Computer Shopper articles from September 2007

Computer Shopper archives from September 2007

Editor's note.(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... DID YOU KNOW that a 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor is faster than a 2GHz Core 2 Duo? It is, contrary to the conventional wisdom that a higher CPU clock speed delivers faster performance. In this instance, the 1.86GHz model is speedier...

Dell's Vostro line aims to give small businesses IT tools.(TRENDS: UPCOMING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... DELL IS TAREGETING the small-business sector with its new line of Vostro hardware, which comes with support tools for IT services. "For too long, entrepreneurs have been forced to fit either consumer or large corporate solutions into their...

Trendspotting.(TRENDS: UPCOMING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS)(demographic survey about mobile phone)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... For women, the mobile phone is becoming more than just a way to dial up friends and family, according to a survey conducted by Samsung. A specific group the company dubbed "single mobile females" (young single women who carry cell phones) uses...

AMD gives glimpse of Puma, its next-generation mobile platform.(TRENDS: UPCOMING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Power conservation and management will be key features in Advanced Micro Devices' upcoming mobile platform, codenamed Puma. Similar to Intel's Centrino technology, Puma will use AMD's next-generation mobile chip, codenamed Griffin, as well as...

Kodak sees high ISO, HD viewing as trends.(TRENDS: TECH NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... HIGHER ISOs, high-definition (HD) viewing, and scene detection are among the next big trends in digital cameras, according to Eastman Kodak. Accordingly, the digicam giant has already included these technologies in some of its newest camera...

CableCard mandate brings cable rate hikes.(TRENDS: TECH NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... EVEN THOUGH CableCard technology hasn't taken off since it was introduced in 2004, a recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate on the technology may affect your cable bill in the near future--if it hasn't already. The FCC has...

Asus plans a Blitz for gamers.(TRENDS: TECH NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Are you a gaming enthusiast who insists on squeezing every drop of performance out of your components? If so, Asus can help. The company is upgrading its top-of-the-line motherboards with power users' preferences in mind. Asus is...

Walk the (slim)line.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)(HP Pavilion Slimline s3120n Desktop PC)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... You won't need to clear much space for HP's Pavilion Slimline s3120n Desktop PC--its trim form factor fits comfortably just about anywhere. The Slimline packs the power of an Athlon 64 X2 4200+ processor, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and...

Fall forward.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)(T5062 Desktop PC)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... France's fashion runways are not the only places you'll see interesting fall lines--you can also find them at computer retail stores. As part of its fall collection, eMachines is introducing the T5062 Desktop PC, which starts at $399.99. It's...

A better school book.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Just in time to accompany you back to school, Fujitsu has released a book you'll want to open as soon as possible: the LifeBook A6025. At $999, it's more expensive than a history or math tome, but it's wellpriced for a laptop with an Intel Core...

Ultimate fragging object.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)(Area-51 m9750)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Nevada's Area 51 might be top secret, but Alien-ware isn't trying to cover up its Area-51 m9750 notebook. The laptop features 512MB nVidia GeForce Go 7950 GTX graphics for phenomenal gaming power, and it runs the latest Intel Core 2 Duo mobile...

Thin is in.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)(Portege R500)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... If small laptops are still too bulky for your taste, Toshiba's new Portege R500 line could be just what you're looking for. The world's slimmest notebook, it even manages to shoehorn in a Super Multi DVD drive The unit, which has a 12.1-inch...

In business.(NEW PRODUCTS: PCs)(Dell's Vostro desktop pcs)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... In refining its desktop offerings, Dell has designed a new line called Vostro to meet the needs of small-business users. Available in slim and minitower models, the Vostro not only meets Dell's usual high standards, but it also includes a...

Alienware Hangar18 HD Entertainment Center: a well-equipped PC for upscale mediaphiles.(REVIEWS: THE LATEST HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE PRODUCTS)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... EDITOR'S CHOICE ALIENWARE'S $3,199 Hangar18 HD Entertainment Center isn't for everyone but check it out if you lust after upscale A/V equipment and have the requisites to use it: equally upscale speakers, access to a proper high-definition...

Apple iPhone: stunningly seductive smartphone has just a few flaws.(REVIEWS: THE LATEST HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE PRODUCTS)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... THE APPLE IPHONE is beautifully designed and a joy to use, although it's seriously hobbled by its glacially slow EDGE data network and disappointing battery life. We tested an 8GB iPhone, which will set you back a staggering $599, not including...

Dell Inspiron 531: moderate midrange power at an impressive price.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... DELL HAS REVAMPED its line of PC desktops under a name once reserved for its notebooks: the Inspiron. The $1,269 Inspiron 531 we tested is solidly midrange in both price and performance, making it suitable for anyone interested in a PC to grow...

Cyberpower Gamer Infinity 9000: midrange gaming PC is master of no trades.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... IF CYBERPOWER HAD slapped its Garner Infinity 9000 with a $1,500 or even $1,200 price, the PC might have disappointed. At the $999 mark, however, its price/performance balance is more than satisfactory, with enough room and opportunity for...

Radioactive PC ion: great-looking PC doesn't reach critical mass.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... THE $1,300 ION is the first desktop we've seen from Radioactive PC, but we hope it's not the last. In terms of system design, Radioactive is right up there with specialty shops like Alienware and Velocity Micro. Inside the easy-open case,...

Superior $699 PC (Model 6173): desktop low on price, performance.(REVIEWS: DESKTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... A NAME LIKE Superior Computers leads you to expect PCs above and beyond the average system, but the Superior $699 PC (Model 6173) is hobbled by a meager configuration for its $699.99 price--weak even for a "budget workstation" like this one....

Falcon Northwest FragBook TLX: costly gamer doesn't live up to its price.(REVIEWS: LAPTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... DESPITE ITS SLIM CASE and customizable design, Falcon Northwest's FragBook TLX can't compete with other similarly priced but better-configured gaming notebooks we've seen. Measuring just 1.5 inches thick, the 7.5-pound FragBook TLX is...

Lenovo 3000 N200: business notebook packs performance, not looks.(REVIEWS: LAPTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... THE INTEL Santa Rosa-based Lenovo 3000 N200 delivers decent power and plenty of creature comforts at an attractive price ($1,099 base price; $1,599 in our test configuration). You don't get much in the way of style or multimedia sophistication,...

HP Pavilion DV9500t: multimedia laptop will please home users.(REVIEWS: LAPTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... THE SANTA ROSA-BASED HP Pavilion DV9500t isn't the speediest laptop we've tested by a long shot, but its sleek design, beautiful screen, and wealth of component options will satisfy most home users. Inside its glossy piano-black case, our...

Fujitsu LifeBook A6030: midrange laptop capably handles the basics.(REVIEWS: LAPTOPS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... THE FUJITSU LIFEBOOK A6030 won't dazzle you with high-performance features or exceptional portability, but this $1,349 notebook is a good fit for users with basic needs who don't mind a pared-down package. Clad in a basic charcoal-gray...

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850: for CPU-performance bragging rights that can't be beat.(REVIEWS: COMPONENTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... INTEL'S CORE 2 EXTREME CPUs target enthusiasts who want the best possible performance and are willing to pay a premium for it. The new Core 2 Extreme QX6850's $999 price is right in league with earlier Core 2 Extreme processors, and the...

Antec P190: a practically perfect--but pricey--performance chassis.(REVIEWS: COMPONENTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... IN THE PAST, we've gone gaga over processors, motherboards, graphics cards, and even one or two sound cards, but never a case. But that's the only appropriate reaction to Antec's P190. Measuring 20.3x8.1x23.4 inches, this new heavyweight...

3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator: rethink how you work with 3D.(REVIEWS: PERIPHERALS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... IF YOU'RE A DESIGN, modeling, or graphics-arts professional, or you really love Google Earth, you'll want to free up a USB port for the 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator, a device that lets you pan, zoom, and rotate simultaneously, as well as zip...

Dell SE198WFP: a suitable monitor, but don't expect many extras.(REVIEWS: PERIPHERALS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... DELL'S $189 19-INCH SE198WFP maynot be a featureloaded high performer, but its affordable price and decent overall picture quality will appeal to those looking for a budget wide-screen monitor. The monitor has a solid feel, despite Dell's...

Brother HL-4040CN: quality color for a home or small office.(REVIEWS: PRINTERS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... BROTHER'S $399.99 HL-4040CN is a network-ready color laser with reasonably fast print speeds, low operating costs, and a good set of features for home- and small-office needs. On typical home and small-office networks, setup is an automatic...

HP Photosmart C4280: low-cost versatility, but mediocre prints.(REVIEWS: PRINTERS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... ALTHOUGH $99.99 is an impressive price for a multifunction unit that prints, scans, and copies, the HP Photosmart C4280 falls short when it comes to print quality. The C4280 all-in-one comprises a color inkjet printer with a maximum...

D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router: speed makes it a cut above the rest.(REVIEWS: NETWORKING)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... GOOD WIRELESS THROUGHPUT and above-average broadcast range are just two reasons why D-Link's DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router should be at the top of your networking wish list. At $179.99, the DIR-655 costs more than other Draft N touters, but...

Actiontec MegaPlug AV 200Mbps Ethernet Adapter Kit: fast, reliable power-line networking that's simple to set up.(REVIEWS: NETWORKING)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... IF YOU'RE LOOKING for a truly plug-and-play alternative to Wi-Fi, consider the $169.99 Actiontec MegaPlug AV 200Mbps Ethernet Adapter Kit. Based on the relatively new HomePlug AV standard, the power-line device enables users to connect PCs,...

Samsung L77: pocket cam with long 7x zoom.(REVIEWS: DIGITAL CAMERAS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... THE 7.1-MEGAPIXEL SAMSUNG L77 shoe-horns a 7x optical zoom lens into a very slim, compact body. It's also easy to use and a fast operator, which is why it's so disappointing that the overall image quality isn't better. The L77 produces...

Nikon Coolpix L12: high-end features can't make up for mixed results.(REVIEWS: DIGITAL CAMERAS)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... NIKON HAS PACKED some nice features into its entry-level Coolpix L12 camera: 7.1-megapixel resolution, a 3x optical zoom lens, a large 2.5-inch display, and optical image stabilization. But despite this impressive list, the $199.95 camera comes...

Iriver Clix Gen 2: feature-loaded flash player is a winner.(REVIEWS: CONSUMER TECH)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... EDITORS' CHOICE THE $199.99 IRIVER CLIX GEN 2 trumps Apple's iPod Nano with its class-leading design, bountiful feature set, and excellent sound quality. We just wish the 4GB flash-memory-based player was available in a larger capacity....

Creative Zen Stone: tiny player has great sound, but no screen.(REVIEWS: CONSUMER TECH)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR a straightforward, greatsounding MP3 player at a bargain price, the $39.99 Creative Zen Stone is a good option. Just be prepared for a bare-bones feature set to match its bare-bones price. Available in six colors, the...

Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium: design innovations abound--for those multitalented and wealthy enough.(REVIEWS: SOFTWARE)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... ADOBE'S CREATIVE SUITE 3 (CS3) represents not only the biggest launch in the company's history, but also one of the most extensive refreshes we've seen in years. With 13 fully updated products appearing in various combinations, CS3 dwarfs even...

CounterSpy v2: nifty protection, sketchy system monitors.(REVIEWS: SOFTWARE)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... COUNTERSPY V2 thoroughly scans for any malware in your system, but it comes at a price beyond its $19.95 cost: time. It can take hours to scan your PC, depending on the amount of data you have. Plus, the app's Active Protection monitors could...

Turbo Browser 10.10: sophisticated tools for life management.(REVIEWS: SOFTWARE)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... FOR THOSE WHO NEED quick views of files throughout the day, Turbo Browser 10.10 is a simple way to get what you want immediately. Business professionals will relish the time and memory this $69.95 program saves (the upgrade version costs...

Top 5: entertainment desktops: these multimedia-savvy's PCs are fit for your living room.(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... 1 Alienware Hangar18 HD Entertainment Center www.alienware.com $3,199 (as tested) Editors' Rating: (8.6) Specs * 2.4GHz Athlon X2 4600+ * 2GB DDR2 memory * 2TB hard drive * DVD [+ or -] RW/DVD-RAM *...

Top 5: ultraportable laptops: featherlight notebooks for users on the move.(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... 1 Sony VAIO VGN-TXN17P/B www.sonystyle.com $2,249 (as tested) Editors' Rating: (8.2) Specs * 1.2GHz ULV Core Solo U1400 * 2GB DDR2 memory * 80GB hard drive * DVD [+ or -] RW * Integrated graphics *...

Top 5: laser printers: say bye-bye to sluggish inkjet output with these speedy lasers.(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... 1 Xerox Phaser 8560/N www.xerox.com $799 Editors' Rating : (8.3) Specs * 2,400x2,400dpi maximum resolution a Rated print speed: 30ppm (monochrome); 30ppm (color) * 256MB memory * USB 2.0 interface Bottom...

Top 5: PC speakers: add killer audio to your desktop with these sweet-sounding sets.(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... 1 Logitech Z-2300 www.logitech.com $149.95 Editors' Rating (9.0) Specs * Two 40-watt satellites * One 120-watt subwoofer Bottom Line If you're looking for an affordable set of three-piece speakers, look no...

Top 5: DVD and video-editing programs: these powerful apps make editing video and burning DVDs a snap.(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... 1 Nero 7 Ultra Edition www.nero.com $99.99 (boxed); $79.99 (download) Editors' Rating (8.0) Requirements * Pentium III or faster CPU * 128MB RAM * 1GB hard drive space * Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista...

A no-nonsense guide to CPUs: how to master the tech specs and select a processor that meets your needs.
September 1, 2007... Not too long ago, comparing PC processors was as straightforward as sizing up car engines: A higher-megahertz CPU would yield a faster PC, just as a V8 with more horsepower would make for a speedier car. All a PC shopper needed to know, for...

Rating the retailers: we visited retail tech stores in search of the widest selection of PCs and the best sales reps. Here's what we found.(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... The big story in PC shopping over the last decade has been the explosive growth in computer sales over the Internet. Dell became a catalytic force in the industry when it added online ordering to its phone-based direct sales, and the rise in...

Get a backup plan: simple, inexpensive ways to automate your data backups are at your disposal. What are you waiting for?
September 1, 2007... IT'S LIKE HAVING YOUR TEETH CLEANED or checking the air in your tires: Backing up your hard drive is something you should do regularly, but because of forgetfulness, the unpleasantness, or just plain laziness, you put it off. Before you know...

Don't flip out!(COMPUTER CURES)(Windows Vista's 3D Flip )
September 1, 2007... I just bought a new laptop with Vista, and I can't bring up the 3D Flip function. What am I missing? LIVIA ARVAI Vista's 3D Flip allows you to switch apps by using Windows key+Tab to cycle through live-updated 3D snapshots of the...

Header off at the pass.(COMPUTER CURES)
September 1, 2007... I've put together many systems. One thing I've had it up to here with: connecting case wires to the motherboard, especially the front-panel audio connections. Can I get an adapter for those tiny wires and pins, and a standard audio header...

Mystery mode.(COMPUTER CURES)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... I'm doing a system build with parts taken from different PCs, including an older motherboard. In the BIOS I see an option for "Mode 3 Floppy" support. I'm installing a floppy drive taken from another old PC. Should I turn "Mode 3" on or off?...

Cable query.(COMPUTER CURES)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... I got a double-mouthed USB cord to connect two PCs together--but when I tried, I couldn't find either PC on the other when I searched on My Computer. Is there any other way to connect rather than using this USB cable? BISOLA AWOYEMI ...

The heat is on (my LCD).(COMPUTER CURES)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... My Gateway LCD is warm at the top of the face of the screen, and on the top of the display itself. Is this normal? FRED SCHULTZ This is almost certainly nothing to worry about. Most LCD panels use one or more long, thin fluorescent...

Tip of the month: Spartan switchin'.(HELP & HOW-TO: TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE TECH EASIER)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... In your July 2007 issue, you provided hardware solutions for selecting a boot drive. I've accomplished this by installing a double-pole-double-throw (DPDT) switch to the power cables of two Serial ATA drives. One has Windows XP, and the other...

Replace your motherboard: learn how to transplant your PC's most important component.(HELP & HOW TO: WEEKEND PROJECT)
September 1, 2007... IF YOU ARE LOOKING to use an updated processor, want to add some newer components that require the latest technology, or have shorted out your motherboard with an incorrect audio cable (not that we're speaking from experience), changing your...

Fan noise, take flight!(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)(Zerotherm BTF95 computer fan)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Let your CPU fly fan-free with the Zerotherm BTF95. This butterfly-shaped CPU heat sink supports current-socket (AM2, 754, 939, LGA775) AMD and Intel processors. The all-copper, many-finned design provides lots of surface area for cooling, and...

Little bling box.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Modders with MicroATX motherboards will appreciate the $99 Apevia X-QPack 2. This compact (9x11.2x14.7-inch) PC case has three side windows to show off your handiwork, and comes in a choice of seven colors (as well as a camouflage pattern, and...

Burnin'-hot bundle.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... The Serial ATA (SATA) interface is just one perk of Plextor's TurboPlex PX-810SA. This upgrader-friendly $89 kit includes the TurboPlex internal DVD[+ or -]RW drive, which burns single-layer write-once DVDs (plus or minus format) at up to 18x,...

Striking and silent.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)(NZXT Hush)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... NZXT's Hush is more than just a slick-looking tower for garners. This brushed-aluminum enclosure is lined with sound-deadening foam to muffle operating noise. Drives and fans get rubber noise-reduction mounts, and drives twist-lock into place...

Quietly cool.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)(cpu cooling fans)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... LAN-party-goers and overclockers will want to take the $49.90 Coolink Silentator for a spin. It's hefty, but this vertical-design CPU cooler uses a special mounting scheme, comprising spring-tensioned screws and a backing plate, that makes your...

DirectX 10 on the Q.T.(Build Your Own: NEW PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM PC)(Gigabyte GV-NX86S256H)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... The $199 Gigabyte GV-NX86S256H's specs might not wow you--another DirectX 10-compliant GeForce 8600 GTS PCI Express card--but its design could win you over to this card's silent strength. Gigabyte evicted the fan, substituting a passive-cooling...

Need to know: thin-and-light laptops (4 to 6 pounds).(TECHMARKET: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SMART TECHNOLOGY SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2007... PROCESSOR Look for a model powered by Intel's Core 2 Duo processor, which provides long battery life, strong performance, and cool running temperatures. Save a little money by opting for lower clock speeds, such as 1.6GHz, which still offer...

Need to know: inkjet printers.(TECHMARKET: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SMART TECHNOLOGY SHOPPING)(buyers guide)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2007... RESOLUTION Resolution figures refer to the maximum number of horizontal and vertical dots a printer can lay down within a 1-inch-square space. In theory, a higher-resolution printer can produce more-detailed text and images, but manufacturers...

Need to know: flat-panel displays (20 inches or larger).(TECHMARKET: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SMART TECHNOLOGY SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2007... ASPECT RATIO The standard proportion of width to height for a computer monitor is 4-to-3, although most newer monitors have a wider format of 16-to-9, designed for viewing movies or high-definition television (HDTV). RESOLUTION An LCD...

The right budget desktop.(HELP & HOW-TO: BUYING BASIC: HOW TO BUY)(guide to desktop computers)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2007... While these under-$750 PCs can't compete with high-end desktops in the performance department, they're more than capable of handling everyday computing tasks. Here's what you need to know to pick the best budget desktop. PROCESSOR Get...