cover
Brian N.

Brian N.

Joined on 08/12/06

0
0

Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 5
Most Favorable Review

Windows, Perfected

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit

Pros: The very best Windows to date. Easy to use. All the right features without all the garbage 8.0. Responsive and has run my system solid for a long while now. It's not Windows 8 is a pretty big Pro in my book. My laptop came with Win8 and within 10 minutes I was like MAKE IT GO AWAY! And no, Windows 8 does NOT grow on you. It's an evil upgrade that should never have been and upgrading to 8.1 just ticked me off even more because it required me to sign up for a stupid Microsoft account that then FAILED to connect when booting for the first time so it reverted back to my original account I registered Win8 with in the first place. Microsoft... just STOP.

Cons: None that I can think of off the top of my head.

Overall Review: If you are struggling to decide if you should get the new Win 8 or stick with the older Win 7 here... DO NOT get suckered in to Win 8. It's atrocious. It's like Win 7 only loaded with so much garbage for touch screen devices. I still do date, have not found where they moved the Calculator. Stop moving stuff around!

Most Critical Review

Fragile As Glass

Corsair Vengeance 1500 USB Connector Circumaural Dolby 7.1 Gaming Headset
Corsair Vengeance 1500 USB Connector Circumaural Dolby 7.1 Gaming Headset

Pros: Great sound. Crisp microphone recording. Comfortable ear cups. Pretty blue lights. Built in microphone muting and volume control.

Cons: This thing is as fragile as glass. I have been using it now for a few months and accidentally knocked it off my table on to the carpeted floor of my room and now the left speaker is buzzing and the 7.1 surround sound is messed up. I have tried everything short of voiding the warranty to restore the sound but whatever damage was caused by the two foot drop onto a soft floor appears to be permanent. I'll be RMAing it unless their warranty doesn't cover small drop distances on to soft surfaces in which case I think I'll be done with Corsair products.

Overall Review: Great while it lasted. I expect a little more durability out of an expensive product like this.

500 RPM is the New 2280

CORSAIR Hydro Series H100i Extreme Performance Water/Liquid CPU Cooler. 240mm
CORSAIR Hydro Series H100i Extreme Performance Water/Liquid CPU Cooler. 240mm

Pros: When functioning at the proper speeds it gets my 4.8GHZ Overclock 3930k processor at around 68c under heavy load.

Cons: This device worked for only a couple weeks correctly but suddenly after turning my PC on the fan plummets from 2280RPM to 500RPM. It shows up in the Corsair Link 2 software as an Unknown type and shows the Max RPM is 500. Sometimes the pump will work and the world is beautiful place and then other times its 500rpm city and I have to shut the system off. If I can keep the system from BSOD, the fan will eventually decide to function and start pumping at 2280RPM again but rarely does my OC system stay stable long enough for that to occur (Takes about 5-8 minutes for the fan to realize it is doing a bad job at pumping and speeding up to normal operating parameters). My roommate and I built our new PCs at the same time. His H100i works great, it is recognized and works every time he boots up. Mine is like playing Russian Roulette. Disappointed. I have had the product for only 3 months.

Overall Review: Requested RMA from Manufacturer. Will see if that is what they want me to do.

Perfect Keyboard

Saitek Eclipse II Illuminated Keyboard
Saitek Eclipse II Illuminated Keyboard

Pros: I am 'downgrading' from a Razer Anasi to this Saitek Eclipse II and couldn't be happier. The keys are solid and responsive and the backlighting is just right and has a variety of colors to choose from. The Razer isn't working right anymore. The 5 key usually won't activate on the first try and the keys are not responsive enough. Perhaps it was TOO MUCH keyboard for my needs but I know when compared to the Saitek, I love the feel of the Saitek much better.

Cons: None so far. Good all around keyboard for the buck.

Overall Review: I use to scoff at Saitek branded products a decade ago but now I love their joysticks and keyboards.

The Very Best Lens by Canon

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens

Pros: Absolutely stunning lens with unmatched sharpness, color and accuracy. Fast AF and silent operation make this lens ideal for any situation including low-light and night photography. I use it for working at conventions doing photowork of costume designers and wedding photography. It is ideal for portrait work. Couldn't be happier with this lens.

Cons: Heavy but you get use to it. Weak warranty. I wish Canon would take some pride and stamp an 8-year on their lenses like Sigma and Tameron.

Overall Review: Before you walk out of the store with a new shiney 24-70mm be sure you have a UV filter to attach to the lens permanently. Protect your lens like you would your children. While the camera is gasketted against dust intrusion and moisture I always leave my lens attached to my Canon 30D body in my shoot bag. The fewer times you remove a lens the less likely you are to get dirt and dust into the lens and camera. Once you attach this lens you won't use any other lens anyway unless you are needing super zoom range in the 200mm up.

10/28/2008