Joined on 04/11/10
Video Card
Pros: - Draws only 25 watts - Increased Win 7 WEI Aero graphics score from 3.1 to 4.2 - ATI Catalyst software also measures GPU temp - Great value at $46
Cons: - Low profile means only the VGA or DVI interface can be connected at one time
Overall Review: Installed in a HP Slimline desktop with a 160W power supply so this card is just about the only one that can be used without getting a power supply with more juice
Works Well Once Installed
Pros: *Great value *Small Footprint *6 Foot CAT 6 cable supplied *Eliminates the need for wireless printer connectivity, which is more expensive than wired only
Cons: * Software does not load in Win 8.1, even in compatibility mode * Software dates from Vista!! even on the website * Manual installation required of local printer to TCP IP port * Some technical knowledge of networks required for manual installation
Overall Review: *Make sure you specify Protocol LPR and a print queue name if you are manually installing *Don't share the printer
HP = Best Printers
Pros: -Great price -Excellent performance
Cons: -Doesn't always wake from sleep mode
Overall Review: -Doesn't always wake up from sleep mode, which kinda defeats the purpose of Wifi. Solution is to always leave in standby mode. Extra power used is minor. -Setting up on both Ethernet and wireless is a bit tricky since wireless setup requires a wireless connection. Set up wired first, then wireless using another device.
DLink
Pros: - Inexpensive - Easy to set up - Excellent range (covers both floors in our house)
Cons: - Minor: Unit is very light so any Cat5 cables connected pull it around.
Overall Review: - Bought it at Best Buy...same price there but no shipping charge. - Using it as a wireless access point on a wired network which means turning off DHCP and assigning a static IP address to the unit on the subnet - After researching online, I found the more expensive routers were rated no better by users than this one, and I won't be out $100 if it craps out in a year or two - First use with Win7 is a breeze, the config process is completely automated, not so with Win XP
Kingston RAM Netbook
Pros: - Worked immediately upon boot up - Great value at $43 - Kingston brand name
Cons: - None
Overall Review: - Clearance is pretty tight on most netbooks, I used an insulated flat tool to lock the stick into the DDR slot - Installed in an Acer netbook model AO532H
USB Keypad
Pros: - Inexpensive - USB cable and connector store in unit - Stays put on a flat service - Eliminates the need to use an external keyboard with a laptop or netbook
Cons: - None
Overall Review: Half the cost of other sites and stores I've visited.