Pros: *Works like previous WD TV products, but with a slicker interface and better implementation of features. *Plays most files from my network (MP4, mkv, etc.) seamlessly. *Great Netflix support -- streams over Ethernet without a hiccup. Same for Pandora, Facebook, and other services. *Internal 1TB drive. *Rear USB port for an eternal drive *Front USB port for wireless keyboard. *Reasonably intuitive interface *User friendly remote control *Can add/access files from network when unit is "off"

Cons: *MSRP is $50 too expensive *Sluggish (but not unacceptable) response *Poor/incomplete documentation *File transfers slower than advertised * Doesn't support web browsing

Overall Review: I loved my WD Live TV, but I wasn't a fan of its barebones interface and "quirky" network behavior. This upgrade fixes many of the problems with the older unit -- everything works better. HD is a 1TB Scorpio Blue. Not the fastest on the block, but cool and quiet. Ethernet is not gigabit. Movie transfers can take a few minutes. Processor/memory is just fast enough for the job. Later iterations will hopefully include faster internals. "Mochi" interface is attractive and reasonably intuitive. Firmware updates are seamless (but slow) This is an evolutionary product that fills a niche. I no longer need a NAS or HTPC just for watching ripped video or Netflix, or to check my Facebook status. I could complain more about features, but only because I expect more from a device that costs this much. Were the unit equipped with a faster proc and HD, and true GB Ethernet, it would be a bargain. WD could own this market (and others, ShareSpace $$$ cough!) if it priced mo

Pros: Simple installation process. Noticeable speed improvement during boot-up and when launching frequently used applications. Inexpensive alternative to starting from scratch with new SSD.

Cons: One of two units I purchased did not include an activation code for the ReadyCache software (the sheet of paper was blank where the code should have been printed). Tech support is difficult to reach, and solutions the issue could not be immediately resolved.

Overall Review: It is too early for me to provide an overall review of the product. I am noticing a marked improvement in load times on the one computer (an old Intel E8400/Win 7 Pro 64/7200 rpm HD) after three days' use. Installation was a snap. I withheld one star simply due to this being a brand new install. I am withholding another star because one of two drives I purchased did not include an activation code, which is required to use the product. Although I have seen several postings online complaining about this issue, the SanDisk support site does not adequately address, except to suggest calling 1-866-SANDISK. I do not recommend this, as I could not reach a human and was instructed to leave details about my problem by recording. I tried SanDisk livechat this morning, and was told I will be emailed a new activation code. It could not be provided on call. My total time investment pursuing the missing code has been over an hour so far, which is disappointing (and more costly than the sale discount). For this, I subtract a third star. Hopefully, this drive will be working later today.

Pros: High-quality manufacture Huge ball-bearing fan Beautiful to behold Tall enough to clear most RAM Quiet at idle and light-medium loads Excellent cooling of i7 4770k at stock (35-50 C) and mild overclock (up to 60C at 4.1 Ghz), even when at full load Fits in Antec Solo-II midtower case Fair value at late 2014 prices (about $20-30 below orig MSRP) Reasonably quiet, even when fan is fully engaged

Cons: Doesn't perform as well as many competitors (Noctua, Prolimatech, Thermalright) Non-replaceable fan Expensive at MSRP Difficult/tricky installation on GA-Z87X-UD4H mobo Unacceptable CPU temp for 24/7 use at full load with i7 4770k at 4.3 Ghz (90C constant) Fan must run full speed to support overclocking above 3.8 Ghz in my build

Overall Review: I bought this HSF because past experiences with the Zalman CNPS line. I've run past-generation AMD and Intel CPUs in gaming rigs and full-time Folding@Home rigs at acceptable temps, even when moderately overclocked. Although these coolers have irreplaceable fans, I've never had one fail, even after 3-5 years of constant use. I've also never had a CPU die due to cooling failure. And Zalman coolers have a "wow" factor ... they're beautiful. I have two GNPS9900Max-B units, which I've used in two identical configurations over the past year and a half (proc/mobo/case listed above). No issues with either HSF/fan. Very happy overall. Installation was difficult on my mobo, and required some dexterity. Install guide was not very helpful. At 4.3Ghz and under full load, my Haswell CPU hits 90C on the nose. This is not beyond Intel's max temp, but it is much too high for my taste. I might be able to decrease the temp a few degrees by lowering voltage or using a case with more ventilation (Antec Solo-II is a midtower with two intake fans and one exhaust), but my case temps are pretty low. My research indicates Ivy Bridge and Sandy bridge CPUs overclock well and achieve better temps than Haswell with the same HSF/Fan. Even through Haswells at lower power draws, the heat-spreader/plates are not soldered to the CPUs as with previous generations (thermal paste is substituted instead). As a result, Haswells run hotter than Ivys or Sandys at lower power. My guess is that if I delidded my Haswells and replaced the thermal compound, I could drop 10C at max load. However, I have no wish to void my warranty over a couple hundred Mhz. Bottom line? The CNPS9900Max-B is an excellent cooling solution for Sandy and Ivy processors in all conditions. For Haswell, however, be prepared to accept lower clock speeds. If you are intent on achieving moderate-to-high overclocks on Haswell, you may be better off with a different solution.

Pros: Excellent build quality Good screen Comfortable and familiar controls Runs Android w/update and no bloatware Some Shield-optimized games are fantastic Control mapping utility makes phone games more fun Streams PC games at high framerates Works hand-in-glove with Steam's console mode. Surprisingly good battery life, especially in PC streaming mode Works when plugged in. Has microSD slot that for up to 32GB extra storage. Flawlessly runs emulators for popular, but discontinued consoles Tegra 4 chip is a responsive and graphically impressive Can be plugged into TV for "console mode" No other product does what Shield does out of box.

Cons: Screen only 720p and a tad small Limited selection of high-quality Shield optimized Android games Not all phone games work well with control mapping software PC streaming requires Kepler-based video card PC streaming requires fast router (dual band AC or N) Accessories are expensive and inflate cost ($40 carry case, $20 for non-ugly "shield badge" for lid) Price is a bit steep compared to competing handhelds 16GB internal memory is too small.

Overall Review: Reviews are quick to point out that Shield is not for everyone. They are correct. It is a niche product for people who already have a fast PC, have or plan to buy a Kepler-based Nvidia graphics card, and have or plan to buy a wireless AC or N router with dual-channel capability. Fortunately, I already had all of these things (and a bazillion Steam games), so buying Shield was a no-brainer, even at near MSRP. I considered other, cheaper, more popular handhelds, but it was really no contest once realized I could play my old ROMs in emulation, run virtually any Android application without issue, play dozens of PC games at desirable frame rates from my couch, and destroy entire weekends playing Asphalt 8 (seriously, a game that I think is OK on tablets, but ascends to dizzying heights when played on Shield.) My only complaints about this device can be addressed in future versions. It could use a larger, higher-resolution screen, and at least 32 GB of internal storage. Of course, the next Tegra version won't hurt, either. IMHO, the Shield is worth the money for the Android game/app/emulation capabilties alone. The ability to stream Steam games is a huge bonus, that I use more than I thought I would. The build quality is impressive, and the controls are very sturdy. Everything folds up nicely into a clamshell. Shield isn't for everyone. But if it's for you, it's REALLY for you.

Pros: Good value under if obtained for $225 or less. Clear highs Strong, if somewhat muddy bass. Capable of high volume without much distortion Handy volume/setting pod Easy setup

Cons: Not as good with music reproduction as some reviews would claim (i.e. not "audiophile").

Overall Review: I've had the SP 2000 for a month, and I really like it. It replaces another 2.1 setup, a Boston Acoustics system purchased retail for $100 in 2001. I chose this system primarily as a gaming and music system in my office. I have absolutely no complaints with its gaming capabilities. Paired with a good gaming soundcard (I use ASUS Xonar STX and Xonar DGX), it produces clear, positional sound for when I tire of headphones. It does not shine as brightly for audio reproduction, however. This is a point worth emphasizing as a counterpoint to some of the glowing reviews in various tech publications. This is a good audio system, but not a substitute for even a good mid-range receiver/tower setup. It is merely very nice 2.1 audio kit worth every penny of its (relatively) modest price, particularly if you are a gamer first and a music fan second. Although the subwoofer is twice the physical size of my BA’s, and the BA’s satellites lack the tweeters included here (satellites are otherwise same size), it’s actually difficult for me to decide which sounds better when listening A/B. The decade old, inexpensive Boston Acoustic is much warmer and sweeter, while the Corsair is more accurate, but less engaging (like a really nice boom box). What’s wrong for music? As far as I can tell, is the plastic housing surrounding the satellites. At high volumes, it reverberates with a "plasticky" thumpiness/buzziness that will instantly remind you that this is indeed a 2.1 setup with limits (especially if you fell in love with the clarity and depth provided the small woofer/tweeter setup at lower volumes.) The satellites would likely benefit from more solid housings, and being placed on a solid wood desk. Bottom line: Despite my criticisms, is a great setup if you are on a budget. The SP 2000 will blow away almost anything at a big box retailer’s computer audio section. But they will leave you wanting more if you really want a tool for appreciating music. They’re probably worth the risk of ordering. Just know that, depending on your ear, you might end up returning them for a set of speakers you can get lost in.

Pros: Nice looks. Moves air reasonably well. 3-speed adjustable fan. Antec can reinvest profits from this excellent idea into a product that actually holds up.

Cons: Fan becomes noisy quickly. Chassis splits at seam. Brief lifetime.

Overall Review: I have owned four Antec Super Cyclones in the past two years. I purchased the first set because I wanted to cool down passive-cooling video cards in a pair of Sonata II cases. Also, I have had good luck with Antec case fans, which frequently last several years with constant use. Not so with this product. My first impression was positive -- the chassis was thick plastic, the mounting plate was attractive and securely mounted beneath my video card at the bottom of the case. Little did I know the fans would not exhibit Antec's usual longevity. They became noisy within weeks, usually at boot-up, and grew progressively noisy over time. Within a few months, they were loud enough that my wife could hear them two rooms away. Upon removing the units, I noticed the plastic cases split at the seams. I cleaned the units with compressed air and attempted to seal the gaps. This did not help. I replaced the units with two more I found on deep discount about 8 months ago. Same story.