Pros: This CPU flawlessly keeps up with my demands, and I have the CompizConfig Settings Manager package installed with "Gutsy Gibbon" Ubuntu 7.10. There is no lag whatsoever. This CPU also kept up with a Gutsy live CD with absolutely zero lag (except for loading programs or menus). Even at 2.2GHz, the dual-cores effectively double the CPU's capabilities.

Cons: None that I can think of at all.

Pros: This is quite simply an excellent motherboard, and it has plenty of space for future expansion. The one PATA slot makes it really, really tempting to find a good adapter so that I can use a linux version of Vista's ReadyBoost to speed up my computer's boot time.

Cons: The rear bezel had these odd prongs that bent inwards and kept it from properly fitting (it kept bending outward), but that was fixed with a small pair of small-noze pliers and a bit of patience. There was also a piece that blocked the firewire port, and I had to bend it back and out of the way as well. I don't know if I'll ever need firewire, but I feel really comfortable having it there. The northbridge chipset could use a small fan on top of the heatsink, but that's just my opinion. I like more active airflow keeping things nicely chilled.

Overall Review: I had just a little trouble getting some of the plugs put on right, but those were more or less just the HDD and power LED's for the computer case. Those prongs could use clearer markings, but since they merely power LED's, it won't hurt anything to accidentally mount the plugs the wrong way. I'm hoping this mobo will have RAID support for Linux, but I'm not placing my bets on it since one of the install CD's (neither of which I needed to get my computer running with Linux) is for Vista and it's the only one that mentions RAID.

Pros: This case is incredibly simple and has exactly what I need. The front-mounted USB ports are really handy, and I love the front and side vents. They open up many possibilities for active airflow systems.

Cons: The only two cons I can really think of are the PSU that came with the computer (it wasn't quite hefty enough to run the hardware that went into the machine) and the tool-less rack-mounting system. Maybe I just like the extra security screw holes provide, but the system doesn't make assumption for proprietary screws that some internal devices require.

Overall Review: The side panel requires a little bit of finesse to pop off, but it comes off easily afterward. I found the front bezel to be a little resistant to coming off, but it's exactly like a dysfunctional dinosaur of a computer I have on my hands, so I expected that. The back panel required no tooling whatsoever, and the Gigabyte mobo fit in perfectly. This tower could do with a 90-degree-left rotation of the hard drive slots. It assumes the HDD's in it use an IDE interface, and my SATA cables are a little cramped. Even still, those are just minor oversights, and I was still able to get all my hardware to fit snugly and securely. All in all, a good cheap case for someone who doesn't mind tinkering just a li'l bit to get stuff to fit.

Pros: So far, this device has worked splendidly for me, and I'm using "Gutsy Gibbon" Ubuntu 7.10. The internal USB 2.0 interface is blazing fast! I emptied a 1.0 GB SD card full of music in just a couple minutes with this thing whereas my laptop would take 10 or more.

Cons: The front bezel is loosely attached, and a hasty yank of a properly inserted SD card can pop one side off. make sure to be a little conservative in pulling out your flash memory.

Overall Review: The lower slots for SMC/XD and SD/MMC cards are upside down. You have to insert those cards with the contacts UP! Also, the front LED's are a tad bright, but if you don't put your computer where they'll shine in your eyes at night, they won't be a bugger.

Pros: These speakers can really pump for the price you pay, and the quality is really good. These are excellent for a small, cramped workstation and a person with a tight budget. I also love the whole six-screw construction. Makes it really easy to get in and fix the PC board. :P

Cons: It's only a 2.1 system, but I can't afford more speakers. :P And be VERY careful with the bass jack on the back of the master unit. See other thoughts below.

Overall Review: The electronics inside aren't very well made. All the solder joints look rushed and globbed together. I had to re-solder the center ground prong for the bass jack to get the sub working again, but that's the quality you get for paying such a low price for such great speakers. The only thing that keeps these from getting a five-egg rating is this one small flaw. If Cybre Acoustics could improve their PC board construction quality, they'd have a winner here. :)