Joined on 11/23/05
Nice Linux remote for Mythtv
Pros: full featured, cheap
Cons: none so far...
Overall Review: Bought this as a remote for a Mythtv frontend. After struggling to get it to work, I'd almost given up, then found a google reference and compiled the latest Lircd build and voila! Works like a charm. Using Mythbuntu/Ubuntu 10.10 also works since it includes the latest lircd build. Just be sure to configure the remote as MCE-USB.
An OK MythTV frontend, but no rebate!
Pros: Once I got HDMI audio working (see below) this unit has proven to be a pretty good MythTV frontend. I have it hooked up to a 720p LCD and it seems to handle the load fine. VDPAU on the Nvidia Ion handles the graphics load nicely.
Cons: Could not get HDMI audio to work with Mythbuntu 10.04 or earlier, and had to jump through some hoops that are documented on the web to get everything going with 10.10. ZOTAC does NOT seem to honor rebates!!!
Overall Review: I always buy a unit that includes a rebate with some trepidation, but thought I'd give Zotac a try anyway. I verified t hat I qualified, filled out the rebate material correctly, sent it all in promptly, and... nothing. That's been over 6 months ago. Vendors/manufacturers must realize that while rebates are a great vehicle to increase sales and profit -- most folks don't send them in -- but failure to fulfill rebates only serves to negatively impact their reputation and put a sizable dent in their sales overall. Much as I might be tempted, I, for one, will not buy another product from Zotac until I receive the promised $30 rebate. From what I've ready in other reviews, I'm not alone. At least for Zotac, it's a scam and a rip off.
worked out ok in the end...
Pros: In the end, I got the machine that was advertised, but it took some effort and time. See "other thoughts".
Cons: Questionable 3rd party vendor.
Overall Review: First, I want to emphasize that the problems I had were not caused by New Egg, but by their 3rd party partner. The machine that was delivered had 2GB RAM (4GB was advertised), 160GB HD (750GB was advertised) and an R-DVD drive (RW-DVD was advertised). When I called the grouchy customer service person, she agreed to send me the correct RAM, HD, and RW-DVD but I had to RMA the HD and DVD. The whole process took 3.5 weeks to finally receive the machine I paid for.
Pros: I have to admit, I was skeptical -- the price seemed too good to be true, even for a pair of only .125 Ct earrings. But both I, and my happy wife, are very pleased. The earrings are petite, but appropriately glittery, and seem to be set well. This is a good buy for a real wife pleaser. Folks have complained about the box, but the earrings were delivered in a standard, fuzzy jewellery box. Nothing special, but fine.
Cons: Bigger? Free?
adequate desktop, not for HTPC
Pros: Small, cute, plenty USB2 ports, wireless seems good, runs Ubuntu well, relatively cheap
Cons: Inept VDPAU
Overall Review: I purchased this unit primarily to use as a MythTV frontend, having been suckered in by the Nvidia Ion and HDMI port. While the unit admittedly runs Ubuntu Linux (tried both 10.04 and 10.10) just fine, the 330 Atom is not up to handling the video stream from a Mythtv backend without VDPAU, and with VDPAU active, it runs fine at a low processor load until it locks up the system solid if I try to skip ahead in the video, which is a basic feature of an HTPC. Tried various tactics/fixes to resolve the issue but to no avail. In the end I purchased a Zotac ID-11U (see my review of that machine there) and relegated the Foxconn 330i to being a music & browsing machine in our kitchen. It does fine in that basic role, but I'm disappointed that a unit having the requisite components for an HTPC would be so inept at that task.
heckuva deal
Pros: Works. Cheap. Not much more to say.
Cons: The rebate process. I received my money--in record time (like 3 weeks)--but the whole rebate thing is idiotic. For chrissake just factor the average savings into the cost of the item and move on. Why does the rebate industry (scam) even exist except to give morons the false sense that they're getting a good deal? Flame off...
Overall Review: I purchased this RAM for a general gateway server and as such, it's not OC'd or otherwise pushed. The bottom line is if you need RAM that meets the specs, this is (was) a steal at $26 (after being re-baited).