News for Thursday April 29th 2010

Kristofer Brozio | April 29, 2010 | Xbox | No Comments

Good Morning everyone! it’s almost May, I hope that means it’s going to be getting warmer, I don’t like this cold weather we’re having now, woke up today and it was 33F… sheesh, it needs to get warm and stay warm already. Anyway, It’s time once again for the news:

Quick Links:

Sparkle Computer Corp 80Plus 1250 Watt ATX Power Supply GW‐EPS1250DA Review @ DragonSteelMods

Asus ENGTX-470 Voltage Tweak Edition @ Bjorn3D

MSI 890GXM-G65 Socket AM3 Motherboard @ Pro-Clockers

Hacker selling Facebook accounts online

Microsoft: Windows 7 the Fastest Selling OS Ever

Noctua NH-D14 Heatsink Review @ Ninjalane

Neuigkeiten auf DeXgo | Prolimatech Armageddon ”Wind Edition”

OC3D: Be Quiet Dark Power Pro P8 1000w Review

Microcool Banchetto 101 @ techPowerUp

MSI R5670 Cyclone 1G Graphics Card Review @ OCIA.net

Corsair Hydro Series H50 CPU Cooler

HIS HD 5830 Turbo Review @ Tweaknews

Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler @ Techgage

Jetway JNC96FL-510-LF Mini ITX Motherboard at Modders-Inc

Thermaltake Frio CPU Cooler Review @ ThinkComputers.org

PowerColor HD 5570 1024 MB @ techPowerUp

Cogage TRUE Spirit (Rev.2) CPU Cooler Review @ Hardware Canucks

Storage Related:

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Kingwin DockMaster USB 3.0 Hard Drive Docking Station Review @ Tweaknews

"This handy offering from Kingwin showcases one of the easiest and fastest ways to access a hard drive. Just pop the drive into the dock, attach the USB cable and power cord, and turn it on."

Article Url: http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/kingwin_dockmaster/

G.Skill PIS Series DDR3-2400 4GB Dual Channel Memory Kit Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Review URL: http://www.thinkcomputers.org/g-skill-pis-series-ddr3-2400-4gb-dual-channel-memory-kit-review/

Quote: “Up to this point the fastest memory I have owned was DDR3-2000. The guys at G.Skill contacted me recently to ask if I was interested in memory even faster than that…of course I was! G.Skill is one of those companies that I knew was out there but I had never really considered their memory in the past, as most I usually purchase from the “household name” companies. But G.Skill is not a newcomer to the memory industry, having been in business building memory since 1989. Today I will be looking at G.Skill’s latest, a DDR3-2400 4GB kit with timings of 9-11-9. This memory has been e ngineered specifically for the Intel Core i7 860/870 LGA 1156 processor and P55 Express chipset. Of course the memory operates at Intel’s max VDIMM of 1.65v, and it comes with a very nice cooling fan. Read on to check out the G.Skill PIS Series DDR3-2400 memory!"

Kingmax PC3-12800 (1600MHz) 6GB Kit
QUOTE: "Today we’re looking at another kit of memory from Kingmax; not quite as hardcore as the Hercules 2200MHz DDR kit we looked at the other week, but since we haven’t looked at anything from Kingmax in a long time it’ll be interesting to see how their Tri-Channel memory stacks up.
While it might be a Tri-Channel kit, there’s not going to be much difference in the overall way things work. We’ll be including the standard layout and all the normal benchmarks you see in our reviews. The only difference is that the kit is tested on our X58 Triple Channel ASRock testbed which holds in it the mighty i7-980X. We’ll have a closer look at the testbed in just a few pages, though. For now let’s see what Kingmax are offering here."
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RunCore Pro-V SandForce SF1200 SSD @ Benchmark Reviews

DESCRIPTION: SandForce is the hot ticket in SSD controller technology for 2010, offering outstanding bandwidth speed and operational performance. SandForce RAISE technology provides redundant protection for single SSD computer systems, while data is automatically secured with AES-128 encryption. The SandForce SF-1200 controller has already found its way into many of the fastest SSDs available, and now RunCore utilizes the SandForce SF-1222TA3-SBH processor in their Pro-V prosumer MLC SSD series. Benchmark Reviews tests the 200GB RunCore Pro-V SSD, model RCP-V-S2520-MCN, against some of the most popular storage devices available and demonstrates that 4K IOPS performance is more important than speed.

ARTICLE URL: http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=511&Itemid=60

G.Skill ECO 4GB DDR3 1600MHz CL7 Low Voltage Memory Kit Review @ Legit Reviews
Article URL: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1283/1/

"G.Skill’s ECO series is quite the kit when you consider what it is able to accomplish with what it is given. DDR3-1600 with only 1.35vdimm may become commonplace in the future but for now it is a nice surprise. Our testing showed that using this memory kit reduced power usage at the wall when compared to other kits that use the standard 1.65vdimm setting. Priced at $124.99 plus $2.99 for shipping, the G.Skill ECO DDR-1600 2x2GB are priced $15 above the lowest priced 4GB DDR3 1600MHz dual-channel memory kit, but it is priced among the majority of other DDR3-1600 C7 kits…"

Indylab Touch USB 2.0 500GB external hard drive review
Indylab’s Touch drive is available in either white, black, pink or red and certainly looks the part, proving to be infinitely more attractive than the ugly boxes that make up many external drives on the market. Despite these good looks, Indylab are still keen to point out the shock absorption properties of the enclosure, which is supposedly tested for shocks up to 200G as well as being specified to handle vibrations, static and radiation to reasonable levels while also deadening any noise coming from the drive within.
As the name of the product would suggest, the Touch makes the most of the touch screen fad by doing away with a simple power button or rocker switch, instead opting for a patented touch interface underneath the company logo on the drive which acts as the on/off switch for the device.
http://www.elitebastards.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1477&catid=13&Itemid=27

Kingston SSDNow V SNV425-S2BN 128GB Solid State Drive Bundle
QUOTE: "The Kingston Notebook Bundle is part of a package that includes an external 2.5 inch form factor enclosure that connects to your system via USB 2.0. The package also comes with the USB cable needed as well as software and the most important part of the pack, a Kingston SSDNow solid state drive.
Last month we received the new Kingston SSDNow V Series 128GB Notebook Bundle and have been putting the system through its paces. This is Kingston’s second generation V Series line of products that uses a JMicron controller."

ASUS BC-08B1ST Blu-ray @ PureOverclock

Review URL: http://www.pureoverclock.com/article967.html

“The ASUS BC-08B1ST is a powerful and energy-saving Blu-ray ROM drive capable of reading BD media at 8X. Showcasing versatility and fast speeds with various media, this ASUS ODD sounds promising. We’ll show you just about anything and everything you ever wanted to know about ODD testing and results. We may even make an ODD convert out of you by the time you’re done this review.”

Corsair Force F100 100GB SSD.

Article URL: http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/30934-corsair-force-f100-100gb-ssd-review.html

Quote: For as long as we can remember, Corsair has been near the forefront of product innovation which has directly led to them being one of the front runners in the SSD market. They recently released their Force series SSDs which cater to the enthusiast crowd by sporting the new SandForce SF-1200 controller and tons of performance to boot. In this review we take a look at the 100GB version of the Force series and see if it has the capability to beat some of the best drives around.

Audio / Video:

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Zoom H4n Handy Recorder – Recording Studio in a Box
URL: http://www.bcchardware.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8542&Itemid=40
Quote:Although the Zoom H4n is much larger than most simple audio recorders, the size is still very functional. You also have to keep in mind that this isn’t a simple audio recorder. It’s a recording studio in a box. It features a very basic mixer, as well as support for 4-channel audio recording. . .

Nikon Coolpix S8000 Review
"There were no real surprises with Nikon’s new Coolpix digicam line-up -five of the seven 2010 models take HD videos. The digicam we’re reviewing-the 14.2-megapixel S8000-captures stereo 720p HD clips at 30 fps. Yet the last time we looked, the Coolpix and its ilk are cameras, so still quality should be paramount. Let’s see how this package adds up."
Link to the review: http://www.digitaltrends.com/digital-camera-reviews/nikon-coolpix-s8000-review/

Photography 101.
SNIP:
A lot of people believe that you have to have an enormous amount of lighting when taking pictures. Well, in all reality we really don’t need 1500 Watt bulbs. Granted, having an enormous amount of light does help out, but with today’s Digital Cameras, (DSLR specifically) we can use very little amounts of light to get picture perfect results. Sometimes, even a non-DSLR setup with proper shutter settings can give you equal or very similar results than the very light sensitive sensors new DSLR cameras come with.
Another area that really helps out in picture taking is the Post Production stage. Using a photo editing software package (e.g. Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, etc.) can help enhance our images to their finest. Again, we do not need a 500+ USD program as a 100 USD program will still give you the results we are looking for, and with a simplified layout. Since there are so many different adjustments we can do with our DSLR camera’s, I am going to stick with the basics of lighting and using the white balance adjustment. The best way to learn your camera is to go out and start using it on anything and everything.
http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1828

: 23” De-Branded HDMI Monitor @ LanOC Reviews
DESCRIPTION: What If I told you that you could pick up a 23 inch monitor today for less than 160 bucks? A lot of people including one of our staff would jump right on that. Of course, no matter what the price it won’t make any difference if it’s sporting dead pixels. That’s why today I will be taking a closer look at one of these hot deals, I’m sure you have already ordered yours so you can read about my experience with it while you wait for it to come in the mail.
ARTICLE URL: http://lanoc.org/review/hardware/other/3103-23-de-branded-hdmi-monitor

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Auzentech Bravura X-Fi 7.1 Review @ XSReviews

Review Link: http://www.xsreviews.co.uk/reviews/audio-cards/auzentech-bravura-x-fi/
Quote: "Auzentech audio cards have been favourites among the XSR team for a good few years now not only for their great sound quality and effects but also for the broad appeal to gamers, audiophiles and home theatre lovers alike.

digiZoid Zo Personal Subwoofer
URL: http://www.bcchardware.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8535&Itemid=40
Quote:

The Zo doesn’t have a lot of adjustment, just one switch that has 32 different setting. The Zo has a lightscale indicator bar in middle that will change from green (lowest setting) to red (highest setting) as you go through the different setting. The same switch is also how you turn the Zo on and off. . .

Mobile / Netbooks / Notebooks Etc:

HTC Desire smartphone

URL: http://www.businesscomputingworld.co.uk/review-htc-desire/

Snippet: “There are plenty of other devices running the Android platform, and an increasing number which include Microsoft Exchange support. However the Desire’s large screen makes it potentially very useful for businesspeople who need access to complex data such as Web sites and PDF/Word/Excel/PowerPoint documents on the move. Its touch-sensitive keyboard benefits from the large screen too, and may be beneficial for those who need to do a lot of mobile e-mail. Our one concern is battery life, but all modern smartphones suffer in this respect and the HTC Desire is no worse than most―better than most in fact!

SwitchEasy Colors Iphone 3G/3GS Protective Case @ PCShopTalk
Quote:
"Through the multitude of Iphone 3G/3GS cases on the market, we can find the SwitchEasy Colors case, which combines beauty with full case protection successfully. The case does not have only the job to protect the back and front part of the phone, but also the connectors against lint from pockets or humidity ( which could void our warranty if the sensors trigger and change their color)."
Link: http://www.pcshoptalk.com/content.php?292-SwitchEasy-Colors-Iphone-3G-3GS-Protective-Case

Motorola Cliq XT Review
"During the course of this review, we’ll be discussing varying advanced aspects of the Motorola Cliq XT from T-Mobile, such its social networked music player, its Swype texting capability, its iPhone-like pinch-and-zoom photo gallery capabilities, and more. But none of these really matters. The Android-powered Cliq XT, an update of last fall’s Cliq, is aimed at a specific customer: the social networker, some whom spend most of their mobile day reporting every moment of their earthly existence (or commenting on other’s banal blow-by-blow) on Facebook, texting friends, sending pictures, and updating their blogs. For these folks, the Cliq XT’s otherwise unique collection of functions aren’t necessarily superfluous, but certainly won’t be primary purchase factors. But XT’s other social networking features may make it attractive even to casual Twitterers."
Link to the review: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cell-phone-reviews/motorola-cliq-xt-review/

Everything You Need To Know About 4G
http://www.techspot.com/guides/272-everything-about-4g/
While most of us are used to getting high speed Internet connections at home, the office or even the local coffee shop, once we are on the road those high speeds have to stay behind. With 4G the promise is that you can get real mobile broadband to go. In this piece we are going to tell you all about the technology and its benefits, who offers it or plans to, how much it costs, and the gear you need to enjoy the next generation of wireless broadband today.

ASUS TS mini Home Server Review:
http://hothardware.com/Articles/ASUS-TS-mini-Home-Server-Review/

Today, we’re going to take a look at the ASUS TS mini, a home server that’s designed to offer easy and simple file storage, automated backups, and file sharing. The ASUS TS mini offers your choice of 500GB or 2TB of storage in an energy-efficient 2-bay design. Both models also come with 500GB of online storage free for the first year.

iSkin Solo/FX/SE iPhone 3GS Case Review @ Virtual-Hideout

Review link: http://www.virtual-hideout.net/reviews/iSkin_Solo_FX_SE/index.shtml

Quote: “I’m back today with another product review geared towards the ever popular Apple iPhone 3G/S. I’ll be looking at the iSkin Solo cases including the Solo, the Solo FX and the Solo FX SE. As you can see above they come in a variety of colors with only the finish itself differentiating the models. The Solo is the basic model with the Solo FX adding a circular pattern to the inside and lastly the Solo FX SE adds both a circular pattern inside and out and adds a matte finish to the exterior.”

Pantech Link @ TestFreaks

Today for review I’ve got another phone for AT&T from Pantech called the Link. This phone is a decent phone overall truly, it’s very inexpensive, it can be had for only $10 on contract with AT&T. It features a full QWERTY keyboard along with Bluetooth 2.0 for wireless stereo so you can listen to your music on the go. It does feature an HTML browser, but the screen is a bit small, but it works in a pinch. overall the call quality is decent, and I didn’t really have any issues there. So read on to checkout the latest phone form Pantech and AT&T…

Link: http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/review/review-of-pantech-link/

Assorted Stuffs:

Psychology of Technology: N.E.I. is the New T.M.I.

Teaser: One of America’s most cherished rights is citizens’ right to privacy, as former Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun noted, "the right to be let alone." Passions are stirred by debates about the right to privacy and it has become a political hot potato in recent years due in part to the domestic wiretapping controversy, identity theft, and data mining on the Internet. Yet these days, a growing swath of America, mostly the young and tech savvy, are not only unconcerned about their privacy, but actively eschew that right. They seem to believe in N.E.I. (Never Enough Information) rather than the more familiar T.M.I. (Too Much Information, for those who were just rescued from a deserted island).

Click here: http://bit.ly/9Xxd3l

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Samsung CLP-770ND Color Laser Printer Review at CCE Reviews
Link: http://www.ccereviews.com/reviews/samsung-clp-770nd-color-laser-printer/
Quote: The Samsung CLP-770ND is limited to just color printing but it does it very well. The printer easily achieves the rated speed of 33ppm on black and white documents but the larger color documents cause the printer the queue and slow down to 13-14ppm, a respectable rate for full color pages.

Linux Firewall: Overcoming Email Server Problems @ [OC]ModShop

As discussed in our article "Why Build a Linux Firewall", there are many advantages to having a custom-built firewall appliance in your home. While these Linux distributions are easy to set up and have nice User Interfaces, they still have some problems. Not every feature of Linux is exposed in the GUI, so while these firewalls are very capable they don’t allow for simple customization.
In this article we show you your options on making your network more secure, and how to preserve your online reputation with a little customization of your Linux firewall. While we use IPcop, many of these tips work on just about any firewall that uses IPtables.

Review URL :: http://www.ocmodshop.com/ocmodshop.aspx?a=1754

How to Turn on Automatic Logon in Windows
URL: http://computingondemand.com/?p=3151
This is a subject that can be attacked a few different ways. There are many reasons why people want to log into Windows Automatically and the ways to do it are just as various. For my purposes, logging into windows automatically is an absolute must for my HTPC’s. The last thing I want to do is try to spell out my password using an IMON remote!

Gaming:

Indie Review: Pellmell @ Xbox360Digest

Voodoo Chief creates an enjoyable top down fast paced shooter with a large amount of carnage and a ton of enemies to shoot at.

Link: http://www.xbox360digest.com/2010/04/27/indie-review-pellmell/

Alganon – After the Dawning Preview

Alganon is the best MMORPG that I have played to date. There are some small issues but for the most part, Alganon is on its way to become one of the best games available, especially in its genre. If you liked Diablo, played and enjoyed Neverwinter Nights, miss the old school UO interaction and customizations, then I would recommend getting Alganon. But in the time it took me to write this review I have missed valuable Alganon play time, so with that take care, have fun and maybe we will see each other in Alganon.

Link: http://www.gamepyre.com/reviews/games/pc/1168_1.html

MEGATech Reviews – Nyko Charge Base IC Induction Charging Dock for Nintendo Wii

When you play a lot of video games or even if you only play once in a while, it can be a pain having to deal with batteries. We all enjoy having wireless controllers, but this convenience comes at a price. You could go with regular alkalines or even rechargeable NiMH batteries, but they’re not that convenient. To make matters worse for all the Nintendo Wii owners in the audience, you have to remove the silicone sleeve and the Wii Motion Plus before you can change the batteries. Thankfully, the Nyko Charge Base IC addresses all of these concerns in one affordable and convenient package. Read on to find out what we think of it in this MEGATech Review!

Direct Link: http://www.megatechnews.com/megatech-reviews-%E2%80%93-nyko-charge-base-ic-induction-charging-dock-for-nintendo-wii/