Joined on 05/06/08
Kudos to Polish benchmarks...
Pros: Single 500GB platter, highest areal density available, runs silent and cool, average read tested higher than I expected, higher than 7200.12, which would make it fastest among 7200rpm drives. Once again, NewEgg delivered the next day (to Los Angeles).
Cons: None yet. Oh, can't hear it. Is that a con? Also, this is my first Samsung. Hope that doesn't turn out to be a con.
Overall Review: I was looking for the fastest single-platter drive, for the usual technical reasons, having been extremely pleased with the low-profile drives in the 7200.10 series. Wasn't sure if the new F3 would live up to the F1's reputation. Found some tests of F3s released a bit earlier in Europe and decided to take a chance. The Polish benchmark turned out to be the closest to what I ended up getting. My newly formatted, otherwise empty disk showed HDT readings of 256.2 MB/s burst, 13.5ms random access, 4% CPU utilization, and 121.9 MB/s average read. I tested three times and the numbers were within 1-2%, this being the best. (Sorry I can't paste a screen shot into a NewEgg review.) Looks like the F3 is indeed faster that the 7200.12 in synthetic testing. As to real world performance and longevity, we'll see. Will follow up this review if I run into any issues. Based on my first impression, though, I've already ordered a second drive.
Coming up on One Year Ownership
Pros: One year has passed since the F3 first came out and as far as I can tell it's still the fastest 7200 rpm drive on the market. I bought and reviewed this drive almost a year ago--it was my first Samsung--and my experience has been all good. Have bought three more since. No regrets. The F3 has become my drive of choice.
Cons: None.
Overall Review: From my first NewEgg review 8/29/09: "I was looking for the fastest single-platter drive, for the usual technical reasons, having been very pleased with the low-profile drives in the 7200.10 series. Wasn't sure if the new F3 would live up to the F1's reputation. Found some tests of F3s released a bit earlier in Europe and decided to take a chance. The Polish benchmark turned out to be the closest to what I ended up getting. My newly formatted, otherwise empty disk showed HDT readings of 256.2 MB/s burst, 13.5ms random access, 4% CPU utilization, and 121.9 MB/s average read. I tested three times and the numbers were within 1-2%, this being the best. Looks like the F3 is indeed faster that the 7200.12 in synthetic testing. As to real world performance and longevity, we'll see. Will follow up this review if I run into any issues. Based on my first impression, though, I've already ordered a second drive." Now I have four. Glad I took a chance when these first came out.
Serious Real Estate for the Money, Y'all!
Pros: Resolution, of course! Why else would you be looking at this monitor? No bad pixels. Very solid base with good height adjustment. Matte black (non-reflective) plastic is just right if, like me, you HATE glossy, reflective surfaces around your screens.
Cons: None yet. Hey NewEgg, this monitor does NOT come up on your Advanced Search for this resolution. If you want to sell more of these, and I hope you do, fix this glitch. The figures 2048 x 1152 are what makes this monitor desirable!
Overall Review: Bought a pair of these for a dual-monitor setup for stock trading and general use. Was looking for highest resolution under 2560 x 1600, which won't fit on my desk. I often have 6-10 open programs/windows and these monitors are wonderful for that. Big improvement over my previous 1680 x 1050 Acer pair. Perfectly bright and sharp on DVI but, obviously, don't expect IPS color and viewing angle performance from a TN monitor. I did have an issue with one of these monitors. It started to take longer and longer to wake up from sleep mode. I caught the trend within 30 days, so to protect myself I RMA'd it through NewEgg's replacement policy. As usual, they took care of it post haste with best-of-web communication and documentation. NewEgg once again earns serious loyalty from me for this kind of performance and customer focus. So, no egg taken off my rating. In fact, I would add one in appreciation.