Archive for: pc
The battle between console and PC gamers will probably never end, each side saying their hardware/method of gaming is inherently better. (For the record, we’re PC gamers.) But perhaps there is a common middle ground we could come together on, no?
Alienware is trying to bridge the gap between hulking gaming PC and tiny, under-TV console with their new X51 device. This “console-ified” PC is basically a microATX type of device crammed into a box that resembles a certain competing box that begins with “X”.
Specs for the X51 aren’t anything to scoff at: (high end model) Core i7 2600K processor, 8 GB of 1333MHz RAM, 1 GB Nvidia GTX 555 GPU, and a 1 TB 7200 RPM hard drive. 7.1 audio as well as a DVD +/- RW are also tucked inside. Pricing is of course higher than your average console at £948.99, but it’s also a much, much better piece of hardware. But if it’s too much, you’ll be able to opt in for a lower powered Core i3 processor and 4 GB of RAM.
When you think of it, your Xbox 360 and PS3 now have hardware in it pushing over 5 years. That is ancient in the technology world. Just look at cellphones five years ago and compare to today’s modern devices.
Toss in a good wireless keyboard and mouse and we think Alienware’s on to something here. You?
Shipping February 6th
Breaking free of the confines that big box electronics retailers force upon you when it comes to PCs is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you’re free to pick literally anything you want from anywhere you please. On the flip side, where do you start with so much to choose from? While the starting point is arguably everyone’s own opinion, we’d go out on a limb and say the computer case itself should be the beginning of your ventures. For if you don’t know the space you have to work with, how can you work at all?
Can NZXT’s H2 Classic please both the general populous and high-end segments of the market, and do so at a rather affordable $99? Gadgetsteria has the answers and images to answer that very question (and more) after the break…
Gaming mice are like many other gadgets in our lives these days — a dime a dozen. But every once in a while something unique pops up. Introducing the new Avatar S gaming mouse by NZXT. This more entry level cousin to the higher-end Avatar featires a 3-setting DPI mode (1600/800/400), 20G acceleration, 16Kb onboard memory (enough for 1 profile), on/off LED, ambidextrous design, and 1000Hz polling rate all add up to a rather capable mouse.
While we can’t yet say just how accurate the advertised specs are, we’re certainly enamored with the Avatar S’ looks. Both the black and white versions look hot! We’ve got a review unit due in soon, and as such will tell you everything you could possibly want to know about NZXT’s latest and greatest mouse.
Now available for $39.99 via NZXT’s online store. Gallery after the break…
If you follow the PC gaming crowd in any form or fashion, you’ll no doubt know that multi-screen and 3D gaming are in. Whether you decide to go with a single larger display or multiple smaller ones doesn’t matter; people want pixels and lots of them. Handling all of those pixels and the plastic that surrounds them can be quite unwieldily, though. Thankfully there are a few multi-monitor stands to solve such problems.
Take for example, the XFX triple monitor stand. It looks like a capable stand with its wide, sturdy base. Ultimately, however, it is the nearly $400 price tag that pushes us away.
Is a hunk of metal worth that much or are the included single-stand variants more than sufficient?
For the next several months it pays to be a student and a gamer. Microsoft has announced a new promo aimed at students. Specifically, any student with a .edu address will score a free 4 GB Xbox 360 Arcade bundle without the need for pesky mail-in rebates through online retailers and local PC shops. Microsoft and BestBuy will also take valid student IDs in addition to .edu email addresses.
The promo is running from May 22nd through September 3rd. While the offer is currently U.S.-only, Canada and France will receive similar promotions at a later, unannounced date.
We’ve seen some truly awesome PC mods in our ventures through the wilds of the internets, but the TRON Legacy PC mod by Bods Mods jumps to the top of our list. We like sci-fi movies. We also like flashy lights. And yes, we love computers. Put them all together and you’ve got a trifecta of awesomeness.
Custom PC building is about to get a lot more mainstream thanks to a new partnership announced today between Walmart and iBuyPower. Starting at $578, customers will have to chose between 5 different computer cases, AMD and Intel K-series processors, 3 different memory and hard drive configurations (each), AMD and Nvidia graphics cards, a trio of optical drives, and finally, three different versions of Windows 7. All systems will feature a standard 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
Hardcore PC enthusiasts may balk at the stripped down selection, but that’s the ticket here. Enabling an easier and more beginner level approach to custom PC building is a great idea in getting more people into the hobby. With that said, what better way than to buddy up with Walmart?
For now, the new partnership is online only. Hopefully sales go well enough that this DIY approach can creek into local stores. Interested parties can check out the configuration page now live on Walmart’s website. Also be sure to check out the handy graph just after the break which shows every hardware option available…
If you’re in the market for a futuristic transparent computer monitor, Samsung has two models that may tickle your fancy. The two models come in at 22″ and share a 1680 x 1050 resolution, with the only main difference being one monitor does black & white while the other displays full color. Contrast ratio (500:1) may seem low at first until you consider ambient light is the only backlight to be had. Besides the new age lighting, the two Samsung monitors in question feature HDMI and USB output/input as well as a claimed 90% energy savings over traditional monitors.
Pricing and specific release are as of now unknown.
Hardware giant, Western Digital, is about to get a bit more muscle in the fight against competing hard drive manufacturer, Seagate. Today, March 7th, 2011, WD announced that they were purchasing Hitachi Global Storage Technologies for ~$4.3 billion USD. In total, $3.5 billion in cash as well as $750 million worth of shares will trade hands. According to Western Digital CEO, John Coyne, scale is the sole source behind the purchase, citing the need for more size and R&D spending to combat rival Seagate. The CEO also hopes to offer a greater selection of products for consumers under the WD brand, further increasing the company’s own value.
