Anything and Everything

Logitech MX 3200

2008-06-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Logitech has always made very good products that you can rely on. My office is filled with different Logitech products. A more recent purchase I made was the Logitech MX 3200 wireless desktop. I bought this to replace a Microsoft wireless desktop. The Microsoft product's wireless capabilities just were not cutting it. The Logitech desktop was better in just about every aspect. The wireless radius is at least 20 feet. I personally use this feature to control the music while sitting on my bed.
The mouse is very comfortable although my hand seems a bit big to grip it like it is meant to be gripped. It has several different buttons with programmable functions. The scroll wheel is nice and quiet, as is the clicking. One disappointment though is the fact that the outer coating of sealant peeled off near where my thumb rests.
The keyboard is also nearly perfect. It has a nice pad near where your palms rest. I also enjoy the fact that the buttons are nice and quiet. It has a zooming feature on the left side of the keyboard that seems very pointless unless in certain programs. It also has several other buttons and functions that I never use. It has a useful clock LCD screen on the top of the keyboard.
The USB device that recieves the wireless signal is very small in contrast to the microsoft version. It also has an extender that you can use if you would rather have it on top of your desk.
The battery length of this product AMAZING. I have owned the keyboard and mouse for over 3 months and I have not had to change the batteries once.
Overall I would give this product 4 and half stars out of 5. (If you have any questions you can email me at thesandlot777@aim.com)

Logitech G51

2008-06-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

About 2 and a half years ago I found myself becoming more and more drawn in by music. I started to listen to it every day whenever I was at my desk. I then made the decision to look for a new set up speakers that could enhance my daily listening. After a lot of searching on the internet I found a 5.1 surround sound system. Best of all, it was half price on radioshack.com. I made the purchase for just 100 dollars. (I still consider this the best purchase of my life.)
After receiving the system in just about a week I immediately began hooking it up to my computer. Although at first it was very intimidating with so many chords and places to plug things in, it was actually quite simple with color coded wires and plug-ins. After starting up my computer I installed the software that came with the system and then continued to turn on itunes.
I tested the speakers with all genres of music to see how each element of the speakers worked. Using the rather large and obtuse controller that came with the system I was able to control volume, the sub woofer, fader, and the center speaker. There is also a "matrix" mode which I always leave on due to the fact that it helps 5.1 sound from 2.1 sources. I immediately noticed the base, which I had never owned before. With the base turned all the way up I was able to put vibrations through the metal cabinet behind me. It created a vibrating sensation in my feet that went all the way up my calves. Having said that, you can also decrease the volume of the base for more vocal songs.
The only two downsides of this system is the fact that the front right and front left speakers' cords are about a foot shorter than I would have liked. The other thing that I have already mentioned is that the remote is rather large and hard to get in a good position. (Also keep in mind you need a sound card that supports 5.1 audio. I purchased a cheap card for about 30 dollars.)
Even with those two drawbacks, I would still recommend getting a 5.1 system or even a 2.1 system that includes a sub. You will be amazed how much 100 dollars can go when it comes to sound quality. As always, if you have any questions you an email me at thesandlot777@aim.com. Ill be able to get back to you that day, if not within the hour.

Dual Monitor Setup

2008-06-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

As I have already mentioned in my last two posts, I have purchased a new video card as well as a new monitor. What I did not discuss was my two monitor setup.
Having a second monitor has increased my productivity more than you could imagine. Instead of having to pull up multiple applications, I am able to spread out each of the programs I am running and see everything at once. On my smaller 17 inch screen I usually keep itunes and my aim windows open. On my right 24 inch monitor i usually keep programs I am constantly working such as firefox.
Another positive about having two monitors is that I can play xbox on the screen on the right using the method I mentioned in one of my previous posts. While playing xbox I am capable of watching videos online, talking to friends on aim, and basically anything else I want to do.

The only negative effect of this system is the simple fact that I want MORE, MORE, and MORE. I just want more and more screen space to spread out my programs. In fact, once i get the money I plan on buying yet another graphics card and monitor.
I am so enthusiastic about having two monitors that I believe it should be your next computer upgrade. You WILL NOT BE DISAPOINTED. You have my word on that. Like always you can ask me any questions by commenting or emailing me at thesandlot777@aim.com

NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS

2008-06-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

About two months ago I found myself contemplating getting a new graphics card to replace my on-board graphics. I knew I needed a card that could support HDMI but i did not want to spend a fortune. I spent days looking for the right card when I finally decided on the MSI NX8600GTS Diamond Plus GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 . I made this purchase at one of my favorite sites, Newegg.com.
After receiving my product it took me about 10 minutes to get it up and running. Within 10 minutes after that I had a dual monitor display running. I had and still have not had any compatibility issues or any other issues on that note. It has done everything I have asked it to do. I run a HP w2408h and a Samsung SyncMaster 920BW. I use the HDMI on my HP and the DVI on my Samsung. I have done some gaming and have also had no issues.
Overall, I have complaints and it fits my needs perfectly. If you aren't looking to do hard core gaming but still want a good quality graphics card. This is the one. If you have any questions about this or any other products you can email me at thesandlot777@aim.com or just comment.

HP w2408h

2008-06-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

NOW to talk about what I originally intended on talking about. Computer Gadgets. I have always been interested in computers and I bought my first computer at age 12. I have upgraded computers with just about every piece of hardware you can imagine. What I never realized was that all of this interior upgrades were not doing me very much if I could not enjoy what I was seeing through my screen.
I decided to go monitor shopping. I hit just about every website i knew of and every retail store around my house. I finally decided to purchase the Hp w2408h monitor. It is a GIANT screen, with several great funcions.
Before I tell you about those functions though, I would like to bring up the price of the product. Yes, I am aware that the price tag can make you think twice about purchasing it. But believe me when I tell you, it is worth every cent.
First of all, the rotating and viewing adjustments are superior to any product out there. It can go up and down. Twist side to side and even rotate for a upright viewing perspective.
The brightness and colors are also spectacular. When I compare it to my old Samsung monitor sitting right next to it (dual monitor display) it blows it away. The on-screen adjustments with the controls at the bottom of the monitor are also very handy.
Lastly, and most important to me was the option to plug in both a vga and a hdmi cable into the monitor. This allows me to not only hook up my computer to the monitor, but also my xbox 360. What makes this so handy though, is the fact that you can change sources with the flick of a button. All you have to do is press "menu" twice on the monitor.
Overall, this is THE best monitor I have ever owned and I would recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade. I have an advertisement for this specific product at the top right hand side of my blog.