We were big fans of the two-color LCD-equipped Logitech’s G15 gaming keyboard, but we can not say we find that adding a color screen of the $ 200 price tag for the new G19 model warrants. Yes, it’s nice to have a full color image or even put a video on screen while you play a game (imagine watching YouTube videos during a long drive Griffin in World of Warcraft, no alt-tabbing out). With time, the G19-user developed software library will even thrive, as it did for the G15. But with relatively few color-specific applications available even a few months after its release, we can not recommend spending more than double the price of the G15 to the G19-color screen and a few design tweaks. Until the software comes around the G19 is usually a well-designed, expensive novelty for the PC gaming elite.

Destruction of the screen for a moment, the G19 keyboard itself is only slightly more impressive than the latest version of the G15. The main core design offers the same crisp keystrokes, the same 12 “G” keys on the left. Like the G15, the G19 gives you three different switchable modes, so you effectively end up with 36 customizable keys, along with on-the-fly macro recording. Logitech also includes another feature of its G-series keyboards, a switch that disables the special “Windows” key late, so you do not accidentally switch on your desktop while playing with an errant key.

New for this model (apart from the color LCD) is his ability to recognize five simultaneous keystrokes. Macro-happy gamers and digital artists, in particular, should appreciate that feature, which opens a higher level of control of repetitive commands. We are also pleased to see that the G19 now has two USB 2.0 ports. The G15 is stuck with USB 1.1, not so fast. Anyone who regularly transferring large amounts of data between a computer and a portable storage device or media player will benefit from that extra bandwidth.

BUY LOGITECH G19 KEYBOARD NOW WITH OUR SPECIAL OFFER!

Other smart features include a drum-style volume above the G19′s number pad on top of which you will also find a range of easily accessible media playback controls. As before, the G19 tires in iTunes, Windows Media Center, software and other media apps. Last but not least, the new, non-LCD-related highlights is the option to choose from 16 million different colors for the backlit keys. To customize the colors of the only-thing-profile Logitech intuitive software that allows you to link three different colors to the three-mode programmable buttons for the ‘G’ keys. We wish her a special button to scroll through at least a few preset colors, though. We also wish Logitech software configuration would be to consolidate into one application. Instead you must bounce around between the G-series Profiler Key for setting up the G keys, and a separate manager app for the built-in LCD screen. This brings us finally to the color LCD.

Like the G15, the G19 offers half display, presumably to minimize the number of times you switch from one game to the Windows desktop at the time, your in-box to check, or other information to get. Unlike the two-tone model of the G15, the G19 will get full color output and a larger 320×240 screen size. Logitech includes 11 different applications that you use on the screen of the G19, including a clock, a system performance monitor, an RSS reader, photo and video players, and an app that lets you play YouTube videos. All these programs have an option screen – accessible via both the LCD Manager software and via a series of screen menu controls on the keyboard – that the content source folders and other adjustments.

BUY LOGITECH G19 KEYBOARD NOW WITH OUR SPECIAL OFFER!

The G19 comes with 46 built-in support for PC games, and four different applications, including Ventrilo, the popular third-party voice chat software beloved by many PC gamers. “Support” for different titles essentially means that the screen looks different information, like statistics, character and ammunition counts. We have not tried the game on the list, many of which are outdated, but we never found the game-specific information useful while playing. We see a few options that would the LCD screen more usable, such as giving an extra inventarisatie screen or an in-game map, but we have not seen that kind of functions implemented in the handful of titles that we tried. We have, however, like Ventrilo plug-in that enables you to know who’s talking, which can be useful if you do not know anyone in your World of Warcraft guild with the voice.

BUY LOGITECH G19 KEYBOARD NOW WITH OUR SPECIAL OFFER!

Potentially more exciting is that, as with the G15, Logitech also a software development kit for the LCD of the G19 belong. It took a while for the enthusiast community to embrace the G15 kit, but once it did, all kinds of mini-apps became available for public download. We do not expect the G19, the software library to have flourished in the three months since release of the keyboard, but without a critical mass of custom applications, it is difficult for us to say what kind of programs can come from the community. You can use some of the homebrewed apps on the G19, G15, but not all of them work on the new color. We can not help but wonder what effect the high price of the G19 will have on the acceptance in the enthusiast community. If fewer people the G19, which surely will affect the amount of the collective effort behind the eventual development of software to buy.

The Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse is the first gaming mouse from Microsoft BlueTrack Technology for better job tracking capabilities. With a new, more ergonomic shape and on-the-fly DPI switching, the SideWinder X8 best wireless gaming mouse on the market? Let’s take a look.

Although the SideWinder X8 is designed with emphasis on compact size, Microsoft managed to keep the size and shape comfortable enough for everyday use and makes it smaller than the original SideWinder. The new shape of the SideWinder is perfectly balanced for right-handed users and offers a much more comfortable, rounded shape than the previous SideWinder mice. The location of the main buttons seems to make perfect sense. The top / bottom design of the forward button and back buttons are upgraded to the buttons easier to use … a boon for users of the original SideWinder. While most notebook travel mice are physically smaller than the Sidewinder, none of the smaller wireless mice I’ve used are as feature-packed or as balanced in my hand.

Besides the standard buttons, the quick-start button (the silver SideWinder logo) to launch the Games Explorer in Windows Vista or the IntelliPoint software in Windows XP. The macro record button lets you program the in-game macros for faster game play. Three buttons beneath the scroll wheel allows you to DPI sensitivity at any time to adjust and the buttons are backlit for better visibility in a dark game room.

One of the biggest selling points of the original and the new SideWinder SideWinder X8 is the built-in LCD screen. The LCD screen (which also uses a red back light) displays the current DPI settings and macro recording icons to reduce the need for on-screen displays that crowd your desktop or in the way of a game.

BUY MICROSOFT SIDEWINDER X8 NOW AT A REDUCED PRICE!

Microsoft has a software CD with Intellipoint make a range of settings on the SideWinder to adjust, but the mouse is designed to plug and play, so you do not need to use the mouse software to install.

Another nice touch is that Microsoft has three different sets of replaceable mouse feet, each made of different materials (like Teflon) so that users can slide the mouse for any surface covers. The unused sets of mouse feet are stored in one convenient cable anchor / accessory box that plugs into the USB cable. The anchor / accessory box looks a bit like a “hockey puck” on your desk, but it’s a nice place to store the cord when not in use.

Daily notebook computer, the SideWinder X8 was surprisingly easy despite the plethora of buttons for the mouse. Once the USB cable is connected to a Windows Vista or XP machine will immediately recognize the mouse and you are ready to work or play. We even tested with the mouse using Windows 7 and everything works fine.

Once the SideWinder is up and running is a real pleasure to use … if you’re a right-handed gamer. One problem with a nice design erogomic like this is that the project be made for only right-handed or left-handed users. In this case, left-and right-handed users of happiness. Cursor movement and control is fast and smooth and DPI sensitivity is easy to change thanks to the preset buttons. The metal scroll wheel, back button and forward button to add a touch of rugged class. The replaceable mouse feet and adjustable weights to make it much easier for the mouse to adjust exactly how you want it.

BUY MICROSOFT SIDEWINDER X8 NOW AT A REDUCED PRICE!

A minor annoyance I had with the original SideWinder mouse was left next to the forward and back buttons and macro record button. The sharp edges in this region of the mouse made it somewhat uncomfortable to these three buttons. Fortunately, Microsoft listened to the criticism and the new X8 has a much softer feel in this area. Overall this is a comfortable mouse.

The new BlueTrack technology, the X8 more sensitive and more accurate in terms of rapid and fine / detailed movements than the original SideWinder. This is due to the improved image processing of 13,000 frames per second offered by BlueTrack. The improved accuracy is much more noticeable when using a notebook with a 1080p screen is not as clear with an older 1280 x 800.

The new magnetic USB cable to charge the mouse makes a relatively quick and painless process. The cable is very durable and magnetic connector in place very securely. I really like the cord because if the battery dies you the power to connect and keep the mouse as an old-fashioned wired mouse while the cost X8. The only major problem I had with this mouse was less-than-stellar battery life that the internal rechargeable AA battery. Most wireless mice will be charged after a day of serious gaming, but I found the X8 need for a charge almost every other day. Sure, the battery power of the built-in LCD screen and backlit buttons more, but what’s the point of a “wireless” mouse that needs to stay connected to a wire for charging?

Conclusion

The Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse is a great upgrade for older SideWinder gaming mouse. The X8 offers improved ergonomics, better accuracy with BlueTrack technology, and is finally wireless. On the other hand, the new SideWinder lacks the adjustable weight and extremely rugged feel of the original SideWinder.

BUY MICROSOFT SIDEWINDER X8 NOW AT A REDUCED PRICE!

The most obvious potential problem with the X8 is the impressive battery life. If you are an active gamer (playing games for hours every day) you can expect to need to recharge the mouse at least once every other day.

Notebook users are willing to put up with the size and weight of the SideWinder X8 (and the “hockey puck” receiver / charger) will be very happy with this mouse. Admittedly, the SideWinder X8 is not very convenient for notebook users as a compact Bluetooth mouse, but the performance of this mouse is unmatched.

Over the past few weeks we have reviewed a range of 2.0 computer speakers to compact systems, powered speakers left and right exist. In these reviews, we noted that compared with 2.1 systems, which are smaller left and right satellite for higher frequencies, plus a larger subwoofer / amplifier component that sits under your desk and produces a low-frequency 2.0-system takes significantly less space to use but usually can not offer similar bass performance.

But there is another type 2.0 system out there: studio monitors, which are essentially powered bookshelf speakers are designed for use in recording and production studios. Studio monitors are generally larger than the traditional 2.0 speakers to the computer and considerably larger than the compact satellites used in most 2.1 systems, but larger size lets them provide good bass without the need for a subwoofer.

While professional studio monitors can cost well over $ 1,000, M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 offers a taste of the studio monitor performance and features for only $ 200. If the space on your desk, you should consider the AV 40 when shopping for computer speakers.

Each of the 40-AV speaker is a solid 8.5 inch, 6.2 inches wide and 7.5 inches deep. Instead of the commonly used plastic enclosures for computer speakers, enclosures are ported from the AV-40′s made of vinyl coated, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), like many quality home speakers. The plastic face of each speaker hosts black-metal grilles protect a 4-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter. The system provides 40 watts total power (20 watts per channel).

BUY M-AUDIO STEREOPHILE AV 40 NOW WITH OUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT!

On the back of the left speaker are two sets of left / right stereo inputs, one set uses RCA connectors, the other uses TRS (1/4-inch) jacks for pro-audio sources, a set of speaker terminal outputs (for connecting the right speaker, a matching set of speaker terminal inputs sport), a bass boost switch, a replaceable fuse, a voltage selector (for use of the AV-40 countries with 220 – 240V outlets), a power switch and a jack for the supplied power cord.

The front of the left speaker has a volume control surrounded by a blue power indicator light, and an extra 1/8-inch input and a 1/8-inch headphone jack. You can connect to all three sources of inputs of the system at the audio signals are mixed.

This is a nice array of features for a set of computer speakers. Furthermore, using standard speaker cables to connect the left and right speakers means you can space the speakers as far apart as you want, and because the AV-40′s power supply is housed in the left speaker, there is no bulky power brick or wall wart sit on or under your desk.

Also included in the AV-40 is a 6-foot run of speaker cable, a minijack-to-RCA cable for connecting your computer to the main entrances of the AV-40′s, and a set of adhesive, anti-slip pads you can apply to the bottom of each speaker, if desired. (The manual suggests you also a mini jack-to-mini jack cable for the use of front-mounted input, but that cable is not included in our test unit.) Finally, unlike most computer speakers , the AV-40 contains a detailed and readable instructions, as well as a solid guide for studio monitors and speaker technology speaker setup and installation tips for feeding.

BUY M-AUDIO STEREOPHILE AV 40 NOW WITH OUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT!

This guide included is excellent, but accidentally designate an accessory and not with the AV-40: State of a kind. For best sound quality, you want a tweeter speaker pointed roughly at your ears when listening. Most computer speakers to achieve this by designing the speaker settings so the tweeters are slightly upwards. The AV-40 bookshelf speaker’s design, however, means that if you directly on a typical desktop speakers, the tweeters pointed directly at your chest or stomach. So unless you AV 40 speakers on the wall at the right height, I recommend raising or angling them, for example using DS1 Audioengine desktop speaker stands. (Unfortunately, the speakers do not wall mounting holes and connectors.)

Based solely on the construction, features and accessories, the AV-40 is an impressive package. Fortunately, the sound produced is very good: the AV-40 is the best sounding 2.0 speaker systems we’ve tested recently. Compared with excellent Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II, the AV 1940 provides a slightly warmer, richer sound that sounds a bit more natural and accurate. Drums, bass and vocals, for example, all sound more realistic, the AV 40.

AV 40 offers more kick and bass extension than the T40, without sounding boomy or Thumpy at normal volume. While the bass begins to run off around 90 Hz, it’s still pretty good down to about 75 Hz, and still audible, although very weakly at 60 Hz. (The Bass Boost function has not improved bass extension, it just increases the level of the lower frequencies.) But we’re talking about 4-inch drivers here, if you have lots of bass, you have a 2.1 system.

My complaints in the audio department is small, given the size of the speakers: The first is that the AV 40 is not the obvious highlights of the systems we’ve tested-high frequencies can sound ever-so-slightly recessed. The second is that if you crank the volume too loud, you can get some boominess in the upper bass to hear, especially if you use the Bass Boost function. (Unless you’re a devil bass, I recommend using bass boost just to listen at lower volumes, which is most effective.) The system is remarkably balanced and accurate overall.

BUY M-AUDIO STEREOPHILE AV 40 NOW WITH OUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT!

For some users, the largest AV-40′s “wrong” are the very thing that allows it to perform so well: its size. But if you have room on your desk received (or your wall or shelf), the AV-40 is an excellent speaker outside the traditional 2.0 computer speakers we’ve tested performance, and even records a lot of 2.1 systems when it comes to sound quality (although it can not compete with a good 2.1 system at lower frequencies). The AV 1940 provides impressive flexibility with three entrances, a convenient headphone jack, and using standard speaker cables, and excellent build quality which distinguishes it from most of the “computer” speakers. The AV-40 is a complete package, and the street price of around $ 200 can be an excuse to clean up your desk.

Those looking for a mouse useful as a full-time replacement trackpad rarely have options that are powerful enough and portable enough to be a better pick than a large desktop mouse. Most mice that use RF transmitters are fast but need a USB dongle (which can easily be lost) and could be too big to fit into a notebook. Bluetooth mouse does not need these adapters but are often slow or just meant as replacements with little tiny buttons and even fewer features. Logitech VX Nano supposedly solves this by an RF adapter so small it can stay in the same notebook and a free spinning wheel as the MX and VX Revolution. We believe that the right idea.

One of the first positive signs that Logitech is sensitive to the actual notebook power users, the number of extras that ship with the Nano. The pair of AAA batteries required is supported by a very useful travel bag, these are not entirely rare, but in the case of the Nano goes a long way toward convincing us that the company is sincere. We also appreciate the addition of a USB cradle that the RF receiver if you decide to use a desktop mouse. This can also be very useful as a USB extender port for connecting a digital camera or an iPod.

Perhaps the first aspect we have noticed the smaller VX is the feeling: this is a very comfortable mouse with a high quality build, not a basic plastic case. The mouse is solid, not heavy, and every texture feels just as good as on the larger mice. A few hours of use were found at least as comfortable as most desktop mice. With an average size hands, like ours, almost every key is directly accessible with very little effort, the lone culprit is the middle button Quick Look beneath the scroll wheel, which requires you to take your index finger in response to the Quick Look feature (in Windows) or a generic middle button command.

BUY LOGITECH VX NANO MOUSE NOW WITH DISCOUNT!

The Nano’s scroll wheel is second only to the RF receiver as a selling point, and in practice it appears that Logitech’s worth the effort. Anyone who ever took to long to the bottom of a website or a Word document will instantly appreciate the ability to tap the wheel down and turn freely to the document by a jump in much less time than a conventional mouse. Using the feature does well takes time, but it is possible within a few hours to learn how the wheel in the middle of spin to stop to your desired goal very close. Tap again put the mouse back into a traditional scroll mode with stop points that help distinguish. Pro gamers and users who regularly depend on a middle mouse would want to be careful, but since the scroll feature eliminates the possibility of using the wheel as a third button.

But we do not believe that these users will be Logitech’s core audience, and many of those who do not need a quick middle mouse button will be more than satisfied with the Nano-receiver. This is a long-awaited development in notebook mice, and we enjoyed never seen the adapter from a USB port to disconnect (as long as one was free) and fill the notebook in a bag. It is also an unexpected side-benefit to the owners of recent Apple’s wired aluminum keyboard: the size, the adapter is virtually invisible when plugged into the bottom USB port. Its size also seemed no obstacle to the speed, the mouse was extremely responsive – almost to react – to enter. We had to turn down sensitivity in the control panel, but never felt like we lost precision.

Officially, the VX Nano is compatible with both Macs and Windows PCs, but the practical reality of using the configuration software is one of the few clear shortcomings. Basic configuration is extremely simple and gives most functions immediately. However, we found only the Windows-based SetPoint software on the CD, Mac owners are asked to download the Logitech Control Center from the company website. This is not a fatal error, but it’s an unnecessary hassle when the company could simply is simply a hybrid disc with both instruments have made.

BUY LOGITECH VX NANO MOUSE NOW WITH DISCOUNT!

Anyone who has owned a previous Logitech mouse will be familiar with the experience. SetPoint in Windows is useful for customizing the buttons, but the interface is not as intuitive as we’d like. Control Center is slightly better. But neither is particularly needed, especially on the Mac. Almost every feature works without drivers, and with only five buttons in total, there is little incentive to reprogram them with a separate utility. In Mac OS X, it is already easy to get the forward / backward buttons on the side is set to alternate functions like Dashboard or Exposé.

Conclusion

It is difficult to object to the VX Nano declared role as a notebook mouse. We could easily imagine that heavy users of a notebook running on the controller as an almost permanent stand-in for regular desktop mice. Can even a few that using the mouse on the desktop, but Logitech has not yet hit on a control system that most power users will bring in the herd.

If we change the mouse, we could move the Quick Look button to the blank space before the wheel and ask the Nano to its creators promised Mac support without a separate download to offer. For the latter, it’s just a matter of being honest with the users. But neither of these are enough to stop us from recommending the mouse to most any user, regardless of which OS they call home.

BUY LOGITECH VX NANO MOUSE NOW WITH DISCOUNT!

When I first looked at JBL Creature III, it certainly looked stylish, but I doubted that these small speakers can not sound good. The size of the ultra-small compact satellites and the subwoofer does not do much to change this first impression. Would this be different? Fall into the stylish small but vulnerable category? Or are they the best of both worlds?

As the name implies, the Creature III is the third version of the Creature series dates from 2002. It sports an updated look that manages to be faithful to the fundamental elements that the first creature was known for. It is also a 3-piece system with many elements of the iconic, sleek modern design that still looks fresh even 8 years later.

The Creature III has a few notable changes worth mentioning. The subwoofer cabinet is now smaller in size, but now has a much smaller 3″ driver 15watts, compared to the previous 4-inch, 24 watt subwoofer. Even at 4″ I’m not even sure it can even be regarded as a subwoofer, as many multimedia speakers use 3-inch and 4-inch midrange drivers. The move to a smaller 3″ driver to handle the lower frequencies is not the smartest move. JBL should seriously consider itself to a 6″ sub, because this would significantly enhance the already good performance.

This would also mean a doubling of the size of the cabinet and the cone, but we agree that the performance gain is worth the sacrifice in size. I realize that this set was made with the style-conscious consumers who value small size space, but an argument against this is the fact that most subwoofers road will be hidden from view among some agency. Also gone is the ambient light in each satellite speaker. We believe this is positive, the current design compliment, especially when a white light was used. They may even added an effect where the light slowly “breathe” when the increase or decrease the volume. The absence of these lights, we believe it was a missed opportunity to add to the already great design.

BUY JBL CREATURE III SYSTEM NOW WITH DISCOUNT!

The two small satellites, have exactly the same design as the subwoofer, minus the chrome accents around the driver and front-firing drivers course. With a name like “Creature” and other terms such as “Landing”, “came the Earth”, “Attack of the killer speaker” and “Sci-fi speakers” is used in the materials market is very clear that this should somehow looks like a strange alien creature from outer space. We kind of think of it as a push towards more minimalist modern art than a UFO attack. No matter how you look, it certainly stands out and looks good.

The only way we could describe, with an egg and put a black cloth over it, that’s how it looks. We really liked the stand when they built the streamlined look of the speakers remain. These make them look much bigger than they really are, minues the legs of the speaker itself is basically the size of an egg. The drivers are exposed, but sufficiently covered by protrusions in the body that protects them from shocks. The chrome element around the drivers look a little too flashy for our tastes and take what we consider to be a nice design. Perhaps a more subtle brushed metallic effect would have been better.

One of the features we like most was the touch volume control, a rarity on the speakers of any price class. It works really well and at first you would think they lack the level of control of the traditional volume dials, but are very close. The buttons are very solid with no creaking or wobbling sound and well integrated into the body. A very cool touch, adding to the prestige of the overall package. One thing we did not like was that it looked touch controls just as tasteless as the chrome frame. A less flashy look would have been nicer. One thing we would like to see in future version of the Creature volumes are backlit keys that would make them easier to identify in the dark.

Both satellites are connected via sub fairly thick cable, be aware that although it may disconnect the sub, the cable is permanently connected to the SATS.

BUY JBL CREATURE III SYSTEM NOW WITH DISCOUNT!

The Creature III has surprised us when it came to performance. We connected it to both our Sony VAIO laptop Z12 smartphone and Nokia N900. And the boy were we surprised! Although it could easily fill a room with sound, it seems when it comes to the near field listening. With a 3-inch cone used in the subwoofer, we did not expect the system to really hit those deep notes, but it did enough base to the middle and high support, creating aa fairly uniform, full sound. The effect was even more impressive when we sub hidden behind our agency: it was a bit strange to hear that relatively open and dynamic, just two small egg-sized speakers.

With small satellites and a very small part, we did not expect audiophile quality music and the system does have its limits. These limits will only become clear over 80% of the total volume. SATS while maintaining their composure throughout the volume range, the sub showed its weakness in certain difficult passages at higher volumes. Present, where the sub will start sloppy and less defined, farmers unwanted tunes. This is not uncommon, especially when a small cone the difficult task of handling the low frequencies makes it necessary to push a lot of air in the process.

If the volume louder, it becomes harder to keep up the deficiencies and clearer. The satellites are surprisingly good, but if we were to nitpick, we would say it’s a little bright and stained with specific numbers, even after dialing down the treble. We think that the JBL SATS leaves as it is, keep it small oval trademark, but it is the sub to be increased. With such a low-powered, we expect the system to keep cool completely, but the top of sub gets a little hot. Nothing to worry about, but thought it worth mentioning.

Conclusion

JBL Creature III is distinguished by a unique, modern design that still looks fresh after eight years. It is a slightly modified design that looks even better than the original. The total system size is impressive low and must be perfect where space is stylishly value, or just small speakers, but we think we’re going for a smaller part wasn’tt the best move. Do we miss the cool lighting effects that we think need to return to the Creature series. We just touch the volume controls, which an impressive degree of control was provided, something we do not expect.

BUY JBL CREATURE III SYSTEM NOW WITH DISCOUNT!

The treble, bass and volume are placed on the sub, if you ask us, probably the worst place to put these controls. Treble and bass are not a lot of things you’ll adhusting, but the power is hidden behind the sub volume, close to all cables. Even if you place the sub on your desk, to the power button is a bit of a stretch. Application of the sub ox the floor will prove to be more of a challenge. This check should be given to the other and were made in Cool touch controls.

But it really impressed us with his sound, excel near field listening. A system of this magnitude has limits, particularly in the bass department, but it would be difficult to get a better sound at this size to get. The JBL Creature III gets a 7.9 out of 10.

It’s not something that you may have noticed, but webcams are an area of technology that collectively really improved in recent years. The experience of poor quality, stuttering images in the past, many people have dismissed the whole concept, but because PCs and broadband connections more quickly received and as webcams are now pretty decent too, video conferencing or webcam, a word I have just made up, is now quite large. There are also a wealth of free video services to choose from, such as Windows Live Messenger, Skype, Yahoo and AOL – which is a lot better than before when you had Netmeeting, buried somewhere in Windows 98.

Now if you have a laptop, there is a chance that you have a webcam built in, which is certainly preferable in terms of comfort and lack of cables. However, many laptops and almost all monitors are not an external one so it should be. Logitech has a huge range of PC peripherals and has long been a champion of the webcam, and we have seen some excellent examples from such as the QuickCam Ultra Vision.

The highlights were the Ultra Vision glass lens elements, a 1.3 megapixel sensor, RightLight and RightSound – light optimization, and noise-canceling technology. Both of the latter are present on the newer Quickcam Pro 9000. The long rest at the back means it’s not really smaller than the Ultra Vision, but is lighter and less bulky making it more suitable for taking with you when you are carrying a laptop. However, you should need to make your regular webcam to take with you, there is a specific version of the notebooks with a clip.

As it was, I found getting the rest to the back to adjust the back of the notebook I wrote this review a bit of a dark art, but I’m at the end. If it happens the webcam is not correctly displayed in the picture, but actually there is a small plastic tab under the main body of the webcam, which can rest on the edge and you flex the foot so that it rests on the back of screen. You can then angle the webcam, but not down. It is not as flexible as the rotating lens on the Ultra Vision, but it’s close.

BUY LOGITECH QUICKCAM PRO 900 NOW AND SAVE MONEY!

The webcam is spherical lens with a larger round lens and a microphone at the end of a section which extends to one side. The Carl Zeiss lens, the legend attached to it, that is a marketing tool that Sony has been operating for some time on her camera, and even its phones. This promises better quality pictures through superior optics, which is really more important than large number of pixels. However, the number of pixels is still impressive to this webcam, with a native resolution of 2 megapixels, which even the top 1.3-megapixels offered by the Ultra Vision. It also features an internal auto focus though, which promises to ensure sharp pictures even with moving subjects.

On the side of the camera is a button that lights when pressed, the Logitech QuickCam software, if installed, and automatically a snapshot. On the other side of the lens is the microphone, which looks very nice. In the middle is the Logitech logo, and when the live web cam is a circular red backlit glow around it, that’s a pretty subtle effect.

When it came to the installation, you install the software first. I chose the QuickCam software from the Logitech website to be sure of getting the latest version, but the wizard on the CD will check this too. While the installation went smoothly for some reason I found the Logitech microphone that was not visible or configurable via the Logitech website wizard. This was strange as the microphone driver was present and correct in Device Manager. I took this as an opportunity to test Logitech Technical Support.

Initially I was pleased that the number was to call a regular UK number, not a non-geographic number, so it could come from my free minutes. Secondly, when I called I through one person after two rings. I was in shock! I expected a soul destroying run around like an Esher-call system. Even more amazing, the person who was able to get the microphone working by talking me reinstall the driver using Windows – it seems it was a Windows XP problem. Technical support that worked. More shock! Overall, I was mighty impressed with Logitech tech support, a refreshing change from most companies these days make.

Once up and running, I took a look at the QuickCam software. It is identical to that I saw with the Ultra Vision. QuickCapture can take photos or videos. Photos can be taken up to 8-megapixel, with everything above the 2-megapixel with software interpolation, so rather pointless. I’ve noticed that just above the VGA resolution, there was a delay in taking the picture longer, as the resolution increases, so shutter lag. A 3-second delay option is available and the red circle flashes when the countdown and then stops just before the picture snaps.

BUY LOGITECH QUICKCAM PRO 900 NOW AND SAVE MONEY!

Video can be recorded to 2-megapixels and a body motion capture, which as the name suggests, monitors and only records when motion activity, with a sensitivity slider. It works well and is perfect for catching those thieves swipe your Jaffa cakes, assuming he is not the camera and laptop on the spot and nab this one too. Assuming he does not find these videos marked with a running man icon. You can play, email, print photos, or to the right from the software.

Looking at the settings gives you access to Face Tracking as possible, and activating the RightLight technology. You can manually but if you prefer to adjust. You also get the Video Effects avatars that I found were just as much fun as I remember them. This means that you have your face replaced with a virtual gorilla, dolphin, dinosaur, dollar bill, or whatever you fancy – it’s just ‘Crazee’. Expenses are available free online. As long as your face is drawn properly, the avatar of the mouth and eyes, even imitating yours.

Apart from the little hiccup with the installation, using the webcam was a joy. To test, I first released the QuickCam software. I was immediately impressed by the sharpness and clarity of the image and it is with the Ultra Vision is the best I’ve seen. The effect of autofocus be seen when zooming with readjusting itself impressively fast. For example, if you want kids moving as clear as possible in the frame should be a great help. Face tracking works, with some delay as it tracks you, and I found the effect dizzying to watch. It is best to stand still.

I then placed a video call to Ed’s office and found he was impressed with both picture and sound. The right sound is really effective filtering of background noise, to some extent, and RightLight make the best of low light situations without you having to do anything.

All in all, if you want to experience the best of your webcam to make in an occasional call, video conference or “lifecasting” heaven help us, it’s difficult not impressed with the Pro 9000. It is much more than the cost of your bog standard webcam, but you get a premium product that delivers the goods.

BUY LOGITECH QUICKCAM PRO 900 NOW AND SAVE MONEY!

Conclusion

An impressive webcam that easily justifies its premium price. It can capture and record high resolution images, and gives excellent pictures and sound in video calls. Is that bit more portable than the bulky Ultra Vision Pro 9000 is my new favorite webcam. Also hats off to Logitech for an excellent performance of technical support.

D-Link’s forays into the NAS market have not met with much success so far. The DSM-G600 provides a good set of features, including wireless access, for the price – but we found the supplied back-up facilities relatively weak, and we were not impressed with the compatibility problems we discovered with some IDE drives.

The DNS-323 represents D-Link’s next stabbing on network storage, and this time has gone instead of SATA drives. The unit is one of the smallest we’ve seen and are compact, matte black aluminum chassis is designed for two SATA drives of your choice to accept. The entire installation process is completely without tools – just push the face up to release it and then slot in a couple of drives. The back panel has a lever behind each bay to aid drive removal.

There is not much else to see, because the device contains only a single Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN connectivity and a USB port that can only be used for a suitable printer for sharing come. For the price, we would expect the option to external USB storage devices.

BUY D-LINK DNS-323 STORAGE NOW WITH OUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT!

For testing, we used a pair of 250GB Western Digital WD2500 hard drives. After startup, we use the bundled Easy Search program to hunt the device on the network, discovering the IP address assigned to our router. If you are not using DHCP, the device uses the default IP address. The tool allows you directly to the web interface, which kicks off with how you want your discs served. You can have two separate drives, a single linear drive, a RAID-0 stripe or a RAID-1 mirror. Either way, you make your game, select your file format and place them on the device and format ready for use.

As with the DSM-G600, the device only supports a ext2 / 3 file systems and not FAT32 or NTFS. We have opted for a RAID-0 stripe and EXT2 for best performance and the device has about six minutes to the array.

Once the device is restarted, the Web interface offers a Quick Start Wizard to set the administrative password, time zone and working details. The web interface is nicely designed, but despite a graphics refresh is clear that the DNS-323 is almost the same firmware as the DSM-G600 with only a couple of improvements.

A feature increasingly on the consumer NAS devices is the ability to function as an iTunes server, and this is one of the enhancements added to this firmware. The server is enabled by default, and you can select a location on the device to select where you want to import your music. Loaded with the iTunes client, the server automatically appears in the source side bar with all your downloaded tracks ready for playback. The device also offers UPnP media services for streaming to suitable media players.

BUY D-LINK DNS-323 STORAGE NOW WITH OUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT!

Access to network shares is controlled with a list of local users and groups, security that is sufficient for home use. The possibility of using quotas to assign a new function, and this can reduce the amount of available storage space on a user and group basis. FTP services are on the cards as well, and restrictions can be applied to folders declared for FTP access. You can also limit the number of users can simultaneously access a folder and limit the amount of bandwidth available for each FTP directory.

Nero backup software included with the DSM-G600 has been launched and replaced by a single user copy of Memeo backup. This is much more advanced products, as it supports a wide range of backup destinations, offers optional backup encryption and after the first scheduled backup has run it will only secure file edits or new files, allowing for fast operation . The device also offers an unusual feature that backup files and folders on other systems that can be downloaded to a location on the device via HTTP or FTP to select. This is accessible through a separate administrative interface for your login details, the source URL, a location on the device to the files and copy a recurring schedule – ideal for website administrators.

We had no problems securing files from an Iomega NAS device via FTP, although, as we saw with the DSM-G600, the status screen for each job shows the passwords for each login account in plain text – not quite security conscious.

Overall performance of a RAID-0 stripe was on par with D-Link quoted figures of 23MB/sec read and 15MB/sec write speed. We tested the real world performance by copying a 691MB video file from a Supermicro 3.2GHz Pentium D PC to the device which lasted 45 seconds, the average write speed of 15MB/sec. Copying the file back to the PC back an average read speed of 21MB/sec. Useful, you can power the drive off after so many minutes of inactivity, so you do your bit for saving the world and saving your data.

BUY D-LINK DNS-323 STORAGE NOW WITH OUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT!

Conclusion

For such a compact NAS appliance, the DNS-323 offers a good set of storage features at a reasonable price, although we still have liked a greater USB functionality. The closest competitor to this device is the Thecus YES Box N2100, as it offers a very similar set of features including the iTunes server. However, the Thecus is not as well built and will get back about 50 pounds more. All in all, the D-Link is a solid, so spectacular, choice.

Western Digital My Passport Essential is currently offer the only portable external hard drive to a whopping 1TB storage space. Nevertheless, it is one of the smallest hard drives around and it’s pretty fast, too.

For the My Passport Essential circumvented Western Digital is the standard SATA-II circuit and built a USB connection directly to the 2.5″ internal hard drive, so it is shorter than other external hard drives. Unfortunately, the company decided to Micro-USB connector instead of the more common mini-USB connector to integrate external hard drives and digital cameras. While the connection is to be durable, is also difficult to replace it, if they lost.

BUY WESTERN DIGITAL MY PASSPORT ESSENTIAL SE NOW WITH A SPECIAL DISCOUNT!

The My Passport Essential has four 250 GB disks, making the drive a bit thicker than its 320 GB and 500 colleagues. It is still extremely portable and lightweight, yet.

The My Passport Essential does 256-bit AES hardware encryption, but lacks any form of password recovery.

The included WD SmartWare software starts automatically the first time, the My Passport Essential is connected, and categorized data on your PC and the drive is based on file extensions. From here you can choose to secure the types of files. Unlike the HP SimpleSave portable external hard drive, the My Passport Essential does not allow you to set your own custom extensions. This means obscure media formats, for example, is simply listed as “other”. WD SmartWare supports sequential backups for up to 25 versions of the same file.

BUY WESTERN DIGITAL MY PASSPORT ESSENTIAL SE NOW WITH A SPECIAL DISCOUNT!

When other portable external hard drives compared to the Western Digital My Passport SE seems a little sluggish when writing small files. However, it provides very fast read speeds with large and small files.

The large storage capacity, high security and ease of use make the Western Digital My Passport Essential external hard drive makes a good choice for those who need to take their work.

BUY WESTERN DIGITAL MY PASSPORT ESSENTIAL SE NOW WITH A SPECIAL DISCOUNT!

While NVIDIA launched new low-end cards coming out many months ago, products have about the next generation of its architecture is based GF100 far more to produce. Even now, NVIDIA has once again kept the full GF100 – the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 480 is actually a slightly stripped down version of the GF100. But the fastest single-chip NVIDIA card we have seen – and to stop for that matter, the fastest single-chip card is full.

Such as ATI, NVIDIA has moved a 40nm manufacturing process for these chips, but the chips themselves are much larger than their ATI counterparts. However, the actual cards are not gigantic, and ZOTAC GeForce GTX 480 should fit in any decent size case – it certainly will not lead to the same problems as the ridiculously long 5970, for example.

BUY ZOTAC GEFORCE GTX 480 NOW AT A SPECIAL REDUCED PRICE!

The Zotac GeForce GTX 480 is very hot and although the performances are intoxicating in fact. The GTX 480 deletes theoretically 250 watts at maximum load – we have determined the actual number may exceed 350 watts – which produces only 5870 188th Even at idle, 47 watts (almost double that of 5870) a fairly substantial number A six-pin and one eight-pin connector is required. Some PCs can only support one pair of six-pin connectors, you must set this clock. The 480 is in use according to the map, so you really want to be with the computer in the room it is installed to keep it in.

Both the BFG NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 and ZOTAC GeForce GTX 470 have some relatively new approaches for the video, with better handling of raster operations, improved floating-point calculations, and improved texture units. Not everything is on the specifications, but on the hand. A simple measure of the filling rate, for example, suggests that the far inferior to 480 of the 5870 – 42.0GTps (GTexel per second) instead of the 68.0GTps 5870. Even with attention to floating-point calculations on paper the 5870 figure of 2.72TFlops twice the GTX 480 is is 1.35.

BUY ZOTAC GEFORCE GTX 480 NOW AT A SPECIAL REDUCED PRICE!

The Zotac GeForce GTX has 480 less texture units, although they help ward ROPs. Perhaps more significant is its memory bandwidth (177.4GBps to 153.6GBps) is much stronger, in part, to be on the 480′s 384bit memory interface significantly wider than the 5870 256-bit alternative. It also helps that this card has a powerful 1536B of GDDR5 memory.

BUY ZOTAC GEFORCE GTX 480 NOW AT A SPECIAL REDUCED PRICE!

However, only the video card test numbers that are really important to frame rates. And here the Zotac GeForce GTX 480-5870 feeds his ears, pulling off a series of victories, the 5870 is in place. Although the sky show and Crysis tests, leads a 5-9fps that wins 480 easily everywhere, from the 5870 between 6 and 16fps in Aliens vs. Predator and 25 to 27fps in high frame rate environment Hawx. The card has more than enough to make short work of DirectX 11, although we have not found the 480 5870th as to be better at holding the tempo in the DX11.

When Intel released the six-seeded Core i7-980 Extreme unleashed a while back, took a few motherboard manufacturers to travel the opportunity to refresh some of their X58-based motherboards and added in the latest technologies such as SATA and USB 3.0 6Gbps in the process.

MSI has this and much more, and started the Big Bang XPower powerful MSI, a board with a sheet that holds the settlement its name there.

The feature list for the Big Bang XPower makes for impressive reading, high-end components in the power delivery (MSI call something “Military Class”) system, six DIMM slots for up to 24GB of triple channel DDR3 memory, dual Gigabit Ethernet, six PCI-E slots (two x16 and two x8 and two x4 speed), advanced quantum wave audio and overclocking features than you can wave a stick at, including MSI OC Dashboard, an external device for monitoring and fine tuning settings on the Big Bang XPower.

Although MSI Big Bang XPower comes with six PCI-E slots, only the first and fourth slots are full x16 speed run, if you have two cards in a CrossFire or SLI setup.

BUY MSI BIG BANG-XPOWER MOTHERBOARD NOW AND SAVE MONEY WITH DISCOUNT!

If you really want to impress your friends, you can all six but then the rates drop x8/x4/x4/x8/x4/x4 fill. To power all these cards, there is a six-pin power connector sits just above the first slot PCI-E.

A view of the Big Bang XPower and you can see MSI medium-sized enterprises with the Board – the build quality is really first class. The X58 Northbridge and the great power circuit of passive heat sinks of thicker than normal 8mm heatpipes (MSI claims that to increase the thermal efficiency of thicker pipes and thus aid cooling) cooled connected.

MSI Big Bang XPower is very well equipped with plenty of room around the CPU socket, which is mounted for some rather large third party cooler can be set – you might need it when the fulness of the MSI overclocking options have the board overcome.

The six presets – remember the X58 a triple-channel memory chipset support – only locks on the other side of the slot, so they do not interfere with the massively-cooled graphics card, the XPower Big Bang cries out for.

BUY MSI BIG BANG-XPOWER MOTHERBOARD NOW AND SAVE MONEY WITH DISCOUNT!

If you have any doubt that the Big Bang XPower is a power user board, there are two eight-pin 12V connector, which are handy placed near the board’s Edge. There is also an edge mounted block adjacent to the SATA ports that will use a voltage meter to check the real-time voltage to various components such as CPU, memory and chipset enables both bridges.

The base of the board contains a small box that OC Genie (automatic overclocking) button and four touch-sensitive surfaces, holds power, reset and two OC Direct controls.

BUY MSI BIG BANG-XPOWER MOTHERBOARD NOW AND SAVE MONEY WITH DISCOUNT!

Verdict

Yes, it’s pretty expensive, although it, to its credit, has tried MSI, keep the price low, but it is basically a niche product for enthusiasts. It could even be the basis for a decent job because you do get a lot of motherboard for your money.