NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 200 series of graphics cards have undergone a significant price reduction since they first debuted.  At the time, NVIDIA flexed its GPU muscle with a high-end, single GPU graphics design that their primary competition (AMD) could only compete with by throwing two GPUs at the problem.  As such, NVIDIA initially priced their flagship GeForce GTX 280 at a significant premium; $649 upon its introduction on launch day.  Would you believe us, if we told you back then, that these cards would be selling for $200 dollars less in only about two months time?

Journey on for our view of the GeForce GTX 280 redux and see how MSI’s N280GTX-T2D1GOC shapes up in the current high-end 3D graphics landscape.

Direct Link:

http://www.hothardware.com/Articles/MSI-N280GTXT2D1G-GeForce-GTX-280-Graphics-Card/

The unique docking station features 5 speakers; including a 4 inch subwoofer, adjustable bass control, 360° sound distribution and unparalleled design elements.

Culver City, CA – August 13, 2008 – Speakal is pleased to announce the release of the iPig.  As the sole North American distributor, Speakal is thrilled to deliver the most advanced docking station to date.  The iPig combines quality, performance, compatibility and style into one compact iPod docking station.  Audio engineers were able to design the iPig with 5 speakers pumping out 25 watts of premium sound, in spite of its small footprint.   The acoustic design elements enable the iPig to disseminate 360° sound, insuring the entire room is filled with heart-pumping sound.

Read the rest of this entry »

Title: Razer Destructor Mouse Pad Review
Link: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/604
Category: Reviews

Summary:
We tested the newest gaming mouse pad from Razer, Destructor.

Here is a snippet:
“People invest a lot of money on their gaming setup – fast Internet connection, quick response monitor, high fidelity headset, gaming grade keyboard and mouse – but often overlook a prosaic peripheral: the mouse pad. Sure, top of the line gaming mice will work even on top of your leg but their performance will lack without the proper surface. Razer, a company known for their gaming peripherals like the Piranha headset (that we already tested), released the Destructor, their new gaming grade mouse pad model. He was our trusty brother in arms on the digital battlefields for the last weeks. Let’s proceed to our test.”

Title: 320 GB Hard Disk Drive Round-Up
Link: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/603
Category: Reviews

Summary:
We compared the performance of nine 320 GB SATA-300 hard disk drive models from Seagate, Samsung, Western Digital and Hitachi. Which is the fastest 320 GB in the market? Check it out!

Here is a snippet:
“When buying a hard disk drive most users are only concerned with the drive’s capacity. Should you also care about performance? We compared the performance of nine 320 GB SATA-300 hard disk drive models from Seagate, Samsung, Western Digital and Hitachi. Is there a big performance difference among them? Is it worthwhile to pay a little bit more and get a drive with a bigger buffer? If so, which is the fastest 320 GB in the market? Check it out!”

Super Talent Adds New Pico D to World’s Smallest USB Family

Chrome Swivel Hologram Lid Redefines Elegance

San Jose, California – August 13, 2008 – Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, today announced the addition of a stylish new swivel model to its ultra-petite PICO USB drive series, dubbed Pico D.

Super Talent achieves maximum miniaturization in the Pico series, renowned as one of the world’s tiniest USB families, by using chip-on-board (COB) technology. While typical USB drives are 2.5-inches in length, the Pico D measures only 1.4-inches. Moreover, Pico drives are shock resistant, water resistant, and support up to 200X (30MB/sec) transfer speeds. The Pico D is available now from NewEgg and NewBiiz in capacities up to 8GB.

“Pico D is an exceptionally smart looking product. But after you carry it in your pocket and use it for a while you realize that there’s much more to it than handsome looks; very few other USB drives can measure up to the Pico D in features, performance and quality”, said Super Talent Director of Marketing, Joe James. “Our engineers and manufacturing people fussed over minute details for months before we took Pico D to production, so the finished drive has an unmatched feel of quality to it”, James added.

All Super Talent USB drives are backed with a lifetime warranty. The 8GB Pico-D drive, part number STU8GPDS, will be available this week from NewBiiz and NewEgg for under $40.

About Super Talent Technology

Super Talent Technology Corporation, based in San Jose, California, designs and manufactures a full range of DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 memory modules and Flash based storage devices for computers and consumer electronics. An ISO 9001 certified company, Super Talent utilizes its state-of-the-art factory and leading-edge components to produce award winning products with outstanding reliability. Super Talent is an active member of the JEDEC and ONFI standards bodies, and holds over 200 patents in Flash and DRAM technology.

Pricing is approximate as of date of announcement and is subject to change without notice. Usable capacity varies. Patents pending.

Specs Images

http://www.supertalent.com/products/stt_usb_detail.php?type=Pico

QUOTE:  “A while back we had the opportunity to review some chipset coolers from forcetake (the TJS-0005 and TJS-0006) which were pretty innovative at the time, nowadays more and more components need better cooling. Take memory for example, when overclocking they can get pretty heated. Standard heatsinks aren’t always able to direct the heat away from the memory modules. Forcetake has the perfect answer, the Mars CL-R1000 ram cooler. It’s compatible with DDR,DDR2 and even DDR3.

URL:   http://www.hardwarexl.com/?p=2792
QUICK-TITLE:   Forcetake Mars CL-R1000 Ram Cooler Review @ HardwareXL

The GrooveTooth Talk brings hands-free speaker phone and safety to drivers with Bluetooth enabled cell phones.
Santa Fe Springs, Calif. – August 13, 2008 – Cygnett, makers of design-driven, user-friendly and affordable MP3 accessories, announces the US release of its GrooveTooth Talk hands-free speaker system for Bluetooth enabled cell phones including the iPhone 3G.  The GrooveTooth Talk will allow users to converse while they drive without having their iPhone, Blackberry or mobile phone in-hand resulting in safer rides. Featuring noise suppression, echo cancellation and hours of talk-time, users will never be caught without their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.  The GrooveTooth Talk will be available on  www.cygnett.com beginning September 1, 2008 with an MSRP of $79.95 US.

This hands-free speaker phone allows users to drive without uncomfortable ear pieces that may block hearing of important traffic noises like emergency vehicles or other warning sounds.  The GrooveTooth Talk has become increasingly necessary, especially in states where hand-held cellular phone bans have been put into effect (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Washington and the District of Columbia).

Features:

•    Bluetooth 2.0
•    Works with iPhone, iPhone 3G, Blackberry & other Bluetooth enabled phones
•    Auto detection within a 30ft range
•    Rechargeable Lithium polymer battery for 7 hours talk-time & 460 hours standby
•    High performance 1.5 watt speaker
•    Easy access to volume controls
•    Advanced noise suppression & echo cancellation for clear conversations
•    No installation required
•    Versatile magnetic clip easily attaches to any car sun-visor or air vent
•    Rechargeable via car adaptor or computer USB cable (included)

For further information on the Cygnett product range, visit www.cygnett.com.

About Cygnett:

In 2003, Cygnett was created - a fresh, youthful & technically savvy brand that quickly established a reputation for bringing a new generation of music lovers the ability to enhance, expand & integrate their iPod & MP3 experience.  With its headquarters in Australia, Cygnett is an international company with offices around the globe in the UK, Hong Kong and the United States.

With an ever-evolving range of iPod & MP3 accessories, Cygnett manufactures everything from fashionable cases to high-end speaker systems. Renowned for its fun and innovative approach to technology, Cygnett takes its product development seriously. With a global network of design, sales, production and marketing teams, they band together to ensure that all Cygnett products are design-driven, user-friendly and affordable.

TechwareLabs has published a review on the Corsair XMS3 DHX 4GB DDR3-1600 kit. Here’s a clip from the review:

Quote: We stick the Corsair XMS3 DHX kit into our test machine today and rev up the speed till the speedometer cracks. Does the Corsair kit survive our test track? If you are thinking of shifting your rig into high gear and need some memory thats right for the job then you need to read our review first.

LINK: http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/memory/Corsair_XMS3_DDR3-1600/

Title: Corsair XMS3 DHX 4GB DDR3-1600 kit @ TechwareLabs

One of missing features from the iPhone 2G and 3G is the ability to perform Bluetooth Stereo playback; Why Apple does not allow the A2DP protocol to operate on the iPhone remains a mystery,   who would not enjoy listening to music without the ever present headphone wire getting in the way?  To remedy this situation, the good folks at Brando have the Infinxx AP23 Stereo Bluetooth transmitter.

This amazing device plugs into the iPhone/iPod dock connector and allows stereo playback over Bluetooth enabled stereo speakers or headphones. The AP23 does not require charging as it runs off the iPod/iPhones native power, although this may present a problem for the already sketchy battery life found on the iPhone 3G.

Today we will see if the AP23 can rock out wirelessly.  Whether you own and iPod, iPod Touch or iPhone, this may be the wireless solution for you.  Let’s get started…….

Read Full Review HERE

Title: Clearing Up Misconceptions about CUDA and Larrabee @ Techgage

Link: http://techgage.com/article/clearing_up_misconceptions_about_cuda_and_larrabee/

Quote: Both Intel and NVIDIA have lots to say about their respective GPU architectures, as well as the competition’s. Partly because of this, there are numerous misconceptions floating around about both Larrabee and CUDA, so we decided to see if we could put to rest a few of the most common ones.

http://lanoc.org/reviews/?p=549
One of the most important PC components is the power supply. Without a good quality power supply putting out enough clean power to power your high end video card and quad core CPU, you would be stuck with a pile of useless parts. Today’s power supply’s have a lot of shoes to fill. They must put out enough power to meet any demand you will be able to throw at it, now and with future upgrades. All of the power must be clean and stable power, you wouldn’t want something to fry because you didn’t give it clean enough power. Then most recently people have been concerned about noise and aesthetics, the fans on power supply’s keep getting larger and quieter and you see things like windows and racing stripes on “gaming” power supply’s. This has also lead to the popularity or modular cabling, to me one of the best ideas to come to power supplies in years! Seasonic, one of our lans sponsors has provided us with their M12 700 watt power supply to check out.

Palit Radeon HD 4870 X2 Video Card Review

Author: Doc Overclock Date: 08-12-2008

There is nothing to balk about with this release, even the price is not overtly overboard from an out of gate newcomer X2 series card as the 4870 X2 will even out price wise at about $500.00 US, and that’s not too out of line for what the card offers and represents. Most cards lately from either ATI or NVIDIA have been overpriced, usually in the over $600.00 range and that really puts the card out of the reach of most people’s budgets. $500.00 for the top of the line card when it hits the streets is reasonable in today’s PC market where top of the line CPUs are $1200.00, motherboards $400.00 and 4GB ofDDR3 memory are $300.00 as these are the major components that make up your gaming computer. Palit and ATI together have a solid winning victory in the new Radeon HD 4870 X2 card, it a serious Editor’s Choice product for anyone who is serious about their game.

Review Link: http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/hardware/1804_1.html

Title: ASUS Republic of Gamers Convention: Part 2 @ Techgage

Quote: The ASUS RoG Con is done and over with, so we take a look back at what made the weekend so great. Depending on who you ask, the LAN was a great success, with nobody leaving without some sort of swag in their hand. But, there was so much more to it than just that. Will we see another? We sure hope so.

TITLE: ASUS P5E64 WS Pro X38 Motherboard @ Benchmark Reviews

DESCRIPTION: As predicted for this year, the dizzying high prices of DDR3 have finally dropped to within reason- even edging into that of DDR2’s price point. The reason for such drastic price drops is that chip makers like Micron, Samsung, Hynix, and Qimonda are currently in full swing mass production of DDR3 DRAM - increasing supply and beating demand. This excess in inventory of DDR3 means a steady supply affordable and readily available chips that have helped to spur such rapid market adoption, evident with over fifty different motherboards currently on the market that support this memory standard.

Further DDR3 price drops are expected to continue into the fourth quarter and means many will be looking for quality motherboards suitable for high-speed DDR3. That being the case Benchmark Reviews thought it would be of interest to examine one of the more mature DDR3 based motherboard offerings on the market today; the ASUS P5E64 WS Professional Motherboard based on Intel’s 3 series X38 Express Chipset with support for unheard of “Quad” graphics.

ARTICLE URL: http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=211&Itemid=1

NEW CONTENT (Visual) - GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 260 Graphics Card

QUOTE: “Like the GTX 280 which has dropped in price over the last few weeks, the GTX 260 has followed suit. Whether you’re a fan of ATI or not, the release of the HD 4800 series and their performance to price ratio has forced NVIDIA to cut margins on the new GTX line-up of cards and give us an extremely powerful card for what now resembles a fair price.

To date we’ve only had a look at one GTX 260 which came with a massive out of the box overclock. What this means is it hasn’t really given us the ability to completely come to terms with what the GTX 260 offers in its cheapest form; the stock form.”

For more information, please visit - http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1544/gigabyte_geforce_gtx_260_graphics_card/index.html

Best Regards,

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

I4U NEWS published a review of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Professional.

Quote from the review:
“Today we are looking at the latest version of Nuance’s dictation software called Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10. If you are looking to get your work done faster with less typing, this application is worth a look.
I admit I’m not totally ready to give up my keyboard, for some applications — like the content management systems on our website — voice commands don’t work well. Another issue for some users will be the price — the professional version I’m testing sells for over $800. However, the standard version sells for only $99 and offers much the same functionality.”

Full Review:
http://www.i4u.com/full-review-464.html

Quote: Join the ASUS Treasure Hunt and be in with a chance of winning a factory overclocked HD4850 “TOP” graphics card.

Link: http://www.overclock3d.net/articles.php?/misc_content/the_asus_treasure_hunt_-_win_a_hd4850_top_edition_gpu/1

Best Regards,
Overclock3D.Net

Quote: Can Gigabytes entry level motherboard keep pace with the cream of P45 releases we have reviewed recently? We test the EP45-DS3P to find out.

Link: http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews.php?/cpu_mainboard/gigabyte_ep45-ds3p_p45_ddr2_motherboard/1

Quote: Will the X48 based Rampage Extreme be the daddy of all overclocking motherboards?

Link: http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews.php?/cpu_mainboard/asus_rampage_extreme_motherboard/1

We did some data mining through the massive amount of test data that was put online yesterday; it seems the HD4870X2 works really wonderful with Crysis when AA is enabled, if you are running under Vista. The increased level of detail with 4xAA doesn’t really reduce performance all that much. While the GTX 280 takes a serious performance hit. Secondly is the fact that the HD4870X2 holds up better going from Windows XP to Windows Vista, and runs the game faster than the GTX 280 when “Very High” detail is used. While under XP with “High” the both are basically tied.

Feel free to sample the charts from our site; as the credit goes to the original testers!
http://www.madshrimps.be/vbulletin/f22/crysis-aa-performance-ati-hd4870×2-vs-nvidia-gtx-280-a-56778

ASRock left the low-budget market and have entered the high-end market
with the K10N750SLI-WiFi Socket AM2+ motherboard.
The price of this board is noticeably higher than their usual prices.
Of course, not without a reason, because this new ASRock board offers the fast
nForce 750a SLI chipset, extensive overclocking settings and excellent equipment
in a newly designed cardboard box.
The packing is, of course, not the most important thing, but ASRock likes to deviate
a little bit from their green color and shows that there is something completely new
contained inside this box.
Let us overclock some AMD processors with this motherboard and see if the higher price is justified.

Title:
ASRock K10N750SLI-WiFi AMD Socket AM2 Motherboard Review

Link:
http://www.ocinside.de/html/results/mainboard_asrock_k10n750sli_wifi.html

Lets face it; the web is filled with entitlement issues. For a few dollars a month we gain access to the world via an Internet connection. We want sports scores and we dont want to wait for the sports networks on television to scroll their list, so we log on and get the score. We missed a portion of a television show we like so we log on and often find the program available to watch on demand.

The entitlement issues have largely been managed by websites competing with other forms of media for your attention. If a site is brokering knowledge they will typically offset the expense by infusing Google AdSense Ads or other PPC or banner ads into the site thus allowing the visitor to have access to the information without the concern of payment.

Review URL ::
http://www.ocmodshop.com/ocmodshop.aspx?a=1263

The new gameplay trailer of Pyroblazer can be downloaded from the link below.

www.eipix.com/Media/PyroBlazerTrailer72008/PyroBlazerTrailer72008High.wmv

Since gamers missed out on the real FFII and III (due to attention being given to the Super Nintendo), Square renamed Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy II, and sent it to North America.

FFIV remains as the second most remade game (behind FFI) and the first as far as most re-translations go. But enough about present day talk; lets get right to what it was like in 1991.

Review URL ::
http://www.ocmodshop.com/ocmodshop.aspx?a=1297

Title: Coming Soon: AMD R600 3D Documentation @ Phoronix
Direct Link: http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=12735
Summary: “For months we have been telling you that AMD has been preparing to release their R600 series documentation as well as opening up the source-code to two of their internal software projects used for testing new graphics processor designs prior to the availability of the actual hardware. Advanced Micro Devices has yet to release their 3D programming documentation covering the R600 series (or the brand-new RV770) nor the source-code to their two internal projects (TCore and KGrids), but following several postings in our forums over the past couple of weeks and many emails inquiring about the status, today we have a brief update to share.”