Introduction

SteelSeries have a established themselves a fine reputation as a solid producer of quality PC gaming peripherals, so as I review this mouse I have high hopes for a product which does exactly as it says it will at a high level. The Steelseries Kinzu optical mouse, described as being ‘in a league of its own’ with regards to reliability and stability, can be picked up for the relatively low price of £21 (or $33 US Dollars).

About Steelseries

“SteelSeries Kinzu was developed in close cooperation with professional gamers to set new standards for performance in optical mice. The Gaming Grade image correlation sensor has been optimized to improve stability and eliminate jitter.”

So What Does This Mean?

Expect a very high quality product! Steel series are very proud of the fact that they work with the consumers rather than just staying in the labs and doing what they think is going to be effective and work well (see their about pages on their website for more.) Some readers may be concerned/put off by the fact that this is an optical mouse rather than a laser mouse (the DPI count on mice made with the latter is significantly higher) but there are still many gamers who opt for the optical mouse. This too means that the price of this mouse can be kept much lower than any of the new laser mice – possibly a selling point for those on a budget – and with a good mat many argue that the difference is negligible at any rate.

Specifications

• Frames per second: 9.375
• Inches per second: 50
• Megapixels per second: 3.75
• Counts Per Inch (CPI): 400 – 3200
• Acceleration: 20 G
• Buttons: 3
• Cord: 2 m / 7,9 ft (braided to improve durability)
• Polling: up to 1000 Hz
• Lift distance: ~2.0mm
• Large pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide
• Driverless, plug-and-play feature for LAN gamers
• Built-in memory for 3 profiles
• Measurements: 117 x 64 x 36 mm / 4,6 x 2,5 x 1,43 in
• Operating systems: Win XP / Vista / Win 2000 / Mac OS

*Configuration software only available for Windows operating systems

Features

• Ambidextrous lightweight ergonomic finger-tip / palm design
• Slip-resistant coating for superior mouse grip and control
• Gaming Grade optimizations for pro gaming CPI values
• CPI toggle for on-the-fly high & low sensitivity adjustments
• Customizable report rate between 125hz-1000hz / 1 ms response time.
• 3200 Counts Per Inch
• 9375 Frames Per Second
• Acceleration on/off toggle via software
• 50 Inches Per Second and 20G of acceleration
• Low-friction high-performance polyethylene feet

]]> http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/steelseries-kinzu-gaming-mouse/feed/ 0 http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/inwin-maelstrom-pc-enclosure/ http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/inwin-maelstrom-pc-enclosure/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:09:19 +0000 Andrew http://tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=2584

Introduction

In recent years computer hardware has been developing at an amazing rate. But whilst much attention is given to new graphics technologies and new CPUs it seems that system enclosures are often left without much time in the limelight. However, one such case demands time in the forefront, with both its audacious aesthetics and its plethora of features, the InWin Maelstrom demands attention.

About InWin

"In Win has become a leading manufacturer of core technology in order to meet market and consumer needs and demands. Our company’s management team has laid a strong foundation in terms of eight major elements: innovation, service, speed, value, safety, warmth, faithfulness, diligence. These elements help In Win to remain a leader in the business realm and also help to differentiate us from our competition."

Features

• 
  Superb Expandability
  Able to support five 5.25” & six 3.5” drive bays, the Maelstrom has a four CPU M/B compatibility ranging from Micro-ATX to Extended-ATX.
• User Friendly Ergonomic and Mechanical Design
  Designed to provide quick maintenance and upgrade solutions, the patented shock-free railing system protects each drive bay. The retaining holes on the M/B tray offer easy CPU cooler replacement.
• Superior Acoustic and Vibration Solutions
  The Maelstrom offers a quiet environment and silent operation for gamers via acoustic absorbers laid inside the chassis. The tough casing structure efficiently reduces the acoustic noise levels and vibrations.
• Revolutionary High Efficiency Thermal Solution
  
  Ten front, side, and top 12cm fans enhance airflow while a meshed front and top panel provide superior ventilation. The Maelstrom offers an unparalleled thermal solution for any gaming system.
• Luxurious Exterior and Interior Painting
  Fully draped in a dark metallic black, the Maelstrom offers a luxurious look with its intimidating size. The black coating on the exterior and interior of the chassis prevent damage from humidity, oxidation, and extend the lifespan of the Maelstrom.

Specifications

Data security is a very important issue for some people. For internal hard drives there are many solutions available to ensure your drive cannot be accessed. However, for portable hard drives, there really are very few working solutions. One such apparent  solution is iStorage’s diskGenie, a hardware encrypted portable hard drive which utilizes secure PIN code access. Let’s see how it performs…

About iStorage

“iStorage Limited provides high performance and ultra secure portable data storage and security products to users who need to protect their data held on PC’s, MACs and portable data storage devices.”

Features

• COMPLETE SECURITY with Real Time 256-bit AES Hardware Encryption and Pin Code Access
• EASY TO INSTALL and set up as no software needed
• CONVENIENCE via integrated USB2 so no extra cables or AC power needed
• ROBUST, PORTABLE compact design with shock mounting to protect from knocks
• ADMINISTRATION feature allowing up to 10 passkeys and passkey management
• COMPATIBILITY with any operating system incl. Windows, Mac, Linux
• GUARANTEED with 3 year warranty

Capacities Available

• 250GB
• 320GB
• 500GB

More information can be found here.

Lavasoft are known throughout the spyware protection industry as a class leader, providing quality software which is reliable and effective. The free version of Ad-Aware is immensely popular with computer users worldwide, but here today we will be looking at what the Game Edition offers over the free or pro editions, and whether it is worth the $24.95 or £15.46 it can be bought for.

What they say…

“Designed for online gamers and entertainment fans, Ad-Aware Game Edition provides complete malware protection, including anti-virus and anti-spyware, while you work and play in full-screen mode – without the interruptions or system impact.”

So what does this mean?

Account stealing and the misuse of login details is on the rise, so increasingly it is becoming important for gamers to be constantly protected, so the importance of a secure anti-malware product is paramount. However, more often than not, security suites are bloated and can cause unparalleled slowing to the system, most gamers opt to leave out the security in preference of an improved gaming experience. This is where Ad-Aware’s Game Edition claims to comes in.

So, with one of the main draw backs being that it ‘won’t get in your way – no interruptions, no breaks in security, and no bogging down of your machine’s resource,’ this will come under scrutiny in the following review, in the hope that also the UI and the experience will not be negatively affected due to these changes.

System Requirements

• Processor: Intel Pentium 600 MHz or better
• RAM: Operating system + min 100 MB
• Free hard disk space: 100 MB recommended
• Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (32-bit)

Features

• Anti-virus + anti-spyware
• Ad-Watch Live! Expert real-time protection
• Genotype detection technology
• Behaviour-based heuristics detection
• Rootkit removal system
• TrackSweep
• Do Not Disturb Mode
• The Scheduler
• The Neutralizer malware removal tool
• Minimal strain on resources
• Simple Mode/Advanced Mode
• Customizable profile scans
• Pin–point file scans
• External drive scans
• Lavasoft SmartSet
• Automatic Threat Updates
• Free technical support

What started from simply an aluminium block in the Intel Pentium I era, CPU coolers have become one of the most adapted pieces of hardware used in computers. However, the principle of such a product is much the same to how it stood back in 1993 when the original Intel Pentium microprocessor was introduced.

In the last few years, there seems to have been a definite slow-down in the modification of CPU coolers. Companies are now seeming to follow a standard: aluminium fins, copper heat-pipes and a 120mm fan. And would you blame them? Well as the saying goes ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, so probably not. Today, for review, we have a CPU cooler from a company named ‘Spire’, they’re fairly new to us, so let’s see if this TherMax Pro cooler surprises us with any new offerings to the processor cooling scene…

Compatibility

Features

• Three 8mm all copper u shaped heat-pipes
• All new Direct-Touch heat-pipe technology
• UV-reactant 90mm BlueStar fan design
• Amazingly silent at just 25.0 dBA
• PCI-Fan speed controller included
• 45 stamped Aluminium Micro-Fin’s
• Supports the latest Intel & AMD micro-processors

Specifications

Imagine being able to access the files and folders on your PC from a mobile device. For most of us, this would massively change the way in which we work. Instead of waiting until you’re near a PC to be able to preview and proof read reports  for tomorrow’s meeting, you’re now suddenly able to do it whilst travelling about, therefore making full use of your available time.

Dream-not though, this is now reality. NetPortal, an app available to iPhone users boasts to be able to do just this and many more tasks. Furthermore, costing just £2.99 (or $4.99 to our American friends) on the fruit-shop’s store, Stratospherix’s app sounds too good to be true. Let’s find out if it is…

About Stratospherix

“Stratospherix is a start up company developing high quality software specifically for the iPhone. All of our software is designed with ease of use and robustness as primary requirements. We use the apple design guidelines to offer a intuitive user experience to anyone familiar with the iPhone.

Our seasoned developers each have at least 15 years experience in corporate software.”

Features

View Documents

• Text, PDF, iWork, RTF
• Microsoft Office files including: Word, Excel, Powerpoint
• Image formats: JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG, TIF
• Source code: C/C++, Objective C/C++, C#, Java, Javascript, XML, shell scripts, Perl, Ruby, Python, and more
• Audio and Video files, all formats supported by the iPhone
• HTML and webarchive files

Bookmarks

• Access favourite network shares, folders, or files, with just 2 clicks.
• Bookmark locations on remote servers or your iPhone
• Bookmark folders or files
• Sort your bookmarks by: Last used, Name, Location, User defined

Email documents

• eMail documents as attachments using the iPhone’s OS 3.0 built-in email application

Browsing

• Hierarchical Browsing of all files and folders
• Automatic enumeration of network shares
• Background enumeration of files/folders, allows you to navigate into a sub-folder, or open a file, as soon as you see it.

File and Folder Management

• Copy files to your phone for later/offline viewing
• Keep files on your phone as long as you wish, and organise them as you choose
• Create and arrange local folders.
• Move files between local folders

Connect to

• Mac OSX
• Windows Server 2003
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows 2000 Workstation / Server
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Windows Home Server

Network Access

• Using Apple’s secure VPN: GPRS, Edge, 3G, WiFi

To learn more about NetPortal, click here to visit Stratospherix’s website.

Where to Purchase

NetPortal can be purchased for $4.99 or £2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Introduction

Memory cooling is one of those things that most people leave untouched. There may be several reasons for this: the foremost being that the stock heat spreaders on most memory modules will be sufficient for most user’s needs. But occasionally, there will of course be users who need to push their memory to the limit – particularly overclockers and gaming enthusiasts. These users will therein need some hardcore cooling for their precious RAM. With that in mind I introduce you to the Xigmatek Dragoon and Cuirassier heat spreaders.

About Xigmatek

Several years of experiences company background in Thermal IT industry provides our customer the best, reliable, environmental and performing Thermal/Cooling Systems including excellent Service to fulfill global users and customers demands.

Dragoon Features and Specifications

• H.D.T. (Heat-pipe direct touch) technology
• Vast compatibility across multiple types of memories
• Outstanding cooling efficiency
• Designed for professional gamer
• Supports Dual Channel Memory setup
• Increases overclocking potential
• Optimized for natural convection
• Adhesive thermal tape attached
• Light weight
• Easy installation

Cuirassier Features and Specifications

• Pillar and fin combination provides high performance
• Vast compatibility across multiple types of memories
• Increases overclocking potential
• High thermal efficiency
• Optimized for natural convection
• Pre-applied adhesive thermal tape
• Light weight
• Easy installation

Introduction

A common trend which has grown considerably over the last year is the idea of a ‘Green PC’ – a computer system which uses minimal power. Although entailing much lower specifications than your average computer, these energy efficient PC’s usually come with much more appealing price tags. Therefore, for students, businesses and home users looking for a computer which can handle everyday tasks, it makes for a very tempting purchase.

Today we have for review a pre-built ‘Green PC’ from UK computer manufacturer, Novatech. The system has been named the ‘Ion Home PC’ and comes at a mere price tag of just £163.74 for the most basic model. Is this low spec’d computer system the ideal candidate for the home office? Let’s run it through a bunch of synthetic and real-life benchmarks and find out…

About Novatech

“In February 1987 Novatech was founded with a simple ethic of supplying high quality products at the lowest possible prices with excellent customer service. Novatech are now one of the UK's top mail order computer suppliers employing over 150 people at their HQ in Portsmouth.”

The Product Naming: Novatech Ion

In terms of computing, ION is an Nvidia based graphics processor which has been designed to work on low power PC’s. Central processors such as the Intel Atom 230 which is used in this system can be coupled with ION technology to turn a basic work computer into an all-singing, all-dancing ITX machine capable of watching 1080P content and playing DX10 games.

Although the name, ‘Novatech ION’ may seem to imply that this PC boasts Nvidia’s ION technology, to my amazement it does not. Instead it uses Intel’s 945GC Chipset which includes the rather awful Intel 82954G graphics adapter. Don’t be put off by it yet though; we haven’t even opened the box!

Introduction

The Graphics Card market is one which has taken some real beatings in the past year with the economic crisis. Instead of blowing your pay cheque as soon as it lands in your hand, many people are being more cautious about their purchases, making sure it’s not money wasted and that you’ve got the best performance for your hard earned cash. This is great for review websites like us, but for ATI and Nvidia it’s a very different story. Instead of taking a step forward in developing a bigger, better and usually more expensive card, which is normally the case, they’ve taken a leap backwards to provide for the ever-increasing ‘budget market’.

One such graphics card from ATI to enter this market is the HD 4770. Although it’s not the newest of graphics cards on the block and by no means the fastest, for users who are looking to spend under £100 on a video card, its features and specifications mean it’s one of the top candidates when deciding what graphics card to purchase.

Today we have an ATI HD4770 to review from the popular company named HIS. HIS are one of the leading manufacturers of ATI graphics cards. To see how this budget monster performs, we’ll be comparing it to a card just £20 more expensive. Time to see how this RV740 GPU video card performs…

The Technology behind the card…

Whereas most graphics cards feature a 55nm GPU, the 4770 HD from ATI is built with a 40nm chip. The smaller manufacturing process used to create this GPU means that more transistors can be fitted inside the same sized piece of silicon. In fact, to be precise, the RV740 has 826 million in a 143mm chip whereas the RV770 55nm chip has 965 million in a 267mm chip. Quite some size difference! So what does all this mean? The main advantage is significantly reduced power consumption and greater clock speeds, it only takes 80W to power a 4770.

There’s an interesting entry which shows the benefits of increasing transistor count here.

About HIS

“HIS is an internationally acclaimed graphics cards company. Time and time again, HIS were compared and tested by hundreds of worldly renowned critics. The results are phenomena, HIS have proven to offer far superior, cooler, quieter, and faster graphic cards than any other leading rivals. Up to the fourth quarter of 2008, HIS has won over 700 awards with ATI graphic solution from major media worldwide. HIS is being recognized by providing performance leading and award-winning products.”

Introduction

Depending on what you need an external hard drive for, you’re either going to have a small pocket sized one or a larger one to sit on your desk.  The Consus is a great enclosure that fits in your pocket and has some great features.  Read on to see what those features are and how the Consus performs during testing.

About Eagle Tech

Eagle Tech Computers, Inc. is a trusted OEM supplier of power supply, rack mount chassis, network attached storage NAS (RAID, Gigabit LAN, Wireless 802.11a/b/g), external hard drive enclosures and other storage related products. Our extensive experience in designing, manufacturing and marketing high quality PC components that meet and exceed customer application requirements has enabled us to grow beyond manufacturing. Our core competence is in innovative external storage solutions. Recognizing the needs of modern computer users to store and share digital files across multiple platforms, Eagle Tech constantly monitors consumer needs to ensure timely development and introduction of innovative external storage products into the consumer market. We remain a high quality technology solutions provider dedicated to satisfying the demands of modern computer users – mainstream, enthusiasts and SOHO professionals. Eagle Tech understands the importance of your data and strives to provide customers with reliable and easy to use products that are backed with responsive technical support staff. If there is a more innovative way to store and access your important data, you can count on us to make it happen for you – at affordable prices, rugged constructions and stylish designs.

Features

• Ultra portable at only 0.4" thick
• Solid aluminium chassis
• Soft-glowing drive activity LED
• Integrated USB cable (no messy wires)
• USB powered (no bulky AC adapter)
• 3.0Gbps eSATA*
• Plug-n-Play ISB 2.0
• Usage: Easy add-on storage for mobile users

Specifications