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Simon T.

Simon T.

Joined on 07/16/02

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 10
Most Favorable Review

Wonderful

Microsoft BX1-00005 Silver/Black 105 Normal Keys 22  + 1 Zoom Slider Function Keys USB or PS/2 Wired Standard Digital Media Pro Keyboard
Microsoft BX1-00005 Silver/Black 105 Normal Keys 22 + 1 Zoom Slider Function Keys USB or PS/2 Wired Standard Digital Media Pro Keyboard

Pros: Goldilocks keys - not too firm, not too soft; action is quiet enough to not bother my roommate. More hotkeys than I know what to do with. Good quality. Great price.

Cons: Zoom is a little gimmicky. Intellitype software doesn't allow for full customizability of hotkeys - use something like AutoHotKey instead. Not a curve/wave model (my preference).

Overall Review: I was wonderfully surprised to see that the keyboard remembers the F-Lock key status (Google if you're unfamiliar with this problem) between reboots/power outages, even when hooked up via USB - I dunno how they do that short of an internal battery. Overall, I can't complain - even disregarding the price I can't think of any shortcomings.

Most Critical Review
Patriot 1GB DDR 400 (PC 3200) Desktop Memory Model PSD1G400
Patriot 1GB DDR 400 (PC 3200) Desktop Memory Model PSD1G400

Pros: Cheap

Cons: Defective: did not boot at SPD and failed memory tests at 166MHz. RMA'ed.

Strong signal, weak stand

TERK HDTVa Amplified Directional Indoor HDTV Antenna
TERK HDTVa Amplified Directional Indoor HDTV Antenna

Pros: My apartment gets almost no OTA signal, but this antenna managed to get 7 stations at (nearly) full quality. For the price, I haven't seen performance anywhere nearly this good. The antenna is compact and actually doesn't look ugly, and the amplifier is a separate component, so you can hook it up to any 75 Ohm coaxial antenna.

Cons: The antenna's base is very small, so it easily tips over.

Worked for me

Antec Neo Power 500 500 W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Antec Neo Power 500 500 W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Pros: Seasonic OEM design, modular cables, quiet. 500w of continuous power is more than I will ever need.

Cons: I didn't get bitten by the compatibility issue, but I had to add an extra hard drive to my S754 system before there was enough load to make the thing stay on at boot. Antec apparently has a very proactive replacement policy for incompatible NeoHE's.

Overall Review: The NeoHE430 was reviewed on Silent PC Review, and got great marks for efficiency and quietness. In all honesty, no system short of an overclocked quad-SLI, quad-core monster will ever draw more than 500W or so at full load. This PSU provides great stability and efficiency all the way to the top, and any high quality ~500W PSU will do the same.

Quiet when undervolted

Scythe Minebea NMB Silent IC Series 3610KL-04W-B29-F51 92mm Case Cooling Fan
Scythe Minebea NMB Silent IC Series 3610KL-04W-B29-F51 92mm Case Cooling Fan

Pros: Good airflow, essentially silent when undervolted to 5v, quiet at 7v. Noise is noticeable but not annoying at the regular 12v. Comes with pass-through adapters for both 3 and 4 pin power.

Cons: I'm sure you could find quieter fans if you looked around for a long time.

Overall Review: Google for a free undervolting method using the 4-pin molex power plugs. I have two of these fans @ 5v in my Antec Solo, drawing air through the front. They basically keep my 3 hard drives near room temperature.

Sinfully comfortable

Logitech MX 518 8 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Optical 1800 dpi Gaming Mouse
Logitech MX 518 8 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Optical 1800 dpi Gaming Mouse

Pros: Read the title, this mouse is like a shape-conforming pillow for my right hand. It glides perfectly on my cheapo mouse pad and is sensitive and accurate enough that I barely need to move my hand and still get perfect tracking. Think F-16 fighter side stick. The buttons and scroll wheel are positioned well and, very importantly, have just the right amount of tactile feedback/resistance.

Cons: I hate the SetPoint drivers - large memory footprint, and it somehow screws up the sensitivity settings every time I log into Windows Vista. No "tilt wheel," but you can easily map a button to do AutoScroll which is just as good. The mouse is big which could be a concern for those with small hands and/or constrained desk space.

Overall Review: I'm not a huge gamer although I do play a lot of FPS'es. This mouse, despite being billed for gamers, is great for anyone who needs a comfortable, accurate, full-featured mouse. I have not seen any difference in tracking ability between this and any more expensive laser/gaming mice that I have tried.