Joined on 12/28/04
ASUS VE278Q
Pros: Looks great. Runs cooler.
Cons: 1 stuck pixel. buzzing sound
Overall Review: There is a buzzing sound emitted whenever it is turned on. Its faint, and does not bother me often because I am usually listening to music, but there are times it is very annoying. Never use the speakers
MS Mobile 4000
Pros: -Functionally, no complaints. -4th button for a back button is wonderful -tilt wheel is handy on occasion. -Tracking is good and so is the feel. -Size is good for mobility
Cons: Power Switch is defective BATTERY LIFE!!! I go through decent AAs in about 3-4 weeks if I take them out at night, quicker if I do not remove them. My work switched to low quality Ray**** AAs and now I am only getting about a 2 weeks if I'm lucky. I probably should have RMA'd it, but it was not bad at first and I didn't want to deal with the hassle.
Overall Review: I have had this for almost a full year now. Primarily used on my laptop at desk and to carry to meetings. Sometimes I switch it to my XFR for field use in and around construction equipment. It goes into a rather full backpack often, so size was a concern. I was a huge MS mouse fan for the longest time, but their selection has declined and my last couple experiences were not up to par so I have switched to Logitech. I bought a MX910 to replace it with. This one will probably be relegated to purely XFR field use on a limited basis. The touchpad on that laptop does not always like dirty hands or cold weather.
PSW505
Pros: Too much to list. Value 12" Driver Power output is good, but a single unit does not get crazy loud in a normal room. Tight bass - This is not just a cheap home theater unit to get a little rumble. It sounds good with music Gets pretty low ~30Hz F3 LFE in, Variable crossover for line in, auto mode on power switch
Cons: Dated appearance Huge surround No remote
Overall Review: This is the 2nd of these I have. Currently they both hooked up together in my basement, but I have used them in different locations. They are with a pair of Sony SS-F7000 towers powered by an HK 3490. The combo can put out ridiculous bass. Overall, I would take my DSW600 over it, despite its slightly lower power output. The bass is a bit punchier and the new model seems to get a bit lower. I like the 505 much better then my DSWmicoPro 1000 8" which I bought mostly for size and the crazy power output. They have similar freq response specs. I cannot believe people would pay as much or more for their new PSW lines. This is a higher end product that Newegg has great deals on. If you see a deal, take it
MS SidewinderX4
Pros: -increased simultaneous key inputs -BACKLIGHTING!!!! -wrist relief works well for me
Cons: -Cost -Key positions are awkward. -very wide
Overall Review: Overall it is a great keyboard and I would recommend it. I did not really need the macros keys and wish they were not there to extend the 'esc' key to be easier to find. I find the backspace is a bit harder to hit as well for some reason. In general, I type with more errors on it then all my other keyboards. That being said, it seems like a quality product and I love many of the features.
VSX-1018
Pros: 3 HDMI inputs that actually pull the audio off and don't just pass it through. Great value. Up to date digital decodings. The ipod/sat radio ready can handy. "Sound Retriever" really helps compressed audio without sounding fakey.
Cons: Lack of video control (aspect ratio, upscaling) on signals inputted as HDMI. Don't care for their equalizer. Limited, ancient-looking on-screen menus and the remote is a bit unfriendly.
Overall Review: I would like to see a 1/8" stereo input on the front for quickly hooking up an mp3 player that doesn't say ipod on it without the need to convert to rca. Overall I am very happy with it compared to others in the price range.