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Jeffrey C.

Jeffrey C.

Joined on 07/03/06

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 3
Most Favorable Review
Creative 70SB088000004 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Express 1x Interface PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium
Creative 70SB088000004 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Express 1x Interface PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium

Pros: PCI-express, decent frequency response (better than many onboard solutions), Intel HD front panel audio connector, not named after that Fatal1ty guy we've heard all too much about...

Cons: Frequency response of the card rolls off .5-1dB before 20kHz. Not quite as good a sound quality compared to other pro/high-end cards.

Overall Review: The Titanium non-Fatal1ty version of the sound card doesn't seem to have the 64MB of 'X-RAM' as a feature. The card does seem to share the same PCB layout as the Fatal1ty version though. The frequency response and harmonic distortion of both cards is probably comparable from what I've measured. PCI-express interface is a plus. Old fashioned PCI slots will eventually go the way of the dodo bird and motherboards today are coming with fewer and fewer of them. The card really doesn't bring anything new to the table with computers being as fast as they are today. I would have at least expected a better quality DAC.

Just about Perfect

IOGEAR GCS1104 4-Port USB DVI KVMP Switch with Audio and Cables
IOGEAR GCS1104 4-Port USB DVI KVMP Switch with Audio and Cables

Pros: Does not exhibit quirky EDID requirements like other KVMs (Gefen). You can power up devices with or without KVM focus and the video will always work regardless of resolution or state (you can switch between devices as they POST, boot into windows, and sitting on the desktop, etc. with no ill effect.) With Gefen KVMs you'd need their fifty a pop DVI detectives... Allows you to switch audio/usb/video independently from each other from device to device. Solid build construction. Main body is steel and edge trim is plastic. Buttons have a substantial feel/click to them. Nothing feels cheap. Hotkey style KVM configuration allows you to change internal KVM settings through your keyboard. Enter settings mode with a key combo. Audible beeps provide feedback on your setting changes. Hit Esc or space to exit configuration mode. DVI video quality is excellent with no noise/distortion at 1920x1200.

Cons: None, especially at this price. A ton of bang for your buck compared to the competition.

Overall Review: Using the KVM with a PC, Mac pro, xbox 360, and PS3. All work flawlessly with the KVM. Keyboard is an apple style (aluminum) unit and mouse is a G5. Mouse may not initially work through the back mouse designated USB port. Mouse emulation will need to be disabled through the settings (easy to change, it's in the manual.) It will work from the front peripheral USB port with no changes. Brick style AC Adapter is designed such that it will not obscure outlets above or below it. However it is still blocks outlets beside it due to its width.

12/29/2010

Great case but not so great value

SilverStone Temjin Series TJ09-B Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case
SilverStone Temjin Series TJ09-B Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case

Pros: Lots of room, easy access to components, clever and aesthetically pleasing case design, provisions for USB, firewire, and audio (intel HD/AC97 and mic) headers, attention to detail in design.

Cons: Flimsy side panels, thin alunimum sheets used for top and bottom, inconsistent construction quality, high price for what you get.

Overall Review: It's a very functional case. Lots of room to work with. Clever features that make getting parts in and out easier than other cases. But for the money you pay, the case has surprisingly thin and flimsy sidepanels. Prone to denting. The top and bottom of the chassis are formed from stamped alunimum the same thickess as the sidepanels. Also prone to denting. You could consider the flimsiness to be a feature to save weight since the sidepanels aren't load bearing or key to the case's structural integrity, but that's just cutting corners. If you want to save weight, go all the way and buy smaller case to begin with, don't go half way with a case that's already big and hard to transport. The case also had some light scratches/smudges from handling at the factory. The top air vent grill was indented in areas where it was fastened to the case. This is nit-picking, but for the money you pay, you deserve the right to.