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Asus 9600 GT TOP Videocard Review:

Link: http://www.rbmods.com/Articles/Asus/9600_gt_top/1.php

Quote: Today we take a look at a new videocard from Asus. It this in the middle class segment on the market but the question is how it actually performs. We are goint to compare it vs the 8800GT and Asus 3850 videocards to see what type of performance we can expect.

* Title: OCZ ReaperX HPC PC3-10666 Enhanced Bandwidth 2×1GB DDR3 RAM @ APH Networks

* Description: How much would you pay for roughly 2% performance increase on your latest gaming rig? $100? $200? How about $600? Even the most hardcore computer enthusiasts for the past year have been struggling with this question — and if you’ve been following the technology trend, yes, I am talking about DDR3 memory. According to our tests last year, DDR3 memory provided little advantage with original, first generation Core 2 CPUs in combination with Intel’s first consumer chipset that supports DDR3, the P35. As DDR2 became mainstream last generation, it is inevitable to all extents that DDR3 will be in the position of DDR2. The question is only whether it’d be sooner or later. Currently, DDR3-1333 RAM is available in the market at press time that it retails for as low as $120. Combined with newer processors and chipsets that takes better advantage of faster memory (Meaning that, it’s much more than 2% performance over DDR2 now), more users are becoming more willing to jump the boat. On the other hand, there’s also the overclocking crowd that’s more interested in DDR3 RAM because the price of most DDR3 sets is now within affordable margins. While the OCZ ReaperX is not $120 right now, what it offers is Micron’s latest D9GTS ICs that has gained excellent reputation from enthusiast crowds for excellent overclocking. How does this set of RAM step up against the rest? Let’s put it through our tests and we’ll see how it goes.

* Link: http://aphnetworks.com/reviews/ocz_reaperx_hpc_pc3_10666_enhanced_bandwidth_2×1gb

Computer enthusiasts want their computer gear to look tough. Tough enough to go into your man-cave. Your case should steal the milk money from wimpy cases, and date their moms. Your case should look like it was made from the parts of lesser cases to form one uber-case. Your case should be a badass.

What could possibly be more manly than the Humvee; one of the biggest and baddest of all-terrain vehicles? Would you be intrigued to learn of a PC case modelled after one of these marvels of mechanical engineering? Ultra thinks so, and they’ve created their m998 case to complement your masculinity.

Review URL ::
http://www.ocmodshop.com/ocmodshop.aspx?a=1128

“Canon’s Digital IXUS range is arguable more concerned with style over substance, but frankly it’s not an issue for those who want to capture images quickly and easily. Every Digital IXUS we’ve ever used (we’re still using the Digital IXUS 950 IS) has been a dream to use and produced excellent shots with minimal fuss. The Digital IXUS 90 IS is no different, and although there’s no ground-breaking photographic innovation the build quality is second to none and image quality (both stills and videos) is well above par - images are crisp and colours are accurate, at least at low ISO modes. The only big disappointment is that Canon skimps on memory, providing an almost good for nothing 32MB card. Still, flash memory is cheap these days and you can pick up a good 2GB card for under £10.”

http://www.biosmagazine.co.uk/rev.php?id=731

Korn’s Original Song For Ubisoft’s HAZE  @ BiTTDaily.com

Title:  Korn’s Original Song For Ubisoft’s HAZE

Text:  Ubisoft just sent over a new HAZE Trailer / Music video featuring Korn performing the HAZE song live

“To celebrate the release of their new single “Haze,” we offer this exclusive new video showcasing Korn performing the track LIVE! Cutting-edge video game meets cutting-edge metal as live concert footage of Korn is intertwined with clips from Haze, the game that inspired their original new song.”

Link: http://bittdaily.com/3609/

Title: Sun Solaris 10 5/08 @ Phoronix
Direct Link: http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=12261
Summary: “While all of the Solaris excitement at Phoronix as of late has been around Solaris Express Developer 1/08 and the forthcoming release of OpenSolaris 2008.05, today Sun Microsystems has announced the immediate release of Solaris 10 5/08. This update to their Solaris OS includes major enhancements for those running Intel hardware, a number of new features, updated applications, the introduction of Solaris OnDemand, and updated drivers.”

Samsung SDI says its AMOLED production to reach economies of scale in 2009

Posted: 22 Apr 2008 05:26 PM CDT

While active matrix (AM) OLED panels are currently implemented mostly in small- to medium-size display applications, more medium and large-size applications – such as for monitor, notebook and TV – will adopt AMOLED panels in 2009, and in 2010, flexible display applications will also adopt AMOLED panels as well, according to Woo-Jong Lee, vice president, mobile display marketing team, Samsung SDI.

————–

Microsoft Office 2007 Fails OOXML Conformance Tests

Posted: 22 Apr 2008 05:26 PM CDT

This takes the cake. Alex Brown has just admitted on his Griffin Brown blog and further to ZDNET UK’s Peter Judge that Microsoft Office 2007 has failed two OOXML conformance tests he ran. First ZDNET:

In a blog posting this week, Alex Brown, leader of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) group in charge of maintaining the Office Open XML (OOXML) standard, revealed that Microsoft Office 2007 documents do not meet the latest specifications of the ISO OOXML draft standard.

Title: Gigabyte STA Thin Client @ Phoronix
Direct Link: http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=12254
Summary: “At Phoronix we have looked at a number of Gigabyte products from their motherboards to graphics cards and even wireless adapters. However, today is our first time looking at one of Gigabyte’s barebone solutions. The Gigabyte STA Thin Client, specifically the GB-STA-C7V7, is a mini-ITX solution that ships with a VIA C7 1.0GHz processor, UniChrome PRO graphics, is completely fan-free, and it’s all packed in a slim yet stylized chassis. However, does the Gigabyte STA Thin Client work with Linux? We’ll let you know today.”

I used to carry around several 4-gigabyte sticks because as a technology and graphics professional I need my files with me at all times. I had one stick for portable applications, one for photoshop files and fonts I use all the time, and of course one to hold all my Atari 2600 and Nintendo emulator ROMs…

Now I can replace all of these sticks with a single USB drive thanks to A-Data’s C702 16GB Flash drive. Not only does it cram 4 DVDs-worth of storage into a little nugget, but is has features to make it ultra-portable and ultra-useful.

Review URL ::
http://www.ocmodshop.com/ocmodshop.aspx?a=1139

A review of the ASUS P5K PRO Motherboard  has just been posted at Barry’s Rigs ‘n Reviews:

Title: ASUS P5K PRO Motherboard @ BRnR

Link:

http://www.barrys-rigs-n-reviews.com/reviews/2008/hardware/p5kpro/1.htm

Quote:

“The growing cost of PC gaming is increasingly coming under criticism. Everyone is frustrated with upgrades that make purchases obsolete in a matter of months, lack major improvements and often leave previous issues unresolved. Enthusiasts are fighting back, buying products that will allow them to enjoy their hobby without going broke—like one particular motherboard that has deluxe series features with a mainstream price - the ASUS P5K PRO.”

TITLE: Xigmatek Red Scorpion S1283 HDT CPU Cooler @ Benchmark Reviews

DESCRIPTION: Inheriting a design from the HDT-S1283 it is derived from, Xigmatek’s Red Scorpion S1283 offers some additional glamour to the already market-proven cooling solution.  With Nickel-plated copper heat-pipe rods and a transparent orange fan with four white LED lights, the Red Scorpion not only performs well but also looks very attractive.  Benchmark Reviews has long since been a believer of the excellent performance Heat-pipe Direct Touch coolers have offered, and since the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 has been a fan favorite for almost a year it will be interesting to see how the nickel plating will impact performance.

ARTICLE URL: http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=155&Itemid=1

AMD Phenom X3 8750 CPU Review

Author: Doc Overclock Date: 04-23-2008

From a strict performance point of view the AMD Phenom X3 8750 CPU is not going to win any awards in most cases. From a platform point of view, AMD is announcing their new “Cartwheel” platform centered on Phenom CPUs and the 780G graphics platform which has the great HD3200 class graphics. This turns the argument on its head. A Phenom 8750 with a 780G motherboard would cost around $290 today. This will give you excellent integrated graphics with full compatibility across DirectX 10 titles, with nearly the performance of the HD3400 series discrete graphics. The competition in the form of the Intel E8400+Intel G35 chipset would run you around $300. In that vein the Phenom X3 8750 CPU makes for an interesting choice for the hardware enthusiast. Do you buy a Dual Core Intel CPU with a G35 motherboard with admittedly mediocre graphics performance and no official DX10 support? Or is the better choice to buy a similarly priced Triple Core+AMD Integrated graphics solution that gives slower CPU performance but higher gaming performance across the board with full DX10 support? The choice is pretty clear to me as a reviewer, I want to game.

Review Link: http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/hardware/1769_1.html

I4U NEWS reviews the Digiana AudiaX DGT-301 Wireless Audio FM Transmitter.

Quote from the review:
“If you are looking for a way to get the tunes stored on your MP3 player to play in your car today’s review can help you. We are taking a look at the Digiana AudiaX DGT-301 Wireless Audio FM Transmitter.

I found the audio quality with a generic MP3 player (it won’t work with my iPhone) to be good, though volume was low compared to normal radio stations. I did find that the AudiaX DGT-301 FM Transmitter is very sensitive to where it is in regards to the radio. If I moved the transmitter literally an inch further from the radio interference was introduced. With proper positioning though there was no feedback or interference in the audio.”

Full Review:
http://www.i4u.com/full-review-417.html

NEW CONTENT (CPU & Chipset) - AMD Phenom X3 Triple Core CPU

QUOTE: “While the X4 is the more costly option (though in today’s world the cost of a $250 processor isn’t really that expensive), AMD is going to start shipping a cheaper option based on the same K10 architecture, and yes it keeps the Phenom branding, it’s a direct descendant of the X4, but with a few modifications.

On the chopping block today we have the new kid on the block designed to take over where the Athlon 64 X2’s price range is set. Help us welcome to the Phenom family the triple core X3. How well does it perform? Stick around while we find out!”

For more information, please visit - http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/1397/amd_phenom_x3_triple_core_cpu/index.html

Best Regards,

The TweakTown Team
http://www.tweaktown.com

When AMD first announced plans to introduce triple-core processors back in September of last year, reaction to the news was mixed.  Some felt that AMD was simply planning to pass off partially functional Phenom X4 processors as triple-core products, making lemonade from lemons if you will.  Others thought it was a good way for AMD to increase bottom line profits, getting more usable die from a single silicon wafer and mitigating yield loss.  We were somewhat perplexed by the first reaction.  This is an age-old strategy in the semiconductor space and after all, the graphics guys have been selling GPUs with non-functional units for years.  AMD was simply borrowing a play from ATI’s playbook.

We have a new article online: The AMD Phenom X3 8750:
http://www.planet3dnow.de/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=338464

If you need a translator for German to English you will find one here:
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http://www.planet3dnow.de/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=338464

OCIA.net has posted their review of the Cyber Snipa Stinger Gaming Mouse.  Below is a direct quote from the review:

San Jose, California – April 23, 2008 – Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of DRAM memory modules and flash storage solutions, today launched a DDR3-1800 4GB kit (2x 2GB) in their extreme performance Project X family.

Super Talent’s Project X memory is widely regarded as the world’s most advanced DDR3. “This represents another major first-to-market milestone for Super Talent”, commented Super Talent Marketing Director, Joe James. “While competitors are only able to produce 4GB kits up to DDR3-1600, we’ve engineered a kit that performs at elevated clock speeds while still supporting aggressive latencies.”

This Project X kit is built with the fastest available, hand selected Micron DRAM chips, and is stress tested as a matched pair on a dual channel Asus® Striker II Extreme motherboard.

Model #             Description

W1800UX4GP   DDR3-1800 PC3-14400 4GB Kit (2x 2GB) 8-8-8-24 1.9V

Project X memory is developed in Super Talent’s Silicon Valley Engineering Labs to deliver the highest attainable DDR3 memory performance. Project X memory combines blistering fast clock speeds with aggressively tuned latencies.

Project X employs an extreme cooling solution that offers double the surface area and 106% more aluminum mass than standard heat spreaders. With Super Talent’s special thermal adhesive, this cooling solution provides superior heat dissipation that results in a cooler, faster memory device.

All Project X memory is built and tested in Super Talent’s San Jose, California headquarters, and is backed with a lifetime warranty. The W1800UX4GP kit is available now from eWiz.com for under $499.

Dream Cheeky USB Missile Launcher Review @ OzHardware

Brief Intro:

Although it might seem a bit cheap and nasty, the USB Rocket Launcher form ‘Dream Cheeky’ is so much fun it should be banned – and I’m sure in schools and offices across the country it will be.

Direct Link:

http://www.ozhardware.com.au/Gadgets/Dream-Cheeky-USB-Missile-Launcher-Review.html

Title:
LiveWires T1 Custom IEMs

Link:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LiveWires/T1

Brief:
LiveWires T1 is the name of some new custom earphones that cost about half of its main rivals. They are built exactly to fit your ear with additional customization options like colors. These in-ears use two balanced armatures and play in a completely different league compared to whats usually available in this price segment.

MLB 08 The Show PSP Review

Date: 04-22-2008 Written By Vlad MihaiescuI’ve seen baseball games before, but none of them have compared to the latest Sony release - MLB 08: The Show. If you’re a hardcore baseball fan odds are that you’re not even bothering reading this review; you probably had this game pre-ordered and are now already playing it and loving it. However, if you’re the kind of person that is indecisive about baseball games in general then you should purchase MLB 08: The Show and find out once and for all where you stand (if you hate this game I’d advise staying away from baseball period). As a matter of fact, I’d recommend this game to absolutely anyone who even remotely likes baseball. The only way you will be disappointed with this title is if you just don’t like the sport.

Link: http://www.gamepyre.com/reviewsd.html?aid=954&p=1