Desktop Reviews

I just installed this card to upgrade our 1999 Dell V350 which originally had 64MB. Make sure to read your manual as to which configurations are supported. Mine said it supported 128MB + 64MB, however our computer actually came as 32MB + 32MB which wasn't supported according to the manual, even 128MB + 32MB wasn't listed. I didn't try. I just installed the 128MB card by itself. Clicking in the card is easy if you follow the instructions and click at the edges and not in the center of the card.

After that, hooked the computer back up and it feels like new again! Plus it only took 2 days to get here. Plus we finally got DSL. Now we'll never get off the computer.
Definitely worth it for the computer. Will deal with the carpal tunnel syndrome later.

I recently upgraded my 64MB computer, a 4 year old Gateway, with just one of these and can not believe how much better my computer runs. I plan to install another 128MB in the near future. Installing only takes about 10 minutes and my computer runs like a new one.

Specs on HP Pavilion called for 66 MHz frequency memory sticks, but this dropped right in and worked fine.

I just picked up this computer (refurbished) off of ubid.com. I picked it up for 600 bucks and I was a bit aprehensive. It came proffessionally packed and even smelled new! I fired it up and I have to say this thing is fast, easy to use, and forgiving considering I have not owned a computer in over 4 years! Pick yourself up one! Its totally worth it! And oh yeah, I also picked up a 17" monitor off of ubid.com for 75 bucks...the whole system shipping included in under 900 bucks! Not bad eh? -jewels

I bought this PC for my mother, (her first one) and was looking for something that was easy to use and she wouldn't have to upgrade for a long time. I have to say that this machine is one of the best I demo'd (and I looked at alot before decideing). I agree with everything the others have written about this machine, but would like to add one thing. The speakers with this PC were awesome!! When I first checked it out, I kinda thought they sounded pretty good, but then listening to all the other systems, I realized they were far better then anything else I'd looked at. Just to see i went over to where they sold Addon speakers and started playing some. Forget about... [expensive] speakers, this machine blew them away right out of the box... If this is going to be your first PC or your just looking for a good next one. For the price you will not be disappointed.

Awesome system! I was happy with my PentiumII 500Mhz 128MB RAM system for most everything, but I use Cakewalk digital recording software which can become quite a memory hog and very processor-intensive when running over 8-tracks with intense effects processing. This Sony system lets me push it to the limit. I've run over 16-tracks with lots of effects processing, and the Cakewalk software hardly shows any signs of lagging. Best thing is, I've experienced no dropouts at all. And of course, the speedy CD recorder is heaven as I burn and copy my audio CDs quite often. I definitely recommend this system.

You can download from Calculated Industries a free full blown version of their PC Software version of Construction Master Pro Calculator. It works for 30 days without any restrictions. That is what got me hooked. Once I saw what you could do for calculating board feet, and lots of other calculations, I knew I had to have more than the trial version. With C Industries Construction Master Pro, you are currently receiving the software version (a 30 some dollar value in itself) for free with the purchase of the calculator. It is included in the box. Considering the Pro is only going for a few more dollars than the IV version, it makes it a no brainer to buy that model instead.
Since I bought the pro, I am going to go over and write a review on that one instead. It has all of the features of the IV and then some. It comes in a great looking case, and has a front cover that mounts on the back when not in use. It looks great, and is even greater for its usefulness. Hope this helps.

I have a looooong way to go to even be close to tapping the full capabilities of this little unit. I've only had it for a month or so, and I've used it for lots of things. The feet-inch-fractions feature is just the best. The magnetic case works pretty well. If you find yourself using your pencil for a lot of figuring when you're on the job, you might consider giving this a try.

SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT MATH GENIUSES, THIS WILL MAKE YOU ONE. SPEED UP THE JOB, LOOK LIKE A SCHOLAR, IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS. THIS IS THE TOOL TO HAVE.

Buy this printer now! I can't say enough about how incredibly good this baby performs, and for less than $100! You basically get a printer with the specifications and features of a machine that would normally run $200+. The ability of direct printing via memory cards, and print resolution that rivals most high-end printers make this a no-brainer.

My only issue is with this listing, i wish Amazon would be a bit more competitive with their price.

I have fallen in love with this printer! It is extremely easy to set up and use, and it comes with all kinds of extras. And the photo print quality is just amazing! NO MORE BUYING PRINTS!!!! It prints out all sizes. And wow is it ever quiet...I had to go look to see if it was done printing cause I couldn't tell!
EXCELLENT printer!

This is the best printer ever!!!!! It definatly lived up to my expectations. I always used to use just a regular printer for my photos and i hated the lines that were left on the pictures from the printer. This makes the pictures sooooo clear, from only a 2.1 MP camera! The best part is it prints directly from memory cards so you don't even have to go through the computer to get the pictures. It works with Compact flash, smart media, memory stick, secure digital and mulimedia. It is also extremely easy to use! I thought the directions were very easy to understand. All in all if your thinking of buying a photo printer buy this one!

I am running a Intel Celeron 1.0 Ghz custom built PC which only has USB 1.0 built on the motherboard.

Recently, I bought a less expensive USB 2.0 card at a local retailer thinking a usb card is a usb card. I had a horrible time installing it and it never really worked right. When I purchased a Western Digital USB 2.0 External Hard Drive to add to my system is when I found out not all usb cards are created the same. The WD hard drive just would not operate on the cheaper usb 2.0 card. I could not transfer files or write to the drive without getting errors. I thought it was the hard drive but after exchanging it and getting another one only to have the same problem I determined it must be the usb controller.

That is when I searched the net and looked at reviews for the best USB 2.0 card out right now. Every computer magazine website gave this card excellent reviews so I thought I would buy it from Amazon.com and give it a try.

It was very easy to install and I absolutely love the added front USB port which is included in the box and fits in an open 5 1/4 bay. Since I have an older machine I did not have any front usb ports. With this in mind along with the great reviews it has been given the purchase was a no brainer. I believe the NEC drivers which this card uses makes it top notch. I would recommend this card highly.

This is my first modification on any type of computer. In fact, I did it incorrectly, and it still worked. What I mean is, you are supposed to download the driver (CDROM or online) and then install the card. Windows XP recognized it immediately and it works as advertised at 480 Mbits/sec. If you must know just one important thing about USB 2.0, remember not to unplug the peripheral device when the PC is on. Power down first, then unplug the device, be it printer, digital camera, external HD, or cordless microphone. It could result in a crash and/or data loss (Thanks to Christine for this word of advice).

This is a PCI card to add USB to an older computer; 3 slots on the back and one internal--this card included a USB slot in a drive-bay cover, which you can install if you've got a free bay on your PC, connecting it to the internal USB slot with a supplied cord. The card works great on my P3-800 at work, running Windows 2000. Installed without a bit of trouble, and works perfectly. Following the installation directions had me up and running in a few minutes, and the PC recognized the card and loaded the drivers (which I'd put on from the install CD) immediately without a single hitch. Good as it gets!

I have had mine for about 4 months and overall I love them. The mouse is very comfortable and the scroll wheel is addicting. I have not had to replace the batteries in the keyboard, but I have been through about a half dozen sets in the mouse.So far, though, this is my only complaint.

Having purchased a cordless mouse a few months earlier and really enjoying the freedom it provided, I picked up this cordless keyboard about 8 or 9 months ago. It has proven itself to be one of the best investments I've made in a long time.

I've been nothing but impressed with its range. The six foot range advertised is nothing for this keyboard...actually, just fot the heck of it, I'm sitting across the room right now to type this review--around 10 feet away--and the keyboard is picking up every stroke (I think I should move closer...my eyes are starting to get strained!).

I've also been extremely impressed with the durability of this product. Being cordless, this keyboard tends to get picked up and moved a lot, and, as a result, dropped. I've dropped this one several times and there really isn't even a scratch on it. Also, it's running on its original batteries--2 AAA's--which I think is pretty impressive, considering how much I type.

The layout is also really nice. I've never quite gotten used to the Logitech Pro or the Microsoft Natural keyboard layout...this one is classic, and suits me fine. The CD player controls on the keyboard are also a nice touch, as are the "favorites" buttons, that will take you to a specified web site or launch a particular program.

This keyboard is worth the investment. I'm thinking about getting the mouse, too.

well right now this very second, i am use it to write this on my webtv. the mounse i can only use with the computer. but its the kewboard is very adaptable. i can not work with out this keyboard!

If you are looking for a desktop printer (not the portable ones such as Canon's i70) then you just cannot get better than this. I include Epson's PhotoPlus 2200 and HP's PhotoSmart 7960, both of which are great printers but Canon wins hands-down in terms of ink longevity, photo quality (on professional photo paper,) and price (you can get deals for 85 USD for instance.)

The printer flies with B&W text, e.g., while printing websites off the web browser. The setup is breezy and hassle-free. With PictBridge built in, will connect directly to your digicam for printing on paper -- no need to transfer the file to your computer, then print from Adobe Photoshop etc.

For a home printer, given that the Epson, the HP and Canon are more or less the same in picture quality, the most important thing I have realized is that I need to keep ink cartidge replacements in check. Canon blows its competition out of the water in this respect.

And that's for the maintenance costs. Even for the upfront costs, this printer is unmatched either by Epson's 2200 or HP's 7960.

Highly recommended if you are looking for a full-featured home printer.

I bought this printer back in October of 2003. So far, this Canon has proven itself to be very fast, reliable, and economical. There is an option to use "draft" mode for the purpose of conserving ink. This is a great feature to have if you print a lot of text, like I do. The black ink cartridge is also relatively inexpensive. I bought this particular printer because I print a lot of text. My main criteria was keeping the cost per page as low as possible. I rarely print photos, but the few that I have printed on Canon's paper looked very nice.

I like the design of the printer. You can fold the paper holder in the back forward and it will act as a dust cover to keep the inside of the printer clean. You can also close the front of the printer as an added measure to keep the inside free of dust. The i560 is a little bit more expensive than comparable printers from other brands. However, I believe that the lower cost per page will more than make up for it in the long run. There are individual ink cartridges. And the ink cartridges do not have a smart chip built into them. It might be possible, although I have not tried it, to refill the cartridges yourself if you can find the right ink. However, I think the cost of the ink cartridges for this particular printer is low enough that I would recommend buying only the genuine Canon ink, that way you can eliminate most of the problems that people experience with generic or refilled ink cartridges. I was told that a lot of problems that people have with their ink jets are due to using generic or refilled ink cartridges.

For speed, print quality, quiet operation, long ink cartridge life, and versitility this bets the Epson, HP, Lexmark, and Panasonic competition by far. I've been using the i560 for 11 months and have no complaints. I sold all my other printers at a yard sale last spring and haven't missed any of them.

I bought this fan to replace the Antec "ball baring" fan, which is very noisy (see related review). This fan is smooth and much quieter. However the picture of this fan on amazon.com is wrong. The picture shows that this fan has a power pin and another pin, which goes to the "system fan" plug on the motherboard (so you can monitor the fan speed if your bios support this feature. The Antec ball baring fan has this pin). But this fan actually has only the power pin. Although I will not return this fan, I want to point out that if you want to monitor the fan speed, this fan will not work.

Cheap, quiet, reliable... Need I say more?

What more can I say. I bought 4 of these for my case and they are rock solid.

I had this working perfectly right out of the box using a Microsoft MN-500 802.11b wireless router. Wireless printing is the cat's meow by the way. (The printer can then be put away in a cabinet for example, which really makes the house/apartment look less like an office.)

Then I took it to another house which had a D-Link 524+ 802.11b/g wireless router, and it simply would not recongnize the Belkin at all. This is obviously a D-Link issue, but can anyone tell me how to determine which wireless products will work with other wireless products BEFORE buying them?

The Belkin unit is very nice though, and recommended.

Great, right out the box. Very easy to figure out and printing within minutes.

I spent lots of time with old ethernet/parallel print servers that wouldn't quite work with GDI and other low cost printers.
I was skeptical that this would work.

I was impressed that this print server worked with an easy 5 minute guided setup on my Minolta 1250W GDI printer.
The range of the wireless (Im using B, not G) is fine (covers whole floor of large home).

This device is an excellent solution for putting 2 USB printers anywhere you want them without dealing with the 16ft limitation of USB, or having to run any ethernet or parallel wires.

(I don't have to cut and run any wires in my new home). Plus
you get added bonus of having a normal cheap ($100~) printer
become a networked printer for all to share. (and you don't
have to have the original host computer on to print, as you
would with USB.)

I got one as an all-in-one center for images, video, TV, music, etc. It does the job well. TV image quality is excellent, and so is TV recording. Burning your favorite shows to DVD with a few button clicks is incredibly easy.
If you want something for your den, this is a machine that should definitely be on your list for consideration.

The Gateway FMC-901X blends an innovative case design with high performance components. The first thing that strikes you about the Gateway Media Center is that it looks more like a piece of stereo equipment than a computer. In fact the stackable design computer is fits perfectly on top of a VCR or stereo. This was a big selling point with my wife.

The next best feature is that it comes a super-sized 250GB hard drive with a personal video recorder that lets you record TV shows and watch them on your schedule. The advantage over Tivo is there's no monthly fee or any way for some corporation to keep track of what you watch and when.

Now from the comfort of your couch, you can watch video, TV, play digital music, watch digital video, surf the Internet, play games, arrange digital photos and play or record DVDs.

Finally a piece of gear that looks like it belongs in an AV rack. I've been Very pleased with the appearance and usability of the system. Be aware that although it looks and performs like a component, it's also a PC. It comes with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004. That means music- and photo-playback features are excellent, and the PVR functions are a close match for a dedicated TV recorder.

Since it's a computer and not a TV it takes a couple of minutes to boot-up. To power the media center, you need the remote control unit and the wireless keyboard and mouse. I've taken to leaving the system on all the time. The mouse uses a new motion-sensing technology that lets you control it with natural hand movements. Unlike most wireless mice, this one actually has range. I can still operate from outside the house through the window, 25 feet away, as long as I stay in the line of sight.

The AV-component look of the FMC-901X is helped by the flip-down panel on the front, which hides many of the myriad of controls and ports: FireWire port, two USB 2.0 jacks, and slots for Compact Flash, SD, Memory Stick, and Smart Media memory cards, making it easy to move digital photos & MP3's into the system.

Bottom-line: this system is perfect for any true media enthusiast