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Living with the OCZ Agility SSD

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:48:00 +0000

We all know that SSDs are super fast, especially from the mountains of benchmarks performed by reviewers. What about after a several months of actual use?

I installed the OCZ Technology 120 GB Agility Series SATA II 2.5 Inch Solid State Drive (OCZSSD2-1AGT120G) in my main system about 5 months ago. Everything else in the system is speedy (quad core Intel CPU, 6GB RAM, etc), but as we all know the real enemy of speed is a bogged down install of Windows. Runnings Windows XP x64 and after many months of installing, uninstalling, updating software I have to the conclusion: this SSD is still fast.

Boot time, application load time, etc, are all still zippy (even with anti-virus running!). I recommend the OCZ Agility.

Buy: 30 GB, 60 GB, 120 GB, 250 GB

Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:17:00 +0000

A few years ago it seemed like there was never a need to have a microphone on your computer. Now there are dozen things you can use the microphone for and have the bandwidth to support it.

The Logitech ClearChat is a set of headphones that sound great and are easy to use. They are connected by USB so you don't have to crawl around to the back of your pc and try to match up the speaker and microphone plug. Its much easier to plug them into the front of the pc or the side of the laptop when they are needed.

The microphone is noise canceling so everyone on the other end won't hear your dog chasing the cat throughout the house. The microphone swings up out of the way when you don't need it.

Priced around $30.

Buy: Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset (Black)

Linksys WRT54GL Broadband Router - Tried, True, Stable

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:08:00 +0000

The Linksys router has been around forever and is one of the most widely known. The WRT54GL broadband router is a popular router to control their home network. Now owned by Cisco, the router is quick to setup, simple to use, and easy to maintain and administer.

The router is a combination of an access point to provide wireless G connectivity, a four port switch to provide wired connections, and a router to provide security to your network.

This isn't the cheapest at $60, but you'll appreciate spending the extra money after seeing how easy it was to set up and start using.

Buy: Linksys by Cisco WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router (Compatible with Linux)

Iomega Prestige 1TB USB External Drive - Is your data backed up?

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:57:00 +0000

Do you ever worry about losing all of those pictures you have stored on your computer. Or your music collection you (legally?) downloaded? If not, then this isn't for you. For everyone else, check out this simple to use affordable external drive.

There are really just two steps for using the drive. 1, plug in the power and the USB port to your computer. 2, start using it. You can manually copy things to the drive for set up automatic backups with software available with the drive.

Priced around $95, it's a pretty affordable backup solution.

Buy: Iomega Prestige 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive 34275
Iomega Prestige 1.5 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive 34474

Roku HD Player - Simple to Stream Movies

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:28:00 +0000

While it seems like everything coming on the market this year is going to have Netflix access, the Roku player was the first to have it. It has since refined itself into a great little player.

The player has a nice simple interface and you can set it up and be watching movies in minutes. Many people have claimed to save money with this by being able to downgrade their Netflix subscription and cable service.

The player is also able to play Amazon On Demand movies. This is a pay per movie / TV show service with over 40,000 titles available.

Wired and wireless connections are available to connect to broadband. You can connect to any TV, new or old, that accepts inputs.

Price at $100

Buy: Roku HD Player

Flip UltraHD Camcorder - Simple - Easy - Awesome

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:30:00 +0000

After using the Flip for a couple weeks now, I am hooked. This is a great little camcorder and the video quality is awesome. From the operation of the camera, to recording a video, to uploading it to the computer or online, everything is just nice and simple.

While some people people like the complicated camcorders that allow you to adjust every setting, most people want something simple and easy to use. This is it. It powers on in a couple seconds and is ready to use. It's very convenient to carry in your pocket to capture video on the fly.

With 8GB of internal storage, it captures 120 minutes of 720p HD video. Is the battery getting low? All you have to do is find a USB port and it will charge the battery.

The included FlipShare software is simple to use and makes it very easy to edit and share the video clips.

While there is a growing list of accessories for the camera, the two that I will be getting are the silicon protective case and the sealed case for underwater filming.

Priced at an affordable $149 for a HD camcorder.

Buy:Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)
Black Soft Silicone Skin Case for Flip Ultra HD Camcorder
Flip Video AWC2T Underwater Case for UltraHD and Ultra 2nd Generation camcorders (Clear)

Samsung USB 2.0 8X DVD Writer External Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:12:00 +0000

Doing any video editing with your netbooks and need a DVD burner? Here is your solution. Actually, this a great drive to add to your optical driveless netbook , laptop, or desktop without a dvd drive.

The drive burns DVD's at 8x which is the standard. Burn any faster, and you start getting errors. It's less than an inch thick and weighs less than a pound so it won't be a burden in your laptop bag. The drive is USB powered so you don't have to keep up with a power adapter. Just plug it in and you're ready to go. Nero is included if you need any DVD burning software.

Compatible with PC's and Macs. Priced at $49.99 Protective sleeves are available for the drives for around $13.

Buy: Samsung USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive for Mac and PC SE-S084C/RSBN (Gloss Black)
CaseCrown Faux Suede Sleeve Case (Black) to Protect the Samsung USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive for Mac and PC SE-S084C/RSBN (Gloss Black)

Acer AspireRevo AR1600 - Perfect HTPC mini XBMC

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:07:00 +0000

I am hearing about more and more people getting these for light desktop duty but more important as a Home Theater PC. While the processor is small and not suited for gaming for video editing, the video processor is awesome and can easily handle displaying HD video on your big screen.

The unit is the size of a dinner plate, and not a whole lot thicker either. With some heavy duty velcro, you could mount this almost anywhere. With the small size also comes small power consumption so it won't be sucking the electricity like the 500 Watt power supply on your gaming machine.

As I said before, this will work well as a light duty desktop machine. It will take up very little physical space on your desk. For surfing, checking email, or playing Farmville, this will work fine. If you want to edit video, music, or play the latest games, you will need something with a more powerful processor. The Aspire used a Nvidia Ion graphics processor and can play HD video through the HDMI port all day. From reading a lot of personal reviews, everyone is backing up the manufacturers claims that this does a great job of playing high def video.

There are the standard USB ports, but more important, a eSATA port. You can attach an external SATA drive and get fast throughput to your stored movies.

The machine comes with XP and 1GB of RAM. You will probably want to upgrade the memory with an additional 1GB (around $20). If you can't figure it out, there are many sites online with pictures showing how to do it. Many people have upgraded the OS to Vista and Windows 7 with no issues. From there, they are using Windows Media Center or Xbox Media Center ( XBMC ) to play their media.

Priced at $199, this machine is cheap for a pc and very cheap for a HTPC.

Buy: Acer AspireRevo AR1600-U910H Black/White Desktop PC (Windows XP Home)

Road Mice - You supply the motor sounds.

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:35:00 +0000

While this might not go well with a ergonomically correct Kinesis Advantage Keyboard, it's perfect for any car enthusiast. This can provide hours of enjoyment at work while on boring conference calls. The mouse is wireless so you don't have to drag the cord while driving all over your desk.

Connected via USB, the headlights on the car light up. There is an on and off switch for the lights. (Morse code your co-workers). The left and right mouse buttons are on the roof of the car and the scroll wheel is on the hood. The mouse is an 800dpi optical so it's pretty decent. Priced around $45.

via SlipperyBrick

Buy: Road Mice Wireless Camaro Mouse (Black)
Road Mice Wireless Corvette Mouse (Red)
Road Mice Wireless Mustang Mouse (Silver Black Stripes )
Road Mice Wireless Camaro Mouse (Highway Patrol)
Road Mice Wireless Ford GT Series Yellow with Black Stripes

Kinesis Advantage Keyboard - Cure for Carpal Tunnel?

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:16:00 +0000

This is one of those items where until you try it, it doesn't look like it can work well. For people who know how to type, this is supposed to reduce hand and wrist strain. It does have a cool factor going for it. I'm sure it will be making a cameo in movie sometime.

It's priced a little on the high side at $270 considering you can buy a standard keyboard for $10, but will it look this this one? And more important, will it reduce hand and wrist strain after typing all day??

via SlipperyBrick

Buy: Kinesis Advantage USB - Keyboard

Gunnar Optiks computer glasses

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:31:00 +0000

Here is the perfect accessory for you when you are working at the computer (gaming). These glasses are supposed to reduce eye strain from looking at a computer screen all day (or night).

They are supposed to prevent DEF and protect against CVS. You know, Digital Eye Fatigue and Computer Vision Syndrome...

While I haven't used these, they get favorable reviews and people claim they do seem to reduce eye strain. There are many different styles to choose from and they are priced from around $60 to $90.

via CrunchGear

Buy: Gunnar Optiks Digital Performance Eyewear

Monteverde Carbon Fiber USB Pen

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:46:00 +0000

Need to carry data with you on a USB drive but don't want to look like the guys who carry half a dozen thumb drives around their necks? Here is the solution. A USB drive disguised as a pen. This isn't one of those cheap plastic pens. This is a refillable chrome and carbon fiber pen. When you are signing you name with this pen, they know you are making the jack!

Integrated into the pen is a 4-gigabyte USB drive. Priced around $100.

via the gadgeteer

Buy: Monteverde Invincia 4 GIG Flash Drive Carbon/Chrome Ballpoint Pen (MV40059)
Monteverde Invincia Carbon Fiber USB Ballpoint Pen, Black Tie (MV41155)

Fit-PC2i - When size matters.

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:16:00 +0000

This is smallest PC I've seen so far. This comes loaded with many features in it's tiny package. The processor is an Atom Z530 1.6Ghz processor. While you probably can't play Call of Duty with this, it will easily display 1080p video on your big screen all day.

For internal storage, you have the choice of adding an internal 2.5" SATA drive or you can use a SD card. Unlike many of the small pcs on the market today, you can order this with different parts and components to suit your needs. You're not limited to a hacked version of Linux. You can get it preloaded with Ubuntu Linux, Windows XP, or Windows 7.

The PC only uses 8W of power at full load, so running it won't dim your lights like your big gaming machine does (with the 500W power supply).

With the small size and the weight at only 13 ounces with a hard drive, you can mount this anywhere with some double stick tape or velcro.

Prices range from around $245 to $499 depending on the options.

via DVICE

Patriot PVT36G1600ELK Extreme Performance Viper Series

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:57:00 +0000

You can never have too much memory in your computer, right? If you are looking for DDR3 memory, this is an affordable solution for a 3GB kit. Patriot's Extreme Performance operates at 1600Mhz at 9-9-9-24 timings. For those who are not memory experts, this means it's pretty damn fast memory. The sticks are covered with a blue 'Aluminum Copper Composite' heat shield to keep them cool, stable and looking sweet on your motherboard.

Priced at $165 for the 3gb kit.

via Benchmark Reviews

Buy: Patriot PVT36G1600ELK Extreme Performance Viper Series

Coolit Domino A.L.C. Water Cooler

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Are you considering hanging a ac window unit on the side of your over clocked pc to keep it cool? Getting tired of listening to all of the fans run? You should try water cooling. For an affordable $80, you can get a processor water cooler.

The unit is easy to install and once running, the you have three options for silent running to max cooling for overclocked processor. The Domino has a display that shows system status as well as provides audible alerts.

The makers claim it will provide over 50,000 hours of worry free operation and comes with a 2 year warranty.

Buy:CoolIT DM-1000 Domino A.L.C. CPU Cooler

Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Do you need bomb proof ballistic nylon to protect your laptop and Monster drinks. If so, here is the bag. Timbuk2's laptop messenger bag has, along with the bombproof ballistic nylon, a water proof liner. The bag is washable in case you do happen to be near any bomb blasts and get it dirty. The bag has a dedicated spot for a laptop and plenty of room for accessories.

Timbuk2 has a big following and claim it's the 'last bag you'll ever need'. Priced around $80 it would make a great gift for that someone on the go. Other stylish colors are available if black is too boring.

Buy Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag

Corsair Flash Survivor GT - Indestructable Thumbdrive

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:15:00 +0000

Most thumb drives seem to be able to take the normal daily abuse of carrying them around in bags or pockets. If you need one to go beyond that, this is the one for you. Corsair's Flash Survivor USB drives should be able to handle anything you can throw at it.

They are made with a CNC-milled, aircraft-grade aluminum casing. With the case on, the seal provides a water proof seal down to 200 meters. Now you can take your data with you when you go diving!

Priced around $205 for the 64GB model, these are going to be a little more expensive, but they are worth it if you need a drive to 'survive' abuse.

via fareastgizmos

Buy:Corsair Flash Survivor GT 64 GB Corsair Flash Survivor GT 32 GB

A-DATA SH93 Waterproof, Shockproof External Harddrive

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Have you been looking for an external hard drive that can take the abuse like a Panasonic Toughbook? The A-DATA SH93 is what you need. The claims for this drive are waterproof and shockproof. While we don't recommend taking it diving with you or launching it out of a potato gun, it should better survive daily wear and tear that laptops normally have to deal with.
This is a great drive to throw in your laptop bag. It has a rubberized case to keep it and other things from getting dinged up. There is only one short USB (2.0) cable you have to keep up with and it wraps around the drive when not in use. This would be great for students, road warriors, or anyone who is always on the go with their equipment.

Priced at reasonable $114 with a 500GB drive, you can get in red, yellow or custom color (You provide the paint).

via tweaktown

Buy: A-DATA SH93 500 GB

Crucial M225 Solid-State Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:07:00 +0000

While SATA drives keep getting bigger and bigger, they aren't booting your PC any faster. What you need is a Solid-State drive to run your operating system on and keep your 1TB SATA drives for all of your data.

Crucial has recently introduced this SSD and its a speed demon. Performing at 250MB/s Read and 200MB/s Write, this will have Windows loaded in a snap! Although you don't need 256GB for just the OS, you'll have plenty of space left over to your frequently accessed data.

"Bigger and Faster" technology always seems to cost more and this is the case with this drive. If you want the 256GB version this price is around $725. The 64GB version, which will still easily hold your OS, is a more reasonable $240.

via thinkcomputers

Buy: Crucial M225 Series 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive 256GB
Crucial M225 Series 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive 128GB
Crucial M225 Series 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive 64GB

Cooler Master Sentinel Advance Gaming Mouse

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:17:00 +0000

I've found the perfect thing to go with the Extreme Mouse pad, an extreme Gaming Mouse! The Sentinel Advance gaming mouse has a 5600 DPI twin laser, rapid fire mode, and internal memory. Does your stock mouse have that? I think not. This cool looking mouse is fully programmable and customizable. Reasonably priced at around $50, this should help give you the gaming edge.

via coolermaster

Buy: CM Storm Sentinel Advance 5600 DPI Twin Laser Engine Pro Gaming Mouse

XtracPads Exteme Mouse Pad

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:19:00 +0000

With this mouse pad, you are guaranteed an edge on your favorite game! If nothing else, you'll have a really cool looking mouse pad on your desk.

"What makes the XTracPads HYBRID™ surface so unique is the blend on plastic into the Nanofiber™ surface of this mouse pad. By bonding the plastic to the cloth on a molecular level, we have been able to create one of the most precise mouse pads in the world today."

Priced at $28.99 for you serious mouse users. For everyone else, just use the free one that came with your pc.

via burnoutpc

Buy: Xtrax Ripper XXL Gaming Pad, Xtrac Fat Mat Gaming Pad

Super Cheap SD Card Reader

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

So I bought one of these dirt cheap (actually, dirt is probably more expensive, especially nice potting soil) SD card readers from DealExtreme. It also reads MMC and RS-MMC but I only have SD cards, so that's what's important. So here's my review of this $2 reader:

It works! Plug it into USB, stick a card in there. Bam. How long will it last? Not sure, I've done several large transfers without a hitch.

Assuming these do last, these would be great for modding. Add an internal SD slot to your case! Or... your monitor, your desk, your printer, where ever. Make a custom case for it! Cram it a toy or something.

If you are concerned about getting your $2 worth check the user reviews on DealExtreme. Some users had mixed results.

Buy it on Amazon

SD Cards For Your Reader: Transcend 16 GB SDHC Class 6, Transcend 8 GB SDHC Class 6

Matrox M9188 video card for 8 screens!

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Time to start your Xmas list. Add this to the top of the list and 7 LCD screens under that. Matrox has introduced a new graphics card with 8 outputs. You can also add a second card for a total of 16 screens. According to my calculations, 16 - 20" (wide version) lcd's would make a 10 foot wide by 6 foot tall screen.

"The M9188 is designed specifically for professional monitoring environments that require visualization of large amounts of data at once to enhance mission-critical decision making," says Ron Berty, Business Development Manager, Matrox Graphics. "The expansive multi-monitor configuration allows system operators to accurately manage energy grids or train dispatch applications, while ensuring maximum performance across all displays."

What about Warcraft guild management? Wouldn't that rank of there with train dispatch and energy grids? This card comes with 2 GB of memory and can either stretch a single desktop or have independent desktops among multiple screens.

This awesome card comes with an awesome price. You will pay $1995 for this card and then another $800 to get 7 more LCD screens. That's not including the price of an electrician to run more circuits into your room to support all of this.

via guru3d

CRU DataPort SecureDock

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Here's a good solution to preserving your sensitive data whether it's business secrets, downloaded music, or just plain porn. This can be configured as either an internal or external removable drive. While the enclosure makes it physically challenging to get to the drive, the AES 128 encryption makes it almost impossible for the wrong person to get your data. The encryption key is not stored with the unit so the data is protected if the drive is lost or stolen. Prices range from $240 with no drive up to $600 with a 2tb drive.

via the gadgeteer

Seagate Barracuda XT SATA - bigger and faster

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:39:00 +0000

Is your 1TB drive filling up with movies, pictures and music (obtained legally of course)? For all of you data whores, this is the drive for you. Not only is it 2TB, but it will have a data transfer rate of 6Gbps. It utilizes the newest version of SATA (3, 3.0, III???) For the ones that need it now, prices are around $340.

via hardcoreware

Buy: Seagate Barracuda XT 2 TB SATA 6 GB/s 64MB Cache Bulk/OEM Hard Drive ST32000641AS