Hardware News

ViewSonic VG2427wm 24-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor: Great Image Quality

Up ware — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 06:26:41 +0000

The ViewSonic VG2427wm is a widescreen, 24 inch LCD monitor which has great performance in image quality testing. Even when the fonts are smaller, they appear sharp. It also has good performance in rendering color although there are other photos were it goes a bit off- for example, a photo with various blue, green and red hues. In different motion tests it stumbles quite a bit especially with the test image where it displays jitters. The jittering was only a little bit but this might get avid gamers distracted and find it annoying.

ViewSonic VG2427wm

The resolution is 1920×1080 which makes it theoretically ready and suited for High Definition content although it lacks HDMI input as it provides users with VGA and DVI ports. An explanation was provided from ViewSonic that its purpose is targeted for office and corporate use. Some users will find it disappointing with the lack of HDMI input. The rear part of the monitor has 3 USB ports.

The four buttons present on the bottom part which is at the front bezel controls the OSD or on-screen display. The power button is located at the center group of buttons which increases the possibility of pressing other buttons while running through the menus of the OSD. The whole display swivels and tilts with no worries. The height can be adjusted smoothly too. The finish of the bezel is charcoal black. At the price of $400, it is already reasonable for a 24-inch display.

The design of this unit is plain, matte finish of the chassis which is color black and matte screen. The measurement of the panel of the base is more than one inch with depth, and its full depth measures about 2.6 inches included with the connection options and ventilation system. Its bezel measures about 0.75 inches on all sides, while the height of the screen measures about 5.25 inches, which is also adjustable.

When the display is at the lowest level, there is a distance of 4 inches between the desktop and the lower bezel. The panel spins right and left about 180 degrees and it tilts about 25 degrees at the back although the pivot option is not offered for the portrait mode.

The advantage of the VG2427wm is that it has great image quality but the downside of this is the absence of the HDMI connection. This is a type of monitor that is recommended to office workers who prefer to have larger work area; not recommendable for users who love to play hardcore games and those who watch movies.

Motion Tracking and Stabilization in Adobe After Effects

Up ware — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:05 +0000

Motion Tracking - - A Training DVD Reviewed

In the past, motion tracking was achieved only with compositing solutions in high-end post-production. Although early versions of Adobe After Effects had their own engine for motion tracking, the results weren’t very impressive and needed a lot of operator assistance. This discouraged many users from discovering the great potential in motion tracking.

Adobe After Effects (AE) includes Mocha for AE, a powerful application produced by Imagineer Studios. Although Mocha has been available as a standalone for some years, bundling it with AE has ensured that motion tracker is now a must-have for any CS4 user.

Motion Training in Adobe After effects

Whether you’re an artist working with visual effects, a broadcast designer, or an all-round AE user, you can’t do better than becoming familiar with motion tracking techniques. You also have the advantage of the training techniques of Pete O’Connell, a world-class trainer, ready to hand. This is a definite advantage in acquiring the skills necessary for real-world problem solving.

His newest training DVD, called Motion Tracking and Stabilization in Adobe After Effects, covers a broad range of topics in the field, and is invaluable for beginners as well as intermediate users of Mocha’s tracking toolset or AE. Pete uses Mocha for AE in most of the training projects on the DVD. Although project files are included, it’s really best after watching the videos to carry on with AE or Mocha on your own. You can use any version of AE, but if you need to export tracking data to AE, you’ll have to have at least AE 6.

The DVD begins with basic one-point tracking, and carries on to 2-point and then 4-point tracking. For the first two, both Mocha for AE and AE are used, but Mocha for AE is the sole tool used for 4-point tracking. This is perfectly suited to Mocha’s tracking engine.

The basics topics such as object insertion, object removal, managing tracking data to use in different applications, post-stabilizing inverse transformations, and masking shapes in AE using 2-point data are covered. Also covered are powerful techniques enabling you to insert new footage and keep the natural highlights of tracked surfaces, use Red Giant Warp to insert artificial shadows, manage tracking data using Expressions, work with the Adjust Track tool in Mocha, work properly with insert footage and interlaced source, and create induced parallax.

Pete also provides a few Animation Presets related to tracking. These are CS4-specific, but the training videos provide step-by-step routines for creating them which you shouldn’t have any trouble following.

One thing you should be aware of, is that Expressions is used quite a lot in this DVD, although the basics of it are not covered. The expressions are reasonably easy to follow, but some people might still be put off by them and miss out on the full benefit of Pete’s training. It might be a good idea to first look elsewhere for a basic introduction to Expressions.

In all, this training DVD provides a useful range of workflows, techniques and tips designed to help both beginners and intermediate users of Mocha’s tracking tools and AE reach a higher standard of confidence and proficiency.

Plextor PX-880U – Reliable Burning Efficiency

Up ware — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:43:35 +0000

Recording DVDs/CDs is often called as burning and has been common for most computer users. Portable external DVD burners are capable to read, write and rewrite DVDs/CDS either for sharing or storage. If you are shopping for a DVD burner for your computer, try considering Plextor PX-88OU. This component is a Super Multi Format External DVD/CD write that fits your budget and meet up every burning task. In fact, it is an excellent addition for computers that do not have internal drive and could also be an extra expansion for computers who already have external DVD burners. Read on how Plextor PX-880U meets your DVD burners need.

Features

Plextor PX 880U - DVD Burner

Plextor PX-880U has the capability of operating multiple DVD recording tasks. This is of prime importance for a DVD burner and in fact, most of burners these days work with several formats. The PX-880U operates with DVD-ROM 16X, DVD-RW 5X, DVD ±R24X, DVD+RW8X, DVD±RDL12X AND DVD-RAM12X.

Burning Speed

Burning speeds of DVD burners often result in certain annoying noise. However, Plextor PX-880U offers an exceptional drive design that manages flow of air in a way of effectively reducing noise while enhancing writing and reading quality. The device is hooked-up onto a computer through 2.0 USB port and works with 1.1USB connection are seriously reduced speed. It only works on Vista or Windows XP operating system, requires the usage of 128MB RAM with 1.3GHz processor speed. Moreover, it requires 1GB free storage for installation and 10GB free storage for DVD rendering.

Software

Plextor PX-880U is configured with Roxio Creator 10CE Suite DVD/CD burning software. Also, the burner features the usage of LightScribe technology which enables creating professional-looking labels made using similar laser that burns the data onto the disc. Furthermore, PlexUTILITIES software is also embedded that permits viewing of simple and sophisticated drive information, allowing drive control and identification, automatic measuring of disc-burning quality and online firmware and software drive update. In addition, it is also equipped with PlexERASE technology which completely erases the content of the disc for security reasons.

Latest Technology

Plextor PX-880U supports a speedy 24X burning speed while the burner’s configuration of original technology provides an added protection both for confidential and personal data as well as provides additional hardware support. Its usage of 2.0 USB interface makes connection much easier. Also, its usage of Buffer Underrun-Proof Technology such as Zero Link and Lossless Linking effectively prevents errors of buffer under runs.

Pros and Cons

Plextor PX-880U boasts a number of pros such as its blazing, multi-recording format together with its effective integrated technology. Unfortunately, it also has cons wherein the speed is greatly reduced upon working a 1.1 USB connection.

Plextor PX-880U is an excellent choice for external DVD burner that is efficient and reliable for your computer burner needs.

When your Phone Betrays you

Up ware — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:49:29 +0000

There are many instances wherein your phone seems to betray you. In a world where phone communications are of utmost importance, you and your business should never lose its connection to the world – the connection to your clients, especially. It is therefore imperative to get a phone service that will not fail you, in terms of having a back-up plan for every problem that may arise.

A virtual phone system is the ideal solution for issues and problems that are often encountered in phones. There are a lot of scenarios that you may find familiar, and there are solutions that a virtual phone system can give you.

For instance, your mobile phone can lose signal when brought to certain places. A virtual phone system lets you use a phone number that is not associated or connected via any physical connection. This means that you can use it with any phone, anytime you want and anywhere you are. So when your mobile phone gives up on you and you need to make an important business call, you may dial in your virtual phone number using any available phone and then call your contact. Problem solved.

Another example of a problem may seem like the opposite of the first problem, but it is as tough to handle – too many calls. There are times when you want to take a break from answering call after call, so that you can pay attention to other, more important things.

You may forward calls to voicemail at certain times of the day so you can focus on your daily tasks, or you may also route them to more available staff members. With all the features of a virtual phone system, you can surely find a feasible solution to every issue you might encounter with your current communication tools.

EVGA InterView Dual Display LCD Monitor

Up ware — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:37:00 +0000

Many users these days prefer to use dual displays because it will boost and enhance their productivity especially if they need to open multiple windows and browse through them back and forth. This display, the EVGA InterView, provides the user 2 17in displays on one device – which means that the arm for the dual displays is only one which gives the user the freedom to rotate each at 180 degrees which can be a useful feat if you want someone to share or look at your work who is sitting opposite from you. The price though is somewhat a bit too expensive for a device that offers flexibility.

EVGA InterView Dual Display LCD Monitor

Setting the Interview up looks a little complicated than it appears, so this requires more effort. During one test running on the OS Windows XP, the software of the graphics driver detected the two displays although the output only results to one at a time. With using the Windows Vista OS, the software of the graphics driver detected both displays and outputs both of them but on an extended mode with the image of the secondary display a bit misaligned. The way to fix this is by modifying the refresh rate.

After this, the display for both mirrored display and extended desktop works satisfactorily. Users will have to spend a great deal of time in setting this display with the video card and the documentation will not be of much help. The 2 screens may leave users the feeling of tiny displays, especially if the user is used to 19-inch or larger displays.

In the image testing, the performance is fair. The fonts of various sizes look sharp so this display is recommendable to users doing text-intensive tasks. Although the problem lies with displaying photos in which the output can be a bit dull especially with a photo with various colors. For instance, a picnic photo that was displayed as a dark picture with some parts seemingly unrealistic. With motion testing, there were few flickers that resulted fairly.

With the ability to rotate, this display offers what other LCD monitors do not provide. The movements of the screens are smooth which can be turned easily back and forth. There is a bit of a wobbly feeling to it though. Preventing the display from tilting, the InterView provides a foot to balance the display. The height is not adjustable; while only the brightness is can be adjusted. It lacks the support for other video inputs such as the HDMI, although there are microphone and the USB ports.

The advantages are the two displays, supported by just a single arm, that can be rotated; and the sharp text display. The only disadvantage is the dull colors when displaying images.

Giada DN2301: Fair Performance for a Compact PC

Up ware — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:50:25 +0000

Almost all compact PCs are known for their stylish, slim design for a casing which is also not aimed at a good performance although the Giada DN2301 is considered one of those exceptions wherein performance rating is way above the common compact PCs. This device is endowed with moderate power for laptop processor. The model has some decency which is equipped with a processor Intel Core i5-430UM, which also includes the chipset Nvidia Ion.

Giada DN2301 - Compact Desktop

This may not define as a proper CPU for a desktop; this is already considered a significant rise from processors such as the Atom in which it is categorized in the common compact PC level. The RAM it offers is only 2GB which is upgradeable to 8GB, but the device offers 500GB HDD. With a nice touch of Bluetooth connectivity, it also provides 802.11n Wi-Fi.

The design of the DN2301 is not so creative and the size is not that small either. The color of the chassis is black with the silver logo of Giada which is located at the top. It has an antenna and round edges which gives the impression of more of a router than computer. The measurement of DN2301 is about nine inches wide, 6.8in deep, and 2.1in high and weighs about 3.6lbs.

The front is simple and nice which offers a slot for loading a DVD-burner, a flap that protects important ports such as the headphone and microphone jacks, port for USB 3.0 and multi-format card reader and a power button.

At the back, it provides a number of options for connectivity. There are 4 USB ports, eSATA port, HDMI port, DVI out, Kensington lock slot, 5.1 audio output, Ethernet port and a S/PDIF out. This is already considered great for a computer this small especially with the presence of advance options for connectivity such as the eSATA and USB 3.0 ports.

What is lacking in the DN2301 is the design although it is already great when it comes to its performance. In one of the benchmark tests, the DN2301 received 76 for overall score which is already considered good for that category. In comparison to this model is the Dell Inspiron Zino HD 410 which got a score of 78 while the other ViewSOnic VOT530 PC Mini got a score of 90. Although their scores are quite higher than the DN2301, they are also quite expensive.

The advantage of Giada DN2301 is the excessive number of connectivity options and the attractive, albeit simple, casing. The disadvantage is its limited performance.

Dell ST2420L – Big Screen at Low Price

Up ware — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 04:27:38 +0000

Manufacturers of monitor are on the race of creating the sleekest monitor loaded featuring superb performance at favorable price tag. However, you can never have both worlds without sacrificing some features and most likely, quality. Luckily, you can still have high-class computer monitor without spending beyond your budget.

Dell ST2420L

Consider Dell ST2420L featuring huge and brilliant 24-inch image with full array of terminal inputs and slim profile at a very favorable price. Surely, Dell ST2420L fairly competes among high-end monitors from manufacturing giants and it will be helpful to ascertain if it ST2420L meets up your crunch for monitor. Read on.

Design and Built

Dell ST2420L is cladding a relatively slim figure with 22.7×16.5×8.0-inch dimension weighing 9.5 pounds in shiny black exteriors though you need to live with fingerprint smudges. Despite the monitor’s removable base, it cannot be mounted onto the wall nor had adjustable height still allow a 25-degree tilt range. However, terminal inputs and connectors are oddly located beneath a lip facing downward. At least it does house a complete array of connections such as HDMI, VGA and DVI.

Also, it has a 3.5mm audio input and output terminals while Dell packed the unit with VGA cable, thus letting users to provide their own audio, DVI and HDMI cables. Moreover, on-screen display rests at the lower right portion of the monitor’s bezel offering a variety of adjustments for display and settings. Appreciatively, ST2420L’s preset modes assists less proficient users in selecting optimal settings either for normal usage, gaming or watching video.

Display and Performance

The ST2420L comes with a 24-inch matte LED-backlit display with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 of full high-definition display featuring deep colors though not the sharpest for a monitor with a response time of 5ms. Letters were slightly fuzzy at 10-point test yet still manage to be readable. It has appropriately wide viewing angles in deep colors with notable error-free and smooth visuals under fast-paced movement.

Unfortunately, Dell never configures the monitor with integrated speakers but it does have an alternative sound-bar, made to be connected onto the monitor’s lower lip. Dell distinctively offers an advance one-year exchange free warranty with the opportunity to buy up to five-year protection.

Pros and Cons

Dell ST2420L’s pros includes its excellent color depth, optimization options and sturdy adjustment as well as the monitor’s broad viewing angles in addition to it antiglare coating. On the other hand, the sound bar proves to be an additional cost which is one of the disadvantages. Also, the small fonts are not very crisp while the connectors are hard to access which adds up to the monitor’s cons.

Conclusion

Dell ST2420L is an excellent choice for a sizable 24-inch high-def monitor offering a competitively good performance at reasonable price.

AMD Phenom II X4 975 Black Edition – Decent Performance and Price

Up ware — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:15 +0000

The heat is on for the race for the fastest processor in town. AMD is in-line with those giant producer of powerful processor comes with its AMD Phenom II X4 975 (Black Edition) processor, a feat of success in terms of performance and price.

AMD Phenom II X4 975 Black Edition - Fast and Economical Processor

Although Phenom II X4 975 never turns out to be the best yet it fairly compete among its technologically advanced rivals which makes it an excellent option for high-end gamers and users. In fact, Phenom II X4 975 is far from being cheap but an economical choice among quad-core counterparts. Hence, read on what AMD Phenom II X4 975 boast which makes it an excellent choice for a processor.

Build and Specs

In terms of appearance, nothing exciting is to be expected with Phenom II X4 975 since it is made using similar 45-nanometer process and similar L2 cache (2MB) amount with previous quad-core Phenom II series. However, with the black edition, the CPU is unlocked meant for overclocking which is effectively an added value. Granted, AMD utter that support along with clear warning; Damage caused by overclocking is not covered by warranty.

Besides, AMD has OverDrive software utility that offers free comprehensive speed and voltage control as to what previous version offers, with several features intended to simplify the whole overclocking process. On the other hand, Phenom II X4 975 comes with a socket type of AM2+ (AM3) and operating frequency of 3.6GHz.

Performance

AMD Phenom II X4 975 was a bit faster compared to its brothers. Notably, when performing the iTunes Conversion Test, it took about 39 seconds for Phenom II X4 975 processor to convert an MP3 format to AAC under 11-test files; around 5 seconds faster than its predecessor.

Meanwhile, in Windows Media Encoder Test, results were nearly the same which took over 30 seconds in converting test video file onto DVD-quality format. On reaching the maximum threads and cores of the CPU, Phenom II X4 975 posted decent numbers. At standard MPEG-2 test file, the processor was almost 30% slower from its counterparts while at Cinebench 11.5 benchmark test, 975 gained a 4.24 scrore.

Pros and Cons

Phenom II X4 975 is an excellent choice for upgrading old AMD-based system with its DDR2 memory and compatible to AM2 older motherboards. However, cited disadvantages are its little edge over it brothers and outperformed by its closest counterpart in overall performance with the same price bracket.

Conclusion

With its impressive benchmark scores, AMD Phenom II X4 975 is far from a mediocre processor. On the contrary, it is a good choice of a decent-performance processor offered at reasonable price tag.

AMD Radeon HD 6850: Excellent Performance, Exceptional Price

Up ware — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:35:42 +0000

The AMD Radeon HD 6850 may not be on the top of the consumers’ list but it has reached the level of performance-price ratio that will surely please a number of gamers. It is said that it is on the same level as Radeon 5850.

AMD Radeon HD 6850

This graphics card is built with a new chip architecture which is codenamed Barts which is an altered version of the chip architecture Cypress which powered the older graphic cards Radeon 5870 and 5850. This new architecture has difference in size compared to the old one but it still gives great performance.

This is also identical to the model 6870 in which both are equipped of Eyefinity Technology of AMD which gives users the ability to connect 3 displays in just one card. There is also the presence of different connectors such as the DVI ports pair in which one is single and the other dual link- 2 connectors for mini-DisplayPort which will need adapters for this to work and the HDMI port.

During the benchmark tests, the performance of HD 6850 priced at $179 smoothly outperformed the HD 5770 which is worth $149. Another great feat is that it does not lag far from the HD 5850 which is priced $100 more. In another benchmark tests, it led the 5850 by about one to two frames/second which is because of the enhanced tessellation engine. Because of the size of the Radeon HD 6850, it consumes less power which is about 219 watts. It even consumes lesser power when in idle mode which is about 102 watts.

With the game tests with this component, it even offered a much rosier output of its picture. The output trailed the 5850 of Radeon with its performance although not that much far. There was a big gap in one of the games which was Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. in which the Radeon 5850 performed a frame rate of 16 per second although the gap diminishes when anti-aliasing is enabled.

The advantages of this video graphics card are the excellent performance paired with its excellent price. Gamers will not find it disappointing. Its incredible power efficiency is also a bonus. The drawback is that it has raw 3D support. Although it may not have topped the charts in the market, the price-performance ratio can be considered appealing. In addition to its incredibly affordable price is the excellent performance with gaming, which can even be comparable to the astounding Radeon 5850.

HP Pavilion p6720f: Speed and Space

Up ware — Fri, 13 May 2011 10:20:30 +0000

The desktop HP Pavilion p6720f has given the users more space for RAM and HDD although it takes a downside in not providing any space for the video graphics card. This is a budgeted desktop which targets users who are easily distracted by playing games.

HP Pavilion p6720f

The overall look of this desktop is the usual design most HP desktops have: a plain black chassis from HP. The plastic, glossy black front of the chassis provides an expansion bay right under the DVD ROM burner which is provided in case users want to have blue-ray drives or others. The button for power is placed atop the chassis which is lit in ice-blue LED. The case of the desktop is slim which is about 7in wide.

This model is packed together with generic keyboard and mouse set. Both are wired in USB which occupies two USB ports of the six available to it. The mouse has two buttons with a scroll-wheel while the keyboard is flat with black keys, added to that is the silver-colored keys for volume. Software included is the trial ware requisite together with HP MediaSmart and a playback suite for music.

The front includes a few ports which include a bay for card reader that is multiformat. There are jacks for microphone and headphone and 2 ports for USB. There is no USB 3.0 or eSATA port included in this package since this was budgeted and not built for extreme usage. The location of the other 4 USB ports is at the back, with SPDIF out, Ethernet port, VGA, DVI and it supports 7.1 surround sounds.

The inside is somewhat messy since the wires are all packed in the middle although they are held together with ties for cables. Quite on the good side though is that you cannot do much in its insides. As said earlier the availability of the unit has 2 additional bays for 3.5inches, one 5.25inches which is free, 1 PCI slot, 1 RAM slot and 3 slots for PCIe x1. This may provide to install a graphics card if you direly need one.

If you are one that is looking for a desktop fitted for withstanding extensive graphics with games, it is better to look for something else as this unit cannot provide that. This unit only managed to get a frame rate of 3.9 per second during the Unreal Tournament tests. Lower resolution and lower quality will get the unit nowhere too.

The advantages of this model are there is more room for RAM and massive (category) for HDD. The disadvantage is its incapability of quality resolution and graphics.