Computer Shopper articles from July 2007

Computer Shopper archives from July 2007

Editor's note.
July 1, 2007... BUYING THAT JUST-RIGHT LAPTOP CAN BE A challenge. You have to identify the perfect balance between power and mobility, then select a form factor that matches your work needs and lifestyle. This month, we've done the research for you in our...

Home sweet home server: a super NAS from Microsoft, HP.(HP MediaSmart Server)(network attached storage)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... HOW HOMEY can a home server be? Plenty, judging from the HP MediaSmart Server, an upcoming network-attached-storage (NAS) device powered by the new Windows Home Server OS. This consumer-focused model is designed to effortlessly back up a...

Trendspotting.(demand for flash memory based drives for storage)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Cell phones and music players soon won't be the only products using flash memory for storage. If research firm iSuppli's predictions are correct, almost 60 percent of new notebooks sold by the end of 2009 will incorporate flash memory in some...

Wanted: a replacement for lithium-ion battery technology.(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Despite laptop components such as CPUs becoming more power-efficient, notebook manufacturers have been pushing lithium-ion battery technology to its limits in recent years. The result: slightly longer battery charges, but also safety disasters,...

Microsoft gives glimpse of Internet Explorer 8.(web browsers)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... MICROSOFT SAYS it will continue to prioritize security and ease of use in the forthcoming Internet Explorer 8 (IE 8) browser and will seek to improve Web development in accordance with current standards. Microsoft plans to release IE 8 by...

Dell buyers demand--and get--Windows XP.(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... MICROSOFT'S Windows Vista operating system may be hogging all the attention, but Dell's recent decision to bring back Windows XP as an OS option demonstrates that a proven product is hard to kill. At press time, Dell was offering both XP...

Netgear set to expand its NAS line.(Network-attached-storage devices)(NETGEAR Inc. acquired Infrant Technologies Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Network-attached-storage (NAS) devices are gaining popularity, and, with Microsoft launching a new OS for NAS devices, that's likely to continue. Networking specialist Netgear is securing its foothold in this market with its acquisition of...

Special FX.(Gateway Inc.'s new desktop computers)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Enthusiasts have long known about the power of quad-core systems, but more-casual computer users can have that speed at their fingertips, as well. The Gateway FX line comes equipped with Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processors, 512MB ATI Radeon...

Mag light.(Lenovo Group Ltd.'s new laptop computer, ThinkPad R61)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Lenovo has wrapped its $1,299 ThinkPad R61 in a magnesium frame, providing protection and stability for this 5-pound thin-and-light. In addition, new thermal and noise-reduction technologies keep the laptop cool and quiet, while a fingerprint...

Into orbit.(Toshiba America Inc.'s new laptop computer, "Satellite P205")(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... The Satellite P205 notebook series is Toshiba's first to feature both a 17-inch wide-screen display and an under-$1,000 price--$999.99, to be exact. Other features of this desktop-replacement line include a 1.73GHz dual-core Pentium processor,...

Space dream.(Hewlett-Packard Co.'s new desktop computer, "HP Pavilion Slimline S3020n")(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Don't have room for a powerful desktop? Think again. The HP Pavilion Slimline s3020n is one-third the size of a conventional tower, but it doesn't come up short on options or performance. It features an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ dual-core CPU...

Santa Rosa's coming to town.(Fujitsu PC Corp. launched new laptop computer, "LifeBook A6030")(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Featuring Intel's new Centrino Pro platform (also known as Santa Rosa), Fujitsu's LifeBook A6030 harnesses the platform's power at an affordable starting price of $1,249. A 15.4-inch Crystal View LCD, a spill-resistant keyboard, and the Fujitsu...

Think it over.(Velocity Micro's new gaming computer system specification)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Overdrive PC, now under the auspices of Velocity Micro, calls its overclocking technology "HyperClocking," and you might too when you see the Core2.SLI. It's powered by a Core 2 Duo X6800 Extreme processor running at a sizzling 3.7GHz, and it...

Cyberpower Gamer Infinity Ultimate: an excellent gaming machine at a remarkable price.(computer entertainment system)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... [check] EDITORS' CHOICE IF YOU'RE LOOKING to upgrade your computer to a machine that muscles through gaming with ease, Cyberpower's Gamer Infinity Ultimate will serve you well--at an all-inclusive price that most high-end vendors would...

HP Pavilion HDX: desktop replacement doubles as an entertainment center.(laptop computer)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... THINKING OF THE HP Pavilion HDX Entertainment Notebook PC as just an oversize desktop-replacement laptop would be missing the point. It's closer to an entertainment hub for your home. The HDX will be on sale in July, priced at $2,999 for...

Vigor Force Recon QX4: one-of-a-kind appearance meets pedestrian performance.(gaming desktop computer)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... WE'VE SEEN SOME interesting paint jobs on gaming-oriented desktops, but none quite like the one splashed across the side of our Vigor Force Recon QX4 test model. Emblazoned with the AMD logo, the words "The Quadfather" in enormous type, and the...

Alienware Area-51 ALX: fantastic for blasting through games--if you can still afford them.(gaming desktop computer)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... WOULD YOU BUY an $8,180 computer? On one hand, we love the Alienware Area-51 ALX because it has absolutely everything we look for in a performance gaming desktop. But then there's its cost, closer to five digits than any other PC we've reviewed...

Systemax Venture DH531 IV: extensive expandability, average configuration.(desktop computer)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... IF YOU AREN'T A hard-core gamer, you can probably live with the low-end or midrange discrete graphics cards included with many $1,000 PCs. But if you think you'll want a top-flight video card down the road, you might choose a PC that comes with...

HP Pavilion Media Center m8000n: $949.99 media PC is packed with features.(desktop computer)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... ASIDE FROM its lack of a high-definition television (HDTV) tuner or a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, the main problem with the HP Pavilion Media Center m8000n is that it's too big for most entertainment centers. But given the...

ABS Mayhem Blackhawk: thin-and-light gaming laptop only good for casual play.(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... THE ABS MAYHEM BLACKHAWK has respectable graphics power for a thin-and-light notebook and a lighter chassis than most gaming systems, but serious fraggers won't be impressed with its performance. Other than its metallic-blue top, the...

MSI Megabook $300-008US: decorated with crystals, but dulled by mediocre parts, high price.(laptop computer)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... IF IT'S BLING APPEAL you're after, you might consider the $1,499 MSI Megabook $300-008US, which features a ring of 120 inlaid Austrian Swarovski crystals on its shiny black case. Otherwise, you'll find better options from its big-name...

Gateway E-265M: durable notebook scores points for performance, battery life.(laptop computer)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... THE GATEWAY E-265M has enough style, features, and power to keep almost any user satisfied. If durability and battery life are important to you, it should be on your short list. Thanks to its handsome, scratch-resistant chassis, inner...

Howard SW1: below-the-radar laptop can't top mainstream competition.(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... IN AN EFFORT TO STAND OUT in a crowded laptop market, third-tier PC vendor Howard Technology Solutions is focusing on looks, offering free case "skins" with its thin-and-light SW1. But the notebook's design pitfalls, coupled with its costly,...

Corsair Dominator TWIN2X2048-10000C5DF: amazing speed at a prohibitive price.(double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... MOST OF TODAY'S PCs use memory rated at 667MHz or 800MHz, but Corsair's $608 Dominator TWlN2X2048-10000C5DF kit is rated at a whopping 1,250MHz. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the two 1GB memory modules in this kit include specially designed...

Antec P182: a great case for do-it-yourselfers with modest power requirements.(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... THE $169 ANTEC P182 case offers enough protection from both noise and heat that we didn't balk at its fairly high price. This sleek-looking, titanium-colored chassis is an update of Antec's P180 model, with many of the same features. These...

Kodak EasyShare 5300 all-in-one printer: hardware hiccups overshadow great prints.(inkjet photo printer)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... THE $199.95 KODAK EASYSHARE 5300 All-in-One Printer combines an inkjet photo printer, a 1,200dpi scanner, and a copier in a package that Kodak claims delivers lower costs per print than the competition. Though the printer can create excellent...

Saitek X52 Pro: must-have controller for flight-sire fans.(game controller device)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... IF YOU WANT TO FLY the virtual skies in style, Saitek's X52 Pro is the Gulfstream of flight controllers. This joystick-and-throttle combo is designed for any kind of flying, whether you're hauling passengers in Microsoft Flight Simulator X...

Hammer Myshare HN1200-500: NAS device works well but could use a new GUI.(network attached storage drive)(graphical user interface)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... HAMMER STORAGE aims to simplify sharing and backing up digital content with its Myshare HN1200-500 network-attached-storage (NAS) drive. This NAS device performed well and delivered on that promise, but its setup and interface are a bit...

Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station: sleek Draft N router offers great performance.(wireless router)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... THE ELEGANT AIRPORT EXTREME BASE STATION is a Windows/Mac wireless router that's easy to set up and use. For Mac users who own current Intel-based Apple desktops and laptops, the AirPort Extreme's compatibility and features are worth the $179....

AOC 912Vwa-1: display is capable, but not for video buffs.(liquid crystal display monitor)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... THE $189 AOC 912Vwa-1 from Envision Peripherals is a solid choice for everyday computing, but this budget wide-screen 19-incher displayed some performance glitches and delivers overly dark video that will disappoint DVD aficionados and gamers....

HP w1907: a 19-inch LCD with style and performance.(liquid crystal display monitor)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... IF ALL YOU want in a wide-screen 19-inch LCD is extremely good looks, we would recommend the $230 HP w1907 in a heartbeat. But you'll get a great image, too: This beauty delivered some of the best onscreen performance we've seen. The w1907...

Casio Exilim EX-V7: super-slim digicam with long zoom reach.(digital camera)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... CASIO MANAGES TO PACK a 7x optical zoom lens into the 0.8-inch-thick, 7.2-megapixel Exilim EX-V7, but this svelte cam trades away some features for its size. Still, if good zoom reach and compactness are important, the EX-V7 does the job. ...

Olympus Stylus 770 SW: it can take a licking--but picture quality is uneven.(digital camera)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... THE OLYMPUS STYLUS 770 SW is a ruggedized 7.1-megapixel ultracompact able to withstand moderate drops and crushing, very low temperatures, and even underwater shooting well beyond snorkeling depth. Too bad its image quality isn't quite as...

LG VX8600: slick flip phone does media well.(music mobile phone)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... A SWEET REPRISE to LG's somewhat flat VX8500 Chocolate music phone, the VX8600 is a great little phone packed with features and style. The first thing you'll notice is its eye-catching, elegant design. The flip-style phone is finished in a...

Jabra BT8010: hybrid headset falls short on design.(wireless headphones)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... WANT TO DO YOUR gabbing and grooving with same wireless listening device? Consider Jabra's $149 BT8010, a Bluetooth mobile-phone headset that transforms into a pair of wireless stereo headphones. It's an ingenious double-duty mobile accessory,...

Clipmarks 2.0: intelligent, easy-to-use way to save or send the Web.(web authoring software)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... WANT A BETTER WAY to use and share your online findings? Clipmarks 2.0 can take you beyond basic bookmarks by giving you a simple tool for grabbing content from Web sites. Here's how it works. Sign up for a free Clipmarks account, and...

Noromis PhotoLab 2.0: a terrific automated photo lab for your PC.(image processing software)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... NOROMIS PHOTOLAB 2.0 is designed to appeal to those who just want to pull their images off their camera, perhaps make a few adjustments, and then print or e-marl them with minimal fuss. We liked the program and recommend it for the quickest,...

Winstep Xtreme 7.4: enhance the Windows Desktop.(desktop accessory software)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... MANY DESKTOP-ENHANCEMENT programs are complex all-in-one packages that require knowledge of a programming language to completely customize the Windows Desktop. But not Winstep Xtreme. This $39.90 program brings two new interface elements to...

Trend Micro Internet Security 2007: nicely priced security suite for home users.(network security software)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... TREND MICRO INTERNET SECURITY 2007 is a safe, affordable bet for home users looking to protect multiple PCs. It comes with three licenses per $49.95 package, plus free tech support (unlike most security packages). It's an able shield for...

Top 5 space-savings desktops: powerful components and features packed into diminutive designs.(desktop computers)(HP Pavilion Slimline s3020n)(Dell Dimension C521)(Shuttle XPC X100)(Apple Mac Mini)(ZT Affinity 5002Za)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... 1 HP Pavilion Slimline s3020n www.hp.com $579.99 (as tested) Editors Rating 8.4 [check] Specs * 2GHz Athlon 64 X2 3800+ * 1GB DDR2 memory * 250GB hard drive * Double-layer DVD[+ or -]RW drive * nVidia...

Top 5 inkjet printers: expect sharp color output from these capable models.(Epson Stylus Photo R2400)(Epson Stylus Photo R1400)(Canon Pixma MP600)(Epson Stylus Photo R380)(HP Deskjet 6940dt)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... 1 Epson Stylus Photo R2400 www.epson.com $849.99 Editors' Rating 8.1 [check] Specs * 5,760x1,440dpi maximum resolution * Maximum rated print speed: 1 minute and 47 seconds (11x14 color photo) * USB 2.0, FireWire...

Top 5 19-inch LCD monitors: improve your view--affordably--with these wide-screen displays.(liquid crystal display monitor)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... 1 HP w1907 www.hp.com $230 Editors' Rating 8.1 Specs * 1,440x900 native resolution * 5-millisecond pixel-response rate * DVI, VGA inputs * One-year warranty Bottom Line The w1907 blows away most...

Perfect 10: one of these laptops will fit your needs and budget just right.(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2007... With more and more consumers going mobile, it's no wonder computer vendors are expanding their laptop lines. Laptop makers are pushing a dizzying array of models to meet most any need, whether you're a budget-minded home user, a frequent flier,...

Board of education: welcome to Motherboards 101: take our fast course in shopping for the most critical component in your PC.(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... Your CPU and RAM give your PC power, your video card keeps it gaming late into the night, and that PC Ethernet jack is its lifeline to the world--but it's your PC's motherboard that brings everything together. When you want to buy a new one,...

Home work: whether you're telecommuting or starting a home business, these 26 add-ons are essentials for an affordable home office.(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2007... A productive home office requires more than just a PC with an Internet connection--to run a small business or create a secondary office for your job, you need the right equipment. Even assuming you have a laptop from your employer, you'll still...

Ether-not connection.(Ethernet controller problem)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... My son's PC has developed a problem with the Ethernet controller, and I can't figure out how to get the driver to reinstall it. The Windows support processes to locate and reinstall the driver show no drivers available on any of the CDs that he...

Switch hitch.(booting system from hard disk drive)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... I'm looking for a device that will let me select which hard drive I boot from. Can you help? HOWARD FLYNN Since you say "device," I'll ignore the other ways in which you can do this--for instance, choosing the boot drive through the...

Drives alive!(hard disk drives works slow due to upgrading motherboard)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... My new motherboard has two IDE connectors being used, and two Serial ATA (SATA) connectors that are not--yet. Is there any limit to the number of drives I can connect to the motherboard? I have an external USB 2.0 box I've used to add an...

Rewriting history.(clearing search history)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... When I type a search query into Google, my past searches pop up below the one I'm typing in. I followed Google's instructions to delete the search history, but the same past searches keep popping up. How do I get rid of them? ROURKE...

Can I score a Core?(upgrading microprocessors)
July 1, 2007... I bought my new Dell Dimension E510 with a Pentium D processor. Shortly thereafter, Dell switched over to the much superior Core 2 Duo for its Dimension line. I'm no garner, but I'd like to have the best available. How difficult would it be to...

Tip of the month: offsite backup, on the house.(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... The best backups in the world are worthless if your backup media is lost, stolen, or destroyed. Keeping a copy of crucial data in another location is important--and free, thanks to this month's tipster. These days, many free e-mail services...

Stream video from your PC to your TV: want to watch PC videos on your television? Do it in six easy steps--with help from your friendly neighborhood gaming console.
July 1, 2007... YOUR PC KNOWS how to show your television a good time. It can serve up videos, music, and even TV programming (both live and recorded). The only tricky part is bridging the gap between the two--especially if they're in separate rooms....

Turbine tower.(XClio's new computer case, "A380 Super Tower")(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... The Airbus A380, the world's biggest passenger jet, certainly inspired the turbine-themed A380 Super Tower from XClio. Two giant 250mm fans with independent controller dials highlight this imposing tower. Expansion is jumbo, too, with five...

Drive-swap dock.(Icy Dock's new disk drive enclosures, "Icy Dock U6-1S-WBC")(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Do-it-yourself swappable hard drives just got a flexible new twist in the Icy Dock U6-1S-WBC. Essentially an external drive bay, the $179.99 U6 lets you swap out Serial ATA (SATA) or IDE hard drives that you supply. The ruggedly constructed...

A new spin on cool.(Over Way Technology's new CPU cooler fan, "OWT VSC-158")(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Disguised as a generic CPU cooler, the $25 Vacuum Superconductive Heat Cooler VSC-158 from newcomer OWT uses a different cooling approach. Its hollow heat pipes contain a network of melted metal netting and balls, with the empty space filled...

Ready to split.(ThermalTake Technology's Power Station Mini Box for clean up computer case )(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Clean up your case with Thermaltake's $14.95 Power Station Mini Box. Mount this handy junction box inside your PC (Velcro strips are included), and attach a single Molex lead from your power supply. Then, plug in low-power accessories such as...

Cooler monster.(Cooler Master GeminII, CPU cooling fan)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... CPU coolers keep getting bigger and bigger, and Cooler Master escalates the size wars big-time with the GeminII. This gargantuan CPU heat sink measures nearly 7x5 inches and mounts (looms, really) over your late-model AMD or Intel processor....

Luxury theater box.(Zalman U.S.A.'s home theater PC case, "Zalman HD160XT")(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Home-brewing a home theater PC for champagne tastes? The Zalman HD160XT has the ritz to rival a case of Dom Perignon. This high-end ATX enclosure has a 7-inch LCD panel for use as a primary or secondary monitor, and smart internal design for...

Budget Desktops ($750 or less).(desktop computers)(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2007... NEED TO KNOW PROCESSOR You'll pay a premium for the fastest processor, so go with a CPU a couple of cycles behind the top clock speed. You likely won't get a cutting-edge PC, but modestly priced dual-core CPUs still have plenty of power...

Performance graphics cards ($299 and higher).(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2007... NEED TO KNOW MEMORY When it comes to graphics memory, you can never have too much, especially if you're a hard-core gamer. More RAM means better performance, improved 3D texturing, and higher display resolutions. If you're an avid gamer...

Ultracompact digital cameras (under 5 ounces).(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2007... NEED TO KNOW RESOLUTION The quality of digital photos is measured primarily by the number of pixels a camera's image sensor can capture. A 6-megapixel camera, therefore, should capture more image detail than a 5-megapixel model can. Still,...

The right Wi-Fi router: tired of being wired to your broadband connection? Create a high-speed wireless network by adding a Wi-Fi router. Here's what you need to know to pick the best device for your home or small office.(wireless routers)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2007... SHOPPING SPECS NETWORK STANDARD The current standard for home networks is 802.11g. It's backward-compatible, so you can use an 802.11g router with older 802.11b equipment. Routers based on the not-yet-finalized "Draft N" version of...