The Latest DVD Writers' True Speeds

EBook Description: Between the alphabet soup of the different standards and the disparity between vendors' claims and true speeds, choosing the right DVD writer is not much fun. To spare you the headache, we detail the latest DVD writers available from NEC ND-3540A, Pioneer DVR-110D, Plextor PX-740A, Sony DRU-810A and Toshiba SDR-5472 and gauge their true speeds.

Hoping to capitalize on Apple's success with the Mac Mini, Taiwan-based Macpower recently sent us its Mini Pod M9-DX. The device at first glance looks like a Mac Mini clone. However, the Mini Pod M9-DX is, in fact, a large-capacity storage device designed for both Macs and PCs.

Round-Up: Comparison Testing of 22 Hard Disk Drives

The jockeying for position among hard drive makers never seems to end, particularly in the areas of drive capacity and speed. As a result, hard disks have nearly doubled their capabilities over the last few years, in contrast to the performance of CPUs and systems as a whole. But that's no mere anomaly; we expect further improvements and enhancements in the immediate future.

Safer 6 for RAID Controllers

Redundant Array of Inexpensive/Independent Drives (RAID) is the general solution for requirements in which performance, storage capacity or data safety of a single drive isn't sufficient.

Knoppix Linux On USB

This article provides a gentle introduction to how a simple Knoppix configuration can become an indispensable item in a mobile technical toolkit.

Shuttle XPC SN27P2: A Mini-PC for Athlon AM2 Processors

A short while ago, AMD introduced a new type of processor socket: the AM2. In contrast to older platforms, which worked only with conventional DDR memory, this new model supports DDR2 RAM. The new Shuttle Mini-PC features a motherboard with the AM2 socket and DDR2 memory slots. But the XPC SN27P2 isn't quite as compact as its predecessors in this Shuttle product line.

Build Your Own (Physical) 3D Models

3D Studio Max are created in a manner similar to that of any CAD or engineering software, they can be exported into a file format that is suitable for machining.

Four Quiet and Powerful Mini PCs for Intel CPUs

The i945 chipset has made it possible for the dual core Pentium D processor to make itself at home in mini PC enclosures. At least three different vendors now offer their own customized versions of such barebones systems for the US market, with more available in Europe and elsewhere. These systems are not only powerful, they're also quiet.

A Continuing Work in Progress: The State of Linux 2006

Linux appears on virtually all forms of computer technology - from laptops to desktops, workstations to servers, and even discretely in the form of portable media players and handheld devices.

Treasures or Trash? 5 PC Cases for Gamers

When it comes to PC gaming cases, there are huge quality gaps between what is out there. The amount of money you spend does not necessarily translate into better quality, either. Unfortunatley, it is difficult to find some gems among so-called gaming boxes made too-often on the cheap.

PC Interfaces 101

Every computer system, whether a desktop PC or a notebook, includes a bunch of connectors, both inside and out. Can you recognize each and every one of them? Relevant handbooks, when they're even available, are often poorly worded or insufficiently illustrated. This causes readers to lose their orientation and leads to confusion and frustration.

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