News for July 30th 2010

Kristofer Brozio | July 30, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Ok.. so this was supposed to go up yesterday, but I’m sure you noticed we had some server issues.. I’m having issues of my own, I’m just sick totally like blah… so nothing more to say, just read the news…

Storage Related:

Crucial RealSSD C300 256GB @ TechwareLabs

Quote: Slow secondary storage has been the biggest persistent gripe about PC gaming for quite a while now. While CPUs, RAM, graphics cards and system busses have all been improving at a steady rate; hard drives have stayed more or less stagnant for the past decade. Enter the solid state drive. At its most basic level, a SSD has the same basic structure as a USB flash drive: a bunch of NAND flash memory chips, a controller to tie them together, and an interface that talks to the outside world. Where a SSD pulls ahead is, naturally enough, in the performance of those three components. Today we’ll be looking at the RealSSD C300 256GB SSD from Crucial. Taking advantage of the still-uncommon SATA 6.0 GBps interface, this drive promises to deliver blisteringly fast performance.
LINK: http://www.techwarelabs.com/crucial-realssd-c300-256gb/

Western Digital WD TV Live Plus Review
"When a $150 box that could fit in your back pocket now does much of what a hulking $1,200 home theater PC used to do – without making so much of a whisper – it should come as little surprise that set-top boxes for digital media have taken off. Western Digital’s WD TV Live Plus brings full 1080p resolution to the table, plus compatibility with Netflix, Pandora, and the ability to stream files over a home network, along with advanced extras like DVD menu support and Windows 7 "Play To" capability."
Link to the review: http://www.digitaltrends.com/media-streamer-reviews/western-digital-wd-tv-live-plus-review/

Patriot Inferno 100 GB SSD

Link: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Patriot/Inferno_100_GB

Brief: Patriot’s 100 GB Inferno SSD drive uses the Sandforce SF-1222 controller which is the company’s latest and has found its way into many SSDs from major manufacturers on the market. Patriot is offering a unique five year warranty with their drive that uses a massive 28 GB overprovisioning to keep performance high at all times.

Moneaul Crystal Pen Drive Review @ XSReviews

Review Link: http://www.xsreviews.co.uk/reviews/drives/moneaul-crystal-pen-drive/
Quote: "One thing that has pleased many a hardware nerd in the past few years is that geek culture has received a bit more recognition in main steam society; it’s no longer hugely uncool to be a bit more technologically inclined. Because of this, there’s certain nerdy fashions that are beginning to cross over; one of these is the pen drive round the neck. However finding one that appeals to women was always going to be a bit harder to do, however Moneaul Swarovksi have a solution: crystal."

OCZ Technology RevoDrive 120GB PCIe Solid State Drive
QUOTE: "Mimicry is the highest form of flattery and when done to reduce cost and make a product similar more available to the masses, there isn’t anything wrong with it. To call the OCZ Technology RevoDrive a true PCIe drive like the io-Drive is a bit of a stretch. The RevoDrive takes the PCIe signal and routes it through a Silicon Image RAID controller. From the RAID controller the data is passed through to two onboard PCB SSDs. This should reduce latency from the RAID controller to the drives since it eliminates the SATA cables. In reality there really isn’t much difference between buying two 60GB Vertex 2 60GB drives with a RAID controller and the RevoDrive when it comes to performance, but OCZ didn’t really design the RevoDrive to flatter the Fusion-io or accomplish performance outside of the realm of the above scenario.
OCZ’s main goal of the RevoDrive was targeted at another set of numbers that are just as important to end users, cost numbers. By using just one PCB for the Silicon Image RAID controller and dual SandForce SSDs, OCZ was able to keep the cost lower than if each of these components was purchased separately. Add in the elimination of additional documentation, packaging, cables and such, OCZ was able to really get the cost down on this one making it not only accessible to the consumer market, but in some cases the best option for desktop users looking to get the absolute most out of their Dollar, Euro or Peso."

OCZ RevoDrive 120GB PCI-Express SSD Review @ Legit Reviews
Article URL: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1370/1/

"OCZ has been on the cutting edge of SSDs since they hit the consumer market and are on the pioneer trail once again with their most affordable PCI-Express based SSD yet – the RevoDrive. As implied, this isn’t their first PCI-E drive but it is the first that carries a price tag that rivals that of the more traditional SATA port based SSDs. At an MSRP of $349 for the 120GB version (part number OCZSSDPX-1RVD0120), they aren’t what you would consider inexpensive for storage devices in general, but considering the performance, hardware onboard and pricing of similar capacity SSDs, the price point is rather impressive. The RevoDrive features a pair of Sandforce SF-1200 controllers in a RAID 0 configuration – all on one card. Think of it like the NVIDIA SLI and ATI Crossfire cards with dual GPU’s on one card. You get all the benefits of a traditional RAID 0 configuration without the hassle and expense of multiple drives and add-in RAID controller cards. We’ve seen the performance of just one Sandforce based drive begin to hit the SATA II bandwidth ceiling, and moving to a higher bandwidth interface will really allow the RevoDrive to stretch its legs…"

RunCore Pro-V 200GB SSD @ LanOC Reviews
DESCRIPTION: When you first visit RunCore’s website, you’ll have to chose what sort of consumer you are: professional or ‘prosumer’. For those unfamiliar with the latter, it’s a hybrid word to describe a ‘professional consumer’, or if you will, an enthusiast. Today we look at a solid-state drive, a piece of hardware any PC enthusiast drools over, provided by RunCore, a China-based manufactuer focused on the production of high-end solid-state storage options.

ARTICLE URL: http://lanoc.org/review/hardware/storage/3906-runcore-pro-v-200gb-ssd

OCZ Revo 120GB PCI Express SSD Performance Preview @ Techgage
Link: http://techgage.com/article/ocz_revo_120gb_pci_express_ssd_performance_preview/
Quote: SSD’s are not considered to be "affordable" by many, and that’s especially true when talking about PCI Express versions. But, that’s soon to change, with the launch of OCZ’s Revo – a drive that barely charges a premium over current high-end SSD’s. While we iron out the details for our full review, we offer you this quick performance preview.

Audio / Video:

Samsung NX10 Mini-DSLR Compact Camera
URL: http://www.bcchardware.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=8891&Itemid=40
Quote:Sporting an APS-C sized sensor in an ultra thin body, this camera attempts to play with the entry level SLRs while at the same time catering to the higher sales volumes of the point and shoot crowd. This particular market segment is becoming increasingly crowed as amateur photographers seek to leave the confines of their tiny sensors in hopes of better photos at higher ISOs. Panasonic, Olympus, Sony, and now Samsung have chosen this demographic to wage war in.

Creative Sound Blaster ARENA Surround Headset Review on Technic3D

Link: http://www.technic3d.com/article-1114,1-creative-sound-blaster-arena-surround.htm

Translation Link: http://translate.google.de/translate?u=http%3a%2F%2fwww.technic3d.com%2Farticle-1114%2C1-creative-sound-blaster-arena-surround.htm&sl=de&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8
Quote: "The Creative Sound Blaster ARENA Surround Headset arrived Technic3D. The Sound Blaster Arena USB Gaming Headset from Creative Labs brings a fully immersive gaming audio experience to any computer. Thanks to Sound Blaster X-Fi technology with EAX support integrated into the headset, you’ll get 3D positional surround sound experience regardless of the computer you’re using. And with a comfortable design and detachable noise-canceling microphone, you’ll be ready to dominate all-night gaming sessions? We will check this and more in the following Review."

Samsung UN55C6500 55 Inch LED TV Review @ Tweaknews
Article Url: http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/samsung_un55c6500_led_tv/
Article Snippet:
"With this being the second LED TV I have tested from Samsung, nothing much has changed with regards to pros and cons of thin panel LED technology. The picture quality and colors are second to none and the 1.1inch overall thickness is nothing less than astonishing."

OCIA.net has posted their review of the Geeks.com Mini USB 2.0 LED Projector.

"Today, we have for review a Geeks.com Mini USB 2.0 LED Projector. This mini-projector is aptly named: it literally fits in the palm of your hand. With a built-in speaker and various input options, it seems like the perfect gadget for showing slideshows or movies in the absence of a TV or suitable monitor. Also, because it’s so small, it should be ideal for quick and easy setup."

Direct Link: http://www.ocia.net/reviews/miniprojector/page1.shtml

Mobile Related:

Choiix Comforter Lapdesk @ Pro-Clockers

Review link: http://pro-clockers.com/mousepads/1554-choiix-comforter-lapdesk.html

There are many of us that love to sit back on the couch with our laptop on our laps browsing the wonderful world of the internet which would include the pages of Pro-Clockers. And there are some of us that likes to set back late at night with a pillow propped up against the headboard of the bed adding the finishing touches of a review before heading to bed. Both of these situations are common and simply placing the laptop on your legs is not too bad.

Motorola H17txt with MotoSpeak Bluetooth Headset @ MobilityDigest

Today for review I have a bluetooth headset from Motorola called the H17txt, odd name yes, but it’s much more than just a headset. This specific headset features MotoSpeak or the ability for you to listen to text messages and emails sent to you in the headset. While you’re driving or whatever you’re doing, when you get a message it will be read to you right through the headset. It works with either Android or Blackberry phones, and since I don’t have a BlackBerry I’m using my Android phone, specifically the Motorola Cliq XT. The software is very configurable with many options, but the downside is that to get full functionality you’ll need to get the full version which will cost you $13.95. I found the ‘lite’ version to be more than adequate though for my uses. Anyway, read on to learn more about the H17txt and MotoSpeak…

Link: https://mobilitydigest.com/review-motorola-h17txt-with-motospeak-bluetooth-headset/

The Inexpensive yet Stylish Toshiba Satellite T235

The Toshiba Satellite T235 is here, and for the price being asked this laptop looks very impressive indeed. The Satellite T235 is a Pentium or AMD powered machine, and while it may not be the fastest laptop on the block, its long battery life and great design make it a steal at just under $600.

Link: http://www.geekwithlaptop.com/the-inexpensive-yet-stylish-toshiba-satellite-t235

IDAPT I3 Universal Desktop Charger Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Review URL: http://www.thinkcomputers.org/idapt-i3-universal-desktop-charger-review/

Quote: “If you are anything like me you have quite a few gadgets lying around, most with their own chargers. This means you have a bunch of different cords to plug in, which takes up most of your power strip and just makes a mess of wires and connectors. While there is nothing we can do about all of the chargers that come with these devices there is something you can do about the mess. This is where the IDAPT I3 Universal Desktop charger comes in. It is a simple device that has 1 power connection and allows you to charge up to 3 devices at the same time! Let’s take a look…"

Assorted Stuffs:

Joby Gorillatorch Flare Review

Quote: I love little gadgets, and I have a fondness for flashlights for some reason.. I got the Gorillatorch for review a while ago and I’ve found it to be one of the most useful products I’ve ever got for review. Joby has introduced another Gorillatorch though called the Gorillatorch Flare, that is similar to the original but offers a brighter beam with three levels of brightness and a strobe. In addition to the standard white light though included is a red light, that’s kind of where the name flare comes from. The red light can be solid or strobe only. The Gorillatorch Flare has legs that are flexible to wrap around anything but it also has magnetic feet so it sticks to many surfaces giving it the ability to get light exactly where you need it.

Link: http://www.dragonsteelmods.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16670&Itemid=1

iXBT Labs Review: AMD 2010 Processor Series in Tests, Part 1
Excerpt:
"Today we shall try to answer the following question. What’s better: a triple-core CPU with 512KB L2 per core or a dual-core CPU with 1024KB L2 per core? On the one hand, the former has an additional core. On the other hand, each core of the latter has twice as much cache available. This isn’t as obvious as it may seem."
Article: http://ixbtlabs.com/articles3/cpu/amd-cpu-series-2010-part1-p1.html

AMD Ups The Workstation Ante With A New FirePro Driver @ Phoronix
Direct Link: http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=15158
Summary: "Whether you are an owner of an ATI FirePro V3800 that retails for just over $100 USD, the proud owner of an ATI FirePro V8800 that goes for over $1,300 USD, or any of the FirePro products in-between, you will want to update your graphics driver when AMD puts out their next stable software update. Back in March AMD put out an amazing FirePro Linux driver that increased the performance of their workstation graphics cards already on the market (and the other Evergreen-based workstation cards that entered the market soon after) by an astonishing amount. Our independent tests of this proprietary Linux driver update found that the performance in some workstation applications had increased by up to 59% by simply installing this updated driver while other OpenGL tests had just improved rather modestly with 20%+ gains. AMD though is preparing to release another driver update for Microsoft Windows and Linux that ups their workstation graphics performance even more! We have run some tests of this new beta driver against their older driver with both their low-end and ultra-high-end FirePro products and have found the improvements again to be astonishing."