Sony Handycam DCRDVD850 DVD Hybrid Camcorder with 60X Optical Zoom (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)This Handycam has everything needed to be the most versatile of all of Sony's models with up-to-the-minute technology.
I originally hesitated because this only has an internal flash memory of 16 GB. However, I have a few of the sony memory sticks (4GB) Sony MSMT4G 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2) Media and having them as an option allows me to record as much time on this unit as I could usually want. It is true that with the internal flash memory your recording time is restricted to about 11 hours. However, each 4GB of memory stick prolongs that limit by about 3.5 hours and supplements the internal flash memory.

I find the flash medium (and the memory sticks) to be preferrable to an internal hard drive (which can store 60 GB, but, are subject to mechanical failure). Although the hard drives will store 60GB, I rarely have that much to accumulate in digital footage before I dump it to my notebook, or, an external USB hard drive. 11 hours of storage is about perfect for a day of interviews and miscellaneous recording.
This unit is a very nice, attractive, two-tone gunmetal and silver finish. It is slightly larger than the (very compact) DCR 47-87 series.Sony DCR-SR47 Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder (Silver) However, it will still almost fit in the palm of your hand.
The images are sharp quality, indoors or out. It is true (for a change) that the unit allows for one-button record to DVD. You can just slip a mini DVD (3") in the unit by lifting the cover and placing the DVD in the unit. This will burn about an hour to the 3" DVD so you can share it immediately. You need to use Sony's proprietary 3" disc Sony 3" Rewritable DVD+RW for Camcorders - 3pk but they are reasonably priced and reasonably available. The advantage of the searchable .mpg2 CODEC on disc should be obvious (as opposed to DV tapes).
If you need larger DVD burns, with the USB connection, it is possible to burn DVD's on the spot (I use this for interviews) for copies and distribution from your notebook computer. In addition, the internal file configuration can be converted to .wma or .mpg using Sony's proprietary software (included). (You will need to download the software updates to be able to edit the files using, for instance, Vista movie maker or other OS based video editing programs). The CODEC format is .mpg2 (not very efficient, but, allows for high resolution and editability (with updates to Sony's sofware).
This unit is sturdy and made as well as any of the Sony handycams. The chassis is, in fact, a proven design that has been around the SONY marketplace for over five years.
Another very useful feature is the 5.1 surround sound microphone. When you want to accurately record both audio and visual, directional stereo mic's will often pickup background noise and hiss, but, little else other than sound (such as voices talking at the camera) aimed at the mic. With the surround sound, you pick up everyting omnidirectionally. This is not only useful for picking up the voice of the person making the recording (as well as the subject) but has many other uses as well. When video'ing nature, the omnidirectional mike tends to attenuate the background hiss from all directions, yet, still pickup the sounds of birds and other nature sounds.
The digital quality is excellent (680,000 pixels translates to almost (about 75%) HD), and, with proper care in setting up your shots (being careful to avoid reflected or (too much) polarized light) you can make professional recordings.
After reviewing all of the available options out there, I think this is the unit with the most reliable and versatile features that is on the market.
Here are the specs from Sony's website:
Specifications
Recording Format DVD Video Codec MPEG-2
Media Storage Type 8cm DVD (DVD+R DL / DVD+RW / DVD-RW / DVD-R) HYBRID / HYBRID Plus HYBRID Plus
(16GB Built-in Flash Memory and Movie recording on Memory Stick) Image Sensor Type 1/8" CCD
Audio Format Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator (5.1ch.)
Zoom Mic Yes
Carl Zeiss Lens / Filter Diameter Vario-Tessar / 30mm Optical / Digital Zoom 60x / 2000x Maximum Still Image Resolution (Photo Mode) 720 x 576 Image Stabiliser SteadyShot LCD Screen Size &
Type 2.7" Wide LCD (123K / 16:9) with
Touch Panel Face Index Yes
Film Roll Index Yes
Memory Stick Duo Slot Yes
USB Terminal Yes (USB 2.0 High Speed)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 55 x 89 x 130mm Mass (w/o Tape, Battery, etc.) Approx. 390g
Supplied Accessories
AC Adaptor AC-L200 Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FH30 AV Cable Yes Application Software Picture Motion Browser USB Cable Yes

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The Sony DCR-DVD850 is a standard definition, DVD-format Handycam camcorder that offers a step up from the DCR-DVD650. In addition to simple touch panel operation, DVD convenience, and a 60X optical zoom lens, the DCR-DVD850 adds 16GB of embedded flash memory, allowing for extended recording times and Hybrid Plus capabilities, which let the camcorder record video directly to either DVD media, embedded memory, or removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media (media sold separately). The DCR-DVD850 replaces the DCR-DVD810 for 2009. Target consumers are those interested in the convenience and compatibility of the DVD format, as well as those who desire longer recording times out of their DVD format camcorders.

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HX300G 300 Lumens 1024 x 768 2000:1 DLP Projector Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the LG Hx300g for our local Vectorworks (CAD) user group. We use it to demonstrate CAD techniques and view drawings. Group members bring their own laptops (mostly a Mac group, but some PC users as well) and had no problems with linking to the projector. We were unanimously impressed with its bright clear image and its ability to display the fine detail of the CAD images. I should mention the projector was reasonably easy to focus since this is not mentioned in any of the reviews and it was difficult to achieve an accurate focus on many of the other pico and palm projectors I tried. The Hx300g features native XGA which allows us to display the higher screen resolutions from the laptops without losing much information. Many of the palm sized projectors have the ability to display at higher resolutions, but achieve it through digital processing. At the time of this review, I still haven't found another small LED-based projector with native XGA resolution and decent (270) lumen output so this is worth a look if you don't mind the price. I also tested it on Powerpoint and a number of other computer applications like SketchUp and the images were all clear with good color rendition. And I had the same good luck with HD movies using an HDMI cable to connect to a DVD player. I don't think the HDMI cable was provided with the projector, but it did come with a great carrying case which easily holds the projector (in a separate compartment) and all the cables and power cord/power brick. The projector does have a little adjustable front leg which worked great for leveling/aiming, but I would recommend a sturdy mini-tripod (not a gorilla pod though).
Note, the 1 watt (stereo) speakers were underpowered even if you're holding the projector in your hand, so you'll need a proper sound system if you want to hear movies or a webinar. My initial tests with the FM signal to wirelessly send sound to a radio didn't work out, but I should probably work on that a bit more.

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LG Electronics HX300G DLP Projector HX300G Projectors

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Samsung HMX-Q10BN HD Camcorder Ultra Compact with 10x Optical Zoom (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was looking for a full HD cam but under $250. I thought I hit the jackpot when I saw this for $299. Full HD, sub compact, excellent lens at f1.8, this was a dream com true! Then I woke up. The lowlight performance isn't that great. Even with super low light selected, and a 1.8 lemse. Best performance is dependent on how much light you have (duh!), but by early evening and with dusk light, you'd think you shot video with an iPhone. Switch grip is a bit fidly. In more Thames one occasion, the image stuck after switching which required me to turn the cam off, then on to gain back control. Once also, the autofocus had a hardtiime switching from a sunny to shady area while on telephoto. It tried several times, but after 30 sec, I had to do the on off routine to reset it. Not good for those instant priceless moments. Hasn't happened agin tho, so I'm Hopi g it's a fluke. On the plus side, it's one of the most comfortable cams to hold. Hardly weighs more than a cell phone. Battery life is good. You get just under 2hrs worth of full HD video with a 16gb card. Wait till it goes on sale. At $299, it's still an ok cam tho.

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Ultra compact full HD cam with Extreme Easiness

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HP L2208w 22-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this monitor to go with my MacPro 15" laptop. Because of all the great Amazon reviews, I was all ready to buy a Samsung for about $100 more, but when I saw how crisp and clear my boss's HP display was I changed my mind and purchased the HP L2208w. I love it! The color is a little cooler than my laptop display but it's totally adjustable through the Monitor>Color>Calibration>Advanced control panel. The display is crisp with full color and saturation ranges and nice deep blacks for photograph editing. It took about 3 minutes to get it out of the box, plugged in and in use. At first I used it in duel monitor mode with my laptop but now, most of the time I just leave my laptop closed and use the HP as my sole monitor. It coordinates nicely with my laptop and Apple keyboard too. The only thing I don't like about it is the adjustment controls. I can't actually see any labels or icons on them to give a clue what does what, though I think they are there, they're so faint I can't see them. That said, there are an ABUNDANCE of adjustments you can make, everything you can thing of, and if you click around enough, you'll eventually get it exactly where you want it. It's a really great monitor at a fantastic price and I couldn't be happier with it.

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The large-screen HP 2208w 22-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor offers essential performance and user comfort features in an elegant extra-large 22-inch diagonal wide-aspect screen designed for users who appreciate widescreen viewing wherever they work.Primary InformationColor:CarbonitePC Compatibility:PCDisplay Response Time:5 MsDisplay Diagonal Size:22 InchDisplay Type:Flat panel displayDot Pitch / Pixel Pitch:0.282 MmDisplay Technology:TFT active matrixDimensions&MiscellaneousDepth:7.6 InchWidth:20.3 InchHeight:16.3 InchDisplayInterfaces:VGABrightness:300 cd/m2Max Resolution:1680 x 1050Image Contrast Ratio:1000:1VideoCompliant Standards:Plug and Play TCO 03 CE MPR II CSA TUV VCCI EPA Energy Star GS ISO 13406-2 MIC FCC RoHS WEEE ACA CISPRPowerPower Consumption Operational:41 WattService&SupportService & Support Type:3 years warrantySpecial FeatureRoHS:YesUNSPSC CodeUNSPSC Code:43211902

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Acer Aspire 15.6" Laptop PC (AS5551-2450) with 320GB Hard Drive, 4GB Memory - Black Review

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(More customer reviews)this laptop is a beast for the price. i got it on sale at a different online vendor (the egg of course) for $400 and what can i say. for $400 i got a laptop that can play resident evil 5 and bioshock 2 (mostly low settings, maybe a few medium at 1280*720) at around 20-35 frames per second. it boots fast and as ddr3. the stickers are easy to remove from the wrist rest surface. I replaced the stock 5400 rpm hard drive with a 7200rpm WD scorpio black 320gb which probably has something to do with the quick booting and reasonable gaming. I also reinstalled windows 7 64-bit to instantly drop the bloatware that comes on the laptop. the keyboard doesn't sag at all so the heavy typers out there will be pleased. the trackpad is great, the surface allows your finger to glide without friction ( a rare feature on most laptops). plus it has hdmi out so you can watch movies in hi-def on you LCD or Plasma Or LED tv's. the screen is bright and has great color. it has gigabit ethernet and wireless N. No bluetooth though, its no biggie. For $400 i got the best deal in the world. Just buy it, even at the price offered here its still a great buy.

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Enjoy extreme Mobile performance with the Acer Aspire AS5551-2450 Notebook featuring a vivid 15.6" high-def widescreen display, AMD Athlon P320 performance, plenty of Storage space, media extras and Windows 7 Home Premium allowing your to get creative and accomplish more everyday. Email friends, explore the Internet, create a Music library, Video chat via webcam, watch movies and more on-the-go. 15.6 HD Widescreen CineCrystal LED-Backlit LCD Display (1366x768) ATI Radeon HD 4250 Graphics with 256MB Dedicated system memory SuperMulti DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer 802.11b/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 Port) Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD-Picture Card High-Definition Audio SupportTwo Built-in Stereo Speakers and Built-in Microphone Multi-Gesture Touchpad (Circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip) 1.3MP Webcam Ports -3 x USB 2.0, Headphone/Speaker/Line-Out Jack, Microphone-in Jack, VGA, HDMI, RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions -15.00 (W) x 9.90 (D) x 0.98-1.30 (H) inches Approximate Unit Weight -5.74 pounds

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Hitachi CP-X260 LCD XGA Projector Review

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(More customer reviews)i have not had any issues with this projector, it is my first one and i love it, my movie and gaming experiance is awesome. everyone that sees the display that it puts off is usually shocked by how good the quality is. they were not expecting any thing like it. its one and only flaw is that it does not have an HDMI hook up to it. you can only use the regular red whit yellow cables, component cables (red green blue cables, those are the ones i am using) it has an s video jack, and you can hook your computer up to it. i forget what they are called but its the same cable used to hook a computer up to any regular moniter. besides it not having the HDMI jack. THIS THING IS THE SHI@ !!!!! i have had it for over a year and a half and am still pleased with it.

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With 2,500 ANSI lumens of brightness, advanced connectivity and portability, the CP-X260 meets the needs of any classroom application. With motion adaptive progressive scan, the CP-X260 offers less line flicker, higher resolution and smoother motion picture.Additionally, the CP-X260 features 2-3 Pull-down, offering precise reproduction of movie film and a crisp picture. Moreover, the CP-X260 offers advanced usability, including Hitachi’s exclusive Input Source Naming function, which allows users to customize the names of their individual input sources. Also exclusive to Hitachi, customizable resolution allows users to automatically resize special resolutions or undetectable wide size resolution images and set to the best position on the screen, creating a near perfect image. Additionally, Whiteboard Mode reduces the peak whites of the CP-X260 for easy-to-see images on a whiteboard, which is also a "Hitachi Only” function. The CP-X260 also features two RGB inputs, MyScreen/MyMemory preset options, and a remote control with Hitachi’s "MyButtons” function. Additionally, the CP-X260 addresses the issue of equipment theft in schools, as it is equipped with a security bar, Kensington security slot and transition detector (a sensor located inside the projector that recognizes when the projector has been moved). Soft case included.

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Acer AX3910-U3012 Desktop (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)With a limited budget, I set out to replace our deceased desktop PC that had laid dormant for more than a year. I went the separate component route, and purchased a View Sonic 22in monitor, Altec Lansing speakers, and a wireless mouse (trying something different). For the price for the Acer AX3910-U3012($449), I believed this was the best value on amazon. Windows 7 64-bit, 4GB RAM, 3.0 GHZ Intel processor, generous 640 GB hard drive are some of the highlights for this budget-priced PC.
As far as performance, I can't complain. 5 USB connections in the back, 4 in a hidden panel up front (along with headphone input). A nifty housing for the dvd-rom drive, which completely hides it until you hit the open/eject button. Connecting my external hard drives, and listening to music with headphones was simple, convenient. Startup, shutdown, overall performance is what you'd expect from a brand new PC- quick and smooth.
This brings me to my one issue with this Acer PC, and it might not be entirely the fault of the manufacturer, but with Microsoft's Windows 7 integration with the other hardware and software. A noticeable clipping, skipping of audio was dominating my first test runs with movies, music, whether through my speakers or headphones. It was beyond annoying, especially seeing as I primarily use my PC for video and music. I read about this exact issue on a number of threads from various message boards from the past year, and I was not alone with this problem. Unfortunately, the 50 pages of one thread had users listing problems when they all owned PC's from different manufacturers, all with different configurations and chipsets inside. The one similarity was Windows 7. Different people had different remedies. Mine turned out to be disabling the wireless connectivity on the Acer (I do have a wired connection, so this feature was not necessary to me). That did the trick, and I am now enjoying crystal clear audio.
From what I have read and what I experienced, I can't fault Acer for this issue, except for that fact that it's their product they're shipping with problem-causing software installed. I know I'm not alone with that issue, so beware with any PC, including this model, if you have audio problems. Other than that, I couldn't be happier with this PC- it's efficient, stylish, functional.

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Acer Aspire X3910 Desktop: Multitasking Productivity Made Small
Small enough to fit just about anywhere, the Aspire X3910 desktop PC (model AX3910-U3012) is ready to satisfy your home computing expectations. But don't let its compact size fool you. The full-featured Aspire X3910 packs in an Intel Pentium dual-core processor, 16x SuperMulti drive, integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, a 640 GB hard drive, and 4 GB of memory to meet intense multimedia and multitasking needs with HD brilliance.

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Samsung SyncMaster 2243BWX 22-inch LCD Monitor Review

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(More customer reviews)After researching many different 22" monitors, I chose the Samsung 2243BWX because of Samsung's proprietary use settings (e.g., a text setting) and its ability to pivot. I had reservations after reading about uneven LCD quality in other Samsung models and after reading that the monitor had to be tilted up slightly while pivoted. Neither reservation proved to be a problem: the LCD was flawless (with no dead pixels or lines) and, once pivoted, the screen's could be adjusted to a surprising extent. There was some backlight bleed at the top of the screen, but no more than other LCD monitors. I also can't speak to its suitability for gaming or video; for work-related purposes, it's perfect, however.

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SAMSUNG 2243BWX BLACK 22INCH LCD 1000:1, 8000:1 3YEAR WARRANTY

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3M Privacy Filter - 3M PF30.0W Widescreen Monitor privacy screen Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this with some hesitation after reading one negative review...but I'm glad I got it because it works great but keep in mind you have to have the shiney side facing the monitor for it to work properly

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PF30.0Wfits widescreen desktop LCD monitors with a diagonally measured 30.0" viewing screen; actual filter dimensions are 25.22" wide x 15.77" high. This filter is designed for widescreen desktop LCD monitors with screens that appear more rectangular than square. Notebook privacy filters keep confidential and private information private. Utilizes 3M(TM)'s microlouver privacy technology so only persons directly in front of the monitor can see the image on screen; passersby see only a dark screen.

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Dell S2209W 22-Inch LCD Widescreen Monitor Review

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(More customer reviews)I decided on this monitor because of its small pixel size (.24~) compared to others, in the hope that the Text would pop clearly on the screen. In this I am not disappointed. I can read all of my email just fine and very clear and crisp. Also suprisingly my outlook email now shows folder layouts on the left, the list of email headers , then the preview screen which accomodates a full browser page, then the to do list summary... all on this one screen due to its width. I admit the monitor sort of looks stretched horizontally, but I find it extrememly useful. It can show 2 browser windows side by side no problem. So far I am very happy. I also use photoshop elements as a hobby and the pictures look great. Not sure about color management settings, etc, but I know that there are expensive monitors with those attributes. I hope my printouts come close to what I see. I took the chance by going inexpensive. But I'll find out in time..really haven't done enough with that yet to tell.. Would recommend to a friend , especially ones that use it mostly for text, data, and web browsing.

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Enjoy cinema-quality full 1080p HD resolution from your PC with the stylishly designed 22-inch Dell S2209W LCD widescreen monitor, enabling you to watch movies at the resolution the filmmakers intended, or play games and view multimedia with rich, vibrant colors and unbelievable detail. The 22-inch screen (21.5-inch viewable) features a full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, and lightning-fast 5ms response time for seamless, fluid, fast-action video. It has inputs for analog VGA and digital DVI video connections--with the DVI-D offering HDCP support for playback of protected high-definition content--and it comes with a stand that tilts for getting the optimal viewing angle. This monitor is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact.
Features
1920 x 1080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio combine to create simply gorgeous results. Now you can watch HD movies on your PC and get the full cinematic experience.
DVI-D with HDCP lets you view protected high-definition multimedia content from Blu-ray Discdrives on desktops and notebooks.
The fast 5ms (millisecond) response time delivers crisp, clear images during fast-action video, making the S2209W an ideal solution for serious gamers, video editors, or anyone who appreciates fluid, high-definition content.
300 cd/m2 brightness allows you to see the high-quality resolution in well-lit rooms and areas with lots of sunlight.
A high contrast ratio of 1000:1 serves up vibrant blacks and rich, saturated colors.
The sleek, glossy frame matches the Dell Inspiron systems and works beautifully with most household decor.
A quick-detach stand and optional wall mount permits easy wall mounting.
The tilt-adjustable panel lets you position the screen to your preferred, most comfortable viewing angle.
The optional Dell AX510PA multimedia soundbar provides dynamic stereo sound that enhances any viewing experience.

Specifications
Video inputs: VGA and DVI-D
Viewing angle: 160°/170°
Color support: 16.7 million colors
Pixel pitch: 0.248mm
Security port: Yes (cable lock sold separately)
Power consumption - operational: 42 watts
Power consumption - sleep: Less than 2 watts
Dimensions: 20.6 x 8.76 x 15 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 8.5 pounds (LCD panel only)

What's in the Box This package includes the S2209W LCD monitor, power cord, VGA cable (VGA to VGA), DVI cable, and CD user guide and documentation. It's backed by a Dell 3 Year Limited Hardware Warranty and includes our 3 Years Advance Exchange (AE) Service. And should you need technical support, you can call toll-free within the U.S. for the duration of the warranty.

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Gateway SX2800-07 Desktop PC (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this computer to act as my second webserver. I've got a Verizon FiOS business account with 35Mbps down/35Mbps up and 13 static IPs. I was going to build a computer myself, and the cost for similar specs to this one came to $650. That's over $100 MORE than what I paid.
The essentials to anyone who is considering buying this computer:
- It has HDMI and VGA ports. Yes, I'm serious. HDMI port on a $500 computer. Amazing.
- It has a quad core Q8300 processor that comes in SLIGHTLY slower than a quad Core i5 750. You could pay the premium to get a Core i5 750, but you would never see the difference.
- On that note, check out the speed of the FSB & memory. 4GB DDR3 @ 1333MHz ... that's simply amazing for this $500 price point.
- 620GB SATA hard drive. If you need more space, you can always get an external firewire, eSATA or usb hard drive and plug it in. Seeing as how I'm using this as a webserver, the space is far more than I would ever need.
- Gigabit ethernet port
- Super tiny, fits basically anywhere. The design was very well thought out, I love it.
Honestly I didn't even boot into Windows 7. I've got Windows 7 on my computer, and I use linux on my webservers. So as soon as I got this computer hooked up, I went straight into the BIOS and tweaked a few settings, then installed linux and completely removed the partition(s) that came on the drive.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a low cost PC that outperforms high cost competitors. It's got EVERYTHING you could want at a price you can afford. And no, I don't work for Gateway.

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Gateway SX2800: Compact Entertainment CenterA third the size of normal desktops yet with full power for entertainment and gaming, the Gateway SX2800-07 desktop fits anywhere. If your available desk space is taken up by a large monitor for your movies and games, you'll appreciate the minimalist design of this compact entertainment center. Burn through the hottest new digital media, content creation and advanced 3D gaming with the breakthrough performance of the Intel Core 2 Quad processor. And the installed 4 GBof memory delivers ultra-fast system response to effortlessly multitask and run the latest multi-threaded applications.
Use the digital device deck, recessed into the SX's top, to hold your MP3 player, camera or other technology. And a photo frame button lets you quickly go through your digital pictures, and an eject button for the optical disk drive makes quick work of switching movies and games. At the bottom front is a multi-in-one media card reader for transferring files from your digital devices, plus USB and audio ports.
While small in size, the Gateway SX is chock full of external ports, including both FireWire and eSATA connections. Enjoy the next generation of video playback with the HDMI output, which allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video and audio to your digital TV or capable external monitor.
Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

Key Features
2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 processor with ultra-fast 1333 MHz front-side bus and 4 MB L2 cache. With four execution cores, the 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q8300 blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding multitasking environments and makes the most of highly threaded applications. It features hafnium-infused circuitry to reduce electrical current leakage in transistors and help this desktop run cooler. It also features Intel Trusted Execution Technology, which provides hardware-based mechanisms that help protect against software-based attacks and protects the confidentiality and integrity of data stored or created on the client PC.
640 GB SATA hard driveThe Gateway SX desktop PC offers a sleek, compact design that takes up very little desk space.

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JBL CS6100BG High Performance, complete 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System with Brackets (Black Gloss) Review

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(More customer reviews)A few weeks back, I decided it was time to replace my 12 year old Sony TV and 17 year old "stereo" system with its two cheap speakers.
End result, after lots of research, was the purchase of the following, all from Amazon.
- Samsung LN40A650 LCD TV
- Onkyo TX-SR606
- JBL CS6100 6-Piece Home Cinema Speaker Package
- Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote
Also connected are;
- Scientific Atlanta cable set top box from Time Warner
- Sony SLV-D300P DVD/VCR which is 2-3 years old
- Nintendo Game Cube
Installation was in a 20'x30' room.
My goals were to have a high quality TV with decent sound, and keep the entire cost under $2500 if at all possible. Goal achieved, even with the purchase of the incidentals; some speaker wire, banana clips for speaker cables, an optical digital audio, cable, etc.
- Speakers... even if you go to all of the places you can visit to hear speakers, you have no idea how they will actually sound in your own environment. And, speakers are an object thing. My concerns here were that the only review I could find on the audiophile web sites was for the smaller CS480 speakers. the CD480s have a single woofer and tweeter in satellites vs. the dual woofers in the CS6100 package. The reviews of the CD480s indicated that they were a bit bright, a bit lacking in mid-range under some conditions. I don't find that to be the case with the CS6100s, maybe because of the dual woofers. Having all the mounting hardware in the box is a real plus, and they give you two choices of mounts, fixed and swivel. Enough high quality speaker wire in the box for a medium sized room. Sub-woofer speaker cable included. A nice, classy look as well..
The opening sequence from Top Gun (with the windows closed and the wife gone)was the first test. No disappointment here. Next, a bit of Opera. Again, they performned well. Country and classical music, movies with dialogue... these do a very nice job and compare VERY well with speakers which cost twice as much.
A definite "I'd buy again".


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Got your widescreen HDTV for your living room?That's only part of the experience.HDTV sound goes beyond 2-channel stereo, dividing sound into 5 channels.Get yourself a 5.1 channel surround receiver and add these speakers and you've got home theater to enjoy and love!JBL's CS6100 6-Piece Home Cinema Speaker Package is a high-performance home-theater speaker system that beautifully complements your living room.The four satellites, matching horizontal center, and 300-watt (peak) subwoofer deliver unbelievable sound.The satellites and center channel feature JBL's advanced titanium-laminate dome tweeters and dual 3-1/2" drivers for unsurpassed power and realism.The voice-matched center channel speaker uses components that are identical to those used in the satellites for seamless pans.The black, high-gloss finish brings a touch of attractive contemporary design to your home and complements any flat-panel television.Wall brackets are included for the satellites and center channel.

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ASUS Republic of Gamers G73JH-A1 17-Inch Gaming Laptop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In short this computer is amazing. You wont find anything else under $2000 that can beat this. It comes with a standard 2 year warrant and 1 year accidental damage warranty plus a 30 day zero bright dot policy. The included mouse and bag are also great. So far I have been playing crysis and bad company 2(a great game for your new computer) on near full detail with amazing frames with the ati radean 5870(best single graphics card for laptops), 8gb of 1066mhz ram, and the new blazing fast core i7 processor. Although the computer is the size of some 18 inchers, I found that it looked and felt amazing. The whole back, palm rest area, and keys are rubberized which provides a great feel and grip. The keys are also back lit and the speakers on the computer are very loud and provide good audio The one thing I did not like about this computer was the touch pad buttons (not the touchpad its self which is great) are combined under a plastic cover which is really hard to press down on.
Pros:
Best for the price
Back lit keyboard
rubberized feels great
Best single graphics card ati 5870 with 1gb gddr5 ram
8gb of ram is more than enough
Great processor
Cool unique look
and i can just keep going on and on..
Cons:
Touch pad buttons I find hard to press down on
Number pad on keyboard feels squished
Overall 10/10
And as I said before this is the best!
Update after about 3 months
of use
I have already lost nearly all the rubber feet which do not seem attached well (medium problem). The keyboard has a lot of light bleeding through under the ` key (minor). And the worst problems i have experienced, my computer overheats! It shuts its self down randomly and i do not believe that the fan over the CPU is working (very major). I have sent it in for RMA with asus and will post an update later.
If i could change my rating I would give it 3.5-4 stars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Republic of Gamers G73JH-A1 17-Inch Gaming Laptop (Black)

The Stealth Fighter of Gaming Laptops Take a giant leap ahead of the competition. The Republic of Gamers (ROG) G73Jh gaming notebook takes the latest games to the next level of realism with Full HD graphics at a blistering fast framerate.Featuring an Intel Core i7 processor, graphics powered by an extremely powerful DirectX 11-enabled ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 graphics processor with 1GB GDDR5 VRAM, and 8GB DDR3 of system memory, the G73Jh-A1 unleashes its hypersonic performance on your demand to render today\'s and tomorrow\'s most demanding games with ease. This subtle yet imposing gaming machine was inspired by the hard lines and silent, cool, efficiency of astealth-fighter jet, with a matte black finish and aft-venting cooling system that keeps it running cool and quiet.Plus, its 17.3-inch Full HD widescreen lets you experience the latest blockbuster movies.The G73Jh-A1 breaks away from the routine, of traditional gaming laptops with built-in overclocking feature through the exclusive ASUS CPU Level Up technology and the Power4Gear Hybrid utility –instantly giving you extreme power with a push of a button. Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to. Experience ASUS FastBoot Technology, the unique performance boost for Windows 7 made possible by ASUS's close partnership with Microsoft. With exclusive ASUS FastBoot Technology, this Windows 7-enabled ASUS notebook starts up in a staggering 30 seconds.The ASUS G73Jh is also protected with a One Year Accidental Damage Warranty protecting the notebook from drops, fire, spills, and surge.** The G73Jh-A1 also boasts 1TB of 7200RPM hard drives (500GB x 2), high-speed wireless N (802.11 b/g/n @2.4GHz), ASUS CPU Level Up performance boost, Blu-ray combo drive, Bluetooth v2.1, HDMI connectivity, a 2.0Mp camera, DirectX 11 support, and Altec Lansing speakers with EAX Advanced HD 4.0 sound.With a 3DMark06 score of 13,667* the G73Jh-A1 is the tool to get to obliterateyour enemies. The Republic of Gamers (ROG) is the leading brand in PC gaming innovation. Birthed from the finest ASUS products dedicated to our gamers across the world, ROG is now a signature for highly innovative, gamer-centric notebooks, video cards, and motherboards.Through extensive research and development, ROG products feature not only superior graphics, design, and performance but specialize in delivering unique features that optimize them for the highest level of gaming at the best value.


Key Features

Stealth fighter inspired design with rear venting thermal design for minimum frontal heat signature (Learn more)
Intel Core i7-720QM Quad Core processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology to boost base speed from 1.6GHz to a maximum Turbo Boost speed of 2.8GHz (Learn more)
ASUS CPU Level Up and Power4Gear Hybrid to save battery life and delivers extreme performance on-demand (Learn more)
Brilliant 17.3-inch Full HD LED-backlit widescreen for an vibrant and immersive cinematic experience with resolution up to 1920 x 1080 (Learn more)
Latest and best mobile graphics processor powered by ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 with 1GB GDDR5 VRAM for unprecedented gaming performance with DirectX 11 support (Learn more)
64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium for a faster and more reliable operating system
8GB of DDR3 RAM for ultra-fast gaming and multitasking computing (Learn more)
1TB (2x 500GB) 7,200RPM hard drives for fast and convenient storage for all your games and media (Learn more)
Blu-ray combo drive for watching the latest Blu-ray movies in Full HD and brilliant clarity
High-speed Wi-Fi networking (802.11 b/g/n @2.4 GHz) + Bluetooth v2.1
Integrated 2.0 megapixel webcam and Digital Array Mic for video calls with your friends and family
Illuminated and slanted ergonomic gaming keyboard with numeric keypad gives you complete control in any lighting environment for comfortable gaming hours-on-end (Learn more)
Altec Lansing speakers and EAX Advanced HD Audio to bring out the best in environmental simulation in surround sound technology (Learn more)
Complimentary Republic of Gamers backpack and 3200DPI laser gaming mouse
Warranty: 2 year ASUS 360 global warranty and 1 year Accidental Damage Warranty with 30-day Flawless Display Guarantee

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Uncompromised Performance for the Next-Gen Gamer
Enjoy Vibrant Media
Aerodynamic Design
Built with one of the World\'s Most Intelligent Notebook Processors
ASUS Makes Your Windows 7 Experience Better
ASUS 360** -- 2 Year Global Warranty
ASUS ADW** -- 1 Year Accidental Damage Warranty**
What's in the Box
ROG G73Jh-A1
Deluxe Republic of Gamers Backpack
Deluxe ROG Laser Gaming Mouse (3200DPI, adjustable DPI)
AC Adapter
8 cell Battery Pack
Warranty Information Card
Specifications
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Display: 17.3-inch Full HD LED-backlit Widescreen (1920 x 1080)
CPU: Intel Core i7 processor 720QM (1.60GHz-2.8GHz Quad-Core)
Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 1GB GDDR5 VRAM
Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz), Bluetooth v2.1
LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Memory: 8GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM, 4 x SODIMM (up to 8GB)
Storage: 1TB 7200RPM hard drive (500GB x 2) dual HDD
Optical Drive: Blu-ray combo drive (BD-ROM + DVD-R/W)
Camera: 2.0 Megapixel
Speakers: Altec Lansing speakers with EAX 4.0 sound
Microphone Digital Array Microphones
Card Reader: 8-in-1 card reader (MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory stick/MS Pro/MS-Duo/MS-Pro Duo)
Input/ Output: 1 x Mic-in, 1 x Headphone-out, 1 x VGA port/Mini D-Sub 15-pin for external monitor, 4 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x Gigabit LAN,1 x HDMI, 1 x Kensington Lock
Battery Pack: 8 cell
Dimensions: 12.56 x 16.38 x 2.25 ~ 0.08 –inches
Weight: 7.48 lbs. (with 8 cell battery and single HDD)
Color: Matte Black * Score may vary. Tested with Intel Core i7-720QM processor, 8GB DDR3 RAM, ATI Mobility Radeon HD5870 with 1GB GDDR5 VRAM. ** For notebooks purchased on or after Sept. 10, 2007. The ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty covers "ASUS" brand notebooks only, and does NOT extend to: "Built on ASUS," "ASMobile," "Powered by ASUS," the Eee PC, or some other models. These retailers are currently among the companies that do NOT participate in the ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty: Best Buy, MicroCenter, and The Source by CircuitCity in Canada. Limit of one claim per notebook for Accidental Damage Warranty. ASUS reserves the right to discontinue this program and to modify the terms and conditions thereof at any time. ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty Program starts from the date of your ASUS notebook purchase, when all the requirements are met. One incident covered per notebook. † According to RESCUECOM's consumer reliability report Q1 2009 and Q2 2009.Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com\'s Service & Reliability Report 2009. Rated number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in photos. Celeron, Celeron Inside, Centrino, Centrino Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel Viiv, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, Viiv Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, and Xeon Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

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Gateway DX4200-09 - Tower - 1 x Phenom X4 9100e / 1.8 GHz - RAM 4 GB - HDD 1 x 640 GB - DVD?RW / DVD-RAM - Radeon HD 3200 - Mdm - Gigabit Ethernet - Vista Home Premium 64-bit - Monitor : none Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is my second Gateway desktop. Not much over a year ago a model like this was selling for about $200 more. Yet, now, you get a 64 bit system (crunches data much faster), a quad core that hardly anything can slow down, big hard drive, and a good quality of design and construction.
Also important is the quality of Gateway support: the one question with my previous model was handled via a chat session with a tech who knew what he was talking about and was very professional.
The Vista SP1 which it ships with has been a pleasant experience. It's best to discount all the dissing it gets and just see how well it works in practice. There is a learning curve if you are coming from XP, but it is worth getting to know. I like it. I probably would like Apple's Leopard operating system, too, but I don't care to pay anywhere from two to six times as much for their machines.
I just surf the web, do light photo and video processing, and watch a movie on it sometimes. For these tasks this machine is overqualified - a dual core machine would do about as well. But, how about a few years from now? A quad core machine may well be necessary for these or similar tasks then.
A little confession: I took my previous Gateway desktop apart to replace the motherboard with a newer type. I was impressed with the quality of design and construction. The Apple desktop which starts at around $2500 would impress me much more, but I don't need its particular qualities for what I do with a computer.
You ought to know that the setup of this machine was the sweetest, most trouble free computer installation I have ever done. It just goes out and does practically everything for you. That is thanks to Vista and Gateway's well thought out systems.
The hard drive is a Western Digital, which has a good reputation. But start backing up as soon as possible after you finish the OS installation. By the way, there are no disks to load into the machine. It's all on the hard drive already.
My first backup after I had finished most of the setup to the point where I am happy with what is on the machine took up just 18.1GB on an old Maxtor 80GB external drive I had from a few years ago using an excellent backup software called ShadowProtect which has gotten excellent reviews and I would call it the easiest and best software of that type I have ever used.
You get 586GB free on the hard drive as it comes from the factory with the Vista and a small partition which I believe holds a recovery version. So, forget 640GB. The actual space you get is noticeably less that what is stated - it's always that way.
The ATI Radeon HD3200 onboard video chipset is fine for any ordinary use. Heavy gamers will have to pay another $100 or more for a video card such as the Sapphire ATI HD4830 which joins its power with the onboard unit to give much better gaming performance. I have that card which I will install shortly and leave some thoughts on how much better it is. You will also need a good power supply to go along with the HD4830 card. Corsair makes some good ones supplying 520 watts and up. Just around $100 as well. So, when you want to, this machine is upgradable.
I ran a cleanup of the unneeded files and also did a defragmentation for better disk performance at startup. The defrag took much less time than my previous Gateway. Vista SP1? 64 bit? Anyway, that's an improvement.
Also, gigabit ethernet may not be anything you need now, but in a few years with streaming video heading this way, you might be glad you have it. There were no problems whatsover with making the ethernet cable connection with my motorola modem/router. I didn't have to do a thing. Plug in the cable and forget it.
This has an onboard video out in the form of HDMI and VGA, which is what I'm using. The image quality to my HP 2207 monitor is excellent.
If you have this shipped to you, try to restrain the urge to rip open the package until a couple of hours have passed for it to warm up to room temperature so that there will not be condensation on the cold computer during winter shipping from moisture in the inside air.
It ships with a large, easy setup sheet. Just follow the color coding. You can't go wrong. In an hour and a half or so you will be through with the basic setup, but it may take five to ten hours of downloading and installing your favorite software to complete the installation.
Also important is the merchant: J&R Music And Computer World in New York. I have bought a few items from them during the past few years and they ship fast (I get it the next day near Boston with standard shipping) and seem to be straight shooters. Let you know how the graphics card install goes.
UPDATE AFTER 6 MONTHS:
No problema! Hardware is solid, dependable, certainly fast enough for me. It's still a great buy. I haven't even used half the hard drive space yet, so I would say for most people it has plenty. Card readers and CD/DVD units are still fine. Sound quality from the built in chip is excellent for playing my 20GB of music on my Klipsch powered speaker system. Just no complaints about this. It does what it should. I may upgrade to Windows 7 after the initial bugs are worked out in six months or so. Frankly, I haven't found Windows Vista to be bad - it is just something new to learn. I understand Windows 7 may use slightly less system resources and offer more eye candy for the trendy computer addicted amongst us. It has gotten good reviews in the NYT and major computer magazines. Maybe I'll put off buying a Mac.
UPDATE AFTER 8 MONTHS OF USE:
The machine went down about a month ago. No posting beep. So I upgraded my Core Two Duo HP laptop to Windows 7, installed a 320GB hard drive, increased core memory to 4GB and got a machine powerful enough to do what I had been doing on this Gateway desktop.
Not the end of the story though. Searching online forums on this model of Gateway and on the "no posting beep" symptom, I found that the problem was most likely that the core memory on the Gateway had failed. I remembered a cryptic message before it failed saying it was dropping to a slower memory speed.
So I ordered 8GB of 800Mhz DDR2 desktop memory, removed the old, installed the new core memory (relatively easy - just open the left side of the Gateway by removing two screws and pulling back and you'll find the core memory on the center right side of the motherboard and all you need to do is flip back the holding cams and pull) and, guess what! Success!!
So, my next project on this repaired desktop is to install a bigger power supply (as I said I would), a new AMD powered 4830 graphics card, and also upgrade to Windows 7, which I have found to be a much improved operating system. It gets your drivers, doesn't take long to install, and is easy, quick, in my view the best Windows operating system ever.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gateway DX4200-09 - Tower - 1 x Phenom X4 9100e / 1.8 GHz - RAM 4 GB - HDD 1 x 640 GB - DVDRW / DVD-RAM - Radeon HD 3200 - Mdm - Gigabit Ethernet - Vista Home Premium 64-bit - Monitor : none

Is it time to upgrade your PC? Games now require additional graphic power. The Internet is loaded with many new entertainment features that redefine the purpose of the PC. For example, many websites offer movies for direct download or streaming. Video conference is moving fast forward with free services like Google-Chat. These need better video support. The Gateway DX4200-09 Desktop PC has 4GB memory, a large hard drive for storage, and ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics support with 256MB totally dedicated video graphic memory. Unleash your creative side with the Gateway DX4200-09 Desktop featuring AMD quad-core performance, 4 GB memory and ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics - maximum capabilities to power through intensive multimedia applications, create content, edit files and create the incredible. Let Gateway DX4200-09 Desktop PC be your gateway to new opportunities. It really pays to upgrade. If this is your first PC, you'll be amazed to find what you've been missing. Add an optional widescreen monitor and open up new windows of opportunities and infinite horizons. ATI Radeon HD 3200 with up to 256 MB Shared Video Memory 18x DVD+-R/RW Labelflash Drive with Double Layer; 8-Channel (7.1) High Definition Audio; 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN; 15-in-1 card Digital Media reader; Front ports - 2 x USB, IEEE-1394, Headphone, Microphone; Back ports - 4 x USB, IEEE-1394, 2 x PS2 ports (keyboard, mouse), Center/Sub, Rear , Side, Line-in, Microphone, RJ-11 (Modem), RJ-45, VGA, HDMI; Expansion slots - 2 x PCI (One available), PCI Express x1 (available), PCI Express x16 (available); Drive bays - 2 x 5.25 (one available), 5 x 3.5 (four available); Monitor is not included

Click here for more information about Gateway DX4200-09 - Tower - 1 x Phenom X4 9100e / 1.8 GHz - RAM 4 GB - HDD 1 x 640 GB - DVDRW / DVD-RAM - Radeon HD 3200 - Mdm - Gigabit Ethernet - Vista Home Premium 64-bit - Monitor : none

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eMachines ET1831-05 Desktop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Well, I just purchased this eMachines ET1831-05, but I have been incredibly impressed. The shipping was super fast (and, no sales tax here in PA!), and setup was a breeze. The computer is fast, quick, and easy to use. Granted, I have had the computer up for less than a day, but it seems to work perfectly so far. Honestly, I don't know why you would need more computer than what this eMachines offers - maybe if you are in to some really intense video games or complicated video editing, you need something greater than this, but don't think because you want to upload a few pictures or videos sometimes that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on a computer. This computer is replacing a Dell that we have had for a good 4 or 5 years, and it is so incredible how much faster, smoother, and quieter this new computer is. Really - just love it so far.
Also, the keyboard and mouse are both very nice. I had wondered whether or not the keyboard had the tabs to make it stand up or whether it was just flat - it does have the tabs to make it stand up if you prefer. Also, the mouse is optical, so no complaints there. Of course, if you didn't already realize it, remember there is no monitor, speakers, or system discs with this computer (I really wish computer manufacturers could just give you the system discs when you buy a computer, but I realize eMachines is not alone in doing this). Again, absolutely no complaints - a great computer for the money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: eMachines ET1831-05 Desktop (Black)

A great everyday performer, the eMachines ET1831-05 desktop PC delivers multitasking performance and expansion possibilities. Listen to music, edit digital photography, manage your finances and stay connected to your social networks without breaking the bank. The ET1831-05 includes a large 500 GB hard drive (great for storing your entire music and video library), Intel Celeron processor, a SuperMulti Optical Drive for burning CDs and DVDs, and NVIDIA GeForce 7050 graphics for excellent video playback.
Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

Key Features The eMachines Desktop PC showcases a black tower design, easy access front ports and powerful everyday performance.

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Acer AX3910-U2032 Desktop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was very nervous ordering this because of the negative reviews, especially when it arrived in a hurry with only some brown paper in the box and no bubble wrap or anything! The computer itself though was well-packed in it's own box with styrofoam packing, etc. like a new computer should be.
Because of the reviews I was also anxious about the DVD drive so I tested it right away. I burned data disks, played movies, and then I used it to burn home movies which played beautifully on my TV (it comes with DVD making software), so I would say it's absolutely fine (I even tested it by burning one DVD that was +R and one that was -R! Both worked fine!). To open and close the DVD drive, you push a button and the door opens and then the tray pops out. I am a little nervous that with so many moving parts, something could break easily, but so far it's worked fine every time (I'm careful to push the button straight-on and not let the computer wobble). I think I would just not recommend this computer if you're going to share it with kids or people who are rough on computers.
The speed of this computer is awesome!!! Such a pleasure! I've never used Windows 7 before either and despite my prejudices against Vista (lol) I really like it and it was easy to learn without even reading anything! Also, this computer comes with a very nice mouse and keyboard - the action is very smoothe on both. The keys on the keyboard are very springy so I can type "softly" and not irritate my carpal tunnel syndrome and there are numerous shortcut buttons on top which I haven't even investigated yet. On the upper right corner of the keyboard there is a wheel which controls sound volume! The mouse is high quality too - nice delicate wheel which is easy on the fingers and a very smoothe and accurate cursor movement. This Acer also picked up the internet with no problem at all.
I could only get sound from the "Line Out" jack even though this says it has 5.1 surround sound, but when I looked it up online I read that surround sound only comes out if you're playing a DVD that is designed for that kind of output (and you have surround sound speakers, which I don't!). You can select "5.1 Surround Sound" and lots of other settings in Control Panel so I think it does work (and Device Manager recognized each jack when I plugged things in, telling me a device had just been plugged into an audio jack). The line out jack is great anyway - I'm getting lots of power for loud strong bass in my music and bright trebles! I have used the sound for internet radio, Skype phone calls, playing a regular DVD, and regular internet like YouTube videos and it is powerful - I can blast it VERY loudly if I want.
Overall I'd say this is a great computer - it's silent and very very fast; the graphics look gorgeous on my Dell flat screen computer monitor (which it recognized immediately; it also recognized my external hard drives, printer and scanner immediately too with no problems), the sound is powerful and crisp. Although it has a nice small footprint, there are plenty of USB jacks (9) for my needs. I would just say that if you get this computer, be gentle with the DVD door and I think you will be very happy!


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Acer Aspire X3910 Desktop: Multitasking Productivity Made Small
Small enough to fit just about anywhere, the Aspire X3910 desktop PC (model AX3910-U2032) is ready to satisfy your home computing expectations. But don't let its compact size fool you. The full-featured Aspire X3910 packs in an Intel Pentium dual-core processor, 16x SuperMulti drive, integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, a 640 GB hard drive, and 4 GB of memory to meet intense multimedia and multitasking needs with HD brilliance.

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Acer Aspire AS7551-2531 17.3-Inch Laptop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The first thing I noticed when I turned this laptop on was the big beautiful bright screen. The second thing was that this looks like it should have cost way more than it did. The styling and ergonomics are very professional looking. The keyboard is easy to use and fits my larger fingers with ease, and I love the full included 10-key pad. The multi-touch touchpad is big and responsive. I love the built-in scroll function. I have installed Microsoft Office 2010, Photoshop CS5, WinAMP, Civilization IV, and Assassin's Creed so far, and all the programs run beautifully. I am not getting great speed out of Photoshop, but that is to be expected, after all this is a laptop. I especially love the hi-def visualizations in WinAMP. The dual-core processor so far has handled multitasking well. I was listening to music, burning DVDs, and playing Civ IV all at the same time with no problems. Windows 7 made connecting to my wireless network a snap, and I noticed much faster file transfer speeds with this laptop than i was getting with my Win XP desktop.
The only real complaint I have with this product is the lack of built-in bluetooth. But for less than 600 bucks, I can't expect everything. One other area where Acer went wrong is partnering with McAfee for antivirus protection. Ladies and Gentlemen, McAfee SUCKS. I quickly uninstalled it and installed ESET antivirus instead. Other small complaints include all the "free" trials of software preinstalled on the hard drive, and, the touchpad is maybe just a little TOO big, sometimes when typing my palm hits it, sending my cursor flying off.
This computer won't play the newest and greatest games, but it handles everything else I've thrown at it with ease. Unless you need a hardcore gaming rig or the ability to render hi-def video in realtime, you can't beat this machine for the price.

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Acer Aspire 7551: Mobile Cinematic Entertainment
Enjoy a portable theater experience with the Acer Aspire 7551 (AS7551-2531) PC laptop, which features a 17.3-inch CineCrystal display with a fast response time so that fast action moves seamlessly across the screen and a 16:9 aspect ratio--perfect for viewing content created for the widescreen. The two built-in speakers produce vividly realistic audio, and you can connect the laptop to your own home theater receiver for 5.1-channel surround sound with the audio line-out jack with S/PDIF support. You'll also be able to connect this laptop to your HDTV via the HDMI port.

The notebook's rounded edges and smooth lines bring a slenderized look while the mesh-patterned cover brings a rich appearance. The keyboard also extends to a dedicated numeric keypad, making number key-ins quick and streamlining productivity.

It's powered by a dual-core AMD Turion II processor and the ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics processor, which combines multi-core processing and powerful graphics for a superior digital entertainment experience. A Multi-Gesture Touchpad enables you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. Other features include ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, an integrated webcam for video chats, and a SuperMulti optical drive that's compatible with double-layer DVD discs.

This Aspire laptop comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version).

Key Features
17.3-inch CineCrystal LED-backlit widescreen display with 1600 x 900-pixel resolution (native 720p for high-definition viewing). Its widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio is designed to present websites without lots of left-right scrolling, as well as with a smoother line of sight.
2.10 GHz AMD Athlon II Dual-Core P320 processor with 1 MB L2 cache and 800 MHz front-side bus for excellent multi-tasking. It's designed to handle simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing with no degradation in performance. And with Vision Technology from AMD, you'll get a combination of cutting-edge processing and video power that allows you to experience vivid web and video content, sharp photos and crystal-clear music.
320 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz; expandable to 8 GB)
ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics (with 256 MB of discrete video memory) is equipped with 40 stream processors and an advanced 3D engine to provide support for hybrid graphics when paired with this system's Windows operating system. It provides up to 1919 MB of total shared system memory and is compatible with Microsoft DirectX 10.1.
8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW drive can also write to CD, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer (DL) DVD±R discs--which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.
Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites such as Google Earth. It also enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. (Learn more)
1.3-megapixel Crystal Eye webcam with a built-in digital microphone that helps keep background noise levels low and minimizes echoes. Acer Video Conference Manager software supports 1280 x 1024 resolution online video calls.
Built-in Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers
Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capability provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers). This laptop uses Acer InviLink Nplify technology that enables multi-stream input or output for faster and more reliable bandwidth, and it also offers Acer SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency.
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD)
Three USB 2.0 ports
HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD. It also includes a standard VGA video output.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process. (Learn more)
Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
Up to 3.0 hours of battery life (6-cell battery)
Dimensions: 16.3 x 10.8 x 1.4 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 7.3 pounds
Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

What's in the Box This package contains the Acer Aspire AS7551-2531 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version); NTI Media Maker; Google Toolbar; Acer Recovery Management; Acer GridVista; Microsoft Works; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Trial (60 days); Norton Online Backup

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The Acer Multi-Gesture Touchpad
A Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. The Multi-Gesture Touchpad enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through Web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

The TouchPad can also be disabled with a one-touch button, eliminating accidental cursor movement with palms and wrists when using an external mouse.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

And with Windows Anytime Upgrade, you'll be able to add new features to your PC in as little as 10 minutes. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process, it requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings

Click here for more information about Acer Aspire AS7551-2531 17.3-Inch Laptop (Black)

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