Here today's reviews and articles, including Sony VAIO Tap 20 All-in-One Touchscreen Computer and Tablet Review, Kingston HyperX 10th Anniversary DDR3-2400 16GB Memory Kit Review, Republic Wireless and the Motorola DEFY XT Tested, Gigabyte GA-Z77-HD4 Motherboard Review, and USB 2.0 vs. USB 3.0 Flash Drives On Linux



Sony VAIO Tap 20 All-in-One Touchscreen Computer and Tablet Review @ PC Perspective

When new and interesting architectures and technology are developed, it enables system designers to build creative designs and systems for consumers. With its renewed focus on power efficiency as well as performance, Intel has helped move the industry towards new form factors like the Next Unit of Computing and the evolution of the All-in-One design.

Today we are taking a look at the new Sony VAIO Tap 20 system, an AIO that not only integrates a 10-point touch screen on a 20-in 1600x900 resolution display and an Ivy Bridge architecture ultra low voltage processor, but also a battery to make the design semi-mobile and ripe for inclusion in high-tech homes.

Check out our quick video overview below and then follow that up with a full pictorial outline and some more details!

Read more: Sony VAIO Tap 20 All-in-One Touchscreen Computer and Tablet Review @ PC Perspective

Kingston HyperX 10th Anniversary DDR3-2400 16GB Memory Kit Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Kingston is celebrating 10 years of HyperX. Can you believe that HyperX has been around that long? It makes me feel pretty old! HyperX is of course Kingstonâ€s high performance memory line. Recently they have added the HyperX name to other high performance products like their solid state drives and flash drives. To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of HyperX Kingston has released their 10th Anniversary HyperX Memory Kits. The modules feature an extremely attractive heatspreader, high frequencies, XMP profiles and the heatspreaders are not that large so they will not get in the way of your CPU cooler. Today we are looking at the KHX24C11X3K4/16X kit which is a 16GB kit (4x 4GB) that operates at 2400MHz with timings of 11-13-13 at 1.65V.

Read more: Kingston HyperX 10th Anniversary DDR3-2400 16GB Memory Kit Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Seasonic G Series 550W SSR-550RM Power Supply Review @ Legit Reviews

Today we will be taking a look at another highly advanced product from Seasonic, yet one meant for the bulk of advanced users and gamers, the G-series 550W power supply. As the series name suggests, the G-series products come with an 80Plus Gold certification. The current pricing of the specific model we are going to examine is $89.99 shipped. For an 80Plus Gold certified and modular 550W power supply, this is not a bad deal at all nowadays...

Read more: Seasonic G Series 550W SSR-550RM Power Supply Review @ Legit Reviews

Lenovo IdeaPad S400 Review @ TechReviewSource.com

The Lenovo IdeaPad S400 is a bargain-priced Windows 8 Ultrabook that offers solid performance and an attractive design. While it does lack battery life and display viewing angles, it does have a very comfortable keyboard.

Read more: Lenovo IdeaPad S400 Review @ TechReviewSource.com

Shuttle Barebone DS61 Review @ Madshrimps

The DS61 is a nice little barebone from Shuttle, which supports both Ivy Bridge and Sandy Bridge CPUs and besides the CPU, it only needs some RAM (SODIMM) and a storage drive (HDD/SSD) in order to operate. The barebone is also shipped with a VESA mount for added value and the preinstalled CPU cooler is enhanced for better cooling, sporting two heatpipes and is ventilated by a dual-fan system.

Read more: Shuttle Barebone DS61 Review @ Madshrimps

Republic Wireless and the Motorola DEFY XT Tested @ HotHardware.com

When something sounds too good to be true, we're as skeptical as anyone, which is why we raised an eyebrow at Republic Wireless last year when the company pledged to offer unlimited mobile service--that's unlimited talk, text, and data--for just $19 a month, without any contracts. Compare that number to current wireless offerings and Republic Wireless' proposed $19 plan seems like a total impossibility.

However, Republic Wireless held to its promise, announcing two large-scale rounds of beta testing last year and finally offering its absurdly low-priced plans to all late last fall. The only catch to Republic Wireless' service is that users are currently limited to just a single phone option, the Motorola DEFY XT, and the phone isn't cheap...

Read more: Republic Wireless and the Motorola DEFY XT Tested @ HotHardware.com

Nokia BH-112 Bluetooth Headset Review @ TestFreaks

Nokia is well known for their phones but they also make plenty of different accessories. Up for review today I’ve got the BH-112 Bluetooth headset from Nokia. This headset is very small and lightweight and features the ability to pair to two different devices at the same time. The BH-112 also features voice prompt instructions and voice prompts status updates. I’ve found the headset very comfortable to wear for long periods of time and call quality is very good as well is the battery life. Read on to learn more….

The Nokia BH-112 comes in a combination plastic and cardboard box.

Read more: Nokia BH-112 Bluetooth Headset Review @ TestFreaks

DeskPets TankBot Review @ DragonSteelMods

I love gadgets and toys so naturally I enjoy reviewing them. Today for review I have the Desk Pets TankBot which is a little tiny remote controlled tank that you can use on your desk to pass the time. Seriously though the TankBot can be controlled with either Android or iOS devices making it versatile for sure. The TankBot has three modes actually, two of which are autonomous and the third is the remote control mode where you control what the TankBot does via your chosen device. So read on to learn more and check out a quick video I have for you as well..

Read more: DeskPets TankBot Review @ DragonSteelMods

Evercool Venti CPU Cooler Review @ Hardware Secrets

The Evercool Venti is a value CPU cooler with a tower heatsink, four heatpipes, and one 120 mm fan. How does it perform? Let's find out.

Read more: Evercool Venti CPU Cooler Review @ Hardware Secrets

NZXT Hale90 V2 1000W Power Supply Review @ Hi Tech Legion

Thankfully, amid the crazy cases and components we are seeing (heatsinks shaped liked guns….thankfully short lived in 2011), there is a strong push to return to classic designs. Case manufacturers have been making a big push toward sleeker designs, and we are seeing much greater use of monochromatic schemes. NZXT makes some of the most non-traditional looking cases on the market, but even they were one of the first to embrace the scheme, and their designs remain looking fresh even with their distinctive angles. To complement this, NZXT has taken the same approach with their PSU offerings, which look right at home in any of today’s black and white cases, as well as having the ability to match any color scheme. However, in the case of PSUs, looking good isn’t enough, you need to deliver rock solid power as well.

The NZXT Hale90 V2 1000W PSU is built on their proven rock solid platform, honed and refined to meet the needs of even the most demanding users. The NZXT Hale90 V2 steps up in two areas that are becoming more and more of a concern for modern users; a fully modular interface and improved power and stability on the 5vsb for USB charging of portable devices. The fully modular interface retains the good looking and easy to route flat cables that NZXT has been using on their high end PSUs for all connections, excepting the black sleeved round 20+4 MB connector. The black backplate incorporates into the Hale90 V2’s monochromatic design, and uses easy to identify labeling for all connectors. Connectors do abound, with six 6+2 PCIe, two 4+4 pin CPU, twelve SATA and fourteen 4-Pin peripheral connectors available. Of course, connectors make no difference without solid power and the NZXT Hale90 V2 1000W offers up a single 12V rail capable of 83A and 996W to satisfy even the most power hungry systems. Solid Japanese capacitors are used for increased reliability and durability throughout. Input voltage is automatically sensed, and the Hale90 V2 can operate in the range of 90-264V. Six way protection circuitry keeps the Hale90 V2 safe from almost any conceivable situation, while NZXT backs the Hale90 V2 1000W with a 5-Year Warranty.

Read more: NZXT Hale90 V2 1000W Power Supply Review @ Hi Tech Legion

NZXT Phantom 630 Review @ Hardware Canucks

NZXT’s Phantom series uses one of the most polarizing case designs on the market but that hasn’t stopped enthusiasts from flocking towards its ample space and wide ranging features. This year’s release of the Phantom 820 pushed things to the next level by introducing a true flagship chassis into NZXT’s lineup while making the exterior design bit more neutral. Now, the Phantom 630 is looking to move the goal posts yet again by making this iconic design a bit more accessible to budget-conscious gamers.

Love it or hate it, the Phantom has been one of the defining enclosures of the last few years and the 630 essentially shrinks things down to fit into a smaller space and more confined budgets. It does so by the extensive use of plastic, being laid out with a slightly smaller footprint, removing the fancy LED lighting of its predecessors and a few other cutbacks along the way. Meanwhile, NZXT has maintained the Phantom 820’s DNA without this case’s price past the $180 mark.

Read more: NZXT Phantom 630 Review @ Hardware Canucks

SanDisk Ultra Plus SSD 256GB Review @ HardwareHeaven.com

Today we have the 256GB version of the Ultra Plus connected to our test system and will find out how it compares to numerous alternative models.

Read more: SanDisk Ultra Plus SSD 256GB Review @ HardwareHeaven.com

Gigabyte's GA-Z77N-WiFi Mini-ITX motherboard reviewed @ The Tech Report

Gigabyte's GA-Z77N-WiFi is the most affordable Mini-ITX board based on Intel's Z77 Express platform. We take a closer look to see what this potential bargain has to offer.

Read more: Gigabyte's GA-Z77N-WiFi Mini-ITX motherboard reviewed @ The Tech Report

Jabra Supreme UC Bluetooth Headset Review @ MEGATechNews

Jabra is the name in Bluetooth headsets, so when I saw that the Jabra Supreme UC cost $149.99, I wasn’t that surprised. That’s a lot of money to be sure, but you’re paying for quality, right? That’s what I set off to find out.

While Bluetooth headsets are primarily used with mobile devices, they can be just as handy when used with a desktop PC or laptop, something that Jabra is encouraging with the inclusion of a Bluetooth USB adapter. The headset can pair with two devices simultaneously, so it can be your go-to device for answering both your mobile phone and a Skype call on your computer. You know those people everyone hates because their headsets are glued to their ears? Jabra wants you to be one of those people.

Read more: Jabra Supreme UC Bluetooth Headset Review @ MEGATechNews

Gigabyte GA-Z77-HD4 Motherboard Review @ Hi Tech Legion

Gigabyte as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of motherboards and other PC components, knows the demand of PC users very well. They have a large selection of mainboards for Intel’s Z77 chipset which includes motherboards of various form factors and features which are readily available in every part of the world. Their latest addition to the Z77 line is an entry-level ATX mainboard carrying the Ultra Durable 4 badge.

The Gigabyte Z77-HD4 supports the latest Intel Ivy Bridge processors as well as previous generation Sandy Bridge CPUs. The Gigabyte Z77-HD4 straddles the line between mainstream and entry-level segments. On one hand, the Gigabyte Z77-HD4 is priced lower than most ATX Z77 motherboards but it has flexible integrated graphics options in the form of HDMI and DisplayPort outputs in addition to the DVI and D-SUB outputs in the rear I/O. Unlike most entry-level mainboards, the Z77-HD4 carries the Ultra Durable 4 stamp from Gigabyte, meaning it is comprised of high quality components including glass-fabric PCB, solid Japanese capacitors, ESD resistant ICs and Lower RDS(on) MOSFETs. The Z77-HD4’s glass fabric PCB design protects against electrical shorts caused by humidity over time, while better components ensure higher temperature and voltage tolerances, therefore resulting in a longer lifespan for the mainboard. The Z77-HD4 also comes with dual UEFI BIOS which allows the system to recover immediately should anything happen to the main BIOS. The Gigabyte Z77-HD4 comes with a 3-year warranty.

Read more: Gigabyte GA-Z77-HD4 Motherboard Review @ Hi Tech Legion

BitFenix Ghost Midi Tower Review @ NikKTech

A few days ago while i was out with a some colleagues one of them pointed out to me that we haven't really focused in PC case reviews, at least not as much as we should have based on the how many get released per year. Well i have to admit that i was left quite puzzled since in just 11 months of online presence we've reviewed a grand total of 16 PC cases which at least for me is not a very small number especially since it's not our only focus group. Still just in case some of our readers feel the same we have put in several requests for some of the latest PC Cases to hit the market and hopefully we will deliver most of those reviews by the end of March (and just in time for our 1 year birthday). So today on the table we have the latest Ghost Midi Tower PC Case by BitFenix.

Read more: BitFenix Ghost Midi Tower Review @ NikKTech

USB 2.0 vs. USB 3.0 Flash Drives On Linux @ Phoronix

With the current Linux USB stack and file-systems, do USB 3.0 flash drives provide much of a performance gain over USB 2.0 flash drives? In this article are some brief benchmarks from USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 Corsair Flash Voyagers.

In picking up some USB flash drives recently for an unrelated project, I ended up settling for the Corsair Flash Voyager products having tested them extensively at Phoronix over the years. I settled for the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 variants of the 16GB Flash Voyager to see the speed differences when connected to an USB3-capable ASUS motherboard with an AMD FX-8350 Vishera CPU.

The USB 3.0 variant is very similar to the USB 2.0 Flash Voyager except for the faster interface. The USB 3.0 Flash Voyager 16GB is rated for speeds up to 75MB/s reads and 18MB/s writes. Unfortunately, Corsair no longer publishes the technical specs on their USB 2.0 16GB Flash Voyager. Another difference is that the USB 3.0 flash drive is backed by a five-year warranty where as the USB 2.0 Flash Voyager carries a ten-year warranty. The price difference is about $20 for the USB 2.0 model and $25 for the USB 3.0 version.

Read more: USB 2.0 vs. USB 3.0 Flash Drives On Linux @ Phoronix

Fractal Design Node 304 @ LanOC

Being in the LAN scene, mobility is something that is important to most of us. The solution for some is a laptop, for others it is a sling for their tower and dealing with the grunt work that goes into lugging around an entire system. More and more however folks are turning to smaller form factor motherboards that will fit into LAN boxes. Fractal has sent over one of their Mini ITX cases that can perform as a LAN boxe, the Node 304. Let’s take a look and see how it stacks up against the competition.

Read more: Fractal Design Node 304 @ LanOC

Sparkle GeForce GTX 650 Ti Dragon Series Review @ KitGuru

If you have just built a new system and want to pick up a capable, yet inexpensive graphics card then there are no shortage of options available under £150. Today we are looking at the Sparkle GTX650 Ti Dragon Series priced around the £120 inc vat mark. Is this card capable of powering the latest Direct X 10 and Direct X 11 titles at HD resolution? Today we aim to find out.

Read more: Sparkle GeForce GTX 650 Ti Dragon Series Review @ KitGuru

CoolerMaster HAF XB Chassis @ Funky Kit

Coolermaster has been making cases for as long as I remember. Over the years their cases have ranged from tiny aluminum HTPC cases to big giant steel server cases. Today we are taking a look at the HAF XB which is quite an interesting case in and of itself. It is a cube, part case and part benching station. Over the course of this review we will be looking at the case to see how it does in both respects.

Just a little bit about Coolermaster:

Pursuing excellence in design, quality, and affordability since its inception two decades ago, Cooler Master has fueled growth through product portfolio diversification. This comes from an endless drive to deliver world class quality and service to its customers.

Read more: CoolerMaster HAF XB Chassis @ Funky Kit