Archived Computer Hardware Reviews

Pros: Cutting edge technology, fast, reliable parts
Cons: None I found yet

Atlas Micro Logistic, Inc. offers an online computer store where you can buy whatever type of computer you need or want with a very wide selection of peripherals and add-ons. The computer I am reviewing is their AS 9800 model with an AMD Athlon 1000MHz...

Pros: Decent Scan Quality, Low price for an HP scanner, durable quality, multiple easy to use quick buttons, LCD for copier like use, USB and parallel
Cons: Definitely not for professionals, copy machine functions hog up more CPU time, there are other scanners with higher resolution in same price range

Leaning towards HP bargain line scanners is the newly released 4300C, 4300Cse, and 4300Cxi ScanJet scanners. They have begun to spring up in your local Staples, OfficeMax, etc..., and even in Wal-Mart! This is basically an overhaul of the 4200 series...

Pros: Inexpensible, reliable, tough and PCMCIA type II compatible
Cons: None I found

If you use a laptop over a local area network, then you know the expense of ethernet adapters for laptop computers is somewhat high compared to desktops. I found a great little PCMCIA card that allows you to connect to your LAN through 10baseT or Thin...

Pros: Onboard ATA 66, supports PC100 & PC133, jumperless set up
Cons: Does not support AGP 4X and a BIOS flash upgrade is needed for processors over 650MHz

Pros: Reliable, many features to choose from, xBrite technology
Cons: Expensive

Well, I had been committed to writing this review about a specific Sony Vaio notebook but since the topic seems to be opinions of the Sony Vaio series in general, I will address it as such.

The Sony Vaio notebooks come in various speeds from...

Pros: Fast, easy set up, great support, excellent parts,
Cons: No ISA slots - not really a big deal since all parts are PCI

Gateway makes great computers there is no question about it. But are they worth the money you pay? The price of this system is roughly $2200 (the price on the product page is wrong - check Gateway's web site to verify this price). Well, I have done...

Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install and 10/100 compatible
Cons: No Windows 2000 information, no available drivers guranteed to work with Windows 2000

The prices on ethernet adapters have dropped drastically in the last year and what you would once pay for a good 10/100 network card is now just unacceptable. The D-Link DFE-530TX+ is an excellent card that installs easily and connects your computer to...

Pros: Great Picture!
Cons: Price $599

What a monitor!
I have wanted a 19-inch monitor for about one year now. I finally got one, thanks to the Epinion and Surfing checks I have gotten this year. I am very happy with the Sony Trinitron Multiscan E400, the picture is clear as can...

Pros: Small footprint, lightweight, quality craftsmanship
Cons: Expensive, easy to break, not as good a picture as CRT monitors

This KDS monitor is nice if you need desk space, have a preference for LCD monitors, or just have a lot of money and want to show it. The truth is LCD monitors are not as bright or as sharp as CRT monitors. The max resolution on this monitor is...

Pros: Inexpensive, reliable and multi-read capable
Cons: faster models are available but at higher prices

The I/OMagic 6X DVDROM drive is a cost effective way to get DVD capability for your computer with a reasonable price. I bought this drive in November of 1999 and have watched over 40 DVD movies since then as well as using it for a regular CDROM...

Pros: Inexpensive, dependable, 4 buttons, 2 scrolling wheels, ergonomic design, and available for left handed people
Cons: Has a ball in it and must be cleaned once in a while

Micro Innovations is a small company when compared to Logitech or Microsoft. And they are not well known for their input devices. This company has a wonderful selection of mice and keyboards as well as other accessories for your computer.

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Pros: Clear, crisp satellites; Incredible price
Cons: Wimpy and slightly cheap-looking subwoofer

I got the Logitech Soundman X2's for "free" as part of the Emusic.com deal (which expired on April 30) and here's my impression of them so far.

The two satellites provide crisp highs and strong midrange frequencies, without becoming...

Pros: Great price, great quality, easy to install
Cons: None!

Okay...you have the best computer on the market, a cool new camcorder, and a big hard drive. You're ready to make movies on your computer, right?? Wrong!! You need some kind of device that allows your camcorder to talk to your computer. You've seen the...

Pros: Lightweight, easy to handle once you're through the installation stage. You can fabricate some fantastic imageries you never thought possible.
Cons: Relatively fragile if you try to sit on it. *ahem*

After 2 exhausting assignments and a gazillion cups of coffee, I have somehow managed to find the energy to write this. Why a scanner? Considering the fantastically clear images I get when I desperately need to scan in a picture of a concrete building...

Pros: Beautiful active matrix screen, excellent pointing device, fast and quiet
Cons: Not crazy about the software package

The IBM Thinkpad iSeries 1500 is one nice looking computer, open or closed. It's profile is thin and sleek; open it up and its 14" display is beautifully clear.

I have owned this notebook for a little over a month, and thought I would...