Joined on 03/16/02
Old is new again.
Pros: Works very well. We're running an ancient, but perfectly good Epson 1520 parallel printer, (no USB port). The printer doesn't normally run on XPsp2. No problem w/ adapter, though. We don't have to buy a new printer and we get more than satisfactory results.
Cons: None. Unbox, hook up, run software disk, print.
There are reasons it's so cheap.
Pros: All the rave reviews about this item's performance are accurate.
Cons: On both units shipped, the cap over the USB plug has zero friction to hold it on. It's begging to be lost. The nylon cord that comes with the item is too thick to pass through the eyelet on the edge. The cord may as well not be included. The half-size setup CD is intended for Windows 98. In fact, some options can't be installed for XP.
Overall Review: These secondary, negative factors are no doubt the reason for the unusually low price. I would return them myself if they were $12.99 a pop. Overall, however, if you don't mind a missing cap and a superfluous strap, it's a great bargain for a card reader that works so well.
Convenience & Flaws
Pros: Dedicated keys for play/stop; speaker off, louder, softer; home; mail; sleep; and calculator. Good key action. Key characters are covered with clear protective plastic--no wear-off. Freedom from a cable is very, very nice. Mouse works fine.
Cons: There are no led indicators for CAPS LOCK and NUM LOCK. If you type a password with CAPS LOCK on, there's no way to know until until you're rejectied. One never realizes how important these little lights are until they're gone. The keyboard transmitter and receiver are too weak. Sometimes keystrokes do nothing. Sometimes they do nothing for a while, then all the characters typed appear as if they were coughed up from a crippled buffer. The buffer and latch circuitry could need work. The keyboard is underpowered at 3.0 volts (two AA's) Logitech, in a new design cycle, should slip two more battery slots in the keyboard. Four AA's could provide either 6 volts or more current. This would provide plenty of power for led's and logic circuits.
Overall Review: If I had it to do over, I would wait to buy to buy a later model. Some people won't care about the missing indicator lights, but I would pay a little more for them.
Life-changing hardware
Pros: F A S T! Each line gets its own connection--no multiplex polling. With the $10 rebate on a future NetGear purchase, the price is very reasonable.
Cons: Can't see all leds unless you install it with a mirror.
Cannot adapt to adapter
Pros: Very good mobo. But...
Cons: The MSI H61M-P21 (B3) images all show a display adapter slot. The slot probably works, but not for a display adapter. The onboard video is the only choice you have. There is no bypass. There is no deactivation. It's Night of the Living Onboard. When disabled or uninstalled with Device Manager, it comes back.
Overall Review: If you want dual displays, get another board.
Software from Al Qeida
Pros: It doesn't plant IED's in your driveway.
Cons: I use Fix-It 9.0, which includes an antivirus option. I had the option turned off--no antivirus program at all. When I installed this Trend Micro abomination, it uninstalled Fix-It entirely anyhow. I received no prior screen notification, choice, or warning. Outrageous, irresponsible software develpment.
Overall Review: Trend Micro's evil may surpass that of Microsoft.