Here a roundup of today's reviews and articles, including AMD A10 6700 APU Review, Houdah ACTPrinter Virtual Printer App Review, LG Optimus G Pro Performance Review, Apotop DW17 Wi-Reader Pro Review - An Excellent Multifaceted Mobile Companion, and Corsair Vengeance K70 Gaming Keyboard Review



AMD A10 6700 APU Review @ Guru3D

We have another AMD A10 series APU processor review ready for you guys. In this round we review the 125 EUR AMD A10 6700 APU processor, the little brother of the 6800K we just reviewed. Based on Piledriver architecture this processor slash graphics hybrid symbiosis called APU remains hard to beat in terms of features performance and well all the goodness you can expect from a great APU. Value and fun is what the platform offers.

A quick word on what they are, APUs are able to combine the potential of x86 and GPU together to enable a new class of experiences and compute performance on today’s PCs. You know, back in May 2012 AMD introduced a series of AMD A10 'Trinity' APUs as mobile and notebook solutions. Trinity APUs where the the successor of the AMD A4, A6 and A8 Llano-processors. Today AMD marches onwards with Richland, basically in short wording this is a re-spin of Trinity. But before we start off this review, let me state this like we always do with APU reviews; see we are a bit of an enthusiast based website so I want to make it very clear here, the A10 and A8 APU processors are entry level to mid-range targeted processors, please do understand that very clearly. That means you are looking at reasonable desktop CPU experience versus (in AMDs case) a an enhanced integrated GPU, and all that for very interesting prices. But they are not intended as enthusiast class PC gaming rigs okay ?

Read more: AMD A10 6700 APU Review @ Guru3D

Houdah ACTPrinter Virtual Printer App Review @ Bigbruin.com

These days a good deal of our lives are tied up with the use of apps on our phones and other portable devices. While I enjoy plenty of apps that are intended to help me pass the time, my favorite apps are the ones that help me make the most of what little time I seem to have. The app we're going to look at in this article will not only help you save time, but will help you save paper and printer toner, too.

ACTPrinter from Houdah is the app in question, and more specifically we will be looking at version 4.5 for Apple devices which was released on August 08, 2013. More information can be found on the app on the publisher's site, as well as on iTunes and Google Play. In short, ACTPrinter is a virtual printer that will let you 'print' any document on your Windows or Mac computer and send it as a PDF to another Windows or Mac computer, Apple Device (iPhone, iPad, iPod), or Android device that is also running ACTPrinter.

The two main steps required in order to use Houdah's ACTPrinter is to have the app installed on your device, and to have the companion software installed on your Windows / Mac computer. The app regularly sells for $3.99 on iTunes, and the companion software is available as a free download from the pubisher's site. There is also an ACTPrinter Lite, available for $1.99, which omits the web printer, clip board printer, and scanner features found in the full version. We will look at the full version of ACTPrinter with a Windows 7 system, and the two screenshots below show the program after the straightforward install process.

Read more: Houdah ACTPrinter Virtual Printer App Review @ Bigbruin.com

SilverStone TD02 CPU Cooler Review @ Hardware Secrets

Let's test the SilverStone TD02, a liquid cooling system for processors. It has a 240 mm radiator with two 120 mm fans side by side and a full metallic CPU block.

Read more: SilverStone TD02 CPU Cooler Review @ Hardware Secrets

ASUS Z87 Sabertooth Motherboard Review @ ThinkComputers.org

ASUSs Sabertooth motherboards have been a big hit since they were introduced, so there was no doubt there would be a Z87 Sabertooth with ASUSs new line of Z87 motherboards. This board is of course built on the LGA1150 socket and supports Intels Fourth Generation Core Haswell processors. The Z87 Sabertooth still keeps the cool Thermal Armor that everyone loves, but adds on to it with the TUF Fortifier backplate. In addition to that you have things like the Thermal Radar 2, Flow Valve and Dust Defender. For those wondering about specifics this board features two PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots (x16 and x8 electrical), a single PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (x4 electrical) and three PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots. There are 4 DIMM slots with memory support of up to 32 GB of DDR3 memory, eight SATA 6GB/s ports, 4 USB 3.0 ports and a plethora of other connections. Read on as we take a look.

Read more: ASUS Z87 Sabertooth Motherboard Review @ ThinkComputers.org

HP Envy 700-030qe Review @ TechReviewSource.com

The HP Envy 700-030qe is a member of the class of systems that used to be called high-end multimedia desktop PCs. The fact that you can get all that power for over a $1,000 less than you used to is amazing.

Read more: HP Envy 700-030qe Review @ TechReviewSource.com

LG Optimus G Pro Performance Review @ Legit Reviews

It doest seem that long ago that we had our first look at the LG Optimus G smartphone, but in reality its been 9 months since we wrapped that one up. Today we have the latest iteration of the LG Optimus series, the Optimus G Pro. The Optimus G Pro is still an Android based smart phone with all the benefits that come with it and has a lot of the same features of the Optimus G, with of course a few updates.

Read more: LG Optimus G Pro Performance Review @ Legit Reviews

Canon EOS 6D and 100-400mm F4.5L Lens Test Shoot @ TechnologyX

Having just returned from a great trip to California, the first thing awaiting my return was a new Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5F IS USM Zoom Lens , a lens ordered specifically for that trip and arriving a day late. My wife had made it an especially great moment as she the picture you see here on her FaceBook Page, knowing that I would pine to get my hands on it while in California. Being married more than a few years, she knew that every shot I took this past week would leave me longing for that lens. Not even on the ground a full 12 hours, we were off to the Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls for some first hand testing of this new monster lens.

Read more: Canon EOS 6D and 100-400mm F4.5L Lens Test Shoot @ TechnologyX

Apotop DW17 Wi-Reader Pro Review - An Excellent Multifaceted Mobile Companion @ TechnologyX

It seems as if the newest trend coming out from peripheral-based companies are a plethora of mobile companions. Starting off as battery-backup units, these devices have evolved further into capable media streamers, card readers, cloud storage clients, and wireless extenders/routers while still retaining their original purpose as a powerbank. We can effectively call them mini-NAS units at this point. Now Apotop joins the fray with their new Wi-Reader Pro DW17, which features not one, not two, but all of the functions listed above. It is perhaps the first product that is not missing key elements lacking on competing devices of its kind.

Read more: Apotop DW17 Wi-Reader Pro Review - An Excellent Multifaceted Mobile Companion @ TechnologyX

ADATA DashDrive Durable HD710 External Hard Drive Review @ Benchmark Reviews

Have you ever felt that data stored on your external hard drives is unsafe due to the risk of dropping it, or getting it wet? Fear no more, ADATA has provided a solution in the form of their waterproof, shockproof HD710 portable HDD. Although it wont protect your data if dropped from a rooftop or into a lake, you can rest assured that your data will be safe after minor drops and coffee spills. Following suit, ADATA has used an USB 3 interface to ensure speedy transfers with compatible machines. The HD710 is a little more expensive than other portable hard drives of the same storage capacity, it is therefore up to the consumer to decide whether or not the extra protection is worth the added cost. There are many demonstrations of the rigidity of this product on the web, in this article, Benchmark reviews will taker a closer look at the construction of this device as well as evaluate its performance.

Read more: ADATA DashDrive Durable HD710 External Hard Drive Review @ Benchmark Reviews

Mushkin Redline - 996996 - 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-17000 Memory Kit Review @ Madshrimps

Mushkin have recently released a new 2133MHz kit with 9-11-10-28 latencies and a rated voltage of 1.65V. The product is composed of two 4GB memory modules and are equipped with red Frostbyte design heatsinks.

Read more: Mushkin Redline - 996996 - 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-17000 Memory Kit Review @ Madshrimps

Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 2x8GB DDR3-1600 RAM @ TechwareLabs.com

When it comes to system performance, RAM is a component that gets far less attention than it should. While it may have less of an impact than the CPU or GPU, RAM can still be a major bottleneck on performance. Today we're going to be taking a look at the latest kit from Crucial's Ballistix Sport XT line, a 2x8GB kit rated for DDR3 1600. While not pushing the bleeding edge on performance, this kit should still post some solid performance numbers.

Read more: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 2x8GB DDR3-1600 RAM @ TechwareLabs.com

Targus CityGear TCG650 15.6" Laptop Backpack Review @ TestFreaks

It’s that time of the year, back to school, and this week I’ve got several reviews for you of products for that purpose of making life easier for going back to school. You could be going to college or high school, I’ve got something coming up that will fit your needs surely.

Today for review I’ve got a backpack, the traditional back to school accessory for sure, a must have for any student no matter what grade level. The backpack is from Targus and it’s called the CityGear and it’s got a plethora of pockets big and small for everything you need for class and life. I’ve got a few backpacks for review and I’ve noticed a trend with all of them, they now have a dedicated tablet pocket, which makes sense as that’s the big thing now is for schools to be utilizing them and even giving them to students as part of the tuition package. The CityGear pack is also made for laptops and it does feature a nice large well padded section that will fit notebooks up to 15.6” in size and keep them protected while you’re going to and from classes and really just going anywhere. So read on to learn more about this bag from Targus…

Read more: Targus CityGear TCG650 15.6" Laptop Backpack Review @ TestFreaks

GIGABYTE Aivia Touch Charge Neon Presenter Mouse @ techPowerUp

GIGABYTE seems committed to expanding their line of Aivia products beyond gaming. Today, we will take a look at the innovative Neon presenter mouse with quite a few tricks up its sleeve!

Read more: GIGABYTE Aivia Touch Charge Neon Presenter Mouse @ techPowerUp

DuckTales Remastered Review @ Techgage

As a gamer born in the 80s, I have fond memories of gaming-it-up on the original Nintendo, aka: NES. In 1989, there were two things I couldn’t get enough of: DuckTales on the television, and DuckTales on the Nintendo. Until WayForward and Disney announced DuckTales Remastered, I admit that I had no idea that both the series and the original game were that popular – especially not popular enough to warrant a remake of the game 24 years after-the-fact. I’m glad it was just me that was oblivious to it, though, because Remastered is pure nostalgia.

It takes only a couple of minutes of playing Remastered to understand the care that WayForward put into the game. Clearly, the goal was to retain as much of the spirit of the original game as possible, and the result is that things will feel instantly familiar to those who’ve played that one – even if it’s been a while.

Read more: DuckTales Remastered Review @ Techgage

Enermax Coenus Mid-Tower @ PureOverclock

Enermax has added a new case to their already impressive line-up. The Coenus is a mid-tower case that comes in either black or gunmetal grey. This mid-tower case supports high end GPUs with seven expansion slots for two or three way SLI/CF depending on the size of your cards. We had no problem fitting in two GTX 680s as you will see later in this review. The Coenus can fit up to seven 3.5″ devices depending on the configuration you choose.

The Coenus sports a large smoke-colored window, which is raised outward for those using taller heatsinks. This version of the case includes one 120mm Red LED fan and one rear 120mm exhaust fan. With mid-tower cases we frequently worry about cable management… fitting larger PSUs and a few other things can sometimes be difficult in a mid-tower. Let’s see if Enermax has come up with a winner by avoiding this issue.

Read more: Enermax Coenus Mid-Tower @ PureOverclock

Corsair Vengeance K70 Gaming Keyboard Review @ HiTech Legion

One day while we were walking through an underground parking structure near city hall, he really needed to go to the restroom but it was still under construction despite the fact that plumbing was already in place. I saw this as an opportunity for revenge and I started plotting. First thing I did was to steal his wallet immediately and make him think that he had lost it, perhaps while he was fumbling in that dark unfinished parking restroom. Next I started planting the idea and making him aware of the city’s strict anti-vandalizing laws and have ironically tweaked several public signs to read a much higher fine of $25,000 through the use of stickers and an inkjet printer. Lastly, I just happened to have a friend whose dad worked for the city and I asked him to call from his dad’s office so the caller ID says City of Toronto and to leave a message at my house looking for my brother who might be charged with vandalism. My plan wasn’t completely fool-proof as why would a city official call somebody to explain that they are being charged instead of a cop, but he bought it hook, line and sinker so the next few weeks I had him strung along thinking that he has a court date coming up and a possible $25,000 fine, which he was sure in his 15-year old mind, was enough for my parents to disown him forever. The point, other than not to mess with me, is that sometimes you have to really be willing to go beyond what others are willing to do and do more than what is expected to prove that you are better and that you have bested your opponent. Maybe my tale of vengeance was not the most positive or ideal example of this but Corsair’s Vengeance gaming line does a much better job showing how this is done with the recent changes to their existing peripheral line-up.

The K70 keyboard in particular updates several features from the K60 in Corsair’s Vengeance gaming line. Unlike the Corsair K60, the Corsair K70 is fully backlit and uses 100% Cherry MX switches for the keys. The signature brushed aluminum chassis of the previous Corsair Vengeance keyboards remains but users now can choose between the classic silver with blue LED and the new anodized black color with red LED. There is also Cherry MX blue and Cherry MX brown switch versions available in addition to the Cherry MX red used in the previous generation Vengeance keyboards.

Read more: Corsair Vengeance K70 Gaming Keyboard Review @ HiTech Legion

NuForce NE-700M Earphones With Microphone @ NikKTech

Although the trend of our times demands from pretty much every electronic device to be connected wirelessly to others i doubt we will see the end of wires any time soon since as we all know they do allow data (regardless of type) to be transferred better and faster. This is even more important to audiophiles since audio streaming using both Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connections is indeed inferior to that of regular wired connections and thus i don't think the day when they will choose to replace that is near. Needless to say the same applies for earphones but with the current number of available models in the market from low and up to enthusiast grade ones choosing the right one for you is not an easy task even if you know what you want. Naturally high and enthusiast level audio products always tend to cost many times more than low/mid-end ones but fortunately Nuforce with their latest NE-700M earset aims to change that for the best.

Read more: NuForce NE-700M Earphones With Microphone @ NikKTech

ASUS Z87 Maximus VI Hero Motherboard Review @ Hardware Canucks

As the newest board in ASUS’ ever-expanding ROG lineup, the Maximus VI Hero is built to redefine value in the ROG series. This may seem like an innocuous enough goal but before this point, Republic of Gamers products were normally associated with high prices and with good reason. ASUS basically throws everything they have into these boards in an effort to make them the best around even if that means throwing cost into the wind.

Looking at the Hero from a high level standpoint, its target demographic is enthusiasts who want the ROG design ethos alongside performance and air cooled overclocking superiority without breaking the bank. Priced at close to $200 cheaper than the flagship enthusiast ROG board, the Maximus VI Extreme, the Hero is intended to bring ROG innovation that gamers crave without some of the extreme overclocking features which they may never use.

Read more: ASUS Z87 Maximus VI Hero Motherboard Review @ Hardware Canucks

Lexar Jumpdrive P10, S23 and S73 USB 3.0 Drives Review @ HardwareHeaven.com

USB storage drives are available in all shapes and sizes, from basic models to those shaped like a million themes such as sports cards, video game characters and food. Then there are the super durable models with waterproof and shockproof coatings. Really though most of us just want a quality USB stick that we can rely on. One which has the speed and capacity to meet our needs and if it doesn't look silly then that's a bonus. Lexar look to provide that with their Jumpdrive range and today we have three different models on our test bench to see how they compare.

Read more: Lexar Jumpdrive P10, S23 and S73 USB 3.0 Drives Review @ HardwareHeaven.com

Intel Z87 Motherboard Round Up – ASUS Z87-Deluxe, GIGABYTE GA-Z87X-UD5H, and MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming @ Futurelooks

It’s just about time to head back to the classrooms. With student loan money in hand, you’re ready to pull the trigger on a new Intel Core i5 or i7 4th Generation “Haswell” system. You may be staring at manufacturer websites and retailers looking at different Z87 motherboards, all promising to be the ideal platform. While each motherboard offers all kinds of connectivity, you have to ask, what are the important features besides how cool the board looks and ultimately, which one fits your budget? If appearance or which is cheapest is all that you care about, then chances are quite high that you’ll be sacrificing some very important things such quality and stability. We took three competing Z87 motherboards currently available at different price levels and literally beat them silly in the lab for several weeks. We learned a great deal about each partner’s platform quirks, benefits, personalities, and the features each offers. The three motherboards in question are the ASUS Z87 Deluxe, GIGABYTE GA-Z87X-UD5H, and MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming. With the new Z87 chipset, each board has new learning curves, software, and some even have a completely redesigned UEFI BIOS. It’s time to see which one will get your money’s worth in our latest Z87 Motherboard Round Up!

Read more: Intel Z87 Motherboard Round Up – ASUS Z87-Deluxe, GIGABYTE GA-Z87X-UD5H, and MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming @ Futurelooks