some applications such as Adobe Photoshop that could quickly eat up system memory, but they still could function very well. Of course, with the reduction of memory costs and the advancement of processor technology meant that 4GB of memory in a system is not something that is out of reason. The problem is that Windows XP can't handle anything beyond 4GB of RAM. Even though the hardware could support it, the software could not.

Vista Solves The 4GB Or Does It?

One of the big pushes by Microsoft for Windows Vista was to resolve the 4GB memory issue. By rebuilding the core of the operating system, they could adjust how the memory management worked. But there is actually a bit of problem with this. There are a number of versions of Vista and they have different maximum amounts that they support.

According to Microsoft's own knowledge base article 929605, all 32-bit versions of Vista support up to 4GB of memory, but the actual usable address space will be less than 4GB. The reason for this is that a section of the memory is set aside for memory map interfaces. This is generally a space that is set aside to ensure driver compatibility and the amount used will vary depending upon the devices installed in the system. Typically, a system with 4GB of RAM will report only 3.5GB of addressable space.

Because of this memory issue by Vista with systems installed with 4GB of memory, a number of companies are shipping systems configured with 3GB (two 1GB and two 512MB modules) total in the system. This is likely to prevent users who purchase the system from complaining that the system says they have less than 4GB of RAM and contacting them to complain about it.

64-Bit To the Rescue

The 64-Bit version of Windows Vista does not have this same 4GB memory limit. Instead, each 64-bit version has a limit to the amount of addressable memory. The different 64-bit versions and their maximum memory are as follows:

Vista Basic: 8 GB
Vista Home Premium: 16 GB
Vista Business/Enterprise/Ultimate: 128+ GB

Now, the likelyhood of PCs reaching even 8GB by the end of 2008 is quite low. Even the 16GB limit of Home Premium will probably not happen before the next version of windows is released.

Of course, there are other issues regarding the 64-bit version of Windows. The big concern for those looking to use it is driver support. While most devices now have drivers for the 32-bit version of Vista, it is a bit more difficult to find drivers for some devices with the 64-bit version. This is improving the further we get from the launch of Vista but not as rapid as with the 32-bit drivers. The other problem is software compatibility. While the 64-bit version of Vista can run 32-bit software, some applications are not fully compliant or supported by the publisher. One such instance is the iTunes application from Apple that many people are having to tweak until Apple releases a compliant version.

What Does This Mean?

Most new notebook and desktop PC systems sold now have the 64-bit hardware that supports memory addressing above the 4GB limit. The problem is that most manufacturers are still preloading the 32-bit versions of Vista. Sure, they aren't selling the systems with 4GB of memory installed in them, but users have the option of installing that memory later as an upgrade. When that happens, consumers will likely start flooding their call centers reporting problems.

If you are looking at buying an new PC and you happen to use a large number of memory intensive programs, then you should really consider purchasing a systems that comes installed with a 64-bit version of Vista. Of course, always do research with the companies to make sure that the hardware you use such as printers, scanners, audio players and the like have drivers. The same should be done with any software that you use. If all that checks out, then it is best to go with the 64-bit version.

Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers Review

2007-07-30T13:30:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line

If you want to greatly improve the sound system on your laptop, the Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers are the way to do it. These speakers need only won USB connection for power and to get the sound from your PC to your ears. The speakers are small and include their own carry case so taking them on the road is a snap. The bass wasn’t as strong as I like to hear, but overall the Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers perform very well and if you are on the road with your notebook a lot you will want to check these speakers out.

Pros

Small and compact design
Carrying case included
Only needs one USB connection for everything

Cons

Bass output is weak
Bulky when in the carry case

Description

Padded carry case for the speakers is likely too bulky for most laptop bags.
The V20 speakers lack bass output.
The Logitech V20 speakers are a great improvement over most laptop sound systems.

Guide Review - Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers Review

Logitech managed to make an attractive and good sounding set of speakers in a small package. The speaker stands fold flat when not in use and the speakers themselves are each about the size of a standard paperback book. The silver speaker cases are very nice looking and the padded carry case is a nice addition for speakers that will see lots of use on the road.

On top of one of the speakers are controls for your music with all the normal keys you expect for media control plus volume and mute keys. I found that the media control keys worked great with my Rhapsody music service without requiring any drivers. The best part about the Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers is that they are so easy to set up. To get going all you need to do is remove them from the case, pop the speaker stands out and plug in one single USB connector.

One USB port is all that you need to power and get the sounds from your PC. The Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers are great for listening to music, though they could use more bass for my tastes. Other than weak bass output, the only other gripe I have is that the case Logitech uses for the V20 speakers is bulky and will probably only fit in the largest laptop bags.

LCD Color

2007-07-29T09:56:00.000+05:30

Color Depth

The color range of a computer is defined by the term color depth. This means the total number of colors that the computer and display, in tandem, can display to the user. The most common color depths that users will see when dealing with a PCs are 8-bit (256 colors), 16-bit (65,536 colors) and 24-bit (16.7 million colors). True color (or 24-bit color) is the most frequently used mode now as computers have attained sufficient levels to easily work at this color depth. Some professional use a 32-bit color depth, but this is mainly used as a means to pad the color to get more defined tones when rendered down to the 24-bit level.

Speed Versus Color

LCD monitors have encountered a bit of a problem when it comes to dealing with color and speed. Color on an LCD is comprised of three layers of colored dots that make up the final pixel.

To display a given color, current must be applied to each color layer to give the desired intensity that generates the final color. The problem is that to get the colors, the current must move the crystals on and off to the desired intensity levels. This transition from the on to off state is called the response time. For most screens this was rated around 25ms.

The problem is that many LCD monitors are used to watch video or motion on the screen. With this 25ms time frame for transition from on to on states, pixels that should have transitioned to the new color levels trail the signal and result in an effect know as motion blurring. This isn't a problem if the monitor is being used with applications such as productivity software, but with video and motion it can be jarring.

Since consumers were demanding faster screens, something needed to be done to improve response times. To facilitate this, many manufacturers turned to reducing the number of levels each color pixel render. This reduction in the number of intensity levels allows the response times to drop but has the drawback of reducing the overall number of colors that can be rendered.

8-Bit vs. 6-Bit

Now color depth was previous referred to by the total number of colors that the screen can render, but when referring to LCD panels the number of levels that each color can render is used instead. This can make things difficult to understand, but to demonstrate, we will look at the mathematics of it. For example, 24-bit or true color is comprised of three colors each with 8-bits of color. Mathematically, this is represented as:

2^8 x 2^8 x 2^8 = 256 x 256 x 256 = 16,777,216

High-speed LCD monitors typically reduce the number of bits for each color to 6 instead of the standard 8. This 6-bit color will generate far fewer colors than 8-bit as we see when we do the math:

2^6 x 2^6 x 2^6 = 64 x 64 x 64 = 262,144

This is far fewer than the true color display such that it would be noticeable to the human eye. To get around this problem, the manufacturers employ a technique referred to as dithering. This is an effect where nearby pixels use slightly varying shades or color that trick the human eye into perceiving the desired color even though it isn't truly that color. A color newspaper photo is a good way to see this effect in practice. (In print the effect is called half-tones.) By using this technique, the manufacturers claim to achieve a color depth close to that of the true color displays.

How to Tell if an LCD is 8-Bit or 6-Bit

This is the biggest problem for individuals who are looking at purchasing an LCD monitor. Most manufacturers do not list the color depth of their display. Even fewer will list the actual per-color depth. If the manufacturer lists the color as 16.7 million colors, it should be assumed that the display is 8-bit per-color. If the colors are listed as being 16.2 million or 16 million, consumers should assume that it uses a 6-bit per-color depth. If no color depths is listed, it should be assumed that monitors of 12ms or faster will be 6-bit and the 20ms and slower panels are 8-bit.

Does it Really Matter?

This is very subjective to the actual user and what the computer is used for. The amount of color really matters to those that do professional work on graphics. For these people, the amount of color that is displayed on the screen is very important. The average consumer is not going to really need this level of color representation by their monitor. As a result, it probably doesn't matter. People using their displays for video games or watching video will likely not care about the number of colors rendered by the LCD but by the speed at which it can be displayed. As a result, it is best to determine your needs and base your purchase on those criteria.

Ogio Metroid Laptop Backpack Review

2007-07-28T13:19:00.000+05:30

At the end of my trip, the Ogio Metroid Laptop Backpack looked just like it did when I brought it home. This bag took a licking on four different flights, taxi rides, air port trams and trips to the beach and never faltered. There are a couple problem areas for me on the bag, but overall for $75 the Ogio Metroid Laptop Backpack is a very nice laptop backpack that will hold lots of gear and last a long time.

Pros

Lots of pockets
Well padded laptop area

Cons

Can be difficult getting the laptop into the side loading compartment
File folders are open on the bottom
Poor interior visibility

Description

The narrow opening of the laptop compartment makes for some difficulty getting my notebook into and out of the bag.
Small items placed into the file folder area end up at the bottom of the compartment.
The interior of the bag is lined with black fabric making for poor visibility inside the bag.

Guide Review - Ogio Metroid Laptop Backpack Review

One of the things required for mobile types is lots of pockets and space for storing the gear that goes along with working on the road. I packed the Ogio Metroid Laptop Backpack way fuller than most people would and it worked flawlessly. I was afraid on the return trip that the zippers would pop open because I had it stuffed so full. Not only did the zippers hold, but they stood up to the stewardess kicking the bag to make it fit under the seat in front of me.

There are lots of compartments on the Ogio Metroid Laptop Backpack. On the top front of the bag is a lined pocket with a headphone pass through for headphones that can also hold some sunglasses. I found that pocket to be the perfect place to store my digital camera. On each side are two more pockets that can hold water bottles or other gear. The main compartment is large and holds gear like keyboards and power cables well.

One of the front pockets has four file separators inside that are good for papers. I poked different cables into them and realized that they are open on the bottom. That means that any small paper work or items you put into the separated areas ends up at the bottom of the pouch, which is a pain. On the front of the folder compartment is another pocket that is for pens and smaller items.

The main laptop area is well padded on the front and back with foam. The bag is sized for most 15.4” notebooks. However, I found the opening a bit too small for my 15.4” Acer TravelMate 4404WLMi notebook and I had a hard time getting the notebook in and out of the pouch at times.

Overall, I was very happy with the Ogio Metroid Laptop Backpack and found it to be durable and with few flaws, none of them major. If you are looking for a laptop bag with well padded straps and lots of capacity, the Ogio Metroid Laptop Backpack is worth checking out.

Voodoo PC Envy H:171 Gaming Desktop Replacement Notebook

2007-07-27T12:50:00.000+05:30

Voodoo PC is known for making very high end gaming computer systems. Their Envy line of notebook systems offer a mix of high performance systems to an ultraportable. The latest desktop replacement gaming system is the Envy H:171. Let's take a closer look at what they have to offer ...

Processor:
Since Voodoo's computers are all about gaming performance, the Envy H:171 centers around the Intel Core 2 desktop processors. Users have the choie of either a E6600, E6700 or the Exreme X6800. All of these provide lots of performance but a major power draw that impacts battery life. Voodoo also offers the systems with the AMD line of processors, but it is unlikely that users would select them over the more power Intel models.

Memory:
For being such a high end notebook computer, one would thing that Voodoo would opt to use the fastest memory possible. Instead, they offer three configurations of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory rather than PC2-6400. The memory capacity can be either 1GB, 2GB or 4GB. Most users will elect to go with at least the 2GB setup rather than the very minimal 1GB that is really going to hold back the performance.

Hard Drives:
One of the big things with the Envy H:171 is the hard drives. Most notebooks only feature one and some desktop replacements can have two. Voodoo has packed enough space to fit three notebook drives inside this system. In fact, the system can be designed with RAID for improved data reliability or speed. Six differen drives are available with capacities ranging from 80GB up to 250GB. Those at 160GB or lower use a fast 7200rpm desktop rotation speed while larger drives feature either a 5400 or 4200rpm spin rate.

CD/DVD Drive:
Voodoo's 17" notebook chassis comes with a single optical drive selection, a 8x dual layer DVD burner. For such an expensive system that features a high resolution display and such performance, it's somewhat disappointing that it does not come equipped with a high definition optical drive. Either a HD-DVD or BluRay drive would be a welcome addition for such a stylish system.

Graphics and Display:
Since the Envy H:171 is designed as a gaming notebook, the graphics play an important role. The 17" screen has a very high 1920x1200 resolution that can be difficult for those without near perfect vision. Driving the display is either a single GeForce Go 7950 graphics processor or an SLI configuration that uses two processors. While they don't support Direct X 10 graphics, they are the fastest graphics cores for notebooks currently available for Direct X 9 games. A 1.3Mp webcam is built into the bezel of the display and an optional USB TV tuner is available.

Networking:
Connectivity shouldn't be much of an issue with Voodoo's H:171. It features the notebook staples of a v.92 56Kbps modem and a gigabit Ethernet. In terms of the wireless features, a draft-802.11n card has been included that is also backward compatible with the 802.11a/b/g standards. In addition to this, they have also included a Bluetooth 2.0 transmitter for use with Bluetooth peripheral devices.

Ports: For being such a large notebook system, the Voodoo Envy H:171 has a fairly standard set of ports on the system. Like most systems, it comes with four USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port, 7-in-1 media card reader and an ExpressCard/54 slot. In addition to this, it also features a DVI video output connector for those who want to hook up and external digital display.

Software:
Voodoo doesn't pack much software in with the purchase of any of their computer systems. Users will pretty much get a single operating systems unless they are willing to buy extra software. Users can select either the base Windows XP Professional operating system or Vista Home Premium or Ultimate Editions. They will install a second operating system if so desired. Several versions of Microsoft Office are availalbe as are a number of popular PC games.

Overall Impressions:
An important thing to remember about Voodoo's computer systems is that while they provide some of the best performance available, the real reason for them is the customized design and bragging rights to owning such a system. These are clearly some of the most expensive notebook computer on the market. The Envy product name pretty much sums up what Voodoo is aiming for. They want their systems to be the envy of the marketplace.

So, what does the high price tag get you with the Voodoo products? The big thing is the highly customizable chassis design. After all, there is a selection from over twenty different colors for the H:171 notebook alone. The limited edition colors can bump up the price significantly. A total of thirteen different graphics or tattoos can also be placed onto the system for an extra fee.

In terms of the Envy H:171 itself, it seems a bit out of place with other desktop replacements. Sure, it provide plenty of performance as is an excellent mobile gaming platform. The problem is that all the space for the desktop components and the extra hard drives make this a very bulky notebook. It is almost an inch thicker than most notebooks and a good three to four pounds heavily. With this much bulk, it is kind of surprising that Voodoo didn't decide to use a 19” display screen instead. Of course, battery life is going to be severely limited as well.

Of course, the price is also something that most people won't really be able to justify. With such a high cost for this system, consumers can buy two more generic gaming notebooks that provide almost the same level of performance. Better yet, a gaming desktop platform and a mobile platform. They won't look as nice, but they will be just as functional. And that really is what it is all about. You purchase a Voodoo notebook more for its appearance.

Toshiba Satellite X205-S9359 Desktop Replacement Notebook

2007-07-26T13:32:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line

While the Toshiba Satellite X205-S9359 may make for a good gaming notebook, it does fall somewhat behind other gaming specific notebooks including the Satellite P100 series. What it does though is provide a solid overall desktop replacement that will likely stand the test of time better.

Pros

Fast Direct X 10 Dedicated Graphics
Lots of Storage Space
Plenty of Peripheral Ports

Cons

Really Needs Faster 800MHz Memory
Screen Resolution Limits HD-DVD Playback
On The Expensive Side

Description

Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 Dual Core Mobile Processor
2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
Two 160GB 5400rpm Hard Drives For 320GB Total Space
HD-DVD ROM/8x Dual Layer DVD Burner
17" WXGA+ (1440x900) Wide Screen LCD With Built-In Webcam
NVIDIA GeForce Go 8700M GT With 512MB Memory
v.92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, draft-802.11b Wireless and Bluetooth
Six USB 2.0, One FireWire, ExpressCard/54, 5-in-1 Card Reader and Fingerprint Scanner
15.7" x 11.3" x 2.1" @ 9.4 lbs.
Vista Ultimate, MS Works 8, WinDVD, Google Desktop, Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5, McAfee Internet Security

Guide Review - Toshiba Satellite X205-S9359 Desktop Replacement Notebook

7/25/07 – Toshiba's Satellite X205-S9359 is their first desktop replacement notebook to use the new Intel Centrino Duo chipset. For the system, they chose the mid-range Core 2 Duo T7300 dual core mobile processor with the 800MHz bus speed. They provide 2GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that lets it run smoothly with the Windows Vista Ultimate operating system. The memory uses a slower 667MHz bus speed rather than 800MHz. It would be nice to see Toshiba upgrade this.

The Satellite X205 provides plenty of storage capacity thanks to the chassis design that supports two hard drives. Two 160GB 5400rpm hard drives are packed into the system to provide it with a very sizable 320GB of total storage space. This does add some bulk and weight to the system make it slightly larger and heavier than the average desktop replacement. A dual layer DVD burner is included with the system, but it also supports HD-DVD playback for high definition video.

Speaking of video, the 17” LCD supports the common 1440x900 resolution, which isn't quite up to the 1080 resolution needed for the highest level of HD video playback. This puts somewhat of a damper on the HD-DVD video playback. On the other hand, the X205-S9359 comes equipped with the GeForce Go 8700M GT graphics processor. This is one of the fastest Direct X 10 mobile processors on the market. It doesn't quite match what the GeForce Go 7950 can do in current games, but is more future proof.

The biggest surprise with the X205 though is the number of expansion ports. Most desktop replacements feature a total of 4 USB ports, but Toshiba manages to include a total of 6 making it easy to attach peripherals to this notebook.

http://z.about.com/d/compreviews/1/0/n/A/ToshibaSatX205-200.jpg

ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT 512MB Graphics Card Review

2007-07-25T12:23:00.000+05:30

ATI and NVIDIA have traditionally traded the crown of best performing graphics card between each other. Today we are going to have a look at the latest high-end card from ATI, the HD 2900 XT. This card carries an MSRP of around $420 and packs in some features that NVIDIA doesn’t include with their graphics cards. If you have wondered how well the ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT performs and how it compares the likes of the NVIDIA 8800 Ultra and 8800 GTX this is the story for you.

Features & Specifications

The ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT has a core clock of 740MHz and a memory clock of 1650MHz. One feature that ATI offers on the HD 2900 XT that NVIDIA doesn’t offer on any of their graphics cards is an onboard sound card. The sound card is placed on the ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT so that you can use the DVI to HDMI adapter that is included with the card to carry both video and audio. This means you only need one connection to your HDTV or PC display and does away with the need for a sound card. The ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT is HDCP complaint so you could use the ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT in a seriously powerful media center computer that can play any movie or video game for PC on the current market.

Test System

Before we jump into the performance of the PowerColor HD 2900 XT, lets have a look at the test system that I am using for this review:

CPU- Intel QX6700
Mainboard- XFX 680i
RAM- PNY XLR8 PC2-9384 2GB
Display- Dell 30” 3007WFP-HC LCD
OS- Windows XP Pro SP2

Benchmarks & Performance

For benchmarking the ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT I am using 3DMark06, FEAR, Battlefield 2142 and Quake 4. The first test up for the ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT is 3DMark06.

3DMark06

I ran 3DMark06 at default settings in the application and default settings in the ATI drivers. The 3DMark06 test results were as follows:

Total 3DMarks- 11544
SM2.0- 4443
HDR/SM3.0- 5001
CPU- 4105
Return to Proxycon- 35.091
Firefly Forest- 38.938
Canyon Flight- 44.887
Deep Freeze- 55.130
CPU1- 1.359
CPU2- 1.984

To get an idea of how well the performance of the ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT stands up against cards from NVIDIA the PNY 8800 Ultra Overclocked graphics card I tested scored 13100 3DMarks and the XFX 8800 GTX XXX I reviewed scored 11138. That puts the 3DMark06 performance of the ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT a bit up on the overclocked 8800 GTX XXX from XFX and down significantly to the overclocked 8800 Ultra from PNY.

FEAR

The next test up was FEAR which I ran at a screen resolution of 2560 x 1600 with all settings on max and with soft shadows, 16X AF, and 4X AA. Using the FEAR in game test loop I recorded the following numbers:

Min- 12fps
Avg- 33 fps
Max- 72 fps

The percentages showed that frame rates were under 25 fps 16% of the time, 56% of the time frame rates were between 25 and 40 fps and 28% of the time frame rates were greater than 40 fps.

Battlefield 2142

Next up is one of my favorite games, Battlefield 2142. I ran BF2142 at a screen resolution of 2048 x 1536 with 4x AA and all settings on high. Using Fraps to record frame rate data on a single player map called “Fall of Berlin” yielded the following frame rate data:

Min- 20 fps
Avg- 44.73 fps
Max- 72 fps

Quake 4

The final test for the ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT was with Quake 4, which is still a graphically demanding video game. I ran Quake 4 at 1920 x 1200 with ultra detail and 16x AA. I also had multi-core turned on as well. Again I used Fraps to record frame rate data on a single player game starting from the first scenes of the game until you are asked to go back for the medic. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data:

Min- 5 fps
Avg- 44.021
Max- 66 fps

Overall the game was very playable at these levels of detail, don’t be fooled by the low of 5 fps, that only happened when the game had to load more data entering new areas and only lasted for a few seconds max. The ATI PowerColor HD 2900 XT is a good performing graphics card that ATI fans will love to put into their gaming

Sony VAIO VGN-AR520E Desktop Replacement Notebook

2007-07-24T19:46:00.000+05:30

The Bottom Line

Sony's VAIO VGN-AR520E is certainly their most affordable desktop replacement notebook and that's also its best selling feature. It makes for a good general purpose computer, but doesn't really excel in any particular area of performance or features compared to other desktop replacements available on the market.

Pros

Large Capacity Hard Drive
Relatively Low Cost
Dedicated Direct X 10 Graphics

Cons

3D Graphics Not Really Up To Gaming
Slower Hard Drive
Could Use Faster Memory

Description

Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 Dual Core Mobile Processor
2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
200GB 4200rpm SATA Hard Drive
8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
17" WXGA+ (1440x900) Wide Screen Display With 1.3MP Webcam
NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M GT Graphics With HDMI Connector
v.92 56Kbps Modem, Fast Ethernet and Draft 802.11n Wireless
Three USB 2.0, FireWire (iLink), ExpressCard/54, Type II PC Card and 4-in-1 Card Reader
16.4" x 11.8" x 1.3" @ 8.4 lbs.
Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8, Sony VAIO Suite, Norton internet Security

Guide Review - Sony VAIO VGN-AR520E Desktop Replacement Notebook

7/24/07 – Sony's VAIO AR520E desktop replacement notebook uses the new Centrino Duo chipset. Powering the system is a new Core 2 Duo T7100 mobile processor with faster 800MHz bus speed. The downside to this is that Sony chose to use slower 667MHz memory with the system rather than more expensive 800MHz. At least they included a full 2GB of memory to let the system run smoothly with multiple applications.

One area that Sony's notebooks are really strong is with storage. The VAIO AR520E comes with a sizable 200GB hard drive that provides plenty of storage space. This provides a good 25% more space than the 160GB drives offered in most desktop replacements. The drawback is that Sony decided to use a slower 4200rpm spinning drive that reduces performance somewhat. A standard dual layer DVD burner handles optical storage.

Graphics are a major part of desktop replacement notebooks. Sony provides a very bright and clear LCD screen on the VAIO AR520E. They have even included a dedicated Direct X 10 graphics processor with the NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M. This is definitely a step up from the integrated graphics, but it still lacks 3D performance for any serious PC gaming. It can handle casual PC gaming though. One unique feature to the notebook is the inclusion of an HDMI connector that can be used to connect the PC to high definition TVs.

Of course, the big thing going for the Sony VAIO AR520E is its price. It provides a relatively good bargain for those looking at a general purpose desktop replacement, just one without any outstanding features.