Joined on 08/22/05
Just the right size
Pros: Perfect size for a micro-ATX build. Anything larger is unnecessarily big. Anything smaller does not fit ATX power supply, limits CPU cooler choice to low profiles, and has really small rear fan (60 mm or so). The case is very basic in what it offers, but has all that is really needed. Considering its price, the value is unbeatable. All dimensions are perfect: - Length - just long enough to avoid tight space between ODD and PSU - Height - just high enough to fit mATX board and PSU - Width - just wide enough to fit ATX PSU, and leave enough clearance to not be too restrictive in CPU cooler choice. Includes 2.5" mounting bracket in the lower 5.25" bay, and rubber 3.5" HDD mounts.
Cons: This is a simple inexpensive case, so don't expect something typically found in more expensive ones. Metal is quite thin, finish is simple paint. Thick aluminum panels are great... if you are willing to pay $100 and up. Pay attention to PSU mounting orientation. Fanless PSUs will mount upside-down - make sure yours has fan.
Overall Review: I am building a basic mATX-based system, and this case is just about the right size. Anything smaller than that does not fit an ATX power supply, and requires low-profile cooler. If you want a simple and basic PC, but do not need it to be *really* small, this is a perfect choice. ATX case and m/b would typically be more expensive. If you go down mini-ITX path, there's premium to pay for compactness, and/or space becomes really tight, and you are limited in the choice of cooling system. This is a very simple case. Assembly is as easy as it gets. Design is minimalistic but functional. Note: rear fan has universal 92/80 mm mounting holes. Product description omits the 80 mm part.
Functional entry-level switch
Pros: - Does what it is supposed to, with one caveat - see cons - Comes with all cables integrated - Has dedicated physical button on a long wire in addition to keyboard shortcut
Cons: - Loud high pitch noise via the audio output
Overall Review: I ended up bypassing this switch for audio, and connecting the speakers directly to one of the two PCs instead. If routed via the switch, audio has loud high pitch noise which is pretty annoying. Luckily for me, I only really needed DP and USB switching. Other than that, works well. Having a dedicated hard button for switching in addition to keyboard shortcut is really convenient.
Works just like the original
Pros: - Same print quality as OEM cartridge - Quite a bit cheaper
Cons: - None so far
Overall Review: Cartridge which came with my Brother HL2230 has finally ran out of toner, and this one has replaced it. As far as I can tell it works just as well as the original - giving me crisp and clear prints. Will see how long it lasts.
Pros: - Legendary double precision compute performance. - Comes with a backplate! (Which is pretty outstanding for a card in this price range). - Good price, and often comes with a MIR on top of it.
Cons: - Has some coil whine, but not too much. - By now this architecture is really dated, but then again no newer model from AMD come anywhere close in terms of double precision compute performance to price ratio.
Overall Review: I bought this card mostly for OpenCL compute. In double precision calculations, it has 1/2 performance of Titan Black, for 1/6 the price.
Compact wireless keyboard
Pros: - Built-in touchpad - Good for controlling PCs in remote locations (HTPC, etc.)
Cons: - Not the best keys layout - have to use Fn like on a laptop - Keys don't provide good tactile feedback - Range isn't great, OK if your keyboard is near your PC, can be an issue otherwise
Overall Review: I am using this keyboard to control PC connected to my TV. It is fine for occasional use but isn't convenient for regular and/or prolonged use. Anyhow it does what it is supposed to.
Good value
Pros: Good price given screen size and high resolution.
Cons: HDMI input is limited to 1920*1080.
Overall Review: Luckily all my devices have DisplayPort. If you need to use HDMI, you may want to consider other models. All in all, a very solid product.