Tech News September 2004

Waffer PC AirCon PAC 400 @ Phoronix
Phoronix :: Thursday, September 30, 2004

Summary: “Tired of loosing stability in the hot summer days but don’t want to surrender your overclock? Today at Phoronix we have the privilege of looking at the PC AirCon PAC 400, an air-conditioner for your PC!”

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Sony NW-E75 Network Walkman Review
Everything USB :: Thursday, September 30, 2004
“Sony NW-E75 Network Walkman, like the NW-MS70D, is clad in a titanium sliver and bears a minimalist design. The 256MB flash memory player measures at just 2” by 1.5” by 0.75”, and weighs at 2 oz. At such size, only the Samsung Yepp YP-T5V is more diminutive than the Sony’s. Even s, the new NW-E75 certainly qualifies as a minuscule music player. Unfortunately, Sony did little to improve the usability and compatibility for this generation of Network Walkman.”

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Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 High Speed USB Memory Review @ The Tech Zone
The Tech Zone :: Wednesday, September 29, 2004
“The Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 offers ultra-high performance, wide application support, data security and Kingston quality. Kingston’s DataTraveler 2.0 provides an easy method for fast downloading or transferring digital files while holding more than 700 times the capacity of a floppy disk. And with TravelerSafe, Kingston’s custom software, your data can be password protected. The DataTraveler 2.0 works with the vast majority of computers incorporating the USB Hi-Speed interface and delivers fast, easy data transfers whether you are backing up critical information or transporting files between systems.”

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Logitech MX1000 Laser Cordless Mouse Review
Hardware-Pacers :: Monday, September 27, 2004

“It all started with an alliance between Logitech & Agilent where they revealed that a singular wavelength of laser light is capable of providing much greater surface detail than the LED found in the regular optical mice. As Logitech knew that there would be high market demand for such a great innovation, the typical cost of 1,000 USD for laser measuring system was reduced to an 80 USD mouse with this technology. According to Agilent, the laser mouse was found to have 20 times more sensitivity to surface detail than optical mice, and in addition to the laser capturing 5.8 megapixels of data every second, this technology had to surface ASAP and here we see it today in retail stores and in everyone’s budget.”

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Transcend JetFlash 2A
Phoronix :: Monday, September 27, 2004

“Originally, when flash/thumb drives began appearing in the hands of consumers, the devices faced several issues – storage capacity, transfer speeds, and cost. Like all new products, these issues had been worked out with time. Now you are able to find cost effective USB2.0 thumb drives ranging in capacity from 64MB all the way on up to 4GB. In this review, we will take a look at the 128MB JetFlash 2A from Transcend.”

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Logitech Cordless Desktop MX for Bluetooth Review
The Tech Zone :: Monday, September 27, 2004

Take Logitech’s excellent Cordless MX Duo keyboard & mouse combo, add a Bluetooth hub and you have the Cordless Desktop MX for Bluetooth. Bluetooth offers up to 10 meters of range for secure data transmission and works with devices like mobile phones, printers and PDAs. If you’ve decided to upgrade to Bluetooth or have Bluetooth enable devices and wish to communicate with these devices on your PC, then you need a Bluetooth hub connected to your home PC. But why add yet another device to your already-crowded desktop? Logitech’s Cordless Desktop MX for Bluetooth combines a Bluetooth keyboard, a rechargeable Bluetooth mouse, and a Bluetooth wireless hub – all in one package.

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The Jetart Xcool NP4000 Portable Notebook Cooler Review Posted!
Tech ARP :: Sunday, September 26, 2004
“Jetart Technology produces many interesting notebook coolers. In their portable cooler range is the new Xcool NP4000. However, the NP4000 is not only portable because of its small size and low weight. It actually has a special feature – rechargeable batteries! Oops! Did I let the cat out of the bag? But is that all that is special with this notebook cooler? Find out in our in-depth review of the Jetart Xcool NP4000 portable notebook cooler!”

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Dell Axim X30 High End Model reviewed
DataFuse :: Thursday, September 23, 2004

“The Dell Axim X 30 comes in three different flavors, low, medium, and high end models. The low end model will run you about $200 USD. This model includes a 312 MHz processor, and 32 MB or RAM. For about $80 USD more, you will get a extra 32 MB of RAM, 32 MB of ROM (about 96 MB total), WI-Fi (802.11b), and Bluetooth. For another $70 USD, you can double the CPU speed to 624 MHz, which I will be reviewing today. ”

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SteelPad S&S Mousing Surface Review
GruntvillE :: Thursday, September 23, 2004

“The S&S pad itself is definitely on the large side measuring Length 320mm Width 270 mm, but it’s also incredibly thin. It measures just 2mm tall. One of the first things you’ll notice when picking it up is the rather odd feeling pad backing. It is not rubber feet or foam rubber but rather a motley applied rubber type finish that reminds me of the spray on Rhino truck bed liners. It looks almost splatter painted but once you feel it, the sticking effectiveness is easily understood. ”

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Microsoft Optical Mouse by S+arck
TechFreaks :: Wednesday, September 22, 2004

“Computer mice have become more advanced over the years, transforming from the simple corded two-button balled mouse to a behemoth featuring no wires, twenty optical lasers, and an assortment of buttons that no one will ever amount to use them all. Each new advancement brings a new technology, new features, and, most importantly, new (and strategically placed) buttons. With the newest addition out of Redmond, it appears Microsoft has taken a step back to create a simple yet appealing mouse for the common user. Teaming up with world renowned designer, Philippe Starck, Microsoft has created a mouse with appearance the top priority.”

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Mushkin 128MB MP3 Player / Flash Drive / Voice Recorder
The Tech Lounge :: Wednesday, September 22, 2004

“Mushkin has been selling high-quality memory online for quite a long time. They have a range of products available to fit the memory needs of every budget and their high-performance line of Level II V2 modules can hold their own with any other brand. When I heard they would be sending me an MP3 player to review I was actually a bit surprised; Mushkin makes MP3 players? The Mushkin MP3 player is flash-based, plays WMA files as well as MP3 and recharges via the USB port. Available in 128, 256 and 512MB sizes it also doubles as a voice recorder. We know that Mushkin makes great memory, let’s find out if they make great MP3 players as well.”

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Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse Review
Hardware-Pacers :: Monday, September 20, 2004

“The Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse is a unique mouse that offers excellent ergonomic and aesthetic design that people only dreamed of. The mouse is lightweight, small and extremely portable. It is a prime example of perfection at its peak for the many features it is comprised of. It utilizes only one AA battery and lasts on a average of three months. It moves smoothly across any surface and has precise accuracy. Microsoft has once again created a brilliant masterpiece for a mouse. The accurate optical technology, wireless capability, a quick installation and long battery life are only a handful of many features that the mouse has at an affordable price.”

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NaturalPoint TrackIR Review @ GruntvillE
GruntvillE :: Friday, September 17, 2004

“Ever had that feeling you were being followed, but couldn’t turn around to find out? Ever lost sight of an enemy plane because the only way you could see him was to keep him directly in front of you? There are two reasons for something like this happening. You might not know which keys allow you to look around. Or maybe it was because you were in the middle of a dogfight and couldn’t take a hand off the joystick. Fellow pilots and drivers, those days are over.”

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Samsung ML-2250 Laser Printer @ Bjorn3D
Bjorn3D :: Friday, September 17, 2004
“A few months ago, I reviewed the Samsung ML-1740 laser printer. Today, I am looking at the big brother to that printer, the Samsung ML-2250. This printer actually comes in two versions, the 2250, which is the basic printer, and the 2251N, which is the same printer but with networking built into it.”

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Link Depot 4-Port KVM Switch @ Phoronix
Phoronix :: Thursday, September 16, 2004

“For a mere price of $30, Link Depot offers a 4-Port KVM switch, which comes complete with cables, making this offer nearly to good to be true. Are we thus loosing performance through sacrifice of video quality and latency issues or is the KVM switch really a bang for your buck? In this review we will be sure to let you know this and our opinions on this switch from Link Depot.”

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Logitech RumblePad 2 Vibration Feedback PC GamePad Review @ Tweaknews.net
Tweaknews :: Wednesday, September 15, 2004

“In the case with the RumblePad 2, you have full digital and dual analog control, ten programmable keys and lets not forget the built in vibration feedback to add even more realism to your immersive gaming experience.”

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Canon Rebel Ti SLR Camera review
SLCentral :: Tuesday, September 14, 2004

“Buck for buck, the Rebel Ti is one of the best 35mm SLRs you can get. It has many features which are close in quality to professional models, and an autofocus that rivals them. And though it is built of cheaper materials, the Rebel Ti is a great choice for those looking for a less expensive entrance into the world of SLR photography.”

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RCA Lyra 40GB Audio Player
GideonTech :: Monday, September 13, 2004
“The RCA Lyra portable MP3/WMA player holds a whopping 40GB of data. Got enough songs?”

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Steelpad S&S Mouse Pad Review @ MikhailTech.com
Mikhailtech :: Monday, September 13, 2004
“As for the pad, there are two unique sides. The back side is shiny and sprayed with seemingly squishy rubber goo (for lack of a more scientific explanation) which does a great job of preventing the pad from slipping. While it is possible to move the S&S from the sides, once your hand is on the pad it won’t budge. The front is micro textured plastic and that’s about it. By having tiny gaps between the miniature bumps and the flat surface beneath, friction is greatly reduced allowing for quicker, smoother movements. And because there’s no fancy artwork or anything that would upset an optical sensor, tracking is very accurate.”

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I-Rock IR 7100 Mini Optical Mouse Review @ Tech-Mods
Tech-Mods.net :: Monday, September 13, 2004

“If you are an ardent laptop user, there will always be a time the included pointing device that is equipped with most laptop just won’t do. A small convenient optical mouse is always nice to have readily available for those trying times. Well a price factor may come into consideration, with the available optical mouse out there; the prices can be way up there. Today we are going to look at the I-Rock IR-7100 a small easy to store, attractive, functional optical mouse that can be taken with you near anywhere and only cost you the price of a few cups of your favorite latte at your local internet café.”

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Samsung Yepp YP-780V MP3 Player Review @ MODTHEBOX.COM
MODTHEBOX! :: Friday, September 10, 2004

“The Samsung Yepp YP-780V has a capacity of 256MB of internal flash memory and is capable of playing MP3, WMA and WAV formats. Additional features include a built-in FM Tuner, microphone for recording voice directly to the internal flash memory, blue backlit LCD, ID3 Tag support, SRS 3-D technology, TruBass technology, SRS WOW surround and 20 hours of playback time on two AAA batteries.”

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Review: Flexiglow Illuminated Multimedia Keyboard @ GideonTech.com
GideonTech :: Thursday, September 09, 2004
“With it’s lightweight design, row of hot keys and back lighting for the keys, the Flexiglow Illuminated Multimedia Keyboard may be just the ticket for the person on the go.”

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Logitech Cordless Desktop LX 501
Bjorn3D :: Tuesday, September 07, 2004

“Today we will be looking at the Logitech Cordless Desktop LX 501. Call me old-school, but I was never a fan of multimedia keyboards nor wireless devices. I’m a gamer and few years back wireless technology was not as mature as it is today. The LX 501 however is a very slick combination when it comes to functionality and usability. For the past two weeks of using this combo I’ve been starting to like it. To the best of my knowledge LX desktop models are available in Europe as well as North America. Kind regards to Logitech Poland for sending us a sample. ”

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Logisys Xenix Keyboard
Phoronix :: Tuesday, September 07, 2004

“Is your keyboard not able to cope with your demanding gaming needs? Well the Xenix Keyboard from CrazyPC, might be able to help with its illuminated keys, making it great for LAN parties or if your craving some computer games in the middle of the night, multi-media hotkeys, and slim ergonomic design. ”

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Waffer PC AirCon PAC 400 Review
InsaneTek :: Tuesday, September 07, 2004

“With summer heat still around, there is no doubt that your system temperatures rise a couple of degrees. I live in Southern California, right where the deserts are supposed to be. I must say that it is still extremely hot. On a typical good day, temperatures reach about 75°F inside my house; and on a bad day, they can hit as high as a blazing 85°F. It’s certainly not healthy, not to mention comforting, to be in such a heated place. What would most people do when they’re hot? They turn on their air conditioner. While we complain about heat, our PCs must be screaming for help. With each degree that rises in ambient temperature, it causes increased component temperature inside your case. Luckily for computers, Waffer Technology has invented their PAC 400, which acts like an air conditioner just for the computer system.”

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Altec Lansing AHS602 Gaming Headset @ TheTechLounge
The Tech Zone :: Wednesday, September 29, 2004
“Altec Lansing is no newcomer to the computer audio business. In fact, my first set of “real” computer speakers from way back in 1998 were made by Altec Lansing (yes, it took me that long to get a decent set of speakers). In the new century, Altec Lansing’s expanded product lines span nearly every niche possible in the audio business, from portable iPod speaker stations to mammoth, commercial theatre set-ups. Of course, no computer audio company can ignore the ever-growing and ever-important gaming market. The gaming geeks have spoken, and we’re calling for some serious aural firepower. Altec Lansing’s AHS602 Gaming Headset looks as though it should deliver the punch needed to frag and flay all your virtual opponents while still retaining their usefulness in the movie and music arenas. They are certainly decorated with a medley of functions and features that read as though intended for sound engineers rather than gamers. Let’s see whether it’s all talk or teeth rattling truth.”

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Albatron Mars PX915G Pro Motherboard Review
PCStats :: Tuesday, September 28, 2004

“The Albatron Mars PX915G Pro motherboard supports all current Socket 775 Pentium 4 processors, but even though it is based on the Intel i915G chipset, it still uses regular DDR memory. The PX915G Pro can run two pairs of dual channel DDR, instead of the more expensive DDR2 DIMM’s. Keep a close eye on the benchmarks a little later to see how the PX915G Pro handles loads without the aide of DDR2… very interesting! Other standard features are an IDE RAID controller, 7.1 channel audio, and twin Gigabit and a 10/100 Mb LAN connections.”

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Waffer PC AirCon PAC 400 @ A True Review
A True Review :: Thursday, September 02, 2004

“With the advent of super fast processors and ultra performance video cards, a user who chooses to stay with air cooling is going to face some challenges. One of those challenges could be that air cooling with the ambient room temperature air will affect stability. Eventhough air can be brought into a case by fans, what temperature can one expect from the air outside of the case? If it’s summer the air could get very hot. Today, I’m going to look at the Waffer AirCon PAC 400, a product that might solve the problem of the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the case. It allows for 24/7 cold air. However, the question is how practical will it be to the end user?”

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