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John G.

John G.

Joined on 08/28/05

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 21
Most Favorable Review

1st Look

D-Link Xtreme Gigabit Router (DIR-655) Wireless N300, USB SharePort, Gigabit
D-Link Xtreme Gigabit Router (DIR-655) Wireless N300, USB SharePort, Gigabit

Pros: Easy basic setup (just READ & FOLLOW guide) I did NOT use the "software" but just used the manual setup.. took about 30 minutes from start to end. I am not using the wireless for now, but will follow up in a later review.. had no problem giveing MAX throughput via internet.. did not do pc-pc transfer testing. EXCELLENT VALUE (under $100, free ship) 1Gig 4-port switch is SWEET. Newegg perfect as always.

Cons: Only real con I can think of is that the wireless is only on the 2.4GHz band, and has no 5GHz option which seems a fast-n should have. I believe the 855 model has it (newegg doesn't have it), but it's over $300.

Overall Review: Has flat, vertical and wall-mount options for flexibility. Came with latest 1.11 firmware. So far, I'm quite happy with it. My home network is wired and I only use wireless for "temporary" use .. portables, Xbox, etc.. Would like to use it for media broadcast too, but I'm not ready yet

Most Critical Review

BTX Case?

AeroCool Masstige Silver SECC 0.8mm ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
AeroCool Masstige Silver SECC 0.8mm ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Comments: This system claims it is a BTX case. However, in order to be "BTX" you have to buy a "BTX Kit". Not even on their HOME WEB SITE do they define either what it is, nor how much it costs. How can they claim to be BTX if you have to buy some undefined item to be BTX? I want the BTX NOW..now whenever they get around to figuring out what one is.

Functionable, cheap, has mouse

Microsoft Wired Desktop 600 (Black) - Wired Keyboard and Mouse Combo. USB Connectivity. Spill Resistant Design. Plug and Play
Microsoft Wired Desktop 600 (Black) - Wired Keyboard and Mouse Combo. USB Connectivity. Spill Resistant Design. Plug and Play

Pros: (Decent function and touch *Quiet *Has dedicated A/V keys (all keys can be reassigned if you install the "intellitype" and/or "intellipoint" drivers from MS Mouse function is solid but basic (expected) *Wired (I hate wireless unless I HAVE to) *Wires are of reasonable length (about 6' or 2 m)

Cons: *Play/Pause key will not work on anything but Mediaplayer .. For example doesn't work on Flash videos, Youtube videos, or even MS Silverlight videos.. (for IE 10 at least) *Mouse is only 800 dpi, but at least it is optical!! *The cords are stiff and a bit hard to manage

Overall Review: I have no explaination why it eosn't do the job.. they key "works" but isn't properly interfaced. I have posted on MS forum for more definition, but no result for now. I will say I don't think this is the KEYBOARD, but some software issue with IE

Good Valure

Zalman 23" LCD Monitor 5 ms D-Sub, DVI MZ230ED
Zalman 23" LCD Monitor 5 ms D-Sub, DVI MZ230ED

Pros: Effective, efficient picture (appreciate LED vs LCD) Decent color and adjustments Speakers (not "hi-fi", but adequate and all I need) Buttons are "feel-friendly" and have nice touch Comes with cords (power, DVI, VGA, audio) Ships in retail package.. adequate.. VERY LIGHT!

Cons: Cords are very short (barely reach from floor to tabletop No HDMI (recommend HDMI-female to DVI-male adapter with HDMI cable (extra) or HDMI-male to DVI-male adapter with DVI cable (included) You can find the adapters for under $2 each Without HDMI must have audio cord (included) LED's do not evenly backlit screen esp at low brightness Sound a bit "in a barrel" and not strong volume.. it's ok

Overall Review: I know Zalman just sources this, but their reputation was enough to get me to buy such a "bargain" unit and they are backing it with a good warranty I bought as a backup to my ACER which occasionally "smears" the bottom third of the screen and to replace an old CRT 15" unit

Dated, but ok

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 ST1000DM005/HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive Bare Drive
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 ST1000DM005/HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive Bare Drive

Pros: If you catch it at the "sale prices" it's a darn good value. There are many advantages to using a single large disk (with backups of course) than to use software raid (if you have REAL hardware RAID that's another matter, but will set you back a wad of cash)

Cons: It's only SATA II (3G), but realistically that' isn't an issue since you're lucky to get anywhere near that speed out of a harddrive (typical is 100Kbytes). You can buy SATA III drives for only a few bucks more if you care.

Overall Review: I bought this "by accident".. I had a 6G unit lined up for my build, but it's price jumped, so I took it off my cart... then just as I was going to order I got an email with offers "just for me".. and I took this thinking all the time it was 6G.. intil I wrote this review, I didn't realize it.. LOL