While Dan and Scott got their first reviews posted without incident, I wasn't as lucky with the Asus G71.
Actually, that's not entirely true. You see the review was sailing right along until I started reading complaints about the system's Nvidia GeForce GTX 260M graphics adapter basically dropping frame rates to 1-2fps once the GPU temp hits roughly 81 degrees Celsius. So we did a little more testing and, sure enough, the frame rates dropped and we couldn't get them back up without a restart. Read more »
3D has been the holy grail of immersive gaming. This Samsung monitor works with Nvidia's GeForce 3D Vision Kit which is compatible with specific models of Nvidia graphics cards to transform a 2D game into a 3D experience. However, not all games can be rendered in the third dimension, so before you put down S$429 (US$287.09) for the monitor and US$149 for the Nvidia 3D Vision Kit, check out the list of compatible titles here. Read more »
The line between portable media devices and traditional Netbooks just got a little more blurred, thanks to the announcement of the Archos 9PCtablet. According to the company, this is a 9-inch touchscreen Atom-powered PC, in a form factor much closer to Archos' line of portable media players (or older UMPCs) than an Eee PC.
Using a touchscreen interface and an optical trackball, the Archos 9PCtablet looks at first glance like a Netbook that's had its screen and keyboard halves forcibly separated. Probably the closest thing we've seen recently is the import-only Viliv S5, which also had an Atom processor and a touch screen--but that display was only 4.8 inches. Read more »
The Einstein Sound Master Photon Ball iPod Dock. (Credit: Buy.com)
As a child of the '80s, I can distinctly remember a time when decorative electrostatic plasma lamps were very cool. They were also very expensive and--for the most part--useless. These days, though, I can't look at one without thinking of that creepy, evil, wizard crystal ball thing from Lord of the Rings.
Whatever side of nerd nostalgia you fall on, the Einstein Sound Master Photon Ball iPod dock has you covered. You get an iPod dock, clock radio, USB port, and a bitchin' plasma lamp--all for US$34.99. I'm not sure how they shield the speakers from interference, or protect your iPod from the constant static-electric charge, but I know wouldn't risk putting an iPhone in there. Anyway, I wouldn't want Saruman the White reading my e-mail.
Do you have a country cottage and are on a lookout for racing game accessories that will blend seamlessly with your home decor? Check out the WoodSmart Racing Car Simulator One that comes complete with an authentic racing seat and TV bracket, pieced together in quality wood panels. Shipped with dedicated compartment space for gaming consoles from Sony and Microsoft, the Simulator One is available in a choice of wood varnish, silver, gray and black color finishing for US$1,600. We've combed through the South African company's Web site for shipping information, but to no avail. However, you can always try to sound them out here.