12/31/2010

Acer AS7551-3634 17.3-Inch Laptop (Mesh Black) Review

Acer AS7551-3634 17.3 inch Laptop
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I bought a version of this computer that has a few added videophile features such a Blu Ray player and Dolby 5.1 output.No matter - with or without those goodies this is one excellent laptop.

Two particular components stood out to me. The first is the screen which is vibrant and detailed like no other I have used. (I work coordinating a help desk for an IT department) It has a glossy surface like a pane of glass which adds tremendously to the appearance of depth in the images (but also makes placement critical to avoid reflections).Absolutely superb.

Second is the keyboard which is more like that of a desk computer than a laptop. The 16/9 video format screen allows for a correspondingly wide keyboard.A unique construction provides a desktop type feel without the depth a desktop-type keyboard typically requires. (The laptop thus remain relatively light and thin.)

Other features include 4 USB jacks, a monitor output, a network jack (along with a fine built in 802.11b/g/n wireless connection), Multi-Gesture Touchpad, 4 gigs of RAM, a Dual-Core Processor and Windows 7. Additional goodies include a built in web cam and mike.

There are numerous small touches that show great care in design. Two examples: There is a small lighted switch next to the touch pad that turns it on and off. No more "where did the curser jump to?") Also the surface surrounding the keyboard is slightly textured in such a way as to both look great and be less prone to showing contact soiling.

This is my 2nd Acer computer. The first, a small netbook, has been flawless during its 1st year of service. I have no reason to expect otherwise from this far more deluxe model.

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Product Description:

Acer Aspire 7551: Mobile Cinematic Entertainment


Enjoy a portable theater experience with the Acer Aspire 7551 (AS7551-3634) PC laptop, which features a 17.3-inch CineCrystal display with a fast response time so that fast action moves seamlessly across the screen and a 16:9 aspect ratio--perfect for viewing content created for the widescreen. When even 17.3" fails to satiate your visual appetite, go bigger by connecting to your widescreen HDTV via HDMI port, delivering crystal-clear visuals and audio through a single cable.

Enjoy cinematic brilliance on the 17.3-inch HD Acer CineCrystal widescreen LCD display with a true 16:9 aspect ratio and Intel integrated graphics delivering crystal-clear images and brilliant color for today's best entertainment.
The notebook's rounded edges and smooth lines bring a slenderized look while the mesh-patterned cover brings a rich appearance. The keyboard also extends to a dedicated numeric keypad, making number key-ins quick and streamlining productivity.


It's powered by a dual-core AMD Athlon II processor and the ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics processor, which combines multi-core processing and powerful graphics for a superior digital entertainment experience. A Multi-Gesture Touchpad enables you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. Other features include ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, an integrated webcam for video chats, and a SuperMulti optical drive that's compatible with double-layer DVD discs.


Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.


You'll also experience new ways to deliver your best work with Office Starter 2010.

Key Features


    17.3-inch CineCrystal LED-backlit widescreen display with 1600 x 900-pixel resolution (native 720p for high-definition viewing). Its widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio is designed to present websites without lots of left-right scrolling, as well as with a smoother line of sight.
    2.20 GHz AMD Athlon II Dual-Core P340 processor with 1 MB L2 cache and 800 MHz front-side bus for excellent multi-tasking. It's designed to handle simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing with no degradation in performance. And with Vision Technology from AMD, you'll get a combination of cutting-edge processing and video power that allows you to experience vivid web and video content, sharp photos and crystal-clear music.
    320 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
    4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz; expandable to 8 GB)
    ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics (with 256 MB of discrete video memory) is equipped with 40 stream processors and an advanced 3D engine to provide support for hybrid graphics when paired with this system's Windows operating system. It provides up to 1919 MB of total shared system memory and is compatible with Microsoft DirectX 10.1.
    8x SuperMulti DVD

Western Digital 80 GB Caviar Blue PATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive WD800AAJB Review

Western Digital 80 GB Caviar Blue PATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive WD800AAJB
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I have six WD hds.I lost one but the S.M.A.R.T. feature allowed me to be warned that it was about to die.
Western Digital's warranty replacment policy,sending one out before you send in the bad one, is worth dealing solely with them.By the way the hd under warranty was not defective.It was hd that was six years old.

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Product Description:
(WDC800AAJB) Western Digital WD800AAJB Caviar Blue PATA 80GB Hard Drive; To make drive selection simple, we've gathered all our popular WD Caviar SE16, WD Caviar SE, and WD Caviar drives under one umbrella we call WD Caviar Blue. Built to Western Digital's awarding winning quality standards, these drives are available in a full range of performance features. SATA - Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives are quickly becoming the new standard. Motherboard manufacturers now include SATA inputs on their boards.

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HP TouchSmart 300-1125 All-in-One PC (Black) Review

HP TouchSmart 300-1125 All-in-One PC
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I just purchased this computer from Amazon and received it quickly.The computer itself is surprisingly solid (and heavy), but also very slim and visually appealing.It's a very sleek looking computer.Think of it looking like a black Mac computer.The speakers are on the front of the computer and there's a webcam at the top.Now, about the touch screen: It's amazing! Although I've used touchscreens with XP before, it never seemed to be very smooth.Windows 7 is the first operating system use a native touch screen feature and it works very well.You can navigate around the screen like an ipad.So for those of you accustomed to zooming in and out, scrolling and clicking, this works very much like those.This feature is particularly nice when looking at pictures of reading news articles online.It's neat to scroll through pictures with your fingers and you can rotate the pictures too. Your computer instantly becomes a good ereader.I have a tendency to stand at my computer (so I am not sitting all day) and this computer works well to accommodate that too.
There's very little to set up for the first time and it's VERY easy.There are no cables!The only cable is for the ac and if you're like me, a wired ethernet connection (but this computer does have wireless b/g/n.
It's nice that HP includes the sleek, black, wireless mouse/keyboard to use.When you want to use them for the first time, just pull out the battery paper and press connect.Mine connected instantly.The keyboard keys are about as soft as a laptop's.
Microsoft (and computer companies) have tried desperately for years to make a computer seem like an entertainment device for use in the living room or kitchen, which is a contrast to the dull office and business-like settings that many computers are used for.For the first time, I feel like this computer actually would be complementary to the living room or kitchen and it would perform well there too.This has a built in tuner (though I haven't tried it yet) and HP advertises it as being friendly for reading recipes (there are even recipe apps).I never liked Vista much and Seven is very easy to navigate. I have not transferred files from my XP computer yet, so I'll report back when that it is accomplished.
I played sample video on the computer and a dvd and both look smooth and flawless. I tried to bog down the computer with running many things at once and it continued to work fine.
It is an energy star certified computer and after being on for a few hours already, the computer has almost no heat coming from the screen.
The only thing (so far) that I would like HP to have included would have been the wall mount.You can buy it separately on Amazon Wall Mount Adapter for Ts Vesa.Although it's on my desk, for standing up so much, I am thinking that it might be better if it were mounted on the wall a few inches higher than it is.My main critique so far is that HP should have made the whole screen height adjustable.It's not.It just sits at the same height. This should be a consideration for you if you buy a touchscreen, because as nice as it is, the touch screen will not be used if you sit far from the computer or it's at a strange height. Even though it's nice that the computer doesn't come loaded with lots of junk software that will expire in a month or so, I wish it had come with a trial of Microsoft Office or something.Until I install Office, I can't even open up a Word document in my email.The other option for buying Office is using Open Office [openoffice dot org], which is like Microsoft Office, but free (and it's legal too). It comes loaded with 30 [CORRECTION 60 ]days of Norton antivirus.

UPDATE: 8/23/10
I have been using this more and the more I use it, the more I like it.You have to practice a little bit with the touch feature to get accurate, but there is a way to change the setting, so you can make it "looser" and you don't have to be extremely precise in order to click on boxes, buttons, tabs, etc.
Windows Media Center: This integrates nicely with this computer (I hesitate to say machine since it's so elegant).A remote control is included and it works very nicely.It looks like a regular tv remote, but you can easily go through all your music, albums, etc, using it.
The only other downside I can see so far with this all in one (and others too) is that it's a little harder to upgrade it and/or repair it.However, this machine has 4gb of ram and it can be upgraded to 8gb. But except for that, you really can't upgrade it. I don't need a BluRay player, but it would have been nice for the drive to be one, so I'm prepared for the future. But I'm sure a year from now external bluray players will be relatively inexpensive. Since it's an HD screen, it does look very clear.
I also would like it to have an hdmi connection.It does include a tv tuner though.
UPDATE: 8/26/10
My worst nightmare for this computer has come true. Its speakers stopped working today! After speaking with HP (who had good/helpful tech support), it was determined that there is a hardware issue with my computer and...mine needs to be returned. Obviously, if speakers were not built into the monitor, it would be easy to replace the speakers, but not in this case.It's also true, that this is a very minor issue (in comparison to it have a serious problem); it's important enough though that for a computer that is less than a month old it should not be having. With the issue only being speakers, my belief in HP has not been shattered (yet), since this is my first HP computer (previous ones Dell/Toshiba). I mentioned earlier in the review that it's convenient for space to have an all in one, but if even ONE problem happens (bad speakers for example), then the whole computer needs to be fixed/taken in to be fixed.The more modular parts are then it's easier to fix.For example, it's convenient on a netbook if you have an external dvd drive and the drive breaks because you can just replace the drive and not the whole computer.
With that said, I am sad that this needs to be returned and I am thinking that I will probably give it another go and try the same computer again. I will need to contemplate it further, since these kinds of events can happen at random and I may have just been the person to have it.
With this current problem, I dropped my rating from five to four stars.
UPDATE: 8/29/10
I am happy to say that just as I was on the verge of returning this computer to Amazon, the speakers are now working again! I don't know what happened.I spoke to HP for some time the other day and they took over my computer remotely and it didn't work then either.They checked to be sure it wasn't muted and that the drivers and everything were updated.I have no idea.So I'm happy it's working again.It's unfortunate it is working after I deleted everything on it! Here's the easy way though to transfer everything from your XP computer to windows 7: just buy an external hard drive (I loved my seagate) and save everything on it.Plug it your windows 7 computer and install the backup software from the hard drive.Then just go into your hard drive and literally copy everything in it (just highlight My Documents and all the music/pics in it).When Windows 7 is transferring it to your new computer it will ask if you want the pictures to be put into Documents (which is the new name for My Documents) and Pictures (which is now separate from My Pictures which were part of My Documents before). Withintwenty minutes, my whole 100 gb hard drive was transferred (might have been less time than that).
UPDATE: 9/23/10
The computer weighs around 22-25 pounds, so it's not a lightweight little thing.There are two usb ports on the right side and a memory card reader on the left. The card reader works great for quickly uploading pics.The screen is solid and some kind of plastic.So it's not soft like an lcd screen, but it's not glass either. The computer comes with a remote (which looks like a tv remote) and it's surprisingly nice to use.When using Windows media player, you can scroll through all of your albums, artists, etc., using the remote.The remote does not appear to work much for anything else (except Media Player).However, you can use it to adjust volume, which is handy if you're across the room or you use your computer as your main music player.You don't need another additional one from another company and install it since it's nice it's included here.One REALLY nice feature I like when using my computer though is to turn off the screen with the remote.Whenever you want to put the computer to sleep, just press power on the remote and the screen goes off instantly.When you move the mouse, the screen will come back on instantly too.
I have learned that there are certain things which are really nice for touching the screen with and other times it's less necessary.For example, when typing a document it's not practical to keep your hands on the keyboard and then lift them up to go to file, print, etc.However, touching the screen is very nice for visual activities, such as scrolling through your pictures, or looking for a file.It's also nice to use the the electronic keyboard that comes up on the screen (it sits on the side of the screen unobtrusively) and if you need to enter some numbers (say credit card numbers) it's easy to hold your card up to the screen and just type on the keyboard on the screen.There's no looking up and down at the keyboard for numbers or anything.I find it's easier to do this than just memorizing the physical keyboard's numbers (as I previously used). The touch screen feature is very accurate and you can adjust the sensitivity.

If you are considering the value of the touch screen feature, I recommend that you go to a store and see if you might like it or not.

I will update this review as I use this more.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HP TouchSmart 300-1125 All-in-One PC (Black)

Product Description:
HP TouchSmart 300-1125 PC. Genuine Windows7 Home Premium 64-bit - makes everyday tasks simple and makes new things possible; AMD Athlon II 600e Quad-Core Processor; 2.20GHz; AMD RS780MN Chipset; 2MB L2 Cache; 4GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM memory (2x2048 GB for ultimate performance); 1 Terabyte 5400RPM Serial ATA hard drive; Slot-load SuperMulti DVD Burner with LightScribe Technology 8x DVD-R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 6x DVD R DL, 5x DVD-RAM, 8x DVD-ROM, 24x CDR, 24x CDRW, 24x CD-ROM; ATI Radeon HD 3200 Integrated Graphics; 10/100/1000Base-T network interface;Integrated Bluetooth and Wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n) featuring Single-band (2.4Ghz) 2x2 MIMO technology; Integrated High Definition Audio with 2.0 sound capabilities High-performance 2.0 Speakers; Built in HDTV Tuner: watch, pause, rewind, and record live TV; Adjustable webcam and built-in microphone array; Touch-enabled 20 diagonal HD LCD Display with Brightview technology.

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ASUS VH198T 19-Inch Widescreen LED Monitor Review

ASUS VH198T 19 inch Widescreen LED Monitor
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I've owned this monitor for 3 months and have had no problems.Screen is very bright and the colors vibrant (and appear true); contrast is terrific.Required no setup with Windows 7; just plug it into the computer port and you're ready to go.The screen has a non-reflective, matte surface so it works very well in a bright environment.There are quite a few customization settings (accessible through the familiar button interface on the front panel), but I didn't feel the need to adjust beyond usual brightness and contrast.Price is *significantly* lower than competitors, and performs as well as much more expensive monitors I've had in the past.Asus has a good reputation so I anticipate this monitor will last as long time.

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Product Description:
ASUS VH198T - Save the Earth and Shrink Your Power Bill with VH198; Mercury-free LED monitor delivers ultra-sharp images with great power savings. LED monitor, Green Power Efficiency -up to 40%, 19" Wide, 10M:1 ASUS Smart contrast Ratio, DVI, VGA, 5ms Response Time.

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12/30/2010

Logitech Speakers Z130 Review

Logitech Speakers Z130
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We have had several computer speaker sets and this set has, by far, been the best buy for us.There is the distinct advantage of having an earphone jack for private listening and the set is quite attractive in comparison to other similar priced sets.We highly recommend this set to friends and family.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Speakers Z130

Product Description:
Logitech Speakers Z130 give you rich stereo sound from portable speakers. Simple to set up and control, these speakers make it easy to enjoy your music, movies, and games.

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Logitech Speaker System Z520 (Black) Review

Logitech Speaker System Z520
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This latest desktop speaker system from Logitech is a very smart-looking set, that is incredibly easy to set up. The box is simply packaged, with the speakers side by side, and a power brick in a separate white box. The glossy volume dial and Logitech logos were covered in pieces of film to protect them from scratches during transportation. A nice touch!

Setting up the speakers is simple, and takes under a minute:

1.) Take speakers out of box
2.) Connect left speaker to right speaker
3.) Plug AC cord into right speaker, and plug into wall socket
4.) Plug speaker cord into sound card (these are not USB speakers)
5.) Turn on

I did this testing with my MacBook Pro and iTunes 9, as well as streaming music to the speakers via an Airport Express. In both cases, the results were similar:

The sound is "good." Very clear mid-to-high range, with the low end just begging to be filled out a little more. The Chemical Brothers' beats came out very nicely in the mid and high range, and classical music sounds wonderful.

With a little subwoofer, this would be a truly excellent set. As it is, the "average" user will be quite happy with the Z520. Hardcore gamers will, however, choose a 2.1 set (i.e. two speakers + subwoofer) to give them the extra punch this set could do with. (I'd recommend them the Logitech Z Cinema or the Z-2300, or Klipsch ProMedia 2.1)

Overall, though, a very solid set of speakers. Recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Speaker System Z520 (Black)

Product Description:
The Logitech Speaker System Z520. Bring your music tolife-at your desk and around the house. Its 360-degree sound helps project audio evenly in all directions, so you get a great listening experience throughout the room. Amplified two-way design realistically reproduces your music, videos and games with clear, natural sound.

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Microsoft 2.4GHz Wireless BlueTrack Technology Laser Explorer Mouse with 30-Foot Range and Easy Battery Recharging Base (5AA-00001). Review

Microsoft 2.4GHz Wireless BlueTrack Technology Laser Explorer Mouse with 30-Foot Range and Easy Battery Recharging Base.
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What I liked:
=============

The first thing that I loved was that the mouse works fine under Linux (and Windows, of course), even the two side buttons: under Linux they are "Back" and "Forward" in a web-browser by default.

The mouse is rechargeable and requires one AA Ni-MH battery (which means it can be easily replaced when the battery dies eventually) and comes with a low charge indicator (slowly flashes red when the mouse needs recharging and slowly flashes green when the mouse is being charged) and an easy charging station. After some minimal charging is done, the green flashing stops and the indicator just stays on green. Unfortunately there is no indication as to when the mouse is fully charged - the indicator does not change to blue or some other color, instead it just stays on green).

The two customizable buttons can be assigned (under Windows) many different functions out of a list.

The mouse indeed works well on most surfaces. However, I found out that it does not work at all on a concrete wall painted with a white paint. It also barely works on its original package (which could mean that it performs poorly on transparent surfaces). I guess there are always exceptions.

The mouse looks beautiful! Although, keep in mind that you won't see the blue light from under the mouse and the BlueTrack sign all the time - it only turns on for a few seconds when the mouse is turned on (i.e. after one takes the receiver out of the mouse) and after the mouse returns from a sleep mode (the mouse goes into the sleep mode to save battery if it is not used for a while).
What I liked and did NOT like at the same time:
===============================================

One thing which I love is the smooth no-sound (no clicks) scroll wheel in a web-browser. It is as convenient to use as a wheel with clicks. It is great, for example, during meetings since the constant wheel clicking would not annoy anyone or in any situation when one wants to be quiet. The scrolling also takes very little effort. However, in all the other applications (not in a web-browser - for example in PowerPoint or in Excel) the scroll wheel is too sensitive, i.e. even a slight touch of the wheel causes a difficult to control scrolling of a page(s). One can get used to it but will still remain uncomfortable.
What I did NOT like:
====================

The first (very annoying) feature, from my point of view, is that the scroll wheel has to be clicked in a specific direction away from the user, when used as a middle button., i.e. if one just presses it down or towards oneself it would not consider it as a (middle) click. So it takes some thinking (or maybe a habit) to put a finger on the nearest end of the wheel and press it away. I love using the middle click to open a link in a new tab in FireFox. And also middle clicks are used really a lot under Linux (paste) so I consider it as major drawback of the mouse. I also cannot understand why the mouse was designed that way, since unlike scrolling, it takes some effort to click the wheel, so one would not click it accidentally anyway.

The second thing that I did not quite like was that the mouse is very big (its physical size: it is wide and thick - feels like a ball in ones hand). It is probably one of the biggest mice I ever seen or used. I have small hands and find it more convenient to use a narrower and thinner mouse. It does not make using the mouse troublesome - just feels somewhat uncomfortable. There is a "Mini" version of the mouse but that one is not rechargeable.

The mouse gets discharged pretty quickly (i.e. in less than a week - just a few days) when it is off. That is if I fully charge it and then snap the USB receiver into the mouse to turn it off with an intension to take the mouse with me on the road in a few days - it does not work, since in a few days when I turn the mouse on again, the charge indicator blinks red (which is an indicator that the mouse needs to be charged). It looks as if some circuit does not get disabled and still drains the battery power even in the mouse's off-state.

I find putting the mouse's wireless receiver in and out quite inconvenient. It takes special care to put the receiver in since it does not naturally find its proper position before one pushes it in. Even much more inconvenient is to take the receiver back out of the mouse - it gets stuck there pretty tightly and deeply and it is not easy to grab on it to pull it out (accurately without breaking it).

I also do not quite like the feature that to turn the mouse off one has to put the USB receiver into the mouse. It is subjective, of course, but I would find a simple on/off switch more convenient. The switch could be even positioned on the front or back side of the mouse so that it does not get congested with dirt over time, if this is the problem.

Also I wish the mouse would come with some carrying case. The idea of the BlueTrack technology is that the mouse works on most surfaces which makes it a good choice to take it with on the road, so, I think, a carrying case is desirable.
Overall:
========

I kept the mouse. My goal was to find a rechargeable wireless mouse which would use standard rechargeable batteries (i.e. AA or AAA) and I found it. It is a good mouse, but I would not call it a marvel of engineering - it has a few important things to get fixed. I guess the Microsoft engineers were so excited about the novel BlueTrack technology that they forgot to make sure that other not so novel features of the mouse are implemented conveniently for a user.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft 2.4GHz Wireless BlueTrack Technology Laser Explorer Mouse with 30-Foot Range and Easy Battery Recharging Base (5AA-00001).

Product Description:
The Microsoft Explorer Mouse, with revolutionary Microsoft BlueTrackTM Technology, works more places than ever before, including on granite countertops, living room or airport carpets-even on a wood table or rough, unfinished park bench.

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Bose Companion 3 Series II multimedia speaker system (Graphite/Silver) Review

Bose Companion 3 Series II multimedia speaker system
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I blew a ridiculous amount of time listening to them in the store, reading reviews and what not and it never really helped me decide.I ended up buying all 3 and hooking them up so I could test drive them.Then returned the ones I didn't keep.Hopefully someone in the same situation I was in will benefit from my review.If you can't decide I recommend buying the ones you can't decide between and test them yourself. SPEAKERS:
Klipsch Promedia 2.1, Logitech z-2300, Bose Companion 3 BACKGROUND:
Previous Speakers- Creative 6.1, think they were the original inspires.
Sound Card- Creative x-fi
Primary use- Gaming with limited music
Volume- maybe max out around 10%.Live in multifamily complex and don't need a lease breaker to live up to its name.
Ear quality- I'm no sound engineer so all references to quality of sound are just what MY ears heard. 6.1 V 2.1:
You will not find any 2.1 system that rivals even a cheap 5.1 or 6.1 set.No way around that.In downgrading you are compromising from the start.If you have the space/cash/mounting locations go with 5.1 or higher. SOUND QUALITY:
The Klipsch had the best overall performance when it came to sound.Second was Bose and third was Logitech.

I was not at all impressed with the Logitechs.They had a nice booming sound but no matter how much I fiddled with the EQ could I get a clean consistent sound across the board.Highs sounded watered down, Mids sounded muted and the Lows were...booming in a good way.Granted I'm sure this had a lot to do with the fact that I wasn't turning them up very loud.When I cranked them up they sounded much better but that's not the situation I needed them for.If you are throwing a block party the sound quality might be great.

The Klipsch definitely had the best overall sound.It seemed to have a little trouble with definition on the highs and the extreme lows but far out did the other two with the mids and the lows.When I say trouble I mean nothing noticeable if you didn't have multiple speakers hooked up at the same time.This could once again be attributed to the fact that I'm running them at such a low volume.As far as the extreme lows, I don't think either of the other two systems even had those lows to listen too.

The Bose handled the highs with crystal clarity.They do have the "tin can" effect that other reviewers have mentioned but adjustment of the EQ was able to compensate for that.The mids had to be corrected with the EQ but once setup right they were adequate, nothing to write home about, but better then the Logitech and not as good as the Klipsch.The lows thumped nicely and seemed to fit well but on extreme lows it seemed to be more of a single rumble as opposed to individual sounds. REAL ESTATE:
The Bose significantly outshine the other two sets when it comes to desk real estate.The footprint of each satellite is about 2.5x2.5 inches.Headphones might take up less space.The Logitechs and the Klipsch take up about the same amount of space on the desk.Slightly larger than your average desktop speaker but not so large that you can't fit them on the desk. CONTROLS:
All three sets had the same set of controls and inputs on them, namely bass, volume, and a miniplug out or two.

I preferred the Bose when it came to the controls.The little wired remote puck thing works excellently and sticks to the spot you put it.The volume control consists of turning the outside of the puck and works excellently.One added feature is the top of the puck is a touch activated mute button.Useless really since the volume is so easy to adjust but nice all the same.The bass control for the Bose is located on the back of the sub near the top.The sub sits under my desk so it's easy enough to adjust by just reaching behind it from the top and turning the knob.

Second would be the Logitech set.They also have a wired remote similar to the bose.Has a couple knobs on it a large (not as large as the bose puck) one for volume and smaller one for bass.They seemed to turn smoothly and work great.The one thing I didn't like about the Logitech remote was that it was very light and didn't really stay where you put it.Some double side tape or a rubber pad would easily fix that.

This is one spot where the Klipsch comes in last.I read that the controller could be removed from the speaker but didn't see an easy way to do it and didn't want to muck them up since I would be returning 2 of the 3 systems.The Klipsch controls are located on the right speaker similar to your normal OEM speakers.There is a volume and bass knob.The volume knob didn't seem as smooth as the other two systems and tended to jump as opposed to smoothly increase and decrease the volume.This might just be that it's a small knob and harder to make precision changes.

The power button is never a concern of mine because I leave everything on all the time but for those that it is an issue: Logitech had a power switch on the sub and "sleep" button on the remote.Both the klipsch and the bose have the power switches on the back of the sub.None of the power switches on the back of the subs are easy to get to or locate so if you can handle just putting it in sleep mode I'd recommend the Logitech. BUILD QUALITY:
I don't mean the build of the actual cones but of the housings, stands, etc.I don't know enough about construction of or speaker materials to make a judgment on the cones and drivers.

I think the Bose probably won in this category with the Logitech coming in second and the Klipsch bringing up the rear.

Both the Bose and Logitech went together well and everything fit tight.Everything seemed to be appropriately built with acceptable tolerances in terms of stands and housings.The Logitech's satellites were mostly plastic with cloth speaker grilles metal grilles on the sub.The sub was particle board I'm assuming with a metal grille.The Bose satellites were all metal including stands and grilles.The sub was particle board I'm assuming with a metal grille.Moving the speakers around and doing whatever over the course of testing them seemed to have no side effect on the operation of these two sets.Everything on each system seemed to use a heavy enough gauged wire that I was not concerned with damaging them as I yanked them through the rats nest behind my desk.

The Klipsch fell short on the build quality.They used comparable materials as the previous two, plastic satellites with cloth grilles and what I'm assuming is a particle board sub with a metal grille.The stands for the satellites were cockeyed causing the speakers to lean at some odd angles.Nothing that your average person would notice but someone in QC should have caught that.The little ps2 looking cable that connects the controller to the sub didn't fit securely or snap into the sub.Is to be expected of this style cable but on the other two systems I didn't have any concern if it connected appropriately.After initial setup of the speakers the left satellite went out on me and I had to jiggle/turn the miniplug plugged into the back of it.This is nothing new to miniplugs but I would have liked to have had the system setup for a good year before I had to start jiggling stuff.None of these matters are real deal breakers but I noticed no problems with the other two systems.It causes me to question what else might not be done as right as it should be done.

One thing nice about the Klipsch is that the connections for the satellites are normal speaker wire with a miniplug on the end.Should be fairly easy to rig up your own connectors if the supplied separation distance isn't enough for your needs. CONCLUSION:
If you want the best sound you can find, go with the Klipsch hands down.If size is your concern go with the Bose.Most other items noted are personal taste and opinion so you can make your judgments of off my previous information. WHAT'D I KEEP?:
I kept the Bose.They look incredible, save my desk space well and at low volumes with an adjusted EQ they seem to sound good enough to do the job.I love the puck controller as well.I know many people dislike Bose but I think they have a nice product in the Companion 3's.It should probably be priced between $75 and $150 but an extra $100 spaced over an estimated 5 years of use is only $20 a year.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bose Companion 3 Series II multimedia speaker system (Graphite/Silver)

Product Description:
The Companion 3 Series II multimedia speaker system delivers top of the line stereo performance from all your computer entertainment. Enjoy striking clarity and depth from MP3, CD and streaming music sources - plus podcasts, DVDs and games. Updated 3-piece design features two desktop speakers with stands and a hideaway Acoustimass module. Chances are your computer is already a primary source of music and other entertainment. But you may be settling for so-so sound, especially if you're still using original equipment speakers. Companion 3 speakers are designed to upgrade your listening experience with a richness of sound that may surprise you. It starts with two stereo speakers with matching stands for superb performance and added desktop space. The small speakers deliver crisp highs for lifelike vocals and instruments. The compact Acoustimass module handles lower notes and effects with resounding depth and fullness - yet hides easily under your desk. Bose proprietary TrueSpace stereo signal processing circuitry adds spaciousness and ambience that most conventional computer speakers cannot match. The entire acoustic package delivers the richness you want from your music, and the audio excitement you expect from movies and games. Companion 3 speakers also feature an easy touse, multi-function control pod, no bigger than a computer mouse. Speaker volume control, single-touch mute, headphone jack and an auxiliary input for an additional audio source are all within easy reach

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12/29/2010

HP 2509m 25-Inch Diagonal Full HD LCD Monitor (Black) Review

HP 2509m 25 inch Diagonal Full HD LCD Monitor
Average Reviews:

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I had been doing tons and tons of research about various monitors over the course of about a month or so. Recently I stopped by frys electronics and they had a sale on this monitor so I looked it up but there werent many reviews about it, however there were great reviews about last year's model. So I took the plunge I bought it yesterday and I love it. I have it hooked up to my macbook pro 13 inch, and am using 1080p resolution, it looks fantastic. The speakers suck of course but nobody buys a monitor just for the speakers.

Positive
-looks great
-colors are fantastic
-low response time
-HDMI port

negative
- only one hdmi port
- bad speakers
- no usb hub

However, This a FANTASTIC monitor, it is much more than I expected, the picture quality is amazing.
I would highly recommend this HP 2509m monitor

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Product Description:
Screen Size: View movies, photos and online games,1 using a 25-inch diagonal widescreen monitor. Expand your work space from either your desktop or notebook by displaying two windows at the same time. Image quality: Enjoy Full HD3 and fine details with the stunning image clarity of 1920 x 1080p maximum resolution. Sharpen images and reduce glare with HP BrightView technology.Reduce blur while enjoying sports, action movies or online games with a 3 ms Gray to Gray response time. Experience a wide range of shading effects providing deeper blacks, brighter whites and subtle colors with 60,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Design and Experience: Complement your computer by adding an HP monitor—designed to be a perfect match with any HP PC or notebook. Free up more desk space with the monitor's slim profile that fits a keyboard at its base. Share videos, photos and documents, using a wide-viewing angle. Adjust the monitor to meet your needs, using the tilt and swivel features. Optimize the display to match your experience—movies, photos, or games—by selecting one of the Quick View modes directly from the monitor. Connectivity: Connect another device using the HDMI input. Display digital content using a DVI-D with HDCP. Easily connect to more than one PC using both DVI-D and VGA ports. Widescreen technology:New 16:9 aspect ratio delivers optimized wide screenexperience for both practical computing applicationsand movie watching. From 18.5 to 27-Inches, HP has a monitor to meet your needs.

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Corsair TWIN2X4096-6400C5C 4GB XMS2 PC2-6400 800Mhz 240-pin Dual Channel DDR2 Desktop Memory Review

Corsair TWIN2X4096-6400C5C 4GB XMS2 PC2-6400 800Mhz 240-pin Dual Channel DDR2 Desktop Memory
Average Reviews:

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Pros:Appears well made;tailors itself to other memory installed; Corsair website helps to find the right memory for your computer

Cons: Rebate; expensive as compared to 6 mos ago -knocks off one star.
Thoughts:Have an AMD 9750 quad with 4 GB memory in slots #1-2 and wanted to go to 8GB. It is important to install compatible memory in the other slots - i.e. slots #3-4 were empty.

I have 64 bit Vista which can "see" 8GB of memory.

I searched through multiple sites to obtain quality memory and was not happy with the confusing results.I searched the Corsair website and they have a "memory search", where you enter your computer model and they give you matched memory that is guaranteed to work with your computer. Then it was easy to find what I needed.The result was the all my memory ran well and I can use all my 8 GB memory.

I don't mean to confuse those who are less technically inclined - the point is that all memory is not the same and to just stick any DDR2 memory into your computer will guarantee an unhappy end user.It is hard to match up the correct DDR2 memory without knowing a lot of hidden details and for most end users it is easier to just go to the memory manufacturer's website to look up compatible memory.

Overall: Very satisfied.

Technical stuff:AMD 9750 quad with 4 GB memory @ 800 MHz 6-6-6-18 timing, 1.8v in slots #1-2. 64 bit Vista OS which runs all 32 bit software I have thrown at it and can run old 16 bit software and DOS games with DosBox! Only a 64 bit OS can use more than about 3 GB memory. This Corsair 2GB x 2, dual channel, paired memory, with timings of 5-5-5-18,1.8v is faster memory than my original installed memory and I was concerned about the timings.The result was that all my memory runs at 667MHz and a timing 5-5-5-15, so it is very close to the original memory installed but not as fast as it can be. I do not intend to over clock and will not change out the slower memory because of cost concerns.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Corsair TWIN2X4096-6400C5C 4GB XMS2 PC2-6400 800Mhz 240-pin Dual Channel DDR2 Desktop Memory

Product Description:
Corsair's mainstream memory solution for the Intel and AMD dual channel DDR2 memory processors and platform. The XMS2 family is Corsair's mainstream line of performance DDR3 memory. These modules allow users to experience outstanding memory performance and stability. Available in Corsair's new XMS heat spreaders, each module is built using carefully selected RAMs. Simply pop in this 4GB 800MHz CL5 DDR2 memory kit into your system and see the difference in performance. If you are looking for extra performance or reliability in your Intel or AMD DDR2 system, the Corsair 4GB 800MHz DDR2 memory kit offers this solution! Why Choose Corsair? Corsair Memory, is designed and tested to ensure 100% Compatibility with today's current motherboards. Every stick of RAM is qualified to meet Corsair's exact specifications. After a rigid tests and inspections, every memory module is then shipped individually in anti-static packaging for protection during transport. The Result: Guaranteed compatibility with your motherboard or your DDR2 PC, and no defective product, giving you quality memory that will keep working and working, providing a faster PC for a greater experience with your Desktop and motherboard! More importantly, Corsair stands behind every module with a Lifetime Warranty. We realize any manufacturer can put a product in a box and hope that it will work, however, at Corsair we Guarantee it will work for a lifetime! Ask The RAM Guy. If you need help installing your memory, don't fret, at Corsair we understand that the first timers might need some help. So we've created a 24/7 online customer support site just for you at our website asktheramguy.Here, you can find other people like yourself that are In the know and can help answer questions you may have about installation or anything RAM related! So if you're looking to increase the speed of your PC, Buy this Corsair TWIN2X4096-6400C5C!

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Gateway DX4840-07 Desktop (Black) Review

Gateway DX4840-07 Desktop
Average Reviews:

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I actually bought this because of my recent problems with Dell system quality, order fulfillment and customer service. I found good reviews about this system on cnet, so I gave it a try. It sets up easily, is super fast and super quiet. My husband loves it. You have to set up your own recovery disks. It takes four dvd's for system default backup image and drivers and one cdr for recovery boot disk. The chicklet keyboard is a little odd, so my husband kept his old keyboard. I recommend this system for anyone who wants a fast, easy system, that doesn't have to customize an order.

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Product Description:
Gateway DX4840-07 Desktop PC comes with these specs: Intel Core i5-650 Processor 3.2GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.46 GHz, Windows 7 Home Premium, Intel H57 Express Chipset, 6144 MB DDR3 Memory, NVIDIA GeForce 315 Graphics with 512 MB Dedicated Video Memory, 16X DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Drive, 1 TB SATA Hard Drive (Green Product - variable RPM), Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader, High-Definition Audio Support with 5.1-channel Audio Support, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 - USB 2.0, Keyboard and Mouse, 25.0 lbs. | 11.3kg (system unit only), 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty with Toll-Free Tech Support, Registration/ Limited Warranty Card, Norton Internet Security Suite 2009 Trial

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Dell DUAL CORE 3.0 Ghz Fast GX Computer, 80GB Hard Drive, 2GB RAM, CDRW-DVD Combo (Play DVDs, Play and Copy CDs), and New Licensed Windows XP with Genuine Microsoft Authorized CD Review

Dell DUAL CORE 3.0 Ghz Fast GX Computer, 80GB Hard Drive, 2GB RAM, CDRW-DVD Combo, and New Licensed Windows XP with Genuine Microsoft Authorized CD
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I got so sick of fighting with my 4 GB Vista that I thought I would try this Dell XP.It came loaded with antispyware and antivirus programs.The computer is performing wonderfully.I was disappointed in the speakers that came with it.They sounded tinny.So I am using the speakers from my Vista.The computer is fast and I can finally do the things on my computer that I couldn't do with my Vista.This is a great buy.I have only had it for a week.But I have to say that I am totally satisfied so far.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dell DUAL CORE 3.0 Ghz Fast GX Computer, 80GB Hard Drive, 2GB RAM, CDRW-DVD Combo (Play DVDs, Play and Copy CDs), and New Licensed Windows XP with Genuine Microsoft Authorized CD

Product Description:
This computer has been refurbished by a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. It includes an Original Genuine Licensed Windows XP Operating System with a new sealed Official Microsoft CD from a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. Beware of Software Piracy. Many other sellers offer a non-original copy of Windows XP. A non-original or counterfeit copy may leave your computer at risk and inhibit your right to critical security updates and is also illegal. SUPER FAST DELL Optiplex Pentium D Dual Core 3.0 GHz computer system ready to use. This UPGRADED DELL includes: 2 Gigabytes of DDR2 Ram Memory, a Giant 80 GB SATA Hard Drive, Fast CDRW-DVD (Plays/Records CDs and Plays DVDs), loaded with great software. It is ready for any Cable/DSL internet connection. Also included FREE: Scrolling Mouse, Keyboard, and Hi- Fi Stereo Amplified Speakers!The Dell Optiplex was designed for heavy professional use at large fortune 500 companies. They differ greatly from the Dell consumer line of computers sold in stores, which are usually not as high quality. The Dell Optiplex cases and interiors are more durable and very well designed for the demanding corporate customer. These computers are great for all users. This Dell Optiplex is an excellent choice for Office, Home, or School. Students, Professionals, Educators, and Parents can all benefit from this computer. Even in demanding network environments where multiple computers are inter connected, and consistent operation is a must, the Dell Optiplex is a proven performer.

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12/28/2010

Logitech Compact Speaker System Z320 for Notebooks Review

Logitech Compact Speaker System Z320 for Notebooks
Average Reviews:

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I am very pleased with this Logitech Speaker System Z320 (Black). This is the first Logitech product I have ever owned and I am impressed.

Now I must mention that the star rating I give takes into account the size of the speakers, their cost, and the purpose for which they were designed. Overall, within their category, these are, in my opinion, 5-star speakers.

For their size, cost, and portability, they produce absolutely amazing sound quality, among the best I have heard in such small external computer speakers. Are they my absolute favorites in computer speakers? Well, no - the Altec Lansing Expressionist-PLUS FX3021 2.1 Speaker System remain that (they are 2.1 speakers after all, they take up much more room, and they cost more than these Logitechs) - but the Logitech ones are, right now, a VERY close second.

I have mine placed on a cabinet with the speakers about 40 inches apart (the connecting cord between the speakers is approximately 72 inches) and they are about 6 inches in front of a back wall. For best sound quality, and this is VERY important, they should be placed as close to a rear wall as is practicable. This will offer the most bass reinforcement - and small speakers such as these need all the reinforcement they can get.

This placement allows the speakers to perform well, in my opinion. They produce excellent treble and midrange and the bass, while certainly not "bone-shattering," is more than adequate when taking into account just what these speakers are.

With no subwoofer, you are not going to "feel" any bass but you CAN hear the note(s) being played. So far I have played two pieces through them - the first was M

Dell Dimension 2400 2.8 GHz 512 MB RAM 200 GB Hard Drive Desktop Review

Dell Dimension 2400 2.8 GHz 512 MB RAM 200 GB Hard Drive Desktop
Average Reviews:

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This computer does exactly what I need it to do...pull up the internet with speed.Great for the price...it does get a liitle loud after being on for long periods of time

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Product Description:
Dell Dimension 2400 2.8 GHz 512 MB RAM 200 GB Hard Drive Desktop

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Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with BasXPort Technolgy Review

Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with BasXPort Technolgy
Average Reviews:

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I've tried so many different computer speakers that I've lost count. The speakers that come with any new computer go straight into the trash without even being connected. That's a given. Then comes the dilemma of what to replace those cheap little tin cans with. I'm not a finicky audiophile. I just want good sounding speakers with moderately loud volume capability in a 2.0 configuration. I don't have the room or the desire for a large third component for booming base. These speakers are getting the job done like no other speakers I've ever owned.

I cannot express how happy it makes me to turn the volume knob and NOT hear the speakers crackling. Apparently, this requires some top secret speaker engineering, because I've never had a pair of desktop speakers that did NOT crackle or lose output on one of the speakers whenever I touched any of the knobs on them. I'm very pleased with these speakers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with BasXPort Technolgy

Product Description:
The Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II 2.0 Multimedia Speakers bring rich, full sound to your games, videos, and music in a convenient, compact package. Each speaker uses two midrange drivers and one tweeter to provide a well-rounded reproduction of your favorite audio. Integrated BasXPort technology delivers deep bass tones without a subwoofer, saving you even more precious space.


An included adapter gives you total versatility.

The woven glass fiber cone drivers and cloth dome tweeters provide broad, crisp audio.



These compact speakers house three drivers for a full, accurate sound stage. View larger. Quality Materials Make for Better Sound
The midrange speakers are constructed with woven glass cones for durability and longevity. You get tight, accurate sound, including rich, low tones produced by the integrated BasXPort technology. Each cloth dome tweeter delivers clear highs without being too sharp.
Front Controls and Ports for Easy Access
An array of controls are within easy reach, with front-mounted treble, bass, and volume knobs. Add any MP3 or CD player to the T40 Series II Speakers through the auxiliary input, or connect your headphones when you need to keep outside noise to a minimum.
Big Power in a Compact Package
These speakers have an efficient design and plenty of juice, with an 80 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 32 watts of power. The wide 50 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range means the T40s will deliver all the little aspects of your music that lesser speakers might miss.
Each Creative GigaWorks T20 Series II Speaker measures 3.5 x 12.3 x 5.5 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 1.65 pounds (3.3 pounds total).
What's in the Box
GigaWorks T40 Series II Speakers (left, right), stereo-to-stereo audio cable (6 ft.), dual RCA-to-stereo audio TV adapter, power supply adapter, Quick Start leaflet.


With the included adapter, the speakers connect easily to your computer, gaming console, or TV.


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Cooler Master Elite 360 RC-360-KKN1-GP ATX Mid Tower/Desktop Case (Black) Review

Cooler Master Elite 360 RC-360-KKN1-GP ATX Mid Tower/Desktop Case
Average Reviews:

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This is a nice case. Perfect for a media center, or a person in need of a PC tower that doesn't take up a lot of space.

Pros are the many vents, and the ability to place the tower vertical or horizontal. Has a large fan, doesn't spin all that fast, but it really doesn't need to being so big.

Cons are it's a tight fit for a full size board, but it will fit. Large graphics cards fit, but it's tight. Any graphics card with a fan that extents 2ins past the top of board will not fit in case. So getting it all in there was a pain, but the case is so nice to look at.

I bought one, and then decided to buy one more after building the first.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cooler Master Elite 360 RC-360-KKN1-GP ATX Mid Tower/Desktop Case (Black)

Product Description:
Elite 360 is a mid/mini-tower that accommodates micro-ATX and ATX motherboards, built with a modern black design. This chassis maintains Elite's pedigree of compact-sized and quality build that would look great in any space. Elite 360 maintains a quiet environment while providing the option of adding 80mm bottom and rear fans, 120mm top and side fans to provide the best ventilation possible for a compact system.

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12/27/2010

Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard Review

Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard
Average Reviews:

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I have been a fan of Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combos for several years, and have owned nearly every new model they have come out with.My family has three computers, and all of them get used several hours a day, so I replace they keyboards and mice quite regularly.Logitech has always impressed me with their RF combo models, which have a great range and an extremely reliable signal.However, recently Logitech started dabbling with Bluetooth, and I have been disappointed with them for doing so.When the MX 5000 desktop combo was first released, I was quick to snag one immediately.It took me over two hours, and several reinstallations of the SetPoint software in order to get the combo to work.I encountered similar frustrations when I purchased the diNovo Laser combo for my wife's PC.Both of these keyboard/mouse combos use Bluetooth wireless to communicate with the PC, and both have proven to be extremely unreliable and frustrating to use.Many of the problems involved keystrokes not being recognized, sluggish mouse response, or even one of the devices losing connection entirely; requiring device reset or a complete reboot of the computer.I recently replaced both the MX 5000 and diNovo combos with Logitech's RF model MX 3200, which works flawlessly, and I swore that I would never buy a Bluetooth wireless desktop combo from Logitech again.Well, when I saw that Logitech was releasing a combo that offered the MX Revolution mouse, I just had to have it.You can imagine how disappointed I was to see that Logitech had decided to make this a Bluetooth set.Why would they do this?After all of the problems people have had with recent Bluetooth models, and all of the complaints that have been posted all over the net, I Should think that Logitech would have learned their lesson!Yet I had hope that maybe Logitech had learned from their mistakes and had improved the design and communication of this new model.I decided to order the MX 5500, as soon as it was released, and I have been using mine for the past few days.So far I am VERY impressed.

Installing the MX 5500 system was far better than my previous experience with Logitech Bluetooth combos.As recommended by Logitech, I first uninstalled my previous SetPoint installation and rebooted the computer.I still found that I had to use my MX 3200 keyboard and mouse to let logged into my computer, as Windows had still not detected the new Bluetooth dongle (included with the MX 5500) I had inserted into a USB port.Once I was logged into my Windows account it popped up a message saying that new hardware had been detected.Windows first sees it as a USB hub, and soon installs a two new HID devices, one for the keyboard and one for the mouse.I was then able to remove my 2.4GHz RF dongle for the MX 3200 combo, and my new MX 5500 was working just fine.This is BEFORE I reinstalled the SetPoint software!Logitech has found a way to pair the MX 5500 devices at the factory, to make it easier to install your new devices.This improvement alone won some big points with me.I then proceeded to install the included SetPoint 4.24 software, included with the MX 5500 combo.Installation was a breeze and a Bluetooth Connection Assistant soon popped up on the screen.It showed that the MX Revolution mouse was connected but that the keyboard was not.As the Connection Assistant suggested, I pushed the little red "Connect" button, located on the bottom of the keyboard, and was soon prompted to enter a 4-digit PIN number from the keyboard.After completing these simple steps my keyboard was successfully connected, and both the keyboard and mouse have remained connected every since.

I spent some time customizing the features of my new MX 5500, which can take a while since there are so many possibilities with this combo.The so-called backlit 2.95- x .79-inch LCD on the keyboard is very nice.This display can be toggled to several different modes, including time/date, media (shows artist name, song title, and progress bar), temperature, ABCD "favorites" key assignments, key counter, and e-mail inbox.Very impressive is the fact that the LCD updates quite quickly, when you receive a new e-mail or start playing a music track.This LCD also displays information like Caps Lock status, calculator, volume level, mute indicator, low battery warning, etc.The LCD is not really backlit, pers

Samson SAMD5 MD5 Desktop Mic Stand Review

Samson SAMD5 MD5 Desktop Mic Stand
Average Reviews:

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The Md-5 is very sturdy so you can trust that even very expensive microphones won't take a tumble. I particularly like to use it with my microphone VO: 1-A Harlan Hogan Signature Series Microphone inside the Porta-Booth - Portable Sound Studio because it's considerable weight compresses the foam on the bottom of the booth ensuring the mic is stable.

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Product Description:
This solid, heavy, and durable desktop mic stand by Samson makes an ideal mic stand for broadcasting and home recording applications. Its solid, no frills, fixed construction makes it very durable and user-friendly. It also comes at a prie which is difficult to compete with

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