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Vondine L.

Vondine L.

Joined on 09/18/09

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 7
Most Favorable Review

No regrets, would pay twice the price for this tablet!

ASUS Google Nexus 7 Tablet 32GB - Brown
ASUS Google Nexus 7 Tablet 32GB - Brown

Pros: Did everything it promised, and more. Web browsing and email is a dream come true. Watching videos on YouTube or NetFlix; it's like having a pocket TV. Video performance is awesome, I run my own personal 1080p Quicktime movies on this tablet without so much as a hiccup. Uploading content to the tablet could not be easier. My computer sees it as a mass storage device, with folders clearly labeled "pictures", etc. So simple, no interface, no digital rights management. Played my MP3s & MP4s with no issues. Learn to use "Swype" for typing, it can be amazing sometimes. It's fast, but also fun (to "draw" your words does interesting things to your brain) Plus, there's 2 apps that allow me to connect to my HD-SLR cameras and use the Nexus as camera monitor. This is one thing that the iPad, at this writing, cannot do. This made the tablet a no-brainer purchase for me, as I'm a professional camera operator. Battery life is solid; single charge lasts me 2-3 days with normal usage. No issues with running hot. Only once in 3 months has it done anything unexpected (it rebooted by itself one day, but it was fine afterwards.. software update?)

Cons: Doesn't do HDMI out; if you wanted to port your video out to a large screen TV. That's it. I can't think of anything else.

Overall Review: I would buy this product again and again. It's not a stretch to say it's changed my digital paradigm.

Most Critical Review

Don't buy this product!

Microsoft M7A-00001 Black 103 Normal Keys 10 Function Keys Wireless Standard Optical Desktop 700 v2
Microsoft M7A-00001 Black 103 Normal Keys 10 Function Keys Wireless Standard Optical Desktop 700 v2

Pros: It's cheap.

Cons: I bought this to use with a laptop hooked to an HDTV, but this unit couldn't cover the 4 foot distance from TV to coffee table! The mouse and keyboard don't work with my desktop running WinXP. With my laptop running Windows 7, the keyboard works but the mouse doesn't work.

Overall Review: That's right.. the Mouse has never worked, not even one time.

12/13/2010

Mounting Brackets Matter, Install Them Too

Fractal Design Silent Series R2 120mm Silence Optimized Hydraulic Bearing Black/White Computer Case Fan
Fractal Design Silent Series R2 120mm Silence Optimized Hydraulic Bearing Black/White Computer Case Fan

Pros: These Fans are So Quiet, I had to double check if my computer was On, after installation. I've got 6 of these in 2 PCs and I've never had a problem.

Cons: Fractal might consider including rubber washers or more of the rubber mounts.

Overall Review: Pro Tip: Get a Prolimatech PRO-SAM17 Samuel 17 CPU Cooler, then use a 120mm fan as CPU cooler Product is great, buyers need to install the vibration-free rubber mounts to get max quietude. If you break the rubber mounts, go to the hardware store and get some tiny rubber washers. Minimizing vibrations from the mounting, is part of the Fractal thing here. Reviews that say these fans aren't that great, I have to assume they were not installed properly.

Painful Install, but Works Great

Prolimatech PRO-SAM17 Samuel 17 CPU Cooler
Prolimatech PRO-SAM17 Samuel 17 CPU Cooler

Pros: Allows use of any 120mm fan as a CPU fan

Cons: Difficult installation, requiring access to BOTH sides of your motherboard. Lots of tiny screws.

Overall Review: I bought a Fractal 120mm hydraulic bearing (Quiet) fan to use with this, for a Less Noisey CPU Cooler. Installed, wasn't getting good temps.. took the whole thing apart (again), replaced Thermal Paste, now my CPU temps are lower AND it's Quieter.. but that install, tho.. could have been designed better, but it works.

Professional Camera Bag with Laptop Pouch

Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera Bags & Cases Black SLR Camera/Laptop Backpack
Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera Bags & Cases Black SLR Camera/Laptop Backpack

Pros: Padded, customizable Storage for lenses (huge plus). Side and back panels for accessories. Rubber on the bottom to repel moisture. This is a professional quality field-duty camera bag with a flat sleeve for a laptop.. I haven't actually used mine for a laptop yet, but right now my bag is holding 2 HD-SLR bodies, SEVEN lenses, 6 batteries, a charger, 2 filter kits, a multitool, and some cleaning supplies. This bag holds a lot, has quality construction, and doesn't cost a fortune.

Cons: Seriously, I can't think of anything I'd want from a bag that this doesn't deliver. This is a bag for a serious photographer, but everything is customizable with velcro. If you don't need this much lens storage, you can remove whatever you like.

Overall Review: I like the low profile of this bag. It doesn't scream out "steal me!" at the airport, and has a small Case Logic logo on the back.

Fits well, Copper is great, Fan is LOUD at full RPM

ZALMAN CNPS 7500 Cu LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler
ZALMAN CNPS 7500 Cu LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler

Pros: You can't beat copper for conducting heat. This medium sized copper heatsink and fan has a somewhat compact design (without being "too small" IMO) that should fit into your case without a lot of hassles. Fan-Mate RPM controller is a lifesaver for noise issues.. see "Cons" below...

Cons: Fan is NOISY at full RPM. It sounds a bit like a wood chipper. Within 2 hours, I installed the fan-mate controller and turned the RPMs almost all the way down. The included thermal grease is a joke. It's zinc oxide, (the stuff you use on your nose at the beach to prevent sunburn) and mine was "watery" coming out of the tube. Buy some thermal grease from another vendor (I got some polysynthetic silver)

Overall Review: Despite a few cons, I'm happy with the price and overall quality of this unit. Without the fan-mate RPM controller, however, I'd be returning this unit for being too noisy.