Here a roundup of today's reviews, including ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Gigabit Wireless-N Router Review, Fractal Design Telsa R2 650W Power Supply Review, Samsung Galaxy Camera Review, Tomb Raider Tested, Benchmarked, and Fractal Design NEWTON R3 1000W PSU Review



ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Gigabit Wireless-N Router Review @ Hi Tech Legion

I have to admit that department store made my shopping trip more pleasant since I was able to look up some information while I was there. In a sense it almost doesn’t make sense not to have public wireless available. Most commercial wireless equipment has the ability to run multiple networks without any noticeable degradation and the department stores already have wireless access points all over the place so that their equipment can be connected into the system. By opening up internet access to their clients they just manage to offer another service with minimal impact on their expenses. In my case I ended up buying a few additional items from the store after doing a bit of research.

The ASUS RT-N66U Dual-band Gigabit Wireless-N router is an N900 router meaning that it offers connection speeds up to 450Mbps on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz band simultaneously for a total of 900Mbps. Integrated into the ASUS RT-N66U is a 4 port Gigabit switch as well as a Gigabit WAN port. ASUS designed the RT-N66U with three removable external antennas so that the best range can be provided and antennas can be changed. There are two USB ports that support 3G/4G modems, printer sharing, and storage devices. The storage devices can be used in connection with the ASUS AiDisk, AiCloud, FTP server, and media server capability. The router is also capable of hosting up to 8 different wireless networks, including 3 guest networks on each wireless band. ASUS has 256MB of RAM installed into the system to prevent bottlenecks, and the latest security features. Including a built in firewall and security encryption up to WPA2-Enterprise.

Read more: ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Gigabit Wireless-N Router Review @ Hi Tech Legion

Fractal Design Telsa R2 650W Power Supply Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Not that long ago we took a look at our first power supply from Fractal Design, the Newton R3 600W. While that unit sits as Fractal Design’s top tier power supply today we are checking out one of their more mainstream units the Telsa R2 650W power supply. While this power supply is not modular it still features an 80PLUS Gold certification, single 12V rail, and a temperature controlled 135mm cooling fan. The Tesla R2 still has the same great looks we saw on the Newton R3, but can it perform? Read on as we find out!

Read more: Fractal Design Telsa R2 650W Power Supply Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Dead Space 3 Video Review with Kaeyi Dream @ HardwareHeaven.com

Kaeyi Dream takes a look at Dead Space 3 in her latest video review for HardwareHeaven. Check it out.

Read more: Dead Space 3 Video Review with Kaeyi Dream @ HardwareHeaven.com

Panasonic TZ35 @ Techradar

Panasonic's TZ series of compact cameras has always been popular with enthusiasts, because they offer plenty of flexibility both in terms of manual controls and a large zoom range. The Panasonic TZ35, known as the Panasonic ZS25 in the US, follows on from last year's Panasonic TZ25, but sees an increase in zoom ratio with a 20x optical offering. That gives it a very versatile range of 24-480mm in 35mm terms.A 16.1 million pixel sensor can be found onboard that, according to Panasonic, combines with the Venus Engine for a high performance result. We've been impressed by the performance of TZ cameras before, so we're looking forward to putting this one through its paces.Unlike the Panasonic TZ40, which sits at the top of the line, the TZ35 doesn't have added extras such as Wi-Fi or near field communication (NFC), but if you can live without those kind of options, then this budget version is a good idea.Although it boasts the same zoom range as the Panasonic TZ40, the TZ35's pixel count is slightly lower, with the more expensive camera featuring an 18 million pixel sensor.

Read more: Panasonic TZ35 @ Techradar

TiVo Mini Review @ Engadget

TiVo fans who want to be able to watch whatever they want, in any room that they want can finally stop waiting. Sure, some have been satisfied with TiVo's Multi-Room Viewing even though it required multiple DVRs with the multiple Now Playing lists and multiple ToDo lists that go with them. But for those TiVo fans who want a single whole-home DVR, the TiVo Mini is available to order for $99 plus a $6-per-month subscription, or $249 for the device with lifetime service.

Read more: TiVo Mini Review @ Engadget

Samsung Galaxy Camera Review @ HotHardware.com

Sharing photos with one's friends and family is a common, everyday occurrence. Instagram has gained over 100 million photo sharing users in just two years, and this is just one of many outlets people use to share photos with the people they love. While sharing pictures taken with your smartphone is easy and convenient since you can upload and share while on the go, the picture quality you get from a smartphone isn't quite on the same level as a standalone digital camera, with a larger sensor and better optics.

Connected cameras such as the Samsung Galaxy Camera promise the best of both worlds for users who want to share their photos right away but who also want the image quality that only comes from a standalone digital camera. In this review, we'll take a hands-on look at the Samsung Galaxy Camera that is tied to Verizon Wireless' network. Samsung also offers a similarly equipped camera that is tied to AT&T's network. A Wi-Fi only variant of the Galaxy Camera has been announced internationally though details for a US variant haven't been released.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy Camera Review @ HotHardware.com

Tomb Raider Tested, Benchmarked @ TechSpot

Although this year's Tomb Raider reboot made our latest list of most anticipated PC games, I must admit that it was one of the games I was least looking forward to from a performance perspective. Previous titles in the franchise have received mixed to positive reviews, but gameplay aside, their visuals weren't exactly mind-blowing so we've never bothered doing a performance review on one -- until now, anyway.

As with the last few entries, Crystal Dynamics developed the new Tomb Raider 89 using the Crystal Engine -- albeit a heavily modified version. Being a multiplatform release, we were naturally worried about the game being geared toward consoles with PC being an afterthought, which has become increasingly common (Dead Space 3 comes to mind as a recent example) and generally results in lackluster graphics.

Read more: Tomb Raider Tested, Benchmarked @ TechSpot

Fractal Design Node 304 Review @ Guru3D

We review the Fractal Design Node 304, an all black all cool and all silent PC housing for Mini ITX and DTX motherboard. For this Mini-ITX ready chassis can you'll be surprised about storage, style, USB 3.0 options and an integrated three-speed fan controller. It's cute, tiny and probably the best looking Mini-ITX chassis we have tested to date.

The Node 304 is a new and very compact PC chassis from Fractal Design. Though you may only house small mini ITX form factor motherboards it offers space for a good six 2.5"/3.5" HDDs. It can house normal sized ATX power supplies, and heck there's even space for a normal sized dedicated graphics card. Oh did I mention already that it's only sized (W x H x D): 250 x 210 x 374 mm ?

Next to rather cool small and compact design, the looks are just great. An aluminum front bezel, USB 3.0 connector, it even has a three step fan controller for the included three fans. You'll receive two front mounted mounted 92mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans rated at 1300 RPM as well as a rear mounted 140mm silent fan. But let's have a look at some of the specifications first.

Read more: Fractal Design Node 304 Review @ Guru3D

Kingston V300 240GB @ PureOverclock

We’ve seen solid state drives become very popular over the last couple of years, as prices have continued to drop and consumers are taking notice of the impressive overall system boost that SSDs can offer. And we’ve looked at many SandForce 2281-based drives in particular, and have come away impressed.

Another in the list of SandForce SSDs is the latest from Kingston, the SSDNow V300. It’s not terribly different in most regards, but it does have Toshiba Toggle NAND and exclusive input from LSI directly to tweak the controller’s performance. Factor in a strong accessory package and a competitive price, and we have a drive that could prove very attractive to consumers looking for a massive speed boost over a traditional hard drive setup.

Read more: Kingston V300 240GB @ PureOverclock

AZiO Levetron GM533U Gaming Mouse Review @ OCC

If it isn't the lack of forward/back buttons that breaks you, then it may just be the style. I do have smaller hands than some of you male gamers, but reaching the macros that are available is awkward at best. To reach the top one, M3, I have to physically pick up my hand to do so – a not so optimal action when the boss is about to deliver it's last blow to your head. The scroll wheel skipping every other physical click made page navigation slow, and the tilt was too easy to bump. The Maxi pad look ends it all with the blood red glow and accent rubbers. I didn't even want to use it the full week of testing, but I endured it for this review. The AZiO GM-533U just isn't a mouse for me and loses my complete respect as a "gaming" mouse.

Read more: AZiO Levetron GM533U Gaming Mouse Review @ OCC

Transcend RDF8 USB 3.0 Memory Card Reader Review @ Legit Reviews

By plugging in the Transcend RDF8 USB 3.0 Memory Card Reader into one of the available USB 3.0 ports on the ASUS UX31A we found performance increased nicely. The sequential read and write speeds jumped up to 81MB/s and 45MB/s, respectively. Speed aside it also supports other memory card formats that we previously couldn't do, so you get more than just a speed boost!

Read more: Transcend RDF8 USB 3.0 Memory Card Reader Review @ Legit Reviews

Sapphire EDGE VS8 @ techPowerUp

The Sapphire VS8 is the new high-end model in the manufacturer's Mini-PC line-up. Equipped with a quad-core CPU and Radeon 7600 graphics, the VS8 manages to impress, setting new standards in performance for a system of this size.

Read more: Sapphire EDGE VS8 @ techPowerUp

ROCCAT Sense Chrome Blue Gaming Mouse Pad Review @ Neoseeker

As underappreciated as it is, a good mouse pad can make a big difference to your computing experience. Having a consistent, smooth surface ensures you make the most of your high quality mouse sensor as well as helping avoid the grime and dirt that may otherwise scratch your thin mouse feet.

As we previously mentioned in our review of the ROCCAT Kone XTD and Kone Pure gaming mice, ROCCAT is a German company that offers a wide range of products dedicated to gamers and computer enthusiasts. Slick blues and blacks are the theme of the company branding, bringing stylish looks atop robust features.

Today we will be looking the Chrome Blue version of ROCCAT's Sense series of mouse pads. Soft cloth-based construction is the name of the game here, alongside unique features such as a friction-reducing microcrystalline coating, a slim yet large profile, and attractive surface design.

Read more: ROCCAT Sense Chrome Blue Gaming Mouse Pad Review @ Neoseeker

Patriot Gauntlet Node Wireless Enclosure Review @ NikKTech

Tablets and large smartphones (some even look like tablets) have taken a very large share of the market and according to analysts that number will increase many times over in the following years. Personally i use smartphones as intended and that's just for calls, checking my emails and surfing the web when i have no other choice and as for tablets well i don't really like using them that much and in all likelihood that will not change until manufacturers actually make tablets powerful enough to compete with laptops. Still laptops, tablets and smartphones alike use Wi-Fi connectivity and due to the limited storage capacity of the last two (tablets/smartphones) and the increasing data storage needs it was just a matter of time before someone introduced a Wi-Fi enabled external HDD enclosure in the market (much like the Kingston Wi-Drive but quite cheaper in regards to $/GB). Well Patriot did exactly that and so today we will be testing their GAUNTLET NODE Wireless Enclosure for 2.5" HDD/SSD.

Read more: Patriot Gauntlet Node Wireless Enclosure Review @ NikKTech

ASUS P8Z77-V LK Motherboard @ Hardware Secrets

The ASUS P8Z77-V LK is a mainstream socket LGA1155 motherboard targeted to the "Ivy Bridge" processors (third-generation Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processors). Let's see what this motherboard has to offer.

Read more: ASUS P8Z77-V LK Motherboard @ Hardware Secrets

Pakuma Choroka K2 Laptop Messenger Bag Review @ TestFreaks

We are a mobile society, we take quite a bit with us and that includes laptops which aren’t exactly heavy duty and durable. Let’s face it, accidents happen, so I figure why not be prepared and at least protect your electronics with a decent bag or case? Today for review I have the Pakuma Choroka K2 laptop messenger bag that will fit laptops up to 15.4” in size. This laptop isn’t inexpensive, but it’s not overly expensive either, it sells for about $50 and I think it’s well worth it. The K2 bag features the Pakuma Cocoon system to protect your laptop, which uses memory foam to keep your laptop from getting damaged. The bag also has plenty of room for everything you need for the day, and there’s an abundance or pockets to help keep things organized and separated. So read on to learn more…

Read more: Pakuma Choroka K2 Laptop Messenger Bag Review @ TestFreaks

Fractal Design NEWTON R3 1000W PSU Review @ KitGuru

Fractal Design have been hitting the headlines over the last 12 months for their array of class leading, low noise chassis designs. There is no doubt that products such as their Node 605 (http://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/henry-butt/fractal-design-node-605-case-review/) , 304 (http://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/henry-butt/fractal-design-node-304-mini-itx-case-review/) , Core 3000 (http://www.kitguru.net/components/henry-butt/fractal-design-core-3000-case-review/) and Define XL (http://www.kitguru.net/components/henry-butt/fractal-design-define-xl-case-review/) are market leaders while being offered at competitive prices. Today however we are looking at their latest high end power supply, the NEWTON R3 1000W, a modular unit with Platinum efficiency.

Read more: Fractal Design NEWTON R3 1000W PSU Review @ KitGuru