Title: mStation 2.1 Stereo Orb @ TestFreaks
Review Link: http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/review/mstation-21-stereo-orb/
Review Snipit:
“The other day I looked at the iPig and found it to be a very good sounding speaker system for your iPod, today I’ve got the mStation Orb for review. Like the iPig the Orb is unique as well, the name says it all really, it looks like a ball or an orb, but how does it sound? The Orb comes with several dock adapters, a remote control and can act as a dock or sync station via the supplied USB or Firewire cables, overall it’s not a bad product, and can make a nice accessory for your iPod. ”
=====================================================
We had the chance to see the first sample of the coming-soon ITX Q7 Case from Lian Li.
In the article there is also a short video.
http://www.pc-max.de/forum/article.php?&a=776
======================================================
NEW CONTENT (Software) – ATI Catalyst 9.1 Analysis – XP & Vista
QUOTE: “As January was quickly closing to an end we thought that the Catalyst driver team had forgotten about us! While we ultimately knew a driver was going to be coming, I can honestly say that I thought the lengthy wait was due to ATI wanting to get a nice performance boost out of the current crop of cards.
Looking over the release notes, though, you quickly find yourself disappointed with no promise of any performance updates. But with that said, there is now full OpenGL 3.0 support, not that it is going to be of any help to gamers at the moment, since OpenGL 3.0 isn’t yet a standard used by game developers.”
For more information, please visit - http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/1732/ati_catalyst_9_1_analysis_xp_vista/index.html
================================================
Ninjalane has just posted the seemingly weapon’ish heatsink from ThermalTake called the SpinQ. This is a barrel style cooler with a squirrel cage blower right in the middle.
Subject: ThermalTake SpinQ Heatsink Review @ Ninjalane
URL: http://www.ninjalane.com/display.aspx?docname=spinq
Quote: In this review we’ll be looking at an innovative and new cooler from ThermalTake called the SpinQ. The SpinQ is a very unique heatsink in that it employs a heatpipe design that is cooled internally by a large and powerful squirrel cage blower.
==================================================
“Relatively rich audio performance is assured by the 40mm Neodymium drivers, while the low-latency design and noise-cancelling microphone gives gamers good speech delivery. It’s also a neat solution for online chat and Internet phone calls – the one-touch controls are optimised for Windows Live Messenger and Skype. The ear cups are a bit small too though, and don’t fully surround your ears. The biggest selling feature of the HS-1200 is that it’s wireless and very good for VoIP sessions. Gamers that require voice communication will also benefit. The microphone performs well and does a good job of blocking out outside noise. However, it’s a different story for audio playback. Sound quality is average (bass in particularly is muddy) and the bundled software equalisers and filters don’t add much. The EAX effects effectively add location-sensitive modifications to sound and X-Fi CMSS-3D makes sounds a bit more immersive, but it’s no audio revelation.â€
http://www.itreviewed.co.uk/rev.php?id=898
==============================================
Lenovo’s IdeaPad series of notebooks is quite different than the company’s popular line up of ThinkPads. Ideapads are currently available in three series of products. The “U” series designates an ultraportable style with 11.1″ or 13.3″ widescreen displays and Intel Core 2 Duo processors. The “Y” series is for family entertainment and is available with up to a 17″ screen and Intel 2.8GHz Core 2 duo processors. And finally, there is the super mobile “S” series netbook with its Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor and 10.2″ display. Within the “U” and “Y” series there are a lot of models to choose from.
In this article, we’ll be showcasing the Ideapad Y530 specifically, which offers a competitive array of features at a reasonable price point. With multimedia capabilities being a focus these days, we thought this model would more than cover the bases with its generous, yet rather portable 15.4″ display and Intel Core 2 Duo processor packed inside. Check it out…
Lenovo IdeaPad Y530 Notebook
http://hothardware.com/Articles/Lenovo-IdeaPad-Y530-Notebook
===================================================
The DFI LanParty JR X58-T3H6 Motherboard is absolutely feature-packed for a micro ATX motherboard. In fact, it contains a lot of the features you’ll find on most high-end enthusiast motherboards. Take for example the diagnostic LEDs, mini heatpipe chipset cooler, onboard power-on and reset switches, and the clear CMOS jumper located at the rear ATX I/O panel. That’s not it … DFI also uses solid capacitors throughout the motherboard for longevity and stability, and then of course … you have DFI’s infamous UV sensitive green and yellow connectors/slots.
Read the rest of the review here … http://www.cpu3d.com/review/7142-1/dfi-lanparty-jr-x58-t3h6-motherboard/introduction.html
========================================================
“Sanyo’s VPC-HD2000 is a relatively chunky camcorder, but the fact that you can hold it and capture video using just one hand is a blessing – and we’re not talking about blue movies! It is simplicity itself to use (the flip-out display even rotates 180 degrees) and captures fantastic quality videos. It even has a hot shoe for adding additional accessories like a directional microphone or external flash. The only major criticism is that the still camera performance isn’t as good as a dedicated camera and its form factor lets itself to tripod use, at least if you don’t want to hold it all the time – just like the VPC-HD1010 before it, standing the VPC-HD2000 on a flat surface is near impossible. All things considered, this is a great camcorder for consumers (not film makers) wanting to get the best from their HDTVs. It’ll be a touch pricey on launch, but give it a couple of months and you’ll grab yourself a very sweet camcorder.â€
http://www.itreviewed.co.uk/rev.php?id=897
=================================================
Title: HIS 4670 IceQ Review @ XSReviews
Review Link: http://www.xsreviews.co.uk/reviews/graphics-cards/his-4670-iceq/
Quote: “Recently we’ve been reviewing some pretty high end graphics cards, and while it’s all well and good checking out the £100 plus fair, the real money is made for the manufacturers in the budget, to mid range cards. So, if you’re looking at the current generation of ATI’s GPUs, and anything with 4 and 8 at the start of the name is too much for you, perhaps the 4670 from HIS is up your street; let’s test it and find out.“
====================================================
“The Touch HD is a powerhouse of a phone, but its features and performance will only be appreciated by tech-heads. But as much as we hate Windows Mobile, the Touch HD is the best smartphone of its kind by a mile. You also get the added benefit of running the full version of Office Mobile, which allows you to create, edit and read Office 2007 documents. Also at your disposal is Exchange and POP3 e-mail support, along with Windows Mobile media player which supports various codecs. Plus, battery life is impressive and should last for around five days. If you’re a Windows Mobile fan and don’t mind using a stylus every now and then, we thoroughly recommend the Touch HD. For those of us who simply care about elegance, simplicity and funky applications, Apple’s iPhone reigns supreme.â€
http://www.itreviewed.co.uk/rev.php?id=896
===================================================
Title:
Jays c-Jays Headphones
Link:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Jays/c-Jays
Brief:
Swedish headphone manufacturer Jays recently released the much anticipated c-Jays supra-aural headphones. Their slim design together with a customizable sound signature has made quite a stir amongst the headphone crowd.
MAINGEAR Extends Lineup of Award-Winning PCs to Creative Professionals
Remix Features NVIDIA Quadro CX, M-Audio Interface Cards, and Liquid Cooling from CoolIT Systems
Union, New Jersey – January 29th, 2009 – MAINGEAR Computers, award-winning builders of high performance custom computers for PC Enthusiasts, announced the availability of the next generation of workstations in the market. MAINGEAR will be arming enthusiasts in photoshop, graphic design, video production, pro audio and other creative professions with the new high performance Remix Workstation.
Tracks Represent Metallica’s Most Influential Music and Hand-Picked Guest Acts Including Queen, Foo Fighters and Alice in Chains
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Metallica’s influential music takes center stage this spring when Activision Publishing Inc.’s Guitar Hero(R) Metallica(R) takes music fans through the band’s fabled library of songs, plus the music and musicians who influence them. When the house lights go down this spring, virtual rock stars across the globe will shred, drum and wail to an explosive set list featuring over 45 tracks from Metallica’s illustrious career and a wide variety of other legendary artists personally selected by the band, such as Queen, Foo Fighters, Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Slayer and Judas Priest. Featuring tracks from every Metallica studio album, the complete Guitar Hero Metallica on-disc set list will include their following hits:
Gack, more snow… slip sliding around, but it’s very nice to have all wheel drive for this type of weather!
===============================================================
TechwareLabs has published a review of the SimpleTech [Re]Drive – 500GB External Hard Drive. Here’s a clip from the review:
Quote: If you have a lot of important data that you need to back up, you need an external hard drive. I know exactly what youre thinking: why not help out your planet while you back up your information? Well now you can. Join Will as we take a look at the energy-efficient, resource-conscious external hard drive made with renewable, naturally grown bamboo and recyclable aluminum. And its got 500GB of storage priced less than the drive alone costs to boot. But will the energy efficiency affect the drives performance? Join us as we take a closer look.
LINK: http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/storage/simpletech_redrive_500gb
=========================================================
Title: Interview with Jeff Sasaki – CEO of Element Case @ TestFreaks
Review Link: http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/interview/interview-with-jeff-sasaki-ceo-of-element-case/
Review Snipit:
“Today at Test Freaks, we were given the opportunity to sit down and talk with Jeff Sasaki, CEO of Element Case. Element Case is a maker of elite iPhone cases that are different from any case out on the market. If you have not had a chance to check out their site, I strongly suggest you take a gander at the iPhone cases they have to offer.”
========================================================
Winterface v1.2 – Video Review @ TiltMobility
It’s been a while since I’ve added my two cents here, yes I’m still around but just very busy with other projects, but I’ve got a review for, a video review actually of the new Winterface Version 1.2 from Vito Technology.
http://tiltmobility.com/2009/01/winterface-v12-video-review/
=======================================================
Warning: This is going to spoil Metal Gear Solid 4. Do not, I repeat DO NOT read this if you have not played MGS4 and have followed the series. If you haven?t played MGS4 go play it, because MGS4 effing rules. Come back here, this editorial will be here.
THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU HAVE NOT PLAYED MGS4. I PROMISE YOU IT?S AN AWESOME GAME.
ONE MORE WARNING FOR FUN DO NOT READ THIS IF
Aw screw it.
Review URL ::
http://www.ocmodshop.com/ocmodshop.aspx?a=1465
=================================================
Title: DFI LP DK 790FXB-M2RSH – AMD AM2+ Motherboard Review @
ModReactor
Direct Link:
http://www.modreactor.com/english/Reviews/DFI-LP-DK-790FXB-M2RSH-AMD-LanParty-Motherboard-Review.html
Quote: “If you are a hardware enthusiast you’re probably familiar
with the name and ideology behind the brand of DFI. The Taiwanese
manufacturer is well known with the “LanParty” series motherboards,
the company being the only one creating motherboards solely for
overclockers and hardcore gamers. Ever since the long forgotten days
of the NVIDIA NForce 2 chipset, DFI earned for themselves a good name
by providing some of motherboards that were most capable and had the
best overclocking potential. Although for the last few years in
Bulgaria the brand was in the shadows because of import issues, now
the full range of its products is available at out market. The first
review of their products at ModReactor will be the one of DFI LanParty
DK (DARK) 790FXB-M2RSH – top range AMD processor motherboard, based on
the top-class AMD 790FX chipset. And to be fair in out assessment of
the motherboard we tested it with the newest and fastest AMD processor
- Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition.”
========================================================
NEW CONTENT (Digital Lounge) – Blu-ray Release Line-up for 2009
QUOTE: “2008 saw a lot of traction and gains by the Blu-ray format, not least of which included the death of HD-DVD, the first million selling disc (The Dark Knight), amongst quite a few other killer titles. But 2009 has been billed as the year of Blu-ray by many industry pundits and we are certainly looking forward to many great releases.
I’ve taken the liberty of rounding up the rumored release lists of titles for the year. I will stress that these are not confirmed and are in certain degrees of production. It is also possible some may be delayed. Additionally, this does not profess to be a list of every Blu-ray to be released this year, but a selection of the major ones. And there are of course many others that I don’t know about. That said, let’s take a look and start saving accordingly!”
For more information, please visit - http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/1731/blu_ray_release_line_up_for_2009/index.html
================================================
Tech Arkade has just published a review on the Cyber Snipa- Stinger.
Link: http://techarkade.com/component/content/article/42-peripherals/75-cyber-snipa-stinger-gaming-mouse.html?directory=54
===================================================
| Are AMD and ATI About to Become Extinct? |
 |
Author: Doc Overclock Date: 01-29-2009
The old war between ATI and NVIDIA may be coming to an end as ATI steps farther and farther away from game developers and he gaming community, and not having any leading edge technology other than DX 10.1 as an appeal, combined with limited games with the ATI logo are becoming more noticeable every new game launch. NVIDIA has now introduced PhysX technology that works exclusively on NVIDIA VGA cards and that combined with their gaming partnerships will propel them ahead of ATI by offering more bang for the buck across the board. I fear we may be seeing the end of ATI, much sooner than expected. Their All In Wonder division has been sold off due to poor internal support and lack of top end leadership, and John Swimmer the one man who was always the sole of the project will be sorely missed by many of us in the industry, hats off to you mate if you read this.
Review Link: http://www.motherboards.org/articles/guides/1501_1.html
===================================================
Rise of the Argonauts – PC Review
Date: 01-29-2008Â By Vlad Mihaiescu
This game had a lot of promise but I have to say no sale. The storyline, although very inaccurate compared with the actual story found in mythology was the best aspect that this game had to offer. Mixed with great voice acting the game is at best entertaining for a couple of days, but once your boredom spell is broken you will not look at this game again.
Link: http://www.gamepyre.com/reviewsd.html?aid=1053&p=1
================================================
OCZ’s Vendetta 2 arrived angry and ready to kick some ass. It has the look, but how does it perform under pressure?
“Overall we were pleased with the OCZ Vendetta 2 Heatsink’s performance. Across the stock and overclocked speeds, the cooler performed much better than the stock cooler and on par with the Thermaltake. We did find the Thermaltake quieter overall at the high speed settings, but at the lower speeds, the Vendetta 2 was less high pitched to our ears. Neither cooler was as silent as the stock cooler, but they did perform on a different level.”
http://www.viperlair.com/index.php/reviews/ocz-vendetta-2-cpu-heatsink.html
=================================================
OCIA.net has posted their review of the OCZ Fatal1ty 700w Power Supply. Below is a direct quote from the review:
“Being a “celebrity” of sorts does tend to paint a target on you, and Wendel is no different. Instead of praising him as a role model and successful entrepreneur, critics have harped that Fatal1ty branded products have steep price tags and that you are essentially paying extra for the “Fatal1ty” name. A quick check at a popular online retailer reveals that most Fatal1ty branded gear is priced according to its competition. Others tend to forget that the majority of Fatal1ty products are top quality; he doesn’t just go around and endorse every product thrown at him. It is with this mindset that we present the OCZ Fatal1ty Series 700w Power Supply for review.“
================================================
InsideHW.com has reviewed ViewSonic VX2260wm display. Here is a quote from this review:
“Almost all TFT displays nowadays are in 16:9 format with HDMI connector that goes hand-in-hand with popularization of HD video standard. ViewSonic went a step further and thanks to resolution of 1920×1080 packed in reasonable sized panel, we can now enjoy in HD resolution instead enjoyment in just HD format. Design is for today standards usual. Piano finish that was considered few years ago as very elegant solution, nowadays is so common that it becomes boring. Power button is lighted with intensive blue light that cannot be disabled and this can become very distracting element in a dark room. OSD menu has a lot of useful options so its “retro†look can be forgiven…â€
Article link:
http://www.insidehw.com/Reviews/Displays/ViewSonic-VX2260wm.html
===============================================
Logitech Squeezeboxâ„¢ Boom Review:
Link: http://www.rbmods.com/Articles/Logitech/Squeezebox_boom/1.php
Quote: Imagine this: A Boombox that plays all your internet radio stations through a wireless connection. At the same time it’s reasonably sized but is still able to actually pump out a good sound. You are probably wondering, is this even possible?! Well Logitech claims their new Squeezebox Boom is that device, this means you can even have it with you and just hook it up to any WIFI connection and play your favorite radio stations by adding the feed to your list.
====================================================
Title: Gelid Silent Spirit CPU Cooler and GC1 Thermal Paste Review – Tech-Reviews.co.uk
Briefing: GELID Solutions was born after several key players left the company Arctic Cooling and came together to form GELID. With the high quality of products produced by Arctic Cooling, let’s hope that the standard is matching with this new brand. The CPU Cooler up today for review here at Tech-Reviews is the GELID Silent Spirit. Time to find out how well the Spirit competes…
The Nexus Voltinia Tranquility Pro Series is a perfect case to build a silent PC. The side panels are pre-fitted with noise absorption materials and the case comes with the utterly silent VALUE 430 430 Watt compact ATX silent power supply. Furthermore the Voltinia case is equipped with two Real Silent 120mm case fans (black/white-version). These 1000 RPM fans are mounted with ultra soft silicone fan mounts to prevent resonance and vibrations. When more airflow is needed you can mount an extra 80, 92 or 120mm fan on the ceiling of the case. The soft rubber feet prevents overall resonance of the case.
With silent 430 Watt compact ATX power supply
The Nexus VALUE 430 is a 430 Watt power supply, with more than 80% efficiency, Active PFC, 12cm silent fan, sleeved cables and an ultra compact design. Together with the Voltinia a winning combination for a silent PC.
More information can be found here:
http://www.nexustek.nl/NXS-Nexus_Voltinia_case_with_noise_absorption_foam_and_silent_PSU.htm
Today Nexus technology BV, have launched a 850 Watt, Modular and Sleeved, over 80% efficiency, Tranquillity Power Supply
Nexus power supplies are designed to provide your PC stable and efficient power to guarantee perfect PC performance. Yet we have set everything to work to make this power supply the quietest 850 Watt model in the market.
Ok…It took us a while to find the perfect match of components and parts to have a high efficient, stable and quiet power supply that deserves the Nexus label. But we did it…
And we are proud to offer this amazingly silent 850 Watt power supply to you: the Nexus RX-8500 Modular PSU.
For more information and specifications check: www.tranquillitypower.com
