Computer Shopper articles from June 2007

Computer Shopper archives from June 2007

Editor's note.(personal computers, graphics processing units and digital cameras)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2007... HERE AT COMPUTER SHOPPER, WE LIKE a PC that's expandable. For us, and many of you, a big part of the fun is upgrading a system when cool new hardware becomes available. (Or when new operating systems dictate a hardware refresh. Thanks, Vista!)...

HP goes green with new energy star-compliant PCs.(TRENDS: UPCOMING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... HEWLETT-PACKARD has released three desktop PCs that will meet new energy efficiency ratings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The agency's Energy Star 4.0 regulations, which go into effect July 20, require, among other things,...

Trendspotting.(Yahoo offered unlimited storage for e-mail service)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Yahoo now offers unlimited storage for its free Web-based e-mail service, making it the first of the major free e-mail providers to provide unlimited storage. It likely won't be the only one, however. Before the switch, Yahoo offered 1GB...

Prez candidates get social with young voters via online networking.(TRENDS: UPCOMING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Votes in the upcoming presidential elections won't be cast on the Web, but some candidates are hoping that the race just might be won there. Hopefuls for the 2008 elections have embraced social-networking magnets such as Facebook, MySpace, and...

Coming soon: the cell phone as mobile wallet.(TRENDS: TECH NEWS)
June 1, 2007... PAYING FOR products and services with your cell phone isn't a new concept. Companies have been experimenting with this idea of contact-free payments for years, and it's now a common method of payment in countries such as Japan and South Korea....

IBM prototype chip speeds up downloads.(developing optical ship as told at Optical Fiber Conference 2007)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... ANYONE WHO HAS downloaded music or short video clips from the Internet knows that long transfer times are often par for the course. Then imagine how many hours it would take to download a high-definition movie, and you'll probably be inclined...

dSLRs lead digicam growth.(TRENDS: TECH NEWS)
June 1, 2007... Shipments of digital cameras increased 15 percent from 2005 to 2006, but the high-end digital single-lens-reflex (dSLR) category grew at a much faster clip: 39 percent, according to new statistics from IDC. Although dSLR cameras cost more...

Reconversation piece.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)
June 1, 2007... Vigor Gaming Computer's Force Recon QX4 desktop targets extreme gamers with its GeForce 8800 GTX video card and two AMD Athlon 64 FX-70 dual-core processors running at 2.6GHz. The Recon QX4 also packs 2GB of DDR2 RAM, two 250GB hard drives, and...

On the job and on the go.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)
June 1, 2007... The thin-and-light HP Compaq 6515b Notebook PC, starting at $649, is designed for those who often work out of the office. Powerful AMD processors will keep you productive, integrated wireless (802.11 Draft N and Bluetooth are even available)...

Nice work if you can get it.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)
June 1, 2007... Alienware is well-known for its muscular gaming rigs, but the company has a serious side, too. Its MJ-12 8550a is a superpowered system designed for those who need top-flight power now and down the road. Entirely configurable, it supports...

Write on.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)
June 1, 2007... No need to decide between a laptop and a tablet model: Gateway's new E-155C Convertible Notebook enables you to add, edit, and access data with the keyboard, a digital pen, or the touch screen. The E-155C is also designed for portability, with...

Clear as ... well, you know.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)
June 1, 2007... The new Crystal Collection from MSI brings real glitter to the notebook experience: 120 pieces of Austrian Swarovski crystal are inlaid in every unit. Plus, inside the $1,799 M677 version, you'll find geek sparkle such as an AMD TurionT 64 X2...

Go nuclear.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)
June 1, 2007... Radioactive PC's Atomic entry-level gaming machine is available in both AMD Athlon 64 X2 and Intel Core 2 Duo flavors (starting at $1,024 and $1,140, respectively). Each base model comes with a dual-graphics-card-ready Scalable Link Interface...

Apple TV: easy-to-use media streamer is a winner.(set top box)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... [EDITORS' CHOICE] AT $299, THE APPLE TV is well-priced for a device that does so much and works so well. While we have a wish list of additions we'd like to see (digital-video-recorder functionality, playlist creation, Internet radio, and...

RIM BlackBerry 8800: a sleek, feature-rich smartphone marred by a cramped keyboard.(REVIEWS: THE LATEST HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE PRODUCTS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... WITH THE EXCEPTION of its difficult-to-use keypad and lack of support for 3G networks, the RIM BlackBerry 8800 is an excellent smartphone with all the messaging features a business user needs, plus a few nice extras. It's available from...

Velocity Micro ProMagix PCX: basic midrange system for undemanding gamers.(gaming personal computer)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... IF YOU CAN'T YET AFFORD the gaming rig of your dreams, Velocity Micro's ProMagix PCX might be for you. At $2,099 in our test configuration, it's a reasonably priced midrange box that delivers decent gaming and multimedia performance. Our...

ZT Affinity 5002Za: bargain-price Media Center PC handles HDTV.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... IF YOU'VE VACILLATED over getting a Media Center PC, the new ZT Affinity 5002Za might provide the incentive you've been waiting for: a low price. At $699, you can view and record high-definition television (HDTV) content for less than what...

ABS Ultimate X-Striker Extreme: a speedy system you'll hear coming.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... IT'S NOT OFTEN you can combine the words "big," "heavy," and "fast," and actually mean it. But all three apply to the ABS Ultimate X-Striker Extreme, a gaming rig that at $5,100 (not including a monitor, mouse, or keyboard) doesn't come cheap....

Systemax Venture VX2S B66IV: basic business PC has a great warranty.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... FOR OUTFITTING A MODEST home workspace or filling a gap in your office network, the preconfigured Systemax Venture VX2S B66IV should have you covered. This midrange entry in Systemax's new Premier line of desktops comes with everything you'd...

HP Pavilion TX1000 Entertainment Notebook PC: consumer-oriented tablet delivers plenty of style and features.(REVIEWS: LAPTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... UNLIKE TABLETS AIMED AT BUSINESS users, the HP Pavilion TX1000 targets consumers with its glossy looks, versatile touch screen, and entertainment-focused features. Its tablet functionality could use some improvement, though. The 4.2-pound...

Twinhead Durabook D14RY: semi-rugged laptop can take knocks--but it'll cost you.(REVIEWS: LAPTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... IF YOU NEED A NOTEBOOK that can withstand some abuse, the Twinhead Durabook D14RY is a solid choice, but you'll pay a premium for the protection. The 5.7-pound Durabook features an antishock design that protects the 14.1-inch screen, 160GB...

Lenovo 3000 N100: nicely priced laptop suits the corporate set.(REVIEWS: LAPTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... IF YOUR COMPUTING NEEDS are more about business than pleasure, the budget-friendly Lenovo 3000 N100 ($1,499, in our test configuration) should be at the top of your shopping list. At 1.5 inches thick, the N100 is somewhat chunky, but its...

Acer Aspire 5630: budget notebook falls short of the competition.(REVIEWS: LAPTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... THE $999.99 ACER ASPIRE 5630 is a decent budget laptop, but its lack of configuration options makes it hard to recommend over the mainstream competition. Unlike some budget models, the 6.2-pound Aspire 5630 has an excellent screen. With a...

Cooler Master CM Media 280: quiet case can serve double duty.(REVIEWS: COMPONENTS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... AT HOME IN THE LIVING ROOM or on the desktop, the $199 Cooler Master CM Media 280 is a versatile ATX case with Transformer-like abilities. No, you can't convert it into a giant robot, but you can easily turn this vertical minitower case on its...

XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB XXX: great GeForce 8800 graphics for less.(graphics cards)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... THE NVIDIA GEFORCE 8800 graphics-processing unit (GPU) is the logical choice for serious gamers, but with board prices starting at $399, even a low-end 640MB 8800 GTS card can be expensive, nVidia and its board-maker partners have responded...

ViewSonic VX2435wm: adept LCD handles high-def content well.(REVIEWS: PERIPHERALS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... THE VIEWSONIC VX2435WM, a 24-inch wide-screen LCD monitor, ships with a convenient cable that makes it compliant with digital-rights-management technology for high-definition (HD) content. It's also a snappy performer at a reasonable price of...

Gyration Media Center Universal Remote Control: Sofa-side Media Center navigation simplified.(REVIEWS: PERIPHERALS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... ONE DRAWBACK TO CONNECTING a Media Center PC to your television is the awkwardness of navigating your digital media from your couch via a traditional mouse and keyboard. Gyration's $149 Media Center Universal Remote Control solves this problem...

Hitachi Travelstar 2.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive 2-in-1 Notebook PC Upgrade Kit: upgrade kit breathes new life into laptops.(REVIEWS: PERIPHERALS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... HITACHI HAS PUT TOGETHER a series of handy upgrade kits that let you easily swap in a new drive, then convert the old one to an external drive using an included enclosure. At $209.99 for a 160GB Serial ATA (SATA) version, the Travelstar...

Xerox Phaser 8560/N: make excellent, fast prints with solid ink.(REVIEWS: PRINTERS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... [EDITORS' CHOICE] THE LATEST IN XEROX'S line of solid-ink printers for the office, the Phaser 8560/N offers high-quality printouts, speedy output, and low per-page costs. Solid-ink technology works by melting blocks of ink onto a drum,...

Magellan CrossoverGPS: multitalented, rugged GPS unit leads the way on all terrain.(REVIEWS: CONSUMER TECH)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... UNLIKE TRADITIONAL GPS DEVICES, the versatile Magellan CrossoverGPS delivers direction-finding prowess that includes in-car, outdoor, and marine navigation. Magellan even worked in multimedia capabilities with a digital music player and photo...

Archos 704 WiFi: feature-loaded player is impressive, though not perfect.(portable media player)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... APART FROM A FEW FLAWS (including buggy Web browsing), the $549.99 Archos 704 WiFi is an excellent portable device for watching videos and surfing the Net on the go. At 7x5x7.8 inches and 1.4 pounds, the Archos 704 is small enough to carry...

Adobe Photoshop CS3 extended: new, unique features add formidable power to the king of image editors.(image processing software)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... [EDITORS' CHOICE] FEW IMAGE-EDITING PROGRAMS have been able to match the elegance of Adobe Photoshop's toolkit and interface--and none the program's tight integration across the spectrum of Adobe graphics applications. As with previous...

Norton 360: comprehensive low-bloat system protection.(network security software)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... NORTON 360 IS A CONSIDERABLE departure from the in-your-face, resource-hungry offerings that have been Symantec's recent bill of fare. At $79.99, it takes a bigger bite out of your budget than from the RAM in your Windows XP or Vista PC. During...

PagePlus X2: desktop publishing outside the (text) box.(REVIEWS: SOFTWARE)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... WE FOUND PLENTY IN SERIF'S $129.99 PagePlus X2 that's pretty typical of desktop-publishing apps, but this program delivers familiar features with an efficiency and panache missing from many of today's broader-market options. Perhaps...

Top 5 alternative-brand desktops: five PCs that prove you don't need to buy from the big guys.(Overdrive Core2.X-Fire)(ZT Cisnet A7122)(ABS Ultimate X-Striker Extreme)(Cyberpower Gamer Infinity 1950)(Shuttle XPC 1337 SDXI)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... 1 Overdrive Core2.X-Fire * www.overdrivepc.com $4,854 (as tested) Editors' Rating: (8.5) [check] SPECS * 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme X6800 * 2GB DDR2 memory * 750GB hard drive; 150GB hard drive (10,000rpm) *...

Top 5 thin-and-light laptops: midsize portables that let you take performance on the road.(Apple MacBook)(Dell XPS M1210)(Apple MacBook Pro)(HP Pavilion TX1000)(Toshiba Satellite U205-S5057)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... 1 Apple MacBook www.apple.com $1,499 (as tested) Editors' Rating (8.1) [check] SPECS * 2GHz Core 2 Duo T7400 * 1GB DDR2 * 120GB hard drive * Double-layer DVD [+ or -] RW * Integrated graphics ...

Top 5 Wi-Fi routers: build a home network--without the wires--with one of these capable routers.(Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router)(Apple AirPort Express Base Station with AirTunes)(Netgear RangeMax 240 Wireless Router WPNT834)(Belkin N1 Wireless Router)(Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router WPN824)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... 1 Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router www.belkin.com $99.99 Editors' Rating (8.4) SPECS * MIMO * 108Mbps max.throughput * 802.11b/g * Three external antennae * Four wired Ethernet ports * WEP, WPA...

Top 5 smartphones: brainy hybrid devices that do much more than your average mobile handset.(RIM BlackBerry 7130c)(Sony Ericsson P990i)(Cingular 8525)(T-Mobile Dash)(T-Mobile SDA)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... 1 RIM BlackBerry 7130c www.rim.com $249.99 Editors' Rating (8.3) [check] SPECS * GSM network * Carrier: Cingular * Proprietary OS * 64MB RAM * 2.25-inch, 240x260-pixel display * Keypad input...

Top 5 media-player programs: play and manage your digital media with these multitalented apps.(MusikCube)(Rhapsody Online)(Windows Media Player 11)(Apple iTunes 7)(Musicmatch Jukebox 10)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... 1 MusikCube www.musikcube.com Free Editors' Rating (8.0) REQUIREMENTS * Windows 95, 98, 2000, or XP BOTTOM LINE Power users who find newer music-jukebox applications too bloated are in for a real treat with...

Mainstream machines: how much PC can you get for $999? We test five desktops to find out.(Cyberpower Gamer Ultra 8500 SE)(Dell Dimension C521)(PC Club Enpower Sabre Extreme 08)(Polywell Poly 485AX)(Velocity Micro Vector GX)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... How much would you spend on a new PC? That's the question we asked ourselves when we decided to round up a group of new desktops to review. A lucky few may be able to drop $5,000 on the latest maxed-out quad-core rig, but most of us need...

The right GPU for you: think all integrated graphics chips are pretty much the same? Think again. Here's how to buy the solution that delivers the performance you need.(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... Your PC's graphics processing unit (GPU) is its second-hardest-working component, after the CPU. If you're like most PC buyers, however, you probably haven't given it much thought. Sure, if you play any games on your PC more sophisticated than...

Sharp shooters: these 48 new digital cameras are packed with fresh innovations--and priced reasonably.(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... Every year, camera makers introduce a fresh wave of models that begin popping up on store shelves around the start of summer. From entry-level pocket cameras designed for casual users to high-powered digital single-lens-reflex (dSLR) shooters...

No CDs? Cheers to that!(using virtual memory)(Column)
June 1, 2007... I run a small business that requires travel to customers' homes. I use a mapping program that runs off a couple of CD-ROMs, and I would like to be able to run the program without swapping CDs and tying up my laptop's CD drive. RICK SIPEK...

Drive, show thyself.(hard disk drives)(Brief article)(Column)
June 1, 2007... I installed a second hard drive for my backups, but it's not showing up in Windows Explorer or My Computer. It shows up in another program, however (Acronis). I need to transfer photos and programs to that drive, in case the main drive crashes....

A relationship that just clicked.(using computer mice without making sound)(Brief article)(Column)
June 1, 2007... My boyfriend likes to play Solitaire on our computer, but the constant clicking really gets annoying while my son and I try to watch television, play a game, or read. Of course, when I tell him it's bugging me, he plays for that much longer. I...

Instant inventory.(computer hardware configurations)(Brief article)(Column)
June 1, 2007... My PC was built in 1999 by a local shop that has gone out of business. What program can I purchase to determine what my hardware is? I'd like to begin looking into replacing components such as my motherboard. RIVES SPILKER No purchase...

Caught in the crossfire?(Asus P5W DH Deluxe motherboard using with nVidia GeForce 6800 PCI Express card)(Brief article)(Column)
June 1, 2007... I have a brand new Asus P5W DH Deluxe motherboard and an nVidia GeForce 6800 PCI Express video card. According to Asus, the motherboard supports PCI Express with ATI CrossFire capability. My question: Is my nVidia card compatible? Or am I...

"Unwelcome" complication.(logging into Microsoft Windows XP Home)(Brief article)(Column)
June 1, 2007... A few readers wrote regarding May's tip "Unwelcome Wagon," which explained bypassing the password/welcome screens in Windows XP Home. If, on reboot, you're trapped at a Windows login dialog, you likely need to tell Windows to auto-log in to the...

Tip of the month: flash fatigue.(HELP & HOW-TO: TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE TECH EASIER)(using CompactFlash flash cards)(Brief article)(Column)
June 1, 2007... In the August 2006 edition's Tip of the Month, reader Craig Chambers suggested using a CompactFlash (CF) card as a secondary hard drive to speed up an old laptop. I tried it. And it works okay--for a while. The problem is that flash cards have...

Convert VHS to DVD: Escort your old videotapes into the digital age in six easy steps.(Video Home System)(Column)
June 1, 2007... MOST OF US HAVE lots of precious memories stored on videotapes: weddings, baby showers, episodes of Space: Above and Beyond. Videotapes degrade over time, though, and with VCRs slowly disappearing from stores, it's time to consider moving your...

Get your fiber.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)
June 1, 2007... The exterior of the Ultra Carbon Fiber Case will grab your eye, but a little innovation inside might seal the deal. Alongside the motherboard, a central "power strip" accepts the leads from your power supply, and bundled cables run from the...

Infinite storage options.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)
June 1, 2007... Take your desktop data to go with the Infinite from AeroCool.US. This $51.99 drive-bay device is both a flash-card reader and a dock for an included, removable "Infinity Drive" cartridge. Use the cartridge in the Infinite device, or pop it out...

Artistic airs.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)
June 1, 2007... You'll do a double-take when you set eyes on Thermaltake's V1 CL-P0401. This all-copper CPU-cooler-as-sculpture uses a striking side-mounted design. The 110mm fan, lit by blue LEDs and sandwiched between racks of cooling fins, is manually...

Fluid dynamic.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)
June 1, 2007... Water, water everywhere--or at least coursing past both of your graphics cards. Cooler Master's $89 Aquagate Duo Viva is a pre-assembled watercooling system for two graphics cards in a CrossFire or Scalable Link Interface (SLI) configuration....

Basic-black cool, barely there price.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)
June 1, 2007... Deliver a big dose of slick straight onto your desktop with the Bergwind II SP-8198B case from Spire. Its striking exterior design comes at a surprising budget price: $39.99. Measuring 17.5xg.3x17.3 inches (HWD), this metal-and-plastic...

Plenty-of-space case.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)
June 1, 2007... Machine movin' on up? The PC-343B could be the ultimate luxury dwelling for your PC's parts. This aluminum monster (20x18x18 inches) is the equivalent of two towers grafted together and put on casters. With its 18 front-accessible 5.25-inch...

Performance desktops ($1,500 and higher).(TECHMARKET: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SMART TECHNOLOGY SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2007... NEED TO KNOW PROCESSOR Power users need the best. Go with a top-notch AMD or Intel processor, such as the AMD Athlon 64 FX or X2 series, or Intel's Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Extreme. You'll have maximum power and the best protection possible...

Desktop-replacement laptops (more than 7 pounds).(TECHMARKET: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SMART TECHNOLOGY SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2007... NEED TO KNOW PROCESSOR When choosing a CPU, configure your system with a robust processor such as Intel's Core Duo or AMD's 64-bit Athlon 64 X2. For maximum power (and longevity), choose Intel's Core 2 Duo CPU if it's an option. ...

Mainstream flat-panel displays (17 to 19 inches).(TECHMARKET: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SMART TECHNOLOGY SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2007... NEED TO KNOW ASPECT RATIO The standard proportion of width to height for a computer monitor is 4-to-3, although new monitors have a wider format of 16-to-9, designed for viewing movies or high-definition television (HDTV). RESOLUTION...

Budget laser printers (less than $200).(TECHMARKET: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SMART TECHNOLOGY SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2007... NEED TO KNOW RESOLUTION Print resolution refers to the maximum number of dots per inch (dpi) a printer creates, measured both horizontally and vertically. For example, a 600x600dpi laser printer lays down a 1-inch square comprising 600...

Internal hard drives.(TECHMARKET: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SMART TECHNOLOGY SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2007... NEED TO KNOW SIZE If you're upgrading an older PC, a 120GB drive should provide plenty of storage for the future. Digital photographers, videographers, and gamers should go for at least 250GB. ATA OR SATA Drives using the parallel ATA...

The right budget notebook.(HELP & HOW-TO: BUYING BASICS: HOW TO BUY)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2007... Buying a budget notebook used to mean settling for the slowest processor and a bare-bones feature set for the sake of portability. Now, it's easy to find a well-equipped, strong-performing notebook for less than $1,000. Here's how to pick the...