Apple Continues To Defy Recession, Releases New Hardware

Category: Networking, Mobile, Input Devices, Prebuilts
Posted: October 21, 2009 02:35AM
Author: d3bruts1d

On Monday Apple announced their FY09 Q4 earnings which ended on September 30, 2009. Net profit for the company rose nearly 46-percent to $1.67 billion on sales of $9.87 billion. During the quarter, Apple sold:

• 4.7 million iPhones, a 7% growth over a year ago,
• 3.05 million Macintosh computers, a 17% increase over a year ago, and
• 10.2 million iPods, which while it appears to be a staggering number, is actually a decline of 8% from last year.

"We are thrilled to have sold more Macs and iPhones than in any previous quarter," said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. "We’ve got a very strong lineup for the holiday season and some really great new products in the pipeline for 2010."

Continuing on the momentum of the Q4 earnings, Apple on Tuesday released a slew of new hardware in a very un-Apple-like way. Rather than a big media event, Apple simply pushed out the new hardware with a press release and update splash page on the main Apple website.

Magic Mouse - Apple introduced multi-touch technology as a new way to interact with mobile devices on the iPhone and Mac Book, and now they are taking it to a new level with the "Magic Mouse". The low-profile seamless top is a multi-touch surface that allows you to scroll in any direction with one finger, swipe through web pages and photos using two fingers, and click or double click anywhere on the device. Apple claims that the sensor inside the mouse can determine when you are simply resting your hand on the device, swiping, or clicking. It will be interesting to see how well the device works, as previous Apple mice have been less than stellar.

iMac - The iMac lineup comes in 21.5" and 27" varieties. While the 21.5" iMac uses the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the new 27" offers an Intel i5 or i7 quad core option. Both screens are LED-backlit, and the 21.5" supports a resolution of 1920x1080. Screen space on the 27" is increased by 78% more pixels and has a resolution of 2560x1440. Sony may use the slogan "Beyond High Definition" for Blu-ray, but it certainly applies to the 27" iMac. Speaking of Blu-ray, it would have been nice to see that as an option in the 27" iMac. Also used in the 27" iMac is a ATI HD 4850 video card. Apple is also really happy about the design of the new iMacs, check out the video (Quicktime) for more on that.

MacBook - The $999 MacBook now has a unibody design with rounded contours to make it easier to pick up and slide in or out of a bag. The rugged polycarbonate body makes it ideal for everyday usage by students and those on the go. It also has added a glass trackpad with, you guessed it, multi-touch support. The non-removable battery claims a 7 hour battery life, with 1000 charges. Some will be said to learn that along with the update, the MacBook lost its FireWire port. Interested in what the MacBook looks like on the inside? iFixit already has a teardown of the device.

Mac Mini & Mac Mini Server - The Mac Mini is a nice little system, though often feels neglected by Apple. It was nice to see it get an update in processing power and memory. What is interesting here is not the updated specs, but Apple has finally decided to embrace the little system as server worthy. For years now many people have taken the Mac Mini and used it as a cheap, entry level OS X server. Small business now have a more affordable server option, the Mac Mini Server. For $999 you get a nice little system than can easily be tucked away some place, but you also get OS X Server with unlimited users, no extra client access license fees required. Anyone who has ever spec’ed out a Windows Server will know that the CALs for the Server OS can end up costing more than double the hardware. TUAW goes into the other big possibilities of the Mac Mini Server.

Other Stuff - Apple's Mighty Mouse has been renamed to Apple Mouse due to the lawsuit by Man and Machine. An updated Apple Wireless Keyboard was release, the new version only requires 2 AA batteries whereas the previous used 3. A new 60W MagSafe power adapter has an aluminum connector to make it more durable. The Apple remote is now aluminum, looks goofy, and can control your iPhone or any iPod connected to the Universal Dock. The AirPort Extreme Base Station and Time Capsule devices now have a bigger and more powerful antenna which promises 50% better Wi-Fi performance and 25% better range, and are certified 802.11n.

CM Storm Sentinel Advance Gaming Mouse Officially Released

Category: Input Devices
Posted: August 19, 2009 08:10PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Cooler Master has announced the release of the CM Storm Sentinel Advance gaming mouse which it first demoed at Computex back in June. The Sentinel Advance features an ergonomic, muscle-forming design with a solid grip and ultimate control. Two years in the making, the Sentinel Advance uses a twin-laser 5600 DPI sensor combined with real-time tracking technology to ensure deadly accuracy while gaming.

The mouse comes with a graphical user interface which can be used to build profiles to control such features as sensitivity ranges, rapid fire modes as well as allowing you to be macros and scripts which can then be stored in the 64K internal memory; this allows up to five different profiles to be stored and then used on any computer with the need for additional software. The Sentinel Advance can also be customized using the included weights to get the feel just right. Additional customization can be achieved using Cooler Master's Octoshade technology to change the LED colors and lighting effects. That gives you the ability to color-code different profiles or just show off your mouse with a little extra bling. Another cool item is the inclusion of a small OLED screen on the top of the mouse you can use to upload your clan logo or other image.

There was no word on pricing or when the Sentinel Advance will become available in stores.

Razer Will Release Starcraft II Themed Peripherals

Category: Input Devices
Posted: August 12, 2009 08:42AM
Author: Ben Grantham

Starcraft II may have been pushed back to 2010 after the recent delays to Battle.net upgrades were announced, but that isn't stopping Razer from teasing us with information on peripherals designed to tie in with the upcoming Blizzard release. Razer is collaborating with Blizzard to bring gamers a tournament-grade mouse, keyboard and headset that aim to specifically improve the Starcraft II experience. Razer will also be producing an exclusive StarCraft II messenger bag, backpack, and E-Sport Pro Gamer Case, with the messenger bag being showcased at the upcoming Blizzcon event on August 21-22. Razer mentions that its current hardware line-up will also be showing at the event, though an appearance from or at least more details of the official tie-in peripherals wouldn't be a big surprise.

Logitech G500 Gaming Mouse

Category: Input Devices
Posted: August 6, 2009 06:13AM
Author: Rpbert Bergem

Logitech has presented the next addition to its line of gaming mice, the Logitech Gaming Mouse G500. This new mouse is an improvement to the beloved Logitech G5 Laser Mouse. It brings a new gaming-grade laser engine that will allow gamers to play at the top of their game. The new engine can register hand speeds up to 165 inches per second (ips) and acceleration up to 30gs. The new mouse also gives users the ability to change the precision by adjusting the dpi on-the-fly, "from pixel-precise targeting (200 dpi) to lightning-fast maneuvers (up to 5700 dpi)." Using the Logitech Gaming Software allows the dpi to be adjusted in increments of 100 dpi. The new battle worn finish is designed to give the mouse a look that is more appealing to gamers. The larger thumb rest and reshaped pinkie ledge are supposed to provide greater comfort during use. The mouse includes onboard memory to store game settings and 10 buttons to use for easy access to macros. Like the G5, the G500 offers up to 27g of weights to adjust the feel and movement of the mouse to suit the user's likings. The G500 is expected to hit retail markets in September for $69.99.

SteelSeries Unveils Two New Gaming Mice and Plastic Surface

Category: Input Devices, Mouse Pad
Posted: July 24, 2009 11:30PM
Author: Daryn Govender

Denmark based manufacturer of professional gaming peripherals, SteelSeries today announced three new additions to its lineup. First up is the SteelSeries Xai Laser Mouse. The Xai features an ambidextrous design, 7 macro buttons, driver-less plug and play (with 5 profiles), an LCD display on the bottom to configure settings, a high definition 10.8 megapixels/second sensor and up to 5001 CPI, to name a few. The Xai was developed over three years of extensive research in conjunction with professional gamers from the U.S., Europe and Asia for maximum performance in fast paced gaming situations.

Next up, is the Kinzu Optical Mouse which is based around the same shape as the Xai but 7% smaller in size boasts a 3200 CPI and is designed with compactness, reliability and stability in mind. The Kinzu also includes a CPI toggle for on-the-fly adjustments, a slip-resistant coating and low-friction polyethylene feet.

Last, but not least is the SteelSeries 9HD hard plastic gaming surface created to enable gamers to perform very precise mouse movements and "slingshots" with a high degree of control. The 9HD achieves this by utilizing thousands of light reflecting microscopic points for enhanced tracking by sensors. The 9HD was developed in conjunction with the Xai and is designed to allow high definition mice to perform at their full potential.

The Xai will retail for around US$114/€79.99, while the Kinzu and 9HD will set you back approximately $US50/€34.99 each. All three peripherals will be available from next month. This announcement seems to coincide pretty nicely with Razer's announcement on Thursday of the Orochi and Kabuto. All I can say is that more competition is better for everyone!

Razer Announces New Gaming Mouse and Pad For Mobile Users

Category: Input Devices, Mouse Pad
Posted: July 23, 2009 09:19PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Razer today announced two new products for notebook gamers and enthusiasts. The first is the Razer Orochi laser mouse featuring dual mode wired/wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 2.0 support. The Orochi comes equipped with a 4000dpi 3G laser sensor for increased control and accuracy. The ambidextrous design and detachable 3-foot cord make it easy to use. The Orochi also comes with seven programmable buttons, on board memory, up 100 inches per second movement speed and a custom carrying case.

The Razer Kabuto mouse mat is the perfect travel companion to the mouse and it's made of ultra-thin microfiber material with a rubber backing to keep the pad secure during intense gaming sessions.

The Orochi will first be available from the Razer web site in mid-August and then make its way worldwide by September. Pricing is expected to be $79.99/€79.99. The Kabuto will be priced at $19.99/€19.99 with availability in August.

OCZ Sabre OLED Keyboard Now Shipping For $135

Category: Input Devices
Posted: July 9, 2009 01:32PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Last month we heard that OCZ would be releasing the Sabre OLED keyboard, which includes nine OLED keys that can be programmed to display their given function. The Sabre appears to be identical to a United Keys model that Engadget checked out at the end of last year, though a large brand such a OCZ does bring much wider availability and a reduced price tag. The Sabre can be picked up now for $135 compared to the United Keys, which retails at $260. We'll have to wait for some more hands-on time with the OCZ model to see if any subtle improvements have been made. Of course we originally saw the idea of using mini OLED screens on keyboard keys with the outlandishly expensive Optimus Maximus, though that also featured more impressive full color displays for all keys, rather than the 9 monochrome ones featured on the Sabre.

OCZ Releases OLED Gaming Keyboard

Category: Input Devices
Posted: June 22, 2009 08:20PM
Author: Dale Shuck

OCZ has announced the release of the Sabre OLED keyboard which features nine OLED programmable hotkeys. The OLED keys can be programmed to dynamically display icons representing each key's functionality. The keyboard comes with 128MB of onboard flash memory and management software designed to allow the user to program the functions of the hotkeys ranging from simple shortcuts to more complex series of macro commands. The keys' functionality can be application specific so that loading your favorite game can cause a pre-defined series of commands to be assigned to the keys making you favorite in-game shortcuts and weapons load out and the associated text or icon images to be availability. The remainder of the keys are backlit with amber LEDs and the Sabre also features blue side lighting for those who prefer to game in a darkened environment. The tilted keyboard design and rubber coated keys are designed for comfort  and the 5-million duty cycle keys are made to last. Unfortunately no pricing or availability details were released.

Clickable Trackpads Coming Soon to PCs

Category: Input Devices
Posted: June 5, 2009 10:58AM
Author: Rpbert Bergem

If you've used one of the new Macbooks, then you know what a clickable trackpad is. Instead of using buttons below the trackpad to click, Apple decided to use the entire trackpad as a button. To click, the user simply depressed the whole trackpad. I've used one of the new Macbooks and found the clickable trackpad to be a very nice feature. The Macbooks also support finger gestures on the trackpad to accomplish tasks such as, zooming in or out, scrolling up or down, and rotating pages. All of those features are nice for laptops when a standard mouse isn't available. Now, Synaptics is bringing clickable trackpads to smaller PC notebooks and netbooks. The new trackpads were on display at Computex this year. Synaptic's trackpads will be called ClickPads. They currently support two-finger right clicks, two-finger scrolling, two-finger PinchZoom, two-finger pivot rotate, three-finger flick, and three-finger press gestures. These gestures are similar to what Macbooks use. The devices will be available to OEMs in the third quarter of 2009. I'm actually anxious to see what the ClickPad can bring to the table.

Apple's New In-Car Touchscreen

Category: Input Devices
Posted: March 30, 2009 07:52AM
Author: Rpbert Bergem

Apple has recently filed a patent for a new in-car touchscreen device. The device should make the use of touchscreens in automobiles safer than they currently are. Current touchscreens in automobiles allow any person within reach of the touchscreen to operate it. This gives the driver the oportunity to use the touchscreen. If the driver is using the touchscreen, he or she is distracted from actually driving the vehicle. This distraction, no matter how small, increases the possibility of a crash. Apple has set out to eliminate the distraction from the driver.

The new touchscreen Apple is developing will incorporate a suite of features that would hopefully prevent the driver from using the touchscreen and becoming distracted. Apple envisions using sensors situated around the vehicle to determine who is attempting to operate the touchscreen. The patent suggests that the sensors may look at which direction and at what angle the touchscreen is being approached from. These sensors would disable the use of the touchscreen if they determine the driver is trying to operate it.

While these features would increase safety, they do not seem practical. Many people don't have passengers with them when they are driving. I know it would be a major inconvenience if I had a touchscreen and couldn't use it while I was driving. Most of the time, I'm alone when I'm driving. Now, if the touchscreen is able to be used by the driver while the car is stopped, that wouldn't be so bad. Anyways, keep an eye on this and see where it ends up and if anything develops from it.

Sharkoon is Gliding on Fire

Category: Input Devices
Posted: March 13, 2009 07:00AM
Author: MrAlex

Sharkoon this week unveiled its new FireGlider Gaming Mouse! It's ergonomically designed, so hopefully you won't have to worry about pains anytime soon, and it comes with a wide range of features. This new gaming mouse also has a laser with a maximum resolution of 3600 DPI with the capability of changing the DPI on the fly all the way down to 600. It's not too heavy either, weighing between 118 and 135 grams. There are six buttons along with the usual scroll wheel, and is connected with a 1.8m cable. The suggested retail price for this baby is 25 EUR.

Coming Soon: USB 3.0

Category: Input Devices
Posted: March 10, 2009 01:29PM
Author: redtigerdragon

Compatibility test specs for USB 3.0, currently dubbed “Test specification 1.0”, could be ready as soon as the first half of 2009. This is according to Jim Choate, who is Agilent Technologies Inc.’s USB Applications Product Manager. Agilent is currently in charge of the test specification, and Mr. Choate’s seminar in Tokyo, the company plans on releasing the spec at the end of June, 2009. If all goes according to plan, we could see USB 3.0 by 2010.

OCZ Introduces New Keyboard

Category: Input Devices
Posted: February 19, 2009 07:47AM
Author: Brentt Moore

The flash based company has proven very successful with their line of power supplies, memory, and even computer related peripherals. Now, the company is introducing a new keyboard called the Alchemy Illuminati, which builds on top of the already popular Alchemy series. It comes with fourteen separate multimedia keys to help users access their moves, music, and video even faster, while also featuring rubber coated keys for extended use. Another feature that OCZ is equipping the keyboard with is the ability for the device to be backlit by either blue or red LEDs that will help users in low light environments. For durability, the company is stating that the Illuminati can resist over five million cycles, which should prove useful for the massive gaming community that may use it. Currently no price tag is set, and no availability information is being released.

Ever Wondered How Logitech Designs Its Peripherals?

Category: Input Devices
Posted: January 14, 2009 12:11PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Well now you can gain a little bit of insight with the help of some flickr images and descriptions courtesy of designpartners industrial design consultancy. Now, if you have ever been an ID student (hint: I have) then the process probably won't be all that surprising. What becomes apparent is the importance of early concept work using materials such as foam, which are used to hone the shape (and therefore feel) of the products. Deciding where all of the touch points on mouse will be placed is also a pretty involved process. The overall message is you don't get class leading products without investing time and skill when it comes to the design and development process. Unfortunately the images don't show much of the work that didn't make it through to the later stages (which is almost guaranteed to be a lot).

Razer Launches New Gaming Peripherals

Category: Input Devices, Speakers/Headphones
Posted: January 8, 2009 02:13PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Razer today unleashed two new gaming peripheral products including the Razer Mamba, a high precision wireless laser gaming mouse, and the Razer Carcharias, a circumaural audio headset. Designed with proprietary Razer technologies, these latest products will help gamers amplify performance levels with faster response times, increased precision and offer unique design features. The Razer Mamba is an ergonomic, lag free gaming mouse with 2.4GHz gaming grade wireless technology featuring dual mode wired/wireless functionality allowing users to seamlessly switch from wired to wireless play. The Mamba features a 1ms polling rate, as compared to traditional wireless mice that poll at 8ms, enabling virtually lag-free game play. The Razer Mamba also includes Razer Synapse on-board memory that lets gamers store and bring their mouse settings wherever they go. The Razer Carcharias headset focuses on comfort with a circumaural shape and interchangeable ear pads and a fully adjustable headband. The Carcharias headset boasts superior audio clarity, deep, thumping bass and features a noise-filtering microphone and an inline remote that enables users to quickly and easily adjust volume and mute the microphone. The Mamba is expected to be available March 2009 at a suggested retail price of $129.99US (€129.99) while the Carcharias should be available by February for $79.99US (€79.99).

ASUS Eee Box Keyboard and Mouse Coming

Category: Manufacturers, Input Devices
Posted: December 26, 2008 06:03PM
Author: Brentt Moore

Users of the Eee Box from ASUS bought the computer because of many factors, such as its low price, small design, and decent performance. While there have obviously been a great amount of options to use as far as keyboards and mice come, some owners are craving for something more. ASUS is gearing up a wireless keyboard and mouse combo, that are both black in color, but feature white accents. The electronics company is also going to offer a remote that features an array of multimedia buttons and options. The remote is also a black and white colored device, though not as dark colored as the keyboard and mouse combo.

Logitech Introduces New Gaming Keyboard

Category: Input Devices
Posted: December 10, 2008 03:08PM
Author: Brentt Moore

Logitech, who is mainly known for their large amount of various computer peripherals, is now releasing a new gaming keyboard known as the G13 Gameboard. The gameboard is a 25 programmable key device that is made to work alongside a standard keyboard and mouse, and is supposed to offer a advantage for games that use heavy keyboard use. It features its own built in memory that can store user defined settings, and also features a LCD screen that has a resolution of 160x143, which can show live game statistics. While the device will be available in stores this month, it is expected to be released in the UK sometime early next year.

Computer Mouse Reaches 40th Birthday

Category: Input Devices
Posted: December 9, 2008 10:42AM
Author: Ben Grantham

The mouse was first demonstrated on the 9th of December 1968 by Douglas Engelbart to show novel ways of working with computers. That mouse was made of wood and had one button and two wheels to provide control over a tracking spot on the screen. The basic principles haven't changed much since then, though the technology used to track movement has improved significantly. Many of the researchers behind that original demo will be reunited today as a celebration is planned in California. Some people may argue that life begins at 40, but in the case of the mouse some wouldn't be so sure. However, I don't think we'll see it disappearing from our desktops any time soon.

Keyboard Strokes Susceptible to Remote Electronic Monitoring

Category: Input Devices
Posted: October 21, 2008 05:47AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Van Eck phreaking is a concept that's been around for over 20 years. It refers to the practice of remotely capturing the electromagnetic signals radiated by a computer monitor and reverse engineering the signals to reproduce the image on a second monitor. First proposed by Dutch computer scientists Wim van Eck in 1985, the concept is more than just a theory and can present a real threat to sensitive information. Now two doctoral students at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland have applied a similar type of technique to detect the signals emitted from wired keyboards when the keys are pressed. While the idea has been thought theoretically possible, the two students believe this is the first time it has been demonstrated to be feasible. Using different techniques they were able to pick up and reproduce the typed text from 11 different keyboards, including laptop keyboards, from up to 20 meters away. Sounds like it may be time for the more paranoid among us to begin work on that giant Faraday cage you've always wanted.

Microsoft Releases New BlueTrack Mice

Category: Input Devices
Posted: September 9, 2008 08:28PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Microsoft announced two new mice featuring its patented BlueTrack technology. Billed by Microsoft as a laser-killer, BlueTrack is designed to function on virtually all surfaces including reflective surfaces where laser and optical mice fall short. The new Explorer mice will come in two versions - one regular sized and an Explorer Mini that is a travel sized version selling for $100 US and $80 respectively. Microsoft continued it new product spree with its Arc mouse and Wireless Mobile mouse, ergonomic and gaming keyboards and two new web cams. These new products will become available beginning in late September and continuing through October and November.

Control Devices With Your Tongue

Category: Input Devices
Posted: August 25, 2008 09:01AM
Author: ClayMeow

Input devices have evolved greatly over the years, from keyboards to joysticks to mice...even to devices controlled by eye movements or your mind. So it goes without saying that the next evolution in input devices would come in the form of...your tongue. This isn't to control an on-screen avatar or aim your gun in games though, but instead to provide a new way for disabled people to control key components of their every day lives, such as maneuvering a wheelchair or turning on a light. The aim of the device, dubbed the Tongue Drive System, is to transform the mouth into a virtual computer; the teeth become the keyboard, and the tongue manipulates it all as a joystick of sorts. Why the tongue? One of the main reasons is because the tongue and its functionality is often spared in paralyzing accidents, as the tongue is attached to the brain and not the spinal cord. In addition, the tongue is flexible, sensitive and tireless, making it an ideal instrument for more complicated actions and prolonged use. The system uses a small magnet placed under the tip of the tongue, and the movement is tracked by sensors on the side of each cheek, which then sends data to a receiver atop a headgear. Software then converts those signals into commands for various devices, like a wheelchair. The device is still in its infancy, but it's already promising to researchers, as well as testers.

NZXT Announce Avatar Performance Gaming Mouse

Category: Input Devices
Posted: August 11, 2008 11:37AM
Author: Ben Grantham

The market for gaming mice is a competitive one, with many companies vying for the best performance using the most accurate sensor technology. You are probably more familiar with NZXT as a case manufacturer, so the introduction of a gaming mouse may come as a slight surprise. The Avatar mouse features a 2600 DPI optical sensor and a programmable 7 button configuration. A four speed DPI switch allows you to adjust the DPI from 650 to the maximum 2600 and an LED indicator tells you which setting you are currently using. Retailing at $59.99, it will be going up against some tough competition. Whether it holds its own or not is something we will be sure to let you know should we get our hands on one.

Carpet Keyboard

Category: Input Devices, Gadgets
Posted: May 29, 2008 01:04PM
Author: ClayMeow

File this one under the "what will they think of next?" category. Apparently, Maurin Donneaud felt that typing with his hands has become boring. Thus, he decided to build a giant carpet keyboard that allows him to type with his feet.  It's definitely an interesting device, but one has to ask whether it's really worth the effort, because God knows it's got to get tiring real quick.  You can view a slew of pictures at his Flickr site.

USB 3.0 to hit the shelves sometime in 2009

Category: Input Devices
Posted: April 8, 2008 05:44PM
Author: Andrew Robinson

Jeff Ravencraft (the USB 3.0 Promoter Group Chairman) has said that USB 3.0 is on its way and that we should expect some primary releases in 2009. SuperSpeed USB 3.0 can deliver a maximum data rate of 5Gbit/s, that is enough throughput to download a 27GB HighDef movie in a bit over one minute. SuperSpeed USB 3.0 is most likely geared toward the increasing speeds of flash based media as the current hard drive tecjnology wouldn't benefit from such a speed increase.

Gigabyte to make PC peripherals

Category: Gaming, Input Devices, Gadgets
Posted: March 18, 2008 03:12PM
Author: Andrew Robinson

Gigabyte which is (known for its motherboard production) will be producing high-end gaming peripherals starting in late march. Their products will be marketed at a lower price then Razer which has a plethora of gaming peripherals in the market already. The first gaming product Gigabyte will release is the GK-K8000 (Ghost Gaming Series) keyboard which will be priced at $113, however the current MSRP of all four of Razers keyboards are under $99.

Razer Introduce Entry Level 'Salmosa' Mouse

Category: Gaming, Manufacturers, Input Devices
Posted: March 4, 2008 05:03AM
Author: Ben Grantham

Razer -

Razer, a company known for producing gaming mice of the high-end persuasion have chosen the CeBit trade show in Hannover to launch its first effort at an entry level mouse. Now Razer's idea of entry level probably differs a little to what a regular user might have in mind and as such the Salmosa still gets a 1800dpi Razer Precision 3G infrared sensor, 1000Hz Ultrapolling, On-The-Fly sensitivity adjustment and other features you'd associate with some of Razer's previous offerings. The style of the mouse is certainly in keeping with others in the company's line up, with a sleek and compact design. The Salmosa also happens to be particularly light, which is something that will suit gamers who like to play with a deft touch. Of course, the main motivation for Razer to introduce an entry level model is to appeal to those who may not considered a Razer mouse before. The $39.99 (29.99 euro) is certainly more reasonable (could it be called entry-level?), but I'm not sure about that name. Razer also happen to be running a contest to win a Salmosa over at the read link.

Hardware Roundup: Wednesday Edition

Category: Video Cards, CPU's, Cases, Input Devices, CPU Cooling
Posted: February 13, 2008 05:07AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Our middle of the week wanderings turned up some goodies from our affiliate sites so let's get started by visiting a couple of videocard reviews.  First in line is Neoseeker and their look at the VisionTek HD 3870 which differs from the reference design with the inclusion of an oversized heatsink and a more powerful fan.  For double the GPU fun on a single card, TechSpot has the ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2.  For a comprehensive look at over 336 graphics cards you can check out the Desktop Graphics Card Comparison Guide from Tech ARP which has updated to include several Intel integrated graphic processors.  Speaking of TechSpot, did you know they have a sister site written in Spanish?  They've just published  Prueba de desempeño AMD Phenom.  Next up we have a couple of CPU cooling products.  The Asus Triton 77 Heatsink that comes equipped with a "Sunon MagLev 92mm vapo-bearing PWM fan".  Sounds impressive, but how well does it perform?  Head on over to FrostyTech to find out.  Bjorn3D evaluates the Thermaltake Bigwater 760i and finds it somewhat lacking.  Can the SteelSeries Ikari Laser Mouse make you a better gamer?  Head on over to ThinkComputers to find out.  If you're looking to tame the noise from your rig, Virtual-Hideout has a look at the Nexus Caterpillar ATX Quiet Case to see if it can do the job.

Hardware Roundup: Thursday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Networking, Power Supplies, Input Devices, General News
Posted: February 7, 2008 05:15AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Thursdays seem to be a slow day in the roundup so that gives us a perfect opportunity to welcome our newest affiliate Fudzilla and give you a chance to check out their review of the Diamond dual slot 3850 512MB Ruby Edition.  On the green side ThinkComputers offers up the Palit GeForce 8600 GT Super+1GB Video Card.  3dGameMan has posted a video review of the Tuniq Ensemble 1200W Power Supply.  Powerline networking is one of those technologies that seems to offer a lot of promise but so many of the products out there have failed to deliver.  Techgage evaluates the Actiontec MegaPlug AV200 Mbps Ethernet Adapter to see whether it offers a viable option to extend your network.  PCApex has published an interview with Mark Friga Jr. owner of FrozenCPU.com.  Before you go, be sure to check out the SteelSeries Ikari Laser Gaming Mouse at OCModshop.

Hardware Roundup: Friday Edition

Category: Motherboards, CPU's, Cases, Operating Systems, Mobile, Input Devices, Storage / Hard Drives, General News, CPU Cooling, VGA Cooling
Posted: February 1, 2008 06:20AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Our Friday roundup seems to have picked up a bit after yesterday's lull with a good mix of items.  Tech ARP starts off with a bit of news telling us Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Out Next Week, at least for OEMs.  PC Perspective has some additional news in their podcast as they look at AMD Q4 results, NVIDIA ESA, VIA Isaiah x86 CPU, AMD 3870 X2 and more.  The AMD Spider platform is designed for its line of Phenom processors.  Today we get a chance to examine the MSI K9A2 Platinum AMD 790FX Motherboard from HotHardware.  For Intel fans we have two more boards from MSI based on the P35 chipset.  First in the queue is a TweakTown review of the MSI P35 Diamond Motherboard.  This board supports DDR3 memory and offers onboard X-Fi sound.  Buying a new board based on the P35 chipset means choosing between DDR2 and DDR3 memory formats.  The are trade offs involved with going with either format.  Viper Lair reviews the MSI P35 Platinum Combo board that offers you the option of using either memory type.  What could be easier?  Then there's the choice of which processor to buy.  TechSpot has a look at Intel Core 2 Duo 45nm Wolfdale vs. 65nm Conroe to see what the new 45nm technology has to offer.  Back over at TweakTown we get a look at the ASUS Triton 75 CPU Cooler that uses a passive design but also allows you to attach a 120mm fan.  Also in the cooling arena, Techgage pits two aftermarket VGA coolers against each other in their GeForce 8800 GTS/GTX Cooler Comparison.  Next off you get to compare two other products with the Razer Pro|Click Mac Gaming Mouse at Virtual-Hideout and the Steelseries Ikari Optical Gaming Mouse at Tweaknews.  Computer builders are always looking for the perfect place to house their rigs.  With so many choices it's always a tough decision and motherboards.org has a look at the Ultra Products M998 Case.  Your iPhone deserves a case of its own as well. The Otterbox for iPhone Defender Series at ThinkComputers is a good way to protect your investment.  Bjorn3D has a review of the Thermaltake Muse X-Duo Raid external storage unit.  Finally PCSTATS has another installment in their ongoing series with the Beginners Guides: Setting up an FTP Server in WindowsXP.

Hardware Roundup: Friday Edition

Category: Video Cards, CPU's, Cases, Mobile, Manufacturers, Gaming, Input Devices, Storage / Hard Drives, Gadgets, Modding
Posted: January 25, 2008 07:45AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Time for another spin around the web.  Yesterday we were treated to a look at VIA's new Centaur technology and today we're back with more.  First we have VIA Isaiah Processor Architecture Preview - Low Power CPU from PC Perspective.  [H]ardocp returns with Centaur Technology Tour in Pictures with a look at the Centaur offices in Texas.  The Styx Gaming Mouse may not do for you what the river by that name did for Achilles but RBMods gives us a chance to check it out.  If you love your current mouse but it's looking a little worn, then head on over to Tech ARP for some advice from their Logitech MX510 Paint Mod Guide.  Gaming seems to be the focus of a lot of hardware these days and Sapphire's Ultimate HD 3850 and Atomic HD 3870 from HotHardware affords us another look at the recent AMD/ATI cards.  Neoseeker publishes a look at Core 2 Duo Scaling in Gaming.  Aeneon is a new line of memory products being offered by Qimonda.  While that name that might not be familiar to a lot of folks, you'll find their chips in a lot of applications including some of the best performing video cards.  Today Bjorn3d reviews the Aeneon Xtune DDR3-1333.  Also in the memory/storage department we have the Super Talent Pico A 2GB Flash Drive at ExtremeMHz.  Raidmax is well-known for their cases.  Find out why ThinkComputers says the Sagitta 2 PC Case isn't your typical gaming case.  In the gadgets arena we found the CoolIT Beverage Chiller at Overclockers Online and the iSkin Revo & Revo Clip for Apple iPhone at Legit Reviews.